"History repeats itself" a quote that can be attributed to the political climate of the Philippines.

A pleasant day to each and everyone, my speech for today is about the return of a Marcos to the Philippine
government despite of his family's history.

The history of the name "Marcos" in Philippine politics is significant. Bongbong Marcos Jr., the late president
Ferdinand Marcos' son, carries on the long line of family tradition. A legacy that is distinguished by successes
and controversies. We must be aware of this history as citizens and look to the future with caution.

We all know that on September 21, 1972, Proclamation no. 1081, or also known as Martial law was signed by
the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., implementing a military ruling all over the Philippines, which
restricted the movement ot the Filipinos that lead to multiple oppression, abuse, and deprivation of freedom
and human rights. By this, he was ousted from his position through the EDSA people power revolution on
February 25,1986.

During the dictatorship of Marcos, the real income of employees decreased, few farmers profited from land
reform, and the sugar sector was in disarray despite rise in the nation's gross national product. The country's
economic problems were made worse by the sharp decline in sugar prices in the early 1980s, which were also
accompanied by lower prices and less demand for coconuts and coconut products, which were historically
the most significant export good. As a result, the government was forced to take out sizable loans from the
global banking sector. Reports of extensive corruption also started to surface more frequently, which worried
the authorities as well.

Now, the ill gotten wealth of the Marcoses are still prevalent even in this contemporary times. However,
when Marcos won as the new President of the Philippines those cases were dismissed as if nothing had
happened. According to formal social welfare secretary, Judy Taguiwalo, and also one of the CARMMA, or
The Campaign Against the Return of the Marcoses and Martial Law group's convenor, “CARMMA condemns
the emerging pattern and scheme under the current Marcos Jr. administration – the numerous dismissals on
the cases to recover the monies siphoned by the Marcoses from public funds and through the government
bureaucracy,” She also cited data from the Presidential Commission on Good Government, and said that
Marcos' illicit riches is estimated to be worth at least $6 billion. Despite these charges, and family
history,people opt to choose him as someone they deemed worthy to be the President of the Philippines.

Also, cases have been brought against the Marcos family and its collaborators for alleged extrajudicial killings,
torture, and disappearances that occurred during the martial law era (1972–1981). The Human Rights
Victims' Claims Board was created to offer victims restitution, and some have already benefited from this
system.

The election of a Marcos may have an impact on the Philippines' standing abroad since it may cause other
governments and organizations to question the nation's dedication to democracy and human rights.

Moreover, The widow of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Imelda Marcos, has experienced legal issues of her own,
including accusations of corruption and theft. She was found guilty of seven charges of graft relating to the
unauthorized establishment of Swiss foundations while she was a government official in November 2018. She
was given bail, nevertheless, and is now free.
This led me to question myself: Does people lack the political knowledge or are they just gullible? Some
voters could believe that a candidate shouldn't be disqualified in advance because of an ongoing legal matter
because everyone is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. They might contend that Marcos Jr. is
entitled to run for office even though the cases aren't finished. However, let's take a look at the job
qualifications here in the Philippines, that even a cashier or sometimes a restaurant crew will be hired only if
they have graduated in college and earned a degree. How ironic right? That politicians doesn't have this type
of qualifications, that even a "trisikad" or "tricycle" driver could run as president.

Furthermore, since a portion of the electorate is drawn to Marcos Jr.'s appealing personality. Because of his
ability to relate to citizens and his use of populist rhetoric, he may win the support of those who think he can
better advance their interests and allay their anxieties. This only shows that still many people are gullible or is
unaware of what happened years ago; the mere reason why EDSA people power revolution took place.

In Ezekiel chapter eighteen verse twenty, it states that "The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father,
nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son."However, we should also take note of this idiom, that "a fruit
doesn't fall far from the tree".

Young people in the Philippines have a little to no awareness of martial law, which was characterized by 14
years of totalitarian control, egregious human rights atrocities, and the demise of press freedoms, according
to a recent survey. Despite the Department of Education's replacement of textbooks every five years, these
curricula are largely seen as being insufficient in addressing this history and biased in favor of favorable
depictions of the Marcos regime.

Marcos Jr. may have made appealing economic arguments throughout his campaign, promising the
expansion of the economy and the creation of jobs. Voters who value economic advancement and stability
over other factors may be swayed by these promises.

To conclude my speech, I would like you to ponder upon this questions. Why vote for someone who have
pending cases, and expect that he can create a solution for the betterment of this country? Are we really
choosing the right people to lead us, or are we just playing with fire and just be boisterous when our needs
and demands aren't met, when as a matter of fact we already have the chance during the voting process?

Now, tell me? Is being a political animal a curse or a gift?