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Timeline: The Ten Years 2016–2026 — A Quick Reference to Modern Philippine History

As of 2026-09-08 · Updated 2026-09-08 · Section: History · 日本語版

0. Overview of the Decade (Five Periods)

Period Duration Administration In a Word Dominant Issues
Period 1 2016.6–2019.12 Early Duterte The drug war and rapprochement with China The drug war, martial law in Mindanao, the "shelving" of the South China Sea arbitral ruling
Period 2 2020.1–2022.6 Late Duterte COVID-19 and tightened control The pandemic, the Anti-Terrorism Act, the denial of ABS-CBN's broadcast franchise, the ICC investigation
Period 3 2022.6–2024.12 Early Marcos Pivoting back to the US and the collapse of the "UniTeam" EDCA expansion, the Japan-Philippines RAA, water-cannon incidents in the South China Sea, the Marcos–Duterte rupture
Period 4 2025.1–2025.12 Mid Marcos The year of impeachment, the ICC, and flood-control corruption VP Sara's impeachment, Duterte's transfer to the ICC, the flood-control corruption scandal
Period 5 2026.1–present Late Marcos The Middle East conflict shock and the second impeachment The Middle East war (from February 28, 2026), oil, prices, and the peso, the second impeachment trial, the ICC main trial

注 The 2016–2024 portion of this document is organized from well-established, publicly known facts. The 2025–2026 portion was individually verified for this project by obtaining primary sources and news reports. Items that have not undergone primary-source verification are marked "unconfirmed."

1. The Duterte Administration (June 30, 2016 – June 30, 2022)

1-1. 2016

Date Event
May 9 Presidential election. Rodrigo Roa Duterte wins (a plurality of about 39% of the vote). Vice President is Leni Robredo the vote share is approximate
June 30 Inauguration. "Oplan Tokhang" — the drug war — begins immediately after taking office
July 12 The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) rules on the South China Sea arbitration, finding no legal basis for China's "nine-dash line." Duterte chooses to "shelve" the ruling
August 22 The Senate begins hearings on extrajudicial killings in the drug war (led by Leila de Lima)
September 2 Bombing at the Roxas Night Market in Davao City → declaration of a "state of lawless violence"
October 18–21 State visit to China. Statement on "separation from the United States"
November 18 Burial of the late President Marcos Sr. at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes' Cemetery)

1-2. 2017

Date Event
February 24 Senator de Lima arrested (on drug-related charges). Detained for a long period thereafter
May 23 The Marawi Siege begins. On the same day, Proclamation No. 216 places all of Mindanao under martial law
August 16 17-year-old Kian delos Santos shot dead. A turning point in criticism of the drug war
July 22/December 13 Congress grants the first extension of Mindanao martial law, to December 31, 2017 (a special joint session of both houses on July 22, Joint Resolution No. 10, 261 in favor–18 against. The breakdown was Senate 16–4 [20 present] / House 245–14 [259 present]) / a second extension to the end of 2018 (December 13). A third extension, to the end of 2019, followed on December 12, 2018. (Added in the 2026-08-26 review, drawing on §11 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History" for consistency. In the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass, the vote count was corrected — the earlier draft's "Senate 16, House 261" was wrong: 261 is the combined total of both houses, and the House figure is 245. Sources: the House of Representatives' official press release, congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=10144; Inquirer, "Congress votes 261-18 to extend Mindanao martial law 'til year's end," July 22, 2017; Rappler, "LIST: How the 17th Congress voted on the martial law extension")
October 17 / October 23 President Duterte declares "the liberation of Marawi" (October 17) / Defense Secretary Lorenzana declares the end of combat operations (October 23). The city center lies largely in ruins (separated into two stages in the 2026-08-26 review; the chronological order within the timeline was also corrected in the same re-review. In the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass, both were replaced with primary sources: ① October 17 = the official Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) announcement, "President Duterte declares liberation of Marawi City" (pcoo.gov.ph / ops.gov.ph). In a speech during his seventh visit to Marawi, he said, "I hereby declare Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence that marks the beginning of rehabilitation for the people." ② October 23 = Rappler, "Marawi combat operations over – Lorenzana." At an ASEAN-related security meeting in Clark, Pampanga, Defense Secretary Lorenzana stated, "After 154 days of the siege of Marawi ... we now announce the termination of all combat operations in Marawi." 注Combat was still ongoing as of the 17th; the declaration of the end of operations came on the 23rd after the bodies of the 42 remaining fighters were recovered)
December 19 The first phase of tax reform, the TRAIN Law (RA 10963), is signed. Takes effect January 1, 2018 → prices rise due to new taxes on fuel and sugary beverages

1-3. 2018

Date Event
March 17 Notice of withdrawal from the ICC's Rome Statute submitted to the UN → takes effect one year later, on March 17, 2019
April 26 – October 26 Boracay Island closed for six months as a "cesspool" for environmental rehabilitation
July 26 The Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054) is signed
Throughout the year Inflation accelerates (peaking at around 6% year-on-year in 2018). Driven by TRAIN and rising global oil prices the figure is a peak-month value, not an annual average

