Friday
I attach the reports of Dr. Guimo de Vega on the Con Con [Constitutional Convention]. The Executive Power Committee ended up in fisticuffs between Delegates [Sergio] Tocao and Jose Mari Velez.
Have been busy on the Con Con, Legislative program as well as drug addiction and peace and order program.
And my new Book, The Asian Dilemma.
As I look around from the height which allows an over-all view of the society and world in which we live, I can see the small, if preoccupying, side issues and battles taking up too much time in indecisive close fighting, and the main thrust of events as well as of the determined enemy sometimes allocated so meager resources and time.
The Communists still believe time is on their side and all countries in Asia will ultimately join them.
The political parties are still engaged in time-consuming intrigues and fight for local power.
The businessmen are still as ill-motivated us ever; profit is still the god of most.
The media is just as vicious and panders to the evil tendencies of man. The more scandalous and false the news, the better for their circulation.
The people are mostly indifferent.
11:00 PM February 5, 1972[1]
Saturday
I attach a letter from a certain Laureano Abaya of La Union who gives a different version of father’s death. He claims that he was executed by the guerrillas in an eastern barrio of Bacnotan, La Union. But he is unbelievable as we have checked some of the details. His letter does not jive. He has father speaking in Spanish when he favored English and Ilocano[2].
I attach also reports on Concon [Constitutional Convention] by Dr. Guino de Vega as well as on the political plans and activities of Sens. Gerardo Roxas and of Salvador Laurel as reported by Nestor Ponce, Chairman of the National Students League, one of our sources of information.
9:00 PM February 6, 1972[3]
Sunday
Gen. Hans Menzi has just agreed for Liwayway Publications control to be actually clarified in writing. Tomorrow, Emilio Yap and he come for merienda to finalize the agreement.
His orange plantation in Mati is supplying oranges the whole year round, his African palm (Basilan) is producing 600 tons, he has replanted in Bukidnon 700 hectares to abaca for his pulp and paper plant which should start operating by June or July. He has arranged the Midland cement French financed cement plant of Lirog (who absconded or misspent the money for the civil works) payments of the deficiencies in construction so that it can start producing.
His Bulletin has made P650,000 this year although Manila Times made P4 million (it used to make P9 million).
Picop’s newsprint is good except for the color due to the wood pulp used.
They are now experimenting on planting eucalyptus or nani tree for pulp. Even the other loggers are. It allegedly can be harvested after three years. This would be better than katuan bangkal or albizia falcata which require five years.
Ambassador [Toshio] Urabe informed me after our 18 hole golf game this morning (7-11:30 AM) with the Japanese Economic Survey Mission under Mr. Ojimmy, that last night he received a message from his home government expressing concern over the statement of Sen. [Jose] Roy and the stories in the papers that the Phil-Japan Trade and Navigation Agreement would be rejected or ratified with conditions or reservations substantial enough to be equivalent to a rejection. This would embarrass the Japanese government which would like to continue aiding the Philippines.
He suggested that if the treaty cannot be ratified, then the best thing to do is not to reject it but to freeze it in the Senate.
I conveyed this to Sen. Pres. [Gil] Puyat, Sen. Jose Roy, Foreign Relations Com. Chairman of the Senate (who claims this has been his plan all along) and Sec. Carlos Romulo. I directed that we find out what reservations each senator has, then see if they are so substantial that the Japanese would consider them equivalent to rejection and if so we would freeze the treaty in the Senate committee. We meet on this on Tuesday.
Ambassador Urabe apologized for an ambassador to be seeing the head of state directly on this but l encouraged him to see me personally if the Sec. of Foreign Affairs could not be of help.
11:00 PM February 7, 1972[4]
Monday
Fire is still raging at the Manila Cartimar Market, Nepa Q. Mart Q.C. [Quezon City], I attach Herald’s Jose de la Cruz note about it.
The delegates in favor of the parliamentary form of government in the Executive Power Committee have banded and a report to be submitted tomorrow.
I attach the report of Guimo [de Vega] including the draft for a parliamentary form of government.
I also attach the statements I gave in answer to the Malacañang newsman’s questions.
I spent the whole morning up to 2:00 PM with political leaders.
Although I spent about half an hour with the Muslim leaders led by Sen. Mamintal Tamano, Cong. [Indanan] Anni of Sulu, Gov. Princess Tarhata [Lucman], Mayor [Omar] Dianalan on the Bangladesh recognition. They were unanimous in recommending caution in recognizing the new state.
I attach the memo of Sen. Tamano.
We finalized control of Liwayway in a merienda meeting with Hans Menzi and Emilio Yap. 60% will be held for the new control.
The PKP [Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas] plans are reported in an attached intelligence summary.
10:15 PM February 8, 1972[5]
Tuesday
The parliamentary system again won in the Executive Power Committee without the Marcos-ban provisions by a vote of 20 to 14, one absent ([Augusto] Saguin) and four abstentions.
But the haters of Marcos will try to insert it tomorrow in the form of an amendment. The boys hope to get three additional votes and lose two to the haters.
I attach reports of Guimo de Vega.
Also attached is another previous report on the activities of the PKP [Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas] Politburo.
Town and Country is here to do a cover story of Imelda but they will do a day with the President.
Caltex will drill next May at the Sulu area. The other big companies are coming in.
I gave cocktails for the 1935 constitutional convention delegates with 1971 delegates and Justices as guests.
We can feel a perceptible change of public opinion in favor of the administration and a return of the faith of the people in government.
The turning point, I believe, was the unanimous Supreme Court decision on the Habeas Corpus case, the solving of the Plaza Miranda case, the State of the Nation address of Jan. 24, 1972, the stabilization of rice prices, the victory in the voting in the Concon [Constitutional Convention] against the Ban-Marcos resolution, the improved peace and order situation in Mindanao and the Metropolitan area and the aggressive crusade against criminality, private armies, compartmentalized justice and high prices as well as anomalies in government.
We must now improve the information dissemination efforts of government.
I have given [Francisco] Kits Tatad all the powers to do so.
10:00 PM February 9, 1972[6]
Wednesday
Set aside 500 hectares of the San Ramon Penal Colony in Zamboanga del Sur for the FAO [Food and Agriculture Organization]-UNDP [United Nations Development Programme] $900 million project for the researches on coconut. The briefing indicates the cross-breeding in the Ivory Coast in Africa by FAO shows an increase in yield three to four times.
But Cong. [Constantino] Uging Navarro intervened to complain about cartelization of prices by the big exporters and oil millers who have depressed the buying price from coconut farmers.
I also approved the MIA [Manila International Airport] emergency repairs of the CAA [Civil Aeronautics Administration] which includes an advance delivery of communications equipment from Toshiba before even the contracts are finalized. This will mean an expenditure.
Worked out the RCA [Rice and Corn Administration] requirements for import. Tonight after the Superintendents meeting when I pleaded for a higher commitment to our freedom and democratic institutions, I approved the new forestry rules increasing the forestry charges, _____.[7]
11:00 PM February 10, 1972[8]
Thursday
Worked on the legislative program and the request of Congressmen up to 4:00 PM.
Then met the Auditor General and the Sec. of National Defense, Chief of Staff, heads of the major services, comptrollers, auditors and staff because of the leaks of intelligence fund expenditure.
The Muslim question—with Cong. [Mohammad] Ali Dimaporo.
The evening with some Concon delegates and Gen. [Hans] Menzi, Gov. Chavit [Luis] Singson and Justice [Antonio] Barredo.
I am beginning to have a sore throat and a clogged nose. I hope I have not caught the virus from Imelda.
10:40 PM February 11, 1972[9]
Friday
Left by car 6:15 AM for Canlubang and arrived after 50 minutes. Played golf up to 9:20 AM. Hit two over par 38. Putting well. Sunk almost every green in one.
Inaugurated the Filsyn or Filipinas Synthetics which is in Sta. Rosa and Cabuyao in the very middle of the Canlubang Sugar Estate. This is the first Polyester factory both filaments and staples.
Returned at 1:00 PM and arrived at the palace at 1:40 PM.
Worked on the RCA [Rice and Corn Administration] needs, forestry rules and conservation, the Bangladesh problem, plywood manufacturers’ concentration of exports in Parang and Davao City (Zasa pier), copper smellers etc.
Am preparing for the caucus with the congressional leaders at 10:00 AM and the Foreign Policy Council meeting on Trade with the socialist countries (we must find new markets for our surplus copra and coconut oil).
11:45 PM February 12, 1972[10]
Saturday
Caucus at 10:00 PM.
Foreign Policy Council at 11:00 [AM]-12:30 AM [sic].
