2008 in the Philippines

yearbox
in?= in the Philippines
cp=20th Century
c=21st century
cf=22nd century

yp1=2005
yp2=2006
yp3=2007
year=2008
ya1=2009
ya2=2010
ya3=2011
dp3=1970s
dp2=1980s
dp1=1990s
d=2000s
da=0
dn1=2010s
dn2=2020s
dn3=2030s

2008 in the Philippines details events of note that happened in the Philippines in the year 2008.

Incumbents

* President: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
* Vice President: Noli de Castro
* Senate President: Manuel Villar
* House Speaker: Jose de Venecia; [Until 4 February 2008] Prospero Nograles [Beginning 5 February 2008]
* Chief Justice: Reynato Puno

Events

January

*January 9: Two people died and several others injured as over 2 million Filipinos celebrate the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila. [ [http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20080109-111298/UPDATE-2-die-31-hurt-in-Black-Nazarene-feast--police 2 die, scores hurt in Black Nazarene feast--police] By Thea Alberto, Philippine Daily Inquirer. 15:25:00 01/09/2008]
*January 31: 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, [cite web |url=http://www.neda.gov.ph/ads/press_releases/pr.asp?ID=928 |title=STATEMENT OF SECRETARY AUGUSTO B. SANTOS ON THE RELEASE OF THE FY 2007 NATIONAL INCOME ACCOUNTS - 31 JANUARY 2008|accessdate=2008-01-31 |author=Augusto B. Santos |date=2008-01-31 |publisher=National Economic and Development Authority ] the highest such figures since 1977. [cite news |author=Cheryl Arcibal |title=Economy soars 7.3% in '07, fastest growth in 31 years |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/78716/Economy-soars-73-in-07-fastest-growth-in-31-years |work=GMANews.TV |publisher=GMA Network |date=2008-01-31 |accessdate=2008-01-31 ]

February

*February 4 to February 5: The House of Representatives voted to replace House Speaker Jose de Venecia with Prospero Nograles. [cite news |author=Maila Ager |title=Nograles is new House Speaker |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080205-116796/UPDATE-Nograles-is-new-House-Speaker |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=2008-02-05 |accessdate=2008-02-05 ] 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. [cite news |title=De Venecia declares ‘war’ against Arroyo |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080204-116644/De-Venecia-declares-war-against-Arroyo |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date= 2008-02-04 |accessdate=2008-02-05 ]
*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, [cite news |author=Efren Danao |coauthors=Agence France-Presse |title=Bribes the ‘norm’ in system: Lozada confirms P200-M bribe to Neri |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/09/yehey/top_stories/20080209top1.html |publisher=Manila Times |date=2008-02-09 |accessdate=2008-02-09 ] and that Neri had instructed him not to implicate the husband of President Arroyo in the controversy. [cite news |author=Veronica Uy |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080208-117553/UPDATE-5-Lozada-links-First-Gentleman-Abalos-to-NBN-deal |title=Lozada links First Gentleman, Abalos to NBN deal | publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=2008-02-08 |accessdate=2008-02-09 ]
*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. [ cite web |title=SC Nullifies Government Warning Against Airing of ‘Hello Garci’ Tapes |author=Jay B. Rempillo |url=http://www.supremecourt.gov.ph/publications/benchmark/2008/02/020807.php |publisher=Supreme Court of the Philippines |date=2008-02-15 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]

