Executive Order No. 509 (1978)

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 509 September 30, 1978

CREATING THE GENERAL MILITARY COUNCIL

WHEREAS, the maintenance of peace and order and the safeguarding of our national security depend on an intelligent and periodic review and assessment of the military situation of the country;

WHEREAS, this could be enhanced by the collective and timely data and advice which could be provided by key military officers and officials concerned with these matters;

WHEREAS, it is imperative that the President be informed and advised on military matters from time to time so that needed policies could be formulated and implemented and that necessary measures could be taken to promote peace and order and protect our national security; and

WHEREAS, there is a need to create a council for the purpose.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby create the General Military Council to be composed of the following:

The President of the Philippines | Chairman The Minister of National Defense | Member The Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines | Member The Vice Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines | Member The Commanding General, Philippine Army | Member The Chief, Philippine Constabulary | Member The Commanding General, Philippine Air Force | Member The Flag Officer in Command, Philippine Navy | Member The Director General, NISA | Member The Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel (J-1) | Member The Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (J-2) | Member The Deputy Chief of Staff for Operation (J-3) | Member The Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistic (J-4) | Member The Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans (J-5) | Member The Deputy Chief of Staff for Comptrollership (J-6) | Member The Deputy Chief of Staff for Home (J-7) | Member The Adjutant General | Member The Judge Advocate General | Member The Surgeon General | Member The Chief, Dental Service | Member The Chief, Nurse Corps | Member The Chief of Engineers | Member The Provost Marshall | Member The Chief of Chaplains | Member The Chief of Communication Electronics | Member

Whenever the President calls a meeting of the Council, he may at his discretion include all field commanders, including provincial commanders, task force commanders, and regional commanders or such officers of the military or defense establishments or civil government as he may decide;

The Council shall, from time to time, review the problems and status of our national security and other related military matters and shall submit its findings and recommendations to the President.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 30th day of September, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-eight.