Title
Creation of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat
Law
Presidential Decree No. 341
Decision Date
Nov 22, 1973
To address ongoing troubles and conflicting interests in the province of Cotabato, Presidential Decree No. 341 divided the province into three separate provinces: North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat, each with their own capital city, to promote more effective administration and development in the region.

Questions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 341)

Presidential Decree No. 341, dated November 22, 1973.

The President acted by virtue of powers vested by the Constitution as Commander-in-Chief of all the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 (Sept. 21, 1972) and General Order No. 1 (Sept. 22, 1972).

To resolve conflicting political, social, and economic interests limiting progress and to promote stability and accelerate development through more effective administration.

North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.

Pigcawayan, Libungan, Alamada, Midsayap, Kabacan, Carmen, Malalam, M'lang, Tulunan, Makilala, President Roxas, Magpet, Kidapawan and Pikit.

Buldon, Parang Sultan Kudarat, Tumbao, Upi, Dinaig, Datu Piang, Maganoy, Pagalungan, Buluan, Ampatuan Sultan sa Barongis, and the new town of Datu Paglas.

Tacurong, Isulan, Lutayan, Bagumbayan, Kalamansing, Lebak, Columbio, Palimbang, and the new towns of President Quirino, Mariano Marcos, and Esperanza.

North Cotabato—Kidapawan; Maguindanao—Maganoy; Sultan Kudarat—Isulan.

The present governor and other provincial officials of Cotabato shall transfer to North Cotabato and assume administration immediately. Until the President appoints officials of the other two newly created provinces, the present officials shall administer all three provinces.

Except as otherwise provided, all provisions of law now or hereafter applicable to regular provinces shall apply to North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.

Upon full effectivity, the President shall transfer the proportionate share of the new provinces in the obligations, funds, assets, and other properties of the existing Province of Cotabato, upon recommendation of the Auditor General.

It shall take effect immediately.

Because it redefines the territorial jurisdiction of the District Land Officer stationed at Cotabato, adjusting land administration jurisdiction in light of the provincial division created by PD No. 341.

It can require reorganization or redefinition of the territorial jurisdiction of land officers to align land registration, titling, and related functions with the new provincial boundaries.

It does not enumerate detailed procedures for later appointments beyond stating that the President will appoint officials for the other two provinces; it also does not specify the method of computing “proportionate share,” only that transfer is upon recommendation of the Auditor General.


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