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| It is the first time that the five leaders come in unity to plan for the country’s betterment |
President Rodrigo “Digong” Roa Duterte along with four previous Philippine presidents gathered in the National Security Council (NSC) meeting on Wednesday, July 27.
Five past and present presidents of the Philippines unite for the first time to lay out strategy and organize policy for the country’s future.
The Palace previously noted that Duterte plans to assemble the NSC ”in order to agree on vital policies and strategies on important matters, including the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the West Philippine Sea.”
An overview of the road map for peace and development will be discussed in the first meeting. Moreover, updates on Duterte government’s fight against illegal drugs will also be a topic.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar shared a photo where President Duterte sits across former presidents Benigno Aquino III, Joseph Estrada, Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA). At the side of GMA is newly-elected Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III whereas newly-elected House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez sits next to Aquino.
Coming from the two branches of government, the executive and the legislative, respectively, is a council of 35 leaders. The members include Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, and House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez. The majority and minority leaders of Houses of Congress, heads of Senate and House committees and other members of the Cabinet are also part of the council.
The meeting started at 3pm today. It was scheduled after US State Secretary John Kerry made a courtesy visit in Malacañang.
