October 2, 1973

[1] Official Gazette for October 3, 1973: DEPARTMENT of Trade has authorized the establishment of Philippine Houses in Florida and Los Angeles, in the United States, and Vancouver, Canada, for the promotion of the country’s exports and tourism. Trade Secretary Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. has signed a memorandum agreement with Mr. Jack Skaff of Aimest Consulting Corporation, a Florida-based corporation, for the setting up of the Houses. BUREAU of Customs collected P828 million in taxes and duties in the first three months of Fiscal Year 1973-74, which represented a 110 per cent increases over collections during the same period last year. Customs Commissioner Rolando G. Geotina revealed that P713.6 million was collected by the Port of Manila. With this collection, Commissioner Geotina expressed optimism that the customs bureau will be able to realize its collection target of P3 billion for this year. SOME 280 units of irrigation pumps have been distributed to Muslim farmers in Mindanao, the National Irrigation Administration reported. NIA Administrative Alfredo L. Juinio said each pump can irrigate an average of 10 to 15 hectares. Recipients are required to pay a down-payment of 10 per cent of the total cost of the engine, with the balance payable within 10 to 13 years. At the same time, the NIA also reported that six national irrigation projects in Mindanao which could irrigate a total of 10,881 hectares have been completed. BUREAU of Vocational Education reported that Government vocational schools have a present enrolment of more than 120,000 students. BVE Director Andres E. Asistin said latest data received by the bureau’s central office showed that 121,390 students are now taking industrial, agricultural, fishery and vocational courses. This enrolment showed a 19,000-increase from the 102,264 figure during the schoolyear 1969-70. The increase in enrolment underscores the growing popularity of vocational-technical education in the country in view of the industrialization and developmental projects initiated by the Government.

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[3] Official Gazette for October 4, 1973: THE PRESIDENT received the letter of credence of Ambassador Milton Telles Ribeiro as the new ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Federative Republic of Brazil to the Philippines. In presenting his credentials to the President, Ambassador Ribeiro pledged to further strengthen the cordial ties existing between his country and the Philippines. The President expressed satisfaction and gratitude to the Brazilian government for its decision to send a man whose long service in Southeast Asia spans several years. The Ambassador is “attuned not only to our climate but also to our modes and our culture,” the President said. ARCHIPELAGIC doctrine of national territory engrained in the new Constitution of the Philippines has strengthened the country’s position to push through its principle in the United Nation Seabed Committee. This was contained in a report of Ambassador-at-Large Arturo Tolentino on the meeting of the UNSC in Geneva last July and August. The report has been submitted to the President. The Philippine position on the archipelagic concept, which is supported by other nations including Indonesia, provides that a country will exercise full dominion and sovereign rights over waters and seas between islands comprising the archipelago. DEPARTMENT of Tourism announced that overseas Filipinos visiting the Philippine under “Operations Homecoming” will enjoy discounts on hotel billeting, restaurant services, tour trips and store purchases. The Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP), the Association of Tour Operators of the Philippines (ATOP), and a group of department stores have volunteered to extend these benefits to the Balikbayan project. The tourism department said that the home-coming guests need only present their hospitality cards and passports to be entitled to the discounts. DEPARTMENT of Trade assured foreign businessmen who will reside in Manila once their multinational companies regional headquarters are relocated here of adequate housing facilities. Trade Secretary Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. has ordered a study on housing rentals in the exclusive villages in Greater Manila where foreign nationals taking advantage of the country’s business and investment climate—are expected to stay. Mr. Quiazon said the study is in line with the Government’s program to attract foreign multinationals to establish their regional headquarters in the Philippines. DEPARTMENT of Trade limited the exportation of plywood solely to registered producers and their authorized agents under the revised guidelines on plywood and lumber export issued recently. Under the revised guidelines, registered plywood producers and their agents are required to submit under oath to the trade department a recapitulation of total monthly production and sales (domestic and foreign) within 30 days after the end of each month. Mr. Quiazon said a quota of 70 per cent of total production will be allowed for plywood exports allocated on a case to case basis determined by performance in production and export sales of different plywood firms in Fiscal Year 1972-73. The lumber industry is allowed to export a quota of 30 per cent of total production, as allocated to various lumber exporters. BOARD of Transportation directed the foreign truck operator who have existing contracts with oil companies for transporting oil at rates lower than 30 centavos per ton to file for the prescribed rates within 30 days. The board issued the order following complaints from several truck operators that some truck owners have resorted to offering hauling services at rates lower than the prescribed rates as authorized by the BT. The BT said that henceforth, oil companies entering into hauling contracts with truck owners are enjoined to require the presentation by the contracting party of a certified true copy of its operating authority or certificates of public convenience. Official Gazette for October 5, 1973: THE PRESIDENT made available the Industrial Guarantee Loan Fund to cottage industries in a move to broaden the industries role in the expansion of the country’s economic base. The IGLF will enable small cottage industry producers to borrow money without any collateral, under a supervised credit system similar to the Masagana 99 loaning policy. The IGLF was only available to small and medium scale industries. The Chief Executive also sought the assistance of all sectors of the economy, including bankers, judiciary and executive department officials, to help formulate policies to promote cottage industries. These moves highlighted the keynote speech of the President before the First National Conference of Cottage Industry Producers and Exporters at the Maharlika Hall of Malacañang. The President said the government is encouraging cottage industries because they not only encourage the dispersal of talents but help smoke out hidden wealth. BUREAU of Internal Revenue Commissioner Misael P. Vera said overseas Filipinos who will visit the country under “Operations Homecoming” will not be required to present tax clearance certificates. Mr. Vera said the visiting Filipinos need not even present VIP or hospitality cards, which under a revenue order, serve as a tax clearance for their return trip abroad. The revenue commissioner added he has ordered travel agents and airline companies to indicate on the passenger manifests the passport number and date of arrival of non-resident Filipinos so that their failure to get their VIP or hospitality cards will not hinder their departure for abroad. CIVIC organizations should involve the people benefiting from community projects