Malacañang Palace
[p.41] I still write this in Veterans Memorial Hosp. at 8:00 AM. Meldy is coming home to the Palace at noon before lunch. We have stopped the regular stipends to the columnists and newspapermen. This was started by Pres. [Ramon] Magsaysay in 1954. But we have to stop this corruption. This may be the cause of the harsh and even vicious attitude of the newspapers. I am still trying to ferret out the TV and radio commentators who are being bought. This has to be stopped too. The Commissioner of Civil Service, Abelardo Subido, has been found guilty in the investigation of his actuations in entering into contracts with himself. I have requested him to resign.
We have to set the example in the higher echelons of government. For undoubtedly there is still petty graft in the lower ranks—the export office is one, the BIR and the Customs. This must be eradicated and soon.
46 Official Gazette for January 20, 1970: President Marcos met with members of Congress who called at Malacañang in the morning. The President also received Civil Service Commissioner Abelardo Subido, whom he had earlier asked to resign from his post in view of the findings of the Presidential Investigating Committee that the CSC chief violated the anti-graft law. Subido requested the President for a reconsideration of his case. The President advised him to make a formal written petition to this effect, and to submit evidence that would warrant a reinvestigation.
In his meeting with the lawmakers the President was informed by the Nacionalista majority in the House that Reps. CornelioVillareal and Jose B. Laurel, Jr. have reached an understanding for Laurel to continue as Speaker of the House in accordance with the wishes of the majority congressmen. The President also witnessed the oath-taking of Senator Ambrosio Padilla as a new member of the Nacionalista Party. Sen. Padilla, who was reelected senator as a guest candidate in the Nacionalista ticket last year, took his oath of affiliation with the NP before Senate President Gil J. Puyat, who is also the NP president. Padilla’s oath-taking took place at the President’s office beside the Maharlika hall.
46 The President’s meeting with the lawmakers lasted until early afternoon, in time for him to welcome the First Lady, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, who came home from her brief confinement at the Veterans Memorial Hospital, following an operation. The President congratulated her for her quick recovery, adding that she didn’t look like one who had just been to a hospital.
Pursuing efforts to promote the tourist industry, the President asked Secretary of Health Amadeo Cruz to direct efforts toward the eradication of cholera and other quarantinable diseases in the country’s ports of entry, especially the port of Manila, through an intensive program of environmental sanitation, immunization and other epidemiological measures. This will include proper garbage disposal, adequate water supply and food sanitation. “But with or without tourist,” the President stressed, “government owes it to the people to maintain healthy surrounding for the citizens, especially the children.” The expansion of the tourist industry is one of the top priority programs of the administration because of its huge potential as a major dollar-earner for the country. While working on official papers in his study, the President signed the ad interim appointment of former CIR Judge Vicente Rafael as associate justice of the Court of Appeals, to fill one of the two remaining vacancies in the appellate court. He also designated Lucio N. Tan as acting City Treasurer of Oroquieta City.
Malacañang, 11:55 PM
Settled the Speakership problem this morning by calling Ex-Speaker [Cornelio] Villareal, then Speaker [Jose B.] Laurel to Maharlika [Hall]. Villareal graciously withdrew but his supporters swear that if Laurel does not remain loyal to me, they will topple him. Met the congressmen who all wanted releases and appointments. Met Commissioner of Civil Service Abelardo Subido whom I asked to resign for violation of the Anti-Graft Law for signing a contract of lease both as leassor and leassee. [p.42] Will reorganize the army so that the IInd and IIIrd military areas will be converted into brigades. More flexible and fitted to the concept of home defense or guerrilla war. Updating the emergency plan to include not only counter-insurgency but even a military attempt at a take over. Have ordered Gen. [Vicente] Raval to prepare a strike force in Camp Crame. Must get the armored units, the air force and naval units organized. Met Sec. [Ernesto] Mata, USec [Alejandro] Melchor [Jr.], Gen. [Manuel] Yan, [Rafael] Ileto, Raval, [Fidel] Singson and Com. Lomibao. Will meet with Gov. [Gregorio] Licaros and Zarhkar of the IMF tomorrow. Looks like Zarhkar has no power to negotiate but has been instructed to propose devaluation of from 25% to 30% or a multiple rate of exchange. From reports, Zarhkar is of the belief that we will not be able to enforce a multiple rate of exchange. They want a budget surplus in the next six months—which we already have. The truth of the matter is everything—but everything is awaiting at a standstill the results of the consultations with IMF—both government and the private sector cannot move until we know what the BOP [?] strategy is.