Ferdinand Marcos Quotations

Ferdinand Edralin Marcos (September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986.

Sourced

Elect me as your congressman today, I promise you an Ilocano president in 20 years.
- election speech as candidate for Congress, 1949

You are repetitious and dumb.
- at a press conference in Hawaii, when asked about secret Swiss bank accounts, 1987

I claim the right not to incriminate myself.
- at a press conference with government lawyers, Hawaii, when questioned about invoking the 5th amendment repeatedly, 1987

"Hey, what's the name of that nice young girl, my loyalist supporter?" I said, Mr. President, her name is Annie Ferrer. "Will you give that girl my regards and kisses?" he asked. I said yes, of course--it was really strange.
- Cynthia Sycip, "Interview with an ex-Dictator", 1987

My countrymen, as of the twenty-third of this month, I signed Proclamation #1081 placing the entire Philippines under Martial Law.
- Televised speech on the proclamation of Martial Law (September 21, 1972)

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.
- Address at the launching of the Mabuhay Ang Pilipino Movement, Malacañang (30 November 1972)

Of what good is democracy if it is not for the poor?
- "Notes on the New Society of the Philippines" (1973)

When authoritarianism is no longer necessary to protect the welfare of the people, I will be the first to move for its dismantling. But the easy, casual wave of the hand dismissing the dangers that confront the worsening world situation and us is not for me. It is for those who insist that I dismantle martial law against my best judgment but, legally and morally, cannot be held liable for any Kampuchean-like tragedy that would be fall our people if I followed their advice. But I would be liable. I would be called all kinds of names. I would be called stupid, naïve and obstinate. History and our people would hold me accountable not only perhaps for lack of wisdom, but for lack of courage if I followed such advice.
- Remarks at the inauguration of the Philippines Columbian Association's New Clubhouse Complex, Plaza Dilao, Manila (14 December 1979)

The foundation upon which our nation stands is much richer and firmer than the sympathies that may occasionally divide us. And we never know this more truly than in Christmas time. In good times or in bad, under clear skies or under the shadow of uncertainty, the Christmas message is the imperishable one of joy, hope and brotherhood.
- Christmas message to overseas Filipinos (25 December 1979)

I was reminded as I was reviewing my life, that I have been in too many conflicts, too many wars, political battles, military battles, civil strifes in government. And always one lesson stands out and that is, those whom you fight most passionately often turn out to be your best friends.
- Extemporaneous speech at the Sixth Centennial Celebration of Islam in the Philippines (10 June 1980)

I have listened to you, to our people. I have heard your doubts, your anxieties, nay, outright opposition to the lifting of Martial Law. And I have prayed to the Almighty for guidance. And it is after deliberate, sober judgment and soul-searching that I come before you and say, it is now time to terminate martial law.
- Speech proclaiming the termination of the state of Martial law, Heroes Hall, Malacañang (17 January 1981)

I pray now and I ask you to pray with me, as I prayed eight years ago, that I am doing, that we are doing, the right thing by our people; for the end of martial law does not mean the end of our efforts, of our needed reforms, of our struggles, of our sacrifices. The passing of martial law does not necessarily carry with it the passing of all the burdens especially the heavy ones. There will be more tests, for our capacity, for our resiliency, for our strength as a people. I say, we have just begun.
- Speech proclaiming the termination of the state of Martial law, Heroes Hall, Malacañang (17 January 1981)

We cannot and we will not negotiate with terrorists. We have nothing but contempt for them. To conciliate differences with these people without them changing their objectives is to condemn our Republic to ultimate strangulation and death.
- Extemporaneous remarks during the Meeting with the Leaders of Regions I and II, Mansion House, Baguio City (15 March 1981)

The Philippines is a nation of 40 million cowards and one son of a bitch.
- by unnamed ranking cabinet member of the Reagan administration, 1982. (attributed to Secretary of State George Shultz)

We love your adherence to democratic principles and to democratic processes.
- Vice President George Bush addressing Marcos, on his visit to Manila, 1981

The second most corrupt head of government ever (after Suharto).
- Transparency International, 2003

I think you should cut and cut cleanly. The time has come.
- U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt, in telephone conversation with Marcos just before his downfall, March 1986

He was hanging on, looking for a life preserver. He was a desperate man clutching at straws.
- U.S. Senator Paul Laxalt, after his telephone conversation with Marcos, March 1986

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