There are repeated suggestions that I now impose martial law. For as of now no progress seems to have been made on the investigation of the LP [Liberal Party] rally bombing Sens. Sergio Osmeña [Jr.] and Jovito Salonga are still fighting for their lives. It seems that Salonga has suffered an eye and brain damage while Osmeña has shrapnel in the lungs.
Of course the partisans of the LP keep blaming me for not being able to maintain peace and order or for being indirectly responsible for the bombing, how, they do not say.
But the great majority blame the subversives for it and say I should have eliminated them as early as 1970.
As of now only seven of the listed target personalities have been arrested. I attach the list.
We had a luncheon with Sec. [Carlos] Romulo, Sec. [Vicente] Abad Santos, Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile, Kits [Francisco] Tatad, Sol. Gen. Felix Antonio, Gen. [Mariano] Ordoñez, Gen. [Eduardo] Garcia in which we discussed the proclamation suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. Romulo was also all for it.
We have been waiting for developments. And in the meantime I have ordered a moratorium on the campaign of the senatorial candidates.
And I have ordered an intensive investigation on Sen. Ninoy [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] whom everybody is beginning to suspect with his many controversial versions of why he was not in the rally during the bombing.
I have also asked Sen. [Jose] Roy to meet with the LP President Gerry [Gerardo] Roxas so that they could agree on the plan to suspend the political campaign. But he met with Ninoy Aquino only then called me up to ask if I was planning to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. This confirming the fact that he may have an understanding with Ninoy Aquino as he let his nephew run as a Vice Governor in Tarlac.
This also probably means that he and Ninoy talked of the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus and Ninoy requested Roy to ask me to desist.
11:00 PM August 23, 1971[1]
Monday
I formally announced at 1:00 PM today the issuance of the proclamation (No. 889) suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.
Some like Sens. [Lorenzo] Tañada and [Jose] Diokno do not agree with its wisdom. But most observers believe this has been overdue because of the viciousness of the subversives.
And there are more explosions and sabotage. Last night one of the main pipes of the Nawasa [National Water and Sewerage Authority] was blown up. So was City Hall and Comelec [Commission on Elections].
Tonight there was another explosion in Congress—beside it to shatter many windows.
Before my announcement I told Speaker [Cornelio] Villareal and Senate Pres. [Gil] Puyat and Ambassador [Henry] Byroade whom I called. The first two did not offer any objection. Ambassador Byroade whom I asked whether it was true that Ninoy [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.], as he has been busily spreading, was authorized by the U.S. Embassy to buy the explosives and arms stolen from American bases, [Byroade] said that he lost respect for Ninoy Aquino when he first met the latter and Ninoy Aquino said that he was willing to kill to attain his purpose, and that he (Ninoy) has—kill that is. Speaker Villareal said that he was even recommending martial law as he has proposed in the past. Sen. Pres. Puyat said that a long time ago he had recommended that I should use all available power to eliminate the communist menace. He also recounted that Ninoy Aquino had gone to Sen. [Jose] Roy to ask the latter to phone me to delay the suspension of the writ which the latter did.
When asked if we were approaching martial law after the announcement of the proclamation this noon, I said that if necessary I would and added that if the terrorism or the effort to create a revolutionary situation continues, I would not hesitate to do so.
I have directed the Sec. of National Defense to prepare a simple outline of the basis for the suspension of the writ; and the Sec. of Justice to prepare a primer on the law on the suspension of the writ.
These we can circularize.
12:05 PM August 24, 1971[2]
Tuesday
I charged Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] today of subversion and rebellion. I read the report on him, presented the carbine M-1 with telescopic sight and carved handle or stock he gave to Commander Alibasbas [Cesario Manarang] through Commander Danilo [Paquito Tubo?] as well as the chrome-plated grease gun with silencer given to Commander Mallari and later taken by Commander Ligaya [Manuel Dimatulac].
Then I presented his former men, Atty. Max Llorente and Herman Ilagan, a former close ally who were ready to testify against him.
This was after I had explained the situation that called for the suspension of the writ. “For I know that the Armed Forces can overwhelm any rebellion by the subversives.” I said “But if we let it begin and gather strength in the city, during the fighting, there will be many innocent lives and valuable property lost. So before it gets worse, we must stop it.”
