From Activist to Supporter: A Personal Political Journey
Bong Wenceslao, a former activist who spent his younger years fighting the Marcos dictatorship under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., now finds himself supporting the presidency of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. This shift comes despite his past involvement in the underground movement, which included leaving college and being arrested twice.
Before Bongbong Marcos’ election in 2022, Wenceslao campaigned for Leni Robredo, who is now the mayor of Naga City. Robredo, the widow of former Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, served as vice president under Rodrigo Duterte and lost the presidential race to Marcos. In 2025, she became mayor of Naga City in the Bicol region.
Campaigning Against the Grain
Wenceslao also campaigned for Aristotle Batuhan, who ran a losing campaign for one of Cebu City’s two congressional districts. Batuhan reminded Wenceslao of their shared anti-Marcos struggles, expressing surprise at Wenceslao’s silence on the BBM administration.
Wenceslao argues that the BBM presidency’s adherence to liberal democratic tenets should not be surprising, as Bongbong Marcos grew up partly in the United States, a country known for its liberal democratic principles despite being ruled by the bourgeoisie or monopoly capitalists. He believes Marcos Jr. is determined not to repeat the mistakes his parents made.
Historical Context: The Marcos Era and Its Aftermath
The “original Macoy,” Ferdinand Marcos Sr., was a product of an era when authoritarianism became prevalent worldwide. His declaration of martial law in 1972 was part of a global trend of dictatorships. The 1986 Edsa People Power Uprising toppled his rule and restored the old liberal democratic setup. Since then, the ruling class displaced by Marcos Sr. has regained power.
Democracy, as known by those from the pre-martial law years, is back. Many leaders of the progressive movement have been absorbed into the system, some becoming media talking heads. The rise of online technology has facilitated this transition.
Reflections on the Progressive Movement
Wenceslao cites Ronald Llamas, a former activist who served in the Aquino administration and became a media fixture, as his favorite talking head. Despite Llamas dumbing down his rhetoric, Wenceslao believes his progressive background still informs his views.
He recalls discussions among old progressives about creating a genuine progressive party distinct from existing ones, but nothing materialized as everyone became busy with daily life. Wenceslao concludes that the country needs a progressive political party to redirect the current liberal democracy, though he questions whether such a party is possible.
