We have finally agreed that I lift the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, order the release of detainees not charged and stop any further arrests.
I hope we do not regret this decision but we are preparing troops specially trained in urban guerilla war.
And we have finalized the incorporation of the newspaper personnel—
The activities are beginning to act up and the NPA [New People’s Army] is holding another conference of its leaders (10 coming from Ilocos) on the 15th.
I expect fighting in Manila before June of 1972.
I hope the constitutional convention is through by then.
11:15 PM November 13, 1971[1]
Saturday
I approved the filing of charges of subversion under RA [Republic Act] 1700 against the KM [Kabataang Makabayan] and the release of others. Papers are in Envelope XI-N.
The briefing for Pres. [Robert] McNamara of the World Bank was successful. I feel that it was impressive. And he said so.
But he said that while the World Bank was ready to extend loans to the Philippines, we were not feeding the pipeline of projects.
So I have asked the acceleration of the preparation of project studies as a basis of the applications for loans. This is directly under the PES [Presidential Economic Staff] Project Evaluation Office.
My opening statement during the briefing this morning are [sic] also in Envelope XI-N.
The Traditionalists (Moscow-oriented communists) have sent word through Atty. Adaza, partner of Delegate Antonio Raquiza and former editor of the Philippine Collegian and a socialist, that they want to cooperate with me to liquidate the Maoists and their leadership.
He met me accompanied by Delegate Raquiza tonight and conveyed this message as well as their wish to meet with me or my representative. I asked Gen. [Fabian] Ver to meet with them.
But they want arms to perform the mission. They claim to have won with the Maoists and that 40% of the Maoists are Sen. Benigno Aquino’s men.
They also claim to have the original list of the financiers of the Maoists.
They ask for an exchange of information.
I must seek the united stand of the political leaders on:
Then Minister Conference at Kuala Lumpur and the Summit Conference later on, on the neutralization of Southeast Asia.
The Unilateral Defense Posture plans of the Philippines which requires the approval of P300 million a year.
The legislation for development.
So in the meantime while the Maoists do not engage in urban guerilla war, we should try and bring about a unity of forces.
Thus no matter what political accidents may befall the country, at least there will be a consistency of policy which should ensure some security (external and internal) and continuous economic development.
For these we must all swallow our pride.
6:40 PM November 14, 1971[2]
Before going on the Sunday
cruise for Pres. [Robert] McNamara
of the World Bank
For the last several days I have been overwhelmed by a sense of frustration because of the implications of the senatorial elections.
While the emotional issue of Plaza Miranda and the bombing was something that would catch the imagination of the people, we underestimated the capability of the media to spread it all the way down to the barrios.
And the results indicate that the people still do not have the wisdom and the discrimination required for a truly democratic republic.
For the demagogues and the simpletons were elected instead of the highly qualified.
So the consequences may be dangerous.
I now fear for our Republic.
Woke up at 7:30 AM to make a few important decisions on:
The Kuala Lumpur Ministerial Meeting
RCA [Rice and Corn Administration] reorganization—I have fired USec. [Jose] Drilon as Gen. Manager
The Self-Reliant Defense Posture
An Administration daily newspaper to be run by the Press Office. This will be different from the Government Report.
Interview by Johnny Gatbonton for The Asean the whole morning.
He has been worried that the Americans were setting me up like a Ngo Dinh Diem for liquidation as an oppressive tyrant by an armed forces supported coup de état [sic] with the CIA [Central Intelligence Agency] behind it.
But I assured him that we were in tight control of the Armed Forces.
Mass at 4:00 PM at 4:30-6:10 PM. We board the 777 at 7:00 PM.
12:20 AM November 15, 1971[3]
Monday
Sec. [Carlos] Romulo has reported to me. I enclose copy of his report.
I have ordered a National Security Council meeting next Wednesday and a foreign Policy Council meeting on Saturday.
The Security Command will consider the Unilateral Defense Posture as well as the proposed Neutralization of Southeast Asia while the Foreign Policy Council will receive the report of Sec. Romulo and discuss the Kuala Lumpur meeting of Foreign Ministers and the subsequent summit meeting.
Tomorrow I meet the Nacionalista leaders for lunch.
We have braced ourselves for the walkout of government employees in the Dept. of Public Works, Education, Agriculture and others. We must find out how effective their threat of government paral[y]zation is.
I have ordered the master plan for the Land Reform Program to be made. So with rice procurement and production.
We are reviewing all on-going programs.
11:00 PM November 16, 1971[4]
Tuesday
I am convinced that the communists will try and take the government before 1973.
Chino [Joaquin] Roces also confirmed this in a conversation with the other publishers yesterday morning. This was reported by Hans Menzi last night.
Hans Menzi also reports that this group of publishers will not participate in the meetings of the Foreign Policy Council and other councils I will invite them to.
And they recommend that I do not reappoint any of the losing senatorial candidates back to the cabinet.
They even sent word that Imelda and I should issue statements to the effect that we do not intend to run for Presidency in 1973. I pointedly told him that I would not allow the office of the presidency to be degraded by my repetition childishly of what I have stated and reiterated in the past several weeks.
Hans Menzi has agreed that a group I shall organize shall buy control of the Liwayway Publications.
Today I received a report that yesterday Sen. Gerardo Roxas, Eugenio Lopez Sr. and Jr., Vice Pres. [Fernando] Lopez, Chino Roces at the Meralco [Manila Electric Company] penthouse. The Lopezes gave the impression that they would support Roxas for President in 1973, congratulating him for his good work in the last elections and hoping he will bring about victory again in 1973.
Chino Roces claimed that the Plaza Miranda bombing was a communist job and claimed that Roxas would have the same problems I have if he were elected President in 1973.
Chino Roces being close to the communists is certainly a dependable source of information when not talking through his newspaper.
He told Hans Menzi that he was unwilling to give me any information.
We should prepare for any increase in urban guerilla activity in January.
Nene Caram who signed tonight for Filipino Orient Airways the merger of operations agreement with Air Manila represented by Ricardo Salverio told me that the Lopezes spent P18 million for the Liberals in the last elections.
Met all the political leaders for lunch at [Bahay] Pangarap, “to congratulate the victorious and succor the defeated.”
Also met Justice Fred Ruiz Castro at 9:00 PM with Sen. [Jose] Roy and Sol. Gen. Felix Antonio on whom I can lift the suspension of the privilege of the writ which I want to do as soon as I can but cannot until the warrants of arrest have been issued by the CFI [Court of First Instance] (in this case the judge is Vicente Ericta who has set the hearing for Dec. 6th). So Sol. Gen. Felix will see him tomorrow. He will also see City Fiscal Cortez to hurry up the hearings of the cases pending with him.
7:30 PM November 17, 1971[5]
Wednesday
We have just come from the Nayong Pilipino on the Awarding Ceremonies.
“Comfrey,” the new vegetable from Ukraine and Japan via the Sucat farms of Sanvictores and Johnny Ferrer, guaranteed to stop the aging process and to lower blood pressure.
“The fundamental unity of man and earth.”
“The historical lesson that the dramatic and sensational decisions are destructive while the quiet and unnoticed ones are constructive.”
“The imperative of self-help.”
“The people must decide their own destiny. Good decisions will be made by the wise and prudent lender, but the decision must be implemented by the people to be of any value.”
I met with the cabinet at about 8:30 AM in the GHQ [General Headquarters], Camp Aguinaldo briefing room, then at 9:30 AM with the National Security Council.
The strike by the national government employees seems to have affected only the CAA [Civil Aeronautics Administration]. We are offering the 5% increase effective Nov. 15th and the Wapco [Wage and Position Classification Office] recommendation effective Dec. 1st. The CAA employees (traffic controllers and supervisors) have the arrival and departure of all foreign planes while domestic planes have been limited to daytime flights.
The employees will decide on the offer tonight.
The National Security Council briefings were effective. Foreign policy changes and our options arising out of the UN [United Nations] decision to bring in Red China into the UN and the Security Council by Sec. [Carlos] Romulo.
The posture of self-reliance in defense by Gen. [Manuel] Yan, arms production by Usec. [Manuel] Salientes, Col. dela Cruz (Orduque officer) and Ting [Vicente] Paterno and The Communist Threat by Gen. Ramos.
I have just received the letter of Sen. [Gerardo] Roxas on my request for cooperation, copy of which I attach. They even want to look into the finances of government as well as the financing institutions.
My intention is to keep them cooperating on foreign policy, long range defense plans and long range development projects.
I have met with Justice Antonino Barredo and Sol. Gen. Felix Antonio. Tony has consistently held to the view that my power under the constitution to suspend the privilege of the writ should not be limited or questioned as the decision of its use is a political decision.
He reports that Justice J.B.L. Reyes is a public opinion barometer. He follows what he considers is popular. Or he is too close to [Eugenio] Iñing Lopez [Sr.] to be scholarly on this case.
I have told Tony I intend to lift the suspension and then allow what I know will happen to happen—and that is the spread of terrorism into Manila. Then I will wait for the wishes of the people.
The government employees have just accepted the 5% increase in pay effective July 1st and the Wapco increase beginning Feb. 1st, 1972. This means an immediate disbursement of about P24 or P25 million for the 5% increase.
They have just blackmailed us to salary increases!
11:45 PM November 18, 1971[6]
Thursday
We (Imelda and I) attended the President’s Night at MOPC [Manila Overseas Press Club],.My speech and papers for the Open Forum are in Envelope No. XI-P.
Worked with Gens. [Manuel] Yan, [Romeo] Espino, [Eduardo] Garcia, [Mariano] Ordoñez, [Fidel] Ramos and [Fabian] Ver on the Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] training (at Magsaysay), the recovery of all personnel (some of the men are on secret missions, specially those at the Replacement Battalion of PC [Philippine Constabulary]—allegedly, although I know that they are assigned to politicians) and the retirement of all extended officers.
I notified Gen. Espino he would become Chief of Staff, Ramos to become Chief of PC, [Tomas] Diaz, 1st Zone Commander, [Rafael] Ileto to become Vice Chief of Staff, [Rafael] Zagala to become Army Commander.
Then directed Manila to be completely left by Metrocom to the MPD [Manila Police District] and a plan for operations in case of urban guerilla fighting in Manila with MPD off the streets as they may not know street fighting and merely get on [sic] the way and suffer as the federal troops called to duty in the Kuala Lumpur Martial Law racial riots.
The plan should be prepared by Gens. Garcia, Ordoñez, Ileto, Ver and Espino.
Pasig Task Force will now take over the security assignments of Metrocom in Manila.
Saw the Muhamad Ali-Buster [Mathis] fight over TV.
This morning we received news that Prime Minister Thanom Kitticachorn of Thailand has taken over the government of that country in a bloodless coup by his declaring martial law, suspending the constitution and abolishing the Parliament and the cabinet.
1:00 AM November 20, 1971 November 19, 1971[7]
Friday
We have just come back from the Cultural Center where we saw the opera Aida which was presented by the Cultural Center and the Music Foundation of the Philippines. I attach the program.
The “coup” by Prime Minister [Thanom] Kitticachorn in Thailand is confirmed by the reports of our embassy in Bangkok. I attach their reports.
I am preparing for the meeting of the Foreign Policy Council tomorrow. The materials prepared by the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs] I hereby include in Envelope XI-Q.
It is noticeable that as usual Sec. [Carlos] Romulo somehow leaves the impression that it was he who initiated a review of our foreign policy; that he proposes more nonconventional training for our troops; that he proposes a ten-year limitation of US military bases etc.—
All these, of course, are my instructions. Sec. [Jose] Ingles in his background on neutralization does the same. Instead of conducting an in-depth study of questions I have raised, he repeats them as if they were his own.
The bureaucracy is woefully lacking in originality and initiative.
And the supposed technocrats lack courage to make decisions. Their favourite game is to give both sides of a question without recommendation and pass the decision to the next man.
I went to Camp Crame to bid goodbye to the PC [Philippine Constabulary] Metrocom [Metropolitan Command] whom I am sending to the Urban Guerrilla Training Course in Fort Magsaysay at 10:00 AM. They will have to be there during the holidays.
We are preparing for possible street fighting in Manila and the spread of terrorism and sabotage.
Yet the other night Justice [Antonio] Barredo informed me that ex-Justice [Arsenio] Dizon tenaciously clung to his position that the NPA’s [New People’s Army] were plain bandits! What kind of justices do we have?
12:00 PM November 20, 1971[8]
Saturday
The Foreign Policy Council was well attended.
Pres. [Diosdado] Macapagal, Sen. Gerardo Roxas, Sen. [Lorenzo] Tañada, Cong. Salipada Pendatun, Delegate Raul Manglapus, Delegate [Felino] Neri, Sen. Pres. [Gil] Puyat, Speaker [Cornelio] Villareal, Chino [Joaquin] Roces, Hans Menzi, Sabastian Ugarte, Joe Luna Castro, Amante Bigornia, [Miguel] Arambulo of the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary representative, the former Secretaries of Foreign Affairs like Sec. [Narciso] Ramos were there. They were all active in discussion.
Gens. [Manuel] Yan, [Fidel] Ramos, [Rafael] Ileto, [Eduardo] Garcia, [Jesus] Singson and Commodore [Dioscoro] Papa were there as resource personnel.
Pres. Macapagal informed us of the sentiment of the convention for the Philippines to be perpetually neutralized. He inquired about the plans for a self-reliant Armed Force.