1-4. 2019

Date Event
January 21 / February 6 The Bangsamoro plebiscite (held in two stages)
February 14 The Rice Tariffication Act (RA 11203) is signed. Import liberalization pushes down rice prices, hurting farmers
February 20 The Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) is signed
March 29 BARMM (the Bangsamoro Autonomous Government) is inaugurated, beginning its transition period
May 13 Midterm elections. The administration's allies sweep nearly all 12 contested Senate seats; the opposition slate "Otso Diretso" is completely shut out
June 9 A Chinese vessel collides with a Philippine fishing boat at Recto Bank (Reed Bank) and flees the scene. The 22 crew members are rescued by a Vietnamese ship
December 19 Verdict in the Ampatuan (Maguindanao) massacre case (November 23, 2009; 58 victims). The Quezon City Regional Trial Court convicts the Ampatuan brothers on 57 counts of murder and sentences them to life imprisonment (57 counts because the body of the 58th victim was never found). 注Reports of journalist deaths vary between 32 and 34, with some organizations counting 12 or 20 (a note added in the 2026-08-26 review) (in the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass, this was replaced with primary sources and the breakdown was corrected). The verdict was handed down by Branch 221 of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court [Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes], with sentencing carried out inside the Bagong Diwa detention facility in Taguig's Bicutan district. The decision ran to 761 pages. Convicted as principals = 28 people (57 counts of murder; Andal Ampatuan Jr. and Zaldy Ampatuan were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole) / convicted as accessories = about 15 people (including police officers, sentenced to 6–10 years) / acquitted = 55 people. Damages totaling roughly ₱130 million. Warrants issued for 80 people still at large. 注The earlier draft's "28 co-conspirators sentenced to 40 years" was incorrect — the 28 were convicted as "principals," and their sentence is reclusion perpetua [life imprisonment, with parole review possible after a maximum of 40 years]. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) holds that 32 journalists and media workers were killed, calling it "the single deadliest event for the press in recorded history." (Sources: Rappler, "DOCUMENT: Full decision on Ampatuan massacre case" [full text of the verdict]; Philstar, December 19, 2019; CPJ, December 2019; PNA, "2019: From judgment to justice")

1-5. 2020 (COVID-19)

Date Event
January 12 Taal Volcano erupts. Widespread ashfall across southern Luzon
January 30 The country's first confirmed COVID-19 case
March 16 An "Enhanced Community Quarantine" (ECQ) begins across all of Luzon, becoming one of the world's longest lockdowns
March 24 The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act (RA 11469) is enacted, granting the president special powers
July 3 The Anti-Terrorism Act (RA 11479) is signed. Numerous constitutional challenges follow
July 10 A House committee votes down (70–11) the renewal of ABS-CBN's broadcast franchise. The largest private broadcaster goes off the air
November 11–12 Typhoon Ulysses/Vamco. Large-scale flooding in Metro Manila and the Cagayan Valley

1-6. 2021 – First Half of 2022

Date Event
March 26, 2021 The CREATE Act (RA 11534) is signed. Corporate income tax cut from 30% to 25%
June 14, 2021 ICC Prosecutor (then Fatou Bensouda) requests formal authorization to open an investigation into the drug war
September 15, 2021 The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber authorizes the investigation
December 16, 2021 Typhoon Odette/Rai. Hundreds die across the Visayas and northern Mindanao
May 9, 2022 Presidential election. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. wins a landslide, with Sara Duterte-Carpio as Vice President. The "UniTeam" administration
June 30, 2022 President Marcos is inaugurated

1-7. The Numbers on the Drug War (sources diverge sharply)

Indicator Figure Year/Source
Deaths in police operations (government count) 6,252 people (as of May 2022) The government statistic the ICC cited as grounds for its investigation, reported by Rappler on March 11, 2025
Overall estimate including "vigilante-style" killings 27,000–30,000 people Human-rights group estimate (cited in the same Rappler report)
Deaths in 2025 under the "bloodless drug war" 269 people VERA Files, February 19, 2026
Ten-year assessment "Human rights abuses from the drug war continue" Human Rights Watch, June 30, 2026

注 The figure of "30,000 drug-war deaths" is an estimate, and it measures something different from the government's confirmed statistic (6,252) — the former is an NGO estimate that includes vigilante-style killings, while the latter covers only police operations. Conflating the two is a common mistake.

2. The Marcos Administration, First Half (June 30, 2022 – December 2024)

Date Event
January 26, 2023 The ICC Pre-Trial Chamber authorizes the resumption of the drug-war investigation
February 2 / April 3, 2023 It is announced that four new sites will be added under EDCA (the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement), bringing the total to nine (February 2, during the visit of US Defense Secretary Austin) / the locations of the four additional sites are announced (April 3: three in northern Luzon facing Taiwan, one in Palawan facing the South China Sea). The pivot back toward the US becomes unmistakable (the announcement date for the site locations was added in the 2026-08-26 review, aligning "February 1" in §12 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History" to "February 2")
June 2023 Controversy erupts in Congress over Vice President Sara's (then Education Secretary's) "confidential funds"
July 18, 2023 The Maharlika Investment Fund Act (RA 11954) is signed. The country's first sovereign wealth fund
August 5, 2023 The Chinese Coast Guard uses water cannons on a Philippine resupply vessel at Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Shoal)
March 5 & June 17, 2024 Clashes with China at Ayungin Shoal; Philippine naval personnel injured (in the June 17 incident, a finger was severed)
June 19, 2024 (effective July 19) Vice President Sara resigns as Education Secretary (announced June 19; handover to successor Sonny Angara on July 18; resignation effective July 19). The effective end of the Marcos–Duterte alliance (the effective date was added in the 2026-08-26 review, since §12 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History" recorded only "July 19"; unified here into two stages. In the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass, this was replaced with primary sources: PNA, "VP Sara resignation effective July 19; no DepEd OIC yet – Palace" [pna.gov.ph/articles/1227300, quoting PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil]; PNA, "VP Sara turns over DepEd helm to Angara" [same outlet, article 1229264; handover ceremony held July 18 at DepEd headquarters in Pasig]; Presidential Communications Office (PCO), "PBBM to appoint Sen. Angara as new Education Secretary" [announced at the 17th Cabinet meeting on July 2]. Angara took his oath on July 19 at Malacañang Palace. The resignation letter was explicitly stated to be "irrevocable," and she resigned her post as NTF-ELCAC Vice Chair at the same time)
July 8, 2024 The Japan-Philippines Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) is signed (in Manila)
July 22, 2024 A total ban on offshore gambling (POGO) is announced in the SONA (InsiderPH, July 22, 2024)
September 8, 2024 Apollo Quiboloy is arrested
November 5, 2024 Executive Order No. 74 (EO 74), banning POGOs entirely, is signed (the announcement/reporting came on November 8) (corrected in the 2026-08-26 review. The initial draft's "signed November 8" was wrong, conflicting with §12 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History," which records "November 5, EO 74." In the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass, this was replaced with the original legal text: the official title is "Immediate Ban on Philippine Offshore Gaming, Internet Gaming, and Other Offshore Gaming Operations in the Philippines." The filename of the Official Gazette posting itself — 20241105-EO-74-FRM.pdf — indicates a signing date of November 5. Publication in the Official Gazette occurred on November 8 [Friday], and the order took effect on the same day it was published. It covers POGOs and IGLs (including definitions under RA 11590), mandates a complete cessation of operations, including wind-down, by December 31, 2024, and provides for a task force to help displaced workers find new employment and reintegrate. Executive Secretary Bersamin also issued a memorandum to CEZA on the same date. RA 12312 (the 2025 Anti-POGO Law) was subsequently enacted, repealing RA 11590 and permanently revoking existing licenses. Sources: the Official Gazette; the full text of EO 74 as collected on Wikisource; Daily Tribune, November 8, 2024; Rappler, "Marcos' EO 74 on POGO ban 'still unclear' on coverage")
November 23, 2024 Vice President Sara states that if she is killed, she has instructed someone to kill President Marcos and others. Escalates into a political crisis
December 15–31, 2024 Revocation of POGO licenses begins, reaching "zero POGOs" by year's end (PAGCOR/PAOCC, December 2024)
December 16, 2024 The Philippine Senate concurs in ratifying the Japan-Philippines RAA (PNA, December 16, 2024)

3. 2025 — The Year of Impeachment, the ICC, and Flood-Control Corruption (Month by Month)

Date Event Source
February 5 The House passes the first impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte and transmits it to the Senate Various outlets
March 11 Former President Duterte is taken into custody at Manila's international airport under an ICC arrest warrant ICC
March 12 Surrendered to the ICC Official ICC website
March 14 Initial appearance before the ICC Official ICC website
May 12 Midterm elections. Turnout was 81.65% per COMELEC (GMA, May 15, 2025) / "the highest ever for a midterm election, at 82.2%" (Rappler, May 15, 2025) 注 Two different figures are in circulation GMA/Rappler, May 15, 2025
May 17 The 12 newly elected senators ("Magic 12") take an unusually early oath and are proclaimed (Manila Hotel) Inquirer, May 17, 2025
June 6–7 Japan's Diet approves the Japan-Philippines RAA PNA, June 6, 2025
July 25 The Supreme Court rules the first impeachment complaint unconstitutional for violating the "one-year rule" this article did not carry out its own primary-source verification of this item —
July 28 President Marcos's SONA. He names names in alleging corruption in flood-control projects → the starting point of the "flood-control scandal" PCIJ refers to it as the "flood-control speech" (July 26, 2026)
August 13 Law signed postponing the Barangay and SK elections (BSKE) to November 2026 and extending terms to four years PNA/Inquirer, August 13, 2025
September 1 DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) Secretary Manuel Bonoan resigns; Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon takes over as his successor PNA, September 1, 2025
September 11 Executive Order No. 94 (EO 94) establishes the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), chaired by former Court of Appeals Justice Andres Reyes Office of the President (PCO), September 11, 2025
September 11 The Japan-Philippines RAA enters into force PNA, September 11, 2025
September 17 House Speaker Martin Romualdez resigns; Faustino "Bojie" Dy III (Isabela) becomes the new Speaker with 253 votes Rappler/Philstar, September 17, 2025
September 21 The "Trillion Peso March." GMA reports "over 100,000," while Facebook livestream figures put the crowd at Luneta at about 45,000 as of 10:45 a.m. At Ayala Bridge, rioters set a truck on fire and clashed with police GMA/Philstar, September 21, 2025
September 30, 9:59 p.m. Magnitude 6.9 (Mw) Cebu earthquake (PHIVOLCS designation: "30 September 2025 Magnitude (Mw) 6.9 Offshore Northern Cebu Earthquake"). The epicenter was located about 19 km N75°E of Bogo City [11.10°N, 124.14°E], at a depth of 5 km (PHIVOLCS; USGS gives 10 km). The causative fault, named after the earthquake, is the "Bogo Bay Fault" — a northeast-trending right-lateral strike-slip fault that did not previously appear on active-fault maps. A surface rupture roughly 8 km long appeared across three barangays in Bogo City, accompanied by about 1 meter of uplift in the city and subsidence at Hagnaya Port in San Remigio. Maximum intensity reached PEIS VIII–VII. Deaths: 79; injured: 559; missing: 0 [NDRRMC, holding steady since the report at 6 a.m. on October 17, 2025] / affected: approximately 748,000 people / 217,000 households / damaged homes: 134,229 (two corrections were made in the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass. ① The earlier draft's "epicenter 12 km east of Daanbantayan" traced back to a secondary website and matches neither PHIVOLCS's own account nor the peer-reviewed literature. ② The earlier draft's "599 injured" was wrong — NDRRMC consistently reported 559. Sources: PHIVOLCS press release, "PRIMER ON THE 30 SEPTEMBER 2025 MAGNITUDE (MW) 6.9 OFFSHORE NORTHERN CEBU EARTHQUAKE"; the peer-reviewed paper in Frontiers in Earth Science [2026], "Source Fault, Impacts, and Seismotectonic Implications of the 2025 Magnitude (MW) 6.9 Northern Cebu Earthquake, Philippines", which gives "approximately 19 km N75°E of Bogo City"; Inquirer and GMA, October 17, 2025, citing NDRRMC's 6 a.m. report of "79 deaths / 559 injured") PHIVOLCS/NDRRMC (Inquirer/GMA, October 17, 2025)
November 4–5 (aftereffects lasting to the 7th) Typhoon Tino/Kalmaegi. It made eight landfalls across the Philippines (Silago, Southern Leyte → Borbon, Cebu → Sagay, Negros Occidental → San Lorenzo, Guimaras → Iloilo City → Cuyo Islands → Taytay, Palawan → El Nido). PAGASA's recorded landfall times were ① 12:00 a.m. on 11/4, Silago (Southern Leyte); ② 5:10 a.m., Borbon (Cebu); ③ 6:40 a.m., Sagay City (Negros Occidental); ④ 11:10 a.m., San Lorenzo (Guimaras); ⑤ 1:20 p.m., Iloilo City; ⑥ 7:30 p.m., Magsaysay (Cuyo Islands, Palawan); ⑦ 4:10 a.m. on 11/5, Batas Island (Taytay, Palawan); ⑧ 4:40 a.m., El Nido (Palawan). It entered the PAR as a tropical depression on 11/2, and exited the PAR at 12:30 a.m. on 11/6. Deaths: 269; missing: 113; injured: 523 [NDRRMC/OCD, mid-November 2025]. Deaths by area: Cebu 150 / Negros Occidental 77 / Negros Oriental 23 / Agusan del Sur 6 / Capiz 3 / Leyte, Southern Leyte, Dinagat each 2 / Antique, Bohol, Iloilo, Guimaras each 1. Missing by area: Cebu 57 / Negros Occidental 50 / Negros Oriental 6. Affected: 5,458,858 people. 注 A separate figure of "269 dead/missing, plus 113 missing" — reported elsewhere as a combined "327 dead or missing" (Anadolu, November 7, 2025) — and "close to 260 combined for Kalmaegi and Fung-wong" (BusinessWorld, November 12, 2025) also circulate. NDRRMC's combined Tino + Uwan toll stood at 297 as of November 17. Because the figures move depending on who is counting and when, always attach the source and the as-of date (landfall dates/locations and the 269+113 figures were added in the 2026-08-26 review. In the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass, the English-language Wikipedia citation was removed and replaced with primary sources from PAGASA and NDRRMC/OCD, plus major news coverage) PAGASA (via Rappler's typhoon bulletin, November 5, 2025) / NDRRMC/OCD (GMA, "269 dead, 523 injured due to Typhoon Tino — OCD"; Inquirer, November 2025; PNA 1263405) / Anadolu, 2025-11-07 / BusinessWorld, 2025-11-12
November 9–10 Super Typhoon Uwan/Fung-wong. Widespread damage across Luzon ReliefWeb joint rapid assessment, November 20, 2025
November 15 Former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co alleges that "President Marcos received a ₱25 billion kickback from insertions in the 2025 national budget" Rappler, November 15, 2025
November 18–21 The ICI/DPWH file flood-control cases with the Sandiganbayan (the special anti-graft court). The ICI recommends charges against former Speaker Romualdez and former Representative Co for bribery, plunder, and related offenses Inquirer, November 18, 2025 / GMA, November 21, 2025
November 19 Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla states that "the Discaya couple will be the next to be indicted" Manila Bulletin, November 19, 2025
November 30 The second rally, "Baha sa Luneta," draws only about 3,000 people, a sharp drop from September Inquirer, December 1, 2025
December 10 It emerges that Discaya has turned himself in and that former Representative Co's passport has been revoked Inquirer, December 10, 2025

