Monday
[p.26] The Villareal group has obtained 67 signatures.[1] 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 Jacinto and Sen. [Dominador] Aytona on the requirements of ISMI [Iligan Integrated Still Mills Inc.][2] 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.
MALACAÑANG
[1] Chronicle of 10 January reports that Marcos denied support of Villareal’s bid for the House Speakership.
[2] 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.