June 3, 1973

[1] Official Gazette for June 4, 1973: THE PRESIDENT during an interview with former Secretary of Education Onofre D. Corpus on “Freedom of Self-determination” at the television program. “The DPI Report” remarked that the hallmarks of world approval of the Philippines’ concept of self-determination are everywhere This affirmation of the Philippine New Society by other people is indicated by the pouring of investments—the best evidence of a foreign country’s confidence on the stability of another nation “This to me indicates that we have brought pervasive acceptance of our concert of self-determination which is not jingoistic,” the President said. SECRETARY of Labor Blas F. Ople informed the President that the country’s labor reforms and policies under the New Society will be presented before the International Labor Conference which will be held in Geneva, Switzerland. The President was appraised of this by the members of the Philippine delegation who made a courtesy call in Malacañang for last-minute instructions. The month-long conference of the International Labor Organization will be attended by representatives of labor and management from 130 nations to discuss labor situation in their respective regions. PRICE CONTROL Council readjusted the wholesale, producer and retail prices of edible oil, infant dietetics and canned mackerel in a move to arrest the spiralling prices of these commodities. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. stressed that the price body took this step in order to allow producers and importers of these commodities to break even and, make minimum mark ups on other items. DEPARTMENT of Local Governments and Community Development urged the creation in every city or municipality of a development committee to hasten the generation of community development projects out of the Barrio Development Fund (BDF). The development committee, according to DLGCD Secretary Jose Roño, should be com posed of the city/municipal mayor or his duly authorized representative as chairman; the city/municipal treasurer, the Association of Barrio Captains, president of the city/municipality, one city/municipal councilor chosen by a council/board, and the city/municipal development officer, as members. THE PRESIDENT directed Highways Commissioner Baltazar Aquino to take over construction work on portions of unfinished work whenever the private contractor is found lagging behind schedule. This directive was issued by the President to make sure that all highways projects in the country will be completed on time. The President’s directive was contained in Letter of Instructions No. 86. The Chief Executive gave the public highways commissioner descretion to have the projects “done by qualified and responsible contractors, through renegotiated contract, at the original contract price.” DEVELOPMENT Bank of the Philippines has formulated guidelines to synchronize the bank’s new fisheries financing program. Initially, this loan program will grant loans only to small deep sea fishing operations in the Mindanao-Sulu-Palawan region. The guidelines are 1) The borrower must be an individual, a partnership, a cooperative, an association or a private corporation engaged in marine fishing. 2) The amount of loan will be based on the actual needs of project costs but all borrowers are required to contribute at least 20 per cent of the investment project. 3) The loans must be used in the following: construction of fully equipped fishing vessel hulls; acquisition of secondhand fish carriers; construction of ice making, ice storage and chilling facilities and shipways to support fishing operations; and procurement of vessels and fisheries equipment. 4) On the security of the loan, the guidelines provide that all durable assets in the project shall be chatteled in favor of DBP. In addition, 20 per cent of the loan shall be covered by real estate collateral. 5) Terms of payment shall be based on payment ability of the borrower and estimated cash flow of the project financed. SECRETARY of Health Clemente S. Gatmaitan stated that doctors de siring to go abroad for further training or specialization under the exchange visitors program are required one year practice after having qualified or passed the medical board exam. This requirement is in accordance with the implementing details of Letter of Instructions No. 76 formulating new guidelines and regulations governing the travel of Filipino citizens under various categories to other countries. Secretary Gatmaitan stated that his requirement which, in fact, is the original requirement adopted heretofore stays until further notice and does not bind doctors who have existing contracts abroad. UNDER the new Constitution, children of a Filipino and an alien are assured of being not only Filipino citizens but as natural-born Filipinos. Solicitor General Estelito P. Mendoza made this interpretation of a proviso in the new Constitution in a speech before the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He stressed the significance of Article III of the new Charter which provides that those born of alien fathers but of Filipina mothers are considered citizens of the Philippines and that a Filipina who marries an alien does not lose her citizenship unless she renounces it. He clarified that under the new fundamental law, assimilation should be enhanced and the children of a Filipino and an alien are assure that they shall not only be Filipino citizens but natural-born Filipinos. THE PHILIPPINES has been selected by the World Federation of Public Health Association (WFPHA) and the American Public Health Association (APHA) as the site of special two-year project to demonstrate how volunteer public association can be strengthened and developed to serve as useful ally of government institutions. Implementing the project is the Philippine Public Health Association (PPHA), a volunteer health group which counts more than 2,000 members composed of doctors, nurses, midwives, dentists, and sanitary inspectors as well as 16 affiliate organizations.

[2] Official Gazette for June 5, 1973: THE GOVERNMENT’S efforts to develop Manila as another trade hub of international firms in Southeast Asia are being complemented by findings of United States and United Kingdom newspapers showing it as one of the least expensive places in the region. The President, encouraged by these developments, had set the Government machinery in motion to develop Manila into an Asian regional headquarters for foreign business and industrial conglomerates. The move was particularly directed at business companies with main offices in Hongkong, which he said have been affected by Inflation and the devaluation of the American dollar. THE PRESIDENT assured a high-level delegation of Muslim leaders that the Philippines is exhausting all means to integrate the Filipino Muslim population into the country’s political and economic mainstream. The Chief Executive appealed to the delegation—which was composed of officials of the Muslim World League from Mecca—to cooperate in effecting this social assimilation. The members of the delegation made a courtesy call on the President prior to conducting a fact-finding trip in the south. They specifically asked the President what they can do to strengthen relations between Christians and Muslims in the country. THE PRESIDENT approved 10-day no-visa visits for Hongkong businessmen and tourists in line with the relaxation of travel requirements for visitors from the Crown Colony. The Chief Executive announced the new travel incentives during a courtesy call of officers and members of the Hongkong Association of Travel Agents (HATA) in Malacañang. The President also directed Immigration Commissioner Edmundo Reyes to extend from 72 hours to 10 days the stay of Hongkong investors and stockbrokers without visa. THE PHILIPPINES is going to tie up its tourism development programs with those of other Asian countries in order to boost local promotion plans. The Government’s new approach to local tourism development which will be mutually advantageous to the Philippines and her Asian neighbors, was announced by Secretary of Tourism Jose D. Aspiras as he welcomed members of the Hongkong Association of Travel Agents who are in Manila for their second annual convention at the Manila Hilton. The head of the newly formed tourism department said that by working closely with the successful promotional schemes of its Asian neighbors, the Philippines will be able to accelerate the growth of its tourism industry. THE PRESIDENT stressed that the preservation of the environment is now one of the major concerns of the Government. The Chief Executive issued Proclamation No. 1149 declaring June 5 of every year a World Environment Day. Underlining the importance of the occasion, the President called on all Filipinos, especially government officials and employes, to observe the day with activities reaffirming their concern for the preservation, improvement and beautification of the environment. PHILIPPINE Medical Care Commission has prepared new medicare application forms intended to lessen requirements for documentation and to facilitate processing. Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, PMCC chairman, said that starting July 1 all claims for medicare benefits and payments should be made on the new forms. This is the second time that the medicare claim forms were revised since the Medicare Program was implemented in April, 1972. The forms can be obtained by hospitals, medicare members and employers from the medicare department of the Government Service Insurance System, the Social Security System, and the PMCC. DEPARTMENT of Agriculture and Natural Resources has announced that importations of gamebirds or fighting cocks are now totally banned while those of race horses will be phased out within four years. Acting Agriculture Secretary Jose D. Drilon said the ban will take effect on July 1, based on the recommendation submitted by Director Pedro G. Refuerzo of the Bureau of Animal Industry. Director Refuerzo said that the average importation of gamebirds totalled 3,980 heads per year for the last 12 years, causing a heavy drain on the foreign exchange reserves. The average importation of horses in the last 12 years totalled 149 heads a year, the director said. The phase-out will limit importation to 100 for the first year, to be gradually decreased by 25 heads every year. THE GOVERNMENT has collected a total of P3.4 billion in revenue for the first 10 months of Fiscal Year 1972-73. This increase in the re venue collection is 41.44 per cent more than that of the same period in FY 1971-72. Commissioner Misael P. Vera said that the P3, 448,543,725 collection do not include collections through customs during the first 10 months from July, 1972 to April 1973. The net amount that went to the national government for the 10-month period under review totalled P2, 458,137,177, or an increase of 52.98 per cent over the same period during FY 1971-72. Mr. Vera attributed the continuing increase in collection to extensive collection and tax information campaign launched by the Government with emphasis on the tax amnesty decrees and the filing of income tax returns. THE PRESIDENT has formed a special committee to coordinate and integrate a systematic development of the Export Processing Zone in Mariveles, Bataan. The Chief Executive said the integration of the projects would provide better planning in laying out an industrial complex based on the various firms revelance and utility. Circular No. 635, which created the special committee, notes that development projects undertaken by both the Government and the private sector around the zone have been programmed independently of each other. The Secretary of the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communications will act as committee chairman, with the secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources as vice chairman. DEPARTMENT of Tourism will adopt a seven-point program envisioned to develop the country’s potential tourists spots, to intensify promotions of both domestic and foreign tourism and to liberalize entry equipments for foreign tourists. Tourism Secretary Jose D. Aspiras outlined the guideline during the radio-television broadcast of “Pulong-pulong sa Kaunlaran.” It includes: 1) The physical development aspects of tourism with a view to preparing the country to receive more tourists. 2) The participation of private enterprise in the development program with the assistance and encouragement of the tourism department. 3) A sustained and massive foreign promotion program through more information offices abroad. 4) Professionalism in the rank and file of the tourism department. 5) Technical and financial assistance for the private sector, including in the field of investments and the drafting of rigid standards to ensure high quality service and ethical business practices. 6) The promotion of domestic tourism simultaneously with foreign tourism. 7) The further liberalization of entry requirements for tourists. THE GOVERNMENT is endorsing a month-long fair depicting the country’s economic, political and social progress. The fair will be sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines in conjunction with the trade chamber’s 70th anniversary celebration this year. The proposed industrial and commercial fair will be held in December at the Quirino Grandstand (Luneta) and will involve various government agencies headed by the Department of Trade. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. endorsed the project because it will accentuate the partnership between the Government and private sector for national progress. THE PHILIPPINES is extending $5,000 relief assistance to six African countries now facing famine. The President, expressing concern over the emergency situation, instructed Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo to wire the Philippine Mission in the United Nations to pledge the cash assistance for the African countries. The six African countries threatened with famine are Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal and Upper Volta—all located in the Sudano-Sahelian region of Africa. The Philippine donation was made in response to the urgent appeal of the secretary-general of the United Nations. SHARES of stocks sold outside the Philippines need not be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The SEC issued this ruling in connection with the sale of $15 million worth of 328,005 shares of stocks by the Marinduque Mining and Industrial Corporation (MMIC), a Philippine firm, to the International Financing Corporation, an affiliate of the World Bank. The question of the issuance and sale of notes by the MMIC to the IFC was referred to the SEC by the Bancom Development Corporation. From facts gathered from the SEC, it appears that the MMIC has entered into an investment agreement with the IFC in Washington D.C., on December 16, 1971. One of the conditions imposed by the IFC under the investment plan was that MMIC will have to file with the SEC in Manila MMIC’s registration statement under the Philippine Securities Act. Under the SEC ruling, no registration statement is required to be filed with the SEC and that the IFC may dispose of any or all the debentures or warrant shares provided the sale is done outside the Philippines. THE COUNTRY’S Masagana 99 rice production program received an allocation of P77.5 million from US Agency for International Development (AID) for the financing of farmers’ fertilizers, seeds and pesticides. The agreement was signed by Director General Gerardo P. Sicat of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Mr. Thomas C. Niblock, director general of USAID in the Philippines. Farmers involved in the Masagana 99 program in 43 provinces may use the fund to finance requirements for fertilizers, seeds, pesticides and other agricultural inputs. The amount of P40 million was authorized to be released immediately.

[3] No Official Gazette entry for this day.

[4] Official Gazette for June 7, 1973: DEPARTMENT of Finance need not review a local tax ordinance which, due to its oppressive or confiscatory nature, has-been declared invalid by a provincial board. Justice Secretary Vicente Abad Santos issued the ruling in answer to a legal query posed by the Finance Department Secretary Abad Santos said the secretary of finance may no longer review the ordinance to suspend it in whole or in part if the tax rates imposed are found to be “unjust, excessive, oppresive, confiscatory or contrary to national economic policy.” The authority to review such oppressive tax ordinances was given to the secretary of finance through Presidential Decree No. 143. REPRESENTATIVES of the French-German industrialist called on the President at Malacañang to report their participation in the Philippines’ economic development which is the setting up of a P27 million hydrogen peroxide plant in Valenzuela, Bulacan. The consortium representatives said that the plant, which started operations last May 25, has already received an order for 100 tons of hydrogen peroxide from Taiwan. Claimed to be the most modern and the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, the hydrogen peroxide plant will mean savings of $1 million annually in terms of hydrogen peroxide importation. Local production of hydrogen peroxide is considered a boom to local industries, particularly the textile and pulp paper industries, which use this product. THE GOVERNMENT has collected a total of P8, 623, 023, 91 in the form of deficiency taxes on contraband items last month. This was reported by Gen. Pelagio A. Cruz, chairman of the Anti-Smuggling Action Center (ASAC) to Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata. Topping last month’s collection covered forest charges, fines and other fees in the illegal traffic of logs amounting to P6, 711,914.47. Confiscated blue seal cigarettes totalling 6,428 cartons amounted to P64, 287. Other items apprehended included dried marijuana and crude opium valued at P9, 700. Gen. Cruz reported that the accomplishments for May had exceeded that of April which was P3, 108,332.80. The ASAC chief attributed the increased collections to the hiked informers’ rewards given by the Government. THE GOVERNMENT launched a nation-wide campaign against mislabelling of consumer items and violations of the Price Tag Law. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon, Jr. mobilized the Fair Trade Board, Price Control Council, Bureau of Commerce and Constabulary troopers detailed with the trade department in the two-pronged drive. In this connection, the Fair Trade Board gave six business establishments found dealing in fake Gold Toe socks five days to show cause why they should not be held for violation of the law on mislabelling. Secretary Quiazon also ordered the apprehension of rice and corn retailers who do not attach price tags on their cereals and those who sell beyond the price fixed by the Price Control Board. BUREAU of Public Highways has started construction work on the second phase of the Manila-Cavite coastal road aspect of the massive Manila Bay reclamation project. The President was informed by BPH Commissioner Baltazar Aquino that the Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines, which submitted the lowest bid during the recent bidding for this phase, has begun ground work some 300 meters away from the Cultural Center. The President, in Letter of Instructions No. 85, stressed that paramount importance must be given to this project that “even existing contracts that might be affected must give way” to its realization. The Manila Bay project calls for the extension of the southern terminus of Roxas boulevard up to Cavite City and its northern end up to Orani, Bataan. It also involves the reclamation of the foreshore and submerged land about 1, 000 meters wide to be developed into residential, commercial and industrial areas with tourist and recreation centers. The President said the project will solve the urgent transportation need of the Manila Bay region and promote the dispersal of population and activities from Metropolitan Manila. SEVERAL importers and businessmen from Honolulu, Hawaii, are interested in buying a wide range of Philippine products. The new list of trade opportunities from Hawaii was transmitted recently to the Department of Trade by Hawaiian Philippine trade representatives. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. who released the names of the Hawaiian business firms, said Hawaiian importers were interested in buying a wide range of Philippine products. These products include building materials, kapiz shells, woodcarvings, wood furniture, handicrafts, handbags, custom jewelry, painting exports, lumber products, shoes, slippers, rubber shoes, and chemical products. Secretary Quiazon said that interested parties may get the list of trade opportunities from the Department of Trade. SOME 2,600 farm management technicians in 36 provinces have been retained on modern rice technology by four mobile teams of the National Food and Agriculture Council. The farm management technicians underwent two-day seminars on Masagana, 99 rice program which include the 16 steps on Masagana 99 rice culture. These included land preparation; seedbed preparation, plowing and harrowing; control of leaf hoppers; fertilizer management; weed control; and pesticide application. The teams are expected to cover 43 pilot provinces involved in the Masagana 99 intensified rice program by the end of this month.

[5] Official Gazette for June 8, 1973: THE PRESIDENT said the country’s development efforts are geared toward evolving a balanced agro-industrial economic system wherein each citizen must harness his full productive potentials for national welfare. In a speech keynoting the opening of the trisectoral symposium on the “Dynamics of Development”, sponsored by the Department of Public Information, at Malacañang’s Maharlika Hall, the Chief Executive equated national development to a social system where agriculture and industries share the primary task of shaping the nation’s economic well-being. The President, however, emphasized that development could only be effected where there is stability and security, especially for developing countries like the Philippines. Under an era of stability, each man, woman and child must harness his or her own productive capacities for this is the New Filipino’s role in the New Society, the President stresses. THE GOVERNMENT’S localized socio-economic projects will be further bolstered when local governments receive their internal revenue allotments for fiscal year 1973-74. According to Secretary of Finance Cesar E.A. Virata, the provinces, cities and municipalities will start receiving their monthly BIR allotments through the Treasury field cashiers without any deficiency regardless of whether or not there will be sufficient collections in their respective provinces to cover fully said allotments. Pre-determined allotments for the incoming fiscal year amounted to P482,911,314.72. Aside from this the President has announced the release of P120,752,828.68 as financial aid to local governments for projects pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 144. The decree enjoins the local governments to appropriate in their general fund budget not less than 20 per cent of the annual allotment for development projects. THE PRESIDENT extended anew the deadline for the filing of amnesty applications and ordered that all proceedings before military tribunals and civil courts against amnesty applicants be held in abeyance pending his final action on their applications. The President signed Presidential Decree No. 206, extending to July 15, 1973, the deadline for the filing of amnesty applications. It was the third time the Chief Executive extended the deadline for amnesty applicants. The original deadline was on February 28, 1973, but this was extended to March 15, 1973. BOARD OF COMMUNICATIONS issued a five-point policy intended to integrate the Philippines’ telecommunications facilities and systems. Gen. Ceferino S. Carreon, BOC chairman, said the five-point policy is expected to hasten the development of the National Telecommunications Network. The five-point policy follows: 1) Domestic common carrier service (telephone and telegraph) should be made 100 per cent or wholly Filipino-owned corporations. 2) Telegraph and telephone firms should voluntarily enter into merger, consolidation or amalgamation in order to prevent wasteful duplication of service and unnecessary competition. 