Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to run for Philippine president in 2022

MANILA - Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the only son of former Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, on Tuesday announced his plan to run for the top post in the 2022 elections.

"I am announcing today my intention to run for the presidency of the Philippines in the upcoming May 2022 elections," Marcos, 64, said in a statement.

Nicknamed Bongbong, the former senator said he plans to "bring that form of unifying leadership back to our country." "Together, we will rise as one," he added.

Marcos is the standard-bearer of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, a three-year-old political party that he chairs. He did not announce the running mate.

It also remains unknown when Marcos would officially file his certificate of candidacy with the elections commissions. Candidates have until October 8 to register with the poll body.

Philippine boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao filed last Friday his certificate of candidacy, becoming the first presidential aspirant to do so. Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso also filed on Monday his certificate of candidacy to run for the next president.