Marcos Look-Alike Played Role to Hilt, Even Escorting Imelda

The crowd cheered for Ferdinand Marcos as the youthful presidential candidate waved to his supporters. But it wasn’t really Marcos at the campaign rally more than 20 years ago.

It was Jesus Quevenco, an affable man with such an uncanny resemblance to Marcos that the former president called him “brod,” or brother.

Quevenco, 65, said he acted as a stand-in for his famous look-alike during Marcos’ successful 1964-65 presidential campaign, appearing at rallies and meetings where Marcos was not expected to speak.

The best part, he said, was getting the table of his choice at the best restaurants and squiring Marcos’ wife, Imelda. The worst part was getting mistaken for Marcos years later, when Marcos’ popularity plummeted.

Quevenco, no relation to the former president, said a politician friend introduced him to Marcos in 1964 during a political rally on Negros island. At the time, Marcos, a senator, was campaigning for the Nationalist Party nomination for president.

Marcos went on to win the presidency on Nov. 9, 1965. He held office until he was ousted and forced into exile in Hawaii in a popular uprising in February, 1986.

“The first time we met, we just looked at each other,” said Quevenco. “Marcos said, ‘You are a dead ringer for me.’ ”

Quevenco said he did not receive any money for his services.

At one appearance, Quevenco played his role so well that his aunt rushed to him and asked to sit beside “the president.”

“Auntie, I’m not Marcos,” Quevenco said he told his befuddled relative. “Who are you?” she responded. “I’m your nephew,” he replied.