Aquino Thanks Reagan for Not Aiding Marcos

President Corazon Aquino today thanked President Reagan for refusing to back Ferdinand E. Marcos’ challenge to her government’s legitimacy and said Marcos has adopted the tactics that brought her to power.

Aquino, speaking to reporters at the presidential palace, said she was not worried by the ousted ruler’s appeals to Filipinos, including Marcos’ telephoned address from exile to 12,000 supporters massed in Manila’s Rizal Park on Sunday.

Marcos told the gathering, “I am your legitimate president” and appealed for peaceful rallies against Aquino.

Marcos talked by phone with President Reagan during the weekend. Reagan stopped in Honolulu, where Marcos is in exile, on his way to Indonesia, where he will meet leaders of the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations this week.

‘People’s Decision’

A senior U.S. source said Reagan, speaking of the circumstances of Aquino’s accession to power, told Marcos that “the Philippine people have made their decision and ultimately it is their decision.”

Aquino said today: “I thank Mr. Reagan for saying the Filipino people have spoken.

“As for what (Marcos) said, he’s trying to do a Cory Aquino now,” she said, referring to her nickname.

Aquino assumed the presidency when Marcos, faced by a military and civilian revolt, fled Malacanang Palace on Feb. 25. Marcos had been declared the winner of the fraud-tainted Feb. 7 election by the National Assembly, which his party controlled.

In a movement called “people power” that was backed by Roman Catholic clergy, business leaders and ultimately by units of the Philippine military, Aquino rallied millions of her fellow citizens against Marcos’ 20-year rule.

Signal to Marcos

A senior Administration official indicated today that the Administration has signaled Marcos it would prefer that he keep out of Philippine domestic affairs while he enjoys safe haven in the United States.

“Outside agitation can’t help but be detrimental,” said the senior official accompanying Reagan to the Far East. The official spoke with the understanding he would not be identified.

A source in Manila who said he talked to Marcos after the conversation with Reagan said Marcos told Reagan he would like to run in a new election.