SINO SI FERDINAND MARCOS? | 10th PRESIDENT of the Republic of the Philippines

Summary

Ferdinand Marcos, born on September 11, 1917, in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, rose to prominence as a political leader, serving as president from 1966 to 1986. He was known for his contributions to agriculture, industry, and education, though his presidency was marred by martial law and accusations of corruption. Marcos faced opposition from political leaders, including Benigno Aquino Jr., and dealt with various internal conflicts, including communist insurgencies. His rule ended in 1986 after a popular uprising, leaving behind a complex legacy as both a hero and a controversial figure.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ferdinand Marcos was born on September 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, to Don Mariano Marcos, a congressman, and governor, and Josefa Edralin, a teacher.
• 😀 Ferdinand Marcos was the eldest of his siblings, which included Dror, Pacifico, Elizabeth, and Fortuna.
• 😀 He married Imelda Romualdez, a model and beauty queen, who was famously known as the 'Iron Lady'.
• 😀 Marcos and Imelda became one of the most powerful political couples in the Philippines during the following decades.
• 😀 They had three children: Amy, Ferdinand Jr. (Bongbong), and Irene, the latter being a lawyer and politician.
• 😀 Ferdinand Marcos pursued law studies at the University of the Philippines in the late 1930s and was involved in a politically motivated murder case, where he was acquitted after appealing to the Supreme Court.
• 😀 During World War II, Marcos served as an officer in the Philippine military and was recognized as a leader of Filipino guerrilla forces.
• 😀 Marcos held various political positions, including a member of the House of Representatives from 1949 to 1959, a senator from 1959 to 1965, and Senate President from 1963 to 1965.
• 😀 In 1965, he broke away from the Liberal Party, ran for president under the Nacionalista Party, and won against incumbent President Diosdado Macapagal.
• 😀 Marcos was reelected in 1969, becoming the first Philippine president to serve a second term. His early presidency saw progress in agriculture, industry, and education.
• 😀 However, his administration was plagued by student protests, activism, and communist insurgencies, leading him to declare martial law on September 21, 1972, citing national security concerns.
• 😀 During martial law, opposition politicians were imprisoned, and the military became a tool of the government. Marcos faced resistance from political leaders like Benigno Aquino Jr., church officials, and communist forces.
• 😀 Marcos was seen as a hero by some for his achievements, but he was also criticized for his authoritarian rule, leading to his eventual downfall in 1986.

Q & A

Who was Ferdinand Marcos, and when and where was he born?

Ferdinand Marcos was a Filipino politician and president. He was born on September 11, 1917, in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.

What was Ferdinand Marcos’s family background?

His father, Don Mariano Marcos, was a congressman and former governor, while his mother, Josefa Edralin, was a teacher. He was the eldest of several siblings.

Who did Ferdinand Marcos marry, and what was her background?

Ferdinand Marcos married Imelda Romualdez, a beauty queen and model, who later became known as 'The Iron Lady' and played a prominent role in Philippine politics.

How many children did Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos have, and who were they?

Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos had three children: a daughter named Amy, a son named Ferdinand Jr. (Bongbong), and another daughter named Irene.

What significant event occurred during Ferdinand Marcos’s time in law school?

While studying law at the University of the Philippines, Ferdinand Marcos was tried for the murder of a political rival but was acquitted after appealing to the Supreme Court.

What role did Ferdinand Marcos play during World War II?

During World War II, Ferdinand Marcos served as an officer in the Philippine military and became a leader of the Filipino guerrilla movement against the Japanese occupation.

What were Ferdinand Marcos’s early political positions before becoming president?

Before becoming president, Marcos served as a congressman from 1949 to 1959, a senator from 1959 to 1965, and president of the Senate from 1963 to 1965.

How did Ferdinand Marcos become president of the Philippines?

Ferdinand Marcos became president in 1965 after breaking away from the Liberal Party and running as the candidate of the Nacionalista Party. He defeated incumbent President Diosdado Macapagal.

What was the impact of Martial Law declared by Ferdinand Marcos in 1972?

The declaration of Martial Law in 1972 allowed Marcos to exercise extraordinary powers, leading to the arrest of opposition leaders, including Benigno Aquino Jr., and suppression of political freedoms. It also intensified military control over the government.

What were the major criticisms of Ferdinand Marcos’s regime?

Ferdinand Marcos’s regime faced criticism for human rights violations, corruption, and authoritarian rule. Many people view him as a dictator, while others acknowledge his contributions to infrastructure and development during his rule.