I write this after the confrontation conference with the Free Farmers Federation, the Lakasdiwa and Khi Rho demonstrators.
Judge [Alejandro] Sebastian has lifted the arrest and injunction against the farmer-couple (the Bhadys) and their lawyer, Atty. [Camilo] Sabio, on the petition of the logger [Roman] Cuison.
They refused the offer to withdraw their cases.
PCCSJR (Presidential Coordinating Committee on Social justice and Reforms) strengthened.
P50,000 released for its operations.
Disarming of security men of loggers facing charges.
Bicutan.
We said goodbye to Dir. Gen. Placido Mapa in a luncheon. Imelda could not attend.
I have appointed Dr. Apolinario Orosa as Dir. Gen. of PES [Presidential Economic Staff] in his place and [Ruben] Ancheta of Laoag as Deputy.
Official Gazette, October 31, 1970: The President concentrated on his desk work, during which he named Brig. Gen. Florencio Medina (ret.) head of the Philippine delegation attending the organizational meeting of the Association of Ministers of Science of Asia, which will be held in Manila from November 16 to 20, this year; and signed the appointment of Apolinario Orosa as director-general of the Presidential Economic Staff; of Placido Mapa, Jr. as director of World Bank representing the Philippines and Ruben Ancheta as PES deputy director-general for programming. Both PES officials were inducted by the President at ceremonies held at the Malacañang Reception Hall. Named members of the delegation were Chairman Juan Salcedo, Jr. of the National Research Council of the Philippines, President Salvador P. Lopez of the University of the Philippines, Chairman Gerardo Sicat of the National Economic Council, and Ambassador Rafaelita H. Soriano, assistant secretary of the United Nations Affairs and International Conferences of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Chief Executive vested upon the delegation the full powers and authority to speak for the government at the meeting and to negotiate, include and sign any act or agreement with, the official delegates of e other countries participating in the conference.
In the afternoon, the President met with the leaders of the Free Farmers Federation on the same complaints raised by small farmers and settlers on the resolution of land disputes. He took steps to facilitate the early settlement of these disputes. The President remained at his desk through the evening- working on government papers and other state concerns.
Sent some funds (P50,000) to Pres. Carlos P. Garcia on his birthday next Wednesday (Nov. 4th) as he says he is in dire need.
Went to Paranaque to get the girls who were there the whole day. The atmosphere beside the sea is so invigorating and different. But Imelda who was in a very depressed mood in the past several days only came alive when she showed me the corner of the garden where she had covered up the island, leveled and prepared for a tea or merienda nook. Cozy and refreshing area for gathering of friends.