Philippine Supreme Court Holds Back Aquino Verdict

The Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered a delay of at least five days in a reading of the verdict in the Aquino assassination trial, which had been scheduled for today.

The court issued a restraining order in order to continue consideration of a petition for a mistrial, alleging that the lower court that heard the case was influenced by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

Shortly after the delay was ordered, Chief Justice Felix Makasiar retired from the bench, as required by law at reaching age 70. He was succeeded, on presidential appointment, by Ramon Aquino, 68, a law school classmate of Marcos.

The new chief justice is no relation to Benigno S. Aquino Jr., the opposition leader who was assassinated in 1983. On trial for his murder are the armed forces chief, Gen. Fabian C. Ver, along with 24 other military men and a civilian.

Makasiar and Aquino were the only justices on the 14-man bench to vote against the restraining order.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary committee approved Feb. 7 as the date for early presidential elections called by Marcos.

The bill, submitted by Marcos, was approved by the committee on revision of laws and is scheduled to go to the floor of Parliament today.

The deadline for filing candidacies for president and vice president was fixed at Dec. 11. The original dates suggested by Marcos were Dec. 2 and Jan. 17.

“Seven and 11, Mr. Marcos’ lucky number,” said a political analyst here.

Opposition members of the committee went along with the date. A constitutional challenge to the bill remains the last major hurdle for elections, but so far none has been filed.