in the formulation and implementation of such programs to foster bigger civilian participation. Information secretary Francisco S. Tatad made this statement in a speech at the Silver Jubilee celebration of the Philippine Jaycees in Angeles City. He explained that it is not enough that civic organizations involve their own members in their community projects. What is required, he pointed out, is the common involvement of all, including those who are expected to benefit from such projects. He added that the Government will continue to find concrete ways to involve the greatest number of the people. But civic organizations, he said, must now formulate new programs that will afford the people to involve themselves in community work. NATIONAL Grains Authority has lifted the ban on the use of white corn for the manufacture of animal feeds in view of the recent bountiful harvest of corn in the country. The grains agency, however, said the corn support price of the Government of P1.30 per kilo must be observed in the cereal’s purchase. The announcement was made during a meeting of NGA officials and officers of the Philippine Association of Feed Millers at the NGA’s central office. Official Gazette for October 6, 1973: THE PRESIDENT created the annual Panday Pira Award which will be conferred upon outstanding cottage industry producers and entrepreneurs actively involved in the national effort of promoting the country’s fledgling cottage industry. Named after the eminent Filipino cannon-maker of early times who was known for his excellent indigenous craftsmanship, the Panday Pira Award was created to encourage cottage industry workers to continue with their productive endeavors. THE PHILIPPINES and Czechoslovakia established diplomatic relations, the fourth agreement the Philippines has signed with Eastern European socialist countries in 16 clays. The Department of Foreign Affairs was informed of this development through a cabled message from the Philippine Mission to the United Nations. The mission said Foreign Secretary Carlos P. Romulo signed the formal accords with Chechoslovakian Foreign Minister Bohuslav Chnoupek at the Philippine Mission offices in New York. THE GOVERNMENT has collected a total of P214 ,986.77 from 17,910 non-filers of income tax returns in the provinces who have so far availed of the Government’s tax amnesty offer. Commissioner Misael P. Vera said the “broad masses are demonstrating their involvement in the New Society as evidenced by their active participation in the government through the payment of taxes.” What makes this more encouraging, he noted, is the fact that the response is more evident in the provinces and cities outside the Greater Manila area. Deadline for the filing of income tax returns under t he amnesty offer is October 31. DEPARTMENT of Trade reported that Philippine export products have won wide acceptance in Toronto, Canada, through the relentless sales promotion thrust being waged by the recently established Philippine House. Canadian export-import firms and Filipino store operators have come to accept the Philippine House as their service agency and supplier. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr., disclosed that since the opening of the display house in April, this year, total spot sales alone amounted to more than $30,000 consisting of garments, rhum and beer, food items and cottage products. Official Gazette for October 7, 1973: THE PRESIDENT released P6 million for the advance exploitation of Pantabangan Dam, which is being constructed to irrigate some 10,000 hectares of ricelands in the dam area. The amount will be used by the National Irrigation Administration for the closure of the dam’s diversion panel, so that water can be stored up and used for irrigation purposes even during construction work on the main dam. Agriculture Undersecretary Jose D. Drilon Jr. said in an announcement that the President’s move will mean an additional harvest for the country of at least 800,000 cavans of rice worth about P28 million. It will also give farmers extra income amounting to P18 million annually. FOREIGN Affairs Secretary Carlos P. Romulo has sounded off a group of Asian foreign ministers on the immediate formation of a “continental organization to express the Asian point of view,” a re-emphasis on the President’s Asian Forum. The secretary discussed the establishment of a forum in a dinner he tendered for Asian foreign ministers and permanent representatives, at Waldorf Astoria Hotel. He expressed regrets that the most “populous continent on earth” had no organization similar to the association of American states or the federation of African unity. Secretary Romulo observed that the Asian gathering was a “harmony in brown” and reflected “a common denominator in culture and in aspirations, despite the diversity of Asian customs, languages and beliefs.” EXPORT earnings from copra and coconut products surged by 38 per cent to $242.6 million in the first 10 months of this year, compared to the same period last year. The 38 per cent rise in export receipts was posted despite a 12.78 per cent drop in volume exported, from 1.315 million long tons from January to September last year, compared to 1.147 million long tons during the same period this year. The increase in the value of coconut exports despite a decline in volume was due to a 54.82 per cent rise in the price per long ton of copra, 58.3 per cent in coconut oil, 67.63 per cent in copra meal and 54.43 per cent in desiccated coconut. These are gleaned from comparative reports on the value and volume of coco exports secured from the United Coconut Association of the Philippines. Official Gazette for October 8, 1973: THE PRESIDENT ordered the conversion of the Major Ferdinand E. Marcos Hospital in Bayombong , Nueva Vizcaya, into a veterans regional hospital with a minimum capacity of 100 beds. The order contained in Presidential Decree No. 306, also provides for the establishment of field hospitals in places where units of the USAFIP NL (United States Armed Forces in the Philippines, Northern Luzon) were established. In converting the hospital into a veterans regional hospital, the President took into consideration the increasing need to extend greater assistance to the country’s war veterans, their offsprings , orphans, widows and other relatives, including the “bolo men.” PHILIPPINE exports for the first nine months of 1973 earned $1,337 billion, which accounted for 53.5 per cent more earnings for the same period last year. Customs Commissioner Rolando G. Geotina said the earnings from January to September this year posted an increase of $465 million over last year’s January-September figure amounting to $871.6 million. Export wharfage dues collected for the January September period totalled P17.236 million, up by 240 per cent for the same period last year. The top ten Philippine exports are: copper concentrates ($23.3 million); logs ($21.2 million); copra ($13.7 mid-lion) ; gold (P18.6 million); plywood ($6.01 million) ; coconut oil ($5.79 million); desiccated coconut ($3.6 million); lumber ($3.1 million); handicrafts ($2.9 million); and cement ($2.6 million). AGRICULTURE Secretary Arturo R. Tanco Jr. declared a 5,000-hectare area in Laguna de Bay a permanent fish sanctuary in line with the Government’s efforts to conserve and develop the country’s rich fishery resources. In an administrative order implementing Presidential Decree No. 43, the Bureau of Fisheries was directed to establish, maintain and supervise a fish sanctuary that would serve as a natural spawning ground for various commercial fish specie indigenous to the lake. The order in effect declared off limits to all fishermen a 5,000-hectare area in the middle of the 90,000-hectare lake. Anyone caught violating the sanctuary will be fined not more