Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Philippines

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, completing two consecutive terms after succeeding Joseph Estrada and winning the 2004 election. Her presidency emphasized economic growth, infrastructure development, and social policies aimed at reducing poverty.

A defining aspect of Arroyo's administration was her proactive economic development strategy. She launched the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, which aimed to provide jobs and support for over 375,000 unemployed and vulnerable workers. The government allocated approximately 13 billion pesos for public works and enterprise projects focused on combating poverty and unemployment.

Infrastructure development was another key element of Arroyo’s policies, viewed as vital for stimulating economic progress. Public spending on infrastructure accounted for roughly 25% of total government expenditure from 2001 to 2007, averaging about 100 billion pesos each year. Significant projects included key highways like the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), greatly improving connectivity between Metro Manila and northern provinces; this development notably reduced travel times and enhanced commerce. Additional infrastructure feats included the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road Tollway and the Bohol Circumferential Road, which significantly cut travel time within the Visayas region.

In terms of social policies, Arroyo's focus on healthcare improvements was notable, with her administration working to increase access to medical services for many Filipinos. Her medium-term development plan (2006-2010) invested in infrastructure alongside social initiatives to promote wider economic development.

Arroyo also aimed for constitutional reforms, suggesting a change from a presidential-bicameral system to a federal parliamentary-unicameral government through a proposal known as “Charter Change.” She believed this shift could improve governmental efficiency and address long-standing systemic issues; however, this initiative faced numerous political challenges and was ultimately shelved in 2006.

Her presidency was marked by various controversies. Arroyo issued contested executive orders, including EO 464 in 2005, which restricted government officials from speaking to Congress without her approval; this decision led to legal challenges and was revoked in 2008.

In summary, Arroyo's presidency centered on economic stability, expanding infrastructure, and investing in social programs, all aimed at driving growth and development in the Philippines, despite facing political and legal turbulence.

After her presidency ended in 2010, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo remained a key political figure in the Philippines. She was elected multiple times as the representative of Pampanga's 2nd district, focusing on issues like economic reforms, education, and health. Although she faced allegations of electoral fraud and plunder tied to events like the fertilizer fund scam and NBN-ZTE deal, the Supreme Court acquitted her in 2016.

In 2018, Arroyo made history as the first female and former president to serve as Speaker of the House of Representatives, showcasing her lasting influence. Even amid political challenges, she shaped legislative agendas and became the presidential adviser on Clark projects in 2020. By the 2022 elections, she rejoined Congress, backing the administration's initiatives and solidifying her position as a strong force in Philippine politics.