I then admitted that our agents had infiltrated the ranks of the NCPP [New Communist Party of the Philippines], the NPA [New People’s Army] and the front organizations.
Then I appealed to the subversives. “We know your plans. To reiterate, please do not execute these plans. If I am convinced that you will implement your plans of violence, I will proclaim martial law.”
Sen. Aquino has charged over TV that these charges were all lies and asked that he be charged criminally in court and given speedy trial. He appealed with the statement that he was the only opposition senator.
11:30 PM August 25, 1971[3]
Wednesday
The Supreme Court has issued the order to produce the body of Roger Arienda and to answer the petition. We will produce the body of Arienda but make a return that he is under detention under the Proclamation suspending the privilege of the writ. This will be done by the Solicitor General. Then seek a termination of the proceedings because of this on the Sup. Ct. rulings of Barcelon v. Baker, the Montenegro and Geronimo cases.
Today, I have ordered that Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] should not be arrested but should be told that he can appear with the aid of counsel to confront and cross-examine the witnesses against him in a public hearing preparatory to the filing of the case with the Sec. of Justice.
As usual he has been nervous and lachrymose. This morning he delivered a supposed valedictory in the senate.
I must be relaxed now. I shot a three under par in [Bahay] Pangarap this afternoon. My birdies were in Nos. 1, 5 and 6.
Spent the day up to 3:00 PM attending to the politicians.
There is a proposal from the Comelec [Commission on Elections] that I do not campaign. The senatorial candidates of the NP [Nacionalista Party] object. They would ask the LP not to make my administration an issue—then only would they agree to this.
Three days ago, Ex-Rep. Raschid Lucman went to Vice-Pres. [Fernando] Lopez and promised to kill me within three days with the request that V.P. Lopez contribute to the funds.
2:00 AM August 26, 1971[4]
Thursday
Have just finished proof reading the galley proof of my book on revolution.
We have just brought to Camp Aguinaldo for interrogation about 11 witnesses to the unbelievable leadership of Sen. Benigno Aquino [Jr.] in the organization funding and guidance of the communist party. A certain Gatmaitan who was the treasurer of the NPA [New People’s Army] in Tarlac and who issued orders for liquidation in the name of Commander Dante [Bernabe Buscayno] or probably of Sen. Aquino is ready to testify against Sen. Aquino. And so is a Ben Perez who brought such personalities as Jose Maria Sison and Arthur Garcia to the meeting place with Sen. Aquino where they discussed communist plans.
On TV, Sen. Aquino himself asked the question, “Why should he be a communist when he is well-to-do?”
And tonight [Daniel] Danny Vazquez tells the story over dinner of Piding [Alfredo] Montelibano [Sr.] who was approached by Sen. Aquino to join the violent revolution to overthrow the present government offering Piding’s son, Gov. Alfredo Montelibano [Jr.], the position of Vice President to his presidency. Aquino said we should overthrow the government as I would be in office for another eight years and he would be too old then.
Piding Montelibano, the old pragmatist, of course answered that first of all he would consider the proposition if his son were to become president and second all leaders of revolutions are engulfed by the revolution.
But this explains the obsession of rich Sen. Aquino with communism. He uses it as a vehicle for reaching political power.
The sworn statement of a certain Magsino has identified a certain Lyn Oreta, brother-in-law of Sen. Aquino as having bought grenades from a Major de Jesus of the Caloocan police through the intermediary of a Baby Manalaysay and Mrs. Costales wife of a sergeant in Camp Bonifacio.
But now Oreta, de Jesus and Baby Manalaysay cannot be located.
Magsino says that Oreta told him he was buying guns and grenades for Sen. Aquino.
And Oreta is 5 ft. 8 in. and fair and thin—the description of the tall grenade-thrower by the eye-witnesses.
At 1:15 AM today, an NPA force of 20-30 men attacked the Advance CP of Task Force Lawin at Echague with rifle fire and M-79 grenade launchers (the latter because of eleven grenades from an M-79 9 of which destroyed two Huey helicopters, four for one and five for the other).
This could have been done by Victor Corpus. And with the grenade launchers given by Aquino!
12:00 PM August 27, 1971[5]
Friday
It is now definite that fifty grenades were sold by Magsino (Rogelio) to Leoncio (Alias Baby) Manalaysay which the latter sold to Len Oreta, the brother-in-law of Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.]. The sale took place in June 1971 in front of the Filipinas Hotel. But Oreta seems to be in hiding.
In April 1971 Mrs. Majella Costales wife of Sgt. Costales of Log Support, Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] sold two grenades to Magsino for P43.00 which she bought from Mrs. Facer for P35.00.
I attach the report.
And the witnesses from Tarlac against Sen. Aquino on arming and funding the NPA [New People’s Army] are now on board the RPS 21 or Mt. Samat after interrogation, but the poor facilities may require their transfer.
Promoted the ranking colonels to generals today—among some appointments in the judiciary and the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs].
I also attach the newspapers of the day. Of course The Manila Times has a prominent article of Eduardo Lachica on the supposed “Fictitious Insurrection?” This is the type of press reporting that we have to contend with.
Copies of the Singapore and Djakarta papers which all appear favorable are hereto attached.
Today I sent the proof-read copy of the galley proof of my book on Revolution to the printers for paging and final printing.
8:05 PM August 28, 1971[6]
Saturday
Delivered another speech on the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus which traced the history of communism, before the Lions International District 301-C.
The burden of the speech was that the responsibility to protect the state from invasion, insurrection or rebellion or imminent danger thereof is placed on the president by the constitution. And no one can take over the burden from him. Nor can he waive or delegate the responsibility. ·
That the position of the president is a special position which is the center of all information of the most secret nature which affect the security of the state.
This is one of the tasks that dramatically emphasizes the loneliness of the president.
I read the first four pages of the introduction of the book on Revolution.
Then I answered questions from the audience.
“Someone has to be resolved to fight the communist conspiracy even if he has to fight alone. And I have decided to fight it,” I announced.
The witnesses against Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] are finally lined up.
Commander Melody [Benjamin Bie Jr.], territorial commander of the NPA [New People’s Army] for the province of Tarlac, who has been working for me since January of this year has to be surfaced with Buco and others.
They received orders, arms, walkie-talkies money etc. from Sen. Aquino directly.
And a Manuel Mayo or Jorge Mayo or George Maglaya has been arrested. He had confessed that he participated in the Plaza Miranda carnage. He is being interrogated.
Even if the price be the loss of everything I have worked for and even of life itself, we must be ready to pay the price. I am.
For if no one leads in resolution and courage all others will compromise and procrastinate.
I must dismantle the communist apparatus now before it gets too powerful for anyone—specially those leaders who may follow me. They may not be as dedicated or adept in the control of the military.
Office of the President of the Philippines
Crapaud [Carpaud a toad] in the Caribbean spit at small animals with a poison that kills them—
Could be the same type used in Hawaii against rats—
*Undated stray note that comes after the August 28, 1971 entry in PCGG,
is on OP notepad not Malacañang letterhead,
it is not part of the Marcos Diary but part of many now missing attachments since removed from the Diary as originally intended.
[1] Official Gazette for August 23, 197 1: President Marcos went on radio and television to announce the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in the government effort to deal with subversive elements in rebellion against constituted authority. This capped the President’s activities, which included the induction of David Consunji as acting S ecretary of P ublic W orks and C ommunications. Present at the induction held at Malacañang at noon were Mrs. Freddie Almeda Consunji, the new secretary’s wife; their sons Isidro, 22 and Victor, 21; and officers of the Philippine Contractors Association headed by Ricardo P. de Leon, association president. Consunji, who succeeded former Secretary Manuel Syquio, was once PCA president and chairman of the board of examiners for contractors. Following the induction, the President conferred with Senate President Gil J. Puyat and Speaker Cornelio T. Villareal. The President also had conferences with Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile, Acting Mayor Felicisimo Cabigao of Manila and Col. Gerardo Tamayo, chief of the Manila Police Department. These officials reported on the progress of the investigation to determine responsibility for the bombing of the Liberal Party rally at Plaza Miranda. About 1 p.m. the President administered the oaths to officials of Roxas City who affiliated with the Nacionalista Party. The new affiliates were Mayor Mabini S. Altavas, Vice Mayor Miguel B. Albao, and Councilors Juana B. Javier, Socorro B. Alvarez, Esmeraldo Caldeo, Roberto Amesco and Felipe Ignacio. Also taking their oath with the group were Mrs. Altavas, wife of the city mayor, and Matilde S. Belo. Then the President repaired to the Malacañang State Dining Hall where he announced to the nation, through radio and television, and in the presence of representatives of various news media, the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. In his statement, the President said that after making available to his office the best tempered and most judicious counsel, and after consultations with national leaders, he had as of midnight of Saturday, August 21, suspended the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. He read Proclamation No. 889, dated August 21, 1971, suspending the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus “for the persons presently detained, as well as all others who may be hereafter similarly detained for the crimes of insurrection or rebellion, and all other crimes and offenses committed by them in furtherance or on the occassion thereof, or incident thereto, or in connection therewith. ( T ext of the President’s statement in OG )
