Marcos disappoints his mom

MANILA: Former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos is disappointed that her son has set his sights on winning the vice-presidency in a May election, wishing instead he would follow his late father’s footsteps into the presidential palace.

Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the only son of the late dictator with the same name who ruled the Philippines for almost two decades, said this week he would run for vicepresident, though he has yet to find a running mate.

“As to my mother, yes, she was disappointed,” Marcos, 58, widely known by his nickname “Bongbong”, told reporters yesterday.

“She has wanted me to become president since I was three years old. Imagine how disappointed she is.”

The elder Ferdinand Marcos was forced from power by a “people power” uprising in 1986 and died in exile in 1989. His wife Imelda, famous for her shoe collection, is an 86year-old congresswoman.

Imelda Marcos wasn’t immediately available for comment. She has spoken of her pride in her son and how she would be even more proud if he sought the highest position in the land.

More than 54 million Filipinos will vote for a new president, vice-president and about 18 000 lawmakers and local government officials in the May elections.

Investors are closely watching the succession in one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies. – Reuters