Critics Hit for Linking Sara's Removal from NSC to Politics

Malacañang yesterday lashed back at critics who linked the removal of administration ally-turned-arch critic Vice President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council (NSC), saying President Marcos must fully trust the people he listens to for advice.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO

The Marcos administration excluded Duterte and former presidents from the NSC through Executive Order 81 issued late last month, drawing flak from allies of the Vice President, who viewed it as a politically motivated move meant to reduce her clout.

Salvador Panelo, who served as chief presidential legal counsel under the Vice President's father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, described the NSC reorganization as a "brazen" measure aimed at diminishing the Vice President's "political star power."

Another Duterte ally, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, went as far as questioning whether the Vice President's removal from the NSC is a prelude to martial law, saying Marcos' late father and namesake did the same before imposing military rule.

Speaking to Palace reporters, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the NSC is an advisory body in relation to the President as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, so Marcos has the right and responsibility to see to it that whoever advises him has his full trust and confidence.