Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men who shape lives with quiet strength and enduring love. In the Philippines, where family ties run deep, the fathers of the nation’s leaders often leave lasting legacies that ripple through history.
The last five Philippine presidents—Rodrigo Duterte, Benigno Aquino III, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Joseph Estrada, and Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—were raised by fathers whose influence helped mold their paths.
This Father’s Day, we reflect on these remarkable men, their stories, and the values they instilled in their children, who went on to lead a nation.
Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Father of Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the current president, was a towering figure, serving as president from 1965 to 1986. A lawyer and war veteran from Ilocos Norte, Marcos Sr. was known for his intellect and ambition. He navigated a murder trial at 19, topped the bar exams, and built a political dynasty.
His son, Bongbong, grew up witnessing his father’s discipline and strategic mind, traits evident in Marcos Jr.’s methodical governance. Marcos Sr. ‘s love for family shone through in his devotion to wife Imelda and their four children, fostering a tight-knit bond that endures.
His legacy, though complex, taught Bongbong resilience and the weight of leadership.
Emilio Ejercito, Father of Joseph Estrada
Emilio Ejercito, a government engineer and contractor, raised Joseph Estrada in a bustling household in San Juan, having moved from Manila’s Tondo district where Estrada was born.
A steady provider for his ten children, Emilio’s work ethic gave Estrada a cushy start, though he disapproved of his son’s pivot from engineering studies to a swashbuckling film career.
Young Joseph, a college dropout with a knack for trouble, got expelled from Ateneo for defending a pal and later ditched Mapúa Institute to star in over 100 movies as “Erap,” the tough-guy hero of the poor.
Emilio’s stable career indirectly bankrolled Estrada’s charisma-fueled rise from San Juan mayor (1969–1986) to president (1998–2001).
While not the warm-and-fuzzy type—Estrada’s mother got more credit for emotional support—Emilio’s grounded presence let his son chase fame and power, turning a Tondo-born kid into a populist icon.
Diosdado Macapagal, Father of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
Diosdado Macapagal, father of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (president 2001–2010), was the ninth president (1961–1965), known as the “Poor Boy from Lubao” for his rise from poverty in Pampanga.
An economist and poet, Macapagal instilled in Gloria a love for learning and public service. His commitment to agrarian reform and anti-corruption shaped her economic policies.
Gloria, the first presidential child to become president, often spoke of her father’s humility and intellectual rigor, which guided her through a tumultuous presidency. Macapagal’s pride in his daughter’s achievements was a quiet but profound influence.
Benigno Aquino Jr., Father of Benigno Aquino III
Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., father of Benigno Aquino III (president 2010–2016), was a senator and democracy icon whose assassination in 1983 sparked a revolution.
A fearless journalist and orator from Tarlac, Ninoy’s courage inspired Noynoy’s commitment to honest governance. Despite limited time together due to Ninoy’s imprisonment under martial law, his letters to his son emphasized integrity and sacrifice.
Noynoy’s “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Path) platform echoed Ninoy’s fight for justice. Ninoy’s ultimate sacrifice for freedom left an indelible mark, making him a hero to both his son and the nation.
Rodrigo Duterte, Father of Rodrigo Duterte
Vicente Duterte, father of Rodrigo Duterte (president 2016–2022), was a lawyer and former Davao governor known for his compassion. A Cebuano who embraced Mindanao, Vicente taught his son empathy for the marginalized.
Rodrigo often recalled his father’s community service, like aiding the poor during his governorship, which shaped Duterte’s tough yet people-centric leadership. Vicente’s humor and warmth balanced his strictness, fostering Rodrigo’s candid style.
Vicente’s pride in his son’s rise from Davao mayor to president reflected a bond built on shared values of service.
This Father’s Day, we celebrate these fathers not just for raising presidents but for embodying the Filipino spirit—resilient, loving, and dedicated. Their legacies live on in their children’s leadership and in the hearts of a grateful nation. Here’s to all fathers who inspire greatness, one lesson at a time.
