Aquino Weighs a Reelection Bid

Despite repeated assurances that she would not run again, President Corazon Aquino is consulting with other political leaders about seeking a second term, her brother said Tuesday.

Rep. Jose Cojuangco’s comments came as Aquino met with 19 politicians from central and northern Luzon. Afterward, the governor of Abra province, Vicente Valera, told reporters that the politicians assured Aquino they would support her for reelection.

The president had no comment, but her brother said, “She will consult with other sectors” about running again.

A political foe said Tuesday that leading politicians are being pressured not to run for president to clear the way for Aquino. Jose Alcuaz, who was fired as telecommunications commissioner by Aquino, said he leaked last week’s report of an alleged plot to kill opponents of the president as “political blackmail” to keep her out of the race.

The constitution limits a president to a single, six-year term, but some legal experts say Aquino would be exempt because she took office before the constitution was ratified on Feb. 2, 1987.