In the press interview I called this afternoon, I invited the opposition party to participate making in the Foreign Policy, Security, Development and Leader’s Councils. This includes the minority floor leaders of both houses.
Then I appealed for unity to meet the problems of the nations.
The elections I cited as an example of the capability of democracy to solve our problems without violence and as an achievement of the people and not of any office or agency.
The leaders are tripping over each other trying to explain the loss of the senatorial ticket in their areas.
One thing that stands out is that the local candidates of our party have won. About 70% of our governors and mayors have won.
I place my votes as well as the briefing papers for the [Robert] McNamara visit in the Envelope XI-L.
12:15 AM November 11, 1971[1]
[1] Official Gazette for November 11, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS had another day devoted almost exclusively to desk work. He was closeted in his private study from 9 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., and then from 2:20 p.m. till way past 5 p.m., when he took a breather for a round of golf at the Malacañang Park. In the course of his afternoon paper work, the President addressed a letter to Acting Secretary of National Defense Efren I. Plana, commending the ROTC cadets for their splendid performance during the November 8 elections. He hailed the ROTC cadets, including the women’s auxiliary, as “exemplary young people, highly aware of their responsibility and obligation to our country.” The President said that their high ideals, splendid incorruptibility and courage did much to inspire in turn most of the people, who voted with calmness and prudence. “I daresay their presence at the polling place in many parts of our country served both to reassure our people and to compel them to carry out their own obligation with continence and self-confidence,” he said. In saluting the ROTC cadets, the President also thanked all of those “who did their work well,” adding that “they shine as fine examples of our youth.” The President asked Secretary Plana to convey his message to all concerned.