Editorial | Philippines president Marcos must take a practical approach towards diplomacy

Political dynasties are commonplace in the Philippines, so the return of a Marcos to the presidency should not be surprising. But the landslide win of Ferdinand Jnr, known as Bongbong, has caused concern for some given the infamy associated with the two-decade rule of his father, who governed under martial law for almost half of that time and fled into exile with his family after a popular uprising in 1986. Many voters were not born then and deft campaigning on social media convinced them to turn in droves to a candidate who portrayed those years as the country’s “golden era” and represented a continuation of the policies of outgoing leader Rodrigo Duterte. Name recognition and pledges are no guarantee of success, though; with China and the United States vying for influence, what will be especially important when he takes office in July is pragmatism.

Domestic issues, not foreign policy, are foremost in the minds of Filipinos when they cast ballots. The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on the country’s economy and with Marcos pledging unity and touting his father’s presidency as being a high point for the Philippines, he was an alluring candidate. With Duterte’s daughter, Sara, as his vice-presidential running mate, he had added appeal. Although election results will not be officially declared for weeks, he has already won the presidency with a majority.

And he has also shown an understanding of the need to be realistic. Aware of the divisiveness of his family name and the brutality and corruption some Filipinos associate with his father’s rule, he has held back from claiming victory. This is also the approach needed when it comes to foreign policy.

The Philippines is integral to the South China Sea strategies of China and the United States and while also having a territorial claim that pits it against Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty, there is every need for a pragmatic approach.

China and the US are among the Philippines’ biggest trading partners. Duterte initially turned his focus to Beijing and shunned traditional ally Washington after taking office, but complications with Chinese infrastructure projects and pressure on territorial disputes led to greater caution about ties. Joint military drills with the US that were scaled down and cancelled have resumed; as the election took place, the biggest such exercise in seven years was under way. But with China important for economic growth and the US seen as offering security, a diplomatic balancing act has been necessary.

Marcos has nurtured close Chinese investment, business and infrastructure-building links in his home province of Ilocos Norte. With his country caught up in the rivalry between Beijing and Washington, his foreign policy will have to be practical.