May 2024 be a better year for all of us, one that will hopefully see politicians and government officials doing their best to deliver necessary social services
The year 2023 was marked by contrasting experiences, blending moments of triumph with challenges that tested resilience, as always.
Amid progress, global uncertainties persisted, accentuated by socio-political tensions and environmental concerns.
Here are some of the past year’s highlights and lowlights:
In January, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines shut down the country’s airspace for around six hours due to a power outage that affected its communication systems; the Court of Appeals acquitted online news platform Rappler and its founder Maria Ressa in a tax evasion case filed by the previous administration; the Supreme Court declares the TRAIN Law (Republic Act 10963) Constitutional.
In February, the Philippines granted the U.S. Armed Forces access to four more military bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement; a Chinese Coast Guard ship was alleged to have used some sort of laser device or weapon on a Philippine Coast Guard vessel in Ayungin Shoal, sparking a diplomatic protest; oil tanker MT Princess Empress sank off Oriental Mindoro and spilled 900,000 liters of industrial fuel oil, causing P10.8 billion in environmental and livelihood damage to some four or six provinces.
In March, traditional public jeepney and minivan operators held a transport strike in various cities to protest the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program; a United Nations women’s rights panel found that the Philippines violated the rights of ‘comfort women,’ victims of sexual slavery during World War II, by failing to provide reparations, social support, and recognition of the hurt they suffered; Vogue Philippines featured tattoo artist Apo Whang-od on its cover, making her the magazine’s oldest cover model ever.
The succeeding months saw criticism of Vice President Sara Duterte’s requests for P500 million in confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President and P150 million for the Department of Education, of which she is Secretary; and criticism as well of the OVP’s expenditure of P125 million in confidential funds over 11 days in 2022.
Also scored was President Marcos Jr.’s signing into law of the Maharlika Investment Fund in July; its enactment was postponed in October for “further review,” after public backlash.
In that same month, the COVID-19 pandemic was declared ended as a public health emergency in the country, opening up the return and resurgence of business and work.
In August, the internet erupted over a road rage video that went viral. It showed a former police officer cutting off a male cyclist in Quezon City and threatening him with a gun. A settlement between the parties was made out of court.
In September, vog and sulfur dioxide spewing from Taal Volcano forced school closures and the suspension of some outdoor activities for many.
In the same month, some 200 high school students in Bohol were said to have been “possessed” after they exhibited strange behavior such as fainting, trembling, and hyperventilation while attending Holy Mass.
A similar case of mass hysteria was noted in July, when some 13 female high school students were supposedly “possessed” by an evil spirit at their high school in Danao City, Cebu.
November saw the end of Senator Leila de Lima’s six years of detention on alleged drug charges; as well as the disqualification by the Commission on Elections of Smartmatic from providing services in future Philippine elections.
In December, a bomb exploded during Holy Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi; four people were killed in the blast. In the same month, a passenger bus fell into a ravine in Hamtic, Antique, killing 19.
Space constraints prevent me from citing more instances, but these should give you a good idea of what a ragtag year we had.
Among many other issues, we were reminded of how far we still have to go in terms of finding solutions to the ongoing and interminable transport and traffic crises that hinder productivity and drive up the financial and human costs of doing business and making a livelihood.
May 2024 be a better year for all of us, one that will hopefully see politicians and government officials doing their best to deliver necessary social services and the creation of infrastructure that will benefit the people, especially those most in need.
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