September 11, 1917
Ferdinand Marcos was born in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, a northern province in the Philippines. He is the first of four children of Mariano Marcos and Josefa Marcos.
The Young Marcos
December 7, 1939
Marcos was arrested for the murder of his father's political rival, Julio Nalundasan, some four years earlier. He was convicted of murder but the conviction was later overturned for insufficient evidence.
December 9, 1941
Japanese forces attacked the Philippines, a country in South East Asia. Marcos was called to duty and served in the Bataan campaign, where he was captured but was able to escape. After the war, he was elected to the House of Representatives.
May 1, 1954
After a whirlwind courtship, Marcos married then beauty queen titlist Imelda Romualdez. They eventually have three children: Irene, who married millionaire realtor Gregorio Araneta III; Imee, married to sportsman and businessman Tommy Manotoc; and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who became politician as well.
Imelda and Ferdinand
November 9, 1965
Marcos, then Senate President defeated for presidency then incumbent Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal (the father of now Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo).
November 11, 1969
Marcos defeated Sergio Osmena Jr. and became the first Philippine president to win a second term.
Phil. Pres. Marcos
September 21, 1972
Marcos declared Martial Law during the faced of growing opposition and ordered the arrest of thousands of oppositionist. He then proclaimed what he called a “New Society.”
August 21, 1983
Marcos number one rival Benigno Aquino, Jr. was murdered moments after landing at the tarmac of then Manila International Airport from United States of America. Marcos then called people for peace and unity.
November 3, 1985
Marcos called for a “snap presidential election,” to reaffirm the announcement of Benigno Aquino's widow Corazon or Cory to many that she will run for presidency.
February 7, 1986
The presidential snap election took place amidst violence and alleged fraud.
February 22, 1986
Troops led by then Philippine defense secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and former Integrated National Police Vice-chief-of-Staff Fidel V. Ramos staged mutiny against President Marcos. They were joined by thousands of pro-Aquino supporters. Later in history, Ramos was elected president of the republic; while Enrile was elected senator.
February 26, 1986
Marcos with his family flew to Hawaii.
September 28, 1989
Marcos died in Hawaii at age 72. Then Philippine president Cory Aquino refused to grant him a hero's homeland burial.
September 7, 1993
Marcos body was allowed to return to the Philippines by Aquino's successor Fidel V. Ramos and allowed burial at his home province in Ilocos Norte. Marcos wife Imelda decided to keep him instead in a see-through refrigerated casket so the public may view the late strongman.
The late president Marcos
