Finished the book of [Thomas] Bailey on Presidential Greatness up to 2:00 AM this morning. Greatness is judged by the manner a President overcomes the obstacles presented to him. The bigger the crisis, the bigger the President. He also explains the bias of historians and how they get it.
So history should not be left to the historians. Rather be like [Winston] Churchill. Make history and then write it.
The formal suggestions for martial law and the setting up of a dictatorship is certainly increasing. The latest is from Bart Cabangbang and Cong. [Constantino] Navarro—I attach the formal suggestion in the envelope marked XIII-A.
Ilocos Sur towns of Vigan, San Ildefonso, Casayan, Magsingal, Bantay, San Juan, Candon and Tagudin were attacked, some with M-79 grenades and the other with hand grenades and M-16 last night simultaneously at 12:00 midnight. I attach the report.
The NPA’s [New People’s Army] are starting early.
Official Gazette for December 19, 1971: The absence of the usual heavy schedule of callers enabled the President to devote more time on desk work.
He signed, among others, an order granting executive clemency to 281 prisoners, in connection with the yuletide season.
Of the prisoners extended executive clemency, ten were granted absolute pardon, one special absolute pardon, 222 conditional pardon with parole conditions and 48 commutation of sentence.
The President granted the executive clemency on the recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole.