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WHEREAS, on February 14, 1977, Presidential Decree No. 1092, as amended, was promulgated calling for a referendum-plebiscite on April 17, 1977 in the thirteen provinces of Southern Philippines;

WHEREAS, on February 15, 1977, the Batasang Bayan passed Resolution No. 11 recommending the promulgation of a decree attached to such resolution, providing for the functions, powers and composition of the Sangguniang Pampook (Regional Assembly) and for other purposes;

WHEREAS, on March 25, 1977, Proclamation No. 1623 was issued declaring autonomy in Southern Philippines;

WHEREAS, included in the aforementioned referendum-plebiscite as Question No. 10 was the proposal of the Batasang Bayan in its Resolution No. 11 to create a Sangguniang Pampook and a Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook (Regional Executive Council);

WHEREAS, on April 17, 1977, the aforementioned Question No. 10 was overwhelmingly approved by the qualified voters of the thirteen provinces in Southern Philippines with 2,499,375 affirmative votes; 65,612 negative votes; and 21,176 abstentions;

WHEREAS, on May 7, 1977, Proclamation No. 1628-A was issued proclaiming the adoption and implementation of the results of the referendum-plebiscite of April 17, 1977, particularly the Batasang Bayan proposal contained in its Resolution No. 11 and included as Question No. 10 of the said referendum-plebiscite;

WHEREAS, on March 23, 1979, in pursuance of such Proclamation No. 1628-A, Batas Pambansa Blg. 20 was enacted providing for the organization of the Sangguniang Pampook in each of Regions IX and XII, providing funds therefore, and for other purposes;

WHEREAS, on May 7, 1979, by authority of the said Batas Pambansa Blg. 20, the election of the representatives to the Sangguniang Pampook in Regions IX and XII was held and the successful candidates thereto have already been proclaimed and duly qualified;

WHEREAS, in order to fully comply with the mandate of the people expressed through the referendum-plebiscite in Southern Philippines and the provisions of Batas Pambansa Blg. 20, there is need for a Presidential issuance to provide the framework of the organization of the Sanguniang Pampook and the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook in Regions IX and XII;

WHEREAS, the establishment of the Autonomous Regions will enhance the attainment of peace and order, the acceleration of socio-economic development, and the resettlement of displaced persons and families in Regions IX and XII;

WHEREAS, consistent with the provisions of autonomy, it would be desirable to effect the turnover of responsibility for undertaking development activities, particularly at the community level to the Autonomous Regions; and

WHEREAS, it is likewise consonant with the concept of autonomy to grant such powers and authority to the Autonomous Regions as would enable them to adopt and implement regional policies and legislation which are germane to their particular needs and social and cultural values.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order the following :

CHAPTER I —GENERAL PROVISIONS SECTION 1. Definitions. — When used in this Decree:

(1) Constitution means the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

(2) President means the President of the Republic of the Philippines.

(3) The Autonomous Regions means Region IX and Region XII.

(4) Sangguniang Pampook means the Regional Assembly for each Autonomous Region.

(5) Lupong Tagapagpagana ng Pook means the Regional Executive Council for each Autonomous Region.

SEC. 3. The present elective barangay officials of Barangay Talon shall continue to perform their duties as such officials in the newly created Barangay Talon Singko until the barangay officials of said barangay shall have been appointed by the President. Such officials so appointed shall hold office until their successors shall have been elected in the regular elections for barangay officials following the issuance of this Decree and shall have qualified, unless sooner removed at the pleasure of the President. Such appointive officers and employees as may be necessary to organize or to complete the government personnel of Barangay Talon Singko shall be appointed as provided for under existing laws.

SEC. 4. Upon the effectivity of this Decree, the proportionate share of Barangay Talon Singko in the obligations, funds, assets and other property of Barangay Talon shall be transferred by the President to the newly created Barangay upon the recommendation of the Commission on Audit.

SEC. 5. All news or parts of laws as well as all executive orders or regulation, inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. This Decree shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 3rd day of April, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-eight.

 

(SGD.) FERDINAND E. MARCOS

President

Republic of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) JUAN C. TUVERA
Presidential Assistant