hen Philippine President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. takes office on June 30, he will be faced with more tumultuous external conditions than those faced by his predecessors. The systemic attributes of the world today are entering deeper into multi-polarity with most of the emerging great powers such as China, India, and (to a lesser extent) Japan situated in Asia. The resurgence of Russia’s power, coupled with its assertive maneuvers in Eastern Europe, also add to the complexity of structural shifts. Additionally, the decline of the West’s material capabilities due to demographic issues (among other things) has fueled their desire to engage more in the East. Therefore, the Philippines will be engaging throughout the Asian landscape at a time when the continent has cemented its position at the center stage of global geopolitics.
Commitments to voters have been vague, promising lower prices of basic goods, building infrastructure and steering the Philippines out of a pandemic-induced economic slowdown.
His ducking of presidential debates and interviews has frustrated opponents and some business and academic groups have complained voters had no chance to hear him argue his vision.
His avoidance of scrutiny and dominance of social media proved a winning strategy.
Conventional wisdom suggests an autocratic approach would be a mistake given his late father's dictatorial legacy, but Filipinos have shown desire for a strongman-type ruler.