November 1, 1973

[1] Official Gazette for November 2, 1973: THE PRESIDENT directed Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile to inventory existing oil supplies in the country in the face of cutbacks in production and deliveries. This would cover importers of crude, refineries and processing plants, distributors and gasoline stations. The President has also ordered the printing of fuel ration cards to prepare for the possible rationing of fuel. In this connection, barangays were directed to update their listing for this purpose. THE PRESIDENT has issued Proclamation No. 1194 extending the period of the annual educational and fund campaign of the Community Chests and Councils of the Philippines, Inc. (CCCPI) from October 31 to December 31. Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. said the extension was aimed at enabling the organization to realize its fund campaign goals. Proclamation No. 1194, which was issued October 19, superseded Proclamation No. 1128 of April 12 which set the CCCPI’s campaign period from June 1 to October 31. DEPARTMENT of Finance dismissed 12 backsliding municipal treasurers, suspended six others and fined five more. The penalties on the 23 personnel were imposed by Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata after they were found guilty of administrative charges filed against them pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 6. The total number of officials and employes of the Department of Finance and its bureaus and offices who were either dismissed or considered resigned as notoriously undesirable has now reached 1,127. THE PRESIDENT speeded up the establishment of a Muslim housing village in Bicutan, Taguig, Rizal, with the creation of a committee to take charge of the project. Named chairman of the administrative committee was Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. The committee was created through Letter of Instructions No. 141 issued to give substance to the policy of the government concerning the economic, social and cultural development of Muslim Mindanao. PHILIPPINE Tobacco Administration and Agricultural Credit Administration launched an integrated financing program for small growers of cigar-filler tobacco in major tobacco-producing areas. PTA Chairman-General Manager Demetrio P. Tabije and ACA Administrator Teofilo T. Azada adverted that the “joint venture” is aimed at increasing the income of the small farmers and expanding the production of this crop which has demonstrated an infinite potentiality for earning foreign exchange. Under the said program, farmers can avail of the production and working capital loans from a special fund that these agencies allotted for the purpose. Official Gazette for November 3, 1973: THE PRESIDENT said the encouragement of sports is one of the keystones for developing the capacities of the youth and “their outlook for a world that can be peaceful.” In a speech read for him by Secretary of Education Juan Manuel at the opening of the Asian Zonal Volleyball Championship at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, the President noted thatin all of the developing countries in Asia today, the promotion of sports is a crucial factor of development. “Regional competitions among our nations show finally not the superiority of one nation over another, but our common aspiration to development and brotherhood,” the President said. THE PRESIDENT has directed that some 500,000 customers of the Meralco shall become owners of the public utility firm as a result of the proposed transfer of the holdings of the Lopez family in the Meralco Securities Corp. to the Meralco Foundation. This is in line with the government policy to encourage the private sector, particularly public utility firms engaged in the exploitation of natural resources, to broaden their ownership. The 500,000 customers comprise about 80 per cent of Meralco’s light and power consumers. They include only those whose electric bills did not exceed P100 a month for the one-month period ending October 31, 1973. FORMER US Secretary of State William P. Rogers said the New Society in the Philippines “has already achieved a record of successful accomplishments” and expressed hopes it will continue to move forward. The former US official made the statement during a formal dinner given in his honor by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo in New York. THE GOVERNMENT authorized the establishment of two more Philippine Houses in two European capitals in line with its efforts to promote Philippine exportable products as well as tourism. The two new houses will be located in Rome, Italy, and Vienna, Austria. Official Gazette for November 4, 1973: THE PRESIDENT spurred faster implementation of the land reform program, but issued guidelines to protect small landowners, particularly those owning 24 hectares of rice and corn lands or less, who may be adversely affected. Noting that the small landowners constitute part of the economic middle class which the government is trying to build, the President said measures should be taken to forestall the possibility of an economic dislocation as a result of the current drive to uplift the lives of tenants. Through Letter of Instructions No. 143, the President directed a number of government officials to make studies to determine, among others, the possible effects, especially on small landowners, of the full and speedy implementation of land, reform. THE PRESIDENT included blackmarketing of gasoline or of any other oil product in the category of crimes against national security and will by triable by military tribunal. The President took this move even as he warned against the temptation of engaging in the illegal traffic of gasoline and other oil products in the face of the critical supply of these commodities all over the world. EXECUTIVE Secretary Alejandro Melchor Jr., by order of the President, proclaimed the period from November 6 to 13, 1973 as “Purchasing Week,” in line with the government policy to attract investments from both Filipinos and foreigners. Proclamation No. 1200 points out that nationwide efforts of industrialization and socio-economic development can be enhanced effectively not only by making the citizens more aware of the benefits that will accrue to them from industrialization but also by making industries more socially oriented. Official Gazette for November 5, 1973: THE PRESIDENT promulgated Presidential Decree No. 329 allowing private citizens to file their complaints or grievances against “backsliding officials, at the minimal cost of ten centavos per telegram thru the Bureau of Telecommunications and all private telecommunications, telegraphic and similar establishments. Under the decree, the complaints and grievances by private citizens maybe addressed to the President, the secretary of national defense in his capacity as chairman of the special Cabinet committee to cheek on backsliding, all action committees of this special Cabinet committee, as well as all provincial governors, and city mayors. THE PRESIDENT hailed the plan of two Munich aircraft factories to enter into a joint venture with a local firm to establish what may ultimately become the nucleus of an aircraft industry in the Philippines. Fritz-Deter Winkleman of Helicopter Technik and Gerd Schonbuchner , regional sales director of Dorneir GMBH, both of which firms are based in Munich, Germany, called on the President to seek permission to establish a factory in the Export Processing Zone in Mariveles , Bataan, in cooperation with Malayan Motors Corp. The two business executives said they plan to make the Philippines their base of operations in Southeast Asia because of the investment incentives offered by the government and the generally favorable business atmosphere. DEPARTMENT of Trade said the Philippines is registering a $14.6 million balance in her favor, in total trade with socialist, and communist countries as of the month of October. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon , Jr. said that since the issuance of Executive Order No. 384 by the President promulgating policy guidelines and trade with socialist and communist countries, the country has increased its exportation of both new and traditional products. Total Philippine exports to these new outlets amounted to US$38,420,272.62 while total Philippine imports from the same sources amounted to only $23,781,473.59. Philippine exports consisted mostly of Portland cement, plywood and veneer, crude coconut oil in bulk, buri fibers and apitong logs and copra. PHILIPPINE Government and the United Nations Development Programme launched a joint forest management project designed to optimize timber yield and improve forest conservation measures in the country. The project is financed by UNDP contribution of $764,800 and a Philippine government counterpart fund of P3,737,600. The project document was signed by Director-General Gerardo Sicat of the National Economic and Development Authority, William M. Harding, UNDP resident representative to the Philippines, and Campbell R. MacCalluch , country representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Philippines, at the NEDA conference hall. DEPARTMENT of Health has underscored the need of training medical specialist to spearhead the move of providing blood banking services in the rural areas. Secretary of Health Clemente S. Gatmaitan noted that “blood banking services are needed in the rural areas in times of natural calamities.” Speaking at the 4th National Scientific Seminar of the Philippine Society of Pathologists in Baguio City, he also pointed out that Martial Law has beneficial effects on blood banking in the country. Although warning against erring blood banks, Secretary Gatmaitan said that most of the country’s blood banks “are beyond reproach due to the sense of responsibility and dedicated service of those who are professionally managing these banks.” In issuing the warning, he said that there is no allowance for human error in blood transfusion because such an error may mean the death of the patient. Official Gazette for November 6, 1973: THE PRESIDENT directed all government offices to effect the highest possible savings on energy consumption by working without air conditioning and by suspending less essential activities that make use of petroleum products. The Chief Executive likewise urged the private sector to observe the same measures. In order to further conserve motor fuel, the President has directed that appropriate bus stops and jeepney stops be now installed and properly marked on the various city routes in order to minimize unnecessary stops of public vehicles. THE PRESIDENT conferred the Gold Cross on Major Gaetano Faillace (ret.) of the United States Army for gallantry in action during the Liberation of Manila and for providing a detailed and accurate photographic record of the Battle of Manila. During his call on the President, Faillace presented to the President photographs of Malacañang Palace taken in 1945. PHILIPPINE Medical Care Commission requested hospitals to comply faithfully with the provision of the Medicare Law which specifically enumerates a number of medical and surgical services as not covered by the Medicare Program. Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, PMCC chairman, said that some hospitals and physicians have been giving false hopes for themselves and for their patients by applying for payment of non-compensable services. RA 6111 otherwise known as the Philippine Medical Care Act of 1969 excludes from the Medicare Program the following services: cosmetic surgery or treatment; dental services, except major dental surgery or operation which needs hospitalization; optometric services; chronic psychiatric illness; services which are purely diagnostic; and normal obstetrical services. DEPARTMENT of Labor has issued new guidelines in the licensing of recruiters or recruiting firms engaged in overseas employment. Labor Secretary Blas F. Ople said that under the rules, all work contracts should be authenticated by the Philippine labor attache , the Philippine consulate or the appropriate foreign government agency at the site of work before they can be processed by the Office of Manpower Services of the labor department. The purpose is to protect the workers from racketeering recruiters or from exploitation by unscrupulous employers abroad. DEPARTMENT of Agriculture and Natural Resources recommended a shift to pulpwood tree farming pending the phasing out of log exports. Secretary Arturo R. Tanco , Jr. said that two pulpwood species—the “Benguet Pine” and the “Albizzia Falcata”—can generate a sizable income for long-range investors. In recommending the shift to pulpwood tree farming, he said the total ban on log export to be imposed by 1976 will encourage pulpwood processing in the Philippines. He added that market for pulpwood “is limitless” and processing it locally on a massive scale will not only help supply the increasing market for wood but will also open new horizons in the industrial sector. Official Gazette for November 7, 1973: THE PRESIDENT call on both the government and private sectors to support the setting up of a national auditorium for local chess players. Speaking during the closing rites of the First Philippine International Chess Tournament, held at the Maharlika hall of Malacañang, the Chief Executive took note of the sad showing of the local boys in the tourney and expressed the need for an auditorium) to give Filipino players more chances of being exposed to tournaments. THE PRESIDENT approved the prizes recommended by the Department of Local Government and Community Development in connection with the Balikbayan contest for bringing back the most number of overseas Filipino. Under Letter of Instructions No. 105, the period from September 1( 1973 to February 24. 