Official Gazette for May 11, 1973: THE PRESIDENT created a Media Advisory Council to replace the Mass Media Council in an effort to impose self-regulation and internal discipline within the ranks of the country’s mass media. In amending Section 3 of Presidential Decree No. 36, the Chief Executive vested the duty of passing upon applications of mass media for permission to operate from the Mass Media Council to the new body, which will be headed by the president of the National Press Club of the Philippines. The President pointed out that it is the objective of the Government to help in the sound development of the mass media to the end that they would become an effective instrument in the attainment of social change.
THE PRESIDENT inducted into office former Rep. Jose D. Aspiras of La Union as the first secretary of the newly created Department of Tourism. The Chief Executive inducted the newest addition to his Cabinet in the presence of Cabinet members shortly after the signing of the Presidential Decree creating the new department. The President also announced the appointment of former Tourism Commissioner Gregorio Araneta II as undersecretary of tourism.
BUREAU OF INTERNAL Revenue has released a total of P518,197,723 (as of May 5) in internal revenue allotments to local governments. The allotments were released on schedule to provincial, city and municipal governments for use in speeding up implementation of socio-economic projects. Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata said part of the total amount in BIR allotments already released to local governments are being spent on labor-intensive projects like the construction and repair of provincial, city and municipal roads, bridges, public markets and public school buildings. Rizal province received the highest allotment with P31,242,779 and followed with Manila with P24,524,310. The entire municipalities of Rizal received P53,486.315.
THE PRESIDENT has promulgated Presidential Decree No. 185, transferring administrative supervision over all courts from the Department of Justice to the Supreme Court pursuant to the provisions of the new Constitution. The decree further channels into the High Tribunal certain items, funds, personnel and powers relative to the courts of first instance and other courts of equivalent rank as well as the city and municipal courts. The SC will also exercise the power, previously vested on the Secretary of Justice, to appoint or approve the appointments of court personnel, and to discipline and remove them from the service.
SECRETARY OF DEFENSE Juan Ponce Enrile stressed the overriding significance of sports development in the country as he underscored the vital need of physical well-being among the people for attaining national strength and progress. Addressing the 62 participants in the 14th Tour of Luzon during its opening ceremonies at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, the Defense Secretary pointed out that the revival of the multi-stage bikathon is symbolic of the gains that the people have achieved under Martial Law.
PROJECT ENGINEER or district engineer of the Bureau of Public Works is a competent authority to issue certifications to right-of-way acquisitions for public works projects, the Department of Justice ruled. Justice Secretary Vicente Abad Santos issued this opinion in reply to a request from the acting director of public works who wanted to know if the project engineer or the district engineer of the Central Luzon Flood Control Rehabilitation Program is authorized to issue certifications to right-of-way acquisitions. The secretary explained that as a matter of sound administrative practice, the issuance of certifications devolves upon the head of the bureau or office directly charged with the implementation of a specific project.
THE PHILIPPINE Medical Care Commission asked training officers of government hospitals to help patients avail themselves of medicare benefits. The appeal was made by Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, PMCC chairman, during a courtesy call by government hospital training officers who just completed a training seminar at the Department of Health. Dr. Marcos asked the training officers to inculcate in government employees the right attitude, values and orientation on public services.
PRICE CONTROL under the New Society is not an exercise of the police power of the state but joint responsibility of Government and the various industries in attaining the general economic well-being of the people. This new concept of price control was explained by Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. before the members of the Soap and Detergent Association of the Philippines. Secretary Quiazon said the control of price has now taken the shape of what is known as “socialized prices.” Simply, this term means that government control is limited to basic commodities. Secretary Quiazon explained the new concept of price control as he sought to correct a misconception that price control “is a direct function of the Government to reduce prices.” In the “socialized price” scheme, the Government has actually opted to share with the various industries the responsibility of attaining the general
Imee’s graduation from high school at the International School at Makati. Delivered the commencement address. I attach the speech. The Normalization process—I am pushing this faster.
This morning I met the Land Reform Council of which I am chairman.
Then the cabinet.
Transferred the powers of supervision of media to the Media Council which is purely of the private sector.
Also transferred the approval of travel to the committee composed of Under Sec. [Manuel] Collantes, Com. of Immigration [Edmundo] Reyes and NISA [National Intelligence and Security Authority] chief Gen. [Fabian] Ver.
Created the Dept. of Tourism and appointed Cong. Jose Aspiras.
Awarded the prizes in the 4-H Club’s Rally.
The steps taken are intended for normalization. Media after the transfer of the supervision of the courts to the Sup. Ct. [Supreme Court].
I intend to have a Legislative Council soon.
economic well-being of the people.
THE PRESIDENT underscored the vital role of the country’s 15-year-olds and the 4-H Club in the continuing task of nation-building. Addressing some 600 delegates representing about 4,000 4-H clubs in the country at the Maharlika Hall of Malacañang, the Chief Executive rallied the 155,000 members of the Club to continue with their task of disseminating the reforms and changes in the New Society. The President also said that the 4-H Club which stands for head, heart, hand and health, is one of the most vital instruments by which to change society because “you have young men and women with initiative, talent, motivation, dedication and patriotism among you.”
BUNTAL FIBERS, filament of the plant commonly known as buri, may now be exported upon authorization of the President or his authorized representative. Department of Trade Secretary Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. said the exportation of the product is now possible by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 180 which was signed by the President on April 27, 1973. The decree amended Republic Act No. 4666 prohibiting the exportation of fiber (buntal) or filaments of the plant commonly known as buri. The total ban on the export of fibers (buntal) has adversely affected the buri industry resulting in the dislocation of farmers or workers who depend on the industry for livelihood.