History of Presidential elections in the Philippines in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 5, 2024

Presidential elections in the Philippines

This list details the presidential and vice presidential election results in the Philippines from 1899 onwards. It includes the candidates, their political parties, and the percentage of votes they received. The elections showcase the evolving political landscape of the Philippines, with changes in dominant parties and candidates over time. The provided list serves as a historical record of the democratic process in the country.

March 23, 1901: Capture of Emilio Aguinaldo

Emilio Aguinaldo was captured by American forces on March 23, 1901, marking the end of the First Republic.

September 15, 1935: First Popular Vote Election

On September 15, 1935, the first presidential election by popular vote was held.

1935: 1935 Constitution Enacted

In 1935, the Philippines enacted a new constitution that established a six-year term for the president, disallowing reelection. This constitution set the foundation for the initial structure of presidential terms in the country.

1935: First Direct Presidential Election

The first direct presidential election in the Philippines took place in 1935 after the 1935 Constitution was ratified.

1940: 1940 Constitution Amendment

In 1940, an amendment to the 1935 constitution was approved through a plebiscite, changing the presidential term to four years with the possibility of reelection, yet capping the total service time to eight years. This change aimed to provide flexibility in leadership terms.

1941: First Re-Election

The first presidential re-election took place in 1941.

1941: Second Direct Presidential Election

The second direct presidential election was held in 1941, with the incumbent president being re-elected.

1943: Indirect Presidential Election

An indirect presidential election took place in 1943.

1943: Establishment of Second Philippine Republic

The Second Philippine Republic was established under Japanese occupation in 1943.

1945: Suspension of Elections

Elections were suspended in 1945 due to World War II.

1946: Post-War Election

The 1946 presidential election marked the resumption of elections after World War II and shortly before independence from the United States.

1949: First Election of Independent Republic

The 1949 election was the first held after the Philippines gained independence.

1949: First Post-Independence Election

The first presidential election after independence was held in 1949.

1953: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 1953.

1957: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 1957.

1961: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 1961.

1965: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 1965.

1969: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 1969.

1969: Incumbent Victory

The incumbent president won re-election in 1969.

1972: Declaration of Martial Law

President Marcos declared martial law in 1972.

July 1973: Presidential Referendum

A presidential referendum was held in July 1973.

1973: New Constitution Ratified

A new constitution was ratified in 1973, abolishing the office of the vice president.

1977: Presidential Referendum

A presidential referendum was held in 1977.

1977: Referendum on Marcos' Presidency

A referendum in 1977 affirmed Marcos' continuation as president.

June 16, 1981: Marcos' Re-Election

Marcos was re-elected president on June 16, 1981.

1981: Presidential Election Under Marcos

A presidential election took place in 1981 under President Marcos.

1984: Reinstatement of Vice Presidency

The office of the vice president was reinstated in 1984.

1986: Snap Presidential Election and People Power Revolution

The 1986 snap presidential election led to the People Power Revolution.

1986: People Power Revolution

The People Power Revolution took place in 1986, leading to Marcos' removal from power.

1987: New Constitution Ratified

A new constitution was ratified in 1987, reinstating the office of the vice president and setting the presidential term to six years.

1992: Standardization of Election Date

In 1992, the date for presidential elections was standardized to the second Monday of May.

1992: First Election Under 1987 Constitution

The 1992 election was the first held under the new 1987 constitution.

1998: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 1998.

2001: EDSA Revolution II

The EDSA Revolution II occurred in 2001, leading to the succession of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the presidency.

2004: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 2004.

2004: Incumbent Seeks Re-election

The incumbent president sought re-election in 2004.

2009: Death of Corazon Aquino

In 2009, former Philippine president Corazon Aquino passed away. This event significantly impacted the political landscape, leading to a surge in support for her son, Benigno Aquino III, in the upcoming presidential election.

2010: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 2010.

2010: Mar Roxas gives way to Benigno Aquino III

In 2010, Mar Roxas stepped aside, allowing Benigno Aquino III to run for president. Roxas would later become the Liberal Party's presidential nominee in 2016.

2010: 2010 Philippine Presidential Election

The 2010 Philippine presidential election saw Benigno Aquino III defeat Joseph Estrada, Manuel Villar, Gilbert Teodoro, and other candidates. Aquino's victory followed the unpopular presidency of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

2016: Presidential Election

A presidential election took place in 2016.

2016: 2016 Philippine Presidential Election

Rodrigo Duterte won the 2016 Philippine presidential election, defeating Mar Roxas and other candidates. Duterte's victory came after initially denying his intention to run.