On October 24, 1945,[143] the Philippines became one of the founding members of the United Nations and the following year, on July 4, 1946, it became recognized by the United States as independent, during the presidency of Manuel Roxas.[4] Disgruntled remnants of the communistHukbalahap[144] continued to roam the countryside but were put down by President Elpidio Quirino's successor Ramon Magsaysay.[147]Magsaysay's successor, Carlos P. Garcia initiated the Filipino First Policy,[148] which was continued by Diosdado Macapagal, with celebration of Independence Day moved from July 4 to June 12, the date of Emilio Aguinaldo's declaration,[151] while furthering the claim on the eastern part ofNorth Borneo.[152][153]
In 1965, Macapagal lost the presidential election to Ferdinand Marcos. Early in his presidency he initiated numerous infrastructure projects but was accused of massive corruption and embezzling billions of dollars in public funds.[154] Nearing the end of his term, Marcos declared Martial Law on September 21, 1972.[155] This period of his rule was characterized by political repression, censorship, and human rights violations but the US were steadfast in their support.[156] His wife Imelda continued to live a lavish lifestyle as the majority of Filipinos remained in poverty.[157]
On August 21, 1983, Marcos' chief rival, opposition leader Benigno Aquino, Jr., was assassinated on the tarmac at Manila International Airport. Marcos eventually called snap presidential elections in 1986.[158] Marcos was proclaimed the winner, but the results were widely regarded as fraudulent, leading to the People Power Revolution. Marcos and his allies fled to Hawaii and Aquino's widow, Corazon Aquino was recognized as president.[160]