Ferdinand Marcos

Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (September 11, 1917–September 28, 1989) was the tenth President of the Philippines, serving from 1965 to 1986. As president, he instituted an authoritarian regime that allowed him to stay in power. He was removed from office by the peaceful EDSA Revolution in 1986.

Legacy

Up to this day, people are divided on views of Ferdinand Marcos. Some say that he was a real Philippine hero by his strong-willed and stable rule, his massive infrastructure projects and his great act of statesmanship during the EDSA Revolution, refusing to allow the military to unleash their force at the masses so as to avert bloodshed. Some say that he was a corrupt, autocratic dictator who looted the national coffers dry. Others blame him for the collapse of the economy during the mid-1980s. Others say that were it not for his greed for power, he was indeed a brilliant man who could have solidified the Philippines' standing as one of the great Asian nations. Some say that he was a "datu-style" politician who fused politics with fantasy. Others say that he instituted the politicising of the military and judiciary. However, the term "de-Marcosify" refers to restructuring and the removal of cronies. According to Transparency International, Marcos is the second most corrupt head of government ever, after Suharto. http://www.transparency.org/pressreleases_archive/2004/2004.03.25.gcr_relaunch.html According to a recent survey, many Filipinos prefer Marcos' rule due to the shape of the country today. http://news.inq7.net/express/html_output/20050724-44611.xml.html

Related Topics:
EDSA Revolution - 1980s - Datu - Transparency International - Suharto

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