Delivered another speech on the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus which traced the history of communism, before the Lions International District 301-C.
The burden of the speech was that the responsibility to protect the state from invasion, insurrection or rebellion or imminent danger thereof is placed on the president by the constitution. And no one can take over the burden from him. Nor can he waive or delegate the responsibility. ·
That the position of the president is a special position which is the center of all information of the most secret nature which affect the security of the state.
This is one of the tasks that dramatically emphasizes the loneliness of the president.
I read the first four pages of the introduction of the book on Revolution.
Then I answered questions from the audience.
“Someone has to be resolved to fight the communist conspiracy even if he has to fight
Official Gazette for August 28, 1971: President Marcos was guest of honor and speaker at the induction of officers of Lions International, District 301-C, held at noon at the Malacañang Maharlika Hall.
In his extemporaneous speech, the President expressed his determination to stamp out the communist movement in the country. Tracing the history of communism in the country, the President said that communism was never really arrested completely since it became active in 1946. It may have subsided for some time but it was never really stopped, he said. “I intend to dismantle the communist apparatus while it can still be dismantled in this country,” the President declared. “1 have decided that now is the time and I assume full responsibility for this decision. The Constitution definitely and specifically places upon the shoulder of the President the responsibility for such a decision and I assumed it. No One else is responsible,” the President added.
In an open forum which followed his speech, the President took occasion to answer some of the charges being aired by administration critics, particularly in connection with the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.
The President debunked claims that the suspension of the writ was intended to stifle criticisms against the administration. He said that the same atmosphere of criticism pervades, through the radio, television arid the newspapers. He stated that although these criticisms are sometimes malicious and libelous, dissent will be allowed to continue provided they are not connected with rebellion or insurrection.
The President worked on official papers in the afternoon, in the process signing, among others, an executive order creating the Coconut Coordinating Council, which will supervise, coordinate and evaluate the implementation of the coconut self-sufficiency program of the government.
He also submitted to the Commission on Appointments for confirmation the nominations of 22 government officials and others to various posts in the government.
In the evening, the President received Prime Minister Sirik Matac of Cambodia, who called at Malacañang to pay his respects. The Prime Minister arrived in Manila in the afternoon for an overnight stopover enroute back to Cambodia from a state visit to the United States. With Prime Minister Matak in calling on the President were Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Joun Wick and Brig. Gen. Sak Sutsakan, deputy chief of staff of Cambodia.
alone. And I have decided to fight it,” I announced.
The witnesses against Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] are finally lined up.
Commander Melody [Benjamin Bie Jr.], territorial commander of the NPA [New People’s Army] for the province of Tarlac, who has been working for me since January of this year has to be surfaced with Buco and others.
They received orders, arms, walkie-talkies money etc. from Sen. Aquino directly.
And a Manuel Mayo or Jorge Mayo or George Maglaya has been arrested. He had confessed that he participated in the Plaza Miranda carnage. He is being interrogated.
Even if the price be the loss of everything I have worked for and even of life itself, we must be ready to pay the price. I am.
For if no one leads in resolution and courage all others will compromise and procrastinate.
I must dismantle the communist apparatus now before it gets too powerful for anyone—specially those leaders who may follow me. They may not be as dedicated or adept in the control of the military.
Office of the President of the Philippines
Manila
Crapaud [Carpaud a toad] in the Caribbean spit at small animals with a poison that kills them—
Could be the same type used in Hawaii against rats—
*Undated stray note that comes after the August 28, 1971 entry in PCGG,
is on OP notepad not Malacañang letterhead,
it is not part of the Marcos Diary but part of many now missing attachments since removed from the Diary as originally intended.