Phillipines VP ousted from Security Council amid assassination plot
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The NSC advises the president on critical national security issues and includes officials from legislative, defense, foreign affairs, and cabinet sectors.
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This combination photo shows Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, left, in Quezon City, Philippines, on November 13, 2024, and Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Vientiane, Laos, on October 9, 2024. (AP)
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has removed Vice President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council (NSC), according to an executive order released on Friday.
The decision comes amid allegations that Duterte had plotted to assassinate Marcos and his family, an accusation she denies, claiming her statements were misinterpreted.
The order, signed earlier this week by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, also excludes all former presidents from the council.
The NSC advises the president on critical national security issues and includes officials from legislative, defense, foreign affairs, and cabinet sectors.
Bersamin justified the decision as part of efforts "to reorganize and streamline" the council’s membership.
"At the moment, the VP is not considered relevant to the responsibilities of membership in the NSC," Bersamin explained, adding that Marcos retains the authority to appoint other advisers or members as needed.
Allegations Against Duterte
Duterte, 46, is facing an investigation after comments she made in an online news conference in November sparked controversy.
During the conference, Duterte stated she had told someone to kill Marcos if anything happened to her. She later claimed the remarks were taken out of context.
The vice president, daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has not responded to the allegations or to the recent executive order.
The fallout adds to ongoing political tensions between Duterte and Marcos, whose alliance during their 2022 election campaign has deteriorated, with both parties engaging in mutual accusations ahead of this year’s midterm elections.
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In addition to the NSC removal and assassination allegations, Duterte is the subject of multiple impeachment complaints.
She has been accused of misusing millions of dollars in government funds, further straining her political standing.
