Preamble
WHEREAS, there is a need to organizationally modify the Philippine Coast Guard to enable it to discharge its functions more efficiently and effectively; WHEREAS, there is a need to consolidate functionally related activities into an integrated system to best promote safety or life and property at sea; WHEREAS, it is urgently necessary to maintain the present role of the Coast Guard as the guardian of sea safety, and afford a total approach in its supervision over the Philippine merchant ships with the end in view of promoting a progressive, reliable and safe merchant marine; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, in order to effect the desired charges and reforms in the social, economic and political structure of our society, do hereby decree and order that the following be adopted and made part of the laws of the land: