September 28 marked the 36th death anniversary of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. In a heartfelt Facebook post, President Bongbong Marcos paid tribute to his late father, calling him “Apo Lakay”—a term of endearment that carries deep Ilocano respect.

The post was not just a remembrance of a father but also a nod to the continuing influence of Marcos Sr.’s legacy. Behind BBM’s message is the weight of history, political debates, and the enduring presence of the Marcos name in Philippine politics.

The collage shared by the President reflected both nostalgia and continuity—a youthful Ferdinand Marcos, his official portrait, and BBM himself standing as a symbol of continuity.

For supporters, the message was a reminder of dreams yet to be fulfilled. For critics, it sparks questions about the narrative of history and its place in today’s governance.

One thing is clear: 36 years after his death, Ferdinand E. Marcos remains a central figure in the nation’s political conversation.