Spent the whole day in Talaga bay where the dredging of sand for the beach and the picking up of the rocks and stones by the 10 ton public works crane goes on.
We also tried the next bay which was calmer. Loyd Nelson Hand was with us. He skied and played pelota in the newly finished court.
Official Gazette for February 24, 1973: THE PRESIDENT underscored the pivotal role played by local government officials, in the transformation of society in line with the strictest standards of discipline, morality and efficiency. In a speech read for him by Secretary Jose A. Roño of Local Government and Community Development at the convention of the League of Governors and City Mayors in Davao City, the President said that local officials, in a sense, act as “go-between” for the national government and the people. He added, however, that as indispensable parts of the government’s political machinery, local officials are duty-bound to carry out the policies, rules and regulations of the national government. In recognition of the important role being played by the local governments, the President has created the Department of Local Governments and Community Development. The Chief Executive said that he hopes that this will enhance the adaptability of the local governments to the “exigencies of our time.” The local officials were exhorted to keep up with the strict standards and the high goals set for the New Society so that they may serve as examples of the new politicians endowed with ”competence and integrity of the highest degree.”
SECRETARY OF INFORMATION Francisco S. Tatad said that there is a definite boom in the country’s industrial, commercial, mining oil and other business activities based on the reports of the Manila and Makati stock exchanges. The secretary said that because of this unprecedented business activity, foreign investors are coming from Tokyo Singapore, and Hongkong. The latest word is that the top six months makers of Hongkong are due in Manila early next week and are reported considering the investment of some $500 million in local business ventures. The increased business activities were boosted further with the reported discovery of copper deposits in Davao Oriental, Kalinga-Apayao and Ilocos Norte and another possible huge oil deposit in Camarines Sur, in addition to the highest gas pressure discovered in the Sulu Archipelago. The business boom was earlier confirmed with the stock market registering sales volume of P51 million last Friday, the highest in three years, as compared to the highest volume of P30 million in 1969.
POOR MEN may now pursue their claim and complaint against big insurance companies without spending a single centavo for legal expenses. The newly approved rules of procedure governing hearings before the Insurance Companies provide that the commission will extend full assistance, free of charge, to any complainant who has been found to have no means for legal services. The assistance includes exemption from the payment of legal fees, printed records and printed briefs and from the filing of the appeal bond. The rules are aimed at attaining the commission’s principal objective of adjudicating or settling claims and complaints and assisting parties in obtaining just, speedy and inexpensive determination of claims and complaints. Only claims not exceeding P100,000, however, are covered by the new rules.
TRAINING PROGRAM for young offenders was launched recently by the National Manpower and Youth Council in collaboration with the Bureau of Prisons at Camp Sampaguita Youth Rehabilitation Center, Muntinglupa, Rizal. The project, which started late last year, is a new government scheme of rehabilitation and reform for disadvantaged youth of the country. It is designed to help young offenders to develop proper habits and attitudes to prepare themselves for eventual integration into the free community. It also seeks to provide them with basic skills needed to acquire jobs and become productive members of the society. Some 200 inmates from 16 to 19 years old are undergoing training in practical electricity, woodworking, radio mechanics, etc. Graduates of the course will be assigned to prison industries while serving their respective terms. On the other hand, released prisoners will receive placement assistance from the Bureau of Prisons in cooperation with the Department of Social Welfare.
He suggested that we do not try and overwhelm him with charm but be candid with him. An approach of “I do not know what has been reported to you about martial law. I do not blame you if you listen to the critics who claim it is just a grab for power, or that I am a tyrant or that I am corrupt and mean. But I honestly believe in what we are doing, that martial law was necessary to meet the revolution, that we must change our society, erase our mistakes—the corruption, the inertia, the violence, the unjust economic and social system—otherwise even if we overcome the present rebellion our society is doomed anyway.”
These are my own words and this is the sense of my position and approach. And so I told Loyd Hand that when we made the grave decision to proclaim martial law we resigned ourselves to the possibility that we would have to work on our own without the aid of our friends like the U.S.
“For I know that with Pres. [Richard] Nixon under attack in the U.S., he would not want to add to his burdens by identifying himself or his administration with the man who has proclaimed martial law in the Philippines. For martial law does connote to the American oppressiveness and tyranny.
“In the next several years I have told my people that we should not expect aid or support even from our ally the United States—even military aid must not be expected.”
“We now beggars but we will not act as mendicants. We will stand on our own feet.”
“The trip of Imelda to the U.S. was untimely. She should have gone to the hospital and stayed there. But as you yourself say she is no dowdy middle-aged woman. She happens to be a young attractive woman. And she also attracted attention to the Philippines and martial law.”
“But she went to the U.S. for medical treatment and to personally thank Pres. Nixon for sending Dr. Robert Chase to attend to her injuries.”
“’Undoubtedly the U.S. government has sought for her own national interest to place some distance between her and my administration.”
“Knowing as I do this policy of the American government I am doubly appreciative for the hospitality and friendship you have shown to Imelda during her visit to the U.S.”