European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - March 9, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Daily Magazine filipino machismo on the surface Subtle Matriarchy runs the show. A % to Vvs by Ruben g. Alabastro associated press in the Philippines where men have Long dominated politics president Corazon Aquino Rise to Power reinforces a notion few filipino males May care to admit despite the surface machismo of the Philippines women also hold the reins of Power. Filipino novelist Bienvenido Santos has characterized the archipelago As a Subtle  we have a Matriarchy where the Man does not lose face Santos says. In Public for appearances the Man is the Boss but deep in his heart the Man knows who is the real Boss his wife. In All major decisions the Man defers to his wife. She knows her position and does not abuse it because her survival depends on her saving her Man s  Aquino s Assumption of the philippine presidency is a phenomenon no one predicted 30 months ago when her husband opposition Leader Benigno Aquino was assassinated upon his return from voluntary exile in the United states. President Aquino who describes herself As a former housewife cuts a Sharp contrast with Imelda Romaldez Marcos the wife of the former president Ferdinand e. Marcos who was driven into exile after 20 years in Power. Many filipinos say they believe Marcos wife played a Hajor role in his downfall with her Globe trotting extravagance grandiose projects and reputed lust for Power. Campaigning across the country for the feb. 7 election in which mrs. Aquino challenged her husband mrs. Marcos Sang and danced smiled and cried pleaded and shouted. She wore a Bright red Sash across her shoulders pearls around her neck and diamonds on her fingers. Filipinos want Beauty she once said. I have to look Beautiful so that the poor filipinos will have a Star to look at from their  mrs. Marcos was the governor of metropolitan Manila a minister in her husband s Cabinet and it was widely assumed among filipino officials and voters alike that she would make a play for Power if her husband decided to step Down. She often ridiculed Aquino during the election Campaign portraying her As brainless and mocked her simplicity criticizing Aquino for not wearing makeup and not manicuring her nails. Marcos himself made sexist jokes directed at Aquino saying once that the place of a woman is in the bedroom. Aquino largely ignored the personal attacks and her Short unpretentious speeches contrasted with the general bombast of male politicians before her. For generations the filipino husband has cast his wife in the role of a submissive spouse whose place is in the  the notion persists As much in the cities As in the villages. But writer be Mangahas a feminist Leader says women have always played a Strong role in philippine society. She Points out that Long before Spain began its 300 years of colonial Rule in the 15th Century filipino women shared Power with men As Village chiefs. Without the wife consenting no treaties could be entered into and if the husband died Power often passed into the hands of wives Mangahas has said. One question being asked As Aquino begins her presidency is How she will handle the armed forces generals and 200,000-Man army that Marcos built. She gave an Early indication by acting on her Campaign Promise of a general amnesty for political prisoners held in Marcos jails ordering that All be freed Over the opposition of some military officers. She also has shown firmness elsewhere. Badgered by a favor seeking Man outside her office she turned to him and said in a firm voice overheard by an american reporter can t we ? i want you to realize that i Don t like to be pressured like this. I am the president right former housewife Corazon Aquino was subject of sexist remarks by Marcos during election a Phot Campaign. Imelda Marcos singing with pilots at philippine air Force flight school while campaigning last month. Sunday March 9, 1986 the stars and stripes Page 13