Filipino Presidents

Corazon C. Aquino

11th President of the Philippines

(1933-2009; president 1986 - 1992)

Mother of Democracy

          Maria Corazon "Cory" Sumulong Cojuangco-Aquino (January 25, 1933 – August 1, 2009) was the 11th President of the Philippines and the first woman to hold that office. Aquino was also the first popularly and democratically-elected female president and head of state in Asia. She is best remembered for leading the 1986 People Power Revolution, which toppled the authoritarian regime of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos and restored democracy in the Philippines. "Tita (Auntie) Cory", as she was affectionately known, is revered by many Filipinos as an icon of democracy and was hailed by TIME Magazine in 1986 as its 'Woman of the Year.

         Corazon Cojuangco was born on January 25, 1933 in the town of Paniqui in the province of Tarlac. Cory Aquino was the 6th child of Jose Cojuangco (Don Pepe), nephew of the legendary Ysidra Cojuangco (Doña Sidra), and Demetria Sumulong (Doña Metring), a daughter of ex-Cojuangco family lawyer turned senator Juan Marquez Sumulong of Antipolo City, Rizal province. The Cojuangcos were big landowners while the Sumulongs were influential politicians in both Lower and Upper Chambers of the Philippine Congress. She, like her sisters Josephine, Teresita ("Terê") and Maria Paz, as well as their uncle Eduardo's wife Josephine "Nene" Murphy, studied in Saint Scholastica's College, Manila, an all girl's Catholic school run by German nuns in pre-war Manila. Unlike her siblings, the young Cory was unassuming and simple. She wore hand-me-down uniforms used by her sister Terê. Her favorite subject was Mathematics, and upon graduating from elementary school, she received the highest honors. Her studies were interrupted when the Japanese invaded Manila. After World War II, she and her siblings as well as her cousins Ramon Cojuangco and Lourdes (now Mrs. Luis Tirso Rivilla) was sent by her father to the United States. The young Ms. Cory divided her time between the Cojuangco homes in New York (USA), Pasay, Ermita, Punta in Santa Ana district, Dasmarinas Village (in Makati), the northern city of Baguio, the Hacienda Luisita and their hometown of Paniqui, Tarlac. For some summers in the United States, she was treated by her father, Don Pepe, to excursions to Washington, DC and trans-Atlantic voyages aboard the RMS Queen Mary. While studying in New England, she would develop a love of the French language. Besides English, Tagalog, and Kapampangan, she would also remain fluent in French for the rest of her life. Upon her own choosing, her secluded and easy years ended with her marriage to the grandson of Genera Servillano Aquino, Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.

         A self-proclaimed "plain housewife",Aquino was married to Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr., the popular opposition leader and staunchest critic of then President Ferdinand Marcos. Senator Aquino was assassinated on August 21, 1983 upon returning to the Philippines after three years in exile in the United States.

After her husband's assassination, the widowed Aquino became the reluctant leader of the opposition against the authoritarian rule of the Marcos regime. She united the fragmented opposition and strengthened its moral crusade against the abuses and excesses of President Marcos' martial rule. In late 1985, when President Marcos called for a snap election, Cory Aquino challenged his regime. Aquino thrust herself into the political arena after one million signatures urging her to run for president were presented to her.

        Despite having no prior political experience, Aquino proved to be an effective leader, inspiring orator and skilled campaigner. She ran for president with former senator Salvador Laurel as her vice-presidential running mate. After the elections were held on February 7, 1986, the Marcos-controlled Batasang Pambansa proclaimed him the winner in the elections, Aquino called for massive civil disobedience protests against him, declaring herself as having been cheated and as the real winner in the elections. Filipinos enthusiastically heeded her call and rallied behind her. These series of events eventually led to the ouster of Marcos and the installation of Aquino as President of the Philippines on February 25, 1986 through the People Power Revolution.

        As President, Aquino oversaw the restoration of democracy in the Philippines and the promulgation of a new constitution, which limited the powers of the presidency and established a bicameral legislature. Her administration gave strong emphasis and concern for civil liberties and human rights, peace talks and dialogues with communist insurgents and Muslim secessionists. Aquino's economic policies, meanwhile, centered on bringing back economic health and confidence and focused on creating a market-oriented and socially-responsible economy. Despite these achievements, Aquino's presidency was not smooth-sailing as she had to face series of coup attempts against her administration and destructive natural calamities and disasters until the end of her term in 1992.

