Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, born on April 5, 1947, is a Filipino politician who served as the President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010. She is the daughter of the late Philippine President Diosdado Macapagal and served in various political positions prior to becoming president.
Arroyo began her political career as an economist, serving as an assistant professor at the Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines. She later entered public service as a member of the Philippine House of Representatives, representing the province of Pampanga. Arroyo then held various ministerial positions in the government, including being the Undersecretary of Trade and Industry, the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development, and the Secretary of Trade and Industry.
In 2001, Arroyo assumed the presidency after the ousting of then-President Joseph Estrada. During her presidency, she implemented economic reforms aimed at improving the country's financial stability and attracting foreign investments. Arroyo also focused on infrastructure development and poverty alleviation, implementing several programs to address these issues.
However, her presidency was marred by controversies and allegations of corruption. She faced multiple impeachment attempts and was arrested in 2011 on charges of electoral fraud. Arroyo was later acquitted of the charges and has since transitioned into a role as a Congresswoman, representing the second district of Pampanga.
Overall, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's political career has been characterized by her ascension to the Philippine presidency, her implementation of economic and social reforms, as well as the controversies and corruption allegations that surround her tenure.
