Proctoscopy and systoscopy (that is nothing but an examination of the lower bowels [in my case up to 23 centimeters] with an instrument inserted through the anus to check ulceration from chronic amoebiasis or growth which may be benign or malignant) was [sic] negative. All clear except for some indications of swelling of the blood vessels or symptoms that may lead to hemorrhoids (what a messy thing).
X-Ray examination of upper bowels and intestines (after a two-liter barium enema following two one liter warm soap and water enema following a “fleet enema” to hasten the result of the castor oil purgative which did not seem to work except to cause me some stomach discomfort in the middle of the night inasmuch as I was given only twenty cc when I should have been given thirty cc or 15 capsules of 2 cc each instead of only 10 capsules) was also clear.
So we are free of the nagging fear of ulceration, malignancy or growth in the lower GI (gastro-intestinal) tract which always cropped up whenever I suffered from sudden increased frequency of bowel movements. In this case it increased the day before to ten times. But it is probably due to tension and my diet which has plenty of roughage and also durian.
Barely made the Bulacan gathering of mayors and capitanes del barrio or punong nayon at 10:00 AM as we finished with the examinations with the proctoscope and
Official Gazette for December 18, 1970: President Marcos continued his visits to the provinces, choosing this time Bulacan and Rizal where he distributed at Guiguinto and Pasig checks and “credit cards” to barrio officials. The cards can be used to draw from, district engineers’ offices the needed construction materials to repair public buildings, such as schools. Accompanying him was the First Lady, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, who on her part distributed medical kits to the barrio officials and gift bags to indigents.
Among those present at the distribution were Secretary of Labor Blas F. Ople, Secretary ofCommerce and Industry Ernesto Maceda, Secretary of Public Works and Communications Manuel B. Syquio, Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., Assistant Executive Secretary Roberto V. Reyes, Commissioner of Highways Baltazar Aquino, Rep. Rogaciano Mercado of Bulacan, Vice Governor Amado T. Pineda, the members of the Bulacan Provincial Board, and PACD Administrator Rosendo Marquez. About 1000 local officials were also present.
The President was out all day, ending up late in the afternoon at Camp Aguinaldo where he was guest speaker at the commencement exercises of the second batch of graduates of the Philippine Command and General Staff College. In his speech, the President lent new urgency to the task of preserving democracy as the Filipino way of life and to its improvement which, he said, may even be more important. He asked the graduates to share with other concerned citizens the “task of vigorous and substantial reform” so that the democratic system could enhance the people’s life.
Back in the Palace at about 7 p.m., he rested before resuming his office work. He took up only urgent matters which required his attention, including the appointment of Epifanio R. Pangramuyen as deputy commissioner of the Civil Service Commission. The post has been vacant for some time.
Until his appointment to his post, Pangramuyen was executive director of the CSC.
systoscope by Dr. Yap and X-Ray by Dr. Carangdang, who has acquired a toupee, at 9:15. A fast shower and breakfast then a 30 minute drive through the North Diversion Road and we were with Gov. [Ignacio] Santiago and Cong. [Rogaciano] Mercado in Guiguinto.
Back to Manila at 1:00 PM, took a 30 minute nap after seeing Sec. of Justice [Vicente] Abad Santos to see to it that the would be assassin of the Pope [Benjamin Mendoza] does not go scot-free on a technicality as the whole world is watching the case.
Then the Rizal capitol at 3:00 PM. Again the distribution of checks, medical kits and gifts up to 4:50 PM.
And the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] General Staff and Command School at 5:10 PM.
Quite a busy day.
The distribution of excess income tax credit advance, highway checks, credit cards for cement, medicines and Christmas bags is going on very well and is received with enthusiasm even by the opposition.
More and more leaders are beginning to refer to Imelda as the next President.