President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Photo courtesy of Malacañang Palace
In a podcast interview with student editors, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. describes how his entry into politics evolved over time, shaped by family circumstance rather than early ambition.
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said his decision to pursue a political career came later in life, recalling in a recent podcast interview that he once imagined a future outside government before family expectations and circumstance drew him into public service.
Marcos made the remarks during an episode of his official podcast released this week, in which he was interviewed by editors from student publications. The discussion centered on his personal background, motivations, and views on public service, according to transcripts and accounts published by Philippine media.
During the conversation, Marcos told the student editors that politics would not have been part of his plans had he not been born into his family. He said that as a young man, he did not see himself pursuing elective office and initially preferred a life removed from public scrutiny.
“I really did not want to enter politics,” Marcos said, according to published reports quoting the episode. He added that if his family circumstances had been different, his career path would likely have taken another direction.
Marcos is the only son of the late former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former first lady Imelda Marcos, a lineage that has long shaped public expectations surrounding his political life. In the interview, he acknowledged that those expectations influenced his eventual entry into politics, even as he described his early reluctance.
He recalled that his parents were disappointed by his lack of interest in politics at the time, noting that they had anticipated he would follow a similar path. Marcos said he gravitated instead toward business studies, explaining that his early exposure to politics made him wary of the demands and pressures associated with public office.
Despite those early views, Marcos eventually embarked on a sustained political career. He served as Ilocos Norte governor, a member of the House of Representatives, and later as senator before winning the presidency in the May 2022 national elections. Those roles are part of the public record and reflect a gradual rise through the country’s political system.
In the podcast, Marcos framed his political journey as one shaped by circumstance rather than by long-held ambition. He said he does not regret the direction his life ultimately took, describing public service as difficult work that carries long-term responsibility.
The interview formed part of a broader effort by the administration to engage younger audiences through digital platforms. The “BBM Podcast” series has featured discussions with students and young professionals on topics including governance, technology, misinformation, and social pressures, positioning the program as a less formal venue for dialogue.
Marcos told the student interviewers that he values conversations with younger generations, citing their perspectives as increasingly important in a changing political and social environment. He has said in previous interviews that lasting reforms depend on continuity beyond a single administration.
