Ferdinand Marcos

Ferdinand E. Marcos was born on September 11, 1917 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte. His parents were both teachers.

In November 1939, Ferdinand Marcos bailed himself out of prison to take the bar examinations, where he emerged as the topnotcher despite missing several weeks of classes due to his imprisonment.

After being found guilty in 1939, Ferdinand Marcos appealed his case to the Supreme Court and was acquitted in 1940. He successfully argued his case and was cleared of the charges.

On May 1, 1954, Ferdinand Marcos married beauty queen Imelda Romuáldez. Imelda helped propel Marcos to the presidential palace, and she was rewarded with a series of political appointments.

In 1959, Ferdinand Marcos was elected to the Senate with the highest number of votes and became its Minority Floor Leader.

Ferdinand Marcos won the presidential election in the Philippines in 1965 by promising to improve the economic and social conditions of the country. The initial outcome was welcomed by the majority of the people.

On December 30, 1965, Ferdinand Marcos defeated President Diosdado Macapagal and was inaugurated as the sixth President of the Republic.

Ferdinand Marcos was re-elected in 1969 for a second term as the President of the Philippines. However, unlike his first election, the people were not as pleased with the outcome due to ongoing issues of poverty, corruption, and crime.

The First Quarter Storm protest in 1970 was a significant event in history that displayed signs of a potential revolution. Led by youth and students, the protest outside the House of Congress aimed to boycott Ferdinand Marcos' re-election. Clashes between protesters and police resulted in severe injuries to some demonstrators.

Ferdinand Marcos suspiciously wins re-election as President of the Philippines, sparking outrage among citizens.

During the Battle of Mendiola, students attempted to ram the gate of Malacañang Palace with a firetruck, resulting in the death of four students. The incident raised questions about the role of the police in maintaining peace.

During a Liberal Party campaign rally at Plaza Miranda, two grenades were thrown on stage, injuring numerous attendees. This event led to the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus by Marcos to arrest the alleged perpetrators.

President Marcos issued Presidential Proclamation No. 1081, declaring a state of martial law in the Philippines on September 21, 1972, citing alleged incidents like the Plaza Miranda bombing and the MV Karagatan landing as justification.

Ferdinand Marcos declared Martial Law in the Philippines, citing the need to suppress civil unrest and communist insurgency. This move granted him extended powers and led to a period of authoritarian rule.

On November 29, 1972, the Constitutional Convention approved the Proposed Constitution of the Philippines, which was heavily influenced by President Marcos during the period of martial law.

From January 10-15, 1973, Citizen Assemblies voted on various issues including the ratification of the 1973 Constitution, suspension of the Interim National Assembly, continuation of martial law, and moratorium on elections for at least seven years.

On January 17, 1973, Ferdinand Marcos officially ratified the new constitution, consolidating his power and authority. The constitution granted him extended powers and control over the country, further solidifying his authoritarian rule.

On March 30, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in Javellana vs. Executive Secretary that there were no further obstacles to the new Constitution being considered in force and effect. This decision solidified the legal standing of the 1973 Constitution.

President Marcos established the Batasang Bayan through Presidential Decree No. 995 on September 21, 1976. It was a 128-member legislature that advised the President on important legislative measures, serving as the transitory legislature until the convening of the Interim Batasang Pambansa in 1978.

In October 1976, a majority of barangay voters approved the continuation of martial law and ratified the amendments to the Constitution proposed by President Marcos. These amendments included significant changes to the governmental structure and the extension of legislative powers for the President.

In 1978, Ferdinand Marcos held elections under martial law, and despite being corrupted, the LABAN party participated. The party's candidate, Ninoy Aquino, was in jail at the time, and his potential victory could lead to his release, aligning with the desires of the Filipino people.

The first national election under martial law took place on April 7, 1978, for the 165 members of the Interim Batasang Pambansa. The administration coalition party, KBL, led by First Lady Imelda Marcos, achieved a significant victory. The opposition denounced the election as marred by vote-buying and cheating.

During the University of the Philippines law alumni reunion on December 12, 1980, President Marcos reassured the public of his commitment to bring martial law to an end and transition to a parliamentary government.

At the 45th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on December 22, 1980, President Marcos proclaimed his firm decision to lift martial law before the end of January 1981, except in areas with grave problems of public order and national security.

Ferdinand Marcos won the election amidst opposition boycott, solidifying his position as the President of the Philippines.

Ninoy Aquino, a prominent opposition leader, was assassinated upon his return to the Philippines in 1983. Despite wearing a bulletproof vest, he was shot dead. His return was an attempt to challenge Ferdinand Marcos' regime.

Chairman Agrava submitted the Minority Report on October 23, 1984, confirming the Aquino assassination as a military conspiracy but clearing Gen. Ver. There were allegations of President Marcos pressuring the board members not to indict Ver.

Fifty-six Assemblymen signed a resolution on August 13, 1985, calling for the impeachment of President Marcos for graft, corruption, and other high crimes. The attempt was based on allegations of the Marcoses' multi-million dollar investments and property holdings in the United States.

Ferdinand Marcos decides to hold snap elections due to growing concerns about the US relationship and accusations of undemocratic practices. The call for elections is influenced by fears of losing support amidst communist issues.

After a brief trial, the Sandiganbayan acquitted 25 military personnel, including generals and colonels, and one civilian, for the murder of Senator Aquino on December 2, 1985. Marcos re-instated Gen. Ver immediately after the decision, which was criticized as a 'mockery' of justice.

On February 22, 1986, key figures Enrile and Ramos made a significant move by defecting from Ferdinand Marcos' regime in the Philippines. This event marked a crucial turning point in the political landscape, leading to further dissent and eventually contributing to the downfall of Marcos' rule.

On February 25, 1986, Ferdinand Marcos fled to Guam after facing massive opposition from the people of the Philippines who demanded his resignation. Even his military forces sided with the citizens, forcing him to escape. This event marked a significant moment in Philippine history as the People Power Revolution without violence achieved its goal.

Sterling Seagrave's book that explores the political dynasty established by Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos in the Philippines.

On September 28, 1989, Ferdinand Marcos passed away in Hawaii due to complications from the rare and fatal disease Lupus. His death marked the end of a controversial era in Philippine politics.

Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos were indicted by the U.S. government on racketeering charges in 1990 for looting billions of dollars from the Philippines' economy through corrupt practices.

In 1995, around 10,000 Filipinos won a U.S. class-action lawsuit against the Marcos estate for torture, execution, and disappearances during martial law.

Danilo Vizmanos' book that provides a perspective on the turbulent times in the Philippines, possibly during the Marcos regime.

Jovito Salonga's book that focuses on the pursuit of the ill-gotten wealth amassed by Ferdinand Marcos during his presidency.

Despite opposition, the remains of Ferdinand Marcos were buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Manila in 2016, four years after his death.

In 2021, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced his intention to run for president of the Philippines in the 2022 election.

Ferdinand Marcos Jr took the oath of office as the president of the Philippines, 36 years after his father was ousted following a people's revolt. He pledged to work for a bright future and praised his late father's achievements.