Presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos appeared in a one-on-one interview with CNN Philippines aired on Tuesday as he answered burning questions about his candidacy and his personal life.
The son of the late dictator took part in CNN Philippines' "In Private, Presidential Interviews", a special series of interviews with presidential bets, after he declined to attend the debate organized by the same network.
READ: Bongbong, Sara to Skip CNN Philippines' Debates
Marcos previously said that he would only attend debates if his schedule permits, prioritizing direct interactions with his supporters. He remains as the top choice for president of many Filipinos based on various pre-election surveys.
Here's what Marcos said in his one-on-one interview with CNN Philippines:
- Marcos said his campaign team is now moving towards vote protection. He said that while his lead in the surveys is very encouraging, these are just "numbers" and votes should be protected.
- Marcos said he would not live outside the Malacañang Palace as it would be his office should he win the elections.
- Marcos admitted that he tried to stay out of politics when he was young, seeing how difficult the job of his father Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was as president.
- Marcos said his parents never let him and his siblings forget that everything they had came from the people.
- Marcos said the best people who can explain martial law to the youth are those who experienced it.
- Marcos said online trolls don't exist: "Find me a troll... We have no trolls. None. Not a single one."
- Marcos said he was offered a click army and a troll farm but he never used it.
- Marcos said his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, is the supreme politician in their family.
- Although Imelda was very much involved in Marcos' campaign, the decision to run for president was his alone.
- Marcos said he would choose his Cabinet members based on competence and willingness to make sacrifices for public service.
- Marcos said he was not a "champion for unification," pointing out that he was only campaigning for it as "a necessary condition for us to achieve everything we want to achieve."
- Marcos said he would focus on job generation and lowering the prices of goods upon assuming to the presidency if he wins.
- Marcos said he would strengthen the Presidential Commission on Good Government, which was created to go after his family's ill-gotten wealth, should he win as president. Its function will be broadened to address corruption in general.
- Marcos said he would not have a spokesperson, adding he would to personally talk to the media.
- Marcos said he doesn't let himself be confident to win: "We don't stop, we will keep going."
- Marcos: "When you ask how confident am I should I be president... the best answer I can give you is I will work with every iota of my being to be a unifying leader."
ALSO READ:
Bongbong Marcos: I'll Join Debates Only If My Schedule Permits
Are Journalists Biased for Asking Candidates Hard Questions?
Bongbong Says 'Biased' Means 'Anti-Marcos'
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