In the caucus of congressional leaders we agreed that the Tariff & Customs Code amendments, the removal of exemptions and subsidies as well as other tax measures will be given priority so as to give time to the Senate to act.
In the Foreign Policy Council we agreed.
To trade with all countries including all Socialist and Communist countries and Ute Middle East.
On the suggestion of the Muslim leaders, not to act on the Bangladesh recognition until we can meet again.
Max Goldberger arrived for our experiments and research on guided missiles and chemically powered batteries.
Met Amb. Panui of Bangladesh as well as Amb. [Modesto] Farolan for Indonesia.
Worked on the papers on the Suharto visit.
[1] Official Gazette for February 5, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS as usual started early on the day going over urgent state papers. Among others, the Chief Executive: 1) Issued a proclamation designating the period from February 15 to June 15 for the 1972 national membership and educational fund campaign of the Philippine Mental Health Association, Inc. 2) Signed the nominations for one original appointment and four promotional transfers in station assignment of judges of the Court of First Instance. He then submitted the nominations to the Commission on Appointments for confirmation. The President also issued a directive to the Philippine Constabulary, “to employ all available and necessary force” to keep the peace in Lianga, Surigao del Sur. He issued the directive at a conference in Malacañang attended by officials of the justice and labor departments, the PC and of the province of Surigao del Sur. The President had summoned these officials to work out solutions to the labor dispute in the area. Present at the conference were: Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos, Undersecretary of Labor Amado G. Inciong, Reps. Jose G. Puyat, Jr. of Surigao del Sur and Roberto M. Sabido of Albay, Fiscal Vicente Murillo of Surigao del Sur, and Commodore Hilario M. Ruiz, PN flag-officer-in-command.
[2] Two versions of Marcos’ death are: execution by the Japanese or by guerillas for collaboration. National Historical Institute marker installed in Don Mariano Marcos State University in Ilocos Norte in 1983 did not elaborate and just states at the end of the text “Died in La Union March 1945.”
[3] Official Gazette for February 6, 1972: FREE from his usual schedule of callers, President Marcos devoted the whole day to desk work. He issued a proclamation declaring Saturday, February 19, a special public holiday in Bago City. The day marks the anniversary of the city’s organization. Interrupting his desk work at about noontime, the President met with some members of his Cabinet who come to consult him on problems affecting their respective departments. The President worked on his desk till late evening.
[4] Official Gazette for February 7, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS certified to Congress the urgency of Senate Bill No. 543, a bill seeking to provide for closer supervision over the dispensation of dangerous drugs, and imposing stiffer penalties on those who illegally traffic in prohibited drugs. In certifying the bill, the President pointed out that drug addiction had aggravated the peace and order problem, and that it is especially dangerous because it destroys the fabric of morality. In the afternoon, the President presided over the meeting of the Foreign Policy Council which discussed the matter on the Philippine recognition of the new state of Bangladesh (East Pakistan). However, upon request of national and local Muslim leaders whom the President invited to the meeting, the Council deferred action on the matter “at least until after Indian troops had pulled out of the territory.” The President told the Muslim delegation headed by Sen. Mamintal Tamano that he would bring up their request at the next Foreign Policy Council meeting. The Muslim delegation which saw the President included Rep. lndanan Anni of Sulu, Mayor Omar Dianalan of Marawi City, Governor-elect Tarhata Lucman of Lanao del Sur; and Governors Carlos Cajero of Cotabato and Virgilio Lacaya of Zamboanga del Norte. After the meeting, the President resumed his paperwork the rest of the afternoon and evening. He signed the designations of: 1) Ronaldo B. Zamora as assistant executive secretary for legal affairs. Secretary Zamora filled the post vacated by former Assistant Executive Secretary Ponciano G. A. Mathay, who was appointed chairman of the Oil Industry Commission. 2) Manuel T. Mañosa, Jr. as member of the Board of Examiners for Architects, to succeed Tomas Arguelles whose term of office in that Board had expired.
