Marcos takes big lead in Philippine presidential elections

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. took an early lead in the Philippines presidential election, according to unofficial data from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Mr. Marcos, the son and namesake of the late dictator, secured 23,017,285 votes, based on data from the Comelec transparency server as of 10:30 p.m. on Monday.  Around 74% of election returns nationwide had been transmitted.

His main rival Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo came in second with 10,915,045 votes.

Boxing champ Senator Emmanuel “Many” D. Pacquiao was a distant third with 2,152,579 votes, followed by Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” M. Domagoso with 1,485,030 votes.

Arjan P. Aguirre, a political science professor at the Ateneo De Manila University, said the results showed that the presidential election was basically a two-way race.

“We are still waiting for the total of 75% of the total votes to come in. The most decent one is 80%,” he said in a Messenger chat

Mr. Aguirre said since Mr. Marcos has already reached the 21-million mark, “it would be difficult for Leni to catch up.”

“We have to wait for the other provinces to send their results, especially those bailiwicks of Leni.”

“Marcos Jr’s massive lead in the unofficial election results may prompt investors to rethink their investment plans in the Philippines,” said Zyza Nadine Suzara, an economist and public finance expert.

She said his family’s history and “the lack of clear economic agenda” may not inspire confidence among local and foreign investors.

Mr. Marcos and his family were forced into exile in the United States in the 1980s after his father was ousted through a popular uprising that restored Philippine democracy.

Mr. Marcos, who had a wide lead in pre-election surveys, refused to participate in major debates, which experts said were necessary to determine the stances of candidates on key economic issues.