Return of Marcos: How Philippines's Corrupt Dynasty Rebuilt Its Power | Foreign Correspondent

Summary

The Philippine election is set to witness the possible return of the Marcos family to power, as Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son of the former dictator, campaigns for presidency. His rise is fueled by a social media machine that reshapes history, dividing the nation between fact and revisionist narratives. Despite past atrocities under his father's regime, Marcos Jr. garners support, especially among the younger generation, through platforms that spread positivity and dismiss criticisms as propaganda. Journalist Maria Ressa highlights the disinformation networks' influence, while the opposition struggles to counter the Marcos family's powerful political narrative.

Takeaways

• 🗳️ The Philippines is facing a significant election, with Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of a former dictator, poised to become president.
• 🤖 Social media plays a crucial role in influencing the election, with a machine that's rewriting history and shaping public opinion.
• 👥 Marcos Jr.'s rise has divided the nation, with some believing in the positive aspects of the Marcos era and others remembering the brutal history.
• 📢 The Marcos campaign is using social media effectively to attract a new generation of supporters who may not be aware of the past.
• 🎉 Marcos Jr., known as BBM, has a strong following, with thousands of supporters attending his rallies and cheering him on.
• 🔍 Marcos Jr. avoids mainstream media, preferring vloggers who only post positive messages about him, suggesting a controlled narrative.
• 📈 Marcos Jr. has a significant social media presence, with over 10 million followers across various platforms, amplifying his campaign's reach.
• 🏆 Marcos Jr. leads in the polls with 56% support, indicating a strong possibility of victory despite the controversial history of his family.
• 🏛️ The Marcos family's past includes allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and a lavish lifestyle while the country suffered.
• 🛡️ There is resistance against the Marcos comeback, with victims of the previous regime and human rights advocates fighting to expose the truth.
• 📊 Disinformation networks have been identified as a significant factor in the election, with traditional news organizations being overshadowed by these networks.

Q & A

What is the significance of the upcoming election in the Philippines as mentioned in the script?

The election is significant as it may result in the victory of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, which has divided the nation and raised concerns about the influence of social media on rewriting history.

How is social media influencing the Philippine election according to the script?

Social media is influencing the election by spreading information, some of which may be misinformation, that is reframing the Marcos family's history and attracting a new generation of supporters who are not aware of the Marcos Sr. dictatorship's dark past.

What is the role of vloggers like Ruben Gelio in the Marcos Jr. campaign?

Vloggers like Ruben Gelio play a significant role by livestreaming, commenting, and posting only positive messages about Marcos Jr., which helps in shaping public perception and countering what they perceive as biased mainstream media coverage.

What is the historical context of the Marcos family's rule in the Philippines?

The Marcos family, led by Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and his wife Imelda, ruled the Philippines with an iron grip from 1965 to 1986. Initially, the economy grew, but Marcos Sr. later declared martial law, leading to widespread human rights abuses, corruption, and economic ruin, which eventually resulted in a popular uprising and their exile.

Why do some people still support Bongbong Marcos despite the historical context?

Some people support Bongbong Marcos because they believe in the positive aspects of the Marcos family's rule or have been influenced by social media narratives that downplay or deny the negative aspects of the Marcos Sr. dictatorship.

What is the role of disinformation networks in the Marcos Jr. campaign?

Disinformation networks play a crucial role in the Marcos Jr. campaign by spreading narratives that are favorable to Marcos Jr., often dismissing or denying the historical abuses committed during his father's rule, thus influencing public opinion.

How has the Marcos family been able to maintain a presence in Philippine politics despite past controversies?

The Marcos family has been able to maintain a presence in Philippine politics by leveraging social media, engaging with vloggers and influencers, and appealing to a new generation of supporters who may not be fully aware of their past.

What challenges do anti-Marcos activists face in countering the narratives spread by disinformation networks?

Anti-Marcos activists face challenges such as the widespread reach of disinformation networks, the difficulty in competing with the constant repetition of narratives on social media, and the public's susceptibility to misinformation.

How has the role of traditional news organizations changed in the context of the information ecosystem in the Philippines?

Traditional news organizations have seen their influence decline as disinformation networks have taken over the center of the information ecosystem, pushing them to the side and making it harder for them to counter false narratives.

What is the significance of the Marcos Jr. campaign's alliance with other political dynasties?

The alliance with other political dynasties, such as the Duterte family, signifies a consolidation of power and influence, which could potentially make the Marcos family the most powerful political clan in the country if Marcos Jr. wins the election.

What are the concerns regarding the integrity of the elections in the context of social media's role?

Concerns regarding the integrity of the elections include the spread of misinformation and lies, the manipulation of public opinion, and the potential undermining of democratic processes due to the influence of social media platforms.