2006 in the Philippines

Incumbents

• President: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
• Vice President: Noli de Castro
• Senate President: Manuel Villar
• House Speaker: Jose de Venecia
• Chief Justice: Artemio Panganiban

Events

January

• January 21: Boxer Manny Pacquiao defeated Mexican Erik Morales in a tenth-round technical knockout at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas. The victory caused jubilation in the country wracked by poverty and political instability.
• January 27: Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon, who escaped from the Philippine Army headquarters on December 14, was recaptured by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Faeldon and other junior officers of the AFP launched the Oakwood mutiny on July 27, 2003, where they demanded President Arroyo and then Defense secretary Angelo Reyes to resign.

February

Southern Leyte mudslide

• February 1: The Revised-Value Added Tax (R-VAT) was implemented, causing a hike in prices of consumer goods.

Wikinews has related news: Scores killed in Manila game show stampede

• February 4: A stampede occurred during the first anniversary of ABS-CBN's television program Wowowee at the PhilSports Complex, causing the deaths of 74 people and the wounding of about 400 others.
• February 14: Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and Sun Cellular launch 3G in selected cities in the country.

Wikinews has related news: 85 rescued, thousands feared dead in Philippine landslide

• February 17: After heavy rains in the preceding ten days, a mudslide occurred on the town of Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, killing fifty people, but with 958 people still missing the death toll is expected to rise dramatically.
• February 19: Red Bull Barako wins the Philippine Basketball Association 2005–06 Fiesta Conference after defeating the Purefoods Chunkee Giants in six games.

Wikinews has related news: Arroyo declares state of emergency due to coup attempt in Philippines

• February 24: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on 11:25 am declared a state of emergency via Proclamation No. 1017 after a failed coup attempt and street protests commemorating the 20th anniversary of the People Power Revolution. The protesters converged at the EDSA Shrine led by Vice President Teofisto Guingona were dispersed right after the proclamation. The protesters at EDSA-Santolan led by Prof. Randy David were dispersed violently by the police. Several leftist and rightist leaders were arrested or were under the threat of arrest within the next seven days.
• February 24 – 25: The World Wrestling Entertainment RAW Live Tour made its stop at Araneta Coliseum, featuring matches for the WWE Championship, the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and the WWE Women's Championship, among others. John Cena, Shelton Benjamin and Trish Stratus retained their title belts on the two-night event amidst an overflowing crowd at the Araneta Coliseum.

March

• March 3: The President declared the lifting of the state of emergency via Proclamation No. 1021.
• March 10: The Department of the Interior and Local Government orders barangays to conduct barangay assemblies for the adoption of a new constitution.
• March 22: Former President Joseph Estrada denied taking millions of dollars in bribes and gambling pay-offs as alleged by the prosecution's star witness Luis Chavit Singson on his plunder trial at the anti-graft court the Sandiganbayan.
• March 24: The Archbishop of Manila, Gaudencio Borbon Rosales was installed as Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI at a ceremony at Rome.

April

• April 1: Keanna Reeves wins Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition on its Big Night finale held at the Manila Central Post Office grounds.
• April 20: The Supreme Court declared that a part of Executive Order No. 464 as unconstitutional, thus paving way for the resumption of Congressional inquiries.
• April 25: The Supreme Court ruled that a part of the government policy of Calibrated Pre-Emptive Response as unconstitutional.

