Ferdinand Edralin Marcos

Marcos, Ferdinand Edralin (1917–89), president of the Philippines (1965–86). In 1972 Marcos declared martial law in the country and in 1973, under a new constitution, he assumed near-dictatorial authority. Although he lifted martial law in 1981, he retained certain broad martial-law powers. Anti-Marcos forces attracted worldwide attention in Aug. 1983 when returning opposition leader Benigno Aquino was murdered at the Manila airport while in government custody.

In Feb. 1986 Marcos was reelected president in an election marked by demonstrations and charges of fraud. His main opponent, Corazon Aquino, the widow of Benigno, refused to recognize the results of the election. After continued popular demonstrations against the government, Marcos and his wife, Imelda, left the country on Feb. 25th to settle in Hawaii. Corazon Aquino replaced him as president. Both Marcos and his wife were indicted by the U.S. government on charges that they embezzled from the Philippine treasury to purchase assets for themselves in the United States. Marcos proved too ill to stand trial and charges against him were dropped; he died in Hawaii. Court actions against Imelda continued into 1991 and ultimately resulted in her acquittal.

See also: Philippines.