(Voice Of America) Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, became the 17th president of the Philippines Thursday, successfully fulfilling his family’s mission to return to power 36 years after a people’s uprising toppled his father.

With more than 31 million votes, Bongbong – as he is popularly known – snatched the presidency in the country’s most consequential election in May.

Marcos, 64, ran on a campaign of national unity, which was an invitation to forget the atrocities of his father’s dictatorial regime while propagating a collective nostalgia for the supposed “golden era” of the country.

Critics say his victory can be attributed to decades-long historical revisionism efforts by the family and massive disinformation on social media platforms.

President Rodrigo Duterte skipped the inauguration, held at the steps of the National Museum, where past presidents were also sworn in, but the two met inside the palace before the noon swearing in.

In what his camp touted as a simple and solemn inaugural rite, Marcos promised the Philippine people he would deliver.