Ferdinand Marcos

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Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos (September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was a Filipino politician and lawyer who served as the President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He ruled under martial law from 1972 until 1981 and his regime was marked by political repression, human rights violations, and corruption.

Early Life and Education

Marcos was born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, to Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin. He studied law at the University of the Philippines College of Law, where he graduated cum laude in 1939. He passed the bar examinations with one of the highest scores in history.

Political Career

Marcos began his political career as a member of the House of Representatives in 1949, representing the 2nd district of Ilocos Norte. He later served as a Senator from 1959 to 1965.

Presidency

Marcos was elected as the 10th President of the Philippines in 1965. His first term was marked by infrastructure development and economic growth. He was re-elected in 1969, becoming the first and only Filipino president to win a second full term.

Martial Law

On September 21, 1972, Marcos declared martial law through Proclamation No. 1081, citing the threat of communist insurgency. This allowed him to rule by decree, suppress dissent, and extend his term beyond the constitutional limits. Martial law was lifted in 1981, but Marcos retained his grip on power.

Economic Policies

Marcos implemented various economic policies aimed at industrialization and infrastructure development. However, his regime was also characterized by widespread corruption and cronyism, leading to economic decline and increased foreign debt.

Human Rights Violations

The Marcos regime was notorious for its human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings. The Philippine Commission on Human Rights estimates that thousands of Filipinos were victims of human rights violations during this period.

Downfall

Marcos's rule ended following the People Power Revolution in February 1986, a peaceful uprising that forced him into exile in Hawaii. He was succeeded by Corazon Aquino, the widow of his political opponent Benigno Aquino Jr..

Exile and Death

Marcos lived in exile in Hawaii until his death on September 28, 1989. His remains were returned to the Philippines in 1993 and are interred at the Marcos Museum and Mausoleum in Batac, Ilocos Norte.

Legacy

Marcos's legacy remains controversial. While some credit him for his infrastructure projects and economic policies, others condemn his regime for its corruption, human rights abuses, and authoritarian rule.

Related Pages

• Imelda Marcos
• Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
• Imee Marcos
• Corazon Aquino
• People Power Revolution
• Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos
• History of the Philippines (1965–1986)