20220427 Meet the Marcoses Main

More than 35 years after his late father was exiled, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the leading candidate to be the Philippines' next president. © Nikkei montage/Source photos by AP, Reuters, Getty Images

The Marcos revival: How late Philippine dictator's son went from exile to election favorite

Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. aims for presidency to secure dynasty's comeback

TACLOBAN, Philippines -- Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the front-runner in next month's Philippine presidential election, greeted thousands of rain-soaked supporters with a very personal shoutout: to his 92-year-old mother, Imelda. The former first lady would have joined this rally in her home city of Tacloban had it not been for the COVID-19 pandemic, said the 64-year-old candidate, widely known as "Bongbong."

"I'm sure my mom is watching on livestream. Let's greet Imelda. Hello Imelda!" Marcos said, waving from the stage on April 9 during an event streamed live on Facebook. The drenched loyalist crowd erupted into applause and shouts.

Sponsored Content

About Sponsored ContentThis content was commissioned by Nikkei's Global Business Bureau.