Marcos Jr’s supporters back his call for unity in divisive campaign

By noon, as temperatures rose to 33 deg C, supporters of presidential front runner Ferdinand Marcos Jr could be seen walking to his political rally’s venue – a large, dusty field in front of a casino hotel.

- Dana Batnag For The Sunday Times In Manila

Buses had been dropping off red-clad supporters a kilometre or so from the rally venue in Paranaque City, Manila, since the morning.

“He will unite the people. These days, everyone is shameless. President Marcos only wants everyone to unite, to help each other,” said Mr Sonny Adarayan, 43, a volunteer at the rally yesterday.

Wearing a red shirt and a face mask bearing images of Mr Marcos Jr and his running mate Sara Duterte-Carpio, Mr Adarayan walked back and forth, marshalling fellow supporters from Mandaluyong city, east of the capital Manila.

But when asked how Mr Marcos Jr will unite a divided Philippines, Mr Adarayan only repeats the key phrases of the Marcos campaign: To unite; to be together.

Indeed, Mr Marcos Jr, 64, again fell back on his unity call as he wrapped up his rally speech.

“We will continue to shout, ‘Unity!’” he said. In response, his supporters chanted: “You’ve won! You’ve won!”