Preamble
WHEREAS, the right of suffrage, although a constitutional right, is not a natural right and its exercise may, for reasons of public policy, be limited by law; WHEREAS, in order to preserve the gains achieved under the regime of Martial Law, it is necessary to suspend the right of suffrage including the concomitant right to be voted to public office of persons who are detained for subversion, crimes against national security and certain crimes against public order. NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree: