Helicoptered to Malolos, Bulacan for the Agro-Industrial Fair ‘72. Promised the Labangan Channel for flood control and the International Transport System, cooperatives and land reform.
Met the Montelibanos, [David] Dave Consunji and sent one helicopter to Abra (Sallapadal) for the Bureau of Mines driller transfer.
Then sent one Navy boat to fetch Delegate [Eduardo] Quintero from Leyte.
Gov. [Benjamin] Romualdez, from Cebu (he was worried of being tapped in Leyte so he flew to Cebu to call me up) says that Quintero has issued through PNS [Philippine News Service] a statement that the First Family has nothing to do with the supposed “payola.” He (Quintero) is also looking for a lawyer as he wanted to keep his silence about the supposed identity of the persons who had handed him the money in envelopes. My guess is he now realizes that his past loans are catching up with him.
This morning, the [Raul] Manglapus Electoral Reform and Suffrage Committee, shifted to a 19-17 vote against the ban Marcos provision and in favor of the Victor Ortega motion to delete the ban-Marcos provision from the report. The change in the voting was occasioned by the vote of Julio Ozamis from neutral or abstention to “In favor of the motion to delete.” Gerry
Official Gazette for May 26, 1972: PRESIDENT MARCOS was guest of honor at the formal opening of the Provincial Agro-Industrial Fair in Malolos, Bulacan.
The President arrived at the provincial capitol in Malolos at 9:30 a.m. aboard an army helicopter, and was met by various delegations headed by Gov. Ignacio Santiago, Rep. Teodulo Natividad and Malolos Mayor Purificacion C. Reyes.
In his remarks, the President described Bulacan as one of the most progressive provinces. It should therefore assume a more energetic and more aggressive role in national development, he said.
The President bared plans to make the province a model for cooperatives to be organized, as well as the hub of a modern land-air-sea transportation network serving the whole country.
At the same time, the President directed Commerce Secretary and concurrently Chairman of the Civil Aeronautics Board Troadio T. Quiazon, Jr. to suspend the effectivity of the increase in domestic air fares pending a public hearing.
The President also reiterated his determination to pursue more vigorously the land reform program provided Congress appropriated the necessary funds therefor.
He likewise pointed out that the formation of cooperatives and not land distribution is the answer to the poor farmers’ problems.
After addressing the crowd, the President formally opened the temporary pavilion housing the exhibits containing the products of every town of the province.
After a brief interview by newsmen, the President flew back to Manila.
In the afternoon, he worked at his desk. He issued, among others, a proclamation declaring June 1 (Thursday) as a special public holiday in Makati, Rizal.
[Gerardo] Espina of Manila then changed his negative vote to a positive vote. This broke the deadlock which was occasioned by the Ozamis vote.
But the vicious Dateline of Bong Lapira on Channel 9 carried the opposite news—we are supposed to have lost the vote. The commentators also referred to me as “ignorant” on the Transfer of Funds issue. They claim I had said that I am unaware of the provision to the effect that the transfer of funds power will not be included in the 1972 budget. What I actually said was that I am unaware of any agreement with the Congress and between the two houses that the provision would be excluded in 1972.
I have asked [Manuel] Manda Elizalde [Jr.] to inform Don Manolo [Manuel Elizalde Sr.] who is now abroad about the viciousness of the Bong Lapira newscast.
The Moscow visit of Pres. [Richard] Nixon seems to be a great success as five agreements have be[en] signed so for.
Although Vietnam seems to have been discussed—no results.
Imelda is in pain. Both Gloria (Aragon) und Dr. Gemzel seem to think that Imelda will not be able to hold the pregnancy and may have a miscarriage.
She has just been given a mild sedation. I probably need one too.