January 18 – The Supreme Court releases its October 2022 decision, dismissing the petition of property developer Ortigas & Company Limited Partnership for the recovery of the 18.4-hectare (45-acre) land allegedly forcibly donated to then president Ferdinand Marcos and later sequestered by the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), thus affirming the 2020 Sandiganbayan ruling.[12]
January 19 – The Sandiganbayan acquits Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Janet Lim-Napoles of plunder in relation to the pork barrel scam. However, the court convicts Estrada of bribery with a prison sentence of 10–12 years in total, and Napoles of corruption of public officials.[13] On August 22, Estrada's bribery conviction is overturned by the Sandiganbayan following an appeal.[14]
January 22 – The Sandiganbayan acquits former Makati mayor Elenita Binay of graft and malversation charges filed over the anomalous purchase of ₱9.9 million in medical equipment for the Ospital ng Makati in 2001.[15]
February 22 – COMELEC awards a ₱17.9 billion-contract to a joint venture led by South Korean firm Miru Systems to provide voting machines and other logistics for the 2025 general election, officially ending Smartmatic's role as the country's provider of voting machines since the automation of elections in 2010.[36] The agreement is finalized on March 11.[37]
February 23 – The Sandiganbayan convicts Maria Cristina Vizcarra, an officer of the non-governmental organization (NGO) GabayMasa Development Foundation, Incorporated, of graft for her role in a case of the pork barrel scam involving deceased Eastern Samar representative Teodulo Coquilla.[38]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 11981, also known as the Tatak Pinoy Law, seeking to promote domestic production of sophisticated goods by creating the Tatak Pinoy Council.[40]
The Sandiganbayan releases a February 23 decision dismissing the ill-gotten wealth case against former Philippine Jai Alai and Amusement Corporation director Olympio Bermudez, deceased former energy minister Geronimo Velasco, and deceased Manila Bulletin chair Emilio Yap, alleged associates of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, involving the properties of the Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Company, Inc. and two other firms, citing lack of evidence.[41]
March 4 – The Department of Agriculture announces the suspension of 139 officials and employees of the National Food Authority (NFA), including its administrator Roderico Bioco, for their alleged involvement in the controversial sale of rice buffer stocks.[44][45] On March 11, the Ombudsman also suspends the NFA's acting administrator Piolito Santos, over the same case.[46]
The Supreme Court strikes down the ticketing and licensing regulations for traffic violations of 14 cities and the municipality of Pateros in Metro Manila and orders them to comply with the single ticketing system imposed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.[47]
The Supreme Court rules in favor of allowing the Department of Energy to take over the operations of private firms in the oil industry in times of emergency.[48]
March 7 – The Supreme Court releases a July 11, 2023 decision dismissing a petition challenging the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, which is being opposed by several transport groups.[52][53]
March 11 – President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 11984 or the No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act, allowing students with unpaid school fees to take examinations,[54][55] and Republic Act No. 11983 or the New Philippine Passport Act, which allows for online Philippine passport applications.[56]
March 12 – The Supreme Court releases a June 13, 2023 decision dismissing a petition to require the COMELEC to issue guidelines on automated election systems.[57]
March 13 – A raid by security forces on a POGO suspected of criminal activities in Bamban, Tarlac leads to the rescue of 871 individuals inside, including 371 Filipinos and 432 Chinese nationals,[58] and an investigation into the origins and possible involvement of the town's mayor, Alice Guo from May 2024.[59]
March 15 – The Sandiganbayan releases a March 13 decision ordering Myrna Bayucan, the treasurer of the NGO Focus on Development of Goals Foundation, Inc. (Focus), to repay ₱4.6 million to the government in a case of the PDAF scam involving Senator Lito Lapid.[60]
March 20 – The Supreme Court issues a ruling banning legal officers of local government units from representing their respective officials in cases involving the Ombudsman, citing conflict of interest.[63]
Arnolfo Teves Jr. is arrested in Dili, East Timor, where he had sought asylum after being accused of involvement in the assassination of Roel Degamo.[65]
March 23 – The civilian vessel Unaizah May 4 is heavily damaged after being attacked with water cannons by the China Coast Guard on its way to deliver supplies to the Philippine garrison in Second Thomas Shoal,[69] injuring three Philippine Navy personnel on board.[70] In a separate incident, a team of Filipino scientists are hovered over by a Chinese Navy helicopter while conducting research in Sand Cay, injuring some of its members.[71]
March 25 – The Court of Tax Appeals releases a March 21 decision dismissing a ₱44.7-million tax evasion case against Janet Lim-Napoles, citing insufficient evidence.[72]
A state of calamity is declared in Boac and Buenavista, Marinduque due to outbreaks of rabies that leave two people dead and 42 dogs and other livestock and wildlife infected.[79]
The Supreme Court rules that persons convicted of heinous crimes are eligible for a reduction in their sentences under the New Good Conduct Time Allowance Law.[80]
The Supreme Court strikes down then-President Rodrigo Duterte's 2018 revocation of the amnesty issued for then-Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for rebellion as unconstitutional, saying that a President cannot revoke an amnesty without congressional approval.[81]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 11993, dividing Caloocan's Barangay Bagong Silang, the country's largest barangay in terms of area and population, into six barangays.[82][83] The division is approved by a majority of voters in a plebiscite on August 31.[84]
COMELEC awards a ₱1.4 billion contract to provide secure electronic transmission services (SETS) to a joint venture of iOne Resources Incorporated and Ardent Networks for the 2025 elections, officially displacing Smartmatic in that role for the first time since 2010.[86]
Romulo Micabalo, the deputy leader of the NPA Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee, is arrested by government forces in Consolacion, Cebu.[87]
A Robinson R22 training helicopter of the Philippine Navy crashes near a market in Cavite City, killing the two pilots on board.[88]
The Office of the President imposes a 60-day preventive suspension on Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib after complaints are filed against him for alleged "misuse of authority, potential oppression, and the utilization of government funds to advance the interests of a private company".[89] The order leads to a standoff at the Provincial Capitol in Tagum as Jubahib's supporters occupy the premises to prevent the order from being implemented, while Jubahib calls the allegations politically motivated and defies the suspension.[90]
Former president Duterte acknowledges the existence of a "gentleman's agreement" that he made in office with Chinese President Xi Jinping on maintaining a "status quo" in the South China Sea that disallowed repairs to the BRP Sierra Madre grounded in Second Thomas Shoal, but denies making any concession to China.[92] On May 4, China releases what it calls a text of the agreement, saying that it limited access to the vicinity of disputed islands in the South China Sea to small fishing vessels.[93]
The municipalities of Divilacan and Maconacon, Isabela are declared "insurgency-free" by the government.[94]
Three suspected Dawlah Islamiyah militants are killed in an encounter with government forces in Munai, Lanao del Norte.[98]
April 15–16 – PISTON and Manibela hold a nationwide transportation strike in protest over the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and as part of their demand for an extension of the April 30 deadline for the consolidation of PUV units pending an ongoing appeal in the Supreme Court.[99][100]
April 15 – Philippine drug war: Around 1.4 tons of shabu valued at around ₱9.68 billion are intercepted by police at a checkpoint in Alitagtag, Batangas, in the second biggest drug haul in the country's history. One suspect is arrested.[101]
The Supreme Court overturns the disqualification of Smartmatic by COMELEC, saying that the latter committed grave abuse of discretion for disqualifying Smartmatic before it could participate in the bidding process for the 2025 elections, but stops short of nullifying COMELEC's existing agreements with alternative suppliers of logistics.[102]
The Ombudsman orders the dismissal of Demosthenes Escoto as director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources following his 2018 conviction for grave misconduct over the procurement of communications equipment for the agency.[103]
April 20 – The Caloocan Regional Trial Court drops charges against the PISTON 6 who were arrested in 2020 after protesting against the prohibition against jeepneys plying their routes during the COVID-19 pandemic.[106]
Mohiden Animbang, alias Kagui Karialan, the top commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters-Karialan faction, is killed along with 11 militants during an encounter with government forces in Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur.[107]
