For once am going to bed before 10:00 PM as I did not sleep more than 4 hours last night. Hove been working on the decrees implementing the new constitution.
Have started to tape my new book and index as well as properly mark and file all my
Official Gazette for February 2, 1973: PRESIDENT MARCOS issued Presidential Decree No. 124 granting amnesty to members of subversive organizations with certain exceptions and under certain conditions. The presidential amnesty covers members, followers and sympathizers of activist groups, subversive organizations and Communist front organizations, who are not die-hard members or ideological believers in communism but have been drawn into these organizations because of their associations with or as a result of subtle indoctrination by hard-core activists and false propagandists. The decree also grants amnesty in favor of all affiliates or members of the Communist Party of the Philippines or other subversive organizations “who may have committed any other offense penalized under any law in furtherance of their political beliefs.” The decree covers only those who shall apply for amnesty not later than March 15, 1973. The presidential edict, however, does not apply to the following: 1) Affiliate or member who has committed murder or crimes against chastity or who have taken up arms against the government; 2) Those leaders of rebellion and sedition; 3) Officer or ranking leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines or any subversive association as defined under Section 2 of the “Anti-Subversion Act”; 4) One who conspires with any other person to overthrow the government of the Republic of the Philippines or any of its political subdivisions by force, violence, deceit, subversion or any other illegal means for the purpose of placing such government or political subdivision under the control and domination of any alien power.
SECRETARY OF FINANCE Cesar E.A. Virata reported a heavy turnout of taxpayers who availed themselves of the tax amnesty concessions issued through Presidential Decrees. Initial reports on the tax collection from the tax amnesty proclamations submitted to the finance secretary indicated that a total of P22 million was paid in the Greater Manila area alone as of January 31, 1973. This significant response of the taxpayers was attributed to: 1) The “open-arms” approach of the government to give tax evaders a chance to reform and become part of the New Society with a clean slate; 2) The immunities and security given the taxpayers who availed of the amnesty grants; and 3) The very liberal concessions given in the form of reduction of the taxes due the government. A report from Custom Deputy Commissioner Pedro Mendoza said that taxes from 3,036 motor vehicles which were previously untaxed or improperly taxed, amounted to P11,077,444. On the other hand, Internal Revenue Commissioner Misael P. Vera reported that 2,745 tax payers have taken advantage of the tax amnesty grants and paid the amount of P10,868,145.30.
REGISTRATION OF non-bank financial institutions or intermediaries, as required in a recent circular of the Central Bank, in implementation of Presidential Decree No. 71, has been extended from January 31 to Feb. 28, 1973. This will give more time to the persons and entities concerned who have not yet registered because they are located in remote areas to comply with the circular. The following are required to register with the Central Bank: finance companies, investment or development companies, trust funds, credit unions, pawnbrokers, security dealers, commercial papers issuers, underwriters or dealers, lending investors, and such other persons or entities.
SECRETARY OF INFORMATION Francisco S. Tatad assured a group of Japanese journalists that President Marcos will not stay in power a minute longer than necessary and that the President will only exercise his powers and authority within the constitutional framework. In answer to their queries, he explained the reasons for the closure of some print and broadcast media following imposition of Martial Law. “Since then however, the government after conducting a study, found out that there is no need of allowing other print media to operate since the total circulation of the print media is more today than it was before Martial Law. The studies further show it is not necessary to allow the operation of more television and broadcast media to ensure the quality of programs and to purify the airlanes,” the secretary said. Together with this he also laid stress on the invisible but laudable effects of Martial Law on the country’s economy like the increased confidence among the foreign investors on the improved business climate.
records from as far back as possible. We will use the first floor of Maharlika Hall.
We are also refining the amnesty declarations as well as the Defense Operation Plan of the South.
Worked out with Amb. [Narciso] Reyes the approach to the Red Chinese and Russians on trade and finally diplomatic relations.
And with Kits [Francisco] Tatad and Greg [Gregorio] Cendaña the information campaign in the grass roots where we will use the audio-visual units and the campaign abroad where we will use a low profile soft approach.