March

*March 6: Several members of Congress call 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. [cite news |title=Solons seek probe of Spratlys deal with China |author=Maila Ager |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080306-123149/Solons-seek-probe-of-Spratlys-deal-with-China |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=2008-03-06 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]
*March 6: Filipino authorities announce 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. [cite news |author=Alcuin Papa |co-authors=Tarra Quismundo |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080314-124625/US-Australian-agents-to-grill-3-suspected-terrorists |title=US, Australian agents to grill 3 suspected terrorists |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=2008-03-14 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]
*March 11: A Manila trial court acquitted former First Lady Imelda Marcos of 32 counts of illegal money transfers. [cite news |title=Imelda Marcos Acquitted, Again |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/11/world/asia/11phils.html |publisher=New York Times |date=2008-03-11 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]
*March 16: In a split decision, Manny Pacquiao defeated Juan Manuel Márquez and claimed the WBC Super Featherweight boxing championship. [cite news |title=Pacquiao takes WBC title from Marquez |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/unfinishedbusiness/story/84991/Pacquiao-takes-WBC-title-from-Marquez |publisher=GMANews.TV |date=2008-03-16 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]
*March 17: Labor Secretary Arturo Brion was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. He replaced Justice Angelina Sandoval-Gutierrez, who retired on February 27. [cite news| author= Tetch Torres |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080317-125198/Labor-chief-takes-oath-as-Supreme-Court-justice |title=Labor chief takes oath as Supreme Court Justice |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=2008-03-17 |accessdate=2008-03-17 ]
*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. [cite news |title=Victims Battle Over Marcos' Money |author=Pete Yost, Associated Press |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/17/AR2008031701303.html |publisher=Washington Post |date=2008-03-17 |accessdate=2008-03-19 ]
*March 24: The family of Corazon Aquino announces that the former President is suffering from colon cancer. [cite news |title=Cory Aquino has colon cancer--family |url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/topofthehour.aspx?StoryId=112871 |publisher=ABS-CBN News Online |date=2008-03-24 |accessdate=2008-03-24 ]
*March 25: The Supreme Court rules that the Senate may not compel former NEDA Secretary Romulo Neri to divulge his conversations with President Macapagal-Arroyo relating the bribery attempts surrounding the National Broadband Network contract. [cite news |author=Rey E. Requejo |co-authors=Fel V. Maragay & Joyce Pangco Pañares |title=High court upholds Palace position on Senate hearings |url=http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news1_mar26_2008 |publisher=Manila Standard Today |date=2008-03-26 |accessdate=2008-04-10 ]

April

*April 1: Social Welfare and Development Secretary Esperanza Cabral calls for a ban on foreigners availing of Philippine kidney transplants, after reports of destitute Filipinos selling their kidneys for paltry sums. [cite news |author=Jim Gomez, Associated Press |title=Philippines: No Kidneys for Foreigners? |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/01/AR2008040100636.html8 |publisher=Washington Post |date=2008-04-01 |accessdate=2008-04-10 ]
*April 3: Departing Manila after a state visit to the Philippines, Palau President Tommy Remengesau is denied passage onto a Continental Airlines aircraft after he refuses to be frisked; the flight is forced to return to Manila after a bomb threat is phoned in. [cite news |author=Teresa Cerojano, Associated Press |title=Palau Leader Stranded at Manila Airport |url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/03/AR2008040300326.html |publisher=Washington Post |date=2008-04-03 |accessdate=2008-04-10 ]
*April 7: Amidst growing concerns over a feared shortage of rice in the Philippines, President Macapagal-Arroyo lifts quotas on the importation of rice by private traders. [cite news |author=Christine Avendaño |title=Rice import quotas lifted |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080408-128990/Rice-import-quotas-lifted |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=2008-04-08 |accessdate=2008-04-10 ]
*April 8: Police seize hundreds of bomb components in Alaminos, Laguna, following a raid that targeted a Filipino with alleged links to Jemaah Islamiyah. [cite news |author=Associated Press |title=Philippines Police Seize Bomb Materials |url=http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Philippines-Bomb-Plot.html?scp=3&sq=Philippines&st=nyt |publisher=New York Times |date=2008-04-09 |accessdate=2008-04-10 ]
*April 8: Nine military officers receive prison sentences from a Makati City trial court for their role in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny. [cite news |author=Carlos H. Conde |title=9 Officers Sentenced in Philippine Coup Plot |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/09/world/asia/09phils.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Philippines&st=nyt |publisher=New York Times |date=2008-04-09 |accessdate=2008-04-10 ]