[5] Official Gazette for February 8, 1972: THIS IS a red letter day in the country’s history, as it brings back to memory the promulgation of the fundamental law of the land. In commemorating the event, the President issued the following message: “We mark Constitution Day this year amid a unified national effort to write a new Constitution that will best embody our hopes and aspirations for a better life. “Although the new Constitution should certainly carry features different from the original document, I am sure, at the very core, the new Constitution will pay allegiance to the same virtues, the same ideals, and the same principles that give life to our free Republic and our democratic way of life. “We have reason to be particularly proud in the fact that whereas in other countries, Constitutions are disrupted and modified after the shedding of blood, peaceful order and democratic ceremony attend our present Constitutional effort. “It is best perhaps that on this occasion our thoughts should turn to those who gave us present Constitution, while our prayers and good wishes go to the men and women who are trying to give us a new one. “It is also fitting that our people unite to support their efforts.” The President’s activities for the rest of the day hewed close to schedule, with the morning devoted to desk work. Among others, he signed his Budget message to Congress, covering his proposal for the FY 1973 general appropriations. The President devoted the afternoon to receiving callers. Among his visitors were: 1) R. F. Johnson, president and managing director of Caltex (Phil.) who succeeded J.J. Wolahan as head of the gasoline firm. Accompanying Johnson on the call were Caltex officials led by Wolahan and Francis Ablan. 2) Mayor Silvestre Boma and the councilors of the new town of Imelda, Camarines Norte who sought financial assistance for their municipal projects, such as for the construction of a municipal building, roads and other public works, and for the purchase of firearms and ammunitions for the local police force. In the evening, the President and the First Lady, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, were hosts at cocktails, honoring the surviving delegates to the 1934 Constitutional Convention.
[6] Official Gazette for February 9, 1972: WITH a few scheduled callers, the President started the day early attending to urgent slate papers. In separate actions he: 1) Ordered Commissioner Misael P. Vera of the Bureau of Internal Revenue to make public the latest income tax returns of the top 100 individual and corporate taxpayers in the country; 2) Signed the designations of three officials in the Bureau of Public Schools, and of the acting chairman of the Board of Examiners for Civil Engineers; and 3) Issued a directive requiring that any contract for the reconstruction of the Manila International Airport terminal building should comply with guidelines he spelled out in a similar order we sent to Secretary of Public Works and Communications David Consunji. Later in the morning, the President disengaged from his desk work to meet officials of the United Nations Development Programme. He discussed with them the projected establishment of a Philippine Coconut Research Institute in the Philippines. The UNDP is offering to provide the Institute with the equipment needed to train coconut scientists, especially in conducting leaf analyses of all coconut palms to ascertain fertilizer needs. Senator Emmanuel Pelaez, chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture, accompanied the UNDP officials to Malacañang. The other UNDP officials in the group were Tom Unwin, Dr. Horst Gueting, and Dr. W. V. D. Pieris. Others in the group were NSDB Chairman Florencio Medina; D. Juan T. Carlos, Jr., Philcorin director; and Miss Cherie Palileo, secretary to the NSDB Board of Trustees. Another caller of the President was Shinzo Ohya, president of the Teijin (Ltd) of Japan. Ohya informed the President that his company had granted 10 two-year scholarships abroad for Filipino college graduates. The President thanked Ohya, who is also chairman of the Japan Textile Federation, for the scholarships and assured him that the Department of Education will see to it that only the worthy and most qualified nominees would be chosen for the scholarships. Ohya was accompanied by his wife, Masako Ohya; Kuniaki Matsumoto, Carlos Palanca, Jr., Jesus Yujuico, P. L. Lim, Yoichi Watanabe and Cesar Concio.
[7] The last page [1019] of this entry is missing , though there are two manuscript pages both marked 1016.
[8] Official Gazette for February 10, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS made two important decisions while going over state papers needing his immediate attention. 1) He issued Executive Order No. 373, designating the Department of Commerce and Industry as the agency to take over and finish the business operations of the Board of Industries. 2) He directed the implementation of Article 2186 of the Civil Code of the Philippines. The said article provides: “Every owner of a motor vehicle shall file with the proper government office a bond executed by a government-controlled corporation or office, to answer for damages to third persons.” At about 10 a.m., the President held a caucus with leaders of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Chief Executive said during the meeting that facilities and projects boosting production would be given top priority in the matter of fund releases. The President said it was extremely necessary to program the funds available because of the meager resources and the great demand for funds to boost production. Among those who called on the President were Reps. Vicente Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur, Lamberto Macias of Negros Oriental, Armando Cope of Albay, Antonio Diaz of Zambales, Ramon Durano and Manuel Zosa of Cebu, Rafael Legaspi of Aklan, Andres Cosalan of Benguet, Godofredo Tan of Quezon, Ali Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte, Macacuna Dimaporo of Lanao del Sur and Felipe Almazan of Kalinga-Apayao.
