The fighter jets of Philippine Air Force in Marcos Administration

PHOTO TAKEN - 1982

The Philippine Air Force received 37 F-5A/B in 1966. The F-5A/Bs were used by the Blue Diamonds Aerobatic team, underwent an upgrade which equipped it with surplus AN/APQ-153 with significant overhaul at the end of the 1970s to stretch their service life another 15 years. In 2005, the Philippines decommissioned its remaining F-5A/B fleet, including those received from Taiwan and South Korea.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_F-5
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:F-5E_Philippine_AF_at_Clark_AB_1982.JPEG

Give me 10,000 Filipino soldiers, and I’ll conquer the world...” — General Douglas

Remembering, Internalizing, Revering, And Doing
Empowering the Filipino People
June 5, 2011, 8:00am
MANILA, Philippines — “Give me 10,000 Filipino soldiers, and I’ll conquer the world...” — General Douglas MacArthur at Bataan and Corregidor

This weekend, the one just past and the next weekend happen to be important dates that need remembering, internalizing, revering, and just doing the heroic lessons they impart – especially for parents, teachers, and young Filipinos.

Fortuitously, during these past two weeks, FVR had opportunities to participate in these historical events. For our young citizens, it is essential for them to be reminded of the past so that they gain new insights for the present and the future.

For five years, this column has sought to recall events deemed worth revering because they form part of our patrimony of patriotism and gallantry and, therefore, merit the focused attention of younger Filipinos. Hopefully, they, in turn, will inculcate the spiritual and cultural essentials among their families and descendants. In today’s world, these are what national spirit, people empowerment, soldiers’ sacrifice, sustainable development, and economic competitiveness are all about.

In our Asia-Pacific neighborhood, the American, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Indonesian peoples have fought in wars of independence, liberation, and/or defense (to protect their integrity and sovereignty). Among others, Filipinos have been similarly involved in defending their patrimony, freedom, values, and the rule of law, and thus have earned a place of admiration in the community of nations.

On the eve of Philippine Independence Day, events of such primacy need to be remembered, notably:
(1) Philippine Independence Commemoration.
(2) Philippine Flag Days.
(3) Memorial Day (by Americans/Filipino-Americans).
Our sacrosanct National Day

In our Manila Bulletin column, “Philippine Independence Day: Patriotism or Tourism?” (6 June 2010), we wrote that during PGMA’s administration, the fostering of patriotic pride in Filipinos had dwindled. Seemingly forgotten was the work of the “Committee for the National Centennial Celebrations in 1998” constituted by President Cory (AO 223, s-1991) to fortify our national spirit.

Independence Day is the only holiday requiring the presence of our highest officials – the President, Vice President, Senate President, House Speaker, and Chief Justice – to preside simultaneously at historic venues of our “Freedom Trail,” like Kawit and Balintawak. No other day reflects the common aspirations of past, present, and future generations of Filipinos. For those who willingly offered everything to country – even life itself – Independence Day embodies our proud heritage as a people.

FVR expanded Cory’s Committee by establishing the “National Centennial Commission” (EO 128, s-1993). Chaired by former VP Salvador Laurel, NCC memorialized our countrywide “Freedom Trail” – leading to the upbeat nationwide celebration of our Independence Centennial on 12 June 1998, which was highlighted by commemorative events in countries where the Philippines shares political links, particularly Spain and the US.

Flag Days: Preparing for Independence Day

In the run-up to our Independence Centennial – 100 years after Aguinaldo’s defiant proclamation – our 10th Congress insured that reverence for our National Flag and other cherished symbols of sovereignty are enshrined in the “Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms, and other Heraldic Items and Devices” (RA 8491, February 1998). This law was intended to prime the citizenry for the joyful observance of our National Day.

This law declared the period 28 May to 12 June each year as Flag Days, when all public offices, business establishments, educational institutions, and private homes are enjoined to display the flag.

RA 8491 declares: “Reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and traditions... and inculcate in our people just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and proper use of national heraldic symbols.”

Having interacted with Filipino-American communities just last fortnight, we fervently wish that Filipinos here at home would display the same patriotic fervor of our kababayans overseas. As fiercely as we demand our rights as citizens, we should be as intensely proud in manifesting our love of country and people.

These days, however, under P-Noy, very little has been seen or heard of the display/reverence for our national flag in our streets or in places other than large public offices and military installations. In contrast, Fil-Ams showed the flags in hundreds of homes and placed wreaths at Rizal’s monument (in Chicago, Illinois).

US Memorial Day

Last 27 May in San Diego, California, this writer was the guest of honor at the Fil-Am community “tri-event” – Memorial Day, Philippine Independence Day, and Philippine Products and Services Exhibit (PhilFair 2011).

Memorial Day is a US holiday observed on the last Monday of May. Formerly known as “Decoration Day,” it was first marked by “Freedmen” (freed slaves) in South Carolina in 1865 to remember fallen Union soldiers in the Civil War. 
This recognition was later enacted into law under the name “Memorial Day” upon the initiative of veterans – the Grand Army of the Republic – to honor Civil War dead.

Over time, it was extended to honor all Americans who have died in war. Now known as “Memorial Day,” it is a day of remembering those killed while serving in the US Armed Forces, among them thousands of Filipinos who died as American nationals then and, likewise, US citizens of Filipino parentage.

US Memorial Day is an occasion for general expressions of reverent memory, because even ordinary people visit graves of their deceased, whether they served in the military or not. It provides ritual opportunities for local communities to develop greater patriotic spirit and belonging. Traditionally, average Americans observe Memorial Day with deep feelings of national pride and personal motivation for US achievements and goals.

On the other hand, Veterans Day is a holiday honoring military veterans. It is also celebrated as “Armistice Day” or “Remembrance Day” in other countries, it being the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I.

President Woodrow Wilson who first proclaimed Armistice Day on 11 November 1919, said:

“Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of America’s opportunity to show sympathy with peace and justice in all nations.”

Because many people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day, the US Department of Veterans Affairs clarifies that Memorial Day is for honoring military personnel who DIED in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or of wounds sustained in battle. Veterans Day, however, is intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service and underscore that all who served – not only those who died – sacrificed and did their duty.

Fil-Ams proudly celebrate

In remembrance of those who died in the country’s service (Memorial), war survivors (Veterans), and the advance celebration of the 113th Philippine Independence Day, the Council of Philippine-American Organizations (COPAO) of 
San Diego commemorated these landmarks through PhilFair 2011 – with a civic parade, Filipiniana products/services exhibits, and fiesta-style entertainment.

COPAO made the decision to involve school children who would otherwise be on vacation starting in June, as part of the early immersion of Fil-Am youth in the heroic struggle of our forebears in defending freedom – a legacy that we all now enjoy.

As a war veteran, filled with pride for the honor our overseas kababayans extend to Filipino freedom fighters, past and present, FVR wholeheartedly joined fellow veterans and youngsters in their PhilFair 2011 parade led by Philippine Consul General Mary Jo Aragon as Grand Marshal.

“Moving Independence Day is a sin”

Last year, President-elect Benigno Aquino III sounded a stinging rebuke against the outgoing PGMA Administration, thus:

“Moving the holiday to 14 June is a sin. He apparently resented PGMA’s move not to declare 12 June a holiday, pointing out that it was on 12 June that ‘we formally became an independent nation’.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer, 28 May 2010).

With this P-Noy admonition, Filipinos should take heart that in 2011, Independence Day will be properly commemorated in our homeland, in hundreds of our Embassies and Consulates abroad, in thousands of Filipino communities overseas, and among ten million OFWs worldwide.

For Filipinos at home and dual citizens/OFWs everywhere, 12 June is the one day each year that we should fully devote to reinforcing our love of country – and not indulge in self-gratification, escapism, or other frivolous activities. 
And, about which the “young once” should teach the “young ones.”

To his credit, P-Noy’s advance Independence Day message to Fil-Ams enjoins: “Let us not only celebrate the freedom that we cherish, but also remember brave Filipinos who valiantly fought for our liberty – our forefathers who engaged in a revolution that has marked our strength and determination.”

SABAH IS OURS ~ with document

We, Sri Paduka Maulana Al Sultan MOHAMMAD JAMALUL AHLAM KIRAM, son of Sri Paduka Marhum Al Sultan MOHAMMAD PULALUN KIRAM, Sultan of Sulu and of all dependencies thereof, on behalf of ourselves and for our heirs and successors, and with the expressed desire of all Datus in common agreement, do hereby desire to lease of our own free will and satisfaction, to Gustavus Baron de Overbeck of Hong Kong, and to Alfred Dent, Esquire of London, who act as representatives of a British Company, together with their heirs, associates, successors, and assigns forever and until the end of time, all rights and powers which we posses over all territories and lands tributary to us on the mainland of the island of Borneo, commencing from Pandasan River on the east, and thence along the whole east coast as far as the Sibuku River on the south, including all territories, on the Pandasan River in the coastal areas, known as as Paitan, Sugut, Bangkal, Labuk, Sandakan, China-balangan, Mumiang and all other territories and coastal lands to the south, bordering on Darvel Bay and as far as the Sibuka RIver, together with all the islands which lie within nine miles from the coast.

In consideration of this territorial lease, the Honorable Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent, Esquire, promise to pay His Majesty Maulana Sultan Mohammad Jamalul Ahlam Kiram and to his heirs and successors, the sum of FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS annually, to be paid each and every year.

The abovementioned territories are from today truly leased to Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and to Alfred Dent, Esquire, as already said, together with their heirs, their associates (company) and powers hereby leased shall not be transferred to another nation, or company of other nationality, without the consent of His Majesty's Government.

Should there be any dispute, or reviving of old grievances of any kind, between us and our heirs and successors, with Gustaves Baron de Overbeck or his Company then the matter will be brought for consideration or judgement to His Majesty's Consul General in Brunei.

Moreover, if His Majesty Maulana Al Sultan Mohammad Jamlul Ahlam Kiram, and his heirs and successors, become involved in any trouble or difficulties hereafter, the said Honorable Gustabus Baron de Overbeck and his Company promise to give aid and advice to us within the extend of their ability.

This treaty is written in Sulu, at the Palace of the SUltan Mohammad Jamalul ahlam Kiram on the 19th day of the month of Muharam, A.H. 1295, that is the 22nd day of January year of 1878.

DID YOU KNOW THAT IN MARCOS ADMINISTRATION, THE PHILIPPINE AIRLINE IS A PROPERTY OF THE PHILIPPINES?

DID YOU KNOW THAT IN MARCOS ADMINISTRATION, THE PHILIPPINE AIRLINE IS A PROPERTY OF THE PHILIPPINES? (Government Property) - But it has been sold to Family Tan (Lucio Tan) when Corazon Aquino ended the one-airline policy in 1988 that had begun under Ferdinand Marcos.

When President Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in 1972, he implemented a one-airline policy. PAL was the lone surviving airline, absorbing Air Manila and Filipinas Orient Airways. On March 10, 1973 PAL was re-designated as the national flag carrier. PAL continued its expansion with the arrival of its first Douglas DC-10 in July 1974/ Three years later, the Philippine government re-nationalized PAL, with the Government Service Insurance System holding a majority of PAL shares. In 1979, the Boeing 727, the Boeing 747-200B and the Airbus A300B4, dubbed the "Love Bus", joined the PAL fleet, while the PAL DC-8 fleet was retired.
In 1975 Philippine Airlines was headquartered at the PAL Building in Makati City.
Between 1979 and 1981, as part of a comprehensive modernization program led by then-PAL President Roman A. Cruz, PAL built a series of mammoth aviation-related facilities around the periphery of the MIA. These included the PAL Technical Center, the PAL Inflight Center, the PAL Data Center and the PAL Aviation School.

