Ferdinand Edralin Marcos, the 10th President of the Philippines, is one of the most polarizing and studied figures in Philippine history. A man of immense intellect, ambition, and political cunning, Marcos’s two-decade rule left a deep imprint on the nation’s institutions, economy, and collective psyche. To his supporters, he was a visionary who built roads, fostered national pride, and held the country together during turbulent times. To his critics, he was a dictator whose imposition of martial law ushered in an era of repression, cronyism, and massive corruption.
Marcos’s life—from his early years as a bar topnotcher and war veteran, to his dramatic rise to power, and his eventual downfall—reflects the contradictions and complexities of the modern Filipino political landscape.
Early Life and Education
Ferdinand Marcos was born on September 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, into a politically active family. His father, Mariano Marcos, served as a congressman during the American colonial period. From a young age, Ferdinand displayed signs of brilliance and charisma, excelling in debate and academics.
He studied law at the University of the Philippines and topped the 1939 bar exams, despite being incarcerated at the time for the alleged assassination of political rival Julio Nalundasan. Marcos was later acquitted by the Supreme Court.
During World War II, he claimed to have led guerrilla forces and received several medals for heroism. However, many of these claims have since been disputed or debunked by historians and U.S. military archives.
Entry into Politics
After the war, Marcos quickly entered politics, becoming a congressman in 1949, senator in 1959, and later Senate President in 1963. Initially a member of the Liberal Party, he switched allegiance to the Nacionalista Party after being denied the party’s presidential nomination.
He ran for president in 1965, defeating incumbent Diosdado Macapagal. Presenting himself as a war hero and technocrat, he promised infrastructure development, anti-corruption reforms, and national stability. Marcos was re-elected in 1969, becoming the first Philippine president to win a second term—a feat that later fueled suspicions of electoral manipulation.
The First Term (1965–1969): Roads and Promises
Marcos’s first term saw a massive infrastructure boom—roads, bridges, schools, and hospitals were built across the country. This earned him praise as a modernizer. However, these projects were largely financed through foreign loans, which would later contribute to the country’s mounting debt crisis.
His second term was marred by rising inflation, student unrest, and a growing Communist insurgency. Allegations of cronyism and electoral fraud during the 1969 campaign also fueled public dissatisfaction.
Declaration of Martial Law
On September 21, 1972, Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1081, placing the entire Philippines under martial law. The formal announcement came two days later. Citing rising lawlessness, Communist threats, and social disorder, he justified the move as necessary to save the republic.
Martial law dramatically changed Philippine society:
- Congress was abolished, and Marcos ruled by decree.
- Opposition leaders, including Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., were arrested.
- Media outlets were shut down or taken over by the government.
- Curfews, military checkpoints, and censorship became widespread.
Although some welcomed the initial order and discipline imposed, critics quickly noted the abuse of power, human rights violations, and the concentration of wealth and influence among Marcos’s family and close allies—commonly referred to as cronies.
The New Society and the Marcos Constitution
During martial law, Marcos sought to create a “Bagong Lipunan” or “New Society.” This campaign emphasized discipline, nationalism, and self-reliance. A new Constitution was ratified in 1973, replacing the 1935 Constitution. It replaced the bicameral Congress with a unicameral National Assembly and technically transitioned the country to a parliamentary system—though Marcos continued to wield executive power.
Despite promising democratic reforms, the Marcos regime grew increasingly authoritarian, and dissent was often met with intimidation or violence.
Economic Decline and Rising Debt
While the early years of martial law saw stability and continued infrastructure spending, the economic situation worsened in the 1980s:
- The Philippines’ foreign debt ballooned from $2 billion in 1970 to over $26 billion by 1985.
- Corruption scandals and kickbacks plagued major government projects.
- Unemployment and poverty rates rose, while the peso lost significant value.
Crony capitalism became endemic, with government contracts awarded to allies regardless of merit. The economy, once promising, suffered from mismanagement and global recession, exacerbated by political instability.
The Assassination of Ninoy Aquino
In 1983, opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., who had been in exile in the United States, returned to the Philippines in a bid to challenge Marcos. Upon arrival at the Manila International Airport, he was assassinated, shocking the nation and the world.
Aquino’s death became a turning point, igniting public outrage and sparking widespread protests. It galvanized the opposition and created momentum for the “People Power” movement.
The Fall: People Power Revolution
Marcos’s health was deteriorating, and his legitimacy was crumbling. To quell opposition and regain credibility, he called for a snap presidential election in February 1986. He ran against Corazon Aquino, the widow of Ninoy.
The election was marred by widespread fraud and violence. While the Marcos-controlled Commission on Elections (COMELEC) declared him the winner, the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) and many foreign observers noted massive irregularities. This sparked mass protests, culminating in the EDSA People Power Revolution.
From February 22 to 25, 1986, millions of Filipinos peacefully occupied Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), demanding Marcos’s resignation. The military, led by Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and General Fidel V. Ramos, withdrew support from Marcos. On February 25, 1986, Ferdinand Marcos fled to Hawaii with his family, escorted by the U.S. Air Force.
Exile and Death
In exile, Marcos continued to claim he was the rightful president. Investigations into his wealth revealed that his regime had plundered an estimated $5 to $10 billion from public coffers, much of it hidden in Swiss accounts, real estate, and art.
Ferdinand Marcos died in Hawaii on September 28, 1989, due to complications from lupus. He was initially buried in Hawaii, but his remains were eventually returned to the Philippines and interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in 2016 amid significant controversy.
Legacy: Contested and Complicated
Marcos’s legacy is perhaps the most divisive among Philippine presidents.
Supporters credit him for:
- Building major infrastructure like roads, bridges, and hospitals.
- Promoting national pride through the “New Society” movement.
- Maintaining political order during a time of global instability.
Critics emphasize:
- Widespread human rights abuses under martial law.
- The plundering of national wealth by the Marcos family and cronies.
- The stifling of democracy, press freedom, and civil liberties.
The period from 1972 to 1986 left scars on many Filipinos. Thousands were jailed, tortured, or killed for opposing the regime. Institutions like the judiciary, the press, and civil society suffered long-term damage.
Return of the Marcoses
Despite the controversy, the Marcos political dynasty has regained prominence. Imelda Marcos, Ferdinand’s widow, and their children—including Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—have served in various government positions.
In a stunning political comeback, Bongbong Marcos was elected President in 2022, more than 30 years after his father was ousted. This has reignited debates about historical memory, justice, and the role of political dynasties in the Philippines.
Conclusion
Ferdinand Marcos remains a towering—and polarizing—figure in Philippine history. His administration showcased both the promise and peril of strongman rule. While he brought development and unity to a fragmented country, his regime also darkened democratic institutions and violated the rights of thousands.
Understanding the Marcos era is not only a lesson in the dangers of unchecked power but also a call to remember that democracy must be protected not just at the ballot box, but in the daily choices and vigilance of its citizens.
