Marcos Names 2 New Members of Philippines Elections Panel

MANILA â€”  Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos on Thursday named two new members of the government’s commission on elections, fulfilling a long-delayed pledge just eight days before the presidential election.

“I understand that some of my friends at the U.S. Embassy said that I have not complied with my promise. . . ,� Marcos said in announcing his choices at the end of a campaign speech here.

Earlier in the week, U.S. Ambassador Stephen W. Bosworth cited the delayed appointments among areas “in which action has fallen short of what many consider desirable.�

Most Back Marcos

The appointees are Jaime J. Layosa, who has been executive director of the commission, and Ruben Agpalo, a lawyer in private practice. The appointments bring the commission to a full membership of nine, most of whom are still considered Marcos supporters.

The commission controls the procedures for the Feb. 7 presidential election in which Marcos, opposed by Corazon Aquino, is seeking reelection.

Layosa was a nominee of Jose Concepcion Jr., head of the National Citizens Movement for Free Elections, an independent poll-watching group. Concepcion, however, complained that the appointments came too late.

Objects to Timing

“With a week before the election, how much can they do?� he said. “They should have been appointed a long time ago so that they can help effectively.�

Ambassador Bosworth listed media access, campaign violence and potential electoral fraud as other areas that need improvement.

However, he expressed approval of promises from the armed forces not to interfere, the accreditation of Concepcion’s group as a poll watchdog and the recognition of the opposition ticket as the dominant opposition party. The latter action permits the opposition to appoint ballot inspectors for the nation’s nearly 90,000 polling places.

‘Does Not Know Business’

Marcos, in his speech to the Manila Rotary Club, again attacked Aquino’s lack of experience in government. He asked the assembled professionals and businessmen: “Would you appoint my opponent ‘Cory’ Aquino president of your company? . . . .She does not know the business. She has not run anything in her life.�

Asked afterward what he would do if Aquino won the election, he replied, “I do not expect to lose,� then added, “I’ll do my duty as president of the Republic of the Philippines--a peaceful and successful transition.