May

Typhoon Caloy over the Philippines

• May 3: The Supreme Court ruled that the Proclamation No. 1017 was constitutional, although a part of General Order No. 5 as unconstitutional.
• May 7: Gerald Santos wins Pinoy Pop Superstar on its Grand Showdown held at the Araneta Coliseum.
• May 11: Typhoon Caloy (international name: Typhoon Chanchu) made landfall on Samar. On the next day, it made landfall on Mindoro. Caloy caused the deaths of 41 and $1.9 million in damages.
• May 18: Mountaineer Leo Oracion reached the summit of Mount Everest via the Nepalese side, becoming the first Filipino to do so, although another mountaineer, Dale Abenojar claimed that he reached the summit first via the Tibetan side, on May 15.
• May 20: Grand Opening of SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City

June

Wikinews has related news: Nicole relives ordeal

• June 2: Four U.S. Marines facing rape charges in the Philippines see their accuser in court for the first time as the formal trial begins in a case that was filed in December, stemming from an incident at a Subic Bay bar. The case has prompted protests and calls for the Visiting Forces Agreement to be amended or scrapped. (Reuters)
• June 3: The deaths of three Philippines soldiers by the communist New People's Army is confirmed. The ambush by NPA guerrillas took place on Wednesday in Balbalan, Kalinga. The NPA also says two more government soldiers were killed and four were wounded in another attack on Wednesday on an army outpost in Pinukpok town, but the government could not confirm this. (AFP)
• June 4: Kim Chiu wins Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition.
• June 8: U.S. Navy investigators who looked into rape allegations against four marines in the Philippines are barred by the U.S. embassy from testifying in the trial of the four. The plaintiff's attorney characterised the move as a "clear attempt on the part of the US government, to keep us from getting the evidence that we need and from showing the court the truth." (AFP)
• June 13: A group calling itself Taong Bayan at Kawal, or Masses and Soldiers, claims for an early-morning bomb blast at a police headquarters in Manila, as well as earlier blasts at Manila office building on June 6, an explosion outside the home of an ally of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last week and two simultaneous bomb blasts in police stations on June 11. The group denies it was behind a bombing in Lipa City that injured nine people on June 11. (AFP)
• June 19:
  • 900 villagers are evacuated as Mount Bulusan spews ash at Sorsogon. (Manila Standard)
  • The Philippine government announces strategies to end communist insurgency by the New People's Army, promising "dramatic results in two years" by boosting military spending and development budgets in poor areas. (Manila Standard)
• June 24:
  • President Arroyo signed the repeal of the death penalty law, as stated in Republic Act No. 9346.
  • Opening of the 82nd season of the NCAA hosted by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.
• June 26:
  • Released after four days in captivity in Nigeria, two kidnapped Filipino are expected to return to the Philippines within the week. (inq7.net)
  • The opposition bloc files impeachment charges against President Arroyo.

July

Tropical storm Florita approaching Taiwan

Game 4 between Purefoods and Red Bull

• July 2: Manny Pacquiao wins a 12 round unanimous decision over Mexican Óscar Larios in front of his hometown fans at the Araneta Coliseum.
• July 8: Opening of the 69th season of the UAAP hosted by the University of the East.
• July 13: Tropical storm Florita (pictured, international codename: Bilis) slams into Batanes, causing the deaths of fourteen people.
• July 14: Mayon Volcano in Albay spews out lava and ash. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology raised the alert level from level 1 to level 3, prompting evacuations.
• July 15: The Professional Regulation Commission admitted that there was a leakage of test questions in the June 2006 Nurses Licensure Examination

Wikinews has related news: DNA in underwear matches Philippines rape victim

• July 21: The Purefoods Chunkee Giants defeated the Red Bull Barako at the Philippine Basketball Association 2006 Philippine Cup Finals, 4–2 at the Araneta Coliseum.
• July 24:
  • Senator Manuel Villar is elected as the new Senate President, replacing Franklin Drilon at the resumption of the regular session of Congress.
  • President Arroyo suspends classes in Metro Manila and other areas due to Typhoon Glenda (international codename: Kaemi).
  • On her State of the Nation Address, President Arroyo proposed for the creation of 5 new super regions, pushed for constitutional change, among others.

August

• August 7: Mayon Volcano intensifies its volcanic activity, leading the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to raise the alert level from level 3 to level 4, which prompted mandatory evacuation procedures.

• August 11: An oil spill off the coast of Guimaras occurs, causing widespread environmental damage.

• August 16: The administration block at the Judicial Committee of the House of Representatives junks the last impeachment case against President Arroyo.

• August 19: A Junior League softball team from Bacolod City was beaten by a team from Naples, Florida, 8–0, at the Junior League World Series held at Kirkland, Washington

• August 24: The House of Representatives plenary junked the impeachment case against President Arroyo, voting 173–32.

• August 27: The pair of Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante defeated the American tandem of Rodney Morris and Earl Strickland to win the first World Cup of Pool.

• August 31: The petition of Sigaw ng Bayan group for a people's initiative for amendments in the constitution was trashed by the Commission on Elections on the basis that there was no enabling law.

September

The San Beda Little Indians during their halftime presentation at the seniors' basketball finals.

Typhoon Milenyo (Xangsane) shortly before landfall on Samar Island.

• September 11: Efren Reyes wins the World 8-Ball Open Championship at Reno, Nevada, beating Rodney Morris, 8–6.
• September 22: San Beda College win the 82nd NCAA seniors' basketball tournament, beating the Philippine Christian University (PCU). San Sebastian College-Recoletos defeated the PCU High School to win the juniors' championship.
• September 27: President Arroyo suspends classes in affected areas, including Metro Manila as Typhoon Milenyo (international codename: Xangsane) approached the western coast of Luzon. (INQ7.net)
• September 28: Typhoon Milenyo causes widespread damage throughout Luzon, causing at least two deaths, destruction to property, suspension of classes and the Metrorail, closing down of government offices, suspension of trading at the Philippine Stock Exchange, the paralyzation of the South Luzon Expressway, cancellation of flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and a Luzon-wide blackout. (INQ7.net)

October

The UST crowd on the UAAP championship game.

• October 2: The University of Santo Tomas defeated the Ateneo de Manila University, 76–74, in overtime, at the deciding third game of the 69th UAAP men's basketball tournament. Their women's counterpart won the Women's championship while the Ateneo juniors team won the Juniors championship.
• October 10:
  • Mayor Jose Catindig, Jr. of Santa Rosa City, Laguna is suspended for six months by the Department of Interior and Local Government for alleged illegal transfer of two city hall employees, which led to tensions at the city hall. This comes after the suspension of Peewee Trinidad of Pasay City.(INQ7.net)
  • At least six people were killed in a bombing at Makilala, Cotabato during the town fiesta. Earlier in the day, a blast wounded at least four people at Tacurong City. (BBC)
• October 11: A bomb exploded at Cotabato City, killing and hurting no one. North Cotabato officials blame the Moro Islamic Liberation Front as the perpetrators. (Reuters)

Typhoon Paeng approaching northern Luzon.

Wikinews has related news: Makati City Mayor suspended

• October 17: Supporters of Mayor Jejomar Binay of Makati City barricade themselves at the front of city hall as the Department of Interior and Local Government hands out their suspension order against the Mayor, Vice Mayor and seven councilors. (INQ7.net)
• October 21:
  • The WWE SmackDown! Survivor Series Tour makes it stop at the Araneta Coliseum. (ended October 22)
  • A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hits central Philippines. The quake struck at 10:30 p.m. with its epicenter some 35 kilometers south of Boac, Marinduque. The temblor was felt at intensity 4 in the capital Manila. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
• October 25: The Supreme Court, voting 8–7, junks the petition of the Sigaw ng Bayan (Shout of the People) group for a people's initiative in the constitution. (INQ7)

Wikinews has related news: Deadly Typhoon Cimaron makes landfall in Luzon

• October 29: Typhoon Paeng (international name Cimaron) makes landfall on Luzon at about 9:00 p.m., killing at least 13 people. (BBC)
• October 31: Voters in Maguindanao's 29 municipalities have approved the creation of a new province to be composed of 10 towns, named Shariff Kabunsuan. It became the Philippines’ 80th province and the 6th in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

November

Typhoon Queenie approaching Luzon.

Super typhoon Reming over Bicol.

• November 4: Avelino Cruz resigns as Secretary of National Defense. (INQ7.net)
• November 11: Typhoon Queenie makes landfall in Casiguran, Aurora. The PAGASA weather bureau raised storm signals on much of northern Luzon. (ABS-CBN News)
• November 12: Pool player Ronato Alcano defeated Ralf Souquet in the 2006 WPA Men's World Nine-ball Championship in Pasay City, 17 racks to 11.
• November 18: Boxer Manny Pacquiao knocked out Erik Morales at their boxing bout held at the Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas. (AP via Yahoo! Sports)

Marianne Puglia (Miss Earth Fire 2006), Hil Hernández (Miss Earth 2006), Amruta Patki (Miss Earth Air 2006), Catherine Untalan (Miss Earth Water 2006)

• November 26: Miss Earth 2006 beauty pageant was hosted by the Philippines at the National Museum Grounds at Manila. Miss Chile won the pageant.
• November 29:
  • The House of Representatives loosened it rules on amending the Constitution. (INQ7.net)
  • Typhoon Reming intensifies as it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility; the government has suspended classes in affected areas for November 30. (INQ7.net)

December

Wikinews has related news: "Super typhoon" triggers fatal mudslides in Philippines Philippine typhoon toll may hit 1,000

• December 1:
  • Albay declares a state of calamity has Typhoon Reming causes 198 deaths and counting. (AP via Yahoo! News)
  • The 2006 Asian Games officially begins in Doha with the Philippines sending a 233-person contingent. (INQ7.net)
• December 3: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a "state of national calamity" as 406 perished after Typhoon Reming caused several mudslides around Mayon Volcano. (BBC News)
• December 4: U.S. Marine Daniel Smith found guilty in the Subic rape case; 3 other U.S. Marines acquitted.
• December 7: The House of Representatives passed a resolution calling for a Constituent Assembly, without a concurrent resolution of the Senate. (INQ7.net)
• December 8:
  • Due to Typhoon Seniang threatening Cebu, the 12th ASEAN Summit was postponed. (BBC News)
  • Dinagat Islands became the 81st province after the voters approve of its secession from Surigao del Norte. (SunStar)
• December 10: Mau Marcelo was declared the first Philippine Idol at the final results show was held in the Araneta Coliseum. (INQ7.net)
• December 11: At the 2006 Asian Games at Doha, Antonio Gabica won the Men's Nine-ball event, defeating fellow Filipino Jeff de Luna to win the country's first gold medal. (INQ7.net)
• December 12:
  • The House of Representatives backtracked on its plans for a constituent assembly and instead pushed for a constitutional convention. (INQ7.net)
  • Violito Payla beat Thailand's Somjit Jongjohor to win the flyweight gold.

Sports				Total
Boxing	2	0	2	4
Cue sports	1	2	0	3
Wushu	1	1	0	2
Taekwondo	0	2	3	5
Karate	0	1	1	2
Tennis	0	0	2	2
Golf	0	0	1	1
Total	4	6	9	19

• December 13:
  • Joan Tipon outpointed Han Soon-chul to win boxing's second gold. (INQ7.net)
  • The National Disaster Coordinating Council revised the death tolls for Typhoon Reming, with 720 dead, 2,360 injured and 762 missing persons. (ReliefWeb)
• December 14: Wushu artist Rene Catalan upended Vietnam's Phan Quoc Vinh, 2–0, to win the country's fourth gold. (INQ7.net)
• December 16: Abra Representative Luis Bersamin, Jr. was gunned down during a wedding ceremony at Quezon City. (INQ7.net)
• December 22: More than 300 families were left homeless by a seven-hour fire at a squatters’ community in Muntinlupa City. Malaya
• December 25:
  • Opening of the 32nd Metro Manila Film Festival.
  • A department store blaze killed 24 persons in Ormoc City. (BBC News)
• December 27: Khadaffy Janjalani's remains had been recovered near Patikul, on Jolo Island, reported by the Philippine military. DNA tests had been ordered to confirm the discovery.
• December 30: Convicted American serviceman Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was freed from a Makati jail late evening Friday and transferred to the US Embassy on orders of the Philippine government.^[1]

National holidays

The celebration of the holidays may be moved due to President Arroyo's "holiday economics" policy.

