‘Judge me by actions, not family’s past’
MANILA: The son of the late Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos vowed on Tuesday to work for all people after his stunning election victory, and told the world to judge him by his presidency, not his family’s past.
Ferdinand Marcos Jr, better known as “Bongbong”, become the first candidate in recent history to win an outright majority in a Philippines presidential election, paving the way for a once unimaginable return to rule for the country’s most notorious political dynasty.
“Judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions,” Marcos told the world, according to a statement by his spokesperson Vic Rodriguez.
Marcos fled into exile in Hawaii with his family during a 1986 “people power” uprising that ended his father’s autocratic 20-year rule, and has served in congress and the senate since his return to the Philippines in 1991.
Marcos’s runaway victory in Monday’s election now looks certain with 98% of the eligible ballots counted in an unofficial tally showing he has 31 million votes, double that of nearest rival, vice-president Robredo.
An official result is expected around the end of the month.
“This is a victory for all Filipinos, and for democracy,” spokesman Rodriguez said.
“To those who voted for Bongbong, and those who did not, it is his promise to be a president for all Filipinos. To seek common ground across political divides, and to work together to unite the nation.”
Though Marcos, 64, campaigned on a platform of unity, political analysts say his presidency is unlikely to foster that, with bitter feelings about his family’s vast political influence and wealth.
Philippine markets were mixed after the vote. Stocks lost as much as 3% at one point, sovereign dollar bonds fell, while the peso currency rose 0.4% against the dollar.
Marcos said he would begin delivering for the Filipino people and looked forward to working with international partners and organisations.
Many who did not support Marcos are angered by what they see as a brazen attempt by the once reviled former first family to use its mastery of social media to reinvent historical narratives of its time in power.