Dr. Gloria Aragon is optimistic now after the new tests showing that Imelda’s hormone and estrogen level are higher than normal. This shows that she is not in a menopause or false pregnancy. Neither has she lost her placenta.
And her bleeding has stopped. And so her pains. Although she is still receiving progesterone injections and ______.
But we are keeping her in bed—perhaps for a week more. And since she cannot be moved she is still in the boat.
The National Security Council was attended by the Liberals ([Gerardo] Roxas, [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.], [Ramon] Mitra, [John] Osmeña, [Edgardo] Ilarde, [Salipada] Pendatun).
The briefing on the Vietnam situation led to the conclusion that the South Vietnamese may lose the war. And that the Americans may have had to deal to abandon it as they abandoned Taiwan.
And that the communists are expanding in the Philippines notwithstanding their reverses in the battlefield.
Official Gazette for May 8, 1972: THE PRESIDENT motored to Camp Aguinaldo at midmorning to preside over a meeting of the National Security Council which was briefed on the latest development in the Vietnam war and their possible effects on the domestic scene.
The briefings, which lasted from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., were conducted by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo and General Romeo G. Espino, AFP chief of staff.
Among the assessments offered at the briefing was that a North Vietnamese victory would mean the increase in resurgency as it would strengthen the motivation and dedication of the subversives in the Philippines.
Following the council meeting, the President conferred with Secretary of National Defense Juan Ponce Enrile, General Romeo G. Espino, AFP chief of staff; heads of the major AFP commands and zone commanders, on the peace and order situation.
During the conference, the generals reported that the situation has been under control. They informed the President that although there had been some killings, most of the incidents were either politically or personally motivated.
Present at the meeting were former President Diosdado Macapagal, Senate President Gil J. Puyat, Speaker Cornelio T. Villareal, Senate President Protempore Jose J. Roy, Speaker Protempore Jose Aldeguer, Senate Majority Floor Leader Arturo M. Tolentino, House Majority Floor Learder Marcelino Veloso, Senate Minority Floor Leader Gerardo Roxas, Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. and other Senate and House leaders.
All the senators were present except Leonardo Perez, Jovito R. Salonga and Genaro Magsaysay. The senators were all invited to the council meeting.
Also at the meeting were members of the Cabinet and ranking officials of the armed forces.
The President left Camp Aguinaldo 2:30 p.m.
The President worked on state papers the rest of the afternoon and early evening.
After that meeting I directed Sec. [Juan] Ponce Enrile, the Chief of Staff, Gen. [Romeo] Espino, Vice Chief of Staff, Gen. [Rafael] Ileto, PC [Philippine Constabulary] Chief Gen. [Fidel] Ramos, PA [Philippine Army] Chief, Gen. [Rafael] Zagala, Air Force Chief, Gen [Jose] Rancudo, 1st PC Zone Commander, Gen. Tomas Diaz, IV PC Zone Commander Gen. [Wilfredo] Encarnacion, Asst. Chief of Staff, J-2 [Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence] Col. [Ignacio] Paz to update the contingency plans and the list of target personalities in the event of the use of emergency powers.
I directed Sec. Ponce Enrile to finalize all documentation for the contingency plans including the orders and implementation.