[ GENERAL ORDER NO. 63, August 27, 1978 ]

WHEREAS, the crimes of Arson and other crimes involving destruction has proliferated in the country involving causing thereby economic dislocation;

WHEREAS, one of the cases of the proliferation of Arson is due to the delay in the prosecution of the same;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PRESIDENT FERDINAND E. MARCOS by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, hereby decree that the crime of Arson and other crimes involving destruction as defined in Articles 320 to 362-B of the Revised Penal Code shall be under the exclusive jurisdiction of Militiry Tribunals; Provided, that those cases now pending trial before the Civil Courts where the accused had been arraigned, shall continue to be tried by said Courts.

This Order shall take effect immediately

Done in the City of Manila this 8th day of August in the year of our lord, Nineteen hundred and seventy-eight.

     
FERDINAND E. MARCOS
     
President
     
Republic of the Philippines
       
       
  By the President:    
       
        JUAN C. TUVERA    
    Presidential Assistant