[2] Official Gazette for August 24, 1971: P resident Marcos focused on desk work, disposing of urgent state papers and going over reports from various government agencies. In the evening, the President delivered another radio-television address from the Malacañang State Dining Hall, during which he made an impassioned plea to subversive elements to refrain from pushing through their plans of terrorizing the country. The President said that although the armed forces are capable of meeting any eventuality, such violence would only mean the senseless loss of lives and property, and the dislocation of the economy. The President showed with the aid of a chart how the subversive activities of lawless elements had progressively increased during the last five years, as he justified his suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. He said that the increase in the tempo of incidents, which started in 1968, “was due to the fact that in December 1968, Jose Maria Sison organized a new communist party and also due to the fact that some politicians brought the leaders of the New Communist Party together with Commander Dante and thus strengthened it.” The President said that from 81 incidents or engagements between AFP troops and subversives at the end of 1968, these rose to 173 at the end of 1969, and 244 at the end of 1970. The 1970 incidents exacted 126 casualties on government forces. The President said however that as of June 1971 the casualties (killed and surrendered) inflicted by the armed forces totalled 1,294 or almost treble that of the casualties inflicted on government troops. During the press interview that followed his address, the President, among others, exhibited an M-1 carbine equipped with telescopic sight, one of the firearms which, he said, was supplied by a leading member of the opposition party to Huk commanders. On fears expressed by certain quarters on possible abuse in the exercise of the power under the writ suspension, the President said, among others, that no one would be apprehended unless the evaluation of evidence against any person has been thoroughly reviewed and his apprehension has been approved by the Secretary of National Defense, and that only the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the agents of the Department of Justice or the CIS may make arrests.
[3] Official Gazette for August 25, 1971: I n a confrence with J ustice and D efense department officials, President Marcos ordered the Department of National Defense and the Department of Justice to conduct a public hearing of charges concerning Sen. Benigno S. Aquino, Jr.’s alleged link with communist elements in the country. This was one of the important conferences the President held with government officials, in the course of a working day which for the most part followed his regular schedule. The President, however, gave specific instructions to Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos and the military not to arrest Sen. Aquino at this stage. The President directed that the hearing be initiated as soon as possible allowing Sen. Aquino to confront and cross-examine witnesses and contest any evidence that may be presented. Present at the meeting were Secretary Abad Santos, Undersecretary of National Defense Efren I. Plana, Solicitor-General Felix Antonio, Undersecretary of Justice Catalino Macaraig, Gen. Manuel T. Yan, AFP chief of staff; and Chief State Prosecutor Emilio Gancayco. The President also received as many callers as his busy schedule could accommodate, including: 1. Ambassador Chitamye Amatayakul of Thailand, who called to say goodbye after completing his tour of duty here. He has been reassigned as Thai ambassador to Rome, and will leave on the first week of September for his new post. 2. Mayor Amelia Gordon of Olongapo City, who came to consult the President on city problems. 3. Rep. Romulo Lumauig of Ifugao, who accompanied the faculty of the School of Deaf-mutes led by Mrs. Florencio Castro, principal. Also with the group were a number of students and their parents, including Jose de la Cruz, president of the senior class. The group saw the President to request the release of the P100,000 earmarked for the school. The President immediately approved the request. De la Cruz thanked the President in sign language, adding that the students pray “the communists will not succeed” in imposing their will on the Filipinos. In the afternoon, the President administered the oath of office to seven officials, including three judges of courts of first instance, a provincial treasurer, a city fiscal, a register of deeds and a municipal judge. Inducted by the President in the presence of a number of senators and representatives, friends and close relatives of the inductees were: 1. Judge Florentine Villanueva, as judge of the court of first instance of Laguna, with station at Siniloan. 2. Judge Ramon D. Jabson, as judge of the court of first instance of Rizal, with station at Pasig. 3. Judge Alberto Gampoña, as judge of the court of first instance of Cagayan and Batanes, with station at Tuao. 4. Dioscoro Soberano as provincial treasurer of Nueva Vizcaya. 5. Atty. Bienvenido Salamanca as assistant city fiscal of Manila. 6. Josue Beimudez as register of deeds of the sub-province of Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya. 7. Judge Eugenio Labitoria, as municipal judge of Bamjbang, Nueva Vizcaya. The President worked at his desk the rest of the day, through evening.
