MARCOS FAMILY FEUD FRACTURES PHILIPPINES

Rift within the country's ruling clan reshapes alliances and raises political tensions

- BY JAY HILOTIN | Senior Assistant Editor

For about a century, the Marcoses — the Philippine's undeclared royal family — have played a defining role in the country's political story.

In 1925, lawyer Mariano Marcos started serving as a congressman representing the second district of Ilocos Norte. Mariano, champion of the Ilocano language and cultural identity, also served as gobernadorcillo (equivalent to mayor) in Batac during the post-Philippine Revolution period.

Mariano's prominence helped set the foundation for the Marcos political dynasty. Mariano is the father of Ferdinand “Apo” Edralin Marcos Sr, who would become the 10th President of the Philippines.

Marcos Sr himself served as congressman for the same district from 1949 to 1959 before ascending to national politics and was elected president in 1965. Known for his bold infrastructure and rural electrification drive, Marcos Sr ruled with an iron fist.

In 1972, a year before his eight-year, two-term limit was due to end under the 1935 Charter, Marcos Sr introduced a Mickey Mouse constitution, enabling him to stay in power.

In the 1970s, about 70,000 people were jailed, 34,000 were tortured, and 3,240 were killed following Marcos Sr’s declaration of the “Martial Law” (1972 to 1981). Marcos Sr and his family were ousted in 1986 during the “People Power” revolution. He died in Hawaii in 1989.

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