January 3, 1971

Sunday

I went to Ilocos Norte by plane (Fokker) waking up at 6:15 AM to see Baguio in a fog and the plane not yet in Loakan Airfield, going over some papers and issuing instructions, breakfast and dressing up ready to drive to Loakan at 7:00 AM, where we awaited the arrival of Gen. [Manuel] Yan from Manila. He came to meet the PMA [Philippine Military Academy] cadets returning today from vacation. I conferred with him, Gen. [Felizardo] Tanabe and Gen. [Aurelio] Ugalde up to about 7:45 when I took off for Gabu Airfield in Laoag where I landed at 8:20 AM.

Conferred on the [Victor] Corpus incident. Gen. Yan reported that a man described as Corpus had left the Kamuning area in Quezon City for Pasig in a taxi. The places are now under surveillance.

Gen. Yan is beginning to act more decisively. He never did anything about the reports of leftists and subversives in the Armed Forces. One of them is Commodore [Remo] Lavadia of the National Defense College. He has been an arrogant, insubordinate and petty man not missing a chance to criticize me and the administration and encouraging lectures by Dante Simbulan, [Teodoro] Agoncillo and Fr. [Horacio] de la Costa on 6, 7 & 8 October.

But worse than this, he violated security regulations by distributing a classified report of his activities given to him by Gen. Yan.

Attached is a report on Lavadia.

We had an enthusiastic meeting in Laoag where I distributed the usual credit advices, credit cards, highway checks and medical and Maligayang Pasko gifts.

Then to Batac where after the meeting (where I directed the constitution of the community hall and the reconstruction of the Municipal Hall). I had a light lunch of alocon and paltat.

Was in Gabu and taking off by 12:35 and in Nichols Airbase at 1:45 PM where Imelda and the children were waiting for me with pospas which I ate in the car. My tummy shows some hyperacidity so I take something every two or three hours. It is most probably due to the tension arising out of the plans for the proclamation of martial law.

I have told Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile about my plan to proclaim martial law in the event of a rebellion or imminent danger thereof. But I told him there must be massive sabotage or terrorism before I declare martial law.

His immediate reply was, “It is time you did. You will be surprised at the number of people in all walks of life who will support such a move. Even Ambassador [Henry] Byroade has hinted that the Americans were expecting it.”

And I explained that there must be violence and destruction by the terrorists so that the people and foreign governments would support our move of proclaiming martial law.

Kokoy [Benjamin] Romualdez told Imelda that Ambassador Byroade has said that I should show a stronger hand in running the government.

I have asked Sec. Ponce Enrile to stay in the camp (Kota Aguinaldo) with his family so that there will be no surprise when he does stay there for security when I proclaim martial law.

And the loneliness of self-imprisonment is our destiny that moment I declare martial law. For we will no longer be able to go out of the palace as freely as we do now. Nor can I travel, even abroad.

It will be a more abnormal life than it is now.

And the same thing will be true of Imelda and the children.

But all these and the attendant dangers will be worth it for the future and destiny of our country and people.

Because I know that the country is just drifting on half-measures and compromises—the oligarchs perennially coercing and blackmailing the man in power as the Lopezes are now doing, not far removed from the politicians, and the media distorting and falsifying news and events for its own petty and disreputable purposes.

Our society (or the higher classes of our people) is frivolous and shallow. They seem happy only when they are drunk or are insulting others, friend and foe alike.

We must refashion this society.

We must wage our own revolution.

The concept of ownership must be changed so the small people have a chance. All the crooks in government must be booted out. The media must be geared to development and progress, not to destruction and retrogression.

10:00 PM January 4, 1971[1]

Monday

I write this at our living room while Imelda is giving a small quiet dinner at the State Dining Room for Offie (Ofelia) Recto, wife of Vincent Recto, recently elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention and friend.

Today (this morning, 11:00 AM up to lunch at 2:00 PM) in a conference with Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile, Sec. Alex [Alejandro] Melchor [Jr.] and Gen. [Manuel] Yan, I ordered the setting up of a Special War Center, an Internal Security Agency, a Psy-war Branch all under the DND [Department of National Defense] as well as the creation of a new command, the Metropolitan Command that will cover the provinces of Cavite, Rizal, Bulacan, Bataan, the Pasig Task Force and the PGB [Presidential Guard Battalion] under Col. [Fabian] Ver.

I ordered the transfer of Gen. Fidel Ramos from the 3rd Brigade to the 2nd PC [Philippine Constabulary] Zone vice Gen. Zosimo Paredes whom I am retiring. Col. Palacios, the CO [Commanding Officer] of the 1st Brigade, goes to the 3rd Brigade vice Gen. Ramos.

The Special War Center personnel may also be placed as a component unit of the command of Col. Ver’s as Metropolitan Command CO. It integrates all the special forces of the major services, the special forces and rangers of the Army and Constabulary, the air commandoes of the Air Force and Navy’s marines and underwater teams. They will be retrained under chosen officers for special missions.

As I plan it, in the event of violence in the city, the Metrocom under Gen. [Mariano] Ordoñez will seek to hold back the mass of rioters with his 1,400 men. If they are unequal to the task or special task forces are necessary, the Metropolitan Command comes in. If still unable to contain the violence, then the entire Internal Security Forces under Maj. Gen. Romeo Espino, Vice-Chief of Staff under whom both Gen. Ordoñez and Col. Ver would be subordinated comes into the metropolitan area.

In the meantime outside of the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation]-Metrocom teams that will be fielded, Col. Ver will have special teams to arrest target personnel or take target areas. This will assure performance in the event that NBI and Metrocom are committed prematurely to the routine of maintaining order.

I have ordered the PC and 1st Infantry Division at Fort Magsaysay as well as the 51st Engineer Brigade brought up to full strength.

The P3 million needed for the procurement of 3,000 armalites for the PC, I have ordered to be released and the guns delivered not later than the end of February.

The engineers should be ready to take over the public utilities like Nawasa [National Water and Sewerage Authority], Meralco [Manila Electric Company], Butel [Bureau of Telecommunications], PNR [Philippine National Railways], PAL [Philippine Air Lines], Air Manila, Fairways, land transport as well as shipping.

But the media which, according to Sec. Melchor, Ambassador Byroade calls a serious threat to security, calls for a separate operation. We have to take them over immediately.

The Psy-War Branch should use them for the purposes of the military administration.

The framework of government and present government officials should be kept and all laws, except those I suspend, kept in force unless changed by edict by me.

But a new plan of government and society must be worked out.

The lower classes of our people should have a greater share in the profits of both agriculture and industry.

While private property will be recognized and respected, they should be run for the state. Their profits should go to a fund for investment and development.

Or big landed estates should be confiscated by the state and cooperatives established in them in the same manner as the Moshav of Israel[2].

The crooks of government should be eliminated. There are now so many employees in government we spend P1,600 million (one billion six hundred million for our payroll annually). We should cut the expenses for the payroll by P600 million which we could use for development.

The Customs and BIR [Bureau of Internal Revenue] specially should be cleaned up.

Taxes should be increased. The highway and gasoline tax should be increased from 8 centavos a liter to 12 centavos or even 15 centavos. Foreign exchange purchases should be taxed a development tax of 5% at least. Luxuries should not be imported. Inheritance and estate taxes should be increased.

Import and exchange controls should be imposed.

All able-bodied men must be put to work. There must be total exploitation of natural resources.

This must be a complete revolution.

11:15 PM January 5, 1971[3]

Tuesday

Imelda played a trick on me this morning. It will be one of those family jokes that only she and I will understand—complete in the saying of but a few words. She played her part well as she mischievously embroidered her fanciful story which at first jolted and shocked me out of my wits.

This morning I continued meeting the military. Gen. [Jose] Rancudo of the 5th Fighter Wing at Basa Airfield who has dreamt to be Chief of Airforce but was set back because I extended Gen. [Jesus] Singson who is now Chief of Airforce. He will make a good Chief of Airforce but I still need him as CG [Commanding General] of the 5th Fighter Wing because of the possibility of martial law.

Then I called in the Provincial Commanders of Cagayan, Isabela and Nueva Viscaya to size them up. Lt. Col. Samson of Isabela and Lt. Col. ______ of Cagayan look like tough fighters. They were CO [Commanding Officer] and Operations Officer of the 51st PC [Philippine Constabulary] Battalion and part of Task Force Lawin.

I ordered the delivery of 500 firearms for BSDU’s [Barrio Self-Defense Unit] to be organized in Isabela. I also gave it trucks and a U-17 as well as possible helicopter support. One PC company will be sent there next week.

This is necessary because Isabela is becoming a sanctuary of fleeing NPA’s [New People’s Army].

I received a recommendation from Sec. Vicente Abad Santos for the relief of Dir. Alejo Santos[4] as Director of Prisons because of the repeated Prison riots at Muntinlupa. I have agreed.

Met Sammy Soriano, an AIB [Allied Intelligence Bureau] instructor in Australia for the troops being sent to the Philippines by submarine in 1944. He was using for the briefings on Evening Order of Battle intelligence reports of “Ferdinand E. Marcos, Lt. Col. USAFFE [United States Armed Forces in the Far East].” Reminisced about the war days and Darigayos, Larry Guzman, Don Jamieson and Russ Volckman.

Asked Congressman [Mohammad] Ali Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte, his brother [Macacuna Dimaporo] of Lanao del Sur, Cong. [Indanan] Anni of Sulu and the governor thereat, Gov. Murphy Sangkula to register their unlicensed guns and send their men as reservists for training so they can be used to contain any MIM [Mindanao Independence Movement], Ansarul Islam or Green Guards violence.

In the afternoon, I met Gens. [Manuel] Yan, [Romeo] Espino, [Eduardo] Garcia and Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile on the funding of additional enlisted personnel (2,500 to bring PC strength up to 24,000 and 1,000 for the 1st Inf. Division), the contingency plans, training of Muslims in the south on a citizens army basis upon the request of the local officials, the assignment of good combat officers in sensitive positions.

Then I met the doctors of the Dept. of Health led by Dr. Manikan, who are demonstrating for their increase in pay. I told them that the government could afford to give them 35% of their increase the first year beginning April 1971, then 35% the next year and 30% the third year. They would not decide until they met again.

But you could see that they were trying to coerce me and the government with the threat that they would strike if their increase was not given them.

11:20 PM January 6, 1971[5]

Wednesday

Delivered one of my best speeches tonight at the Federation of Provincial Press Clubs in the Winter Garden at the Manila Hotel. If I say so myself, I felt that it was witty, sharp and incisive but humble and profound.

It was witty when I said I might now be identified with the New People’s Army or the CCP [sic], the Communist Party of the Philippines because I accepted the invitation of Mr. Isidro Roman. “You see Mr. Isidro Roman is from Cabuyao, Ilocos Sur the hometown of Jose Maria Sison the Chairman of the Communist Party of the Philippines. (Laughter) But it is worse because you see Mr. Roman is really from Tarlac, the seat of the CCP [sic] and NPA [New People’s Army]. That complicates the whole matter.”

“I was stunned this morning to see the four principal metropolitan dailies—now that should be five because the Star is one of the metropolitan dailies—or is it?—carry the headlines that another PMA [Philippine Military Academy] graduate, a Lt. Santiago whose father is in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, my home province, had absconded and joined Lt. Victor Corpus with NPA. I called up Gen. [Manuel] Yan, Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile and Gen. [Aurelio] Ugalde of the PMA. They definitely told me that Lt. Santiago was right there in the PMA with Gen. Ugalde.”

“I answered: ‘But that must be wrong because the newspapers are always right!” (Tumultuous laughter)

“So I decided to stick to the Provincial Press!”

Then I spelled out my fighting faith that I believe democracy will outlast and survive all other ideologies but that it must be a Philippine democracy that is attuned to our ideals, traditions and dreams. We shall adopt such of socialism and communism as may redound to our welfare. We should not close our eyes to the merits of other ideologies.

Democracy will be able to protect itself. It carries within it the seed of self-preservation. For it is vital and can withstand any test and crisis.

I believe in peaceful reform. I believe in giving the people the right to choose options open to them freely. We should encourage the full and free ventilation of ideas no matter how hurting they may be to the man in power. Evolution, swift or slow, must be brought about but never by violence.

As President I will tolerate indecorous language, boorishness, insult and even libel. I have been libeled and slandered licentiously. So has my family. I will not retaliate. We may differ and differ bitterly. But never will you see me use my powers in spiteful vindictiveness.

I will suffer in silence and allow the searching light of time to bear me out. Slow but inexorable. Even if it means loss of pride and humiliation, I shall adhere to this principle.

But once violence is used by a small minority to force a change or coerce and intimidate government or to take over the powers of government, I will use all the powers of government to repel it.

This is the dividing line—violence.

I informed Ambassador [Henry] Byroade and Admiral [John] McCain [Jr.] that I expect massive sabotage, terrorism and assassination, even mortar attack because of the reports that the radicals have been given eight million dollars (possibly Hongkong) by someone from Hongkong, and there have been purchases of plastic explosives and jelly in Vietnam. One of the machine shops reports that a base plate for a mortar had been ordered.

I asked if I would be supported if I used sterner measures like the use of the extraordinary powers of the President. I referred to the suspension of the privilege of habeas corpus and martial law. They assured me of support and Amb. Byroade said he would also get the assurance of Pres. [Richard] Nixon.

I told him that we would soon have trade with Russia and asked him if our recognition of Russia would strain Phil-U.S. relations. He answered in the negative.

He, however, promised that he would send word from Pres. Nixon on this in three days.

I asked for mortar and gun locators, the immediate delivery of the 3,000 Armalites we have bought from U.S. supplies and the helicopters that are a part of MAP [Military Assistance Program].

But more than this I pointedly stated that we do not expect any American soldier to help us but we do expect the Americans at the least not to intervene in this purely domestic problem in accordance with basic American policy.

Admiral McCain was instant in his assurance of support within their means.

Amb. Byroade agreed to take up with Pres. Nixon the long range program of the training and equipment of our AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] to take over any part of their bases they may give up.

He said that he and Adm. McCain believe that they would need the Subic and Clark Air Force Base for the foreseeable future.

I asked that we discuss the trade agreement and the military problems next June (I am planning the negotiations on the possibility of violence and military take over by March so there will be time to decide what options to take).

Actually, I write this at January 7, 1971[6]

8:00 PM, Saturday, Jan. 9th Thursday

as on Thursday evening I was

ill with a severe cold which they

treated me with Decolgen resulting in

some painful spasms of the esophagus

and which drove me to bed.

Bongbong took down the outline I dictated in bed hereto attached.

Dr. Dits [Juanita] Zagala took an electrocardiography and found my heart very sound. That removed all the worries of Imelda and my doctors inasmuch as several of my friends have come down with heart attacks lately. It is the tension of these days.

And I have been working hard lately, although I have been feeling heavy and slothful because of an incipient cold that turned severe after golf in [Bahay] Pangarap where it was terribly cold.

The morning I spent on the cabinet meeting, a study of the government reorganization plan, and the educational survey submitted by Sec. [Onofre] Corpuz.

But before that I placated Tony [Antonio] Raquiza who has been issuing press releases demanding the resignation of Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile. He told me that Ponce Enrile had humiliated him and treated him like a job-seeker when he sought to talk to him about the call to active duty of a certain Tomas.

I directed Gov. [Gregorio] Licaros to reestablish arbitrage in the sale of stocks of domestic corporations so that we can raise funds abroad.

In the cabinet meeting we reviewed the stabilization efforts of the past year when we succeeded in converting a $300 deficit into a $35 surplus.

And the agricultural recovery program because of the sudden increase of the prices of fruits, vegetables, poultry, eggs and pork. We are spending P35 million on this immediately.

The budget took much of our time as we went over what Com. [Faustino] Sychangco referred to as a “flexible budget.” It looks like we will spend a total of P4.1 billion, P200 million more than last year.

We have decided to make a study of the need of all government corporations and their assets. It started with the recommendation of OEC [Office of Economic Coordination] Administrators to liquidate the Manila Hotel and Cepoc [Cebu Portland Cement Company]. Sec. Ponce Enrile who was a corporation lawyer before he joined government opined that it would take years to do so. We should sell the assets instead.

Apparently all the cabinet members agree on the continuing study of the recommendation to establish diplomatic relations with Russia and other socialist countries except Red China.

After the cabinet meeting which ended at about 1:00 PM, I authorized Sec. [Cesar] Virata to guarantee the new loan of the IISMI [Iligan Integrated Steel Mills Inc.] at an increased rate of interest which seems unfair as the Export-Import Bank is taking advantage of our difficult situation.

I also directed Sec. Virata to insist upon the Marinduque Corporation to which was given the right to exploit Parcel II of the Surigao Nickel Mines, the condition ______.

Imelda told me at lunch about the ecumenical funeral of Dean Conrado Benitez[7]. Rather long but impressive.

In the afternoon (about 4:00 PM) after half an hour trying to sleep I attended the Taek-Won-Do-Sikaran-Karate graduation exercises of Task Force Pasig but mostly of my security men. Very impressive. They have been training for five months.

Bongbong could not participate as he is still recuperating from his flu and tonsillitis. But he received his Brown Belt and certificate.

At about the end I was presented with the reconstructed Ruben I (the original keel was discovered and the boat rebuilt on it) as well as the crew members and the owner.

This was the boat I used to go to Mindanao from Pagbilao, Quezon (then Tayabas) to contact Col. Ferlig in 1943.

A lump was in my throat as I looked at the boat and it brought in a flood of memories of the guerilla days when we were all willing to give up comfort, love, life and even honor itself for people and country.

I knew then that I must risk comfort, the future, love, family and even life and honor itself for a people and country the strength of which was being eroded slowly but systematically by their ill-wishers.

But I must be just as cool, deliberate but bold and daring as we were during those dark days of the war.

There was no other course. God had made it so.

