2009 was not the Philippines' most lighthearted year: we were hit by two of the most damaging typhoons in recent memory, bid farewell to former President Corazon Aquino, saw 99 politicians filing certificates of candidacy for President for next year's elections, and numerous, seemingly never-ending scandals made us cringe.
This year also saw a Filipino become CNN's hero of the year and citizens helping each other amidst tragedy, one of whom became TIME's Top 10 Heroes of 2009.
But some "achievements" seem like they don't deserve to be called achievements at all. SPOT.ph picks the top 25:
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1. Carlo J. Caparas is the National Artist for Visual Arts and Film. The list of this year's recipients of the National Artist Awards raised questions about irregularities in the selection process, causing much furor and controversy among surprised citizens as well as renowned artists themselves. Among the appointed awardees, one of the most criticized was director Carlo J. Caparas, who was awarded the National Artist for Visual Arts and Film. His retort to the backlash? "I can draw!" In response to protests, the Supreme Court blocked the conferment of the award to Caparas, National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez, fashion designer Pitoy Moreno, and architect Bobby Maņosa, who were appointed directly by President Arroyo. |
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2. Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. champions women's rights, leads Senate inquiry on Hayden Kho's sex videos Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. was a frontliner in the Senate inquiry on the sex video scandal involving Hayden Kho Jr. and various women. In a press statement dated October 22, 2009, he said: "Finding of probable cause against [Hayden Kho] is a step forward in our cause to protect women from abusive partners." Revilla, however, remained silent when news broke of Deputy Security Adviser Chavit Singson allegedly beating up live-in girlfriend Che Tiongson. |
3. The DSWD opens Pasay City warehouse to private citizens so they could help pack and move donated goods for typhoon victims The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) opened their Pasay City warehouse to volunteers who were willing to help pack and move the donated goods received from other countries. The move came after blogger Ella alleged that the DSWD was hoarding millions of pesos worth of donations to "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" typhoon victims. |
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4. Chavit Singson escapes battery charges for allegedly beating up common-law wife Battery charges were filed by Rachel "Che" Tiongson against her partner, Deputy National Security Adviser Luis "Chavit" Singson, after he beat her–at times even using a whip for his pet tiger–upon allegedly discovering that she had cheated on him. But Malacaņang said Singson would not be penalized with preventive suspension because the alleged "beating" reported by Tiongson is a domestic issue. The charges were later withdrawn and the couple reportedly agreed to an amicable settlement. |
5. Catholic schools call for right to dismiss unwed mothers or employees In September 2009, Catholic institutions sought exemption from the Magna Carta for Women, a law that protects unwed students or employees from disciplinary action. CEAP's national president, Monsignor Gerardo Santos, said: "It is important that we respect the religious affiliation of these institutions, the schools, or company the persons [concerned] belong to." |
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