LOOKING BACK AT 2011:
YEAR-END REVIEW
Once again 2011 has been a roller coaster ride for the Philippines. The whole year was filled with a lot of highs and lows of news stories. It varies from stories of achievements, for instance is the bagging of 3rd runner up in prestigious Ms. Universe pageant by the gorgeous Shamcey Supsup. 2012 is also the year for sports aficionados as the National Football team Azkals rise into fame. But there were a lot of news that brought low-side of the country’s year.
Dreary pronouncement and shocking accounts dominated the headlines. From devastating storms to political scandals to crime surge and territorial dispute, all of this contribute to what 2011 has been for the Filipinos; let’s take a snapshot of some of the most talked about news stories of 2011.
1.) Shocking crime Stories
The irrefutable more shocking cases of crime have been talked about on our country, cases that were very unusual of what we normally see as news staples. It was during the month of September, when the public witness two crimes-of-passion. One was a man shoot by his own wife. Infidelity was seen as the root of the crime as they were last seen fighting over the man’s other woman. The wife shoots his husband during the quarrel and a security guard who try to stop her from killing herself. The woman is now detained for murder charges.
On the same month, a 13-year old boy shot his alleged boyfriend, who was five years his senior in a swarming mall in Pampanga. The boy then shot himself. According on the Police findings, it also a result of a lover’s quarrel.
The two crimes created a noise in the internet and on some social networking sites as it brought different opinions. Filipinos also query for their safety as this crimes both happened on supposedly secure establishments.
2.) Territorial Dispute.
Each was confident about their territorial claims especially between China and Philippines. In September, Philippines sought international support in its territorial issue against China. The Philippines eventually formed an alliance with Japan and sign a maritime accord with Vietnam.
In the last quarter of the year, sea disputes heightened up when China has again claiming a new territory of Palawan.
3.) Devastating Storm
Filipinos were used to experiencing a bad weather but it doesn’t mean that these ravaging storm that hit our country this year are easy to live with.
May of 2011, when the first two strong typhoons brought heavy rains and destruct the things that are on their way. Bebeng, ruined around P118 million worth of crops. Around 100,000 people has been affected by flooding and landslides killing 35 people. Not long after Bebeng’s destruction, Chedeng came in the way. In less than 24 hours, Chedeng beset a little over P10 million in property damages.
Two months after, it’s the tandem of Mina and Juaning whom battered the country. Mina’s destruction was close to P1 billion affecting 73 municipalities, 4 cities and 15 provinces. On the other hand, Juaning displaced around 600,000 people with P2.8 billion damages.In September, Pedring and Quiel ravage the country. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Pedring leave a P12.34 billion worth of damage. While Pedring exited on September 27, Quiel immediately took over on September 28. The two typhoon’s “tag team” effect made matters worse for already flooded areas.
Amidst the disasters, many Filipinos have shown all their might to help others and give them hope for a better future. Who can forget the photo of a 12-year-old girl who saved a Philippine flag from the floodwaters when Bagyong Juaning ravaged their hometown? Albay resident Frank Luzano took the picture of Janela Arcos Lelis ‘s heroic act on film and shared it on various social networking sites including Facebook and Twitter.
National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) honored for her heroic act and a plaque for recognition was given to her. Many people and various organizations also took notice including President Noynoy Aquino.
4.) Political Scandals
Last but definitely not the least are the political stories that dominates most of the headlines throughout the year.
The most talk about among this is the scandals that have been revealed last year that involves the former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. With one after the other revelations and accusations, Arroyo’s camp said that she was now suffering from “multilevel cervical spondylosisradiculopathy with kypnosis”
She soon underwent a series of surgical procedures on her cervical spine, and one of these had complications. Her spine got infected and was confined at SLMC in Taguig. When she sought permission to seek treatment abroad for a tetracycline bone biopsy, that wasn’t available in the Philippines, but as she was in the watch list of the Department of Justice (DOJ), her request has been repeatedly denied.
Things heated up more, when the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the watch list action on Arroyo. However, Bureau of Immigration officials forbid Arroyo from leaving. DOJ secretary Leila de Lima argued the TRO issued by SC.
When all her travel plans were aborted, Arroyo’s camp said her health status is getting worse. A few days after, Pasay City Regional Trial Court issued a warrant of arrest for Arroyo. The Commission on Election (COMELEC) had filed electoral sabotage charges against the former president for the alleged massive cheating in the Maguindanao polls in 2007. Amid with the arrest Arroyo was transferred to state-run hospital, Veterans Memorial Medical Center at Quezon City. Debate generated among commentators and politicians.
As the year moved on, Filipinos are hopeful that so does our country; Hopeful that Philippines will move on from all the destructions made by natural disasters. Move forward towards the development we yearly wish we’ll soon to have. Mabuhay Pilipinas this 2012!
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