History of the Philippines (1965–1986)

This article covers the history of the Philippines during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos. The Marcos era includes the final years of the Third Republic (1965–72) and the entirety of the Fourth Republic (1972–86).

Marcos Administration (1965–72)

First Term

In 1965, Ferdinand Marcos won the Presidential election and became the 10th President of the Philippines. His first term was marked with increased industrialisation and the creation of solid infrastructure nationwide, such as the North Luzon Expressway and the Maharlika Highway. Marcos did this by appointing a cabinet composed mostly of technocrats and intellectuals, by increasing funding to the Armed Forces, and mobilising them to help in construction. Marcos also established schools and learning institutions nationwide, more than of his predecessors combined.

In 1968, Sen. Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. warned that Marcos was on the road to establishing "a garrison state" by "ballooning the armed forces budget", saddling the defence establishment with "overstaying generals" and "militarizing our civilian government offices", thus foreshadowing events that would happen in the following decade.

Marcos also sent 10,450 Filipino soldiers to Vietnam during his term, under the PHILCAAG. The 12th President of the Philippines, Fidel Ramos, was then a part of this expeditionary force.

Second Term

In 1969, Marcos ran for a second term and won versus 11 other candidates, an...
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