10:30 PM
Nov. 3 & 4, 1972
Friday and Saturday
Malacañan Palace
Manila
I could not write my diary yesterday as I had an operation by Dr. Mathay for hernia in the eye through the supra orbital and infra orbital fascia resulting in fat collecting in the muscles resulting in bags or distention of the lower lids as well as drooping upper eyelids which has caused me eye strain and headaches.
The operation started at 8:20 AM and ended way beyond 12:00 AM yesterday.
The local anesthesia that was used was not used with adrenaline and so did not last too long. Part of the operation was done in exquisite pain specially the suturing.
But I refused to take Demerol and other hypnotics so I do not wish to take any drugs that may affect my mentation.
Then I had an allergy from the antiseptic used on my face. My skin burned. But I did not tell the doctor until after the operation as he was nervous enough.
The reaction in my skin bothered me more than the pain of the operation.
Slept the whole afternoon and last night.
This morning I took a bath and could see well enough. My face is still swollen. But I tried to read the biography of Beaverbrook after a morning nap.
Walked around the room, watched TV and wrote notes.
Talked to Gov. Licaros, Amb. Benedicto on Filoil and Philcomsat. Sec. Abad Santos on shortening and expediting trials and expropriations (the latter by mere deposit in the nearest PNB branch with notice to the Court and the parties at the assessed value of the real estate) as well as the self-sufficiency of the Bureau of Prisons by production in the penal colonies and the sale of the national penitentiary and transfer to a virgin island that can be developed to produce by the prisoners who should be treated not as prisoners but as settlers with the Armed Forces retirees.
I also worked on the constitutional amendments. And referred to Dr. Guimo de Vega my notes.
I attach some notes I made.