[p.68] Called Ambassador [Henry] Byroade to find out if they (the Americans) are supporting me in the fight against the subversives. He said they would. Whatever they have done to encourage intransigence among the Liberals, we should neutralize them before a total confrontation with the communists. To satisfy the American ego I asked for the accelerated delivery of the helicopters and some ammunition for both training and combat.
My principal worry, however, is the effect of the [International Monetary Fund] IMF program of a free rate of exchange. This will cause further increase in prices beyond the reach of the common man. My barber, Conrad, tells me that money is becoming scarce.
Byroade handed me his letter informing me that Pres. [Richard] Nixon would like to receive me in California in mid or late August. I have accepted the invitation but I have delayed the publicity. This may cause another demonstration.
Asked Rep. Salipada Pendatun to keep peace in Cotabato and put some sense into the Liberals.
We are now preparing for the military confrontation with communism. Legal studies on whether an arrest can be made without warrant if I suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus and if the arresting officer can be charged for illegal detention when the writ is restored. Then, an assessment of the evidence against the target personalities.
We must prepare for a legal fight.
No Official Gazette entry for this day
Chronicle 6 Feb. 1970 front page reports: Five senators seek repeal of Subversion Law: Salonga (L), Aquino ((L), Tanada (NCP), Laurel {N), and Diokno (N); Raval scored for statement that death of students inflicted by their own group to arouse public sympathy.