May

*May 11: Miss Philippines Earth 2008, the 8th edition of Miss Philippines Earth pageant, was held at Crowne Plaza Galleria, Ortigas Center, Manila, Philippines. Miss Karla Paula Henry of Cebu won the pageant.
*May 16: Eight employees and a security guard of a Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation branch in Cabuyao, Laguna were killed in a bank robbery. [cite news |author=Raymond Africa, with Reuters |title=9 ‘executed’ in Laguna bank rob|url=http://www.malaya.com.ph/may17/news1.htm |publisher=Malaya (newspaper) |date=2008-05-19 |accessdate=2008-06-07] The bank manager of the said branch, who was also shot during the massacre, died of gunshot wounds on May 18. [cite news |author=GMANews.TV |title=Survivor in Laguna bank heist dies; police chief axed|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/95944/Survivor-in-Laguna-bank-heist-dies-police-chief-axed |work=GMANews.TV |publisher=GMA Network |date=2008-05-18 |accessdate=2008-06-07]
*May 19: The Manila Police District said that the bank robbers responsible for the murders in Paco, Manila and in Cabuyao, Laguna are the same. They also believed that the bank robbers are former members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. [cite news |author=Mark Merueñas |title=MPD: Ex-soldiers could be behind Manila, Laguna robberies|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/96052/MPD-Ex-soldiers-could-be-behind-Manila-Laguna-robberies |work=GMANews.TV |publisher=GMA Network |date=2008-05-19 |accessdate=2008-06-07]
*May 27: The Manila Electric Company 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. [cite news |author=Patricia De Leon |title=Lopez family retains control of Meralco after 13-hour meeting|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/97532/Lopez-family-retains-control-of-Meralco-after-13-hour-meeting |work=GMANews.TV |publisher=GMA Network |date=2008-05-27|accessdate=2008-06-30]

June

=Ces Drilon kidnapping [cite news |author= |title=MPD: Ces Drilon kidnapping | url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/101891/Ces-Drilon-kidnapping |work=GMANews.TV |publisher=GMA Network |date=2008-06-20 |accessdate=2008-06-30] =

*June 8 Ces Orena-Drilon, news anchor of ABS-CBN's late night television program Bandila, together with her crew and a Mindanao university professor, was initially reported to have been kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in Maimbung, Sulu, by the rebel group Abu Sayyaf.
*June 10 ABS-CBN management issued an official statement, saying that Drilon and her crew are missing in Sulu. [cite news |author= |title=(Update) ABS-CBN: Official Statement on Ces Drilon | url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=121200 |work=ABS-CBNNews.com |publisher=ABS-CBN News |date=2008-06-10 |accessdate=2008-06-30]
*June 11 ABS-CBN management confirmed that Drilon and her crew have been kidnapped for ransom in Sulu but declared that it "will abide by its policy not to pay ransom because this would embolden kidnap for ransom groups to abduct other journalists..." [cite news |author= |title=ABS-CBN Official Statement on Ces Drilon | url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=121391 |work=ABS-CBNNews.com |publisher=ABS-CBN News |date=2008-06-11 |accessdate=2008-06-30]
*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 in the ongoing negotiations for the other captives' release.
*June 16 The kidnappers Abu Sayyaf issued an ultimatum. The rebel group demanded for ransom amounting to P15 million by noontime of June 17, in exchange for the release of Drilon, Encarnacion and Dinampo.
*June 17 The Abu Sayyaf extended their deadline for the ransom payment. Later during the day, PNP Chief Avelino Razon said that Drilon and the other hostages are expected to be released within the next few hours. Drilon and the hostages were freed shortly before midnight.
*June 18 Ces Drilon and her crew were taken to Jolo, Sulu. Afterwards, 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 the Abu Sayyaf. Legarda and the released hostages flew afterwards to Manila for another press conferences, and were brought to The Medical City afterwards for medication.
*June 19 PNP declared the Isnajis as suspects in the kidnapping of Drilon, her crew, and Dinampo.

