Philippine Campaigns Kick Off

Many of the candidates hoping to succeed Philippine President Corazon Aquino formally kicked off their campaigns Saturday, but Aquino made good her promise not to run.

Ignoring Friday’s filing deadline, Aquino defied skeptics by becoming the first incumbent president not to file for reelection. Instead, she endorsed former Defense Secretary Fidel V. Ramos as her favorite in the May 11 election.

Among the candidates with hometown rallies after the filing deadline were House Speaker Ramon Mitra, whose kickoff was held here on Palawan Island, and former Senate President Jovito Salonga. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is to begin her campaign Tuesday. Nearly 80 candidates entered the presidential race. Filipinos also will elect Congress members and local officials.