Reorganization of the National Security Council

The Executive Order declares that integrated and rationalized national, foreign, military, political, economic, social, and educational policies, programs, and procedures are vital to state security.
The Executive Order establishes that, in the national interest, an agency must exist to formulate and adopt policies, programs, and procedures on matters pertaining to or affecting national security.
The Executive Order is designed so that the President’s judgments and actions can rest on sound advice and accurate information.

Section 1 reorganizes the NSC to be composed of:
- the President,
- the Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
- the Executive Secretary,
- the Minister of Labor and Employment,
- the Minister of Local Government,
- the National Security Director,
- the Chief of Staff of the New Armed Forces of the Philippines, and
- such other government officials and private citizens as the President may designate from time to time.
The NSC is reorganized as a continuing governmental body under the Executive Order’s structure.

Section 2 creates an Executive Committee composed of:
- the President,
- the Vice-President and Minister of Foreign Affairs,
- the Executive Secretary,
- the Minister of National Defense,
- the National Security Director,
- the Chief of Staff of the New Armed Forces of the Philippines, and
- such other members or advisers as the President may designate from time to time.
The Executive Committee reviews national security and defense problems and formulates positions and/or solutions for consideration by the NSC.
The Executive Committee determines the agenda and order of business of the NSC and ensures that NSC decisions are clearly communicated to the agencies involved.
The Executive Committee advises the President on the implementation of NSC decisions.
To carry out Executive Committee functions, the Chairman utilizes the facilities and expertise of any government agencies and instrumentalities, and promulgates rules and regulations governing Executive Committee operations.

Section 4 provides that the President presides over NSC and Executive Committee meetings.
Section 4 also provides a substitution rule: the President may preside in his/her stead through “the Council”.

Section 5 establishes a permanent Secretariat for the NSC under the supervision and control of the National Security Director.
Section 5 provides that the National Security Director is assisted by a Deputy, who is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the President.
Section 5 provides that the National Security Director attends and participates in meetings of the Cabinet and has the privileges of a member.

Section 6 authorizes the National Security Director, in conjunction with the Minister of Budget and Management, to:
- organize the Secretariat,
- prepare plans,
- prepare the budget,
- establish the staff and personnel.
Section 6 requires the National Security Director to promulgate rules and regulations governing the operation of both the Council and the Secretariat.
Section 6 provides an effective-approval condition: the budget, staffing pattern, and rules and regulations effective for operations are effective only upon approval by the President.
Section 7 requires the National Security Director to:
- advise the President on matters pertaining to national security; and
- whenever directed by the President, see to the implementation of Presidential and/or NSC decisions and policies that have national security implications.
Section 7 establishes that NSC-related implementation responsibility is triggered by direction from the President.

Section 3 establishes the NSC as the lead agency of the government for coordinating the formulation of policies relating to, or with implications for, national security.

Section 8 imposes duties on the NSC, including the following responsibilities to:
- advise the President on integrating domestic, foreign, military, political, economic, social, and educational policies relating to national security so ministries, departments, and agencies can meet national security problems and matters more effectively;
- evaluate and analyze information, events, and incidents based on the risks they pose or implications and/or threats to national security and stability, for recommending appropriate responses and/or actions to the President;
- formulate and coordinate implementation of policies on matters of common interest to concerned ministries, departments, and agencies dealing with national security, and recommend them to the President;
- ensure that NSC national security policies are effectively and efficiently implemented; and
- make such recommendations and/or render other reports as the President may direct from time to time.

Section 9 requires the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), “as new organized and existing,” to give support and assistance to the NSC.

Section 10 repeals PD 1498 on the National Security Council of the New Society, together with all other laws, decrees, executive orders, letters of instructions, and like edicts inconsistent with Executive Order No. 115.
Section 11 provides that Executive Order No. 115 takes effect immediately.