Courtesy call by delegates to the Asian Conference on Languages. Book on Ma[n]gyan script and language and sample on bamboo presented.
Interview by Roy Roman, Asian Director of Time based in Hongkong.
Report of Sec. Vic[ente] Abad Santos that Justice Fred Ruiz Castro is the motivator of the issuance of an injunction against the plebiscite on Jan. 15, 1972.
This is going to provoke an open clash with the Supreme Court.
In my conference with Justice Antonio Barredo tonight at 8:30 PM at my request, it seems the justices are concerned about the Constitutional provision that they may be replaced by me by the appointment of their successors. He suggested I issue a policy statement that notwithstanding this provision, I would not use the power.
And the alleged atmosphere of coercion because there is no actual freedom of debate. He recommends an order be issued that for all purposes of the free debate and dialogue martial law is partially lifted.
Met with the original planners of the martial law—Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile, Gen. [Romeo] Espino, the major service commanders, Gen. [Rafael] Zagala, Gen. [Fidel] Ramos, Gen. [Jose] Rancudo, Commodore [Hilario] Ruiz, Gen. [Ignacio] Paz—J-2 [Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence], Gen. Tom [Tomas] Diaz, 1st PC [Philippine Constabulary] Zone Commander, Gen. [Alfredo] Montoya, Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] Commander, Col. Romeo Gatan, Rizal Provincial Commander.
Official Gazette for December 19, 1972: INFORMATION SECRETARY Francisco S. Tatad called upon the youth to involve themselves in the nationwide effort to ratify the proposed Constitution. “We appeal to the young among our countrymen, because the Constitution that we are called upon to ratify is a Constitution that will be not only for the present but also for the future—and the youth is the seed of the future,” Secretary Tatad said.
COMELEC CHAIRMAN Jaime N. Ferrer, likewise, appealed to civic-spirited citizens to act as poll watchers in their respective areas. He said: “Sec. 9 of Presidential Decree No. 73 requiring the Comelec to appoint representatives of civic groups to serve as poll watchers, is a fitting recognition of the vital role of volunteer citizens’ groups in our basic democratic processes. Those who belong to local civic organizations should take advantage of this opportunity, more so since this historic plebiscite will constitute the crossroads of our national life.”
DANGEROUS DRUGS Board announced that prescription forms for dangerous drugs are now available at that office on the second floor, Bureau of Quarantine annex, Port Area, Manila. Distribution in the provinces will be made through the regional health offices.
We agreed that if the Supreme Court issued an injunction it would either be disregarded or a revolutionary government would be immediately proclaimed and all powers of government taken over by the President including the Judiciary.
And that we must prepare for the possibility of armed elements contesting this decision.