VP Sara not relevant to Security Council

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued Executive Order 81 to reorganize the National Security Council, removing Vice President Sara Duterte, her father and former President Rodrigo Duterte, and two other former presidents, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Joseph Estrada, from its membership. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin explained that Marcos has the authority to add or remove members as needed, adding that the Vice President is currently “considered not relevant” to the council’s responsibilities. This move is likely seen as a continuation of the rift between the former running mates in the 2022 elections, especially after VP Sara’s recent death threats against President Marcos, his wife, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.