Preamble
WHEREAS, the marine environment and the living organisms which it supports are cf vital importance to humanity, and all people have an interest in assuring that it is managed and protected, and its quality is not impaired ; WHEREAS, recognizing that the capacity of the sea to assimilate waste and render them harmless, and its ability to regenerate natural resources is limited; WHEREAS, knowing that marine pollution originates from many sources, such as dumping and discharging through the rivers, estuaries, brooks or springs; WHEREAS, it is our responsibility to control public and private activities that cause damage to the marine environment by using the best practicable means and by developing improved disposal processes to minimize harmful wastes; WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to prevent, mitigate or eliminate the increasing damages to marine resources as a result of pollution; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FESDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution do hereby decree and order the following: