(1965–1986) requires examining both the rhetorical brilliance often attributed to him and the controversial historical context of his "New Society" ( Bagong Lipunan ).

Marcos visits the United States to meet with President Ronald Reagan and addresses the United Nations.

He warned of rising communist insurgency and student activism.

The rhetoric of Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. remains a cornerstone for understanding 20th-century Philippine history, serving as both a record of his vision for a "New Society" and a primary source for analyzing the consolidation of power. Collections of his speeches, such as the multi-volume A Collection of Speeches of President Ferdinand E. Marcos or the curated A Dialogue with My People , capture the oratorical skill that defined his 21-year presidency. Key Themes in the Collections

The State of the Nation Addresses of the early 1980s reflect a regime under siege. Following the assassination of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. in 1983, the rhetoric shifted from triumphant declarations of progress to defensive rationalizations. In these late speeches, Marcos fiercely combated economic criticisms, growing international isolation, and deteriorating public trust, right up until the snap elections of 1986. Historiographical Value: Why These Speeches Matter Today

Analysis of these speeches reveals three consistent pillars used to maintain authority: A. The Call to "Greatness"

By the mid-1985s, following the assassination of Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., the political climate had grown volatile. Marcos’s speeches from this final chapter of his presidency reflect a leader fighting for political survival against rising domestic opposition and waning international support.

"We must find the secret chords which turn ordinary men into heroes... Not one hero alone do I ask from you – but many; nay all." B. The Justification of Martial Law

Among the hundreds of addresses delivered by Marcos, several stand out as landmark historical markers: