[YEARENDER] 10 things to watch for in 2025 | ABS-CBN
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!
[YEARENDER] 10 things to watch for in 2025
[YEARENDER] 10 things to watch for in 2025
Rose Carmelle Lacuata,
ABS-CBN News
Published Dec 27, 2024 11:26 PM PHT
|
Updated Dec 27, 2024 11:42 PM PHT
MANILA — The year 2024 was shaped by significant developments in politics and foreign relations, both in the Philippines and abroad.
MANILA — The year 2024 was shaped by significant developments in politics and foreign relations, both in the Philippines and abroad.
Some of these developments have yet to be resolved, and are expected to have significant impact to the incoming year.
Some of these developments have yet to be resolved, and are expected to have significant impact to the incoming year.
Here are ten things to watch in 2025, from the possible effects of the reelection of Donald Trump, to the midterm elections in the Philippines, and the total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operations in the country.
Here are ten things to watch in 2025, from the possible effects of the reelection of Donald Trump, to the midterm elections in the Philippines, and the total ban on Philippine offshore gaming operations in the country.
1. REELECTION OF DONALD TRUMP
In November, Donald Trump won the presidential elections in the US, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. This marked his political comeback, which is expected to send shock waves across the world.
In November, Donald Trump won the presidential elections in the US, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. This marked his political comeback, which is expected to send shock waves across the world.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a recent interview, Trump reiterated his hard-line campaign pledges, including the imposition of tariffs and mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
In a recent interview, Trump reiterated his hard-line campaign pledges, including the imposition of tariffs and mass deportation of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
Whether Trump will push through with his plans, and the public’s reaction to his upcoming administration, is something to look forward to in 2025.
Whether Trump will push through with his plans, and the public’s reaction to his upcoming administration, is something to look forward to in 2025.
2. COLLAPSE OF THE FERDINAND MARCOS JR.-SARA DUTERTE 'UNITEAM' ALLIANCE
Probably one of the most controversial political events that happened in the Philippines in 2024 is the falling out between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which climaxed with an expletive-laden early morning press conference, where Duterte accused various government officials of corruption and Speaker Martin Romualdez of wanting her dead.
Probably one of the most controversial political events that happened in the Philippines in 2024 is the falling out between Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which climaxed with an expletive-laden early morning press conference, where Duterte accused various government officials of corruption and Speaker Martin Romualdez of wanting her dead.
She also said she had arranged for Romualdez as well as Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to be killed if that happens.
She also said she had arranged for Romualdez as well as Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to be killed if that happens.
Marcos and Duterte had teamed up to a landslide victory in the May 2022 presidential and vice presidential election.
Marcos and Duterte had teamed up to a landslide victory in the May 2022 presidential and vice presidential election.
ADVERTISEMENT
But after months of tense relations between their families, Duterte in June quit Marcos' Cabinet and resigned as the vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
But after months of tense relations between their families, Duterte in June quit Marcos' Cabinet and resigned as the vice chairperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.
The Vice President likewise accused the Marcos administration of carrying out a "PR attack" against her through the House panel probe on her alleged fund misuse.
The Vice President likewise accused the Marcos administration of carrying out a "PR attack" against her through the House panel probe on her alleged fund misuse.
But several House leaders called Duterte's remarks a "desperate" attempt to dodge questions on "public fund misuse during her leadership of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education."
But several House leaders called Duterte's remarks a "desperate" attempt to dodge questions on "public fund misuse during her leadership of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education."
Duterte is now facing facing three impeachment complaints over the allegedly irregular use of government funds, with a third one reportedly being readied for filing next week.
Duterte is now facing facing three impeachment complaints over the allegedly irregular use of government funds, with a third one reportedly being readied for filing next week.
Impeachment, a process for accountability enshrined in the Constitution, has, however, been met with resistance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and will be racing against time as the 19th Congress winds down its business.
Impeachment, a process for accountability enshrined in the Constitution, has, however, been met with resistance from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and will be racing against time as the 19th Congress winds down its business.
ADVERTISEMENT
The falling out between the Dutertes and Marcoses is also expected to affect the results and the alliances that may be formed or dissolved for the upcoming midterm elections in 2025.
The falling out between the Dutertes and Marcoses is also expected to affect the results and the alliances that may be formed or dissolved for the upcoming midterm elections in 2025.
Some of the prominent supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte are running in the elections, including Sens. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go of Duterte-led Partido Demokratiko Pilipino — the former PDP-Laban party.
Some of the prominent supporters of former president Rodrigo Duterte are running in the elections, including Sens. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa and Christopher “Bong” Go of Duterte-led Partido Demokratiko Pilipino — the former PDP-Laban party.
Also running for senator is televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, a close friend of Duterte and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Also running for senator is televangelist Apollo Quiboloy, a close friend of Duterte and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Quiboloy was charged by the United States in 2021 with sex trafficking of girls and women to work as personal assistants, who were allegedly required to have sex with him during what they said was their "night duty".
Quiboloy was charged by the United States in 2021 with sex trafficking of girls and women to work as personal assistants, who were allegedly required to have sex with him during what they said was their "night duty".
He is also sought by US authorities for bulk cash smuggling and a scheme that brought church members to the US through fraudulently obtained visas.
He is also sought by US authorities for bulk cash smuggling and a scheme that brought church members to the US through fraudulently obtained visas.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Senate has also held hearings on alleged human trafficking and sexual abuses inside his religious organization.
The Senate has also held hearings on alleged human trafficking and sexual abuses inside his religious organization.
The elder Duterte himself has filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor of Davao City, a position he held for many years before he was elected president in 2016.
The elder Duterte himself has filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor of Davao City, a position he held for many years before he was elected president in 2016.
3. WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
China and the Philippines have sparred repeatedly this year over disputed areas of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, one of Asia's most contested features.
China and the Philippines have sparred repeatedly this year over disputed areas of the South China Sea, including the Scarborough Shoal, one of Asia's most contested features.
In November, China reasserted its territories around a flashpoint reef in the South China Sea on Sunday, just days after the Philippines defined its own sea boundaries in the contested waters.
In November, China reasserted its territories around a flashpoint reef in the South China Sea on Sunday, just days after the Philippines defined its own sea boundaries in the contested waters.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos earlier signed two laws defining the country's sea waters and imposing fixed lanes for foreign ships, sparking a sharp riposte by China, which summoned Manila's envoy.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos earlier signed two laws defining the country's sea waters and imposing fixed lanes for foreign ships, sparking a sharp riposte by China, which summoned Manila's envoy.
ADVERTISEMENT
Also in November, the Philippine and US defense chiefs signed an agreement on sharing classified military information and technology, as the long-time treaty allies deepen cooperation in a bid to counter Chinese influence in the region.
Also in November, the Philippine and US defense chiefs signed an agreement on sharing classified military information and technology, as the long-time treaty allies deepen cooperation in a bid to counter Chinese influence in the region.
The Senate of the Philippines has also concurred with the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan, which allows troops from either country to visit the other and provides a framework on their conduct and custody.
The Senate of the Philippines has also concurred with the ratification of the Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) with Japan, which allows troops from either country to visit the other and provides a framework on their conduct and custody.
4. THE CAMPAIGN TO FREE MARY JANE VELOSO
Filipina death row convict Mary Jane Veloso, who has been imprisoned in Indonesia for the past 14 years, returned to the Philippines in December after Indonesia transferred custody over her to the Philippines government.
Filipina death row convict Mary Jane Veloso, who has been imprisoned in Indonesia for the past 14 years, returned to the Philippines in December after Indonesia transferred custody over her to the Philippines government.
Veloso — who was arrested in 2010 for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage — was supposed to be executed in 2015 until a last-minute appeal by then President Benigno Aquino III after the arrest of her alleged recruiter, who allegedly stashed the illegal drugs in her bags without her knowledge.
Veloso — who was arrested in 2010 for carrying 2.6 kilograms of heroin in her luggage — was supposed to be executed in 2015 until a last-minute appeal by then President Benigno Aquino III after the arrest of her alleged recruiter, who allegedly stashed the illegal drugs in her bags without her knowledge.
Veloso’s return to the Philippines, however, does not guarantee her freedom. She is being held at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City while the government studies her case.
Veloso’s return to the Philippines, however, does not guarantee her freedom. She is being held at the Correctional Institute for Women in Mandaluyong City while the government studies her case.
ADVERTISEMENT
Her family and her supporters are campaigning for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant Veloso executive clemency but the President has said it is too early to talk about that pending the results of the government review.
Her family and her supporters are campaigning for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to grant Veloso executive clemency but the President has said it is too early to talk about that pending the results of the government review.
5. BAN ON PHILIPPINE OFFSHORE GAMING OPERATIONS (POGO)
During his State of the Nation Address in July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO), a decision that followed months of investigations into illegal activities associated with it.
During his State of the Nation Address in July, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced a ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO), a decision that followed months of investigations into illegal activities associated with it.
Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74 in November, officially banning POGOs in the country, and giving them until the end of 2024.
Marcos issued Executive Order No. 74 in November, officially banning POGOs in the country, and giving them until the end of 2024.
The country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR, also announced that all all POGO and internet gaming licenses are cancelled by December 15.
The country’s gaming regulator, PAGCOR, also announced that all all POGO and internet gaming licenses are cancelled by December 15.
Despite the ban, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it has been going after over 100 small illegal gambling operators in the Philippines after large-scale POGOs “disintegrated into small units.”
Despite the ban, the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) said it has been going after over 100 small illegal gambling operators in the Philippines after large-scale POGOs “disintegrated into small units.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The government is also expecting “rogue” POGOs to flourish, and vowed to continue going after them.
The government is also expecting “rogue” POGOs to flourish, and vowed to continue going after them.
Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, is "ground zero for the global scamming industry", the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's deputy regional representative Benedikt Hofmann told UN News earlier this year.
Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, is "ground zero for the global scamming industry", the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime's deputy regional representative Benedikt Hofmann told UN News earlier this year.
Aside from the criminal activities associated with POGOs, including human trafficking, kidnapping and torture, a Senate investigation also revealed that some POGOs are being used for for "espionage" and propaganda activities in the Philippines.
Aside from the criminal activities associated with POGOs, including human trafficking, kidnapping and torture, a Senate investigation also revealed that some POGOs are being used for for "espionage" and propaganda activities in the Philippines.
Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, who was previously tagged in relation to the POGO complex in her town, was later alleged to be a spy for the Chinese government.
Dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo, who was previously tagged in relation to the POGO complex in her town, was later alleged to be a spy for the Chinese government.
6. DRUG WAR PROBE
Some of the other important political developments in the Philippines include the recent House of Representatives Quad Committee investigation into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which has recommended the filing of cases against former President Rodrigo Duterte and several others for alleged crimes against humanity.
Some of the other important political developments in the Philippines include the recent House of Representatives Quad Committee investigation into the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, which has recommended the filing of cases against former President Rodrigo Duterte and several others for alleged crimes against humanity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Personalities directly involved in the drug war, including former President Duterte, faced the House of Representatives to talk about their role in the campaign and to defend the previous administration's flagship policy.
Personalities directly involved in the drug war, including former President Duterte, faced the House of Representatives to talk about their role in the campaign and to defend the previous administration's flagship policy.
During the hearing, Duterte confirmed giving cash to anti-drug operatives, saying also that that did not mean that police were incentivized to kill alleged drug personalities.
During the hearing, Duterte confirmed giving cash to anti-drug operatives, saying also that that did not mean that police were incentivized to kill alleged drug personalities.
Duterte's PDP party has condemned the findings, which the House adopted in plenary, calling them "clearly politically motivated and with no clear legal and evidentiary basis."
Duterte's PDP party has condemned the findings, which the House adopted in plenary, calling them "clearly politically motivated and with no clear legal and evidentiary basis."
Relatives of drug war victims as well as their lawyers meanwhile said the House recommendations should lead to court cases.
Relatives of drug war victims as well as their lawyers meanwhile said the House recommendations should lead to court cases.
Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares, a former party-list representative, said that the potential cases are welcome but should complement, and not replace, proceedings at the International Criminal Court.
Bayan Muna chair Neri Colmenares, a former party-list representative, said that the potential cases are welcome but should complement, and not replace, proceedings at the International Criminal Court.
ADVERTISEMENT
7. FUGITIVES AND PERSONS OF INTEREST ABROAD
In 2024, the Philippine government also faced challenges in apprehending some personalities who have been tagged to various illegal activities.
In 2024, the Philippine government also faced challenges in apprehending some personalities who have been tagged to various illegal activities.
Among those who have yet to return to the Philippines is former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr.
Among those who have yet to return to the Philippines is former Negros Oriental 3rd District representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Gov Roel Degamo and 5 others in 2023. In March, he was arrested in Timor-Leste.
Teves is facing multiple murder charges in connection with the killing of Negros Oriental Gov Roel Degamo and 5 others in 2023. In March, he was arrested in Timor-Leste.
Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who has been accused of links to the operations of an offshore gaming hub in Porac, Pampanga that was raided earlier this year for illegal activities, has likewise been considered a "fugitive" in the eyes of his former colleagues at the House of Representatives.
Former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who has been accused of links to the operations of an offshore gaming hub in Porac, Pampanga that was raided earlier this year for illegal activities, has likewise been considered a "fugitive" in the eyes of his former colleagues at the House of Representatives.
Although there were no records of Roque leaving the country, it was recently revealed that he was in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates when he filed his counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice.
Although there were no records of Roque leaving the country, it was recently revealed that he was in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates when he filed his counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice.
ADVERTISEMENT
Roque’s wife, Mylah Roque, left the Philippines in early September, the Bureau of Immigration earlier said.
Roque’s wife, Mylah Roque, left the Philippines in early September, the Bureau of Immigration earlier said.
Mrs. Roque, who is subject of an October 11 arrest order from the House of Representatives for contempt, left the Philippines on September 3, according to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval.
Mrs. Roque, who is subject of an October 11 arrest order from the House of Representatives for contempt, left the Philippines on September 3, according to BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval.
Also currently outside the country is Royina Garma, the former police official who implicated former President Rodrigo Duterte in alleged drug war killings, left the Philippines but was detained in the United States.
Also currently outside the country is Royina Garma, the former police official who implicated former President Rodrigo Duterte in alleged drug war killings, left the Philippines but was detained in the United States.
Garma left for Washington, DC with her daughter last November 7, but was arrested in San Francisco, California, the justice department earlier said, without providing additional details.
Garma left for Washington, DC with her daughter last November 7, but was arrested in San Francisco, California, the justice department earlier said, without providing additional details.
Philippine authorities earlier said Garma will most likely be sent back to the Philippines, but there is no new information yet about her location as of publishing.
Philippine authorities earlier said Garma will most likely be sent back to the Philippines, but there is no new information yet about her location as of publishing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Former corrections chief Gerald Bantag, the alleged mastermind in the 2022 killing of Percy Lapid — Percival Mabasa in real life — also remains at large, raising concerns that the cases against him might be shelved.
Former corrections chief Gerald Bantag, the alleged mastermind in the 2022 killing of Percy Lapid — Percival Mabasa in real life — also remains at large, raising concerns that the cases against him might be shelved.
8. CLIMATE CHANGE
This year, the Philippines was also elected as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board, a United Nations panel in charge of funding for responding to loss and damage due to climate change.
This year, the Philippines was also elected as the host of the Loss and Damage Fund (LDF) Board, a United Nations panel in charge of funding for responding to loss and damage due to climate change.
Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the LDF Board is “entrusted with the operation of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention, which would also serve the Paris Agreement.”
Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the LDF Board is “entrusted with the operation of the Financial Mechanism of the Convention, which would also serve the Paris Agreement.”
The Philippines is among the countries most at risk from the effects of natural events for the third straight year, according to the 2024 WorldRiskReport.
The Philippines is among the countries most at risk from the effects of natural events for the third straight year, according to the 2024 WorldRiskReport.
In October, the country reeled from the effects multiple storms hitting the country one after the other.
In October, the country reeled from the effects multiple storms hitting the country one after the other.
ADVERTISEMENT
Aside from typhoons, 2024 is also expected to be the hottest year on record.
Aside from typhoons, 2024 is also expected to be the hottest year on record.
With the situation worsening, 2025 is expected to be just as bad, if not worse, than this year, in terms of climate change, temperature and typhoons.
With the situation worsening, 2025 is expected to be just as bad, if not worse, than this year, in terms of climate change, temperature and typhoons.
9. P20/KILO RICE
Almost three years into the Marcos Jr. administration, Filipinos have yet to be able to buy rice at P20 per kilo, a campaign promise that a lot of people are still waiting to come to fruition.
Almost three years into the Marcos Jr. administration, Filipinos have yet to be able to buy rice at P20 per kilo, a campaign promise that a lot of people are still waiting to come to fruition.
In July, the price of rice in the world market soared to a 15-year high, mostly due to reduced exports from India and the threat of El Niño.
In July, the price of rice in the world market soared to a 15-year high, mostly due to reduced exports from India and the threat of El Niño.
Marcos himself assumed the agriculture portfolio in the first year of his presidency and the budget for the department significantly increased.
Marcos himself assumed the agriculture portfolio in the first year of his presidency and the budget for the department significantly increased.
ADVERTISEMENT
In December, the Department of Agriculture launched its its P40 per kilo "Rice for All" program will be available in select Metro Manila public markets and train stations.
In December, the Department of Agriculture launched its its P40 per kilo "Rice for All" program will be available in select Metro Manila public markets and train stations.
The agriculture department earlier said “times are different now”, explaining why rice prices have yet to go down.
The agriculture department earlier said “times are different now”, explaining why rice prices have yet to go down.
10. NEW FILIPINO CARDINAL
In 2024, Pope Francis has picked the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David to be created a cardinal along with 20 other clergymen from all over the world.
In 2024, Pope Francis has picked the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David to be created a cardinal along with 20 other clergymen from all over the world.
The pontiff made the announcement during his Angelus prayer at the Vatican on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
The pontiff made the announcement during his Angelus prayer at the Vatican on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
David is in his second term as president of the conference of Filipino bishops, a post that he has held since 2021.
David is in his second term as president of the conference of Filipino bishops, a post that he has held since 2021.
ADVERTISEMENT
This month, the Diocese of Kalookan celebrated Bishop David’s appointment as the 10th Filipino cardinal on Saturday, December 7, through a vigil held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the San Roque Cathedral.
This month, the Diocese of Kalookan celebrated Bishop David’s appointment as the 10th Filipino cardinal on Saturday, December 7, through a vigil held from 6 to 10 p.m. at the San Roque Cathedral.
Aside from David, Pope Francis also appointed a Claretian priest to lead the Diocese of Cubao, one of the youngest ecclesiastical territories in the Philippines.
Aside from David, Pope Francis also appointed a Claretian priest to lead the Diocese of Cubao, one of the youngest ecclesiastical territories in the Philippines.
The Vatican announced on Friday the appointment of Rev. Fr. Elias Ayuban Jr. as the new bishop of the 21-year-old diocese.
The Vatican announced on Friday the appointment of Rev. Fr. Elias Ayuban Jr. as the new bishop of the 21-year-old diocese.
Pope Francis likewise established a new a new diocese in the Philippines — the Diocese of Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur.
Pope Francis likewise established a new a new diocese in the Philippines — the Diocese of Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur.
The pontiff has chosen Bishop Ruben Labajo, currently serving as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu, as the first bishop of the new ecclesiastical territory.
The pontiff has chosen Bishop Ruben Labajo, currently serving as auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Cebu, as the first bishop of the new ecclesiastical territory.
ADVERTISEMENT
Fr. Rufino “Jun” Sescon Jr., rector of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, was also chosen by Pope Francis as the next bishop of the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan.
Fr. Rufino “Jun” Sescon Jr., rector of the Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, Manila, was also chosen by Pope Francis as the next bishop of the Diocese of Balanga in Bataan.
This year also saw the installation of Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit as the bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo in Laguna, and the appointment of Bishop Prudencio Andaya Jr. as the new bishop of the Diocese of Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija. Bishop Rafael Cruz was also appointed as bishop of the Diocese of Baguio.
This year also saw the installation of Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit as the bishop of the Diocese of San Pablo in Laguna, and the appointment of Bishop Prudencio Andaya Jr. as the new bishop of the Diocese of Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija. Bishop Rafael Cruz was also appointed as bishop of the Diocese of Baguio.
Aside from these appointments, the Vatican has also cleared the way for an inquiry into the cause for sainthood of a Filipina lay catechist.
Aside from these appointments, the Vatican has also cleared the way for an inquiry into the cause for sainthood of a Filipina lay catechist.
Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara earlier announced that the Dicastery of the Causes of Saints granted the "nihil obstat" — which means "nothing stands in the way" — for the cause of beatification and canonization of Laureana Franco, known as "Ka Luring."
Pasig Bishop Mylo Hubert Vergara earlier announced that the Dicastery of the Causes of Saints granted the "nihil obstat" — which means "nothing stands in the way" — for the cause of beatification and canonization of Laureana Franco, known as "Ka Luring."
Read More:
yearender
politics
Catholic Church
Rodrigo Duterte
Sara Duterte
Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
rice
climate change
Pope Francis
ABSNews
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
