Name: Trixy Glaire U.

Tomasete
Course/Section: BSN 1-11G

Marcos, the Powerful Dictator of the

Republic of the Philippines

Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr. A Filipino Politician and a kleptocrat and was the 10th
President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He ruled as the dictator under the martial law
from 1972 to 1981 which gives the military power to maintain the order but eventually, it leads
to abusing the power, corruption, violence and economy downturn in the Philippines but
Marcos still held a grip of power which made him turned into a powerful dictator. The name
Ferdinand Marcos will always be a nightmare to some of the Filipinos as the history of what he
did will never be repeated. But despite of what Marcos has done, he showed us that there is a
big difference between discipline and fear, “For our nation to develop, we need discipline.” The
Philippines landless farmers and laborers stayed in poverty, many past Presidents had promised
to improve but none of them was successful. But Marcos showed his commitment on this issue,
he gave them new hope by implementing the Land Reform Program which also improved the
infrastructure such as the roads, school, electricity supply, bridges, buildings, irrigation,
hospitals that is also beneficial in today’s generation. The Philippines were able to produce the
sufficient supply of rice and corn and at the same time, Philippines had become as the world’s
major coconut producer which become as one of the most successful outcome from Marcos.
In the 2nd term of his presidency, Marcos suspended the Philippines Constitution in August 1971
and placed it under Martial Law as a solution of the continuous series of violence, bombing, and
crimes because he believed that it will bring back the peace to the Philippines. On his first term,
Marcos use Ethical and Honest Influential Tactics. He had commitment to the Filipinos, he was
leading by example when his actions were true to his words. He develops his reputation as a
subject matter expert and applies his litigation knowledge to govern the country and avoid
threat to the rule of law. But, on his second term, he used the Unethical and Dishonest Tactics
to influence his followers and remain in power to control everything. He became manipulative
thru Martial Law implementation, controlled the administration and the people by instilling fear
and force. Ferdinand Marcos was a great and an amazing transformational leader as he brought
massive infrastructure development within his 2 years of presidency. His dedication to improve
the life of every Filipino was supported. However, as he let the power control him, he forgot his
commitment and obligation to the country and to the Filipinos.
“No matter how strong and dedicated a leader may be, he must find root and strength amongst
the people. He alone, cannot save a nation. He may guide, he may set the tone, he may
dedicate himself and risk his life but only the people may save themselves.” – Ferdinand Marcos