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Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, son of former dictator, runs for president of the Philippines
- The 64-year-old, who is popularly known as ‘Bongbong’, had long been touted as a candidate. He narrowly lost a bid for the vice-presidency in 2016
- He has served as provincial governor, congressman and senator since his return in 1991 from exile following his father’s 1986 overthrow
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Reutersin Manila
The son and namesake of the Philippines’ former dictator Ferdinand Marcos announced on Tuesday he will run for president in next year’s elections, ending months of speculation over his political ambitions.
Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, who is popularly known as “Bongbong”, had been touted as a potential candidate for either the presidency or the vice-presidency, having been involved in politics since his return in 1991 from exile following his father’s 1986 overthrow.
“Join me in this noblest of causes and we will succeed. Together, we will rise again,” the 64-year-old said in a speech streamed on social media. “I will bring … unifying leadership back to our country.”
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Marcos Jnr has served as provincial governor, congressman and senator and ran unsuccessfully for the vice-presidency in 2016, a defeat he challenged in the courts. His sister Imee is a senator and mother Imelda a former congresswoman.
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Marcos Jnr was in second place behind incumbent President Rodrigo Duterte’s daughter, Sara, in a recent PulseAsia Research survey of voter preference, though she has denied plans to run.
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