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==Vice Presidency==
==Vice Presidency==
Arroyo considered a run for the presidency in the [[Philippine general election, 1998|1998 election]], but was persuaded by President [[Fidel V. Ramos]] and leaders of the administration party [[Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats]] to instead seek the vice-presidency as the running mate of its presidential candidate, House Speaker [[Jose de Venecia, Jr.]]<ref name="Malaya">{{cite book |last = Malaya |first = J. Eduardo |coauthors = Jonathan E. Malaya |title = ...So Help Us God: The Presidents of the Philippines and Their Inaugural Addresses |year = 2004 |publisher = Anvil Publishing |location = Pasig City |isbn = 971-27-1487-X |pages = pp. 301-303}}</ref> Though the latter lost to popular former actor [[Joseph Ejercito Estrada]], Arroyo won the vice presidency by a large margin, garnering more than twice the votes of her closest opponent, Estrada's running mate Senator [[Edgardo Angara]].<ref name="presproj">{{cite web |url=http://www.pangulo.ph/election_results.php |title= Results of the Past Presidential & Vice-Presidential Elections |accessdate=2007-06-04 |publisher=The Philippine Presidency Project}}</ref>
Arroyo considered a run for the presidency in the [[Philippine general election, 1998|1998 election]], but was persuaded by President [[Fidel V. Ramos]] and leaders of the administration party [[Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats]] to instead seek the vice-presidency as the running mate of its presidential candidate, House Speaker [[Jose de Venecia, Jr.]]<ref name="Malaya">{{cite book |last=Malaya |first=J. Eduardo |coauthors=Jonathan E. Malaya |title=...So Help Us God: The Presidents of the Philippines and Their Inaugural Addresses |year=2004 |publisher=Anvil Publishing |location=Pasig City |isbn=971-27-1487-X |pages=pp. 301-303}}</ref> Though the latter lost to popular former actor [[Joseph Ejercito Estrada]], Arroyo won the vice presidency by a large margin, garnering more than twice the votes of her closest opponent, Estrada's running mate Senator [[Edgardo Angara]].<ref name="presproj">{{cite web |url=http://www.pangulo.ph/election_results.php |title=Results of the Past Presidential & Vice-Presidential Elections |accessdate=2007-06-04 |publisher=The Philippine Presidency Project}}</ref>


Arroyo began her term as Vice President on [[June 30]], [[1998]]. She was appointed by Estrada to a concurrent position in the cabinet as [[Department of Social Welfare and Development (Philippines)|Secretary of Social Welfare and Development]].<ref name="Malaya"/>
Arroyo began her term as Vice President on [[June 30]], [[1998]]. She was appointed by Estrada to a concurrent position in the cabinet as [[Department of Social Welfare and Development (Philippines)|Secretary of Social Welfare and Development]].<ref name="Malaya"/>


Arroyo resigned from the cabinet in October 2000, distancing herself from President Estrada, who was accused of corruption by a former political supporter, [[Chavit Singson]], Governor from Ilocos Sur.<ref name="sc">Estrada v. Arroyo, [http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2001/mar2001/146710_15.htm G.R. No. 146710-15.] (2001)</ref> She joined calls for Estrada's resignation. <ref name="sc"/>
Arroyo resigned from the cabinet in October 2000, distancing herself from President Estrada, who was accused of corruption by a former political supporter, [[Chavit Singson]], Governor from Ilocos Sur.<ref name="sc">Estrada v. Arroyo, [http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/jurisprudence/2001/mar2001/146710_15.htm G.R. No. 146710-15.] (2001)</ref> She had initially resisted pressure from allies to speak out against Estrada<ref>http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07EFD6143FF930A25753C1A9669C8B63</ref>, but eventually joined calls for Estrada's resignation.<ref name="sc"/>


