[p.26] The Villareal group has obtained 67 signatures. Went to see the body of Mayor [Jaime] “Banjo” Laurel who died in a helicopter crash at Upi, Ca[marines] Sur the other night. Their heli[copter] went out of gas, landed, refueled with ordinary gasoline, took off at night and crashed.
If I do not help [Jose B.] Pepito Laurel, he will lose the speakership fight.
Have postponed the caucus to Wednesday after Banjo’s funeral.
Will visit [Eugenio] Iñing Lopez [Sr.] at the Meralco Hospital tomorrow, at the suggestion of the VP Nanding [Fernando Lopez] and Joe Aldeguer.
Received six vessels from the U.S. represented by Amb. [Henry] Byroade, three LST’s [Landing Ship, Tank], one tugboat and two LCPVs [Large Commercial Passenger Vessel], this morning at Navy headquarters, then a courtesy call from Mr. Roy Mason, head of the Board of Trade of England, then the City Boy and Girl officials, Ramon
Official Gazette for January 12, 1970: President Marcos formally received six vessels from the US government, in the only activity which took him away from Malacañang. The rest of the day, the President worked on state papers and received callers. At 9 a.m., the President motored to the Philippine Navy headquarters, where he received for the government three LST’s, one patrol craft and two landing craft from the US government, which were extended to the Philippines under the military assistance program. US Ambassador Henry Byroade made the presentation.
Back at Malacañang about 11 a.m., the President first received Roy Mason, president of the Board of Trade of the British government, who paid his respects. The British official is here on a three-day working visit. Mason was accompanied by British Ambassador John Mansfield Addis. At the Council of State room later, the President met with the young officials who took over the Manila city hall in connection with the observance of Boys and Girls Week. Led by Lilian Romero of the Manila Science High School, who was chosen mayor, the youthful officials paid their respects to the President. They discussed various matters with the President, including a proposal by the youngsters to legalize gambling under certain conditions; the activation of a manpower and youth program, and the lowering of the voting age to 18 years.
At noon, the President met with Senator Dominador Aytona, House Majority Floor leader Marcelino Veloso, and Rep. Artemio Mate. He worked at his desk afterward through evening, in the course of which the ordered the Bureau of Immigration and the police agencies concerned to deport immediately eight Chinese nationals convicted of various offenses and considered as undesirable, directing that they be put on the first available transport to China or Formosa.
Chronicle of 10 January reports that Marcos denied support of Villareal’s bid for the House Speakership.
Jacinto and Sen. [Dominador] Aytona on the requirements of ISMI [Iligan Integrated Still Mills Inc.] which was one of the big contributors in the last campaign.
Am now completing the files including expenses and contributions.
Am giving Don Vicente Madrigal an award tomorrow at 10:00 AM.
The Iligan Integrated Steel Mills Incorporated was confiscated from the Jacinto family after the declaration of Martial Law in 1972 and its assets absorbed into the National Steel Corporation in 1974.