So after that I asked Congs. [Constantino] Navarro and [Mohammad] Ali Dimaporo to prepare their younger men for training under the concept of citizen military training so that Mindanao could be contained by native troops (even reservists) if trouble started in Luzon.

I then mapped out with Ronnie [Geronimo] Velasco the P600 million rural electrification program.

I then hurried to the Palace to meet the two factions of the jeepney drivers—one faction headed by Oscar Lazaro helped by Pelagio Villegas and the other by Atty. Lupiño Lazaro, Oscar’s first cousin and who was the lawyer of their drivers’ union the Pasang-Masda [Pangkalahatang Samahan ng Maynila at Suburbs Drivers Associations] until they had a falling out.

Oscar and Villegas are willing to stop the jeepney and bus drivers’ strike while Oscar’s cousin, Atty. Lupiño Lazaro insists on the strike claiming he cannot stop it anymore.

I felt that they should test their strength and there was no way of bringing down the increase by Villegas of 2 centavos for standard gasoline.

I write this at 10:45 PM January 8, 1971[8]

at the State Dining Room Friday

while watching Mediterranean

Holiday. Bongbong on Flight No. 761 of Quantas

Left Hongkong at 8:53 PM and will arrive

At New Delhi at 3:20 AM and all is well.

I have just talked to the same two groups of drivers who both claim to have the majority of drivers. But a great majority of the jeepneys and buses stayed out of the streets.

Still the same positions of the two groups. This time the delegation of Atty. Lupino Lazaro included not only the head of Mapalsat, another union, but also Atty. Angeles of the Consumers Union and Joey Lim, a student leader who criticized the inaction for a long time of the National Price Control Council.

They all demanded that the oil refineries be asked to suspend or cancel the increase of gasoline prices until the National Price Control Council has made a decision on the Villegas rates.

I called up Mr. Wallahan [J. J. Wolohan] of Caltex and asked him why the prices were increased when we had agreed in Baguio on the 31st that there would be no such increase until we met again in Manila—and we had never met. The reason for my request had been the fact that the National Price Control Council had to approve the Villegas rates before they could be enforced nationally.

The oil refineries would not be able to bring down the prices even if they wanted to.

In the morning I met the Vice President, Sec. [Juan Ponce] Enrile, Sec. Abad Santos, USec. [Jose] Ingles and Dir. [Fernando Bunsuego [Jr.] to give approval to their recommendation to approve the Pioneer Oil concession for the Nationalist China Oil their partner to drill and if oil is discovered to exploit the concession getting a 30% share of the oil provided that the safeguards that a foreign government like Nationalist China does not transfer its rights without the approval of our government; that it must register with SEC as a domestic corporation so it can be held liable in our courts; the entry of its technicians to be subject to the usual safeguards.

I am also working on the political philosophy that should be able to rally all the classes of our people in the event of a take-over.

And classifying the records that have to be duplicated and stored in a place other than Malacañang.

11:30 PM January 9, 1971[9]

Saturday

Bongbong left by Qantas via Hongkong, New Delhi, Teheran, Athens and London.

I talked to him and his sisters, Imelda and Kokoy [Benjamin Romualdez] about the possibility of his mother and two sisters joining him if there should be trouble here; that whether I am there beside them or not they (the children) should value education and get a doctorate degree because even if we should lose our fortune and position here in the Philippines, then they could make their own way in this world; that if for any reason we should be separated and I should not be able to guide them after normalcy returns to the world or the Philippines as the case may be, they should return to the Philippines where their roots are; that I would prefer their marrying Filipinos.

Spent the afternoon preparing the records and money he and Kokoy would bring to London.

Spent the whole morning with the oil refineries representatives who as I expected could not budge although they did apologize.

The buses and jeepneys are running normally but I asked PSC [Public Service Commission] Chairman [Jose] Evangelista to punish those who were not following their franchise by going out.

And asked Sec. [Ernesto] Maceda to finish the confirmation of the] Villegas rates today.

Maceda, who is an aspirant for senator, wanted to delay and even cut the rate to 1½ centavo. Bung [Arturo] Tanco [Jr.] called up tonight asking if they could not give the increase by degrees. I did not approve this.

I believe that the answer to all these problems is a government-controlled oil refinery in partnership with any of the Middle East countries. I attach such a proposal.

9:30 PM January 10, 1971[10]

Sunday

Bongbong called up from London to say that he and Kokoy [Benjamin Romualdez] arrived at quarter to eleven London time which would be quarter to six in the evening Manila time. He was able to sleep in the plane sitting up and London is not bitter cold as they expected but only as cold as the day Bongbong left. He goes to Worth Abbey School tomorrow at 4:00 PM.

Intelligence reports indicate expectation of use of explosives by Algerian-trained demolition men and target date for major disorder and violence July and August to continue up to the political campaign for local elections.

I attach an intelligence report on this.

Congressman [Salipada] Pendatun and Ex-Cong. Raschid Lucman are reported engaged in subversive activities in Mindanao and Indonesia.

I attach the report of Ambassador [Modesto] Farolan in Indonesia.

The Manila Chronicle, today, has come out with a vicious front page editorial [The Fruits of Corrption]. I attach a clipping as a sample of the Lopez campaign of hate.

I also attach a memorandum prepared on the reasons for this blackmail.

Spoke before the new labor center of [Francisco] Kits Mendoza after meeting the Pinagbuklod na Manggagawa nang Pilipinas headed by [Roberto] Bert Oca.

We must keep the laborers and the farmers on our side.

10:15 PM January 11, 1971[11]

Monday

Open house for the diplomatic corps and the public officials at 9:00 AM.

Then a meeting of the legislative leaders and the cabinet on the legislative program, the state of the nation address, the monetary policy, and diplomatic relations with Russia.

I asked the leaders of both houses to first meet on a legislative program and then see me but they agreed on a development tax (tax on foreign exchange purchase) and a restructuring and simplification of tariff.

We agreed that I would not include any constitutional reforms in the State of the Nation Address.

They agreed to the steps taken to stimulate economic activity by non-inflationary methods. Gov. [Gregorio] Licaros explained that there can be no fear of excessive expenditure and borrowing by the government as claimed by Sen. Pres. [Gil] Puyat and Speaker [Jose B.] Laurel because there are legal constraints.

On relations with Russia, we decided to meet in bipartisan caucus with the Chief Justice invited before the 18th. Sen. Pres. Puyat will call the Liberals and set the date.

They agreed that we must give priority to the agricultural recovery program for which P35 million has been allocated.

I met Atty. Lupiño Lazaro, the leader of the bigger faction of Pasang-Masda [Pangkalahatang Samahan ng Maynila at Suburbs Drivers Associations] that is striking as he asked to see me on an urgent matter. He revealed to me that some men claiming to be NPA [New People’s Army] had offered guns to some of the Drivers Asso[ciation]. Presidents of Bulacan—that one man had accepted four Armalites and twelve had grenades. These men were allegedly brought to a house in Apalit—a house allegedly full of guns.

One of the drivers presidents was going to be picked up this afternoon at 4:00 PM to be brought to Tabang then to Bahay Pare.

When I informed Gen. [Manuel] Yan of this for transmittal Gen. [Felizardo] Tanabe, he recalled that Gen. Tanabe had disarmed the civilian guards of the mayor of Apalit.

I directed the relief of Commodore [Remo] Lavadia of the National Defense College for fermenting insubordination among his staff asking them to get any lecturer with or without the clearance of J-2 [Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence] and not to fear Gen. Yan or Malacañang [and] if there is no academic freedom he will close the college.

I transmitted the information that the Ilocos Sur local police had been infiltrated by NPA (probably Vigan through Chavit [Luis] Singson’s uncle,[12] Mayor Singson).

An Aniceto Ramos reports that Lt. Victor Castro (sic) [Corpus] has been sighted in San Guillermo, Isabela, then Jones on the way to Palawan where there is allegedly a training ground.

Then a former CIS [Criminal Investigation Service] agent Majusay claims one of our agents, a Francisco Zabala, was with the Castro (sic) [Corpus] raiding party and that Castro [Corpus] was brought down from Baguio to Tarlac by the helicopter of Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.], then in the senator’s car to Manila, and in the smuggler Delfin Tan’s fast kumpit “Erlinda” from Manila to Brookes Pt., Palawan. They are supposed to go (he has 12 armed men with him) to Balabac, then to Borneo then to China.

These reports may be misleading as Lt. Castro [Corpus] was definitely located in Quezon City sometime on the 4th of January. A Lt. Vila was brought by Lt. Ferronil (?) and a hippie-looking young man to the Kamias Road area, he (Vila who is a classmate of [Victor] Corpus as well as Ferronil of class 1967) being blindfolded. When his blindfold was removed, they were in a house of Castro, Jose Maria Sison, [Ernesto] Macahiya and others. Corpus claimed he left the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] because he was discriminated against (not allowed to take the Intelligence Course) the Floring [Floro] Crisologo incident when he was berated openly for saying that the only solution to the peace and order program in Ilocos Sur would be the killing of Floring Crisologo, and his cavalier treatment in the PMA [Philippine Military Academy].