The Ombudsman orders the dismissal of Christian Noveras and his father Gerardo Noveras as governor and vice governor of Aurora respectively for administrative abuses.[108]
A state of calamity is declared in Iloilo City due to water shortages caused by El Niño.[109]
The Supreme Court overturns COMELEC's dismissal of a disqualification case filed against Cagayan governor Manuel Mamba, citing grave abuse of discretion by the former.[110]
The Court of Appeals affirms the dismissal from service of three Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers over their involvement in the ‘pastillas’ scam, which allowed the illegal entry of Chinese citizens into the country.[114]
The Supreme Court rules that immunity from prosecution possessed by members of international organisations in the Philippines is only limited to acts conducted in official capacity following a lawsuit against the Asian Development Bank.[115]
The COMELEC First Division, acting on a different complaint to the one revived by the Supreme Court on April 22, moves to disqualify Cagayan governor Manuel Mamba for violations on public spending during his 2022 reelection campaign.[116]
April 25 – The Ombudsman orders the six-month suspension of Silang, Cavite mayor Alston Kevin Anarna, citing the anomalous procurement of logistics for the town's patronal feast in 2023.[118]
May 1 – The Supreme Court releases a February decision declaring that the dismissal of an employee for testing positive for HIV is discriminatory, following a lawsuit filed by an overseas Filipino worker against a recruitment agency.[123]
A state of emergency is declared in Cagayan de Oro due to a looming water shortage caused by a decision of Cagayan de Oro Bulk Water Incorporated to cut off the city's water supply due to massive unpaid debts incurred by the city water district.[125]
The Taguig Regional Trial Court Branch 153 convicts Cedric Lee, Deniece Cornejo and two other respondents guilty in the 2014 serious illegal detention case filed by actor-host Vhong Navarro.[126][127]
The Ombudsman imposes a six-month preventive suspension on Cebu City mayor Mike Rama on charges of administrative abuse.[128]
The Supreme Court issues a writ of amparo recognizing red-tagging as a violation of human rights and a threat to individuals following a petition from Bayan Muna and Makabayan Coalition vice president Siegfred Deduro.[129]
May 15 – A court in Taguig convicts Ominta Romato Maute aka Farhana Maute of financing terrorism in a case involving a 2016 kidnapping by the Maute Group in Lanao del Sur and sentences her to life imprisonment.[130]
Gregor Johann Haas, an Australian national and suspected member of the Sinaloa Cartel, is arrested in Bogo, Cebu following a red notice issued against him by Interpol on behalf of Indonesia, where he is facing drugs charges.[132]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 11995 or the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) Act, establishing “a comprehensive information system and accounting framework" covering the country's natural resources.[138]
The Ombudsman imposes a six-month preventive suspension on Nueva Ecija Governor Aurelio Umali over the granting of clearances for sand and gravel mining without an environmental permit. However, the suspension is halted after Umali obtains a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the Court of Appeals.[139]
President Marcos orders the dismissal of Mabel Acosta as chair of the Mindanao Development Authority due to loss of trust and confidence. However, she defies the order and continues to hold office.[140]
The Sandiganbayan convicts former ARMM governor Nur Misuari of two counts of graft involving the anomalous procurement of around ₱77 million worth of educational materials in 2000 and 2001.[141]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 11996 or the Eddie Garcia law, establishing greater workplace and labor protections in the film and television industry.[142]
Udon Hashim, an Abu Sayyaf sub-commander said to be involved in a 2013 ambush in Talipao, Sulu that left 23 civilians dead, is killed in a police operation in Tandubas, Tawi-tawi.[147]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 11997 or the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act, establishing fixed allowances for public school teachers to cover additional education-related expenses.[148]
June 7 – The Office of the President imposes another 30-day preventive suspension on suspended Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib over his direct involvement and use of government resources in a rally against the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco).[153]
June 10 – The country's largest solar pump irrigation project is inaugurated in Quirino, Isabela, consisting of 1,056 solar panels and two submersible pumps that can irrigate 350 hectares (860 acres).[155]
The Sandiganbayan releases a June 10 decision convicting former Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro mayor Voltaire Anthony Villarosa of failing to remit ₱4.81 million in contributions and loans by municipal employees to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) from 2015 to 2016 and sentences him to four years' imprisonment.[156]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Acts No. 12000 recreating the Negros Island Region and 12001 or the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act.[157]
The Supreme Court releases an August 7, 2023 decision ordering the Sandiganbayan to reopen a graft case involving the granting of two loans worth ₱660 million in 2009 by the Development Bank of the Philippines to a firm owned by businessman Roberto Ongpin. However, it upholds the dismissal of charges against Ongpin, DBP president Reynaldo David and a DBP board member on account of their deaths.[158]
June 14 – Republic Act No. 12006, or the Free College Entrance Examinations Act, which mandates free entrance examinations for privately run colleges under limited circumstances, lapses into law.[159]
June 17 – A Philippine Navy serviceman is injured after their vessel collides with a China Coast Guard ship during a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in the Second Thomas Shoal.[161] The AFP also accuses Chinese forces of boarding the vessel, seizing firearms that were being delivered to the Sierra Madre and harassing and damaging other vessels participating in the resupply mission.[162]
June 20 – The PNP arrests former Negros Oriental Governor Pryde Henry Teves in Dumaguete over alleged violations of the Terrorism Financing Prevention and Suppression Act of 2012. He is released later in the day after posting bail.[164]
Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda imposes a preventive suspension on San Simon mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr. as part of an investigation into alleged corruption and administrative abuses.[167]
June 25 – The Sandiganbayan releases a June 14 decision dismissing a graft case against former Land Bank of the Philippines president Gilda Pico and another senior official over the ₱4.2 billion-sale of the bank’s 46.5 million shares of stock in the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) in 2008, citing a previous decision by the Supreme Court that nullified the complaint.[169]
July 1 – The Bureau of Corrections announces the release of Gerardo dela Peña, regarded as the Philippines' oldest political prisoner, at the age of 85, after his sentence for murder in 2013 is commuted by the Office of the President.[171]
July 9 – The Office of the President imposes a 90-day preventive suspension on National Commission of Senior Citizens chair Franklin Quijano on charges of gross neglect of duty and grave misconduct.[178]
The Ombudsman releases a June 11 ruling reversing its dismissal of Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte mayor Rosendo Labadlabad for grave misconduct over the issuance of cockfighting permits in 2023 and orders his reinstatement, citing a lack of evidence.[184]
The Sandiganbayan releases a July 12 ruling acquitting former Philippine Normal University president Ester Ogena of graft in relation to a 2011 case involving a P1.1-million ad placement contract with Foreign Policy magazine that was conducted without public bidding.[185]
The Jalaur River Multipurpose Project II, covering 17 municipalities of Panay, is opened.[186]
July 20 – President Marcos signs into law Republic Acts No. 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act and 12010 or the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act.[194]
July 24 – The Sandiganbayan releases a July 19 decision allowing the PCGG to retain control over the shares of stocks and funds of two sequestered companies owned by the family of Imelda Marcos' brother Benjamin Romualdez, citing a failure by the said firms to take advantage of a 2014 Supreme Court ruling that allowed the assets to be released.[198]
The MV Mirola 1, carrying two drums of heavy fuel oil and 3,000 liters of diesel, is found abandoned, tilted and leaking oil off the coast of Mariveles, Bataan, making it the third vessel to be involved in the 2024 Manila Bay oil spill.[204][205]
August
August 1 – President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 12016 converting the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College into a state university called the Mountain Province State University.[206]
The Office of the President imposes an 18-month suspension on Abra vice governor Joy Bernos for unilaterally ordering the lockdown of a hospital in Bangued during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when she was governor.[212]