A Philippine Airlines Boeing 747-200 in old livery
On April 2, 1982, a PAL Boeing 747-200B arriving from San Francisco via Honolulu became the first aircraft to dock at the new 800-million peso Terminal 1 of Manila International Airport. PAL would later strengthen its cargo-handling capability by building a dedicated cargo terminal building adjacent to the MIA passenger terminal and installing cargo-refrigeration equipment in 1983. The new facilities, which catered mainly to international cargo services, enabled PAL to become a fully equipped cargo handler. Services to Paris and Zürich began in November 1982.
Aquino ended the one-airline policy in 1988 that had begun under Ferdinand Marcos.

Marcos regime- in its twenty years incurred only a measly loan of 1 billion

From Erick San Juan's Marcos Legacy Revisited:

==================

Nationalist economist Lichauco explained that out of the total loan obligations of the Phil. to the IMF and ADB amounting to 24 billion dollars at the time of Marcos' ouster from power, more than 7 billion dollars were loans secured from private sector, businessmen of the elite club whose preoccupation was to hurl invectives against what they call the conjugal dictatorship. These shylocks used the money to import more luxury goods, machinery and equipment. A substantial amount went to business expansions and infrastructures like the modern skyscrapers which now adorn Makati skyline. Official Central Bank records reveal that prior to Marcos' exile to Hawaii, the former strongman left behind in the coffers of the Central Bank over 2.5 billion dollar reserves.

Just add the loans Marcos inherited in 1965 (13.5 billion dollars) to those accrued by the private sector (7 billion dollars), together with the amount of reserves left bt Marcos (2.5 billion dollars) and you get 23 billion dollars. Since the outstanding loan obligations of the country at the time of Marcos' departure from the political scene totalled only to 24 billion dollars, it follows that the dreaded Marcos regime- in its twenty years of absolute rule- incurred only a measly loan of 1 billion and not 24 billion dollars attested by his detractors.

Pasion also reminds the political opponents of Marcos that it was during the latter's incumbency that the price of imported crude oil rose from 2 dollars to 24 dollars per barrel. Yet, the same period, the Philippine economy managed to weather the storm, despite the worldwide recession, compounded by the growing Muslim insurgency in the south. The situation became unmanageable only when the Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. was shot to death by an unknown gunman.

Marcos knew that the only key to Philippine progress would be the establishment of an industrial base, or a "Machine tool" industry. But his effort to implement a Heavy Industrial Program was opposed at every turn by his technochrats, and the Makati Business Club, all of whom echoed the position of the IMF-World bank opposing the Eleven Major Industrial projects," nationalist economist Lichauco claims.

When Cory Aquino took over where Marcos left off, the situation became worse. Prices of prime or essential commodities soared from 50 percent to 200 percent as compared to January 1986. Laborers on the other hand were given a miserable 10 pesos additional daily despite the fact that the average laborer had to pay for daily expenses which increased 100 percent.

How did Marcos accomplish so much with so little?(Yamashita treasure? )

$27 Billion USD when Marcos Left...

BNPP = $2.3 Billion USD

Philippine North & South Express Way = 

Geothermal Plants = 

San Juanico Bridge = 

LRT = 

Philippine Kidney Center = 

Philippine Heart Center = 

Philippine Lung Center = 

Nayong Pilipino = 

CCP = 

Folk Art's Theater = 

Philippine Film Center = 

NAIA (MIA) =

Bliss = 

Irrigations =

Fly Over = 

EDSA =

AFP =

PNP =

Modernizing our Arsenal =