Vila revealed the meeting with Corpus to Gen. [Mariano] Ordoñez as he could not sleep with the secret. But Lt. Ferronil was not informed of the revelation and when he was asked, he denied the meeting with Corpus.

But the assessment is that Vila is telling the truth. A Lt. Enriquez and Lt. Sibal are also vocally in favor of the action taken by Corpus and may be in touch with him.

I have asked the Price Control Council to bring down the Villegas rate or increase of 2 centavos per liter of standard gasoline to 1 centavo. I asked Atty. Lupiño Lazaro to move for reconsideration of the decision of the Price Control Council to uphold the Villegas rate and to thus have the credit of this victory for the drivers. He has agreed. The arrangements are being made with USec. Bung [Arturo] Tanco [Jr.].

But the striking drivers and the students supporting then (among them the Kabataan Makabayan and Father [Jose] Blanco’s SKIT) are going to march around the city and start violence.

Tonight they have started to stone even private cars. It is expected that it will be worse tomorrow.

But the Metrocom [Metropolitan Command], reinforced by three companies, are ready for any eventuality.

This is probably the beginning of the intensified activities of the K[abataan] M[akabayan]’s and N[ew] P[eople’s] Army]’s and C[communist] P[arty of the] P[hilippines] for 1971.

We will keep watching for the need of the use of emergency powers.

I have a report of Customs anomalies which have been confirmed. I attach it.

So I must expedite the Customs reorganization.

Activists, radicals, rioters, demonstrators and the HMB’s [Hukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan] and NPA’s do not now constitute a serious threat to our society. This is the sober judgment that I arrive at after long and serious study.

Even if the government were to help them mount a rebellion, they would still be nothing but harassing groups incapable of taking over government.

But they pose in the minds of businessmen and prospective investors a fear of rebellion and a consequent insecurity of investment and economic activity. The fear must be dissipated.

11:55 PM January 12, 1971[13]

Tuesday

We have been delayed by the blackout at about 9:00 PM which blanketed not only Metropolitan Manila but all provinces up to Tarlac in the north and up to Laguna in the south.

I was then at dinner with Dr. Zahvkar who is here on the IMF [International Monetary Fund] consultations as we ask for more liberal credit and concessional loans. He is very sympathetic but cautious because of the effect of too much credit on the rate of exchange.

And Atty. Lupiño Lazaro was having dinner at the State Dining Room waiting for me. I convinced him that since I had earlier directed the oil refineries to lower the Villegas rate of standard gasoline from the increase of two centavos to one centavo and organized the Presidential Oil Commission to look into the profits of the oil refineries and the bus and jeepney operators as well as the drivers, he should not allow the drivers to participate in the rally and demonstrators which is [sic] being led by the Kabataang Makabayan and the NPA [New People’s Army]. But he would or could not call off the strike. He feels that the people is [sic] on their side. But after the lowering of the gasoline rates, he will lose the people’s support gradually.

But Nering [Nereo] Andolong reports that the blackout or power failure was deliberately done to test strength and cause confusion. We are still investigating. The Meralco [Manila Electric Company] explanation that a truck struck an electric post was not plausible because even the substation in Pampanga exploded.

Nering Andolong also reports that Renato Constantino, I.P. [Indalencio] Soliongco and Angel Baking organized the more than seventy student leaders that saw Mr. Eugenio Lopez, the “evil genius” of the Lopez group—apparently for financing for the rally tomorrow.

Freddie Elizalde showed me a copy of an editorial which Chino [Joaquin] Roces wanted to be pooled by all the newspapers castigating me and asking for my resignation and that of the cabinet. For good measure the editorial included the Vice President. It was opposed by Freddie and [Sebastian] Ugarte. And Teddy [Teodoro] Locsin opposed the demand for resignation.

What a ridiculous spectacle Chino Roces is making of himself. He is supposed to have said that I engineered the drivers’ strike and am leading to a declaration of martial law as there will be violence tomorrow, and in the days to come. And he predicted that at least ten men would be killed tomorrow. He (Chino Roces) and the rest of them (IP Soliongco, Renato Constantino and Angel Baking) probably know or feel that they will be arrested in the event I proclaim martial law.

My suspicion is that Ambassador [Henry] Byroade may have leaked my statement that in the event of massive sabotage or terrorism I would use my extraordinary powers. His wife whom he did not bring with him to the U.S. told me she is going to Subic Naval Base instead of Baguio her favorite vacation place allegedly because it is too cold.

The timetable is being pushed too fast by the leftists. It may be earlier than we think.

Gen. [Manuel] Yan, Sec. [Juan Ponce] Enrile and the others recommended that relief of Gen. [Zosimo] Paredes of the IInd PC [Philippine Constabulary] Zone and to assign Col. [Fabian] Ver there. But he is loyal and a good combat officer. He can be depended upon to use his initiative.

So I am retaining him. But I will elevate Col. Ver to Senior Aide de Camp.

I am creating the Intelligence Command and putting Gen. Fidel Ramos in command. His deputy, Col. Sibayan, takes over the III Inf. Brigade.

1:00 AM January 13, 1971[14]

Wednesday

The congressmen close to me, Cong. [Eduardo] Cojuangco [Jr.], Frisco San Juan, [Mohammad] Ali Dimaporo, Jose Aspiras, Navarro, Lucas Cauton, Roque Ablan all pressed for the use of my emergency powers. “We cannot understand why you are so patient. Do not wait until we are completely debilitated and the people is [sic] against us. It will be too late. One swift blow and we remove the cancer from our society,” they all said.

I could only answer that it may be sooner than we think.

For violence erupted in Plaza Miranda and other places in the city this afternoon up to tonight. Confirmed casualties are 14 injured including one policeman and two troopers hit by Molotov cocktails (which cocktails according to Gen. [Mariano] Ordoñez were twice the force of a land grenade) and one confirmed killed and another possibly killed.

Atty. Lupiño Lazaro who called me up while I was having dinner with the congressmen at about 9:30 PM claimed the drivers were not involved as he dispersed them at 2:00 PM and the violence started at 5:00 PM which was true. But the radical left, mostly students, did take over from the drivers. Lazaro sent Bert Moran to explain to me that he will try to stop the strike tomorrow.[15]

I made an appeal for the media not to farther exacerbate passions, to report fairly and honestly. I begged the pressure groups who are reported to be financing and egging them to violence to desist in the name of the people, for the communists are taking advantage of the chaos and confusion.

I attach my outline and the report of Adrian Cristobal on the publishers’ meeting at Meralco yesterday.

**This page in transcript has no holograph.

12:35 AM January 14, 1971[16][17]

Thursday

I accepted the resignation of Vice Pres. [Fernando] Lopez this morning. I attach my letter of acceptance. But before I received his letter of resignation or more accurately said before he reiterated his resignation verbally, the radio was already announcing his resignation and The Daily Mirror headlined it as the Lopezes had leaked it out to [Armando] Doronila, the columnist.

The day has been active and full. For the head-on collision with the Lopezes has occupied me and my men.

At 1:30 PM after meeting with Monet Nolan and Ambassador Ernesto Lagdameo on the sugar problem and the routine visitors, I had lunch with the members of the House. Other than conferring on the usual congressional requests like the appointment of judges, we discussed the problem of subversion and of cooperation on substantial measures for the solution of the explosive social situation.

I painted the true picture – that while subversives cannot mount a rebellion to take over government, there was proof of the radicals having acquired guns and explosives. So, we should expect more revolutionary activities in the form of sabotage this year with the peak in July or August. This shocked them into unity. “We must cling together or we will hang together.”

So they all assured full support for me and our basic policies. But they wanted more consultations. Which we will hold.

Today I signed the undated proclamation of martial law und gave a copy to Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile so that if anything happens to me, he (whom I have appointed as Deputy Commander in Chief and the Chief of Staff, Gen. Manuel T. Yan as Assistant Deputy Commander in Chief) can execute and implement the proclamation.

I met with Boni de Luna and Gilvera? of the striking drivers at about 9:30 PM and we agreed that tomorrow, the Price Control Council will meet at 9:00 AM and after hearing declare all price increases as unauthorized and all prices to return to pre-Villegas rates and after the stations are notified, the strike will be lifted and the panel with three strike leaders as representatives will determine the reasonable prices for all oil commodities in three days.

I hope that the absence of Atty. Lupiño Lazaro will not block the agreement.

I attach reports on the economic situation.

10:00 PM January 15, 1971[18]

Friday

The poor people of Tondo, our slum area, came over to Malacañang at 4:00 PM to pledge loyalty to me in the fight against the oligarchs. Students, activists, laborers and intellectuals were there.

We could make this the rallying cry, “Fight the oligarchs who suppress our people!”

And make it a nationwide movement. The cry is catching fire. For one thing the word “oligarch” is in everybody’s lips.

“No compromise. No turning back. Let us now reform our society. Let us give true equality.”

I intend to propose a strong anti-trust law to break up the big monopolies and the combines that dictate prices and depress the people. The monopolies or combines are in sugar, rice, copra, flour, steel, textiles and cement.