[4] Official Gazette for August 26, 1971: P resident Marcos presided over the meeting of the National Security Council, held at Camp Aguinaldo, to assess the internal security situation following the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. The meeting which lasted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., was also attended by chosen representatives of the Constitutional Convention. Apart from a report of an attack by communist elements on two military helicopters in Isabela in the morning, no new major insurgent action was reported to the council. During the meeting, the President answered questions on the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpu s from the convention delegates, notably from the chairman of the committee on political and civil rights of the convention. In this question and answer period, the President assured the delegates that the suspension of the privilege of the writ was a matter of necessity rather than of convenience; that it was a choice between national security and the safety of the population on one hand, and his personal popularity on the other: that the suspension would last as long as necessary, but not a minute longer. The President also assured the delegates that no indiscriminate or mass arrests would be made under the suspension order; that arrests would be made only by authorized national police agencies and only after a long, careful and competent process involving an exhaustive evaluation of evidence by three impartial panels. The President emphasized that no arrest would be made under the suspension order without having gone through this process, and without having been finally approved in writing by the Secretary of National Defense. In order to assure the public that arrests under the suspension order are limited to the crimes of rebellion, insurrection, and other crimes in furtherance or on the occassion thereof or incident thereto, or in connection therewith, the President directed the military to make public the names of persons detained under the suspension order. At the same time, the President issued Executive Order No. 333 creating a Presidential Administrative Assistance Committee, which would handle complaints arising from the suspension order. Named to compose the committee were Justice Undersecretary Catalino Macaraig, Jr., as chairman, and Defense Undersecretary Efren Plana, and Romaldo B. Zaniora of the Executive Secretary’s Office, as members. Present at the NSC meeting were: Speaker Cornelio T. Villareal, House Majority Floorleader Marcelino Veloso and Rep. Constantino Navarro; Sen. Leonardo Perez; Secretaries Carlos P. Romulo of Foreign Affairs, Vicente Abad Santos of Justice, Juan Ponce Enrile of National Defense, Cesar E. A. Virata of Finance and Arturo R. Tanco, Jr. of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Press Secretary Francisco S. Tatad; Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., Undersecretaries of National Defense Manuel Q. Salientes and Efren I. Plana, Solicitor General Felix Antonio, Chief State Prosecutor Emilio Gancayco, Chairman Vicente Paterno of the Board of Investments, Gen. Manuel T. Yan, AFP chief of staff; Maj. Gen. Romeo Espino, AFP vice chief of staff; Brig. Gen. Fidel Ramos, and the following delegates to the Constitutional Convention: Delegates Edmundo Cea, Gregorio Purugganan, Leocadio ignacio, Reynaldo Villar, Carlos Valdez, A. Pacificador, Cirilo R. Montejo, Mangu-tawan B. Guzo, Fidel Purisima, Antonio Olmedo, Jesus T. Garcia, Vicente dela Cerna, Leonardo Syguion-Reyna, Romuldo Mendiola, Magtanggol Gunigundo, and Alfredo Abueg. In another move in connection with the writ suspension order, the President later in the afternoon ordered that public hearings be conducted also on charges against all other persons detained in connection with insurrection or rebellion. While attending to other state business, the President submitted to the Commission on Appointments for confirmation the nominations of live foreign affairs department officers to Chiefs of Mission Class III. Nominated were Jose S Estrada, Julia L. Palarca, Rolando A. Garcia, Manuel A. Viray and Ireneo Cornista.
