National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (PNA file photo)
On Friday, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año described President Ferdinard R. Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 81 s. 2024, which reconstituted the composition of the National Security Council (NSC), a necessary move to further enhance the formulation of national security policies.
“The NSC is, first and foremost, an advisory body to the President, and its composition is always subject to the authority of the President,” he said.
Año, who is also NSC Director General, said the Administrative Code of 1987 vests the Chief Executive with the continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President, which the agency is a part of.
“Moreover, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all executive departments, bureaus and offices,” he added.
Año also pointed out that previous Chief Executives have reorganized the composition of the NSC to meet the President’s requirements and changing conditions.
“Since the NSC was established by President Elpidio Quirino in 1950, it has undergone several reorganizations. President Ferdinand E. Marcos reorganized the NSC under EO 396 in 1972. President Corazon Aquino reorganized the NSC under EO 115 in 1986 and EO 292 in 1987. President Fidel V. Ramos reorganized the NSC under EO No. 33 in 1992 while President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reorganized the NSC under EO No. 34 in 2001,” he said.
Since the purpose of the NSC reorganization is to enhance the formulation of policies relating to national security, Año said the president’s actions and decisions rest on sound advice and accurate information.
“It is also premised on the need for timely and coherent action to address current and emerging threats to national security,” he added. (PNA)