Presidency                                                                        

First Period: 2001–2004

Arroyo's succession to the presidency divided the country between her and Estrada's supporters and as such her first term was hounded by questions of illegitimacy from the political opposition, even though the Supreme Court had already decided on the matter. On the other hand, the overwhelming victory of her political allies and the rejection of many Estrada-affiliated politicians in the elections of May 2004 was considered by many to be virtual recognition of her presidency by the electorate. 

Her biggest challenge was to reform a government perennially perceived to be corrupt. She found it hard to fulfil this daunting task because of attempts by Estrada's supporters and her political enemies to undermine her leadership.

On May 1, 2001, thousands of supporters of the deposed president marched to the presidential palace and demanded that Estrada, who had previously been arrested on charges of plunder, be released and reinstated. The protesters refused to be pacified and violence ensued. Arroyo declared a State of Rebellion and many protesters, including prominent political leaders, were arrested. The State of Rebellion was lifted after a few days, when the threat to Arroyo's government had died down. This unsuccessful attempt to unseat Arroyo was dubbed as EDSA III.