      Succeeded by Fidel V. Ramos as President in 1992, Aquino returned to private life although she remained active in the public eye, constantly voicing her views and opinions on the pressing political issues in the country. In 2008, Aquino was diagnosed with colon cancer and after a one-year battle with the disease, died on August 1, 2009.

Source: Wikipedia

Filipino Presidents

Ferdinand E. Marcos

18th President of the Philippines

(1917 – 1989; president 1965 – 1986); 
10th President of the Third Republic 

“Challenge To Bravery”

“With sincerity in my heart is my desire to realize my long time dream; to uplift from poverty the Filipino people through a government with honest, sincere service and not selfish, and a society with only one goal – the fulfillment of dreams of a man.”


         Ferdinand E. Marcos was born in the town of Sarrat in the province of Ilocos Norte on September 11, 1917 and was baptized with the name Emmanuel Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. His father, Mariano Marcos is a lawyer-teacher who became a politician. His father became the representative of Ilocos Norte at the Lower House in 1925. His mother, Josefa Quetulio Edralin, is a teacher at a public school.
         Just like any other children, Ferdinand’s first teacher was his mother. His mother taught him the importance of time. Her mother also reminded in the young mind of Ferdinand the love of books and its importance to a man. From his father, Ferdinand learned boxing, swimming, arm wrestling and shooting. Ferdinand and his brother Pacifico was always brought by their father to his political campaign. Even as a child Ferdinand was trained and used to strive hard to be on top on all aspects. He never had been happy to place second only. It became a habit to Ferdinand once the book are given to them at school, he immediately read them and memorize. For that, it never gave a chance to his classmates to outrank him in class. Ferdinand got the highest grade on their graduation from elementary and pursues secondary education at the University of the Philippines. In law, even if he did not obtain the highest grade upon graduation, he, however, topped the civil service examination in 1939.
         As a cadet official, Ferdinand always topped the handling of firearms. His first Medal of Excellence in Military Science was given by Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Ferdinand always garnered medals as a student. He is good in public speaking and inter-school debate. Ferdinand never failed the hope of his loved ones.
         Ferdinand joined the Armed Forces of the Philippines on November 15, 1941. Just like any soldier, Ferdinand played his own role in the Philippine war to be free from the hands of the enemy. At the start of the World War II, Marcos was assigned at the 21st Lightning Division of USAFFE with a rank of Lieutenant. Gen. Mateo Capinpin first noticed the bravery in war of Ferdinand when he fought at the Hacienda Abucay in Bataan on January 15, 1942. Due to valor of Marcos, he obtained the Silver Star Award. One of the medals received by Marcos is Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest and Gold Cross Medal with two bronze leaves for fighting in dangerous battles of Mt. Natib and Mt. Samat, respectively. Many believed he possess amulets the reason why he did not suffer any harm but he denied the rumors. He was also imprisoned at Fort Santiago and was punished by the Japanese.Together with brother Pacifico, Marcos created a guerilla they called Maharlika or Nobleman at a cost of 8,700 pesos. The Maharlika guerilla helped a lot to successfully carry out the secrets of the movement in Luzon.
         In 1948, Marcos decided to just continue his profession as a lawyer but he was persuaded by President Roxas to try his luck in politics. He followed the advice of President Roxas and he became successful. In three successive periods, he became the representative of Ilocos Norte in Congress. Marcos became a senator in 1960 until he run for president. In a hotly contested election of 1965, Marcos was unanimously elected by the people to the highest position that can be bestowed by Filipino people. Despite the anguish and psychological torture he and his clan suffer from his political rivals, he just consider it as a “Challenge to Bravery.”
         In his speech to the people, Marcos explained his definition of “Challenge to Bravery.” Excerpt from his speech when he sworn into office, he said the following:
        "Today, the battle is not intensely poetic and bloody but equally valuable to the challenge of our ancestors. We observed that it seems now that we slowly losing our soul, our honor and bravery….
        I call upon you for us to jointly make the law rule us. For those who violate the law, I will implement the due punishment to the best of my capacity. But this duty is not only mine but it is also for you and for all of us….
        As I’ve said and I keep on saying that our nation can become great again. This will be my mission and now that this opportunity it is bestowed upon me by the Almighty God, I am hoping that our mission will be successful.
       We should awaken the heroism innate in an individual. I am not asking for only one among you that could be a hero. I want that all of you, all of us, will become heroes.
       This is my dream. For voting me, it seems like you destined to me my duty. Let’s go and make our dreams come true.”
       President Marcos wife, Imelda Marcos has always been compared to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis for her timeless and classic beauty and Marie Antoinette of France for her lavish lifestyle. They have three children namely Imee, Irene and Ferdinand who is popularly nicknamed Bongbong, who is at present, a senator.
       President Marcos died in 1989.




Major World Events During Marcos’ Administration


Middle East In six-day war, Israel occupies Arab lands in Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, 1967
Nigeria. In outbreak of civil war, Eastern region declares its independence as Biafra, 1967
Czechoslovakia. Soviet forces invade Czechoslovakia to suppress liberal government, 1968
Vietnam. Peace talks to end war begin in Paris, France, 1968
Rhodesia declares itself a republic, 1970
India and Pakistan go to war, 1971
China admitted to United Nations, 1971
Northern Ireland Britain imposes direct rule, 1971
South Vietnam. Last United States ground troops leave, 1973
Israel attacked by Egyptian and Syrian troops in Yom Kippur War, 1973
India suspends constitutional rights, 1976
Middle East Palestine Liberation Organization recognized by United Nations, 1974
Ethiopia Haile Selassie deposed as emperor, 1974
Papua New Guinea gains independence, 1975
Spain. Juan Carlos becomes king, 1975
Egypt. Abrogates its 1971 friendship treaty with the Soviet Union, 1976
Panama. Panama Canal treaty ratified by United States, 1978
China and United States restore diplomatic relations, 1979
Iran. Ayatollah Khomeini returns from exile to declare the country an Islamic republic, 1979
Middle East Peace treaty signed between Egypt and Israel, 1979
Iran. United States embassy seized by militants, 53 American hostages taken, 1979
Afghanistan invaded by Soviet troops, 1979
Iran American hostages freed, 1981
Falkland Islands invaded by Argentine troops, 1982
Grenada invaded by United States troops, 1983
Hong Kong China and Britain agree on eventual return of Hong Kong to China, 1984

Ferdinand E. Marcos Images

President Marcos with his family hearing mass

President Ferdinand E. Marcos while doing his duties.

President Marcos and son Bongbong salute together as Boy Scouts.

Ferdinand E. Marcos Images

The Official Portrait of the First Family, President Marcos and His First Lady, Imelda Marcos together with their children, Imee, Irene and Bong bong








In the two pictures that can be seen, President Marcos is having a leisure. Golf is one of the favorite sport of President Marcos.



Even while having a haircut, President Marcos will not run out of interviews





In all the duties of President Marcos, his son Bongbong has all a part just like in the picture

Ferdinand E. Marcos Images

In confirming his son as a Boy Scout, President Marcos is beaming with pride in conferring to Bongbong the confirmation in an event at De La Salle College.

President Marcos is still fulfilling all his duties as a father. In the picture taken with his son swimming.

The President and his son while having a fervent prayer in a solemn mass

President Marcos while conferring the honor of "Doctor of Laws" (Honoris Causa) from President Teodoro Evangelista of the Far Eastern University.

President Marcos while having his communion

Filipino Presidents

Diosdado P. Macapagal

(1910 – 1997; president 1961-1965); 
9th President of the Philippines

Poor Boy From Lubao

“If a president solely rely his leadership on the desire to be reelected, he is just a common politician who desires nothing but self progress that may lead the nation to damnation.”


