Aquino Would Allow Marcos to Return to Face Trial

MANILA —  President Corazon Aquino has agreed to allow ousted ruler Ferdinand E. Marcos to return to the Philippines so that the government can try him on charges of stealing billions of dollars during his 20 years in power, a spokesman for her confirmed Saturday.

It was the strongest indication yet that the Aquino government is willing to risk the security threat posed by Marcos’ return to put him on trial.

Aquino’s press secretary, Teodoro Benigno, told reporters that Aquino spelled out her position in talks with lawyers shortly before her visit earlier this month to Switzerland, where Marcos is believed to have deposited about $1 billion in allegedly stolen government funds. Other Marcos assets involved in the government’s charges include New York and California real estate.

Aquino’s government has said in the past that it would file criminal charges against Marcos, whom it has accused of stealing up to $10 billion during his 20-year rule.

However, because Philippine law does not allow trial in absentia and Aquino initially barred Marcos from entering the country, believing his presence could cause political instability, no charges were filed.

Aquino recently softened that posture, saying she would allow Marcos to return but only if he and his family swore allegiance to her government and returned the money he allegedly stole.

Marcos has been living in exile in Hawaii since being overthrown in February, 1986, and his supporters have maintained pressure for his return with regular marches and protests since the former president was driven out in the military-led popular uprising that swept Aquino into power.

In July, 1987, Marcos challenged the government to allow him to return to the Philippines to defend himself against the charges. In a statement released by his attorney, Marcos had said the charges were an example of attempts by Aquino’s government to harass him.

“If the government prevents my return to face my accusers, that would only constitute further injustices and violation to my basic human rights,” he said at the time.

On Saturday, press spokesman Benigno said that Swiss authorities will not release information about the Marcos accounts until the deposed ruler is charged and brought to trial in connection with the hidden funds.

Swiss law allows the lifting of banking secrecy laws only in cases of criminal prosecution.

The Aquino government is seeking ways to meet the Swiss demands without bringing Marcos back to the Philippines, including possibly holding a trial in Hawaii or at sea to avoid a confrontation with Marcos supporters, Benigno said.