Holidays in italics are "special days", while those in regular type are "regular holidays".

• January 1: New Year's Day
• April 9: Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)
• April 13: Maundy Thursday
• April 14: Good Friday
• May 1: Labor Day
• June 12: Independence Day
• August 27: National Heroes' Day
• October 24: Eid ul-Fitr
• November 1: All Saints' Day
• November 30: Bonifacio Day
  • Holiday scheduled for December 1.
• December 25: Christmas
• December 30: Rizal Day
• December 31: New Years' Eve

In addition, several other places observe local holidays, such as the foundation of their town. These are also "special days."

Births

• May 3: Mutya Orquia, actress

Deaths

• January 2: Cecilia Muñoz-Palma, Supreme Court Associate Justice and Constitutional Commission president (b. 1914)
• January 11: Amir bin Muhammad Baraguir, Sultan of Maguindanao (b. 1960)
• January 23: Ernie Baron, television journalist, host, and inventor (b. 1940)
• January 29: Andrew Gonzalez, educator and linguist (b. 1940)
• February 14: Ramon Bagatsing, longest serving Mayor of Manila from 1971–1986, Plaza Miranda bombing survivor (b. 1916)
• April 5: Don Antonio Madrigal, father of Senator Jamby Madrigal (b. 1918)
• April 23: Chat Silayan, actress and former beauty queen (b. 1960)
• April 12: Luzviminda Puno, Clerk of Court of the Supreme Court and wife of Chief Justice Puno. (b. 1940)
• May 6: Allen Cudal, 24, guitarist of Greyhoundz (born 1982)
• May 29: Sotero Llamas, politician (b. 1951)
• July 26: Romualdo Vicencio, incumbent congressman, 2nd district of Northern Samar (b. 1934)
• August 14: Analiza "Hazel" Recheta, Arnel Guiao and Ismael Cabugayan, television journalists
• August 25: Gregorio Cendana, chief information officer during Marcos presidency (b. 1930)
• August 28: Joey Rufino, former executive director of LAKAS (b. 1954)
• September 18: Eddie Mercado, television host (b. 1938)
• September 19: Conrado M. Vasquez, Supreme Court Associate Justice and Ombudsman (b. 1913)
• September 20: Jojo Lapus, newspaper journalist and television scriptwriter (b. 1945)
• October 3: Alberto Ramento, bishop of the Philippine Independent Church (b. 1937)
• October 7: Dan Campilan, television journalist (b. 1980)
• November 2: Rafael Donato, educator and linguist (b. 1938)
• November 11: James Bersamin, Board Member of the 2nd District of Abra (b. 1950)
• November 24: Maximo V. Soliven, newspaper journalist and publisher (b. 1933)
• November 28: Rosita Quinto Stecza, 1950s actress under the screen name Rosa Mia (b. 1924)
• November 29: Victoria Quirino-Delgado, acted as First Lady of the Philippines during term of her widowered father (b. 1929)
• November 30: Rafael Buenaventura, former governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (b. 1938)
• December 4: Ernesto Gidaya, retired general and Veterans Freedom Party incumbent congressman (b. 1926)
• December 16: Luis Bersamin, incumbent congressman, lone district of Abra (b. 1944)
• December 21: Ramon Obusan, choreographer, National Artist for Dance (b. 1938)
• December 22: Danilo Ayala Bernardo, journalist (b. 1948)

References