Marcos’ Return Urged by Laurel

Philippine Vice President Salvador Laurel said after a bedside visit with former President Ferdinand E. Marcos that he believes the exiled leader is near death and that he should be allowed to return to his homeland to die.

“I am convinced from what I have seen and heard that the reports of his deteriorating condition and imminent death are accurate,” Laurel said in a statement Thursday night.

“Now is the time for compassion and forgiveness in order to achieve much-needed unity among all Filipinos,” he said.

Laurel said he believes Marcos should be allowed to go home “to die.”