Have started to exercise as I used to except for the jogging as I am still feeling giddy and sudden head movements still bring about dizziness.
Spoke before the Radio-TV Broadcasters at DBP [Development Bank of the Philippines] and referred to the Margaret Ravenholt report on the survey to the effect that 86% of the news in the barrios comes from the radio and not the newspapers. This made them feel good—then I spoke of the need for moral responsibility and the need for government to disseminate information to the city. Ordered the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation] to go into the Vigan slayings. Returned the administration of esteros in Manila.
Finalized the executive order on the development of government mineral reserves and oil concessions. Oriental Oil and ______ were set to be approved provided they drill in six months.
Met with Joe [Jose] Campos on the medical program and the future of investments.
Hongkong and Singapore are the smallest areas in SE Asia but the most prosperous. I must continue the studies on them.
Official Gazette for July 18, 1970: President Marcos called on the private sector to assume a bigger share of the necessary task of informing the public of important issues and events, adding, however, that this duty must be performed “honestly and truthfully.”
The President underscored the importance of information in a speech delivered at the annual convention of the Radio-TV Federation of the Philippines this morning, at the opening ceremonies held at the DBP auditorium, in Makati, Rizal. He pointed out the need for constant communication with the people, particularly on the aims of government, “if we are to expect a high quality and degree of mass support, which alone can make possible democratic growth.” The President stressed that the underlying element needed to fulfill the people’s aspirations is unity; first, a unity of purpose, then a unity of effort.
However, the said, to discover the purpose there must be a consensus which only a full understanding of the problems and the resources of the nation can bring about.
On returning to Malacañang near noon, the President resumed his paperwork. Among others, ha ordered the NBI to probe new reports of violence in Ilocos Sur, in connection with the Bantay case; and dashed off a letter to Manila Mayor Antonio J. Villegas, in response to a published request by Villegas for the turnover of the city’s esteros to city hall. In his letter, the President said that only Congress can authorize such turnover.
The President worked through the afternoon and evening at his desk, except for a brief moment of rest. He did not receive any visitors.