President from 1965 until 1986; ruled under martial law after 1972. Estimated to have amassed $10 billion from corrupt activities. Born in northern Luzon in 1917; was brilliant law student. Claims to have been most decorated guerrilla during World War II later disputed. Cool and calculating but misruled badly, piled up huge foreign debt through lavish spending—yet consistently supported by United States. Blundered badly by calling election in 1986, underestimating appeal of his opposition. Flown aboard U.S. aircraft to exile in Hawaii. (In Our Image: America's Empire in the Philippines - Stanley Karnow)