Preamble
WHEREAS, an accurate and complete listing of all qualified voters in a constituency is indispensable to the holding of free, orderly and honest elections, plebiscite and referenda; WHEREAS, the registration of voters through the permanent and continuing system established under the Election Code of 1971 has not been implemented since the ratification on January 17, 1973 of the 1973 Constitution, due to certain provisions of the new Chapter which rendered some aspects of the system inoperative; WHEREAS, the 1973 Constitution reduced the voting age from twenty-one to eighteen and enfranchised illiterate citizens possessing the necessary qualifications; WHEREAS, there is necessity to update the list of qualified voters throughout the Philippines to assure that the results of elections, plebiscites and referenda shall be truly reflective of the will of the people; WHEREAS, furthermore, specific problems usually confronting the voters on election day, such as locating their place of voting, identifying themselves as voters, etc. are expected to be obviated if a new and general registration of qualified voters is undertaken; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, hereby decree: