Arroyo Quotes & Sayings

I grew up with a very privileged background. My father served as one of the cabinet ministers in Arroyo's government, and he's been a congressman for many years, and he's running again. — Miguel Syjuco

We have the hardest working people in the world, the most adaptable and the most congenial to employ. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

By and large, our political system has betrayed its promise to each new generation of Filipinos, not a few of whom are voting with their feet, going abroad and leaving that system behind. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

In the harshest possible terms, I condemn political killings. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

As your president, I care too much about this nation to let anyone stand in the way of our people's wellbeing. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

When you're asking someone for assistance, make it as easy as possible for them to say 'no' to you. You don't want someone helping you who doesn't really want to. — Raymond Arroyo

The power of one, if fearless and focused, is formidable, but the power of many working together is better. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

We fight terrorism. It threatens our sovereign, democratic, compassionate and decent way of life. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

My responsibility as president is to take care to solve the problems we are facing now and to provide a vision and direction for how our nation should advance in the future. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

It is the civilian part of the politics that is very, very bad, and we have to change that. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

We have our own home-grown terrorism, and to the extent that we can obliterate terrorism all over the world, then our own terrorism will be much easier to neutralize. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

College education is the great Filipino dream. But in a world of rapid technological change, getting a job or keeping it depends as much on how well one reasons as how well one uses his hands. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

A lot of times I wind up playing songs like (Alice in Chains') "Down in a Hole" that make me scream at the top of my lungs if I want to get frustration out from a bad day. — Bronson Arroyo

There is no better source of real-time news than Twitter. With the constant sharing of news and information, if you're an active Twitter user, there's nothing happening, big or small, that you won't know right away. — Raymond Arroyo

Our educational system should make the Filipino fit not just for whatever jobs happen to be on offer today, but also for whatever economic challenge life will throw in their way. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

For those who want to pick up old fights, we're game, but what a waste of time. Why not join hands instead? Join hands in the biggest challenge of all, where we all win, or we all lose: the battle for the survival and progress of our one and only country. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

On the economy, the U.S. cumulatively is our most important investor, most important trading partner, most important sort of tourists, and we have now a tie that will ... a link that will be here for many, many years to come, and that is the big Philippine-American community in the United States - three million of them. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I feel that if I am freed of the burden of politics, then I can do more and I can take more unpopular decisions. I can have as my guidance for decision whatever is right, not whatever is popular. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I sow; my successor reaps. This is the majesty of democracy. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

We have scaled the heights of Mount Everest, dominated the Southeast Asian games, we have won international beauty titles, and of course punched our way to triumph in the boxing world. Our people compete and win every day in every imaginable job throughout the world. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

However much a president wishes it, a national problem cannot be knocked out with a single punch. A president must work with the problem as much as against it, turn it into a solution if she can. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

A bizarrerie of fires, cunabulum of light, it moved with a deft, almost dainty deliberation, phasing into and out of existence like a storm-shot piece of evening; or perhaps the darkness between the flares was more akin to its truest nature swirl of black ashes assembled in prancing cadence to the lowing note of desert wind down the arroyo behind buildings as empty yet filled as the pages of unread books or stillnesses between the notes of a song. — Roger Zelazny

In 1995, we had evidence of the brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden being in the Philippines, living in the Philippines. We had evidence of front organizations set up in the Philippines. And we uncovered evidence about, which would help the U.S. with - about the perpetuators of the World Trade Center bombing. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I believe that the war against terrorism and the war against poverty in these times of turmoil go together. So you - when you fight one, you have to fight the other. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I think of the view from a favorite arroyo in the late afternoon, the east slope still bathed in sunlight, the far slope already full of dark shade and lengthening shadows. A cool breeze, as one can look across the plains, out over miles of homes and trees, and hear the faraway hum of traffic on the high-ways and see the golden light filtering through the mist-laden air. — Carey McWilliams

In the area of national security, I urge the swift passage of an anti-terrorism law that will protect rather than subvert, enhance rather than weaken, the rights and liberties that terrorism precisely threatens with extinction. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Nature did not gift us with a mighty Mekong like Thailand and Vietnam, with their vast and naturally fertile plains. Nature instead put our islands ahead of our neighbours in the path of typhoons from the Pacific. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Seeks to grow and improve oneself through creative activity, freely expressing one's exuberant vitality, and through warm, supportive encouragement of others. — Stephen Arroyo

I'm definitely an athlete who has a hobby playing music. I've been doing baseball since I was 5 or 6. It's the only thing I've ever thought of really my whole life, and music came into my life actually in '99, playing and singing. It's definitely been the only hobby I've had that I can't put down. — Bronson Arroyo

The Philippines has no policy that demands sacrifice of human lives. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Why are young adults so self-centered and always seeking instant gratification? Because older adults, often in positions of power, paint them that way. — Raymond Arroyo

Individually, we've taken the world on and won; together, we must take on the challenge of creating a new, peaceful, humane and competitive nation and prevail. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I follow my father's philosphy; 'Do what is good, do what is right, and God will take care of the rest.' — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I did not become president to be popular. To work, to lead, to protect and preserve our country, our people, that is why I became president. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

As the leader of the nation, I say in behalf of the Filipino people to the world: we are strong and principled believers in democracy. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Agrarian reform should not merely subdivide misery, it must raise living standards. Ownership raises the farmer from his, but productivity will keep him on his feet. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The Philippines ranks among top off-shoring hubs in the world because of cost competitiveness and, more importantly, our highly trainable, English proficient, IT-enabled management and manpower. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Our political system needs changing. It needs to move away from personalities and patronage to a system of party programs and consultation with the people. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I can say that I have not done any culpable violation of the constitution. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Our children are our most cherished possession. In their early years, we must make sure they get a healthy start in life. They must receive the right food for a healthy body, the right education for a bright and inquiring mind - and the equal opportunity for a meaningful job. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

We are here to learn lessons and our birth chart tells us what our lessons are, what type of energy we possess in the first place, and how, by facing up to the challenges presented to us in life, spiritual growth will ensue. The birth chart is a 'tool' to guide us through our life. By understanding our basic make up, we can learn to make the most out of our positive points and try to improve on our weaker ones. — Stephen Arroyo

Where does it hurt?'
'Inside out, doll. And all the way through. — E.R. Arroyo

I want ordinary people to enjoy a decent standard of living, with ever increasing security, comfort and joy. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

A president can be as strong as she wants to be. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The people want government that works for them at every level. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Whether via social media or in person, building your relationships is a long-term process, and the ultimate goal is to strengthen your network one person at a time. — Raymond Arroyo

To our men and women in the armed services, the huge and deep core of your loyalty has earned the nation's accolade. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

In the time one is given, the steward must make the most of the talents one is given by the Lord. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

There is no such thing as making the miracle happen spontaneously and on the spot. You've got to work. — Martina Arroyo

I was invited by President Bush to come to the United States on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the mutual defense treaty. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The contracts for Iraqi rebuilding are commercial contracts. I think being in the coalition of the willing puts us in the radar screen, but we also have to compete with other countries that are in the coalition of the willing, but the Philippines is a country that has produced world-class skilled workers that we have seen all over the world. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I always take an aspect between the ruling planets (i.e., the rulers of their Ascendants) as a testimony to the fact that the two people are likely to have a relationship of extraordinary intensity and importance ... The close interaction of the ruling planets' energies can be seen as indicative of a particularly specific symbol of how the two people interact with each other ... in the vast majority of such cases, all of the other levels of interaction shown in a comparison will be secondary to the intense type of interchange symbolized by the aspect between the rulers. — Stephen Arroyo

Successful people understand the value of time. Once they commit to doing something, they would never cancel. — Raymond Arroyo

Now I ask you to make your sacrifice. Take a gamble. I took the plunge and I'm glad of it. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

We're working with our neighbors Indonesia and Malaysia to fight terrorism in our own common seas. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The Constitution says that troops can be in the Philippines if there's a treaty that provides for it, and we have two treaties with the United States. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

We may disagree among ourselves, but let us never lose sight of that greater battle for one people, one country, one Philippines. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I'm not worried. I'm in control. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

It's never right to fight terror with terror. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The roof cannot collapse when the value pillars of government and society are sound and strong. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Good writing arises out of obsession. With obsession there is emotional depth and a certain weight and gravity to the language and story. Without obsession I would be empty, and, literally, I wonder if I would even have any substance. The body is like a cathedral, and the cathedral needs music and prayer filling its grand spaces. Obsession turning over and over within the body creates music, prayer, substance that, although providing the depth, weight, and gravity I first evoked, also allows for lyricism, lightness, and flight up into the various arches and ellipses of the cathedral. Obsession is filled with slowness - and so obsession in my writing, for good or bad, doesn't come about because of an immediate intellectual idea or problem, nor a quick flash of inspiration. There's this slow energy at work, and I begin to become a part of that when I'm very close to silence. — Fred Arroyo

While there's been much progress on terrorism, there's still much work to do and it is very important that the countries work together in order to address this threat together. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

As a country in the path of typhoons and in the Pacific Rim of Fire, we must be prepared as the latest technology permits to anticipate natural calamities when that is possible, to extend immediate and effective relief when it is not. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

In the Philippines, Gloria Arroyo is the daughter of Diosdado Macapagal - but his term ended in 1965, and she was elected in 2001. Hardly a hand-off. — Elliott Abrams

I am very grateful to our Muslim population. One of the things we've been doing is stepping up our inter-faith dialogue with the Muslim population. And I think that helped very much in their support for me. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Central Philippines has the competitive edge in tourism in its natural wonders and the extraordinary hospitality of its people. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

