I have directed the filing of a libel case against Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.], the publisher of Manila Times, the writer of the article that appeared in the Sunday Times Jesus Dureza on the speech delivered in Davao City October 9th wherein Aquino says I should “tell the Filipino people where he gets his enormous wealth in the midst of the miseries of the Filipino people.” The article farther goes to say that “Aquino x x x said the President owns seven mansions and resort houses in the country and abroad worth millions of pesos. The senator charged that President Marcos acquired these properties only when he became President as gleaned, he said, from the amount of income tax he had paid before becoming President. Aquino said the President’s properties include those in Baguio City worth P3 million; the so called Goldenberg Mansion, P3 million; a mansion in Parañaque P4 million; Switzerland home $1.5 [million]; house in London, $3 million; resort house in Bataan, and a 20-acre estate in California where a house is now under construction.”
The newspapers of today are in Envelope X-C.
It is about time the false and preposterous statements, long insinuated although never clearly stated with such definiteness and particularity, of Aquino be revealed for what they are—plain malicious libel.
This libel was actually started in 1969 when I sought reelection. He coined the words “the richest man in Asia.” And he has been repeating these statements all along. We had tolerated them hoping that he would acquire moderation. But he has not. He has become more vicious.
So now the libel.
Typhoon Krising is hitting us right now and I am worried about the damage it may cause. It will hit Cagayan squarely with 90 KPH winds at the center.
Taped on Visual and tape the answers to the issue of prices, peace and order, General disenchantment for non-performance, Graft and corruption and compartmentalized justice.
Then reviewed the films for the audio visuals. Rural Improvement and Performance as well as the Escudero films for the Supreme Court briefing.