2023 in the Philippines details notable events that occurred in the Philippines in 2023.
On July 21, 2023, President Bongbong Marcos announced that the government will formally lift the COVID-19 state of public health emergency, marking the end of the three years of the pandemic. The emergency was officially lifted the following day.
Incumbents
Ongoing events
Events
January
- January 1 â 2023 Philippine airspace closure: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines closes the country's airspace for nearly six hours due to a power outage in its air traffic management center that affected its communication systems, disrupting more than 280 commercial flights and more than 56,000 passengers.
- January 4 â The Ateneo de Manila University debate team wins the 2023 World Universities Debating Championship, the world's largest international debating tournament, held at the King Juan Carlos University in Madrid, Spain. It is the first time that a Philippine university has won the title.
- January 10 â Territorial disputes in the South China Sea: The Supreme Court nullifies the Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking agreement between the Philippine National Oil Company, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, and Petrovietnam to conduct joint oil and gas exploration activities within the Philippine exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea since 2005, citing the unconstitutionality of permitting foreign corporations and governments to exploit the country's natural resources. The decision is affirmed in July.
- January 13 â Zootaxa reveals in a publication the discovery of two new species of hedgehog (Podogymnura) in the mountains of Mindanao.
- January 18 â The Court of Tax Appeals acquits online news website Rappler as well as its founder, Maria Ressa, in a tax evasion case filed against them by the Duterte administration in 2018.
- January 24:
- The Supreme Court en banc votes, 13âÂÂ1, to declare the TRAIN Law (Republic Act No. 10963) as constitutional, with two petitions against the law dismissed.
- A Cessna 206, bound for Maconacon, Isabela from Cauayan, is reported missing. The plane would be found on March 9 in Divilacan, with all six people aboard confirmed dead.
- January 25 â A Philippine Air Force SF.260 training flight from Sangley Point Airport in Cavite City, crashes on a paddy field in Pilar, Bataan, killing two people on board.
- January 30 â The Anti-Terrorism Council announces its resolutions, dated December 7, 2022, designating community doctor Natividad Castro, an alleged active member of the Communist Party of the PhilippinesâÂÂNew People's ArmyâÂÂNational Democratic Front, and the Al Khobar Group in Mindanao, allegedly linked to the Dawlah Islamiyah, as terrorists.
February
- February 1 â PhilippinesâÂÂUnited States relations: The Philippines permits the United States Armed Forces access to an additional four military bases, thereby expediting the full implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.
- February 6 â Second Thomas Shoal laser incident: A China Coast Guard vessel allegedly uses a laser weapon on a Philippine Coast Guard ship near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea leading to the Philippines filing a diplomatic protest.
- February 8 â The Supreme Court publicizes a January 16 decision dismissing graft charges filed in 1990 against Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and former senate president Juan Ponce Enrile and eight other respondents in relation to the Coco Levy Fund scam, citing violation of the right to speedy trial as well as the deaths of four of those involved.
- February 11 â Camp Evangelista shooting: Four soldiers are killed and another is critically injured by a fellow soldier during a mass shooting at a barracks in Cagayan de Oro. The perpetrator is shot dead.
- February 15 â The Supreme Court publicizes a January 17 decision affirming the dismissal in 2012 by the Ombudsman of graft complaints filed against two former members of President Ferdinand Marcos' cabinet, Roberto Ongpin and Jose Aspiras, and six other individuals in connection with the granting of loans in 1980 involving the Philippine National Bank.
- February 17 â Maguing ambush: Four people are killed and two others are injured, including Lanao del Sur governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., when their convoy is ambushed in Maguing, Lanao del Sur, by unknown gunmen.
- February 18 â A Cessna 340 aircraft operated by Energy Development Corporation crashes on Mayon Volcano, Albay, upon taking off from Bicol International Airport in Daraga for Manila, killing all four people on board, all of whom were employees of the corporation, including two Australian technical consultants.