=Typhoon Frank (Fengshen)=

*June 19: Typhoon Frank made landfall in eastern Samar in the central Philippines and travelled northwest over the islands. [cite web|url= http://www.webcitation.org/5YiLIfZSR|title=Typhoon Frank (Fengshen)|publisher= PAGASA|date=2008-06-20|accessdate=2008-06-20] Fengshen was initially forecast to go through Bicol Region but later on shifted its course further westward, eventually going towards the direction of Mindoro Province. However, before even reaching Mindoro it again shifted its direction northward towards the direction of Metro Manila, mainly because of the weakening of the High Pressure area system in the northern part of the Philippines. [cite web|url= http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=144210|title=PAGASA says typhoon had erratic movement |publisher= Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=2008-06-23|accessdate=2008-06-23]
*June 21: The ship MV Princess of the Stars, owned by Sulpicio Lines that carried 626 passengers and 121 crew members, stalled in rough seas near Sibuyan Island in the central Philippines. The ship left Manila Saturday morning. Typhoon Frank caused the ship to sink, though it was previously reported that the ship experienced engine failure. [cite news |first= |last= |authorlink= |coauthors= |title= Philippine ferry carrying over 800 sinking in storm: officials |url=http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080622/wl_asia_afp/philippinesweatherstormferry |work= |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=2008-06-22 |accessdate=2008-06-22 ]
*June 22: Typhoon Frank crossed Metro Manila between 5 am and 6 am Sunday.

*June 24: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and US President George W. Bush had a meeting at the Oval Palace in White House as part of the Philippine President's 10-day working visit in the USA. Issues on oil and food prices and terrorism were reportedly discussed in their meeting. [cite web|url=http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2008/06/20080624.html|title=President Bush Meets with President Arroyo of the Philippines |publisher= White House|date=2008-06-23|accessdate=2008-06-30]
*June 29: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo met with Republican White House Presidential candidate John McCain. The President expressed her gratefulness to the latter's support for the approval of the Veterans Equity bill. Other issues like terrorism in Mindanao were also discussed. [cite web|url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/103998/Arroyo-McCain-meeting-tackles-hard-soft-approach-to-Mindanao---Palace|title=Arroyo-McCain meeting tackles 'hard, soft' approach to Mindanao - Palace |publisher= GMANews.TV|date=2008-06-29|accessdate=2008-06-30]
*June 29: Manny Pacquiao won against David Diaz via knockout in the ninth round to win the WBC lightweight title. [cite web|url= http://www.gmanews.tv/story/103956/Pacquiao-KOs-Diaz-in-9th-round-for-4th-world-title|title=Pacquiao KOs Diaz in 9th round for 4th world title |publisher= GMANews.TV|date=2008-06-29|accessdate=2008-06-30]

July

*July 24: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed former Senator Ralph Recto as the socioeconomic planning secretary and director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). [cite web|url= http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080724-150335/Arroyo-names-Ralph-Recto-NEDA-chief|title=Arroyo names Ralph Recto NEDA chief |publisher= Inquirer.net|date=2008-07-24|accessdate=2008-07-28]
*July 28: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo delivered her eight State of the Nation Address (SONA). [cite web|url= http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/images/news/newspics/downloads/STATE%20OF%20THE%20NATION%20ADDRESS%20OF%20PRESIDENT%20GLORIA%20MACAPAGAL.doc|title=Final SONA Speech |publisher= ABS-CBN News|date=2008-07-28|accessdate=2008-07-28] [cite web|url= http://www.gmanews.tv/story/109854/ARROYOS-STATE-OF-THE-NATION-ADDRESS-(Transcript)|title=ARROYO'S STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS |publisher= GMA News.TV|date=2008-07-28|accessdate=2008-07-28]

August

eptember

Television

These are TV programs that premiered and had their finales this year; new seasons and miniseries are excluded.

