World Notes THE PHILIPPINES

What was Vice President Salvador Laurel up to when he accused President Corazon Aquino of incompetence earlier this month and suggested that she resign? Manila's coffeehouse circuit suspected Laurel was more concerned about his political future than good government. That theory got a boost last week when Laurel joined Juan Ponce Enrile, Aquino's former Defense Minister, to launch a new opposition party. Laurel is expected to head the alliance, which includes disgruntled supporters of Ferdinand Marcos. Said Hernando Perez, a pro-Aquino member of the House of Representatives: "Laurel will join any party that will make him President."

After the formation of the new coalition was announced, however, as many as 160 seated legislators of the 204-member House declared their intention to join the Fight of Filipino Democrats, a new umbrella organization of pro- Aquino groups.