2017 Lookback: The Top 10 Newsmakers in the Philippines
With 2017 coming to an end, let us look back and see what significant events transpired in the Philippines for the past 12 months. Here are our Top 10 Newsmakers for 2017 which made an impact not only in the Philippines, but also in the world.
Duterte signs 10-year passport validity, 5-year driver’s license into law
IMAGE Wikimedia Commons
In August 2017, President Rodrigo Duterte signed both RA 10928 and RA 10930 into law, which extends passport validity into 10 years and driver’s license for 5 years, respectively. The 10-year passport validity is available for regular passports issued under the act, while those individuals aged 18 and below will still have five-year passport validity. On the other hand, the five-year driver’s license validity applies to both professional and non-professional license. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has already started releasing these licenses since August.
Also read: Duterte signs 10-year passports and 5-year driver’s licenses into law
Filipinos can now enter Taiwan visa-free
In November 2017, Taiwan has granted a visa-free entry for Filipinos for 14 days. This is only valid for tourism, business, or visiting relatives as the purpose of travel. This visa-free entry will be on a trial period until July 31, 2018, which was established to further strengthen the relations between the Philippines and Taiwan.
Also read: Visa-free entry for Filipinos to Taiwan to start on November 1
Duterte and De Lima in TIME’S 100 Most Influential People List
American news magazine TIME released its list of the World’s Most Influential People in 2017, where President Duterte and Senator Leila De Lima was part of. The two politicians are joined by various leaders, titans, icons, artists, and pioneers across the world. The article describes Duterte’s ironfisted strategy in his drug war, while De Lima was described as Duterte’s most vocal critic.
Also read: PH’s Duterte, De Lima on TIME 100 Most Influential People in the World 2017
PH tycoons who passed away this year
IMAGE sgv.ph
Some of the most notable businessmen in the Philippine business industry passed away early this year. These people have made remarkable contributions in the field of commerce: Mariano Que (Founder of Mercury Drug Corporation), Roberto Aboitiz (President of Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc.), Alfonso Yuchengco (Founder and Chairman of Yuchengco Group of Companies), Washington Sycip (Founder of SGV & Co. Accounting firm), and David Consunji (Founder of DMCI Holdings.)
Also read: Que, Aboitiz, Yuchengco: Business Tycoons who passed away on Holy Week
Baguio City as PH’s first UNESCO Creative City
Perhaps one of the most significant good news we’ve heard this year would be Baguio City being recognized as one of the new 64 UNESCO Creative Cities. The Summer Capital of the Philippines is listed under UNESCO’s Crafts and Folk Art category. Baguio City is also home to national artists including Kidlat Tahimik and Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera.
Also read: Baguio City from PH is one of the New UNESCO Creative Cities
Signing of EO on Smoking Ban in all public places nationwide
On July 22, the Nationwide Smoking Ban took effect in the Philippines, which bans smoking in all public places in the country. Violators shall be apprehended based on Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003. This EO is seen as a step leading towards a tobacco-free Philippines.
Also read: Nationwide Smoking Ban to take effect on July 22
PH’s glorious wins in international beauty pageants
This year, Filipina beauties once again reigned in several prestigious pageants all over the world. Karen Ibasco won the Miss Earth title, actress Winwyn Marquez was hailed Reina Hispanoamericana 2017, and Jannie Loudette Alipo-on won as Miss Tourism International this 2017.
Signing of the Tax Reform Bill
Yet another good news this year for Filipinos would be the tax-reform program which exempts individuals who earn an annual taxable income of Php 250,000 and below from paying personal income tax. This move will mean that prices of fuel, sweetened beverages, automobiles, and coals will be increased, as part of the tax reform initiative.
Martial Law in Marawi
Earlier this year, ISIS-inspired terrorist group Maute attacked the province of Marawi in Mindanao. This prompted Duterte to implement Martial Law in the whole Mindanao for 60 days. In October of the same year, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana announced the termination of all combat operations in the said city, which means that the place is finally free from the terror group.
Also read: #PrayForMarawi: Things To Know About The Declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao
Nickelodeon’s controversial underwater theme park in Coron, Palawan
American media conglomerate Viacom International Media Networks scrapped its plan of putting up an underwater resort in Coron, Palawan. The supposed theme park was set to open in 2020 but the plan was sacked after online petitions against the plan were made by concerned Filipinos and environmental advocates as it was said to “disrupt marine ecosystem in the Philippines.”
Also read: American TV network Nickelodeon to put up ‘world’s first undersea attraction’ in Palawan
Do you know of other important news that trended this 2017? Share it with us below.