And I intend to propose a radical plan of profit sharing and a new concept of ownership of private property.

Slowly the issues are clarifying as I dissociate myself from the oligarchs, some of whom are our friends.

These oligarchs as meant in this case are the families that remain powerful and influential no matter who are the persons or parties in power.

The symbol of these oligarchs are the Lopezes who have always struck terror into the hearts of government men.

I convinced the oil executives, Mr. [J. J.] Wolohan and Wales accompanied by Francis Ablan to accept the roll-back to the rates and prices of oil commodities as of Jan. 6th before the Villegas committee set a 2 centavo increase for regular gasoline and issued an order to the Price Control Council to this effect—effective one week within which time the Price Control Council should set the prices with the regular gasoline kept at a low level even if the premium gasoline should be increased by five centavos. I attach the order.

I opened the Japanese Floating Trade Fair on the “Sakura Maru” at 6:15 PM with Imelda.

11:00 PM January 16, 1971[19]

Saturday

I met with all the leaders of organized labor with 27 federation heads present. They committed themselves to the unrelenting fight against the oligarchs, the freezing of regular gasoline prices even if premium gas is increased, the lowering of Meralco [Manila Electric Company] rates which were increased by the Public Service Commission headed by Com. [Enrique] Medina, the dismantling of monopolies, combinations and cartels that control prices, the passage of a strong anti-trust law and the review of franchises that give special privileges and more social justice legislation.

But they asked everyone, including myself, that there be a common pledge of no withdrawal from the fight. “Patayin ang umurong!” Which we did solemnly.

Now we tie up all the farmers’ organizations and the Socialist Party under [Ignacio] Lacsina.

The Acting Chairman of the group was Roberto Oca, President of the Pinagbuklod na Manggagawa ng Pilipinas and the Acting Secretary, Tony [Antonio] Policarpio the Vice President of Atty. Lerum in the [National Labor Union].

Cipriano Cid was represented by Atty. Israel Bocobo.

The labor leaders left Malacañang to meet outside so that it may not be said that they were herded and dictated to in Malacañang. Then they returned to present the resolution to me.

I attach the resolutions of the labor leaders.

After a conference with Justice Antonio Barredo, former Solicitor General who handled the increase of Meralco fares for the government, with Sol. Gen. Felix Antonio and Sec. of Justice Vicente Abad Santos, as well as Solicitor ______ who is handling the case now, we have decided that Com. [Jose] Evangelista will order the Auditor General to look into the books of Meralco to determine their income under the increased rates, then on the basis of the new facts and the fact now discovered by me (from Justice Barredo) that the motion for reconsideration was never tried by the Public Service Commission en banc and therefore cannot be appealable, the Public Service Commission will ask the Supreme Court to which the increase was appealed, to allow the Public Service Commission to reassess the rates anew.

Also met the CAA [Civil Aeronautics Administration] squatters who came to Malacañang to reaffirm their support for me in the fight against the oligarchs.

I attach pictures of these.

11:00 PM January 17, 1971[20]

Sunday

Meralco [Manila Electric Company], thru Emilio Abello, issued yesterday a statement claiming the President was wasting his time on insignificant matters apparently referring to my fight on the oligarchy.

The labor groups united into a common front with Bert [Roberto] Oca of Pinagbuklod and Tony [Antonio] Policarpio answered it today with the statement that the matter of prices raised by Meralco rates and monopolies or pressure groups are not insignificant and affect millions of people.

I directed, in writing, the Dept. of Justice, Solicitor General and Public Service Commission to study the reopening of the question of Meralco rates. We discovered that the motion for reconsideration of the Solicitor General supposed to be acted upon en banc was never resolved by the Public Service Commission and therefore, there is no final judgment that can be appealed to the Supreme Court. Then again the question of fact as to the alleged excessive income of Meralco on the basis of the new rates should be decided by the Public Service Commission now that these rates have been collected actually by Meralco

So the Public Service Commission, tomorrow, orders the Auditor General to continue the unfinished audit of the books of Meralco and to farther determine the actual income under the new rates.

Additional pledges of support in the fight against the oligarchs continue to pour in. The Market Vendors’ Association under Polly Cayetano (20,000 strong) came this afternoon to offer support.

Governor Cipriano Primicias of Pangasinan came to explain how he has issued a statement that while he is neutral in the fight between the President and Lopez, the continued and unbridled attack on the President by the Chronicle and the ABS-CBN shows that it is guided by our hand. It also shows the existence of an empire within the republic which answers to no one no matter what abuses they commit while the President is accountable to the people.

He is calling the Directorate of the Governors’ League (30 members) to act on a resolution of support.

And Gov. Conrado Estrella called back to say he has been working on the farmer groups to obtain resolutions of support.

Tomorrow, the congressmen’s resolution will be signed.

But the Lopez camp is talking impeachment.

10:55 PM January 18, 1971[21]

Monday

We have decided to call a demonstration of our own to take over the space at the Congress on the 25th when the leftist radicals intend to cause trouble. We hope to place 100,000 people to displace the trouble makers and thus avoid violence.

I have also accepted the decision of the House of Representatives to set the opening ceremonies and my State of the Nation address at 11:00 AM. There are all kinds of rumors flying around: one says a grenade will be thrown at me or my car; another as to the effect that a photographer may be the would-be assassin; the radicals are preparing strike forces who will hit back at the police; snipers will be posted at the tall buildings; Congress will be besieged for three days etc.

The Solicitor General reports that the Public Service Commission never acted en banc on the motion for reconsideration. The provisional rates appealed on a petition for a certiorari is the basis for the new rates charged by Meralco [Manila Electric Company]. The first decision is under the law unenforceable while on appeal. So if the appeal of the provisional rates is withdrawn, then there would be no basis for the new rates being charged.

I have left the matter to the Secretary of Justice and the Solicitor General.

The Auditor General when asked to conduct an audit of the Meralco books of accounts claimed that they had finished the audit of the books May or June last year. He acts suspiciously.

Atty. Jose [Miravete?], who practices in the Public Service Commission reports that one million pesos was given to Com. [Enrique] Medina and each of the four Associate Commissioners P250,000 each. And each of the four commissioners now receive an amount of P20,000.

So we may have to file criminal and administrative cases against them.

Today I ordered the Presidential Economic Staff to list down the monopolies, combinations, trusts and cartels so we can dismantle them.

I have directed a general study of rates reduction of all public utilities including the Phil. Long Distance Co. and the transportation companies.

I enclose the directives.

10:05 PM January 19, 1971[22]

Tuesday

This is a strange situation we are facing. The radicals who wish to overthrow government are allied with the oligarchies who want to preserve their privileges.

This is confirmed by Atty. Lupiño Lazaro who narrated how the radicals, Eric Baculinao, Crispin Aranda, [Vic] Clemente and the moderates headed by NUSP’s [National Union of Students of the Philippines] [Edgar] Jopson met at the ABS-CBN press room mapping out strategy. And he was castigated by them for sending away the drivers at 2:00 PM on Jan. 13th before the violence started.

Again Atty. Bonifacio de Luna of the Philippine Confederation of Drivers further confirmed this tonight.

And he added the information that Atty. Lazaro is after nothing but money. He promised de Luna 1/3 of what he makes.

So Lazaro and the other leader Gervero are going to block the amicable settlement of the gasoline price problem unless they are paid. And we should not permit this.

Lazaro asked P300,000 and came all the way down to P100,000 according to Atty. Siguion Reyna on the evening of June 12th before the demonstrations of June 13th.

But I have asked Atty. de Luna to separate from the Lazaro and Gervero group and we will extend him all aid to organize a cooperative. At the same time we will ask the oil companies to see to it that the P5 million trust fund should not look as if they are the source of the money as the drivers will not accept it. And P1 million should be set aside for the organization of cooperatives.

The price of regular gasoline should be kept at the present level but premium can be raised provided that steps should be taken to limit the sale of regular gasoline at present prices to public utilities only.

I also met the oil executives to get them to agree to settle the matter of gasoline prices quietly without of course discontinuing the hearings of the Price Control Council.

We should not talk of extending the period of seven days to work out an agreement before we have exhausted all efforts to do so. Bung [Arturo] Tanco [Jr.] will first meet with the drivers’ leaders to find out what is acceptable to them then submit it to the oil executives.

I had the senators (Nacionalista) for lunch this noon. Everyone attended except Sen. Jose Diokno who is a [on] retainer of Lopez and Sen. Pres. Gil Puyat and Mamintal Tamano who are in Indonesia. Present were Sen. Arturo Tolentino, Lorenzo Tañada, Sen. Pres. Pro Tempore Jose Roy, Eva Estrada Kalaw, Leonardo Perez, Dominador Aytona, Lorenzo Teves, Rene Espina, Salvador Laurel, Lorenzo Sumulong, Ambrosio Padilla, Wenceslao Lagumbay, Alejandro Almendras and Helen Benitez.

They were unanimously in favor of trade with Russia, three were in favor of diplomatic relations (Tañada, Laurel and Teves who was even in favor of diplomatic relations with Red China) and three in favor of trade and consular relations (which would not include diplomatic immunity). These last three were Sumulong who suggested it, Roy and Kalaw.

