MANILA, Philippines — Vice presidential aspirant Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday said that his surname is more of an asset rather than a liability.
The senator said in an interview on ABS-CBN's "Umagang Kay Ganda" that he is lucky to be born a Marcos.
"Ako na yata ang pinakaswerteng tao sa lahat ng kilala kong tao dahil pinanganak akong Marcos, na-expose kahit maliit pa eh exceptional naman talaga ang aking naging pamilya," Marcos said.
He added that his surname would not be an issue for the voting public.
"Ang taumbayan, hindi 'yan ang pinag-uusapan. Pinag-uusapan nila problema sa droga, ang taas ng presyo ng bilihin, ang korupsyon, ang walang trabaho. 'Yun ang mga inaalala ng mga tao," the senator said.
His father, the late former President Ferdinand Marcos was accused of large-scale corruption and massive human rights abuses during his term.
Marcos Jr., however, earlier cited that his father's legacy would boost his candidacy in the 2016 elections.
READ: Bongbong sees no reason to apologize over father’s offenses
"Sige, kung nais niyong pag-usapan 'yan ang pagka-Marcos ko, sige, pag-usapan natin pero palagay ko unahin natin ang mga isyu na talagang iniisip ng ating mga mamamayan araw-araw," Marcos Jr. said.
He added that there are more pressing national issues that should be discussed such as the worsening traffic situation in Metro Manila, the Metro Rail Transit system and the slow Internet speed in the country.
The senator stressed that these issues should be addressed first since the government is expected to provide solutions to these problems.
Marcos Jr. also admitted that he is still in talks with presidential aspirant Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago regarding a possible teamup in 2016.
"'Yun ang pinag-uusapan namin kung ano ang plano at papaano ang gagawing arrangement. Nagliligawan pa kami," the senator said.
Santiago earlier confirmed that Marcos Jr. will be her running mate in the 2016 elections.
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