1.
"Freedom entails responsibility. A basic principle of democracy lies in the concept
that a man's freedom to swing his arm freely ends before it hits his neighbor's
nose."
- Speech of PGMA,
February 26, 2001
2. "For three months before the 20th of January, the fundamental
issues of our society were the political crisis that pertained to the wrong kind of
governance, and the trial not only of a President but of the very integrity of our basic
national institutions."
3. "The first of my core beliefs pertains to the elimination of
poverty. This is our unfinished business from the past. It dates back to the creation of
our Republic whose seeds were sown in the revolution launched in 1896 by a plebeian Andres
Bonifacio."
4. "To ensure that our gains are not dissipated through corruption,
we must improve our moral standards. As we create fertile ground for good governance based
on a sound moral foundations. A philosophy of transparency and an ethic of effective
implementation."
5. "We are bold, we are proud of how we resolved the recent crisis.
We aspire to show the world that before this decade is out we will not only conquer
poverty but lead the way among our peers in tapping into the opportunities of the world's
new economy, foreign businessmen, be with us in this mission."
- Speech of PGMA during the Luncheon with the Joint Foreign Chambers (Nos. 2-5)
Rizal Ballroom, Manila, Feb. 12, 2001
6. "To all rebels of all factions, I say, that now is the time to
heal and the time to build. We owe this to our country, we owe this to the Filipino."
- Inaugural Speech
January 20, 2001
7. "I am not a traditional politician who likes to give promises
and deadlines. Our administration is an administration of healing and that is the
direction we go. I believe that the penal system is for rehabilitation rather than for
revenge. So if anybody is entitled to a parole that person will get it regardless of
gender."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
March 8,2001
8. "Ang simpleng sagot ay ang ating pagkakaisa. Magkaisa tayo,
alisin natin ang galit at sisihan sa isa't-isa. Tagumpay ang naging bunga ng ating
pagkakaisa noon sa Edsa, ngayon ay muli tayong magkaisa sa pamamagitan ng patuloy ng
pag-uusap at pagtutulungan. Harapin natin ang bukas ng buong pagtitiwala. Dagdagan natin
ang pagsisikap at pag-ibayuhin ang ating pagkakaisa."
- Speech, Sta. Cruz, Laguna
March 9, 2001
9. "Our society is a multi-ethnic one which should be founded on
social justice for all and the institutionalized accommodation of ethnic traditions.
Because after all whether we are Christians, Muslims or Lumads, whether they are Chinese
in Sulu or Sulatan Kudarat or Spanish or Tagalog or Cebuanos, whatever names we are called
among these, the answer to them is Filipinos. A Filipino answers to many names because our
heritage is varied and that is a wonderful heritage, it is a rich heritage.
- Speech, Parang, Maguindanao
March 14, 2001
10. "Bagong pulitika ay hindi bagong personalidad. Ang umiiral ay
konsultasyon para malaman kung ano ang inyong talagang pangangailangan. Iyon po ang ating
tawag na bagong pulitika kung saan paiiralin natin ang sistema ng institutionalized
consultation with the people. Dito ang mahihirap, kasama ng maralitang taga Lungsod ay
hindi tinuturing na problema ng pamahalaan. Sa halip kayo ay kasama sa paghahanap ng
solusyon sa problema."
- Speech, Launching of the National Membership and Fund Drive of the Phil. National Red
Cross, Club Filipino, Greenhills, March 15, 2001
11. " The Filipino, crises and all, is truly worth living and dying
for."
-Inaugural Speech
January 20, 2001
12. "I have no grandiose dreams to become a great President. But I
want to be a good President. Help me be a good President."
- Speech during her first day in Malacanang, January 22, 2001
13. "… Together, we will light the healing and cleansing
flame."
- Inaugural Speech
January 20, 2001
14. " Peace is non-negotiable."
- Press Conference, Commitment to Peace in Mindanao
April 2, 2001
15. " The truth is I am cute and short but I am above gossip."
- Gridiron Night
April 20, 2001
16. "Just articulate what we are doing, less glitz, less porma,
more substance. Just be candid."
- Statement to Presidential Spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao,
April 20, 2001
17. "Do what is right, do your best, let God take care of the
rest."
- PGMA's motto
-
18. "Practice what you preach."
- PGMA & her late father's old adage
19. " We are also implementing austerity measures to do more with
less, a peso worth of result for every peso we spend"
- Speech, Business Meeting with PCCI
February 21, 2001
20. "That's up to Divine Providence. Divine Providence put me here.
The Lord is a very good Manager of my career."
- On her reelection bid in 2004
21. "We must be bold in our national ambitions, so our challenge
must be that within this decade, we will win the fight against poverty."
- One of her personal goals as President
22. "I believe that public service is a public trust."
23. "The true measure of good governance is improvement in the
lives of the people."
24. "Those who have less in life must have more in service and
development assistance."
25. "I believe in genuine responsible democracy."
26. "I believe in listening to and listening from those whom I
serve."
(Nos. 22-26:The Moral Compass of the
Macapagal-Arroyo Government)
27. "We shall give peace a chance for this is the pragmatic, moral,
and just option"
- Command Briefing at Phil. Navy
March 21, 2001
28. "Malacanang is not bothered…. There will be minimal effect on the economy.
The effect on the economy would be worse if we were not to pursue justice,"
- On the anticipated arrest of ousted former
President Joseph Estrada
April 18, 2001
29. I hope he will find peace in his heart."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
April 18, 2001
30. "There will be no peace table for them. The only peace for them
is the peace of the graveyard."
- Reiterating policy of all-out war against the Abu Sayyaf rebels
CNN News Release, April 15, 2001
31. "If they want to stay alive, they should surrender. Otherwise,
they will be pulverized."
- To the Abu Sayyaf on Schilling's rescue
CNN News Release, April 15, 2001
32. "My example is integrity."
- Interview with Asiaweek
January 24, 2001
33. "We can never be complacent."
- On possible repeats of coup attempts that plagued former Pres. Aquino presidency
CNN News Release, January 23, 2001
34. "That is not dangerous. That's exemplary. People power is
institutionalized in our constitution."
- On being asked if she was not worried about two people power revolts in 15 years,
CNN News Release, January 23, 2001
35. " Should you, however, persist in your evil designs, I say to
you: You can try but you will fail. You cannot win against the people, I shall crush
you."
- To the destabilizers of the new government
First Press Conference, January 30, 2000
36. "But one thing is non-negotiable. Charges will be pursued. We
will be fair. We will give the former president his day in court."
- First Press Conference
January 30, 2001
37. " I have a mind of my own. I am not influenced by FVR, Cardinal
Sin or at least dictated on by them."
- Gridiron Night, NPC
April 20, 2001
38. "We don't need shadows in this government. This is a government
of transparency where accountabilities are institutionalized."
- On the abolition of PAOCTF
39. "I wouldn't mind if you were nice to me once in a blue
moon."
- Gridiron Night, NPC
April 20, 2001
40. "These are indicators of trust. … and that the
strengthening of democracy is the prevailing position."
- On the strong comebacks of the stock market and the peso
PGMA's 6th day in office
41. "I will take democracy anytime rather than the silence of the
dictatorship."
-Gridiron Night, NPC
April 20, 2001
42. "Really, I am independent. I make decisions based on what I
think is best for the
nation."
- Gridiron Night, NPC
April 20, 2001
43. "I shake hands, I have shaken hands with millions of people. I am the President
of
all Filipinos. When I visit the prison I shake the hands of the prisoners in jail."
- On criticisms regarding her shaking hands with Norberto Manero, Jr.
Press Conference, April 17, 2001
44. "…it is very clear the equivalent of forgiveness is the
acceptance of the sins and heartfelt repentance in order to become deserving of the
sacrifices of the Lord"
- Lenten Message
April 15, 200
45. " …the only way to build a brighter future for the
Philippines is "leadership by example."
- Interview with Associated Press
46. "I assure my countrymen that the law will always be enforced
without fear or favor. No one but no one can set conditions for the dispensation of
justice, be he a political figure or an ordinary criminal"
- Press Conference, Malacanang
April 10, 2001
47. "I don't think that spreading pornography even if it is well
made and even if it is only soft porn is the way by which we improve moral standards in
government and in society."
- Press Con, MOPC President's Night,
March 29, 2001
48. "While freedom of expression is really one of the hallmarks of
a free and democratic society, we cannot allow pornography, which caters to the baser
instincts, to go on corrupting the people"
- Defending the banning of the film "Live Show"
49. "I hope they will not vote for those with the biggest mouths,
the biggest names and the biggest spenders but those who are best, who are most qualified
and that is determined by using your head rather than your passion"
- Press Conference, Malacanang
April 02, 2001
50. "The unanimous decision of the Supreme Court signals that once
again we should hit the ground running. I will lead as I have been mandated to lead."