1974 has been designated by the Chief Executive as a homecoming season for Filipinos or their families and descendants who are now residents or citizens of other lands Pursuant to the said Letter of Instructions, prizes shall be awarded to provinces, cities, municipalities and barrios which succeed in inviting tor a home visit the most number of overseas Filipinos. A total of P4 million to be paid out of excess income takes is allocated for the purpose. COMMISSION on Elections Chairman Leonardo B. Perez declared that the President’s continuance in office after the termination of his term on December 30 is mandated by the new Constitution. Chairman Perez said one of the basic changes under the new charter is the elimination of December 30, 1973 as the cut-off date for the term of the President. The Comelec chairman said the legal reality do not arise from the will of the President but from the mandate of the sovereign people. “He did not need to; the people gave it to him that he may continue to implement his program of reform,” Chairman Perez added. ROOT CROPS can now be irradiated to increase their yield and decrease maturation periods. This new breakaway from the usual irradiation treatment of other agricultural crops like rice was successfully accomplished by a professor of the University of the Philippines, department of botany. According to observations made by the said professor, irradiated rootcrop yields much higher than a normal root-crop including increases in the quantity and vitamin content. Official Gazette for November 8, 1973: THE PRESIDENT called on government finance experts to help transform the national budget into a “living vehicle” for the attainment of overall developmental goals. These technical men, according to the Chief Executive, can pinpoint wastefully operated areas in the government service which can be done away with, thus effecting savings. Moreover, they can discern the more important programs which could hasten progress provided these are supported with more adequate funds, he said. In a speech read by Assistant Executive Secretary for Development Affairs Ramon B. Cardenas at the convention seminar of the Philippine Association for Government Budget Administration held at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, the Chief Executive called on his fiscal experts to come up with “more positive and concrete suggestions for my consideration.” THE PRESIDENT said the growing energy problem resulting from a cutback on oil supplies will require a greater measure of sacrifice from the people. He said that this sacrifice must be shared by all, “the high and the low, the rich and the poor.”The President made the remarks in a speech delivered for him by Secretary of General Services Constancio E. Castañeda at the second national convention of purchasing and material managers. The organization is composed of purchasing specialists from both the government and private sectors. Stressing that there should now be a spirit of innovation and a dynamic response to the emergency, the President called on the purchasing officials to be more “selective in building up inventories of stocks needed by their offices or their establishments.” THE PRESIDENT and the Cabinet took cognizance of the existence of a crisis in oil in view of the cutbacks in deliveries of crude to the extent of 25 per cent. The following policies were laid down during the Cabinet meeting: 1) The present requirements of production and essential social services will be maintained, including the need of expanded activity in these areas, but there will be necessary cuts in the general consumption of fuel; 2) A National Allocation Board was created during the meeting with the principal task of managing strategic resources and determining their allocation to the various sectors of society; 3) Motor fuel allocation will be rationed per family, with an allocation of 200 liters a month per car, for a maximum number of two cars per family; and 4) That starting November 12, government offices go on a three-day weekend, to minimize energy consumption in the offices. THE PRESIDENT issued a decree codifying, revising and updating all forestry laws in order to conserve more effectively the nation’s public forests and at the same time provide suitable agricultural land for the people. In the course of his address before delegates to the first annual conference of lumbermen, foresters and forest concessionaires gathered at Maharlika Hall of Malacañang, the Chief Executive emphasized the serious need to effectively conserve the nation’s public forests, including watershed areas, to protect and preserve national parks. He stressed the urgency of giving force and effect to the code “in the quickest possible manner and time,” pointing out that the Filipino people had suffered from the last catastrophic flood and droughts throughout the country. THE PRESIDENT reiterated the Philippine government’s full support for the full implementation of United Nations Resolution J-242 as a necessary step for the restoration of peace in the Middle East. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the Security Council on November 22, 1967, calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Arab territories seized in the 1967 Middle East conflict. The President made the statement during the presentation of the credentials at Malacañang of the new Egyptian ambassador to the Philippines, Abdel Monein Zabi El- Shenawy , who replaces Ambassador Adel Abdel Amid Fadel. SECRETARY of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon , Jr. directed the Fair Trade Board to investigate reported malpractices by certain gasoline station operators, in particular the adulteration and selling only of premium gasoline. Secretary Quiazon took the move in response to various calls for assistance and complaints from various sectors. The Secretary said the erring parties will be immediately prosecuted for breach of the fair trade law. SECURITIES and Exchange Commission warned the investing public against putting money in so-called “fixed-interest guaranteed plans” unless these have been licensed by the commission. SEC Commissioner Arcadio Yabyabin took this action in view of report that a number of firms are selling plans guaranteed either to make your money grow or make you a “millionaire.” Commissioner Yabyabin explained that the SEC has previously ruled that said plans are securities in the meaning of the Securities Act (Commonwealth Act No. 83) and therefore, require registration before these companies can solicit funds from the public. Banks selling bonds or trust funds are not covered by the SEC warning.

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[4] This entry missing from handwritten version, but is in the transcribed PCGG file. Source of the text cannot be verified.

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[7] E ntry missing from handwritten file, but is in the transcribed PCGG file. Source of text cannot be verified.

