| Ferdinand E. Marcos- the Philippine's strongman |
"This Nation will be great again". This is the battle cry of Ferdinand Marcos in his first bid for President in 1965 Philippine Presidential Election. Indeed he tried his best to make the nation great while the country is in fighting off communism. which ut the nation in chaos. Demonstrations flooded his first terms with accusations of corruptions and communism ideals progressed and demand his resignations. But Marcos' political clever tactics allowed him to win his reelection, thanks to his wife Imelda Marcos who proved to be his best weapon against his political enemies.
Imelda Marcos was able to win the hearts of the masses with her compassion for the poor and her nonstop campaigns ushering Philippine traditions and arts.Although Imelda was heavily criticized for her spending, people love her and won their loyal support.
In his first year of his reelection, Marcos saw the collapse of his government and in order to protect his position, he declared Martial law in September 21, 1972 and have all of his government's critic arrested and declare a one-man rule. The congress was abolished, too leading to his autocratic rule.
With a strong support from the Military, Marcos was able to perpetuate a new dimension in Philippine Society with the introduction of his NEW SOCIETY or the Bagong Lipunan. With is one man rule, he was able to place the country in peace and all communism ideals were literally removed and those who have such idealism became victims of his Military.
Although many claims that Martial years was the darkest age in Philippine History, ordinary folks would say that all was at peace and in order during the Martial law years. Only those who dare opposed Marcos were labelled as victims of the strongman and suffered under his reigns. People obey Marcos rules and enjoy more stable economy. Demonstrations were banned and Marcos' enemies claimed this as a means of violations of Human Rights.
With Marco's stewardship, the Philippines became second richest country among southeast Asian Nations and have foster foreign relationship with the strong Asian nations like Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore whose heads became his friends.
It was also during Marcos time that Filipino talents were used in foreign country-building such as Saudi Arabia and other middle-east country. This grace way to OFW's opportunity to make life better for their families. His critics saw these as his way of diverting the truth of mismanagement economy driving Pinoy manpower to foreign shores just to survive.
Marcos in his rule was able to build structures that are now part of his legacies to the Filipino. Although accused of amassing wealth, still his legacies remain as unequaled and had placed the Philippine in the economic globe.
The debate is on whether Marcos is the greatest president the Philippine had ever have or the dictator that have put his nation in bankruptcy. With all that has been said of the man, with all what had happened in our country since his fall, history had judged the man. And whether his critics would admit or not, Marcos had his share of greatness in making the Philippines a recognized country among Asians' , Western and European nations.