3) Plans for expansion of facilities and services by domestic common carrier firms should be referred to the Board for approval. 4) Telephone and telegraph companies are encouraged to go into voluntary interconnection (common use) of facilities. 5) Any proposed interconnecting agreement between a domestic common carrier and an international common carrier should secure prior approval of the BOC before its finalization. THE GOVERNMENT’S program to rehabilitate and develop Mindanao has already gained ground in the fields of electrification, irrigation, road building and other infrastructure projects. This was the gist of a departmental-military briefing given to a high level delegation of Muslim diplomats in Malacañang. The Muslim resident envoys in the country were particularly apprised of ongoing rehabilitation and development projects in predominantly-Muslim areas in Mindanao and Sulu inasmuch as they had been earlier assured that the peace and order condition in the areas had already stabilized. The briefing will enable the envoys to draw measures their states could initiate to contribute in the Government’s rehabilitation efforts. LESSORS of personal properties, not the lessees, should pay the three per cent contractor’s tax imposed by the National Internal Revenue Code. Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos issued this opinion in reply to a query of the Director of the Bureau of Census and Statistics. The secretary stressed that the law explicitly declares that the tax is imposed on the lessors of personal properties and not on the lessees or any other persons. He added that the taxes imposed in Sec. 191 of the Tax Code are denominated contractor’s tax imposed on so-called independent contractors whose activities consist essentially of the sale of all kinds of services for a fee. BUREAU of Plant Industry reported that crop exports of the country have been steadily rising during the last few years. During the first months of this year alone, some 8,819,169 kilos of mangoes, ginger, coffee beans, onions and melons worth $850,346 have been exported to Hongkong, Singapore, the United States and other countries. Crop exports in the first four months of this year were broken down as follows: fresh mangoes, 6,366,422 kilos worth $545,031; ginger, 235,889 kilos worth $127,445; coffee beans, 1,129,538 kilos worth $166,066; onions, 51,000 kilos worth $9,240; and melons, 36,320 kilos worth $2,564. DEPARTMENT of Trade has initiated a trade promotion which will systematize and categorize exportable Philippine products, whose trade potentials could be generated and expanded in the foreign market. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon, Jr. said the move is in line with the intensive foreign trade promotion drive of the New Society not only in the traditional markets of Philippine products but in new international outlets, including the socialist and communist countries. The trade secretary announced the trade promotion activity in letters to manufacturing firms producing various products having great potentials for export like rattan and other wooden furniture, food items, textiles and shoes. THE GOVERNMENT chalked up P176.1 million in customs collections last May. The May collections were P62.2 million higher (or 54.56 per cent more) than the collections for May last year which totalled only P113.9 million. Collections for the last two days of May, 1973 showed a remarkable vigor: P7.6 million was collected on May 30 while P9.7 million was collected on May 31. For the first half of fiscal year 1972-73 the gross general fund collection of the customs bureau amounted to P914,523,457, exceeding that of the same period during the previous fiscal year by P78,435,676, or 9.38 per cent. Customs Commissioner Rolando Geotina attributed the increase in customs collections to the imposition of Martial Law which maximize standards of efficiency and the renewed spirit of dedication and honesty in customs personnel.”

[6] Official Gazette for June 9, 1973: THE PRESIDENT issued Presidential Decree No. 207 ratifying the United Nations 1968 conventions in Vienna on road traffic and road signs and signals. The Chief Executive stressed that the adoption of these international rules is in line with the Government’s intensified campaign m road safety. He added this move is necessary in view of the increasing number of foreigners and tourists that are now operating motor vehicles on Philippine roads. THE FIRST LADY tapped a P20 million loan from the Government Service Insurance System to solve the chronic dormitory and housing shortage at the University of the Philippines. After conducting an inspection tour of the site of the Philippine Medical Center in UP’s Diliman campus, the First Lady asked GSIS General Manager Roman Cruz Jr. to grant the loan to alleviate the acute housing shortage in the state university. Part of the loan will be utilized to build additional dormitories to lodge students coming from the provinces. ACTING SECRETARY of Labor Amado C. Inciong announced that jobless engineers and new engineering graduates whose services are not needed locally are not covered by the travel ban on engineers and highly technical personnel. He made the announcement as he released the guidelines for overseas travel of engineers and technical personnel for employment or immigration. The following categories of engineers and scientists may be allowed to leave abroad: new graduates without any work experience; those who are jobless; those who are joining wife and husband who are immigrants of a foreign country; those already hired by foreign governments and international consultants; those who were considered resigned from their posts before May 22, 1973; recruits of foreign governments approved by the labor department; those hired by Philippine companies or firms with joint ventures in Indonesia and other foreign countries; those intending to work in special projects in foreign countries; those whose present jobs in the Philippines are not related to their professions; female engineers; and those whose applications may be considered meritorious by the Department of Labor and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). PHILIPPINE National Red Cross has received a merit award for public welfare services. The award is given by the Civic Assembly of Women of the Philippines in connection with CAWP’s 27th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of Philippine Independence. The PNRC was cited “for being the enduring symbol of humanitarian service carried on with integrity and the steadfast devotion, and for serving as the nations’s conscience through which many have given deeds of wonders, lifting the moral of the unfortunate and downtrodden.” ADMINISTRATOR Jesus Tanchanco of the National Grains Authority announced that the ceiling price for all varieties of rice is still P1.25 per kilo. He made the announcement as he urged rice retailers to strictly observe the price ceiling in the wake of reported violations of NGA rules and regulations. Mr. Tanchanco said that overpricing is punishable by imprisonment of not less than one year nor more than two years and by a fine of not less than P4,000 to P6,000. The NGA administrator assured the public of enough rice buffer stock in various NGA warehouses. MASAGANA 99 radio broadcasters have been designated members of their respective Provincial Action Committees to boost radio information support for the crash rice production program. The PACs headed by provincial governors, are the nerve centers for Masagana 99 operations. Acting Secretary of Agriculture Jose D. Drilon Jr. said the designation of the broadcasters, contained in a special order was designed to strengthen the communications aspects of the campaign. THE ABACA and Other Fibers Development Board has been abolished and its functions transferred to other government agencies. Acting Secretary of Agriculture Jose D. Drilon Jr. said the board’s abolition was made pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 1 which directed the implementation of the Integrated Reorganization Plan in the DANR. Following are the board’s functions and the government agencies to which they have been transferred: 1) Research, to the Bureau of Plant Industry; 2) Agricultural extension, to the Bureau of Agricultural Extension; and 3) Foreign trade promotion, to the Bureau of Foreign Trade, Department of Trade.

[7] Official Gazette for June 10, 1973: THE GOVERNMENT has initiated a crackdown on hoarders of grains and price manipulators as the President directed the confiscation and seizure of stocks of industrial establishments keeping grains in excess of their normal raw material requirements. The President also directed the secretary of defense, the constabulary chief and the administrator of the National Grains Authority to activate themselves into coordinating body to oversee the Government’s drive against hoarding of cereals. The Chief Executive issued Letter of Instructions No. 88 setting additional guidelines to firm up administration efforts to apprehend price manipulators, profiteers and hoarders of prime commodities. INFORMATION Secretary Francisco S. Tatad exhorted the Mabuhay ang Pilipino Movement to sustain its initial gains and move on toward greater momentum. Addressing the first national conference of the Movement at San Sebastian College, the secretary said the Movement must organize and increase in membership. The secretary told the conference that “we are not planting the proverbial tree alone, under which shade we shall not sit, but under which our children shall find shelter, and perhaps read poetry, dream, visualize the future and create music.” He said that although the nation is working toward the transformation of values so that the future will be good and bright, “we make no offering to the future at the cost of the present.” Secretary Tatad said that public support of the Movement went far beyond the leadership’s expectation. The Mabuhay national campaign on discipline, he said, has taken root even in the remotest areas where the word discipline is unlikely to mean anything at al. THE PRESIDENT has declared the period from July 1 to 7 of every year as National Culture Consciousness Week. The Chief Executive signed Proclamation 1148, urging all citizens and organizations to celebrate National Culture Consciousness Week appropriately “in connection with the need to make Filipinos constantly aware of their proud cultural heritage.” The proclamation was inspired by Article XV of the new Constitution which provides that “Filipino culture shall be preserve and developed for national identity.” THE PRESIDENT has set the registration of barangay members from June 19 to July 4. The fixing of the registration period for members of 35,000 barangays was held significant in view of the President’s pledge to convene the assemblies before the end of the year to sound them out on vital issues. It reminds all qualified citizens, irrespective of age to register so that their voices can be heard on vital issues affecting the country. The rules for the registration will be drafted by the newly constituted Commission on Elections. DEPARTMENT of Trade announced details of an offer by the People’s Republic of China to include Manila in the regular shipping routes of Chinese commercial vessels. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. said details of the Chinese proposal were made through the Philippine Trade Mission which went to China last month. The Chinese officials were willing to make Manila as a regular route of Chinese vessels which maintain regular routes to Singapore and Malaysia (Port Swetenham). The Chinese representatives agreed initially to provide a vessel for Philippine shippers on a direct point-to-point shipment provided there are at least 300 tons of cargo to he shipped. They further offered the Philippines that if clearance is given for their vessels to enter Manila and there is the required volume of cargo, they are ready to start sending to Manila cargo ship direct from Shanghai beginning this month. THE PRESIDENT has declared the period for the BSP fund raising campaign in line with the Government’s support to youth development. The annual fund campaign for the Boy Scouts of the Philippines will be held from July 1 to December 31 this year. Presidential Proclamation No. 1140 calls upon all citizens and residents of the Philippines to assist in the campaign “in order that the BSP may be able to continue with its youth citizenship training program.”

[8] Official Gazette for June 11, 1973: MUSLIM WORLD League delegation which has just returned to Manila from a fact-finding mission in Mindanao said they were very much impressed by the progress in the island’s development. The visiting Muslim leaders told the President they were convinced of the Government’s sincerity in its efforts to uplift the lot of Muslim Filipinos. The President received the members of the delegation in Malacañang following their three-day-tour of Marawi City, Lanao and Cotabato where they talked with government officials, Filipino Muslim leaders and returning refugees. Datu Syed Ibrahim Alsagof, head of the delegation, said he and the members of his party witnessed actual proof of the rapid pace of development as they toured the Muslim areas. He added that local Muslim leaders they had talked with spoke highly of the President’s concern for their welfare and expressed favor for the continuation of Martial Law. The President, on the other hand, assured the delegation that the Government will continue with its program of development in Mindanao. THE GOVERNMENT has expanded its campaign against business mal-practices to include erring gasoline service stations and dealers of petroleum products. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. directed agents of the Fair Trade Board to carry out the campaign against erring service station operators and dealers of oil products, particularly liquefied petroleum products. In another move, the trade department ordered provincial commercial and regional supervising commercial agents to coordinate in the apprehension of rice and corn dealers and outlets who do not attach price tags on the cereals. The Trade department also directed authorized Price Control Council agents to coordinate in the apprehension of distributors, retailers, and outlets of rice and corn who fail to indicate the prices as pegged by the PCC. THE GOVERNMENT has launched a nationwide information drive to keep consumers posted everyday on the actual market prices of basic commodities. The drive was launched jointly by the Bureau of Commerce and the Philippine Constabulary. Commerce Director Epifanio B. Castillejos and Brig. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos, PC chief, signed a memorandum agreement which would facilitate a daily compilation of data on market prices and supply of selected commodities throughout the country. The information drive was in response to the clamor of the consuming public for a more up-to-date and accurate information on the actual market price of commodities in all cities, provincial capitals and key areas of the Philippines. LAGUNA LAKE Development Authority’s water-quality laboratory—a P1 million project built to help harness the water resources of the Laguna de Bay is now in operation. Located in Pasig, Rizal, the LLDA’s water-quality laboratory will help determine whether the lake could provide the Greater Manila Area with potable water supply. The laboratory will also be used in determining the feasibility of constructing a system of hydraulic control to be installed at the Marikina tributary of the Pasig River to prevent pollution of the lake by salt water from Manila Kay and the polluted Pasig River. The LLDA laboratory is a joint project of the Philippine Government, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the World Health Organization (WHO). THE GOVERNMENT has finally solved the country’s cement glut (excess production) through export promotions. This was announced by the Cement Industry Authority, an agency created recently by Presidential Decree No. 94. The problem of excess production of cement was solved following export offers from Okinawa, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Hongkong, Australia, Bangladesh, Libya, Nigeria, Persian Gulf countries, Africa, West Germany, the United States and the Trust Territories (Guam, Marianas Islands, Saipan, Micronesia and others). With a yearly total exportation of some two million metric tons of cement to these countries, the Philippines expects to earn some S40 million annually in foreign exchange. These export commitments abroad would solve the local cement over-production problem of some 2.5 million tons annually. THE GOVERNMENT has adopted a mailed-fist policy in the drive against the drug menace in •’view of the seriousness of the problem. But while the Government is uncompromising against drug traffickers, it is forgiving and helpful to unfortunate victims of drug addiction. The Government program against drug abuse was spelled out by Health Secretary Clemente S. Gatmaitan during the turnover of narcotics equipment to the Philippines by the USAID. Secretary Gatmaitan said that unfortunate victims are receiving rehabilitation treatment jointly from the Government and private sectors. THE GOVERNMENT has already funneled some P567,815, in the massive road construction projects in Sulu to hasten the socio-economic growth in the predominantly Muslim area. Only recently, Bureau of Public Highways Commissioner Baltazar Aquino released a total of P67,815 to the provincial district highway engineer for the development and beautification of the five-kilometer Jolo-Gandasuli-Caonayan road; Jolo-Bud Daho; Jolo-Taglibi; Jolo-Airport road; Marina Street-Scott road and Loay street. According to the plan drawn up by Commissioner Aquino, box culverts along the sidewalks of these roads will be put up. The sidewalks will be cemented in order to protect the box culverts from breaking. The latest Government beautification projects are expected to be completed at the end of the month.

[9] Official Gazette for June 12, 1973: THE PRESIDENT articulated the true meaning of independence as the triumph of the Filipino people over injustice, oppression and corruption after centuries of frustration and despair. Highlighting the 75th anniversary celebration of Freedom Day at the Luneta the President, m a 10-minute speech, traced the travails of the nation which said, has pushed away with one swift and single blow “the dark of night.” Speaking extemporaneously in English and Tagalog, the President said “there was rebellion in our country every other year during that long, long period, but there was no freedom, there was just nope and dreams.” The country seemed doomed to sufferings and suppressions—freedom was like an elusive bird that slipped from our hand, the President said. “We had an independent Republic but that Republic was neither democratic nor strong. It seemed we could not rise from failures. We didn’t have the courage to change ourselves’ he said. The people had overcome all of these this year, he said. “This is our true independence.” (See pp. 5592-J to 5592-L for full text of the President’s Independence Day address.) THE PRESIDENT said that the army has developed not only into an army of warriors but also into a legion of builders and has emerged as an agent of reforms. The President voiced these sentiments in a speech during the induction of the new officers of the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Association aboard the presidential yacht Ang Pangulo. He attributed part of the reforms in the New Society to the dedication and wide-ranging capabilities of the army, in the execution of the reform program, and in stabilizing society in general. DEPARTMENT of Public Information Secretary Francisco S. Tatad deplored the bitter irony in the fact that the very reason for which media were help up by the West as a shining example of press freedom and independence, was also a major factor in the continued imprisonment of the people in conditions that negated and restricted our independence. He made this statement during the third and last day of the symposium, “Dynamics of Development” which was sponsored by the Department of Public Information. He stressed that the organs of communications must not only be engaged, they must at the same time be professionally prepared, which is particularly true of the new media of communications that are highly technical, such as radio, television and film. As for the print media, Mr. Tatad urged that the media must adopt for themselves a system of professional training, not unlike the training that lawyers and doctors have to go through. He said the training must be both technical and cultural; technical insofar as media skills must be learned, cultural in the sense that the media practitioner must be acculturated to the ways of the new. BUREAU of Plant Industry researchers have developed a new highyielding peanut variety suitable for processing into quality products. Named BPI P-9, the new peanut variety is well-suited for the manufacture of peanut butter. The bean yielding of BPI P-9 ranged from 1.99 to 2.33 metric tons per hectare with an average of 1.52 m.t. per hectare. It consistently outyielded EG bunch and CES 101, both approved by the Philippine Seed Board, by an average of 320 kg. per hectare and 150 kg. per hectare, respectively. The variety is a cross between EG Red and Fante No. 7, It has an upright growth habit (bunchy) with central stems usually reaching an average height of 63 cm. when growth under conditions favorable to planting peanuts. It matures in 100 to 110 days.

[10] Official Gazette for June 13, 1973: THE PRESIDENT issued a general order prescribing staggered schedules of office hours for industries, factories, plants, public and private offices and commercial establishments and schools in the Metropolitan Manila area. The revised schedule of working hours will be enforced starting June 18 except on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. It will remain in force in Manila, Pasay City, Quezon City and Caloocan City and in the towns of Las Pinas, Marikina, Malabon, Parañaque, Makati, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Navotas and Valenzuela. Under General Order No. 31, the staggered schedules would mean the full utilization of constricted highways facilities within 24-hour day period, thereby eliminating the buildup of traffic congestion. Until otherwise ordered by the President, the revised schedule will continue for the duration of the national emergency. SECRETARY of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. announced that corporations and establishments whose shares of stocks are sold or offered for sale to the public will have to conform with the new rules and regulations covering in the form and content of financial statements starting July 1, 1973. The new rules were drafted by the Securities and Exchange Commission in line with the changes and development taking place in the New Society to spur economic growth. The rules were finalized after several public hearings conducted by the SEC. Affected by the regulations are issuers of securities traded in securities exchanges or over-the-counter markets, as well as corporations with 20 or more stockholders. DEPARTMENT of Labor issued a warning against the employment of young laborers in hazardous occupations. Acting Secretary of Labor Amado G. Inciong issued this order in connection with Presidential Decree No. 148, which provides that any person between 14 and 18 years old may be employed without discrimination on account of age but in non-hazardous occupations. The department issued a list of hazardous occupations: 1) farming, fishing, hunting, logging and related occupations; 2) Mining, quarrying and related works; 3) transport, communication and navigational occupations; 4) service, sports, and related work; 5) Professional, technical and related work; 6) All occupations in the processing and preparation of drugs and chemical products involving exposure to dangerous chemicals; 7) All occupations in the manufacturing, handling and transporting of explosives, toxic, corrosive, poisonous and noxious components and flammable liquids in bulk; 8) All activities in any workroom, building, premises or any place where medium is stored, kept or processed or used in the manufacture of self-luminous or other radioactive substances. THE PRESIDENT paid tribute to seven national artists “who are in the vanguard of the nation’s march toward the fulfillment of its destiny and the establishment of its true identity through their vision and integrity.” The President delivered his remarks after the First Lady had presented the awards to the widows of Mr. Carlos V. Francisco and Mr. Amado V. Hernandez and to the other national artists: Mrs. Francisca Reyes Aquino, Mr. Antonio J. Molina, Mr. Juan F. Nakpil, Mr. Guillermo Tolentino and Mr. Jose Garcia Villa. INFORMATION SECRETARY Francisco S. Tatad said that the fulfillment of the country’s destiny “lies in the attainment of the humanist future in which, the wealth of the nation is equivalent in all its aspects to the wealth of the people.” Speaking before the Philippine Executive Academy at the Sulu Hotel in Quezon City, Secretary Tatad said that this humanist future was one “in which the Gross National Product is not increased at the expense of the per capita income, neither one in which individual progress will have been made totally incompatible with national progress.” In pursuit of the modernization of the economy, the secretary urged the following: 1) Total commitment of Government to planning economic development, to centralize planning in the National Economic and Development Authority. 2) Formulation of a program that would interest foreign capital to operate in the economy. 3) Direction of private enterprise and foreign investments to areas that yield high production and exploit to the maximum the country’s hidden mineral wealth. DEPARTMENT of Justice issued a ruling in effect making it easier for the Bureau of Census and Statistics to gather data from government and private persons or entities, Justice Secretary Vicente Abad that the census bureau can secure data from persons or entities by addressing them merely by their designations or position and not by their true name or surname. But if a criminal action is brought against a person or entity for refusing to accomplish the questionnaire or form sent by the Bureau, the complaint or information sheet must state the true name or surname of the person or entity. The Secretary of Justice issued this opinion in reply to a question from Director Tito Mijares of the Bureau of Census and Statistics. THE PRESIDENT conveyed the nation’s gratitude to other nations of the world for their sympathetic understanding of “our aspirations as a people.” He made the statement during the traditional exchange of toast with members of the diplomatic corps at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in connection with the observance of the Philippine Independence. “On this day, the 75th anniversary of our nation, we stand proud to be able to deal with your countries as an independent and free nation,” he said in response to a toast offered by the chiefs of diplomatic missions. DEPARTMENT of Trade has banned the exportation of narra logs and palasan poles (rattan) to prevent the depletion of the vital raw materials. Acting on the complaints of furniture-makers and exporters, Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. directed the National Cottage Industries Development Authority to take the necessary steps to ban the export of the products until the domestic requirements are first fully supplied.