[5] Official Gazette for August 27, 1971: P resident Marcos as usual received numerous callers, while also doing his regular stint at his office desk and holding conferences on various matters with public officials. Among those who called early in the morning at Malacañang was Msgr. Carmine Rocco, P apal N uncio here. He called to say goodbye as he prepared for a two-month vacation. Also making a farewell call was Ryoichi Sasagawa, Japanese Philantropist, who left at 2 p.m. for Tokyo shortly after he saw the President. Sasagawa offered to donate Y60 million worth of medical equipment to the Philippines, and also expressed his desire to help in the anti-communist campaign. The President asked Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, chairman of the Medical Care Commission, to prepare a list of medical equipment needed by M edicare to form-the basis of the donation. At mid-morning, the President conferred with Gov. Delfin N. Montano of Cavite and Lino Bocalan, an aspirant for the governorship of that province. The meeting was held to avert violence in the election in the province. Another meeting was set to resolve the issue. A large group of customs collectors, led by Customs Commissioner Rolando Geotina, next saw the President to pay their respects following the close of the group’s conference. Others callers through the day included: 1. Rep. Antonio M. Diaz of Zambales and Mayor Amelia Gordon of Olongapo City, who consulted the President on local problems. 2. Rep. Herminio Teves of Negros Oriental, who accompanied officials of two cooperatives formed by displaced workers in Bais. In connection with the call, the President issued Administrative Order No. 298, which constituted a committee to study the problem of excess workers in sugar plantations, with an eye to resettling and rehabilitating them. The President named the secretary of labor as chairman of the committee, with the Land Authority governor as vice chairman. Named members of the committee were a representative of the Agricultural Credit Administration, the executive, director of the Cottage Industries Development Enterprises, the director general of the Manpower and Youth Council, the PNB president, the director of the Bureau of Soils, and the administrator of the PHILSUGIN. The cooperatives are the La Paz Hangyad Workers Cooperative (LAPAHAWA) headed by Baldomero Suligan, and consisting of 84 families; and the Bato-Naronbon Marketing Association (BANAMA) headed by Nerio Millas, and consisting of 215 families. A delegation from Ilocos Norte led by Rep. Roque Ablan, Jr., Gov. Elizabeth M. Keon and former Gov.Jose Evangelista. The President played host at lunch to the delegation. During the day, the President also inducted Ulpiano Ramas, a lawyer, as assistant provincial fiscal of Zamboanga del Sur. Witnessing the induction was Rep. Vicente Cerilles of that province. In the evening, the President swore in two new flag officers in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, namely, Col. Felino M. Mallari and Capt. Ernesto R. Ogbinar, as Brig. General and Commodore in the AFP, respectively.
[6] Official Gazette for August 28, 1971: P resident Marcos was guest of honor and speaker at the induction of officers of Lions International, District 301-C, held at noon at the Malacañang Maharlika Hall. In his extemporaneous speech, the President expressed his determination to stamp out the communist movement in the country. Tracing the history of communism in the country, the President said that communism was never really arrested completely since it became active in 1946. It may have subsided for some time but it was never really stopped, he said. “I intend to dismantle the communist apparatus while it can still be dismantled in this country,” the President declared. “1 have decided that now is the time and I assume full responsibility for this decision. The Constitution definitely and specifically places upon the shoulder of the President the responsibility for such a decision and I assumed it. No One else is responsible,” the President added. In an open forum which followed his speech, the President took occasion to answer some of the charges being aired by administration critics, particularly in connection with the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. The President debunked claims that the suspension of the writ was intended to stifle criticisms against the administration. He said that the same atmosphere of criticism pervades, through the radio, television arid the newspapers. He stated that although these criticisms are sometimes malicious and libelous, dissent will be allowed to continue provided they are not connected with rebellion or insurrection. The President worked on official papers in the afternoon, in the process signing, among others, an executive order creating the Coconut Coordinating Council, which will supervise, coordinate and evaluate the implementation of the coconut self-sufficiency program of the government. He also submitted to the Commission on Appointments for confirmation the nominations of 22 government officials and others to various posts in the government. In the evening, the President received Prime Minister Sirik Matac of Cambodia, who called at Malacañang to pay his respects. The Prime Minister arrived in Manila in the afternoon for an overnight stopover enroute back to Cambodia from a state visit to the United States. With Prime Minister Matak in calling on the President were Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Joun Wick and Brig. Gen. Sak Sutsakan, deputy chief of staff of Cambodia.