Quotes from 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.

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.

I sow; my successor reaps. This is the majesty of democracy.

The Philippines has no policy that demands sacrifice of human lives.

The roof cannot collapse when the value pillars of government and society are sound and strong.

It is the civilian part of the politics that is very, very bad, and we have to change that.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

In the harshest possible terms, I condemn political killings.

We must weed out corruption and build a strong system of justice that the people can trust.

Over the years, our political system has degenerated to the extent that it is difficult for anyone to make any headway yet keep his hands clean.

A president must be on the job 24/7, ready for any contingency, any crisis, anywhere, anytime.

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.'

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

I ask the educational system, the parents, the church, and pillars of the community to help shape a new culture of honesty, patriotism, respect, discipline and service for young Filipinos.

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

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.

In my presidency I've been guided by what's right, not what's popular.

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.

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.

The military is faithful to the constitution. They will come in only to protect the people from the enemies of the state.