Official Gazette for November 2, 1973: THE PRESIDENT directed Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile to inventory existing oil supplies in the country in the face of cutbacks in production and deliveries. This would cover importers of crude, refineries and processing plants, distributors and gasoline stations. The President has also ordered the printing of fuel ration cards to prepare for the possible rationing of fuel. In this connection, barangays were directed to update their listing for this purpose.
THE PRESIDENT has issued Proclamation No. 1194 extending the period of the annual educational and fund campaign of the Community Chests and Councils of the Philippines, Inc. (CCCPI) from October 31 to December 31. Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. said the extension was aimed at enabling the organization to realize its fund campaign goals. Proclamation No. 1194, which was issued October 19, superseded Proclamation No. 1128 of April 12 which set the CCCPI’s campaign period from June 1 to October 31.
DEPARTMENT of Finance dismissed 12 backsliding municipal treasurers, suspended six others and fined five more. The penalties on the 23 personnel were imposed by Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata after they were found guilty of administrative charges filed against them pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 6. The total number of officials and employes of the Department of Finance and its bureaus and offices who were either dismissed or considered resigned as notoriously undesirable has now reached 1,127.
THE PRESIDENT speeded up the establishment of a Muslim housing village in Bicutan, Taguig, Rizal, with the creation of a committee to take charge of the project. Named chairman of the administrative committee was Executive Secretary Alejandro Melchor, Jr. The committee was created through Letter of Instructions No. 141 issued to give substance to the policy of the government concerning the economic, social and cultural development of Muslim Mindanao.
PHILIPPINE Tobacco Administration and Agricultural Credit Administration launched an integrated financing program for small growers of cigar-filler tobacco in major tobacco-producing areas. PTA Chairman-General Manager Demetrio P. Tabije and ACA Administrator Teofilo T. Azada adverted that the “joint venture” is aimed at increasing the income of the small farmers and expanding the production of this crop which has demonstrated an infinite potentiality for earning foreign exchange. Under the said program, farmers can avail of the production and working capital loans from a special fund that these agencies allotted for the purpose.Official Gazette for November 3, 1973: THE PRESIDENT said the encouragement of sports is one of the keystones for developing the capacities of the youth and “their outlook for a world that can be peaceful.” In a speech read for him by Secretary of Education Juan Manuel at the opening of the Asian Zonal Volleyball Championship at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, the President noted thatin all of the developing countries in Asia today, the promotion of sports is a crucial factor of development. “Regional competitions among our nations show finally not the superiority of one nation over another, but our common aspiration to development and brotherhood,” the President said.
THE PRESIDENT has directed that some 500,000 customers of the Meralco shall become owners of the public utility firm as a result of the proposed transfer of the holdings of the Lopez family in the Meralco Securities Corp. to the Meralco Foundation. This is in line with the government policy to encourage the private sector, particularly public utility firms engaged in the exploitation of natural resources, to broaden their ownership. The 500,000 customers comprise about 80 per cent of Meralco’s light and power consumers. They include only those whose electric bills did not exceed P100 a month for the one-month period ending October 31, 1973.
FORMER US Secretary of State William P. Rogers said the New Society in the Philippines “has already achieved a record of successful accomplishments” and expressed hopes it will continue to move forward. The former US official made the statement during a formal dinner given in his honor by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Carlos P. Romulo in New York.
THE GOVERNMENT authorized the establishment of two more Philippine Houses in two European capitals in line with its efforts to promote Philippine exportable products as well as tourism. The two new houses will be located in Rome, Italy, and Vienna, Austria.Official Gazette for November 4, 1973: THE PRESIDENT spurred faster implementation of the land reform program, but issued guidelines to protect small landowners, particularly those owning 24 hectares of rice and corn lands or less, who may be adversely affected. Noting that the small landowners constitute part of the economic middle class which the government is trying to build, the President said measures should be taken to forestall the possibility of an economic dislocation as a result of the current drive to uplift the lives of tenants. Through Letter of Instructions No. 143, the President directed a number of government officials to make studies to determine, among others, the possible effects, especially on small landowners, of the full and speedy implementation of land, reform.
THE PRESIDENT included blackmarketing of gasoline or of any other oil product in the category of crimes against national security and will by triable by military tribunal. The President took this move even as he warned against the temptation of engaging in the illegal traffic of gasoline and other oil products in the face of the critical supply of these commodities all over the world.
EXECUTIVE Secretary Alejandro Melchor Jr., by order of the President, proclaimed the period from November 6 to 13, 1973 as “Purchasing Week,” in line with the government policy to attract investments from both Filipinos and foreigners. Proclamation No. 1200 points out that nationwide efforts of industrialization and socio-economic development can be enhanced effectively not only by making the citizens more aware of the benefits that will accrue to them from industrialization but also by making industries more socially oriented.Official Gazette for November 5, 1973: THE PRESIDENT promulgated Presidential Decree No. 329 allowing private citizens to file their complaints or grievances against “backsliding officials, at the minimal cost of ten centavos per telegram thru the Bureau of Telecommunications and all private telecommunications, telegraphic and similar establishments. Under the decree, the complaints and grievances by private citizens maybe addressed to the President, the secretary of national defense in his capacity as chairman of the special Cabinet committee to cheek on backsliding, all action committees of this special Cabinet committee, as well as all provincial governors, and city mayors.
THE PRESIDENT hailed the plan of two Munich aircraft factories to enter into a joint venture with a local firm to establish what may ultimately become the nucleus of an aircraft industry in the Philippines. Fritz-Deter Winkleman of Helicopter Technik and Gerd Schonbuchner, regional sales director of Dorneir GMBH, both of which firms are based in Munich, Germany, called on the President to seek permission to establish a factory in the Export Processing Zone in Mariveles, Bataan, in cooperation with Malayan Motors Corp. The two business executives said they plan to make the Philippines their base of operations in Southeast Asia because of the investment incentives offered by the government and the generally favorable business atmosphere.
DEPARTMENT of Trade said the Philippines is registering a $14.6 million balance in her favor, in total trade with socialist, and communist countries as of the month of October. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon, Jr. said that since the issuance of Executive Order No. 384 by the President promulgating policy guidelines and trade with socialist and communist countries, the country has increased its exportation of both new and traditional products. Total Philippine exports to these new outlets amounted to US$38,420,272.62 while total Philippine imports from the same sources amounted to only $23,781,473.59. Philippine exports consisted mostly of Portland cement, plywood and veneer, crude coconut oil in bulk, buri fibers and apitong logs and copra.
PHILIPPINE Government and the United Nations Development Programme launched a joint forest management project designed to optimize timber yield and improve forest conservation measures in the country. The project is financed by UNDP contribution of $764,800 and a Philippine government counterpart fund of P3,737,600. The project document was signed by Director-General Gerardo Sicat of the National Economic and Development Authority, William M. Harding, UNDP resident representative to the Philippines, and Campbell R. MacCalluch, country representative of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the Philippines, at the NEDA conference hall.
DEPARTMENT of Health has underscored the need of training medical specialist to spearhead the move of providing blood banking services in the rural areas. Secretary of Health Clemente S. Gatmaitan noted that “blood banking services are needed in the rural areas in times of natural calamities.” Speaking at the 4th National Scientific Seminar of the Philippine Society of Pathologists in Baguio City, he also pointed out that Martial Law has beneficial effects on blood banking in the country. Although warning against erring blood banks, Secretary Gatmaitan said that most of the country’s blood banks “are beyond reproach due to the sense of responsibility and dedicated service of those who are professionally managing these banks.” In issuing the warning, he said that there is no allowance for human error in blood transfusion because such an error may mean the death of the patient.Official Gazette for November 6, 1973: THE PRESIDENT directed all government offices to effect the highest possible savings on energy consumption by working without air conditioning and by suspending less essential activities that make use of petroleum products. The Chief Executive likewise urged the private sector to observe the same measures. In order to further conserve motor fuel, the President has directed that appropriate bus stops and jeepney stops be now installed and properly marked on the various city routes in order to minimize unnecessary stops of public vehicles.
THE PRESIDENT conferred the Gold Cross on Major Gaetano Faillace (ret.) of the United States Army for gallantry in action during the Liberation of Manila and for providing a detailed and accurate photographic record of the Battle of Manila. During his call on the President, Faillace presented to the President photographs of Malacañang Palace taken in 1945.
PHILIPPINE Medical Care Commission requested hospitals to comply faithfully with the provision of the Medicare Law which specifically enumerates a number of medical and surgical services as not covered by the Medicare Program. Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, PMCC chairman, said that some hospitals and physicians have been giving false hopes for themselves and for their patients by applying for payment of non-compensable services. RA 6111 otherwise known as the Philippine Medical Care Act of 1969 excludes from the Medicare Program the following services: cosmetic surgery or treatment; dental services, except major dental surgery or operation which needs hospitalization; optometric services; chronic psychiatric illness; services which are purely diagnostic; and normal obstetrical services.
DEPARTMENT of Labor has issued new guidelines in the licensing of recruiters or recruiting firms engaged in overseas employment. Labor Secretary Blas F. Ople said that under the rules, all work contracts should be authenticated by the Philippine labor attache, the Philippine consulate or the appropriate foreign government agency at the site of work before they can be processed by the Office of Manpower Services of the labor department. The purpose is to protect the workers from racketeering recruiters or from exploitation by unscrupulous employers abroad.
DEPARTMENT of Agriculture and Natural Resources recommended a shift to pulpwood tree farming pending the phasing out of log exports. Secretary Arturo R. Tanco, Jr. said that two pulpwood species—the “Benguet Pine” and the “Albizzia Falcata”—can generate a sizable income for long-range investors. In recommending the shift to pulpwood tree farming, he said the total ban on log export to be imposed by 1976 will encourage pulpwood processing in the Philippines. He added that market for pulpwood “is limitless” and processing it locally on a massive scale will not only help supply the increasing market for wood but will also open new horizons in the industrial sector.Official Gazette for November 7, 1973: THE PRESIDENT call on both the government and private sectors to support the setting up of a national auditorium for local chess players. Speaking during the closing rites of the First Philippine International Chess Tournament, held at the Maharlika hall of Malacañang, the Chief Executive took note of the sad showing of the local boys in the tourney and expressed the need for an auditorium) to give Filipino players more chances of being exposed to tournaments.
THE PRESIDENT approved the prizes recommended by the Department of Local Government and Community Development in connection with the Balikbayan contest for bringing back the most number of overseas Filipino. Under Letter of Instructions No. 105, the period from September 1( 1973 to February 24. 1974 has been designated by the Chief Executive as a homecoming season for Filipinos or their families and descendants who are now residents or citizens of other lands Pursuant to the said Letter of Instructions, prizes shall be awarded to provinces, cities, municipalities and barrios which succeed in inviting tor a home visit the most number of overseas Filipinos. A total of P4 million to be paid out of excess income takes is allocated for the purpose.
COMMISSION on Elections Chairman Leonardo B. Perez declared that the President’s continuance in office after the termination of his term on December 30 is mandated by the new Constitution. Chairman Perez said one of the basic changes under the new charter is the elimination of December 30, 1973 as the cut-off date for the term of the President. The Comelec chairman said the legal reality do not arise from the will of the President but from the mandate of the sovereign people. “He did not need to; the people gave it to him that he may continue to implement his program of reform,” Chairman Perez added.
ROOT CROPS can now be irradiated to increase their yield and decrease maturation periods. This new breakaway from the usual irradiation treatment of other agricultural crops like rice was successfully accomplished by a professor of the University of the Philippines, department of botany. According to observations made by the said professor, irradiated rootcrop yields much higher than a normal root-crop including increases in the quantity and vitamin content.Official Gazette for November 8, 1973: THE PRESIDENT called on government finance experts to help transform the national budget into a “living vehicle” for the attainment of overall developmental goals. These technical men, according to the Chief Executive, can pinpoint wastefully operated areas in the government service which can be
Friday-Thursday
Like the nine European Economic Community nations and Japan, we are compelled to issue an position again in support of the Arab countries in the Middle East condemning Israel’s aggression in the 1967 War, asking for the return to the pres-1967 boundaries, supporting Palestinian self-determination and again appealing to all nations to support and immediately implement the UN [United Nations] Security Council Resolution No. 242.
done away with, thus effecting savings. Moreover, they can discern the more important programs which could hasten progress provided these are supported with more adequate funds, he said. In a speech read by Assistant Executive Secretary for Development Affairs Ramon B. Cardenas at the convention seminar of the Philippine Association for Government Budget Administration held at the Development Academy of the Philippines in Tagaytay City, the Chief Executive called on his fiscal experts to come up with “more positive and concrete suggestions for my consideration.”
THE PRESIDENT said the growing energy problem resulting from a cutback on oil supplies will require a greater measure of sacrifice from the people. He said that this sacrifice must be shared by all, “the high and the low, the rich and the poor.”The President made the remarks in a speech delivered for him by Secretary of General Services Constancio E. Castañeda at the second national convention of purchasing and material managers. The organization is composed of purchasing specialists from both the government and private sectors. Stressing that there should now be a spirit of innovation and a dynamic response to the emergency, the President called on the purchasing officials to be more “selective in building up inventories of stocks needed by their offices or their establishments.”
THE PRESIDENT and the Cabinet took cognizance of the existence of a crisis in oil in view of the cutbacks in deliveries of crude to the extent of 25 per cent. The following policies were laid down during the Cabinet meeting: 1) The present requirements of production and essential social services will be maintained, including the need of expanded activity in these areas, but there will be necessary cuts in the general consumption of fuel; 2) A National Allocation Board was created during the meeting with the principal task of managing strategic resources and determining their allocation to the various sectors of society; 3) Motor fuel allocation will be rationed per family, with an allocation of 200 liters a month per car, for a maximum number of two cars per family; and 4) That starting November 12, government offices go on a three-day weekend, to minimize energy consumption in the offices.
THE PRESIDENT issued a decree codifying, revising and updating all forestry laws in order to conserve more effectively the nation’s public forests and at the same time provide suitable agricultural land for the people. In the course of his address before delegates to the first annual conference of lumbermen, foresters and forest concessionaires gathered at Maharlika Hall of Malacañang, the Chief Executive emphasized the serious need to effectively conserve the nation’s public forests, including watershed areas, to protect and preserve national parks. He stressed the urgency of giving force and effect to the code “in the quickest possible manner and time,” pointing out that the Filipino people had suffered from the last catastrophic flood and droughts throughout the country.
THE PRESIDENT reiterated the Philippine government’s full support for the full implementation of United Nations Resolution J-242 as a necessary step for the restoration of peace in the Middle East. The resolution, adopted unanimously by the Security Council on November 22, 1967, calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Arab territories seized in the 1967 Middle East conflict. The President made the statement during the presentation of the credentials at Malacañang of the new Egyptian ambassador to the Philippines, Abdel Monein Zabi El-Shenawy, who replaces Ambassador Adel Abdel Amid Fadel.
SECRETARY of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon, Jr. directed the Fair Trade Board to investigate reported malpractices by certain gasoline station operators, in particular the adulteration and selling only of premium gasoline. Secretary Quiazon took the move in response to various calls for assistance and complaints from various sectors. The Secretary said the erring parties will be immediately prosecuted for breach of the fair trade law.
SECURITIES and Exchange Commission warned the investing public against putting money in so-called “fixed-interest guaranteed plans” unless these have been licensed by the commission. SEC Commissioner Arcadio Yabyabin took this action in view of report that a number of firms are selling plans guaranteed either to make your money grow or make you a “millionaire.” Commissioner Yabyabin explained that the SEC has previously ruled that said plans are securities in the meaning of the Securities Act (Commonwealth Act No. 83) and therefore, require registration before these companies can solicit funds from the public. Banks selling bonds or trust funds are not covered by the SEC warning.
I attach a copy of my statement which I propose to read during the presentation of credentials by the new Egyptian ambassador.
Actually this is blackmail by the Arab oil-producing countries. For actually they may have provoked the war even of 1967 when Nasser drove out the UN team and took over the areas guarded by them. However, it is true, that Israel actually urged total war first in 1967 and took over large chunks of Egyptian and Syrian territory by aggression.
The whole week has been devoted to the energy crisis, our deficiencies in fertilizer, the floods in Central Luzon again and my new book.
I have compiled the newspapers for the week in Envelopes XXXV-A, B and C.
We may have to ration fuel upon receipt of the cable of Sec. [Carlos] Romulo stating the need for a restatement of our position—the Middle-East as well as our need to comply with the condition that the refineries used have no American capital and that the products do not go to the U.S., I decided to comply with these conditions. So I notified the oil refineries (Shell, Esso, Mobil, Caltex and Filoil) and asked them to help in solving the problem.
Today, Nov. 8th, I have not only made the statement of policy. We met the cabinet and agreed to extend college level semestral vacations for a month. This would mean resumption of classes next January. There will be rationing beginning next Monday in the Greater Manila area—a family limited to two cars of two hundred liters each per month. But the needs of production will be serviced including expansion. And LPG will now be obtained from Singapore and Australia. We may even allow LPG depots to be established here.
But I am confident we will solve the problem in a month with oil importations from the Arabs.