Bullish on Regime, Reagan Gives Aquino $100 Million

President Reagan today gave Philippine President Corazon Aquino a check for $100 million in aid to help her country’s struggling economy and urged American businesses to invest in her country as well.

“I’m bullish on the Philippines,” the President said after meeting with Aquino for two hours.

The $100 million is part of $505.4 million promised earlier this year, after Aquino took power from Ferdinand E. Marcos. Reagan said, without elaborating, that he would ask Congress for more aid.

The money comes on top of a $200-million check delivered by Secretary of State George P. Shultz last June.

Reagan hailed what he called Aquino’s “personal bravery” in leading her country since February and said she has “been doing her level best to unite her people.”

Key Military Bases

During their meeting, Reagan said, the Philippine president reaffirmed a commitment to stick to an agreement giving the United States rights to two key military bases in her country through 1991. Aquino has said that continuing the agreement after that date will be subject to review and Reagan said, “I understand and am comfortable with her position.”

The review, he said, “gives us plenty of time to think about” the future of the bases.

Aquino, whose yellow dresses have become a trademark, wore a tailored pink suit to her meeting with Reagan. Asked why she didn’t wear yellow, she said, “I’m saving that for tomorrow,” when she addresses a joint meeting of Congress.

Philippines officials have said all the money granted before Aquino’s visit to the United States--including the $200-million installment handed over by Shultz in June--was earmarked for the country even before she took office.