August 13 – The Ombudsman orders the dismissal of Alice Guo as mayor of Bamban, Tarlac for grave misconduct over her involvement in the operations of an illegal POGO hub in the municipality.[213] It also orders the suspension of vice-mayor Leonardo Anunciacion and seven of eight members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Bamban for three months on related charges.[214]
August 15 – The Supreme Court rules in favor of declaring Argel Cabatbat as the duly elected congressional representative of the Magsasaka Partylist in the 2022 elections following an intra-party dispute with a faction led by partylist chair Soliman Villamin Jr.[216]
The Sandiganbayan acquits former PNP Director-General Jesus Verzosa of graft in a case involving the anomalous purchase of second-hand helicopters for the service in 2009.[218]
August 19 – The Philippine Coast Guard vessels BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño are damaged in collisions caused by "dangerous maneuvers" by the China Coast Guard near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.[220]
The Department of Foreign Affairs announces Manila's approval of a US request for it to temporarily host an immigrant visa processing center for Afghan refugees seeking to resettle in the US.[221]
The Supreme Court blocks scheduled plebiscites on the creation of the municipalities of Nuling, Datu Sinsuat Balabaran, and Sheik Abas Hamza in Maguindanao del Norte, saying that a provision of the enabling acts passed by the Bangsamoro government allowing only residents of affected barangays to vote is unconstitutional.[222]
The Ombudsman imposes a six-month suspension on Energy Regulatory Commission chair Monalisa Dimalanta for failing to act on complaints and petitions filed by a consumer rights group.[223] However, the suspension is lifted on October 22, with Dimalanta formally reassuming office on October 31.[224]
August 22 – The Ombudsman imposes a one-year suspension on Mandaue mayor Jonas Cortes for grave misconduct regarding the appointment of a city official who had not qualified for the position.[225]
August 28 – President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 12019 establishing the Loss and Damage Fund Board Act dealing with damages caused by climate-related disasters.[229]
August 31 – The Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua is damaged after being rammed three times by a China Coast Guard vessel near Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea.[230]
The Sandiganbayan releases an August 30 ruling acquitting former Zamboanga del Sur governor Aurora Cerilles of graft in the purchase of medical equipment for the Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Hospital in 2007.[242]
The Ombudsman releases its August 29 resolution ordering the dismissal of Albay governor Noel Rosal and the one-year suspension of his wife, Legazpi mayor Carmen Geraldine, after they were found guilty of administrative charges involving the illegal reassignment of government personnel in 2022. Meanwhile, graft charges against the Rosals, and charges against the provincial engineer, are both dismissed.[244]
The Supreme Court rules that Sulu is not part of the Bangsamoro region, citing the decision of a majority of voters in the province not to join the autonomous region when it was created in a 2019 plebiscite.[247]
President Marcos dismisses Norman Tansingco as commissioner of the Bureau of Immigration, citing the agency's failure to prevent the escape of Alice Guo.[248]
The Sandiganbayan convicts Bucloc, Abra mayor Gody Cardenas of graft over the irregular appointment of a project consultant in 2011 and sentences him to between six and ten years' imprisonment.[251]
The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 21 convicts former customs broker Mark Taguba II and three others in connection with the May 2017 smuggling of 602.279 kilograms of shabu worth ₱6.4 billion.[252]
The Sandiganbayan acquits Janet Lim-Napoles and National Livelihood Development Council president Gondelina Amata of graft in a case of the PDAF scam involving then-La Union representative Victor Francisco Ortega, citing lack of evidence.[259]
September 19 – The Ombudsman imposes a six-month suspension on Tobias Fornier, Antique mayor Ernesto Tajanlangit III following a complaint filed by his vice mayor, Jose Maria Fornier, alleging grave misconduct and other abuses. However, the suspension is halted on October 30 after Tajanlangit obtains a TRO from the Court of Appeals.[260]
The Supreme Court releases a June 26 decision striking down the requirement of resistance by the victim in proving charges of rape committed by force, threat or intimidation, citing complications arising from cases involving incest.[261]
The Supreme Court rules in favor of recognizing any divorce obtained by Filipinos from foreign spouses overseas for as along as the proceeding is valid under the law of the foreign spouse's country.[262]