than P5 ,000 or imprisonment for not more than five years or both. HANDICRAFT manufacturers in Albay have chalked up an impressive $57,995.67 in exports of cottage industry products in a week’s time last September. This was gleaned from a report of the Research and Standardization Bureau (RSB) branch office of the National Cottage Industry Development Authority in Legazpi City. The RSB branch office likewise reported the approval of 19 export applications amounting to US$81,411 from September 17 to 21. Official Gazette for October 9, 1973: THE PHILIPPINE Government adopted complete neutrality in the Middle East conflict which appeared to have escalated with the renewed fighting among the Israelis and the Egyptians and Syrians. The Philippine position was agreed upon in the Cabinet meeting presided by the President in Malacañang. The Cabinet also agreed that the Philippine Government will exert all efforts to support the quest for peace in the troubled Middle East. THE PRESIDENT authorized all government librarians to attend the convention of the Philippine Library Association in Manila on October 25-29. The theme of the convention, in commemoration of the association’s golden jubilee anniversary, is “Libraries and Infrastructure Development.” Memorandum Circular No. 661, issued by Acting Executive Secretary Roberto V. Reyes, by authority of the President, authorizes government librarians to attend the convention on official time. NATIONAL Grains Authority warned rice and corn dealers that they will be dealt with severely if found using the ganta as a system of measurement and not the kilo as decreed by the President. The NGA warning followed a series of inspections of public markets in the Greater Manila area and the provinces which indicated that many rice and corn retailers were still using the ganta as a measuring device. Pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 4 otherwise known as the NGA Act, violators will be punished by an imprisonment of not less than one year and a fine of not less than P4 ,000 . DEPARTMENT of Public Information announced that the DPI launched in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the first community newspaper on cooperative basis. Information Secretary Francisco S. Tatad said this was the initial step to blanket the country with community newspapers. Briefing students from the University of the Philippines College of Agriculture, Mr. Tatad explained that the launching of the community newspaper concept is part of the DPI’s campaign to develop mass media in the rural areas. He deplored the fact that for many years, the emphasis of media development has been in the urban areas, leaving the rural areas to be serviced by small publications put out by enterprising young men or groups. THE PHILIPPINES exported recently a total of 847,372 worth of potatoes, mangoes, onions, mongo and dried beans to Hongkong, Guam and Japan. This was reported to Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director Eliseo Carandang by the BPI plant quarantine office. Mr. Carandang , expressing elation over the growth of the country’s fruit and vegetable export industries, said “this is a clear indication that the Philippines is now producing high-quality crops that can meet other countries’ requirements.” BUREAU of Customs has limited to P350 the maximum amount of brokerage fee customs brokers could charge for services rendered in connection with the clearance of import and export products. Customs Commissioner Rolando G. Geotina said that the public availing of the services of customs brokers will no longer be bothered by the so-called “invisible” expenses. To stop this anomalous practice, Mr. Geotina said the bureau pegged the brokerage fee in line with the “prevailing sense of morality and value being advanced in the Government.” In a memorandum, the Customs official warned that brokers could no longer charge more than the maximum amount under pain of suspension of their business or cancellation of their license.

[4] Official Gazette for October 10, 1973: THE PRESIDENT ordered the implementation of an energy plan which calls for the maximum conservation of fuel and the use of all available substitutes for oil. The President, at the same time, appealed to the people to support and organize efforts to save oil due to the worsening crisis in the Middle East brought about by the undeclared war between two Arab countries and Israel. In connection with this, the Government has set a plan for the conservation of oil. The plan calls for: fuel conservation and substitution for oil. DEPARTMENT of Justice has ruled on the validity of the formation of a proposed non-profit, non-sectarian and non-political association by government employes . Justice Secretary Vicente Abad Santos, in an opinion, said he was not aware of any law, order, directive or regulation which would be contravened by the formation of the association, “so long as the purpose for which it is organized are lawful.” However, Secretary Abad Santos said that each individual government employee, who is a prospective member of the association, shall comply with the requirements prescribed by the Revised Civil Service Rules if the same are applicable. TOTAL of 19,708 foreign tourists visited the Philippines last September, breaking all previous records of tourist arrivals in a one-month period. The Department of Tourism said the number surpassed by 34.6 per cent the 10,675 foreign tourists who visited the country during the same month last year. For the second month in a row, Japanese tourists outnumbered the Americans. Japanese visitors last month numbered 5,875 as compared to last year’s 1,434, or an increase of 309.6 per cent. A total of 4,541 American tourists visited the country last month, reflecting an increase of 33.3 per cent over the arrivals of 3,406 during the same period last year. Arrivals from Australia also rose by 62.2 per cent, from 813 in September 1972 to 1,360 last month. On the other hand, 1,324 British tourists visited the country last September, registering an increase of 72 per cent from arrivals of 769 during the same month in 1972. Coming second to the Japanese were Filipino residents abroad with 1,373. In September last year, only 731 Filipinos visited the country. THE GOVERNMENT has collected a total of P11.4 million in income taxes from Filipinos abroad from January to September this year. Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Misael P. Vera said the collection represented remittances made by Philippine foreign service establishments and revenue attaches in the United States, Europe and Asia. Mr. Vera also said that some 5543,739.14 are still collectible from 15 Philippine embassies and consulates. The BIR commissioner noted that the big collection of $962,146 was made on income tax for the year 1972 from Filipinos in the United States after the effectivity of Presidential Decree No. 69 which amended the income tax law governing Filipinos abroad. PRICE Control Council lifted the government price ceiling for common wire nails and reinforcing steel bars to counteract the shortage of steel products and other construction materials. Secretary of Trade Troadio T. Quiazon Jr., concurrent chairman of the price body, signed the PCC circular allowing the prices of common wire nails and reinforcing steel bars (structural grade, plain and deformed) to float in the market. NATIONAL Grains Authority announced that there is sufficient supply of starch to meet industrial and household requirements. The announcement was made after a meeting between NGA Administrator Jess Tanchanco and other NGA officials and starch manufacturers. During the meeting, NGA officials also announced that there will be no exportation of starch for at least this month and until domestic supply is assured of stability.

