Bongbong Marcos to run for president in 2022

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 5)— Former senator Bongbong Marcos, son of late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, is running for the country’s highest post in 2022.

Marcos officially declared his presidential bid in a social media video on Tuesday. In his virtual speech, he cited challenges faced by the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I know that it is this manner of unifying leadership that can lead us through this crisis, get our people safely back to work, for all of us to begin to live our lives once again,” Marcos said. “And that is why, I am today announcing my intention to run for the presidency.”

“I will bring that form of unifying leadership back to our country. Hangad kong ibalik ang mapagkaisang paglilingkod na magbubuklod sa ating bansa (I aim to bring back the united service in our country),” he added.

Marcos’ announcement comes on the same day he joined the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. He assumed the party chairmanship after taking his oath, according to his camp.

The former lawmaker said he accepted the party’s endorsement as standard bearer for next year’s elections after consultations with grassroots leaders.

Last month, Marcos was also nominated as the presidential bet of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, a party founded by his late father. At the time, Marcos said he was still on the final stages of deciding which national post he would vie for.

Marcos ran for vice president in the 2016 election but lost to Leni Robredo. He filed an election protest against Robredo, but the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed it.

He also previously served as a congressman representing Ilocos Norte, and had also held the governor and vice governor posts in the province.

Marcos has yet to announce when he will be filing his certificate of candidacy for the presidency.