Marcos on his dad's birthday: 'His wisdom remains a guiding force'

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed to carry on the legacy of his late father and namesake, president Ferdinand Sr., as he paid tribute to him on his 107th birthday on Wednesday.

Marcos posted a photo collage on his social media to greet his father, promising to honor his memory through public service.

«Not a day goes by where I don't think about my father. His wisdom remains a guiding force, a steady voice of reason reminding me of the principles that should lead our nation forward,» Marcos said.

«Happy birthday, Dad! We continue to celebrate you and honor your lasting legacy,» he added.

The President is now in Ilocos Norte to take part in «Marcos Day» celebrations with residents and officials in his family's home province.

The Chief Executive has issued an executive order declaring the occasion as a non-working holiday in the province.

The late Marcos Sr. was born on Sept. 11, 1917 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. He served as the 10th president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986.

Marcos Sr. declared martial law in the Philippines on Sept. 23, 1972 and lifted it on Jan. 17, 1981. He and his family were driven into exile in Hawaii in 1986, and he was ousted as president during the People Power Revolution.

The former president lived in Hawaii continuously for three years until his death in Honolulu on Sept. 29, 1989.