Philippine Right Weakened With Marcos in Race

Former Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos’ entry into the already crowded presidential race here has added new pressure to the fractured rightist political opposition and weakened its chances of recapturing power, analysts said.

Her decision to run in the May 11 election apparently ran against the advice of her family and several longtime friends who believe she is unlikely to win. But she has been encouraged by cheering supporters since her return last November from six years in exile in the United States.

More importantly, analysts said, Marcos believes that if she is elected she can escape prosecution on the many criminal charges against her. Indeed, Marcos, 62, announced her candidacy outside a court minutes after she pleaded innocent Tuesday to a new set of corruption charges.

“I have gone all over the country and seen so much suffering and economic chaos,” said the widow, best-known for her extravagant life style during the 20-year rule of her husband, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos. “After months of direct consultation with our poor and oppressed citizens, I have decided to run for office,” she declared.

Later, in a visit south of Manila, she criticized President Corazon Aquino’s leadership and offered herself as the alternative. “If we’re united, I am sure this nation will be great again. Happy days are here again,” she said.

Her candidacy was not welcomed within the opposition Nacionalista Party, where three other candidates already are battling for support. Businessman Eduardo Cojuango Jr., known as the late dictator’s closest crony, brushed aside Marcos’ bid. “We’ve made a commitment to seek the presidency and we shall pursue that commitment to final victory,” he said.

“This is terrible,” said J. V. Cruz, a former Marcos spokesman and adviser to the late president, reacting to Marcos’ plan. “This is worse than a crime. It’s a mistake.”

At her arraignment, Marcos shook her head and responded “not guilty” to six charges that she established dummy foundations to hide $356 million in Swiss banks. She was also accused of illegally pressing a government bank to grant a $25-million loan to an electronics company she managed.

A separate trial on tax evasion began in December. A total of 80 criminal charges filed against her carry a potential maximum penalty of more than 400 years in jail.

A spokesman for President Aquino dismissed speculation that she might seek reelection in a “war of the widows” contest.

Aquino said she is stepping down and will endorse the administration candidate on her 59th birthday on Jan. 25.