Preamble
WHEREAS, the Constitution recognizes referendum and plebiscite as among the modes or means of ascertaining the will of the people and important questions and issues that confront them; WHEREAS, the Constitution provides that referenda conducted through the barangays and under the supervision of the Commission on Elections may be called at any time the Government deems it necessary to ascertain the will of the people regarding any important matter, whether of national or local interest; WHEREAS, the Constitution also provides for instances where plebiscite may be called for certain purposes; WHEREAS, the Constitution further ordains the institution of an effective system of recall of local elective officials; and WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary to prescribe the manner by which plebiscite or referendum may be called and the manner by which local elective officials may be recalled; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order and decree: