Ordered fuel (gas, kerosene, bunker, crude etc.) and oil included among the items that can be commandeered in the flooded areas.
And I announced today that the Secretary of Justice has issued a ruling that constructions in esteros, river beds and banks are nuisances per se and can be recovered without a judicial order.
And that we would call a meeting of local executives for the purpose of implementing it.
More rich people are violators than the poor.
I also announced the decision to reprogram the P1.5 billion set aside by the 5 year economic development program for infrastructure so that the projects for the calamity may be given priority.
We visited the Purita Hydraulic model and topographical map at 5:00 PM (with Dir. [Alejandro] Deleña and press boys) to reassess the flood requirements. Took the boat.
- Repair existing dikes
Put roads on top - Finish dikes system
- Canals
- Manila Flood Control
Official Gazette for August 6, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS ordered the inclusion of oil and its derivatives in the list of prime commodities previously authorized for requisitioning and immediate distribution to flood victims in disaster areas even as he kept tabs of the rehabilitation works in the flooded areas of Central Luzon and the Greater Manila area.
Included under the new order were gasoline, kerosene, crude oil, bunker fuel and lubricants.
The President issued the order upon receiving reports of fuel shortages in the flood-stricken provinces which threatened to paralyze transportation, industries, communications and other essential facilities requiring oil products.
In the afternoon, the President visited the hydraulic laboratory and research projects of the bureau of public works where continuous studies on flood control and drainage problems, particularly in Central Luzon, were being made.
Accompanied by Public Works Director Alejandro Deleña, the President boarded a launch on the Pasig river beside Malacafiang shortly after 5 p.m., and sailed upstream to Punta, Sta. Ana where the research project was installed.
The Chief Executive said that high priority would be given to the clearing of esteros so as to minimize the flooding in Manila and suburbs.
The President returned to Malacafiang at 6:30 p.m.
Am going to Baguio with the family tomorrow.