Bongbong Marcos, the son of former president Ferdinand Marcos, secured a historic victory in the Philippines’ presidential election. With more than 96 percent of the votes tallied in a provisional count, Marcos, aged 64, led with over 30.5 million votes, according to the Commission on Elections’ quick unofficial tally. He held a substantial lead over his nearest rival, Leni Robredo, by about 14.5 million votes. If these provisional figures hold, the Marcos family would return to power with the first outright majority since the late 1980s, when a peaceful popular uprising ended the dictatorship that dominated the country for decades.
In his thank you address posted on his official Facebook page, Marcos urged supporters to stay united and ready for the work ahead. He stressed the need for resilience and steady effort to secure the nation’s future. The Marcos family, who went into exile after the dictatorship began, returned to the Philippines in the 1990s following Ferdinand Marcos Sr. s death in Hawaii. Over time they reestablished political influence from their base in Ilocos Norte in the country’s northern region.
Marcos ran on a campaign that offered a broad and sometimes ambiguous message. Critics argue that the platform did not lay out a detailed policy program and that it included attempts to reshape the public memory of the prior regime, which faced accusations of massive corruption and human rights abuses. The administration under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was accused of looting billions from the treasury and was linked to thousands of executions and acts of torture according to historical records and human rights organizations. Observers in the United States and Canada, as well as regional partners, are watching closely for how the new leadership will address governance, accountability, and national unity while maintaining regional stability.
Leni Robredo, who previously served as vice president, was the only woman to contend for the presidency in this election cycle. In her post-election remarks, Robredo called for patience among her supporters as the fast-count results were released and urged acceptance of the electoral process. She acknowledged the difficulty of interpreting rapid vote tallies and reflected on the challenges faced by those who believed in her vision for the country. Robredo has remained an influential voice in Philippine politics and has continued to push for transparency and reform through public engagement even as she conceded.
Meanwhile, Sara Duterte-Carpio, who ran in tandem with Marcos for the vice presidency in a concurrent ballot, held a commanding position. With a lead surpassing 31 million votes in early tallies, she stood out as a strong figure in the current political landscape. The closest competitor to Duterte-Carpio was Kiko Pangilinan, who garnered a sizable share of votes in the provisional count. The administration to take office will begin its six-year term on June 30, marking a new chapter for the country and its institutions. The electoral process, turnout, and subsequent transition are of interest not only to voters at home but to international partners assessing governance, rule of law, and democratic norms in the Asia-Pacific region.
As Canada and the United States observe the results, analysts emphasize the importance of upholding democratic norms, maintaining civil liberties, and ensuring a peaceful transition of power. Observers stress the value of transparent governance, independent institutions, and the protection of human rights as the nation navigates its next phase of development. The outcome is likely to influence regional security dynamics, trade relations, and development partnerships with neighbors and global allies alike. The new leadership will face domestic expectations for growth, public services, and accountability, while balancing ties with international partners who are keen on stability, economic opportunity, and regional cooperation.