Saturday
The rains brought about by Typhoon Roning that sucked the Southwest monsoons towards the western part of Luzon, have continued for seven days and threatens to bring about floods as high as the floods of 1972.
The central point of Sullipan near Apalit on the Pampanga River reports the water at four meters high. The 1972 height was 5.3 meters.
Sent Secs. [Alejandro] Melchor [Jr.] and [Juan] Ponce Enrile to survey the area of Central Luzon and report back. The rain and winds are too strong and they could not go beyond Sullipan. So I directed them to come back.
The Air Force would not let me fly either by plane or helicopter. So I went by Larc around the Greater Manila area from 3:00 to 5:00 PM with the children. Imelda is still suffering from a cough so did not come.
The entire Manila area (or almost all) is under water.
I have released P2 million for the Department of Social Welfare and P 5 million for the Department of Highways.
I have delayed the proclamation of national emergency to tomorrow when we get more details of the flood.