AUTHORIZING THE PHILIPPINE CHARITY SWEEPSTAKES OFFICE TO HOLD ANNUALLY A SWEEPSTAKES DRAW EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PHILIPPINE VETERANS ASSISTANCE COMMISSION.

WHEREAS, the Filipino veterans and ex-servicemen, have
consistently demonstrated their devotion to, and their willingness to
sacrifice their lives and fortune for, their motherland and countrymen;

WHEREAS, the Filipino people recognizes the wants and needs
of the veterans, ex-servicemen, their widows, orphans and dependents;

WHEREAS, the renewed interest of the Government to provide
broader avenues of assistance to these veterans, ex-servicemen, their
widows, orphans and dependents can best be directed through the
Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission created under Presidential
Decree No. 244 dated July 12, 1973;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission is
charged with establishing, maintaining and making available for this
significant sector of our society all such services necessary to provide
for employment, medical care, education and related services;

WHEREAS, in order to carry out this mission, the Philippine
Veterans Assistance Commission has been authorized to solicit funds and
now actually receiving contributions, donations, gifts and other
valuable properties from private persons and government agencies or
institutions;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the
Philippines by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution as
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and pursuant
to Proclamation No. 1081 dated September 21, 1972, and General Order No.
1 dated September 22, 1972, do hereby order and decree:

SECTION 1. The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office is
hereby authorized and directed to hold annually one special draw on a
Sunday closest to the Fall of Corregidor Day on May sixth of every year
thereafter, the whole proceeds of which shall, after deducting the
payment of the prizes and expenses as provided in Section six of
Republic Act Numbered Eleven Hundred and Sixty-nine, as amended, be
turned over to the Philippine Veterans Assistance Commission for the
support and maintenance of all veterans assistance projects.

SEC. 2. All laws, decrees or parts thereof inconsistent
herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. This Decree shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 18th day of December in the year of
Our Lord, nineteen hundred and seventy-four.