Duterte, 4 predecessors tackle security issues in 1st NSC meet
DURING the first National Security Council (NSC) meeting, President Rodrigo R. Duterte and his predecessors expressed “good will and unity” to address defense and security issues confronting the country, a Palace official said yesterday.
“For the first time, five presidents (four past and one sitting) met in an extraordinary show of good will and unity to discuss defense and security issues facing the nation,” presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said.
Abella said that despite the awkward encounter between former presidents Benigno C. Aquino III and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the tone at the council’s conference “was respectful and consultative.”
Picture taking
Before the meeting started, Duterte had a photo opportunity with Aquino, Arroyo, former president Fidel Ramos, and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, who also served as president.
A video showed by state-run PTV that Aquino greeted Duterte and Ramos when he arrived. However, he ignored Arroyo who was next to Duterte.
Despite this, Abella said the meeting was intended “to update and consult with the members of the NSC as the new administration proceeds with its mandate to establish peace and order, create conditions conducive to a more inclusive and better life for all.”
Among the issues discussed, he said, were the plans of Duterte administration to resolve the South China Sea disputes and its drive against drugs.
The proposal to amend the Constitution to accommodate a federal type of government, as well as the “Peace Road Map” to have a peaceful agreement with rebel groups were also tackled.
The meeting was also attended by Vice President Leni Robredo, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, and other leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
The NSC is composed of 35 members. (Ruth Abbey Gita/Sunnex)