Marcos: U.S. Seeks to Help Him Travel : Denies He Is Trying to Make a Political Comeback in Manila

Ousted ruler Ferdinand E. Marcos said today that the State Department is working out an arrangement under which he can travel abroad and then return to the United States.

In a telephone press conference from his exile home in Honolulu, Marcos, whose passport has been revoked, expressed a desire to visit Spain, Portugal, Italy, Panama, Costa Rica, the Bahamas “and all the other islands” in the Caribbean.

Marcos, who was ousted in a civilian-backed military revolt Feb. 25, denied that he is attempting a political comeback or that he is trying to destabilize the new government of President Corazon Aquino.

“My only reason for being interested in certain affairs now is that almost everybody who has kept his common sense, whether they are Filipinos or aliens, now realize that the true danger against the Philippines is a communist takeover,” Marcos said.

Treated Well by U.S.

“Either that or a military coup d’etat ,” said Marcos, who ruled the Philippines for 20 years.

Marcos said he has been treated well by the State Department, except for a case filed against him for smuggling of Philippine currency when he flew to Hawaii aboard a U.S. military aircraft.

“Right now, the State Department is trying to work out for us more comfortable circumstances under which we can travel outside, return to the United States and keep our lives as normal as possible,” Marcos said.

“They are contacting governments who have indicated the willingness to consider the proposal that we travel to their country,” he said. “I personally know that even President Reagan intervened in some cases.”

Manila Interference

But he said the Philippine government has tried to block the effort.

Reagan’s suggestion that the Aquino government issue Marcos a passport was widely rejected by the Cabinet and the subject was not brought up last Friday in a meeting between Aquino and Secretary of State George P. Shultz.

The Aquino government canceled Marcos’ passport shortly after he fled to Hawaii.

Marcos contended that he still is the legitimate Philippine president and that he has no intention of renouncing his fraud-tainted election Feb. 7.

“There is nothing as lonely as being away from your own country,” Marcos said. “I intend to be buried there.

“But I am worried right now that that may not come about if the present situation continues and the communists take over the Philippines,” Marcos said.

Marcos rally hints return bid. Page 4.