Philippines’ Marcos removes estranged Vice President Duterte from the security council

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has been removed from the National Security Council following an order signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. This decision comes in the wake of a significant rift between the two former allies that occurred last year. Marcos emphasized that the restructuring of the National Security Council (NSC) is essential to ensure that its members are committed to safeguarding national security and sovereignty.

The vice president’s office has not yet provided a response to inquiries regarding this change. Lucas P. Bersamin, the Executive Secretary to the President, stated that the vice president is currently deemed irrelevant to the NSC’s membership responsibilities. The reorganization aims to create a robust national security framework capable of addressing emerging challenges, as outlined in the order signed on December 30 and made public on Friday.

Additionally, the reorganization has led to the exclusion of former presidents from the council and grants Marcos the authority to appoint “other government officials and private citizens” as necessary. Sara Duterte, the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing impeachment complaints alleging graft, incompetence, and the accumulation of ill-gotten wealth during her tenure, which she has denied. She has also made controversial statements regarding a supposed assassination plot against the president and other officials, later asserting that her comments were misinterpreted.