The American Chamber of Commerce Journal Vol. XXIX, No.1 (January 1953)

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Title: The American Chamber of Commerce Journal Vol. XXIX, No.1 (January 1953)
Issue Date: Vol. XXIX, No.1 (January 1953)
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extracted text: Editorials “ . . . to promote the general welfare” Before this issue of the Journal will reach its readers Stated, the 1953 Philippine International Fair will , h-ive opened in Manila. The The 1953 PfilJlpPUiy F-dir is scheduled to last for three International 'Eair months, from February 1/to April 30, but there is talk of extending it. Indeed, it seems that three months is all too short a life for the magnificence that is being created betorc our eyes. Already, the numerous substantial and, in many cases, unique and beautiful buildings slk spread not only over Wallace Field, now called the United Nations Plaza, and over a large part of the world-famous Luneta breasting glorious Manila Bay, but clear down to Taft Avenue, over the extensive grounds of the three great permanent Legis lative, Finance, and Agriculture Buildings of the Philippine Government. - The construction going on inevitably reminds one of the annual pre-war Philippine Carnivals, * famous in .their way, but the present Fair covers a much greater area c-ncj is far more impressive architecturally. When the Fair-C-ty is completed and the gates are thrown open and the gay and interested crowds start streaming through the Mid * way and the other great avenues into the pavilions apd the exhibition halls and the numerous show-booths, and the bands begin to play, the whole magic scene will vividly contrast with gutted old Intramuros nearby, the ancient and venerable walls of which can not conceal the bleak ruins within. Since the hell of early 1945, when tens of thousands perished there in the final massacres and sui cidal fighting, it still, for the most part, lies silent and de serted. But tlie Fair will give evidence that though destruc tion. and death was great, not only in Intramuros bjt throughout the city and over all the country, the prostrate Philippines has arisen. The spirit, though violated, Wfs not extinguished. Spiritually and materially, there his been an enormous recuperation and rebuilding, and Manili preens its lovely self again. ‘Indeed, the old master of the Manila Carnival festivals of the past, Arsdnii N. Luz, was appointed Director-General of the 1953 International Fair, Inc,, •. Journal readers will find the article on the recent amendments to the Workmen’s Compensation Law, by Mr. James C. Mewshaw, of the The New American Foreign Insurance AsWorkmen’s sociation, most though’t-provoknig. Compensation Act The new law, Republic Act No. 772, further amends the Workmen’s Compensation Law, Act 3428, originally enacted in 1927. As Mr. Mewshaw points out, the new Act compares favorably with similar laws in the various States of the United States and marks the progress being made in Pres ident Quirino’s program of social amelioration, but, as he also points out, it imposes greatly increased responsibilities on almost all employers of labor. The Act requires the paying out of accident- and death-compensation payments over a possible period of four years and up to P4,000 in the aggregate, not including all doctors’ and hospital bills and of funtral expenses (P200) in case of death, these “benefits” being payable in the latter case to the direct heirs or to possibly other depend ents and relatives, of almost every degree of relationship, up or down; if there are none such, then the employer must pay the amount of Pl000 to the Workmen’s Compensation Fund which is under the control of the Workmen’s Compen sation Commissioner, an official whose position has been created under the Law, and who is given very broad powers. In the United States, the courts have generally upheld such laws, the purpose of which is to shift the burden of accidental injuries (and in some States, illness also) from the workmen to the industry. The cost is treated as part of the cost of doing business, which is of necessity in the end passed on to the consumers. A legal authority has written: “The compensation acts are not founded in charity, gratuity, pension, penalty; or on the theory of unemployment, life, or health insurance.” The cost has been referred to as analogous to over head, breakage, and wear and tear on machinery, and there is therefore room in capitalist economics for such a factop' in production as this type of workers’ compensation. Ne vertheless, the introduction of the factor is largely political in nature, and, by raising the price which the employer has to pay for a unit of labor above the potential market rate, it both effects the amount of take-home wages and creates institutional unemployment (von Mises). The difficulties being encountered at the present time in both the observance and enforcement of the Minimum Wage Law here, points to the dangers of the type of social legislation which, desirable as it may be from the humani tarian point of view, may ultimately bring about effects directly contrary to the commendable aim of bettering the position of the wage-earners. Advanced social legislation may be supportable in countries where the economy is well developed, resilient and strong, but may conceivably bring about a collapse in countries with a weaker economy, and may, in any case result in serious damage not only to industry but to labor itself. The new risks thrust upon employers by Republic Act No. 772, may prove too heavy, not only in the case of many small enterprises, but even in the case of larger and stronger entities in the event of some great calamity, such as a mining disaster, or the outbreak of an epidemic. The direct provision with respect to tuberculosis in the new Law constitutes an especial risk in a country where this disease is so prevalent. Most industrial and business firms have already been very careful in past years about employing persons unable to pass a fairly rigorous physical examination, and they must be expected to become even more careful in this respect now; it is possible that em ployers will begin to eliminate workers who are not always in the best of health. It may be said by proponents of this and similar legis lation, “Well, business firms can always take out insurance to cover whatever risks may be entailed.” This is generally true, but the greater the risks, the higher the cost of the insurance, and in the present case the Journal has been informed that while some insurance companies in Manila are writing insurance under the new Law, they are care fully watching the amounts of payments which will be made under it, the rulings which will be handed down by the new Commissioner, etc., while other insurance com panies are still undecided whether to accept the business at all, or not. The Chamber received some time ago a copy of the inaugural issue of the Philippine Statistician (Vol. I, No. 1, June, 1952), a publication of the Government Philippine Statistical Association organStatistics ized in December of last year. Up to the present, no second issue has been pub lished. This first issue contained the Constitution of the new Association, a list of the officers (headed by Mr. Cesar M. Lorenzo, of the Central Bank, as President), and of the “founding”, “institutional”, and “charter” members; also two very valuable articles, one by Mr. Meredith B. Givens, Labor Economist and Statistical Consultant, on “Statistical Organization for Administration and Planning”, and another, by Mr. William I. Abraham, National In come Adviser to the Philippine Government under the United Nations Technical Assistance Program, on “Na tional Income: Its Meaning and Uses.” The organization of the Philippine Statistical Associa tion and the appearance of the Philippine Statistician is welcome evidence of a recognition of the importance of statistical information in the Philippines. In this connec tion, it is interesting to note in these columns that the American Chamber of Commerce Journal assumed its premt general form in July, 1947, in an effort to supply montly certain statistical information, as well as general narrate reports in various lines of industry and trade, becaue such information was not being made generally availble from official sources, at least not with equal pronotness. The support this Journal receives is proof of th fact that it fills a real need in the business world. lie Journal, however, has by no means been able to suply all the statistical information that should be publisled in its columns, and, up to the present, we can only e.press our regret at this short-coming. Before the war, many of the more important govern ment >ureaus published at least annual reports in permanen, printed form, but this has not yet become the rule ev:n now, seven years after the end of the war. Many bureau reports are made available only in mimeographed form, it at all. With the exception of the Bureau of the Census and Statistics, which is badly under-financed and under-saffed, only the Central Bank (established in 1949) has estiblished a statistical division which has regularly publish^ reports that may be considered models of their kind. It ifmuch to be desired that all the departments, bureau^Kmd agencies of the Government establish their statisnVorganizations and regularly publish their data, not only by the year, but month by month, and, in some cases, more frequently. Also, that these various statistical organizations be coordinated and that their information be pooled in some central organization which, no doubt, should be the Bureau of the Census and Statistics. Ade quate appropriations should be made for the-vafioq>4yg« cialized statistical agencies and for the centr^r^^jstjcaj organization, and all published reports be given the widest possible circulation. A country without statistics would be moving blindly, in the dark; and with inadequate and therefore misleading statistics, is still at a loss. Statistics make up the nation’s book-keeping, and a nation could not be any more wisely governed without statistics than a business could be run without the figures entered daily in its account books. During the month we received two publications from the Bureau of the Census and Statistics,—one a very large tome, 12 by 9-1/2 inches and 2-1/4 inches Census thick, 1186 pages, and the other a small Publications vest-pocket book of 90 pages. The first was the “Summary Report on the 1948 Census of Agriculture,” which, according to the Foreword, was compiled and published primarily upon the request and with the financial assistance of the Philip pine Council for United States Aid and the Mutual Security Agency. The Report does not contain the complete results of the 1948 Census of Agriculture, but contains very valuable data on the number and distribution of farms, the figures as to farm equipment, the livestock and poultry on farms, and the acreage and production of the leading crops,—rice, corn, tobacco, sugar cane, abaca, camote, cassava, avocado, cacao, coconut, coffee, banana, chico, lanzon, mandarin, mango, orange, papaya, and pummelo. The book does not include the figures with respect to farms lfss than 1000 square meters in area. A separate census summary volume on agriculture, which will cover agri culture in greater detail, is stated to be in the final stages o' preparation. The small, pocket-size booklet contains handy sumnary data on land area, population, vital statistics, labor, employment, production, trade, education, etc. Many of the tables are for the year 1951. 4 January, 1953_____________AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL__________________________5 WHEN YOU PLAN A BUSINESS TRIP . . . W ILL BRING AN EXPERT OPERATOR TO YOUR OFFICE OR RESIDENCE TO TAKE COMPLETE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ARRANGING ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING: TRAVEL SERVICES OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES The trained and experienced staff of American Express will provide air or steam ship tickets. . .uniformed in terpreters . . . and plan inde pendent trips or escorted tours. Swift . . . convenient and de pendable, other world-wide American Express financial services include: foreign re mittances, mail and cable transfer of funds, and the purchase and sale of foreign currency. TRAVELERS CHEQUES MONEY ORDERS Smart travelers insist on American Express Travelers Cheques. 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Headquarters: 65 Broadway, New York 6, N.Y. pyoitLOu American Express company, incorporated H Hogor Filipino Bldg., Juan Luna, MANILA Here in Manila, we are especially equipped Io assist you with the preliminary routine attached to: Obtaining your passport or immigration clearance, obtaining your tax clearance and your visas, processing your foreign exchange and ticket licenses, advising you regarding inter national health requirements. The New Workmen’s Compensation Act and Its Importance to Employers By James C. Mewshaw American Foreign Insurance Association ON June 20, 1952, President Quirino signed House Bill 1020, which thereupon became Republic Act 772. This Act amends the Workmen’s Compensation Act, which had been largely by-passed during the past twenty years of war, inflation, and social and economic changes, no longer serving the high purposes for which it was intended. Republic Act 772 provides for greater financial benefits to those employees and their families who, because of oc cupational injury or illness, are temporarily or permanently deprived of their power to earn a living wage. It brings under its provisions industries and their employees hereto fore exempted, and it includes penalties for their violation. Perhaps most noteworthy, however, is a new section, 7-A, which creates an entirely new governmental entity; the Office of the Workmen’s Compensation Commissioner. The head of this Office, appointed by the President, has ex clusive jurisdiction in hearing and deciding on claims for compensation under the Act; may require and order me dical service for injured employees; make, modify, and rescind awards; compute awards and compromise actions for the collection of awards; and assess penalties for any failure on the part of an employer to comply with his obliga tion to pay compensation or furnish medical services to an injured employee. The Commissioner may fine an em ployer for refusal or neglect in reporting accidental injuries to his employees, and for failure to comply with the orders, rules, or regulations of the Commissioner or the Industrial Safety Bureau. The decisions of the Workmen’s Compensation Com missioner are subject only to appeal to the Supreme Court, in the same manner and within the same period as is pro vided for by law and by the Rules of Court for appeal from the decisions of the Court of Industrial Relations. Heretofoie the Bureau of Labor, Division of Workmen’s Com pensation, had merely the authority to act as referee in the hearing of claims for compensation, and it had no power to enforce awards. Section 55 of the Act is unique in workmen’s compen sation legislation in that it empowers the Commissioner to assess and collect from each insurance-carrier and each uninsured employer payment for the expenses of adminis tration of the Commission, which exceed in any fiscal year, the special fund of P298.000 provided for in the Act. The amount to be assessed shall be the proportion of the deficit which the total compensation paid by the insurance-carrier or uninsured employer, bears to the total compensation payments made by all insurance-carriers and uninsured employers. It is evident that in the event of such an assess ment by the Workmen’s Compensation Commissioner, an employer, weakened by a serious industrial accident resulting in the payment of many thousands of pesos in death- and disability-compensation benefits to his injured employees, may be dealt a heavier blow by having to pay a much larger total than his more fortunate colleagues whose accident record was negligible. The writer has mentioned the inclusion under the terms of the new Workmen’s Compensation Act, of em ployees who previously were not covered. Section 39, in defining the word “laborer” as a synonym of employee, expunges the former exclusion of persons earning in excess of P42 a week. Now, all employees, excepting those whose employment is purely casual or defined as domestic service, are included in the purview of the Act, without regard to the wages which they receive. There are certain small non-hazardous industries whose employees are still <iot included in the definition of “laborer”, but in order to qualify as such, it must be evidenced that the employer, whose capital must amount to less than P10.000, is not engaged in any of the following businesses; 1. The transportation of goods or persons; 2. Any factory or establishment where machinery is used, or 3. Where the employee is exposed to dust, fumes, gases, and other chemical substances; 4. The making or manufacture of fireworks, dynamite, munitions, and similar articles; 5. Sports, such as circus sports, boxing, football, basketball, wrestling, racing; 6. Fishing, lumbering, and mining. Section 2, on grounds for compensation, under the previous Act, stated that an employee was entitled to compensation if he suffered personal injury from any ac cident arising out of and in the course of hif employment, or contracted an illness directly caused by such employ ment. This section has been amended to add “or contracts tuberculosis or other illness directly caused by such em ployment, or either aggravated by or the result of the nature of such employment. . .” Next in the apparent order of importance is Section 14, on temporary total disability. Before the passage of Re public Act 772, an employee, suffering an occupational injury or illness, was entitled to receive weekly disability payments equal to 60% of his average weekly wages, ex clusive of the first 7 days, subject to a maximum P18 per week. The so-called “waiting time” has now been reduced from 7 to 3 days and the maximum weekly compensation has been increased to P35. Previously, if an occupational injury or illness re sulted in death within one year or less after the date of the accident, the employee’s widow and zor dependents were entitled to compensation up to a maximum of P3000, plus burial expenses of Pl00. This has been amended to cover death occurring within two years after the date of the accident, subject to a maximum of P4000, plus burial expenses of P200. The employer is liable under the Act for all necessary medical, hospital, and nursing expenses which the injury or illness may entail, in addition to the payments of compensation. Furthermore, there is no limit whatsoever on these items. It can readily be seen that the new Act, which became effective in June, 1952, reflects a marked advance in social legislation in the Republic. It compares favorably to simi lar Acts in various States of the United States and is proof of President Quirino’s progress in his program of social amelioration. But it must be observed that such social legislation imposes greatly increased responsibilities upon employers, responsibilities the burden of which are ulti mately reflected in the balance sheet. The prudent em ployer will, we know, carefully review the terms of this new Law and will assume the added responsibilities with care and forethought. “The American is the first planetary mind.’’ —Thornton Wilder 6 January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 7 Over 40 veers In <he Philippines INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS INTERNATIONAL HARVESTER COMPANY OF PHILIPPINES OFFICE: MANILA My loads supply vital needs... my goal is security for the nation I am an International Truck! Hauling rood From Baguio To help build a stronger Philippines, International Harvester provides mechanized farming with McCormick International Farm Equipment; modern transportation with International Motor Trucks; industrial power with International Power Units. 'Short History of Industry and Trade in the Philippines Period of the Japanese Occupation (Continued) By A. V. H. Hartendorp THE Japanese-made Republic had been inaugurated and Laurel had been inducted as President on Thurs day, October 14, 1943. On October 16 he called the Assembly to a six-day Special session to open on Mon day, the 18th, “to consider certain urgent national prob lems” which required “appropriate legislation.” The proclamation mentioned seven of such urgent matters, but referred to what proved to be the most important only in the blanket clause, “and to act on other matters •which require the concurrence of the National Assembly.” The * “Pact of Alliance”.—This was the ratification of the Pact of Alliance with Japan, the Tribune of Tues day morning reporting that this had taken place the day before and also reporting, for the first time, that the Pact had been “signed amidst simple ceremonies in the state reception hall at Malacanan at 5:30 p.m. on the 14th, the day of the inauguration. There was a front-page repro duction of a photograph showing a long table at one end of which sat the man who had been designated as. the Am bassador from Japan, S. Murata, formerly “highest ad viser”, and, at the other end, “Minister Claro M. Recto, representing the Philippines.” Yet the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was not created by the Assembly until Tuesday, the 19th, and the appointment of Recto as Foreign Minister was not announced until the evening of that same day. Little discrepancies of that kind never bothered the Japanese. The text of this “pact” between the wolf and the lamb, as published in the Tribune, contained only six articles, the more significant being: “Article 2.—The High Contracting Parties shall closely cooperate on matters political, economic, and military for the successful prose cution of the War of Greater East Asia. “Article 3.—The High Contracting Parties shall closely cooperate with each other .for the establishment of Gceatei East Asia. “Article 4.—The matters of detail necessary for the execution of the present Pact shall be determined through consultations between the authorities concerned of the High Contracting Parties.” However, as to Article 2, “Terms of Understanding Attached to the Pact” were: "The principal modality of the close military cpoperation for the successful prosecution of the War of Greater East Asia stipulated in the present Article shall be as follows: “The Philippines will afford all kinds of facilities for the military actions to be undertaken by Japan; the Philippines and Japan will closely cooperate with each other to safeguard the territorial integrity and independence of the Philippines.” The public rfeaction to the Pact was such that both the Japanese propagandists and the Filipino leaders has tened to point out that the alliance was “defensive only”. Laurel and Recto were both quoted as having stated that the “Filipinos will fight only if the country is attacked.” A Japanese columnist in the Tribune sought to re assure the people in the following words: “Yes, no matter how many times we read the text of the treaty, we fail to see any catch in the wording of the various articles whereby we [sic] may be forced to shoulder extra burdens beyond our obvious duties. . . Nippon is fully aware of what we can do and what we can not do in the way of military collaboration. . .” Laurel was quoted as saying: “The Pact does not envisage a declaration of war by the Philip pines against any foreign nation. No Filipino soldier will be called upon to render military service outside the limits of Philippine territory, or to fight except only for defense purposes, that is, in case of invasion which threatens the independence and territorial integrity of the coun try. . . Thus, although the Pact constitutes an alliance, the military aspect thereof is essentially defensive and unilateral in character in favor of the Philippines, in that only the defense of the Philippines is contemplated.” The Japanese columnist could not deny himself the penning of the following taunt: " According to President Laurel, the Nippon-Philippine Alliance Pact is a pact of amity and a unilateral defensive alliance. In plain language, it means Nippon will fight in defense of our [sic] freedom, but we are not obliged to do the same for her.. . The Alliance pact, instead of causing more worry that we may have to send our boys out of the country to fight for Nippon, should silence all unsavory rumors along the line of the ‘conscription’ bugaboo. We may still be young and weak as a nation, but that should not make us jittery, like a co ward. ..” Nevertheless, in the exchange of messages with Laurel on the proclamation of Philippine “independence,” Pre mier Tojo had emphasized: “The Empire of Nippon looks forward to the successful prosecu tion of the current war in close collaboration with the Republic of the Philippines.” And the Tribune and La Vanguardia were full of stories about the “stone-wall defense” which the Burmese and Thai “heroes” were putting up in their “burning deter mination” to help carry on the war to a successful end. Much publicity was given also to the establishment in Singapore on October 21 of the “Government of Free India”, headed by Subhas Chandra Bose, which govern ment declared war on Great Britain and the United States three days later, on October 24. In the Philippines, the whole population was now on edge, but the “Republic” did not declare war. “Treason” and “Justifying Circumstances”.— The Filipino leaders had set up, or lent themselves to set ting up, what was apparently an even more traitorous regime than that headed by the Philippine Executive Commission and had furthermore concluded a military alliance with the enemy. Article 114 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philip pines defines treason in terms following the American Constitution and lays down the penalty for the crime in the following words: “TREASON.—Any person, who, owing allegiance to the United States or the Government of the Philippine Islands, not being a foreigner, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid or comfort within the Philippine Islands or elsewhere, shall be punished by reclusion temporal' to death and shall pay a fine of not to exceed 20,000 pesos. “No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two witnesses at least to the same overt act or on confession of the accused in open court.” But the Penal Code recognizes, among those who com mit a crime as acting under “justifying circumstances”,— “any person who acts under the compulsion of an irresist ible force” and also “any person who acts under the im pulse of an uncontrollable fear of an equal or greater in jury.” A commentator on the law has stated that there must be “imminent fear as the outcome of an immediate cause” and that there must be a “real and known evil.” Who could question that there was a real and known evil, exercising the compulsion of an irresistible force? that there was both uncontrollable fear and, rightly, fear of even greater evil? Had the Filipino political leaders refused to take positions under the Japanese-dcminated government, the Japanese would,—as they not infrequently threatened to do, have put up to head their puppet government such a totally inexperienced and helpless nonentity as General Ricarte,2 or they would have used such a man as Benigno 8 Ramos, a pre-war pro-Japanese leader of the fanatic and insurrectory Sakdal party, or, indeed, any of a number of other half-crazed characters or basest of opportunists. In taking positions under the Japanese rather than choosing death,—as did Chief Justice Jose Abad Santos, the Filipino leaders in effect interposed themselves between the Japanese and the people, thus to a degree cushioning the contact between conquerors and conquered. Almost exactly the same thing happened in the internment camps, where internee executive committees were often able to avert the grosser acts of tyranny. The establishment of a “Republic” was a Japanese pretense, but was nonetheless firmly determined upon. The Filipino leaders had to acquiesce, whether they liked it or not, but many of them held the belief that through the establishment of even a nominal inde pendence, to which the Japanese would have to pay some formal recognition, purely arbitrary rule of the country by them would be rendered somewhat more difficult. The Japanese, on the other hand, must have believed that in a nominally independent Philippine regime, under which they still controlled the leaders, the people would be easier to deceive and could be still further exploited even to the point of driving them into the war. But they miscalculated. As one Filipino who came into Santo Tomas one day, said: “The Japs can do all the foolishness they want to. It won’t get them anywhere.” The Japanese could not absolutely control the leaders, though they held them and their families at their mercy. The Filipinos in the puppet government resisted the Japanese in many ways often just short of open rupture. How could it have been otherwise? They included almost all of the most distinguished political figures in the country. It was impossible to think,—at least of all but a very few of them, that they could be traitors to their own people as well as to America. The allegiance to both, if not on their lips, was in their hearts. Even these few Filipinos who before the war were reputedly “pro-Japanese” could not long have persisted in their error. The “Alliance” had not changed the fundamental realities of the situation. The Japanese had received no thing “tangible” which they had not already secured by force long before. All that appeared was but an exchange of insincerities, without any real substance. It was not an inspiring spectacle, but the people as a whole understood it and privately found relief in sardonic laughter. One thing was always sure: whatever Filipino “defensive forces” might be organized and whatever orders might be given them, no Filipino soldier, compelled to face the returning American forces, would ever fire to kill. Language Loses Meaning.—Yet to read in the Tribune the texts of the speeches made by some of the Filipino leaders, was more than confusing, and must have been also to those who heard them. At times it seemed as if language had lost all meaning; as if mind itself, was break ing down. The insincere and lying declarations put into the mouths of Filipino speakers made one despair of words ever meaning anything again. That Japan’s mad war of aggression was a “great and noble crusade”;-that Japan’s ravaging of the country and its enslavement of the people was “inspired by the high ideals of a union of all Oriental peoples in a sphere of mutual help and common prosperity”, —these were phrases which one could eye with lifted eye brows when one came across them in the newspapers. But when one saw such a statement as this,— “We pledge our heart and hand, in the name of our sacred desire for ffeedom, in the name of our heroic past and our glorious future, in the name of our Oriental blood and culture, to the unyielding prosecu tion of the war of Greater East Asia, which can and will end only with the triumph of Japan and the liberation of the Orient.”— then one wondered whether such splendid and moving words as “pledge,” “sacred,” “freedom,” “heroic,” “glorious,” “blood,” “culture,” “unyielding,” “liberation,” “triumph,” all so profaned, could ever be used by honest men again. Words were no longer accepted as meaning what they had always stood for. If they were taken as meaning any thing at all, it was as connoting the exact opposite. Men listened and read by contraries. Even the little news-boys understood this and yelled out, when they thought it safe to do so: “Read all about it! Turn this around, and you’ll have the truth!” Yet one feared that the language would never recover from this debasement. How could men ever speak and write, after this, and be believed as meaning what they said? In the provinces, public speakers would sometimes warn their audiences, in the local dialect and sotto voce,— “Don’t mind what I am going to say; I am fooling only!” But words to this effect were impossible in Manila and could not be put into print. No doubt much of what was said was ironic. As the writer has stated, the game was understood by most of the people, but in the outlying areas, the guerrillas, hearing of these things, did not always understand, and, all the more embittered, slew numerous provincial and municipal officials and others whom they believed to be collaborators and traitors. Cabinet and Other Appointments.—The creation of a new Council of State and a National Planning Board and the appointments made to them were announced on the 18th, two days before the membership of the Cabinet was announced. It seemed that the Filipinos in the Govern ment wanted as much company as possible. The Council of State was now composed of Avancena as Chairman, and of Aguinaldo, Unson, Corpus, Aunario, and Fernandez as members. The Planning Board was composed of Alunan as Chairman, and of Roxas, Yulo, de las Alas, Paredes, Unson, Corpus, Anonas, Sabido, Carmona, Madrigal, Quirino, Paez, and Sanvictores as members. The composition of the Cabinet was announced on the 20th. All the Commissioners in the former Philippine Executive Commission retained their posts except Recto, now Foreign Minister, who had been Commissioner of Education, Health, and Public Welfare. This Depart ment, and also the Department of the Interior, which had most recently been headed by Laurel, were not as yet represented in the Cabinet. Besides Recto, the other Ministers were de las Alas, Minister of Finance; T. Sison, Minister of Justice; Alunan, Minister of Agriculture and Commerce; and Paredes, Minister of Public Works and Communications. On the 23rd it was announced that Vargas had been named Ambassador to Japan, and a rumor reached Santo Tomas that Mrs. Vargas wept throughout a reception that was held in the honor of the new Ambassador a few days later. Foreign Minister Recto was reported to be ill. An American neighbor of the Recto’s had a month or so before the inauguration been reinterned in Santo Tomas after several months of temporary release for health reasons. IJe said that at that time Recto had to be so careful that he could not even wave a greeting to his American neighbor when they chanced to see each other, but that Mrs. Recto sometimes called on his wife, who was Spanish. One day when she called, Mrs. Recto became hysterical in telling about the pressure her husband was subjected to and she kept repeating, “Oh, when will the Americans come back!” When she had calmed a little she said suddenly that im mediately after the “deliverance” (the word then used for what later came to be called the “liberation”), she would send her children to school in the United States “by Pan-American Clipper.” The Japanese “Aides".—Those Filipino officials who had perhaps hoped that with “independence” the 9 conditions under which they lived might become a little easier for them, were quickly disabused. Two members of the Japanese Military Police were assigned to each Ca binet Minister as “aides”. They were constantly at his side in his office and accompanied him to his home. Most of them were sergeants, and the officials tried unsuccessfully to relegate them to the servants’ quarters, but they insisted on taking even their meals with the family. Recognition of the “Republic”.—Japan recognized the “Republic” on October 14 . Manchukuo, “Nationalist” China, and Thai followed the next day, Germany and Burma on the 16th, Croatia (according to a dispatch from Berlin) on the 18th, and the “Italian Fascist Government” (according to another Berlin dispatch) on the 21st. Spain, however, sent only “greetings”,—going that far, no doubt, because of the considerable holdings of Spanish nationals in the country. One of the queerest moves in this connection was headlined, “Laurel Demands U. S. Recognition”, the demand reportedly ^having been made in a radio-broadcast from Malacanan on the day of the inauguration. He said, among other things: “I, as President of the Republic of the Philippines, hereby an nounce that the Republic has, beginning today, entered into the exer cise of its sovereign powers and prerogatives and the discharge of its obligations and responsibilities. . . “I, and with me the Filipino people, I am sure, ask America to prove to the entire world the sincerity of her protestations of friendship toward us by not placing obstacles on the path of the New Republic. All that we ask is to be allowed to work out our salvation in our own way. . .” The people were praying for something different. The Amnesty.—During its six-day special session, the Assembly, besides adopting the resolution expressing concurrence in the Pact of Alliance, adopted a resolution authorizing the President to grant— “full and complete pardon to those persons finally convicted by the civil courts and who are now undergoing punishment, and general amnesty to all persons who may be responsible for the crime and offense of sedition, illicit association, engaging in guerrilla activity, or aiding and abetting those so engaged or spreading false rumors, and for qll crimes and offenses political in nature committed heretofore against the laws of the Philippines.” The Assembly also passed a relief bill appropriating P2,000,000 for distribution among war sufferers, those “entitled to relief under the Act” being said to number 75,000 war orphans, 25,000 war widows, and 8,000 disabled soldiers. The Assembly was trying to do what it could, which was pitifully little, if for no other reason than that the Government was practically out of funds. Finances.—The Tribune of October 22 reported Assemblyman Marabut as explaining the financial position of the Government to the following effect: The total in come of the “national government” until the end of the current year, 1943, was estimated at P55,000,000 (the writer’s round numbers), of which the Executive Commis sion had spent P45,000,000, leaving an “unexpended estimated balance” of around P10,000,000. After deduct ing the estimated expenses of the new Government for the remainder of the year, there would be only a little over an estimated Pl,000,000 left in the treasury. Marabut’s itemization of the P55,000,000 income was interesting, the main items being P24,000,000 from taxation; P2.250,000 from “allotments of import- and export-tax collections made-in the Philippines by the Japanese Imperial Army”; P5,250,000 from the “net proceeds from the sale of im ported cigarettes and other commodities”; and P15,000,000 “borrowed from the Japanese Military Administration”. What may be considered “last-minute” precautions taken by the Japanese were revealed by the publication on October 16 of a Vargas executive order issued on the 12th (two days before the inauguration) fixing “import and export duties” at 10% ad valorem on all goods and mer chandise imported into or exported from the country, but exempting goods “required to fill the needs” of the Japanese Army and Navy and also “mineral oils, coal, coke, cigarettes, and Japanese publications.” At the end of October, still another pre-inauguration Vargas order was reported. This placed the Food Administration under the then Department of Agriculture and Commerce, now a Ministry, and embodied the typically Japanese idea that in the case of any violations of the anti-profiteering pro visions of the order, by any natural or juridical person, the managers, representatives, directors, agents, and em ployees would all be “jointly amenable to the proper pe nalty, either personal or pecuniary, or both.” One of the final acts of the Assembly was to create a seven-man special committee to “investigate the unreason able rise of the prices of prime commodities.” The Tokyo “Congress” and the “Joint Declara tion”.—On October 30, Laurel and Vargas, this time ac companied by Recto, Paredes, and Assemblyman Jose B. Laurel, Jr., son of the President and secretary to him, were again whisked away to Tokyo by plane, though this was not reported in the press until almost a week later. They were to attend the “Greater East Asia Congress” to be held there on the 5th and 6th of November, also attended by “delegations” from China, Thailand, Manchukuo, Burma, and Free India. On the morning of the second and last day of the Congress a Japanese representative “submitted a Joint Declaration” on which the representatives of the participating nations “commented briefly”; in the afternoon they all “voted as one man for its adoption.” Premier Tojo, in a closing address “stressed that the current war was not Japan’s war, but the war of all the nations in this region.” The “Joint Declaration”, which was also called the “Greater East Asia Charter”, was so confused and repetitious in its phrasing that it defied summarization, although attempts at this were made by various Japanese spokesmen in Manila. The second paragraph read: “The United States of America and the British Empire have, in seeking their own prosperity, oppressed other nations and peoples. Especially in East Asia, they indulged in insatiable aggression and ex ploitation, sought to satisfy their incredible ambition of enslaving the entire region, and finally came to menace seriously the stability of East Asia. Herein lies the cause of the present war.” Five “basic principles” were enumerated in the De claration which Murata summarized as follows: (1) the principle of common prosperity, (2) the principle of inde pendence and fraternity, (3) the principle of the exchange of cultures, (4) the principle of econcmic prosperity, and (5) the principle of the abolition of racial discrimination, promotion of cultural intercourse, and the opening up of resources, “thereby to contribute to the progress of mankind.” Long before the Tokyo “Congress”, a Japanese spokes man in Manila had said that Japan had risen in arms “against the intolerable Anglo-Saxon interference in the Orient.” What had this “interference” been? A Japanese colonel, in speaking before the “Government Employees Training Institute” in Manila in April, 1943, gave this answer: “Roosevelt demanded: (1) that Japan abandon the Tri-Partite Treaty with Germany and Italy: (2) that we evacuate Japanese sol diers from the Chinese mainland; (3) that we evacuate our armed forces from the southern part of French Indo-China; and (4) that we make a promise not to advance southward. “Japan is a sovereign power and is not under American rule. We therefore flatly refused such rude dictations from another country, and pursued the only honorable policy left for us, even at the risk of our lives and the destiny of our Empire.” American protest against Japanese aggression was the “intolerable interference.” The truth was that there was never a more deliberate and brutal aggression than that of the Japanese, excepting only the German; there was never a more deliberate and insatiable' exploitation 10 than that of the Japanese; there was never a racial discrim ination so inclusively against all other races as that of the Japanese. As for the “incredible ambition”,—Ambassador Murata gave a tea-party to third-power nationals in November, 1943, at which he said: “The supreme ideal of Japan is to bring about perfect harmony and balance between any and everything that exists in the universe. In order to attain this ideal, every animate and inanimate being in the universe must be given its due place. . . We are endeavoring to realize the peace of the world in pursuance of our supreme ideal, and we are confident of its realization.” The “Confidential Agreement”.—All of the Japanese thinking was not either so “philosophical” or so “Ambitious”, though quite ambitious enough. There was, for example, the “Confidential Agreement” embodied in two memoranda, the first entitled “Memorandum on Questions between Japan and the Philippines Arising from the Philippine Independence”, and the second, “Basic Principles and Policies”. Copies of these memoranda came into the hands of the writer while he was interned in Santo Tomas and after the liberation he established their authen ticity by finding them in a Malacanan file. They outlined the “understanding” arrived at for the complete Japanese control—of all the major industries together with the major industrial establishments in the Philippines, including mines, sugar mills, machinery, manufacturing, and repair plants, shipyards, and munition factories, also the principal sawmills and electrical enterprises; of the distribution of liquid fuels, and of enterprises connected with the pro duction and distribution of raw cotton, Manila hemp, and coconuts; of the country’s finances and currency; of all trade in the “important commodities”, etc. This was after “independence”, though ostensibly the control was to be exercised only during the prosecution of the war, but the phraseology was so ambiguous, obviously intentional, that textual criticism would be a waste of space here. The control covered the whole Philippine economy like a monstrous octopus and no one, either from reading the memoranda or from viewing the actual deve lopments in the country, could believe that the hold of its tentacles would ever be voluntarily relaxed.3 With respect to currency and foreign exchange, the first Memorandum stated: "Pending the completion of a new note-issuing system of the Philip pines, the present issuance of the military notes by the Southern Deve lopment Bank shall be continued.” “With regard to foreign exchange and financial and currency mea sures related to foreign countries, the Philippine Government shall con sult previous'y with the Japanese Government.” With respect to trade, the Memorandum stated: “The trade of the Philippines in important commodities with Japan and with other regions shall be conducted directly by the Japanese Government during the prosecution of the Greater East Asia War. . . The control associations and similar organizations connected with trade shall be directly subject to the guidance and supervision of the Japanese Forces.” With respect to the status of Japanese subjects in the country,— “ In order to effect perfect and smooth operation, particularly in the economic field, between Japan and the Philippines, the Philippine Government shall, in respect to the enjoyment of civil rights, etc., accord Japanese subjects such treatment not unfavorable compared with that of the Philippine nationals.” And with respect to “enemy nationals”,—some of whom, in Santo Tomas, had been wondering whether “independence” was going to make any difference to them, the Memorandum said: ‘J The control of the nationals of the countries that are in a state of war or have severed relations with Japan, who at present reside in the Philippines, shall be effected by the Japanese authorities stationed in the Philippines, and the Philippine authorities shall extend to the former such cooperation as may be needed.” The actual status of the “Government of the Republic” was clearly, if delicately, revealed in the Tribune’s report 3 The writer published these memoranda in full in the August, 1949, issue of the American Chamber of Commerce Journal. on the “courtesy calls” of a prominent Japanese civilian visitor to Manila. He called first at the headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Army, second at the headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Navy, third at the Japanese Em bassy, fourth at Malacanan, and fifth at the Japanese Consulate (Tribune, January 28, 1944). The Puppet Dance.—The Assembly opened its first regular, sixty-day session on November 25, 1943, and, ac cording to the Tribune, “a more auspicious occasion is hard to find in these days of nation-building”. Laurel, in his message, which he delivered in person, called on the members to do their duty as Filipinos and to help the Ex ecutive and the Government to “tide the people over to better times”, though he also spoke of the significance and achievements of the Greater East Asia Congress, calling this the “greatest event in the history of the peoples of East Asia”. He asked the Assembly to take measures to remedy the existing food shortage and the disruption of transportation, and in speaking of the gravity of the country’s economic problems he said, “Only the spirit can save us. We must live. We can not let the Filipino Nation die.” Evidently, he was not thinking of the “auspicious ness” of the occasion. “My problems are difficult, even dangerous. As long as I am needed by my people and have the strength, I am determined to go ahead. We can not abandon the people.” Speaking of the men in the Govern ment, he said they were not in the service— ‘ ‘ for wealth, glory, or glamour, for there are no such things in the govern ment in these crucial days. We are simply following in the footsteps of our heroes and martyrs. If we can not say that we have died for our country, at least we have endeavored to serve her with all our hearts and souls.” The first bill passed was one creating the Food Ad ministration Office, under which all the food control agen cies, such as NARIC and PRIMCO would be grouped. A few days later, Laurel presented a budget which he asked the Assembly “to approve as submitted”. Ordinary revenues were estimated at ?54,000,000, which, plus the “unencumbered surplus of 1943” amounting to around P600.000, and an “extraordinary income” of ?62,000,000, made a total of around F116,000,000. The extraordinary income was expected to consist of ?60,000,000 to be raised through a bond issue and P2,000,000 in “con tributions from the Imperial Japanese Army”. Ordinary expenditures recommended were estimated at P54,000,000 and “extraordinary” expenditures at P60,000,000. The ordinary and extraordinary ex penditures were submitted together, as follows: Office of the President, P5,630,000; Foreign Affairs, Pl,250,000; Interior, ^53,182.000; Fi nance, P6,575,000; Justice, P2,700,000; Agriculture and Commerce. P8,992,000; Education, Health, and Public Welfare, P18,569,000; Public Works and Communications, P9,092,000; National Assembly, Pl,126,000; Supreme Court, P141.000; General, P6,580,000. Most of these recommended appropriations were but shadows of the normal appropriations for the corresponding departments, and the appropriation asked for the Ministry of the Interior was out of all proportion. The Constabu lary was under this Ministry and Laurel proposed that “expenditures anent the expansion of the Constabulary be borne from the proceeds of the proposed bond issue”. This was apparently not in accordance with a provision in the “Confidential Agreement”, which stated that “the deficit of the revenue of the Philippines, which will in evitably occur immediately after independence, shall be partly made up by bond issues of the new Government and the remainder by the Japanese Government by way of loans from the Southern Development Bank.” Prac tically the whole amount needed by the Japanese for the “expansion of the Constabulary” was to be squeezed out of the people of the country. A bill authorizing a bond issue of Pl00,000,000 was passed by the Assembly a few days later, and the next day the budget bill was passed for a total of around P122,000,000 because the budget as proposed had not included appro priations for the Kalibapi and the newly created Food Administration Office. A number of bills creating new taxes and raising the tax rates were also passed, including 11 a cumulative 2% sales tax, an increased franchise tax, taxes on many classifications of “professionals”, including priests and ministers, and taxes of from 10% to 30% on the gross receipts of hotels, lodging houses, restaurants, night clubs, bars, grills, refreshment parlors, theaters, concert halls, circusses, boxing and wrestling exhibitions, race tracks, cock-pits, jai-alai, etc., etc. This was described as a “new, harmonious, scientific, and logical system of taxation”, but was actually indicative of the vicious down ward spiral followed by a wrecked economy. On the closing day of the session, the Assembly, “work ing with characteristic precision”, passed the last of some 60 bills, including one creating the Central Bank of the Philippines,4 and another creating a land and water trans portation company with power to acquire or construct and to operate “trucks, buses, automobiles, jitneys, animal drawn vehicles, and other means of land transportation” and “sailboats, barges, motorboats, steamships, and other watercraft” (railroads not included). Finally the Assembly passed a measure “authorizing the President to promulgate rules and regulations to safe guard the safety, health, and tranquility of the Philippines in this state of emergency.” The editorialist of the Tribune praised the Assembly for its work, stating that the session had been “charac terized by less talk and more action” than in former times, that “debates were scarce and the caucuses were brief”, “showing that any little differences between members were easily threshed out.” There were, of course, no vetoes. “Stream-lining” the Government.—Shortly after the opening of the new year, 1944, Laurel reorganized the Cabinet, creating nine ministries but retaining three portfolios himself,—Home Affairs, Economic Affairs, and Education. Tirona was appointed Minister of Health, Labor, and Public Welfare. Laurel also reorganized the courts, providing for separate district courts of appeals because of transportation difficulties, and, for the same reason, creating two new positions,—that of the Commis sioner for the Visayas and the Commissioner for Mindanao and Sulu, to which offices he appointed Paulino Gullas and Gen. Paulino Santos, respectively. These positions were created, he explained, because of the “urgent necessity of immediately exercising closer supervision and adminis trative control over all the government offices and instrumentalities throughout the Philippines.” About the middle of January, Laurel issued an ex ecutive order stating that all officers and employees of the Government in Manila whose appointments were not vested by the Constitution in the President should vacate their respective positions by February 11 unless reap pointed; those not reappointed would be “entitled to gra tuity” and would not lose their civil service eligibility for a period of 10 years. A few days later Laurel took up with his Cabinet the matter of “maintaining a minimum personnel, without prejudice to the efficiency of the ser vice”, in all the ministries and bureaus. The Tribune carried the headline, “Streamlined Government Begins Work Saturday, No Employees Laid Off, Part of Personnel to be Sent to Provinces”. “Under this plan,” stated the paper editorially, “the President has been able not only to effect a simple, economical, and efficient government, but also to depopulate Manila.” The Worsening Rice-Shortage.—It was the worsen ing rice-shortage which was forcing efforts toward “de populating” Manila. By the end of the inaugural month of October, 1943, the people in the city were already so famished that Mayor Guinto lifted the control restrictions on the entry of vegetables and fruit, except the produce from several towns the produce of which was contracted ‘Authorized, but never came into actual being. for by the Food Control Association. A few days later it was announced that chickens and eggs might also be brought into the city freely, “without fear of confiscation”. At the end of the month, the people were told that the small monthly issues of sugar, vegetable-lard, soap, and matches would be “delayed for a few days”. Early in November, NARIC announced that it would buy rice in Central Luzon at 11 centavos a kilo, which was almost three times what it had paid earlier in the year and, “in explanation”, it was said that the Government was considering a plan of “supplementing” the rice ration with corn. About the middle of the month there was much fanfare made about “a big consignment of rice” which had been “imported into the Philippines from the southern regions through the efforts of the Imperial Japanese Army”; the people were thereby “assured of rice stock until har vest.” But about this same time a Santo Tomas internee, a member cf the Camp supplies committee, was told by a Filipino NARIC official that a Japanese naval officer had come into his office and demanded 20,000 sacks of rice and that when the Filipino answered that the Corporation had only 15,000 sacks in its bodegas, the Japanese said: “I did not ask you how much rice you had in your bodegas. I told you the Imperial Navy wants 20,000 sacks of rice!” The rice demanded was gotten together by drawing on some privately-owned stocks to add to what NARIC had,' but it was totally out for the time being. On November 25 it was reported that the Mayor had ordered the Metropolitan Constabulary to allow persons bringing small quantities of rice from the provinces for their own consumption to enter the city, but a few days later the Minister of Agriculture and Commerce limited the amount that might thus be brought in to 6 gantas and only for personal consumption. That same day Laurel issued an ordinance ordering all producers to turn their harvests of rice and corn over to the Government after deducting 8 cavans per capita for themselves and families and 1 cavan per hectare for seed. To carry out this order, the Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry was instructed to organize local cooperative associations of land-owners, tenants, and millers, membership in which was obligatory. The associations would buy the rice at a price to be fixed by the Minister of Agriculture. Violations of the ordinance were punishable by a fine of P10,000 or 10 years’imprison ment. A letter writer in the “Public Pulse” column of the Tribune complained that people went to the provinces to buy rice at from P20 to P40 a cavan, hired men to bring it into Manila in small quantities, and then resold it at P6 a ganta (Pl50 a cavan). The bill creating the Food Administration was signed by Laurel on December 3 and Sanvictores was appointed Food Administrator. The distribution of the small PRIMCO rations for the two months, November and December, began on the 16th. As an emergency measure Sanvictores, about this same time, authorized provincial governors and municipal mayors to buy rice and to resell it to the people until NARIC could supply them. In Manila, Guinto an nounced that beginning January rice rations would be distributed through the government district and neighbor hood associations instead of NARIC neighborhood asso ciations. On the day before Christmas, 1943, there was another banner headline in the Tribune: “Army Loans Rice to P. I.” It was reported that 20,000 sacks would be released from “imported stock”, this being claimed to be in addition to 44,000 sacks of rice which had already been advanced to the Government. This act of generosity was said to be the result of an agreement between the Army and the President and “allayed all fears of a rice-shortage in Manila and scouted all ill-founded rumors”. The day after Christmas Malacanan issued an announcement stating that the penalty of death or life imprisonment would be imposed on 12 all officials and employees of the Government found of violating the control laws, Malacanan was reported to have observed that “the people have been groaning under the rampant bribery by the very persons called upon to protect the interests of the people”. A special tribunal was to be created to try such cases but sentences of capital punishment would be subject to review by the Supreme Court. In spite of the fact that “all fears of a rice-shortage” has just been allayed, the Tribune a few days later re ported that following a special meeting of the Cabinet, Malacanan had announced that community kitchens to serve the poor would be immediately established. Begin ning that day, the Bureau of Public Welfare would serve free food at eight places in the city. Additional community kitchens would be opened as fast as they could be made ready. Malacanan at this time also raised the amount of rice which individuals could bring into the city from the provinces from 6 gantas to 1 cavan. NARIC Abolished; the BIBA.—On January 1, 1944, it was reported that Laurel had ordered the dissolution of NARIC and had established— “another instrumentality of the national government for the purpose of meeting promptly, efficiently, and effectively the requirements with regard to the food problem, independent of the requirements of the Imperial Japanese Army in the Philippines. It is understood that the newly created organization will be an exclusive instrumentality of the Philippine Government and that the Imperial Japanese Army will take care of its own requirements in food supplies independently of the new government organization.” The step had been taken, it was stated, “after a series of conferences with those in authority.” The Bigasang Bayan, or BIBA, was headed by Rafael Garcia as General Manager. Laurel, speaking at a conference of district and neighborhood association leaders at the City Hall, said that NARIC had lost the confidence of the people because of the irregularities committed within the organization, but also gave as among the causes of the rice shortage the “opposition of the guerrillas and the terrorism of the com munists in Central Luzon” where, he said, there was plenty of rice. On another occasion he again referred to those “who are threatenihg our rice planters with death if they turn their rice over to the Government.” Guerrilla organiza tions in various parts of the country were interfering with the buying of rice by the Government and by NARIC because of the well-founded belief that much of the rice thus acquired went to the Japanese Army and Navy. It was true that there was corruption in NARIC, but it was also clear that NARIC personnel, headed by Dr. Victor Buencamino, had been made the scapegoats for a situation created primarily by Japanese army and navy extortions. In fact, since the beginning of the enemy occupation, NARIC had carried in its letter-head the line, “Under the Control of the Japanese Imperial Army”, Buenca mino, in this manner, disavowing full responsibility. BIBA was given P2,400,000 for the purchase of rice through the municipal rice-growers cooperatives of which there were now 27 in Nueva Ecija, 5 in Pangasinan, 5 in Tarlac, and 3 in Pampanga. BIBA set the buying price at ?8 for a sack of 44 kilos. Under the new program the rationing of rice, 120 grams a day to each person at a price of P.40 a kilo, equivalent to P.96 a ganta, began about the middle of February, and the free entry of rice into the city by individuals for their own use was again stopped. One hundred twenty grams a day was only half cf the original ration and BIBA also began to distribute 120 grams of camote with each 120 grams of rice at a price of P.65. Twa small camotes would weigh around 120 grams. But before the month was over, letters of complaint were beginning to appear in the “Public Pulse” column. One stated that of the camotes sold, about a third was “not fit even for hog-feed” and “we can not get our rice ration if we refuse to buy the rotten camotes”. Another letter asked: “Why does BIBA have to owe us always two to four days’ ration of rice?” The monthly PRIMCO rations had also again fallen several months behind, al though it was now only 31 centavos’ worth,—1 cake of laundry soap at 10 centavos, 200 grams of vegetable-lard at 15 centavos, and 2 boxes of matches at 3 centavos. Such letters of protest were appearing in the Tribune in a renewed Japanese campaign of innuendo reflecting on the Filipino officials. A news-story began: “Displaying greater efforts to insure a sufficient supply of rice in Manila, Food Administrator Jose G. Sanvictores left Monday for the Central Luzon provinces to supervise the procuring of the cereal for the Bigasang Bayan. . .” A Japanese columnist wrote: "The BIBA is still young as an organization and may still be ex periencing some difficulties to function smoothly. Yet if BIBA does not show efficiency very soon, it will be missing the best months of the year to be of good service to the people. . . It may be true that trans portation is a big problem. Yet before the BIBA worries about trans portation, it has to bring under its control sufficient stock to be distri buted. The first duty of the BIBA is to come into possession of the rice to be distributed. Is this primary duty being taken care of pro perly?” Scarcity of Other Foods.—What was true of rice, held true for other staples. Beef was selling at P17 a kilo, pork at P9, carabao meat at P8.50. A chicken cost P18, and it was explained that chickens were scarce because there was no chicken-feed. Pigs could not be kept because there were “no scraps frcm the table”. The use of cat meat in the restaurants was said to be resulting in a plague of rats. The eating of cat-meat was official approved by the Bureau of Health providing that it was not passed off for other meat. For two days in February, 1944, beef was sold in the Manila markets as a special treat at P6 a kilo, including bone. A family head, provided he could present a monpai (permit) signed by his neighborhood association leader, could buy 1 ,/2 kilo on having it checked by a representative of the Food Administration at the market. As for fish, the Food Administrator had ordered that bangus (a fish raised in artificial fish-ponds) could be sold only through the “Fish-Culture Federation” at a controlled price. Prices of other fish were supposedly fixed at from P2 to P8 a kilo according to kind. Ordinary bread was no longer obtainable and a clammy product made of lice and cassava and other substitute flours sold for P2 a very small loaf. It had been announced in January that the “Philippine Flour and Starch Manufacturers Associa tion” had been organized to take over the control of all raw materials and finished products. Coconut oil and its various products were practically unobtainable, yet the Tribune reported that copra production was increasing in the Visayas and Mindanao,— “indicating the widespread benefit of the expanding copra-buying program of the Japanese Army. . . The revival of the copra industry has kept 8 different oil factories in the Philippines working at full bla^t.” The price fixed by the Director of the Bureau of Com merce and Industry for native coffee was P33.50 a kilo. Vitamin tablets were selling for as much as Pl500 for 100 tablets. The 100 capsules of “Multiple Vitamin” included in the American Red Cross shipment distributed in the Santo Tomas internment camp at Christmas time changed hands at P500 inside the Camp. At Malacanan Palace it was announced that onecourse dinners would be served even on state occasions. Relief fund drives were undertaken, but the organized relief work actually amounted to little compared to the need. Around the first of the year, 75 free kitchens were said to be operating in Manila, serving 20,000 “depend ents”. The City of Manila operated 25, the Bureau of Public Welfare 11, the Philippine Red Cross 8, and the National Federation of Women’s Clubs 3. Said the Tri bune: “A New Year fraught with hope will dawn upon the thousands- of Manila’s poor as more community kitchens are installed.” 13 The community kitchens were closed during the second week of January, when BIBA resumed the distribution and sale of rice rations, and it was reported that during their period of operation at this time from December 28 to January 11, some 500,000 indigent persons had been “benefitted”, though the figures showed that the consump tion totalled only 1,141 cavans of rice, 5,650 cavans of camotes, and 403 kilos of salt. The Red Cross was reported to have extended relief to around 70,000 persons, or an average of 5,000 a week, from the second week in October to the second week of January. Among the “gifts” made to the Republic by Japan at the time of the inauguration, the Tribune reported the arrival of a shipment of “1,000,000 square yards of cotton textiles contained in 877 bales”? The paper said: ‘‘We as a people are moved to the depth by these acts of thought fulness and hope that we may all somehow succeed in coming to a proper appreciation of them to a point where we may show ourselves deserving of the generosity and equally eager to reciprocate in things more ger mane than lip-service.” According to an official statement, the cloth was dis tributed chiefly “in the provinces”. In Manila a 40-centavo shirt sold for P10, and a Filipino columnist in the Tribune chatted brightly about having refused “five crisp P10 bills” for an old pair of denim pants which had cost him Pl.90 before the war. A pair of locally made rubber shoes cost P20. Although the cloth ration tickets which had been issued to the public were not to expire until May 20, the City authorities in January, called upon the holders to surrender them “for the purpose of making an inventory and to separate good tickets from bad”. Later in the month, Mayor Guinto gave second-hand clothing peddlers three days to “liquidate their business”, after which, if they were still found on the streets, they would be arrested whether they had a license or not. This order was the result of a strange incident. A relative of a man who had recently been buried, recognized the suit he had been buried in being worn “by a well-dressed individual” on the street; the matter was investigated and it was found that the grave had been robbed and that the well dressed individual had in fact been wearing the dead man’s grave-clothes. General Conditions in Early 1944.—Sanitary con ditions in Manila, once the cleanest city in the Orient, were reported to be “deplorable”. Uncollected garbage strewed the streets, and the grounds around the Tutuban Railway Station were reported to have become a “public midden”. There was published complaint also of the stench around one of Manila’s finest bridges, the Quezon Bridge, now renamed “Mulawen”. Early in the year it was reported that the city authorities would “increase the number of push-carts in all the districts of the city for the collection of garbage.” The Japanese Tribune columnist said su periorly,— ‘‘We are under no obligation to keep Manila in the state the Spaniards and Americans had it in the past.” Hundreds of ill patients were turned away from the clinics and dispensaries as well as the hospitals for lack of facilities. House owners, on accepting new tenants, were demanding as much as a year’s rent in advance. A bicycle now sold for P2.000, and a carromata with horse and harness for P4.500. There were only a few trains a day to leave and enter the city, and though the Japanese Military still operated the railway system, there was an every-day high jacking and pilferage of baggage and freight by organized gangs in connivance with the railway employees. But transportation was so difficult that the trains nevertheless were crowded and people rode on the roofs of the cars and 5This was only a drop in the bucket. The normal Philippine consumption before the war was 13,000 bales a month. After the liberation, officers of several Chinese textile associations stated positively that there were no imports of textiles at all during the Japanese occupation for civilian use. The "gift” referred to, if it were made at all, must have consisted of previously seized local stocks. Simi lar Japanese “gifts” were stolen from Red Cross supplies sent to prisoners-of-war and internees. even on the locomotive; there were many fatal accidents which no one bothered even to mention. In February it was reported that “convoys of 15 to 20 push-carts, manned by strong men working in relays,” were bringing fire-wood into Manila from sources as distant as Pangasinan and even La Union. A carabao-cart at this time sold for P2.000 for the cart alone. “There was a living in the push-cart business,” observed a Tribune writer. Before the war, Luzon alone had 26,000 automo biles and 14,000 trucks in operation. But, said the Japanese columnist: ‘‘Even if we have to utilize pUsh-ca.ts and carabao-drawn vehicles * we would be doing nothing more than our [sic] ancestors used to do. What is the use of having a veneer of modernity if we can not overcome a little thing like ti ansportation difficulties?” Labor.—Another development early in the year 1944 was the division of the country into “labor districts under labor administrators” who, with the cooperation of gover nors and other provincial authorities were “looking after the welfare of the laboring classes.” Advertisements for labor appeared in the press from time to time, always by Japanese firms, offering free lodging, rations of rice and other commodities at control prices, with “good conditions” promised, but wages generally not mentioned. Bidding for boys and young men by the Army and Navy continued under the guise of offers of education and special training, such as that offered by the “Naval Technical Training School at the Cavite Navy Yard”. The “Naval Air Corps Technical Training School” also wanted boys between 14 and 19 years old and promised free training, free board, a free unifoim, cap, and shoes, and P10 a month in pocketmoney. The “Philippines Seamen’s Training Institute” also promised everything free, plus P12 a month pocketmoney. The miserable and starving population was now being constantly berated by the Japanese. “It is evident,” said a Japanese writer,— “that there are still some among us demented by the parasitic easy life we [sic] managed to live through sponging on America. Are we justified in blaming Nippon for our unpreparedness and inability to adjust our selves to the needs of an independent nation?” And again: “The shouts and complaints of‘dear living’, ‘rising prices’, ‘floods’, ‘insurgents’,—how mean-spirited they sound I Aren’t these difficulties the best touchstones [sic] for you to overcome as a test for an indepen dent nation? You would need to be ashamed if you should ever be daunted.” One S. Matsukawa was quoted as having made a statement that unintentionally revealed the continuing Japanese extortions despite the desperate shortages. He said, with reference to the Army and Navy’s “purchases” of food supplies: “They are wholesale purchases paid for at more than reason able prices. . . There is nothing sillier than that there should be com plaints brought against active demands for native agricultural pro ducts and manufactures. . . It seems about time that in sleuthing for the basic cause of the popular problem, the bloodhounds should be led to the doorstep of the people’s strange mentality, and not to the Japanese Forces for creating a market for the country’s produce. We do not ignore other factors contributing to the complications, such as the oppressive friar system of agrarian economy, the nefarious ac tivities of the profiteers, and the matter of transportation, but we will not discuss them here. Over and above the whole issue stands the bold and naked fact that the supply is not adequate to meet the de mand. This holds true with almost everything and is not confined to rice or to sugar or to the products of the sea. It is the fashion to lament the stoppage of pre-war imports, rather than to awaken <o the golden opportunity made available by the tremendous demands for substitutes that the suspension of foreign trade had created. The solution is to produce and produce. . . But the people of Manila, for instance, prefer to ‘buy and sell’ or cleverly skulk in inactivity, day dreaming of the triumphant return of the Americans, unashamedly unmindful of their forefathers’ 400-year struggle to become indepen dent.” The Japanese were not devouring all the people’s substance. . .oh, no; they were creating a market and buying wholesale and paying more than reasonable prices! 14 And this was to make up for the “suspended foreign trade and the stoppage of imports”! It was all a golden op portunity ! The Japanese Fear of American Bombs, the People's Hope.—Long before the first American bombs were dropped on Manila in September, the Japanese were expecting this form of attack. As early as January 23, 1944, the Tribune's Japanese columnist wrote: “There is not a spot on the globe which is absolutely safe from air raids. If our psychology is normalized, it should give us enough com monsense not to let anything we must do for our safety left undone. What we need are calmness and confidence which will enable us to prepare against any possibility without becoming jittery about it.” But it was the Japanese who were jittery, not the Filipinos; their attitude toward the prospective attack was not at all satisfactory to the Japanese. Two days later, the same writer said: “When the sc/ibe wrote in the Sunday issue that we should prepare and train ourselves to behave properly in case we have an air-raid, he knew that some people who can not think straight will twist the meaning of his warning. . . The scribe wants to stress today that he wrote his Sunday column in spite of the danger of being misunderstood. . . Only those who are naively ignorant can be unwarrantedly optimistic about being absolutely safe from air attacks. The designs and construction of warplanes are being improved monthly. We may be too far away from anti-Axis air bases today, but who can deny the possibility to morrow of building the type of plane which can fly act oss the Pacific and back." The “scribe” was not admitting that the Philippines could be bombed from bases much nearer than the other side of the Pacific.6 Public spirits were so obviously rising with all this that the Tribune next printed a Domei story from a “Japanese base in the South Pacific”, headed: “Two Craft Downed by Rice-Cakes”. The “fast-thinking crewmen” of a Japanese plane which had run out of am munition and was being pursued by two enemy fighters, had thrown some Japanese rice-cakes at them at the “psy chological moment”. The enemy pilot in the first pursuit plane, mistaking the rice-cakes for hand-grenades, swerved sharply and, as he was flying low, his plane plunged into a “watery grave”. The second enemy plane, flying close behind, in trying to avoid a collision, also plunged into the sea. “City to.Hold Practice Blackouts” was a headline on February 1, and a Tribune writer made the sage comment that he saw no harm in such practice, “unless some people carry the exercise too far and blackout their mind and reason also.” But a few days later it was reported that the blackout practice had been indefinitely postponed. The Japanese had had some second thoughts, and one of them had asked: “ Is the police department ready to preserve peace and order in the darkness? Are the neighborhood associations in various sections of the city properly instructed to carry out the drill?” The Philippines, alas, still had to undergo much suffer ing before the first bombs fell in Manila, seven months later. The Puppet Government begins to Fall Apart.— The puppet government was falling apart and government officials and employees were walking off with what re mained of government property. Laurel was compelled in April to send a memorandum to the Auditor-General pro hibiting the “purchase of government property, national, provincial, and municipal, by government officers and employees” and ordering the return to the government of “properties acquired after the occupation of Manila at their.book value for sentimental and other reasons.” “The purchase of public property is considered by the President as not only prejudicial to public interests but also immoral and repre hensible, considering that thesfe properties could no longer be acquired and their prices have increased at least ten-fold.” A month later, Laurel issued an order stating that government officials who absented themselves for more "The Americans landed on Kwajalein, in the Marshalls, on January 31 and they invaded the Admiralty Islands beginning February 29. than a total of 10 days a month without prior permission, except in case of illness, would be “automatically separated from the service for abandonment of duty.” In February Laurel had raised the minimum salary of government employees to P70 a month and the pay of government laborers to P2.40 a day, but what did such increases amount do when the P10 and even P50 army notes had become small change? In May Laurel announced that the Japanese Army would place Pl00 notes in circula tion to “facilitate financial transactions”. Seme months later a flood of P500 notes was issued. Meanwhile the Philippine National Bank was reported to have subscribed for the full amount of the first P20,000,000 cf the projected Pl00,000,000 government bond issue, but Minister of Finance de las Alas recommended that the Bank take only some P6,500,000 worth “to accommodate other bidders and subscribers”. In April a “Philippine Gratitude Mission” was taken to Tokyo, headed by Speaker Aquino, the other members impressed being Yulo, de las Alas, Alunan, and Osias. The members of the mission were received by the Emperor, and they even had a luncheon in the Palace; Aquino was decorated and afterward was reported to have made a speech in which he said that the Anglc-American military operations were an “impossible enterprise” and that a “new dawn” was breaking over the Orient “with the Fili pinos united with the Japanese and other East Asians for the quick realization of final victory.” From Tokyo, the mission was taken to Hsinking, where it was received by the puppet Emperor of Manchukuo. Returned to Manila, Aquino held forth on the great Manchukuoan army, trained and equipped by Japan, and the Tribune chimed in: “For any East Asian to sit in the grandstand, is just as bad as sitting on the fence. We can not live and fight for our ideal unless we are ready to die for it.” The Filipinos, however, were not properly stirred, and the Tribune observed, darkly: "There is something radically wrong with the minds which wait for poachers and intruders to come back.” In May, Laurel by executive order granted the Kalibapi a new charter which converted it from a “non-political service organization” into the “sole political organization in the country to back the Government.” Laurel reap pointed Aquino Vice-President and Director-General; Osias, who had headed the old Kalibapi after Aquino had been elected Speaker, was now appointed Minister of Edu cation. The “no-party” government had now become a “one-party” government, theoretically speaking, but under the circumstances it made no difference; the government remained the instrument, unwilling though it was, of the conquerors. Aquino was reported to have “explained why the Imperial Japanese Forces were still in the Philippines” and to have pointed out that— “the Philippines is still too weak to guarantee that the Americans would not come back to these Islands, and as Japan has made great sacrifices to drive the Americans away, she naturally feels that she must defend the Philippines at all costs and thus perpetuate the Re public implanted here.” Things were not going well even in the Constabulary, on which such a large proportion of the revenues was being spent and which the Japanese had hoped to transform into the nucleus of an anti-American army. The base pay had been raised from P40 to P60 a month, which, together with a bonus, brought the total pay to P96. And in May, the “Military Order of Tirad Pass” was instituted, one man being decorated with the Order because he had lost a leg in operations against “bandits” in Oriental Misamis, at the cost of which injury he had “succeeded in rescuing the Japanese soldiers who were members of the expedition amidst a rain of enemy [guerrilla | bullets.” The Order was named after the pass in the mountains of Luzon where in 1899 the young General Gregorio del Pilar-made a last 15 16 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January, 1953 heroic stand in covering the flight of General Emilio Aguinaldo, his bravery being cited in American dispatches of the time. Tirad Pass is a sacred symbol in Philippine * history; now it was degraded to the purposes of the Ja panese. As a crowning insult, the Order was posthumously bestowed on del Pilar himself. In June, however, it was reported that the Constabulary was being “purged” of many enlisted men, and over a score of officers, 60 years of age or older, were also “retired”, though the retirement age was 65. That same month a “Bureau of Investigation” was established by executive order to “carry on the purge of undesirable elements in the Government.” The Tribune stated: “Our authorities need to be careful in picking agents and other minions whom they entrust with weapons and clothe with power”. Crime, indeed, inside and outside of the Government, inside and outside of the new Constabulary, rose to heights previously unimaginable (as aside from the honorable treason against the at least ostensibly treasonable govern ment,— this ever more confounding the confusion). Official extortion and brutality; private thievery, robbery, and murder; quasi-judicial “executions” of collaborators and supposed collaborators by the guerrillas,—the lawlessness knew no bounds. Practice blackouts which had finally been begun in May, were soon held only on moonlit nights because Japanese soldiers and civilians and Japanese “sym pathizers” were murdered in the streets on every such occasion. Savage reprisals were resorted to by the agencies of the “law”. “Punishment worse than death” was advocated in the Tribune, and it said: “It is useless to appeal to the conscience of those who have lost it. We must stimulate their sense of pain.” There was a constant invasion and searching of private homes as well as searching of pedestrians on the streets. More and more young men of prominent families were taken into various Japanese “training” institutes oi were sent to Japan as “pensionados of the Republic”, but .ac tually as hostages to keep their fathers in line. The writer, shortly after the liberation, saw a letter from Laurel, himself, addressed to Recto and dated May 5, in which he stated, quoting from an official report: “There never has been a time in the history of our country. . .when the people have been so alienated from the Government as now.” The Perpetual Problem of Rice.—But “hoarding”, especially of rice, was still the greatest crime from the Japanese viewpoint. Stated a Tribune editorial: “Hoarding is not only a hostile act to the Nippon Army, but a traitorous act to our own country. . . It should be obvious that this is no time to be showing legal mercy to those guilty of treason.” The Japanese had seen to it that Manuel Roxas be came a member of the Independence Preparatory Com mission; in April, Laurel persuaded him to accept the Chair manship of the new Economic Planning Board he had created and of which Food Administrator Sanvictores was the Executive Officer; other members were Quirino, ViceChairman, Yulo, de las Alas, Alunan, Paredes, Unson, Paez, Corpus, Encarnacion, and Rodriguez. Roxas was quoted as saying “in his first public statement under the new regime”: ‘.‘Perhaps the most pressing problem that confronts the cpuntry at this time is the food problem. When I was asked to assist the Govern ment in the solution of this problem, I heeded the call because I believe no Filipino can decline, under the circumstances now obtaining, to do what lies in his power to ameliorate the sufferings of thousands of people due to insufficiency and maldistribution of food supplies. . . I have accepted the Chairmanship of the Economic Planning Board despite my poor health that I may assist in supplying the food requirements of the people, particularly all those who are incapable of buying food at the prohibitive prices actually prevailing. I am glad to have the collaboration of such eminent Filipinos as those who have been ap pointed members of the Planning Board.” Meanwhile the equivocally named “Philippine Food stuff Association” had been dissolved “upon order of the Military Authority” and had been “reorganized into the Gunkanri Syokuryo Kaisha (Army-Administered Food stuff Company).” A week later, Roxas was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of BIBA; Encarnacion, Alunan, Paez, and Sanvictores were simultaneously named members. The Planning Board soon made certain recom mendations which were approved by Laurel: “The President has approved recommendations of the Economic Planning Board regarding the free entry of rice into the city under a licensing system and the lifting of restrictions on the free movement, sale, and distribution of rice and corn throughout the Philippines. . The President in line with this policy has issued Executive Order No. 49 suspending the provisions of Ordinance No. 1, effective April 20, 1944. Under the new order, restrictions on the free movement, sale, and distribution of rice are temporarily suspended except in the Armycontrolled areas comprising the provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Cotabato.” (To be continued) cenator Claro M. Rectc, who, at the writer’s request, was kind enough to go over the draft of the “Short History. . . Period of the Japanese Occupa tion,” offered some comment which, with respect to the first instalment, published in the December issue of the Journal, reached the Journal office too late, but with respect to the present instalment, the following will be of great interest to the reader: On the “Pact of Alliance”: “The ‘Pact of Alliance’ was brought from Tokyo and presented to the Filipinos already printed, sealed, and prepared for signing, down to the last detail. No changes were allowed or made. The signing took place in Malacanang.” On the establishment of an “independent republic”: “ It was believed that the establishment of an independent republic, even if only in form, would enable the Filipino leaders to perform their mission of protecting the people more effectively, since the Japanese, would be compelled to recognize the reality of their own creation. This belief turned out to be correct, at least on the higher levels of govern ment, although, of course, the Japanese military’s ruthlessness was unaffected and remained beyond effective control in the barrios. “The main defense of the Filipino leaders in the occupation govern ment was the American doctrine of suspended sovereignty. The defense of‘duress’ or ‘irresistible force’ was implied in the very fact of military occupation by the enemy. Here again the opinion of American and other publicists is impressive.” (Senator Recto quotes numerous American and other authorities, which quotations can not be given here for lack of space.) On the Japanese “bodyguards”: “The standing of these Japanese ‘bodyguards’ depended on the individual sympathies and strength of character of the officials in volved. In my case, at least, the ‘bodyguard’ ate in the kitchen with the servants.” On the “Confidential Agreement”: “This is the first time I have heard of these agreements.” On President Laurel’s address to the Assembly on the opening of the first regular session: “I believe Dr. Laurel’s appeal was sincere, outspoken, daring in the circumstances, and extremely well received by the Filipinos in the audience.” HALL, PHOKNELL, OKTIGAS & CO. INVESTMENT BROKERS, DEALERS & UNDERWRITERS MEMBERS 201 AYALA BLDG. MANILA STOCK EXCHANGE MANILA The Business View A monthly review of facts, trends, forecasts, by Manila businessmen The Government From Official Sources DECEMBER 2 — President Elpidio Quirino administers the oath of office to Feliciano Bauso as a member of the board of governors of the Agricultural Credit and Financing Administration and also addresses 450 ACCFA “trainees” from among whom cooperatives organizers and loan officers will be chosen. Bauso was chosen “model farmer” in 1936 in connection with the first anniversary of the Com monwealth. The President signs Proclamation No. 537 reserving 25,475 hec tares in the municipalities of Tanay and Montalban, Rizal, for agri cultural settlement purposes and also orders that 10,000 hectares be set aside for veterans; the area will be opened up by the projected road connection Tanay, Montalban, and Santa Maria. The Cabinet discusses measures to supervise the local manufacture of drugs following reports of instances that the use of some of these preparations have proved injurious, as stated in a recent address by Dr. Vicente R. de Ocampo, President of the Philippine Federation of Private Medical Practicioners. Secretary of Health Dr. Juan Salcedo, Ji. reiterates his recommendation made to President Quirino in Sept ember of this year that the Department of Health be given authority to “supervise, regulate, and control the importation, sale, or distribu tion of any medicine, drug, pharmaceutical, chemical, antibiotic or biological preparation, or any new drug that might be subsequently imported”, and also recommends that the Secretary of Health be authorized to “control and regulate the sale of locally manufactured drugs, biologicals, chemicals, and. or other medical preparations.” Secretary Marciano Roque informs the President that convicted outlaw Kamlon and his 23 followers accepted the parole terms today. The President gives a luncheon in honor of Vice-President Fer nando Lopez who returned yesterday from a 3-month world tour. Dec. 3 — The President instructs the board of directors of the National Rice and Com Corporation to dismiss from office eleven offi cials and employees and the suspension and reprimand of others found guilty of various irregularities, as recommended by Administrator of Economic Coordination M. J. Cuenco, following an investigation ordered by the President last September. Dec. 4 — The President inspects the Bicol region from the air and is shocked by the destruction caused by the recent typhoons; landing at Legaspi he is met by Albay officials and others from Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, and Masbate, and in their presence signs an executive order reducing the 1952 taxes on all real property in Albay and promises he will sign a similar order for the other provinces. Upon instructions from the President, the Board of Trustees of the Government Service Insurance System reconsiders it previous deci sion and approves the granting of Christmas dividends to more than 150,000 members of the System. Dec. 5 — The President has a breakfast conference with Henry Luce, publisher of Time and Life, who is on a study tour of free Asian countries; Luce was accompanied to Malacanan by Robert Neville, Time and Life correspondent in Hongkong, and Miss Bessie Hackett, local correspondent. The Cabinet approves the granting of Christmas bonuses of 20% of their monthly salaries to the employees receiving P200 a month or less in all government-owned or controlled corporations which have made profits during the year. Secretary of Foreign Affairs reports to the Cabinet on. a proposal of the Japanese Government to send from 30 to 50 salvage experts together with the necessary equipment to survey and salvage the sunken ships in Manila Bay. “Under the provisions of Article 14 of the Treaty, Japan is obligated to make this survey and total salvage free of any cost to the Government of the Philippines. The Philippine Government in tum will be free to dispose of the snap iron either locally or outside”. Dec. 6 — The President instructs Secretary of Public Works Pablo Lorenzo to proceed with the construction of the two wings of the grandstand on the Luneta and to have it completed in time for the next July 4 celebration. Dec. 8 — The President fines Director Cirio H. Panganiban of the Institute of National Language 10 days pay for teaching during office hours and issues a general warning to bureau officials that they may not engage in outside activities during office hours. The President presides over the opening ceremonies of the phar maceutical exhibition at the Santo Tomas University and shows great interest in the locally manufactured drugs and cosmetics displayed by various companies, including the Modern Pharmaceutical Products, Far Eastern Drug Company, United Drug, Cathay Company, TikiTiki Manuel Zamora, Cromwell Cosmetics, Dana Beauty Products, Doctors Pharmaceuticals, Hizon Laboratory, Metro Drug Company, Orejanos products, Squibb & Sons, A. T. Suaco & Company. Representative Ombra Amilbangsa of Sulu reports to Secretary Roque that peace and orders is being restored in Jolo and that Kamlon is succeeding in persuading his fellow Moros to surrender their loose firearms. Dec. 9 — Announced that the National Planning Commission will hold hearings on December 10 and 17 on the proposed adoption of regulations governing gasoline stations in Manila and on the proposed adoption of a uniform width for M. H. del Pilar Street from San Luis Street to Harrison Boulevard. Dec. 11 —The President authorizes the acceptance of a proposal for the erection of a statue of General Douglas MacArthur in Manila to be finanepd from funds raised in the United States. He also approves the establishment in Manila of an Institute of Public Administration, recommended by President Vidal Tan of the University of the Philippines. The Institute will be housed in Rizal Hall, one of the former and partially destroyed buildings of the Univer sity, the reconstruction of which is to be financed by the Philippine Council for United States Aid which had allotted P750.000 for the purpose. The President in a letter to Secretary of Health Salcedo, signed on his behalf by Secretary Roque, authorizes and directs the Secretary of Health “to supervise, regulate, and control the preparation and. or sale of locally manufactured drugs, biologicals, chemicals, and other medicinal preparations and the sale of those imported into the country” and to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to imple ment the directive. The President issues Executive Order No. 551 remitting by 50% the 1952 taxes on real properties in Legaspi City on condition that all unpaid taxes and penalties corresponding to 1951 and previous years and the remaining 50% of the 1952 taxes be paid on or before December 31, 1952. Budget Commissioner Pio Joven releases a list of serial numbers of government treasury warrants recently lost in various government bureaus and offices,—Bureau of Posts * , Socjal Welfare Administration, Bureau of Private Schools, Bureau of Public Works, Bureau of Supply, and the Philippine Navy, requesting that the bureaus and offices con cerned be notified if any of them are found or are presented for encash ment. December 12 — The President inaugurates the new San Juan de Dios Hospital on Dewey Boulevard. Dec. 13 — The President issues a statement on the death of Am bassador Jose P. Melencio from a heart attack in Tokyo yesterday stating that this was a great shock to him and that he “passed away when we needed his invaluable services most in our negotiations. . . with Japan.” Dec. 15 — The President confers on board the yacht Apo with Gen. Albert Pierson, Chief of the Joint United States Militaiy Advisory Group to the Philippines (JUSMAG). Later he receives Sulu Governor Gulamu Rasul who reports that some 50 families have indicated their intention to settle on Tawi-Tawi, the island where Kamlon and his men will be re-settled; the Governor recommends the release of P100.000 for clearing the settlement area and building roads. Nicanor Roxas, Malacanan technical assistant in charge of the Barangay Association, in a press statement “discounts the fears and criticisms in certain quarters that the reactivation of the organization will be used to further the political ambitions of the Administration." Philippine International Fair, Inc. Officers Directors Cornelio Balmaceda, Chairman Antonio de las Alas, Vice-Chairman Santiago F. de la Cruz, Treasurer Cornelio Enriquez, Assistant-Treasurer Jaime Hernandez and Company, Auditors Cornelio Balmaceda Antonio de las Alas Santiago F. de la Cruz Jose P. Marcelo John T. Taylor Eduardo Taylor Alfonso Z. SyCip Arsenio N. Luz, Director-General of the 1953 Philippines International Fair 17 Dec. 16 — The President orders the Public Service Commission “to look into the reportedly high cost of electric light energy despite the fact that the National Power Corporation is selling its electricity * to companies holding franchises for as low as 2 centavos for every kilo watt hour. . . People in residential houses in Manila at present pay an average of P.20 per kilowatt hour foi the first 30 KWH.” The President at a meeting of the Council of State brings up the reports from Washington that the Republican Administration will be favorable toward the possible negotiation of a Pacific Pact; the possi bility of holding a South East Asia conference in the Philippines to follow up the Baguio Conference of 1950, is discussed, and the President directs Secietary Elizalde to confer on the matter with John Foster Dulles, Secretary of State designate, who is expected to be in Manila about the middle of February on a tour of Southeast Asia. The Pres ident also suggests that the Philippines take a definite stand, biparti san, if necessary, with respect to a revision of the Bell Trade Act, and directs Secretary of Finance Aurelio Montinola, Chairman of the 15man committee on the revision of the Act, to review its studies and make the necessary recommendations; the President states he will act on the assumption that the United States is willing to revise the Bell Act. Secretary Montinola states that both the report of the 15-man committee and a report on the subject by the National Economic Coun cil are now ready. Dec. 19 — Secretary Elizalde receives Mr. Eiji Wajima, Chief of the Asian Affairs Bureau of the Japanese Foreign Office, accompanied by Mr. Toru Nakagawa, Chief of the Japanese Mission in Manila, for an exchange of views on the question of reparations. “The meeting which lasted for exactly two hours was characterized by frankness and cordiality. It began with an assurance from the Japanese group of their desire to arrive at a satisfactory and early solution of the problem involved.” After the meeting, the Japanese paid their respects to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, and left their cards at Malacanan Palace. Secretary Roque hands down a ruling declaring that an ordinance adopted by the Municipal Council of Ormoc City imposing fees on the loading and transportation of livestock from that city to other munici palities is null and void as such an imposition is of the nature of an export tax and therefore lacks statutory authority. Budget Commissioner Joven releases a list of 200 more treasury warrants, 183 from the Office of the Board of Pensions for Veterans and 17 from the Bureau of Forestry, which have been lost. Dec. 20 — The President addresses a group of officials of the De partment of National Defense, a number of members of Congress, and high officers of the Philippine Armed Forces, praising them for their excellent work in maintaining peace and order and insuring clean elec tions, but warns that the Army must keep away from politics or do anything to arouse the suspicion that it will be utilized “to enhance the political prestige or political ambition of some party or people.” “I do not seek personal loyalty to me. No matter who gets hurt, main tain clean elections,” he said. Gen. Calixto Duque states that the Army has mapped out. a campaign for the coming year with respect to the Huks “in full confidence that it will be finished in about 6 months.” Dec. 21 — The body of the late Ambassador Melencio is brought to Manila in a Japanese airplane. Dec. 23 — The President creates a 15-man committee headed by Secretary Elizalde, to' consider the proposal submitted by the Japa nese Government in connection with the reparations question. The President issues an executive order reducing the 1952 taxes on all real pioperty in the province of the Catanduanes, similar to that issued in favor of the province of Albay. Dec. 27 — The President receives Mr. Henry J. Brunnier, President of Rotary International. Banking and Finance By W. M. Simmons Manager The National City Bank of New York COMPARATIVE statement of condition of the Central Bank: P793.629 P942.987 P933.349 P918.208 As of Dec. 31 As of Sept. 30 As of. Oct. 31 . As of Nov. 28 ASSETS‘ 1949 1952 1952 1952 (In thousand of Pesos) International Reset ve.............. P460.689 P476.146 P472.919 P457.172 Contribution to International Monetary Fund..................... 30,000 30,000 30,000 30,000 Accpunt to Secute Coinage.. . 