Philippines’ Top Stories of 2009

2009 was a year full of controversies, scandals, unresolved cases and tragedies.  Politics was the sector with an overwhelming number of issues that beset the Philippine society.  As a year-ender article, herewith is my own list of top stories for the year 2009.

1.  Katrina Halili and Hayden Kho Scandal.  Pinay scandal, Filipina Scandal has suddently come to life again with the love affair of a sexy actress and a doctor ending up a hit in the internet and pirated cd/dvd.  Sexy video of Halili and Kho circulated like wildfire over the internet.  Later, other videos involving Kho and other women were also distributed over the web.  Kho was stripped off his doctor’s license.

2.  Dacer-Corbito Double Murder Case Revive.  Ex-President Joseph Estrada and Senator Panfilo Lacson tagged as the masterminds by Cesar Mancao.

3.  Fertilizer Fund Scam.  Senate investigation tagged Jocjoc Bolante as mastermind but Ombudsman seems to be sitting on the case.  Jocjoc is set to run as Governor.

4.  NBN-ZTE deal.  A senate report recommended the filing of charges against star witness Jun Lozada.  President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and First Gentleman Mike Arroyo cleared by Ombudsman.  Former Comelec Chairman Benjamin Abalos and Former NEDA Chief Romulo Neri are recommended to be charged by the Ombudsman.

5.  Maguindanao Massacre.  57 people were killed including 30 journalists.  The Ampatuan clan, President Arroyo’s staunched ally, was tagged as the masterminds of the massacre.

6.  Martial Law.  After several attempts, Martial law was finally declared, but only in Maguindanao to quell off a perceived rebellion after the Maguindanao massacre.

7.  Journalist Warzone.  The Philippines was considered as the most dangerous place for journalist.  The most number of journalists killed was recorded this year.

8.  From President to Congresswoman.  President Arroyo will step down as president in June 2010, but she hopes to be a congresswoman after filing her certificate of candidacy to run as congresswoman of Pampanga.

9.  Breast transplant.  President Arroyo had her breast repaired in the Asian Institute Hospital.

10. President Corazon C. Aquino died.  After a lingering sickness, President Cory, finally succumb to death that led to the declaration of Noynoy Aquino to run as president in May 2010.

11. Php2 Million dinner.  Led by President Arroyo, congressmen and its entourage dine at Le Cirque restaurant in New York City.  The almost Php2 million bill was said to be paid by an ally congressman.

12. Maritime Tragedies.  Two sea mishaps that cost the lives of Filipinos in less than a week during the Christmas season dampened the spirit of Christmas.

13. Typhoon and Floods.  Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng wreak havoc in Luzon and brought a record breaking volume of flood in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

14.  2010 Presidential Derby.  Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino Jr.  Accepts the challenged to run for president with Mar Roxas as vice-president.

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