There isn't a day I do not work at my job, or a waking moment when I do not think through a work-related problem. Even my critics cannot begrudge the long hours I put in. Our people deserve a government that works just as hard as they do. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I was at Ground Zero, and it was, to me, such a graphic illustration of what terrorism has done to our world. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Even before 9/11, the Philippines was already fighting terrorism in southwestern Philippines. That's why when 9/11 happened, we could understand the pain. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Friction and misunderstandings often occur when communicating across generations. It gets even more challenging when working across virtual settings. — Raymond Arroyo

We've supported the U.S. every step of the way. The Philippines was the first government in Asia after September 11, in fact, the night of September 11; it was nighttime for us then. It was daytime here. We were the first government in Asia to come out and say that we're supporting the U.S. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

In all the things I've gone through as a politician, I have seen that in this system it is really very difficult to make any headway without being somehow tainted. And let me say, 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.' — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

We have to be bold in our national ambitions. First, we must win the fight against poverty within the next decade. Second, we must improve moral standards in government and society to provide a strong foundation for good governance. Third, we must change the character of our politics to promote fertile ground for reforms. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

'No' is the second shortest word in the English language, but one of the hardest to say. — Raymond Arroyo

With music, I'm comfortable singing to people but I'm not that comfortable playing the guitar. — Bronson Arroyo

I shall work with Congress, civil society groups and local government executives who are convinced that charter changes are needed to enable the country to surmount the unprecedented challenges of the 21st century. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The Philippines and the U.S. have had a strong relationship with each other for a very long time now. We have a shared history. We have shared values, democracy, freedom, and we have been in all the wars together in modern history, the World War, Second World War, Cold War, Vietnam, Korea, now the war on terrorism. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Before September 11, we were fighting terrorism in our southwestern Philippines, and it was a lonely fight. However, we were able to contain it now in one island in that part of the Philippines. But after September 11, and after the creation of the global coalition against terrorism, now we have allies, and I believe now it will easier with allies. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Our investments in social justice and basic needs are as vital to our future as fiscal and macroeconomic reforms. A nation deeply divided will not stand. And it certainly will not move forward. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Boston fans - and New York fans are the same - it doesn't matter what you do outside of baseball, they don't forgive or forget that you play in pinstripes and they don't care about your interests off the field. — Bronson Arroyo

I will follow my father's footsteps by doing what is right, and God will take care of the rest. My father is my role model. My living role model is Cory Aquino. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

You have 60 countries in the world with a terrorist problem. That's two-thirds of the world. We have this group in Basilan, which is a small island in the far south of the Philippines, and the island itself has a population of - what? - 300,000. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Filipino businessmen must have the ability to compete freely in the global economy. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

Optimism is infectious, and opportunity irresistible. Progress follows progress. Someone, even government, just has to get it started. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The Philippines was with the U.S. in the Second World War, in the Korean War, in the Vietnam War, and now in the war against terrorism. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

In a global arena, what our businessmen need in order to be competitive is transparency and a level playing-field. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

I want justice to be so pervasive that it will be taken for granted, just as injustice is taken for granted today. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The higher purpose of # astrology is not to try to change one's destiny, but to fulfill it through growing in awareness — Stephen Arroyo

We must promote solid traits such as work ethics, a dignified lifestyle, matching actions to rhetoric, performance rather than grandstanding. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

It is simply the truth that the political system that I am part of has degenerated to the point that it needs fundamental change. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

TV viewing is normally a passive, mindless occupation. — Raymond Arroyo

If you're interested in expanding your network, you can't go wrong with Twitter. You don't need to be a celebrity to have fun and grow your network with Twitter. — Raymond Arroyo

When you're concentrating on anything that's disruptive in your life, you really don't love anybody. — Raymond Arroyo

As I have shown, I will defend democracy with arms when it is threatened by violence; with firmness when it is weakened by division; with law and order when it is subverted by anarchy; and always, I will try to sustain it by wise policies of economic progress so that a democracy means not just an empty liberty, but a full life for all. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

We must weed out corruption and build a strong system of justice that the people can trust. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

In my presidency I've been guided by what's right, not what's popular. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

That afternoon she was wearing a yellow dress the same shade as her hair, and again his throat tightened when he saw her, and again he could not speak. But when the first moment passed and words came, it was all right, and their thoughts flowed together like two effervescent brooks and coursed gaily through the arroyo of the afternoon. This time when they parted, it was she who asked, "Will you be here tomorrow?" - though only because she stole the question from his lips - and the words sang in his ears all the way back through the woods to the cabin and lulled him to sleep after an evening spent with his pipe on the porch. — Robert F. Young

The military is faithful to the constitution. They will come in only to protect the people from the enemies of the state. — Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

The energies represented by the four # elements are ulitimately the fundamental realities of life that are being analysed with # astrology — Stephen Arroyo

Jennifer Fulwiler's story of finding God when you aren't looking for Him is a universal tale which will touch many hearts. With warmth and unflinching candor she leads us through a personal journey of faith and maturity that is as funny as it is affecting. — Raymond Arroyo