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[6] Official Gazette for October 11, 1973: THE PRESIDENT ordered the government’s active participation in oil exploration through an integrated program that shall spell out the national policy and the guidelines. Secretary of Information Francisco S Tatad at a briefing, disclosed that the Chief Executive directed the inter-agency committee, headed by the National Economic and Development Authority, to prepare a decree that shall define the powers and responsibilities of the appropriate agency for the purpose. The President also instructed the committee composed of chiefs of government agencies engaged in the energy development effort, headed by NEDA Director General Gerardo Sicat , to work out the details, proposals, changes and other matters concerning the energy development project. THE PRESIDENT received the senior officers and officials of the Royal College of Defense Studies of London, who called to pay their respects to him following their arrival in Manila. The group, which is currently on an observation tour of the Far East, had been briefed about the local situation by officials of the Departments of Foreign Affairs and of National Defense. The Chief Executive told the group that the New Society is designed to remove and extripate the root causes of rebellion through a series of reforms—land reform, labor reform, educational reform, political reform, increased social services, peace and order, and economic reform. However, the .President said, until the various reform take root, the Philippines will not go back to any system which will allow the oligarchs or the rich to take over political leadership and corrupt the system all over again. BUREAU of Internal Revenue ordered its agents to continue collecting amusement taxes on admission in places where the local governments have not yet passed appropriate ordinances imposing this tax. Acting Finance Secretary Pedro M. Almanzor said the amusement tax on admission is one of the three national taxes and fees transferred to the local governments as provided for by the Local Tax Code promulgated under Presidential Decree No. 231. Mr. Almanzor said that while the transfer of the amusement tax is supposed to take effect last October 1, the local governments cannot enforce collections of the same without the necessary ordinance enacted for the purpose. He added that in order not to disrupt tax collection functions, BIR collection agents shall continue collecting the amusement tax on admission until such time that ail the local governments shall have passed the necessary ordinances.

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[15] Official Gazette for October 19, 1973: THE PRESIDENT proclaimed October 21 as Tenants’ Emancipation Day to mark the historic date when tenants were freed from the bondage of landlords by the promulgation of Presidential Decree No. 27. The decree, promulgated by the President in his own handwriting on October 21 1972 extended the coverage of the land reform program to an lands devoted primarily to rice and corn and tilled by tenants. After signing the proclamation, the President directed the Department Agrarian Reform to attend to the appropriate observance every year of tenants Emancipation Day in cooperation with tenants or their organizations. DEPARTMENT of Foreign Affairs announced that an agreement between the Philippines and Switzerland on the reciprocal abolition of visa requirements for diplomatic officials, special and service passports, was already signed. Acting Foreign Secretary Manuel Collantes signed for the Philippines while Swiss Ambassador Ferdinand M. Dufour signed for Switzerland. This agreement exempts Philippine and Swiss holders of diplomatic, official, special and service passports from the usual visa requirements. Bearers of regular passports, however, are not included in the waiver. THE PHILIPPINES’ fish production reached an all-time high of 1.1 million metric tons in 1972, registering an increase of 7.8 per cent from the production of 10 years ago, according to the Bureau of Fisheries. Fisheries Director Felix Gonzales said that the total fish production in 1962 was only 483,948 metric tons as compared to last year’s 1,122,486 metric tons. At present, the Philippines’ fisheries resources cover an area of 643,343 square miles with 126,000 hectares of freshwater and 367,000 mangrove swamp areas. In view of this, Director Gonzales said the fishing industry is expected to become a major dollar earner for the Philippines. SECRETARY of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata announced that some 32,172 defective instruments of weights and measures were either confiscated or sealed in the nationwide campaign launched by the Department of Finance against the use of defective weighing instruments in public markets and other places. Secretary Virata made the announcement after going over reports from 27 provincial treasurers and 14 city treasurers. Section 289 of the National Internal Revenue Code penalizes any person who uses such defective instruments of weights and measures by a fine of not less than P200 nor more than P4 ,000 or by imprisonment for not less than three months nor more than two years or both.

[16] Official Gazette for October 20, 1973: THE PRESIDENT appointed Justice Querube Makalintal as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, succeeding former Chief Justice Roberto Concepcion who has retired. A graduate of the College of Law of the University of the Philippines, Class of 1933, the new Chief Justice was a private practitioner for 13 years until he entered the government service as judge of the Court of First Instance, in Iloilo. In 1954, he was named solicitor general and in the same year, was named to the Court of Appeals. He rose to become presiding justice of that body in 1961. He was appointed associate justice of the Supreme Court in 1962 and was the senior ranking associate justice at the time the former chief justice retired. SECRETARY OF Justice Vicente Abad Santos said the new Constitution has been in effect since January 17, replacing the old Constitution. He rendered this opinion in answer to a formal request from Information Secretary Francisco S. Tatad who said that in spite of the ratification and adoption of the new charter, queries from here and abroad persist as to whether it is not in fact the old Constitution that it still in force. He stated further that the President certified and proclaimed the new Constitution in effect in Presidential Proclamation No. 1102 after an overwhelming majority of the members of the barangays in the Philippines voted in favor of the adoption of the new charter. DEPARTMENT of Labor has issued supplementary guidelines in the implementation of the President’s order to stagger work hours in the Government as well as in private establishments. The guidelines, embodied in a circular signed by Labor Secretary Blas F. Ople , seek to relieve workers and employers of any inconveniences resulting from rigid implementation of the general order without deviating from its objectives. NOT MORE than P500 in Philippine currency notes may be brought into the country by an incoming traveller for the duration of the demonetization period ending December 31, 1973, the Central Bank announced. This regulation is contained in Central Bank Circular No. 383 released as an amendment to CB Circular No. 265, which had earlier set the F500 limit that an incoming or outgoing traveller may bring in or out of the country. The amended circular is calculated to sterilize the reported large amounts of illegally hoarded pesos abroad, notably in Hongkong, which have contributed to the depreciation of the Philippine currency. THE GOVERNMENT convened the country’s rice millers, traders and warehousemen in a conference to spur an effective rice procurement program under the intensified Masagana99 production drive. Agriculture Secretary Arturo R. Tanco Jr. and Grains Administrator Jesus Tanchanco spearheaded the conference at the auditorium of the Development Bank of the Philippines. During the conference, Secretary Tanco urged the rice millers, traders and warehousemen to shoulder the buying of some 131 million cavans of palay expected to be generated by Masagana 99. CENTRAL Bank Monetary Board announced the reorganization of the Land Bank of the Philippines with the appointment of a high-ranking official as its president. Chosen LB president by the bank’s Monetary Board with the advice and consent of the President was Mr. Basilio Estanislao , a special assistant to CB Governor Gregorio S. Licaros in charge of the supervision and examination sector which has jurisdiction over all banking as well as non-bank financial institutions. The Land Bank was reorganized under Presidential Decree No. 251 to make it more of a financial institution, with development, commercial and merchant banking functions, in implementing the requirements of the land reform program.

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[18] Official Gazette for October 21, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has appointed three new associate justices to the Supreme Court, including the first woman member of the highest tribunal. Named to the high court are: 1) former Senator Estanislao Fernandez; 2) Associate Justice Cecilia Muñoz Palma of the Court of Appeals; and 3) Ramon Aquino, a well-known law practi tioner and author of law books. SECRETARY of Information Francisco S. Tatad told a peace andprosperity rally in Marawi City that nothing stand in the way of the full development of Mindanao and that the government is committed in seeing to it that there is an equal sharing of progress in the country. The peace, order and prosperity rally was organized by citizens of Marawi one year after the short-lived October 21 Marawi uprising. The secretary appealed for brotherhood among Christians and Muslims, saying that all of them have invested life and honor in the b uilding of one Filipino nation. BUREAU of Public Works has reported to the President that damages to infrastructure facilities throughout the country wrought by typhoons Luming and “ Narsing ” amounted to at least P16.7 million. Of this amount P5.8 million represent damaged flood control and drainage facilities while P5.2 million represent destroyed schoolbuildings . The rest are for damages to government buildings, hospitals and sanitaria, waterworks, wells, springs, portworks , shore protection works and others. Of the P16.7 million total damage inflicted by the two typhoons, P14.59 million was caused by typhoon “ Luming ” while only P2.11 million w as caused by typhoon “ Narsing .” JULIO CARDINAL Rosales “enthusiastically endorsed” the idea of President Marcos to “return Christ to Christmas” with the revival of the traditional Church liturgy and rituals, as well as native customs which once made the Philippine Christmas celebrations unique, solemn and colorful. In a conference with Secretary of Tourism Jose D. Aspiras , the Cardinal and Mons. Mariano Gaviola , who was also present, pledged to endorse the project to the other members of the Church hierarchy. Describing the President’s proposal as “wonderful,” the Cardinal and Bishop Gaviola expressed confidence that the Church leaders will approve it “with enthusiasm.” Official Gazette for October 22, 1973: THE PRESIDENT renewed his appeal to the entire people to support the land reform which is basic to the government’s development program. The President sounded the appeal before thousand of emancipated farmers who had come from as far north as Ilocos and Isabela to as far south as Sulu, Cotabato and Bukidnon , to join the celebration of the first anniversary of the proclamation of land reform at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. In addressing the huge assemblage, following a thanksgiving parade during which the farmers marched before the. grandstand, bearing placards and streamers, and waving their hats, the President pledged that “there is no turning back, no withdrawing from the land reform program, and that the government will never hesitate in the implementatio n of the program.” SECRETARY of Information Francisco S. Tatad said the Muslim communities of the Philippines can look forward to a long period of sustained development and growth until the real conditions of these areas are transformed. The secretary made these remarks in colorful ceremonies at the Mindanao State University, where the youngest member of the President’s Cabinet was installed Sultan A- Makalangkap (bearer of truth)’by the prestigious 32-member sultanate league of Marawi City. The first member of the President’s Cabinet to be given the honorary title, Secretary Tatad expressed the determination of the President to bring the level of development in the Muslim areas. He further stated that it is for this minority that the New Society was launched, and it is for this minority that the New Society will be created. NATIONAL Prime Commodities Council appealed to gasoline dealers to police themselves and to work out a system of allocation of fuel to their consumers. The council also appealed to the consumers to help conserve not only gasoline but also other petroleum products. The council issued the twin appeals in a meeting with gasoline dealers and representatives of the public transportation sector at the National Prime Commodities Operations Center in Camp Crame , Quezon City. Official Gazette for October 23, 1973: THE PRESIDENT expressed concern over the fate of the Mangyans of Mindoro and reiterated the government policy of either absorbing the cultural minorities into the mainstream of national life or preserving their tribal cultures. The President expressed his concern for the Mangyans during his meeting with the survey mission of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development which submitted a report on the integrated development program for the two Mindoro provinces. Headed by Roy Hewson, the FAO-IBRD mission includes Roy Spinks, economist; John Clifford, engineer; Gerald Clarke, agronomist; Raymond Igo , irrigation engineer; and John Cole, economist. THE PRESIDENT received the officials of B. F. Goodrich, who came to thank him for the restoration of peace and order in Basilan which enabled their plant there to operate. The President, in turn, requested the Goodrich officials to help the government in extirpating the root causes of grievances. The Goodrich officials who called on the President were O. Pendleton Thomas and Gerald Alexander, chairman and executive vice president, respectively, and Donald Ress and William Mitchell of Goodrich Philippines. The Goodrich officials pledged to cooperate and support the government programs to promote the New Society. THE PRESIDENT told surrendered leaders of Yakans of Basilan who had fled to the hills that the time has come for all Filipinos, Muslims as well as Christians, to unite and work together for the improvement-of the living conditions of everyone under the New Society. In his meeting with the Yakans , who were brought to Malacañang following their recent surrender, in connection with the government’s policy of attraction, the President assured them that they would be extended all possible assistance to lead normal lives. Hadji Salajin Mutamad , Yakan tribal leader in Basilan promised to return to Basilan and convince his followers numbering about 100 armed men, as well as those of allied groups, to come out of hiding and take advantage of the opportunity granted them by the President to lead more productive lives. SECRETARY of Information Francisco S. Tatad called for an overhauling of the concept of liberal education to make it an effective partner in the country’s development. Speaking before faculty members of the University of the East on the occasion of the Silver anniversary of UE’s School of Arts and Sciences, the Secretary pointed out that the “movement towards development” launched under the New Society needs the support not only of those educated in the humanities. The new concept of liberal education, he said, trains man so that he may fully understand his human condition, his environment and his culture for the purpose of enlightenment and coping with life. The secretary stressed that this education in