September 23 – President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.[263]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, designating the smuggling, hoarding, and cartel activities affecting agricultural products as economic sabotage.[266]
October 1 – The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11 convicts 10 members of the Aegis Juris fraternity for the 2017 hazing death of Atio Castillo and sentences them to life imprisonment.[276]
The Ombudsman orders the dismissal and perpetual disqualification of suspended Cebu City mayor Mike Rama for nepotism in a case involving the hiring of two of his brothers-in-law as city hall employees.[278]
Indigenous rights activist Joan Carling receives the Right Livelihood Award for her role in advocating for indigenous rights in preserving the environment and her "leadership in defending people, lands and culture".[280]
October 7 – The Supreme Court rules that the violation of ordinances and regulations does not constitute sufficient grounds for authorities to make a warrantless arrest following a case filed by a petitioner accused of illegal possession of firearms.[286]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 12024 or the Self-Reliant Defense Posture (SRDP) Revitalization Act, providing for the development of domestic defense industries.[287]
The Ombudsman imposes a six-month preventive suspension on Porac, Pampanga mayor Jaime Capil, vice mayor Francis Laurence Tamayo, and eight members of the Porac municipal council over their role in facilitating the operations of an illegal POGO in the municipality.[288]
The Sandiganbayan acquits former Zamboanga del Sur governor Aurora Cerilles of graft in the purchase of furniture for government offices without public bidding in 2009.[289]
The Sandiganbayan convicts Evelyn De Leon, the president of the NGO Philippine Social Development Foundation, Inc., of graft in a case of the pork barrel scam involving Cagayan de Oro representative Rufus Rodriguez and sentences her to up to 39 years' imprisonment.[290]
The Court of Appeals releases a September 26 decision overturning the Ombudsman's dismissal in December 2023 of Aurora governor Christian Noveras for misconduct, citing errors on the part of the Ombudsman.[292]
The Sandiganbayan acquits former Postmaster-General Maria Josefina dela Cruz of graft in the appointment of a department head in the Philippine Postal Corporation in 2011.[296]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 12028 or the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program Law, allowing students to take refresher courses during the summer break.[297]
The Sandiganbayan convicts former Maguindanao governor Sajid Ampatuan of graft involving unfinished road projects valued at P400 million and sentences him to life imprisonment.[299]
The Supreme Court releases a June ruling stating that it is not the duty of city and municipal mayors to remit contributions of local government employees to the GSIS in a case against Santo Tomas, Isabela mayor Antonio Talaue that results in his acquittal.[308]
President Marcos enacts Executive Order No. 74, imposing an official and immediate ban on POGOs, online gaming and related activities in the Philippines.[309]
The Sandiganbayan acquits former Veterans Federation of the Philippines President Bonifacio De Gracia of graft involving the signing of lease agreements over properties in Taguig with a private firm.[310]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 12063 or the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act, promoting private-sector partnerships to reduce job mismatches among Filipino workers.[311]
The Sandiganbayan acquits former Food and Drug Administration director general Nela Charade Puno of graft involving the agency's closure of a clinic selling unregistered products in Tarlac in 2018, citing lack of violation of due process.[312]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Acts No. 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, defining the Philippines' maritime jurisdiction and rights within the said territory, and 12065 or the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, establishing three archipelagic sea lanes to be opened for use by foreign ships and aircraft transiting through the country.[315]
The Supreme Court releases an August decision ruling that convictions of public officials for violating procurement laws do not automatically qualify as a conviction for graft in a case involving the acquittal of five officials of the Davao City Water District.[316]
November 11 – President Marcos signs into law Republic Act No. 12066 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Act, imposing a series of investment and fiscal reforms to promote economic growth.[317]
November 15 – The Sandiganbayan acquits former Santa Barbara, Iloilo mayor Isabelo Maquino of graft over the bidding of public works projects in the municipality.[321]