Sen. Arturo Tolentino repeated his observation he had made in the caucus of congressional leaders that the people may not be ready for it; that everybody he talked to were against it because of fear of Russian infiltration; that we could go at it by stages.

When I asked Tañada on the Lopez imbroglio he commented, “Just follow the law.”

We agreed on priorities on the legislative program—import ban on luxuries, agricultural reform by cooperatives, affluent consumption tax, oil commission, oil prospecting, national or state trading corporation.

Commander Melody [Benjamin Bie Jr.] was captured last night by Lt. Col. [Romeo] Gatan, Provincial Commander of Tarlac, and his men at Valenzuela, Bulacan with the aid of Boy Car Sison who was captured in Tarlac several days earlier. When surrounded and faced with a cocked pistol he offered no resistance. The boys of Cong. Eduardo Cojuangco helped.

We have not announced the capture as we are going to use Commander Melody who is next in rank only to Commander Dante [Bernabe Buscayno], to capture both Jose Maria Sison and Dante.

I personally made him pledge to this mission with his family held as guarantors.

Imelda is busy organizing our supporters and leaders lo bring delegations of five, ten and twenty thousand people to fill up the safety belt around Congress on the 25th, to keep the radicals away and show that we have the support of the people in our drive against the oligarchies and robber barons.

9:30 PM January 20, 1971[23]

Wednesday

Imee and Irene have been permitted to stay in the palace under a tutor doing their homework and taking the exams of Assumption College but not attending classes there because of the threat of kidnapping against them.

Imelda and I talked to Father Dominic about the plot to kidnap Bongbong by some Cairo Muslims, possibly Filipinos. The information came from Jimmy Rafferty of the U.S. Embassy who got it from his or their Tausog agents. Kokoy [Benjamin] Romualdez has notified Scotland Yard about the plot. And the English government is taking all precaution.

The Liberals have taken a full-page advertisement on martial law declaring they would not attend sessions if martial law is declared.

I have had to reiterate my stand that martial law is the last recourse—that I would resort to it only if there is massive sabotage, terrorism, assassination and/or violent grab for control of government.

The students led by Eric Baculinao, [Fernando] Gerry Barican and Nelson Navarro met Sec. Ernesto Maceda on their initiative and wanted ground rules established on the demonstration on the 25th.

But they would not meet with Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile except in the U.P. [University of the Philippines] so there has been no meeting with them of the committee I organized of Sec. Enrile, Gen. [Mariano] Ordoñez and Col. [Fabian] Ver to meet with them.

I attach the note of Sec. Maceda on this.

The students are getting split. I attach the campus editorial and news clipping on this.

The Nica [National Intelligence Coordinating Agency] spot report is quite accurate. I attach it.

The farmers from Central Luzon under Max Fabian and Luis Taruc came to offer support to me. I enclose their resolution.

[Ignacio] Lacsina of the Socialist Party insisted that we should dissociate ourselves from the IMF [International Monetary Fund] and just notify the American creditors that we cannot pay and let them collect.

I told him I thought that he was afraid of the oligarchs and the newspapers. Because from my point of view he was giving a transparent excuse for his avoiding being identified with us.

But apparently he is playing for bigger stakes. He wants his socialist philosophy adopted.

The cause that we are now fighting is God-sent. And we now should work on the things that will immediately give relief to the masses of our people specially the lowering of the Meralco [Manila Electric Company] rates.

I meet the Solicitor General on this tomorrow.

Am now working on the State of the Nation address.

11:30 PM January 21, 1971[24]

Thursday

“’Go after the communists and their cells in all areas of activity. There must be no abuse of power. We must show restraint and responsibility. We must allow the functions of government to function normally under military supervision. The operations must be swift and clean. After the objective is attained then, the authority must be returned to the civil government.”

“’If we do not have enough men to take over all the media then we should close all the newspapers and television and radio stations leaving one of each only to communicate to the people.”

“Even if I am not there, follow the contingency plan unerringly and with resolution.”

“If I should be unconscious, I must be revived so I can sign the proclamation. And even if I cannot actively command, my plans must be followed.”

These were my orders to Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile, Gen. [Manuel] Yan, Gen. [Romeo] Espino, Gen. [Rafael] Ileto, Gen. [Fidel] Ramos and Col. [Fabian] Ver this evening at 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM during the conference on the contingency plan.

I attach a disturbing report which reflects on the character of Gen. Yan, Com. [Remo] Lavadia and Gen. [Reynaldo] Perez.

So now we must strengthen the staff of Gen. Espino to watch over the movements of Gen. Yan and control the message center in GHQ [General Headquarters].

There was a fire at the City Hall which started at the room of Judge [Elias] Asuncion from an overheated electric fan.

The drivers’ leaders could not agree on a quiet solution of the oil products prices. I met them (de Luna, Gervero and Lupine Lazaro) this noon up to 1:30 from 12:30.

I also met the Public Service Commission at [Bahay] Pangarap before that and they have decided to hear the Motion for Reconsideration of the Meralco [Manila Electric Company] rates on Jan. 28th.

It looks like the students may have called off their demonstration in Congress so that as they say, “Marcos will have no reason to proclaim martial law.”

Tony [Antonio] Policarpio called up at about 11:00 PM to tell me that the labor leaders have decided to send a delegation to Congress on the 25th although Tony Diaz and Eddie [Edmundo] Nolasco of Philcontu registered votes against the plan.

10:55 PM January 22, 1971[25]

Friday

While everybody has been saying that the demonstration on Monday, Jan. 25th would be peaceful, tonight the Esso building at Marques de Comillas was completely burned and one man inside killed (after an explosion), the Caltex building at Roxas boulevard was damaged severely in its front by a bomb with two men slightly injured and a Pandacan gasoline station also bombed. I attach report.

Had a briefing at the Intelligence and GHQ [General Headquarters] at which later briefing of the National Security Council, I had an unpleasant incident with Minority Floor Leader Justiniano Montano who in his usual arrogant way was denouncing me and the administration, bragging about his courage and insulting me personally. When I rebuked him for this, calling his attention to the fact that this was an objective presentation where we should not interject politics, he became more overbearing and agitated.

Sen. Gerardo Roxas also took umbrage on my remarks that the Liberals were over-reacting to the statements on martial law when those were made to prevent violence.

We finally settled down to a calmer session when I wisecracked about our quarreling about nothing.

Cagayan and Zambales came to pledge loyalty with their governors.

I worked on my State of the Nation address. Much too long.

Imelda has been busy the whole day and is suffering from a pain in the right lumbar. Dr. Gloria Aragon says it may be her old kidney ailment as her kidney may have gone down because of her slimming program. She has been advised to stop her dieting and to rest.

9:25 PM January 23, 1971[26]

Saturday

I have finished the last draft of my State of the Nation address of about 113 printed or typewritten pages. But as usual the reading copy will be about 15 pages long for a 30-minute delivery.

The bombing of Esso and Caltex buildings were headlined in the morning papers. Esso burned as the dynamite used had a bottle of gasoline with it—apparently home­made. Crude and bulky but effective.

I attach the report on it by J-2 [Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence].

After a meeting with Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile, Gens. [Manuel] Yan, [Rafael] Ileto, [Eduardo] Garcia and [Fidel] Ramos and Col. [Fabian] Ver, I have a feeling that the Congressional opening and rally on the 25th will be peaceful. But the NPA [New People’s Army] or CPP [Communist Party of the Philippines] who are suspected to have done the bombing are expected to continue and may do so at targets other than Congress. It may be Malacañang. Or any of the other public buildings.

I met Andy Soriano and Sebastian Ugarte of the Herald this morning. I explained that the fight against the oligarchs was not against bigness but against the use of bigness to oppress our people and intimidate the public officials for more financial gain.

He seemed relieved but still worried about anarchy. I had to assure him when I called him back alone that if the situation deteriorates, I may have to use my extraordinary powers like declaring martial law. He seemed relieved and said, “You would be surprised at the number of people who would welcome it.”

I explained that I was willing to negotiate with the moderates but the NPA and CPP would want nothing short of taking over the government.

However I emphasized the need for reform, for an anti-trust law, for cooperatives, for a more equitable redistribution of wealth.

I even suggested a meeting with businessmen to whom I could explain the whole thing again—and even a meeting with Chino [Joaquin] Roces afterwards.

But I called his attention to the fact that there was not one among those in media saying anything about or against communism. And we must now.

So I obtained his pledge to use the Herald against communism which is our common foe.

I write this at January 24, 1971[27]

10:45 PM on Sunday

Jan. 25, 1971

I could not write my diary last night as we were occupied by the State of the Nation address und the developments of the evening.

Mayor Antonio Villegas, after meeting with the KM [Kabataang Makabayan], decided to remove the barriers of about 20 meters between the space allotted to the radical SDK [Samahan ng Demokratikong Kabataan] and MDP [Movement for Democratic Philippines] and the pro-administration demonstrators. He also said that he was pulling out the policemen out of the area and indicated that he would allow the radical demonstrators to set up a human blockade of the driveway northward out of the congressional premises preventing anyone including my car from leaving the building. And Villegas threatened to order the Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] out of the premises.

