Ferdinand Marcos

Imelda's shoes, Philippine dictator

Contemporary weird famous 91 sayings

Sayings by Ferdinand Marcos

I have often said that if I were not a dictator, I would be a clown.

1975 — Interview with a foreign journalist, acknowledging his authoritarian rule.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Democracy is the superior form of government, but it is not for children.

1972 — Justifying martial law in the Philippines.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am the law.

1972 — Declared during martial law, asserting absolute power.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

The only thing I regret is that I did not violate the constitution sooner.

1980s — Private remark to aides, referencing martial law.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I will not step down.

1986 — Statement made during the People Power Revolution, refusing to concede power
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a man of peace, but I am also a man of war.

1970s (approximate) — Reflecting his complex public persona, often used to justify his actions
Controversial Unverifiable

I did not declare martial law to perpetuate myself in power. I declared martial law to save the republic.

1972 — Justification for his declaration of Martial Law
Controversial Unverifiable

I have been accused of many things in my life, but I have never been accused of being a coward.

1970s-1980s (approximate) — Defensive statement, asserting his strength and resolve
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to save the country is to impose discipline, and discipline means martial law.

1972 — Further justification for Martial Law, linking discipline to national salvation
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not a dictator. I am a democratically elected president.

1970s-1980s (approximate) — Denying accusations of dictatorial rule, despite exercising absolute power
Controversial Unverifiable

The Philippines is my country, and I will die for it.

1970s-1980s (approximate) — Patriotic statement, often used to rally support and deflect criticism
Controversial Unverifiable

My greatest fear is that I will die a poor man.

1970s-1980s (approximate) — Ironic statement given the vast wealth attributed to him and his family
Controversial Unverifiable

I am not a god, but I am close to it.

1970s (approximate) — Reported statement, indicative of his megalomania and inflated self-importance
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to fight a revolution is with a revolution.

1970s (approximate) — Justification for his strong-arm tactics against perceived threats
Controversial Unverifiable

I am a man of destiny.

1970s-1980s (approximate) — Reflecting his belief in his own exceptionalism and preordained role
Controversial Unverifiable

The people love me. They will always support me.

1980s (approximate) — Overconfident statement, belied by the People Power Revolution
Controversial Unverifiable

I have faced bullets, and I have faced the enemy. I am not afraid of anything.

1970s-1980s (approximate) — Drawing on his wartime experience to project an image of fearlessness
Controversial Unverifiable

My wife, Imelda, is my greatest strength and my greatest weakness.

1970s-1980s (approximate) — Acknowledging the powerful influence of his wife, both positive and negative
Controversial Unverifiable

I will not allow the communists to take over this country.

1970s (approximate) — Anti-communist rhetoric, a central theme of his political platform and justification for authoritari…
Controversial Unverifiable

The only way to govern is to be strong.

1970s (approximate) — Emphasizing the need for authoritarian rule to maintain order
Controversial Unverifiable