Introduction

The still unofficial victory of Bongbong Marcos, son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, in the Philippine presidential election, is both comprehensive and complete. A family that had to flee the country is now back in power.

For those familiar with the country’s politics, it doesn’t come as a surprise. Powered by Facebook and other forms of social media, the narrative around the Marcos family was carefully altered over the years.

Bongbong replaces strongman President Roberto Duterte, a polarizing figure in the country’s politics. Will Bongbong be like his father or Duterte in his political practice? Or will he prove to be a surprise package?

The Philippines, which has had a long-standing alliance with the United States, has to contend with an increasingly assertive China. What will be Bongbong’s foreign policy?

Guest: Ravi Velloor, Singapore-based columnist and Associate Editor of .The Straits Times

Host: Amit Baruah, Senior Associate Editor, and former Southeast Asia Correspondent, The Hindu.

Edited by Ranjani Srinivasan

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