Written 9:20 AM
Tuesday
Official Gazette for May 14, 1973: THE PRESIDENT informed some 68 German visitors that European tourists are coming to the Philippines in big groups now that the country has secured stability. Welcoming the German tourists during a courtesy call at Malacañang, the Chief Executive recalled that European tourists used to stop at Bangkok and Hongkong, omitting the Philippines from their itinerary. “But now that stability has been established, the tourists are coming in big groups,” he said. Turning to the businessmen among the 68 German visitors, the President invited them to take advantage of the numerous incentives being granted by the Government to foreign investors.
THE MUSLIM POPULATION has respond enthusiastically to the call of the President for a region-wide campaign for socio-economic reforms in Mindanao. Even armed elements have given up their arms and signified their support for the reform program. This was reported by Commissioner of National Integration Datu Mama Sinsuat during the inaugural multi-network telecast of the “The DPI Report”. The CNI head said that the stabilized peace and order conditions in the area can now pave the way for the implementation of reforms. He added that road travel is again safe and that evacuees are returning to their landholdings. He said that the President’s program to have Christians and Muslims work hand-in-hand in the development of their areas has united the people who have gone to the extent of arming themselves to ward off the lawless elements.
THE PRESIDENT has directed the drafting of a plan to transform the Greater Manila area into a hub of regional headquarters (for Asia) of international companies. In a Letter of Instructions No. 73, the Chief Executive created a study committee to look into ways and means to attract foreign firms to set up regional offices in Metropolitan Manila. The President said that this will generate more employment opportunities and lucrative jobs for the country’s unemployed and underemployed.
THE GOVERNMENT will wage a nationwide information drive on the prudent and economical use of gas and oil products. This is one of the measures the President has ordered to see to it that the country can roll with the expected effects of the worsening worldwide energy crisis. A pre-Martial Law survey showed that 30 to 40 per cent of imported fuel is misused because of unsound industrial and motoring practices. The progressive car manufacturing company has also been advised to study the possibility of using native or indigenous fuel resources—like alcohol and charcoal. The Government is virtually relying on ingenuity to cushion the effects of the energy crisis which may trigger price increases in gas and oil products. The Government is also studying the feasibility of initiating the car pool concept where neighbors will share a ride in a single automobile.
INTEGRATED BAR was asked to set up as soon as possible free legal clinics to assist poor litigants. Speaking before the Integrated Bar of Oroquieta City, Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos said the Government can fulfill its commitment to justice only if it can assure the needy that poverty is not a handicap in the quest for truth. Showing concern for the plight of the poor litigants, the President, shortly after the proclamation of Martial Law, issued a Letter of Instructions establishing the Citizens’ Legal Assistance Office (CLAO). The justice secretary said the present work of the CLAO can be strengthened if the Integrated Bar set up free legal clinics for the poor litigants. Secretary Abad Santos stated that, since the Integrated Bar was established under the New Society, the association should help bring the law to the needy.
NATIONAL HEALTH Planning advisory Council has pinpointed five priority areas for inclusion in the national health plan which was ordered by the President. Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, chairman of the Philippine Medical Care Commission, said the following areas will cover environmental control, health promotion, health protection, medical care and social (rehabilitative) services.
HOSPITALS now fall within the purview of the term “independent contractor” and are now, therefore, subject to the three per cent contractor’s tax. Acting Commissioner of Internal Revenue Conrado P. Diaz made the statement in reply to inquiries from hospitals as to whether or not they are now subject to the contractor’s tax under Section 191 of the tax code as amended by Presidential Decree No. 69. He explained that under Presidential Decree No. 69, hospitals are now subject to the P50 annual fixed tax prescribed by the tax code, and their quarterly gross receipt is subject to the three per cent contractor’s tax.
Feeling invigorated although my biceps and shoulders are a little sore from slaloming in water-skiing and probably reeling in that bonito or dorado I caught Sunday morning that got away.
And our economy is booming, although there is a rise in prices and there may be some deficiency in rice. Spoke of this in the VTR (videotape recording) for Pulong Pulong sa Kaunlaran. We may have to import 600,000 tons. We entered into a 300,000 ton import from Pakistan through Dr. Abdon but he has reneged on the contract. We can get 120,000 from Thailand, 50,000 from Japan, 50,000 from Red China and perhaps 100,000 from the U.S. by September from their August crop.
But we are going to try and plant quickly if the rains come early this month so we can harvest enough in August or September.
The oil stains in the Podco [Philippine Oil Development Company] Mandurriao No. I may be another non-commercial find.
Tidying up the Muslim situation with the peace negotiators in Cotabato (Cong. [Carmelo] Barbero, [Simeon] Valdez and [Constantino] Navarro) and Sulu and Basilan (Cong. [Antonio] Raquiza) with Gen. [Jose] Rancudo and Col. Okol and the Ulamahs and Ustadts) working overtime to bring about the surrenders.
Delegate [Midpantao] Adil (married to Udtog Matalam’s daughter) brought a message to me from Ex-Gov. Matalam on the Pagalungan situation where there is apparently some abuse by the military and the BSDU’s [Barrio Self-Defense Units].
Tito [Jose] Yulo Jr. has given me two magnificent night-viewing systems which enable one to see in the dark. Incredible devices—not infra-red!