Serving as the 14th president of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo holds the distinction of being the longest-serving head of state in the country since Ferdinand Marcos. Her career spans multiple decades, encompassing roles in academia, executive government positions, and legislative leadership within both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Academic and Early Professional Foundation
Born in 1947 in San Juan, she is the daughter of former president Diosdado Macapagal. Her educational background includes studies at Assumption College San Lorenzo and the Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. She later attended the University of the Philippines and the Ateneo de Manila University. Prior to her entry into national politics, she served as a university teacher, holding faculty positions at the Ateneo de Manila University.
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She entered the national stage as a senator in 1992, serving until 1998. During this period, she authored numerous legislative acts. Her executive experience expanded when she served as the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development from 1998 to 2000. Concurrent with this cabinet role, she was elected as the 10th vice president of the Philippines, holding the office until 2001.
Presidency and Post-Presidential Service
Assuming the presidency in 2001, she led the country for nearly a decade, including a full six-year term beginning in 2004. Her administration notably oversaw the 2006 abolition of the death penalty. Following her presidency, she returned to the legislature, serving as a member of the House of Representatives in multiple terms beginning in 2010. She held the position of Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines from 2016 to 2017 and again in 2022.
Fast facts
- Born: 1947, San Juan, Philippines
- Presidency: 2001–2010
- Religion: Catholic Church
- Languages: Spanish, English, Tagalog, Kapampangan
- Secretary of National Defense: 2006–2007
- Member of: Philippine Academy of the Spanish Language
- Awards include: Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic (2007)
- Positions held: Vice President of the Philippines (1998–2001)
Questions readers ask
What academic subjects did she teach?
She was a professor of economics at the Ateneo de Manila University.
Did she hold positions in the legislative branch after her presidency?
Yes, she served as a member of the House of Representatives from 2010 to 2016 and again starting in 2022, also serving as Deputy Speaker.
Achievements
- member of the House of Representatives (from 2022)
- Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines (2016–2017)
- member of the House of Representatives (2016–2019)
- member of the House of Representatives (2013–2016)
- Collar of the Order of Isabella the Catholic — 2007
- Order of the Star of Romania
- Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
- Educated at Walsh School of Foreign Service and Georgetown University