[8] Official Gazette for November 17, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has promulgated Presidential Decree No. 304 which provides that the “realty tax on real property actually, directly, and exclusively used by the owner for educational purposes as prescribed PD 261 shall begin to accrue on January 1, 1975 instead of January 1, 1974. These real properties shall be listed and assessed for taxation purposes during the calendar year 1974 on the basis of 15 per cent of their current and fair market value in accordance with the provisions of PD 76, as amended by PD 261. INTERNAL Revenue Commissioner Misael P. Vera issued the clarification that the income tax exemption for retirees covers social security benefits, gratuities, pensions and other similar benefits from foreign sources. Accordingly, similar benefits received by resident citizens, resident aliens and non-resident citizens from foreign governments or from foreign private entities during the taxable year 1973 (January 1 to December 31, 1973) and thereafter are exempt from Philippine income tax. Commissioner Vera issued the clarification in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 220 which exempts social security benefits retirement gratuities pensions and similar benefits from payment of income taxes. SUPREME Court resolved to constitute itself into two divisions of six members each. This is in pursuance of Section 2 of Article X of the new Constitution. The first division will be composed of Chief Justice Querube Makalintal , as chairman, and have Justices Fred Ruiz Castro Claudio Teehankee , Felix V. Makasiar , Salvador V. Esguerra and Cecilia Muñoz Palma as members. The second division will consist of Justice Calixto O. Zaldivar , chairman, and for members, Enrique M Fernando Antonio P. Barredo , Felix Q. Antonio, Estanislao A. Fernandez and Ramon C. Aquino. Official Gazette for November 18, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has promulgated Presidential Decree No. 305, further amending certain sections of the National Internal Revenue Code governing private educational institutions, so that exemptions from the “income tax of such institutions be removed, and a fixed rate of tax be imposed on all their income. The decree provides that private educational institutions, whether stock or non-stock, shall pay a tax of 10 per cent of their taxable net income from the operation of the school, related school activities, and on their passive investment income consisting of interest dividends, royalties and the like. A corporation or association organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific athletic or cultural purposes, or for the rehabilitation of veterans, no part of the net income of which inures to the benefit of any private stockholder or individual, shall be exempt from the tax on corporation. However the income of any of the foregoing organizations of whatever kind and character from any of their properties, real or personal, or from any activity conducted for profit, regardless of the disposition made of such income, shall be liable to the tax imposed under this title. THE PRESIDENT has ordered the National Prime Commodities Operations Center to see it that there will be no cutbacks in production and personnel layoffs in industry as a result of the energy crisis. The presidential directive was discloses by Col. Pacifico Lopez de Leon, NPCOC executive director, during the concluding session of a three-day workshop on energy and oil sponsored by the Research and Management Associates. THE PHILIPPINES and Bulgaria formally established diplomatic relations at embassy level. The Department of Foreign Affairs said a joint communique was signed at the Philippines Mission to the United Nations by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo and Bulgarian Deputy Foreign Minister and permanent UN representative Guro Grozev . Official Gazette for November 19, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has created a special Rizal Day committee to ensure the successful observance throughout the Philippines of this year’s 77th death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30. Under Administrative Order No. 357, the special committee to take charge of all arrangements is composed of Education Undersecretary Narciso Albarracin as chairman and Assistant Executive Secretary Roberto V. Reyes as vice chairman. Under the said administrative order, the President authorizes the committee to meet at the call of the chairman, for the purpose of discharging its function, and it may create sub-committees, as necessary, the committee is likewise authorized to call any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the government, including government-owned or controlled corporations, for such assistance as it may need m discharging its duties and functions. THE PRESIDENT received Australian Foreign Affairs Secretary Alain P. Renouf who made a courtesy call on the Chief Executive in the course of a brief stopover in Manila en route to Australia. Secretary Renouf informed the President that Prime Minister Gough Whitlam supports the President’s Asian Forum proposal. The Australian official also briefed the President on the latest developments in Europe, and exchanged views with the President on a wide range of matters of mutual interest between the Philippines and Australia. THE PRESIDENT welcomed a joint government-private investment group from Singapore who had come to the Philippines to consider possible technical and financing assistance for a proposed pier complex for the Export Processing Zone in Mariveles , Bataan. Headed by Jacob Ballas, former president of the Singapore-Malaysia Stock Exchange, the group was made up of Chong Kek Clio and Teoh Jing Seng, director and assistant director, respectively, of the Singapore Port Authority, and Khor Tiam Siew, investments director of the Singapore Government Development Bank. THE PRESIDENT was informed by the representatives of the companies entering into a joint venture that another large combine is now being formed to join the search for oil in the Philippines. Joseph D’Andrea , president of Westrans Industries of New York, and concurrently of Basic Petroleum, and Robert Spurlock and Donald Robilaud , chief negotiator and attorney, respectively, of Sun Oil, informed the President that they had already submitted their application for oil exploration and drilling on a service contract, with the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The oil officials expressed eagerness to start operations as soon as possible because of the current world oil and energy crisis.

