THE PHILIPPINES: A Real Contest

An uphill fight against Fernando and superwife

She sweeps into the shabby residential Manila district of Santa Cruz in a black limousine, escorted by a busload of security guards and surrounded by political aides, cheerleaders, TV and movie stars. The crowd is enthralled by First Lady Imelda Marcos' skillful blend of political harangue and folksy charm. "I can tell the President what you need here," she says. "And you know that Imelda always gets action. "As the crowd roars its approval, Mrs. Marcos sings a couple of old favorite Filipino songs and throws...

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