President Aquino has apparently started courting voting blocs as he, together with his anointed successor, attended the dawn mass yesterday of the religious group El Shaddai, calling on its members to vote wisely in the May 2016 elections.
The event marked the 76th birthday of the charismatic movement’s leader Mike Velarde, which coincided with El Shaddai’s 31st anniversary.
“Next year the people will be at another crossroads. I hope that we remain the inspiration of others in choosing the rightful leaders. I am confident that we will not divert from our good start towards our goal,” Aquino said.
Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, the Liberal Party’s standard-bearer, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Senate President Franklin Drilon, Senators Sonny Angara, Bam Aquino, Nancy Binay, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito, Francis Escudero, Gregorio Honasan II, Loren Legarda, Bongbong Marcos, Aquilino Pimentel III, Grace Poe, Tito Sotto, Antonio Trillanes and Cynthia Villar, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, Caloocan Mayor Oscar Malapitan, Las Piñas Mayor Vergel Aguilar, Makati Mayor Romulo Pena, Jr., Malabon Mayor Antolin Oreta III, Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin Abalos Jr., Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman, Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, Navotas Mayor John Rey Tiangco, Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez, Pasay Mayor Antonino Calixto, Pasig Mayor Maribel Eusebio, Pateros Mayor Jaime Medina, San Juan Mayor Guia Gomez, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian, Gang Badoy, Rizalito David, New Zealand-based physician Nuelle Duterte, Ed Garcia, Elmer Labog, broadcast journalists Ces Orena-Drilon and Cheche Lazaro, Sonny Matula, physician Tricia Robredo, Jon-jon Rufino, Gia Sison, Jaime Tadeo, Mitzi Jonelle Tan, Michael Klecheski, Philippine Ambassador to Romania Alice Palacios, PFST Director Letty Moran-Zerda, Tony Leviste of BOI, former Radio Philippines Network, Inc. general manager Tony Carandang, celebrities Carla Abellana, Susan Africa, Yayo Aguila, Marvin Agustin, Adrian Alandy, Angela Alarcon, Ivana Alawi, Sophie Albert, JC Alcantara, Kyline Alcantara, Bea Alonzo, Pinky Amador, Boots Anson-Roa, Christian Antolin, Nico Antonio, Angel Aquino, Kris Aquino, Robert Arevalo and Barbara Perez, John Arcilla, Ria Atayde, Rita Avila, Nikki Bagaporo, RK Bagatsing, Kira Balinger, Dani Barretto, Julia Barretto, Leon Barretto, Kris Bernal, Kathryn Bernardo, Bea Binene, Jameson Blake, Andrea Brillantes, K Brosas, Shamaine Buencamino, Yesh Burce, Austin Cabatana, Hasna Cabral, Iza Calzado, Elijah Canlas, Melai Cantiveros, Ella Cayabyab, Ryza Cenon, Ricci Chan, Dawn Chang, Kim Chiu, David Chua, Joshua Colet, Noel Comia Jr., KC Concepcion, Cai Cortez, Mahlou Crisologo, Sharon Cuneta, Anne Curtis, Carlos Dala, Dingdong Dantes, Enchong Dee, Armand De Castro, Jane De Leon, Glaiza de Castro, Michael de Mesa, Kokoy de Santos, Bianca de Vera, JC de Vera, Ashley Diaz, Francine Diaz, Charlie Dizon, Justin Dizon, Mylene Dizon, Robi Domingo, Chuckie Dreyfus, Kyle Echarri, Julie Eigenmann, PJ Endrinal, Bituin Escalante, Vivoree Esclito, Wize Estabillo, John Estrada, Kaila Estrada, KD Estrada, Jake Ejercito, Rhen Escaño, Jaime Fabregas, Topper Fabregas, Seth Fedelin, Aya Fernandez, Chienna Filomeno, Radson Flores, Chai Fonacier, Gabbi Garcia, Joshua Garcia, Alyssa Gibbs, Cherie Gil, Shanaia Gomez, Jay Gonzaga, Lexi Gonzales, Diego Gutierrez, Janine Gutierrez, Sheena Halili, Pepe Herrera, Barbie Imperial, Agot Isidro, Brent Javier, Luke Jickain, Keanne Johnson, Elisse Joson, Cedrick Juan, Richard Juan, Angela Ken, Helga Krapf, Maricel Laxa, Trina Legazpi-Jarina, David Licauco, Angel Locsin, Rio Locsin, Mara Lopez, Nadine Lustre, Maxene Magalona, Saab Magalona, Jolina Magdangal, Shaina Magdayao, Nicco Manalo, Mac Manicad, Joseph Marco, Belle Mariano, Carmi Martin, Leo Martinez, Zanjoe Marudo, Rain Matienzo, Aya Medel, Alex Medina, Melissa Mendez, Aljon Mendoza, VJ Mendoza, Gabe Mercado, Jennylyn Mercado, Kim Molina, Mikoy Morales, Margaux Montana, Mosang, Arlene Muhlach, Alyssa Muhlach, Jerald Napoles, Hershey Neri, Miles Ocampo, Jane Oineza, Kaori Oinuma, Chynna Ortaleza, Mika Pajares, Daniel Padilla, Gabby Padilla, Gem Padilla-Thomas, Pamu Pamorada, Angelica Panganiban, Candy Pangilinan, Donny Pangilinan, Ian Pangilinan, Paolo Pangilinan, Benjie Paras, Bodjie Pascua, Piolo Pascual, Heaven Peralejo, Paula Peralejo, Rica Peralejo, Ion Perez, Cherry Pie Picache, Vaughn Piczon, Camille Prats, Yassi Pressman, Precious Lara Quigaman, Patrick Quiroz, Maris Racal, Khalil Ramos, Miko Raval, Marvin Raymundo, Rissey Reyes, Marian Rivera, Raphael Robes, Ana Roces, Bembol Roco, Donita Rose, Janella Salvador, Maja Salvador, Sam YG, Julie Anne San Jose, Beatriz Saw, Sharlene San Pedro, Empress Schuck, Steven Silva, Liza Soberano, Fifth Solomon, Carmen Soo, Maricel Soriano, Paulina Sotto, G Toengi, Kakki Teodoro, Kaloy Tingcungco, Joel Torre, Dennis Trillo, Nikki Valdez, Adrienne Vergara, Nova Villa, Teetin Villanueva, Phoebe Walker, Maureen Wroblewitz, Lauren Young, Nomer Yuzon and Amanda Zamora, beauty queens Beatrice Gomez, Catriona Gray, Mela Habijan, Maria Isabel Lopez, Aurora Pijuan, Kylie Verzosa and Pia Wurtzbach, blogger Spanky Enriquez, celebrity chefs Gerick Manalo, Myke Tatung and Sharwin Tee, chef, blogger and vlogger Erwan Heussaff, drag queen Amadeus Pagente, host Kring Kim, host, performer and content creator Tita Baby Azucarera, models LA Aguinaldo and Kelsey Merritt, TV host Lyn Ching, model and TV host Bianca Gonzalez, model and activist Ella Eiveren Lubag, dancer Gabriel Valenciano, music producer, audio engineer, and music supervisor Otep Tumambing, singer-songwriters Lolita Carbon, Bullet Dumas, Jonathan Manalo, SAB, Gary Valenciano, Kiana Valenciano and Nyoy Volante, internet personalities Angel Dei Peralta, Mico Del Rosario, Arshie Larga, Gab Pangilinan, Sky Quizon and Pat Rigodon, comedians Macoy Dubs, Vice Ganda, Wacky Kiray, Pokwang, Michael V. and Loi Villarama, theater actor Phi Palmos, digital influencer and makeup artist Gabs Gibbs, social media / influencers and content creators Kate Adajar, Andrew Beso, Camille Co, Ivan De Guzman, Kaye Figuracion, Ina Garcia, Shai Habon, Kate Hizon, Inah Evans, Vien Ilagan-Velasquez, Mariela Kliatchko, JC Lopez, Ezra Mane, Jae Miranda, Kevin Montillano, Ira Denise Oyco, AK Policar, Patricia Prieto, Eugene Sayson, Christian Tiu and Kim Tapel, vlogger and content creator M.A. Buendía, YouTubers Beks Battalion, Lance De Ocampo, Kimpoy Feliciano, Rei Germar, Mimiyuuuh, Luigi Pacheco, Hannah Pangilinan, Bella Racelis, Adam Smith and Janina Vela, band groups Imago, Ben&Ben, Gracenote, Rivermaya, Moonstar88, Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino – Iskomunidad, Color it Red, Chicosci, Mayonnaise, Sponge Cola, musical groups Ateneo Chamber Singers, Bukas Palad Music Ministry, Gloria Patri Singers, Hangad and Himig Heswita, musical duo Leanne & Naara, musical vocal group The Company, singer, actress and comedian Tuesday Vargas, singer and musician Bayang Barrios, singers Zion Aguirre, RJ Agustin, Ogie Alcasid, Renzo Almario, Jong Azores, Nikki Bacolod, Christian Bautista, Clara Benin, Janine Berdin, Dan Billano, Rico Blanco, Ely Buendia, Lance Busa, Noel Cabangon, Bo Cerrudo, Jose Mari Chan, Sam Concepcion, Yeng Constantino, Johnoy Danao, Ebe Dancel, Jex de Castro, Nica del Rosario, Moira Dela Torre, RJ dela Fuente, Zephanie Dimaranan, Dani Dixon, Tippy Dos Santos, Frenchie Dy, Bituin Escalante, Darren Espanto, Hannah Hakami, Migz Haleco, Jason Hernandez, Danny Javier, Jaya, JMKO, Eunice Jorge, Jugs Jugueta, Kyla, Juan Karlos Labajo, Fatima Lagueras, Reese Lansangan, Kuh Ledesma, Celeste Legaspi, Mark Mabasa, Arkin Magalona, Leanne Mamonong, OJ Mariano, Jimi Marquez, Jeli Mateo, Leah Navarro, Elha Nympha, Miguel Ordon, Jim Paredes, Tim Pavino, Justine Peña, Sweet Plantado-Tiongson, Tosca Puno, Lance Reblando, Chloe Redondo, Jamie Rivera, Vic Robinson, Anthony Rosaldo, Rhap Salazar, Lea Salonga, John Mark Saga, Mika Salamanca, Paolo Sandejas, Erik Santos, Kowboy Santos, Sitti, Aicelle Santos, Mitch Valdes, Regine Velasquez, Lala Vinzon, Jona Viray, Young JV, Charlie Ysmael, Bianca Yuzon and Yanni Yuzon, songwriters Leila Alcasid, Fr. Arnel Aquino, S.J., Trina Belamide, Fr. Manoling Francisco, S.J., Fr. Junjun Borres, S.J., Fr. Vic Baltazar, S.J., Fr. Danny Isidro, S.J., Robert Labayen, Lui Morano, Fr. Nemesio Que, S.J., Fr. Felipe Fruto Ramirez, S.J., Rox Santos, voice actress Inka Magnaye, directors Mac Alejandre, Adolf Alix, Jr., Jay Altarejos, Carlo Alvarez, Mae Cruz-Alviar, Rica Arevalo, Lino Cayetano, Rica Arevalo, Bobby Bonifacio, Jr., Quark Henares, Jose Javier Reyes, Mike Dagnalan, Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Adrian Calumpang, Ditsi Carolino, Don Miguel Cuaresma, Sari Dalena, Ice Idanan, Sheron Dayoc, Trina Dayrit, Khavn De La Cruz, Wills Dela Cruz, Zig Dulay, Ellen Ongkeko-Marfil, Irene Villamor, Lawrence Fajardo, Jolly Feliciano, Will Fredo, Dante Nico Garcia, Antoinette Jadaone, Jeffrey Jeturian, Joel Lamangan, Albert Langitan, Yam Laranas, Jason Paul Laxamana, Ed Lejano, Jim Libiran, Roderick Lindayag, Erik Matti, Pancho Maniquis, Brillante Ma. Mendoza, Treb Montreas, Nuel Naval, Emmanuel Palo, Roman Perez Jr., Andoy Ranay, Mikhail Red, Rae Red, Raymond Red, FM Reyes, Mandy Reyes, Keith Sicat, Carlos Siguion-Reyna, Jojo Saguin, Rod Singh, Auraeus Solito, Paolo Tabuena, Petersen Vargas, Dan Villegas, Paolo Villaluna, Victor Villanueva and Baby Ruth Villarama, filmmaker and producer Chuck Gutierrez, screenwriter Elmer Gatchalian, screenwriter, journalist, novelist, and playwright Ricky Lee, screenwriter and songwriter Vincent de Jesus, broadcast journalist and songwriter Lolito Go, entertainment columnist Dolly Ann Carvajal, newscaster Gani Oro, radio personalities Karla Aguas, Rammy Bitong, DJ Chacha, Tin Gamboa, Boom Gonzalez, DJ Jhai Ho, Vino-R, Migs Santillan and DJ Suzy, theater actresses Astarte Abraham and Jenny Jamora, theater artists Adrian Lindayag, Chamyto Aguedan, Jay Barrameda, Lance Reblando, Nar Cabico, Phi Palmos, Audie Gemora, Nelsito Gomez, Robbie Guevara, Fred Layno, Joseph Dela Cruz, Rolando Inocencio, Jep Go, Sarah Facuri, Arman Ferrer, Tanya Manalang-Atadero, Mark Tayag, Floyd Tena, Rallion Abeledo and Reb Atadero, vlogger and TikTok personality Pipay, producer and talent manager Noel Ferrer, talent managers Boy Abunda, Erickson Raymundo, Freddie Bautista, Popoy Caritativo, Malou Choa-Fagar, Rams David, Dolor Guevarra, Harley Tan, Henry Quitain, Ronald Monteverde, Ronnie Henares, Roselle Monteverde, Tyrone Escalante, Kate Pepito, Pia Magalona, Paula Punla, Rex Belarmino, Rina Reyes, Mau De Leon, Miguel Pacio, Ogie Diaz, Shirley Kuan, Perry Lansigan, Keren Pascual, Leo Dominguez, Manny Valera, Mario Colmenares, Jojo Ampeloquio, Jonas Gaffud, Joseph Moradas, Kat Aguila, Dingdong Avazado, Jessa Zaragoza-Avanzado, Dudu Ranay, Eric Arroyo, Biboy Arboleda, Brilliant Juan, Chinie Go, Dave Salindog, Atty. James Domingo, Atty. Joji Alonso, Aurora Ada Mendoza, Avel Bacudio, Anthony Pangilinan, Arnee Pangilinan, Arnold Vegafria, William Tan, Abby Niesta, Allan Altera, Annabelle Rama, Annie Tajanlangit-Mercado, Girlie Rodis and Vania Padilla-Edralin, basketball coaches Yeng Guiao and Chot Reyes, basketball players Christiana Dimaunahan, Dave Ildefonso, Kiefer Ravena, Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa and Olsen Racela, esports player Gia Llanes, fitness instructor and adventure racer Florentino Narciso, football player Camille Rodriguez, jump rope coach Aira Franco-Capistrano, volleyball analyst Mozzy Crisologo-Ravena, volleyball players Kathy Bersola, Maruja Banaticla, Ponggay Gaston, Pia Gaiser, Jeushl Tiu, Kathy Bersola, Tots Carlos, Bea de Leon, Alyssa Eroa, Ayel Estrañero, Jem Ferrer, Carly Hernandez, Rex Intal, Denden Lazaro-Revilla, Maddie Madayag, Ysay Marasigan, Jia Morado, Ish Polvorosa, Joshua Retamar, Mika Reyes, Kat Tolentino, Chie Saet, Cherilyn Sindayen, Carmella Tunay, Alfred Valbuena, Alyssa Valdez and Deanna Wong, retired sports commentator and columnist Ed Picson, sports commentators Nikko Ramos and Sev Sarmenta, sports analyst and television color commentator Joaquin Henson, sports reporters and hosts Apple David, Carla Lizardo, Angelique Manto and Aiyana Perlas, businessmen and brothers Wilson Tieng, William Tieng and Willy Tieng, former Duty Free Philippines general manager Pong Salud, RFM Corp. chairman Jose Concepcion, Jr., Metrobank President Antonio Abacan, Jr., Metrobank EDSA-Tramo branch manager Anita Quilban, Former Belle Corporation president and CEO Greg Yu, architect Noni So of NSA, Grupo Agatep President and Managing Director Norman Agatep, American Technologies, Inc. Senior Account Executive Xyrel John Balentoza, Active Social Philippines Co-Founder and Director for Clients and Influencers Phoemela Baranda, Laurent Cosmetics CEO and founder Laurent Benig, Martine Cajucom-Ho, MAPECON founder and CEO Gonzalo Catan Jr., Reese Fernandez-Ruiz, Victoria Court managing director Angelina Mead King, BPI president Jose Limcaoco, Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, Ditto Music regional manager for Southeast Asia Jinno Mina, Fundacion Santiago executive director Chaco Molina, social entrepreneur Ana Patricia Non, Philippine Daily Inquirer chairman Marixi Rufino-Prieto and husband Alejandro, businesswoman Katrina Razon, entrepreneur and author Rissa Mananquil Trillo, Jessica Wilson, Jonathan Yabut, Sylvia Santos, fashion designers Martin Bautista, JC Buendia, Sam Rivera, accessories designer Zarah Juan, celebrity stylist Margaux Medina, make-up artists Gino Hinolan and Jigs Mayuga, beauty expert Cory Quirino, Shu Uemura artist Xeng Zulueta, stylist, blogger, social media manager and events organizer Aisa Ipac, event planner and stylist Ley Reinares-Almeda, Bro. Alberto Morales of the Federation of Transparochial Charismatic Communities, Bro. Sonny Delos Reyes of the Council of Laity, Andres Regalado of Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Chief Public Attorney of the Public Attorney's Office Atty. Persida Rueda-Acosta, Dean of the Far Eastern University Institute of Law Atty. Mel Sta. Maria, Atty. Mickey Ingles of The Law Firm of Ingles Laurel Calderon, Atty. Ed Serapio and Atty. Rene Bello of De Borja Law Offices, visual artists, writers, and cultural workers: educator, writer, and literary critic Gémino Abad, London-based artist Pio Abad, Cultural Center of the Philippines Chairperson Emily Abrera, lawyer and executive publisher of San Anselmo Publications, Inc. Marvin Aceron, visual artist and TV personality Robert Alejandro, author, poet, critic, translator, editor, teacher, cultural manager, National Artist for Literature and Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino Chairman Virgilio Almario, poet Yñigo Miguel Almeda, novelist Gina Apostol, TV and film writer Ceres Helga Barrios, poet Ma. Josephine Barrios, Merlinda Bobis, Lualhati Bautista, Elmer Borlongan, Plet Bolipata Borlongan, Luis Cabalquinto, Benedicto Cabrera, conductor, composer and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, public historian, academic and TV personality Xiao Chua, Jose Dalisay Jr., writer and author Noel Romero del Prado, poet, playwright, journalist and nonfiction writer Luis H. Francia, Toym Imao, Jenny Jamora, Mookie Katigbak-Lacuesta, visual artist and photographer Kerwin King, poet, lawyer, businessman and civil society leader Alex Lacson, film screenwriter and LGBT rights advocate Moira Lang, poet, essayist, and freelance journalist Marra PL. Lanot, art researcher, independent curator, art advisor, author Matthew Lopez, ballet dancer and businesswoman Lisa Macuja-Elizalde, graphic designer, illustrator Raxenne Maniquiz, Leeroy New, public historian, academic, cultural administrator, journalist, author, and independent curator Ambeth Ocampo, author Bob Ong, actress, writer and director Bibeth Orteza, performance artist and activist Mae Paner, graphic designer and comic book artist Kevin Eric Raymundo (alias Tarantadong Kalbo), surface designer and writer Tats Rejante-Manahan, choreographer, dancer, teacher, director, producer and National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, Ninotchka Rosca, film writer G3 San Diego, composer, ethnomusicologist, educator and National Artist for Music Ramon Santos, Beverly W. Siy, Kenny Tai, Kidlat Tahimik, Claude Tayag, Emmanuel Quintos Velasco, Lester Villarama at Alfred Yuson, creator Angel Medina, arts and crafts artist Candy Reyes-Alipio, fiction writer, columnist, editor and publisher Jessica Zafra accompanied Aquino to the Catholic religious gathering at the group’s AMVEL Business Park in Parañaque City.
The last time Aquino and Velarde met was in July 2014, when the El Shaddai leader and wife Belen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, which was held at the same venue.
In his speech, Aquino, also the administration party’s titular head, reminded the crowd about the importance of the next presidential elections, where the country will again face a challenging task.
Aquino also called on the El Shaddai members, most particularly the voters, to their responsibility in nation-building and making sure that all the reforms his administration has initiated will not be wasted.
Aquino said widespread corruption and poverty have forced many citizens to lose confidence in the Philippines and were forced to try their luck abroad.
On January 19, 2001, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and all of the commanding generals of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, together with the rest of the military establishment, withdrew their support for President Joseph Estrada who was then facing impeachment for plunder and corruption.
Their appearance before a throng of protesters at the EDSA Shrine was the culmination of what was to be known as EDSA People Power 2.
On January 20, 2001, former President Joseph Estrada was ousted by another people power revolution, installing erstwhile Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the 14th President of the Philippines.
On Nov. 29, 2007, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, along with other members of the Magdalo group, made his second attempt to overthrow the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo by storming the Manila Peninsula Hotel to hold a press conference.
On January 31, 2008, The National Economic and Development Authority announced that the country's 2007 full-year gross domestic product indicated a growth of 7.3%, and a growth of 7.8% for the gross national product, the highest such figures since 1977.
On February 4 to 5, The House of Representatives voted to replace House Speaker Jose de Venecia with Prospero Nograles. Shortly before his removal, de Venecia criticized the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and announced to the media that he was joining the political opposition.
On February 8, Jun Lozada, an official with the DENR, testified before the Philippine Senate that former COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos offered a 200-million-peso bribe to then-NEDA Chairman Romulo Neri in connection with the National Broadband Network contract and that Neri had instructed him not to implicate the husband of President Arroyo in the controversy.
On February 15, The Supreme Court nullified warnings issued in 2006 by the Secretary of Justice and the NTC against the airing of the so-called "Hello Garci" tapes.
On March 6, several members of Congress called for an investigation into a 2004 joint oil exploration agreement between the Philippines, China, and Vietnam over the disputed Spratly Islands, claiming that the agreement was unconstitutional and infringed on national sovereignty. Filipino authorities announced the arrest of three men from Jordan and Indonesia in connection with an alleged plot to bomb the United States embassy and three other foreign missions in Manila. Two other suspects in the plot were later arrested in Boracay.
On March 11, A Manila trial court acquitted former First Lady Imelda Marcos of 32 counts of illegal money transfers.
On March 15 (March 16 in Manila), Manny Pacquiao became the Ring Magazine and WBC super featherweight champion as he defeated Juan Manuel Márquez by split decision.
On March 17, The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments on a certiorari petition filed by the Philippine government, which invoked sovereign immunity in connection with the enforcement of an American civil judgment against the estate of former President Ferdinand Marcos in favor of 9,500 human rights victims.
On March 25, The Supreme Court ruled that the Senate may not compel former NEDA Secretary Romulo Neri to divulge his conversations with President Macapagal-Arroyo relating to the bribery attempts surrounding the National Broadband Network contract.
On April 1, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral called for a ban on foreigners availing of Philippine kidney transplants, after reports of destitute Filipinos selling their kidneys for paltry sums.
On April 7, Amid growing concerns over a feared shortage of rice in the Philippines, President Macapagal-Arroyo lifted quotas on the importation of rice by private traders.
On April 8, Police seized hundreds of bomb components in Alaminos, Laguna, following a raid that targeted a Filipino with alleged links to Jemaah Islamiyah.
On April 8, nine military officers received prison sentences from a Makati trial court for their role in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny.
On April 22, the Supreme Court rejected Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp. (AEDC) bid over the proposed operation of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
On May 14–23, Severe Tropical Storm Halong, known in the Philippines as Severe Tropical Storm Cosme, is the fourth severe tropical storm named by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) which is the Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre for the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center also recognized Halong as the fifth tropical depression, the fourth tropical storm as well as the third typhoon of the 2008 Pacific typhoon season.
On May 27, The Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) held its tension-filled annual stockholders meeting, which lasted for more than 13 hours, making it the longest stockholders' meeting in Philippine corporate history. The head of the state pension fund Government Service Insurance System Winston Garcia filed a motion to the Securities and Exchange Commission to suspend the stockholders' meeting after it questioned the proxy votes in favor of the Lopez family. The Meralco board proceeded with the company's stockholders' meeting, defying a cease-and-desist order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission after it questioned the authenticity of the injunction order. After the rally and resistance of the stockholders against the bloc of Winston Garcia, the Lopez family retained control of Meralco. The stockholders awarded five board seats to its representatives and only four seats to the representatives of the government. It took independent auditor SGV and Co. seven hours to come out with the results of the voting.
From June 8 to 16, Ces Oreña-Drilon, news anchor of ABS-CBN's late-night television program Bandila, together with her crew and a Mindanao university professor, is initially reported to have been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in Maimbung, Sulu, by the rebel group Abu Sayyaf on June 8.
On June 12, Angelo Valderama, the assistant cameraman from Drilon's crew, was released. The abductors named Indanan, Sulu mayor Alvarez S. Isnaji as their emissary.
On June 16, Abu Sayyaf issued an ultimatum. The rebel group demanded a ransom amounting to P15 million by noontime of June 17, in exchange for the release of Drilon, Encarnacion, and Dinampo The deadline was extended and the hostages were freed before midnight of June 18.
On June 18, Ces Drilon and her crew were taken to Jolo, Sulu. Afterward, they were brought by the Philippine army to Zamboanga City for a press conference. Philippine Senator Loren Legarda joined the released hostages and was reported to be the negotiator to Abu Sayyaf. Legarda and the released hostages flew afterward to Manila for another press conference and were brought to The Medical City afterward for medication. PNP declared the Isnajis as suspects in the kidnapping of Drilon, her crew, and Dinampo on June 19.
From June 17 to 27, Typhoon Fengshen, known in the Philippines as Typhoon Frank, was the sixth named storm and the fourth typhoon recognized by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center recognized Fengshen as the seventh tropical depression, the sixth tropical storm, and the fifth typhoon of the 2008 Pacific typhoon season. Fengshen made a direct hit on the Philippines and China, causing severe damage and resulting in at least 1,371 deaths and leaving 87 people missing. Most of the deaths occurred in the Philippines, including 846 of the 922 people on board the Princess of the Stars who were killed when the ship capsized.
From June 20 to 21, The ship MV Princess of the Stars, owned by Sulpicio Lines that carried 626 passengers and 121 crew members, stalls in rough seas near Sibuyan Island in the central Philippines. The ship left Manila on Saturday morning. Typhoon Frank caused the ship to sink, though it was previously reported that the ship experienced engine failure.
On August 25, the peace talks between the Government of the Philippines (GRP) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) collapsed after the Supreme Court declares the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) is unconstitutional.
On November 18, the Cities of Baybay, Leyte; Bogo, Cebu; Catbalogan, Samar; Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Tayabas, Quezon; Tabuk, Kalinga; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Mati, Davao Oriental; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Carcar, Cebu and Naga, Cebu lost their cityhood status after the Supreme Court filed by League of Cities of the Philippines declares the respective cityhood laws unconstitutional.
On November 19, The House Committee on Public Order and Safety launched its own investigation into the "euro generals". Nueva Ecija Representative Rodolfo Antonino, panel chairman, said that the panel has sent out invitations to all police officers who went to Russia, retired national Police Comptroller Eliseo de la Paz, and Local Governments Secretary Ronaldo Puno. Also invited were Budget and Management Secretary Rolando Andaya and a senior representative from the Commission on Audit. The panel is also reviewing reports of the Philippine National Police and the Napolcom.
January 5, 2009, Criminal charges are filed against the son of DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman and four others in connection with the mauling of Delfin de la Paz and his 14-year-old son in the presence of Pangandaman himself. Three Red Cross officials, Swiss Andreas Notter, Filipino Mary Jane Lacaba, and Italian Eugenio Vagni are kidnapped. Andreas Notter and Mary Jane Lacaba were released four months later.
Eugenio Vagni was released six months later on July 12.
On January 10, Wide areas in Southern Mindanao were cut off from electrical power after explosions blamed on the Moro Islamic Liberation Front destroyed main transmission lines in Lanao del Norte.
On January 12, four officials of the Department of Justice took a leave of absence after being implicated in a bribery scandal involving efforts to release three wealthy young men charged with drug trafficking.
On January 14, Former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste, formerly married to Senator Loren Legarda, is found guilty of homicide by a Makati trial court in connection with the 2007 shooting death of his long-time aide Rafael de las Alas.
On January 15, As a result of the implementation of Republic Act 9511 one month earlier on December 1, 2008, privately-owned National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) took over the Philippine power grid from government-owned National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) which officially started NGCP to operate, manage, and maintain the country's power grid and its related facilities and assets, privatized the operations, maintenance, and management of the grid, and started the 25-year concession period and franchise and renewable for another 25 years with a total of 50 years.
On May 22, the 2009 flu pandemic, which was an outbreak, entered the Philippines.
On June 22, the first death caused by H1N1 was confirmed in the Philippines and also the first death in Asia.
On August 8, Typhoon Morakot, locally known as Kiko, killed dozens of people and affected over 28,000 people in the Philippines.
On September 6, at least nine people died after SuperFerry 9 with over 960 passengers on board sank off the coast of the Zamboanga Peninsula. Thirty more are still unaccounted for.
On September 26, Typhoon Ondoy caused widespread floods in Metro Manila and surrounding provinces, 25 provinces together with Metro Manila declared a state of calamity leaving 246 dead and 38 missing.
On October 17, A Victoria Air Douglas DC-3 registered RP-C550 crashed shortly after takeoff on a flight to Puerto Princesa International Airport after an engine malfunctioned. The plane crashed near a factory in Las Piñas. All on board died.
On November 18, Renato Ebarle Jr., son of the then-presidential Chief of Staff Undersecretary was ambushed and killed inside his vehicle in Boni Serrano, Quezon City. The suspect was identified as Jason Aguilar Ivler, the son of book author Marlene Aguilar (sister of singer Freddie Aguilar), he was captured after a shootout during the raid of NBI agents in his hideout in Quezon City in January 2010. 5 years later, Ivler was found guilty over the murder case, and sentenced into reclusion perpetua or up to 30 years in prison.
From November 20 to 27, the 5th Asian Youth Day is hosted by the Diocese of Imus at the Rogationist College Silang, Cavite
On Nov 23, 2009, a massacre occurred in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao when a convoy carrying 58 people, 32 of which are journalists, was intercepted, abducted, and later killed.
On November 25, Dasmariñas became a city in the province of Cavite through ratification of Republic Act 9723 which was approved on October 15.
On December 4, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo officially placed Maguindanao province under a state of martial law. The declaration also suspended the writ of habeas corpus in the province.
The announcement was made days after hundreds of government troops were sent to the province, which would later raid armories of the powerful Ampatuan clan. The Ampatuan family was implicated in a gruesome massacre that saw the murder of 57 persons, including women members of the rival Mangudadatu clan, human rights lawyers, and 31 media workers, in the worst incident of political violence in the nation's history. It has also been condemned worldwide as the worst loss of life of media professionals in one day in the history of journalism.
From December 10 to 18, hostages were released after at least 65 people were kidnapped by gunmen in Agusan del Sur, Mindanao, the Philippines.
On December 12, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lifted martial law in Maguindanao in the south of the country, where 57 people were killed in political violence there last month.
On December 22, The Supreme Court reverses its ruling dated November 18, 2008, on the cityhood laws of the municipalities of Baybay, Leyte; Bogo, Cebu; Catbalogan, Samar; Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Tayabas, Quezon; Tabuk, Kalinga; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Mati, Davao Oriental; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Carcar, Cebu and Naga, Cebu. Their respective cityhood status is effectively restored.
On January 5, 2010, Senator Panfilo Lacson left the Philippines, shortly before charges against him were filed for being the alleged mastermind in the murder of publicist Bubby Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito as claimed by former policeman Cesar Mancao.
On January 14, Dr. Mercedes B. Concepcion and Dr. Ernesto O. Domingo were conferred the title and rank of National Scientist for Demography and Internal Medicine, respectively.
On February 2, Biñan became a city in the province of Laguna through ratification of Republic Act 9740 which was approved on October 30, 2009.
On March 4, National Scientist Lourdes J. Cruz is recognized as one of the five laureates of the L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards for Women in Science for the discovery of conotoxins produced by certain marine snails that can serve as painkillers and pharmaceutical probes to study brain function.
On May 10, Automated national elections were held in the Philippines for the first time.
On June 13, Thomas S. Monson dedicated the Cebu City Philippines Temple.
On June 30, Benigno S. Aquino III was inaugurated as the 15th President of the Philippines at the Quirino Grandstand.
The Bataan Export Processing Zone (BEPZ) or Bataan Economic Zone (BEZ), the first official economic zone in the Philippines and located in Mariveles, Bataan, became the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB), with Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) turned over the zone's operations and management to Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), as a result of the implementation of Freeport Area of Bataan Act (Republic Act 9728) which was enacted into law on October 23, 2009, during the administration of Aquino III’s predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and pursuant to Section 28 of the said law.
On July 14, Typhoon Conson, locally known as Basyang, hit Metro Manila.
On July 26, President Benigno S. Aquino III delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).
On August 2, Ivan Padilla, leader of a notorious carjacking group, is killed following a shootout with law enforcers in Makati.
On August 18, A bus bound for La Union plunged into a 150-foot-deep ravine in Sablan, Benguet, killing 42 passengers and injuring 9 others including the driver and the conductor.
On August 23, Hostage-taking incident in Quirino Grandstand. This incident caused the straining of ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines. The Supreme Court reinstates its November 18, 2008 ruling which declared unconstitutional the cityhood laws of Baybay, Leyte; Bogo, Cebu; Catbalogan, Samar; Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Tayabas, Quezon; Tabuk, Kalinga; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Mati, Davao Oriental; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Carcar, Cebu and Naga, Cebu causing these cities to become regular municipalities again.
August 31, Filipino physicists Christopher Bernido and Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido are among this year's recipients of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards.
On September 26, an explosion rocks the De La Salle University in Manila during the last day of the 2010 Bar Exams.
On September 30, Activist, artist and tour guide Carlos Celdran is arrested for shouting and bearing a sign with the word "Dámaso" at the Manila Cathedral during an ecumenical service, to protest the bishops' stance against abortion and contraception.
