The Telegraph (U.K.) reports Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is exploring a run for the Philippine presidency next year. The family power base is in Ilocos Norte, where he formerly served as governor, a post now held by his sister, Imee Marcos. His famous mother, Imelda, also serves that region.
I claim no particular expertise directly in Philippine politics. However, people who know say Philippine politics is mirrored in the politics of Guam, about which I do know something.
Let me share what a year's residence on Guam taught me about its politics, lore which may help us understand how a deposed dictator's son might reasonably aspire to win election in the Philippines.
The first thing to understand about both related cultures is that they are quasi-feudal. In addition to extended family ties of blood, unrelated families are knit together by godparent links.
Wealthy people become godparents to many unrelated infants, a relationship which makes them financially responsible in some ways for the child's future as a young adult. Once a wealthy person becomes godparent to your child, you and your family are bound to their family by ties which approach an oath of fealty.
If they run for office, you are obligated to work for their election and, of course, vote for them. If they win, you may receive a patronage job or at least positive attention to your needs from government offices. Corruption? It is absolute, pervasive, and totally consonant with the culture which emphasizes the exchange of favors.
In Ilocos Norte, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is a godfather, in the Mario Puzo sense as well as in the literal sense. Will its people vote for him? Count on it. They owe him.
Are there Marcos supporters scattered across the archipelago? Count on that, too. Marcos Sr. knew his culture and played it like a fiddle. Many people benefitted during his presidency, and they remember.
