WHEREAS, in the course of the information campaign of the plebiscite in Southwestern Philippines new and vital views have been submitted;

WHEREAS, such new views need to be analyzed and explained to the voters to enable them to cast their votes with a full and complete understanding of the issues involved;

WHEREAS, furthermore, the issues of the plebiscite are of such importance and gravity that more time is needed to make the people conversant with them;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby decree as follows:

The plebiscite in Southwestern Philippines (Regions IX and XII and in the provinces of Palawan, Davao del Sur and South Cotabato) is hereby postponed and reset for April 17, 1977.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 15th day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Seven.

 

			(Sgd.) FERDINAND E. MARCOS President of the Philippines
	By the President:
	(Sgd.) JUAN C. TUVERA
		Presidential Executive Assistant