Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the National Security Council (NSC) on November 25, questioning its decision to consider her statements as a national security concern following her remarks involving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In a strongly worded statement, Duterte said her comments were “maliciously” taken out of context and demanded documentation from the NSC, including notices of meetings, minutes, and proof of discussions labeling her remarks as a security issue.
“I would like to see a copy of the notice of meeting, the list of attendees, photos of the meeting, and notarized minutes where the council resolved that my remarks, taken out of logical context, are a national security concern,” Duterte stated.
The Vice President, who also sits on the council, pointed out that she has not been invited to any NSC meetings since assuming office in June 2022. She called for an explanation as to why she has not been included in such discussions and requested notarized minutes of all NSC meetings since that date.
Her response followed a November 23 statement by National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, who said any threat against the President’s life must be validated and treated as a matter of national security. This came after Duterte publicly disclosed a chilling directive she gave in the event of her assassination, mentioning President Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
Duterte defended her remarks, highlighting the threats against her and her office, and sought to present these concerns to the NSC. Meanwhile, the Presidential Communications Office stated that it was treating her pronouncements with utmost seriousness.
The issue has drawn heightened scrutiny, particularly as it coincides with a separate controversy involving the Vice President’s office and her chief of staff, who was recently cited in contempt during a House of Representatives probe.
