7:30 PM—
As I wait for Imelda
fixing up the palace for
the children due to arrive (next
Official Gazette for December 5, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS had a day free of the usual callers but buckled down to desk work and other important state business.
Among other actions, he issued an administrative order amending the composition and functions of the Telecommunications Development Board, as follows:
The Secretary of Public Works and Communications, as chairman; the representative of the National Economic Council, as vice chairman; and the representative of the Public Service Commission; the Director of Telecommunications; the chief, Communications-Electronics of the AFP; representative of the Philippine Domestic Carrier; representative of the Philippine International Carrier; an official of the Philippine Chamber of Communications, Inc.; and a representative of the Radio and Television Broadcasting Association, as members.
The board was empowered to:
1. Study and plan the integration of the existing facilities and development program of the public and private sectors operating telecommunication services thereby insuring an orderly and economic development of the country;
2. Advise the Public Service Commission on effective rules and regulations on technical and operational standards conforming to Consultative Committees on International Telecommunications’ recommendations for proper coordination of services in accordance with Section 13 and 16(b) of the Public Service Act.
3. Extend technical assistance and advice to government banking institutions in assessing technical aspects of loan applications for telecommunication services development to ensure the economic usage of funds granted and to avoid duplication of service facilities;
4. Maintain a complete record of technical facilities and equipment in the Philippines and of traffic data for national and international services;
5. Undertake such other duties as required by the President; and
6. Submit recommendations on matters of national importance pertaining to decisions of the board, as well as semi-annual reports to the President.
week-end for Bongbong and a
week after that for the girls)
Ralph Nubla, former president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce, conveyed the feeling (not only his alone but others in business) that the country is slowly degenerating and no one can solve the problems of peace and order and economic progress, whether Nacionalista or Liberal, unless he is a dictator for at least a short period.
The same desperation seems to be felt by other observers and foreign residents in the Philippines.
Chino [Joaquin] Roces has repeatedly stated that the communists will take over the country before the end of 1973. And this seems to be the belief of most social and economic leaders in Manila.
And in the meantime, Sen. [Jose] Diokno was overheard to have said that the best way in which Marcos can help the country is for him to commit suicide or be killed. This happened in Manila Golf Club and was overheard by Ricky Cu-Unjieng and Pepe Oledan. The first quietly told Diokno’s wife, Nena, that Pres. Marcos does not crack such macabre jokes about Sen. Diokno. But, of course, poor Ricky does not know that Diokno DOES REALLY want me dead.
And the politicians are now busy engaged in entering into secret alliance and conspiracies for political, economic or personal survival.
The media, in the meantime, is as vicious as ever. The Graphic is typical. On the 17th of November its cover was the montaged picture of my supposed “mansions.” And the article states that they are definitely mine and cost about $57 million!!
The distortions, the fabrications and the prevarication continues without let-up.
Peace and order is deteriorating in Manila, Lanao and Cotabato. Killings continue. Hold-ups in broad daylight continue. The latest were the killing of the Japanese businessman, the Wack Wack 12:00 noon hold up and yesterdays hold-up of Johnny Ngo of E. [Epifanio] de los Santos Avenue.
The third page of this entry is missing.