• Philippines' President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, centre, is joined by his mother and former first lady Imelda at his inauguration ceremony in Manila. Getty
    Philippines' President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr, centre, is joined by his mother and former first lady Imelda at his inauguration ceremony in Manila. Getty
  • The ceremony took place at the National Museum in Manila. Reuters
    The ceremony took place at the National Museum in Manila. Reuters
  • Sara Duterte, the Philippines' new Vice President and daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, with Mr Marcos Jr in Manila. Reuters
    Sara Duterte, the Philippines' new Vice President and daughter of former president Rodrigo Duterte, with Mr Marcos Jr in Manila. Reuters
  • Mr Marcos Jr is the son of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Getty
    Mr Marcos Jr is the son of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Getty
  • Mr Marcos Jr is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. AP
    Mr Marcos Jr is sworn in by Supreme Court Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo. AP
  • An activist prepares to protest against the inauguration ceremony in Manila. AP
    An activist prepares to protest against the inauguration ceremony in Manila. AP
  • Supporters of the new president gather in the capital. AP
    Supporters of the new president gather in the capital. AP
  • The inauguration ceremony sparked a demonstration in the city. AP
    The inauguration ceremony sparked a demonstration in the city. AP
  • Supporters watch Mr Marcos Jr and Mr Duterte on a giant screen during the ceremony. AP
    Supporters watch Mr Marcos Jr and Mr Duterte on a giant screen during the ceremony. AP
  • The new Philippines leader arrives at the museum. AP
    The new Philippines leader arrives at the museum. AP
  • Mr Marcos Jr, with his wife Louise Araneta-Marcos and son Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, takes the oath as the next Philippine president in Manila. Getty
    Mr Marcos Jr, with his wife Louise Araneta-Marcos and son Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, takes the oath as the next Philippine president in Manila. Getty
  • Ferdinand 'BongBong' Marcos, the Philippines' president, during the swearing-in ceremony at the Old Legislative Building in Manila. Bloomberg
    Ferdinand 'BongBong' Marcos, the Philippines' president, during the swearing-in ceremony at the Old Legislative Building in Manila. Bloomberg
  • Ferdinand Marcos with his wife and son at the ceremony. Bloomberg
    Ferdinand Marcos with his wife and son at the ceremony. Bloomberg
  • Departing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, second from left, shakes hands with incoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during the inauguration ceremony for Mr Marcos in Manila. AFP
    Departing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, second from left, shakes hands with incoming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr during the inauguration ceremony for Mr Marcos in Manila. AFP
  • Departing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, centre left, is escorted as he reviews an honour guard, as incoming President Ferdinand Marcos J looks on, during the inauguration ceremony for Mr Marcos Jr, in Manila. AFP
    Departing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, centre left, is escorted as he reviews an honour guard, as incoming President Ferdinand Marcos J looks on, during the inauguration ceremony for Mr Marcos Jr, in Manila. AFP
  • The leaders salute during the inauguration ceremony. AFP
    The leaders salute during the inauguration ceremony. AFP
  • People attend the swearing-in ceremony. Bloomberg
    People attend the swearing-in ceremony. Bloomberg
  • A promotional video for Mr Marcos Jr is displayed on a screen at the Old Legislative Building, in Manila. Bloomberg
    A promotional video for Mr Marcos Jr is displayed on a screen at the Old Legislative Building, in Manila. Bloomberg
  • Supporters attend the inauguration. Mr Marcos Jr was sworn in as president amid protests over his namesake father's rule. Bloomberg
    Supporters attend the inauguration. Mr Marcos Jr was sworn in as president amid protests over his namesake father's rule. Bloomberg
  • A supporter holds the national flag. Mr Marcos Jr received more than 31 million votes and incoming vice president Sara Duterte more than 32 million of the more than 55 million votes cast in the May 9 election. AP
    A supporter holds the national flag. Mr Marcos Jr received more than 31 million votes and incoming vice president Sara Duterte more than 32 million of the more than 55 million votes cast in the May 9 election. AP

World

Ferdinand Marcos Jr sworn in as Philippines president

Inauguration of man known as Bongbong comes 36 years after army-backed revolt removed his namesake father from power

The National

June 30, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Ferdinand Marcos Jr was sworn in as president of the Philippines on Thursday amid protests over his namesake father's rule.

The inauguration of Mr Marcos Jr was held at the steps of the National Museum in Manila on Thursday.

The Philippine Congress last month proclaimed his landslide victory, as well as that of his running mate Sara Duterte, daughter of departing president Rodrigo Duterte, in the vice-presidential race.

