Preamble
WHEREAS, Cockfighting as a Filipino heritage has developed to the extent that there is a need to reconcile the interest of Filipino gamefowl breeders and the interest of promoters/operators of international cockfight derbies who make use of imported gamefowls; WHEREAS, a recognition of the entertainment and attraction to tourism aspects of cockfighting must be coupled with continuous government regulation of such sport; WHEREAS, there is need to consolidate in one agency the authority, functions and responsibilities pertinent to the regulation of the various aspects of cockpit operation, cockfighting and gamefowl breeding governments as provided for by the Revised Penal Code and various ordinances and national agencies as provided for in their enabling acts and statutes; WHEREAS, in keeping with the multifaceted reforms and changes, there was a need to amend Sections 2285 and 2286 of the Revised Administrative Code through the promulgation of Presidential Decree No. 449; WHEREAS, in furtherance of the avowed policies of the government on cockfighting as contained in Presidential Decree No. 449, there is need to incorporate relevant details which are not explicitly provided in Executive Order No. 636; WHEREAS, under Presidential Decree No. 1416, the President is empowered to undertake such organizational and related improvements as may be appropriate in the light of changing circumstances and new developments. 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: