I have ordered the BSDU’s [Barrio Self-Defense Units] to be organized in all the provinces that may be hit by the insurgents (the three Davaos and North and South Cotabato, the two Lanaos, Basilan, the two Zamboangas and Sulu as well as Balabac and Palawan) he attached
Official Gazette for March 19, 1973: THE PRESIDENT enjoined all certified public accountants to continue cooperating with the government in the pursuit of prosperity for the people, stressing that accounting services are imperative in the government’s programs since these necessarily involve planning, financing and reporting. The President pointed out that the government, as the country’s biggest business and largest employer, has been availing itself more and more of the services of the CPAs in its accounting, auditing, budgeting and financial agencies. He said the revitalized scheme of government operations provides for each agency three essential services, which are planning, financial management, and administration. In calling upon the accountants to continue cooperating with the government, the President expressed confidence that the CPAs are in a position to contribute to the realization of the multiphased projects that the government has embarked upon for the well-being of the nation, particularly for the less fortunate among our population.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ruled that benefits under Sec. 699 of the Revised Administrative. Code (The Workmen’s Compensation Act) and the Medicare Act may be recovered simultaneously and the benefits under anyone or two of them are not deductible from the benefits collectible under the other or others. Justice Secretary Vicente Abad Santos issued the legal opinion in reply to a request from the Department of Public Works, Transportation and Communication, in connection with the claim of Jerimias C. Apolinar of the Apayao Engineering District for reimbursement of his medical expenses under the Workmen’s Compensation Act. He explained that the benefits under the Medicare Act constitute medical care expense benefits for any sickness suffered by members of the Social Security System or the Government Service Insurance System payable from the Health Insurance Funds of the SSS or GSIS, as the case may be. The benefits under the Workmen’s Compensation Act covers compensation to be paid by the employer to the employee on account of employment-connected injury or illness suffered by such employees while the benefits from Sec. 699 of the Revised Administrative Code refers to “allowances to be paid by the government in case of death or sickness incurred by a government employee in the performance of duty, in consideration of the past services and efficiency.”
SECRETARY OF Public Information Francisco S. Tatad asked the country’s police forces to use “the force of good example in winning back public confidence and in seeking to establish a reasonably crimeless society.” The secretary made these remarks during the opening clay session of a three-day special information seminar sponsored by the Department of Public information for policemen. The seminar is heavily attended by police participants from the Greater Manila Area. In his keynote speech, the chief spokesman of the government said citizen-police cooperation should not be limited to the prevention and solution of crimes, but should extend to the actual effort of trying “to destroy the ecology of crime.” The secretary added that “the duty of policeman is to contribute towards the building of a society where the citizenry will have no need to be constantly reminded of the presence of the police because they themselves will be checking themselves to do only what is right and just, by the standards of a good society.”
EXECUTIVE OF A Taiwan textile firm have been impressed with the policies adopted by the government to attract foreign investors to the country in the development of the national economy. John Hsu and Paul Hsu, president and legal counsel, respectively, of the Far Eastern Textile Ltd., of Taiwan came over to Manila last week to look over investment possibilities. Mr. John Hsu informed the President during a courtesy call at Malacañang, of his desire to enter into a joint venture with a local firm for the manufacture of men’s garments for the American and European markets. The venture will generate $600,000 in earnings and 1,000 new jobs annually, with the Taiwan firm providing the technical knowhow in the manufacture and marketing of the product.
CIVIL SERVICE Commission’s board of examiners for chemists announced that the examination for the practice of chemistry will be given in Manila beginning May 21, 1973. Applicants must file their applications with the office of the Board of Examiners located at P. Paredes–Nicanor Reyes, Sr. streets, Sampaloc, not later than May 11, 1973.
to the Citizens Assemblies which will determine their use.
A very quiet day.
PICPA and Tax Amnesty.
Release of Sacar Basman, leader of the Marawi Insurgency to demonstrate the benevolence of the government to Muslims.
Finalization of the position on the Tripoli meeting (Islamic Conference) hosted by Libya.
I attach papers.
Interview by JURG MEISTER, Naval correspondent of “NEUE ZURCHER ZEITUNG” Swiss Political Correspondent of Swiss Political Correspondence Editor “Intern-Information, Interlaken.”