“I ask you all pray for me, wish me well. I want to do well because when the president does well, the country does well,” Mr Marcos Jr said after his congressional proclamation, without taking any questions.

He received more than 31 million votes and Ms Duterte had more than 32 million of the more than 55 million votes cast in the May 9 election — emphatic victories that will provide them robust political capital as they face tremendous challenges as well as doubts arising from their fathers’ reputations.

It was the first majority presidential victory in the Philippines in decades.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan and Doug Emhoff, US Vice President Kamala Harris’s husband, were among foreign dignitaries at the swearing-in ceremony.

The inauguration comes 36 years after an army-backed revolt removed his father Ferdinand Marcos Sr from power.

Activists and survivors of the martial law-era under his father staged protests on the sidelines of the inauguration. Thousands of police officers, including anti-riot contingents, Swat commandos and snipers, were deployed in the bayside tourist district for security.

A public holiday, monuments and the Philippine constitution stand as reminders of his father’s tyrannical rule.

“Wow is this really happening?” Bonifacio Ilagan, 70, an activist who was detained and severely tortured by counterinsurgency forces during the elder Marcos’s rule, told AP.

“For victims of martial law like me, this is a nightmare.”

Such historical baggage and antagonism stand to hound Marcos Jr during a six-year presidency beginning at a time of intense crises.

The Philippines has been among the countries in Asia worst-hit by the two-year coronavirus pandemic, after more than 60,000 deaths and extended lockdowns sent the economy to its worst recession since the Second World War and worsened poverty, unemployment and hunger.

As the pandemic was easing early this year, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent global inflation soaring and sparked fears of food shortages.

Last week, Mr Marcos Jr announced he would serve as secretary of agriculture temporarily after he takes office to prepare for possible food supply emergencies. “I think the problem is severe enough,” he said and added he has asked his key advisers to brace for “emergency situations, especially when it comes to food supply.”

He also inherits decades-old Islamist and communist insurgencies, crime, gaping inequality and political divisions inflamed by his election.

Mr Duterte presided over a brutal anti-drugs campaign that left thousands of mostly poor suspects dead in an unprecedented scale of killings the International Criminal Court was investigating as a possible crime against humanity.

  • Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte holds a Galil sniper rifle next to outgoing National Police Chief Ronald Bato Dela Rosa during a handover ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Manila. Reuters
    Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte holds a Galil sniper rifle next to outgoing National Police Chief Ronald Bato Dela Rosa during a handover ceremony in Camp Crame, Quezon City, Manila. Reuters
  • Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a news conference at the Asean Summit in Manila, the Philippines. Duterte lashed out at Justin Trudeau after the Canadian prime minister raised concerns about human rights abuses under the country’s drug war. Bloomberg
    Rodrigo Duterte speaks during a news conference at the Asean Summit in Manila, the Philippines. Duterte lashed out at Justin Trudeau after the Canadian prime minister raised concerns about human rights abuses under the country’s drug war. Bloomberg
  • Rodrigo Duterte chats with partner Honeylet Avancena while waiting for leaders to arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the ASEAN summit in Manila on April 29, 2017. AFP
    Rodrigo Duterte chats with partner Honeylet Avancena while waiting for leaders to arrive to attend the opening ceremony of the ASEAN summit in Manila on April 29, 2017. AFP
  • Rodrigo Duterte saluting a soldier wounded by an explosion, during a visit to a military camp in Jolo, Sulu province, southern Philippines. Twin bombings hit a Sunday mass at Jolo Cathedral in the Mindanao region of the southern Philippines on January 27. EPA
    Rodrigo Duterte saluting a soldier wounded by an explosion, during a visit to a military camp in Jolo, Sulu province, southern Philippines. Twin bombings hit a Sunday mass at Jolo Cathedral in the Mindanao region of the southern Philippines on January 27. EPA
  • Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pose for a group photo on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN summit in Singapore, 2018. AFP
    Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte pose for a group photo on the sidelines of the 33rd ASEAN summit in Singapore, 2018. AFP
  • Rodrigo Duterte salutes at Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista and Major General Macairog Sabeniano Alberto, during a change of command ceremonies of the Philippine Army at a military camp in Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines. EPA
    Rodrigo Duterte salutes at Lieutenant General Rolando Joselito D. Bautista and Major General Macairog Sabeniano Alberto, during a change of command ceremonies of the Philippine Army at a military camp in Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines. EPA
  • Rodrigo Duterte gestures next to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad after Philippines' Manny Pacquiao beat Argentina's Lucas Matthysse during their world welterweight boxing championship bout at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur. AFP
    Rodrigo Duterte gestures next to Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad after Philippines' Manny Pacquiao beat Argentina's Lucas Matthysse during their world welterweight boxing championship bout at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur. AFP
  • King Abdullah II of Jordan talks with Rodrigo Duterte as they review the guard of honor at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan, September 6, 2018. EPA
    King Abdullah II of Jordan talks with Rodrigo Duterte as they review the guard of honor at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jordan, September 6, 2018. EPA
  • Rodrigo Duterte inspects a Catholic church damaged by explosion in Jolo, Sulu province, southern Philippines, 28 January 2019. EPA
    Rodrigo Duterte inspects a Catholic church damaged by explosion in Jolo, Sulu province, southern Philippines, 28 January 2019. EPA
  • Rodrigo Duterte with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono during a meeting in Davao city, Philippines. EPA
    Rodrigo Duterte with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono during a meeting in Davao city, Philippines. EPA

