Preamble
WHEREAS, the State to has a right to self defense when its life is endangered; WHEREAS, the crimes of rebellion, subversion, sedition, conspiracy of proposal to commit such crimes and crimes of offenses committed in furtherance thereof or in connection therewith constitute direct attacks on the life of the State; WHEREAS, it is necessary to provide an effective deterrent to these pernicious activities; WHEREAS, there is an urgent necessity to impose capital punishment for rebellion or insurrection, sedition and certain illegal acts or offenses which involve the national security, and imperil the existence and stability of the government. NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order as follows: