The Rotary Balita no. 700 (July 17, 1952)

"The Filipino people have not enjoyed in full political freedom despite the country's six years of political emancipation," said Senator Claro M. Recto. Recto, in his address, recited a litany of alleged Liberal sins of omission and com- mission during the six years of Philippine independence. Among the alleged sins he mentioned were: suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, rampant unemployment and spiraling of the prices of vital commodities. One cheering factor in the phase of these pressures is the determination of the people to attain independence according to their ideals and aspirations, the Batangas solon claimed. "Independence, by itself," he said, "does not guarantee, and it has not assured our political rights and individual liberties." "Nor does independence by itself guarantee economic security and social justice," he added. "In comparison with the era of full American sovereignty, we pay now higher taxes for less efficient public ser- vices by a wasteful administration; we run our government on a continuous deficit, instead of wholesome superavits; our finances are shaky; our social problem and its concomitants of peace and order, a thousand fold more acute, to such an ex- tent that the armed forces of the Philip pines are totally engaged in police work, capturing one Huk commander today, and killing a dozen of the rank and file tomorrow, at the cost of millions of pesos for every high sounding operation, while levaing external perils and threats of aggression to the care of powerful protection." "In spite of all tragic mistakes and mis adventures of the last six years," Senator Recto said, "I have kept faith in the vital- ity of our nation and the necessity of our independence with a firm determination to make it a reality. I am confident that most Filipinos share that faith and high re- solve." Earlier, a one-minute silent prayer in memory of the dead heroes was observed as taps was sounded. Secretary of Health, Dr. Juan Salcedo, president of the 5th World Health Organization assembly at Geneva, was awarded the Manila Rotary distinguished service plaque by Past President Vince Banuan. Another awardee was Secretary of National Defense Ramon Magsaysay. Leroy Young was the finemaster. He started his "money collecting" job by im- posing a fine of P10.00 on Dan Aguinaldo for having the same surname with Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo who was seated at the headtable; Washington Sycip, bearing the name of General Washington was fined P5.00. Gary Yupangco, for manufacturing the Yupangco Grand Piano costing P3,500 was fined P35.00. For their new "hairdo's", Bert Parsons and Pinong Abriol, were each fined P5.00. Ernie Mora, who arrived the Philippines in July 3, 1918, was fine P20.00. For the marriage of a son, Willie Dy Buncio was fined P50.00. Paul Parrette was given a big ovation for his free gifts of Dr. Jose Rizal's pictures and Last Fare wells to Purico consumers. He was later fined the sum of P10.00. E. A. Perkins who was a recipient of the 15,000,000th Elgin watch was fined P10.00, but Joe Orosa paid it instead. Others fined were Ralph Hawkins, P20.00, paid by Chick Parsons, Dinny Gunn, P5.00 and Ted Hall, P10.00.