November 18 – The Philippines and the United States sign the General Security of Military Information Agreement, allowing for the sharing of classified information of benefit between Washington and Manila.[323]
November 19 – The Sandiganbayan approves a compromise agreement between the PCGG and the heirs of deceased Marcos associate Roman Cruz Jr, allowing the former to claim properties in Antipolo and Baguio as well as stocks in PLDT in exchange for the PCGG surrendering claims to a property in Makati.[325]
November 21 – Terra Solar Philippines Inc. begins construction of the Meralco Terra Solar Project, considered the largest integrated solar and battery storage facility in the world spanning 3,500-hectares and a projected output of 8,000 megawatts, in Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija.[327]
An impeachment complaint is filed in the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Duterte for 24 offenses including failure to account for her spending of confidential funds, involvement in extrajudicial killings and threatening the assassination of President Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.[329]
The vice mayor of Marawi, Lanao del Sur, Annouar Abdulrauf, is arrested for the murder of an NBI operative in 2013.[330]
December 4 – A second impeachment complaint is filed in the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Duterte for misuse of confidential funds.[331]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Acts No. 12076 or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the construction of permanent evacuation centers, and 12077 or the Student Loan Payment Moratorium During Disasters Emergencies Act, mandating financial aid for students in disaster-affected areas.[333]
The Sandiganbayan dismisses two ill-gotten wealth cases filed against former president Ferdinand Marcos, former first lady Imelda Marcos, former defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Marcos associate Danding Cojuangco relating to the Coco Levy Fund scam after the government files for a withdrawal due to ongoing compromise negotiations.[334]
President Marcos signs into law Republic Acts No. 12078 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, amending the Rice Tariffication Law, 12079 establishing a VAT Refund System for foreign tourists purchasing domestic goods and 12080 or the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, mandating the establishment and implementation of mental health and well-being programs in schools.[336][337][338]
The Office of the President imposes a two-month suspension on Abra governor Dominic Valera for failing to follow the rules of succession in the replacement of a deceased municipal councilor of Bucay in 2023.[342]
December 12 – The Sandiganbayan dismisses the final six ill-gotten wealth cases relating to the Coco Levy Fund scam filed against former president Ferdinand Marcos, former first lady Imelda Marcos, former defense minister Juan Ponce Enrile, former Zamboanga City mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, and Marcos associates Danding Cojuangco, Cesar Zalamea and Jesus Pineda, citing inordinate delay and double jeopardy arising from the dismissal of identical cases against Cojuangco in the Supreme Court.[343]
December 19 – A third impeachment complaint is filed in the House of Representatives against Vice President Sara Duterte for betrayal of public trust.[346]
On October 13, 2023, the national government released through Proclamation No. 368, series of 2023 dated October 11, 2023 declaring the regular, national, special, and additional special days. The EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary is dropped from the list of special non-working holidays.[350]
February 22 – The planned sale of SkyCable to PLDT is called off following a mutual decision between the latter and SkyCable's parent company ABS-CBN.[361]
March 8 – The Supreme Court nullifies an order from the Department of Labor and Employment for PLDT to regularize more than 7,000 subcontracted employees, but orders the firm to regularize those involved in the installation, repair and maintenance services of its lines citing their importance to its business.[364]
March 10 – The Supreme Court denies Now Telecom's claims for operational frequencies from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), effectively preventing its bid to become the Philippines' third major telecommunications network after the court concurs with the NTC's requirements for Now to enter the market.[365][366][367]
March 15 – Prime Energy Resources Development B.V. awards a $69.9-million contract to the UK-based contractor Noble Viking to drill three wells in the Malampaya gas field.[368]
March 18 – San Miguel Corporation President and CEO Ramon Ang announces the cancellation of the proposed Pasig River Expressway project following criticism over its impact on traffic, the environment and architectural heritage.[369] However, on May 27, Ang says that the project is "on hold".[370]
