President Ferdinand Macros declared on armed forces day (December 22) he would not haste in lifting of martial law, and called for care and prudence in moves towards a parliamentary form of Government for the Philippines.

Addressing the nation on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the armed forces of the Philippines, the 58-years-old Filipino strongman also vowed to pursue the policy of self-reliance both in the military and in the economic development of the country.

Mr. Macros first assumed the presidency in 1965, won re-election in 1969, and has been ruling the nation by decree since he imposed martial law in 1972.

Under a new constitution be proclaimed in 1973, the Philippines was to establish a parliamentary system of government.