Limitations on Festivities During Martial Law

Proclamation No. 1081 dated September 21, 1972 places the entire country under martial law and provides the authority framework for General Order No. 15.
General Order No. 1 dated September 22, 1972 is cited as a controlling related issuance under which General Order No. 15 is issued.
Article 25 of the Civil Code (Republic Act No. 386) enjoins against thoughtless extravagance in expenses for pleasure or display during a period of emergency, which grounds General Order No. 15’s policy direction.

General Order No. 15 is anchored on objectives under Proclamation No. 1081 to effect social economic and political reforms during martial law.
General Order No. 15 promotes a disciplined society infused with social conscience.
General Order No. 15 calls for citizen participation in bringing about a new and reformed society.
General Order No. 15 requires the economizing of the nation’s already scarce resources during emergency conditions.

General Order No. 15 applies to every resident and citizen of the Philippines.
General Order No. 15 specifically includes all elective local officials, from provincial governors and city mayors down to barrio captains and councilmen.
General Order No. 15 binds local executives and directs them to comply with and enforce its directives.
General Order No. 15 covers local festivities, including town fiestas and other local festivities.

General Order No. 15 requires the avoidance and prevention of ostentatious display of wealth and extravagance.
General Order No. 15 expressly limits town fiestas and other local festivities to one day.
General Order No. 15 mandates that limited festivities must be as simple and economical as possible.
General Order No. 15 addresses lavish town fiestas and social gatherings by directing that such extravagance be avoided.

General Order No. 15 enjoins all concerned, particularly the specified local executives, to comply with its directives.
General Order No. 15 directs local executives to enforce the order.
General Order No. 15 places practical implementation responsibility on the chain of local officials from provincial governors and city mayors down to barrio captains and councilmen.
General Order No. 15 ties compliance to the overall emergency discipline and resource conservation objectives during martial law.