113,306 107,570 107,570 107,570 Loans and Advances................ 77,047 48,055 48,195 50,180 Domestic Securities.................. 92,197 231,650 231,882 231,858 Trust Account—Securities Stabilization Fund............... — — — — Other Assets............................... 20,390 49,566 42,783 41,428 LIABILITIES Currency —Notes...................... Coins. .................... Demand Deposits—Pesos. . . . Securities Stabilization Fund.. Due to International Mone tary Fund............................... Due to International Bank for Reconstruction and De velopment ................................ Other Liabilities.................... Deferred Credits........................ Capital.......................................... Undivided Profits...................... Surplus.......................................... P555.576 P527.147 P530.688 P546.280 74,384 91,073 90,689 90,310 117,682 274,797 266,977 235,135 2,000 12,233 12,233 12,233 22,498 496 496 496 2,389 2,383 2,383 2,383 2,636 8,331 2,365 2,811 — 2,448 3,055 3,652 10,000 10,000 10,000 10,000 6,464 6,947 7,331 7,776 — 7,132 7,132 7,132 P793.629 P942.987 P933.349 P918.208 npHE country’s international reserves, exclusive of funds due to or from Japan under the Japan-Philippine Financial Trade Agreement, increased by $872,481 and stood at $300,244,505 as of the end of November. While the Central Bank’s international reserve decreased by $7,873,471, net foreign exchange holdings of other banks increased by $8,745,952. Loans and advances continued their upward trend. The figure on November 28, 1952, was P50,180,000, up 4% from the previous month, a total increase of 135% since June 30, 1952. Money in circulation increased from P621,377,000 in October to P636,590,000 in November, but there was a decrease in demand deposits from P266.976,000 to P235,135,000, during the same period. The cash position of banks continues easy and in some quarters quotations for renewals of time money range between 2% and 3%. Loan rates are 5%-6%. The general business situation appears to have im proved somewhat during the past thirty days as the holi day season approaches. Sales of textiles, in particular, are holding up well and collections of late are being paid without undue delay. Low stocks reported by some large importers reflect small import quotas they have received and are not an indication of heavy sales. Foreign trade of the Philippines for the first 9 months of 1952, according to figures obtained from the Bureau of Census and Statistics, showed an adverse trade balance of Pl51,000,000 (imports totalled P688,000,000 against exports of P537,000,000). Last year the deficit was P8,000,000 for the same period. The gap between imports and exports widened due principally to the material drop in prices of copra and hemp. While principal export prices have increased generally since October, it is believed the favorable effect will not be substantial enough to offset the adverse trade balance accumulated. Even with smaller dollar allocations for import during the second half of this year, the end of 1952 should again see a trade deficit, al though not as large as that recorded during the first nine months. (Note: The information contained herein has been derived from responsible sources, but the National City Bank of New York assumes no responsability for its accuracy. ) Manila Stock Market By A. C. Hall Hall, Picomell, Ortigas & Co. November 29 to December 26 THE past month’s trading has been the smallest in a long time. Small tax-selling was absorbed by modest investment demand, while non-resident buying ab sorbed selling of golds for switching to base metal issues. Conflicting cross currents in the economic sphere were principally responsible for the very restricted turnover. While such negative factors as poor general business condi tions, restrictive credit facilities, and the often mentioned unsatisfactory situation of the gold mining industry con18 tinue to restrain trading at present, they are not new, consequently are unlikely to exert further effect on prices. In these circumstances, investors incline to turn their thoughts more to the future, and to ignore the present. In this process, there is some tendency to focus attention on the continued degree of inflation in the country’s general price structure, and to note that the tight money policy of the past 18 months has contributed only to a negligible decline in the cost of living. This inevitably raises the question that if further deflation is not possible, and indeed it would not appear to be a politically attractive basis of campaign for the 1953 Presidential election, then, as time goes on, the inflationary aspects of the general situation may receive more attention and lead to stimulated equity buying, as a hedge against future uncertainties. The price of gold in the local free market has registered a steady though modest rise during the period of this review, with opening sales around P106.50 and closing sales at Pl 10 per fine ounce. In the commercial and industrial section of the market, quietly steady conditions have prevailed with renewed investment attention for San Miguel common stock fol lowing declaration of a year-end 20% stock dividend. Sugar shares were neglected with buyers reserved. Fixed interest securities were very quiet and easier. 27.50 25.00 0.0925 0.012 1.46 0.96 36.00 22.00 101.00 93.00 108.00 102.00 16.00 13.50 7.00 6.00 Philippine Guaranty Co., Inc................... 25.50 25.50 25.50 Philippine Oil Deve lopment Co., Inc.............. 045 .039 .039 Philippine Racing Club, Inc........................ 96 .96 .96 San Miguel Brewery, com. xx................... J29.S0 28.50 29.50 San Miguel Brewery, 7% pref.................. 101.00 101.00 101.00 San Miguel Brewery, 8% pref.................. 108.00 106.00 106.00 Univ. Ins. fit In demnity Co.x......... — — 12.00b Williams Equipment, com., Co................. — — 6.05b x Ex-Dividend xx Ex-Stock Dividend T Bond sales reported in units of P100. O VER- THE- CO UNTER 1951-53 Range High Low MINING SHARES High Low Close Change Total Sales 131.53 88.11 0 0 7 315 0 0925 0 155 028 0 06 2 0 0036 5 0 3 0 0 0 29 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 075 96 05 43 M.S.E. Mining Share Acoje Mining Co....... Antamok Goldfields. . Atok Big Wedge Min ing Co..................... Baguio Gold Mining 98 22 19 046 92 94 19 043 97 Off Up 06 19 -r 043a Up 1.27 .015 .003 12,252,122 65,000 142,512 2 80 2 10b Off 2,200 Up .50 Off .006 Up .50 Off 2.00 Company High Low Credit Corporation of the Philippines............. P6.00 P6.00 Manila Jockey Club........................................ 2.30 2.30 Nielson & Company, Inc................................. .01 .01 Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., com. stock................................................... 190.00 160.00 Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., 6% bonds (1966)................................................ 99.00 99.00 Tabacalera, 6% bonds (1962)....................... 100.00 100.00 Union Management........................................ .01 .01 301 3,430,000 1,100 24,813 15 149 Close Sales P6.00 Pll 2.30 647 .01 82,000 190.00 70 99.00 1,000.00 100.00 P38.000.00 .01 r 24,800 Credit By C. W. Muilenburg Manager, Credit and Collection Department International Harvester Company of Philippines THE Association of Credit Men, Inc. (P.I.) reported an active membership at year-end 1952, of 76 members, as compared to a total of 68 at year-end 1951. The Association is presently in the process of consoli dating a resume of salary levels for various employee classi fications. The survey data is being sent to members on a reciprocal basis. The Association is also consolidating information resulting from a survey of members having to do with premiums and incentives to encourage payment cf accounts. This survey, when qompleted, will show what benefits are being extended to customers for prompt and satisfactory payments and what penalties are being and can be imposed for non-payment and delayed payment. These two surveys are among the many services performed by the Association during the past year for the benefit of members in addition to the normal primary services, which continue. The primary service is the operation of the Ledger Interchange Bureau for the processing of names to establish pertinent ledger information for credit purposes. The Eastern Inspection Bureau, which has, except during the war years, been operating a commercial credit reporting service since 1939, has announced to its clients an additional credit-information service and some revisions and reductions in certain service charges. The Eastern Inspection Bureau has a large number of local clients and serves as correspondent for various leading commercial reporting firms abroad; it has not only a full-time staff of street-men in Manila, but also has available the services of correspondents throughout the Islands, and can also arrange for reports from any part of the world. Credit men reported the circulation of money as slightly improved in December but noted that for the most part money was used for special or holiday buying rather than payment of trade accounts. Bank withdrawals in December were heavy, as is usual in that month, but credit men noted no improvement in collections. With some recovery noted in copra and sugar exports picking up, and with further sugar activity expected to build up to a peak in a couple of months, copra and sugar men, planters, tenants, millers, and others are optimistic. There has been no improvement in lumber, but slight im provement, at least temporarily, in rattan. Import trad ing continues fairly heavy. Resumption of certain govern ment credits for building and construction is stimulating 50,000 3,300 065 70 07 70 07 70 Up Up .01 .15 60 Balatoe Mining Co.... 0013 Batong Buhay Gold Benguet Consolidated Coco Grove, Inc........ Consolidated Mines, Incjt........................ Hixbar Gold Mining Co............................ 0625 Itogon Mining Co.. .. 59 024 09 06 16 0 0 0 0 0 1275 0 3 26 20 3 0016 80 3 025 0013 50 3 02 Up Off.0002 .20 .002 0 32 0 17 04 037 04 1,500,000 0 0 305 13 0 0 185 04 1951-53 Range High Low ... — - — .00 High - 143.00 105 22.00 15.00 100.00 12 00 15 00 75 00 171.00 100 00 00 SO.00 30 00 325.00 320 12.00 27.50 12.00 0.36 5.50 0.12 0.12 00 10 00 25 8..'30. 0 25 3 20 0 085 0 085 00 23.00 20 7.50 5 50 00 I.X.L. Mining Co.’. ’ Lepanto Consolidated! Maabate Consolidated MindanaoMotherLode Paracale Gumaus Philippine Iron Mines, San Mauricio Mining Co............................ Surigao Consolidated!. United Paracale Mink—Ex-Dividend 18 0725 075 84 04 1225 16 0675 07 80 032 11 16 07 07 84 032 12 Off Up Off Up Off 105a 2.45 .205 .225 2.20 .17 .215 .04 2 45 Up COMMERCIAL SHARES Bank of the Philippine Blnalbagan-Isabela SuBogo-Medellin Milling Co............................ Central Azucarera de Centrai Azucarera de la Cariota............... Central Azucarera de Pilar........................ Central Azucarera de China Banking CorpoCia. de Celulosa de Pilipinas.................. Fil. Cia. de Segurosx Industrial Textiles Mfg. Co. P.I.......... Manila Broadcasting Co............................ Manila Wine MerMayon Metal, Class May on Metal, Class Meralco, 6-1/ 2 % . / ! Metropolitan InsurPasudeco..................... Philippine Air Lines, Inc........................... .19 .215 .04 Off — 130 00b 20 00b 15 00a 70 00b 105.00 100.00 105 38.00 12.00 10.00 .25 3.50 00 38.00 38 00 — 280 9.90 .25 3.50 00b 12 23 00 00b 10 25 3 50 105.50 105.50 105 11a 50 — 150 — 21 00b 00b 6.00 6.00 Up Off Up .04 .005 .005 .02 .0025 .15 .02 .50 T 45,770 110,330 < 259,250 330 1,950 5,000 20 300 19 that trade, putting money in the pockets of laborers. This should stimulate not only building, but also related and general trading. If the individual income-tax rate is not extended for 1953, the individual will have more money left over. This should improve individual dealings. Often at year-end, optimism is expressed for the new year. At year-end 1952 there seems some reasonable basis for optimism, and trading in the first semester of 1953 is expected to be better than the last semester of 1952. Th_re are several stimulants to be noted and there should be more movement of inventory, a thawing out of funds, and a consequent general improvement in collections. Electric Power Production (Manila Electric Company System) By R. J. Baker Comptroller, Manila Electric Company 1941 Average —16,316,000 KWH Kilowatt Hou rs 1952 1951 January.......................................................... 45,152,000 40,713,000 February........................................................ 42,450,000 37,066,000 March............................................................. 45,128,000 40,117,000 April................................................................ 42,798,000 39,197,000 May................................................................. 45,580,000 40,405,000 June................................................. ............... 45,223,000 40,712,000 July................................................................. 47,542,000 42,041,000 August............................................................ 47,988,353 42,817,000 September...................................................... 47,216,626 41,852,000 October........................................................... 50,072,814 44,017,000 November...................................................... 47,652,673 * 42,628,000 December...................................................... 50,494,000 ** 45,655,000 Total......................................... 557,297,446 497,211,000 ••Partially estimated A new monthly output record was set in December in spite of four holidays; it was 50,494,000 kwh, or 10.6% above December, 1951. The maximum indicated peak-load was 125,000 kw on December 31. This compares with 114,100 kw on December 24, 1951. Total output for the year exceedtd 1951 by 60,086,000 kwh, or 12%. The maximum daily output this year occurred on December 24, and amounted to 1,884,600 kwh. One of the new 4,000 kw units at Blaisdell Station was put in service on December 23. The other is expected to be in operation by January 15. A tract of 10,936 square meters in Baranca, Mandaluyong, sold by Ortigas, Madrigal y Cia. to Abbott Laboratories, for P109.360; A tract of 19,668 square meters in Quezon City, sold by Teodoro M. Kalaw, Jr. to Clemencia B. Vda. de Villongco, for P108.174; A property with a lot of 3,019 square meters in Forbes Park Sub division, Makati, sold by Augustus S. Trippe to Manuel Galatas, for P95.000; A property with a lot of 4,103.8 square meters on Inverness Street, Sta. Ana, spld by Stewart Tait to Ajax International Corporation, for P92.335; and A property with a lot of 224.9 square meters on Azcarraga Street, Sta. Cruz, sold by Elias Avante to Jose A. V. Corpus, for P90.000. ■p eal estate mortgages registered in the Greater Manila area during the month of December numbered 498, with a total value of P9,463,181, as compared with 614, with a total value of ?8,961,399, registered during the preceding month of November. Of the December total, 201, with a total value of P5,377,494, represented deals within Manila proper, while 297, with a total value of P4,085,687, were mortgages in Quezon City, Pasay City, and in the suburban towns of Caloocan, Makati, Malabon, Navotas, Mandaluyong, Paranaque, and San Juan. REAL ESTATE MORTGAGES, 1952 REAL ESTATE SALES, 1952 Total Manila Quezon City Pasay City Suburban Towns January. . . . . P6,085,610 Pl,592,939 P197.596 Pl,285,689 P9,161,834 February. . . . 2,629,939 1,052,519 274,017 2,066,314 6,022,789 March........ . . 3,757,283 1,809,583 366,011 1,427,608 7,360,485 April........... .. 2,216,532 1,249,898 352,130 1,239,492 5,058,052 May............ . . 2,978,391 1,277,309 687,001 1,346,563 6,289,264 June............ .. 2,388,796 1,598,090 440,171 2,348,711 6,775,768 July............. . . 2,127,614 1,235,423 466,223 1,617,947 5,447,207 August. . . . . . 1,902,420 1,191,815 1,339,775 62,196 2,139,672 4,042,092 September. . . 2,441,728 421,953 2,881,288 5,323,016 October.... . . 3,859,547 1,052,776 398,549 2,030,693 7,341,565 November.. . . 3,360,520 1,180,509 128,220 1,992,670 6,661,919 5,683,017 December.. . 2,731,519 1,258,537 433,437 1,259,524 Total 1952. . P36,479,899 15,839,173 4,227,504 18,620,432 75,167,008 January..........P6,184,617 P4,245,805 February.... 2,938,398 1,424,431 March............. 4,543,653 1,607,573 April................ 7,041,757 1,989,774 May................ 6,976,566 2,898,379 June................ 4,967,085 13,757,050 July................. 5,446,923 2,107,155 August............ 4,061,478 2,506,703 September... 13,215,004 2,183,513 October.......... 11,761,763 2,794,591 November.... 4,358,362 2,180,278 December . . . 5,377,494 1,458,385 P265.740 P3,933,904P14,630,066 441,044 2,656,070 7,459,943 548,067 1,872,536 8,571,829 676,481 2,895,044 12,603,056 317.200 4,010,870 14,203,015 1,480,500 1,982,733 22,187,368 471.600 2,913,070 10,938,748 580,950 5,558,478 9,619,956 467,150 6,641,864 19,856,868 646.200 2,831,649 18,034,193 323.600 2,099,159 8,961,399 494,700 2,132,602 9,463,181 Total 1952. . 1’76,873,100 36,415.311 6,713,232 36,527,979 156,529,622 Real Estate By Antonio Varias Vice-President, C. M. Hoskins &• Co., Inc., Realtors REAL ESTATE ssles registered in the Greater Manila area during the month of December, 1952, numbered 441, with a total value of P5,683,017, as compared with 536, with a total value of P6,661,919, registered during the preceding month of November. Of the December sales, 95, with a total value of P2,731,519, represented deals within Manila proper, and 391, with a total value of P3,301,399, were sales within the cities-of Quezon and Pasay, and in the suburban towns of Caloocan, Makati, Malabon, Navotas, Mandaluyong, Paranaque, and San Juan. A few of the bigger sales registered during the month were: A propetty with a lot of 5,119 square meters in Baclaran, Parana que, sold by Jose Concepcion to Centro Escolar University, for P163,808; A tract of 27,506 square meters in Quezon City, sold by Daniel Santiago to Pacita de los Reyes, for P110.024; Building Construction By Joan J. Carlos President, Philippine Contractors * Association DURING the month of November, the Office of the City Engineer approved building permits for con struction work amounting to P2,748,860. For the same period last year, the volume of work authorized amounted to P4,819,360, in comparison with P3,080,145 in 1950 and P3,338,685 in 1949. Among the big projects that were started during the month under review were: A 4-story reinforced-concrete moviehouse for the Universal Thea ter, Inc., on Rizal Avenue near Azcarraga Street, estimated at P400.000; On Benavides Street, a commercial building for Mr. Toribio Teo doro, costing Pl 14,000; A 4-story reinforced-concrete building on Folgueras Street for Mr. Gregorio Lim, estimated at P100.000; At Tacoma, Port Area, a steel warehouse for Luzon Stevedoring Co., costing P100.000. The tight supply of lumber continued to be felt by the builders due to limited arrivals of logs in Manila. Con tractors for the temporary structures of the International Fair have to pay the seller’s price. 20 January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 21 Insulation boards are now unavailable in the market due to the curtailment of imports of this item by the Import Control Commission. As a substitute, locally-produced plywood is being used for the ceiling of houses and other edifices. Galvanized-iron sheets are still scarce and prices are consequently going up. It is advisable for the Government either to relax the restrictions on the importation of these sheets or for PRISCO to import them direct for use on government projects. A bidding for the construction of an earth dam and diversion tunnels for the Ambuklao Hydro-electric project, was held recently and, according to the reports, the offer of Morrison & Knudsen & Co., in the amount of about P40,000,000, is the lowest bid received by the National Power Corporation. No award has been made as ytt. Port of Manila By L. R. Wentholt Vice-President, Luzon Brokerage Company DURING the month of December, some 78,000 tons of cargo wefe discharged on the piers and lighters. Ship arrivals this month were about the same as last. The pilfering of'textiles on the piers is still going on. As a matter of fact two cases were reported on the same day. Up to now little has been done about it. Although this matter was already reported in November, it has' not been found out yet where the pilferages actually happens. Out of a shipment of six cases of textiles, five cases were completely empty and filled with old newspapers coming from the West Coast. From the outside all the cases ap peared in good order and condition. Upon various complaints the Philippine Ports Ter minal has promised quick action and it is hoped that the pilferers will soon be caught. There was no congestion on any pier and deliveries in general were satisfactory. Ocean Shipping and Exports By B. B. Tunold Secretary-Manager Associated Steamship Lines TOTAL exports for the month of November of this year showed an increase of 123,320 tons over exports during November of last year. 125 vessels lifted 345,655 tons of experts during the month, as compared to 222,335 tons lifted by 91 vessels^ during the same month last year. Commodities which have registered sharp increases over last year’s figures for the same month are: logs from 6,398,047 to 28,566,022 bft.; molasses from 6,675 to 11,210 tons; plywood from 26 to 101 tons; chrome ore from 15,980 to 35,237 tons; manganese ere from 1,470 tons to 5,295 tons; pineapples from nil to 4,353 tons; rattan (palasan) from 109 tc 539 tons, and tobacco from 638 to 1,988 tons. Exports during November, 1952, as compared with exports during November, 1951, were as follows: Commodity 1952 1951 Beer................................................ 247 tons 430 tons Cigars and cigarettes............... 26 ” 23 ” Coconut, desiccated.................. 4,076 ” 6,620 ” Coconut oil.................................. 5,525 ” 5,350 ” Concentrates, copper............... 370 ” — Concentrates, gold.................... 307 ” 387 ” Copra............................................ 52,866 ” 55,999 ” Copra cake and meal............... 6,739 ” 6,419 ” Embroideries............................... 338 ” 319 ” Empty cylinders........................ 384 ” 459 ” Do you have an IMPORTANT PROJECT this year? If your project includes building construction, steel structure, bridge, tank, piling, etc. . .we invite you to share the experience and the facilities of our organization. A G & P’s facilities extend to almost every field—industrial, agricultural and public utility included. DESIGN, FABRICATION, EREC TION AND CONSTRUCTION of Steel Bridges and Buildings; Light, Medium and Heavy Structures; Pennstocks, Tanks, Bins, Mine Structures, Industrial Equipment; Reinforced Con crete Structures; Foundations. Piling. Wharves, Piers, Tunnels, Marine Works, MECHANICAL FACILITIES—Ma chine Shops for Construction and Repair Jobs; Structural Fabricating Shop; Foundry for Cast Iron, Brass and Bronze; Marine Repair Shops; Welding Shops. WOOD PRESERVING PLANT— Scientific Creosoting of Wood for Poles, Piles, X’Arms, Ties, Posts and Struc tural Timber. MERCHANDISE SALES DIVISION —Representing over 30 Major U.S. Manufacturers of Industrial, Agricul tural and Marine Equipment and Sup plies—Air Conditioning and Refrigera tion; Ventilation; Power Plants; Light ing System and Distribution; Irrigation System. Sewage, Flood Control, Drain age, Contractor’s Equipment, Motor Controls, Elevators, Industrial Ma chinery Equipment, etc. A G & P’s Integrated Facilities Save Time. . .Money. . .Worry! ATLANTIC, GULF & PACIFIC COMPANY OF MANILA ENGINEERS * CONTRACTORS * MANUFACTURERS * DISTRIBUTORS — ESTABLISHED IN 190S — Merchandise Sales Division Robert Dollar Bldg., Port Area Phone: 3-36-61 (All Depts.) Executive Offices—Engineering Div. Structural & Machine Shops Barrio Punta, Santa Ana, Manila Phones: 6-75-31 * 6-75-32 * 6-75-33 22 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January, 1953 Fish, salted.................................. Furniture, rattan....................... Glycerine...................................... Gums, copal................................. Hemp............................................ 14 700 231 59 63,539 bales 50 1,138 74 67,847 bales Household goods and personal effects........................................ 255 tons 161 tons Junk metals................................. 137 — Kapok seeds................................. 