liberation will go a long way toward attaining the New Society’s goals of “transforming the national consciousness, of effecting the cultural revolution that we have spoken of.” THE PRESIDENT directed the budget commissioner to release P2 million from the Calamity Fund to the Bureau of Plant Industry for use in the immediate purchase and distribution of good palay seeds for lending to farmers in Cotabato, Central Luzon, Laguna and the Bicol area who lost their rice crop due to floods, plant diseases and typhoons “ Luming ” and Narsing and who, by virtue of their location, are capable of replanting their farms. The director of the Bureau of Plant Industry was instructed to administer the seed purchase and distribution. BUREAU of Internal Revenue has realized P65.6 million back accounts in the form of uncollected withholding taxes. The amount was due from interest payments remitted by local banks to foreign creditors in the names of local firm-debtors. The P65.6 million collection was the result of a directive from Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata tor the BIR to exert effort in the collection of taxes due on interest payments made to fo reign creditors. NATIONAL Labor Relations Commission capped its first year of operations with the payment of P68.7 million in restitutions to 12,240 workers. This was the highlight of a report submitted to the President by Labor Secretary Blas F. Ople on the first anniversary of the founding of the NLRC under Presidential Decree No. 21. The report said that for the period, the NLRC, headed by Undersecretary of Labor Amado G. Inciong , received a total of 6,275 complaints of which 5,145 were settled. The payments to workers were in form of back wages and other benefits, such as separation pay and increase in wages received by the workers. Official Gazette for October 24, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has issued Presidential Decree No. 318 limiting the power of chartered cities to increase taxes on petroleum products. The decree provides that notwithstanding the provisions of Section 24 of Article 3, Chapter II of the Local Tax Code, “the cities shall not increase the rate of taxes imposed by them on petroleum products and prevailing at the time of promulgation of the order of the Oil Industry Commission dated October 20, 1973, increasing the price of petroleum products which is likewise the date of effectivity of PD No. 314, increasing the specific tax on petroleum products.” THE PRESIDENT received the Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in the course of the latter’s stopover in Manila on his way home from Tokyo, Japan. The President, with some members of the Cabinet, had a cordial talk with the Prime Minister on matters of mutual interest. The President and the Prime Minister expressed mutual satisfaction on the quality of bilateral cooperation between the Philippines and Bangladesh, and jointly voiced the hope that there would continue to be a strengthening of relations. DEPARTMENT of Justice has ruled that domestic private companies with at least 60 per cent Filipino capital may acquire private lands in the Philippines under the new Constitution, Secretary of Justice Vicente Abad Santos issued the opinion in reply to a request from the Commissioner of Land Registration. The justice secretary said that although the new Constitution provides that no private corporation or association may hold alienable lands of the public domain except by lease, he asserted that domestic private companies with 60 per cent Filipino capital may acquire lands under the new charter. SECRETARY of Information Francisco S. Tatad said no one may collect fees of any kind from media personnel in connection with their work The DPI chief at the same time announced that the collection of fees from media establishment by the Media Advisory Council has been suspended. The secretary invited parties from whom the MAC had collected fees in spite of the memorandum to report to the authorities so that the violators could be apprehended. THE PRESIDENT expressed gratification over the findings of a 160-man survey mission of the Kam Ngan Stock Exchange of Hongkong which arrived here in the Philippines to study the investment and business possibilities in the country. Mr. Woo Hon Fai, chairman of the Kam Ngan Stock Exchange, which is the biggest in Hongkong, informed the President that “your country is ideal for foreign investment, especially” by the people of Hongkong.” Mr. Woo Hon Fai said they had observed the general peace and order situation, the abundance of the country’s natural resources, its sufficient labor force at reasonable wages, very sensible labor laws and attractive government incentives which include protection of foreign investments. The President in return expressed the hope that more frequent mission will arrive and help in the economic development program under the New Society.

[19] Official Gazette for October 25, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has promulgated Presidential Decree No. 320 increasing the national aid share that should be provided to provinces, cities and municipalities for road maintenance funds to conform with the changes in the amounts accruing to their roads and bridges fund as a result of the implementation of PD 144, which revised the distribution of income derived from taxes to local governments. PD 320 increases the allocation for contingent emergency expenditures from five per cent to 10 per cent of the Highway Special Fund. The decree likewise increases the allocation for discretionary fund from five per cent to 10 per cent of the Highways Special Fund. THE PRESIDENT has amended the provisions of the Special Calamity Fund of 1972 to authorize payment beyond June 30, 1973 of obligations for materials used and services rendered in calamity projects from the unexpended balances of the Calamity Fund. The amendment is embodied in Presidential Decree No. 319 which states that the present provisions of the Special Calamity Fund Act of 1972 specifically provide under Section 1 that no funds therein appropriated shall be expended beyond March 31, 1973, and that any unexpended amount beyond March 31, 1973, whether obligated or not shall automatically revert to the General Fund, except those for on-going projects started before March 31, 1973, disbursements for which may be authorized until but not beyond June 30, 1973. THE PRESIDENT has proclaimed the third week of November of every year as “Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week” to increase the understanding among the people of the adverse effects of dangerous drugs on their health as well as on the social and economic conditions of the country. In Proclamation No. 1192, the President points out that intensive and well-coordinated preventive education and community information on the evil effects of the dangerous drugs will in a large measure help in the prevention and control of drug dependence. THE PRESIDENT inducted Querube Makalintal as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Among those who witnessed the induction of Makalintal were the First Lady, incumbent and former justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals, members of the Cabinet, other members of the judiciary and close relatives and friends of the inductee.

