Marcos to lift martial law, but tight control to remain

President Ferdinand Marcos has promised to lift martial law this month, but the authoritarian powers his government has exercised for eight years will remain largely intact. The announcement is widely expected Jan. 17, Constitution Day, though he has not indicated if the change will be effective right away.

Reasons for the move include the election of Ronald Reagan, the coming visit to the Philippines of Pope John Paul II, and a worsening economy. Most analysts say it is little more than a public relations gesture to polish Mr. Marcos's image in the eyes of foreign creditors.