Rationale for Common Rank Designation
- The Philippine Marines have been a unit within the Philippine Navy, and naval officers traditionally retained naval ranks while serving in the Marines.
- Enlisted personnel assigned to the Marines already use Ground and Air Forces enlisted rank designations.
- Increasing operational and administrative interaction between the Marines and Ground and Air Forces necessitated a common rank designation.
- This common system helps to avoid confusion and embarrassment arising from differing rank titles during joint operations and duties.
Legal Modifications and Implementation
- All existing laws, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this decree are amended or modified to conform with the new provisions.
- The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is tasked with issuing the necessary implementing rules and regulations.
- Such rules are subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense.
Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately upon its signing.
Authority and Enactment
- The decree is issued under the constitutional powers of the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
- It references Proclamation No. 1081 (Martial Law declaration) as part of its authority basis.
- Signed and promulgated in Manila on May 30, 1978.