The World - News from Aug. 21, 1988

The Philippines’ military chief of staff, Gen. Renato de Villa, said in Manila that the army will not interfere if ousted President Ferdinand E. Marcos is allowed to return for a court hearing on corruption charges. A court Thursday granted a prosecution request to hold a hearing in November on $5 million in kickbacks that Marcos allegedly received from Japanese companies in exchange for public works contracts. The court said Marcos has the “constitutional right” to be present at the proceedings. President Corazon Aquino has refused to allow Marcos, now living in Hawaii, to return, but a spokesman said Aquino will abide by the court’s decision. Marcos said that he will demand the right to return and represent himself.