Marcos Foes Back Aquino in Election : Endorse Widow of Assassinated Leader in Presidential Vote

Eight opposition leaders today endorsed Corazon Aquino, 52-year-old widow of assassinated opposition leader Benigno S. Aquino Jr., to run for president against Ferdinand E. Marcos if a snap election is held in January.

Earlier today, Marcos submitted an “irrevocable” letter of resignation effective 10 days after the January snap election, which still must win the approval of the National Assembly.

Aquino’s husband, a prominent Marcos opponent, was slain on his return to the Philippines from three years of self-exile in August, 1983.

Her reluctant candidacy was endorsed today by eight “potential standard-bearers” nominated by the Convenors Group, which is backed by influential educators and businessmen. Her potential draft is subject to approval by the opposition’s National Unification Council. The other front-runner for the nomination is former Sen. Salvador Laurel, head of the country’s largest opposition coalition.

‘Irrevocable’ Letter

Marcos, facing complaints that the constitution provides for a snap election only if the presidency is vacant, submitted an “irrevocable” letter of resignation to the National Assembly today but made clear that it would be effective only after the new presidential term begins.

He also appealed for Assembly approval of legislation that would formally authorize the snap presidential election he has already called for Jan. 17.

“Over the past two years, the mandate conferred upon me has been the object of propaganda and dissent that have cast a shadow over the continuing validity of the policies and programs I have instituted.

“I am, therefore, left no choice but to seek a new mandate in an election that will assess, as demanded by the opposition, the policies and programs I am undertaking.

Could Rule Until 1992

Marcos, 68, was reelected in 1981 to a six-year term. If declared the winner of the proposed Jan. 17 elections, Marcos could extend his rule into mid-1992.

The three-page letter was circulated among Assembly members as the session resumed after a 17-day recess and a week after Marcos announced his plans for the election during an interview on U.S. television.

A nine-page Cabinet bill proposing the presidential and vice presidential vote Jan. 17 was read out during the opening session.

Marcos’ political affairs adviser, Leonardo B. Perez, said the elections bill will be referred to the committee on the revision of laws. He said that the committee will meet later this week and that he expects the bill to be submitted to the floor for debate next week. He predicted passage before the end of November, allowing the official 45-day campaign period to begin Dec. 2.