Philippines: The son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos favorite for the presidential election

The son of the late Philippine dictator Ferdinando Marcos is the front-runner in the 2022 presidential election, more than 20 points ahead of his main rival, according to a poll released Wednesday.

Ferdinando Marcos Jr. garnered 53% of the vote, according to a Pulse Asia Survey poll of 2,400 people, while his co-presidential candidate, Sarah Duterte-Carpio, daughter of current President Rodrigo Duterte, was 45%.

Respondents to the poll, conducted from December 1st to December 6th, were asked who would be elected president and vice president if elections were held now. In the Philippines, the president and vice president are elected separately.

The presidential election is scheduled for May 9, with Duterte unable to run again under the Constitution.

The Marcos family, one of the most famous dynasties in the Philippines, has maintained its strong political affiliations and support in the province of Ilokos Norte, which is considered its stronghold.

In favor of Marcos is his strong presence on social media, which mainly targets young people, who make up 50% of the electorate and who were not born when his father ruled the country.

Marcos’s main rival for the presidency, current Vice President Leni Robredo, garnered 20% of the vote, while former Manila Mayor Francisco Domagoso and former boxing champion Manny Pacquiao each garnered 8%.

Marcos’ support percentage is a record for a presidential candidate since Pulse Asia began polling. The previous record was set by Benino Aquino, who in a December 2009 poll had garnered 45% of the vote. He eventually won the 2010 presidential election.

Many organizations have tried to ban Marcos from running for president because of his conviction for tax evasion. Mark’s spokesman has dismissed the allegations as propaganda.

Source: AMPE