Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr announced he will eye the national post in the 2022 elections, and the move could complicate President Rodrigo Duterte’s political plans.
Former Senator and the son of late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos is opening the door for a presidential bid, again, His most recent attempt to hold the vice president position failed in 2016. Now, after a long pause, Marcos Jr confirmed he’s already organizing people on the ground who can help him mount a national campaign.
The 63-year-old politician has been named as a possible administration candidate for the top post next year, along with Sara Duterte. As Bloomberg reports, the president’s daughter has also named the dictator’s son a potential running mate in 2022.
“We are in constant discussions with all other parties as to how to position ourselves for 2022,” Marcos said at a virtual forum on Wednesday, when asked if he’s in talks with Sara’s camp. He added that his campaign will focus on pandemic recovery and food security.
President Duterte faces a limit to a single six-year term as president next year. He could still drop his vice-presidential bid if her daughter runs for the top post. According to the media, Sara is willing to run as his father’s successor although her plans remain unclear.
The Philippines’ next presidential election is scheduled for May 9, 2022, as part of the country’s general election that year. Meantime, the former athlete Manny Pacquiao also has confirmed he will run for the presidency next year.
