Notes on Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's Administration (2001-2010)

Overview of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA)

  • Position: 14th President of the Philippines (2001-2010)
  • Background: Polyglot, valedictorian, economist, professor, mother, wife.
  • Political Transition: Came to power after EDSA People Power Revolution, ousting President Estrada.
  • Focus: Economic growth amidst political challenges and legitimacy doubts.

Key Background Information

  • Date of Birth: April 5, 1947 in Lubao, Pampanga.
  • Family: Daughter of Diosdado Macapagal, former Philippine President.
  • Education:
    • Class valedictorian from Assumption College.
    • Studied at Georgetown University and earned her degree in Economics from Assumption College (magna cum laude).
    • Obtained a Master's degree in Economics from Ateneo de Manila University (1978).
    • Ph.D. in Economics from University of the Philippines (1985).

Political Background

  • Early Career:
    • 1987: Appointed as Assistant Secretary in Department of Trade and Industry.
    • 1992: Elected as Senator (13th rank), topped Senate elections in 1995.
    • Authored significant laws: Anti-Sexual Harassment Law, Indigenous People's Rights Law, Export Development Act.
    • 1998: Elected as Vice President and served as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development.

Key Events During Presidency

Economic Achievements
  • Economic Growth: Averaged 5.0% from 2001 to the first quarter of 2008; reached over 7% GDP growth in 2007.
  • Holiday Economics: Implemented Republic Act 9492 to rationalize national holidays to boost tourism.
  • Strong Republic Nautical Highway: Improved transportation framework through a network of highways and ports (2003).
  • Expanded VAT (e-VAT): Increased VAT from 10% to 12% in November 2005 to increase government revenue.
Major Challenges and Controversies
  • Issues of Legitimacy: Immediate criticisms regarding the legitimacy of her presidency following EDSA 2.
  • Military Unrest: Experiences with military coup attempts, including the Oakwood Mutiny (July 27, 2003).
  • "Hello Garci" Scandal: Alleged election fraud in 2005 involving wiretapped conversations that could endanger her presidency.
  • Maguindanao Massacre (2009): Political violence leading to the deaths of 57 individuals. Declared Martial Law in the region.
Post-Presidency
  • Post-Presidency Activities: Served as Congresswoman and, after her term, returned to politics with significant roles.
  • Legal Troubles: Arrested on electoral fraud charges related to the 2007 elections but later acquitted in 2016.
  • Speaker of the House: Elected first female Speaker of the House in 2018.
  • Continued Influence: Contemplated retirement but campaigned for re-election in 2022.

Reflection Questions

  1. GMA’s long presidency raises questions about leadership longevity—what are your views?
  2. Consider her familial connections; does being a former president's daughter impact a leader positively or negatively?
  3. Discuss the ethics of supporting leaders involved in wrongdoing—where do you stand?