On Oct. 12, 2010, President Aquino granted amnesty to soldiers who joined the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny led by Magdalo officers, the February 2006 failed coup attempt and Marine standoff, and the November 2007 siege of The Peninsula Manila hotel.
On Nov. 8, 2013, Super Typhoon Yolanda—one of the strongest ever recorded—caused catastrophic destruction in the Visayas region, claiming over 6,000 lives and leaving P95.4 billion in damage.
On October 18, Typhoon Megi, locally known as Juan, hits northern Luzon. It was among the most intense tropical cyclones ever recorded.
On October 25, Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections are held in the Philippines.
On November 23, Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Vicente Romano III officially resigns his post, as a result of a controversial tourism promotion campaign called "Pilipinas Kay Ganda".
On November 30 – Former policeman Gerardo Biong, convicted in the Vizconde massacre case, is freed after 15 years of imprisonment. Biong is found guilty of burning bedsheets and tampering with other evidence in the crime.
On December 6, The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) creates a tracker team to hunt down Senator Panfilo Lacson. The team was composed of members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
On December 7, The Supreme Court (SC) declares as "unconstitutional" Executive Order No. 1, creating the Truth Commission. The Philippine Truth Commission was created by President Benigno Aquino III and tasked to investigate cases of graft and corruption during the Arroyo administration.
On December 10, President Benigno S. Aquino III orders the release of "Morong 43" (43 health workers arrested as suspected communist rebels in February 2010), saying their rights were violated.
On December 14, Hubert Webb and six others convicted in the Vizconde massacre case are acquitted by the Supreme Court, based primarily on inconsistent testimonies of witness Jessica Alfaro during the trial.
On December 16, The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) announces the release of new peso bills and presented their new design.
On December 20, after seven years in detention, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is released from jail.
On January 5, 2011, Heavy rains spawn flash floods and landslides that leave at least 10 people dead in several regions in Mindanao.
On January 18, The Supreme Court (SC) denies Lauro Vizconde's appeal for reconsideration of its decision acquitting Hubert Webb and six other co-accused in the Vizconde massacre case.
On January 19, Vice President Jejomar Binay joins calls for the re-imposition of the death penalty in the country, in light of the perceived resurgence of heinous crimes.
On January 22, Raymond Dominguez, the suspected leader of a notorious carnapping syndicate, surrenders to police in Malolos City, Bulacan, after being tagged as the mastermind in three gruesome murders. The Dominguez brothers, Raymond and Roger, are allegedly involved in the killings of car dealers Venson Evangelista, Emerson Lozano, and the latter's driver, Ernani Sencil.
On February 10, Roger Dominguez, suspected carjack ring leader and brother of Raymond Dominguez, is arrested after being flagged down for violating traffic rules in Timog Avenue, Quezon City. Like his brother, the older Dominguez is linked to the killings of Venzon Evangelista and Ernane Sencil in January.
On January 23, the death toll from the 2010–2011 Philippine floods rises to 68 with 26 others still missing.
On January 24, the country's first successful liver transplant is performed on a child, three-year-old Catherine Erica Buenaventura. A 17-year-old student of the University of the Philippines, Danica Flores Magpantay, is named the 2011 Ford Models Supermodel of the World.
On January 27, during a hearing at the Senate, former military budget officer Lt. Col George Rabusa bares a "pabaon" (send-off) system in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and reveals how AFP chiefs allegedly raked in millions in illegal wealth. According to Rabusa, then outgoing AFP Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes allegedly received not less than P50 million as "pabaon" when he retired in 2001.
On February 1, Heidi Mendoza, a former auditor at the Commission on Audit (COA), reveals alleged irregularities and cover-ups in financial transactions involving the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
On February 3, The Court of Appeals clears Senator Panfilo Lacson for the alleged murders of publicist Bubby Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.
On February 8, Former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Angelo Reyes commits suicide amidst graft charges.
On February 15, voting 7–6, the Supreme Court rules that the municipalities of Baybay, Leyte; Bogo, Cebu; Catbalogan, Samar; Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Tayabas, Quezon; Tabuk, Kalinga; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Mati, Davao Oriental; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Carcar, Cebu and Naga, Cebu can stay as cities. The court stated that their conversion to cityhood met all legal requirements.
On February 20, after months of little activity, the Bulusan volcano suddenly erupts and sends a plume of ash 2 kilometers high.
On February 24, Ilocos Sur Representative Ronald Singson, son of former Governor Chavit Singson, is sentenced to 1 year and 6 months of imprisonment in Hong Kong for possession of illegal drugs. Singson was caught by local authorities in July 2010 with 6.67 grams of pure cocaine and two tablets of the narcotic Nitrazepam at Hong Kong's international airport.
On March 1, after being sentenced to over a year of imprisonment in Hong Kong, Ronald Singson resigns as the representative of the first district of Ilocos Sur.
On March 21, The House of Representatives voted (212–46) to impeach Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez.
On March 24, for failing to attend the inquiry into military corruption without a justifiable reason, former AFP comptroller Jacinto Ligot and his wife Erlinda are cited in contempt by the Senate and held in Senate custody.
On March 26, Senator Panfilo Lacson returns to the Philippines after more than a year away from the country.
On April 7, A press conference in DOJ is held. BIR Commissioner Kim Henares filed a case against Rep. Mikey Arroyo, his wife Angela, and Brazilian model actress Daiana Menezes.
On April 22, an unexpected landslide happens in Compostella Valley, where 13 miners are killed.
On May 8 to 9, Typhoon Bebeng enters the Philippine area of Responsibility and hits the Bicol region where 20 people were reported dead while 2 still missing.
On May 10, the local government of Camarines Sur declares the province under a state of calamity due to Typhoon Bebeng.
On June 29, Philippine National Railways inaugurates the Bicol Express rail service from Tutuban to Naga City. However, as of April 2015, services had still not been resumed.
On August 11, Koko Pimentel is proclaimed as a new Senator of the Republic of the Philippines, replacing Juan Miguel Zubiri, who resigned on August 3.
On September 27, Typhoon Pedring made its landfall in the provinces of Isabela and Aurora and affected Metro Manila. It caused heavy damage to infrastructure. 9 confirmed death, almost 2 billion pesos cost of damage was reported and at least 20 fishermen were reported missing.
On November 18, Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is arrested after a Pasay court issued a warrant of arrest against her, following the filing of a complaint for electoral sabotage by the Commission on Elections. The arrest warrant was served at St. Luke's Medical Center at Taguig where Arroyo had been confined.
On December 9 – Arroyo is detained at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City after her transfer through an ambulance lift.
On December 10, a Parañaque plane crash kills 14 people in a slum area.
On December 12, 188 members of the House of Representatives sign an impeachment complaint against Chief Justice Renato Corona. As only 95 signatures were necessary for the impeachment of Corona by the House of Representatives under the Constitution, the impeachment complaint was to be transmitted to the Senate for trial.
On December 14, The Senate of the Philippines convenes as an impeachment court against Chief Justice Renato Corona.
From December 16 to 18, Typhoon Sendong crossed the Visayas and Mindanao region, leaving almost 1,500 people dead and more than thousands missing.
From January 5 to 7, 2012, A landslide happens in Compostela Valley, where more than 30 people are reportedly dead, and 50 still missing.
On January 15, The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) declares the Independence of Bangsamoro Land (Sulu, Mindanao, Palawan, Sabah) in Valencia Bukidnon.
On January 16, the Impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona begins.
On February 6, A 6.9-magnitude earthquake hits Negros and Cebu provinces, killing at least 52 people. The earthquake caused heavy landslides and huge cracks on highways and violently shook buildings.
From April 8 to 10, The Philippine Navy spotted Chinese fishermen fishing on the disputed Scarborough Shoal and attempted to detain the fishermen on April 10 but was blocked by the Chinese maritime surveillance ship which led to a diplomatic standoff over the shoal and the further severance of Chinese ties with the Philippines.
On April 28, The United Nations approves the territorial claim of the Philippines to Benham Plateau (known as Benham Rise), a 13-million-hectare undersea landmass off the coast of Aurora Province that is possibly rich in mineral deposits.
On May 29, Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona votes 20–3, is found guilty and convicted at the conclusion of the Impeachment Trial, and is removed from office.
On June 6, The Venus transit of June 6, 2012, is the second and last of two Venus transits of the 21st century, it was witnessed by amateur astronomers and skywatchers throughout the country since the first transit happened on June 8, 2004.
On June 23, Bacoor becomes a city in the province of Cavite through ratification of Republic Act 10160 which was approved on April 10.
On July 21, Mabalacat becomes a city in the province of Pampanga through the ratification of Republic Act 10164 which was approved on May 15.
On July 25, Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is released from hospital arrest on bail.
From late July into the first week of August, heavy rain brought on by Typhoons Saola and Haikui causes widespread flooding in many parts of the Philippines, which affected 2.4 million people. The capital Manila was the worst affected. Many people fled their homes, and around 362,000 people sheltered in evacuation centers. As of August 8, the death toll was confirmed to be at least 53, then a few days later, reports confirmed the death toll at 60. As of August 13, confirmed deaths had risen to 89.
On August 4, Cabuyao becomes a city in the province of Laguna after the ratification of Republic Act 10163 which was approved on May 16.
On August 11, Ilagan becomes a city in the province of Isabela after the ratification of Republic Act 10169 which was approved on June 12.
On August 18, A plane carrying four people – two pilots, the Secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government Jesse Robredo and his aide, crashes off the shore of Masbate Island en route to Robredo's hometown of Naga City from Cebu City. His aide survived the crash; however the Secretary and the two pilots did not survive.
On August 31, A 7.6-magnitude earthquake strike off the east of Samar Island, causing tsunami evacuations and power cuts.
On September 12, The Cybercrime Prevention Act is officially signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III.
On October 15, The Philippine government signs a document touted as the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which culminates the Aquino Administration's effort to end the deadlock in the peace process. This new document, while merely providing for a general framework for the actual peace negotiations, announces that "the status quo is unacceptable and that the Bangsamoro shall be established to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Bangsamoro is the new autonomous political entity (NPE) referred to in the Decision Points of Principles as of April 2012." According to President Aquino, this was the agreement that "can finally seal genuine, lasting peace in Mindanao."[20] with Bangsamoro replacing ARMM which was described by President Benigno Aquino III as "a failed experiment".
In December, La Luna Roja, the first full-length flamenco ballet is performed on a Philippine stage.
On December 4, Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) causes widespread destruction on the island of Mindanao, leaving thousands of people homeless. The cyclone is said to be one of the deadliest storms ever to hit the Philippines in decades. As of December 9, the death toll had climbed to 540, with 827 people still missing.
On December 21, The controversial Reproductive Health Bill is signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III.
On January 17, 2013, USS Guardian (MCM-5), an American mine countermeasures ship, ran ground at Tubbataha Reef, testing relations between the Philippines and the United States.
On February 12, Philippine gunmen claimed to be part of the royal army of the Sulu Sultanate lands on Lahad Datu, Sabah causing a standoff that tested bilateral relations between the Philippines and Malaysia.
On March 4, The Gramercy Residences, the tallest residential building in the Philippines at 250m is opened.
On March 16, The Solaire Resort & Casino at the Entertainment City in Parañaque opens to the public, becoming the first resort-casino complex to open in the area.
On March 25, President Aquino III, signs Anti Drugged and Drunk Driving Law of 2013 or RA. 10586.
On April 20, A Chinese fishing vessel with 20 fishermen on board, runs ground at the Tubbataha reef, almost two months after an American navy ship ran ground on the same reef. The fishermen will face charges of illegal poaching and attempted bribery.
On May 2, Former police officer Cesar Mancao is accused of involvement in the murders of publicist Bubby Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito, escaped from the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.
On May 7, Mayon Volcano produces a surprise phreatic eruption lasting 73 seconds. Ash and rock were produced during this eruption. Ash clouds reached 500 meters above the volcano's summit, which drifted west southwest The event killed five climbers, of whom three were Germans, one was a Spaniard living in Germany and one was a Filipino tour guide while Seven others were reported injured.
On May 9, A Philippine Coastguard vessel opened fire on a Taiwanese fishing vessel, allegedly inside Philippine maritime territory, leaving one Taiwanese fisherman dead. Tensions between Taiwan and the Philippines heat up as Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou, threatens to impose sanctions on the Philippines a day after the incident. The Philippine Coast Guard sympathizes with the victim but refuses to apologize for the incident and insisted that its personnel are just doing their job to address illegal fishing.
On May 13, 2013, Mid-term Elections.
On May 31, A fatal explosion occurs at the Two Serendra condominium complex, in the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
Multiply had ceased operations.
On June 2, Cebu Pacific Flight 971, using an Airbus A320-214 registered as RP-C3266 carrying 165 passengers inbound from Manila, overshoots the runway at Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City during heavy rain. There are no fatalities or injuries, but the plane is heavily damaged and written off.
On June 5, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile resigns as Senate President amidst various allegations against the senator.
On July 19, The League of Cities of the Philippines finally acknowledges the cityhood of Baybay, Leyte; Bogo, Cebu; Catbalogan, Samar; Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Lamitan, Basilan; Borongan, Eastern Samar; Tayabas, Quezon; Tabuk, Kalinga; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Mati, Davao Oriental; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Carcar, Cebu and Naga, Cebu. Its National Executive Board Resolution was adopted on July 5 which formally recognized the cities after the decision of the Supreme Court on the cityhood case and memoranda from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
On July 26, at least 8 people are killed and 48 people injured in a bomb blast at the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines.
On August 5, at least 8 people are killed and 40 others injured after a car bomb exploded in Cotabato City, Cotabato province in the Philippines. It is the worst such attack ever in Cotabato City.
On August 9 to 10, Typhoon Labuyo.
On August 12, MNLF leader Nur Misuari unilaterally declares the independence of the Bangsamoro Republik. The Philippine government refuses to recognize the republic and no other foreign government has officially recognized the republic.
On August 16, MV St. Thomas Aquinas collides with MV Sulpicio Express Siete resulting in 55 deaths. 65 people remain missing.
From August 18 to 20, Typhoon Maring hit northern Luzon but affected the whole area of Luzon through the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. The southwest monsoon brought by Typhoon Maring hit Metro Manila, Cavite, some parts of Rizal and Laguna, leaving many areas flooded. Eight people were reported dead, with over 200,000 homeless.
On August 26, Widespread protests against the Priority Development Assistance Fund scam were organized nationwide. Some Filipino communities worldwide also held solidarity protests. The biggest demonstration that was held on this day was the Million People March held in Luneta Park in Manila.
On August 28, Just hours after Malacañang sets a P10-million bounty for any information leading to her arrest, Janet Napoles surrendered to President Aquino III.
From September 9 to 28, The Moro National Liberation Front and government forces clash in Zamboanga City, paralyzing economic activity in the city.
On September 26, The Comelec disqualifies Laguna governor E. R. Ejercito for poll overspending.
On October 15, A magnitude 7.2 earthquake strikes the island of Bohol with a depth of 20.0 km (12.4 mi). It was centered about 20 miles below the town of Sagbayan.
As of October 15, it was reported that the death toll was at least 93, including people in Cebu.
The following day, the death toll had risen to 144, with 291 people injured.
On October 28, the elections for the barangay officials are held. Davao Occidental becomes the 81st province of the Philippines by virtue of Republic Act No. 10360
On October 30, President Aquino III address the nation in a television broadcast, to defend the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of the government.
On November 7, Janet Lim-Napoles, the alleged mastermind in the P10 billion pork barrel scam faces the Senate for the first time to answer the allegations against her.
On November 8, Typhoon Yolanda, the deadliest Philippine typhoon on record, causes catastrophic destruction in the Visayas, particularly on the islands of Samar and Leyte, killing 6,300 people. About 11 million people have been affected by the typhoon with many left homeless.
On November 15, A group of Abu Sayyaf militants raids a resort on the Malaysian island of Pom Pom in Semporna, Sabah. During the ambush, a couple from Taiwan was on the resort when one of them was shot dead by the militant while the second victim was kidnapped and taken to the Sulu Archipelago in the southern Philippines. The victim was later freed in Sulu Province with the help of the Philippines' security forces.
On November 20, The Supreme Court of the Philippines abolishes the Priority Development Assistance Fund otherwise known as the 'pork barrel'.
On November 25, the special barangay elections are held in Zamboanga City and Bohol.
On December 2, Drone technology is introduced for the first time in Philippine television through UNTV capturing the devastation of Typhoon Haiyan.
On December 6, Former Batangas governor Antonio Leviste is released after four years on parole.
On December 9, The Philippines and the Bangsamoro sign a power-sharing agreement, paving the way for the peace process.
On December 11, the highest number of journalists are killed in a single year since 2009 in the country reaching a total of twelve.
On December 12, The Comelec disqualifies governors Vilma Santos of Batangas, E. R. Ejercito of Laguna, Ryan Luis Singson of Ilocos Sur, and Amado Espino, Jr. of Pangasinan. The commission also disqualified congressmen Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga and Rodolfo Biazon of Muntinlupa and several elected government officials failed to submit their Statement of Contributions and Expenditures. Former Pagadian mayor Samuel S. Co and his wife, Priscilla are arrested. Both are facing syndicated estafa cases in connection with the multi-billion Ponzi scheme of Aman Futures.
A robbery incident happens in the jewelry section of The SM Store on the first floor amidst Christmas shopping. Martilyo Gang was said to be the perpetrator of the incident.
On December 16, A bus operated by Don Mariano falls off the Metro Manila Skyway near Bicutan, Parañaque, killing 18 people and injuring 20 others. The accident which was the worst along the Skyway at that time led to calls for the installation of speed-limiting or monitoring devices in public utility vehicles.
On December 20, A shooting that occurs at the arrival area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila killed four people, including Mayor Ukol Talumpa of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, and his wife Lea Talumpa, and left five others injured.
On December 28, San Pedro becomes a city in the province of Laguna through ratification of Republic Act 10420 which was approved last March 27.
From January 10 to 20, 2014, The low-pressure area that was affecting Visayas and Mindanao since January 10 is upgraded into Tropical Depression Agaton by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), becoming the first storm to hit the Philippines in 2014.
Prior to Agaton intensifying into a tropical depression, it first developed into an area of low pressure and has caused floodings, deaths, and displaced thousands of people in Mindanao since January 10.
As of January 30, Agaton has killed at least 68 people with 4 reported missing. It has displaced an estimated 160,000 people and caused a total damage of 313.78 million pesos to infrastructure and agriculture.
On January 13, The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) arrested alleged rice smuggler David Tan, also known as Davidson Tan Bangayan or David Lim.
On January 25, the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have finally signed the fourth and last annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, an agreement between the two parties that calls for the creation of the autonomous political entity named Bangsamoro replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
From January 27 to February 2, The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leads an offensive, codenamed Operation Darkhorse, against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) to arrest various members of the militant group, including its leader Umbra Kato, for various criminal charges.
By January 27, the AFP overran a BIFF camp in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, Mindanao. The clash took place barely after the signing of the Framework Agreement between the government and the MILF.
As of January 29, 37 people were killed during the armed conflict, 36 of which are members of the BIFF and 1 soldier from the AFP.
On January 28, Ten Philippine National Police (PNP) officers have been sacked following revelations from the Commission on Human Rights that they play a so-called "wheel of torture" game at a secret detention facility to extract information from criminal suspects and for their own amusement.
On January 29, The Government of Hong Kong scraps all Philippine diplomatic and official passport holders' 14-day visa-free access after the Philippine government failed to issue an apology for the Manila hostage crisis in 2010.
On February 1, A blast from an improvised explosive device, allegedly planted by members of the BIFF, injures 12 soldiers and civilians in Barangay Lower Salbu, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
On February 12, the government announces that it had recovered the secret Swiss accounts of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos amounting to 1.3 billion pesos after a Singapore court ruled that the Philippine National Bank had the legal rights to the accounts. The accounts were already transferred to the National Treasury on February 5.
On February 15, more than 519,221 members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) join the Worldwide Walk For Those Affected by Typhoon Yolanda held in Manila and in selected sites in the Philippines and abroad as the Worldwide Walk breaks the records of the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest charity walk in a single venue and in the largest charity walk in multiple venues in 24 hours.
On February 18, The Supreme Court of the Philippines (SC) declares the major provisions of the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10175) including the online libel provision as constitutional. On the online libel, the court further clarified that only the original authors of libelous material are covered by the law, and not those who received or reacted to it (e.g., liking, sharing, and commenting on an online post). The court also ruled the unconstitutionality of some provisions of the law including unsolicited commercial communications, on collection or recording of traffic data in real-time by means of a computer system, and take-down clause or restricting access to computer data.
The House of Representatives starts the public hearings on the proposal to amend the 1987 Constitution to allow Congress to lift restrictions regarding ownership of land, and businesses such as public utilities, mass media, educational institutions, and advertising by foreigners to bring more foreign investments to the country.
On March 3, The House Committee on Constitutional Amendments approved the resolution for the amendment after several public hearings.
February 21, the government completes the negotiations with the South Korean aerospace company Korea Aerospace Industries for the purchase of 12 brand new KAI T-50 Golden Eagle (also known as FA-50), a supersonic advanced trainer and multirole light fighter type of jets. The deal is worth 18.9 billion pesos (424.34 million US Dollars). The first batch was to be delivered in September 2015.
On February 24: AFP chief Emmanuel T. Bautista reports an incident to a foreign forum in Manila that Filipino fishermen were driven away from Panatag Shoal, a disputed territory claimed both by the Philippines and China, by a Chinese coast guard vessel using water cannons. The incident happened on January 27.
Members of the Confederation of Truckers Association and Integrated North Harbor Truckers Association stage a mass protest against the implementation of the Truck Ban in the City of Manila by Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada as the ban officially starts.
On February 27, A massive power breakdown occur on the island of Mindanao affecting 25 million people in several major cities and provinces. The blackout lasted for more than five hours. Several businesses declared profit losses, while local government services were greatly paralyzed due to the blackout. On February 28, the Department of Energy (DOE) announced that the cause of the power interruption was due to line trippings that started in Agus I Hydroelectric Power Plant in Lanao del Norte.
On March 3, President Aquino III abolishes six government-owned and controlled corporations as part of a crackdown on dissolving non-performing, and unnecessary firms in the government.
On March 4, The Senate concurs the ratification of the country's separate extradition treaties with the United Kingdom, India, and Spain in a vote of 17 with no objections and abstentions. All the extradition treaties will have a retroactive effect, which means, according to Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, "The treaties are applicable to offenses committed prior to the entry into force of the treaties. This means that we can extradite the plunder criminals if they flee to the UK, Spain, or India, even though the plunder was committed before the effectivity of the extradition treaties." The treaties to the said three countries were ratified by President Aquino III on December 6, 2013.
On March 6, Delfin Lee, President of Globe Asiatique and one of the country's top five fugitives, is captured outside a hotel in Malate, Manila, and was later brought to Camp Crame in Quezon City. Lee faced syndicated estafa charges filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the 6.6 billion pesos Globe Asiatique scam in 2009.
On March 8, Chinese coast guard ships block two Philippine vessels from entering Ayungin Shoal.
On March 11, the Aquino government released an official statement and a diplomatic protest about the incident, through the Department of Foreign Affairs, stating that the Ayungin Shoal is part of the Philippines, and China's act was considered a clear and urgent threat to the rights and interests of the country. Furthermore, the civilian vessels were only conducting rotation of personnel and resupply operations in the said shoal. To resupply the Filipino troops garrisoned in the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in the said shoal, the Philippine Navy decided in providing air-drop supplies of food and water to the soldiers. In a text message by Chinese Embassy spokesman Zhang Hua to the media on March 12, she said, "The Chinese side does not accept the protest by the Philippine side."
On March 10, the Senate, on the third and final reading, passes Senate Bill No. 1733 or People's Freedom of Information (FOI) Act of 2013 authored by Senator Grace Poe. All 21 senators present voted for the approval of the said bill. Prior to the approval of the bill on the final reading, the bill has been filed 44 times in 7 Congresses.
A total of 11 people, including seven soldiers and two policemen, are killed in separate clashes with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Matanao, Davao del Sur.
On March 17, Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) board member Jose Taruc V surrendered to the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP–CIDG) in Greenhills, San Juan City. Taruc was one of the accused, together with the former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in the 336 million peso plunder case filed by the Sandiganbayan in 2012 on the misuse of the agency's intelligence funds.
March 21, Asia-Pacific Cable Network 2, a submarine cable, is damaged. It caused internet connectivity issues and it affects the Eastern Communications and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company subscribers. The said problem also affects other nine Asia-Pacific countries.
March 22, Communist Party of the Philippines Chairman Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma Tiamzon, who also sits as the secretary general of the New People's Army (NPA), and 5 more others are arrested in Barangay Zaragosa, Aloguinsan, Cebu. The Tiamzon's had a standing warrant of arrest orders for crimes against humanity which include murder, multiple murder, and frustrated murder charges. 5 days after the arrest of the couple, last March 27, Andrea Rosal, who was the daughter of former NPA spokesman "Ka Roger" Rosal (deceased) was arrested in Caloocan.
March 27, the five-page Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro is signed in Malacañan Palace grounds by the government's peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and MILF negotiator Mohager Iqbal. The signing was also attended by a thousand people, including President Aquino III, MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, Prime Minister Najib Razak of Malaysia, and the Presidential Advisor on the Peace Process Teresita Deles. The CAB comprises the Bangsamoro Framework, including its annexes on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities, Revenue Generation and Wealth Sharing, Power Sharing, Normalization, and the addendum on Bangsamoro Waters and Zones of Joint Cooperation.
March 29, A Philippine civilian vessel carrying supplies for eight soldiers stationed in BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded ship turned military outpost, evades a blockade by two Chinese Coast Guard ships in Ayungin Shoal.
On March 30, The Philippines submits its 10-volume memorial or written pleading on the territorial feud against China in the West Philippines Sea to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
On April 1, The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, chaired by Senator Teofisto Guingona III, announce and recommend the filing of plunder and graft charges against Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Bong Revilla together with Janet Lim-Napoles over their involvement in the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam. Other recommended to be charged were Gigi Reyes (Enrile's former Chief of Staff), Pauline Labayen (Estrada's former appointments Secretary), Richard Cambe (Revilla's political staff), former National Agribusiness Corporation (Nabcor) President Alan Javellana, and former Technology Resource Center (TRC) Director Antonio Ortiz. The committee also pressed further investigation into the other four involved members of the House of Representatives, Janet Lim–Napoles' family and friends, and other involved government officials. The Office of the Ombudsman later announced that they will file plunder and graft charges to Lim–Napoles, and to the three involved Senators.
On April 2, A Filipina resort employee and a Chinese tourist are kidnapped by seven armed members of the Abu Sayyaf in Singamata Reef Resort, Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia.
On April 4, Senators Ralph Recto, Lito Lapid and former congressmen Corazon Malanyaon of Davao Oriental, Roberto Cajes and Eladio Jala of Bohol, Roger Mercado of Southern Leyte, Alipio Badelles of Lanao del Norte, and Eileen Ermita-Buhain of Batangas are implicated in the Nabcor fund anomaly worth tens of millions of pesos.
On April 8, Former Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council chairman Noli de Castro, currently the anchor of ABS-CBN's TV Patrol, attends the hearing of the Senate Committee on Housing, Urban Planning and Resettlement on the P6.6 billion housing scam of Delfin Lee's Globe Asiatique. De Castro admitted not having special treatment to Lee on the arrangement between the Pag-IBIG fund and GA.
SC upholds the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 10354, also known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012, except for eight provisions (including Section 7, Section 17, and Section 23) which were partially or fully declared unconstitutional.
On April 9, The Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila reopened to the public after a 2-year structural retrofitting and rehabilitation due to cracks inside the structure. The project cost was 136 million pesos. President Aquino III, together with Senate President Franklin Drilon and Papal Nuncio Giuseppe Pinto, attended the first mass after the reopening led by Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle.
On April 10, The Philippine aviation industry, through the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), is finally upgraded to "Category 1" status given by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after CAAP successfully complied with international safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Cebu Pacific's ban on flying their planes to any Europe destinations is lifted by the European Union.
On April 11, The Philippines and the U.S. reach an agreement on sharing local military bases with the U.S. military forces during times of humanitarian and maritime operations.
20 government troops are injured in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
On April 14, 13 policemen, including Philippine National Police (PNP) Superintendent Hansel Marantan, are relieved from their duties in connection with the January 2013 Atimonan rub-out incident that killed suspected gambling leader Vic Siman, environmentalist Jun Lontok and 10 others.
On April 15, The Department of Energy (DOE) issues a yellow alert status on the Luzon grid following a series of temporary shutdowns of the Masinloc and Pagbilao power plants that decreased the island's power reserves.
On April 19, Gigi Reyes, former chief of staff of Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile who is one of the recommended by the Ombudsman to charge for plunder over the PDAF scam, return to the country.
On April 23, in a joint statement, the government delegations of the Philippines led by Manila Mayor Estrada and Hong Kong agreed that the four demands of the 2010 Manila hostage crisis victims and their families were resolved. Visa sanctions for Philippine officials and diplomats were also lifted by Hong Kong.
On April 28, The Pasig River Ferry Service is re-opened to the public. Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino led the reopening of the ferry system at the Guadalupe terminal in Makati. Riding the ferry was given for free to the public for two weeks. The ferry service was one of the solutions for the decongestion of Metro Manila's roadways.
On April 30, The Philippine National Police (PNP) together with the Supreme Court, and the DOJ launch the "e-subpoena system" that will speed up delivering and transmitting subpoenas issued by the courts to the police stations.
PNP in cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) launch a simultaneous campaign called "Operation Strike Back" that lead in the arrest of 58 suspects involved in internet sextortion syndicates in 4 key areas in Luzon (including Bicol, Taguig, Bulacan, and Laguna) in connection with the suicide attempt of 17-year-old Dunfermline teenager Daniel Perry due to webcam blackmail plot.
On May 2, The Office of the Ombudsman grants Ruby Tuason immunity from criminal prosecution and her request to be a state witness in the PDAF scam case. Tuason also returned the 40 million pesos, part of the earnings or kickbacks used in the PDAF transactions, to the National Treasury in front of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales.
From May 5 to 16, The 30th Balikatan joint-military exercises between the Philippines and United States military forces commence. More than 3,000 Filipino soldiers and 2,500 US military joined various drills for the Balikatan which will center on humanitarian response, and maritime security and defense.
On May 6, Former Senator Francis Pangilinan take an oath as the first Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization, holding a cabinet-rank position. Pangilinan will oversee the operations of 4 agencies of the Department of Agriculture which has been moved to the Office of the President: the National Food Authority, the National Irrigation Administration, the Philippine Coconut Authority, and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) kicks off the voter registration for the 2016 national elections with the start of the "Walkah Walkah: Step Juan Tungo sa Mulat na Botante" campaign in Laoag City.
Even after undergoing a nose job, Abigail Pendulas, wife of Aman Futures Group owner Manuel Amalilio who was involved in a pyramiding scam, was arrested by the Central Luzon PNP in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
A Chinese fishing boat carrying more than 11 crew and 500 turtles is seized by the operatives of the PNP Maritime Police Patrol in Half-Moon Shoal (locally known as Hasa-Hasa Shoal) at the Spratlys Group of Islands.
Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya is charged with graft and corruption for a P1.1-billion deal signed for automated ticketing systems. After a complaint was launched by the National Federation of Filipino Consumers the Office of the Ombudsman brought forth charges. The Contactless Automated Fare Collection System was awarded through a competitive transaction process to an ineligible firm, AF Consortium, and was in violation of Section 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Due to a conflict of interest and an ongoing case against the Government, AF Consortium should have been disqualified by the transaction team.
The lead adviser to the Government on this transaction was Rebel Group International BV of the Netherlands.
May 8 – The Ombudsman clears former president and current Pampanga congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on her involvement in the P728 million fertilizer fund scam.
On May 9, citing personal reasons, Margie P. Juico, the chairman and former long-time board of directors of PCSO tenders her resignation. Former Cavite Governor (then-former Cavite third district congressman and defeated 2013 Cavite gubernatorial election candidate), Ayong Maliksi will possibly replace Juico as the chairman. This was after the agency announced the relocation of the main office from PICC to Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong.
From May 10 to 11, President Aquino III, together with fellow Southeast Asian leaders, attend the 24th ASEAN Summit held at the Myanmar International Convention Center in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. The territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea was the center of this year's summit.
On May 12, Angat Dam reaches a critical level as the water level dropped to 179.72 meters above sea level, relatively due to the effect of the dry season. The release of water for irrigation in farm areas of Bulacan and Pampanga was cut off.
On May 13, Lacson's Napoles list of involved politicians is released to the public.
On May 14, whistleblower Benhur Luy's list was also released, with 25 senators included in the said list to be involved with any Janet Napoles transactions.
On May 13 to 16, The PNP hosts the recently concluded 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Association of Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) Conference held at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Pasay. PNP Chief Alan Purisima together with 9 ASEAN chiefs of Police joined the meeting. President Aquino III led the first day of the meeting where he said that the ASEAN will continue to fight against transnational crimes.
On May 14, The Philippines protests China's alleged construction activities in Johnson Reef (known locally as Mabini Reef) of the disputed Spratlys Group of Islands.
On May 19, President Aquino III leads the opening day of the 2014 United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – ASEAN Conference on Tourism and Climate Change in Legaspi City, Albay. Aquino III said he keeps focus on the tourist arrivals target of estimated 10 million tourists before his term ends in 2016.
On May 21, Following the overspending of campaign funds for his running for the 2013 Laguna gubernatorial elections, The COMELEC En Banc unseats Laguna Gov. E.R. Ejercito, in a unanimous decision. Vice Governor Ramil Hernandez will take over the position of Ejercito.
On May 23, The first maritime boundary treaty for the Philippines, the Philippines, and Indonesia sign a maritime treaty that draws the boundary between the two countries overlapping exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in Mindanao and Celebes seas. It took 20 years for both countries to set the maritime boundary.
On May 26, Al Vitangcol III formally files his resignation as the general manager of Metro Rail Transit Authority due to the P517-million maintenance contract that he had given to a relative.
On June 6, The "Tacloban Declaration" disaster risk reduction and management framework agreement is launched during the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management held in the country. President Aquino III signs an executive order declaring a "State of Emergency" over Region IV-A (CALABARZON) and Basilan due to an infestation of coconut-scale insects in the cocoa plantations.
On June 11, Khair Mandos, the alleged financier of the Abu Sayyaf Group is arrested in a joint operation of the police and military in Parañaque.
On June 16: The newly renovated PNP custodial center in Camp Crame, which served as the possible detention cell of 3 senators involved in the PDAF Scam is shown to the media men. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) sign the amended Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Juvenile Justice & Welfare Act of 2006.
On June 18, Sen. Pia Cayetano and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) are dismayed over the plan of Destileria Limtuaco, Inc. to name Filipino national heroes and places into their alcoholic drink brands.
President Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10638, the 50-year expansion of the corporate life of the Philippine National Railways (PNR).
From June 20 to 23, Philippine Senators Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada surrender to the Sandiganbayan after the court issued a warrant for their arrest in relation to the PDAF scam.
On June 26, The Sandiganbayan enters a not-guilty plea for Senator Bong Revilla. after he refused to enter one himself in the plunder case filed against him in connection with the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations or pork barrel funds.
On June 27, Authorities alert several cities in Mindanao, especially Davao City and Cagayan de Oro, due to the terrorism threats made by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah bomb maker Abdul Basit Usman. Usman tried to attack Davao City.
On June 30, The Sandiganbayan enters a not guilty plea for Senator Jinggoy Estrada, after he refused also to enter one himself in the plunder case filed against him in connection with the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations or pork barrel funds.
On July 1, The Supreme Court of the Philippines declares unconstitutional the "acts and practices" under the Aquino administration's Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).
On July 2, Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago announces in public that she was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in her left lung.
On July 4, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile is temporarily confined at the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame following his surrender.
On July 11, DBM Secretary Butch Abad offers his resignation letter on the unconstitutionality of the Disbursement Acceleration Program but Pres. Aquino III rejected the letter. The Sandiganbayan Third Division enters a not-guilty plea for Senator Juan Ponce Enrile after he refused to plead during his arraignment for plunder. Jessica Lucila "Gigi" Reyes is transferred to the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City from the Taguig Pateros District Hospital after complaining of "persistent chest pains".
On July 14, President Aquino III, in a televised public address said the government will appeal to the Supreme Court over their decision on the DAP's partial unconstitutionality.
From July 15 to 17, Typhoon Glenda leaves massive damage across Metro Manila and nearby regions, fallen down trees, and electric posts, and ripped out roofs of houses, classes in schools and work in government offices were suspended and airport, train operations and stocks trading halted after the typhoon shut down the Metro. According to the NDRRMC, 97 persons were confirmed dead. At least 90% of the total residents of Metro Manila lost power, as poles were knocked and lines downed. The national grid corporation posted on Twitter, saying "Around 90% of Meralco's franchise area is experiencing power outage brought about by downed poles, lines and outages of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines' transmission lines due to Typhoon Glenda."
On July 18, Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, former Northern Luzon commander is designated as the newest AFP Chief of Staff in the turn-over ceremonies led by President Aquino III in Camp Aguinaldo. Catapang's predecessor Lt. Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista has retired from military service. The Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 is attacked and crashed near Hrabove in Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, which killed 298 people on board including 3 Filipinos, and no survivors were recorded in the incident.
On July 21, The Philippine Arena is inaugurated in Ciudad de Victoria, Bocaue, Bulacan. President Aquino III and INC Executive Minister Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo led the inauguration of the arena. With a capacity of up to 55,000, it is the largest indoor domed arena in the world. The Iglesia ni Cristo funded the project and the opening also coincides with the church's centennial. Militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) files the first valid impeachment complaint against President Aquino III in connection with DAP.
On July 22, Youth civic groups led by Youth Act Now filed an impeachment complaint against President Aquino III.
On July 23, The Sandiganbayan summoned executives of banks to testify during the bail hearings of Senator Bong Revilla.
On July 24: A third impeachment complaint is filed against President Aquino III. This time, in connection with the Philippine-United States Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
Embattled Budget Secretary Butch Abad faces a Senate inquiry on the Disbursement Acceleration Program that one of the parts of which was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
On July 28, At least 21 people are killed when armed men opened fire at a convoy of civilians in Talipao, Sulu who were traveling to a feast to mark the end of Ramadan.
On August 1, The Supreme Court of the Philippines directs the Sandiganbayan to file its comment on the petition of the former chief of staff of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, attorney Gigi Reyes, to be released from detention and her plunder and graft trials halted. The Ombudsman of the Philippines finds probable cause to indict Senator Lito Lapid and several others for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act in connection with the P728 million fertilizer fund scam.
On August 8, The Sandiganbayan denies with finality the appeal of detained Senator Juan Ponce Enrile to dismiss the plunder case filed against him in connection with the pork barrel scam. The anti-graft court's Third Division said he failed to present new reasons for the court to reconsider its earlier ruling finding probable cause to proceed with the case and issue warrant of arrest against him.
On August 11, ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio leads several teachers in submitting the fourth impeachment complaint against President Benigno Aquino III over what they claimed as the continuation of the pork barrel system in Congress.
On August 12, After 3 years of hiding, Retired General Jovito Palparan who was accused in the case of the disappearance of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno in 2006 is arrested in Santa Mesa, Manila.
On August 18, Vice President Jejomar Binay and his son, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay face plunder charges in the alleged overprice of a carpark building filed a supplemental petition reflecting a bigger cost for the project.
On August 20: A civil society group files three separate graft and plunder complaints against Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and his wife, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano. Lawyer Roderick Vera of the group Philippine Association for the Advancement of Civil Liberties, Inc. charged them with violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act before the Office of the Ombudsman. Renato Bondal shows up on the Senate blue ribbon investigation on the overpriced cost of construction of Makati City Hall Building II, a supposed parking building worth P2.1M. Bondal also accused Binays of the overpriced birthday cakes given to the senior citizens.
On August 24 – Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte confirms that some of the city's residents were recruited by the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
On September 2, Allies of President Aquino III in the House Justice Committee quash the 3 impeachment complaints against him, finding them not sufficient in substance.
On September 3: Former presidential candidate Elly Pamatong, who was being linked to the foiled bombing attempt at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), is arrested. Sec. Sonny Coloma in the hearing for the 2015 PCOO Senate budget and GCGA discloses that efforts to privatize IBC-13 will continue next year despite legal obstacles. Escudero suggests to Congress to allocate subsidies for unpaid GSIS, SSS, and PhilHealth contributions of the network employees.
On September 4, Senators criticize the exorbitant Makati's P350-million allocation for the transfer of its urban planning office and data center to the allegedly overpriced P2.7-billion Makati City Hall Building 2.
The general contractor for the allegedly overpriced building clarified that the company did not give then Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay or any other city officials kickbacks.
On September 5, Suspended Senator Juan Ponce Enrile enters a not-guilty plea in the 15 counts of graft against him in connection with the pork barrel scam.
On September 8, DPWH initially sets plans for the demolition of Anda Circle in Manila and converted into an intersection to ease traffic and congestion near the port area.
On September 10: President Aquino III leads the handover of the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to the Senate and House leaders in a historical turnover ceremony at the Malacañang. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago walks out from the Commission on Appointments Foreign Affairs Committee hearing after Congressman Rodolfo Fariñas questioned her authority to continue with the hearing without a quorum. He first asked if the hearing was a public hearing or if it was a meeting of the committee for proper recommending the appointment of the official to the plenary.
On September 14: At least 70 people are still missing after the ferry MV Maharlika II sinks off the Philippines island of Leyte. Typhoon Luis hits the northeast Philippines with warnings of potential floods and landslides.
On September 15, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS) issues Alert Level 3 or "Quick Alert" for Mayon Volcano after it showed signs of relative signs of restlessness.
On September 18, Vice President Jejomar Binay delivers a 20-minute address to answer the allegations of the overpriced P2.7-billion Makati Hall Building 2. He said the charges of corruption against him were "all lies" and testimony on them in the Senate would not stand up in court.
On September 19, 18 dead, 16 were injured and 104,000 families are affected after heavy rains and floods due to Tropical Storm Mario and the intensified southwest monsoon shuts down Metro Manila.
On September 22, PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima faces graft, plunder and indirect bribery complaints over an allegedly undervalued property and the renovation of a multi-million residence at the general police headquarters in Camp Crame.
September 30, Senator Grace Poe quizzes Philippine National Police Chief Director General Alan Purisima's purchase of a Land Cruiser for only P1.5 million. During the hearing of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, Poe said a Land Cruiser normally costs P4 million to P7 million.
From October 2–3, Former DA Secretary and Bohol Congressman Arthur Yap along with former congressmen Prospero Nograles of Davao City, Candido Pancrudo, Jr. of Bukidnon, and Thomas Dumpit Jr. of La Union are filed with criminal charges for the misuse of their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or pork barrel which totaled to P163.2 million. Former congresswoman and current Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete of Masbate is facing a plunder case for the alleged anomalous use of her Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or pork barrel fund allocations, worth P112.29 million from 2007 to 2009. Also indicted were former Rep. Samuel Dangwa of Benguet, former Rep. Rodolfo Plaza of Agusan del Sur and former Rep. Constantino Jaraula of Cagayan de Oro with several counts of malversation and direct bribery, also in connection with the pork barrel scam allegedly engineered by Janet Lim-Napoles.
On October 5, PNP Chief Purisima is allegedly accused of owning a multimillion residential property in San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.
On October 8, a Total lunar eclipse is witnessed in the Philippines. It was witnessed by amateur astronomers and eclipse watchers throughout the country after sunset.
On October 9: Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. could face money laundering charges as the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) told the Sandiganbayan that Revilla deposited at least P87.6 million in his bank accounts during the supposed period he was accused of participating in the pork barrel scam.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Manuel Roxas II sacks district directors of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Superintendent Rolando Asuncion of the Manila Police District (MPD), Chief Superintendent Edgardo Layon of Northern Police District (NPD),
Chief Superintendent Richard Albano of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and Chief Superintendent Jet Erwin Villacorte of the Southern Police District (SPD); only Chief Superintendent Abelardo Villacorta of the Eastern Police District (EPD) was spared from the sacking.
On October 10, Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado accuses the Binay family over the alleged 35-hectare estate "Hacienda" in Rosario, Batangas.
On Oct. 11, 2014, transgender woman Jennifer Laude was found dead in a motel in Olongapo City. The suspected killer was identified as US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton, was among the 3,500 US military personnel who took part in war exercises in the country.
On Jan. 25, 2015, a gun battle that would last for 12 hours left 44 SAF troopers, at least 17 MILF rebels, and five civilians dead during PNP’s counterterrorism operation “Oplan Exodus” in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
On January 26, The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee holds Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin "Junjun" Binay and five others in contempt; they faced arrest due to the alleged continued snub by Binay and other Makati officials of an ongoing Senate probe.
3 days later, Binay was arrested and forced to appear in the Senate hearing but the detention was deferred leading to his release.
On January 27, The Department of Justice rejects the appeal by United States Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton to drop the murder charges against him over the Death of Jennifer Laude, a Filipina trans woman. The trial began on March 23.
On January 29, The Government of the Philippines and the MILF signed a protocol for the decommissioning of rebel firearms in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
On January 31, Two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots are killed after the PAF trainer aircraft SF-260FH Number 1034 crashed around 300 meters off the shoreline of Barangay Bucana, Nasugbu, Batangas, while attending their performance for the upcoming 70th anniversary of the liberation of Nasugbu from the Japanese Imperial Forces during World War II.
On February 2, Former Commission on Elections Chairman Benjamin Abalos is acquitted on the 2007 electoral sabotage case by the Pasay Regional Trial Court.
On February 3, The Supreme Court affirms the unconstitutionality of the Disbursement Acceleration Program in its new ruling. Voting 13–0, the SC partially granted the government's Motion for Reconsideration on the DAP. Projects and programs that are not covered by the General Appropriations Act are valid and the authors may be liable.
On February 5, The Department of Foreign Affairs files two protest notes questioning China for ramming Filipino fishing boats and collecting giant clams over the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc).
On February 14, 50 rebel members of the New People's Army are figured in a failed attack and shootout inside a police station in Mati, Davao Oriental. 4 soldiers and a NPA member were killed.
