Ferdinand Marcos — SPARQNOW

At-a-Glance

Served as the tenth and longest-serving President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986.
Ruled the Philippines under martial law as a dictator from 1972 to 1981, embracing a policy of "constitutional authoritarianism."
Initiated massive infrastructure development during his presidency, funded by foreign lending.
Practiced law and served in the Philippines House of Representatives (1949-1959) and Senate (1959-1965), including as Senate president (1963-1965).
Joined the United States Army after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941 and was a prisoner of war in 1942.
Deposed in 1986 by the People Power Revolution following an economic crisis and the assassination of Ninoy Aquino.

Biography

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. was a Filipino lawyer, military officer, and politician who served as the tenth and longest-serving president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. His regime has been widely referred to as a kleptocracy, and from 1972 to 1981, Marcos ruled the Philippines under martial law as a dictator, embracing a policy of "constitutional authoritarianism." He was eventually deposed in 1986 by the People Power Revolution.