Preamble
WHEREAS, the Constitution bans the acquisition by aliens and alien-owned entities of public and private lands; WHEREAS, leases of unreasonably long duration would amount to a virtual transfer of ownership in violation of intent of the Constitutional prohibition; WHEREAS, there is a compelling need to fix a reasonable maximum period for the duration of leases of private lands to aliens and to enforce compliance thereof by punishing violations; 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: