MANILA — Malacañang stood firm on Tuesday, Jan. 7, that neither martial law nor term extension is part of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s agenda following the reorganization of the National Security Council (NSC).
The President earlier issued Executive Order 81 which reorganized the National Security Council (NSC).
In a press briefing, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the Marcos administration is focused on advancing the country’s economic prosperity, improving the health and welfare of the Filipino people, and completing his legacy projects.
“What he has in mind is the economic prosperity of the country, the health and welfare of the people, especially those who are in the lower classes, and the prioritization of his legacy projects,” Bersamin said.
“It’s not about martial law. It’s not about extending himself in power. No, he has no thinking about that. He does not even think in those terms,” he added.
Bersamin made the remarks in response to critics questioning Executive Order 81 that reorganized the NSC.
He said the power falls within the President’s responsibility to ensure that “whoever advises him is within his fullest trust and confidence.” (PND)