I attach the instructions to the delegation to Kuala Lumpur headed by Sec. [Carlos] Romulo.
And I gave instructions to Sec. Romulo and Gen. Yan that our plan now is eventual neutralization after five to ten years of preparations for defense.
We must first find out what the reaction of the big powers is to our plan of neutralization, although Pres. Macapagal is for our country declaring a policy of neutralization alone, free of the United States and any other country.
Sec. Romulo will report by long distance on the evening of the first day of the Kuala Lumpur conference.
Then I can call a Foreign Policy Casual meeting the following day, the 25th.
We started discussing the question of trade and diplomatic relations with Socialist countries including Russia and China. We will continue the discussions in the next meetings.
All members will now be informed of international events of importance like the THAI “coup.”
The Foreign Policy Council papers are in Envelope XI-U und others in XI-W.
8:30 PM November 21, 1971[9]
Sunday
I am all alone in the palace as Imelda has left for Leyte by boat,
The Liberals are imposing all kinds of conditions for their supposed cooperation but when I call them to a council meeting like the National Security Council and the Foreign Policy Council, they attend and agree to the plans.
So I intend to call a Development Council meeting where the economic and social development plans may be explained.
I am certain they will attend although they make all kinds of pretense at opposition in the press.
Tomorrow I work on the plan for the Army to take over Isabela from the PC [Philippine Constabulary]. Then I will work on the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] reorganization.
And in the evening I will be working on my new book on Modern Theories of Revolutionary Warfare.
10:30 PM November 22, 1971[10]
Monday
Settled the threat of continued tensions of Ilocos Sur by calling the governor (Carmeling Crisologo) and her opponent with the two candidates for Vigan Mayor, the Governor’s son, Vicente and Evaristo Singson.
Hysterical telephone calls from Lanao (Iligan) from Vice Gov. [Malamit] Umpa whose son is a candidate for mayor in Sapad to the effect that the Comelec [Commission on Elections] ([Jaime] Ferrer and [Lino] Patajo are both in Lanao) has suddenly decided today, the day set for the special elections, to hold the voting only one barrio, Buriasan, without the other barrios being notified as they are far away (15 kilometers) and there can be no transportation.
I told his lawyer, Atty. Frank Chin to file an urgent petition with the Comelec.
But I can discern the Comelec partiality for the Liberals! And this is going to alienate the Moslems who are Nacionalistas because of [Mohammad] Ali Dimaporo.
Met [George] Getty of Getty Oil and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
Then held the military conference on the possible take over of Isabela by the Army from the PC [Philippine Constabulary].
10:00 PM November 23, 1971[11]
Tuesday
I have just finished organizing the materials for two books at the same time. The first is what would be a synthesis of the theories of revolutionary war. There is no such book now. The second would be a Strategy for Economic and Social Development.
In the first book I should emphasize the failure of the other authors to note the vital role played by parliamentary units in insurgency—(Mao Tse Tung referred to it) and propaganda and agitation in subversion, in some parts so paralizing [sic] the will of the people and the ruling groups so that there was no need for aggressive military action.
I attach the report of Sec. [Efren] Plana in the Kauswagan, Bo. [Barrio] Tacub, Lanao killing of 35 Muslims and wounding of 54 Muslims by the PA [Philippine Army] detachment thereat. Report is as of 232200 Nov. 1971.
I have ordered investigation, prosecution and punishment.
I received the new Pakistan ambassador who presented his credentials.
The man whom I have asked to start our applied research on rockets and propellants as well as guidance systems came to see me—Max Goldberger.
I attach the papers on the matter. I expect much of this project.
Then went to Pier 15 to receive the symbolic delivery of surplus generators and electrical systems for the US military installations for our rural electrification system.
9:30 PM November 24, 1971[12]
Wednesday
There is a deficiency of materials on the Strategy for Development—because I am developing the theory that monetary policy determines economic development to a degree greater than we usually admit.
Thus the import-oriented economy of the Philippines arose out of the parasitic tie of the peso to the dollar as well as the corresponding dependence of the Philippine economy on the American market.
Then the free market days from the liberation to 1949 gave rise to imbalance in trade and to import and exchange controls. These gave rise to farther import orientation and packaging industries. The sudden lifting of import and exchange control and devaluation killed many of the industries in 1961 so that when I took over in 1965 we were faced with 2,000 moribund industries which we had to refinance with the Distressed Industries Refinancing Program. Freedom of exchange and importation and absence of guidance in investments gave rise to another problem of imbalance in our trade resulting in the floating rate.
So we have tried about every solution.
I have asked the Central Bank governor to prepare a paper on this.
9:30 PM November 25, 1971[13]
Thursday
I have ordered all the books on war, revolution, guerilla or underground warfare etc. from the National Library Director [Serafin] Quiason. Crozier’s Institute for the Study of conflict in London should be a good source.
Sec. [Carlos] Romulo called up to request that the Foreign Policy Council meeting set tomorrow be postponed to Saturday so that he can submit a report of substance. Right now they are still awaiting Malaysia’s definition of the term neutralization.
They may issue a communique but the final proclamation will be at the Asian Head’s [sic] of States conference or summit (at Manila I hope).
Sec. [Efren] Plana and the generals arrived from Lanao. I have ordered the prosecution of the Phil. Army soldiers who killed—the Muslims at Kauswagan—and in civilian courts.
We will now fieled Moslems officers jointly with Christian officers.
And review our military and civilian policy specially in Mindanao.
The problem is more social than military or religious.
1:00 PM November 26, 1971[14]
Friday
I have approved the adoption of the communique or declaration by the Foreign Ministers in Kuala Lumpur. I attach the folder of papers to Envelope No. XII.
The Foreign Policy Council meeting for today I postponed to tomorrow so that we could have something definite from KL.
Talked to Chino [Joaquin] Roces requesting him to cast aside any grievances he may have against me and help in the Plaza Miranda bombing solution and other problems.
Exec. Sec. Alex [Alejandro] Melchor [Jr.] tells me that Greg Perez, his (Chino’s) consultant, has suggested I appoint Chino Roces as Secretary of National Defense. I believe Chino cleared this.
But the position is too sensitive to give to a man of deep prejudices like Chino. I will ask him to help in the defusing of the viciousness of media and divert him to some other position.
I have asked Sen. [Leonardo] Perez to bring Gov.-elect Faustino Dy to see me tomorrow evening but secretly. He is actually active with the Maoists and I want to use him as a penetration agent.
Tony Villanueva who wanted to run as governor of Ilocos Sur in lieu of Carmeling Crisologo, it turns out, was asked to do so by the NPA [New People’s Army]. Now he wants to be appointed governor up to December 31st and he says “he will finish the Singsons and their followers.” I presume that he means that he would use the NPA lo do the job of liquidation.
So I have refused to appoint him governor. It seems that he met Jose Maria Sison at the house of Gov-elect Dy in Cauayan.
The “coup” plans of [Eleuterio] Terry Adevoso are being activated. This was predicated upon their taking over the government ahead of the communists—upon the presumption that the latter would. I have ordered the reactivation of our penetration agent.
The Kauswagan massacre by PA [Philippine Army] men of Muslims makes imperative the retraining of all the men in the military.
So I have ordered this.
Intelligence should now emphasize coverage and surveillance of local Chinese.
The KM’s [Kabataang Makabayan] are extorting money from businesses with threats of a strike against their firms. Chino Roces and Adrian Cristobal confirmed this.
I awarded the Presidential Unit Citation to the Marine Battalion under Capt. Brown. So did I award it to the PGB [Presidential Guard Battalion] and PSU [Presidential Security Unit].
12:00 PM November 27, 1971[15]
Saturday
The other day (Nov. 24th) Enriquito Zobel came to see me to report to me that he had been invited by Mrs. Pacita Roces to a luncheon at the Lighthouse on top of the Meralco [Manila Electric Company] building. It lasted from 12:30 to 4:00 PM.
I attach the notes of my conversation with Enriquito.
Why Enriquito told me this, I do not know unless he was put on to it by Ninoy [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.] whom Enriquito quoted as saying that “he (Aquino) was willing to have Gerry [Gerardo] Roxas take the limelight and watch Marcos hit him until nothing is left of him.”
Enriquito added that Ninoy Aquino is supposed to have said, “Marcos does not like me but he respects me for he sees in me himself in his younger days.” Presumptuous! And added that it would be easy to talk to Ninoy.
Now Alex [Alejandro] Melchor [Jr.] reports that according to Greg Perez who was also there. Roxas [Roces] hosted the luncheon at the Lighthouse and started it by telling Gerry Roxas that there may be no elections in 1973—presumably referring to the inevitability of a revolution before then.
He reports that Greg Perez recommended Chino Roces for Secretary of National Defense. Alex recommends it with the statement that this could change the attitude of the media to give us much needed popular support (which he says we need even if we were to declare martial law). He suggests we try it for six months. But we would be in a worse fix because we would not be able to remove him as the media would back him up and knowing Chino, he would be working for himself, the radicals and the Liberals so as to look fair and therefore popular. The advisers feel the same way.
Held the Foreign Policy Council meeting at about 10:15 AM delayed by the wedding of Boots Marcos Barba to Bidones [Bediones].
Talked to Sec. [Carlos] Romulo during the meeting wherein he confirmed that the Summit Meeting could amend, alter or replace the Minister’s Declaration. I asked him to so state to the other conferees.
And we organized a preparatory committee to work out our positions in the Summit Conference on March 1972.
In the Meeting I explained that since the Initial reaction of the ASEAN nations to my suggestion of a summit conference was lukewarm, the Philippines had to take a low posture and it was suggested that Thailand could prepare the papers while Malaysia could propose neutralization, so that the conference could come about.
But now we could adopt a more aggressive stance.
I place in three folders on Envelope XII-A the papers for today.
2:30 PM Nov. 29th November 28, 1971[16]
Sunday
Mr. John Wendell Anderson and his wife, Lisa with Mrs. Susie Gardner were brought by Tony Florendo and Alan Foran to the palace at 10:30 AM and they stayed till about 12:00 AM.
Tony and I talked later of the Tadeco [Tagum Agricultural Development Company] contract with Davao Penal Colony and my instructions five years ago to get the penal colonies to be self-sufficient by allowing private parties to develop and utilize their lands.
Tadeco has 4,000 hectares for a banana plantation which should bring in about $20 million worth of banana exports by a tie up with United Fruit which sells to Japan. By 1975 the market in Japan should be $100 million for bananas.
I am now reviewing the list of generals and colonels to be retired by the end of this year and their replacements.
We have just come from the party thrown by Tony and Nenita for the Andersons.
12:00 PM November 29, 1971[17]
Monday
Breakfast for Gen. and Mrs. Partridge who was battalion commander of the 1st Cavalry that liberated Manila and is now head of the US National Rural Cooperative Association. They played hosts to Imelda on her visit to Washington last year.
I lent them a PAF [Philippine Air Force] Avro for a visit to Moresco [Misamis Oriental Rural Electric Service Cooperative] and Victorias cooperatives.
Met the Fiscal and Financial Policy Committee on the control of external debt and on the social concept of development.
I have asked Gen. [Jose] Rancudo, CG [Commanding General] of the 5th Fighter Wing at Basa to start a complex for the assembly then manufacture of planes, following the Israeli example.
Met the Ilocos Sur mayors led by Rep. Lucas Cauton. The NPA’s [New People’s Army] have infiltrated Ilocos Sur from Tagudin to Burgos to Vigan, Magsingal and Cabugao.
Played golf with Jack Anderson and Elen Foran of Ford.[18]
Signed the amendments to the Tariff and Customs Code (64 times) which principally removes the loopholes and escape provisions of the code and raises Pl40 more in tariff duties.
I also went through the first book of the Philippine Theater prepared at the instance of Imelda.
12:00 PM November 30, 1971
Tuesday
We finished dinner for the International Theater Institute headed by Rosamond Gilder with [Dar Cante?], as Sec. Gen.
Imelda delivered an elegant speech and launched the book on the history of the Philippine Theater.
Then met Gov. Carmeling Crisologo, Tony Villanueva, Vincent Crisologo and Atty. [Gerry?] Quadra. Tony Villanueva will assume as governor after Carmeling takes a leave of absence, so that he can fight the NPA [New People’s Army].
The project of the openly pro-administration paper, The Guardian, was presented by Kits [Francisco] Tatad, Pocholo Romualdez, Larry Cruz and Yen Macabenta. It would entail a yearly loss of P2 million.
Then I met Gov. elect Faustino Dy of Isabela and he agreed to help in the fight against the NPA in Isabela. I meet him and Tom Diaz tomorrow evening to finalize his helping out in the intelligence project.
Also met the Task Force Lawin and the Phil. Army on the plans for operation against the NPA in Isabela.
Had an IVP [intravenous pyelogram] this morning at 8:00 AM at the Veteran’s Memorial by Dr. Amado Carandang with [Paciencia] Inday Escalin Disini putting in the dye with dextrose, Dr. Fely Cua Lim, the allergist, checking any sensitivity to the dye and Dr. Pacifico Yap supervising, as my surgeon.
They found no stones in my kidneys. And the pain in my left lumbar region had considerably decreased with .5 mgms of colchicine every four hours, six doses. So it must be uric acid formation.
I am now taking xyloprine, once every day.
The numbness of tire left lumbar is still there.
I could not play golf as the milk of magnesia laxative had caused me weakness following the loose bowel movement (15 times) caused by the colchicine.
But I have recovered my strength now.
[1] No Official Gazette entry for this day.
[2] No Official Gazette entry for this day.
[3] No Official Gazette entry for this day.
[4] No Official Gazette entry for this day.
[5] No Official Gazette entry for this day.
[6] No Official Gazette entry for this day.
[7] Official Gazette for November 19, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS had a comparatively quiet day as far as visitors were concerned. He however put in a full day’s work on state matters, including much paper work. The President started the day by motoring to Camp Crame to address METROCOM troopers shortly before they departed for a six-week basic training stint in Fort Magsaysay, Laur, Nueva Ecija. In his brief address, the President underscored the importance of the basic training the troopers would undertake. Present at the send-off ceremonies were General Manuel T. Yan, AFP chief of staff; and Brigadier Generals Eduardo M. Garcia and Mariano Ordoñez, chiefs of the PC and Metrocom, respectively. The President was back in Malacañang at 10:30 a.m. Half an hour later, the President received at separate ceremonies the letters of credence of the new envoys of Mexico and Thailand namely, Ambassadors Pablo Padilla Ramirez of Mexico and Swate Komalabhuti of Thailand. In accepting the letters of credence of Ambassador Ramirez, the President expressed satisfaction over the growth through the decades of the bonds of amity and friendship “which historically united our two countries.” The President at the same time assured the new envoy that “my administration shall continue to exert effort to further strengthen the existing foundation of brotherly collaboration between our two governments and peoples.” In response to Ambassador Komalabhuti, the President said the Philippines and Thailand could intensify “our efforts to cooperate more closely on the important issues that can contribute to peace and prosperity, particularly in our region,” and in the fields of mutually beneficial endeavors.” The Thai envoy, after citing the long history of friendship and close relations between the Philippines and his country, said that as members of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, the Association of South Pacific and Asian Countries, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the two countries had been fully cooperating with each other and with the other member countries. Ambassador Ramirez replaced former Ambassador Federico Barrera Fuentes of Mexico, while Ambassador Komalabhuti replaced former Thai Ambassador Chitamye Amatayakul. Present at the ceremonies were Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo, Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata, Secretary of General Services Constancio E. Castañeda, Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., and undersecretaries of Foreign Affairs Jose D. Ingles and Manuel Collantes. The President then received callers, among them Rev. Charles F. Maher, S.S.C., parish priest of Ozamis City, and Fr. James Reuter, national director of mass media section of the Catholic Hierarchy in the Philippines, who made personal calls. Also received by the President were Governors Tito Primicias of Pangasinan, Ignacio Santiago of Bulacan and Jose Legaspi of Aklan; Mayor Jose Villanueva of Iriga City, and Governor-elect Carlos Cajelo of Cotabato, all of whom consulted the President on local problems. While working on state papers in the afternoon, the President appointed 13 Liberal Party nominees to vacancies in the provincial boards and city councils, which were left vacant by Liberal incumbents who resigned and run for other elective positions. The appointment of the LP nominees was in accordance with the Decentralization Law, which provides that the party of which the officials who left the positions belong has the right to recommend persons who should fill up such vacant positions. Appointed to provincial boards were Pacifico Lejano (Batangas) and Luis Vizcocho (Quezon). Named to city councils were Joaquin Jalandoon (Bago City), Jose Legaspi (Cavite City), Remberto Herceda (Gen. Santos City), Ernesto Ventura and Nicanor J. V. Santos (Pasay City), Paquito Arrieta and Benjamin Villarin (Dumaguete City), Fermin Palisoc (San Carlos City [Pangasinan]), Dominador Natividad (Zamboanga City), and Hilario Batralo and Servillano Abril (San Pablo City).
[8] Official Gazette for November 20, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS presided over the meeting of the Foreign Policy Council, held at the Malacañang state dining room, on the Malaysian proposal for the neutralization of Southeast Asia which was tabled for discussion in Kuala Lumpur by the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations from November 24 to 27. Following a discussion of the Malaysian proposal, the Council recommended to the President instructions to Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo, head of the Philippine delegation to Kuala Lumpur. The Council’s recommendation was that there be a shift in foreign policy to give accommodation to new realities. The Council also begun discussions on the question of relations with the socialist and communist countries of the world, including the Soviet Union and the People’s Republic of China. During the conference, the President directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to keep the individual members of the Council constantly informed on significant developments all over the world. Present at the meeting, which lasted from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., were Senate President Gil J. Puyat, Speaker Cornelio T. Villareal, Constitutional Convention President Diosdado Macapagal, Senator and LP President Gerardo M. Roxas, Senator and Nationalist Citizens Party President Lorenzo M. Tañada; Constitutional Convention Delegate and former Secretary of Foreign Affairs Raul S. Manglapus, House Majority Floor Leader Marcelino Veloso; Rep. Nicanor Yñiguez, chairman of the House foreign affairs committee; Rep. Salipada K. Pendatun; Secretaries Carlos P. Romulo of Foreign Affairs. Cesar E. A. Virata of Finance, Vicente Abad Santos of Justice and Efren I. Plana of National Defense; Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., Press Secretary Francisco S. Tatad; and former Secretaries of Foreign Affairs Felino Neri and Narciso Ramos. Also present were Miguel Arambulo, president of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines; Gov. Benjamin Campomanes of the Rotary Club, and publishers and editors of metropolitan newspapers. The President had a brief rest in the afternoon, and then worked on official papers and other matters of state till early evening.
[9] Official Gazette for November 21, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS had no scheduled callers. Instead he focused on urgent desk work and other state business part of the morning and most of the afternoon. The President approved the recommendation of the National Economic Council to import 200,000 metric tons of yellow corn to fill an expected shortage during the months of January, February and March. The NEC had certified to an imminent shortage of 200,000 metric tons of this corn variety for the crop year ending June 30, 1972. The NEC said that unless these importations were made to fill the expected shortage, prices of corn and corn products might become intolerable during the months of January, February and March 1972 and that the shortage “will be of such gravity as may constitute a national emergency.” The NEC in its recommendation urged that such importations be made as much as possible through loans from the United States under US Public Law 480; that the imported corn be made available to small producers, corn starch manufacturers, feed millers and other industrial uses without discrimination; and that the same be used to stabilize the prices of local corn and corn products to fully benefit end-users. Among other actions, the President ordered the troops assigned in Lanao del Norte to stay in place and to see to it that no incident mars the voting and the counting of votes during the special elections scheduled to be held in three towns on November 22. The President issued the order to allay fears and apprehension earlier expressed in Manila by certain sectors of the media on an impending pullout allegedly because of threats of an armed attack from outlaw bands on the occasion of the election.
[10] Official Gazette for November 22, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS summoned to a conference at noon at Malacañang the main protagonists in the bitterly contested local elections in the strife-torn province of Ilocos Sur, as he renewed his appeal for peace in that province. During the conference with Gov. Carmeling P. Crisologo who lost her reelection bid, her son Vincent who also lost in the mayoralty race in Vigan, Governor-elect Luis “Chavit” Singson and his older brother Evaristo, mayor-elect of the capital town, the President formed with them an agreement that they bring together their respective leaders, thresh out their differences and put a stop to the senseless killings that had been going in the province. “I have called you here because of disturbing reports that passions still run high among your followers,” the President said. “Now that the people of the province had given their verdict, I would like you to cooperate with one another in promoting lasting peace in the locality.” Also at the conference was Brig. Gen. Felizardo Tanabe, 1st PC zone commander, whom the President directed to proceed to Ilocos Sur and supervise the meeting between the feuding factions with the view to easing tensions and removing all causes for vengeance and vindictiveness. Earlier in the morning, the President received pilots of the U.S. navy flight demonstration team, the “Blue Angels,” who impressed thousands of spectators with their exhibition of daring precision flying at the Mini Air Show held at the Manila International Airport in connection with the annual observance of Aviation Week. Accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Henry Byroade, the team presented the President with a souvenir plaque in appreciation of the hospitality extended to them by the Filipino people during their brief stay here. The team was composed of Cmdr. Harley H. Hall, No. 1 leader; Capt. Kevin O’Mara, No. 2 right wing; Lt. Bill Beardsley, No. 3 left wing; Lt. Jim Maslowski, No. 4 slot; Lt. Skip Umstead, No. 5 lead solo; and Lt. Bill Switzer, No. 6 solo. The President also received George F. Getty, executive vice president of Getty Oil Company, who called to pay his respects, following his arrival in Manila in the course of a business trip. Other callers included delegations of newly elected and reelected officials of San Pablo City led by Mayor Cesar P. Dizon, and from Kalinga-Apayao headed by Rep Felipe B. Almazan.
[11] Official Gazette for November 23, 1971: President Marcos received the letters of credence of Ambassador Abdul Aziz Farooq of Pakistan, who replaced Ambassador Khurram Khan Panni. In accepting the envoy’s credentials, the President said “we in the Philippines are fully cognizant of the significance and value of the bonds of friendship and fraternal collaboration which had characterized the relations between our two countries for decades.” He said that he had “no doubt that an exchange of ideas on our national economic programs will redound to mutually advantageous accomplishments, aware as we are that our two countries have similar aspirations” for the betterment of the life of the people. On his part, Ambassador Farooq said his people have been watching the Philippines with great interest and admiration, particularly its remarkable progress “under your dynamic leadership.” He also paid tribute to the Filipino scientists at the International Rice Research Institute in Los Baños for opening new vistas of self-sufficiency. The presentation ceremony was witnessed by Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manuel Collantes, Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A Virata, Secretary of General Services Constancio E. Castañeda, Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. and others. Following the ceremony, the President conferred with Brig. Gen. Florencio Medina (ret.), chairman of the National Science Development Board, on the science program of the government. The President directed the NSDB chairman to submit a report on the program of researches conducted by the Board during the year, which should include the amount put into each research and the progress accomplished so far. The report, he said, should not be confined only to scientific researches but must also include those made on agriculture and other fields. At about 11 a.m. the President left Malacañang for Pier 15 in the South Harbor, where he formally received four complete electric power plants and accessories, which the United States government has made available for the rural electrification program. The electric power plants were turned over to the President by US Ambassador Henry Byroade for and in behalf of the US government. The power plants were taken from dismantled equipment in US military installations in Okinawa, and were shipped on board the USS Schenectady. In turning over the excess equipment to the Philippine government, Ambassador Byroade said “the US Government is proud to assist the cooperatives receiving the equipment, as well as the larger program of rural electrification which President Marcos and the National Electrification Administration are undertaking for the benefit of the people.” He also announced that his government would continue to gather similar equipment in order to assist the Philippines under the Trust Fund Agreement, under which the Philippines would pay only about six per cent of the value of such equipment. In accepting the power plants, the President conveyed the gratitude of the people and government of the Philippines as well as his own “for the continued cooperation and assistance extended to the Philippines as well as for past efforts to strengthen our development and security program.” Emphasizing the importance of the equipment to the Philippines, the President said that “like any developing country, the Philippines has problems of both security as well as economic and social development.” The equipment turned over to the Philippine Government consisted of: 1. “KADENA K” Plant for the Bohol Electric Corporation, consisting of one 1,000 KW. and five 500 KW. Generators, with a total capacity of 3,500 KW in 64 crates. 2. “NAHA” Plant for the Capiz Electric Corporation, consisting of one 750 KW. and six 500 KW. generators, with a total capacity of 3,750 KW. in 82 crates. 3. “KADENA AAA” Plant for Catanduanes, consisting of four 500 KW. generators with a total capacity of 2,000 KW. in 44 crates. 4. “BISSHIGAWA” Plant (unassigned) consisting of three 300 KW. generators with a capacity of 900 KW in 53 crates. After signing the transfer document, the President and Ambassador Byroade exchanged toasts and later boarded the ship to inspect the equipment. Present at the ceremony were Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., Press Secretary Francisco S. Tatad, NEA Director Pedro Dumol, Governors Vicente Alberto of Catanduanes, Cornelio Villareal, Jr. of Capiz and Lino Chatto of Bohol, US-AID Director Thomas Niblock, Commander David E. Sigsworth of the USS Schenectady, and other officials of both the Philippine and US governments. In the afternoon, the President directed Secretary of National Defense Efren I. Plana to immediately proceed to Lanao del Norte to personally conduct an investigation on the killing and wounding of some 60 Muslims in that province. In his handwritten memorandum, the President ordered the prompt prosecution and punishment of all Philippine Army personnel found to have participated in the killing. He also asked Secretary Plana to explain why PA troopers were used for the special elections in that province, pointing out that at a previous conference with the AFP chief of staff and commanders of all major services, he specifically ordered that the PA troops be grounded in their respective cantonment areas and that all aggressive military operations be stopped during the elections. “You will take all possible steps to bring the situation in Lanao del Norte back to normal, with the advice of leaders of the Muslim and Christian civilian population,” the President directed in his memorandum. Among other actions, the President issued Executive Order No. 353, promulgating guidelines to govern the review by government agencies concerned of service agreements between local petroleum concessionaires and foreign oil exploration companies. More specifically, the guidelines provide: 1. General qualifications and application procedures. 2. The extent to which a foreign entity may participate in oil exploration ventures, under a service agreement with a local petroleum concessionaire. 3. A repayment scheme for all advances in services and financing supplied by the foreign entity. 4. A summary of work obligations. 5. A provision establishing preference employment for qualified Filipinos in all phases of operations. 6. A general guideline for interpretation to insure not only the continued inviolability of the Constitution and the laws, but also to attract a significant amount of risk capital. The President also directed the law enforcement agencies investigating the ambush of three Japanese businessmen in Makati to leave no stone unturned in the investigation and prosecution of the guilty parties. At the same time, the President, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, expressed the Philippine government’s regrets to the Japanese government and people on the incident.
[12] Official Gazette for November 24, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS started the day by disposing of urgent official papers. At mid-morning, the President received the letters of credence of Ambassador Richard B. Taylor as non-resident ambassador of New Zealand to the Philippines. Ambassador Taylor was the first to be named envoy to the Philippines after New Zealand and the Philippines had elevated the status of their missions from legation to ambassadorial levels. In presenting his credentials, Ambassador Taylor said that the decision of the two countries to raise the status of their relations reflected the growing range of common interests between the two countries. The New Zealand envoy also noted the close partnership developed by the two countries from a common concern for the stability and well-being of the Asian and Pacific community of which they are members, as well as their direct ties as members of the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, Association of Pacific and Asian Countries, and the Colombo Plan. In response, the President assured Ambassador Taylor that the administration would do everything to further strengthen the bonds of trade, economic and friendly relations existing between the Philippines and New Zealand. Among those present at the ceremony were Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manuel Collantes, Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., and Secretary of General Services Constancio E. Castañeda. Toward noon the President had photo and video-taping sessions, with ILO and NHK Broadcasting Corporation staffers, respectively. The pressure of work prevented the President from attending the ceremonies relative to the turnover and inauguration of the AFP Tropospheric Scatter Communications System in Tagaytay City. In a speech he asked Defense Undersecretary Jose M. Crisol to read for him, the President described the communications system, known as Project Foresight Sierra, as another milestone in the history of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The President said that the system, a multi-million-peso project and the second of its kind in the AFP acquired under the U.S. Military Assistance Program, was the culmination of many years of planning and programming.
[13] Official Gazette for November 25, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS conferred with Secretary of National Defense Efren I. Plana on the killings in Lanao del Norte. During the conference, the President ordered a thorough reassessment of the entire concept of military operations in Mindanao as a result of the incident in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte, ending in the death of some 34 Muslims. The President said the reassessment of the military operations concept in the region would particularly cover operations in the two Cotabato provinces, two Lanao provinces, Bukidnon, Sulu, and other provinces which might be affected by the problem of Ilagas and other outlaw bands. After the conference with the top defense and military officials who had been from a fact-finding trip to Lanao del Norte, the President also announced that: 1. That parties involved in the incident resulting in the death of 34 Muslims at Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte would be investigated and prosecuted in civilian courts. He said the decision was arrived at because it would not look good if the military would prosecute and at the same mete out justice to its own men in court martials. 2. The policy of mixing Christian and Muslim officers in joint commands would be reactivated in Lanao del Norte to ensure maximum rapport with the population. The President explained that the policy could not be implemented because the Election Code banned the transfer of officers during the period from 90 days before election to 30 days after the election. 3. The 31st Philippine Army Infantry would be pulled out of Lanao del Norte for retraining and reassignment as soon as it could be replaced. 4. The national policy of paying reparations to Muslim and Christian settlers for damages caused by military operations would also be reviewed. The President said that some P10 million had been appropriated by Congress for the payment of reparations for damages caused by the military operations in Mindanao. Present at the conference were Gen. Manuel T. Yan, AFP chief of staff; Brig. Gen. Rafael Ileto, PA commanding general; and Brig. Gen. Felizardo Tanabe, acting PC chief. Earlier in the morning, the President received a three-man Soviet Muslim goodwill mission to the Philippines. During their call on the President, the mission members thanked the Filipino people through the President for the warm welcome and hospitality accorded them by Filipinos, both Christians and Muslims. They also expressed hope that their visit, which was made on behalf of the Grand Mufti of Tashkent, would pave the way for wider contact and more friendly relations between the peoples of Soviet Russia and the Philippines. The President also learned from them that Muslims in Russia, numbering some 30 million, and people of other religions, “are well taken cared of” by the Soviet government and enjoy full religious freedom, contrary to reports. “That is very interesting,” the President said, “because the news we have been receiving is that there is religious suppression there and the people are not allowed to worship as they like.” The President also expressed the hope that there would be more such goodwill missions in order to help foster friendly and trade relations between the two countries. Before the delegation left, they presented the President with a historical album of their Republic, Uzbekistan. The delegation, which was accompanied by Sen. Mamintal Tamano, included Imam Khatib Mamatskli Parpiev of Tashkent, head of the delegation, Ioussoupkhan Chakirov, chief of foreign relations department of the Muslim Religious Board of Uzbekistan, and Azan Aliakbarov, secretary of the Muslim Religious Board, USSR. In the course of the day, because of the worsening conflict between India and Pakistan, the President sent the following identical messages to Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Pakistani President Yahya Khan: The developments of the last three days in the Hindu-Pakistani boarders, with its implication for the peace and stability of the region, cannot but raise grave apprehensions among the peoples of Southeast Asia. At the same time, the mounting crisis, unless checked in time, can visit untold hardships on the peoples of India and Pakistan. I appeal to you to take advantage of your considerable resources on behalf of a peaceful settlement of the dispute. Trusting in your wisdom, I pray that you will continue to use the utmost prudence and discretion in the face of the unfortunate and regrettable difficulties which now beset your great country.
[14] Official Gazette for November 26, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS presented to the Philippine Marine Battalion the Presidential Unit Citation Badge of the Republic of the Philippines for outstanding service and exceptional gallantry and fidelity. The Philippine Marine Battalion was cited for: 1. Outstanding participation in operations against dissidents in Luzon and pirates and outlaws in the Visayas and Mindanao; 2. Sincere participation in the government’s socio-economic program; 3. High sense of courage and steadfast devotion to duty; and 4. Consistent manifestation of loyalty to the government. The citation added that because of the firm conviction of the members of the unit in the tightness of their missions, they were able to discharge their tasks with courage and integrity, whenever called upon to undertake hazardous missions. The unit was also lauded for its integrity and fidelity to duty when it helped police the polls, and participated in the socio-economic program, thus contributing in bringing the government closer to the people. In presenting the citation, the President said that the Philippine Marine battalion had demonstrated the capability not only of the entire organization but of the individual officers and men, and therefore can be considered as a model for all the units in the entire armed forces. The President personally pinned the citation badge on Capt. Rodiardo Brown, the unit commanding officer, while the First Lady, Imelda R. Marcos, placed the citation ribbon on the battalion colors. Among those present at the Malacañang ceremony were Commodore Dioscoro E. Papa, PN flag-officer-in-command, and Commodore Gregorio Lira, Philippine Military Academy commandant and former commander of the Philippine Marines. After the award ceremonies, the President received a few callers, and then repaired to his private study to work on state papers, in the course of which he: 1) Signed the designation of Social Security Commissioner Israel Bocobo as acting Undersecretary of Labor. Commissioner Bocobo fills the post vacated by incumbent Secretary of Labor Adrian E. Cristobal. 2) Appointed five more Liberal Party nominees to vacancies in provincial boards and city councils, in accordance with the decentralization law. The appointees replaced LP provincial board members and city councilors, who had resigned to run for other elective positions. Named to provincial boards were Nicholas Baggao (Isabela) and Gregorio Awisan (Mt. Province), while Isidro Rubio (Pagadian City), Conrado Bueno (Baguio City), and Jose Buñi (Roxas City), were appointed city councilors.
[15] Official Gazette for November 27, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS, after consultations with the Foreign Policy Council at a meeting in Malacañang in the morning, authorized Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo to sign the declaration of the foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at Kuala Lumpur on the neutralization of Southeast Asia. The declaration, which was signed by the five foreign ministers of ASEAN at 11:30 a.m. in Kuala Lumpur, would be ratified by the respective heads of government of the member-countries of ASEAN. At the same time, the President created a committee that would take charge of preparations for the summit conference scheduled to be held in Manila about the middle of March 1972. Named to compose the committee were the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, as chairman, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, as secretariat, and the following as members: Chairman Vicente Paterno of the Board of Investments, for economic matters; the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, on military matters; Senator Gerardo Roxas or his representative, the chairmen of the committees on foreign relations of both Houses of Congress or their representatives, the President of the Constitutional Convention or his representative, and all heads of the political parties or their representatives. Present at the meeting were Acting Secretary of Foreign Affairs Manuel Collantes, Secretary of National Defense Efren I. Plana, Undersecretary of Commerce Eliseo Villamor, Undersecretary of Justice Estelito Mendoza, Undersecretary of Finance Alfredo Pio de Roda, PES Director-General Apolinario Orosa, Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr., Assistant Executive Secretary Roberto V. Reyes, BOI Chairman Vicente Paterno, Press Secretary Francisco S. Tatad; Senators Gerardo M. Roxas, Emmanuel Pelaez and Lorenzo M. Tañada, former Secretaries of Foreign Affairs Narciso Ramos and Felino Neri, Hans Menzi of the Manila Daily Bulletin, Sebastian Ugarte and Manuel Abad Gaerlan of the Philippines Herald; Eddie Monteclaro of the Manila Times, Emilio Aguilar Cruz of the Daily Mirror, J. Amado Araneta of the Weekly Nation, Leon O. Ty of the Examiner, Gregorio Brillantes of the The Leader, Andrew Velasco Go of the Daily Star and Neal H. Cruz of PACE Magazine. Gen. Manuel T. Yan, AFP chief of staff; Brig. Gen. Ernesto Singson, PAF chief; Commodore Dioscoro E. Papa, PN flag-officer-in-command; Brig. Gen. Felizardo Tanabe, acting PC chief; and Brig. Gen. Teodorico Almuete, PA Second Brigade commander, acted as resource persons. In the course of his desk work in the afternoon, the President signed the designations of six labor officials to top posts in several bureaus and offices of the Department of Labor. Appointed were Rachel E. Fidelino, as acting chairman of the Wage Commission; Edmundo T. Cabal, as acting director of the Bureau of Labor Relations; Cleto T. Villatuya, as acting associate commissioner of the Wage Commission; Diego P. Atienza, as acting director of the Bureau of Labor Standards; Eugenio I. Sagmit, Jr., as acting associate commissioner of the Workmen’s Compensation Commission; and Angelita Alberto-Gacutan, as acting associate commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Standards.
[16] Official Gazette for November 28, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS followed his weekend routine schedule of desk work. In the course of the day, the President acted on a recommendation of Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos and State Prosecutor Jesus R. de Vega for the dismissal of an assistant city fiscal of Manila. He issued an administrative order dismissing Assistant City Fiscal Salvador M. Gaa for grave misconduct in office and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service. Secretary Abad Santos and Prosecutor De Vega found that the respondent fiscal had acted with “questionable bias and partiality” and recommended his removal from office “with prejudice to Reinstatement in any branch of the government.” The President also named five more nominees of the Liberal Party to seats in three municipal boards left vacant by LP city councilors who had resigned to run for other elective positions. Appointed by the President in accordance with the Decentralization Law and on recommendation of Sen. Gerardo M. Roxas, LP president, were Drs. Feliciano Vergara and Marius Abesamis, as members of the municipal board of Cabanatuan City; Vittorio Arnaldo and Ricardo Dorado, as members of the municipal board of Roxas City; and Eduardo Cartagena, as member of the city council of Basilan.
[17] Official Gazette for November 29, 1971: PRESIDENT MARCOS received at breakfast General Robert Partridge (ret.), general manager of the National Rural Electrification Cooperatives Association (NRECA) of the United States, who arrived in the course of an inspection tour of NRECA-assisted countries. During the call at Malacañang in the morning, the President underscored the crucial role of cooperatives in economic development, especially to a country with limited resources like the Philippines. Gen. Partridge, in turn, assured the President that the NRECA would continue extending all-out support to the government’s rural electrification program designed to provide electric power and light up the outlying areas of the country. Also present during the call were Col. Pedro Dumol of the National Electrification Administration, William Wenner, head of the NRECA team in the Philippines; Philips Parker, William Robert and Philips Costas, team members; Thomas Venables, coordinator, international programming division of the US-AID; and Terry Arnold, counselor for economic affairs of the U.S. embassy. Toward noon, the President conferred with his top fiscal advisers on the government’s housing program for low-income employees. The President instructed his advisers to map up ways by which small wage earners may be provided with adequate low-cost housing. While engaged in desk work, the President signed an administrative order creating a special committee that would take charge of all arrangements in connection with the commemoration of Rizal Day on December 30. He also ordered Secretary Estrella to set down the integrated targets of land reform, particularly on loans to small leaseholders, the acquisition of lands for subdivision and lease, and the opening of settlement projects. The President received several callers up to 1 p.m., most of whom were local officials. He worked on state papers most of the afternoon. In the evening, the President swore into office Social Security Commissioner Israel Bocobo as acting undersecretary of labor. Present at the oath-taking held at the Malacañang Reception Hall were officials of the Department of Labor headed by Secretary Adrian E. Cristobal and Undersecretary Amado G. Inciong, close friends and relatives of the inductee led by his wife, and labor leaders, including Cipriano Cid of the PAFLU, Johnny Tan of the Federation of Free Workers, Themistocles Dejon of the Pinagbuklod na Manggagawang Pilipino-MPTUC, and Wage Commissioner Gerry Quadra.
[18] It is unknown where this and the succeeding sentences come from, because the second page of this entry is missing from the PCGG collection.