- On the Supreme Court's 13-0 decision
affirming her presidency
51. "For the second time in fifteen years, democracy in the Philippines was lifted up
to the light of global scrutiny and was found remarkably, singularly swift yet decisive,
vigorous and yet prudent, bloodless yet uncompromising.
-Vin D'Honneur, Ceremonial Hall, Malacanang
January 23, 2001
52. "We should, of course, not confine the national agenda to eloquent programs and
mission statements. Rather, we should focus on concrete results that will make a
difference in people's live."
- Speech, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City,
January 27, 2001
53. "Without the permanent forms of enmity solutions much be reached not with loud
voices and debate only but by respectful dialog and consultations. We must balance
advocacy and inquiry. This balance means clearly stating what we think by opening our
minds to other options."
- Speech, Supreme Court-Use of Mediation Courts, Manila Hotel, March 21, 2001
54. "Morality is the bedrock of public service. And this must start by the example
set by leadership at a highest levels."
- Speech, Phil. Navy, Headquarters
March 21, 2001
55. "I do not plan my life. I leave it up to God"
- Birthday, April 5, 2001
56. "I am only human. It is only human to want approval"
- Reaction to SWS survey showing her approval rating from -4 to +24
57. "As I have said time and again, this people power
administration is committed to peace….. peace in our time"
- Commitment to restoration of peace
58. "We women have proven without doubt that we can do what men
can."
- Speech, International Women's Day
ULTRA, March 8, 2001
59. "I think it is most eventful. It is probably one of the most
memorable moments of my presidency."
- Reaction to the hostile reception she got from Smokey Mountain
residents
Press Conference, Malacanang
March 8, 2001
60. " It is not a cabinet that meets at midnight"
- Speech, Business Meeting with the PCCI
February 21, 2001
61. "The days of plunder are over."
- Press Conference
March 20, 2001
62. "We will work to the bone that the Filipino is a man or woman
of honesty, integrity and probity."
- Press Conference
March 20, 2001
63. "Like Caesar's wife, we must be above suspicion and we must see
to it that morality, transparency and commitment will be supreme, always and
everywhere."
- Press Conference
March 20, 2001
64. "We have to work on the substance before we deliver the
message."
- Press Conference
March 20, 2001
65. "I am not afraid of coup attempts. The military now is very
professional."
- Farewell Ceremony for outgoing
AFP Gen. Angelo Reyes
March 10, 2001
66. "Peace is our preferred strategy at this point in history
because this is the moral, humane, practical thing to do. We shall therefore give peace a
chance."
- PMA Graduation
March 25, 2001
67. "The full force of the law would be unleashed on them. We shall
pursue every one of them relentlessly, pursue them and annihilate them."
- Statement for an "all-out" war against the Abu Sayyaf
April 02, 2001
68. "This is the unfinished business from the past and this is the challenge of the
present."
-Speech, Inauguration of 30 modular and steel bridges
April 5, 2001
69. "…The problems we face are many and diverse, we will make
a difference."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
January 30, 2001
70. "Our Cabinet members were chosen on the basis of competence,
integrity and dedication to serve the country."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
January 30, 200171.
"The court has spoken, and the message is clear. In the meantime,
let the trial begin."
- Statement on Estrada's arrest
April 25, 2001
72. "We cannot allow this nation to turn into a playground of
global criminal syndicates."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
April 24, 2001
73. "Well, if he wants me to visit him, I will."
- When asked of visiting Mr. Estrada in jail
Press Conference
April 24, 2001
73. "Never again must our Muslim brethren find reason to rebel, or to seek
independence or secession. Let us wield our mind together in search of genuine unity and
solidarity based on mutual respect and trust, sincere understanding and a common vision
for the upliftment and empowerment of our people."
- Speech, Malacanang,
March 28, 2001
74. "There will be 'no negotiations' policy with the Abu Sayyaf
group. This group of bandits must be neutralized."
-Speech, PMA Alumni Association Annual Convention
January 27, 2001
75. "By taking up the people's cause and treading the high road of
conviction, you have walked into history. Again, through Edsa People Power 2, we have
shown the world that, with the guidance and blessing of the Divine Providence, we can
unite and shape our country's destiny."
-Speech, PMA Alumni Association Annual Convention
January 27, 2001
76. "With your historic participation at EDSA 2 and in many other
defining moments in our national life, the Filipino people know that they can always count
on you."
