WHEREAS, a free port or ports in the Philippines offers possibilities for increased foreign trade and use of Philippine ports and shipping facilities and development of processing industries; and

WHEREAS, a thorough study of the matter should he undertaken to determine its impact on the economy;

NOW, THEREFORE. I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, do hereby create a technical committee composed of representatives of the following offices:

Presidential Economic Staff
National Economic Council
Department of Foreign Affairs
Department of Commerce and Industry
Philippine National Bank
Bureau of Customs
Department of Finance

for the purpose of

(a) reviewing the studies conducted on the matter and efforts exerted so far in the establishment of a free port in the Philippines;
(b) determining the feasibility of establishing such a port; and
(c) formulating, if deemed advisable, program of action to implement the proposal.

The members shall elect a chairman from among themselves, the Committee may call on any government department, bureau, office agency or instrumentality for assistance in the accomplishment of its task.

It shall submit a report to the President within one year from the date of this Order,

Done in the City of Manila, this 14th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and sixty-nine.


By the President:

(Sgd.) ERNESTO M. MACEDA
Executive Secretary