President Rodrigo Duterte will convene the 35-member National Security Council today to discuss the pressing issues facing the country before a delegation led by former President Fidel Ramos faces Beijing for talks over the West Philippine Sea. “The President will lead the NSC in a multi-partisan dialogue 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,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement sent to reporters. The NSC, chaired by Duterte functions to advise the President with respect to the integration of domestic, foreign, and military policies relating to the national security. It also serves as the President’s principal arm for coordinating these policies among various government departments and agencies in matters involving the national security.

Bencito, J. P. (2016, July 27). NSC meets today amid sea dispute. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.