Preamble
WHEREAS, under Republic Act No. 296, as amended, otherwise known as the Judiciary Act of 1948, the permanent stations of Judges of Courts of First Instance in many provinces are found in municipalities other than in the cities or provincial capitals; WHEREAS, the primary intent for establishing Courts of First Instance in such municipalities was to make the courts more accessible to the people but such purpose has been frustrated because most practising lawyers reside in the cities or provincial capitals preferring to handle cases thereat and making it more expensive for parties to bring their counsel to the Courts stationed in other municipalities, moreover, the disposition of cases is delayed because of inability of lawyers to be present in two or three courts stationed in different places; and WHEREAS, many municipalities where the Courts of First Instance have their permanent stations lack facilities for holding court thereby impairing the efficient administration of justice; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081, dated September 21, 1972, and General Order No. 1, dated September 22, 1972, as amended, do hereby decree as follows: