The year that was
Posted By www.BoyAbunda.net on January 1, 2008
“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” — Edith Lovejoy Pierce, poet
As we start 2008, let us look back at 2007. Despite some setbacks, Filipinos remain resilient, cheerful, and hopeful. Here are some of the newsmakers, the prominent faces, and the unforgettable events that shaped the year that was:
A major national event of the year was the senatorial and local elections in May. Seven candidates from the Genuine Opposition, three from TEAM Unity, and two independents won the senatorial race while 240 representatives were proclaimed. Financial difficulties hounded some candidates during the campaign trail while others spent money in wild abandon. Election-related violence, vote-buying, and failure of elections were reported. No one lost, only cheated.
Manny Pacquiao continues to reign as WBC International Super Featherweight champion. Pacman always delivers his deadly punches inside the ring. This super fighter from General Santos lorded over Jorge Solis and Marco Antonio Barrera in boxing bouts last year. Election experts expressed their dismay when Manny announced that he was running for public office. They said Pacman will get himself into legal trouble due to undue publicity mileage because his boxing match with Solis was to be televised nationwide. Pacman was knocked-out by incumbent representative Darlene Antonio-Custodio for the congressional seat in the 1st District of South Cotabato. Pacman is not just a ferocious pugilist. He is also a singer, a product endorser, and now a movie star.
Last Sept. 12, former President Joseph Estrada was found guilty and convicted by the Sandiganbayan for plunder and was sentenced to reclusion perpetua (or a jail term of up to 40 years). The 262-page decision declared the forfeiture of his bank accounts and properties like the Boracay Mansion in New Manila. Ironically, President Arroyo earlier signed Proclamation 1362 which declared Sept. 12 as a National Day of Prayer for Peace and Reconciliation. GMA granted executive clemency to Erap on Oct. 25. Erap’s battle is not over yet as he opposes court seizure of his assets like his house in Polk Street and his Tanay resthouse which he claims he acquired when he was still an actor.
The Batasan bombing last Nov. 13 at the south lobby killed Basilan Representative Wahab Akbar and some congressional staff members and injured Gabriela Party List Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan and Negros Oriental Third District Rep. Pryde Henry Teves. A session has just ended when the explosion happened. The Department of Justice filed charges against three suspects who were arrested in a safehouse in Payatas, Quezon City. Likewise, Glorietta Mall was allegedly bombed by unknown assailants last Oct. 19 although official investigation by the police reported that the explosion was caused by a gas leak.
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and his co-accused in the 2003 Oakwood mutiny made headlines once again when they attempted a coup d’etat after walking out of their trial last Nov. 29. With Trillanes and company was Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim who was a defense witness in the Oakwood trial. Their call for President Gloria Arroyo’s resignation during the Manila Peninsula Hotel siege was countered by armored tanks, tear gas, and armed soldiers. Marine Capt. Nicanor Faeldon remains at large. Some members of the media were arrested, handcuffed, and hauled to Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City. Issue was raised concerning the limits that government authorities can impose on journalists and the constitutionally guaranteed rights of reporters to exercise their responsibility to deliver the news while authorities claimed that reporters crossed the line and were obstructing justice.
Lucky babies
Babies are always lucky. It was a baby boom for celebrities this year. My sister Kris Aquino gave birth to Baby James last April 19 at the Makati Medical Center. The arrival of Rodrigo Santino in the lives of Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago last July 19 answered the couple’s prayers for a baby boy. Meryll Soriano and Bernard Palanca had their bundle of joy with the birth of Baby Elijah last Aug. 27. Barbie Almalbis gave birth to an adorable daughter Noa Stina last June 28. Vanna Garcia’s Baby Ethan Dean was born on April 26.
Source: DIRECTLINE By Boy Abunda
Published Wednesday, January 2, 2008
The Philippine Star
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