The Woman Behind Every Man in Philippine Politics

Imelda Marcos’ reputation precedes her. Even before watching this film, a recent release from Dogwoof, one would recognise her name through her marriage to Ferdinand Marcos, the tenth president of the Philippines, or in connection to her vast and lavish shoe collection (over 3,000 pairs). Credited with a great deal of influence over her husband’s politics and accession to the presidency, her role as First Lady of the Philippines was always front and centre.

Lauren Greenfield presents this film in layers, with each aspect of Imelda’s  history being addressed separately, providing a thorough representation of both events and perspectives. Only once we are won over by Imelda’s charm and passion are we then confronted with the cruel reality of her actions and the fall out for Filipinos, who were ultimately her victims.

 This narrative is balanced, with the retelling of her political career from 1965 to present day laid out with a clear sense of direction that does not rely on external narration. For anyone watching this with little to no knowledge of Philippine history, the documentary is a sufficient introduction to the years of the Marcos’ presidency.

Imelda Marcos has an ethereal quality that suggests untouchability. Her implicit involvement in Aquino’s assassination, her embezzlement of billions of US dollars and her provocation of debt crises do not appear to dent her self-assurance. Her proclamations about being a mother to the whole world, from the comfort of her apartment adorned with Michelangelo and Picasso paintings, feel inappropriate when juxtaposed with footage of impoverished Filipinos. Yet her likeability prevails! And, certainly in this film, she is not presented as the villain.

This continues, despite her blatant crimes, with her not only ‘getting away with it’ but even returning to politics. Through her son Bongbong, she is rebuilding the image of the Marcos family name and hoping to return to government. The charisma that fuelled her husband Ferdinand’s political campaign now serves to ignite her son’s political aspirations.

Still more riveting is the revelation of the Marcos’ role in Rodrigo Duterte’s rise to presidency in 2016 and their relationship with him. Truly, the Marcos influence knows no bounds. Imelda is revealed as Kingmaker, openly for her husband, covertly for her son, and implicitly under the umbrella of the Marcos name, for Duterte. 

This film is a fascinating insight into Imelda Marcos’ psyche and her personal take on her own life, carefully balanced between a glowing representation of her life and fantasies and the contrasting struggles that Filipinos faced as a direct consequence of her and her husband’s actions.

The lightness of tone in this film must not shroud the ironclad rule Duterte has unleashed on Filipinos. Heading a vicious anti-drugs campaign, Duterte is pushing to cut the age of criminal responsibility to 12. More recently he has ordered police to carry out shoot to kill in violation of the quarantine rules for Covid-19. On Sunday 5th April, one day after his announcement, the first person was killed for violating the restrictions. This is the reality of life today for Filipinos.