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Marcos elected President
Ferdinand Marcos, then a member of the Nacionalista (Nationalist) Party, is elected as the President, beating incumbent President Diosdado Macapagal. Like in the United States, he takes office in the January of the following year. -
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Marcos era
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Marcos re-election
The reelections are controversial, as many deemed the reelections fraudulent and forged to ensure that Marcos stays in his position. Many also criticize Marcos' push for Philippine involvement in the Vietnam War, alongside the usage of police brutality during his term. -
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First Quarter Storm
A period of leftist unrest following the reelection of Marcos. The demonstrators (many of which were university students) were distraught at issues that had came under the Marcos administration. -
Battle of Mendiola
Student activists orchestrate a protest in Mendiola Street, which was in front of the Malacañang (the presidential residence). After hijacking a firetruck and ramming the palace's gate, soldiers were sent to quell the revolt and openly used gunfire on the protestors. About four students died. -
First Constituitional Convention
Marcos sought to remove restrictions on term length by changing into a parliamentary system (the voters vote on a party). However, it was not approved by the legislature and the Philippines remained a president republic (the voters vote on a direct candidate). -
Place Miranda bombing
A bomb was activated in Plaza Miranda, killing 9 people and injuring 95 others. Many of those affected were prominent members of the oppositional Liberal Party. Initially blamed on Marcos, the suspected perpetrators are now assumed to be communist rebels. -
Declaration of martial law
Under the pretense of preserving order and containing communism, Ferdinand Marcos proclaimed Martial law on September 23, but due to his personal beliefs surrounding the number seven, it was post-dated to September 21. -
Arrest of Ninoy Aquino and Jose Diokno
Shortly after the declaration of Martial Law, Senators Ninoy Aquino and Jose Diokno, seen as the main opponents of the regime, were arrested . They were both brought into Camp Crame, but were eventually sent to Fort Bonifacio. -
Ratification of the Marcos Constitution
By purging political dissidents and using fear, the Constitutional Convention of 1973 turned to his favour, and the Philippines switched to a parliamentary form of government. He also sought to symbolically legitimize the change by seeking approval from the voting population. However, the voting process was flawed; instead of voting, approval was shown by the raising of hands. Bribery and the use of force ensured support. -
LABAN Party Founding
The Laban party (the main opposition to the incumbent Marcos administration) was founded, with Ninoy Aquino running for office as President. It was bizarre since the candidate ran while still in prison. -
Noise Barrage
The citizens of Metro Manila create noise pollution to convey their disapproval of the administration. -
Ninoy Aquino suffers from a heart attack, and is sent to the United States
In the middle of March, in his solitary cell, Ninoy Aquino suffered a heart attack, later found out to be caused by a blocked artery. Later, Ferdinand Marcos sends him to the United States to receive treatment but keeps him there in-exile. -
1981 Presidential Elections
Marcos ran for another six-year term as President, but however, the elections were boycotted by the opposition. It was very lopsided with 88% of voters supposedly voting for him. Many deemed the elections fraudulent and faked. -
Assassination of Ninoy Aquino
After landing on Manila International Airport, Ninoy Aquino was mortally shot, as he was exiting his airplane. While his assassin has yet to be identified, but he is commonly associated with Marcos. -
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Confetti Revolution
During the Confetti Revolution, yellow (a symbol of cowardice in the West) became well known as the symbol of protest. -
Marcos calls for snap elections
Under pressure by international groups, Marcos decides to hold snap elections to prove his legitimacy, holding a sixty-day campaign period. Official results showed that he won, however, many thought like preceding elections, the results were forged. -
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EDSA uprising
Demonstrators rejecting the results of the 1985 elections, and seeking the ousting of then-President Ferdinand Marcos, head to the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (commonly referred to by its acronym EDSA) to protest. -
Marcos flees the Philippines
Wanting to prevent a potential civil war, Marcos voluntarily abdicates and flees from the Philippines to Hawaii, aided by the American federal government.
