Preamble
WHEREAS, overriding considerations of national interest recognize energy self-sufficiency as a national priority; WHEREAS, the accelerated coal development program is an important component of the government's thrust towards energy self-sufficiency; WHEREAS, the utilization of coal as an alternate source of power for various industries necessitates the assurance by the government of an adequate and stable supply of coal for the use of such industries; WHEREAS, in order to effect an integrated system of coal handling and thus accomplish the maximum efficient utilization of coal, it is imperative that a central government authority be established; 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 as follows: