With 96 percent of the partial, unofficial results accounted for as of 8am, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., former senator and son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr, is presumed to have won the 2022 Philippine presidential elections, a historic comeback for the Marcos’ family image after the 1986 People Power Revolution toppled his father’s 21-year regime.
Election returns as of this morning showed that Marcos had earned 30,582,777 votes, with Vice President Leni Robredo trailing with 14,584,862 votes.
While the National Board of Canvassers will not officially certify the results until this afternoon, a Marcos win will signify the success of a formidable campaign machine backed by some of the country’s most notorious political elites; current President Rodrigo Duterte’s brand of populist politics; and the vast online disinformation network that whitewashed the history surrounding the martial law years under Marcos Sr’s regime.
Vice President Leni Robredo delivered a statement at 2am where she thanked her supporters for their tireless efforts throughout the campaign period but did not concede the race.
“I know it is not easy for you to accept the numbers that have been showing in the quick count. Our side does not only feel regret but a clear sense of dismay. I am aware of your sentiments: This dismay may only further intensify as there have been reported irregularities in this election. Until now, there are still people whose votes have not been counted. Some of you had been in the precincts the entire day and continue to stay, waiting to feed your ballots into the machines. I am one with you in the belief that the elections must accurately reflect the full and accurate voice of the people. It is important that the people’s beliefs in our democratic process be strengthened. We will do everything in our power to reach this goal.”
“That said, I would like to tell you all: I know we all love our country, but this love cannot be the root of our division.”
Reader Interactions