Marcos Vows to Return to Philippines

MANILA —  Ousted Philippine President Ferdinand E. Marcos told his followers in a Sunday radio broadcast from Hawaii that he will try to come home “as soon as possible.”

In an interview broadcast over the privately owned pro-Marcos radio station DZEC, he also said the refusal of President Corazon Aquino’s government to let him return for his sister’s funeral demonstrates “social slavery” in this country.

Marcos criticized Aquino peace overtures to rebel groups and called upon Filipinos “to unite and continue fighting those who would fancy communism.”

“And I call on our people not to be demoralized, but to stand in the battle,” Marcos added.

“I will try my best to be able to come home, and as soon as possible,” he added, without elaborating.

The Aquino government last week banned Marcos from returning for Christmas or for the funeral of his sister, Elizabeth Marcos-Keon, who died Dec. 14 in a Manila hospital.

Her funeral is expected to take place this week in the Marcos family’s home province of Ilocos Norte in northern Luzon.

Marcos’ 94-year-old mother, Josefa Edralin-Marcos, asked the Philippine government last week to allow him to return for his sister’s burial.

The government instead has offered to allow the ailing mother to go to Hawaii to be with her son and to pay her travel expenses. Marcos said Sunday he rejects the offer.