100 42 Logs............................................... 28,566,022 bft. 6,398,047 4,097,860 bft. Lumber, sawn............................. 6,509,785 Molasses....................................... 11,210 tons 6,675 tons Plywood and plywood pro ducts ......................................... 101 26 Ores, Chrome............................... 35,237 15,980 Ores, lead..................................... 71 180 Ores, iron..................................... 110,939 72,785 Ores, manganese........................ 5,295 1,470 tons Pineapple?, canned.................... 4,353 Rattan, round (palasan)......... 539 109 Rope.............................................. 444 171 Shell, shell waste....................... 122 84 Skins, hides................................. 68 43 Sugar, cent., raw........................ 20,659 15,370 Sugar, refined.............................. 449 197 Tobacco........................................ 1,988 638 Vegetable oil............................... 39 39 Transit cargo.............................. 43 71 Merchandise, general............... 690 414 Freight Car Loadings By Jose B. Libunao Traffic Manager, Manila Railroad Company LOADINGS of revenue freight in the month of Nov ember, 1952, totaled 2,539 cars. This was an increase of 342 cars, or 15.56%, over November, 1951, when the total was 2,197 cars. REVENUE CARLOADINGS BY CLASSES Revenue freight carloadings by general classes of commodities for the month of November, 1952, are shown below: November Commodity 1952 1951 Products of Agriculture....................................................... 15,992 7,066 Animal Products.................................................................... 360 392 Mineral Products................................................................... 521 861 Forest Products...................................................................... 5,575 10,882 Products of Manufacture.................................................... 14,562 16,305 Merchandise less than by carload.................................... 11,291 7,950 Total........................................................................ 48,301 43,456 The increase of 4,845 tons in November, compared with the same month in 1951, was as expected in view of an earlier start of the sugarcane season. There were 43 items of freight considered in this report. Of these items, 23, comprising palay, coconuts, stone, sand and gravel, logs, lumber, other products of the forest, petroleum and gasoline, and other manufactures and miscellaneous, showed a decrease of 11,705 tons. The other 20 items of freight registered increases, among them sugar cane, other products of agriculture, wood fuel, centrifugal sugar, ce ment, and merchandise in less than carload quantities with a total of 16,718 tons. The decrease in shipments of palay was attributable to the destruction of this crop in the Bicol region. In the case of logs and lumber, although there has been increased exportation of these articles, the greater tonnage came from Mindanao and the Visayas, and very little from Luzon. And Railroad traffic in the south interrupted by the storms was restored only about November 20. In the matter of increases in the 20 items, sugar cane alone accounted for 8,233 tons. This was ac companied by a corresponding increase in the volume of LOVSTED PRODUCTS AT YOUR TIGER BRONZE BUSHINGS & CASTINGS MO-LO RING STOCK & CASTINGS ROYAL STEEL CASTINGS LOVSTED BABBITTS, SOLDERS & LADLES ROYAL BLUE IRON CASTINGS MANGANESE CASTINGS DIAMOND ROLLER CHAIN & SPROCKETS DIAMOND FLEXIBLE COUPLINGS NORTH COAST DRY KILNS SERVICE PAL-WELD COMPOUND SUGAR MILL & LUMBER MILL PARTS ROTTLER BORING BARS SHAFER PILLOW BLOCKS TOOTS-E WHISTLES & SIGNAL SYSTEMS TOOLSTEEL GEARS, PINIONS, ETC. RAIL & TRACK MATERIALS CANE CARS & CAR PARTS LOCOMOTIVE PARTS SPRINGS—COIL & LEAF On Any of Your Other Requirements, Please Write Us. C. M. LOVSTED & CO. (Manila) LTD. 101, 13th St., Corner Boston, Port Area, Manila—Telephone 3-32-40 Represented by SMITH, BELL & CO., LTD. in Cebu—Iloilo—Bacolod—Davao—Legaspi January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 23 centrifugal sugar shipments. Of interest was the movement of refined sugar which, for the first time in 3 or 4 years, has begun to be shipped in carload quantities. Copra, which heretofore registered decreased carloadings, is on the in crease now. This is, of course, attributable to the better prices paid for this commodity. The increase in cement and merchandise in less than carload lots was due to the greater importation of these articles. Freight carloadings are expected to increase, as another sugar central is expected to begin milling and those which are already in operation will be nearing their peak output during the coming months. The greater business activity during December will also cause higher carloadings. Lumber By Pacifico de Ocampo Secre tary-Treas urer Philippine Lumber Producers' Association, Inc. DURING the month under review, November, 1952, the Philippine log and lumber export, totalling 30,962,631 bd. ft., showed a very slight increase of 332,367 bd. ft. over the previous month, and yet far exceeded the export for the same month a year ago by 8,865,060 bd. ft. While shipment to Japan dropped further by 1,165,316 bd. ft.—from 21,740,574 bd. ft. in October to 20,575,258 bd. ft. in November, that to the United States and Canada and to other countries increased by 219,816 bd. ft. and 1,277,867 bd. ft., respectively. The following are the figures for the lumber and logs inspected for export during November, 1952, as released by the Bureau of Forestry: Volume in Bd. Ft. Shippers Destination Lumber Logs Aguinaldo Development Corp......................................... U. S. A. 631,654 American Rubber Co.............. Hongkong Japan 51,301 800,125 Anakan U. S. A. 180,235 681,511 Lumber Co............................ Japan 1,929,511 Basilan U. S. A. 823,828 Lumber Holland 58,974 Company........................... Hongkong 190,520 Bessire Housing Corp............. Guam 26,048 Bislig Bay U. S. A. 256,756 Lumber Co., Inc.................. Japan 1,032,778 Cipriano Luna.......................... Japan 1,041,318 Dahican Lumber Co............... U. S. A. 825,751 50,000 Zuellig, U. S. A. 143,178 F. E„ Inc............................... Hongkong 8,826 Findlay Millar U. S. A. 186,593 Timber Co.................. Okinawa 551,015 G. S. Mana'ac Enterprise. . . Hongkong Japan 173,500 479,279 General U. S. A. 216,259 Enterprises, Japan 761,553 Inc....................................... Hongkong 40,679 General Lumber Co., Inc... . Formosa 236,648 Getz Bios. U. S. A. 15,226 & Co........................................ Formosa 350,123 Golden Ribbon Lumber Co.,' Inc............................................ Japan 195,080 Hercules Lumber Co., Inc.. . U. S. A. 215,000 Iligan Lumber Co.................... Japan 513,237 Insu U. S. A. 1,190,914 lar Ireland 19,938 Lumber Hawaii 339,186 Company...................... S. Africa 286,959 Johnston Lumber U. S. A. 53,750 Co., Inc.................................. Japan 3,067,891 Jorge J. Tirador....................... Japan 500,000 Martha Lumber Mill............. Japan 1,300,000 CM Ours is an established reputation of 140 years standing ... for complete banking facilities, unparalleled resources and world-wide service furnished by 57 fully-staffed branches and correspondents in every commercially important city. THE NATIONAL CITY BANK OF NEW YORK BRANCHES IN THE PHILIPPINES MANILA Main Branch: JUAN LUNA STREET Port Area Branch: 13TH STREET PAMPANCA: Clark Field CEBU: Cebu City 24 _______ AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January, 1953 Misamis Lumber Co., Inc.... Japan 1,219,674 Nasipit Lumbei U. S. A. 442,368 499,999 Co., Inc................................... Japan 2,400,000 North Camarines Lumber Co., Inc................................. Okinawa 1,205,450 Pan-Asiatic Commercial Co., Inc............................................ Japan 530,000 Sanchez Logging Co................ Japan 999,953 Sta. Clara Lumber Co.. Inc.. Japan 819,684 Surigao Lumber Co., Inc.. . . Japan 358,354 Taggat Sawmill Co., Inc....... Hawaii 223,522 Taligaman Lumber Co........... Japan 1,343,200 Valderrama Lumber Mftrs. Co., Inc.................................. U. S. A. 52,872 Virgilio R. Valencia................ Japan 284,204 Western Mindanao Lumber Co., Inc.................................. Japan 999,417 Woodcraft Works, Ltd........... U. S. A. 158,790 Totals................................. 7,937,438 23,025,193 7------------Resume of Exports to: Lumber Logs Total (Bd.Ft.) (Bd.Ft.) (Bd.Ft.) Japan........................................ — 20,575,258 20,575,258 United States and Canada 4,761,520 1,863,164 6,624,684 Other countries..................... 3,175,918 586,771 -3,762,689 Totals............................... 7.937,438 23,025,193 30,962.631 SUMMARY OF EXPORTS DURING NOVEMBER, 1952, AR RANGED BY COUNTRIES OF DESTINATION IN THE ORDER OF VOLUME OF SHIPMENT TO EACH COUNTRY Countries of Destination Lumber (Bd.Ft.) Logs (Bd.Ft.) Total (Bd.Ft.) Japan............................................. 20,575,258 20,575,258 United States.............................. 4,761,520 1,863,164 6,624,684 Okinawa........................................ 1,756,465 ■* * — 1,756,465 Formosa........................................ — 586,771 586,771 Hawaii........................................... 562,708 — 562,708 Hongkong..................................... 464,826 — 464,826 South Africa................................ 286,959 — 286,959 Holland......................................... 58,974 — 58,974 Guam............................................ 26,048 — 26,048 Ireland.......................................... 19,938 — 19,938 Totals.................................... 7,937,438 23,025,193 30,962,631 AIR CONDITIONING For Offices, Theatres, Hospitals, Stores, Restaurants, Hotels, Clubs and Homes ★ ★ ★ Suppliers of MACHINERY, EQUIPMENT and INDUSTRIAL SUPPLIES For Sugar Centrals, Mines, Sawmills, Power Plants, Machine Shops and All Industrial Plants ★ ★ ★ ENGINEERING — DESIGN — APPLICATION — ESTIMATES INSTALLATION — MAINTENANCE — SERVICE — REPAIRS ★ ★ ★ Operating: MACHINE SHOPS • STEEL PLATE SHOPS STRUCTURAL STEEL SHOPS • WELDING SHOPS • BLACKSMITH SHOPS • SHEET METAL SHOPS • MARINE RAILWAY Arrivals of logs and lumber in Manila increased, but very little, from 8,636,510 bd. ft. in October to 9,431,971 bd. ft. in November, keeping the supply at a still low level. This low supply of lumber at the peak of the construc tion activities, especially on the premises of the “1953 Philip pine International Fair”, boosted lumber prices in the local wholesale trade during the month under review, November, 1952. Opening at P150-P155 per 1000 bd. ft. fpr white lauan, Pl50 for apitong, and P170-PI75 for red lauan, these quotations increased rapidly, as the market grew more and more active every week, and closed at the end of the month at P170 for white lauan and apitong, and at P190-P195 for red lauan. COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF EXPORTS MADE TO DIFFERENT REGIONS OF THE UNITED STATES DURING THE MONTHS OF OCTOBER AND NOVEMBER. 1952. Period Lumber in Hoard Feet Logs in Board Feet Gulf All States Others Total Grand Total States States States Others Total States States October, 1952............................ November, 1952....................... 3,339,734 3,4 23,027 1,211,965 752,995 254,141 69,043 4,874,883 136,886 448,612 4,761,520 518,113 1,481,626 466,294 250,000 199,992 381,538 — 1,434,399 1,863,164 6,309,282 6,624,684 Difference (Increase+; Decrease—).............. 83,293 +• 458,970-- 117,255— 379,569+ 113,363— 963,513 + 466,294-- 131,538+ 199,992-- 428,765 + 315,402 + ENGINEERING EQUIPMENT & SUPPLY COMPANY, Inc. MACHINERY • MECHANICAL SUPPLIES • ENGINEERS • CONTRACTORS General & Sales Office 174 M. de Comillas Manila Tel. 3-29-21 Engineering Shops No. 1 Calle L. Segura & Pasig River Mandaluyong, Rizal Tel. 6-65.68 January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 25 Copra and Coconut Oil By Douglas C. Keller Manager, Philippine Refining Company, Inc., Cebu November 16—December 15 THE excitement caused by the heavy gains mentioned in our last, report abated during this current period now. under review, when the market, already topheavy, mpved in the opposite direction and a steady decline was observed in both coconut oil and copra. Demand for coconut oil became unsettled around the middle of September when reports were received that the British Ministry of Food was prepared to trade some 10,000 tons of palm kernel oil against the purchase of American lard. Publication of this report resulted in dealers with long positions attempting to liquidate holdings, and futures dropped by Jx?/ a pound. One substantial parcel of palm kernel oil was traded at 14-l/4jZ c.i.f. New York, this resulted in afloat coconut oil dropping to 16$Z same level. The copra market suffered a corresponding set-back in sympathy with coconut oil. Copra. Sellers were offering freely $195.00 for prompt shipment, c.i.f. Pacific Coast, at the opening of the period but, following the sale of British palm kernel oil, reduced their ideas rapidly until sales were recorded, at the end of November, at $172.50 c.i.f. Pacific Coast, and $177.00 f.o.b. net landed weights. The trading accomplished at this lew level caused crushers to feel that the bottom had been reached temporarily and more buying interest deve loped, whereupon sellers reacted and raised selling indica tions accordingly. The first week of December found sellers asking from $185.00 c.i.f. to as high as $190.00 for spot shipment, while buyers, were expressing ideas of from $180.00 to $182.50 for early named vessels. By the middle of December we had a nominal market aroqnd $185.00 c.i.f. Pacific Coasts In Europe the market for copra was decidedly weaker than the States market and dropped to a low of $200.00 c.i.f. when several parcels were traded for January/February shipment. When the cheap palm kernel oil continued to depress the market, European buyers reduced their ideas to around $195.00 c.i.f., although no trading was reported at this level. Toward the end of the period, reports that some of the larger speculators were heavily short for De cember shipment caused the market to firm and the market closed on the 15th of December with sellers holding for $207.50 c.i.f. and buyers indicating that they might go as high as $202.50. Here in the Philippines the domestic market remained, throughout, higher than the world market, mainly due to extraordinarily light production in all the major producing areas. Most exporters, anticipating the usual heavy De; cember arrivals which result from producers selling out for “Christmas spending money”, were sadly disappointed when supplies remained unbelievably low. Cebu in partic ular suffered from an acute shortage which resulted in a merry scramble for spot copra. Prices, in general, moved from P36 per 100 kilos resecada down to P32 at the end of November and then climbed back to a nominal P36 at the middle of December. It was reported, however, that some shorts paid as high as P39 for spot copra in order to complete their commit ments. Reports from the provinces indicate that, due to bad weather particularly in Mindanao and the Visayas and the results of the last typhoon in the Bicol area, pro duction will remain light for some weeks to come and will not be at all substantial until the end of January. There INSULAR LUMBER COMPANY FABRICA, OCC. NEGROS ------------- *-------------SPECIALISTS IN KILN-DRIED LUMBER and MANUFACTURERS OF BOXES OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS MANILA DISTRIBUTORS: Norton & Harrison Company 814 Echague Manila D. C. Chuan & Sons, Inc. 14-30 Soler St. Manila Insular Saw Milh Inc. 340 Canonigo, Paco Manila MANILA OFFICE-. 603 FILIPINAS BUILDING 26 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January, 1953 seems little likelihood, therefore, of an easier market in the near future, quite apart from the fact that the leading short is still heavily committed for December shipments. Coconut Oil. As previously mentioned, the market for coconut oil suffered a severe set-back with the advent of palm kernel oil on the East Coast market. Tank cars of coconut oil which were offered on November 16 for 14-1/2/ f.o.b. December shipment, were being quoted at the beginning of December for 13-3/4/, while January shipment was discounted a further 1/4/. Following the trend of copra, the market for coconut oil lard firmed by the end of this period to a nominal 14-1/4/. In Europe, scattered consumer demand forced co conut oil from a nominal $310 per ton c.i.f. North Conti nental Ports, at the beginning of the period, to a point where sellers were asking $320 toward the end of November. These selling ideas, however, forced buyers on to the side lines and quotations were gradually reduced to $307 without arousing any further buying interest. At the end of this period we learn that a trade agree ment is presently being negotiated in Peking whereby the Red Government of China will purchase some 10,000 tons of coconut oil from Ceylon. The proposed price of the oil has not yet been revealed. We also note with interest that the Food and Agri culture Organization of the United Nations anticipates that total world exports of copra and coconut oil may decline to 1,200,000 metric tons (in terms of oil) for the year 1952. This compares unfavourably with 1951 exports of 1,328,000 metric tons. Copra Cake and Meal. Demand for copra cake and meal was reasonable throughout this period, particularly in the early part when, after trading was accomplished at $81 per short ton c.i.f. Pacific Coast, crushers advanced their ideas to $82. Buying response to the higher quota tions was sufficiently poor to decrease the market and the price fell, at the middle of December, to a nominal $75. A fair volume was traded all the way down the decline. Copra exports during the month of November, 1952, are reported as follows: To United States Pacific Coast................................... 16,008 long tons United States Atlantic Coast................................ 6,711 ” United States Gulf Ports........................................ 2,931 ” ” Canada, Pacific Coast............................................. 1,000 ” ” Japan............................................................................ 299 ” Europe.......................................................................... 25,517 ” ” Israel (Haifa).............................................................. 400 ” ” Total........................................................... 52,866 long tons This compares with 64,438 tons of copra exported during October, 1952, and 55,999 tons shipped during November of last year. The total exports for the first 10 months of 1952 are now 598,139 long tons, as against 706,292 tons during the same period last year. With regard to shipments of coconut oil, total exports during November, 1952, were as follows: To United States Atlantic Coast................................. 5,105 long tons Europe........................................................................ 420 ” ” Total. 5,525 long tons Philippine distributor*: Menzi Cr CO.. INC. CEBU • MANILA • ILOILO By way of comparison, the October, 1952, exports of coconut oil amounted to 7,895 long tons, while during November, 1951, the total was 5,350 tons. The total for the first 10 months of 1952 now amounts to 75,551 long tons, as against 69,519 tons during the same period in 1951. Desiccated Coconut By Howard R. Hick President and General Manager Peter Paul Philippine Corporation •HE following are the shipping statistics for the month A of November, 1952: Shippers Pounds Franklin Baker Company.......................................... 3,801,025 Blue Bar Coconut Company..................................... 1,416,370 Peter Paul Philippine Corporation......................... — Red V. Coconut Products, Ltd................................ 2,373,000 Sun Ripe Coconut Products..................................... 67,450 Cooperative Coconut Products, Inc....................... Standard Coconut Products, Inc............................. Coconut Products (Phils.), Inc................................ Tabacalera...................................................................... 7,657,845 pounds MATHIESON Sugar By J. H. d’Authreau Theo. H. Davies & Co., Far East, Ltd. THIS review covers the period December 1 to December 31, 1952. New York Market. On December 5 the U. S. Department of Agriculture announced the 1953 United States Domestic Sugar Quota at 7,800,000 short tohs. Total apparent consumption for 1952 approximated 8,000,000 tons. The announcement, accompanied by a strong price support statement, served to reactivate the market somewhat and selective business was done during the remainder of the month, in January and February new-crop arrivals, at values ranging between 5.95jzf and 6.10/. Spot for the month averaged about 6.05/, duty-paid basis, and about 6.25/ for the year. On December 11 the price for refined cane sugar in the Eastern territory declined from 8.80/ to 8.65/ without any perceptible influence on the raw market. Reported sales of actuals totalled 105,000 tons and exchange operations totalled 239,000 tons. Refined deliveries for the month to December 20 were almost 400,000 short tons, indicating not less than 500,000 short tons for the entire month and a total of not less than 8,000,000 short tons for the calendar year, an apparent increase of 300,000 short tons over 1951. North Atlantic refiners stocks as of December 20 were reported at 47,775 long tons. Sales of Philippines, reported for the month, totalled 56,650 tens, mostly January and February arrivals. Open ing and closing quotations on the No. 6 New York domestic exchange were as follows: Jan. March May July Sept. Nov. December 1.................. 5.68^ 5.44ft 5.53 ft 5.70ft 5.80ft 5.81ft December 31 ................ ........ 5.51 5.60 5.80 5.86 5.90 Molasses. United States tank car values appear at long last to have stabilized and were reported on December 16 at 9.05/ per gallon at New Orleans and 10.05/ per gallon at New York. No further export sales have been reported during the month and the world statistical position remains unchanged. Local Market, (a) Domestic Sugar. The market continues featureless. Scattered business is reported at last prices with small local sales at twenty to thirty cen tavos premium. (b) Export Sugar. The local market has remained firm for December delivery at P14.40, in line with New York values, although up to Pl4.80 was paid by shippers short of December freight. Supplies for December delivery were practically exhausted around the middle of the month, with consequent absence of first-hand sales during the second half. Ruling quotations for January/February delivery are, P14.00 to P14.10 per picul, ex warehouse, Hawaiian-Philippine basis. Total shipments to the United States for the menth under review are estimated at 100,000 tons. Freight Rate. The Associated Steamship Lines have not yet announced their contract rate in effect from January 1 onward, but an announcement is expected soon. 1952-53 Milling. Nineteen centrals have begun milling operations for the 1952-53 crop and their total production to December 14 was 216,098 short tons. The average of juice purities to date is 83.33. The latest estimates submi cted by its members to the Philippine Sugar Association indicate a 1952-53 crop of 1,261,132 short tons. These are still subject to revision from time to time in accordance with changing conditions. Manila Hemp By T. W. Jurika Acting General Manager Columbian Rope Company of Philippines, Inc. THE month of December opened with new buying interest in New York, London, and Japan for Davao grades at fair prices, but exporters were generally not inclined to sell too freely in the face of good demand overseas, possible continued low production, and obvious active buying of all available loose fiber to cover previous commitments. Values more or less stabilized in Davao at the ?49 per picul JI level, although prices one or two pesos higher were reported to have been paid. HEYER DUPLICATORS Higher Quality Since 1903 Offer every essential fea ture... sturdily built for of service. COLE & YSMAEL STEEL FILES Portable • Executive Desk Smooth-gliding, ballbearing rollers. Beautiful in appear ance. Built for a lifetime. TRINER Scales High Grade All-Steel Scales for your mail and for many other weighing purposes. Different weight capacities. Ohmer CASH REGISTERS Electric or manual operation. The re sult of half a century of experience mak ing precision regis ters. ACME Office & Building Directory and Bulletin Boards Sturdily constructed frames. Groov ed changeable letter backboards, with or without glass doors. They add dignity to any lobby they grace. PECO Safes Modern—Streamlined Made by the manufacturers of the famous “Protectall” SAFES. Underwriters’ Approved Class C-l Hour Label, Rclocking Device LabelThe Finest Office Equipment Is Available At— piiifii iiERiiiniiisivi CORPORATION 449 Dasmarinas Manila AMERICAN RADIATOR & STANDARD SANITARY CORPORATION AMERICAN VALVE COMPANY AMES BALDWIN WYOMING COMPANY BADGER METER MANUFACTURING CO. BADGER FIRE EXTINGUISHER CO. BALL BROS. MASON JARS BOMMER SPRING HINGE COMPANY CAPEWELL MANUFACTURING CO. CARBORUNDUM COMPANY COLUMBUS COATED PRODUCTS CO. COLUMBIAN VICE & MFG. CO. COLEBROOKDALE IRON COMPANY CORBIN LOCK COMPANY DICK BROTHERS MANUFACTURING CO. EKCO PRODUCTS CO. FAIRBURY WINDMILL CO. GREAT NECK SAW CO. JACOBS MANUFACTURING CO. KAISER ALUMINUM & CHEMICAL CORP. KEENEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY MALLEABLE IRON FITTINGS CO. NORTH WAYNE TOOL COMPANY PABCO PRODUCTS, INC. “Pabco” Products RUDISELL FOUNDRY COMPANY SLOAN VALVE COMPANY SOLARINE COMPANY TEMPLETON KENLY JACK CO. UNION CARBIDE & CARBON CORP. National Carbon Division “Eveready” flashlights & batteries Linde Air Products Division “Union” Carbide UNITED STATES STEEL EXPORT CORP. STEEL PRODUCTS HOUSE FURNISHINGS GENERAL HARDWARE PLUMBING Toward the middle of the month there were indications that the new high prices might have stimulated Davao production sufficiently to afford adequate supplies to keep all presses working normally if producers’ asking prices were paid. Total balings for Davao amounted to 39,000 bales, as compared with 32,000 for November and 36,000 for October. It is still difficult to determine whether the increased production was due to temporary activity to obtain Christmas money, or whether it was to take ad vantage of favorable prices which might not last. Shortly after mid-December, exporters again were able to put forth substantial offerings in both New York and London, the net result of which was an immediate withdrawal by spinners who again took the position that a decline was imminent and fiber could be bought cheaper at a later date. At the same time the Ministry of Internal Trade and Industry in Japan was reported to have placed on the market 13,000 bales of abaca which the Government had purchased several years ago under SCAP supervision at 1950’s high prices. Most of this was resold at low prices in keeping with the deteriorated quality of the fiber, and while this constituted a factor of weakness in the non-Davao rather than Davao market, it still accounted for a large portion of Japanese manufacturers’ requirements for Dec ember. The Bicol area increased its balings to 32,000 bales in December, i effecting stripping and pressing of distress fiber from fallen stalks due to October’s typhoon. This was an increase of 14,000 bales over November’s figure. Heaviest percentages were in grades J2, K, and below, with prices for this fiber dropping about ?4 per picul under November levels due to the large offerings. The end of the month saw a slight decrease in loose fiber supplies with a consequent steadiness in prices. In spite of the large balings there seemed to be good demand for all available Bicol fiber, probably due to the wide difference between Bicol and Davao prices. An increasing firmness may be expected in Bicol values as production begins to decline. npHE Philippines-Japan Trade Agreement began to assume greater importance as a market factor as its expiry date of January 31, 1953, approached. Unlike the previous extension which had allowed 60 days beyond the expiry date within which to complete shipments and negotiate documents, the current trade period would re quire this to be completed by January 31. In effect, this would put an end to sales to Japan, even for spot fiber, by the third week in January in order to make shipment and negotiate credits by the month-end deadline. To some extent this created fair demand in Japan for January shipment, although most quarters held to the view that some means of continuing trade with Japan would be found. Prtss reports in late December quoted the Philippine Foreign Office as stating that the whole question of an extension of the trade period would be left to the Philip pine Congress which convenes January 26. This, of course, would be too late to prevent a disruption of trade even if immediate favorable action were taken. Without question, any suspension of trade with Japan would bring about an immediate drop in fiber prices to levels set by the United States, United Kingdom, and Continental buyers. 't'otal balings for 1952 amounted to 870,234 bales of which 481,647 bales were Davao pressings. This is disappointingly under the figure of 978,696 bales in 1951, cf which Davao accounted for 496,248 bales. We list below baling and export figures for the period January, November inclusive: BALINGS—JANUARY NOVEMBER INCLUSIVE 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 Davao.................................. 465,080 455,354 346,300 199,258 185,820 Albay, Camarines and Sorsogon......................... 138,620 221,184. 154,009 102,952 151,750 January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 29 All other non-Davao. .. . 71,642 88,273 69,003 66,529 102,902 Leyte and Samar................ 108,921 149,951 111,567 94,475 100,108 Totals............................. 784,263 914,762 680,879 463,214 540,580 EXPORTS—J ANU ARY/NOVEMBER INCLUSIVE 1942 1951 1950 1949 1948 United States and Ca,nada.................................. 342,524 Continental Europe......... 145,274 United Kingdom............... 87,302 Japan.................................... 177,368 South Afiica....................... 7,510 China.................................... 5,085 India...................................... 4,880 Korea.................................... 600 Australia, New Zealand.. 2,215 All other countries........... 70 Totals.......................... 772,828 984,074 675,005 412,722 545,538 520,665 358,722 179,805 247,434 150,040 113,947 86,217 96,147 160,654 75,752 34,485 57,270 120,503 93,769 89,483 123,912 15,577 6,275 3,827 ■> 3,657 6,929 12,787 13,586 11,650 5,406 7,880 3,325 2,073 3,100 4,300 1,826 1,914 42 — 947 80 3,353 Tobacco By Luis A. Pujalte Secre tary-Treasurer Manila Tobacco Association, Inc. (Member Tobacco Board) RAINFALL in the Cagayan Valley (Isabela and Ca gayan provinces) during December has been extra ordinarily heavy. High fields (not inundated when the Cagayan River overflows) are planted during December, and with the extraordinary rainfall of this month these fields have suffered as well as the newly transplanted seed lings. Many of these fields will have to be re-worked and replanted. The low'Jields along the banks of the Cagayan River are generally planted during January; there is an abundance of seedlings, and if weather condition are favor able this portion of the crop will grow normally. In the Visayas, Pangasinan, La Union, and Ilocos the tobacco is growing normally, and the late rains have helped the growing plants. The year 1952 has been the peak year for exports since liberation. The markets lost due to the war and high prices are being slowly regained. With a fairly good and abundant crop, exports are bound to increase to Europe, the United States, and the Orient during 1953. Imports By S. Schmelkes Mercantile, Inc. ALL figures are in kilos with the exception of those for foodstuffs which are given in package units: Com modi ties: November, 1952 November, 1951 Automotive (Total)............................... ........... 861,155 1,832,089 Automobiles......................................... ........... 161,719 183,054 Auto Accessories................................ ........... 2,783 530 Auto Parts............................................ 161,689 277,410 Bicycles................................................. ........... 1,175 1,397 Trucks.................................................... ........... — 58,916 Truck Chassis...................................... ........... 117,488 378,758 Truck Parts............................ ............. ........... 19,358 179,319 Building Materials (Total).................. ........... 1,525,479 5,632,866 Board, Fibre........................................ 23,667 Cement.............................. ................... ........... 35,465 1,428,087 Glassy Window.................................... ........... 416,953 830,742 Gypsum................................................. ........... — — Chemicals (Total).................................. ........... 9,285,562 16,759,864 Caustic Soda........................................ ........... 534,252 1,495,718 Explosives (Total).................................. ........... 7,700 173,367 Firearms (Total)..................................... ........... 1,198 2,659 Ammunition......................................... ........... 1,160 840 Hardware (Total)................................... 3,763,189 5,477,612 Household (Total)................................. ........... 512,476 854,419 Machinery (Total)................................. ........... 1,405,552 2,186,169 Metals (Total).......................................... ........... 4,620,807 6,432,056 Petroleum Products (Total)............... ........... 60,453,650 75,759,845 Radios (Total.......................................... ........... 22,468 23,707 Rubber Goods (Total).......................... . . 730,337 1,015,946 Combining the best features and beauty of all other typewriters, the R. C. ALLEN typewriter unfolds before you a "bright future" for your business. The exclusive Wonder Window * plus the personalized touch control assure the typist of fast, effortless typing. * The Wonder Window is on exclusive feature of R. C. ALLEN. Requires no moving of carriage. Sec your margin where you set it. No fumbling, no fussing. Available in 11”, 14”, 18”, 22”, 26” carriages Tel. 3-88-71 30 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January, 1953 * + + FOR BETTER SERVICE B.E Goodrich Beverages, Misc. Alcoholic............................... 4,056 8,369 Foodstuffs (Total Kilos)................................... 26,472,390 29,308,603 Foodstuffs, Fresh (Total).................................. 90,877 187,339 Apples................................................................. 10,475 40,869 Oranges............................................................... 7,757 10,780 Onions.................................................................. 8,000 62,237 Potatoes......................................................... 15,026 22,648 Foodstuffs, Dry Packaged (Total)................. 30,295 18,490 Foodstuffs, Canned (Total)............................. 372,790 303,675 Sardines.............................................................. 97,397 136,801 Milk, Evaporated............................................ 136,332 36,793 Milk, Condensed............................................. 29,600 26,485 Foodstuffs, Bulk (Total)................................... 475,510 395,472 Rice...................................................................... 35,150 78,046 Wheat Flour..................................................... 419,621 297,806 Foodstuffs, Preserved (Total)......................... 5,085 185 Bottling, Misc. (Total)...................................... 549,641 1,779,992 Cleansing and Laundry (Total)...................... 249,227 165,280 Entertainment Equipment (Total)................ 29,523 14,071 Livestock-bulbs-yseeds (Total)........................ 210 9,385 Medical (Total)..................................................... 288,044 512,444 Musical (Total).................................................... 27,728 17,367 Office Equipment (Total)................................. 64,097 45,181 Office Supplies (Total)....................................... 86,101 88,526 Paper (Total)........................................................ 3,627,436 5,542,557 Photographic (Total).......................................... 27,937 61,177 Raw Materials (Total)....................................... 1,946,341 757,427 Sporting Goods (Total)...................................... 33,196 20,195 Stationery (Total)............................................... 133,369 313,630 Tobacco (Total)................................................... 1,232,437 469,467 Chucheria (Total)................................................ 60,517 91,546 Clothing and Apparel (Total).... ............... 425,812 117,209 Cosmetics (Total)................................................ 39,369 80,752 Fabrics (Total)..................................................... 621,530 793,320 Jewelry (Total)..................................................... 183 997 Leather (Total)..................................................... 112,980 72,564 Textiles (Total).................................................... 2,115,080 4,228,479 Twine (Total)....................................................... 30,500 113,395 Toys (Total).......................................................... 37,673 92,785 General Merchandise (Total).......................... 623,430 501,288 Non-Commercial Shipments (Total)............. 101,778 69,002 Advertising Materials, Etc. (Total)............... 17,804 18,888 ALL-PURPOSE TIRES Ideal for logging, oil fields, farm trucking, gravel hauling, general dump truck work — wherever you want good traction in the rough combined with cool running on the highway — when ever you want tires to last longer. Off the road — big sharp cleats pro vide excellent traction, even in soft ground. On the road — open shoulder design lets the tire cool itself as it rolls. NYLON SHOCK SHIELDS built in underneath the tread protect against rocks and impacts — actually shield against shocks to the tire. e TO SEE HOW TO SAVE MONEY ON TIRES, SEE sign of Friendly Service Watch for the ★ ★ ★ Food Products By C. G. Herdman Vice-President, Marsman &> Company, Inc. AS to food products in this market, conditions remain the same as reported during recent months. Stocks of wheat flour on hand are more than ample, particularly in the Visayas, and although quantities licensed for import during the first semester of 1953 are considerably less monthly than during the latter part of 1952, there would seem to be no reason to anticipate a shortage for at least 3 or 4 months. PRISCO continues its practice of specifying brands on the permits given to bakers to purchase their requirements. The bakers complain of this practice inasmuch as it does not permit them to pur chase the brands of flour they prefer but forces them to buy brands which give inferior baking results at the same price as the flours they want. It is hard to understand why PRISCO should insist on specifying individual biands on these authorities to purchase, instead of merely specifying the grade of flour and the ceiling price pertaining thereto, thus allowing bakers to purchase the brands they prefer. There is apparently no shortage to be anticipated in the near future in canned milk of all varieties, with the exception of non fat dry milk solids which are used in large quantities by bakeries, ice-cream manufacturers, etc. There is a decided shortage of this item in the market, and apparently very little has been licensed for import. Stocks on hand of the principal items of canned meats would appear to be ample and there are considerable quanti ties of corned beef already licensed due to arrive during January and February. The shortage of canned fish has become acute and supplies available for purchase abroad for further import are very limited. Supplies to cover minimum demand in January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 31 this market will probably not be available until the latter part of 1953. Canned sardines, particularly in the pro vincial areas, can only be purchased at pi ices far above ceiling. Fruits and vegetables, both canned and fresh, are in very short supply and obtainable only at very high prices. Fresh onions for example are being sold in the Manila market at from Pl.50 up per kilo, as compared with the normal price of under P.25. It is extremely interesting to note in copies of incoming manifests the arrival of very considerable quantities cf food-product items the import of which has been banned for the last many months. Comments on such importations have appeared from time to time in the local newspapers, but information is lacking as to what action may have been taken with regard to such banned imports. No announcement has yet been made as to the amount of dollar exchange to be made available for the first half of 1953, nor the quota to be allotted for that period to estab lished importers. It is hoped it will be at least as large as during the past semester. Textiles By W. V. Saussotte General Manager Neuss, Hesslein Co., Inc. FOR the fifth consecutive month the New York market continued firm insofar as finished gcods are concerned, but there was a slight drop in the price of raw cotton during December. Other natural and synthetic fabrics, however, remained virtually unchanged. During the last ten days of December, raw cotton prices strengthened so that as of the end of the month their previous losses were fully compensated. The local market strengthened during the first three weeks of December due to the seasonal Christmas demand, but seems now to have levelled off and prices are steady. Arrivals from the United States during December totalled 16,647 packages, which is slightly more than the average monthly consumption. Arrivals from the United States included 6,161 pack ages of cotton piece gocds, 3,337 packages of rayon piece goods, 1,292 packages of cotton remnants, and 1,538 pack ages of rayon remnants. Included also were 2,638 packages of cotton knitting yarn, 599 packages of sewing thread, 278 packages of cotton twine, 177 packages cf hosiery, and 166 packages of blankets. Arrivals of all types of textiles from countries other than the United States totalled 2,259 packages. Included were 549 packages from China, consisting mostly of cotton piece goods, 447 packages from Japan, also consisting mostly of cotton piece goods, and 1,256 packages from India, consisting apparently of jute cloth and jute sugar bags. touring the early part of December, the Import Control Commission made available a supplemental alloca tion of licenses for old importers of commodities in the controlled essential category. It is understood that the exchange for this supplemental allocation has now been fully utilized and the local trade is awaiting news from the Central Bank regarding its dollar appropriation to the I.C.C. for licenses covering the first semester of this year. Pouring early December [December 11] the M/V FernU stream was sunk in San Francisco Bay on her out bound voyage to Manila. Reliable reports indicate the value of Philippine cargo lost to be in the neighborhood of $1,500,000. It is furthermore estimated that the cargo in cluded some 2,000 packages of textiles, in an approximate value of $750,000. SMITH-CORONA PORTABLE One glance at the new SMITH-CORONA. . . and you’re convinced that it’s the most beautiful and sturdy portable typewriter you’ve ever laid eyes on! Not just a “new model”. . . it’s a revolutionary all new typewriter. . . with a total of nineteen new features plus fifteen SMITH-CORONA “exclu sives”! Its smart, new Color-speed Keyboard is full standard office machine size. . . has rimless keys colored a restful non-glare green and “comfort shape” to cup your finger tips. ERLANGER & GALINGER, INC. 123 T. Pinpin, Manila • Magallanes St., Cebu City for immediate deliveryAvailable: A complete line of Executive, Clerical and Secretarial Desks. Also “SILVERCLOUD” Executive and Clerical Posture Chairs. •WE FURNISH THE TOOLS FOR BETTER BUSINESS673 DASMARIRAS TEL. 3-29-38 32 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January, 1953 THE ROUTE OF THE BEARS Serving THE PHILIPPINES JAPAN HONGKONG U S. WEST COAST PORTS FAST - REGULAR - DEPENDABLE TELS. ! UNITED STATES LINES, INC. GENERAL AGENTS 33601 33602 33603 33604 PORT AREA MANILA BO I EZS QUIBROLAX ANTI-COLD ’ANTI DENGUE TABLETS Quinine Bromide 0 04; Phenolphthalein 0.04; Quinine Sulfate 0.006; 01. Res. Caps. 0001; Caffeine 0.006; Senna Lvs. Pdw. 0.03; Excip. q.s.. 1. — Destroys the cold infection in the system in a few hours. 2. — Relieves headache and fever and tones up the system generally. 3. — Acts as a mild laxative, opens the bowels and cleanses the intestinal tract. Legislation, Executive Orders, and Court Decisions By E. E. Selph Ross, Selph, Carrascoso & Janda A DECISION of interest to those who deal with govern ment agencies was rendered in the case of Santos vs. Santos and the Civil Aeronautics Administiation. The Court in referring to government immunity from suit, said: "Nevertheless, if, where and when the state or its government enters into a contract, through its officers or agents, in furtherance of a legitimate aim and purpose and pursuant to constitutional legislative authority, whereby mutual or reciprocal benefits accrue and rights and obligations arise therefrom, and if the law granting the authority to enter into such contract does not provide for or name the officer against whom action may be brought in the event of a breach thereof, the state itself may be sued even without its consent, because by entering into a contract the sovereign state has descended to the level of the citizen and its consent to be sued is implied from the very act of en tering into such contract. If the dignity of the state, the sacredness of the institution, the respect for the government are to be preserved and the dragging of its name in a suit to be prevented, the legislative de partment should name the officer or agent against whom the action may be brought in the event of breach of the contract entered into under its name and authority. And the omission or failure of the legislative department to do so is no obstacle or impediment for an individual or citizen, who is aggrieved by the breach of the contract, to bring an action against the state itself for the reasons already adverted to, to wit: the descent of the sovereign state to the level of the individual or citizen with whom it entered into a contract and its consent to be sued implied from the act of entering into such contract. “The action brought in this case is for partition and accounting of rentals received by the defendant Leoncio Santos from 1945 to Dec ember, 1949, for the use and occupation of a parcel of land allegedly owned in common by the plaintiffs and the defendant Leoncio Santos in the proportion stated in the complaint. It is also averred that the National Airports Corporation created by Rep. Act No. 224, which had acquiied the parcel of land from the defendant Leoncio Santos, was abolished by Executive Order No. 365, series of 1950, and in its place and stead the Civil Aeronautics Administiation was created and took over all the assets and assumed all the liabilities of the abolished corporation. The Civil Aeronautics Administration, if it is not a juri dical entity, cannot legally prevent a party or parties from enforcing their proprietary rights under the cloak or shield of lack of juridical personality, because it took over all the powers and assumed all the obligations of the defunct corporation which had entered into a contract in question.” rxr interest to United States citizens now here under prearranged employment, is the recent decision of the Department of Justice (Op. No. 314, Nov. 21, 1952) on the matter of the time such persons may be permitted to stay in the Philippines. Addressing the Commissioner of Immigration, the Secretary used the following language: “. . .You state that such aliens have been classified by that Office into three groups, as follows: INSURANCE FIRE- MARINE- CASUALTY FIDELITY and SURETY BONDS ATLAS ASSURANCE CO. LTD. TIIE EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY CONTINENTAL INSURANCE CO. ASSURANCE CORPORATION Ltd. LAW UNION & ROCK INSURANCE CO., LTD. INSURANCE COMPANY OF NORTH AMERICA FILIP1NAS COMPASIA DE SEGUROS E. E. ELSER, Inc. GENERAL AGENTS Tel. 2-77-58—518-520 Ayala Bldg., Manila—Cable “ELSINC" January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 33 *“(a) Those admitted under section 13 (a) without any condition imposed to govern their stay in the country; ‘“(b) Those admitted under section 13 (a) without any condition imposed in the grant of authority to issue visas in favor, but whose corresponding certificates of residence were expressly made to limit their stay to a number of years or upon maintenance of status, and ‘“(c) Those admitted under section 13 (a) with specific imposition of conditions in the grant of authority to issue visas in their favor and whose certificates of residence were accordingly issued showing such conditions’. “In connection with the first group, it is averred that your Office has found it necessary and appropriate to recognize the status of such aliens as permanent residents with right to remain herein like any other immigrant. By virtue of the new amendment to the Immigration Law, above-quoted, whereby said aliens have ceased to be classified as non quota immigrants and have since been considered as non-immigrants, who, by express provision thereof, cannot remain in the Philippines permanently without complying with the conditions therein prescribed (namely, they must first depart voluntarily to some foreign country, ■secure from the appropriate Philippine Consul the proper visa, and undergo examination to determine their admissibility), it is believed that they should no longer be classified with the first group. Under the present law, all such non-immigrants may enter only on the condi tion that their stay shall not be permanent. “Of course, as to those aliens who had already been admitted, under the old law (sec. 13 [a]) and before the new amendment was adopt ed, as non-quota immigrants without any condition imposed on their stay here, it is simple justice that their status as permanent residence be respected. “Your comment relative to the second group of aliens is that it seems unfair to make their stay conditional because when they applied for and secured admission as approved employees, the law in existence permitted their admission for permanent residence and they were in fact landed by the Board of Special Inquiry under such terms. In this connection, it is sufficient to refer to the observations with reference to the first group which apply with equal force hereto and to reiterate that henceforth the policy should be that of abstaining from granting authority to issue visas to such class of non-immigrants without limiting their stay to a number of years or as long as the status under which they shall have entered is maintained. For the reason above expressed, those classified under group (b) to whom visas had already been issued when the new amendment was introduced should be allowed to stay with the terms of the authority by which their visas were issued. “Regarding group (c), what has been said makes it sufficiently clear that this is the only group authorized by the new law. In other words, the authority to grant visas in favor of all aliens coming to pre-arranged employments in this country as non-immigrants should always pre scribe the condition that their stay is limited to a certain number of years and will last only as long as the status in which they shall have entered is maintained. This is demanded by the new prohibition against permanent residence for non-immigrants.” In view of this policy all persons so admitted should examine their certificates of residence and ascertain what, if any, restrictions have been placed on their stay in the Philippines. Philippine Safety Council By Frank S. Tenny Founder and Executive Director INDUSTRIAL and commercial firms continue to affiliate with the Philippine Safety Council, with the following having joined since the last report—U. S. Tobacco Corp.; Shurdut Mill Supply Co.; Manila ★ LUZIIll STEVEDOIIIK COMPANY, IK. Manila ★ 75 WORTH ST., NEW YORK, N.Y. FOREMOST SUPPLIERS OF TEXTILE FABRICS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD for 86 years and FOREMOST SUPPLIERS OF TEXTILES TO THE PHILIPPINES FOR 51 YEARS. ♦ MOTOR HI1IJ (0., IM'. AUTOMOTIVE PARTS • ACCESSORIES GARAGE & SHOP EQUIPMENT BATTERIES • TIRES • TUBES 230 13th St., Port Area — Tel. 3-36-21 • FAUST SUITINGS • FLATTERY PRINTS • WALDORF PERCALES • SEINE TWINE & YARNS • AGUILA DENIMS • CARABELA CHAMBRAYS • COMMANDER BROADCLOTH • COTTON & RAYOlf POUND-GOODS -------------------------- MANILA OFFICE: 304 NUEVA STREET CORNER dasmariNas PHONE 2-69-17 MANILA Cable Address “NEIIESCO” 34 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January. 1953 SERVICE WITH SATISFACTION / CUSTOMS BROKERS v WAREHOUSEMEN / TRUCKING / PACKING & CRATING / FREIGHT FORWARDING / SHIP HUSBANDING / CARGO SUPERINTENDENCE / ARMORED CAR SERVICE v AIR CARGO AGENTS / TRAVEL AGENTS / FIELD WAREHOUSING LUZON BROKERAGE COMPANY Derliam Bldg. Port Area Cables: LUBROCOIN Telephone: 3-34-31 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------Doing a Fine Job! Caterpillar REG. U. S. ■ PAT. OFF. Throughout the islands today, “CATERPILLAR” products are doing a fine job—helping in the re-habilitation of the Philippines. These yellow machines arc in many different kinds of services. But wherever they • are called upon to serve, you can count on them to do their jobs staunchly and dependably. KOPPEL (PHILIPPINES), INC. PHILIPPINE REPRESENTATIVES: PRESSED STEEL CAR CO., INC. BOSTON & 23rd STREETS, PORT AREA .. TEL. 3-37-53 Branch..: BACOLOD. ILOILO. CEBU. DA V AO • COTABATO-ZAMBOANGA ____ —_____ J Gas Corporation; Everett Steamship Corp.; Mindanao Mother Lode Mining Co.; and the W. A. Chittick & Co., Inc. The number of company members is rapidly approach ing the 100-mark. The year 1953 is entered with a staggering number of both public-safety and industrial-safety projects currently active. To list but a few—Traffic Safety Conference for Government and Armed Forces Drivers; a Council educa tional booth at the International Fair; expansion of the “Free Car-Safety Check” program; promulgation of an anti-arson plan for action of insurance companies; finishing plans for the coming Security Delivery Service, Inc.; in tensive work with member companies of the Manila Taxi cabs Association; attempts to revive the inactive Provincial Bus Terminals Board; cooperation with the Fire Preven tion Board and the National Traffic Commission; liaison with the departments of Justice and Labor on matter of placing liability for accidents on the person causing the mishap, rather than automatically on the employer; selec tion of recipients of the “1952 Award of Merit” given an nually by the Council; and other items too numerous to mention here. In the industrial field, continuous company safety programs are now underway in the following firms—Manila Electric Co.; San Miguel Brewery; Atlantic Gulf & Pacific Co.; Delgado Brothers; Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co.; Luzon Brokerage Co.; Colgate-Palmolive Philippines; American International Underwriters; Manila Taxicabs Association; Philippine Iron Mines; Pangasinan Transportation Co.; Laguna Tayabas Bus Co.; Batangas Transportation Co.; 1953 Philippines International Fair; Woodworks, Inc.; Inter-Island Gas Service, and others. t ocal business firms, banks, mines, and similar en" tities will soon be enabled to use a modern armoredcar service for delivery of payrolls and deposit of col lections. Application has been made with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the incorporation of the “Security Delivery Service, Inc.” a P50.000 Philippine corporation. Incorporators of the service include Donald O. Gunn of H. E. Heacock Co.; Arthur H. Henderson, of American International Underwriters; Frank S. Tenny, of the Philip pine Safety Council; Jose Razon, of Roxas y Cia.; Charles King, of King Tai Guan Sons; Leslie Brown, of Brown Studios; V. G. Miller, photographer; and Steven S. Rivers, of the Philippine Safety Council. Razon will serve as corporate secretary and Tenny as managing director. Facilities of the service will include the armored car it self, now virtually completed, a specially equipped airplane, and certain other security factors. All cargoes will be completely insured and all personnel covered by bond. Shipments will be accepted for any point in the country, the car taking the cargo from the bank to the airport, and the airplane completing the delivery by pin-pointed airdrop at the destination. An American staff member will per sonally accompany all shipments, together with specially selected and trained guards, drivers, and pilots. Another feature of the service will be that of making daily or periodic pick-ups for deposit from local department stores, movie houses, business offices, ships, planes, etc. This will be somewhat similar to Brink’s and other services in the United States. Inquiries are welcome and should be directed to the Service’s temporary offices at 613 M. H. del Pilar, telephone No. 5-31-24. Subscribe to the JOURNAL and keep your files complete January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 35 COST OF LIVING PRICE INDEX OF WAGE EARNER FAMILY * IN MANILA BY MONTH, 1948 TO 1952 * (1941 = 100) Bureau of the Census and Statistics 1948 All Items 1 (100) (63.43) (nC96) | Cloth- 11 (ixM) r Fuel, LightlMiscel-IPurchasand Watei (7.73) r laneous ingPower |(14.84) [of a Peso January.... . 390.7 427.6 453.9 224.5 304.6 249.9 .2560 February. . . . 369.8 394.0 453.9 223.8 301.1 254.4 .2708 March.......... . 349.4 361.0 453.9 214.6 308.1 255.9 .2862 April............. 354.6 374.1 453.9 209.4 289.7 254.8 .2820 May.............. 349.8 360.2 453.9 214.2 289.7 271.6 .2859 June.............. . 354.3 370.4 453.9 205.2 283.2 262.9 .2823 July............... . 356.4 374.2 453.9 201.3 281.6 262.4 .2806 August......... . 363.6 385.7 453.9 199.8 281.6 261.7 .2751 September. . . 370.6 397.2 453.9 199.2 279.6 260.6 .2698 October........ . 374.9 404.0 453.9 204.8 283.2 257.9 .2668 November... . 368.7 394.4 453.9 202.0 281.6 258.7 .2712 December. .. . 365.9 389.9 453.9 202.0 282.4 258.9 .2732 1949 January.... . 363.8 386.8 453.9 202.0 279.0 258.9 .2750 February. . . . 343.8 355.5 453.9 203.0 277.5 258.9 .2909 March.......... . 345.3 358.2 453.9 202.0 276.3 258.5 .2896 April............. . 348.7 362.6 453.9 197.6 287.5 257.1 .2868 May.............. . 348.8 362.8 453.9 197.2 287.5 257.1 .2867 June.............. . 349.0 362.9 453.9 203.9 287.5 257.2 .2865 July............... . 351.7 374.0 453.9 194.2 265.8 240.5 .2844 August......... . 337.5 351.2 453.9 196.3 266.6 241.2 .2963 September. . . 333.6 345.1 453.9 190.3 264.8 243.1 .2998 □ctober........ . 332.9 343.3 453.9 199.9 264.8 245.0 .3004 November. . . 339.6 356.1 453.9 191.1 258.4 239.8 .2945 December. .. . 329.6 335.9 453.9 202.9 259.5 256.2 .3035 1950 January. . . . . 332.3 336.8 453.9 238.0 253.1 269.3 .3010 February. . . . . 336.9 340.2 453.9 233.3 257.8 284.1 .2969 March............ . 339.0 341.4 453.9 236.7 257.8 292.6 .2950 April............... . 331.8 328.6 453.9 237.7 252.9 301.2 .3015 May................ . 320.2 308.6 453.9 244.7 249.7 309.1 .3123 June................ . 323.1 310.9 453.9 243.5 249.7 319.1 .3095 July................. . 332.0 322.4 453.9 252.6 249.7 328.7 .3012 August........... . 334.4 325.9 453.9 258.7 251.1 328.4 .2990 September. . . . 341.3 335.0 453.9 317.4 252.5 327.5 .2930 October.......... . 352.8 351.1 453.9 337.3 249.7 334.5 .2835 November. . . . 354.1 353.2 453.9 322.8 249.7 335.9 .2825 December. ... . 352.2 350.5 453.9 325.2 249.7 334.8 .2839 1951 January.......... . 355.2 355.0 453.9 331.5 249.7 334.6 .2816 February. . . . . 358.4 359.8 453.9 342.8 249.7 334.4 .2790 March............ . 352.4 349.3 453.9 379.4 248.8 334.3 .2838 April............... . 361.2 362.6 453.9 398.6 247.5 334.7 .2769 May................ . 365.0 367.0 453.9 410.4 247.5 339.5 .2740 June................ . 367.8 372.0 453.9 399.5 247.5 337.7 .2719 July................. . 366.3 370.1 453.9 382.0 247.5 339.0 .2730 August............ . 365.1 371.4 453.9 354.0 247.5 329.1 .2739 September. . . . 363.0 369.0 453.9 356.4 247.5 325.4 .2755 October.......... . 358.1 361.1 453.9 350.4 247.5 326.7 .2793 November. . . . 351.1 351.1 453.9 343.8 247.5 323.3 .2848 December. ... . 349.0 348.9 453.9 335.2 247.5 319 4 .2865 1952 January......... . 355.1 357.8 453.9 323.0 247.5 324.6 .2816 February... . . 348.0 349.8 453.9 282.9 243.4 318.3 .2874 March............. . 344.3 345.1 453.9 273.7 243.4 315.0 .2904 April............... . 342.7 342.7 453.9 276.1 243.4 313.8 .2918 May................ . 342.2 341.8 453.9 279.9 243.4 313.8 .2922 June................ . 345.4 346 3 453.9 277.1 243.4 316.3 .2895 July................. . 347.6 349.5 453.9 273.6 243.4 318.3 .2877 Aug............ . 347.9 349.4 453.9 276.1 243.4 320.4 .2874 September. . . . 348.3 350.0 453.9 274.8 243.4 320.5 .2871 October.......... . 344.5 344.6 453.9 276.2 243.4 317.8 .2903 November.. . . . 347.5 349.3 453.9 274.7 243.4 318 3 .2878 December. . 347.9 348.9 453.9 271 5 247 5 321.2 .2874 1 Average ntimber of persons in a family ?= 4.9 members. ♦For explanatory note. see the August, 1 951, Journal. COLUMBIAN ROPE COMPANY OF PHILIPPINES, INC. HEMP AND COPRA EXPORTERS STEAMSHIP AGENTS * 206 Myers Building Port Area, Manila, P. I. * BRANCHES: Davao • Tacloban • Cebu • Tabaco FOR BETTER SERVICE— Call 3-29-05 ALLIED BROKERAGE CORPORATION Marsman Building Port Area Individual alienlion and competent supervision given lo your customs brokerage requirements. AGENTS BROKERS CHARTERERS TELEPHONES 3-34-20 3-34-29 American Steamship Agencies, Inc. Manila and Tokyo Cable Address: 212 Myers Bldg. “AMERSIIIP” Port Area Manila CUSTOMS BROKERAGE FREIGHT FORWARDING WAREHOUSING TRUCKING HEAVY HAULING 36 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January, 1953 “LET YOUR HAIR DOWN’’ IN connection with the “'Short Histo ry. ..” instalments covering the pe riod of the Japanese occupation, the editor said during the month that he hoped Journal readers would not seek for any special or involved rea sens for their appearance at this time. No political motives are involved in their publication with respect to the Treaty of Peace, the recent visit h^re of a Japanese delegation, or any such ALLIS-CHALMERS Basic .Machinery for the ELECTRICAL EQUIP MENT—Power .-and distri bution transformers. circuit break-rs. switchgear, unil substations. Texrope is an ALLIS-C1IALMEBS trademark EjccIusire Dislribulors THE EARNSHAWS DOCKS & HONOLULU IRON WORKS Main Office: Branch Offices al: Cor. Tacoma & 2nd Slrecls Telephone: 3-35-11 Bacolod City Port Area, Manila P. O. Box 282 Cebu City consideration. The publication of the whole serits is more or less accidental, he said. About the middle of the year (1952), the Fookien Times asked him for an article on “The American Contribution to the Past 500 Years of Philippine History”, and in preparing this article, which was published in the Fookien Times Yearbook (September, 1952), he re called a pamphlet he had had a part W orld’s Major Industries .Much or all of the equipment for a complete plant can be obtained from Allis-Chalmers broad line of 1600 products. We will be glad to supply information about AllisChalmers equipment to solve your machinery problems. GRINDING MILLS—Bull in writing for the First Decennial Handbook of the Manila Rotary Club, published in 1929, which he thought might help him. He had difficulty in finding a copy and one was at last lent him by Mr. E. A. Perkins. The pamphlet, “Short His tory of Business and Commerce in the Philippines”, was out of print, and the suggestion was made by a number of members of the Chamber that it be reprinted in the Journal, and with permission from the Rotary Club, this was done in the August and September issues. Since this “Short History. . .” closed with men tion of the administration of GovernorGeneral Henry L. Stimson and in cluded statistics only up to the year 1927, now some 25 years ago, the suggestion was made that the editor carry the story on up to the present time for the benefit of Journal rea ders, many of whom are new comers to the Philippines and know little about, even the more recent Philip pine past. It was pointed out that such a review would be very useful to businessmen and others fcr their information and for reference pur poses and would throw light on the post-war politico-economic develop ments. The editor therefore went to work and in the October issue the story was carried on up to the year 1931, and in the November issue up to the outbreak of the war in the Pacific, the latter instalment covering the first half of the Commonwealth period. There then seemed nothing else to do but to tell the story of the Japanese period, and this was begun in the December issue, the story being carried on up to the establish ment of the puppet Republic in October, 1943. The editor said that he was a little sorry that this instal ment should appear during the month that a number of Japanese officials arrived here to discuss the reparations issue, as he has no desire to complicate matters in any way. “Do you think,” we asked him, “that the appearance of this part of the “Short History” will stir up fur ther bitter feeling by -reminding the readers of what happened in the Philippines during those years?” “No, it isn’t that,” he answered. “The bitter feeling is here. It need not be' aroused. In view of the fact that the ‘History’ deals mainly with industry and trade and also in view of the limited space available in the Journal, I left out much more that could be said,—about Japanese poli cies and measures with respect to the churches and schools, press and radio, not to speak of the manner they forced an unmilitary surrender of the American forces and their treatment of prisoners-of-war and civi lian internees. I have said nothing January, 1953 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL 37 about any of those phases. What happened here was a hundred times worse than I have been able to pic ture it. And the people have not forgotten. Those who lived through those days will never forget. . .That will take another generation. But I think I have said enough to give those who were not here some idea of what happened and why the people are so bitter, and more is to come that will give many Journal readers a better idea than they have at present as to why the Filipinos are still so set in their demand for reparation. Not that I am making any argument along those lines. I believe the Amer ican policy with respect to demanding virtually no reparations from Japan is a wise one, but it will do no harm, it can only do good, if truth is brought out in relation to the matter, and a better understanding of the Philip pine point of view is thereby achieved. I will venture to say that even the Japanese who were here recently, did not know all of the facts brought out in the December Journal instal ment of the ‘Short History. . .’ or in the present instalment. Let us have the facts. Let us have more light. And don’t forget that I have a 2,000 page manuscript of original data to back up everything said in these short articles,—and a good deal more.” The editor received the following authoritative and interesting letter from a former official of the Manila Gas Corporation, Mr. F. Hoemlimann, with reference to the mention of the Gas Company in the December instalment of the “Short History. . .” The editor states that he will certainly embody the facts brought out in any reprint of the Short History, should there be a reprint, and that he will incorporate the whole letter in his lbnger work still unpublished. The letter follows: “I just finished reading the ‘Period of Japanese Occupation’ of your very interest ing‘Short History of Industry and Trade in the Philippines’ in the December issue of the Journal. “Allow me to congratulate you on the superb presentation of conditions and tribu lations during times which all of those who managed to survive will hardly ever forget. “As a former official of the Manila Gas Corporation which, during the occupation, was ‘operated’ by the Japanesb Military Administration, I was particularly interested in your paragraph on ‘Public Utilities’. “Considering the sacrifices and humiliations suffered by a handful of Swiss key-men and scores of loyal Filipino employees, in order to maintain—under Japanese ‘supervision’— a vital public service to the population of Manila—and incidentally also to the internees in Sto. Tomas—during three black years under often almost unbearable circumstances, I don’t think that your short reference to the M.G.C. does justice to the service which this Utility managed to render, in spite of the Japs, for almost the duration. "For posterity’s sake (I am convinced that your ‘History’ will become an im portant source of reference regarding what happened in this part of the world during the occupation) I like to correct a statement of fact in your article which is not quite accurate. “Gas-service in Manila was maintained uninterrupted from January 2, 1942, to Nov ember 7, 1944, when the plant had to be shut down for lack of fuel. (The latter had con sisted for many months already of coconut oil in ever decreasing quantities with coconut-shells and firewood as boiler-fuel. In November, 1944, the fuel-starved Ja panese Navy also demanded the compara tively small allotment which had kept the Gas Company going until then). “In other words, gas for cooking was available for almost the entire trying period. True, new connections were prohibited, rationing had to be resoited to on August 12, 1943, and again on March 1, 1944, the gas-price was increased several times, calories decreased in proportion to the inferiority of available raw-materials, but gas was manu factured and sent through the mains for public use until November 7, 1944. “I thought that, if ever you should revise your article, some of this information might be sufficiently important to warrant incorpo ration. If I can be of further help concerning one or the other phase of the Manila Gas Corporation’s operation during the peiiod under review, please do not hesitate to call on me. “Sincerely, F. Hoernlimann (former Asst.-Treasurer M.G.C.) c/o F. E. Zuellig Inc., 55 Rosario” Mrs. Gonder last month received the following letter from Mr. V. A. Brussolo, former Journal column editor: “I greatly appreciate the remembrance of the Chamber on the occasion of the anni versary date of my birth. The happy message was forwarded to me in Washington, D.C., where I am stationed at present, except when I am in the field inspecting mining properties. I am connected with the Defense Minerals Procurement Agency of the United States Government in the capacity of con sultant—termed ‘expert’. My family resides in California except f6r my eldest son who is stationed at the Anacostia Naval Base. How are things going in the Philippines? We are having quite a rough time with the coming presidential election. Thanking you again for the kind remembrance and with personal regards to both yourself and Mr. Hartendorp, I am, “Cordially yours, etc.” The Journal recently received a letter from the Royal Institute of In ternational Affairs, Chatham House, London, publishers of the quarterly, International Affairs, stating, -“We should veiy much like to have the complete annual Journal sets for the post-war years, and we will send you the corresponding numbers of International Affairs. . . We are very glad that you are pleased with the idea of an exchange. . .” These issues of the famous quarterly will be a valuable Chamber reference when we are able to place them on our shelves. C. F. SHARP & COMPANY, INC. STEAMSHIP AGENTS —OPERATORS —SHIP BROKERS GENERAL ORIENTAL AGENTS for WATERMAN STEAMSHIP CORPORATION Mobile, Alabama IVARAN LINES (Far Earl Service) Oilo PACIFIC ORIENT EXPRESS LINE Oslo - Gothenburg General Agenti lor GENERAL STEAMSHIP CORPORATION,LTD. San Francisco SIMPSON, SPENCE a YOUNG New York - London DAIDO KAIUN KAISHA LTD. Tokyo-Kobe Head Office: STH FL., INSULAR LIFE BLDG. AVIATION DIVISION 217 Daimarinas, Manila Telephone!: 2-69-50 2-69-56 2-69-59 Branch Offices: SAN FRANCISCO—SHANGHAI SINGAPORE—PENANG YOKOHAMA—KOBE TOKYO—NAGOYA OSAKA—FUSAN (KOREA) Cable Addren: ''SUG ARCRAFT" all offices EVERETT STEAMSHIP CORPORATION GENERAL AGENTS AMERICAN MAIL LINE To and From Portland Seattle Vancouver Tacoma PACIFIC TRANSPORT LINES To and From California Philippines BARBER-FERN-VILLE LINES Service to U.S. Atlantic Via Straits, Suez, Mediterranean FERN-VILLE FAR EAST LINES To and From North Atlantic Ports Gulf Ports—Philippines EVERETT ORIENT LINE Serving the Orient Philippines to China, Japan, Korea, Straits and India Ports PHILIPPINE STEAM NAVIGATION CO. Serving the Philippine Islands 155 Juan Luna St., Manila Tel. 2-98-46 (Priv. Exch. All Lines) 38 AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOURNAL January, 1953 The Journal editor received kind Christmas and New Year greetings, in the form of cards and letters, and some even more puissant lemembrances, such as bottled whisky, from a number of devoted and benign friends, among them A. A. Acuna; the Albers (M.S.A.); Estrella D. Alfon; Helen Butenko, now with the Mit chell Library in Sydney, Australia; Prof. V. D. Qokhale (Atlanta, Geor gia) ; Prop. F. N. Gonzalez; Felicidad P. Espina; the Gonders; the Haugh - wouts, in Washington, the Hornbos.tels, still at North Bellmore, L. I., New York; McCullough Printing Company; the Lawrence Olsons (Cam bridge, Massachusetts); the Paduas; Naty Perez, now in Calcutta; Peoples Bank and Trust Company; Philippine Lumber Producers Association; the Risleys (artists, with PRISCO); The Robot Statistics; Ernesto Romero; J. A. Smakman; Mary Ann Seman, for merly of the Chamber staff, now living in Oakland, California; the Willimonts, both in Baguio at this time; the Welhavens, still at Abbe ville, South Carolina; Paul Wood; Yang Pao Wang; the Yenches; the Philippine Art Gallery (a handpainted card by Manansala); and from others, no doubt, who can not be mentioned here because their cards, etc., are still in the mail. Greetings came also from various newspaper carriers, postmen, watch men, policemen, and countless groups of Christmas carolers. Not to men tion members of his family, relatives by blood and in law, for three or four generations, up and down. And smiles and handshakes and kisses and embraces and little thoughtful presents. A big Christmas tree and good food, including nuts he can’t chew any more. Sic transit, but all worth hanging on to as long as possible, so he says. Mrs. Willimont, former Executive Vice-President of the Chamber, wrote from Baguio: “I miss so much our good old talks, in which, of course, you did most of the dis coursing and I, the listening, but since that is now denied me, I take the second-best and read every thought of yours which goes down on paper in the Journal. You con tinue to do a marvelous job for the Chamber and I only hope you will be with them as long as its doors are open.” “It is very kind of her to say all that,” said the editor, “but I am afraid it gives one an impression that I am what I certainly am not,— somewhat garrulous.” “What’s that, again?” said we. Mrs. Hornbostel also had some thing to say about the Journal: "We are following the progress of the Chamber of Commerce Journal with great interest, and I think you are doing a won derful job. Some of your editorials are su perb, and I think have done a great deal of good. I hope the American community, out there in Manila, feels the same way we do.” “I hope so- too,” said the editor simply. “Gnk! Gnk!” “What do you mean by that ‘gnkgnk’?” he asked. “Oh, I ju&t like it, that’s all,” said we. “If you want to denote a snicker or snigger, why not use the proper word? Or you .can chuckle or chortle. Or you can titter or giggle. You can even cackle, whinny, neigh, or bray, whatever species of the lower orders you like to imitate. Oh, nothing personal,” he said, looking at us. “I was just thinking of the infinite resources of our great English lan guage.” ¥ The United States sub scription rate to the Journal sent by ordinary mail for one year, is $5.00. For $15.00 a year the Journal Office will send monthly any selected pageclipping from “The Business View” Section by air-mail in addition to sending the whole issue, as usual, by or dinary mail. ¥ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- j You Get Distribution When GETZ SELLS IT FOR YOU! GETZ BROS. & CO. Offices at: 135 MUELLE DE BINONDO, MANILA • TEL. 2-69-96 & 2-69-96 and MAGALLANES ST.. CEBU CITY * TEL. 620 AGENTS AND REPRESENTATIVES: ILOILO • BACOLOD • DAVAO ELEVEN SALES TRUCKS SERVE THE WHOLE ISLANDS