By Eden Eve Lacea

PHOTO: TIMES Magazine

Presidential candidate and former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. once again pressed that it was his own choice to run for the Philippine presidency and not that of his mother, former first lady and graft convict Imelda Marcos. 

In an interview with CNN Philippines’ “In Private,” the candidate said that even if it was his own will to run for president, he first had to consult it within the family and especially with his mother, Imelda Marcos, whom he said had a “big influence on everything.”

"The decision was mine, I really have to say the decision was mine. Of course I consulted everyone whose opinions I value, both in and out of politics. Of course my family, I had to ask them because if I do this, all our lives will change," Marcos disclosed on Tuesday. 

"Anything that happens in politics, we always ask her: What do you think? Is this a good idea? Should we do it like this? Or should we wait? She has a very big influence on everything." he added. 

In 2013, the former first lady revealed her wishes for Bongbong to run for president in the 2016 Elections so that he could continue the legacy of his late husband, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.

"As his mother, I sent him to the best schools. He has an impressive track record and a good vision for the country. What I like most about my children is that they love this country so much,” Mrs. Marcos said in an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN. 


Edited by Quian Vencel Galut