The Philippines’ Memorable Comeback: Marcos Jr. Returns to the Presidency
Bongbong: The Man, The Myth, The New President
In an unexpected political twist, the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos is set to take the oath of office on Thursday, June 30th, marking a dramatic 36‑year return of one of Asia’s most famous dynasties to the helm of the Philippines.
A Landslide Victory
- The former family heir emerged victorious in last month’s election, beating rivals with a stunning margin.
- Critics point to a decades‑long effort to reshape public opinion, as the Marcos family moves from a notorious kleptocracy era to a new chapter.
Where It All Happens
Thanks to ongoing pandemic precautions, Bongbong will swap the traditional Quirino Grandstand for a swearing‑in ceremony inside the National Museum of the Philippines. Previous leaders—including his own father—were customarily welcomed at the Grandstand, but flexibility has led to this museum move.
Why This Matters
- It signals a continuation of pageantry with a nod to new public safety measures.
- In the era of viral moments, the National Museum offers a backdrop fitting for a modern inauguration.
Final Thoughts
With its historic comeback on the political stage, the Philippines is ready for a new chapter—one that combines family legacy, electoral triumph, and a dash of history. Bongbong’s inauguration isn’t just a ceremony; it’s a storytelling moment for the nation.
<img alt="" data-caption="Military officers march during a parade rehearsal, a day before the inauguration of president-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., outside the National Museum in Manila, Philippines, on June 29, 2022.
PHOTO: Reuters” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”93628eb6-bb01-4343-bea1-6dac0ce43e4a” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/30062022_military_reuters.jpg”/>
Marcos Jr. Hits the Big Stage
The upcoming inauguration promises to be “solemn and simple”, according to his transition crew—a gentle nod to the roller‑coaster ride of the COVID‑19 era that’s reshaped the country’s politics.
From Martial Law to the Modern Day
His dad, Ferdinand Marcos, ruled the Philippines for twenty years, with almost half of that time under martial law. That screw‑up of a regime squeezed out political opposition, while his family’s fortunes grew as fortunes—often allegedly pumped straight out of government coffers—to the point that the name Marcos has become a shorthand for power‑gaming, extravagance, and the mysterious disappearance of billions of pesos.
Even now, the family has outright denied any claims of embezzlement.
The Power of Protest
A wall of activists—hundreds of them—has been assembled to shake up the crowd. They’re protesting not just because they hate the new president, but because a massive network of supporters and social media influencers has been working hard to rewrite history.
- Activists want to show that the old “golden age” Marshall applauded was actually a time of oppression and corruption.
- Despite the protests, the Supreme Court quit the fight on Tuesday, dismissing the petitions that tried to disqualify Marcos Jr. for alleged tax offenses from decades ago.
What’s the new guy’s game plan?
He’s got a lot of vague promises—thanks to those “together, we shall rise again” quotes that feel like a throwback to his father’s reign. The 64‑year‑old says he’s all about jobs, lowering living costs, and getting back on track for a country gunping 110 million people, ~25% of whom live on less than two dollars a day.
“Hit the ground running” is his slogan.
He even says, “I’m appointing myself agriculture minister” (makes you wonder about the family circling it, right?) and claims the world urgently needs a boost in production to avoid food shortages and price hikes.
“Marcos’s top priority? Economic recovery, first six months and first year,” says Richard Heydarian, a columnist and academic who juggles politics with pizza. “That’s going to set the tone for his administration in the years to come.”
Topics in the news
- Philippines presidential election
- Politics and Government
- COVID‑19 coronavirus
- Elections