The probe was suspended in November, but the ICC chief prosecutor has asked that it be resumed immediately.

Mr Marcos Jr and Ms Duterte have faced calls to help prosecute her father and co-operate with the international court when they office, a looming political dilemma.

A former governor, congressman and senator, Mr Marcos Jr has refused to acknowledge or apologise for massive human rights breaches and plunder under his father’s rule and has defended his legacy.

He has appealed to be judged “not by my ancestors, but by my actions”.

Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Men’s singles 
Group A: Son Wan-ho (Kor), Lee Chong Wei (Mas), Ng Long Angus (HK), Chen Long (Chn)
Group B: Kidambi Srikanth (Ind), Shi Yugi (Chn), Chou Tien Chen (Tpe), Viktor Axelsen (Den)

Women’s Singles 
Group A: Akane Yamaguchi (Jpn), Pusarla Sindhu (Ind), Sayaka Sato (Jpn), He Bingjiao (Chn)
Group B: Tai Tzu Ying (Tpe), Sung Hi-hyun (Kor), Ratchanok Intanon (Tha), Chen Yufei (Chn)

Teri%20Baaton%20Mein%20Aisa%20Uljha%20Jiya
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirectors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Amit%20Joshi%20and%20Aradhana%20Sah%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECast%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Shahid%20Kapoor%2C%20Kriti%20Sanon%2C%20Dharmendra%2C%20Dimple%20Kapadia%2C%20Rakesh%20Bedi%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Results:

6.30pm: Handicap (Turf) | US$175,000 2,410m | Winner: Bin Battuta, Christophe Soumillon (jockey), Saeed bin Suroor (trainer)

7.05pm: UAE 1000 Guineas Trial Conditions (Dirt) | $100,000 | 1,400m | Winner: Al Hayette, Fabrice Veron, Ismail Mohammed

7.40pm: Handicap (T) | $145,000 | 1,000m | Winner: Faatinah, Jim Crowley, David Hayes

8.15pm: Dubawi Stakes Group 3 (D) | $200,000 | 1,200m | Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

8.50pm: Singspiel Stakes Group 3 (T) | $200,000 | 1,800m | Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor

9.25pm: Handicap (T) | $175,000 | 1,400m​​​ | Winner: Another Batt, Connor Beasley, George Scott

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

more from Janine di Giovanni
While you're here
ELIO

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Rating: 4/5

if you go
Dhadak 2

Director: Shazia Iqbal

Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri 

Rating: 1/5

What is Folia?

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.

Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."

Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.

In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love". 

There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.

While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm

Transmission: eight-speed auto

Price: from Dh122,745

On sale: now

JERSEY INFO

Red Jersey
General Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the leader of the General Classification by time.
Green Jersey
Points Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the fastest sprinter, who has obtained the best positions in each stage and intermediate sprints.
White Jersey
Young Rider Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the best young rider born after January 1, 1995 in the overall classification by time (U25).
Black Jersey
Intermediate Sprint Classification: worn daily, starting from Stage 2, by the rider who has gained the most Intermediate Sprint Points.

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M3%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%2FUSB-4%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206E%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Midnight%2C%20silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%2F35W%20dual-port%2F70w%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%2C%202%20Apple%20stickers%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C599%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

MATCH INFO

Euro 2020 qualifier

Russia v Scotland, Thursday, 10.45pm (UAE)

TV: Match on BeIN Sports 

More on animal trafficking
Updated: June 30, 2022, 6:21 AM
PhilippinesAsia