So it became necessary for Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile to issue written orders to Gen. [Mariano] Ordoñez, the CG [Commanding General] of the Metrocom, to implement OPLAN TANUD or Lawmaker, to secure Congress, the First Family, members of Congress and their guests as well as the rallyists.

This was done at about midnight.

Later I swore in the new colonels of our Armed Forces (about 118 of them) at about 1:00 AM.

Slept at about 2:00 PM and woke up this morning at 7:00 AM.

11:15 PM January 25, 1971[28]

Monday

This is the turning point. The congressional opening and State of the Nation address ceremonies were peaceful.

And the whole nation heaved a sigh of relief. For many had left for the provinces and for abroad to avoid the imagined dangers of a revolution.

Chino [Joaquin] Roces, [Raul] Manglapus and the radicals who have been predicting the start of a revolution today must be disappointed.

As usual Mayor [Antonio] Villegas was claiming he was the cause of it all. But he came down from his tower of City Hall only when he realized that there was going to be no trouble. I am sure others will follow suit tomorrow.

Actually, what prevented violence was the predominance of the pro-administration demonstrators. But not just pro-Marcos but pro-the Democratic Revolution that I launched in my speech.

The radicals lost heart when they saw the determination of the veterans, the market vendors, the provincial delegations and the spectators. Some of the students and radicals who tried to infiltrate the pro-administration delegations were shooed away.

My State of the Nation Address has been received enthusiastically even by the opposition. Even Cong. [Justiniano] Montano congratulated me with the statement that he agreed with me and liked the speech. Sen. Ninoy [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] when asked to comment on it said he agreed with the program and the rhetoric but doubted implementation. This was the theme of the Liberals.

I attach the speech with the ad libs.

We must push through the Democratic Revolution to its logical conclusion.

And treat everyone with a fair and even hand—friend and foe alike. In this we must be merciless but just.

Now I attend to the constitutional convention to convince the delegates about my proposals. For it will be they who must permanently restructure our social order.

11:10 PM January 26, 1971[29]

Tuesday

Had the governors and city mayors for lunch at the State Dining room.

In my speech I spoke of the brotherhood between all Filipinos during the euphoria of independence in 1946; how that brotherhood was lost by the materialism of the next twenty-five years and how we must again reestablish it.

But there has been no rallying cause for the majority of our people who desire for such a brotherhood and unity. Now the rallying cause is the Democratic Revolution.

My voice alone is weak. But you must spread this gospel. For you are the men who are in actual touch with the people.

Let us give the Democratic Revolution validity with our acts.

In the dinner we tendered for the leaders of the pro-administration demonstrators, I repeated the same thing.

I commended them all. Bert [Roberto] Oca and Tony [Antonio] Policarpio of the Pinagbuklod, Polly Cayetano of the Chamber of Retailers and market vendors, [Mohammad] Ali Dimaporo and his Muslims, Uging [Constantino] Navarro and his Mindanawenos, Miling [Carmelo] Barbero and his Abraeños, Lucas Cauton and his Ilocos Sur boys, Joe [Jose] Aspiras and Titing [Joaquin] Ortega as well as Tancredo Guray with the La Union boys, Condring [Conrado] Estrella and the Pangasinenses, the Tarlac boys under Tony Diaz although actually Danding [Eduardo] Cojuangco [Jr.] was the leader, the Pampangueños under Gov. [Francisco] Nepomuceno, the Bulacan delegation under Gov. [Ignacio] Santiago, Nueva Viscaya under Leonie [Leonardo] Perez, then the veterans under Marking, Frisco San Juan, Simeon Medalla, the Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] under Gen. [Mariano] Ordoñez, the Marine Battalion under newly promoted Col. Brown, the Tabak Battalion under newly promoted Col. dela Cruz, the Navy and Air Force—the evacuation by helicopter under newly promoted Col. Lapena—Com. Edu, Luis Illera, Guimo de Vega, Romy Diaz and Malang.

The morale is high and they all say, “Let us do it again.”

Igor P[odberesky] the Russian tagalista studying in the UP [University of the Philippines] confidentially told Cong. Barbero: “The only true revolutionary here is Marcos. No revolution will succeed here as the rebels have no organization, no rallying cause and no leader and above all they have not been able to neutralize or demoralize the Armed Forces.”

Apparently he is watching my own revolution.

11:00PM January 27, 1971[30]

Wednesday

There is still an atmosphere of hopeful expectancy for the Democratic Revolution. The greater number of our people are happy about the peaceful tum of events. And there has been a complete tum-about.

Indicative of this is the new attitude of Charlie Palanca, President of Lepanto Mining. In a party, Heny [Eugenio] Lopez Jr. was bitterly castigating me and the administration when Charlie Palanca asked him: “Alright, so you do not like Marcos. Who would take his place? And so there is none who could take his place? Then let us quit talking. Let us work for our country.”

And the manager of ABS-CBN [Augusto] Almeda-Lopez when asked over television why the pro-administration calls on the telephone to the show of Radio Patrol and other ABS­CBN programs were not being entertained, had to admit that 80% of the calls were pro­Marcos and that the silent majority is beginning to speak.

I met with the egalitarian intellectuals of the UP [University of the Philippines] tonight, Cesar Majul, Ruben Santos, Bonifacio and [Jose] Almonte.

They are all enthusiastic about the Democratic Revolution. Now we have to reduce the theory and ideal into practical programs that can be implemented.

They have practical suggestions like a check by visitors to government offices in a suggestion slip to be given to either the immediate superior or a group of assessors or lower-ranking Ombudsman.

And reactivation of media to inform the people of what the government is doing.

Then to improve the atmosphere of the lower echelon government officers and employees that are in direct contact with the people. Bonifacio referred to the discourtesy and inattention of the employees of the LTC [Land Transportation Commission] when he went to that office for the renewal of his driver’s license.

They report that the UP professors are saying the State of the Nation address will bring the people behind the President.

I have called a cabinet meeting next Saturday to receive the plans of the cabinet members to implement the Democratic Revolution.

Although we expect a demonstration on this day as it is the 30th.

The men who spread the story that a revolution would start on January 25 must be very red in the face.

Like [Raul] Manglapus who had appeared on TV every 30 minutes on Channel 2 in dolorous tones warning: “Stay at home. On Jan. 25th, stay off the streets.”

Father Fritz [Francisco] Araneta, the Father Rector of Ateneo de Manila, was practically disauthorized for his warning through the media to stay away and to expect a revolution. Father [Horacio] de la Costa, Father [Jose] Cruz, Father [John] Doherty and almost all the Jesuit fathers agreed with Father Doherty who said: “Your announcement was neither scholarly nor Christian.”

9:30 PM January 28, 1971[31]

Thursday

Met about 25 of the leading businessmen of the country in a merienda hosted by Andy Soriano at his Forbes Park home this afternoon at 4:00 – 6:00 PM.

I informed them that the communists or subversives were slowly sapping the vitality of our country; that the communists are presently in no position to start a rebellion or a revolution but in two years or three there would probably be no need for a revolution, the communists would nearly take over—or the military.

But my democratic revolution offers an alternative or option. So I asked that it be supported to abort a communist take-over.

Bert Villanueva said they were all for my objectives but what were the specifics.

Jess Cabarrus repeated his idea of more money in circulation to put more men under employment. Not too many were in accord with him. He had said that we have only P4 billion in circulation. Yet we have a capacity to produce exports worth P1 billion. So we should have twenty or thirty billion pesos in circulation. Specially since we must get more people employed in a short time.

Ramon del Rosario complained that the atmosphere of investment must be hospitable. But there is no rule as to what is reasonable profit. “Profit has become a bad word.” Of course he was referring to the roll back in the prices of regular gasoline and kerosene which just about wipes out his Filoil.

Tony Roxas Chua recommended that the Singapore Investment Incentives law be duplicated in the Philippines.

Sen. Pres. Gil Puyat felt that there should be more meetings and conferences with the private sector. He felt that the recommended taxes are regressive and could be passed to the consumer (Development tax or foreign exchange tax, affluent consumption tax and higher inheritance tax). David Sycip answered that would be alright if the ones who paid were the ultimate consumer.

Don Manolo Elizalde started the exchange of views after my opening statement to the effect that it was not my intention to go after any particular businessman or corporation.

Ting [Sixto] Roxas told me in confidence that some investors had postponed their decisions to invest until May because of the fact that the consultative group of the U.S., Japan and Australia with some observers would be set up in Paris on April 26th.

David Sycip farther suggested that the best way to attract investment would be to create a market—Asean because our own Philippine market is too small.

We had talked about this in the past and Ting [Vicente] Paterno told them of the arrangements we are trying to make with the other Asian countries.

We expect some violence and trouble in the next several days because of a jeepney strike and the Jan. 30th anniversary of the 1970 Mendiola incident.

