Famous Filipino Presidents

Rodrigo Duterte is a Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the 16th president of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022. He is the chairperson of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, the ruling political party during his presidency. Duterte's career includes serving as vice mayor and mayor of Davao City for over 22 years, where he transformed the once crime-ridden city into a peaceful and investor-friendly place. As president, he focused on combating illegal drugs, crime, and corruption, as well as fighting terrorism and insurgency. He implemented infrastructure projects, economic reforms, and government streamlining efforts during his tenure.

Ferdinand Marcos was a Filipino politician who served as the tenth president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He ruled the country under martial law from 1972 to 1981, with expanded powers under the 1973 Constitution. Marcos implemented a philosophy of "constitutional authoritarianism" under his New Society Movement. His regime was marked by corruption, extravagance, and brutality. He pursued aggressive infrastructure development funded by foreign debt and faced public outrage over economic collapse and human rights abuses, ultimately being deposed in 1986.

Manuel L. Quezon was a Filipino lawyer, statesman, soldier, and politician who served as the president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines from 1935 until his death in 1944. He was the first Filipino to lead the entire Philippines and is considered the second president of the country. During his presidency, Quezon addressed issues such as land reform, military defense, government reorganization, development in Mindanao, and combating corruption. He established a government in exile during World War II and was recognized posthumously for aiding Holocaust victims.

Ramon Magsaysay was a Filipino statesman who began his professional life as an automobile mechanic and later transitioned into politics. He served as a guerrilla leader during the Pacific War, which led to his appointment as military governor of Zambales. Magsaysay then became a congressman for Zambales and was later appointed as Secretary of National Defense. He was elected as the seventh President of the Philippines, making him the youngest to hold the position at that time and the first to be born in the 20th century.

Diosdado Macapagal was a Filipino lawyer, poet, and politician who served as the ninth President of the Philippines from 1961 to 1965. He also held the position of the sixth Vice President from 1957 to 1961. Macapagal was a member of the House of Representatives and led the Constitutional Convention of 1970. During his presidency, he focused on combating corruption, implementing economic reforms, including the country's first land reform law, and changing the observance of Independence Day.

Elpidio Rivera Quirino was a Filipino lawyer and politician who had a distinguished career in public service. He served as a representative, senator, and member of the Philippine Independence Commission, contributing significantly to the drafting of the 1935 Philippine Constitution. Quirino held key cabinet positions under President Manuel L. Quezon and later became the 6th President of the Philippines. His administration faced challenges from the Hukbalahap insurgency but he continued to strive for the betterment of the country until his defeat in the 1953 presidential election.

Sergio Osmeña Sr. was a distinguished Filipino lawyer and politician who held various significant positions in government. He served as the fourth President of the Philippines from 1944 to 1946, following his role as Vice President under Manuel L. Quezon. Osmeña was a founding member of the Nacionalista Party and notably the first Visayan to become president. His career included serving as governor of Cebu, a member and speaker of the Philippine House of Representatives, and a senator, eventually becoming Senate president pro tempore.

Carlos P. Garcia was a versatile Filipino professional who excelled in various fields. Initially a teacher, he transitioned into law and politics, serving as a congressman and senator before becoming the Vice President and later the President of the Philippines. Known for his expertise in political economy, he led the country during challenging times and advocated for nationalist policies. Despite facing defeat in re-election, Garcia's legacy as a lawyer, public official, and military leader remains significant in Philippine history.

José P. Laurel was a Filipino politician, lawyer, and judge who served as the President of the Japanese-occupied Second Philippine Republic from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. He was a prominent figure in Philippine politics and law, known for his role in the puppet state administration. Laurel's presidency has been recognized by later administrations in the Philippines. His career was marked by his involvement in legal and political affairs, shaping the country's history during a tumultuous period.

Emilio Aguinaldo was a Filipino revolutionary, statesman, and military leader. He served as the youngest president of the Philippines and was the first president of an Asian constitutional republic. Aguinaldo led Philippine forces in various conflicts, including against Spain in the Philippine Revolution, in the Spanish-American War, and against the United States in the Philippine-American War. While revered as a national hero, Aguinaldo's professional life is also marked by controversies, including his alleged involvement in the deaths of Andrés Bonifacio and Antonio Luna, as well as his collaboration with the Japanese Empire during World War II.

Corazon Aquino was a Filipino politician who served as the eleventh president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. She played a key role in the 1986 People Power Revolution, which led to the end of President Ferdinand Marcos' two-decade rule and the establishment of the current democratic Fifth Philippine Republic. Aquino focused on drafting the 1987 Constitution, limiting presidential powers, and re-establishing the bicameral Congress. She implemented economic policies to improve international standing, dismantle monopolies, and promote a responsible economy. Aquino pursued peace talks to resolve conflicts and faced challenges such as natural calamities and coup attempts during her presidency.

Ferdinand "Bongbong" Romualdez Marcos Jr., also known as PBBM or BBM, is a Filipino politician who has served as a senator and as the President of the Philippines. He held various political positions, including Vice Governor and Governor of Ilocos Norte, Representative of Ilocos Norte's 2nd congressional district, and Governor again. He ran for vice president and later successfully won the presidency in the 2022 election. Marcos's political career has been marked by controversies, including allegations of historical negationism and whitewashing of human rights abuses during his father's presidency.

Benigno Aquino III was a prominent Filipino politician who served as the 15th President of the Philippines from 2010 to 2016. Prior to his presidency, he held positions in the House of Representatives and Senate. Known for his confrontational foreign policy, he led the Philippines' efforts in the arbitration case against China regarding claims in the South China Sea. During his term, the nation's economy experienced significant growth, earning recognition as a "Rising Tiger" economy. Aquino faced legal challenges post-presidency but was ultimately acquitted.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino academic and politician who has held various significant roles in the government. She served as the 14th president of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, making her the longest-serving president after Ferdinand Marcos. Arroyo was the first female vice president and also served as a senator before becoming president. She has been actively involved in politics, holding positions such as Speaker of the House and Deputy Speaker. Arroyo has been known for her contributions to economic policies and social welfare programs during her tenure.