"I want ordinary people to enjoy a decent standard of living, with ever increasing security, comfort and joy. "

Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal-Arroyo is the 14th and current president of the Philippines. She is the daughter of former President Diosdado Macapagal.

Arroyo was born Gloria Macaraeg Macapagal in Lubao. In 1961, when Arroyo was just 14 years old, her father was elected president of the Philippines, and she moved with her family into Malaysian Palace in Manila.

The valedictorian of her graduating high school class in 1964, Arroyo then studied for two years at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C. where she was a classmate of former U.S. President Bill Clinton. She earned a Master's degree in Economics from the Ateneo de Manila University and a doctorate in Economics from the University of the Philippines.

After working as an economics professor, Arroyo entered politics in 1992 when she was elected a senator, and she was re-elected in 1995. She was elected vice president of the Philippines in 1998, and became the 14th president of the Philippines on January 20, 2001 after the Supreme Court unanimously declared the position of President vacant. This was the result of a peaceful People Power revolution (EDSA Dos) that removed Joseph Estrada from power amid accusations of widespread corruption. Arroyo was elected to a six-year term in 2004, defeating actor Fernando Poe, Jr.. She is the country's second female president after Corazon Aquino.

Arroyo faces a range of economic and political challenges due to the weak finances of the Philippines and widespread corruption in the country. Her victory in the 2004 presidential election has also been challenged by her political opposition, which alleges fraud. Arroyo has refused to testify before the Philippine Congress.