The Philippines swore in Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as President on Thursday. Marcos Jr. is the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ (1917-1989) son, who is now completing a decades-long effort to restore his family to the country’s highest office.

Philippines’ Marcos was ousted in a popular revolt in 1986. Today, his son won the presidential elections with approximately 31 million votes, making him the official successor of popular President Rodrigo Duterte and his reputation for leading the infamous war on drugs.

At a public event at the National Museum in Manila, where hundreds of local and foreign dignitaries and media will be present, Marcos Jr. will take the oath on Thursday at noon.

For the inauguration, more than 15,000 police, troops, and coast guard members have been stationed across the capital.

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It happens a few days after the highest court rejected last-ditch efforts to disqualify Marcos Jr. from the election and prevent him from assuming office.

Marcos Jr. has prioritized combating inflation, fostering development, and increasing food production as rising costs strain an economy already devastated by Covid-19.

He has made the unusual decision to name himself secretary of agriculture to oversee the reform of the troubled industry.

The rights of the Philippines to the disputed South China Sea, which Beijing claims nearly exclusively, have also been vowed to be claimed by Marcos Jr.

But after having largely avoided media appearances, he has provided very little information about how he plans to accomplish his objectives or suggestions about his leadership style.

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