The opening session of Congress turned out well although there was a demonstration of about 5,000 KMs [Kabataang Makabayan] who were rowdy and noisy although kept at the other side of the Padre Burgos street from the Congress.
The speech (I knocked down the the [?] about 150 pages of the written text to 60 pages of delivery text).
I believe the legislative proposals were received well.
But, of course, the Daily Mirror had nothing but criticism for me and my speech.
Official Gazette for January 24, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS in his address on the State-of-the-Nation before a joint session of Congress at the opening- of its 100-day regular session, presented a 12-point priority program for an all-out drive against crime and stepped-up economic development.
The President said that the 12 bills, together with other specific legislation that he outlined, are aimed at giving meaning to his democratic revolution.
In his 55-minute speech, during which he reviewed what he called the “battalia of crises” which griped the country last year, the Chief Executive also expressed confidence that the nation will “not only stand but will also prevail.”
“This nation stands, tested by adversity and deriving strength from it, summoning a fresh will from the continuing challenge that are the historical legacy of all struggling nations,” the President said.
But the President added that the international and local developments were moving so fast as was the case 1971—that the Philippines would have to keep pace with developments if it was to survive.
(See pp. 852-914 for full text of the President’s State-of-the-Nation message.)
Earlier, the President received a Congress committee composed of Senators Mamintal Tamano, Genaro Magsaysay and Lorenzo Teves, and Reps. James Chiongbian, Calixto Zaldivar, Jr. and Joaquin Roces who informed him that the legislative body had convened and was ready to receive his message.
Accompanied by the First Lady, Mrs. Imelda R. Marcos, and the Congress committee, the President arrived at the session hall at 11 a.m. as scheduled.
The President and the First Lady were given a standing ovation. They were escorted in by Senate President Gil J. Puyat and Sneaker Cornelio T. Villareal.
Among the top government officials present the session hall were Vice President Fernando Lopez; members of the Cabinet, the Judiciary, the diplomatic corps, and their ladies. Also present were Mrs. Josefa Edralin-Marcos, the President’s mother, and some provincial, city and municipal officials.
The President and the First Lady were back at Malacañang about 12:30 p.m.