News In Brief

Marcos favors Jan. 27 date for Philippine referendum

President Ferdinand Marcos says he favors Jan. 27 for a referendum on constitutional changes for the Philippines, including restoration of the office of vice-president.

He said an earlier proposed date of Jan. 17 would be too soon for the election commission to organize ballot papers and would give insufficient time for campaigning.

Mr. Marcos has been under pressure from Manila's business community to revive the vice-presidency, which was abolished in a constitution approved while he ruled the Philippines under martial law between 1972 and 1981. The pressure reflects international and domestic concern about succession, should Marcos leave office before his term ends in 1987.