Marcos loyalism refers to the supporters of Ferdinand Marcos, 10th president of the Philippines. Members of his political base were often referred to as "Marcos Loyalists" (Filipino: Loyalista).
Contents
Symbols
V Sign
The V sign or victory symbol was associated with the Marcos family when Ferdinand Marcos Sr. used the gesture during his four presidential campaigns. His son and namesake, President Bongbong Marcos, his electoral alliance, and his supporters used the "V sign" gesture as the official identity of their political campaign during the 2022 presidential elections. In the pro-Marcos camp, the "V sign" (made by raising the index and middle fingers to form a V) stands for victory and peace.
Color Red
The color red became prominent in the Marcos political machinery during the late 1970s through the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan. For the loyalist camp, red signifies strength, unyielding political continuity, nationalism tied to the strongman era, and a direct counter-symbol to the anti-Marcos opposition's yellow. Loyalists also clarified that their usage of color red is not the same as Leftist, Communists usage of the color, in which they called "hijacking of the terrorists".
Allied parties and organizations
Political parties
Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (a political party loyal to Marcos Sr. formed as merger of former Nacionalista and Liberal members)
Partido Federal ng Pilipinas
Nationalist People's Coalition
National Unity Party
Bangon Pilipinas Party
Loyalist Party of the Philippines
Grand Alliance for Democracy (an electoral alliance formed by Marcos Loyalists and breakaway factions of Pro Aquino movement in 1987 that stands as an opposition against Corazon Aquino's presidency)
Political organizations
Kabataang Barangay (currently Sangguniang Kabataan)
Marcos Loyalist Movement
One Nation Movement
Kilusang Pilipinismo (founded by Nilo Tayag, a former member of the Communist Party of the Philippines)
United Vloggers and Influencers of the Philippines (A group of internet vloggers formed in 2022 to support Marcos Jr.'s presidency)
Alyansa Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (a multi-sectoral and civic alliance in the Philippines that actively voices support for the administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., particularly regarding national sovereignty and anti-disinformation campaigns.)
Reform the Armed Forces Movement (a once Anti Marcos military cabal who later pledged loyalty to Marcos Sr., and staged several unsuccessful coups against then-president Corazon Aquino)
List of Marcos loyalists
Joseph Estrada, 13th President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001
Juan Ponce Enrile, defense minister during Martial Law
Gregorio Honasan, Philippine Army officer
Fabian Ver, former chief of staff
Arturo Tolentino, lawyer, diplomat, Marcos Sr.'s running mate during 1986 snap election
Ferdinand Topacio, lawyer (he clarifies during his interview in Politika All the Way that he only supports Marcos Sr.)
Blas Ople, journalist, foreign affairs, and labor secretary
Francisco Tatad, journalist and politician
Larry Gadon, disbarred lawyer and serves as Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation since 2023
Rene Cayetano, journalist, lawyer, and politician
Oliver Lozano, legal counsel of President Marcos Sr.
Vicente Millora, lawyer and politician
Nicanor Yñiguez, lawyer and politician
Nilo Tayag, bishop and activist
Ruben Guevarra, former Communist rebel
Luis Taruc, former Communist rebel
Chavit Singson, businessman, former Governor of Ilocos Sur
Legacy
Following the 1986 People Power Revolution and the end of the dictatorship, the Marcos family returned from exile in the 1990s and gradually re-established their political influence in the Philippines. Over the following decades, family members and political allies engaged in efforts to rehabilitate the regime's historical narrative, frequently presenting the martial law period as a "golden age" of infrastructure development and law and order.
The concept of Marcos loyalism saw a major revival with the election of Bongbong Marcos as president in 2022. Some media have described this resurgence as a "Marcosian restoration".