I write this at
10:00 AM May 3rd as
I had a little pain in the left
chest last night at 11:00 AM.
I had an ECG (electrocardiograph)
and other examinations which indicated
normalcy, but I slept up to 5:30 AM.
The events are inexhorably [sic] moving towards the use of more violence by the radicals. The media, of course, are “outraged’” by the killing of three demonstrators, two male KM’s [Kabataang Makabayan] and one girl laborer.
And ultimately, there may be no other alternative except the use of force in a military confrontation that would be bloodier and more wasteful than an actual war.
The alternative is a preventive use of power by a proclamation of Martial Law if there should be an attempt to take over the government, or prevent its functioning or destroy its institutions.
By Martial Law, we may actually save the lives of the many that may be lost in the expected conflict.
I am certain the media, which seems to be an instrument of the radicals will blame me personally and the military for the alleged “carnage.”
And the vituperation and vicious fault-finding will escalate until the military may not be able to stand the accusations, the malice and the ill will of the press.
I must counsel military against any rash action.
It has been raining all day. Typhoon Etang, now a depression is in the Visayas. It has affected Mindanao as well as Central Luzon with rains
Official Gazette for May 2, 1971: President Marcosapproved the extension of temporary traffic rights to Air France on the Manila/Osaka v.v. route, pending the amendment of the bilateral air transport agreement between the Philippines and France. In another related action, the President approved the amended annex to the Air Services Agreement between the Philippines and Pakistan.
I n the afternoon, the President issued two proclamations; one declaring the year 1971 as General Makabulos Year and the other, declaring May 7, 1971, as a special public holiday in San Pablo City. September 17 marks the centenary of the birth of the late General Francisco Makabulos of Tarlac, one of the country’s foremost revolutionary leaders.
So I could not play golf except two holes (No. 3 & 4 after which it rained again at 7:00PM)
Talked to Gen. Hans Menzi on the Press and Anthony Lee on automobile manufacturing and shipbuilding.