Bongbong sees black propaganda in pro-Marcos graffiti

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the vandalism of the People Power Monument could be part of his critics’ “black propaganda” to derail his vice presidential bid in the May elections.

“I believe this could be part of a black propaganda meant to stoke negative sentiment directed against my candidacy,” Marcos said.

The People Power Monument, located in White Plains Avenue in Quezon City, serves as a symbol of the country’s victory over the regime of Marcos' father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. It was defaced with a "MARCOS PA RIN!" graffiti on Tuesday morning.

Authorities have yet to determine the perpetrators of the graffiti.

The vandalism was committed just less than a month after the country celebrated the 30th anniversary of the People Power revolution that ousted the elder Marcos from presidency.

The younger Marcos condemned the incident, saying it tends to worsen the country’s divisiveness.

“This incident is unfortunate as it tends to inflame passions and cause a deep divide that is the polar opposite of the message of national unity that I have been working hard to spread to our people,” he said.

Marcos then called on fellow candidates and their supporters to veer away from supposed dirty tactics and instead focus their campaign on discussing their platform of governance.

“I appeal to all fellow candidates and our respective supporters to elevate the political discussions to enable the Filipino people to make an informed and intelligent choice of new leaders who have presented workable platforms designed to bring progress, peace and prosperity for our country,” he said.

Marcos, who had refused to apologize for human rights abuses committed during his father's regime, has been topping recent surveys on vice presidentiables along with Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

In a statement, the EDSA People Power Commission (EPPC) condemned the vandalism incident “in the strongest possible terms,” describing it as an insult to those who fought to restore democracy during the 1986 revolution.

The EPPC further said that selfish imposition of one’s political beliefs is a regression to "the ways of authoritarianism and dictatorial rule.” —KBK, GMA News