Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (born April 5, 1947) is a politician and the current (14th) president of the Philippines. She is the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal. She was the country's first ever female vice president in 1998.

Presidency: first term (2001–2004)

Arroyo's succession to the presidency divided the country between her and Estrada's supporters and as such her first term was hounded by questions of illegitimacy from the political opposition, even though the Supreme Court had already decided on the matter. On the other hand, the overwhelming victory of her political allies and the rejection of many Estrada-affiliated politicians in the elections of May 2004 was considered by many to be virtual recognition of her presidency by the electorate.

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Her biggest challenge was to reform a government perennially perceived to be corrupt. She found it hard to fulfil this daunting task because of attempts by Estrada's supporters and her political enemies to undermine her leadership.

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On May 1, 2001, thousands of supporters of the deposed president marched to the presidential palace and demanded that Estrada, who had previously been arrested on charges of plunder, be released and reinstated. The protesters refused to be pacified and violence ensued. Arroyo declared a state of rebellion and many protesters, including prominent political leaders, were arrested. The state of rebellion was lifted after a few days, when the threat to Arroyo's government had died down.

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May 1 - 2001

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On July 27, 2003, she faced another apparent 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 asked to talk to the mostly young, rebel soldiers. They surrendered soon after it became apparent that they would be attacked by government forces. It was rumoured that this mutiny was connected to Estrada and his supporters. A former aide of Estrada has been arrested in connection with the uprising. The President formed the Feliciano Commission to investigate the mutiny. The commission later found that the rebellions, dubbed the Oakwood Mutiny (named after the hotel seized by the rebels), was planned and not spontaneous. It was clearly an attempt to bring down the Arroyo Government. The connection to Estrada, however, was never fully proven.

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July 27 - 2003 - Makati City - Metro Manila

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On August 2003, Arroyo's husband, Jose Miguel, was accused of corruption by Senator Panfilo Lacson. The senator alleged that the First Gentleman siphoned off campaign funds and contributions to a bank account under the fictitious name, "Jose Pidal". The accusations were never legally substantiated.

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August - 2003 - Senator - Panfilo Lacson - First Gentleman

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