The second day without any reported crime. And an almost unanimous endorsement of the proclamation of martial law.
Amended Proclamation No. 1081 and Gen. Order No. 2. And issued a statement on the validity of obligations and past contracts.
I attach copies.
Spoke to the separate unit commanders and the major service commanders at the ceremonial hall: The proclamation of martial law is a constitutional exercise of power; it is not a coup de’tat [sic] nor a military take over; being a legitimate exercise of power, the government is a constitutional government; the reforms are necessary to win the battle because this battle is not just the battle with guns but for the minds and the hearts of our people; that reforms will counteract subversion which is the bigger battle; that the use of media is a legitimate necessity.
Then finished the decrees of reform and the abolition of the PSC [Public Service Commission] and removal of GAB [Games and Amusement Board] Chairman [Justiniano] Montano.
In the afternoon I gave the first interview to Tilman Durdin of the New York Times and later to the UPI [United Press International] Vic Maliwanag and Pat Killen.
They asked how long it will last—I will keep it only as long as it is necessary—“To dismantle the communist apparatus” and this includes the reforms I envision.
For a corrupt government cannot long last—nor a sick and criminally infested society.
“I hope before the end of any term.”
The Concon [Constitutional Convention] and Congress continue. The power of the President merely augments the deficiencies.
No Official Gazette entry for this day.