March 25 – The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asks the NTC to block access to the cryptocurrency firm Binance in the Philippines, saying that it “poses a threat to the security of the funds of investing Filipinos.”.[371]
April 12 – The Philippines announces the establishment of the Luzon Economic Corridor to develop the economic hubs of Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila and Batangas with US and Japanese financial assistance.[374][375]
April 14 – The SEC releases an April 8 decision imposing fines totaling ₱560 million on the Abra Mining & Industrial Corporation for trading in fraudulent shares from 2015 to 2019.[376]
June 4 – The Makati Regional Trial Court releases a May 28 decision convicting Calata Corporation CEO Joseph Calata and corporate secretary Jose Marie Fabella of violating the Securities Regulation Code by misleading investors to buy shares into a planned resort-casino complex in Cebu despite not having a gambling license from PAGCOR in the first place and sentences them to pay ₱4 million in fines each or undergo imprisonment.[378]
June 13 – Republic Act No. 11999, or the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Act, which establishes the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport and the Bulacan Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, lapses into law.[159]
July 2 – Cebu Pacific announces the purchase of 152 aircraft from Airbus valued at a total of US$24 billion (₱1.4 trillion), in what is deemed the largest aircraft order in the history of Philippine aviation.[380] The agreement is finalized on October 2.[381]
July 19 – PXP Energy Corporation returns a contract to explore and develop the Linapacan block off the coast of Palawan to the government, citing the absence of prospective energy reserves.[384]
August
August 2 – The Supreme Court releases a July 30 ruling stating that electric cooperatives do not have the constitutional right to an exclusive franchise within their coverage areas following a petition by Iloilo Electric Cooperative, Inc. I, II and III challenging the expansion of the franchise of its rival MORE Electric and Power Corporation.[385]
September 6 – The Supreme Court releases a February 13, 2023 ruling stating that the NTC cannot impose billing rates for telecommunications firms without due process following a case filed by the latter over rates imposed in 2009.[387]
September 27 – The Supreme Court releases an April 3 ruling stating that the usage by employers of demotion, verbal abuse and indifferent behavior leading to the departure of an employee constitutes constructive illegal dismissal following a case filed by a former employee of a Toyota subsidiary based in Quezon City.[388]
February 13 – Four colonial-era panels stolen from Boljoon Church in Cebu in the 1980s are donated to the National Museum by Union Bank of the Philippines CEO Edwin Bautista, leading to questions about their provenance and demands from the Archdiocese of Cebu as well as provincial officials and residents of Boljoon for the panels to be returned.[401] On May 8, the museum's board of trustees rules in favor of returning the panels to Boljoon Church.[402]
February 18 – The Miss Philippines Organization announces the appointments of Alethea Ambrosio, Blessa Ericha Figueroa, Isabelle delos Santos, Chantal Elise Schmidt and Hanna Reese Uyan as the country’s representatives in international pageants (Miss Supranational, Miss Asia Pacific International, Miss Aura International, Miss Eco International, and Miss Eco Teen).[404][405] However, on August 3, the Miss Eco Teen organization announces that Raven Doctor as its contestant, without providing an explanation as to Uyan's removal.[406]
The Pamilacan Watchtower in Baclayon, Bohol, is officially declared a national cultural treasure by the National Museum.[419]
The Miss Philippines Organization announces the appointments of Tarah Valencia, Cyrille Payumo, Alexie Mae Brooks and Ahtisa Manalo as the country’s representatives in international pageants (Miss Supranational, Miss Charm, Miss Eco International, and Miss Cosmo).[420]
August 12 – President Marcos declares August 13, 2024 to August 12, 2025, the centennial year for Ilocano master weaver and national living treasure Magdalena Gamayo.[439]
Isabelle De Los Santos finishes as first runner-up at Miss Aura International 2024 in Turkey.[451]
The Philippines wins the Guinness World Record for the most participants in a simultaneous bamboo planting session, with 2,305 individuals participating across 19 locations in Leyte and Mindanao.[452]
^Situational Report No. 9 for TCs Marce (2024)(PDF) (Report). Quezon City, Philippines: National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. November 11, 2024. Retrieved November 11, 2024.
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