Preamble
WHEREAS, in order to fully comply with the mandate of the people in Regions IX and XII expressed in the referendum-plebiscite of April 17, 1977, and to enhance the attainment of peace and order, the acceleration of socio-economic development, and the resettlement of displaced persons and families in the said regions, it is necessary that the reins of government shall at once be placed in the hands of the local officials of said Autonomous Regions; WHEREAS, to attain the above objective, there is a need to amend section 40(b) of Presidential Decree No. 1618. 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: