Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal-Arroyo, born on April 5, 1947, is a distinguished Filipino economist and politician who made history as the 14th president of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010. She holds the record as the longest-serving president since Ferdinand Marcos. Prior to her presidency, she served as the 10th vice president from 1998 to 2001, marking a significant milestone as the first female to hold this position. Her political journey also includes a tenure as a senator from 1992 to 1998.

Arroyo's political lineage is notable; she is the daughter of Diosdado Macapagal, the ninth president of the Philippines. Her academic credentials are equally impressive, having studied economics at Georgetown University, where she formed a friendship with future U.S. president Bill Clinton. She later became a professor of economics at the Ateneo de Manila University, where she taught future leaders, including President Benigno Aquino III.

Her rise to the presidency was marked by significant events, including her resignation from the cabinet amid corruption allegations against then-President Joseph Estrada. Following Estrada's ousting during the Second EDSA Revolution in 2001, Arroyo was sworn in as president. Her administration was characterized by her opposition to the death penalty, which she abolished in 2006, commuting the sentences of over one thousand prisoners.

After her presidency, Arroyo continued her public service as the representative of Pampanga's 2nd district, a role she has maintained since 2010. She also held various leadership positions in the House of Representatives, including speaker and deputy speaker. Despite facing legal challenges, including charges of electoral sabotage and misuse of state funds, she was acquitted by the Supreme Court during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, reaffirming her resilience in the political arena.