Marcos Hints Army Chief May Not Get Job Back

Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos said Monday that Gen. Fabian C. Ver, the armed forces chief of staff accused of conspiracy in connection with a political assassination, may serve as a consultant in reorganizing the military.

Marcos’ statement indicated that Ver might not be reinstated even if he is acquitted in the trial of 26 men accused in the August, 1983, assassination of opposition leader Benigno S. Aquino Jr.

A verdict is expected on Wednesday, but the Supreme Court is still considering petitions for a mistrial or a restraining order delaying declaration of the decision. Ver has been on voluntary leave since his indictment late last year. Last Friday, Marcos said the general’s reinstatement would be automatic if he is acquitted.

Knowledge Cited

On Monday, the president met with senior military officers, including acting Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos and Ver, who wore civilian clothing. In suggesting that Ver might be appointed as a consultant on military reorganization, the president said the general’s detailed knowledge of existing military programs would be important in any shake-up.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee continued to debate a bill authorizing early presidential elections next year. A provision putting the vice presidency on the same ballot will remain in the bill when it reaches the floor of the Parliament, committee members agreed.

Some opposition leaders and even members of the president’s own party have argued that the vice presidential election should be held separately or put on the ballot for local elections scheduled later in 1986.

Discord in Opposition

Late Monday night, opposition factions were trying to patch up differences that led to the weekend resignation of Cecilia Munoz-Palma as chairman of the National Unification Committee, an umbrella group established to select a single opposition ticket to face Marcos in any presidential election.

After a dispute with former Sen. Salvador Laurel, a declared candidate for the opposition nomination, Munoz-Palma said, “I can no longer be part of a masquerade of unity . . . to fool the people in their expectations that personal interests and ambitions will be sacrificed and surrendered for the country’s welfare in the forthcoming elections.”

Most political analysts here say the opposition has no chance of unseating Marcos unless it unifies behind a single ticket.