MPA 627 Group 5 Calde, Credo, de Lara, Roxas

Analysis of Leadership: Arroyo and Duterte Administration

This paper seeks to provide a comparative analysis between the leadership

approaches and political strategies of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and former

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. As national leaders, they both have played

crucial roles in nation building, hence, it is essential to look into their terms as

Presidents in order to track progress, identify strong and weak points, and recognize

patterns, that could assist in better decision and policy making.

I. Comparison

A. Leadership Style

President Arroyo during her time, was known for her decisive actions, even if

it is proven to be unpopular. Being a economist herself, her experience has been

pivotal in laying down the foundations for a steady economic growth during her term

(PCOO, 2019).

Arroyo’s leadership style is characterized with endurance and resiliency,

managing politics and bureaucracy is not a simple task. Having a close-up

leadership-intuitive, seemingly loosely structured, but highly disciplined and hands-

on (GMA, 2018). Famous for her temper especially when it comes to deadlines and

targets are unmet, preparation has been key in her leadership style. During her time,

women are expected to be housewives while she is pursuing her doctorate studies in

economics (Guthrie-Jensen, 2019).

 On the other hand, President Duterte’s leadership style is much different from

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in many aspects particularly the charisma to the public. He

has become popular and well-loved because of his frankness as a leader. He is

direct to the point, does not mince words, and takes a no-nonsense approach to

governance. He says it as it is to his fellow politicians and avoids the confusing, even

contradictory communication styles of other officials.

President Duterte is observed to be action-oriented. He wants his presidency

free from corruption, and has promised to fire people who are involved in corruption

– a promise that he has fulfilled.

While the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs has been

controversial, from a leadership point-of-view, his determination shows clarity and

commitment to his purpose and vision. He has promised, “Change is coming.” This

line has energized the government bureaucracy and is slowly changing the culture

throughout different agencies.

B. Programs and Policies

2
 It is common for Philippine presidents to either adopt or continue a previous

administrations’ programs and projects. The following are some smiliarities and

differences in their policy propositions:

Martial Law

In the case of President Duterte, a number of his policy propositions have

similarities with former President Arroyo. One of which is on their usage of Martial

Law (Rappler, 2018). It came in an unfortunate time that these two administrations

bear witness to the Maguindanao massacre in 2009 and the Marawi siege in 2017

which resulted in the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao from May 23, 2017 to

December 31, 2019 (PhilStar, 2017). The province of Maguindanao, on the other

hand, was only covered by Martial Law for eight (8) days (ABS-CBN News, 2009).

Tax Reforms

According to a study done in 2005 by Benjamin E. Diokno, “Tax reforms

should be done at the start of an administration... ...successful reforms require broad

political support; and most importantly, the President must have the political will to do

what is best for his country”. For both administrations, reforms on the country’s tax

laws had been pursued through Arroyo’s Reformed Value Added Tax (RVAT) Law1

and Duterte's Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. On a study done

by the National Tax Research Center (NTRC), RVAT in its passage in 2005

significantly improved tax revenues in 2006 by 65.83% that helped reduce the

government’s public debt and deficit (NTRC, 2011). In contrast, the TRAIN Law

Package 1, in introducing amendments and new taxation, aims to fund various

infrastructure and social welfare programs of the government. (NTRC, 2011). As the
1
Republic Act No. 9337. “An Act Amending Sections 27, 28, 34, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112,
113, 114, 116, 117, 119, 121, 148, 151, 236, 237, and 288 of the National Internal Revenue Code
(NIRC) of 1997, As Amended, And For Other Purposes”, Approved on May 24, 2005.

3
effect of TRAIN law is projected as medium to long term and 70% will be used to

fund the Build, Build, Build Program. While this is the case, it’s benefits is expected

to be felt upon the completion of priority infrastructure projects of the government.

(PIA, 2018).

Charter Change

Thirty-two years since the creation of The 1987 Constitution after the downfall

of former president Ferdinand Marcos, the country is still in the process of pushing

for a Charter Change (Cha-Cha). Despite proposals from previous administrations,

attempts still fail due to fears that this will be used as an avenue for the President’s

term extension. Despite skepticism for Cha-Cha, both the Arroyo and Duterte

Administration seek for Federalism in the country. Furthermore, Duterte is also

pushing for the revision of the whole constitution, showcasing a major reorganization

and limitations to free speech, among others (Rappler, 2018).

Relations with China

During the time of former President Arroyo, she focused on closer economic

and business ties with China. Similar with President Duterte, they are similar in terms

of "friendliness to China and openness to Chinese investments”. In addition, both

administrations have been positive in a joint exploration of the West Philippine Sea2

(Rappler, 2018 and Manila Times, 2019). Batongbacal further explained that the big

difference between Duterte and Arroyo is how Duterte has been trying to endear

China to the public and how he's managed ties with the US, the country's longtime

ally. Arroyo, on the other hand, didn't alienate the US (Rappler, 2018).

II. Conclusion

2
Arroyo - Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking (JMSU) with China and Vietnam (Rappler, 2018)

4
 Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and President Rodrigo Duterte

exhibits different leadership styles, both are known for their “toughness”, political will

and appeal to the public. Being both public servants in national and local

governments in the past, they have been tempered by experience to implement

reforms and enact policies in pursuit of development and progress in the country.

Understanding leadership styles of our Presidents is an opportunity for us,

Filipinos to realize their contributions in the country’s development. These past

experiences will serve as guidance for future leaders and strive harder for the

welfare of the next generation.

III. References

ABS-CBN News, 2009. Arroyo proclaims martial law in Maguindanao. Accessed

January 16, 2020. https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/12/04/09/arroyo-orders-martial-

law-maguindanao

Benjamin E. Diokno, 2005. "Reforming the Philippine Tax System: Lessons from

Two Tax Reform Programs," UP School of Economics Discussion Papers 200502,

University of the Philippines School of Economics. Accessed January 11, 2020.

https://ideas.repec.org/p/phs/dpaper/200502.html

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Beating the Odds, Policy-Decision-Action. Accessed

January 11, 2020. https://www.gloriamarroyo.ph/beatingtheodds.html

5
Guthrie-Jensen. 7 Philippine Presidents, Different Leadership Styles. Accessed

January 11, 2020. https://guthriejensen.com/blog/7-philippine-presidents-different-

leadership-styles

Manila Times, 2019. Duterte ready to ‘ignore’ arbitral ruling for joint exploration deal

with China. Accessed January 16, 2020.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2019/09/11/news/latest-stories/duterte-ready-to-ignore-

arbitral-ruling-for-joint-exploration-deal-with-china/614708/

National Tax Research Center, 2011. “Highlights of Republic Act No. 10963 or the

Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN). NTRC Tax Research Journal,

Volume XXIX.6 November–December 2017 Accessed January 16, 2020.

http://www.ntrc.gov.ph/images/journal/2017/J20171112A.pdf

National Tax Research Center, 2011. “REVENUE PERFORMANCE OF

REPUBLIC ACT (RA) NO. 9337, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE REFORMED

VALUE-ADDED TAX (RVAT) LAW, 2004-2010. NTRC Tax Research Journal,

Volume XXIII.6 Nov. - Dec. 2011. Accessed January 16, 2020.

http://www.ntrc.gov.ph/images/journal/j20111112b.pdf

PhilStar, 2017. Duterte declares martial law in Mindanao. Accessed January 16,

2020.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/05/23/1703088/duterte-declares-martial-

law-mindanao

6
PIA, 2018. Positive effect of TRAIN law not immediate - BTr. Accessed January 16,

2020. https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1012433

PCOO, 2019. President Duterte commends House Speaker Gloria Macapagal-

Arroyo, admires her tough leadership style. Accessed January 11, 2019.

https://pcoo.gov.ph/news_releases/president-duterte-commends-house-speaker-

gloria-macapagal-arroyo-admires-her-tough-leadership-style/

Rappler, 2018. Duterte admin revives Arroyo policies, controversies. Accessed

January 16, 2020. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/207896-duterte-

administration-arroyo-policies-controversies

Rappler, 2018. LOOK BACK: Past Charter Change attempts and why they failed.

Accessed January 16, 2020.

https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/flashback/193825-past-attempts-charter-

change-philippines-failed