Ferdinand "Bong Bong" Marcos Jr. Considers Himself a Machiavellian

By Zaric O Brentt

    On March 26, 2020, Ferdinand "Bong bong" Marcos Jr. attended the 'Deep Probe: the SMNI Presidential Candidates Interview,' where one of the panelists, prof. Clarita Carlos, asked if he considered himself a Machiavellian (clarified that she meant "Machiavellian in terms of taking every means to produce an end, not the other Machiavellian):

 

"Am I Machiavellian? Well... I’ve studied him quite thoroughly, and I know very many Machiavellians in my life," Bong Bong Marcos answered.

“Certainly, we have to be aware of everything that is going to help whatever it is that you are hoping to achieve. And on the national scale, that means you have to understand very well what the situation is on the ground... I suppose in the same sense, it’s a way of being careful, and being very, very knowledgeable about what are the things that have to come into play, so that you will achieve success. Whatever that success, however you define that success. So in that sense,  I am a Machiavellian," he said.

 

 According to Dictionary.com, Machiavellians are a follower of the principles analyzed or described in The Prince, especially with reference to techniques of political manipulation. 

     Indeed, Machiavellians are people who believed in the teachings of Niccolo Machiavelli.

Who is Niccolo Machiavelli?

   Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian Diplomat who lived during the renaissance. He is known for his book The Prince which is now widely used by Political Science students. With this, he is often called as the father of modern political Philosophy and Political Science.

   Some of his famous quotes are as follows:

• One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.
• It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. 
• There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.

     Many people associate Machiavelli's works and stances with the slogan "the end justifies the means." According to Doctionary.com, the slogan means, "A good outcome excuses any wrongs committed to attain it"

    Ex.  Robinhood was justified good for he was able to help the poor (end) though he stole money from the rich (means)

  BBM's explanation for why he considered himself a Machiavellian was simple and clear: "Being very careful and Knowledgeable (means) to achieve success (end)"