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[10] Official Gazette for November 20, 1973: THE PRESIDENT commended over a hundred experts in the study and prevention of mental retardation for their dedication and their participation in the first Asian Conference on Mental Retardation now being held in Manila. The President said that mental retardation, which affects three per cent of world’s population, including 75 million in Asia and one million in the Philippines, is of such dimensions that no single government can hope to face it and succeed. “We must salute you who have dedicated your entire lives to retrieving from the ash can of humanity those who ‘have perhaps been retarded by retarded policies and set aside, constituting a burden we must all carry,” the President added. THE PRESIDENT reiterated the government policy of guaranteeing the free flow of foreign capital, investors and personnel in the Philippines. The President told an Italian Economic Mission currently conducting a market and investment possibilities survey of the country that the government guarantees the free flow of foreign investments as well as of foreign investors and personnel from the managerial to the technical levels. The President was informed by the Mission that they are much impressed by the favorable investment climate here and are exploring investment possibilities as well as a market for their products, which consist mostly of machineries for agriculture, construction and plastics manufacture. THE PRESIDENT, through Proclamation No. 1208, has declared the period from November 21 to November 27 as “National Employment Development Week” as a means of rallying the unqualified support of government and the private sectors in the implementation of national employment programs. The proclamation stresses that there is an urgent need for economic reforms in the country to enable the unemployed to obtain gainful employment. Proclamation 1208 underlines the fact that the government is putting emphasis on an employment strategy that serves not only to enhance further economic progress but also to increase employment and employment opportunities for the benefit of the majority of the Filipino people who have been ‘by-passed in the process of economic growth. THE PRESIDENT said that the program of reforms has all the signs of succeeding and that conditions have improved with Martial Law. The President, however, pointed out to Hongkong publishers and editors who called at Malacañang that Martial Law, Philippine style, is not the same as the martial law experienced in some other countries. In the Philippines, the President pointed out, the Constitution continues to exist and the President continues to retain civil authority although he may also be the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The President was informed by the group that they were very much impressed with the very attractive investment climate and the generally peaceful atmosphere. THE PRESIDENT gave the nationwide land reform program another boost when he directed all employes of the national government and all officers and men of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to submit individual land ownership declarations. The directive, contained in Memorandum Circular No. 679 issued by Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. on the authority of the President, gives the government personnel and AFP men up to December 15 to submit their declarations. November 21, 1973: THE PRESIDENT said that Filipinos are committed to athletics and that they are believers in the classic maxim correlating “a sound mind and a sound body.” The President made this observation during the call at Malacañang of heads of the different delegations participating in the First Asian Track and Field Championship meet being held at the Rodriguez Sports Center in Marikina, Rizal. The President at the same time congratulated the sports officials for having succeeded in bringing a conglomeration of 321 athletes from 18 Asian countries to the Philippines. He said that athletics often succeed in promoting goodwill among nations where diplomats, politicians and chiefs of state, fail. THE PRESIDENT assured a 15-man group of realtors from Hawaii who have just formalized an overseas contract for the sale of land in the vicinity of the Export Processing Zone in Mariveles , Bataan, that their interests will be protected by the government. The group, belonging to the Ray-Bar Corp. of Hawaii, had just formalized an $11.4 million contract to sell overseas some 1,155 lots in Phase I of the Landoil Resources land development program in Bataan. SECRETARY of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon , Jr. batted for long-range export development and promotion, as be noted that exports have emerged as the main avenue for further economic growth. Secretary Quiazon made the assessment at the opening session of the three-day symposium on Export Development and Promotion jointly sponsored by-the Departments of Public Information and of Trade at the DBP Auditorium, Makati, Rizal. Secretary Quiazon said that export development and promotion can best be carried out through the cooperation of government and private sectors based on a clear and accepted understanding of objectives. He also added that the New Society has brought many innovations and reforms which have invigorated a rather anemic export situation. THE PHILIPPINES was extended by the Japanese government a ten billion yen or approximately P220 million commodity loan The loan was signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo, Japan, in a formal exchange of notes with Philippine Ambassador to Japan Roberto Benedicts Riyoshisa Mikanagi , director-general of the Japanese Economic Cooperation Bureau, signed the formal note in behalf of Foreign Minister Masayoshi Ohira . The loan will be used for the purchase in Japan of such raw materials and light capital goods as are enumerated in a list agreed upon by the competent authorities of both the Japanese and the Philippine governments. November 22, 1973: THE PRESIDENT said that the health requirements of the country are given high priority in the administration’s program of reforms. In a speech at the opening ceremonies of the annual convention of the Philippine Hospital Association, the President said that the country has been divided into 11 regions, with one major hospital to be set up in each region. He said the program also calls for the establishment of four medical centers at strategic points. The President disclosed that he has authorized the initial release of P100 million for the construction of hospitals, including 19 in the Muslim areas. THE GOVERNMENT has stabilized the supply of sugar in the retail market, the National Prime Commodities Operations Center was informed. Secretary of Information Francisco S. Tatad said that during the meeting of the NPCOC, Brig. Gen. Prospero Olivas, the President’s representative and military supervisor of the sugar industry, reported that the government’s inventory of sugar stocks at this time stands at 1,707,483.05 piculs of domestic sugar, or 119,045.71 short tons. The NPCOC assured that there will be no curtailment of supply and no price increases and the socialized pricing of sugar will be stricly enforced. At the same time, the NPCOC directed the Philippine Highway Patrol Group to coordinate with the various police agencies in the Greater Manila area to effect the immediate installation of taxi stands in the area as a practical means of conserving fuel. REPRESENTATIVES of all marketing arms of cement companies have been called to a meeting to thresh out what appears to be an artificial shortage in the cement market. Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, chairman of the National Prime Commodities Operations Center, warned that the government will not stand for any cartelization of cement that results in a supply squeeze and a rise in prices particularly of stocks diverted to the blackmarket . The secretary sees indications of hoarding as the cause of the artificial shortage for it was reported that in the first nine months of 1973, the industry produced 72 million bags, and yet there is a shortage. THE PRESIDENT received Foreign Minister Bohuslav Chnoupek of Czechoslovakia who paid a courtesy call at Malacañang The President said he considered it historic that the foreign minister of Czechoslovakia should make the first official visit after the normalization of relations between the two countries. Foreign Minister Chnoupek informed the President that his country is interested in developing ties, with the Spines He said it is in line with Czechoslovakia’s foreign policy of peaceful cooperation between states with different social systems. EXECUTIVE Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. by order of the President issued Proclamation No. 1206 declaring the last week of November of every year as the “Food Science and Technology Week” to focus public attention on the important role that the food technology profession is playing in the promotion of the proper processing, handling and utilization of foods. The proclamation places under the auspices of the Philippine Association of Food Technologists, Inc. the proper observance of the week. November 23, 1973: THE PRESIDENT expressed determination to push through his administration’s program of reforms until the centuries-old dreams and aspirations of the Filipino people are realized. Keynoting the sixth general convention of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, meeting at the Maharlika Hall of Malacañang, the President said it is his “moral obligation as President to see through all the reforms, and I would rather die than see them discontinued.” Denning the moral basis of what he described as the constitutional authoritarian revolution, the President said “we are obligated to eliminate all the vices of the old society so that the poor will no longer suffer and the affluent will participate in democratizing wealth, which will no longer be used to brutalize and degrade man but to uplift him and return to him his dignity.” In closing, the Chief Executive lauded the various churches of the country for coming together. THE PRESIDENT ordered a direct inquiry into reported unauthorized fuel cuts made by certain sectors of the oil companies on agriculture and industry, and alleged allocation increases for certain non-productive purposes. The President designated Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile, chairman of the National Prime Commodities executive committee and the National Allocation Board, and Oil Industry Commission Chairman Ponciano Mathay to undertake the inquiry. The PRESIDENT expressed hope that with the establishment of full diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Czechoslovakia, trade, and cultural exchanges could now be intensified between their peoples. The President made the remarks during a dinner he gave in honor of Foreign Minister Bohuslav Chnoupek of Czechoslovakia at the Heroes Hall of Malacañang. With a sense of gratification, the President cited the fact that Czechoslovakia was the first country in Eastern Europe to open full diplomatic relations with the Philippines. Also, Czechoslovakia was one of the first to express support for the archipelagic doctrine sponsored by the Philippines as part of the proposed law of the sea. In response, Foreign Minister Chnoupek expressed the happiness of his country over its new relations with the Philippines. He said that his country hopes that the talks on arms will end in favor of an era of dialogue and cooperation among nations. “We are for peace, for reduction of tension, for security, for mutually advantageous cooperation,” Chnoupek said. THE DANISH government agreed to extend a $5.4 million (30-million Danish Kroner) loan to the Philippines under the Danish development aid program. The agreement to grant the loan was signed at Malacañang by Hans Jespersen, head of the Danish International Development “Agency (DANIDA), and Assistant Executive Secretary Ramon Cardenas, who represented the Philippine government. November 24, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has approved a recommendation, from, the Philippine Constabulary waiving various travel requirements for Filipino Muslims joining the government-sponsored pilgrimage to Mecca next year. As authorized “by the Chief Executive, the Muslim pilgrims will no longer be required to submit their birth certificates or birth affidavits, tax clearance and police (and similar type) clearance. They will also not be asked to pay travel and other taxes relative to travel abroad. Furthermore, the pilgrims will not be required to get their passports for an official travel document will be issued to them. To avoid confusion, a certificate of citizenship by the local representative of the Commission on National Integration will be given to each Muslim pilgrim. THE PRESIDENT issued Presidential Decree No. 338 to amend certain provisions of Presidential Decree No. 251, which exempts the Land Bank from all national, provincial, municipal and city taxes and assessments enforced or hereinafter established, among other provisions. Under PD No. 251, it would appear that the exemption from such taxes would be enjoined not only by the Land Bank but also “by persons and other entities doing business with the Bank,” when it is not the intention of PD No. 251 to endow such exemption to the clients of the Land Bank. PD No. 338 further amended the second paragraph of Sec. 98 of Republic Act No. 3844, the Code of Agrarian Reform in the Philip pines, which had been amended by Sec. 21 of PD No. 251. EXECUTIVE Secretary Alejandro Melchor Jr., by order of the President, issued Proclamation No. 1207 declaring the period from December 9 to 15, 1973 as “Government Employes Week” to have the public realize the existence of loyal and efficient state workers. The said proclamation calls upon all citizens to give a thought to the dedicated, honest and hard-working government employe in grateful appreciation of his services. The executive secretary stresses that the week should be devoted to maximizing service efficiency and promoting better relations between the public and the government employes . The proclamation notes there are legions of unsung heroes in the government whose existence has remained unnoticed, hence, the need to focus public attention on their efficient and dedicated service to the government.

[11] Entry missing from handwritten file, but is in the transcribed PCGG file. Source of text cannot be verified

[12] Official Gazette for November 25, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has issued Presidential Decree No. 842 creating and establishing the Philippine Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS) at the University of the Philippines. PD No. 342 lists PCAS objectives as follows: 1) Bring together specialists from various disciplines to con duct systematic research at fundamental levels; 2) Assist the central government in the formulation of policies and programs; 3) Address itself to the examination of issues of central concern to the government such as problems of national integration, social, technological and cultural change, social effects of national policy, international developments and their impact on national life, as well as security and strategic problems, and 4) Establish degree programs and participate in “existing instructional programs in order to produce Filipino experts or specialists for the nation. The PCAS shall be an autonomous unit of the UP system, with a seven-men board of trustees which formulates and reviews the objectives and policies as well as nominates the PCAS officers and staff. THE PRESIDENT formalized the creation of the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat out of the province of Cotabato through the issuance of Presidential Decree No. 341. Two related decrees were issued at the same time, PD No. 341 which creates the municipality of Datu Paglas in the province of Maguindanao and PD No. 339 which creates the municipalities of President Quirino , Mariano Marcos, and Esperanza in the province of Sultan Kudarat. NATIONAL Cottage Industries Development Enterprise have jointly started stockpiling critically needed raw materials for cottage industries. Trade Undersecretary and NACIDA Administrators Mario R. Reyes said that the move was taken to assure the continued and steady flow of raw materials to the nation’s cottage industries in the face of an acute shortage of imported raw materials. Undersecretary Reyes also said that the measures would enable the cottage industry producers to meet the volume and quality requirements of the export market and save them trouble from non-fulfillment of delivery quotas.