On February 18, Masbate Governor Rizalina Lanete surrendered to the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detention Group authorities after the Sandiganbayan had issued a warrant of arrest against her in connection with her participation in the PDAF scam.
On February 24, The Supreme Court decides affirmatively about the dismissal of PMA Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia, last year due to honor code violations.
On February 25: Former Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives party-list Representative Edgar Valdez surrenders to the sheriff of Sandiganbayan. Valdez is facing one count of plunder and seven counts of graft for allegedly receiving P57.78 million worth of kickbacks from the PDAF scam.
AFP declares its all-out offensive campaign against the MILF breakaway group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
On March 3, Maguindanao was placed in a state of calamity due to the continuing battle between the military forces and the BIFF.
In an encounter that happened on March 7, the AFP confirmed that 139 members including commanders of the BIFF were killed, including a kind of BIFF founder Ameril Umbra Kato.
On March 30, The Armed Forces of the Philippines announced the termination of the all-out offensive against the rebel group.
On February 28, A total of 26 people are killed among them were 2 soldiers and 24 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Patikul, Sulu.
On March 4, the wreck of the World War II Japanese battleship Musashi is found by Paul Allen and his team in the Sibuyan Sea. Musashi was one of the two biggest Japanese battleships ever built; it was attacked and sunk by American aircraft on October 24, 1944, in the Battle of Leyte Gulf.
On March 6, The Office of the Ombudsman's special panel of investigators files complaints against Vice President Binay, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, and 22 individuals, in connection with the overpriced Makati City Hall II Parking Building. The ombudsman will start the preliminary probe after the filing of the cases.
On March 11, the Ombudsman suspended Makati Mayor Junjun Binay and other city officials for 6 months in connection with the case. Binay did not follow the decision.
On March 16, plunder and graft charges were filed against Vice President Binay and Mayor Binay for the alleged overpricing of the Makati City Hall Building II. The elder Binay was city mayor and the younger Binay a city councilor at the time of the construction.
On the same date, the Court of Appeals released a temporary restraining order for the preventive suspension of Mayor Binay.
On April 6, the Court of Appeals indefinitely extended its halt order on the preventive suspension of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, as the appellate court issued a writ of preliminary injunction in favor of Binay.
On the other hand, Acting Mayor Romulo Peña was ordered by the Department of the Interior and Local Government to step down and return to his previous post as vice mayor.
On November 11, the Supreme Court reversed the Office of the Ombudsman's decision to suspend Makati Mayor Binay.
On March 8, British human rights lawyer Amal Clooney files a case for the continued detention of former president and Pampanga congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo against the government before the UN's Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, a body under the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
On October 2, The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention released its opinion that the detention of former President Arroyo "violates international law" and is "arbitrary on a number of grounds."
On March 9, DFA confirmed the execution of Joven Esteva, an Overseas Filipino Worker who was charged with murder on the killing of his employer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in 2007.
A Quezon City court orders the temporary release of Sajid Ampatuan, the son of Andal Ampatuan Sr. after Sajid posted bail of P11.6 million; Sajid was charged with murder in connection with the Maguindanao massacre on November 23, 2009, that killed 57 people including 31 journalists.
On March 15, Justice for Islamic Movement's founding chairman and former vice chairman of the BIFF, Mohamad Ali Tambako, and five others are arrested in General Santos.
On March 17, The Philippines submits its 3,000-page document containing additional volumes of arguments, evidence, and maps seeking to nullify China's sweeping claim over the resource-rich South China Sea to the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration.
On March 20, The Armed Forces of the Philippines transports 17 suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group from the Zamboanga City jail to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig, over security concerns raised by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
On March 22, the first of three new C-295 medium lift aircraft under the Philippine Air Force Modernization Program arrives at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.
On March 26, President Aquino III signed Republic Act No. 10656 into law that postpones the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections to October 2016. This postponement was the fourth time. On March 25, the Commission on Elections deferred the SK elections to April 25. Previously, the election was supposed to be held on October 28, 2013; it was again postponed to February 21, 2015.
On April 6, Gemma Adana, the Municipality Mayor of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay is abducted by a heavily armed group in her house. On October 12, Mayor Adana has been released after over six months in captivity.
On April 14, Janet Lim Napoles was found guilty of a serious illegal detention case.
On April 14, in connection with the serious illegal detention case, Janet Lim Napoles, the mastermind of the PDAF Scam, is found guilty beyond reasonable doubt and was sentenced of reclusion perpetua.
On April 20, The Armed Forces of the Philippines releases pictures of the continued reclamation of China in the South China Sea.
On April 21, The Supreme Court voids an agreement between the Commission on Elections and Smartmatic-TIM for the P300-million diagnostics and repair of the 80,000 Precinct Count Optical Scan machines for the 2016 polls.
On April 22, SC releases a Temporary Restraining Order for the memorandum issued by the Commission on Higher Education on the removal of Filipino and Literature college subjects as part of the K to 12 education programs.
On April 29, the execution of the convicted Filipina drug mule Mary Jane Veloso is postponed.
On May 3, Abdul Basit Usman, the most wanted bomb expert in the country, was killed by a MILF group unit, and not by his followers, as early reported in Guindulungan, Maguindanao.
On May 4, The House of Representatives votes to impeach President Aquino, with an impeachment case filed against him regarding his alleged links to DAP, the Philippine-United States Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), and the continuation of the pork barrel system in Congress.
On May 6, The Court of Tax Appeals lifted the warrant of arrest it issued against Jeane Catherine Napoles, the daughter of Janet Lim Napoles after she failed to show up for her arraignment on a P17.46-million tax evasion case.
On May 8, The Commission on Elections conducted a recall election in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Incumbent mayor Lucilo Bayron successfully defended his seat. Philippine Ambassador to Pakistan Domingo D. Lucenario died in a helicopter crash in Pakistan; other diplomats and the two helicopter pilots, who were with Lucenario, were also killed in the said incident.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front registers the United Bangsamoro Justice Party as its vehicle to run in future elections.
On May 11, The Court of Appeals has frozen 242 bank accounts and insurance policies belonging to Vice President Jejomar Binay, some members of his family, and close associates, who are suspected of being his dummies.
On May 13, at least 72 were killed in a big fire inside the Kentex Manufacturing slippers factory in Brgy. Ugong, Valenzuela City. The incident was the third worst fire in Philippine history.
On May 20, The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed the complaint filed by former Iloilo Provincial Administrator Manuel Mejorada against Senator Franklin Drilon, DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., and other officials involved in the construction of the Iloilo Convention Center.
On May 29, President Benigno Aquino III signed Executive Order No. 183 which created the Negros Island Region to improve the delivery of public services in Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, which forms part of the new region.
On June 3, The United States Embassy turns over to the Philippine government a check amounting to some $1.3 million as the second tranche of proceeds from the forfeited assets of former Armed Forces of the Philippines military comptroller Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia.
On June 16, the first phase of decommissioning of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's fighters begins.
On June 22, Vice President Jejomar Binay resigns from his post in President Benigno Aquino III's Cabinet as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers effective immediately.
On June 25, the Office of the Ombudsman files graft charges against Optical Media Board chair Ronnie Ricketts and four others for allegedly allowing the return of confiscated copyright-violating DVDs and VCDs to the Sky-High Marketing Corporation in 2010.
Raul Pangalangan, former dean of the University of the Philippines College of Law, is elected judge of the International Criminal Court.
All local airlines can now enter the European airspace after the European Commission removes the Philippines from the European Union Air Safety List.
On June 29, the Philippines halts the repair of its airstrip on Pag-asa Island of the disputed Spratly Islands due to its pending suit at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague challenging China's claim over the waters.
Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales approves the preventive suspension of Makati Mayor Junjun Binay in connection with his supposed involvement in the alleged anomalous construction of a ten-storey building in Makati Science High School.
On June 30, the Office of the Ombudsman dismisses former Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima and 10 other officials for entering into an anomalous contract with courier service Werfast Documentary Agency in 2011.
The Philippines and six other countries defer joining the newly established Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines asks the government to respond to a petition seeking to repeal a law banning same-sex marriage in the country.
Miriam Defensor Santiago files a lawsuit against the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement in the Supreme Court.
On July 1, The Philippine National Oil Company–Exploration Corporation announces the discovery of major natural gas reserves of 71 billion cubic feet.
On July 2, MB Kim Nirvana, a motorized banca bound for Camotes Islands from Ormoc, Leyte which carried 173 passengers, capsized off the coast of Ormoc killing 62 of its passengers.
On July 3, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales orders the filing of graft charges against former Metro Rail Transit 3 general manager Al Vitangcol III and five incorporators of Philippine Trans Rail Management and Services Corporation in connection with alleged irregularities in the MRT-3's interim maintenance contract.
On July 7, Oral arguments on the Philippines' claim over the West Philippine Sea begins in The Hague, Netherlands.
On July 10, Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, former 56th Commanding General of the Philippine Army is designated as the newest AFP Chief of Staff in the turn-over ceremonies led by President Aquino III in Camp Aguinaldo. Iriberri's predecessor Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang has retired from military service.
On July 14, Dir. Ricardo Marquez, director for operations since December 2013 is named the new chief of the Philippine National Police.
On July 15, Major General Eduardo Año, who was linked to the disappearance of activist Jonas Burgos in 2007, is instated the new chief of the Philippine Army.
On July 17, nine miners are killed when a mining site collapsed following a rain-induced landslide in Caluya, Antique.
On July 20, Vice President Jejomar Binay files a P200-million damage suit arising from alleged libelous statements against Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Alan Peter Cayetano; Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales; former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado; and eight others.
On July 21, President Benigno Aquino III signed into law two of his priority economic bills: the Philippine Competition Act (Republic Act No. 10667), as well as amendments to the 50-year-old Cabotage Law (Republic Act No. 10668), during a ceremony in Malacañang attended by members of Congress.
On July 23, The Iglesia ni Cristo expels Tenny Manalo, the widow of INC's former executive minister Eraño Manalo, and their son, Angel Manalo after they appeared in a YouTube video claiming their lives are in danger and that some ministers have allegedly been abducted.
On July 24, The Department of Science and Technology's free Wi-Fi project is launched.
On July 27, President Aquino III delivers his 6th and final State of the Nation Address at Batasang Pambansa.
On July 28, two environmental groups Basel Action Network and BAN Toxics submit the case questioning the Canada's imported trash in the Philippines to the Basel Convention.
On July 29, The Court of Appeals grants Krisel Mallari's plea for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and writ of preliminary injunction against Santo Niño Parochial School.
On August 7, Senator Gringo Honasan, former CIBAC congressman and now TESDA chair Joel Villanueva, and seven other former and incumbent lawmakers are charged before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the pork barrel scam.
On August 16, Pamana, a 3-year-old Philippine Eagle, was shot dead inside her forest sanctuary in Mount Hamiguitan, 2 months after she was freed in time for Independence Day.
On August 17, the Philippine Air Force receives 10 brand-new helicopters for combat utility and attack to be used for internal security operations.
On August 18, The Supreme Court has granted the bail petition of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the three senators facing graft and plunder charges in connection with the alleged pork barrel scam.
On August 20, Two Coast Guard officers who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf Group escaped after the massive operation by the military against the terrorist group in Sulu. President Aquino has signed Republic Act 10669 into law declaring August 18 of every year as Jesse Robredo Day in honoring the late interior and local government secretary Jesse Robredo who died in a plane crash in the waters off Masbate City on August 18, 2012.
On August 21, The Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of two Alpha Phi Omega (APO) members for the hazing of University of the Philippines-Los Baños student Marlon Villanueva in 2006, the first conviction under Republic Act 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/08/23/1491453/noy-begins-courting-voting-blocs
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