Ferdinand Marcos Jr claims victory in Philippines election

Supporters of Philippine presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr celebrate outside his campaign headquarters

The son of the late Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos has claimed victory in the presidential election

The son of late Philippines dictator Ferdinand Marcos on Wednesday claimed victory in the presidential election, vowing to be a leader "for all Filipinos", his spokesman said.

With an initial count almost complete, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, popularly known as "Bongbong", has secured over 56 percent of the vote and more than double the tally of his nearest rival, liberal Leni Robredo.

His win is an astonishing reversal in the fortunes of the Marcos family, who have gone from the presidential palace to pariahs and back again in the space of a few decades.

Voters had been predicted to back Marcos by a landslide in Monday's election, after relentless online whitewashing of the family's past, the backing of powerful political dynasties and public disenchantment with post-dictatorship governments. 

In reality, Marcos senior left the Philippines bankrupt and impoverished, and killed, tortured and jailed tens of thousands of opponents during his corrupt dictatorship.

Hours after his thumping victory, Marcos Jr visited his father's grave at the national heroes' cemetery in Manila.

Marcos vowed to "hit the ground running" when he takes office on June 30, with the economy, prices, jobs and education to be his government's priorities.

Marcos refused to take questions at the end of the press conference, which lasted less than five minutes.

The president-elect was greeted by a crush of supporters as he arrived at the headquarters before fronting the media. 

"I am so happy, so overwhelmed," said Joseph Bugayong, a 30-year-old gardener standing outside the building.

The United States said it would seek close security ties with the Philippines under a Marcos government, but made clear it would raise human rights.

"As friends, partners and allies, we will continue to collaborate closely with the Philippines to promote respect for human rights and to advance a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure and resilient Indo-Pacific region," Blinken said.

- Questions over leadership style -

There were few hints on the campaign trail after Marcos snubbed televised debates and largely avoided media interviews as he sought to avoid own goals.

His running mate Sara Duterte, the daughter of the outgoing president, also won the vice presidency, which is elected separately, in a landslide. 

In his first cabinet appointment, Marcos said Duterte would serve as education secretary.

Many of them went door to door across the vast archipelago in a months-long effort to convince voters to support the liberal candidate for the top job.

Marcos will have to contend with this opposition that could congeal into a potent pro-democracy movement.

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