Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., 64, did not graduate from college but has a “special diploma” in social studies from Oxford University, and in the 1970s attended the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business.
His father and namesake ruled the country with an iron fist, leading to reported deaths of thousands during his regime. Authorities believe that Marcos Sr. plundered as much as U.S. $10 billion from the nation’s coffers.
A people’s power revolt in 1986 led to the Marcos family fleeing the country – Bongbong’s father died in Hawaii three years later. The elder Marcos’ widow, Imelda, and their children were allowed to return home and have since restored their political power.
Marcos Jr. is married to Louise Cacho-Araneta, a lawyer and who is believed to have engineered his return to power in what analysts said was a move to clear the family name. He has served in the House and Senate, and as a governor as well.
His eldest of three sons, Ferdinand Alexander, 28, is carrying on the family’s political tradition by running for a House seat this year.
Marcos Jr. has said he plans to “unify” the country if he wins.