[13] Entry missing from handwritten file, but is in the transcribed PCGG file. Source of text cannot be verified .

[14] Entry missing from handwritten file, but is in the transcribed PCGG file. Source of text cannot be verified .

[15] Official Gazette for November 26, 1973: THE PRESIDENT acted to alleviate further the oil shortage by allowing the importation, free from customs duties, of naphtha and other processed products as may be determined by the Chief Executive upon the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority. Through Presidential Decree No. 343, the importation, free from customs duties, maybe made by persons or entities duly authorized by the Oil Industry Commission, for a period of 45 days from approval of the decree (November 26, 1973) unless sooner terminated by the President. THE PRESIDENT appointed Mr. Felimon C. Rodriguez, a well-known business executive, as acting president of the Philippine International Trading Corp., and declared the new government agency officially operational. The President announced the appointment of Mr. Rodriguez as PITC president during the courtesy call of the 11-man trade mission from the People’s Republic of China, led by Director Yao-Ting Wang of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade. The PITC was established by Presidential Decree No. 252, issued last July 21, for the purpose of strengthening the country’s position in the international trade. THE PRESIDENT granted a 60-day reprieve to three death convicts who were scheduled to be executed in the electric chair for the gun-slaying of a Chinese national and a policeman in Leyte in 1958. Given a lease on life were Valentin Suparable , Antonio Pacli and Benjamin Pacli . The execution was suspended upon recommendation of the Board of Pardons and Parole, which has asked for sufficient time to study the petition of the convicts for executive clemency. Official Gazette for November 27, 1973: THE PRESIDENT proclaimed a state of public calamity in the provinces of Capiz , Negros Occidental, Aklan, Nueva Vizcaya and the Cagayan Valley, which suffered widespread destruction to property and loss of lives caused by the strong winds and heavy rains of typhoon “ Openg .” The Chief Executive issued the proclamation (Proclamation No. 1210) to prevent the excessive increase in the prices of essential commodities due to profiteering and hoarding, as well as to enable government and civic relief and welfare agencies to carry out their objectives effectively. THE PRESIDENT has ordered substantial increases in the per diem and other travel expenses for government officials and employes traveling on official business abroad and within the country. The presidential directive was contained in Executive Order No. 421, covering the travel of officials abroad, and Presidential Decree No. 344, regulating the traveling expenses of officials and employes when on official travel within the Philippines. These increases seek to alleviate the plight of public officials and employes sent on official mission or business in the light of the continuing rise in the costs of hotel or other accomodations , transportation and other expenses incident to travel within the country and abroad. SECRETARY of Information Francisco S. Tatad voiced a strong appeal that “libraries be brought to the people,” because libraries are not merely repositories of information and knowledge but “powerhouses of human motivation for achievement.” The secretary sounded the appeal during the celebration of National Book Week sponsored by the Library and Library Science Departments of the Philippine Normal College. The secretary stressed that a library is useless if it stands like a parthenon on an inaccessible hill; it must be brought down and play its vital role in the life of the people. “The books do not belong to the shelves a-s prey to dust and the ravages of time; they belong to the people.” THE PRESIDENT has authorized the city of Manila to tap its idle P3, 696,922 sinking fund for public market construction, purchase or repair, and use it for urgent public outlays. The President’s directive is contained in Presidential Decree No. 345. THE PRESIDENT conferred the Presidential Merit Medal on C. Allan Foran , former president of Ford Philippines, “in appreciation of significant contributions to economic development, particularly in car manufacture and technology.” It was Mr. Foran who was responsible for Filipinizing the Ford management and personnel force up to 99.9 per cent, and it was he who constantly sought to inculcate the values of skill and efficiency and substantially upgraded the Filipino’s skill in mechanics and technology. Official Gazette for November 28, 1973: THE PRESIDENT directed all gasoline stations, distributors and dealers of gasoline and other oil products to service the public during all hours of the clay and night outside the four-hour curfew, notwithstanding any existing directive from any national or local agency limiting their operation to certain specific hours. The President also directed the oil companies to make available to all their outlets at least one week’s supply of gasoline and other oil products to ensure a steady supply through these outlets. ALL government agencies involved in the energy conservation program were directed by the President to review all existing emergency policies that have been adopted in the wake of the oil crisis, with the end in view of facilitating the normalization of the local oil situation. The President’s action was prompted by a communique from Algiers that the Arab summit conference there had decided to ease the oil squeeze on the Philippines and Japan. EXECUTIVE Secretary Alejandro Melchor Jr., issued Memorandum Circular No. 684, extending the deadline for submission of land ownership declarations of government personnel to December 15, 1973. The circular amends Memorandum Circular No. 679 directing all employees of the national government and the officers and men of the Armed Forces to submit through their office or unit heads land ownership declarations not later than November 24, 1973. Official Gazette for November 29, 1973: CUTS on the fuel allocations to industries have been restored to not more than 20 per cent reduction of the first nine-month monthly average to maintain production and avoid layoff of labor. At the same time, all provincial governors have been ordered to organize local allocation boards for the conservation and disposal of fuel in their respective provinces. The order to restore cuts in the fuel allocations to industries was issued by Secretary of Industry Vicente T. Paterno, who is chairman of the Petroleum Operation Center under the National Prime Commodities Executive Committee. THE PRESIDENT told a visiting member of the Parliament of India that the present program of reforms in the Philippines is nothing more than the implementation of the massive war on poverty. “When we speak of poverty,” the President told Dr. V. K. R. V. Rao , ” we speak in terms of the farmer who