Atty. Lupiño Lazaro has announced a strike of the Pasang-Masda [Pangkalahatang Samahan ng Maynila at Suburbs Drivers Associations] jeepney drivers beginning tomorrow evening at 6:30 PM because only regular gasoline and kerosene were kept at their old levels. He claims it is nation-wide and that he has wired everyone of their affiliates at Cotabato City, Naga, Bacolod etc.; and that they are prepared to hold a strike longer than the first one.

A second fire in the Dept. of Justice has burned some more records of cases under investigation.

I have directed that the German loan of about $14 million include not only ports like the Free Trade Zone, San Fernando, La Union but also the conversion of Zamboanga Airport into an International Airport as the flow of plane traffic seems to be Tokyo, Hongkong and Bangkok, Manila, Zamboanga (if DC-8’s can land there), Bali, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji Islands, Honolulu and San Francisco, Los Angeles.

11:15 PM January 29, 1971[32]

Friday

Worked on the reconstruction, PACD [Presidential Assistant on Community Development], infrastructure and agricultural recovery program.

I had the secretary of finance, the secretary of public works, the commissioner of the budget, commissioner on Highways and the BOI [Board of Investments] chairman.

Am not contented with the listing of projects. There are delays in implementation—the PES [Presidential Economic Staff] has taken 3 months to act on the PJH (Phil. Japan Highway) program.

So I have insisted on a PACD project in every barrio, a highway project in every province, 2,750 school buildings, hospitals and irrigation projects.

The agricultural program should include cooperatives. I have started an experimental cooperative farm of the Moshav type in Llavera, Nueva Ecija.

50,000 patents and titles will be given this year to small farmers by the Bureau of Lands.

The situation becomes more tense as the Pasang Masda [Pangkalahatang Samahan ng Maynila at Suburbs Drivers Associations] of Atty. Lupino Lazaro announced that their strike has been postponed to Monday. Lazaro is apparently weakening.

This time we take a firmer stand and we arrest anyone harassing vehicles on the road instead of just driving them away.

Neither the oil companies nor the drivers are content with the provisional decision.

But now the greater number of our people are alienated by the drivers as the PCC [Price Control Council] grant what they have originally been after.

This afternoon, I asked Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile and Gen. [Manuel] Yan to delay to July the taking in as enlisted men the 1,300 new men (trainees) for the 1st lnf. Div. (Tabak) but to extend their training to June 30th. Thus we save P3.2 million.

We will spend the money for the PACD.

And we prepare a dummy contingency plan where we mass the troops for Central Luzon instead of Manila—thus mislead the subversives who seem to have an inkling of the original IISMA [Iligan Integrated Steel Mills Inc.] plan.

I pointed out the deficiency of the Intelligence on penetration which must now be intensified. As well as the inadequacy of our efforts on psy-war.

We sent 500 guns to lsabela for the BSDU’s [Barrio Self-Defense Unit] to be put up. The 10th BCT [Battalion Combat Team] has been sent there and they have killed or apprehended subversives some of whom have given information which has led to the dismantling of the cadres set up by the NPA [New People’s Army].

More and more, we feel that the CPP [Communist Party of the Philippines] and NPA will resort to sabotage and terrorism as in desperation they are outwitted and thwarted in every turn.

In Congress they are still complaining about the guards and military men set up in the premises. We have kept quiet and we do not reveal to them that we know some of them (Ninoy [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] and Ramon Mitra Jr.) were in the know about the plot that was called off because of the strict screening of all persons entering the building and the House Session Hall—to hand grenade all the leaders there present (the Vice President, Senate Pres., Speaker, Chief Justice and me).

Neither have we revealed the fact that we caught a man with grenades. His companions sneaked away.

I have ordered the expediting of the oil exploration of the concessionaires. Oriental Oil asked for $2.4 million and the approval of its contract for drilling. I ordered Sec. [Arturo] Tanco [Jr.] to approve it today and Sec. [Cesar] Virata to have it approved on Tuesday so that they can meet their Feb. 10th deadline. Otherwise they lose their right to this only offshore drilling rig in the area of South East Asia left uncontracted for.

The drilling starts next March at the Palawan shelf.

10:00PM January 30, 1971[33]

Saturday

The cabinet meeting to which were invited the heads of offices and agencies carne off very well.

We initiate the written criticism and checking of the conduct of public officials by citizens who visit their offices.

And the specific projects have been worked out: Housing—P300 million from the SSS [Social Security System] and GSIS [Government Service Insurance System]; the national electrification program—P600 million; the Naceda [National Cottage Industries Development Authority], Dept. of Labor program for mass employment in cottage industries; the land title distribution program (50,000 titles this year); land reform by cooperatives.

We agreed on the first priority—reform the bureaucracy specially at the points of contact with the people like licensing offices.

Not only courtesy but efficiency so as to give the people that the officials are their servants.

I have created a Presidential Performance Task Force headed by Executive Secretary Alex [Alejandro] Melchor [Jr.].

The cabinet meeting starting at 10:30 AM ended about 2:00 PM.

All the while the radical KM [Kabataang Makabayan] groups were demonstrating in front of Malacañan (about 1,000 only).

There has been no violence in the demonstrations this day which is supposed to be the anniversary of the Jan. 30, 1970 violent demonstrations when four died.

But more PC [Philippine Constabulary] men are being fielded in Tarlac as the NPA [New People’s Army] has become more active there. One BSDU [Barrio Self-Defense Unit] unit apparently has been taken over by them and the two non-commissioned PC men supervisors murdered. There are more assassinations.

Commander Melody [Benjamin Bie Jr.] has submitted his first report that the CPP [Communist Party of the Philippines] has had a reorganization. [Jose Maria] Sison is still head, No. 2 is Nilo Tayag, No. 3 is Lt. Victor Corpus who takes the place of Arthur Garcia, deceased. Dante retains his command of the NPA.

A report has just come in from Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] that some KM are in Tondo and Malabon planning to come up the Pasig behind Malacañan and prepared to bomb the palace from that unprotected side.

But the patrol boats and security are prepared for them.

The City Mayors came to pledge their total and complete support for the Democratic Revolution.

The governors have done likewise.

The local officials are now enthusiastic and prepared to openly fight communism.

The Senate as usual is still wasting time on privilege speeches and threats of impeachment and overriding my veto of the bill of automatic releases of the Congressional and Judicial appropriations.

And so with the newspapers. All news are slanted to criticize and denigrate me.

So we will have to activate our old propaganda machinery—audio-visual units, TV and radio programs and news-making for a purpose.

A master program should give to our men in the field our position on any current question.

9:00 PM January 31, 1971[34]

Sunday

The Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan and other local governments are preparing for the jeepney drivers’ strike.

Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] with support units will back up the local police.

It is now the plan to arrest those who block traffic or sabotage operating units. This will be a reversal of the policy of tolerance even of violence.

But of course in the first strike of the drivers, it was awkward to be on the side of the monopolists—the oil executives. But now that we have rolled back the price of regular gasoline and kerosene, we are on the right side. And the leader of the strikers, Atty. Lupiño Lazaro, has turned into nothing but a blackmailer. He asked Atty. Siguion Reyna P300,000, asked me of P35,000 for the conversion of his garage into a headquarters for his union and later demanded half a million pesos for a building to house his union with him running the whole show of course.

I do not believe the strike can paralyze traffic.

Latest reports are that Jose Maria Sison has sent two men to liquidate me and Imelda. They are seeking the aid of radical students.

Laguna and Cavite radicals are on the same mission.

The men’s identities are unknown.

The CPP [Communist Party of the Philippines] and NPA [New People’s Army] are now getting desperate and they will probably be resorting to sabotage, assassination and terrorism.

We must prepare for it.

Gave merienda to the League of Governors and City Mayors. Spoke of our default in our fight against communism, anarchy and violence because of shock, hesitancy, confusion and the lack of leadership and a rallying point—the alternative to violent revolution. Now we have it—democratic revolution. And they are its apostles.

There is also a default in propaganda because we refused to speak out for freedom.

If we do not make a stand now, in two or three years, not 5 or ten as originally thought, there will be no need for a revolution—the communists will just take over.

I felt they are now well-motivated and coordinated.

I enclose the intelligence report as a sample of information we are getting, a recommendation of Ady Sison on propaganda (most of the proposals we are already implementing), and the policy speech of Prime Minister [Eisaku] Sato.

More and more Japan is participating in the regional cooperative efforts of Asia and as one of the big industrial countries, it is beginning to realize its international responsibilities. As [Kiichi] Aichi, Japan’s foreign minister, says, “in recent years our country’s national strength has grown tremendously x x x our country’s international responsibility is becoming increasingly heavier.”

Thus, there is going to be increased aid, lowering of non-tariff import barriers and liberalization of capital investment.

More and more, the Philippines has to watch the developments in Japan as it acquires an international and broader outlook.

Right now it is shifting from private contacts with Red China to government or government-initiated ones. It is now studying a Japan-Soviet Peace Treaty. They are as Prime Minister Sato says: “adjusting defense capability to a level suitable to the national strength and situation.”

However, Aichi speaks of a peace diplomacy as its basic philosophy.