I have convened the Bataang Bayan. I attach my two speeches and the papers I used.
But in all the discussions I have had with the advisers including the Justice of the Supreme Court last Wednesday night, Sept. 14, 1976, then on Friday morning for breakfast before the Cabinet meeting where we finalized the plans, the feeling of most of the political leaders was for me to exercise authorization powers as I am doing now, “for life.” This was articulated by Delegate Leopando of Bohol in a census.
I cannot seem to get the message over that it is for the best interests of the country that there be a legislature to help prepare the laws; that I should not for too long paralyze the tradition of elections and popular government which I am trying to return to at the same time safeguarding the gains of the New Society.
Of course I have my misgivings about the parliamentary government created under the constitution. The crisis in which all parliamentary governments are now does not recommend the system. Although a strong barangay system that would clean up the elections which would be free of spending or violence could strengthen the leader and the system.
I may be too sanguine but with our experience in the New Society I believe that we can so modify the parliamentary system that the instability poised by the multiple party system and factionalism as well as a corrupted election system could be eliminated.
Whatever, I am firmly resolved that we must now slowly retrace our steps to normalcy, taking prevention that we do not ascend from the deep too precipitously.
Even against the well-meaning urgings of the many who fear the return of the Old Society Habits and demand that I retain absolute power, I intend to move step by step towards dismantling martial law and establishing a legislature.
No Official Gazette entry for this day.
It is unknown where this text comes from, because this entry is missing.