THE son of the late far-right dictator Ferdinand Marcos is expected to win the presidential election in the Philippines today as voters stream to polling stations.

Voter surveys indicated that the former ruler’s son and namesake was the top choice for president against Vice-President Leni Robredo more than three decades after largely peaceful “people power” overthrew the right-wing leader.

Mr Marcos Jnr, popularly known as 'Bongbong', was up more than 30 percentage points in the polls after he consistently led every poll this year.

He has presented no real policy platform despite the country having a battered economy due to the coronavirus pandemic, rising poverty and unemployment levels, hyperinflation caused by rocketing oil and gas prices and inflamed political divisions.

The election results are expected to be revealed later this evening. 

Turnout appeared to be high, according to election officials, favouring Mr Marcos Jnr.

Police are investigating the killing of three people near a polling station.

Mr Marcos Jnr’s win could lead to a huge hit to democracy in the country and risks the reversal of human rights gains since 1986.

He has defended his father’s legacy and steadfastly refuses to apologise for and acknowledge the atrocities under the dictatorship.

The former provincial governor, congressman and senator has been accused of financing years of social media campaigns to harness online trolls to smear opponents and whitewash the Marcos family’s history, including tax evasion.

Ms Robredo was among the massive protests that ousted Mr Marcos and previously defeated Mr Marcos Jnr in the 2016 vice-presidential race by a narrow margin.