Bongbong Marcos remembers dad as ‘guiding force, steady voice of reason’

(PIA Ilocos Norte, PIA Region 1/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — The late former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. was remembered on his 107th birth anniversary by his son, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. as a “guiding force” and a “steady voice of reason.”

“Not a day goes by where I don’t think about my father. His wisdom remains a guiding force, a steady voice of reason reminding me of the principles that should lead our nation forward,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

“Happy birthday, Dad! We continue to celebrate you and honor your lasting legacy,” he added.

Marcos Jr. earlier declared September 11 a non-working day in Ilocos Norte to commemorate his father’s birth anniversary.

He will also be in the province for “Marcos Day” in Batac City. He is set to lead several other programs in the region such as distributing aid to fisherfolk, farmers, and Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP) beneficiaries.

While Marcos Jr. paid tribute to his father’s legacy, Marcos Sr.’s two-decade-long term as president is widely regarded as one of the darkest periods in Philippine history, with his regime marred by rampant corruption, human rights abuses, and widespread disappearance of critics and dissidents.