Briefing at Maharlika of the Senators, Congressmen, Governors and City Mayors.
All the speakers and questioners were for our position that the U.S. had not violated the Bases Agreements.
5:30 PM—Snyder II ceremonies at the Meralco Theater.
Then dinner at the executive room of [Eugenio] Iñing Lopez [Sr.].
All cozy and ______.
I thought I delivered a witty and proper speech at the theater and a light cheery one after dinner.
I will have them transcribed.
Official Gazette for May 15, 1972: THE PRESIDENT presided over a meeting in the morning with national leaders and local executives to give them the latest developments in the Vietnam conflict and the possible effects on the Philippines.
He disclosed at the meeting that he has received regular briefings from U.S. civil and military authorities, as well as from other sources, since the Vietnam hostilities escalated.
The President said that it was his desire to have all levels of leadership in the country adequately posted on the international situation so that they could contribute to the formulation of national policies.
Others who participated in the free-wheeling discussions were Reps. Jose de Venecia of Pangasinan and Democrito O. Plaza of Agusan del Sur; Governors Brigido Valencia of Pampanga, Vicente Magsaysay of Zambales, Faustino Dy of Isabela and Gualberto Lumauig of Ifugao; and City Mayors Ramon D. Bagatsing of Manila and Gregorio Imperial of Legaspi.
In the afternoon, the President was guest of honor and speaker at the inauguration of Snyder Station No. 2 of the Manila Electric Company in Pasig, Rizal.
In his speech, he called upon the people to unite for the sake of the welfare of the nation.
He pointed out that the spectre of World War III, the turbulence within the country, and the economic difficulties should be the main concern of everyone and added that in this task all must extend a helping hand and do their share in the work of unifying a nation to the end that peace, happiness, and progress shall reign over the country.
Before leaving Malacañang for the Meralco inaugural rites, the President directed the 51st Engineer Brigade headed by Brig. Gen. Fidel Ventura to help in undertaking immediate repairs of the Manila South Road up to the Bicol region.
He also instructed that this be done in coordination with the Bureau of Public Highways.