[20] Official Gazette for October 26, 1973: THE PRESIDENT reminded all municipal judges of their role to uproot the causes of valid grievances by preventing the miscarriage of justice. The President described the municipal judges as the backbone of the judiciary who are the deciding factors in many of the things that the government is doing. The President said that under the New Society, it is necessary to act upon the complaint of any citizen who has any grievance, whether such grievance is valid or not. Addressing the closing day of the eight national convention of the League of Municipal Judges at the Maharlika Hall of Malacañang, the President said he will soon issue a decree creating the Sandiganbayan and Tanodbayan , which are provided for under Article XIII of the Constitution. THE PRESIDENT has issued Proclamation No. 1198 declaring October 27 a legal holiday in the Muslim provinces to give Muslims an opportunity to properly observe “ Hariraya Puasa ,” marking the end of their fasting season. The event, also called Eid-Ul-Fitr and Eid-Ul-Adha , falls on the first day of the tenth lunar month of Shawwal in the Hijrah calendar. Capping the Muslim feasting month of Ramadan, the religious observance coincided with October 27, 1973 in the Gregorian calendar. The President also directed that all Muslim employes working outside the Muslim provinces and cities shall be excused from work during this holiday without diminution in salary. The President has also issued Presidential Decree No. 322 amending PD No. 291 which prescribes the observance of Muslim holidays as legal holidays. NATIONAL Grains Authority and the National Irrigation Administration signed an agreement designed to intensify further the Government’s cereal program. Under the agreement, rice farmers serviced by the NIA may pay their loans or irrigation fees and other charges in the form of palay . The NGA, in turn, will buy the palay at the Government support price of P35 per cavan of 50 kilos. This way, the Government will be able to collect its receivables from farmers without much difficulty and at the same time assures farmers of a ready market for their harvest at a reasonable price. DEPARTMENT of Finance warned government officials and employes who fail to deduct or remit in time the withholding tax on their personnel’s wages will be subjected to administrative action pursuant to the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 6. Secretary of Finance Cesar E. A. Virata issued the warning in view of reports that many government offices have been remiss in the remittance of withholding taxes. The finance secretary said that public officials or employees who fail to remit the withholding taxes may not be held liable for surcharges and interest but can be administratively charged with “negligence in the performance of their duty.” PHILIPPINE Medical Care Commission called on the country’s drug manufacturers to study the possibility of compressing protein from its natural form into pills or capsules. Dr. Pacifico E. Marcos, PMCC chairman, said that protein in pills or capsules would have far-reaching effect on the Government’s health and nutrition program. Speakingbefore members of the Drug Association of the Philippines, Dr. Marcos noted that the nutritional deficiency of the people is in protein and not in vitamins. At the same time, he appealed to the drug manufacturers to sell their products at reasonable prices so that Medicare program can be expanded further. THE PRESIDENT received the credentials of the new Indian and Belgian ambassadors to the Philippines. In separate ceremonies held at the Malacañang Ceremonial Hall, the President received the letters of credence of Ambassadors P. S. Naskar of India and Louis Vandenbrande of the Kingdom of Belgium as ambassadors extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Philippines. Ambassador Naskar said that because of the program of reforms, the Philippines is now poised to achieve new heights in the field of social and economic development. Ambassador Vandenbrande , on the other hand, noted the progress made by the Philippines after liberation, and its contribution to every move to promote world peace. In return, the President expressed the hope that as both the Philippines and Belgium face new opportunities, their relations will come closer with more contacts between the citizens of both countries. The President also expressed gratitude to the government and people of India for the assistance and technical equipment given to the Philippines for the rehabilitation of the Philippine National Railways. THE COUNTRY’S pineapple industry registered a total of 282 million kilos in 1972, according to the Bureau of Plant Industry. During the 12-month period, 29,630 hectares of land were planted to pineapple, producing 282,085,600 kilos. According to the bureau, pineapple is grown extensively in Northern Mindanao, Bicol Region, Southern Tagalog, Cagayan Valley and Western Visayas. The BPI said that pineapple ranks third in money value after banana and mango, and fourth in hectarage among the country’s major fruit crops.

[21] Official Gazette for October 27, 1973: THE PRESIDENT has promulgated Presidential Decree No. 323 providing for a more reasonable tax scheme for overseas Filipinos, by allowing certain exemptions or deductions from their gross incomes. The issuance of the decree was prompted by the government’s awareness of the heavy tax burden borne by non-resident Filipinos who have established their residence abroad. It was also pointed out that consistent with the reforms under the New Society for a better tax administration, it is envisioned that overseas Filipinos can better meet their obligations of citizenship through voluntary compliance with reasonable, just and fair-tax laws. PD 323 amends Sec. 21 of the National Internal Revenue Code. THE PRESIDENT has issued Presidential Decree No. 299-A reducing from 35 per cent to 15 per cent the tax on dividends received by a domestic or resident foreign corporation from a domestic corporation through the amendment of Sections 24, 29, 53 and 65 of the National Internal Revenue Code. This tax on dividends has been reduced to encourage more capital investments for large projects. DEPARTMENT of Health has enjoined the country’s health officials to organize educational activities to create public awareness on the dangers of drug abuse. The DH issued the call pursuant to Proclamation No. 1192, declaring the third week of November every year as “Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week.” In a related development, the Dangerous Drug Board urged professional, civic and religious groups to hold seminars, symposia and panel discussions during the “Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week.” DEPARTMENT of Trade approved an application to construct housing communities for the retired Filipino and foreign servicemen and businessmen in the Philippines. The “retirement communities” will be opened to retired servicemen and businessmen of whatever nationality who meet the requirements regarding financing status, entry, lease clauses and Philippine government clearance. Trade Secretary Troadio T. Quiazon Jr. said the housing complex will be constructed by a Guam-based construction firm in joint venture with Filipino partners.