- February 24 â The Philippine Independent Church ordains Wylard Ledama to the diaconate as the first trans woman clergy in the country.
- February 25 â A special election is held to fill the vacant seat in Cavite's 7th congressional district in the House of Representatives. Jesus Crispin Remulla, the previous officeholder, vacated the seat to serve as the Secretary of Justice. His son, Crispin Diego Remulla, is elected to the seat.
- February 28 â Oil tanker MT Princess Empress sinks off Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, resulting in the spillage of its diesel fuel and almost a million-liter industrial cargo fuel. The oil spill affects Oriental Mindoro, southern Occidental Mindoro, northern Palawan, Caluya in Antique, parts of Batangas (Verde Island, Tingloy, and San Juan) and southern Quezon; combined damages to environment and livelihood reaches â±10.8-billion.
March
- March 4 â Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo, along with nine others, was murdered in his home in Pamplona.
- March 6âÂÂ7 â 2023 transport strike in the Philippines: Operators of traditional public jeepneys and minivans hold a strike in various cities to protest against the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Initially planned for a week, the strike ended earlier following a meeting between labor union leaders and Office of the President officials.
- March 8 â The United Nations' committee on women's rights releases its decision, finding that the country breached its obligations under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women and violated the rights of victims of sexual abuse by the Japanese Army in World War II, and recommending the government's full reparation for the complainants.
- March 13:
- The Navotas Regional Trial Court (RTC), in a publicized decision, convicts dismissed policeman Jefrey Perez of murder, sentencing him to reclusión perpetua, in the second conviction in relation to the deaths of two teenagers in 2017 during the country's drug war.
- The Supreme Court, in a publicized February 8 ruling, reverses two rulings by the Court of Appeals which had ordered re-filing of charges of crimes against chastity against actor Vhong Navarro, eventually dismissing them citing lack of probable cause.
- March 22 â The House of Representatives unanimously issues a 60-day suspension to Negros Oriental's 3rd district representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. due to his prolonged travel outside the Philippines with an expired travel clearance, constituting "disorderly behavior" under Section 142(a) of the House code of conduct for incumbent representatives. On May 31, another 60-day suspension is given to Teves due to his continued unauthorized absences.
- March 25 â The Antipolo Cathedral gains status as an international shrine in accordance with a papal decree received on March 13. The cathedral in Antipolo, Rizal, becomes the eleventh international shrine in the world, the third in Asia, and the first in the Philippines.
- March 29 â Passenger ferry MV Lady Mary Joy 3 catches fire near Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan while on its way to Jolo, Sulu; thirty-three die.
April
May
June
- June 6 â The Angeles City RTC convicts a police personnel and a former National Bureau of Investigation agent in connection with the 2016 death of South Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo, sentencing each of them up to 65 years in prison; but acquits the alleged mastermind, PLtCol. Rafael Dumlao.
- June 8 â The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology issues a "level 3 alert" for Mayon Volcano in Albay due to the presence of volcanic earthquakes, indicating an increased risk of lava flows and possible eruptions. Albay Governor Edcel Greco Lagman orders the evacuation of residents within a radius of the volcano.
- June 14 â Moro conflict: Islamic StateâÂÂEast Asia overall leader and Dawlah Islamiyah leader Fajarudin Benito (Abu Zacharia) and his lieutenant are killed in separate operations by combined security forces in Marawi.
- June 20 â The Sandiganbayan, in a publicized June 13 ruling, junks the bid of government prosecutors to present a new witness in the ill-gotten wealth case against personalities linked to former president Ferdinand Marcos and his wife Imelda due to a lack of merit.
- June 21 â COVID-19 vaccination in the Philippines: The government launches bivalent COVID-19 vaccines in the country.
- June 23 â PhilippinesâÂÂUnited Arab Emirates relations: UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan grants President Marcos' request for humanitarian pardon to three imprisoned Filipinos, two on death row for drug trafficking and another serving a 15-year sentence for slander.
