Rody to convene National Security Council

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte is set to convene the National Security Council (NSC) tomorrow to discuss the West Philippine Sea dispute, following the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s landmark decision favoring the Philippines.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the President has decided to convene the NSC at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

The NSC meeting will be held after Duterte meets with US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is scheduled to arrive today in Manila for a two-day visit. 

The NSC is the principal forum for national security and foreign policy issues.

Among those who sit in the NSC are former presidents Fidel Ramos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Joseph Estrada and Benigno Aquino III, and incumbent security officials.

Vice President Leni Robredo was also invited to the meeting.

Ramos, who has accepted Duterte’s offer to be the country’s special envoy to China, reportedly asked for a meeting with the NSC to provide policy directions and guidelines following the favorable ruling of the international tribunal.

The PCA ruled earlier this month that China’s nine-dash line in which it based its excessive claims in the West Philippine Sea has no legal basis.