Worked till 2:00 PM (Met the Ilocos Sur leaders all over again. Changed the provincial commander) Taped my Christmas message before the Belen after conferences with Bobby Benedicto, etc. Then received carolers up to 2:00 AM. 2:00 AM December 24, 1971[1] December 25, 1...

Press Release There will be no martial law for Ilocos Sur. But additional troops will be sent to identify, locate and apprehend for punishment whoever perpetrated the attacks on the eight towns of that province. I ask the politicians of both parties, specially the...

Washington Sycip of Sycip, Gorres and Velayo saw me on the BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue] and Luis Vera’s efforts to break up the big accounting firms. Jim Wollahan [sic] [John Wolahan] of Caltex saw me on oil exploration, prices and the one year delinquency of...

Today I decided to lift the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus. This decision I conveyed to Sec. Vicente Abad Santos of Justice who asked for time to think of it although it seems that the Supreme Court Justices are in favor of it according to...

We have finally agreed that I lift the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, order the release of detainees not charged and stop any further arrests. I hope we do not regret this decision but we are preparing troops specially trained in urban...

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...

The initial reports of the voting indicate a possible debacle of the Na[c]ionalista senatorial candidates. The cities and urban centers have all voted straight Liberal in general. The rural areas while still awaited may show a split vote. So the best the Nacionalista...

Tuesday The Liberals led by [Gerardo] Roxas and [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] are all over town, through all the media and the coffee shops and gatherings pontificating on their victory. As of now in the senatorial fight, six Liberals are in with two Nacionalistas; [Manuel]...

Just came from the Cultural Center where Imelda who arrived at about 6:00 PM from Naga, Roxas City, Catarman and Tacloban, and I attended the Australian Ballet presentation of Dame Margot Fonteyn in Swan Lake—then a reception for her. She danced fabulously. We send...

We have just come from the NP [Nationalista Party] Bandwagon 71’. I believe we have made a good presentation of the issues and a final appeal. I attach my notes. This is the meeting de avance by television which is nationwide through radio. The candidates also...