Why 31 million voted for Marcos

The overwhelming win of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the 2022 presidential election stunned the country and the world. Many of his critics are still in a state of shock in disbelief at his landslide victory. They believe there was massive cheating and manipulation of the VCM computer system. However, the PPCRV manual assessment shows no discrepancies and irregularities with the machine and manual results. Few VCM failures are just natural for such outdated machines. The malfunctions have no adverse effect on the overall results.

So why majority chose Marcos is a good subject for discussion and debate. Here are some of the reasons.

Most popular

The Marcos Family are the most popular politicians in Philippine history. The Marcos Dynasty has endured many decades in their bailiwick in Ilocos Region and the solid north. In the country, popularity is an advantage for anyone who joins politics. Showbiz personalities and sports celebrities got elected to office because of their popularity. Negative publicity tainted the Marcos name. However, bad publicity is better than no publicity at all. Being criticized, mocked, or ridiculed is better than being ignored.

Peoples' curiosity

Both the young and old generations are still curious about the son of the former dictator. How the son managed to come back to politics at the local and national level can raise more questions and curiosity. If presumptive President Marcos was guilty of tax evasion, why allow him to run for public office in the past? Nonetheless, Comelec has junked all the petitions and appeals.

Vague legal issues

The Marcos Family were charged and convicted accordingly of corruption, ill-gotten wealth, human rights violation, and tax evasion. Yet, they remained scot-free and were able to run for public office. Were the conviction by the Sandiganbayan Court due to hard evidence or political pressure?

Most experienced

Marcos is the most experienced candidate for the presidency because of his length of service in the executive and legislative departments as a former governor, congressman, and senator. Discreetly, he has established long connections to different sectors in society from Aparri to Jolo.

Powerful machinery

Marcos has the powerful support from the different political parties that forged to endorse his candidacy like Nacionalista Party, KBL, Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, and Lakas-CMD. These parties have established members and strong influence on local leaders in major cities and rural areas of the country.

Positive campaign

Marcos' constructive, encouraging and corroborative campaign style won the hearts of Filipinos tired of negative campaigning styles such as mudslinging and character assassination. Filipino voters have matured and dislike this kind of strategy.

Sectoral support

Marcos has the endorsement of many groups like the labor groups, farmers, ethnic groups, political parties, El Shaddai, Iglesia Ni Cristo, and Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Social media influence

The influx of modern technology and the advent of social media has leveled the playing field. The very interactive social media has helped the Marcos supporters’ campaign for his candidacy.

Duterte's legacy

Of all the candidates, only Marcos assured the continuity of Duterte's legacy like the "Build build build” program and the fight against drugs. And with the president's daughter on his side, Marcos has an ace in the hole.

The bigger picture

By nature, Filipinos are religious and peace-loving people. There is no point harboring decades-old enmity and political divisionism. Marcos supporters look at the bigger picture, give him a chance and let go of the dark past. With courage, hope, and a forgiving spirit, 31 million Filipinos are looking forward to facing the greatest challenge of a new administration --unity and progress!