Gloria Macapagal Arroyo: President of the Philippines

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (born April 5, 1947, San Juan, Philippines) was the 14th president of the Philippines (2001–10) and the second woman to hold the office. The daughter of Diosdado Macapagal, who served as president from 1961 to 1965, she grew up in a political environment that shaped her career.

Arroyo studied economics at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where she was classmates with future U.S. president Bill Clinton. She later graduated magna cum laude in economics from Assumption College in 1968, earned a master’s degree at Ateneo de Manila University (1978), and a doctorate at the University of the Philippines (1986).

Entry into Politics

Initially a professor of economics, Arroyo entered government when President Corazon Aquino appointed her undersecretary of trade and industry in 1986. She won a Senate seat in 1992 and was reelected in 1995 with a record 16 million votes.

In 1998 she was elected vice president, receiving more votes than presidential winner Joseph Estrada, who appointed her secretary of social welfare and development. Estrada’s administration was rocked by corruption scandals, and in January 2001 he was ousted by mass protests. Arroyo assumed the presidency on January 20, 2001.

Presidency (2001–2010)

Arroyo’s presidency began under turmoil, with protests by Estrada supporters and coup attempts by disaffected soldiers. She declared brief states of rebellion in 2001 and 2003, and a state of emergency in 2006 after a failed coup.

Her administration pursued economic growth and anti-corruption pledges, but she was dogged by accusations of electoral fraud following her 2004 reelection. Terrorism was a major concern, highlighted by the 2004 SuperFerry bombing by Abu Sayyaf, which killed more than 100 people.

In 2009 the Maguindanao massacre, involving political allies of her administration, led her to briefly declare martial law in the region. Constitutionally barred from reelection, she ran for Congress in 2010 and won a seat.

Legal Battles and Later Career

After leaving office, Arroyo faced numerous legal challenges. She was arrested in 2011 for alleged electoral fraud and later accused of accepting bribes and misusing state lottery funds. For several years she remained under hospital detention until the Philippine Supreme Court dismissed the charges in 2016.

Returning to politics, Arroyo became an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte and was elected speaker of the House of Representatives in 2018.

Legacy

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo remains a polarizing figure in Philippine politics. To supporters, she was a capable economist who stabilized the country and navigated crises. To critics, her presidency was overshadowed by allegations of corruption and electoral fraud. Nonetheless, her role as both president and later speaker demonstrates her resilience and influence in the nation’s political life.

Key Facts at a Glance