Charter Vote a Second Mandate, Aquino Says

Corazon Aquino declared Wednesday that the landslide approval of a new Philippine constitution has completed the revolution that brought her to the presidency, and she sent a message to restive elements in the military that her government is now “twice empowered by a second mandate.”

In her first public comments on Monday’s constitutional referendum, the president told a nationwide television audience that the vote for approval--about 75% in favor, according to unofficial returns--reflects the majority’s “total rejection of violence or terrorism, whether from the left or the right.”

Aquino dealt directly with evidence of an apparent rejection of the constitution by military voters. “The soldiers voted according to their conscience,” she said. “I respect them for it.” But, she continued, the soldiers also now have a new constitution, and “they now have a government twice empowered by a second mandate to address their needs and grievances.”

Earlier in the day, Defense Minister Rafael Ileto told a Cabinet meeting that the majority of the military favor the constitution, which provides for a six-year term for Aquino as president. Presidential press secretary Teodoro Benigno told reporters that, according to Ileto, only air force personnel cast a majority “no” vote.

Military to Take Oath

But spot checks of polls at army bases in Manila during Monday’s voting showed most men in uniform opposed to the constitution. On Wednesday, the armed forces high command took the unusual step of issuing a press release to argue that the military as a whole voted in favor of the charter.

Press Secretary Benigno said that Defense Minister Ileto told the Cabinet that all members of the armed forces will be required to swear an oath of allegiance to the new constitution or leave the military.

Aquino told her television audience that the economy will be her top priority as she approaches the first anniversary of her presidency with a government now legitimized by a constitution approved by the people. Since former President Ferdinand E. Marcos was driven from the country last February, she has ruled under a personally promulgated constitution that gave her extraordinary powers.

‘People Have Spoken’

While an economic revival is crucial to her presidency, Aquino faces more immediate problems with the military and the Communist insurgency. She appeared to be speaking to both audiences Wednesday night, declaring: “Our people have spoken, and they have commanded us to rule by law. Anyone who challenges that law must answer to us.”

Monday’s vote, the president said, summing it up, was “a mandate for justice and order.”

In a question-and-answer session after her statement, Aquino was asked by a panelist whether she would seek reconciliation with what she calls “misguided elements” in the military. At least three times in the past year--the latest just a week ago--soldiers have joined or led mutinies designed to challenge the government’s legitimacy and policies.

“Definitely I will reach out to these members of the armed forces. . . ,” she replied.

“In the past, my interaction has been only with generals,” Aquino remarked, promising in the future to hold talks also with junior officers and enlisted men.

Military Vote Explained

The basis of the military vote on the constitution is complex. Some men are Marcos loyalists, rejecting anything that legitimizes Aquino’s rule; others oppose her policies on the insurgency, including the peace negotiations that the Communists cut short and the cease-fire that ends this weekend; still others are puzzled about their future under a constitutional provision that will abolish the Philippine Constabulary, the national police force.

Aquino said Wednesday that the government will seek to resume the peace talks, and she hinted that regional truces will be sought.