I've never heard of a rule for which tense to use. I think it is as Anglika says, use what you need.
If you are trying to be consistent, though, I think I would use the past tense. Since everything you are quoting was written sometime in the past (even if it was just yesterday), it was said/suggested/commented/etc.
And even if you are trying to be consistent, there still may be some times when it makes more sense to use the simple present.
But this isn't a firm rule, just my logic.
Good luck,
Debra
Teaching ESL to Adults