PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1596

: The purpose is to declare certain areas as part of the Philippine territory and to provide for their government and administration.
: The Kalayaan Island Group in the South China Sea.
: The boundaries are from latitude 7°40' North and longitude 116°00' East, west along the parallel to meridian 112°10' E, north to parallel 9°00' N, northeast to parallel 12°00' N and meridian 114°30' E, east to meridian 118°00' E, south to parallel 10°00' N, and southwest to the point of beginning.
: The sea-bed, sub-soil, continental margin, and air space within the area are included under Philippine sovereignty.
: It is constituted as a distinct and separate municipality of the Province of Palawan and named 'Kalayaan.'
: The Secretary of National Defense or such officers of the Civil government or Armed Forces of the Philippines as the President may designate.
: Pending election of regular officials and during the period of emergency declared in Proclamation No. 1081, unless otherwise provided by law.
: The claim is based on history, indispensable need, effective occupation and control, and the fact that other claimants' claims have lapsed by abandonment.
: The decree took effect immediately upon its signing on June 11, 1978.
: President Ferdinand E. Marcos signed the decree, with Jacobo C. Clave as the Presidential Executive Assistant.