Ferdinand Marcos, long-time dictator of the Philippines, has died at the age of 72. Born in 1917 in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte, Marcos was a lawyer, Christian leader and congressman in the pre-martial law period. Having served in the Philippine House of Representatives from 1949-1959, Marcos was elected to the Senate in 1959. In 1965, he was elected the 10th President of the Philippines, and the first to be elected through a direct vote. His term was highly controversial, primarily for his declaration of martial law, for which he was widely criticized and excoriated by a broad range of political activists. Marcos was president of the Philippines until 1983, when he and his family suddenly left the country aboard an American transport plane. This marked the end of 20 years of authoritarian rule by him and his family. Marcos passed away on September 28, 1989 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He is survived by his wife, Imelda Marcos, two children, Imee and Ferdinand Jr., and his extended relatives.