==Presidency==
==Presidency==

Revision as of 10:47, 18 December 2007

Her Excellency
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
File:Ph pres arroyo.jpg
President of the Philippines
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 20, 2001
Vice PresidentTeofisto Guingona, Jr. (2001–2004)
Noli de Castro (2004–present)
Preceded byJoseph Estrada
Vice President of the Philippines
In office
June 30, 1998 – January 20, 2001
PresidentJoseph Estrada
Preceded byJoseph Estrada
Succeeded byTeofisto Guingona, Jr.
Personal details
Born (1947-04-05) 5 April 1947 (age 77)
San Juan, Rizal
Political partyLDP
Lakas-CMD
KAMPI
SpouseJose Miguel Arroyo
Signature
Websitewww.macapagal.com/gma

Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal-Arroyo (born April 5, 1947) is the 14th and current president of the Republic of the Philippines. She is the country's second female president, and the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal.

Prior to becoming president, Arroyo was the country's first female vice president. She was launched into the presidency in 2001 when a peaceful revolt ousted President Joseph Estrada amid accusations of widespread corruption. Arroyo was elected to a six-year term in 2004, defeating actor Fernando Poe, Jr..

In 2005, Arroyo was selected as the fourth most powerful woman in the world by Forbes magazine. She is ranked as number 45 on Forbes magazine's list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women in 2006,[1] and 51st in [2] 2007. Gloria Arroyo is one of the most powerful politicians in the Philippines today. Many of her policies have resulted in opposition from other groups in Filipino government and society.

Early life

President Arroyo was born Maria Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal to politician Diosdado Macapagal and his wife, Evangelina Macaraeg Macapagal. She is sister of Dr. Diosdado "Boboy" Macapagal, Jr. & Cielo Macapagal-Salgado. She spent the first years of her life in Lubao, Pampanga with her two older siblings from her father's first marriage.[3] At the age of four, she chose to live with her maternal grandmother in Iligan City.[4] She stayed there for three years, then split her time between Mindanao and Manila until the age of 11.[4]. She is fluent in English, Tagalog, Spanish and several other Philippine dialects.

In 1961, when Arroyo was just 14 years' old, her father was elected as president. She moved with her family into Malacañang Palace in Manila. A municipality was named in her honor, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro. She attended Assumption Convent for her elementary and high school education, graduating valedictorian in 1964. Arroyo then studied for two years at Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C. where she was a classmate of future United States President Bill Clinton and achieved consistent Dean's list status.[5] She then earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Assumption College, graduating magna cum laude in 1968.

In 1968, Arroyo married lawyer and businessman Jose Miguel Arroyo of Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, whom she had met while still a teenager.[3] They had three children, Juan Miguel (born 1969), Evangelina Lourdes (born 1971) and Diosdado Ignacio Jose Maria (born in 1974). She pursued a Master's Degree in Economics from the Ateneo de Manila University (1978) and a Doctorate Degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines (1985).[6] From 1977 to 1987, she held teaching positions in different schools, notably the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University. She became chairperson of the Economics Department at Assumption College.

In 1987 she was invited by President Corazon Aquino to join the government as Assistant Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry. She was promoted to Undersecretary two years later. In her concurrent position as Executive Director of the Garments and Textile Export Board, Arroyo oversaw the rapid growth of the garment industry in the late 1980s.

File:Macapagals.jpg
The young Gloria Macapagal (far right) and her family; when this picture was taken, her father Diosdado was the President of the Philippines.

Senator

Arroyo entered politics in the 1992 election, running for senator. At the first general election under the 1987 Constitution, the top twelve vote-getting senatorial candidates would win a six-year term, and the next twelve candidates would win a three-year term.[7] Arroyo ranked 13th in the elections, earning a three-year term. She was re-elected in 1995, topping the senatorial elections with nearly 16 million votes.

As a legislator, Arroyo filed over 400 bills and authored or sponsored 55 laws during her tenure as senator, including the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law, the Indigenous People's Rights Law, and the Export Development Act.[3]

The 1995 Mining Act, which allows 100% foreign ownership of Philippine mines, has come under fire from left-wing political groups.