has known disease and hunger.” The President pointed out that 75 per cent of the people in the country live on farms but because of poor conditions they are forced to move to urban centers. The President said this is being done by providing them with incentives such as the establishment of cottage and small and medium-scale industries in the countryside, compact farming, marketing, cooperative, irrigation, electrification, and others. Official Gazette for November 30, 1973: THE PRESIDENT exhorted the organizers of the Mabuhay ang Pilipino Movement to go to the barrios and act as “motivators” of the changes going on even as he congratulated them for the success so far achieved by the Movement. Addressing the officials, coordinators, and members of the Movement on the first anniversary of its launching, the President said that the movement is a success considering the fact that it has spread to 29 provinces in Luzon, 14 in the Visayas and 11 in Mindanao; and 32 cities, with 292 municipal charters and many more barrio chapters. However, the President said, there are 1,400 municipalities and 40,000 barrios throughout the country, and the MPM should now go to the barrios and provide the necessary organization to make the people in the barrios “initiators of change.” THE PRESIDENT expressed the hope that the coming here of the trade mission from the People’s Republic of China not only would promote the expansion of commercial relations between the Philippines and mainland China but would also contribute to the unity and brotherhood among men in Asia as well as in the rest of the world. The President was host at dinner held in Malacañang in honor of the 11-man mission which is currently on a 10-day exploration of local trade possibilities, as guest of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. WORLD BANK tourism development mission which had just gone through an extensive three-week survey of investment possibilities in the Philip pines informed the President that they are impressed by the tourism assets of the country, principally its scenic spots, fine beaches, ideal climate and its “very warm and hospitable people who have the facility of the language.” “We found your assets very outstanding, Mr. President, and hope to be of assistance in the various phases of development of your country,” Dr Philip Glaessner , deputy director of the WB tourism department and head of the group, said. EDUCATION Secretary Juan L. Manuel said the new Constitution is “a powerful instrument for social reform.” Secretary Manuel in a speech before the Philippine Constitution Association (PHILCONSA) on the occasion of Bonifacio Day said that among the provisions which make the Constitution a powerful instrument for social reform are those on the development of a more intense nationalism, the stress on the obligations of citizenship, the new concept of social morality and the dominance of social justice ideals. The secretary said that under the new curriculum, the Constitution will be taught on all levels. The ultimate goal is to make the Constitution a living part of the people’s daily activities, the secretary said. BOARD of Regents of the University of the Philippines approved unanimously the conferring of the award, Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, to the First Lady in recognition of her various works and support to the propagation of the arts and the execution of projects aimed at improving the well-being of the people. Official Gazette for December 1, 1973: THE PRESIDENT forged an agreement of cooperation with Muslim rebel leaders from Sulu, Basilan, and Zamboanga del Sur during his trip to Sulu recently. At the same time, the President appealed to the people of these areas to join the efforts of pacification, even as he directed Commodore Romulo Espaldon , SOWESCOM chief, through Letter of Instructions No. 149, to take more energetic steps towards in forming the citizens in the area of the program he has enunciated for the economic development and rehabilitation of these provinces. IN SPORTS, acts of greatness and human courage, even when they end in defeat, are just as important as the medals and trophies that symbolize victory. This was stressed by the President in a speech read for him by Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. at the opening ceremonies of the 7th Asian Basketball Confederation championship at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. The Chief Executive pointed out that in athletic competitions, man tests the limits of his endurance, speed and strength, moving him to perform courageous feats worthy of admiration. Whether these feats end in victory or failure is of no moment, added the President, because the eventual victor is “the human spirit, the capacity of man to achieve and to exceed the limits of his sense of accomplishments.” THE PHILIPPINES is the new “banana king” of Asia. In 1971, the Philippines exported 185,000 tons of bananas or about 31 per cent of Asia’s total banana exports of 594.200 tons. The next year saw the Philippine banana exports leap to 52 per cent of the regional total of 618,900 tons. The second biggest producer of banana is Taiwan. Official Gazette for December 2, 1973: THE PRESIDENT directed heads of government departments, bureaus and offices to enjoin their personnel to engage in food production activities, in furtherance of the government’s self-sufficiency program. The President’s directive is contained in Memorandum Circular No. 687, issued by Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. by authority of the President. The circular emphasizes it is imperative that the time and effort of these personnel be devoted to productive activities in line with the. New Society’s objective of achieving greater food sufficiency. THE PRESIDENT said the government is exerting efforts to broaden the benefits for retired government employes and that a scheme that would increase the pensions of other retirees to a more equitable level would be perfected soon. In a speech read for him by Assistant Executive Secretary Roberto V, Reyes at the Biennial National Convention of the Philippine Government, Retired Employes Association, held at the GSIS Social Hall, the President assured retired employes in the public service that the government will listen to every proposal of the association that will reasonably enhance the living conditions of retirees or help them lead lives of usefulness and self-respect. SECRETARY Francisco S. Tatad paid tribute to the work of radio amateurs in this country and abroad, and said the New Society has not been slow in recognizing their worth. The secretary, as guest speaker of the Philippine Amateur Radio Association on the occasion of Radio Amateur Week, said that by and large amateur radio in this country has been dominated by a strong sense of responsibility, leader ship, and patriotism. This is the very reason why the government pays tribute to the work of the radio amateur in designing a week of every year as Radio Amateur Week.