Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. was born on September 13, 1957, in Manila, Philippines, to one of the country’s most well-known and controversial political families. His father, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was the 10th president of the Philippines, serving from 1965 to 1986, and his mother, Imelda Marcos, was influential in politics and society. As the only son and second of three children, Bongbong grew up in a life of privilege, surrounded by wealth and power, which shaped his upbringing.
From an early age, Bongbong was groomed to continue the Marcos legacy. He was often seen with his father at official events, learning about politics and governance firsthand. Growing up in Malacañang Palace, the residence of the Philippine president, he was exposed to the inner workings of the government, which left a strong mark on his future.
Despite the controversies around his father’s rule, Bongbong had a relatively normal childhood inside the palace, with access to excellent education and connections to the country’s elite. His political exposure from a young age shaped his aspirations to eventually lead the nation.
He began his education at La Salle Green Hills in Manila, where he was average academically but excelled in extracurricular activities, especially sports. In 1970, at age 13, his family sent him to study in the UK at Worth School, a prestigious Benedictine institution. This experience broadened his worldview and exposed him to Western political ideas.
After finishing high school, Bongbong attended Oxford University to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE). However, it was later revealed that he didn’t complete the degree, which has sparked criticism throughout his career. He later pursued further studies at Wharton School of Business but didn’t finish his MBA either, leaving early to take on a role in his father’s administration.
In 1980, at just 23, Bongbong officially entered politics, becoming Vice Governor of Ilocos Norte, his family’s stronghold. His role was mostly symbolic, but it gave him insight into local governance. In 1983, he became Governor of Ilocos Norte, overseeing infrastructure and development projects that improved the province’s economy.
Bongbong’s early political career was interrupted in 1986 when his father’s regime fell due to the People Power Revolution. The Marcos family fled to Hawaii, where they faced legal battles, including accusations of corruption and human rights violations.
In 1991, the Marcos family returned to the Philippines, and Bongbong quickly re-entered politics. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992 and later returned as Governor of Ilocos Norte in 1998, focusing on infrastructure and energy projects.
In 2010, Bongbong won a Senate seat, where he chaired key committees and worked on local governance and economic development. He ran for vice president in 2016 but lost. However, in 2022, he made a major comeback, winning the presidency by a landslide under a campaign of national unity, becoming the 17th president of the Philippines, cementing his place in the country’s political history.