Ferdinand Marcos was elected President of the Philippines in 1965. His presidency, from 1965 to 1986, marked a significant period in Philippine history.
Ferdinand Marcos was born on September 11, 1917. He later became a nationalist president of the Philippines known for his corrupt dictatorship and political repression.
Despite being indicted and convicted of murder while a law student, Ferdinand Marcos appealed his case and was acquitted by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 1938 due to his exceptional legal defense.
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.
Hartzell Spence's book that narrates the life story of Ferdinand E. Marcos, shedding light on his journey and experiences.
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.
President Marcos presided over a meeting of the Manila Conference of SEATO nations to discuss the Vietnam War.
President Marcos, along with heads of state from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, initiated the formation of ASEAN to combat the communist threat in the region.
In 1968, Senator Benigno Aquino Jr. warned about Ferdinand Marcos' actions, including militarization of the government and overspending on the armed forces.
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.
Heavy protests erupted against President Marcos as people marched through cities expressing their discontent.
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.
Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile was reportedly ambushed on his way home, with the incident believed to have been staged. Enrile initially admitted to the staged assassination attempt but later retracted his statement.
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.
On January 7, 1973, President Marcos issued General Order No. 20, indefinitely postponing the plebiscite scheduled for January 15, 1973, which was intended for the ratification or rejection of the proposed Constitution.
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.
On April 21, 1978, the election of 14 sectoral representatives representing agriculture, labor, and youth took place.
The Interim Batasang Pambansa was convened on June 12, 1978, with Ferdinand E. Marcos as President-Prime Minister and Querube Makalintal as Speaker.
The Filipino People demonstrated their unity and People Power by organizing a Noise Barrage in Manila the night before the election.
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.
Ferdinand Marcos penned 'The New Philippine Republic: A Third World Approach to Democracy' in 1982, presenting his vision for democracy in the Philippines.
Ninoy Aquino, a prominent Filipino politician, was assassinated on August 21, 1983, upon his return to the Philippines. His death sparked outrage and eventually led to widespread protests against the 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, the former President of the Philippines, fled the country after facing massive opposition from Filipino citizens and military forces. This event marked the end of his authoritarian rule and the beginning of a new era in Philippine history.
Raymond Bonner's book 'Waltzing with a Dictator' was published in 1987, shedding light on the relationship between the Marcoses and American policy. The book delves into the intricacies of political dynamics during that period.
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.
Albert F. Celoza's work 'Ferdinand Marcos and the Philippines' was published in 1997, focusing on the political and economic aspects of Marcos' authoritarian rule. The book provides a comprehensive analysis of the era.
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.
Primitivo Mijares' book 'The Conjugal Dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda Marcos' was published in 2017, offering insights into the authoritarian rule of the Marcos couple. The book uncovers the dynamics of power and influence during their regime.
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.