# Presidential Decree No. 1618 (Ferdinand Marcos)

Source: Official Gazette. Vol. 75, No. 34. Manila. Government Printing Office. 1979. pp. 6690–6705.
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MALACAÑANG RESIDENCE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES MANILA
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1618
Whereas, on February 14, 1977, Presidential Decree No. 1092, as amended, was promulgated calling for a referendum-plebiscite on April 17, 1977 in the thirteen provinces of Southern Philippines;
Whereas, on February 15, 1977, the Batasang Bayan passed Resolution No. 11 recommending the promulgation of a decree attached to such resolution, providing for the functions, powers and composition of the Sangguniang Pampook (Regional Assembly) and for other purposes;
Whereas, on March 25, 1977, Proclamation No. 1628 was issued declaring autonomy in Southern Philippines;
Whereas, included in the aforementioned referendum plebiscite as Question No. 10 was the proposal of the Batasang Bayan in its Resolution No. 11 to create a Sangguniang Pampook and a Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook (Regional Executive Council);
Whereas, on April 17, 1977, the aforementioned Question No. 10 was overwhelmingly approved by the qualified voters of the thirteen provinces in Southern Philippines with 2,499,375 affirmative votes; 65,612 negative votes; and 21,176 abstentions;
Whereas, on May 7, 1977, Proclamation No. 1628-A was issued proclaiming the adoption and implementation of the results of the referendum-plebiscite of April 17, 1977, particularly the Batasang Bayan proposal contained in its Resolution No. 11 and included as Question No. 10 of the said referendum-plebiscite;
Whereas, on March 23, 1979, in pursuance of such Proclamation No. 1628-A, Batas Pambansa Blg. 20 was enacted providing for the organization of the Sangguniang Pampook in each of Regions IX and XII, providing funds therefor, and for other purposes;
Whereas, on May 7, 1979, by authority of the said Batas Pambansa Blg. 20, the election of the representative to the Sangguniang Pampook in Regions IX and XII was held and the successful candidates thereto have already been proclaimed and duly qualified;
Whereas, in order to fully comply with the mandate of the people expressed through the referendum-plebiscite in Southern Philippines and the provisions of Batas Pambansa Blg. 20, there is need for a Presidential issuance to provide the framework of the organization of the Sangguniang Pampook and the Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook in Regions IX and XII;
Whereas, the establishment of the Autonomous Regions will enhance the attainment of peace and order, the acceleration of socio-economic development, and the resettlement of displaced persons and families in Region IX and XII;
Whereas, consistent with the provisions of autonomy, it would be desirable to effect the turnover of responsibility for undertaking development activities, particularly at the community level to the Autonomous Regions; and
Whereas, it is likewise consonant with the concept of autonomy to grant such powers and authority to the Autonomous Regions as would enable them to adopt and implement regional policies and legislation which are germane to their particular needs and social and cultural values.
Now, therefore, I, Ferdinand E. Marcos, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby decree and order the following:
* Chapter I—General Provisions
* Chapter II—Autonomous Regions
* Chapter III—Sangguniang Pampook
* Chapter IV—Lupong Tagapagpaganap ng Pook
* Chapter V—Sources of Income and Taxation
* Chapter VI—Budgeting and Accounting
* Chapter VII—Relationships with National and Local Governments and Other Entities
* Chapter VIII—Miscellaneous Provisions
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