MALACAÑAN PALACE
Manila
March 28, 1970
Saturday
I actually write this at 12:10 A.M. on Sunday evening as I have been busy and occupied.
The day started with Chino Roces and Enriquito Zobel. Chino came to say that he was for the success of my administration and that his paper would help. He also pumped me for information. “Are you decided to arrest them?” he inquired. I said yes but I must settle the economic questions of the stability of the currency, the legislative program and the social welfare program first. And there must be an overt act. Enriquito said “But not too late, Mr. President.” Not much advance from the last meeting.
I ordered the final draft of the contract for the private buyers to put up the P100 million for the Trading Centers of Virginia tobacco, to change the classifiers and graders with those coming from the buyers, and to convert the liability that is Virginia tobacco now into an asset by making it an export product. Had Moreno, Mapa and Congs. Crisologo and Valdez in the conference. Told Sen. Pres. Puyat about it.
Ordered Nawasa not to increase the rates of water and sewage until there was a reorganization. Asked Sec. Makasiar, Sec. Ople and Govt. Corporate Counsel to study the limits of the Collective Bargaining Agreement on changes and assignments of personnel.
Had lunch with one half of the jet fighter pilots of the 5th Fighter Wing under Gen. Rancudo. They looked like the better type of officers.
Must now lift the gold subsidy but should allow the sale of gold in the open market to make up for the lost income.
Played 18 holes in Mansion Golf Course jogging up and down the hillsides.