Vice Presidency

Arroyo considered a run for the presidency in the 1998 election, but was persuaded by President Fidel V. Ramos and leaders of the administration party Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats to instead seek the vice-presidency as the running mate of its presidential candidate, House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr.[8] Though the latter lost to popular former actor Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Arroyo won the vice presidency by a large margin, garnering more than twice the votes of her closest opponent, Estrada's running mate Senator Edgardo Angara.[9]

Arroyo began her term as Vice President on June 30, 1998. She was appointed by Estrada to a concurrent position in the cabinet as Secretary of Social Welfare and Development.[8]

Arroyo resigned from the cabinet in October 2000, distancing herself from President Estrada, who was accused of corruption by a former political supporter, Chavit Singson, Governor from Ilocos Sur.[10] She had initially resisted pressure from allies to speak out against Estrada[11], but eventually joined calls for Estrada's resignation.[10]

Presidency

Succession in 2001

Main article: EDSA II
The EDSA II Revolution that catapulted Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to power is depicted on the 200-peso bill.

On January 20, 2001, after days of political turmoil and popular revolt, the Supreme Court declared the presidency vacant. The military and the national police had earlier withdrawn their allegiance to Estrada and shifted to Arroyo's side. Arroyo was sworn in the same day as the 14th president of the Philippines by then Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. Coincidentally, Arroyo assumed office the same day as US President George W. Bush. The ousting of Estrada would later be known as EDSA II.

Estrada later questioned the legitimacy of the High Court's declaration when he sought to reclaim the presidency, but the Supreme Court upheld the legitimacy of Arroyo's succession. Arroyo was able to wield and enjoy the powers and privileges of the presidency. The international community, through their respective embassies and consulates in the country, together with all the government offices and most of the armed forces, recognized Arroyo as President of the Philippines.

EDSA III Uprising

Main article: EDSA III

Protesters numbering in the thousands marched to the presidential palace on May 1, 2001 and demanded Estrada, who had previously been apparently arrested on charges of 'plunder', be released and reinstated. Violence erupted when the protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace. In response, protesters and prominent political leaders were arrested, and the protest was eventually quelled. This would be infamously (albeit informally) pronounced as EDSA III.

Support for the opposition and Estrada subsequently dwindled after the victory of administration allied candidates in the midterm elections that was held later that same month. Arroyo outlined her vision for the country as "building a strong republic" throughout her tenure. Her agenda consists of building up a strong bureaucracy, lowering crime rates, increasing tax collection, improving economic growth, and intensifying counter-terrorism efforts.

Oakwood mutiny

Main article: Oakwood mutiny

On July 26, 2003, Arroyo faced a rebellion when renegade junior officers and their followers mutinied and seized a hotel and shopping mall in the business district of Makati City in Metro Manila. Arroyo delivered a televised warning to the renegades and threatened hostile action if they did not surrender. Senator Rodolfo Biazon, a former general, was requested to talk to the mostly young, rebel soldiers. They surrendered soon after it became apparent that they would be attacked by government forces. The mutiny was rumored to have been connected to Estrada and his supporters. A former aide of Estrada has been arrested in connection with the uprising. The President created the Feliciano Commission to investigate the mutiny. The commission later found that the rebellions, dubbed the Oakwood Mutiny (named after the hotel the rebels seized), was planned and not spontaneous. It was obviously an attempt to bring down the Arroyo Government. The connection to Estrada, however, was never proven.

Jose Pidal controversy

In August 18, 2003, Senator Panfilo Lacson accused Jose Miguel Arroyo, the president's husband, of siphoning campaign funds into a bank account under the fictitious name "Jose Pidal". The accusations were never legally substantiated.[12]

The 2004 election and subsquent rigging allegations

Main article: Hello Garci scandal
Arroyo taking her Oath of Office in Cebu City on June 30, 2004.

Although the Philippine Constitution bars a president from reelection, it allows for the election of a person who has succeeded as president and has served for not more than four years.[13] In December 2002, Arroyo made the surprise announcement that she would not seek a new term in the May 2004 elections.[8] Ten months later, however, she reversed her position and declared her intention to seek a direct mandate from the people, saying "there is a higher cause to change society… in a way that nourishes our future".[14]

Arroyo faced a tough election campaign in early 2004 against Estrada friend and popular actor Fernando Poe, Jr., senator and former police general Panfilo Lacson, former senator Raul Roco, and Christian evangelist Eddie Villanueva. Her campaign platform centered on a shift to a parliamentary and federal form of government, job creation, universal health insurance, anti-illegal drugs, and anti-terrorism.[8]

Arroyo lagged behind Poe in the polls prior to the campaign season, but her popularity steadily climbed to surpass Poe's.[15] As predicted by pre-election surveys and exit polls, she won the election by a margin of over a million votes against her closest rival, Fernando Poe, Jr.[9] She took her oath of office on June 30, 2004. In a break with tradition, She chose to first deliver her inaugural address at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila before departing to Cebu City for her oath taking, the first time a Philippine president took the oath of office outside of Luzon.[8]

In the middle of 2005, Samuel Ong who is a former deputy director of the country's National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) claimed to have audio tapes of wiretapped conversations between President Arroyo and an official of the Commission on Elections. According to Ong, the contents of the tape prove that the 2004 national election was rigged by Arroyo in order to win by around one million votes. On June 27, Arroyo admitted to inappropriately speaking to a Comelec official, claiming it was a "lapse in judgement", but denied influencing the outcome of the election. Attempts to impeach Arroyo failed later that year.

Two witnesses, Antonio Rasalan and Clinton Colcol, stepped forward in August 2006, claiming involvement in an alleged plot to alter the results for the May 2004 elections. Rasalan claimed that he was fully convinced that the election returns presented at the House of Representatives were manufactured and had replaced the original documents.

Colcol, a tabulator for the Commission on Elections (Comelec), said that Arroyo only received 1,445 votes, while Poe received 2,141 in South Upi, Maguindanao during the May 2004 elections.[16][17]

State of Emergency

Main article: 2006 state of emergency in the Philippines

On Friday, February 24, 2006, an alleged coup d'état plot was uncovered in the Philippines, headed by Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim.

The declaration of Proclamation No. 1017 gave Gloria Macapagal Arroyo the power to issue warrantless (and until then unconstitutional) arrests and to take over private institutions that run public utilities.

The President, through the Department of Education, suspended classes in elementary and high school levels. In response, colleges and universities suspended classes. By virtue of PP 1017, she declared a State of Emergency for the whole country in an attempt to quell rebellion as her grip on power began to slip, stop lawless violence and promote peace and stability. The government's first move after the declaration was to disperse demonstrators, particularly the groups picketing along EDSA. Former Philippine president Corazon Aquino was among those that protested, along with leftist and extreme right activists. A number of public figures were reported to have been arrested.

After the foiling of the plot and the dispersal of the rallies, PP 1017 continued for a week on threats of military plots (such as the military stand-off of February 26 at Fort Bonifacio headed by Col. Ariel Querubin), violence, illegal rallies and public disturbance.

Six leftist representatives - Satur Ocampo, Teodoro Casiño, and Joel Virador of Bayan Muna, Liza Maza of GABRIELA, and Crispin Beltran and Rafael Mariano of Anakpawis - were charged with rebellion. Crispin Beltran of Anakpawis was arrested on February 25 on charges of inciting to sedition and rebellion. To avoid further arrest, the other five found shelter at the Batasan Complex.

On Saturday, February 25, the office of the Daily Tribune, a newspaper known as a hard-hitting critic of the Arroyo administration, was raided. After the raid, an issuance of Journalism Guideline followed, authored by the government in order to cope with the "present abnormal situation", according to then Chief of Staff Michael Defensor. The move to suppress freedom of the press against the Daily Tribune was criticized by Reporters Without Borders.[18]

The decree was lifted on March 3 2006. However the opposition, lawyers, and concerned citizens filed a complaint in the Supreme Court contesting the constitutionality of PP 1017. The court, on May 4, declared the proclamation constitutional, but said it was illegal to issue warrantless arrests and seize private institutions.

The Manila Peninsula Rebellion

Main article: Manila Peninsula Mutiny

The Peninsula Manila Rebellion was a rebellion in the Philippines on November 29, 2007. Detained Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, General Lim and other Magdalo officials walked out of their trial and marched through the streets of Makati City, called for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and seized the second floor of The Peninsula Manila Hotel along Ayala Avenue. Former Vice-President Teofisto Guingona also joined the march to the hotel.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Brigadier Gen. Danilo Lim surrendered to authorities after an armored personnel carrier rammed into the lobby of the hotel.[19]Director Geary Barias declared that the standoff at the Manila Peninsula Hotel is over as Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim along with other junior officers agreed to leave the hotel and surrender to Barias after the 6 hour siege.[20]Although they had a hard time getting out for a while due to the tear gas that was covering the area where they were hiding.

Economy

President Arroyo, President Bush and other state leaders at the 2004 APEC Trade Summit

Arroyo, a practicing economist, has made the economy the focus of her presidency. Early in her presidency, Arroyo implemented a controversial policy of holiday economics, adjusting holidays to form longer weekends with the purpose of boosting domestic tourism and allowing Filipinos more time with their families.[21] Economic growth in terms of gross domestic product has averaged 4.6% during the Arroyo presidency from 2001 up to the end of 2005. This is higher than previous recent presidents when compared to the 3.8% average of Aquino, the 3.7% average of Ramos, and the 2.8% average of Joseph Estrada. Inflation during the Arroyo presidency has been the lowest since 1986, averaging 2.5%.[22] Recently in 2nd quarter of 2007, the economy expanded at 7.5%, the fastest in 20 years.[23]

Arroyo's handling of the economy has earned praise from observers including former US President Bill Clinton, who praised Arroyo for making "tough decisions" that put the Philippine economy back in shape.[24]

The opposition, however, claims that much of this growth should be attributed to former president Estrada. Dr. Benjamin Diokno, Estrada's former Budget Secretary, claims that Estrada could not be blamed for economic performance in 1998 since his policy changes in July of 1998 would only have taken effect in 1999, and thus, Arroyo should only receive credit for economic performance from 2001 onwards. Overseas Filipino Worker remittances have increased to 13.5 percent of GDP.[25].

It was once reported that a series of 100-peso bills misspelling her name as "Arrovo" were released during the early part of her presidency. Most of these bills were withdrawn from circulation.

A controversial expanded value added tax (e-VAT) law, considered the centerpiece of the Arroyo administration's economic reform agenda[26], was implemented in November 2005, aiming to complement revenue-raising efforts that could plug the country's large budget deficit. The tax measure boosted confidence in the government's fiscal capacity and helped to strengthen the Philippine peso, making it East Asia's best performing currency in 2005-06.[27] The peso strengthened by nearly 20% in 2007, making it by far Asia's best performing currency for the year, a fact attributed to a combination of increased remittances from overseas Filipino workers and a strong domestic economy.[28]

International relations

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with George W. Bush during the latter's state visit to the Philippines in 2003.

The Arroyo administration has forged a strong relationship with the United States. Arroyo was one of the first world leaders who expressed support for the US-led coalition against global terrorism in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, and remains one of its closest allies in the war on terror.[29] Following the US-led invasion of Iraq, in July 2003 the Philippines sent a small humanitarian contingent which included medics and engineers. These troops were recalled in July 2004 in response to the kidnapping of Filipino truck driver Angelo de la Cruz.[29] With the hostage takers demands met, the hostage was released.[29] The force was previously due to leave Iraq the following month.[29] The early pullout drew international condemnation, with the United States protesting against the action, saying giving in to terrorist demands should not be an option.[29]

Arroyo's foreign policy is anchored on building strong ties with the United States, East Asian and Southeast Asian nations, and countries where overseas Filipino workers work and live.[30] In 2007, the Philippines was host to the 12th ASEAN Summit in Cebu City.