4. 2026 — Centered on the Middle East Conflict Shock (Month by Month)

4-1. The War Itself (as Background)

Date Event Source
February 28, 2026 War breaks out between the US/Israel and Iran No article stating the outbreak date outright could be found. Working backward from "100 days since the war began = June 7, 2026" (Al Jazeera/Bloomberg/CNBC and others, June 7, 2026), "7,650 dead 40 days into the war = April 8, 2026" (Hengaw), and "entering the second month of the war = March 28, 2026" (Inquirer), the outbreak is consistent with February 27–28 No direct source for the outbreak date (unconfirmed). Worked backward from the reports above
March 28 A "four weeks into the war" review (Al Jazeera) Al Jazeera, March 28, 2026
April 8 40 days into the war, 7,650 dead (including 1,030 civilians) Hengaw, April 8, 2026
May 8 The US and Iran clash in the Strait of Hormuz, widening the front Al Jazeera, May 8, 2026
June 7 100 days into the war. No prospect of a peace agreement Bloomberg and others, June 7, 2026
June 25 Oil prices fall back to "pre-war levels" BBC, June 25, 2026
July 18 The US military strikes Iran after two American soldiers are killed in Jordan DW, July 18, 2026
July 27 "The war enters its sixth month with uncertainty growing" New York Times, July 27, 2026
August 21 The US warns of "the strongest sanctions in history"; Iran vows "devastating retaliation" NBC News, August 21, 2026

4-2. Spillover Effects on the Philippines (Month by Month)

Date Event Source
January 5 The FY2026 national budget of ₱6.793 trillion is signed. ₱9.25 billion in unprogrammed funds is removed by line-item veto. The Senate had already removed the ₱8 billion SAGIP fund beforehand ABS-CBN/Inquirer/PNA, January 5, 2026
February 2–3 Two new impeachment complaints against Vice President Sara are filed with the House (just before February 5, 2025, the date from which the one-year rule would be counted) Various outlets
February 9–10 A third impeachment complaint is received by the House and referred to the Speaker's office Various outlets
February 23–27 The confirmation-of-charges hearing for former President Duterte at the ICC Official ICC website
February 24 Even after the US Supreme Court's tariff ruling, the DTI Secretary states that the Philippines' 19% export tariff to the US remains unchanged PNA, February 24, 2026
February 25 18 former Marines allege a "$13.9 billion kickback scheme" tied to flood-control projects, naming President Marcos and his cousin Romualdez Gulf News, February 25, 2026
February 28 War breaks out in the Middle East (see table above) —
March 2 The DFA updates and announces revised alert levels for various Middle East countries; the PNP states "no direct threat to the country has been confirmed" PNA/GMA/Manila Bulletin, March 2, 2026
March 2–4 The DMW says "mass repatriation is not yet underway, but preparations are in place"; President Marcos echoes the same. 1,189 people have applied to OWWA to return home Inquirer, March 4, 2026
March 3 The president convenes an emergency cabinet meeting on the Middle East response Various outlets, March 3, 2026
March 4–6 1,824 OFWs are receiving support. The DMW draws up evacuation criteria. "Additional budget may be needed" PNA, March 4–6, 2026
March 9 The peso falls to 59.50 to the dollar, an "all-time low" Market reports, March 9, 2026
March 10–20 Repatriation on government charter flights picks up (over 300 people on March 15; a third flight of 317 on March 20) Inquirer/PCO, March 2026
March 23 A fourth flight brings home 343 more; plans call for repatriating 1,200 more PCO/BusinessWorld, March 23, 2026
March 24 President Marcos declares a "state of national energy emergency" Various outlets, March 24, 2026
March 25 Government support extended to 16,000 OFWs affected by the conflict PNA, March 25, 2026
March 27 The president expresses reservations about a total deployment ban to Kuwait DZRH, March 27, 2026
April 5 Fuel prices surge weekly. Shell raises diesel by ₱19.80/liter and gasoline by ₱5.90/liter April 5, 2026
April 6–8 A suspension of deployments to the Middle East leaves roughly 40,000 OFWs stranded in Manila. The DMW clarifies "this is not a deployment ban." DEPDev estimates that if 250,000 workers returned, remittances would fall by ₱109.8 billion Philstar/The Filipino Times/Rappler, April 6–8, 2026
April 13–20 Returnees and dependents rise from 5,400 to 6,532. The DMW begins $200-per-person cash assistance (April 17). 67% of returnees cite "fleeing the conflict" as their reason PNA/Inquirer, April 2026
April 19–28 Diesel prices fall sharply (a "₱24.9 drop" on April 19, per the president's own statement; a further −₱12.94 on April 28) Philstar, April 19, 2026 / Gulf News, April 28, 2026
April 22 The ICC Appeals Chamber confirms jurisdiction (rejecting Duterte's appeal) ICC/Rappler, April 22, 2026
April 23 ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I confirms all three counts of crimes against humanity and commits the case to trial. The prosecution presented 2,279 items of evidence Official ICC website / GMA, April 23, 2026
April 26 Senator Imee Marcos files a bill to further postpone the BSKE to October 2027 Manila Bulletin, April 26, 2026
April 27 "Even the president is not exempt from the flood-control corruption investigation" Philstar, April 27, 2026
April 30 The Supreme Court rules that "the Senate acted in a timely manner" on the first impeachment Philstar, April 30, 2026
May 4 The House Justice Committee approves the impeachment report by a vote of 55 Various outlets, May 4, 2026
May 11 The House passes the second impeachment (257 in favor, 25 against, 9 abstaining). On the same day, in the Senate, President Vicente Sotto III is ousted amid a rebellion by Duterte-aligned senators, and Alan Peter Cayetano becomes the new President, 13–9 Rappler/Philstar, May 11, 2026
May 13 The articles of impeachment are transmitted to the Senate Various outlets, May 13, 2026
May 21 Over 9,800 returnees from the Middle East to date GMA, May 21, 2026
May 25–29 Returnees reach 10,129. The peso again nears its all-time low. Private forecasters revise 2026 growth down to 3.0–3.1% (Capital Economics 3%, DLSU 3.1%) GMA/Manila Bulletin, May 2026
Late May President Marcos visits Japan. Confirms the Philippines' place in Japan's new defense posture; the relationship is "upgraded" Philstar, May 20, 2026 / Global Times, May 29, 2026
June 3 Another upheaval in the Senate. President Cayetano is ousted by the "Solid Block 12," and Sherwin Gatchalian becomes acting Senate President GMA/Daily Tribune, June 3, 2026
June 3 18 former Marines appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, testifying about carrying the kickback payments June 3, 2026
June 7 Cash assistance extended to 35,000 OFWs in the Middle East BusinessWorld, June 7, 2026
Mid-June (also reported as June 17 注) Gatchalian is formally elected Senate President (ending a 28-day leadership vacuum) Various outlets, June 2026. 注§14-1 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History" records "elected June 17, 2026." This review could not confirm the formal election date either, so both accounts are noted here (2026-08-26 review)
June 21–22 President Marcos allocates an additional ₱3 billion for the return and reintegration of Middle East OFWs PNA/Inquirer/GMA, June 21–22, 2026
June 23 A major price cut (gasoline −₱3.90/L, diesel −₱9.04/L) PNA/Top Gear, June 22–23, 2026
June 30 Human Rights Watch: "Human rights abuses from the drug war persist ten years on" HRW, June 30, 2026
July 6 The Senate impeachment court convenes. Senator Chiz Escudero, not the Senate President, is elected presiding officer PNA, July 6, 2026
July 13 Returnees from the Middle East exceed 10,000 (DMW) GMA/PNA, July 13, 2026
July 22–25 Tensions flare again in the South China Sea. China uses water cannons on two consecutive days at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal). China claims a "Philippine military aircraft violated its airspace." The Philippines protests to Foreign Minister Wang Yi over both the Ayungin Shoal incident and the placement of structures at the same shoal. "Three clashes in one week" Rappler/Reuters/Al Jazeera/gCaptain, July 22–25, 2026
July 27 President Marcos's fifth SONA. He calls for "shifting disaster response from reactive to predictive," says "the government has done all it can to ease the oil crisis," and asks Congress to raise the income-tax exemption threshold to ₱350,000. He states that over 12,000 OFWs have been repatriated from the war zone and that 140,000 have received support and livelihood programs PNA/GMA/Daily Tribune, July 27, 2026
July 24 The peso hits 61.847 to the dollar / The US cuts tariffs on Philippine goods from 19% to 12.5% Market reports, July 24, 2026 / §14-1 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History" (date order corrected and the tariff change also added to this table in the 2026-08-26 re-review)
July 27 The US, Japan, and the Philippines hold a joint exercise in the South China Sea The Diplomat, July 27, 2026
August 3 The World Bank says "the crackdown on flood-control corruption is chilling investor sentiment and dragging down Philippine growth" Rappler, August 3, 2026
August 6–8 China confirms "two deaths" in an accident during a pursuit of a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal (a 2025 incident) SCMP, August 6, 2026 / Taipei Times, August 8, 2026
August 7 Q2 2026 GDP growth comes in at 2.3% (PSA). "The war's impact is at its peak"; "the lowest of the post-pandemic period" Inquirer/GMA/Manila Bulletin, August 7, 2026
August 11 The ₱7.2 trillion FY2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) is submitted to the Senate President August 11, 2026
August 12–20 The habagat monsoon and Typhoons Luis and Maymay together kill 29 and affect 7.49 million people (NDRRMC) Philstar/Inquirer, August 16–20, 2026
August 13–25 Debate over further postponing the BSKE. COMELEC asks for "a decision by September." A Senate committee approves postponing the November 2026 election and extending terms to five years (₱8 billion already spent) Inquirer, August 13, 2026 / Manila Bulletin, GMA, Daily Tribune, August 24–25, 2026
August 14–17 The president says "accountability for flood control is urgent." The Marcos administration's flood-control budget is reported at ₱1.2 trillion, roughly double the ₱587 billion spent under the Duterte administration PNA/SunStar, August 14, 2026 / Manila Times, August 17, 2026
August 21 The Ombudsman extends its investigation to past flood-control projects in Davao as well Philippine Canadian Inquirer, August 25, 2026
August 24–25 The impeachment trial reaches its 18th hearing day. Presiding officer Escudero says the goal is to conclude "within the year (December 2026)." The key issue is how OVP (Office of the Vice President) confidential funds were used GMA/PNA/Rappler, August 24–25, 2026
(Ahead) November 30, 2026: former President Duterte's main trial at the ICC is scheduled to open Official ICC website

5. Cross-Cutting Themes (Reference Tables)

5-1. The Drug War and the ICC

Date Event
From June 30, 2016 The drug war begins
March 17, 2018 Notice of withdrawal from the ICC submitted (effective March 17, 2019)
September 15, 2021 The ICC authorizes an investigation
January 26, 2023 Resumption of the investigation is authorized
March 11, 2025 Former President Duterte taken into custody
March 12, 2025 Surrendered to the ICC
March 14, 2025 Initial appearance
February 23–27, 2026 Confirmation-of-charges hearing
April 22, 2026 The Appeals Chamber confirms jurisdiction
April 23, 2026 All three counts of crimes against humanity confirmed; case committed to trial
May 27 / June 23, 2026 First and second status conferences (the one scheduled for July 14 was cancelled)
November 30, 2026 Main trial scheduled to open

注 "Withdrawing from the ICC means it can no longer prosecute" is false. The ICC retains jurisdiction over conduct before the withdrawal took effect (November 2011 – March 16, 2019), and the Appeals Chamber's decision of April 22, 2026 settled this point.

5-2. The South China Sea (Major Incidents)

Date Incident
July 12, 2016 The PCA arbitral award (finding no legal basis for China's claims)
June 9, 2019 A Chinese vessel collides with and flees from a Philippine fishing boat at Recto Bank
August 5, 2023 The Chinese Coast Guard uses water cannons at Ayungin Shoal
March 5 & June 17, 2024 Clashes at Ayungin Shoal, with Philippine personnel injured
2025 (timing noted below) Two Chinese personnel die in an accident during a pursuit of a Philippine vessel near Scarborough Shoal (confirmed by China in August 2026)
July 22–25, 2026 Water cannons used two days running at Bajo de Masinloc; airspace claims made; three clashes in one week
July 27, 2026 US-Japan-Philippines joint exercise

5-3. Major Disasters

Date Disaster Scale
November 8, 2013 Typhoon Yolanda/Haiyan (reference point — ten years before the decade in question) 6,300 dead (official NDRRMC count = the confirmed figure) / including the missing, an estimated 7,000–8,000 (estimate). About 11 million affected (added in the 2026-08-26 review, consistent with §10 and §17 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History." Do not conflate the "official 6,300" with the "estimated 7,000–8,000")
January 12, 2020 Taal Volcano eruption Widespread ashfall across southern Luzon
November 11–12, 2020 Typhoon Ulysses/Vamco Major flooding in Metro Manila and the Cagayan Valley
December 16, 2021 Typhoon Odette/Rai Hundreds dead
September 30, 2025 Magnitude 6.9 (Mw) Cebu earthquake (epicenter = about 19 km northeast of Bogo City, at a depth of 5 km [PHIVOLCS] / causative fault = the Bogo Bay Fault / worst-hit area = around Bogo City) 79 dead, 559 injured (NDRRMC, 6 a.m. report, October 17, 2025) (both the epicenter and the injury count were corrected in the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass. The earlier draft's "12 km east of Daanbantayan" and "599 injured" were both incorrect. Sources: the PHIVOLCS press release; Frontiers in Earth Science, 2026; Inquirer/GMA, October 17, 2025. The same two errors remain in the companion resources "Disaster Database" [earthquake table], "Typhoons, Earthquakes, and Volcanoes in Detail" [earthquake table], and "Chronological Timeline: A General History" [§13] — these still need correcting)
November 4–5, 2025 Typhoon Tino/Kalmaegi (eight landfalls in the Philippines) 269 dead, 113 missing, 523 injured (NDRRMC/OCD, mid-November 2025; GMA, "269 dead, 523 injured due to Typhoon Tino — OCD") 注a separate figure of "327 dead or missing" also circulates (Anadolu, November 7, 2025) (the citation traced to the English-language Wikipedia was removed in the 2026-08-26 source-hygiene pass)
November 9–10, 2025 Super Typhoon Uwan/Fung-wong Widespread damage across Luzon (ReliefWeb joint assessment, November 20, 2025)
July 4–13, 2026 Typhoon Inday/Bavi 20 dead, 654,000 affected (BusinessWorld, July 13, 2026) 注§14-2 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History" records "23 dead nationwide as of July 11" plus 7 deaths from a landslide in Lanao del Sur. The as-of dates differ, so always attach one (both figures noted in the 2026-08-26 review)
July 25–26, 2026 Tropical Storm Kiyapo/Noul 3 dead, 285,000 affected (Daily Tribune, July 26, 2026)
August 2026 The habagat monsoon plus Typhoons Luis and Maymay 29 dead, 7.49 million affected (NDRRMC, August 20, 2026)

5-4. Elections

Date Election Key Points
May 9, 2016 Presidential election Duterte wins (about 39% of the vote) / VP Robredo
May 13, 2019 Midterm election Opposition Senate candidates are shut out entirely
May 9, 2022 Presidential election Marcos Jr. wins a landslide; VP Sara Duterte (UniTeam)
May 12, 2025 Midterm election Turnout 81.65% (COMELEC) / 82.2% (Rappler) 注. The Senate splits among Marcos-aligned, Duterte-aligned, and opposition factions
Scheduled December 2025 → moved to November 2026 Barangay and SK elections Postponed to November 2026 with terms extended to four years, under a law signed August 13, 2025
Scheduled November 2, 2026 → proposed October 2027 Same As of August 2026, a bill to postpone again and extend terms to five years has passed a Senate committee (₱8 billion already spent)

5-5. Impeachment (Vice President Sara Duterte)

Date Event
November 23, 2024 The "assassination" remark
February 5, 2025 The House passes the first impeachment complaint and transmits it to the Senate
July 25, 2025 The Supreme Court rules it unconstitutional for violating the "one-year rule" this article did not carry out its own primary-source verification of this item
February 2–10, 2026 Three new impeachment complaints are filed with the House (the one-year-rule barrier has by now lapsed)
May 4, 2026 The House Justice Committee approves (55 votes)
May 11, 2026 The full House passes it (257–25–9)
May 13, 2026 The articles of impeachment are transmitted to the Senate
July 6, 2026 The Senate impeachment court convenes, with Senator Escudero as presiding officer
August 25, 2026 18th hearing day. The key issue is OVP confidential funds. The goal is to conclude within the year

注 The 2026 impeachment trial is not "the 2025 impeachment revived" — it is an entirely new, second impeachment. The claim circulating on social media that "the Supreme Court struck down the impeachment" mistakenly applies the 2025 ruling to the 2026 trial, and Rappler and VERA Files have repeatedly fact-checked this (on May 8, June 24, July 16, and August 18, 2026).

5-6. The Flood-Control Corruption Scandal — the Biggest Ongoing Political Case

Date Event
July 28, 2025 President Marcos makes the allegation in his SONA (= the starting point)
September 1, 2025 DPWH Secretary changes (Bonoan → Dizon)
September 11, 2025 EO 94 establishes the ICI (Chair: former Court of Appeals Justice Andres Reyes)
September 17, 2025 Speaker Romualdez resigns; Dy III succeeds him
September 21, 2025 The "Trillion Peso March" (over 100,000 people; some rioting)
November 15, 2025 Former Representative Zaldy Co alleges "a ₱25 billion kickback to the president"
November 18–21, 2025 Cases begin to be filed with the Sandiganbayan; charges recommended against Romualdez and Co
November 30, 2025 The second rally draws a much smaller crowd of about 3,000
December 10, 2025 Discaya turns himself in; Co's passport is revoked
February 25, 2026 18 former Marines allege a "$13.9 billion" scheme
June 7, 2026 The CIDG arrests contractor Curlee Discaya on Senate grounds
August 3, 2026 The World Bank flags "investment chill as a side effect of the crackdown"
August 12, 2026 The Supreme Court denies a request to release the full draft ICI report
August 17, 2026 Reports put the Marcos administration's flood-control budget at ₱1.2 trillion, versus ₱587 billion under Duterte
August 21–25, 2026 The Ombudsman expands its investigation to include past cases in Davao

5-7. Major Legislation (Ten Years)

Enacted Law Content
December 2017 TRAIN (RA 10963) Income tax cuts plus new taxes on fuel and sugary beverages
July 2018 The Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054) Legal foundation for BARMM
February 2019 The Rice Tariffication Act (RA 11203) Liberalizes rice imports
February 2019 The Universal Health Care Act (RA 11223) Automatic enrollment for all citizens
March 2020 The Bayanihan Act (RA 11469) Special COVID-19 powers
July 2020 The Anti-Terrorism Act (RA 11479) Expanded definition of terrorism; warrantless detention
March 2021 CREATE (RA 11534) Corporate tax cut from 30% to 25%
July 2023 The Maharlika Investment Fund Act (RA 11954) Sovereign wealth fund
August 2025 The BSKE Postponement Law Barangay elections moved to November 2026, terms extended to four years
2026 (under deliberation) The BSKE Further-Postponement Bill To October 2027, terms extended to five years (passed a Senate committee in August 2026)

