Official Gazette for September 7, 1970: President Marcos stated that while Filipinos should consider the forthcoming Constitutional Convention as an important milestone in their nation’s history, they should not expect that it would suddenly change the dangers and the perils they face in their development.
“Let us reform the Constitution,” he added, “but let us net seek to solve all our problems by merely amending it.” Let us reform the Constitution, he pointed out, by “reforming ourselves . . . because that is the beginning of reformation.” The President made these statements in a speech before the annual convention of district and city engineers.
The President started his busy day with a conference with members of the Board of Investments, including Ting Paterno, chairman; Edgardo Tordesillas, vice chairman; Cesar Lanuza, Angel Limjuco and Antonio Ayala, governors; which was followed by a meeting with Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo and Undersecretary Manuel Collantes; and had separate talks with Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile and PANAMIN Secretary Manuel Elizalde, Jr.
At mid-morning, the President received the joint committee from Congress, which notified him that the third special session had already been convened. In the group were Senators Wenceslao R. Lagumbay and Dominador R. Aytona, and Reps. Fernando V. Pajarillo of Camarines Norte and Macacuna Dimaporo of Lanao del Sur.
Later in the morning, the President received a courtesy call from the members of local anti-communist groups, who are leaving for Japan to attend a conference of anti-communist organizations.
Headed by Rep. Cornelio T. Villareal, the other members of the Philippine delegation are Reps. Ramon D. Bagatsing of Manila and Fermin Z. Caram, Jr. of Iloilo, Col. Ernesto P. Golez, Social Security Commissioner Inocencio Ferrer, Leon O. Ty, Pao Shin Tien. Miss Michaela A. Montemayor, Arnulfo L. Tamayo, Councilor Jose G. Guevarra, Arnold Segundo, Prudencio S. Atengco and Leon Ty, Jr.
Others who called on the President were local officials and several provincial governors who sought fund releases and prefabricated schoolhouses.
Those who called were Governors Carlos Fortich of Bukidnon, Rufino Otero of Agusan del Sur, Jose Legaspi of Aklan, Julian Pacificador of Antique, Guillermo Arcenas of Bataan, Jose Evangelista of Ilocos Norte, Samuel F. Reyes of Isabela, Amado Almazan of Kalinga-Apayao, Linang Mandangan of Lanao del Sur, Irene Balite of Northern Samar, Salvador P. Socrates of Palawan, Jovencio Q. Mayor of Romblon and Salvacion Yñiguez of Southern Leyte.
At about 4 p.m., the President left Malacañang to speak as guest of honor at the opening of the convention of the District and City Engineers League, held at the SSS building in Quezon City.
On returning to Malacañang, the President resumed working on state papers, during which he issued a proclamation declaring Wednesday, September 9, a special public holiday in the province of Cebu and the cities; of Cebu, Danao, Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue and Toledo. September 9 marks the birth anniversary of the late President Sergio Osmeña, Sr.
He also designated Jose P. Fernandez, a leader of the shipping industry, as Presidential Special Trade Representative. As the President’s special representative, with the rank of ambassador, Fernandez’s task will be to promote trade, explore investment possibilities, and make other studies essential to the economic growth of the country.
During the day, the President thanked the government of Australia for its offer to donate “in any kind” $10,000 worth of assistance to flood victims in the Philippines. The offer of assistance was made for his government by Australian Ambassador James Ingram, who intimated his government’s wish to determine the kind of assistance most needed by the flood victims. In accepting the Australian government’s offer of aid the President directed Secretary of Social Welfare Gregorio Feliciano to determine the immediate needs of the victims and communicate these to the Australian ambassador.
Imelda called up by long distance at about 7:45 AM to tell me she is sick. I have to tell Dra. Aragon. They leave for London by Alitalia at about 2:00 PM which is about 8:00 PM here. I know she is feeling lonely now. When she asked about the two girls she had a tone of longing in her voice. And we are missing them too.
2:00 AM
Imelda just called up again to say that they have just arrived in London and are at the Claridges. And it is sunny and warm—warmer than Rome. A big surprise as she puts it for they had expected it to be a bit chilly. They are preparing to go out for dinner and a play. It is 7:00 PM in London—a seven hour differential. Bongbong sounded enthusiastic and healthy.
This morning I devoted to:
BOI [Board of Investments]—1. Steel; 2. Car manufacturing (deadline is October), and 3. Pulp and Paper
Sec. [Carlos] Romulo—His instructions on his mission to the UN [United Nations] and the appointment of Chiefs of Mission.
Congressional Committee informing me that Congress is in session.
The governors on releases of the Highway Fund.
This afternoon I spent with the Convention of District and City Engineers at the SSS [Social Security System]. My theme was that Constitutional Amendments cannot solve all the ills of the country.