Creation of Municipality of Payao, Zamboanga del Sur

The Municipality of Payao’s boundaries begin at “point 1”, described as “center of Steel Bridge over Sibu-guey River of Pagadian-Zamboa,nga City Road.”
The Decree defines the territory by a route including:
- A Southwesterly course of approximately 26,000 meters with a bearing of S30A00'W to “point No. 2” at the southernmost tip of Lacsiso point called No. 2.
- A clockwise shoreline follow of Lacsiso Bay and Sibuguey Bay with an approximate distance of 50,500 meters to “point No. 3” at the center of the mouth of Sibuguey River.
- A follow of the center of the upstream course of Sibuguey River with an approximate distance of 17,400 meters back to “point No. 1,” the point of beginning.

The Decree orders and decrees the creation of the Municipality of Payao as part of the State’s objective to hasten socio-economic development, especially in areas comprising Muslim Mindanao.
The Decree states that intensified government projects require close supervision through well equipped and organized administrative machineries.
The Decree emphasizes that administrative efficiency of each local government unit is essential to effective implementation of the government’s development program.
The Decree connects the creation of the municipality to the maintenance of peace and order and to the pacification drive to restore normalcy in the area.

The Decree provides that all provisions of law, whether now or hereafter applicable to a regular municipality, apply to the Municipality of Payao.
The application of municipal law to Payao is subject to the Decree’s exceptions “as hereinafter provided.”
The application of those laws is specifically directed such that the rules apply in Barangay Payao as the Seat of Government for the newly created municipality.

The Decree provides that the present elective municipal officials of the Municipality of Siay continue to perform their duties as such officials in the Municipality of Payao.
The Decree provides that municipal officials of Siay will continue in their functions in Payao until municipal officials of Payao are appointed by the President.
Appointed officials hold office until their successors have been elected in the regular elections for municipal officials following the issuance of the Decree and have qualified.
Appointed officials serve unless sooner removed at the pleasure of the President.
The Decree provides that necessary appointive officers and employees to organize or complete the government personnel of the Municipality of Payao are appointed as provided for under existing laws.

Upon the effectivity of the Decree, the proportionate share of Payao in the obligations, funds, assets and other property of the Municipality of Siay is to be transferred.
The transfer is made by the President.
The transfer is made upon the recommendation of the Commission on Audit.

The Decree repeals or modifies all laws or parts of laws, and all executive orders or regulations, that are inconsistent with it.
The Decree takes effect immediately.
The Decree is signed by FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, with JACOBO C. CLAVE as Presidential Executive Assistant.