Preamble
WHEREAS, there is a proposal to merge Regions IX and XII as an autonomous region, and to include the provinces of Palawan, Davao del Sur and South Cotabato as part of that region;WHEREAS, it is necessary that the people in Region IX and XII and in the provinces of Palawan, Davao del Sur and South Cotabato should participate in deciding this proposal; WHEREAS, there is a need to prescribe the mechanism on the manner by which such regional plebiscite shall be conducted; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order the following: