Ferdinand Marcos Jr proclaimed next Philippine president
Ferdinand Marcos Jr was Wednesday proclaimed the next Philippine president after a landslide win that rights groups and religious leaders fear could weaken the corruption-prone country's democracy.
Marcos, who formally takes office next month, secured more than 31.6 million votes, or 58.8 percent of the total, according to a final tally released by parliament.
He was the first presidential candidate to win an outright majority since his dictator father, who presided over widespread graft and human rights abuses, was ousted by a popular revolt in 1986.
A joint session of the House of Representatives and Senate formally ratified the results and proclaimed Marcos the Philippines' 17th president. He will be inaugurated on June 30.
Speaking after the ceremony, Marcos said he was "humbled" by his success at the ballot box and vowed to "always strive to perfection".
"I want to do well because when a president does well the country does well and I want to do well for this country," the 64-year-old told reporters.
Marcos's victory followed relentless online whitewashing of his family's past, and alliances with rival political dynasties that have the means to influence voters in their regions.
His liberal rival Leni Robredo finished well behind in second place with just over 15 million votes.
Marcos's running mate Sara Duterte, the daughter of the outgoing
