Ceded to the USA by Spain in 1898, the Philippines became self-governing in 1935. After Japanese occupation during World War II, the Philippines became an independent republic in 1946.
* 1965 Ferdinand Marcos, NP candidate, becomes president.
* 1972 Marcos declares martial law. Opposition leaders arrested, national assembly suspended, press censored.
* 1977 Ex-LP leader Benigno Aquino sentenced to death. Criticism forces Marcos to delay execution.
* 1978 Elections won by Marcos's new party, New Society (KBL). Marcos president and prime minister.
* 1980 Aquino allowed to travel to USA for medical help.
* 1981 Martial law ends. Marcos re-elected president by referendum. Malpractice alleged by opposition.
* 1983 Benigno Aquino shot dead at Manila airport on return from USA. Inquiry blames military conspiracy.
* 1986 USA forces Marcos to call a presidential election. Result disputed. Army rebels led by General Fidel Ramos, and public demonstrations, bring widow of Benigno Aquino, Corazon, to power. Marcos exiled to USA. Two coups crushed by troops loyal to Aquino.
* 1987 New constitution. Aquino-led coalition wins Congress elections. Coup crushed by Aquino's troops.
* 1988 Marcos and wife, Imelda, indicted on $100 million charge for embezzlement and racketeering.
* 1989 Marcos dies in the USA. Coup attempt fails.
* 1990 Imelda acquitted of fraud charges in the USA. Earthquake in Baguio City leaves 1600 dead.
* 1991 Mt. Pinatubo erupts. US leaves Clark Air Base. Imelda Marcos returns to the Philippines.
* 1992 General Fidel Ramos wins presidential election. LDP secures most seats in parliament. US Navy leaves its bases in the Philippines.
