Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the only son of the late former president Ferdinand Marcos, says he wants to return to Malacañang as President.
He told the Financial Times of London on Monday he was aspiring to become the next President of the Philippines and would be pushing for a type of government that advocates equal rights and fair opportunities for everyone.
His platform could include supporting civil servants and teachers who would be appointed based on their ability instead of political perspective, of which he said Rodrigo Duterte, the current President, lacked.
“[President Duterte] has adhered very strictly to the policy of not hiring or appointing someone he does not know,” Marcos said.
He recalled that during his father’s regime, talent and distinguished track record mattered more than political loyalty.
He also had something to say about China and its bullying tactics in the South China Sea.
“We must come to some kind of modus vivendi with China,” he said, adding the Philippines was in a difficult position because of its strong relationship with the superpowers the United States and China.
The Marcos family has always been controversial as a result of Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship and his family’s extreme loyalty to him.
In 2016 the Marcos family, with help from Duterte, finally was able to have him buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani or Heroes’ Cemetery, and in spite of the massive protests particularly by the victims of martial law.
The younger Marcos lost the vice presidential race in 2016 to Leni Robredo, but he demanded a recount claiming he was cheated.
