Early Philippines returns back more Marcos power

April 8, 1981

Millions voted in the Philippines Monday for the first in eight years. Partial returns showed overwhelming support for the granting of sweeping powers to President Ferdinand Marcos in a plebiscite marred by fraud charges against the government.

The proposed changes will revise the parliamentary Charter to allow a presidential election by popular vote within 60 days. The amendments provide for a strong president who will have a term of six years, with unlimited reelectio n.