Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made history as the 14th President of the Philippines, a leader who navigated political storms, economic challenges, and legal controversies while maintaining a remarkable degree of political resilience. As the second woman to ever hold the highest office in the country, she defied numerous odds and entrenched political dynasties, carving out a significant space in Philippine history. Her time in office was marked by strong economic growth, significant reforms, but also by scandals and corruption allegations that would haunt her legacy.
Her presidency spanned two terms, from 2001 to 2010, and was preceded by a tumultuous political backdrop. Arroyo’s rise to power was itself a dramatic turn of events in the nation’s political landscape, with her ascent signaling both the fragility and resilience of Philippine democracy.
Early Life and Education
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was born on April 5, 1947, in San Juan, Metro Manila, to a family of political prominence. Her father, Dr. Diosdado Macapagal, was the 9th President of the Philippines (1961–1965). Her mother, Eva Macaraeg, was a well-educated woman with a keen interest in public service.
Arroyo was an exceptional student from an early age. She pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics at Assumption College in Manila before earning a Master’s degree in Economics from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. in 1971. She later completed a Doctorate in Economics at the prestigious University of the Philippines in 1985, establishing herself as one of the few economists in Philippine political leadership.
Her academic credentials set her apart from other politicians and gave her a technical foundation that would serve her well in governance.
Entry Into Politics: From Senator to Vice President
Arroyo’s political career began in 1987 when she was elected to the Philippine Senate, after returning to the Philippines from studying abroad. She served in the Senate for two terms, from 1987 to 1995, and established herself as a formidable legislator, particularly in areas concerning economic policies and foreign investments. Her legal and academic background allowed her to engage effectively in policymaking.
In 1995, Arroyo ran for and won a congressional seat representing Pampanga. She quickly rose in prominence, earning recognition for her leadership in the House of Representatives, particularly on issues such as education and economic reforms.
In 1998, Arroyo achieved a new milestone when she was selected as Vice President of the Philippines under President Joseph Estrada. Her selection was seen as a strategic move, as she brought with her a reputation for integrity and policy expertise.
The 2001 People Power Revolution and Presidential Ascension
In January 2001, the Philippines witnessed a dramatic political upheaval. A scandal involving President Joseph Estrada, who was facing allegations of corruption, led to a massive outpouring of public dissatisfaction. Estrada was accused of plundering state resources, and his impeachment proceedings became the focal point of national unrest.
When Estrada was forced to step down due to mass protests and a military revolt, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as the vice president, was sworn in as the 14th President of the Philippines on January 20, 2001. Her rise was marked by the second People Power Revolution, which brought down a sitting president and solidified Arroyo’s place in Philippine political history.
First Term: Economic Reforms and Political Challenges
Arroyo inherited a nation in turmoil. Estrada’s departure created a power vacuum, and her immediate task was to stabilize the economy and restore public faith in the government. Her first term saw significant economic reforms aimed at fostering growth and improving the country’s fiscal health. Among her administration’s key achievements were:
1. Fiscal and Economic Stabilization
Arroyo prioritized stabilizing the Philippine economy, which had been severely impacted by the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s and Estrada’s controversial governance. She implemented policies to reduce the government’s budget deficit and introduced tax reforms, including the controversial Value Added Tax (VAT) expansion in 2005. These measures were necessary to increase government revenue and pay down debt but were often unpopular due to their impact on ordinary Filipinos.
Arroyo’s economic team was lauded for its success in securing economic growth, with the Philippines emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies in Asia in the mid-2000s. In fact, during her presidency, the country recorded one of the highest growth rates in the region, with annual GDP growth regularly exceeding 5%.
2. Infrastructure Development
During her presidency, Arroyo focused on infrastructure development, particularly in roads, airports, and public transportation systems. Her “Build, Build, Build” initiative contributed to the modernization of the country’s physical infrastructure and stimulated local economies.
3. Peace and Order
Arroyo’s administration worked toward peace agreements with several insurgent groups, including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), although the peace process faced setbacks and continued to be a challenge throughout her term.
4. Foreign Relations
On the international front, Arroyo emphasized the Philippines’ role in ASEAN and international trade. She strengthened the Philippines’ ties with the United States, but also maintained a balance in its relations with China and other Asian countries.
Second Term: Political Instability and Controversies
Despite her economic successes, Arroyo’s second term, from 2004 to 2010, was fraught with political instability and scandals.
1. The 2004 Election Controversy
One of the defining moments of Arroyo’s second term was the controversy surrounding the 2004 presidential election. Arroyo won re-election by a narrow margin, defeating film actor Fernando Poe Jr. However, her victory was marred by accusations of electoral fraud, particularly after a wiretapped conversation between her and a top official emerged, suggesting that she had manipulated the election results. The scandal, known as the “Hello Garci” scandal, caused widespread public outrage and led to calls for her resignation.
Despite the pressure, Arroyo managed to survive multiple impeachment attempts and widespread protests. However, the legitimacy of her presidency was forever questioned, and the trust deficit between her and the public grew.
2. Corruption Allegations
Arroyo’s administration also faced numerous corruption allegations, particularly concerning the National Broadband Network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corporation. The deal was reportedly overpriced, and Arroyo was accused of approving it to benefit her political allies. Investigations into this deal led to protests, and while Arroyo was never formally charged, her image was severely tarnished.
3. Martial Law and the Mindanao Conflict
In response to rising insurgent activity, particularly from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Arroyo declared Martial Law in parts of Mindanao in 2009, a controversial decision that sparked protests and fears of the reemergence of authoritarian rule. Despite this, Arroyo maintained her focus on pursuing peace negotiations with various insurgent groups.
Post-Presidency: Legal Troubles and Legacy
After stepping down in 2010, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo remained a significant figure in Philippine politics, serving as a congresswoman for Pampanga and later as House Speaker. However, her post-presidency years have been marked by legal challenges. She faced several charges of corruption and plunder, particularly related to the NBN-ZTE scandal. In 2016, she was released from detention after the Supreme Court ruled that she could post bail, and she continued her political career.
While some critics maintain that her political and economic legacy is tainted by corruption, others argue that Arroyo’s tenure brought significant economic improvements to the Philippines. The economic reforms she implemented during her administration paved the way for future growth, and her efforts at infrastructure development helped modernize the country’s aging systems.
Conclusion
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s presidency was one of both success and scandal, where she transformed the country economically, yet faced persistent accusations of corruption and electoral manipulation. She is a deeply polarizing figure in Philippine politics, viewed by some as a capable leader who steered the country through difficult times, while others criticize her for the controversies that marred her rule. Her time in office, however, remains a significant chapter in the nation’s history—a reminder of the complex interplay between governance, power, and public perception.
Arroyo’s legacy, shaped by both accomplishments and legal battles, is unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon, as it continues to inform political discourse and governance in the Philippines.
