President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM)
Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was born on September 13, 1957, to former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. As a member of one of the most prominent political families in Philippine history, he was exposed to politics from an early age. He studied in the Philippines and abroad, including at Oxford University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, although his academic credentials have been subjects of public scrutiny and controversy.
Political Career Before the Presidency
Vice Governor of Ilocos Norte (1980–1983)
At the age of 23, Marcos Jr. began his political career as Vice Governor of Ilocos Norte, a province considered a stronghold of the Marcos family. His term started in 1980, during the administration of his father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Governor of Ilocos Norte (1983–1986)
He served as Governor of Ilocos Norte from 1983 until the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986, which led to the exile of the Marcos family to Hawaii following the fall of the Marcos dictatorship.
Time in Exile (1986–1991)
After the revolution, Marcos Jr. lived in exile with his family in Hawaii. During this time, the Marcos family faced numerous legal battles and asset recovery efforts by the Philippine government and international agencies.
Return to the Philippines and Political Comeback (1991–1995)
The Marcos family returned to the Philippines in 1991. In 1992, Bongbong Marcos ran and won as Representative of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte, marking his official return to Philippine politics. He served until 1995.
1995–1998: Attempted Senate Run and Political Hiatus
In 1995, Marcos Jr. ran for the Senate but did not win, placing 16th in the national race. He did not hold any public office during this period but remained active in political circles. This hiatus lasted until 1998, when he made a successful return to local politics.
Governor of Ilocos Norte (1998–2007)
Marcos Jr. served three consecutive terms as Governor of Ilocos Norte. During his tenure, he focused on infrastructure development, tourism, and local economic initiatives. His leadership helped maintain the Marcos family’s influence in the region.
House of Representatives (2007–2010)
After his gubernatorial term ended, he ran for Congress again and won as Representative of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte. He served in the House from 2007 to 2010.
Senator of the Philippines (2010–2016)
In 2010, Bongbong Marcos was elected as a Senator. During his term, he chaired the Senate Committee on Local Government and the Committee on Public Works. He also became a member of several key committees involved in education, science and technology, and urban planning.
Vice Presidential Bid (2016)
He ran for Vice President in the 2016 elections and lost narrowly to Leni Robredo. He filed an electoral protest, which was eventually dismissed by the Supreme Court sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal.
President of the Philippines (2022–present)
In 2022, Marcos Jr. ran for President and won by a wide margin, marking one of the most controversial political comebacks in Philippine history. His administration has since focused on economic recovery, digital infrastructure, and strengthening international relations.
Notable Political Partners and Alliances
- Imelda Marcos – His mother, a powerful political figure in her own right, who helped sustain the family’s influence during their exile and return.
- Sandro Marcos – His son, who currently serves as a Congressman representing Ilocos Norte, continuing the family’s political legacy.
- Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo – Former President, known to have strong political alliances with the Marcos family.
- Rodrigo Duterte – Former President whose daughter, Sara Duterte, ran as Bongbong Marcos’s Vice President in 2022.
- Sara Duterte – Current Vice President and key political partner, forming the “UniTeam” coalition during the 2022 campaign.
- Imee Marcos – His sister, currently serving as a Senator, also an influential member of the Marcos political circle.