[22] Official Gazette for October 28, 1973: THE PRESIDENT said an increasing part of every official peso expenditure will be devoted to economic development and social amelioration as the reform program of the government moves on. The President, in reply to a question from the press, said this is the meaning of the shift in orientation in government spending under the New Society. Prior to the proclamation of Martial Law, the operations of government represented the bigger portion of government spending as against capital expenditures for development. This is a conscious policy that forms part of the effort of the government to remove the inequalities in society that spawn disaffection and, sometimes, dissidence. THE PRESIDENT has proclaimed the period from November 11-17, 1973. as “Management Consciousness Week,” in line with the policy of the government to promote management consciousness in both the public and private sectors to help achieve the developmental goals of the nation. Proclamation No. 1187, issued by Acting Executive Secretary Roberto V. Reyes, by order of the Chief Executive, pointed out that management consciousness is essential to promote better business practices, increase production and improve public administration and services, which are vital prerequisites to economic development, social progress and stability. THE PRESIDENT has promulgated Presidential Decree No. 317 amending certain sections of Act 2427 (Insurance Act) so as to broaden the cooperatives base and enable cooperatives to expand their activities in coordination with the economic, social and agrarian reforms of the government. PD 317 amends Sec. 200 (B) of the Insurance Act to the effect that the supervision and control of the insurance commissioner shall not apply to cooperatives undertaking insurance on the life, health, property and other risks of its members or those of the individual members of the member-societies. THE PRESIDENT was informed by officials of one of biggest independent manufacturers of car components in the world, the Dana Corp., that they have decided to make Manila their Southeast Asian headquarters because of the favorable investment climate in the country. Led by Frank Groper and Robert Davis, the Dana officials said they arrived at the decision after making a survey of investment possibilities in various Southeast Asian countries. THE PRESIDENT directed General Romeo Espino, AFP chief of staff, to set aside 30 hectares of land in Fort Bonifacio for a Maharlika Village to serve as a Muslim residential area. The President ordered General Espino to draw up the plans for the village, and to determine priorities in accommodation therein. The President’s directive for setting up the Muslim village is in line with the government’s policy of like treatment for both Christians and Muslims.

[23] Official Gazette for October 29, 1973: THE PRESIDENT inducted into office the three new and eight incumbent members of the Supreme Court. The new appointees are Justices Estanislao Fernandez, Cecilia Munoz Palma and Ramon C. Aquino. The three hew associate justices will hold office during good behavior until the age of 65. The eight incumbent associate justices who were made to continue in office by the President under Sec. 10 of Article XVII of the Constitution, will hold office until the age of 70, unless sooner replaced. THE PRESIDENT called upon the country’s librarians to help the government face squarely the challenges posed by the 20th century. The librarians, according to the Chief Executive, are in the best position to obtain the deepest understanding of the needs, values, aspirations and resources of the national community. In a speech read for him by Secretary of Education and Culture Juan L. Manuel during the closing ceremonies for the golden jubilee celebration of the Philippine Library Association, the President stressed that imbued with energy, dedication and idealism, many librarians are destined to become planners and doers, not merely operators of libraries. THE PRESIDENT declared November 1, 1973, a special public holiday. The Chief Executive noted in Proclamation No. 1199 that paying homage to the dead on All Saints Day is “one of our cherished traditions and, in keeping with that tradition, the people should be given full opportunity to observe the day with all its religious fervor.” THE PRESIDENT exhorted foresters to redouble their total effort towards the important task of protecting and conserving the valuable forest resources of the country not only for material progress or for its aesthetic value, parks, games and wildlife but also for the prevention of soil erosion and flood control as well as the maintenance of the proper ecological balance of nature for the welfare of this and the generation that will come after. In a message to the Society of Filipino Foresters, the President said the forest resources will long continue to be one of the major pillars of our economy, particularly in the earnest efforts of the New Society towards industrialization, stabilization of the international trade and the general uplift of the standard of living of the Filipinos.

[24] Official Gazette for October 30, 1973: THE PRESIDENT directed the Department of Trade and the Department of Industry to set up the proper “desks” that will attend to inquiries from, and provide other assistance to, foreign investors desiring to participate in the country’s economic development. The President issued the order after receiving several foreign missions which had decided to make further investments in the country but would want to have a “one-stop shop” in dealing with the government, and some sort of “marriage bureau” to enable them to enter joint ventures with local companies. FOUR Government agencies and two private organizations signed a memorandum of agreement organizing a nationwide medical self-help program through the barangays. The agencies which signed the agreement were the Department of Health, Department of National Defense, Department of Local Governments and Community Development, Office of Civil Defense, the Philippine National Red Cross and the Philippine Medical Association. The inter-agency project headed by the Department of Health was designed primarily for residents in the remote areas which seldom get proper health and medical attention. The project was conceived by the agencies in support, of the national health program initiated by the President. SCIENTIST from the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) reported that coir dust coming from coconut husk can be made into useful active carbon. A group of NIST engineers showed in laboratory scale that the decolorizing effect of active carbon produced from coir dust compares favorably with commercial active carbon. The group found out that coir dust already contains 20.78 per cent fixed carbon. However, the NIST group said more development works are needed before the process could be applied in commercial scale.

[25] Official Gazette for October 31, 1973: THE PRESIDENT said that in 10 years the Philippines will have graduated from a source of primary products to an exporter of finished products. The President based his prediction on the emphasis being given by the administration to the promotion of processing of local products, and on the wide acceptability that Philippine products are finding in the world market today. The President made this prediction during the call of Alberto Peissevaux , managing director of Compagnie Franciere Eternit of Brussels, and H. Clive Hemming, executive vice president of Eternit Corp. of the Philippines. The group informed the President of the vast changes that they had noticed which according to them are “very encouraging for investors.” THE GOVERNMENT is calling on all gasoline users to exert their utmost to help in the conservation of fuel. “This is an urgent call,” Secretary of Information Francisco S. Tatad stressed in a briefing for newsmen. He said the country faces a reduction of 15 to 20 per cent in crude oil supply because of cutbacks in production in the Middle East. These cuts are without regard to the 70 per cent increase in posted prices, which means that there will be less crude at any price. However, the implementation of the National Energy Plan of the government is being sped up, particularly with respect to the development of substitutes for oil, and the reduction of fuel consumption for the transportation system, Secretary Tatad said. THE PRESIDENT promulgated Presidential Decree No. 327 extending the period granting amnesty to persons who are required by law to file income tax returns from October 31, 1973 to November 30, 1973. The decree notes that the entire country had had inclement weather for the past few weeks brought about by three typhoons that caused considerable damage to public and private properties, with consequent and unexpected financial difficulties among the poorer sectors of the community and considerable delay in the tax filing campaign.