PAGE 95
Office of the President
of the Philippines
Malacañang
February 25, 1970
Wednesday
12:10 AM
Spent the whole morning and noon in San Fernando, La Union, where I was supposed to prevent the Ilocano leaders and men from marching to Manila and doing battle with the demonstrators. The whole of Ilocandia was there – Tarlac represented by Cong. Eduardo Cojuangco, Nueva Ecija by Cong. Leopoldo Diaz, Pangasinan by Cong. Bobby Estrella, Nueva Vizcaya by Sen. Leonardo Perez and his brother Cong. Benjamin Perez as well as all the mayors, Isabela by Gov. Samuel Reyes and Cong. Rodolfo Albano as well as all the mayors. Cagayan by Gov. Teresita Dupaya and her husband Cong. Tito Dupaya and Cong David Puzon, Ilocos Sur by Gov. Carmeling Crisologo and her husband Cong. Floro Crisologo as well as Cong. Luces Cantor and Ilocos Norte all the officials.
Very overwhelming affection and trust – so completely different from Manila.
Rode in an open car – convertible with the top down. Imelda as usual was mobbed affectionately.
Must go to the provinces more where the atmosphere is more representative of the nation.
Met with Ex-Sen Domocio Alonto and asked him to help me prevent bloodshed in Moroland. He was reported having gone to Basilan and said that the country was in the grip of a revolution and the army 70% against the government. Of course he denied it and seemed obsessed with petty local politics.
He was brought by Cong. Bert Sabido who kept repeating his requests for special favors – the Asst. Immigration Commissioner and allowances for the congressmen from savings in my office.