Met with the ConCon [Constitutional Convention] delegates who are still doubtful about the form of government. We have opted for a parliamentary form of government as this will allow bright young men with limited resources to become head of government. In the presidential system only the millionaires can qualify for the presidency because of the cost of campaigning which can reach P60 million.
The debates on the form of government start on the 17th with [Gerardo] Gerry Espina reporting out the Executive Power’s committee report and [Godofredo] Goding Ramos, Suico, [Miguel] Cuaderno [Sr.], [Jose] Feria, etc. sponsoring (a total of eight for eight hours).
The boys, [Gilberto] Bibit Duavit, [Antonio] Tony Tupaz and Ven[ancio] Yaneza predict a vote of 170 against 120.
I have asked that as great a majority be obtained so as to make the plebiscite campaign easier.
The Senate, last night, passed a resolution asking that they be consulted on foreign affairs. I believe they are smarting from the ConCon decision to abolish the Senate in the new Constitution.
I intend to ignore the resolution.
I attached the resolution and the letter of Sen. Jose Roy to the effect that it is not a censure as there is a conflict as to the powers of the president and the senate.
Imelda is doing well. She was allowed bathroom privileges this morning. And she may be allowed to walk this week-end.
I intend to continue drumming up unity for the sake of the nation in the government, the party and all levels of society.
Gen. [Charles Andrew] Willoughby sent word about his new book on the underground movement in the Philippines [The guerrilla resistance movement in the Philippines: 1941-1945]
Official Gazette for May 11, 1972: THE PRESIDENT received a few unscheduled callers while at the same time attending to his paper work.
Among the official papers he issued from his desk was an executive order creating a national committee to take charge of the celebration of Philippine Independence Day on June 12.
Named chairman of the committee was Education Secretary Juan L. Manuel, with Budget Commissioner Faustino Sy-Changco as vice-chairman.
He requests an order for 5,000 copies. He sent word through Mrs. Villamor and [Alejandro] Alex Melchor [Jr.]. He lives in Naples, Florida.
Played golf with Joe Luna Castro and Richard Co. They were surprised when I did my exercises after the golf game.
No change in the Vietnam situation. I attached an assessment of the blockade.
Violent dispersal of anti-war demonstration near the U.S. Embassy on Roxas Boulevard. Blockade by Manila Police, Metrocom fired on demonstrators who hurled pillboxes at blockade.