From a young revolutionary general to the son of a deposed strongman, the presidency of the Philippines has passed through revolution, war, dictatorship and democratic renewal. Here is every president in order — tap a card to turn it over.
17 presidents · 1899 → today · tap to flip
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1st PresidentEmilio Aguinaldo1899–19011st · First RepublicEmilio Aguinaldo
Known for
Proclaimed Philippine independence on 12 June 1898 and led the First Philippine Republic. Fought Spain, then the United States, and at 29 became the youngest-ever president. Captured in 1901.
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2nd PresidentManuel L. Quezon1935–19442nd · CommonwealthManuel L. Quezon
Known for
First president of the Commonwealth and the “Father of the National Language.” Won women’s suffrage and prepared the nation for independence. Quezon City bears his name; he died of tuberculosis in exile during WWII.
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3rd PresidentJosé P. Laurel1943–19453rd · Second RepublicJosé P. Laurel
Known for
Led the Japanese-sponsored Second Republic during the WWII occupation — an impossible position he navigated to shield Filipinos. A distinguished jurist, he was later acquitted of treason and served in the Senate.
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4th PresidentSergio Osmeña1944–19464th · CommonwealthSergio Osmeña
Known for
Became president on Quezon’s death and waded ashore at Leyte with General MacArthur in 1944 to reclaim the country. Founder of the Nacionalista Party and a towering statesman from Cebu.
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5th PresidentManuel Roxas1946–19485th · Third RepublicManuel Roxas
Known for
The last Commonwealth president and the first of the independent Third Republic, taking office as the U.S. granted full independence on 4 July 1946. Led postwar rebuilding before dying of a heart attack in office.
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6th PresidentElpidio Quirino1948–19536th · Third RepublicElpidio Quirino
Known for
Guided the difficult postwar reconstruction and fought the communist Hukbalahap rebellion. Pushed social and economic recovery for a nation still rebuilding from the ruins of war.
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7th PresidentRamon Magsaysay1953–19577th · Third RepublicRamon Magsaysay
Known for
The beloved “Champion of the Masses” who threw open the gates of Malacañang to ordinary citizens and broke the back of the Huk rebellion. Died in a 1957 plane crash, mourned by the nation.
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8th PresidentCarlos P. Garcia1957–19618th · Third RepublicCarlos P. Garcia
Known for
Championed the “Filipino First Policy,” favouring Filipino businesses over foreign interests, and ran a strict austerity programme. A poet and statesman from Bohol.
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9th PresidentDiosdado Macapagal1961–19659th · Third RepublicDiosdado Macapagal
Known for
The “Poor Boy from Lubao” who moved Independence Day to 12 June and pursued land reform. Father of future president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
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10th PresidentFerdinand E. Marcos1965–198610th · Third / martial lawFerdinand E. Marcos
Known for
Ruled for 21 years — the longest of any president. Declared Martial Law in 1972 amid mounting debt and unrest, and was finally swept from power by the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution. Died in exile in Hawaii.
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11th PresidentCorazon C. Aquino1986–199211th · Fifth RepublicCorazon C. Aquino
Known for
The first woman president and “Mother of Philippine Democracy.” The housewife-turned-leader of the EDSA revolution restored democracy and gave the nation its 1987 Constitution. Widow of Ninoy Aquino.
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12th PresidentFidel V. Ramos1992–199812th · Fifth RepublicFidel V. Ramos
Known for
A former general and hero of EDSA who delivered steady economic growth (“Philippines 2000”) and ended the crippling power crisis. The only Protestant to hold the office.
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13th PresidentJoseph Estrada1998–200113th · Fifth RepublicJoseph Estrada
Known for
A beloved movie actor swept into office on a landslide of mass support, then ousted in the 2001 EDSA II amid corruption charges. Later convicted of plunder, pardoned, and elected mayor of Manila.
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14th PresidentGloria M. Arroyo2001–201014th · Fifth RepublicGloria Macapagal Arroyo
Known for
An economist and daughter of President Macapagal, she became the second woman president and served nine years — the longest term since Marcos. Later returned to Congress as House Speaker.
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15th PresidentBenigno Aquino III2010–201615th · Fifth RepublicBenigno “Noynoy” Aquino III
Known for
Son of Cory and Ninoy Aquino, he ran on anti-corruption reform — “Daang Matuwid” (the Straight Path) — and presided over strong economic growth. The only bachelor president.
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16th PresidentRodrigo Duterte2016–202216th · Fifth RepublicRodrigo Duterte
Known for
The long-time mayor of Davao and the first president from Mindanao. Known for a blunt, populist style and a sweeping — and highly controversial — “war on drugs.”
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17th PresidentFerdinand Marcos Jr.2022–present17th · Fifth Republic · currentFerdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Known for
Son of the former strongman, he won the 2022 election in a landslide — a remarkable return for the Marcos family — governing alongside Vice President Sara Duterte. The current head of state.
“From a revolution’s general to a strongman’s son — seventeen lives, one unfinished republic.”