The President’s issuance of Executive Order No. 81, s. 2024 reconstituting the composition of the National Security Council (NSC) is necessary to further enhance the formulation of policies affecting national security. The NSC is, first and foremost, an advisory body to the President, and its composition is always subject to the authority of the President.

The Administrative Code of 1987 vests the President with the continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President of which the NSC is a part. Moreover, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all executive departments, bureaus and offices.

Pursuant to this authority, previous presidents 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 E.O. 396 in 1972. President Corazon Aquino reorganized the NSC under E.O. 115 in 1986 and E.O. 292 in 1987. President Fidel V. Ramos reorganized the NSC under E.O. No. 33 in 1992 while President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reorganized the NSC under E.O. No. 34 in 2001.

Hence, the purpose of reorganization is to enhance the formulation of policies relating to national security so that actions and decisions thereon by the Presidents rests 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.###