TO :
WHEREAS, under existing laws, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs are authorized to issue permits or licenses to salvage derelicts and sunken vessels or wrecks and cargoes therein independent of each other;

WHEREAS, this set-up results in overlapping and duplication of functions and activities which are not conducive to efficient management;

WHEREAS, in order to promote simplicity, economy, and efficiency in the government service and to provide a healthier economic atmosphere for the salvage operations business, there is a need to correct this overlapping of functions of two government agencies;

WHEREFORE, it is hereby directed that:

1. The Philippine Coast Guard is hereby solely authorized to issue permits to salvage derelicts and sunken vessels or wrecks.
   
   
2. The Bureau of Customs is hereby solely authorized to issue permits to salvage cargoes carried by sunken vessels.
   
   
3. When salvage operations involve both salvage of ships and cargoes, the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Coast Guard shall coordinate with each other to avoid possible conflict in their activities.
   
   
4. All permits shall not be valid unless approved by the President.
   
   
5. In the issuance of permits or licenses for salvage operations, the following guidelines should be followed:
   
   
   1. Only bona-fide or qualified salvage companies or corporations shall be authorized to undertake salvage operations;
      
      
   2. Salvage operations must be started and finished within a reasonable period after issuance of licenses or permits.
      
      
6. For purposes of these instructions, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Bureau of Customs are hereby authorized to recommend to the President the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation thereof.

These instructions shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 31st day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Five.

SOURCE: CD ASIA