WHEREAS, to give our people opportunity to discuss freely and debate among themselves the issues of the coming local elections scheduled on January 30, 1980, there is a necessity to lift the effects of Martial Law starting Saturday, December 29, 1979, up to January 30, 1980.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby suspend the effects of Martial Law starting Saturday, December 29, 1979, up to January 30, 1980, except in such areas that the Military Authorities may consider critical, in order to encourage our people to debate and hold political rallies during said period.

During the period of suspension of the effects of Martial Law, the laws on libel, subversion, sedition and rebellion will remain in force and no arrest, search and seizure order will be issued, except as a preventive measure against such crimes as arson, murder or the illegal use of firearms or explosives.

The lifting of Martial Law restrictions will cover not only speeches, but also nobility, assembly and the printing of campaign materials.

Done in the City of Manila, this 27th day of December, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Seventy-Nine.

(SGD.) FERDINAND E. MARCOS
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) JUAN C. TUVERA
Presidential Assistant