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Month after ‘assassination plot’, Philippines President removes VP from security council

The move also removes former presidents from the council as part of an effort to 'reorganize and streamline' its membership.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr (Reuters/File photo)

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially removed Vice President Sara Duterte from the National Security Council (NSC) following an alleged assassination plot against him, news agency Reuters reported. The executive order, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, was released on Friday.

The move also removes former presidents from the council as part of an effort to “reorganize and streamline” its membership.

Bersamin explained that Duterte’s role was no longer relevant to the council’s responsibilities. The NSC advises the president on policies related to national security, and Duterte’s position on the council had been under scrutiny after the alleged plot surfaced.

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The controversy began in late November when Duterte, during an online news conference, suggested that someone should assassinate Marcos if she were to be killed. Although she later claimed the comments were misinterpreted, the statement triggered an investigation into the threat.

Duterte has not yet responded to the incident.

Duterte, the daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, is also facing multiple impeachment complaints over her alleged misuse of government funds.

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