QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 356)
To create opportunities and enlarge means to quicken national progress, with particular emphasis on areas whose development had lagged behind, such as Basilan, which needed closer attention for faster growth.
It includes the whole island of Basilan and adjacent islands, comprising the remaining barrios and sitios of the former Municipality of Isabela, and the Municipal Districts of Lamitan and Maluso, which are created into regular municipalities.
The territory consisting of the town proper or poblacion of the former Municipality of Isabela is excluded; it is known as the City of Basilan.
The Municipality of Isabela is the capital of the Province of Basilan.
All provisions of law now or hereafter applicable to regular provinces shall be applicable to the Province of Basilan, except as otherwise provided.
The present elective officials of the Province of Zamboanga del Sur will perform their duties as officials in the newly created Province of Basilan until new provincial officials are duly appointed/elected.
They perform duties until the officials of Basilan are duly appointed by the President; appointed officials hold office until successors are elected in the election for provincial and municipal officials following the issuance of the decree, unless sooner removed by the President.
They shall be appointed as provided by law.
Basilan remains part of the present representative district of Zamboanga del Sur until a law is passed reapportioning representative districts pursuant to Section 2, Article VIII of the Constitution.
Section 2, Article VIII of the 1973 Constitution (as referenced by the decree).
The proportionate share of the Province of Basilan in the obligations, funds, deposits, and other properties of the City of Basilan shall be transferred by the President upon recommendation of the Chairman of the Commission on Audit.
The President, based on the recommendation of the Chairman of the Commission on Audit.
Immediately upon effectivity.
The President cites powers vested as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines and states it is pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 (dated September 21, 1972) and General Order No. 1 (dated September 22, 1972).
It ensures uninterrupted governance by having existing elective officials from Zamboanga del Sur continue their duties in Basilan until new officials are appointed and later elected.