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Diosdado Macapagal[dEOsdA´thO mAkApAgAl´] Pronunciation Key, 1911–97, Philippine president (1961–65). A forceful orator, Macapagal practiced law and later served in the Philippine diplomatic service and in the house of representatives (1949–56). In 1951, he led the Philippine delegation to the United Nations. He was elected vice president on a split ticket in 1957, serving under Carlos P. Garcia. In 1961, he defeated Garcia and became president, although his Liberal party was in the minority. As president, Macapagal fought poverty, rising unemployment, and corruption. He was defeated (1965) for reelection by Ferdinand Marcos. Macapagal later organized (1979) the National Union for Liberation in opposition to Marcos's regime. His daughter, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, became president of the Philippines in 2001.
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