The son of former President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines announced on Tuesday that he will run for president in next year's elections.

"I am today announcing my intention to run for the presidency of the Philippines in the upcoming May 2022 elections," Ferdinand Marcos Jr, 64, said in a speech streamed on social media.

Known as "Bongbong," the former senator said he plans to "bring that form of unifying leadership back to our country. Together, we will rise as one," he added.

Marcos is the standard-bearer of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, a three-year-old political party that he chairs. He did not announce the running mate.

It also remains unknown when Marcos would officially file his certificate of candidacy with the elections commissions. Candidates have until October 8 to register with the poll body.

Philippine boxing icon and senator Manny Pacquiao filed his certificate of candidacy last Friday, the first to do so. Manila City mayor Francisco Domagoso also filed his certificate of candidacy to run for the top job on Monday.

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(With input from Xinhua, Reuters)