The new era of Marcos’ rule in the Philippines begins decades after it was overthrown.

MANILA, June 30 (Reuters) – The son and namesake of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos was sworn in on Thursday, resuming 36 years as president of one of Asia’s most famous political dynasties. rise

Marcos Jr. won a rare victory in last month’s election, helping his critics see it as a decades-long effort to change public perceptions of a family that has lived lavishly at the helm of one of the world’s worst kleptocracies. read more

In a speech echoing his campaign slogans, Marcos Jr., also known as “Bangpong”, promised to take the country a long way with policies that benefit all, and he thanked the public for giving “the greatest electoral mandate. History of Philippine Democracy.”

“You will not be disappointed, so don’t be afraid,” he said at his inauguration, surrounded by his immediate family and his sister Imi, a senator, and 92-year-old mother Imelda, a former four-term congresswoman. , sitting nearby.

Marcos Jr., 64, praised his late father’s rule but said his presidency was not about the past but a better future.

“I once knew he had achieved little on the scale of independence. But he did so with the support he sometimes needed, sometimes without,” he said.

“Same goes for his son. You’ll get no excuses from me.” He added: “Do not look back in anger or longing.”

Elder Ferdinand Marcos ruled the Philippines for two decades from 1965, under almost half of martial law, helping to extend his grip on power until he was ousted during the 1986 “People’s Power” revolution and his family deported.

During his reign thousands of Marcos’ opponents were imprisoned, killed or disappeared, and the family name became synonymous with the disappearance of billions of dollars from cronyism, extravagance and the state treasury. The Marcos family has denied the allegations of fraud.

Hundreds of activists were expected to protest against the inauguration of Marcos Jr., angered by a campaign fueled by a powerful network of staunch supporters and social media influencers to block the historical narrative of the Marcos era.

The former senator and congressman campaigned under the slogan “Together, we shall rise again,” evoking nostalgia for his father’s reign, which his family and supporters portray as the golden age of the former US colony of the Philippines.

Voters believe he will deliver on his promise to create jobs and reduce consumer prices in a country of 110 million people, almost a quarter of whom live on less than $ 2 a day.

In a provocative 30-minute speech, Marcos Jr. pledged to reform education, improve food shortages, infrastructure, waste management and energy supply, and provide full support to millions of foreign Philippine workers.

“I fully understand the gravity of the responsibility you have placed on my shoulders, I do not take it lightly, but I am ready for the task,” he said.

“I’ll do it.”

Editing by Martin Petty and Michael Perry

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