On August 21 2007, Gloria's administration asked the Senate of the Philippines to ratify a $4bn (£2bn) trade deal with Japan (signed on 2006 with the former Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi), which would create more than 300,000 jobs (by specifically increasing local exports such as shrimp to Japan). Japan also promised to hire at least 1,000 Philippine nurses. The opposition-dominated senate objected on the ground that toxic wastes would be sent to the Philippines; the government denied this due to the diplomatic notes which stated that it would not be accepting Japanese waste in exchange for economic concessions.[31]

Domestic policies

Charter change

In 2005, Arroyo initiated a movement for an overhaul of the constitution to transform the present presidential-bicameral republic into a federal parliamentary-unicameral form of government.[32] At her 2005 State of the Nation Address, she claimed "The system clearly needs fundamental change, and the sooner the better. It's time to start the great debate on Charter Change".[33]

In late 2006, the House of Representatives shelved a plan to revise the constitution through constituent assembly.[34]

Executive Order No. 464 and calibrated preemptive response

How the House of Representatives voted in favor (green) and against (blue) in impeaching Arroyo

In late September 2005, Arroyo issued an executive order stating that demonstrations without permits would be pre-emptively stopped. Then members of the military testified in Congressional hearings that they were defying a direct order not to testify about their knowledge of the election scandal. There is the issuance of Executive Order No. 464 forbidding government officials under the executive department from appearing in congressional inquiries without President Arroyo's prior consent. [4] These measures were challenged before the Supreme Court, which apparently declared some sections as unconstitutional.

Human rights

Gloria Arroyo flanked by United States Marines.

A May 2006 Amnesty International report expressed concern over the sharp rise in vigilante killings of militant activists and community workers in the Philippines.[35] Task Force Usig, a special police unit tasked to probe reported extrajudicial killings, by state run death squads counts 115 murders and says most of these are the result of an internal purge by communist rebels. [36] Human rights groups put the number as high as 830.

These violations were alleged to have been committed against left-leaning organizations and party-list groups including BAYAN, Bayan Muna and Anakpawis. These organizations accuse the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines for the deaths of these political opponents. Arroyo has condemned political killings "in the harshest possible terms" and urged witnesses to come forward. "The report, which Melo submitted to Arroyo last month, reportedly linked state security forces to the murder of militants and recommended that military officials, notably retired major general Jovito Palparan, be held liable under the principle of command responsibility for killings in their areas of assignment." [37] [38] [39] [40] [41]

General Palparan who retired September 11, 2006 has been appointed by President Arroyo to be part of the Security Council. This has alarmed left-leaning political parties about the potential for human rights violations.[42]

An independent commission was assembled in August 2006 to investigate the killings. Headed by former Supreme Court Justice Jose Melo, the group known as the Melo Commission concluded that most of the killings were instigated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, but found no proof linking the murder of activists to a "national policy" as claimed by the left-wing groups. On the other hand the report "linked state security forces to the murder of militants and recommended that military officials, notably retired major general Jovito Palparan, be held liable under the principle of command responsibility for killings in their areas of assignment."[36] Stricter anti-terror laws have also caused some concern in recent years.

Under Arroyo's government, the Philippines has become second only to Iraq as the world's riskiest place to report the news, with 23 journalists killed since 2003[43]

In her July 23, 2007 State of the Nation Address, President Arroyo has set out her agenda for her last three years in office, and called for legislation to deal with a spate of political killings that have brought international criticism to her presidency. Amid thousands of protesters in Manila, she promised to bring peace to the troubled south, and also defended a controversial new anti-terrorism legislation. Ms Arroyo told the joint session of Congress that "I would rather be right than popular."[44]Lawmakers and lawyers, however, were dismayed by the SONA's failure to highlight and address this major hindrance to human rights. Specifically, the Alternative Law Groups (ALG) echoed the lawmakers’ position that Mrs Arroyo failed to take responsibility for the problem.[45]

Amnesty proclamation

On September 5 2007, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Amnesty Proclamation 1377 for members of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army; other communist rebel groups; and their umbrella organization, the National Democratic Front. The amnesty will cover the crime of rebellion and all other crimes "in pursuit of political beliefs," but not including crimes against chastity, rape, torture, kidnapping for ransom, use and trafficking of illegal drugs and other crimes for personal ends and violations of international law or convention and protocols "even if alleged to have been committed in pursuit of political beliefs." The National Committee on Social Integration (NCSI) will issue a Certificate of Amnesty to qualified applicants. Implementing rules and regulations are being drafted and the decree will be submitted to the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives for their concurrence. The proclamation becomes effective only after Congress has concurred.[46]