[9] Official Gazette for February 11, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS motored to Sta. Rosa, Laguna early in the morning for the inauguration of the Filipinas Synthetic-Fiber Corporation plant where he was also the guest speaker. In his speech the President said that “the genius of private enterprise and the assistance and encouragement of government” made possible “the manufacture of polyester fiber in the Philippines.” He stressed anew what he has always maintained, “that the future of industry is best assured by the system that gives full scope of the genius of private enterprise, and that the government’s place in this effort is not to displace the entrepreneur but to encourage, support, and assist him in this endeavor.” The new plant, a first in the country, was to produce polyester, described as “the fiber of our time.” Incorporated on July 22, 1958, Filsyn is a 60 per cent Filipino and 40 per cent Japanese joint venture, with a ₱50 million authorized capital stock. The President said that the “hopes of the government are great that the project will meet with success.” Prominent among those present at the inauguration were Japanese Ambassador Toshio Urabe; Shinzo Ohya, president of Teijin Limited and Chairman of the Japanese Textile Federation; Mrs. Masako Ohya; Bishop Pedro Bantigue of San Pablo City, who officiated at the blessing; and Filsyn executives and their wives, including Jesus Yujuico, chairman; Seiichiro Watanabe, vice-chairman. After the inauguration ceremonies, the President partook of lunch with the company executives and thereafter, he motored back to Manila arriving in Malacañang at 3 p.m. After a brief rest, he worked on official papers. In the process, he issued Executive Order No. 368, which certified as a preferred pioneer industry the production of polyester fibers, and entitled the product to post-operative tariff protection. The President continued his desk work until evening.
[10] Official Gazette for February 12, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS presided over the meeting of the Foreign Policy Council in the morning. During the meeting, the Council decided to open trade relations with all countries including Socialist and Communist countries, but excluding those under United Nations embargo such as Rhodesia and South Africa. The President said that the decision to establish trade relations with all countries would push forward the frontiers of the country’s diplomatic and trade relations in accordance with the plans of the Council. He said that under this policy, trade will be carried on all levels, whether between individuals or firms, and between corporations. At the same time, the Council deferred action on the question of recognition of Bangladesh (East Pakistan). The Council’s action was in response to the appeal of Muslim leaders led by Sen. Mamintal Tamano who urged a more cautious attitude towards recognition. The meeting was attended by Senate President Gil J. Puyat, Speaker Cornelio T. Villareal, Senate President Protempore Jose J. Roy, Senators Mamintal Tamano, Arturo M. Tolentino, Lorenzo Teves and Emmanuel Pelaez, former Sen. Lorenzo M. Tanada; Reps. Nicanor Yñiguez, Ali Dimaporo, Macacuna Dimaporo, and Jose Aldeguer; Secretaries Carlos P. Romulo of Foreign Affairs, Vicente Abad Santos of Justice, Cesar E. A. Virata of Finance, Arturo R. Tanco, Jr. of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Juan Ponce Enrile of National Defense, and Troadio T. Quiazon, Jr. of Commerce and Industry; Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., Press Secretary Francisco S. Tatad, Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs Jose D. Ingles, Commissioner Mama Sinsuat of National Integration; Constitutional Convention Delegate Raul S. Manglapus, Roman Pedrosa of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Benjamin Campomanes of the Rotary Club, U. P. President Salvador P. Lopez, Ambassador to the United Nations Narciso G. Reyes, Governors Carlos Cajelo of Cotabato and Linang Mandangan of Lanao del Sur. Earlier, the President conferred with Senate and House leaders with whom he discussed the administration’s legislative proposals. In the afternoon, the President devoted his time working on state papers and reviewing reports submitted to him by various government officials. While going over the reports, the President ordered the immediate preparation of a comprehensive system of rotation and assignment of government personnel to achieve full utilization of their talent, training, capability or expertise in the interest of national development. Toward this end, he organized a committee to prepare the rotation plan, with Assistant Executive Secretary Roberto V. Reyes as chairman. Named members of the committee were Angelita Ofilada of the Presidential Economic Staff, Carmel C. Perfecto of the Commission on Reorganization, and Filemon U. Fernandez of the Civil Service Commission. The committee was directed to review the memoranda of agreement submitted by the various government departments, and to incorporate the same into the comprehensive rotation plan. He also ordered the committee to submit the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan and the schedule of implementation within 30 days after receipt of all memoranda of agreement from the various departments.