It's not easy rebranding a dynasty responsible for two decades of authoritarian rule, the murder of

thousands of political opponents, and the theft of billions of dollars from a country reeling from an

economic crisis. But it helps when you can harness the power of TikTok.

That's how Furnidad, Bongbong Marcos Jr. has been campaigning to become the next president of the Philippines.

And Bongbong's whitewashing of his family's violent past has him on the cusp of victory.

I'm Gustav Ariano. You're listening to The Times, Daily News from the of victory.

I'm Gustavariano.

You're listening to The Times, Daily News from the LA Times.

It's Friday, May 6th, 2022.

Today, we go to the Philippines,

where presidential election is taking place next week and talk about how social media disinformation

yet again might put a populist

onto the global stage of power.

David Pearson covers Southeast Asia for the Times.

David, welcome.

Hi, Gustavo.

So you've been in the Philippines for the past week covering the May 9th presidential elections.

What's it been like?

So we're getting down to the wire now with the elections coming up.

And this city is just covered in campaign posters everywhere.

People are wearing their favorite candidates' picture on their masks.

People are campaigning in malls.

...