[p.88] I have asked Gens. [Manuel] Yan and [Rafael] Ileto to advance and accelerate preparations in the event that the Maoists accelerate their schedule. Another violent demonstration like last night and according to our intelligence the next targets for sabotage are the public utilities and the big establishments, and I may have to suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus.
Ambassador [Henry] Byroade filed a strong protest for the vandalism, arson and destruction in the US Embassy last night. I have asked Mayor [Antonio] Villegas to explain his inaction.
Gen. Ordoñez [Mariano] of the Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] suffered hand wounds last night.
I asked Ernesto Rufino, Vicente Rufino and Carlos Palanca to withdraw advertisements from the Manila Times which was openly supporting revolution and the communist cause. They agreed to do so.
I have convinced [Ernesto] Maceda to stay in PACD [Presidential Assistant on Community Development] and he still acted like a spoiled brat. I had to tell him that his employees were talking of him bringing women to the Executive Secretary’s office at night and that he was getting too arrogant.
Gen. [Jose] Rancudo has to put up an SSB [single-sideband modulation] for direct communications between my office and the 5th Fighter Wing.
Entry is mislabeled by Marcos as February 20, it should be February 19.
Official Gazette for February 19, 1970: President Marcos focused on his desk work, receiving few visitors, mostly public officials with whom he discussed current problems and consulted in the course of coping with official matters. The biggest group to see him were lawmakers, including both senators and representatives, and a number of local chief executives. The solons discussed with the President matters concerning their constituencies, particularly community improvement projects. Among the solons who called on the President were Senators Ambrosio Padilla and Dominador Aytona, and Reps. Felix Fuentebella of Camarines Sur, Pablo Ocampo and Ramon Bagatsing of Manila, Constantino Navarro of Surigao del Norte, Natalio Castillo of Bohol, Indanan Anni of Sulu, Lamberto Macias of Negros Oriental, Joaquin Chipeco of Laguna, Pablo Malasarte of Bohol, Constancio Maglana of Davao Oriental, Fernando Veloso of Western Samar, and Frisco San Juan of Rizal. The local chief executives who discussed with the President problems in their bailiwicks were Governors Lino Chatto of Bohol, Francisco Nepomuceno of Pampanga, Vicente Magsaysay of Zambal es, Jose Evangelista of Ilocos Norte, Ramon de los Cientos of Davao del Sur. Recaredo Castillo of Surigao del Sur; and Mayor Elias Lopez of Davao City. The President finished conferring with the solons and local executives at about 3 p.m. He then resumed his desk work.
The headline in the Bulletin has caused consternation among some senators as the secret orders if anything untoward happens to me has alarmed them of the military taking over. But this is only if all the civilian government leaders are liquidated which is far-fetched.
Chronicle 20 Feb 1970 p. 1 Marcos, Officials Mull imposition of Martial Law p.9 President Draws fire [in Senate] on Army Takeover Order: Roxas Aquino Diokno. Chronicle 21 Feb 1970 front-page editorial: The place of the military and the evil of Martial Law; alleged secret orders of military takeover in case anything happens to FM breaks line of succession. Reported that FM resists Martial Law suggestions: Aquino reacting to Tatad comment that order to military only in “extreme contingency.”