Estrada pardon

On October 25, 2007, Arroyo granted pardon to Joseph Estrada based on the recommendation by the Department of Justice. Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye quoted the signed Order: "In view hereof in pursuant of the authority conferred upon me by the Constitution, I hereby grant Executive clemency to Joseph Ejercito Estrada, convicted by the Sandiganbayan of plunder and imposed a penalty of reclusion perpetua. He is hereby restored to his civil and political rights." Bunye noted that Estrada committed in his application not to seek public office, and he would be free from his Tanay resthouse on October 26, noon.[47][48][49]

The Sumilao Farmers' March

On December 3, 2007, 55 farmers of the Higaonon tribe from Sumilao, Bukidnon arrived in Metro Manila, 2 months after their march through 13 provinces from Mindanao to ask the government to stop the conversion of the land they are claiming into a hog farm. They farmers petitioned the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to issue a cease-and-desist order (CDO) on the contested 144-hectare property in Barangay (village) San Vicente, Sumilao which San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI) converted into a hog farm. The Supreme Court of the Philippines had earlier dismissed the farmers' rights lack of legal standing. Farmer Tuminhay stated that: “Our titles were cancelled because Norberto Quisumbing was allowed to convert his land on condition that he would implement a five-year development plan. Since he did not implement the plan, it is only proper that DAR renew the CARP process and give us back our titles.” Quisumbing's development plan for the property included the establishment of a development academy, a cultural center, an institute for livelihood science, a museum, library, golf course, a sports development complex, an agro-industrial park, forest development and support facilities, and construction of a 360-room hotel, restaurant, housing projects, inter alia.[50] On December 17, 2007, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo revoked the conversion order on the disputed 144-hectare lot in Sumilao, Bukidnon, resulting to the return of the land ownership to the 55 members of the Higaonon tribe farmers who marched 1,700 kilometers for 2 months from Mindanao to Metro Manila. The order, signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, reads: “Wherefore premises considered and as recommended by DAR, the petition for cancellation and/or revocation of the conversion order covering 144 hectares of land…is hereby granted.” San Miguel Foods as landowner must be paid the current value of the property before the land can be distributed to the farmers.[51]

Criticism and public perception

Domestic perception

Most Filipinos consider President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the “most corrupt (president) in the history of the Philippines," according to results of a survey done by Pulse Asia from October 20 to 31, 2007.[52][53]

Appendix

Arroyo is both Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and Chief Girl Scout of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.[54][55]

