January 6, 2025 | 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines — The reorganization of the National Security Council (NSC) that used to comprise the highest officials along with former presidents, is a reflection of the sorry state of the country under warring political dynasties, according to a former lawmaker.
“The removal of Vice President Sara Duterte and former presidents from the NSC clearly shows the widening rift between the Marcos and Duterte factions. This is not just about national security – this is about political survival,” former Bayan Muna party-list congressman Neri Colmenares said.
As far as he is concerned, such a revamp “reflects the intensifying power struggle between the country’s dominant political dynasties ahead of the midterm elections” this coming May 12.
“Situations or steps like this only show the real and ugly face of Philippine politics – a rift among political dynasties out to wrestle control of the government while Filipinos languish in dire poverty. Costs of gasoline, water, power remain unabated,” Colmenares said.
What is ironic, according to him, is that contributions to the Social Security System by private employees will also be increasing, but the budget of social services for the poor has been cut significantly and still, the Marcoses and Dutertes don’t really care.
Colmenares warned that the NSC reorganization might signal deeper problems within the administration.
“Their removal may also indicate fears of a possible rift within the military establishment, which could have serious implications for the country’s stability,” he said.
In a statement, Colmenares quoted Bagong Alyansang Makabayan president Renato Reyes saying: “Whoever sits in the NSC, the Filipino people cannot expect any real change as this body is sworn to defend the rotten status quo against the interests of the Filipino people.”
“The NSC is just an instrument of the ruling class to protect their vested interests,” he said.
“These contradictions expose the bankruptcy of elite politics. The Filipino people must take it upon themselves to struggle for genuine political change that is not beholden to any of these political factions,” Colmenares said.
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