Preamble
WHEREAS, there is an imperative need to improve and consolidate the various laws pertaining to the retirement of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. WHEREAS, Republic Act Numbered Three Hundred and Forty, as amended, causes the premature compulsory retirement of those who are purposely educated and trained by the government to be professional military personnel; WHEREAS, the early retirement of military personnel denies the Armed Forces of the Philippines of the full economical utilization of the services of well-experienced, highly trained, and mature military executives; WHEREAS, the present retirement system does not afford to all officers equal opportunity for promotion to higher rank and position; WHEREAS, it is for the good of the service to retain for optimum utilization of their services ail military personnel with proven leadership and professional competence; WHEREAS, world history attests to the fact that many political, social, economic and military leaders are men mature in experience and age; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree the following as part of the law of the land: