MANILA, Philippines In choosing the next president, Filipinos consider many things: concern for the poor, trustworthiness, an untainted reputation, a clear program of action, and experience in governance, to name a few. For me, the Marcos victory should instead trigger a hard and honest reckoning of how and why most Philippine voters are willing to delve deeper into authoritarian fantasy and reject the high principles and hero personalities of liberal democracy. Long Waits, Short Appointments, Huge Bills. In some interviews, Marcos has let slip that he sees himself as the victim of mainstream media, insinuating that journalists have their own agenda. Borrowing a line from Donald Trumps playbook against liberal media outlets, he has recast as fake news legitimate evidence of his familys ill-gotten wealth. But then, once back in school, my schoolmates and I had to learn these new weird songs about the new order and how everything was great about the regime and about Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos. Unofficial results from Mondays election show Marcos Jr., 64, capturing more than 31 million votes, double that of his closest rival, current Vice President Leni Robredo, with other candidates trailing far behind, including retired boxing champ Manny Pacquiao. Rappler investigations have found that across several platforms, disinformation networks were used to further the Marcos narrative. FORMER SENATOR. But he has done nothing to right these wrongs. Unfortunately for Bongbong Marcos & Co., there are many of us who dont want to forget and who say: #NeverAgain. She's been a journalist since 2011 and has written about Congress, the national police, and the Liberal Party for Rappler. They were friends after all. If, however, by a stroke of miracle, both Vice President Robredo and Mayor Sara Duterte win the presidency and vice presidency, respectively, it would be historic: and it would be first time ever that a country would have the top two posts taken by women. Read More: Imelda Marcos Has Had Part of Her Art Collection Seized. Despite the billions of dollars worth of Chinese investments in the Philippines, the country still leans on the U.S. as its prime backer, with the U.S. military a major source of weapons and training. The rest? The glint of celebrity also didnt hurt. Marcos Jr. is aware of major judicial rulings in three countries (the Philippines, the United States, and Switzerland) over the years that prove the existence of ill-gotten wealth. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has promised the Philippine people "unifying leadership," despite his family's dark and divisive legacy. Please try again. He has withheld the truth about the Marcos plunder before and during martial rule, which he has misrepresented as a "golden era." He knows from multiple accounts that these illicit funds are diversions made from foreign economic aid, US military assistance, and from public and private sources. Of these, only one . Your subscription could not be saved. He got the highest percentage in the characteristics that. Rob Reyes/Rappler. He is a 2022. He has teamed up with the daughter of outgoing populist President Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte, who is running for vice-president. Magazines, Sara Duterte, who is running for vice-president, Bongbong Marcos Takes Huge Lead in Philippine Election, Capture a Year of Painand Resiliencein Ukraine, Or create a free account to access more articles, Why Bongbong Marcos, a Philippine Dictators Son, Leads the Race for the Presidency. Maraming salamat po, Mr. President. You cant really blame him the focus in media and social media has been on the abuses during Marcos 21 years in power. Instead of differentiating themselves by highlighting their record and capabilities, other candidates have engaged in a pack attack to try and take Marcos Jr down. They wrapped themselves up in this very strange bubble where only their supporters would hear what they had to say, which was nothing, Rafael said. Oh, Marcos and Imelda look so happy and proud in photographs with Ronald and Nancy Reagan. It's a smart choice. Ronald Reagan, as California governor, struck an alliance with Marcos that stretched into his own presidency. Such a project might help reframe the thorny issue of disinformation and trolling in the Philippines and elsewhere. Its an indictment on the complete failure of the Philippines to institute rule of law, Heydarian, the political science professor, saysadding that it also shows the countrys failure to confront its dark past. Rather than introduce top-down censorship of the press, as his father did during martial law, Marcos Jr.s strategy will likely involve stigmatizing unsympathetic news outlets. The ultimate goal: catapult Marcos' namesake and only son Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr, also known as BBM, to crush his rivals in the May ballot, and succeed President Rodrigo Duterte. Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Senator Santiago chose Senator Marcos for the simple reason that he has proven to possess the qualities that she values the most. But, certainly, he set a seemingly unbreakable record. Your IP: It is also reflective of the shared problems of many advanced democraciesand not just those in the global South. A great leader doesnt need to influence someone with hate, says 20-year-old voter Azcune. While running for office, he relished in his stories as a self-proclaimed war hero, although U.S. government files would later discredit the narrative that he led a guerrilla force against the Japanese. That a great number of Filipinos count on the mythical mountain of gold supposedly handed down to Marcos Sr by a fictional Tallano Family (whose gold stash supposedly came all the way from King Solomon), is no mystery. It was taken down alongside a pro-China fake account network with origins in China. This non-confrontational strategy has paid off, and handsomely. Fortunately, like the late tyrant, Willie Nepomuceno did not intend to die. Marcos Jr.s 2022 presidential campaign advocates unity as a means of lifting the country from the economic doldrums of the COVID-19 pandemic. Myth-making and appeal to emotionsform part of power games. Replacing him was Corazon Aquino, the widow of an assassinated pro-democracy opposition leader. Bongbong Marcos Jnr and his family face arrest in the US for defying a court order to pay US$353 million to human rights victims. The battle has since moved to Tik-tok, owned by Chinas ByteDance. Marcos Jr. has secured 30 million votes in an initial count, more than double his closest rivalcurrent vice president Leni Robredo. Most voters only use free data, unwilling to pay for additional data. Throughout his time in public life, he has refused to apologize for rights violations and corruption during his fathers reignsaying that history should be left to the professors. But educators have shirked the task. This, together with sustained geo-targetting of Filipino social media users with content favouring Marcos and his family, goes all the way back to at least 2014, according to one study. They are artfully compelling stories for the young and the excluded. On Feb. 25, 1986, hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, from nuns to office workers, occupied one of the Philippine capitals main arteriesthe culmination of a four-day mass protest dubbed the People Power Revolution. It was unlike anything Asia, or the world, had seen before. He previously served as a senator from 2010 to 2016. Three of these come to mind: (1) His respect and civility toward his official family. Dr Peralta (name changed) believesBBMs victory is a matter of destiny. Add your comment to start the conversation. The younger Marcos also knows where to meet these supporters: his team engages with millions of users on social platformsespecially TikTok and Facebookboth inside the Philippines and abroad. Add languages. Marcos Jr. also benefits from an existing power base in the northern provinces, in a country where politics is inherently dynastic. The reason for the takedown: it violatedFacebooks policies against coordinated in-authentic behaviour the use of fake accounts, made to look real, in a coordinated campaign to promote messages or a political agenda. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, speaks during a rally as he campaigns for the presidency on Feb. 19, 2022 in Caloocan, Metro Manila, Philippines. He's the son of a. Despite this message, he has become the most divisive candidate in the race. Manila After winning an overwhelming mandate of more than 30 million votes in Monday's election, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is the de-facto president-elect of the Philippines. Here are some of them: Marcos taught us to disdain and reject bullies Ferdinand Marcos was not the first, or the last, president to abuse his power. He was special assistant to his father in 1979 and later, vice governor then governor of their bailiwick, Ilocos Norte. But the power plant was never used, and the countrys external debt soared from $800 million at the start of Marcos first term in 1965 to $28.3 billion when he was oustedmore than 80% of the countrys GDP. Marcos Jr., along with Duterte-Carpio, refused to grant interviews to international media or participate in debates. Political opponents decry the human rights violations during his fathers dictatorship, the billions of dollars in ill-gotten wealth, and the familys unpaid taxes. (Podcast). According to the October 2021 survey, Marcos leads all presidential bets in 12 characteristics respondents were made to choose from. Tech platforms must now tread very carefully under a leader determined to rewrite his familysand the nationshistory. Answer (1 of 9): A lot of my Filipino friends tell me they will vote for for Bongbong Marcos, the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, in the 2022 elections. With his familys comeback decades in the making, Marcos presumably has a heavy axe to grind. But first, they must acknowledge their failure to listen. Today, many believe the 21 years under Marcos, including a 14-year one-man rule, as the Golden Era. At worse, his is a playbook built on outright lies. Marcos also got a boost from his alliance with Sara Duterte-Carpio, the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, who won the vice presidential election by a landslide after opting not to run for president herself. I HAVE differences with former senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on fundamental policy issues. The Uniteam is a formidable force in the elections not only because of its 2022 ticket. (an article by cire oiraunay) i deeply cried when i discovered this very shocking truthful history of the greatness and brilliance of our beloved former president ferdinand e. marcos sr. then, he said: "i have committed many sins in my life. February 21, 2023, 4:51 AM. After the latter was deposed, the Philippine government under Cory Aquino announced it had succeeded in identifying $860.8 million squirrelled away by Marcos and his wife Imelda. Civility and respect toward his officials. At the same time, I hope such dialogues will turn from a campaign exigency into a sincere, long-term willingness to listen and understand the issues faced by excluded communities, while respecting their own agency and cunning in political participation. January 24, 2022 Twitter Removes Hundreds of Accounts . Singapores former PM Lee Kuan Yew, used that term pillage to describe Marcos. In the case of the Philippines, the liberal weapons of historical accuracy and fact-checking are simply no match for Marcos creative folklore, turbocharged by social media fan culture and relatable influencers. The Philippines has also failed to hold members of the Marcos family accountable for their crimesmatriarch Imelda is still free. The amplified social campaign bolstering the accomplishments of Marcos Sr has also changed the narrative. And without Marcos, what would have happened to Willie Nepomuceno, undoubtedly one of the most talented Filipino humorists ever? Stop attacking the messenger. Despite leading preference polls, Marcos Jr has yet to lay out a comprehensive platform. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., presidential candidate and son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, greets supporters during a rally in Las Pias City, suburban Manila, on March 13, 2022. The repression lasted for nine years. Marcos Jr. asks transport groups to rethink planned week-long strike, Bring on the sunshine: vivo makes summer vacays brighter for its fans, 9 persons of interest tagged in Adamson frat death still at large, 3 with police | INQToday, Kickstart summer with vivos hot smartphone deals this 3.3, House energy committee chair Arroyo bats for cheap electricity, Boybits Victoria, former PBA top rookie, passes away at 50, Kylie Padilla urges bashers to stop calling AJ Raval a mistress: Its not fair to her, Extremely disappointed Boy Abunda tells Liza Soberano: Do not disregard your past, BPI unit wins bid to manage P1-B Pag-IBIG Fund portfolio, Binondo warehouse raid yields P10-B worth of fake bags, shoes BOC, Marcos condoles with kin of Adamson U student: There should be no room for violence in student organizations. For too long, progressives have taken for granted that facts in themselves are sufficient. Thats what Marcos once declared: I do not intend to die. His family and supporters apparently understood that to mean he does not want to be buried, too. And the desire for proximity to that celebrity is real.. Ed Garcia is a framer of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, a former researcher at the international secretariat of Amnesty International, and a peace envoy at International Alert. But, certainly, he set a seemingly unbreakable record. The ultimate goal: catapult Marcos' namesake and only son Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, also known as "BBM", to crush his rivals in the May ballot, and succeed President Rodrigo Duterte. Theories on how to build a space elevator have been around for decades. But then again, after what Marcos did, Filipinos are rightfully suspicious of anyone wanting to fool around with laws meant to prevent power-hungry politicians. Yes, Philippine politics is still widely considered as an easy road to easy money, but too much greed is now generally accepted as being dangerous to ones political career. He may support a stratified media ecosystem, split between friendly organizations granted access to the halls of power and critical ones, banished from Malacanangs antechambers. -00:0005:08. He believes without question YouTube videos about the tonnes of Marcos gold stashed away in some vault. Learn more. With election day set on May 9, 2022 67days away this begs the question: whats his message that resonates well with Filipino voters today? In unofficial election results announced on Tuesday, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., son and namesake of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos, is leading Leni Robredo, his main. Crony capitalism, in which Marcos favored the business interests of friends and relatives, was blamed. He embodied the best in the modern Philippine leader and was the nearest epitome of a great president. The Marcos myths of a strong and stable nationand of being misunderstood victims who could thus relate with anyones social and economic victimhoodwould resonate in many countries. The Marcoses are back from being pariahs, knocking on the gates of Malacanang Palace. This positive messaging extends to Marcos social media platforms, where political content is interspersed with light-hearted family vlogs. If the Marcos name was once reviled among many Filipinos who associated it with cronyism, rights abuses, excess wealth and shoes Marcos wife, Imelda, owned an infamous footwear collection the political dynasty appears to have reclaimed the highest office in the Southeast Asian nation, a longtime U.S. ally. Read More: Bongbong Marcos Takes Huge Lead in Philippine Election, Hes a person with a heart, says Reian Azcune, a 20-year-old voter in Rizal province. Given his record of delaying and obstructing the return of ill-gotten wealth to our country, it is hard to imagine that he can lead efforts to repay the trillions of pesos that the Philippines now owes, in large part due to the pandemic-induced downturn in our economy. According to Stratbase, Marcos Jr.s supporters are focused on pushing four narratives on social media: that hes the most qualified to make the nation great again, that his fathers regime were the best years of the country, that Marcos Jr. and Duterte made for an unstoppable tandem, and that mainstream media is not to be trusted. I am extremely pleased. The elites have been doing that for generations well before he came to power. Had Part of power games someone with hate, says 20-year-old voter Azcune an assassinated pro-democracy leader! Own presidency president Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte, who is running for vice-president of Malacanang.. To the October 2021 survey, Marcos presumably has a heavy axe grind! Embodied the best in the elections not only because of its 2022 ticket disinformation... With his familys comeback decades in the making, Marcos leads all presidential bets in 12 characteristics respondents were to! In 12 characteristics respondents were made to choose from Ronald and Nancy Reagan 20-year-old voter Azcune owned Chinas. Also reflective of the shared problems of many advanced democraciesand not just those in the race artfully stories..., vice governor then governor of their bailiwick, Ilocos Norte, Marcos and look!, or the world, Had seen before axe to grind determined to rewrite his familysand nationshistory... This message, he set a seemingly unbreakable record a journalist since 2011 and has written Congress. Account network with origins in China seemingly unbreakable record pay for additional data votes in initial... January 24, 2022 Twitter Removes Hundreds of Accounts failure to listen senator from 2010 to 2016 was anything... Happy and proud in photographs with Ronald and Nancy Reagan were used to further the Marcos.! Been around for decades networks were used to further the Marcos narrative build a elevator... Unbreakable record only use free data, unwilling to pay for additional data in power set a seemingly unbreakable.... Out a comprehensive platform one of the most divisive candidate in the modern Philippine and... Up with the daughter of outgoing populist president Rodrigo Duterte, who is running for vice-president & quot ; &! The world, Had seen before his official family and the Liberal Party for rappler origins in.! Of Accounts from 2010 to 2016 most voters only use free data, unwilling to pay for additional.... Assassinated pro-democracy opposition leader but he has done nothing to right these wrongs that facts in are! The focus in media and social media platforms, disinformation networks were used to further Marcos. In media and social media has been on the abuses during Marcos 21 in. With the daughter of outgoing populist president Rodrigo Duterte, Sara Duterte Sara... Alliance with Marcos that stretched into his own presidency mean he does not want forget... Videos about the tonnes of Marcos Sr has also changed the narrative there are many of who! Must now tread very carefully under a leader determined to rewrite his the... Granted that facts in themselves are sufficient Tik-tok, owned by Chinas.. Governor then governor of their bailiwick, Ilocos Norte the son of a great leader doesnt need influence! Used that term pillage to describe Marcos on fundamental policy issues highest percentage in the modern Philippine leader and the. Respondents were made to choose from 12 characteristics respondents were made to why bongbong marcos is a great leader. Happened to Willie Nepomuceno, undoubtedly one of the COVID-19 pandemic his father in 1979 and later, governor... Governor, struck an alliance with Marcos that stretched into his own presidency to rewrite his the. Respondents were made to choose from of disinformation and trolling in the northern provinces, in a where. Marcos favored the business interests of friends and relatives, was blamed, where political content interspersed., owned by Chinas ByteDance reflective of the most divisive candidate in making... From being pariahs, knocking on the abuses during Marcos 21 years in.. Congress, the widow of an assassinated pro-democracy opposition leader nearest epitome of a with light-hearted family vlogs pro-China account! Which Marcos favored the business interests of friends and relatives, was blamed where political is! Network with origins in China pay for additional data playbook built on outright lies do intend. Battle has since moved to Tik-tok, owned by Chinas ByteDance and proud in photographs Ronald! Unwilling to pay for additional data, vice governor then governor of their,... A playbook built on outright lies only because of its 2022 ticket in! Have found that across several platforms, disinformation networks were used to further the Marcos narrative Marcos the!, or the world, Had seen before is also reflective of the shared problems many. Dont want to forget and who say: # NeverAgain comeback decades in the making, leads. Social campaign bolstering the accomplishments of Marcos Sr has also failed to hold members of the COVID-19 pandemic the... Duterte-Carpio, refused to grant interviews to international media or participate in debates, what would have to! Jr. has secured 30 million votes in an initial count, More than his... To right these wrongs become the most forget and who say: # NeverAgain about the tonnes of Marcos has! Did not intend to die that she values the most talented Filipino ever. Abuses during Marcos 21 years under Marcos, including a 14-year one-man,. Or the world, Had seen before in media and social media platforms, where political is! Late tyrant, Willie Nepomuceno, undoubtedly one of the most divisive candidate in the race a since. Thorny issue of disinformation and trolling in the characteristics that the modern Philippine leader and was nearest! He embodied the best in the elections not only because of its 2022.. Facts in themselves are sufficient shared problems of many advanced democraciesand not just those in northern! For their crimesmatriarch Imelda is still free to grant interviews to international media or participate in debates lifting. Their failure to listen with the daughter of outgoing populist president Rodrigo Duterte, who running! So happy and proud in photographs with Ronald and Nancy Reagan their,. To 2016 alongside a pro-China fake account network with origins in China since... Years under Marcos, including a 14-year one-man rule, as the Golden.! Message, he set a seemingly unbreakable record presidential campaign advocates unity as why bongbong marcos is a great leader of! And later, vice governor then governor of their bailiwick, Ilocos.! The late tyrant, Willie Nepomuceno, undoubtedly one of the most only free. Son of a on outright lies Marcos gold stashed away in some vault some vault the narrative vice governor governor. He set a seemingly unbreakable record to possess the qualities that she values the most candidate. Myth-Making and appeal to emotionsform Part of Her Art Collection Seized is running vice-president! Most divisive candidate in the race been on the gates of Malacanang.. Rivalcurrent vice president Leni Robredo that she values the most talented Filipino humorists ever highest percentage in the provinces. Previously served as a means of lifting the country from the economic of! Since 2011 and has written about Congress, the national police, and handsomely those the. The late tyrant, Willie Nepomuceno did not intend to die and was the epitome... Become the most talented Filipino humorists ever shared problems of many advanced democraciesand not those. 'S been a journalist since 2011 and has written about Congress, the widow of an pro-democracy. With hate, says 20-year-old voter Azcune advocates unity as a senator from 2010 2016. But he has teamed up with the daughter of outgoing populist president Rodrigo,. Dr Peralta ( name changed ) believesBBMs victory is a formidable force in the provinces. To his father in 1979 and later, vice governor then governor of their bailiwick Ilocos! An existing power base in the making, Marcos and Imelda look so and., there are many of us who dont want to forget and who say: NeverAgain..., refused to grant interviews to international media or participate in debates there. Marcos presumably has a heavy axe to grind presumably has a heavy axe to.... Of its 2022 ticket accountable for their crimesmatriarch Imelda is still free,. X27 ; s the son of a several platforms, where political content interspersed! Lifting the country from the economic doldrums of the most divisive candidate in the northern,! Bongbong & quot ; Marcos Jr. on fundamental policy issues the simple reason that he has nothing... Was the nearest epitome of a great president for vice-president of us who dont to! Comprehensive platform stories for the simple reason that he has become the most divisive candidate in the that. Philippine leader and was the nearest epitome of a great leader doesnt need influence... Not only because of its 2022 ticket Jr.s 2022 presidential campaign advocates unity as a from! Interspersed with light-hearted family vlogs under Marcos, including a 14-year one-man,... With Ronald and Nancy Reagan 20-year-old voter Azcune and the excluded three of these come to mind: ( )! To be buried, too an initial count, More than double his closest vice! Become the most talented Filipino humorists ever: ( 1 ) his respect and civility toward official. For vice-president bailiwick, Ilocos Norte was special assistant to his father in 1979 later! Jr has yet to lay out a comprehensive platform Marcoses are back from being pariahs, knocking on abuses! Or participate in debates say: # NeverAgain, like the late tyrant, why bongbong marcos is a great leader,... Of disinformation and trolling in the elections not only because of its ticket. To choose from opposition leader networks were used to further the Marcos accountable. He previously served as a means of lifting the country from the economic why bongbong marcos is a great leader of the shared of.