Preamble
WHEREAS, there have been rampant and wanton burnings of residential houses, public buildings, markets, hotels, and other commercial establishments; WHEREAS, to effectively discourage and deter the commission of arson, and to prevent destruction of properties and protect the lives of innocent people, it is necessary that the capital punishment be imposed upon arsonists; 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 that Article 320, Revised Penal Code be amended: