Preamble
WHEREAS, it is declared policy of the Philippine Government to utilize atomic energy for peaceful purposes to accelerate national progress; WHEREAS, the utilization of atomic energy as a versatile tool in research and development has brought about unprecedented worldwide advances in science and technology; WHEREAS, there now exists an international consciousness for the role of atomic energy as a vital source of power in the face of worldwide shortage of energy-producing fossil fuels; WHEREAS, as a major additional source of power, the Philippines has decided on a long-range nuclear power generation program, starting with the implementation of the first nuclear power plant project; WHEREAS, the peaceful contributions of atomic energy to the Philippine national development is already being amply demonstrated locally in agricultural activities, public health, nuclear medicine, environmental protection, industrial operations and research; WHEREAS, the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission is the only government agency in the country, charged with the responsibility of promoting and advancing the peaceful uses of atomic energy as well as the licensing and regulating activities of atomic energy facilities in the country; WHEREAS, the increased utilization of atomic energy and the nuclear power development program in the country have resulted in highly demanding responsibilities and expanded functions of the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission; WHEREAS, the Office of the President needs to be informed directly by the Commission on the accelerating pace of international nuclear activities, in the interest of national security and public safety; WHEREAS, by reason of the above, it is imperative that the Commission be constituted as an independent and more autonomous body; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, in order to effect the desired changes and reforms in the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission, do hereby order and decree the following: