I have directed the filing of a libel case against Sen. [Benigno] Aquino [Jr.], the publisher of Manila Times, the writer of the article that appeared in the Sunday Times Jesus Dureza on the speech delivered in Davao City October 9th wherein Aquino says I should “tell the Filipino people where he gets his enormous wealth in the midst of the miseries of the Filipino people.” The article farther goes to say that “Aquino x x x said the President owns seven mansions and resort houses in the country and abroad worth millions of pesos. The senator charged that President Marcos acquired these properties only when he became President as gleaned, he said, from the amount of income tax he had paid before becoming President. Aquino said the President’s properties include those in Baguio City worth P3 million; the so called Goldenberg Mansion, P3 million; a mansion in Parañaque P4 million; Switzerland home $1.5 [million]; house in London, $3 million; resort house in Bataan, and a 20-acre estate in California where a house is now under construction.”
The newspapers of today are in Envelope X-C.
It is about time the false and preposterous statements, long insinuated although never clearly stated with such definiteness and particularity, of Aquino be revealed for what they are—plain malicious libel.
This libel was actually started in 1969 when I sought reelection. He coined the words “the richest man in Asia.” And he has been repeating these statements all along. We had tolerated them hoping that he would acquire moderation. But he has not. He has become more vicious.
So now the libel.
Official Gazette for October 10, 1971: President Marcis mobilized all government relief agencies for the extension of immediate assistance to areas affected by typhoons “Barang” and “Krising.”
In a memorandum, the President directed: 1. The Department of Social Welfare to deploy relief teams to the ravaged areas and minister to the needs of the typhoon victims: 2. The Department of Health to attend to the medical requirements of the victims, and to take steps to prevent the possible outbreak of epidemics in the affected areas; 3. The Department of National Defense to assist in the relocation of homeless families in temporary evacuation centers and to help local police forces in the maintenance of peace in the paths of the destructive typhoons; and 4. The Department of Public Works and Communications to attend to the immediate repairs of broken clown roads and bridges for the purpose of restoring normalcy in the regions as early as possible.
The President directed the relief agencies to submit reports on the extent of the damage and other requirements of the typhoon victims.
In another move, the President asked his lawyers to prepare for the filing of criminal and civil libel suits against Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. and the Manila Times Publishing Company in connection with allegations contained in a story appearing in the Manila Times issue of the day, referring to supposed particulars of the President’s alleged wealth. The President denied all the allegations, describing them as “malicious fabrications.” “In the interest of truth, in the best public interest, it becomes necessary that we file this suit now, and open to public scrutiny these long-tolerated allegations,” he said.
Most of the President’s working day was devoted to state papers.
Typhoon Krising is hitting us right now and I am worried about the damage it may cause. It will hit Cagayan squarely with 90 KPH winds at the center.
Taped on Visual and tape the answers to the issue of prices, peace and order, General disenchantment for non-performance, Graft and corruption and compartmentalized justice.
Then reviewed the films for the audio visuals. Rural Improvement and Performance as well as the Escudero films for the Supreme Court briefing.