In an unexpected twist of political fate, efforts to undermine President Bongbong Marcos are backfiring spectacularly. Instead of eroding his support, the recent public attacks—including a striking rebuke from his own sister, Senator Imee Marcos—have ignited a wave of empathy from the Filipino public. What was meant to tarnish his reputation has instead cast him as a dignified figure enduring attacks from those who should be closest to him. The campaign to “shock and shame” overlooked a key truth in Filipino culture: people instinctively rally behind someone being unfairly bullied, especially when the assailant is family.
The tipping point came when Senator Imee delivered a series of criticisms at a major public event. For many observers, this violated an unspoken cultural norm: family disputes are private affairs, not public spectacles. Former Senator Ping Lacson echoed this sentiment, describing the act as “deeply un-Filipino” and lacking in decency. The public reaction, rather than anger at the President, leaned toward sympathy, highlighting the emotional burden of seeing a sibling publicly denounce him while he remained composed.
Silence as Strength
President Marcos’ response—or deliberate lack thereof—has become a defining feature of his public image. He has chosen not to retaliate, refraining from personal attacks against his sister or former political allies. In contrast to the noise and aggression of his critics, this calm and measured approach signals maturity and focus, earning admiration from neutrals and even skeptics. By prioritizing his duties over public drama, he has converted personal restraint into political capital, quietly reshaping the narrative in his favor.
A Personal Sacrifice Revisited
Public empathy has been amplified by the resurfacing of a personal act of sacrifice from Marcos’ past. In 1983, he donated a kidney to his ailing father, the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., a life-saving procedure that left him with only one functioning kidney. This act of devotion not only highlights his personal courage but also counters ongoing rumors about substance abuse, as medical experts note his condition makes such vices physically impossible.
The contrast between the dutiful son who gave part of his body for his father and the politically torn family of today is stark. While his sister is perceived by some as placing political ambition above family unity, the President is now viewed as embodying resilience, patience, and moral strength. The public narrative has shifted from political squabbles to one of personal integrity and quiet suffering, prompting widespread admiration.
The Opposition Misjudged the Public
Critics underestimated the emotional intelligence of Filipino voters. By targeting Marcos’ personal and family life, they unintentionally positioned him as a sympathetic figure rather than a political villain. Each public attack reinforces the image of a leader who remains composed in the face of betrayal, transforming criticism into moral reinforcement.
The lesson is clear: attacking a politician’s policies is one thing, but trying to publicly dismantle their family bonds can backfire, creating an unexpected reservoir of support. In this case, the “glass has moved”—but it has poured sympathy and solidarity for President Marcos, a tide that may carry him through the remainder of his term.