PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has restructured the National Security Council (NSC), removing the Vice President and former Philippine presidents from its membership under Executive Order (EO) 81 signed on December 30, 2024.
Marcos emphasized the need to reorganize the NSC to ensure its members “uphold and protect national security and sovereignty, fostering an environment conducive to effective governance and stability.”
According to EO 81, the council now includes the President as Chairperson and 26 officials from various branches of the Executive and Legislative departments.
The Vice President has also been excluded from the NSC’s executive committee.
To strengthen the council’s relevance, the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office has been added as a member, replacing the defunct presidential spokesperson role.
“There is a need to further guarantee that the NSC remains a resilient national security institution, capable of adapting to evolving challenges and opportunities both domestically and internationally,” the order stated.
EO 81 repeals or modifies any previous orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with its provisions. It was made public on Friday and is effective immediately.
The NSC, originally established as the Council of National Defense under Commonwealth Act 1 (National Defense Act), was renamed through EO 115 issued on December 24, 1986. It serves as the primary advisory body for coordinating and integrating plans and policies with implications on national security.
