The Marcos family, an indelible name in Philippine politics, has written a controversial political history from its rise to power, to its decline and revival.
It is rumored that their ancestors might have been Chinese from Fujian province with the surname Tsai, but this claim is hard to verify due to the passage of time. However, the family's name is closely linked with modern Philippine politics, starting with Ferdinand Marcos's administration, casting a long shadow over the country's history.
From Political Rising Star to Supreme Power
Ferdinand Marcos's political career began in the 1940s. Starting as a presidential secretary, he gradually rose to become a congressman, senator, and was elected president for the first time in 1965 with a high vote count. Early in his administration, he introduced a series of economic reform policies, such as the Green Revolution and land reform, which brought temporary prosperity to the Philippines. However, as his tenure extended, corruption and authoritarianism gradually became synonymous with the Marcos regime.
In the 1970s, he declared martial law under the pretext of "national security" and began centralized rule. At the same time, scandals of the Marcos couple using their power to amass wealth frequently surfaced. According to reports, they transferred billions of dollars to overseas accounts through accepting international aid and manipulating economic transactions, burdening the Philippine economy with debt while the living conditions of ordinary citizens deteriorated.
Wealth and Controversy: Lavish Lifestyle and Heavy Debts
The extravagant lifestyle of the Marcos couple was gradually exposed after their escape: mansions, gold, jewelry, and real estate spread across the world, owning thousands of hectares of land and over a hundred companies just in the Philippines. The high-profile actions of the first lady, Imelda, sparked huge controversies, earning her the nickname "Iron Butterfly," with her collection of 1,060 pairs of shoes becoming a symbol of extravagant rule.
However, she also endorsed the Philippine shoe industry under the guise of "promoting national products," and her shoes are now housed in the "Shoe Museum," becoming an alternative cultural symbol.
The exposure of these assets became a catalyst for public resistance. In 1986, the "People Power Revolution" erupted, protesters flooded the streets, and high-ranking officials like the defense minister defected. Eventually, under the protection of the United States, the Marcos couple fled to Hawaii, abruptly ending his presidency.
The Family's Revival and Political "Reincarnation"
Although Marcos died in exile in 1989, his family did not fade into obscurity. In 1991, Imelda returned to the Philippines with her children and re-entered politics. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., the only son, gradually returned to the center of power in the Philippines. With his elite education background (Oxford University and Wharton School MBA) and pragmatic achievements, he gradually gained support, serving as congressman, governor, and senator.
Bongbong's high-profile political comeback also came with the shadow of the family's reputation. During his campaign, he deliberately downplayed his father's controversial history, but still acknowledged, "During my father's presidency, the Philippines experienced a golden age of agriculture." This clear stance on his father's achievements and faults preserved the family image without overly implicating it.
In 2024, Bongbong successfully ran for president. This not only marked the full return of the Marcos family but also ended the long-standing influence of the Aquino family on Philippine politics. From the February Revolution of 1986 that overthrew the Marcos regime to the recent retreat of the Aquino family, Philippine politics seems like a cycle.
The Role of Women in the Rise and Fall of the Family
In the story of the rise and fall of the Marcos family, Imelda undoubtedly plays a key role. From "Manila's goddess" to "First Lady," she used her charm and skills to pave the political path for her family. Even after her husband's death, she continued her efforts to turn the family's fortunes around. She ran for public office multiple times, winning some public support through funding charities and aiding the poor.
Meanwhile, Imelda's lavish lifestyle has also been criticized, but she sees it as "promoting the national image." Even at her 85th birthday, she continued her high-profile style with a high-heeled shoe-shaped cake as the party's centerpiece.
The Interweaving of Power and Controversy
The legendary story of the Marcos family not only showcases the profound impact of family politics in the Philippines but also serves as a historical textbook of power, wealth, and controversy. Despite the authoritarian and corrupt reputation of the Marcos regime, the family still holds a significant position in Philippine politics.
Today, Bongbong's rise to power has reignited controversy. In the eyes of supporters, he symbolizes the return of the family's glory; to opponents, he represents the continuation of old political problems in the Philippines. The story of this family is far from over, and the future remains a key point of contention in Philippine society and family politics.
