Ferdinand Marcos served as president for exactly 20 years and 57 days.
His extensive tenure began on December 30, 1965, following his inauguration, and concluded on February 25, 1986, when he departed from office amidst the EDSA People Power Revolution. This period marks one of the longest presidencies in Philippine history, significantly shaping the nation's political, economic, and social landscape.
Calculating the Exact Presidential Term
To determine the precise duration of President Marcos's time in office, we calculate the period from his start date to his end date:
- Inauguration Date: December 30, 1965
- Departure Date: February 25, 1986
Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the calculation:
- Full Years Completed: From December 30, 1965, to December 30, 1985, exactly 20 full years passed.
- Remaining Days in the Final Term: We then count the days from December 30, 1985, until February 25, 1986:
- December 1985: 1 day (December 31st)
- January 1986: 31 days
- February 1986: 25 days (up to February 25th)
- Total additional days: 1 + 31 + 25 = 57 days.
Combining these, the exact duration of Ferdinand Marcos's presidency was 20 years and 57 days.
Significant Phases of Marcos's Presidency
Marcos's presidency can be broadly divided into distinct periods, each with its own defining characteristics and impact on the Philippines:
- Democratic Rule (1965-1972):
- First Term (1965-1969): Focus on infrastructure projects, agricultural self-sufficiency, and international diplomacy.
- Second Term (1969-1972): Marked by increasing social unrest, student activism, and the rise of the communist insurgency, leading to the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus in 1971.
- Martial Law Era (1972-1981):
- Declared on September 21, 1972, this period saw the suppression of civil liberties, political opposition, and media. Marcos governed by decree, implementing wide-ranging reforms and centralizing power. This era is often associated with human rights abuses and economic challenges.
- Fourth Republic (1981-1986):
- Martial Law was officially lifted in January 1981, but Marcos retained extensive powers under a revised constitution. This final period was characterized by growing political instability, economic crises exacerbated by international debt, and the assassination of opposition leader Benigno Aquino Jr. in 1983, which galvanized widespread opposition leading to the EDSA People Power Revolution.
The table below summarizes key events during his long presidential term:
| Event | Date | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Inauguration | December 30, 1965 | Start of his first presidential term. |
| Declaration of Martial Law | September 21, 1972 | Extended his power indefinitely. |
| Lifting of Martial Law | January 17, 1981 | Formally ended military rule, though powers remained. |
| Snap Presidential Election | February 7, 1986 | Called amidst political and economic crises. |
| EDSA People Power Revolution | February 22-25, 1986 | Mass protests leading to his overthrow. |
| Departure from Office | February 25, 1986 | Conclusion of his presidency. |
This unprecedented length of time in office, encompassing periods of both constitutional and authoritarian rule, left a lasting and complex legacy on the Philippines. For further information on Philippine presidential history, resources like the Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines provide valuable insights.