- June 27:
- The Supreme Court declares as unconstitutional Republic Act No. 11935, a law postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections originally scheduled in 2022; however, orders the one scheduled in October to proceed. The decision would be affirmed by the court on October 24.
- The Supreme Court unanimously disbars Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines in relation to a video circulated online containing his usage of inappropriate language against journalist Raissa Robles.
- Sandiganbayan dismisses a civil case filed in 1987 by the Presidential Commission on Good Government against twelve individuals, including former president Ferdinand Marcos, his heirs, and their alleged cronies, which involves allegations on illegally-acquired properties, citing lack of evidence. The decision would be upheld on August 8.
- The Department of Tourism, during its 50th anniversary, unveils the country's new tourism slogan Love the Philippines, replacing the decade-old It's More Fun in the Philippines!
- June 29 â The Court of Appeals affirms the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman that dismissing several Immigration employees in connection to the so-called "pastillas scheme", which allowed the illegal entry of Chinese citizens into the country.
- June 30:
- The Sandiganbayan finds former Davao del Norte's 1st district representative Arrel Olaño guilty of three counts of graft, three counts of malversation, and one count of direct bribery in connection with the pork barrel scam.
- The Supreme Court, in a publicized February 21 ruling, reverses the conviction of Robert Uy and James Go Ong, who were found guilty in 2014 over the possession of over 119 kilos of shabu in 2003.
July
- July 2 â The Supreme Court, in a publicized June 13 ruling, issues a Writ of Kalikasan against Altai Philippines Mining Corporation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in relation to a petition seeking to protect Sibuyan Island in Romblon from environmental destruction due to mining activities.
- July 3:
- MyanmarâÂÂPhilippines relations: The Department of Foreign Affairs downgrades the alert level status in Myanmar from "Alert Level 4" to "Alert Level 2" and allowing overseas Filipino workers to return to the country affected by the February 2021 military coup.
- The Sandiganbayan finds former La Union's 2nd district representative Thomas Dumpit Jr. not guilty of graft and malversation charges over the alleged use of â±14.5 million worth of Dumpit's pork barrel for "fictitious projects".
- July 4 â The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration declares the beginning of El Niño, with its effects expected to occur in the country starting October.
- July 7 â President Marcos signs into law the New Agrarian Emancipation Act, canceling over in agricultural debt for more than 500,000 farmers.
- July 8 â Carmona becomes a component city in the province of Cavite after ratification of Republic Act 11938.
- July 9 â The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines approves the elevation of the Quiapo Church in Manila to national shrine status.
- July 12:
- The Supreme Court dismisses the Public Attorney's Office's request to remove a provision on conflict of interest in its Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability, which governs the conduct of Filipino lawyers in private and professional matters.
- Territorial disputes in the South China Sea: The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board requests American film distributor Warner Bros. Pictures to censor a scene in the film Barbie that includes a map displaying the internationally contested nine-dash line in the South China Sea before releasing the film in the country.
- July 16 â The Supreme Court, in a publicized March 29 ruling, orders the rearrest of former Palawan governor Joel Reyes over the killing of environmentalist and broadcaster Gerry Ortega in January 2011.
- July 18:
- President Marcos signs the Maharlika Investment Fund, the country's first sovereign wealth fund, into law.
- Philippine drug war: The International Criminal Court denies the government's appeal against the resumption of the investigation by prosecutor Karim Khan into the killings attributed to the drug war during the leadership of Rodrigo Duterte as Davao City mayor and the country's president.
- July 19:
- The Supreme Court publishes a March 29 ruling, affirming the decision of Sandiganbayan in September 2019 dismissing the forfeiture case against former president Ferdinand Marcos, his wife Imelda, and five others.
- The Supreme Court, in a publicized March 15 ruling, orders the Makati government to pay the Bureau of Internal Revenue a total of â±1.26 billion in deficiency taxes plus interests covering the years 1999 to 2001 and 2002 to 2004.
- The Supreme Court, in a publicized March 27 ruling, temporarily disbars former press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles for the use of inappropriate language in a legal proceeding, a violation of the lawyer's code.
- July 21 â President Bongbong Marcos formally ends the declaration of COVID-19 as a public health emergency.
- July 25:
- President Marcos issues a proclamation lifting the state of national emergency due to lawless violence, imposed in Mindanao through a declaration issued by his predecessor in 2016.
- President Marcos accepts the courtesy resignations of 18 high-ranking police officers allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.
- July 26âÂÂ27 â Super Typhoon Doksuri (Egay) hits northern Luzon, affecting the entire country. At least 30 people are killed; damages reach â±15.3 billion with Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Abra the most devastated.
- July 27:
- The overloaded motorized boat M/B Princess Aya Express capsizes in the vicinity of Talim Island in Laguna de Bay off Binangonan, Rizal, after being hit by strong winds while heading for the island; 27 of 68 individuals on board die.
- Manila Regional Trial Court publicizes a July 17 ruling, acquitting three activists, including Reina Mae Nasino, who lost her infant daughter while in detention, of illegal possession of firearms and explosives due to lack of evidence.
August
- August 1 â The Anti-Terrorism Council, through a resolution dated July 26, designates as terrorists suspended Negros Oriental's 3rd district representative Arnolfo Teves Jr., being the leader of an alleged armed group, along with twelve members; as well as two militants including the wife of slain Islamic State leader.
- August 5 â The bill on estate tax amnesty extension lapses into law as Republic Act No. 11956, effective until June 14, 2025.
- August 7 â Former AFP military comptroller and retired major general Carlos Garcia, convicted in 2022 for illegally amassing â±303 million during his stint from 1993 to 2004, is released from the New Bilibid Prison after serving time and earning good conduct time allowance credits.
- August 8 â A road rage incident occurs in Quezon City involving a former police officer who, while driving his car, cut off a male cyclist on the bicycle lane near Welcome Rotonda and pointed a gun at him afterwards. A settlement is allegedly made between both parties. However, footage of the incident went viral online on August 27, resulting in public outcry leading to an investigation and the revocation of both his driving and firearms licenses. The incident also leads to the resignation of Quezon City Police District Director Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III, who was criticized for organizing a press conference on behalf of the perpetrator.
- August 9 â The Supreme Court nullifies the proclamation of re-electionist Zamboanga del Norte's 1st district representative Romeo Jalosjos Jr. and orders the Commission on Elections to proclaim Roberto Uy Jr. for the same position.
- August 15 â Authorities confirm the detention of former broadcaster Jay Sonza, who has been arrested on July 18. Charges of illegal recruitment will be dismissed by Quezon City Regional Trial Courts the following day. On August 22, Sonza is temporarily released upon posting bail for his pending estafa and libel cases.
- August 16:
- The House of Representatives unanimously expels Negros Oriental's 3rd district representative Arnolfo Teves Jr. due to misconduct; the first time for a chamber of Congress to do so.
- The Bangsamoro Transition Authority unanimously approves eight laws organizing the barangays in the Special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro, all located in Cotabato, into eight new municipalities. A plebiscite is yet to be held.
- August 24âÂÂ30 â Warning signals due to super typhoon Saola (Goring) are raised in northern Luzon, mainly Cagayan Valley; the highest in a part of Babuyan Islands prior to its exit. The cyclone, followed by the other two, affects Luzon and part of Visayas. Damages are estimated at â±2.42 billion with Western Visayas, Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region the worst-hit.
- August 31 â A fire at a clothing factory in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, kills fifteen people, mostly workers.
September
October
- October 2:
- Pork barrel scam: The Sandiganbayan convicts Janet Lim-Napoles of corruption and former APEC Partylist representative Edgar Valdez of direct bribery, both in connection with the use of the Priority Development Assistance Fund; however, the court acquits them of plunder.
- Three Filipino fishermen are killed and eleven others survive after their vessel is rammed by an unidentified foreign merchant ship near the Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea.
- October 4 â President Marcos lifts the price ceiling on rice, around a month after its implementation.
- October 16:
- The Philippine military demands China to stop "dangerous and offensive" actions in the South China Sea after a People's Liberation Army Navy ship performed "aggressive maneuvers" near the disputed Thitu Island.
- Almost 25,000 people gather in a pro-Palestine demonstration in Cotabato City, condemning Israel's air raids on the Gaza Strip during the Gaza war.
- October 18 â President Marcos postpones the enactment of the Maharlika Investment Fund, the country's proposed first sovereign wealth fund, citing the need for further review.
- October 20 â Pork barrel scam: The Sandiganbayan convicts anew Janet Lim-Napoles of malversation of public funds and graft in connection with the Priority Development Assistance Fund of former South Cotabato's 2nd district representative Arthur Pingoy Jr., who is among those acquitted.
- October 22 â The Philippines reports separate collision incidents between its military ships and vessels of both the China Coast Guard and the Maritime Militia near the Second Thomas Shoal in the Spratly Islands.
- October 24 â Climate change in the Philippines: Albay declares a state of climate emergency and announces its commitment to reducing its carbon emissions to help mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.
- October 27 â Pork barrel scam: The Sandiganbayan, for the third time in October, convicts Janet Lim-Napoles for another case of malversation of public funds, involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund of Ilocos Sur's 1st district representative Salacnib Baterina; the latter, however, is acquitted.
- October 30:
- The barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections are held. Originally scheduled for December 5, 2022, the elections had been postponed by virtue of Republic Act No. 11935, signed by President Marcos on October 10 of the same year.
- Three people are killed and five others injured during two shootouts between supporters of rival candidates in Maguindanao del Norte and Lanao del Norte amid elections for barangay leaders.
- Majority of voters in Bulacan reject in the plebiscite, held in accordance with Proclamation No. 1057, the status of San Jose del Monte as a highly urbanized city; the result would be declared two days later.
November
- November 4 â JapanâÂÂPhilippines relations: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida becomes the first Japanese leader to address a joint session of Philippine Congress.
- November 5 â Radio host Juan Jumalon is fatally shot in Calamba, Misamis Occidental, during a live program. The attack is witnessed through Facebook.
- November 7 â The National Bureau of Investigation arrests Socorro Bayanihan Services president Jey Rence Quilario (Senior Agila) and other members of the alleged cult over alleged human trafficking.
- November 8 â Four Philippine universities enter the Quacquarelli Symonds Asia rankings for the first time, with the University of the Philippines remaining the top institution in the country.
- November 10 â China imposes "control measures" against Philippine vessels at a contested South China Sea location after a Philippine auxiliary ship entered the area which China deemed as infringing on its sovereignty.
- November 13 â The Muntinlupa RTC grants bail to former Senator Leila de Lima in connection with the third and last drug cases against her, ending her six years in detention.
- November 14 â The Supreme Court publicizes an October 3 decision affirming the Sandiganbayan's 2012 dismissal of the complaint filed by the Presidential Commission on Good Government against the estate of former president Ferdinand Marcos in relation to supposed â±41 billion in unexplained wealth which also involved business magnate Lucio Tan.
- November 17:
- PhilippinesâÂÂUnited States relations: The Philippines and the United States signs a landmark deal that would allow the latter to export nuclear technology and material to the former, which is exploring the use of nuclear power to decarbonize and boost energy independence.
- An earthquake, whose epicenter is located off Sarangani, Davao Occidental, hits Davao and Soccsksargen regions. At least nine people are killed.
- November 23 â The Sandiganbayan finds former Datu Unsay, Maguindanao del Sur mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. guilty of 21 counts of graft over the supply of fuel to the provincial government from a petroleum station he owned.
- November 24 â President Marcos grants amnesty to members of rebel groups including former members of the Communist Party of the PhilippinesâÂÂNew People's ArmyâÂÂNational Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPPâÂÂNPAâÂÂNDF).
- November 28 â The government announces that they have agreed with communist rebels, represented by the NDF, to resume peace talks on the New People's Army rebellion after six years.
- November 29 â The Commission on Elections disqualifies service provider Smartmatic from participating in future elections in the Philippines.
December
- December 1 â An encounter between the army and suspected members of Dawlah Islamiyah in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur leaves eleven deaths from the militant group.
- December 2:
- An earthquake, whose epicenter is located off Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, strikes major parts of Mindanao and Visayas. Three people are killed.
- Abu Sayyaf Group leader Mundi Sawadjaan is killed in a clash with government forces in the municipal waters between Tipo-Tipo and Tuburan in Basilan.
- December 3 â Mindanao State University bombing: A bomb explodes during a Mass at Mindanao State University in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, killing four people.
- December 5 â A passenger bus passing the Iloilo CityâÂÂCulasi route and reportedly carrying 28 people falls into a ravine in Hamtic, Antique, killing 19.
- December 11 â The Senate unanimously ratifies the Violence and Harassment Convention of the International Labour Organization.
- December 14 â The Philippines secures a seat in the board of the "Loss and Damage" fund mobilized by the 28th Climate Change Conference (COP28) to help vulnerable countries cope with the increasingly costly impacts of climate disasters.
- December 21:
- The Securities and Exchange Commission announces the conviction on December 12 of three KAPA personnel including its leader Joel Apolinario, masterminds of what would be the country's largest investment scam, by the Butuan Regional Trial Court for syndicated fraud. They are sentenced to life imprisonment.
- The National Telecommunications Commission announces the imposition two days earlier of a 30-day suspension of the broadcast operations of Sonshine Media Network International over alleged violations of its legislative franchise.
- December 25 â Nine New People's Army rebels are killed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines during clashes near Malaybalay, Bukidnon, amid a unilateral truce declared by the communist rebels.
Holidays
On August 23, 2022, through Proclamation No. 42, the national government declares holidays and special (working/non-working) days to be observed in the country. The circular was later amended through Proclamation No. 90, issued on November 11, with some holidays adjusted pursuant to the holiday economics principle.
Regular
Special (Non-working)
Chinese New Year, a then special non-working day which was celebrated on January 22, as well as Christmas Eve (December 24), declared since 2021 as a special working day, are not in the list.
Business and economy
February
June
July
September
October
Entertainment and culture
January
February
- February 1 â ALV Pageant Circle announces their decision to end its partnership with Miss Supranational and not to renew their franchise, cancelling what would be its inaugural national pageant in March.
- February 15:
- The province of Kalinga claims two Guinness World Record titles for the largest performance of the banga dance and largest gong ensemble, with more than 8,000 participants in total, both performed in Tabuk.
- The Mutya ng Pilipinas Organization announces the acquisition of the Miss Intercontinental franchise, effective this year.
- February 16 â Annabelle McDonnell finishes as first runner-up at Miss Charm 2023 in Vietnam.
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
- December 1 â The Philippines receives four major tourism recognitions from the annual World Travel Awards, including the country's first, World's Leading City Destination, for Manila.
- December 5:
- The government announces the designation of piña handloom weaving of Aklan in the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) cancels the trademark registration of Television and Production Exponents, Inc. (TAPE) for the names "Eat Bulaga" and "EB".
- December 14 â The 8th Asia Artist Awards are held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
- December 15:
- Iona Gibbs finishes in the Top 22 at Miss Intercontinental 2023 in Egypt.
- President Marcos issues a proclamation declaring nine artisans (Adelita Bagcal, Abina Coguit, Sakinur-ain Delasas, Bundos Fara, Marife Ganahon, Amparo Mabanag, Samporonia Madanlo, Barbara Ofong, and Rosie Sula) as National Living Treasures.
- December 22 â Yllana Aduana finishes Miss Earth Air 2023 at Miss Earth 2023 in Vietnam.
Sports
Deaths
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
See also
Country overviews
Related timelines for current period
Notes
References