[11] Official Gazette for June 14, 1973: THE PRESIDENT issued a decree intended to prevent the further destruction of the Ambuldao and Binga watersheds and to implement a massive tree-planting program in the area. Through Presidential Decree No. 209, the Chief Executive authorized the Bureau of Forest Development and the four provincial governments to undertake reforestation and to prevent the further destruction of the watersheds of the Ambuklao and Binga Hydro-Electric dams by unscrupulous loggers and vegetable gardeners. THE PRESIDENT paid tribute to his comrades-in-arms who fell at the historic Battle of Bessang Pass exactly 28 years ago. With the national colors flying at half mast, the President laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at Fort Bonifacio. In memory of those who fell at the Pass, the Chief Executive directed that all the names of officers and men of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines-Northern Luzon (the President’s own wartime unit), who died in the battle be listed in a tablet at the memorial marking the historic battle. THE CENTRAL BANK will start mopping up excess money in urban centers for eventual dispersal to rural areas. The CB will mop up excess liquidity in urban areas by offering to the public P200 million worth of Central Bank Certificates of Indebtedness (CBCIs). The excess money from the urban centers will be pumped by the Government into rural areas, specifically for infrastructure and other economic development projects. DEPARTMENT of Trade directed the Securities and Exchange Commission to look into the reported manipulation of stocks being traded in the stock exchanges. Secretary Quiazon said that although the SEC has been faithfully exercising its powers within the limits of law, there still appears a need for more effective measures to forestall the nefarious activities of these dealers. The trade secretary asked the SEC to assign agents in stock exchanges to be on the alert for any abnormal activity involving a particular issue. Among the materials ordered checked by Secretary Quiazon are publications, brochures, circulars, memoranda, and other informative materials about the affairs of a corporation whose securities are licensed by the SEC. SECRETARY of Finance Cesar E.A. Virata revealed that a total of 110 motor vehicles face seizure from their owners who have failed to pay taxes and duties under the tax amnesty. In this connection, he ordered the seizure of motor vehicles after he was informed by Customs Commissioner Rolando Geotina that the second installment on the tax payment of the vehicles have not been paid. The aggregate amount of taxes and duties due from the motor vehicles is P700,000. SMALL farmers have received over P471.649 million loans without collaterals from the Government as of December 31, 1972. Through the Agricultural Credit Administration (ACA) the Government loaned out over P471 million to 786,000 small farmers and their cooperative associations from September, 1952 up to December 31, 1972. Of the P471,649 million loaned out by ACA during a period of 20 years, over P250.469 million or more than one-half, were released during the present administration. From January 1, 1968 up to Dec. 31, 1972 (a period of seven years) the Government released over P250.469 million, compared with P221.172 million representing the cumulative loans that ACA had extended during the entire 13 years and six months of previous administrations. THE PRESIDENT gave the assurance that the Philippines has enough fertilizers to meet all the needs of the country’s farmers. As of May 27, the President reported, there was an inventory of 78,182 metric tons of fertilizers, composed of 10,277 tons of urea, 19,589 tons of ammosul (ammonium sulfate), and 48,170 tons of others. The President was informed that these figures do not include the stocks already in the hands of dealers or distributors, and the total available supply should, therefor, be higher. Despite this optimistic picture, the President warned against over-confidence because of unforseen problems that may still crop up. PHILIPPINE Medical Care Commission asked the Department of Health to look into reports that some government hospital doctors are deviating medicare patients to private hospitals where such physicians have their private practice. Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, PMCC chairman, informed Dr. Pedro Mayuga, Director of the Bureau of Health and Medical Services that the PMCC discovered the unethical practice from patients who sought advice from the PMCC on how they can avail themselves of the medicare benefits without extra expense to themselves.

[12] Official Gazette for June 15, 1973: THE PRESIDENT issued a proclamation declaring that the Victory of Bessang Pass Day, traditionally celebrated every June 14, should be observed on the first Saturday after this date. The President moved the date of observance to enable the nation to celebrate it without much lose of work hours. In issuing this proclamation, the President noted that Bessang Pass has become a monument to the courage and patriotism of the Filipino soldiers and the Filipino people during World War II. The Chief Executive called upon public officials and the citizens of the country to celebrate the day by holding appropriate programs in honor of the gallant Filipinos who fought in the battle of Bessang Pass. SECRETARY of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. announced that a joint venture proposal was made by a Danish firm, Nilsen and Sons, during a call on the office of the Philippine trade representative in Copenhagen. Nilsen and Sons is interested in a tie-up with a Philippine firm under which the former will provide the technical knowhow as well as the plant facilities while the local partner will provide the labor and raw materials. The firm wants to fabricate in the Philippines major components of office, school, hotel and factory buildings, including walls, roofs, beams, rafters, floors, and others. BOARD of Investments announced it is closely evaluating a P40.1 million expansion project of the Philippine Wallboard Corporation under the Investment Incentives Act. The project will give additional employment to 305 persons. The expansion program is also expected to boost by P1.9 million the firm’s annual P4.6 million it is earning annually. The proposed plant is scheduled to start operation by the middle of 1976 at 40 per cent capacity. It will be gradually increased to 83 per cent in 1978 and finally to 100 per cent in 1979. Should the BOI establish the firm’s financial, marketing and technical viability, it will be given additional incentives provided by the Investment Incentives Act, among which are: the accelerated depreciation, tax-free importation of capital equipment, net operating loss carry-over and stocks credit on domestic capital equipment. ACTING SECRETARY of Agriculture Jose D. Drilon Jr. stated that the scientific community and the mass media should bridge the communication gap between them to facilitate the flow of scientific information for agricultural development. He made the statement in a speech before the information workshop of the Philippine Council for Agricultural Research in Baguio City. In this connection, he suggested that scientists should “get down from the ivory tower” and explain to media what they are doing. Media, he explained, should reciprocate by reporting not only sensational scientific stories but also newsworthy highly technical works.” He also recommended that media should employ people with scientific background or offer them the privilege to build up knowledge of and facility with scientific information. PANAMIN Foundation Inc. fund campaign for national minorities has been extended up to December 31, 1973. The President, through Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, issued Proclamation No. 1145further extending the national educational fund campaign of the Panamin until December 31, 1973. The extension of the fund drive is expected to help raise funds needed to carry out various Panamin humanitarian projects for the minorities who comprise 12 per cent of the national population. BUREAU of Plant Industry will conduct every month a 10-day course on the culture of mushroom starting in July. BPI Director Eliseo G. Carandang said the course is being offered in response to requests of the growing number of mushroom growers. He emphasized that the course will help mushroom growers develop a potent and viable industry. Aside from mushroom culture, the course will also include the preparation of media for spawn-growing and mushroom preservation by canning, bottling and air-drying. The course is offered free and is open to all interested parties. Classes will be held at the BPI mushroom laboratory and at the bureau’s laboratory services division. Prospective trainees may apply for admission at either office on San Andres st., Malate, Manila.

[13] Official Gazette for June 16, 1973: THE PRESIDENT, stressing the need for vigilance, urged new graduates of the Philippine Air Force to stand vigilant and ready to discharge their missions. “The new peace should not blind us, not even lull us to the clear danger that negligence and apathy could bring,” the Chief Executive said in a speech read for him by Gen. Romeo Espino, Armed Forces chief of staff, at the commencement exercises of the PAF Flying School Class ’73 in Fernando Air Base, Lipa City. He urged the hew graduates to be ready to discharge their responsibilities because “in the New Society all of us are committed to share part of the burden of nation-building and defense.” In the same vein, the President challenged the whole people to do heroic deeds—not in the making of war—but in more quiet and substantial ways to build a new life and a New Society. PHILIPPINE National Bank has released rice production loans totalling P6 ,610,000 to 7,982 small farmers since the launching of Masagana 99 last month. The loan recipients were members of 1,488 seldas or farmer cooperatives from the six regions of the country. These regions are Northern, Central, and Southern Luzon, Eastern and Western Visayas, and Mindanao. Topping the list of borrowers were Southern Luzon fanners numbering 2,311, who received a total of P1 ,104,415 . Second in the list were 2,132 farmers from Central Luzon who received P2 ,584,056 . These loans are a part of the bank’s financing scheme to support the country’s intensified rice production drive. THE PRESIDENT has set aside a $1-million allotment from the Reparations for the Bureau of Customs’ computer center. The reparations allotment will be used by the customs bureau for the purchase of its own electronic machines in line with the Government’s program to have a customs computer center. Customs Commissioner Rolando Geotina announced this when he addressed 30 graduates of the Bureau of Customs Systems Design and Analysis and Key Punching Operator courses at the customs training room. BUREAU of Customs will implement soon a system of “instant payment” of claims due from drawbacks upon the filing of the claim with the proper office in the bureau. Customs Commissioner Rolando G Geotina who convened and presided over the meeting of the eight-man Special Committee on Drawbacks, said that all provisions of the new Tariff and Customs Code favorable to the claimant should be made retroactive and applicable to claims filed before the effectivity of the hew TCC. The committee will take sole responsibility in the processing of the claims until they are ready for payment. DEPARTMENT of Trade laid the ground works for the formal investigation of various anomalies relating to the sale of real property. Following up the drive on all forms of business malpractices, including the deception and fraud employed in the sale of subdivision lots, Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. created a committee to hear complaints against erring persons, firms or entities. The committee, composed of representatives of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Bureau of Commerce and the Fair Trade Board, was directed to start its inquiry immediately. The committee will receive and hear complaints regarding abuses, acts of misrepresentation, deceit, fraud and other unfair acts attributed to some real estate owners, brokers, salesmen, appraisers, subdivision and condominium owners, developers and managers.

[14] Official Gazette for June 17, 1973: THE PRESIDENT granted amnesty to persons who had failed to file income tax returns. The President issued Presidential Decree No. 213 which noted that the number of income tax fliers for the calendar year 1972 should be about four million but that Bureau of Internal Revenue records showed only about one and a half million had filed returns. The decree further noted that the disparity was attributable to the lack of information on the requirement to file an income tax return, specially as regards those cases where it is mandatory to file a return even if no gross income was realized in the preceding year. In granting the amnesty to delinquent citizens, the President said that in line with the Government’s declared policy of giving tax payers a chance to reform and be a part of the New Society, he has decreed the condonation, subject to certain conditions. THE PRESIDENT declared that the policy of the Government on social welfare is not limited to extending immediate relief to the needy its greater goals is to rehabilitate and transform them into productive and self-reliant citizens. “Your duty is to seek and help the most helpless and the most underprivileged,” the President said in a speech delivered in ceremonies commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Department of Social Welfare. During the ceremonies held at the Maharlika Hall of Malacañang, representatives of different welfare-agencies presented the President with a sculpture piece as an expression of their appreciation in pushing through social welfare hand-in-hand with national development. The President also received another award of recognition in behalf of the First Lady, who was unable to attend the rites. RETURNING evacuees in Zamboanga and the two Lanao provinces have been extended an additional P400,000 in production loans by the Agricultural Credit Administration. So far, the ACA has already granted a total of P1.5 million in production loans to returning evacuees covered by the Special Program of Assistance for Returned Evacuees (SPARE). Other forms of aid, such as food and temporary shelter, medical treatment and technical production know-how, have also been extended to the returning evacuees. In addition, the government has also made available to these people farm inputs like fertilizers, pesticides and certified seeds, at cost either in cash or credit. AUSTRALIA’S Minister for Immigration arrived to discuss with Philippine officials a new global migration policy to promote travel between his country and its neighbors in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. The visiting minister, Mr. Albert J. Grassby, said that there should be the fullest opportunity for Australians and their neighbors to comeand go without excessive red tape and bureaucratic hindrance. In his talks with the welcoming government officials headed by Immigration Commissioner Edumundo Reyes, Mr. Grassby said that his country’s new initiative in seeking to remove difficulties that impeded the interchange of people in the Southeast Asian and Pacific region had been speedily and warmly understood by the Philippines. “Australia wishes to greet visitors as friends and not discourage them with paper barriers,” Mr. Grassby added.