President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the reorganization of the National Security Council (NSC), removing the Vice President and former Philippine presidents from its list of members.

The three-page Executive Order (EO) 81, signed by Marcos on 30 December, cited the “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.”

In his EO, the President also emphasized the need for NSC members to “uphold and protect national security and sovereignty, thereby fostering an environment conducive to effective governance and stability.”

The NSC’s current composition includes the President as Chairperson and 26 officials from various offices within the Executive and Legislative branches.

With the signing of EO 81, Marcos approved the removal of Vice President Sara Duterte, along with former Presidents Rodrigo Duterte, Joseph “Erap” Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, from the current list of NSC members.

The Vice President was also removed as a member of the NSC’s executive committee.

Meanwhile, the Secretary of the Presidential Communications Office has been appointed as the newest member of the NSC, replacing the now-defunct Presidential Spokesperson role, which was previously included.

“All orders, rules and regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly,” the order stated.

EO 81, made public on Friday, takes effect immediately.

The National Security Council (NSC) serves as the primary advisory body for coordinating and integrating plans and policies related to national security.

The NSC comprises two distinct bodies: the Council Proper and the NSC Secretariat.

The Council Proper is a collective body led by the President. It includes relevant Cabinet and Congressional officials, along with other government representatives and private individuals whom the President may invite.

The Council was established during the Quirino Administration through EO 330, issued on 1 July 1950, and was later reorganized under EO 115, series of 1986.

The NSC Secretariat is a permanent body that provides technical assistance to the Council Proper. It is led by the Director General/National Security Adviser.