1:30 AM August 10, 1971
On board “Ang Pangulo”
We are starting for Tagbilaran, Bohol now so we can arrive there at 7:30 AM Wednesday and I can meet the political leaders before the rally in the evening at 6:00 PM. Imelda and the candidates (except Mrs. [Leonila] Garcia who is on board asleep) will follow Wednesday.
This morning I organized the Medicare Board with my brother, Dr. Pacifico Marcos, as chairman, at the insistence of the various medical groups led by the PMA [Philippine Medical Association].
Then awarded the Legion of Honor, Commander, to Maj. Gen. George B. Pickett, Jr. outgoing Chief of Jusmag [Joint US Military Assistance Group].
Attended to political matters, then had lunch with Sec. Carlos P. Romulo, S.P. [Salvador] Lopez, Pres. of the U.P. [University of the Philippines], NEC [National Economic Council] Chairman Gerry [Gerardo] Sicat, PES [Presidential Economic Staff] Director Naring [Apolinario] Orosa, Sec. of Finance Cesar Virata, Central Bank Gov. Gregorio Licaros, Ex-Sec. Alex [Alejandro] Melchor [Jr.] whom I have consulted on the implications of my book which I am now entitling “Democracy is THE Revolution.’’
They all felt it was a doctrinal presentation long overdue. Romulo said it was left of center. S.P. Lopez said it was more than left of center.
Tonight we met for dinner and they were all effusive in commendation for the work. “It was an engrossing book.” “Once I started reading, I could not put it down”, said S.P. Lopez. Although he added it was a teaser and would need a sequel. And I informed him that we would follow it up with a book on The Strategy or the Theory of Development.
Official Gazette for August 9, 1971: President Marcos conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor, degree of commander, on Maj. Gen. George Peckett, Jr., outgoing chief of the Joint U. S. Military Advisory Group, in a ceremony held at Malacañang which was the only break in his usual routine. Present at the rite were Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., Gen. Manuel T. Yan, AFP chief of staff; Maj. Gen. Romeo Espino, vice chief of staff; and Commodore Hilario M. Ruiz, deputy chief of staff.
Following the ceremony, the President inducted members of the Philippine Medical Care Commission headed by Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, chairman. The composition of the commission was unanimously recommended by a large delegation representing the major medical organizations in the country, which called at Malacañang.
Inducted, aside from Dr. Marcos, were Dr. Jose C. Denoga, administrator and vice chairman; Dr. Ricardo L. Alfonso and Jesus V. Tamesis, as members representing the private sector; and the following ex-officio members: Dr. Edgardo Caparas, president of the Philippine Medical Association; Dr. Eliodoro Congco, president of the Philippine Hospital Association; Secretary of Health Amadeo H. Cruz and SSS Administrator Gilberto Teodoro.
The President also administered the oath of affiliation to the Nacionalista Party to several Iloilo leaders headed by Brig. Gen. Alfonso Palencia (ret) chairman of the Liberal Party chapter in the fifth district of the province. The affiliation was witnessed by Rep. Fermin Z. Caram, Jr. and Board Member Heber Catalan.
The President otherwise received callers until 2 p.m., consisted mostly of provincial delegations seeking solutions to local problems. In between the President worked on state papers.
“It was not dull reading.” Gerry Sicat said when I commented it might be too heavy for the ordinary reader.
Anyway we agreed to simplify on the portion on private property and on the necessity for violence for change.
And we will print 200 copies of a numbered private edition, then have it printed in England or the U.S.