MANILA : Philippine Politicking
The Philippines’ two largest left-of-center parties meet in Manila on Saturday to select their coalition candidate in next May’s national elections to succeed President Corazon Aquino, who has rejected a second term. Favored is Jovito Salonga, a Philippine senator who was instrumental in blocking a 10-year extension of the U.S. lease on Subic Bay Naval Base.
Other presidential contenders include former Defense Secretary Fidel Ramos--a key player in the 1986 “people power” revolt that overthrew dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who returned to Manila in December to face a litany of criminal charges, also is expected to announce her candidacy this month. Aquino is to announce her choice for successor Jan. 25.
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