References

  1. ^ "The 100 Most Powerful Women". Forbes. 2006-08-31. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  2. ^ ITH, Forbes names Merkel world's most powerful woman for second year in row; Rice slips to 4th
  3. ^ a b c "Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo". Current Biography International Yearbook 2004. The H. W. Wilson Company. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  4. ^ a b Spaeth, Anthony (2001-01-29). "Glory, Gloria!". TIME Pacific. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  5. ^ "Gloria Arroyo, The Most Powerful Women". Forbes. 2005-11-01. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  6. ^ "President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Biography". Office of the President. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  7. ^ "Article 18: Transitory Provisions". The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. The Official Website of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  8. ^ a b c d e Malaya, J. Eduardo (2004). ...So Help Us God: The Presidents of the Philippines and Their Inaugural Addresses. Pasig City: Anvil Publishing. pp. pp. 301-303. ISBN 971-27-1487-X. {{cite book}}: |pages= has extra text (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ a b "Results of the Past Presidential & Vice-Presidential Elections". The Philippine Presidency Project. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  10. ^ a b Estrada v. Arroyo, G.R. No. 146710-15. (2001)
  11. ^ http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07EFD6143FF930A25753C1A9669C8B63
  12. ^ Ubac, Michael Lim (2007-04-13). "Mike Arroyo: President's 'buffer, shield, eyes and ears'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  13. ^ "Article 7: Executive Department". The 1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. The Official Website of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  14. ^ "Arroyo U-turn on re-election bid". CNN. 2003-10-04. Retrieved 2006-06-04.
  15. ^ Mangahas, Mahar (2004-05-08). "SWS May 1-4, 2004 Survey". Social Weather Stations. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  16. ^ Norman Bordadora (2006-08-18). "2 men claim cheating for Arroyo in '04 election". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2006-09-13.
  17. ^ [1]
  18. ^ "Philippines". Annual report 2007. Reporters Without Borders. 2007. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
  19. ^ Gma News, Trillanes, Lim decide to call it quits - report
  20. ^ GMA News, 'It's over,' says Barias of hotel standoff
  21. ^ Calica, Aurea (2007-01-19). "GMA bares list of holidays". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  22. ^ Lopez, Tony. "The best president after Marcos". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
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  24. ^ http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=90950
  25. ^ Diokno, Benjamin (2006-12-11). "Hunger records reach new high". Manila Times. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  26. ^ http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/07/03/business/peso.php
  27. ^ https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rp.html
  28. ^ http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=97&twindow=&mad=&sdetail=17246&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1718&hn=pacificnewscenter&he=.com
  29. ^ a b c d e http://www.cnn.com/2004/WORLD/meast/07/16/philippines.hostage/index.html
  30. ^ http://www.op.gov.ph/publications/srvision.pdf
  31. ^ BBC NEWS, Philippines fight over trade deal
  32. ^ Dalangin-Fernandez, Lira (2006-07-27). "People's support for Charter change 'nowhere to go but up'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2006-07-27. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ "2005 State of the Nation Address". The Official Website of the Republic of the Philippines. 2005-07-25. Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  34. ^ Ubac, Michael Lim (2006-12-12). "Arroyo allies retreat". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2007-06-06.
  35. ^ "2006 Elections to the Human Rights Council - Background information on candidate countries". Amnesty International. 2006-05-01. Retrieved 2006-09-13.
  36. ^ a b Alberto, Thea (2007-02-15). "Melo: Commission report 'complete'". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  37. ^ "State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo". The Official Website of the Republic of the Philippines. 2006-07-24. Retrieved 2007-06-05.
  38. ^ http://www.pinoyhr.net/
  39. ^ http://www.pcusa.org/pcnews/2007/07271.htm
  40. ^ http://www.radiopinoyusa.com/radiopinoy_news.php?id=NEWS-00592}
  41. ^ http://hrw.org/reports/2007/philippines0607/
  42. ^ Norman Borbadora (2006-09-09). "Reign of terror continues". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2006-09-13. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  43. ^ A Philippine Shame
  44. ^ "Arroyo lays out economic agenda". BBC News. 2007-07-23. Retrieved 2007-07-23.
  45. ^ [3]
  46. ^ Inquirer.net, Arroyo signs amnesty proclamation for communists
  47. ^ news.monstersandcritics.com, Philippine leader pardons ex-president Estrada
  48. ^ Inquirer.net, Arroyo grants pardon to Estrada
  49. ^ GMA News, Estrada granted executive clemency
  50. ^ Inquirer.net, Protesting Sumilao farmers reach Manila After 2-month march from Mindanao
  51. ^ Inquirer.net, Palace restores Sumilao land to agricultural use
  52. ^ GMA News, Survey: Arroyo most corrupt, Aquino cleanest of 5 prexies
  53. ^ The Daily Tribune, Gloria ‘most corrupt’ president in RP history—Pulse
  54. ^ "National Leadership (2005-2006)". Boy Scouts of the Philippines. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
  55. ^ "Central Board". Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Retrieved 2007-06-04.
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Template:Incumbent succession boxTemplate:Incumbent succession boxTemplate:Incumbent succession box
Preceded by Vice President of the Philippines
1998 – 2001 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Secretary of Foreign Affairs
2002 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Secretary of National Defense
2003 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Secretary of National Defense
2006 – 2007 		Succeeded by

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