Premieres

*January 14: "Wheel of Fortune" (ABS-CBN)
*January 28: "Kung Fu Kids" (ABS-CBN), "Lobo" (ABS-CBN), "Palos" (ABS-CBN)
*February 11: "Joaquin Bordado" (GMA)
*April 21: "The Singing Bee" (ABS-CBN)
*August 14: "Rakista" (TV5)

Finales

*January 11: "Kapamilya, Deal or No Deal" (ABS-CBN)
*January 25: "Lastikman" (ABS-CBN)
*February 8: "" (GMA)
*February 29: "" (GMA)
*March 28: "" (ABS-CBN)
*March 29: "Kakasa Ka Ba Sa Grade 5?" (GMA)
*April 19: "1 vs. 100" (ABS-CBN)
*April 25: "Kung Fu Kids" (ABS-CBN), "Palos" (ABS-CBN) "Kamandag"(GMA)

Film

*January 1: 33rd Metro Manila Film Festival
**"Anak ng Kumander" (MP Productions)
**"Banal" (ComGuild Production)
**"Desperadas" (Regal Films)
*January 9: "Retaso" (Grupong Sinehan)
*January 16: "Sikil" (Journey Films)
*February 13: "My Bestfriend's Girlfriend" (GMA Films)
*February 27: "My Big Love" (Star Cinema)

Deaths

* January 1: Eloisa Mabutas, Manila Times columnist (born 1939)
* January 15: Eduardo Hontiveros, Jesuit composer and musician (born 1923)
* January 28: Crisologo Abines, former Congressman, 2nd District of Cebu (born 1947)
* February 2: Billy Balbastro, entertainment columnist and DZMM anchor (born 1940)
* February 2: Pedro Baban, first Igorot general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (born 1914)
* February 4: Larry Cruz, restaurateur, founder of LJC Restaurant Group (born 1941)
* February 8: Victor Dominguez, incumbent Congressman, Lone District, Mountain Province (born 1938)
* February 29: Tino Reynoso, retired Philippine Basketball Association player (born 1945)
* March 8: Carol Varga, FAMAS-award winning actress (born 1928)
* March 13: Joseph Marañon, incumbent governor of Negros Occidental (born 1934)
* March 17: Rafael Recto, former Batangas Assemblyman and political scion (born 1931)
* March 25: Chito Madrigal-Collantes, socialite and philantrophist (born 1921)
* March 28: Nemesio Prudente, former PUP president and political prisoner (born 1927)
* March 29: Venicio Escolin, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice (born 1921)
* April 14: Olivia Cenizal, film actress (born 1926)
* April 16: Lucia "Aling Lucing" Cunanan, inventor of sisig (born 1928)
* April 23: Loreto Paras-Sulit, writer of short fiction (born 1908)
* May 8: Jose Feria, retired Supreme Court Associate Justice (born 1917)
* May 16: Henry Canoy, founder of Radio Mindanao Network (born 1923)
* May 20: Crispin Beltran, incumbent congressman and labor leader (born 1933)
* May 25: Dommy Ursua, flyweight boxer (born 1936)
* May 26: Dolly Aglay, journalist with Reuters and Philippine Star (born 1966)
* May 26: Howlin' Dave, radio disc jockey (born 1955)
* May 29: Romeo Brawner, incumbent COMELEC Commissioner (born 1935)
* June 7: Rudy Fernandez, Filipino actor (born 1953)
* June 7: Danilo Lagbas, incumbent Congressman (born 1952)
* August 16: Lucrecia Kasilag, National Artist of the Philippines (born 1918)
* September 1:Dely Magpayo, radio host best known as "Tia Dely" (born 1920)
* September 12: Patricia Madrigal Warns Gonzalez, former Senator (born 1915)

References