Almost 50 years since the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ imposition of martial law in the Philippines, his son has emerged as frontrunner to become the country’s next president.

According to an authoritative survey of presidential candidates by Social Weather Stations, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is attracting close to half of total votes among prospective voters.

His closest rival, Vice President Leni Robredo, secured fewer than half of prospective votes (18%). This marks, by far, the largest lead enjoyed by a presidential frontrunner in recent memory just a few months ahead of Election Day on May 9, 2022.