10:30 PM
Still on board the 777
pulling out of San Fernando pier
Official Gazette for December 29, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS issued a decree extending the tax amnesty for untaxed motor vehicles to January 31, 1973. The new decree, which he issued upon arrival in Laoag City shall, subject to certain conditions, clear the taxpayer of all criminal responsibility by reason of the non-payment of the correct duty and tax on such motor vehicles after the duty and tax shall have been paid pursuant to this decree. The decree provides that a 50 per cent and a 75 per cent across the board deduction will be allowed on the duties and taxes collectible by the government on vehicles transferred from tax exempt persons/entities to non tax exempt persons/entities, or such vehicles where the correct taxes and duties have not been collected, depending upon the year models of such vehicles.
FINANCE SECRETARY Cesar E.A. Virata said that the good international credit standing of the Philippines has been maintained because of the judicious management of public debt and the payments thereof on time. In a year-end report, Mr. Virata said that the government has managed its public debt judiciously and met the payments thereof when due or upon demand and in some cases restructured certain obligations on reasonable basis. The secretary said the the International Monetary Fund (IMF) commended the Philippines for the efficient management of its public debt.
SOCIAL SECURITY Administrator Gilberto Teodoro announced that 35,000 SSS housing loan borrowers will enjoy substantial savings because of the reduction of insurance premiums, both life and non-life, effective January 1973. Mr. Teodoro said that negotiations with the pool of insurance companies duly accredited to do business with the SSS have resulted in a reduction by 50 per cent on the fire insurance premiums of mortgagors and an across-the-board reduction by 25 per cent on mortgage redemption life insurance premiums. The reduction in insurance premiums is in addition to the removal of the Home Financing Commission guaranty of one per cent. Qualified housing loan borrowers can now apply up to 90 per cent of the value of their collaterals at six per cent interest instead of the seven per cent previously charged on HFC-guaranteed loans.
RICE RETAILERS were warned not to violate official price ceilings. The warning was given by the National Grains Authority which learned that some retailers, particularly in the Greater Manila Area, were selling fancy rice varieties beyond ceiling price which is P3 per ganta. Retailers were reported also to have mixed government rice with commercial stocks and “wet” rice to increase its volume or weight before it is sold. The NGA warned that violations of price ceilings and engaging in unfair business practices in the sale of staple cereals are subject to stiff penalties and disclosed that inspection teams have been fielded at these unscrupulous rice merchants. The public is asked to report to the NGA violations or irregulaties committed by retailers.
INTERNAL REVENUE Commissioner Misael P. Vera announced that under the new tax code, payment of fixed and professional taxes should be made only once for the whole amount due on or before January 31 This means that all persons must first pay the corresponding fixed or professional taxes before engaging in any business or before practicing their professions.
MILITARY UNIT commanders were warned against the indiscriminate issuance of curfew passes following reports of an increasing number of persons moving about outside of their residences during curfew hours. In a directive sent to all zone commanders, task force and provincial commanders, Gen. Ramos also ordered intensified operations against curfew violators. He said that the increasing number of persons moving about curfew hours will also increase the security risk to the objectives of Proclamation 1081.
POSTMASTER GENERAL Felizardo R. Tanabe warned the mailing public to watch out for fake one-peso airmail postage stamps. The airmail stamps were issued by the Bureau of Posts on June 24, 1971 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the City of Manila. The design features a red sunburst at upper center area, at lower left hand a crescent and star, at right hand side a sea lion holding a cross,; and at the bottom of the stamp is, a symbol of the Pasig River and “Nilad” plant at each end of river.
after we came back from Agoo where
we helicoptered to at 2:30 AM when
Bongbong learned to ski on one
ski off Poro
Good news from Manila.
- The Supreme Court has ruled with only one dissenting vote (Justice Enrique Fernando) in a decision penned by Justice [Fred Ruiz] Castro, that the Anti-subversion Law, RA [Republic Act] 1700 is constitutional.
- Our troops in Sulu with one Ranger company supported by two marine companies and four APC’s [armored personnel carrier] after artillery bombardment from the navy took over the target, Sibalo hill, and therefore control the waist Jolo separating the Luuk area from the Jolo area to the west. I attach reports.
- Caltex (Chevron and Texaco) will sign the contract to drill for oil in the Sulu seas tomorrow. So we hurry to Manila so I can witness the signing and approve it formally.
Spent a pleasant day in Sta. Rita—a fantastic lunch of sea food (including “mallet” the huge bivalve that is taken from 40 feet of water, malaga, crabs, ararusip etc.). Then while Bongbong and Miguel skiied in rough water I took a two-hour nap, then walked and jogged on the beach, exercised and showered. A “harana” by the mayors and capitan del barrio—with all of us singing. Dinner like lunch. Then by car back to San Fernando to take the ship back to Manila with all of us singing old songs (outrageously sometimes) on the way.