By Sam Ramos
Vice President Sara Duterte has issued an open letter in response to a statement made by the National Security Adviser (NSA) representing the National Security Council (NSC) on November 24, 2024, regarding national security issues. The letter, which was released to the public on November 25, raises concerns over her exclusion from meetings of the NSC, a body tasked with formulating policies for the country’s national security.
In her letter, Duterte questioned the NSA’s assertion that remarks made by the Vice President, allegedly taken out of context, were considered a national security concern. She called for transparency in the NSC’s activities, asking for documentation related to the Council’s meetings since June 2022. Specifically, Duterte requested copies of meeting notices, attendance lists, photos, and notarized minutes from all NSC meetings, which she claims she was not informed about as a member since Executive Order 115 in December 1986 designated her as one.
Duterte also requested that the NSC agenda for its next meeting include a discussion on threats against her office, the Office of the Vice President (OVP), and its personnel. The Vice President emphasized that these threats should be addressed in the context of national security.
“I do not recall receiving a single notice of meeting since June 30, 2022,” Duterte wrote. She further expressed her dissatisfaction with the lack of communication from the NSA, calling for the notarized minutes of the NSC meetings conducted since her appointment.
In addition to transparency, the Vice President urged all members of the NSC and the Filipino people to demand accountability from the NSC’s personnel, highlighting the importance of openness in the operations of such a crucial body responsible for the country’s safety and security.
Duterte’s letter points to a broader issue of accountability and participation in national security discussions, particularly in relation to the Vice President’s role in these matters. The letter calls for clarity on the legal basis for her exclusion from NSC meetings, asserting her right to be part of such discussions.
The Vice President’s office has yet to receive a formal response from the NSA regarding the letter.