Written at 12:00 PM
Jan. 24th as I stayed
Up to 2:30 AM with
Justices [Antonio] Barredo, [Felix] Makasiar, [Felix] Antonio
and [Salvador] Esguerra, Secs. [Juan] Ponce Enrile
and [Vicente] Abad Santos and Sol. Gen.
Official Gazette for January 23, 1973: PRESIDENT MARCOS declared that the Supreme Court decision on the validity of Proclamation No. 1102 issued last Jan. 17, opened the way for the full implementation of the new Constitution. “Henceforth, there should be no hesitation on the part of anyone in the implementation of the new Constitution. Insofar as I am concerned the ratification is an accomplished fact. The new Constitution is in full force and effect by the sanction of the people,” the President said. He pointed out that one of the issues in the high tribunal’s decision promulgated last Jan 22 is the validity of Proclamation No 1102 which proclaims the ratification of the new Constitution by the Filipino people The Supreme Court however, dismissed these petitions and refused to issue a res training order to prohibit the promulgation of both the proclamation and the new Constitution itself.
BOARD OF INVESTMENTS Chairman Vicente Paterno said that the ratification of the new Constitution has considerably improved the business climate in the country and this could result in the entry of more foreign investments. The BOI chairman pointed out that following the imposition of Martial Law, from September to November, businessmen entrepreneurs adopted a “wait-and-see” attitude. “However, this uncertainty vanished when the President proclaimed the ratification of the new Constitution, which states in clear and precise terms the national philosophy in dealing with foreign investors” Mr. Paterno said. The BOI chairman said that under the new charter, the government policy is to move forcefully forward and guide the business sector in the planning and implementation of business policies and ventures. He likewise assured greater participation by the private sector in the development of the national economy. Mr. Paterno pointed out that the new Constitution assured foreign investors of equal treatment, particularly with citizens and firms of the United States.
PRESIDENT MARCOS renewed his appeal to the people to band together in order that they may attain the objectives of the New Society and move forward in progress. The President told members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines that more than anything else, the country needed unity for “if we are not united, no matter how well meaning the reforms are it will not be possible to attain our objectives.” The President deplored the fact that the people have been disunited for so long that it is now necessary that they be united. He said it was for this purpose that he has granted amnesty not only to the secessionist but to all the insurgents and subversives who want to return to the folds of the law.
PRESIDENT MARCOS led the Filipino people in conveying to Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson and the American people “our deepest sympathies” on the passing of former President Johnson. His statement follows in full:
“The Filipino people join me in conveying to you and the American people our deepest sympathies on the passing of former President Johnson.
“He served the American presidency at a time of severe test and serious decisions for the United States Government. Through all that time, his interest in Asia did not wane, and he remained to the very end, a friend of the Philippines.”
In a separate statement, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo said:
“The death of President Lyndon B. Johnson robs the world of one of its most distinguished post war leaders. A superb parliamentarian, he brought to the presidential office the skill of bargaining and compromise on behalf of domestic social legislation and of world peace.
“Raised on the precepts of the New Deal, he provided America the vision of a Great Society, in which poverty shall be eradicated and where complete equality shall reign.
“In Vietnam, President Johnson ran into the most difficult problem that his country had had to face after the second World War. In his arduous search for peace, he journeyed to Manila to meet with the heads of state of six Asian countries. In this historic meeting, the seven nations laid down the principles that shall govern a just peace in Vietnam. He began the process which today enables his countrymen at last to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“This greatly gifted man served his tenure in a cloud controversy. But of his compassionate heart there was never any question. America mourns his passing, and I join in that country’s bereavement.”
[Estelito] Mendoza
Historical Association presented me with the Laws of the First Philippine Republic.
Then delivered the speech on the induction of the new officers of the Phil. Chamber of Commerce. Am sending a Trade Mission to Red China, creating a Shippers Council and implementing the law creating the Small Business Guarrantee [sic] Insurance and Surety Corp.
We missed the [Joe] Frazier-[George] Foreman fight as the former world heavyweight champion was knocked out (TKO [technical knockout]) on the second round after being saved by the bell on the first and knocked down three times on the first and four times (some say three) on the second.
But we saw the replay.
Prepared our position (with Sees. Abad Santos and Ponce Enrile and Sol. Gen. Estellito Mendoza) on the Ramon Gonzales petition of prohibition and injunction against Decree 1102 on the ratification of the new constitution. This has caused us worry as it might push us to a revolutionary government.
After golf I met with the justices above mentioned to determine the chances of avoiding a revolutionary government.
Talked to Imelda who is going to New York.