- Speech, PMA Alumni Association Annual Convention
January 27, 2001
77. "There is something about this poverty about the hard life I
the street which encourages this condition to perpetuate itself. There are even street
grandparents now. Thus, the cycle is so often repeated at this people who think more into
abject poverty in the concrete jungles."
- Speech of PGMA, Children's Village
Norzagaray, Bulacan, March 29, 2001
78. "New politics must begin with our people themselves who have
learn to ask for better things. As we write up our ballots let us ask ourselves, what did
we fight for at EDSA? What kind of leaders will carry us to the future rather than drag us
back to the past."
- Speech, MOPC President's Night,
Dusit Hotel, March 29, 2001
79. "I have asked Secretary Lina to put a stop to stage-managed
kidnappings with policemen acting as actors, directors and producers"
- Press Conference, Malacanang
April 24, 2001
80. "I hope that we can find an end to the conflict, not next year,
or the next, but soon within the foreseeable future"
- Press Conference, Malacanang
April 24, 2001
81. "Our basic task is to put us back on track. Building on
previous achievements, and making good on previous promises"
- Speech, Joint Foreign Chambers
February 12, 2001
81. "My clear intent from the outset to be a healing President had won over, even in
some erstwhile supporters of my predecessor. Public approval of the administration grew
with the appointment of men and women of probity and ability to the cabinet and other top
positions."
- Speech, MOPC
March 29, 2001
82. "I wish that we will be able to win the battle against poverty
within the decade."
-Press Conference, Bacolod City
On her birthday wish.
April 3, 2001
83. "The media wields a very powerful tool in Philippine society.
It is the shaper of public opinion. It is the moulder of the heart and mind of the
Filipino"
- Speech, February 26, 2001
84. "I acknowledge that a free media is needed to continue the
blood flowing in the veins of democracy."
- Speech, February 26, 2001
85. "Before everything else, justice must reign supreme."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
February 13, 2001
86. "What is important is to have justice before even thinking of
forgiveness.."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
February 13, 2001
87. "These are serious charges, no one is above the law. He must
face the accusers in court. He must personally answer the charges. He must face the
consequences of his actions here and not in some distant shores. The law must always, in
everywhere, prevail."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
February 13, 2001
88. "Because the demand of people power, the demand of EDSA II is
that there can be no healing without cleansing, there can be no reconciliation without
justice."
- Business Meeting with PCCI
February 21, 2001
89. "For a country like the Philippines, developing the information
infrastructure is critical to our future competitiveness."
- Speech, E-ASEAN Task Force
April 20, 2001
90. "Mindanao has hit the jackpot as far as government
representation is concerned."
- Speech, Cagayan de Oro rally
February 9, 2001
91. "I would say that building peace would be less expensive than
supporting an all-out war."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
February 20, 2001
92. "Poverty and inequity are the main culprits that threatens our
peace, our stability and the ability to sustain our growth."
-Speech, Launching of Patrol 117
March 16, 2001
93. "I recognize that no amount of money or remuneration can ever
repay your good performance and gallantry in the field."
- Speech, Camp Evangelista, Cagayan de Oro City
February 9, 2001
94. "Our national problems are complex, our concerns are
multifaceted. Yet, even as we try to resolve the relevant issues and set our priorities
right, we should try to clear our pathway of the remaining cobwebs that could distort our
views."
- Press Conference, Malacanang
February 13, 2001
95. "Nobody is near a corridor of power, there is no corridor of
power, there is only a hall of public service."
- Speech, 1st Aniversary Bantay Katarungan
February 8, 2001
96. "The journey to recovery will be long and will demand much
sacrifice from everyone, but it will be worth the trek."
- Speech, Meeting with DTI, PICC
February 14, 2001
97. "I am a listening President. I listen to all the way down to
the ordinary pilot at the lowest level. So, do not be afraid to let me know or do not be
afraid to let the chain of command know what your concerns are."
- Speech, PAF Headquarters, Pasay City
February 7, 2001
98. "Again, through EDSA People Power 2, we have shown the world
that, with the guidance and blessing of Divine Providence, we can unite and shape our
country's destiny."
- Speech, Inauguration of the Batasan Pambansa Complex Annex Building
February 7, 2001
99. "Our politics of personality and patronage must give way to a
new politics of party programs and a process of dialogue with the people."
- Speech, PMA Alumni Association
January 27, 2001
100. "We are today at a most opportune period in our country's
history. It is God's will that the Filipino nation be given a fresh start at the beginning
of the 21st century."
- Speech, Meeting with the DTI, PICC
February 14, 2001 |
