(5 of 5)
Another possibility, of course, is that the durable Philippine leader fully intends to win a new mandate. If he should, that would leave Marcos in office, health permitting, until 1992, a full year after the expiration of the crucial U.S. base agreements. Marcos is reported to be suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus, a degenerative tissue disease that often affects the kidneys. This makes his choice of a vice-presidential running mate all the more important. Many Filipinos are convinced that Marcos is plotting to be succeeded by his wife Imelda, 56, even though both have issued denials. Another possibility is that his running mate would be José Rono, the country's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Government.
"This is not a democratic exercise we are talking about," said Opposition Assemblyman Luis Villafuerte last week. "This is really war." Whatever twists and turns may follow in the Philippine political drama, all parties concerned are aware that the stakes in the battle are growing higher by the hour. --By George Russell. Reported by Sandra Burton and Nelly Sindayen/Manila