       Diosdado P. Macapagal was born in a nipa hut in the village of San Nicolas in the town of Lubao in Pampanga on September 28, 1910. His parents were Urbano Macapagal and Romana Pangan. It was said that the Macapagal clan were one of the poorest and deprived families in the province of Pampanga. “I remember when I was a child,” Diosdado once reminisced, “I have no playmates. I am alone playing in the rugged street of our village. My clothes were torn and worn out. I never dare to come near the high fence of the big houses.
       Dado, as he is fondly called, went to school in Lubao Elementary School barefooted. He finished with the highest honor in that school in 1925. He almost missed their graduation. He has no shoes or dress to wear. Thanks to a generous and philanthropic neighbor, Don Valentin Arrastia, Dado was able to buy new white dress and pants. He also bought a pair of shoes. He continued his studies at San Fernando, Pampang, 40 kilometers away from Lubao. His mother worked as a cashier to add income to the family. Dado, on the other hand, helped in feeding the pigs that were raised by her mother. In 1929, Dado finished fourth in their class.
       Dado worked as an employee in the Bureau of Lands in 1930. He studied at night at the University of the Philippines. In 1933, it was found out in the university clinic that Dado has a weak body. He was advised to go home and rest first. While at rest recuperating, Dado wrote and created plays and operetta that were popular at the time. He wrote it in Tagalog language and Kapampangan. His small savings in writing were spent for his return to pursue his studies in Manila. He enrolled at the Philippine Law School. For the second time, Dado was forced to stop his studies for reason that they don’t have money to spend for his schooling. He was fortunate again when a wealthy Kapampangan, Don Honorio Ventura offered help. He spent money for the schooling of Dado at the University of Santo Tomas. He obtained the highest grade at the bar examination of 1936. He became a brilliant lawyer in 1947.
       While excelling at law, Dado served as associate lawyer in the law firm of Ross, Lawrence and Selph in Manila. During the Japanese occupation, Dado did not suffer little difficulties. However when peace returns, he created his own law firm together with Punsalan and Yabut. In 1948, he started making connection with President Elpidio Quirino. He was appointed by President Quirino to help manage the government claim over Turtle Islands.
        He started working in the government in 1949 when he was elected as congressman and was reelected in 1953. He was elected as Vice President of the Philippines in 1957. After four years, Macapagal became the president of our country.
        Becoming a president, Macapagal has a strong belief that “one of the more undesirable in the present democracy in the Philippines is the excessive desire of a sitting President to do everything to ensure reelection. No one among them who served who doesn’t possess such desire. No one ever think about the future of the nation only. The usual and only desire is his selfish place in history.” Because of this opinion, Macapagal made promise and explicitly declare his refusal to seek reelection. In a speech in the airwaves he said the following: “It was strengthened by our experience, that a President, after being elected and took office, is even more thinking of how he can be reelected than how he can improve his service to the nation. It is mandated by the people’s welfare that an individual voted to the highest position bestowed by the voting citizen should spend all his time in uplifting the condition of the nation. However, if it was forced that a President can only be elected once, he has no other wants but to leave a legacy to his country with an incomparable service to its countrymen by the ability bestowed upon him by God.”
        However through the years, President Macapagal might have thought that four years isn’t enough to finish all his plans for the country most especially his Five Year Socio-Economic Program. Supposedly, due to his worry that he cannot fulfill his promise to the country, he changed his mind. He again runs for presidency. Maybe because due to his failure of keeping his promise, instead of being reelected in 1965, he was easily defeated by his toughest opponent, Ferdinand E. Marcos.
        President Macapagal first wife is Purita de la Rosa. When his first wife died, he married again. His companions when he stepped on the Malacañan Palace is his second wife, Evangelina Macaraeg and their four children named Arturo, Maria, Cielo, Gloria and Diosdado. Gloria went on to follow her father footsteps and became the 14th President of the Philippines becoming the first father – daughter tandem to be elected to the highest position of the land. President Diosdado Macapagal died on April 21, 1997.

Major World Events During Macapagal’s Administration

France, Algeria end seven-year-old conflict, Nigeria wins independence, 1962

Cuba. War between United States & Soviet Union narrowly averted during Cuban missile crisis, 1962

Southeast Asia. Communists win much of Laos. United States increases military aid to South Vietnam , 1962

Republic of Congo United Nations troops end secession of Katanga Province, 1963

Vietnam North Vietnam attacks United States ships in the Gulf of Tonkin, 1964

Dominican Republic. The United States sends in Marines to protect lives during revolt, 1965

Diosdado P. Macapagal Images

The facial and hand gestures of President Macapagal signifies victory

President Macapagal while discussing some national issues.