5-8. Economic Indicator Milestones

Indicator Value Timing/Source
GDP growth rate 2.3% Q2 2026, PSA (announced August 7, 2026). the lowest of the post-pandemic period
Full-year 2026 outlook 3.0% (Capital Economics) / 3.1% (DLSU) May 2026, Manila Bulletin
Inflation (2026) 2.0% in January → 2.4% in February → 4.1% in March → 7.2% in April → 6.8% in May → 6.4% in June → 6.2% in July Monthly PSA releases (PNA/Manila Standard and others, August 5, 2026)
Regional inflation Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) at 8.3% in July PNA, August 13, 2026
Peso/US dollar 59.50 (then the record low) on March 9 → 61.847 on July 24 Market reports, 2026
Year-end peso forecast ₱63 to the dollar Inquirer, June 25, 2026
BSP policy rate In a tightening phase, with a forecast peak of 5.5% (HSBC) Manila Bulletin, June 29, 2026 / Philstar, August 23, 2026
FY2026 budget ₱6.793 trillion (₱9.25 billion in unprogrammed funds vetoed) Signed January 5, 2026
FY2027 NEP ₱7.2 trillion Submitted August 11, 2026
US tariffs 19% (agreed July 22, 2025 注domestic Philippine reporting dates it July 23; unchanged as of February 2026) → cut to 12.5% on July 24, 2026 Reuters/PNA/§14-1 of the companion resource "Chronological Timeline: A General History" (July 24, 2026, Inquirer and others) (the July 2026 change was added in the 2026-08-26 review; this table had been left stuck at the February 2026 figure)
Remittance risk A ₱109.8 billion drop in remittances if 250,000 workers return home DEPDev estimate, April 8, 2026

注 NEDA has been reorganized into DEPDev (the Department of Economy, Planning and Development). Take care, as older material still uses the "NEDA" name alongside the new one.

5-9. Japan-Philippines Relations

Date Event
July 8, 2024 The Japan-Philippines RAA (Reciprocal Access Agreement) is signed (in Manila)
December 16, 2024 The Philippine Senate concurs in ratifying the RAA (PNA)
June 6–7, 2025 Japan's Diet approves the RAA (PNA/Manila Standard)
September 11, 2025 The RAA enters into force (PNA)
October 26, 2025 The first summit between President Marcos and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (in Malaysia, on the margins of the ASEAN-related summits). They welcome substantive agreement on an ACSA, confirm the RAA's entry into force in September, and sign a memorandum on comprehensive energy cooperation, including civilian nuclear power (corrected in the 2026-08-26 review. The earlier draft's "October 27" was wrong. Source: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's page on the Japan-Philippines summit, https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/s_sa/sea2/ph/pageit_000001_00005.html, which gives 1:09 p.m. local time on October 26. Aligned with "2025-10-26" in §2-8 of the companion resource "Timeline: A History of Japan-Philippines Relations." 注domestic Philippine reporting dates it October 27–28)
January 15, 2026 The Japan-Philippines ACSA (Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement) is signed, timed with Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi's visit to the Philippines (GMA/Manila Bulletin, January 15, 2026)
May 26–29, 2026 President Marcos makes a state visit to Japan. On May 27, he has an audience with the Emperor and Empress and receives the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers / on May 28, a Japan-Philippines summit produces a joint statement upgrading the relationship to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" [CSP], and he addresses Japan's Diet / the two sides agree to begin negotiations on a GSOMIA-type information-security agreement (dates broken out in more detail in the 2026-08-26 review. The earlier draft's "late May, relationship upgraded" was vague. Aligned with §2-8 and §7 of the companion resource "Timeline: A History of Japan-Philippines Relations")
July 23, 2026 Japan-Philippines foreign ministers' meeting (Manila). Marks the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations (July 23, 1956 — 70 years since the reparations agreement took effect) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, 2026-07-23)
July 27, 2026 US-Japan-Philippines joint exercise in the South China Sea (The Diplomat)
August 22, 2026 The Japan-Philippines ACSA enters into force (added in the 2026-08-26 review; see §3 of the companion resource "Timeline: A History of Japan-Philippines Relations")

6. 注 Common Misunderstandings (Checklist)

# Common Misconception The Correct Understanding
1 Stating flatly that "30,000 people died in the drug war" 30,000 is an NGO estimate (including vigilante-style killings). The government's confirmed statistic covers only police operations, at 6,252 (as of May 2022). The two measure different things
2 "Withdrawing from the ICC means it can no longer be prosecuted" The ICC retains jurisdiction over conduct before the withdrawal took effect (March 17, 2019). The Appeals Chamber confirmed this jurisdiction on April 22, 2026
3 "The Supreme Court quashed Vice President Sara's impeachment" What was quashed was the first impeachment, in 2025. The House passed a second impeachment on May 11, 2026, which has been on trial in the Senate since July 6
4 "The Senate President presides over the impeachment trial" In the 2026 trial, Senator Escudero was elected presiding officer (the Senate President is Gatchalian)
5 "The Senate President is Sotto" The Senate had three changes of leadership in 2026: Sotto → Cayetano (May 11) → Gatchalian (from June 3)
6 "The Speaker of the House is Romualdez" He resigned on September 17, 2025, and was succeeded by Dy III
7 "The Barangay elections are in November 2026" As of August 2026, a bill for a further postponement has passed a Senate committee (proposing October 2027). Not yet finalized
8 "NEDA issues the economic outlook" It is now DEPDev (the Department of Economy, Planning and Development)
9 Citing a single number for typhoon deaths The figures shift considerably depending on who is counting (NDRRMC/local governments/wire services) and when. For 2025's Kalmaegi, both "327" (dead plus missing, as of November 7, 2025) and "close to 260 combined for Kalmaegi and Fung-wong" (as of November 12, 2025) circulate
10 Turnout in the 2025 midterm election Two figures circulate: 81.65% (COMELEC) and 82.2% ("the highest ever for a midterm")
11 Explaining 2026 inflation "solely" as due to the Middle East war A combination of the oil shock plus peso weakness (59.50 in March, 61.85 in July) and food prices. The jump from 4.1% in March to 7.2% in April was the turning point
12 "The flood-control corruption is a legacy of the Duterte administration" An August 17, 2026 report states that the Marcos administration's flood-control budget of ₱1.2 trillion is roughly double the ₱587 billion under the Duterte administration. That said, the Ombudsman has also extended its investigation to past cases in Davao (August 2026). Which administration is at fault remains disputed
13 "All OFWs have returned home from the Middle East" As of July 2026, repatriations total over 10,000. Large numbers remain in the region, and the government maintains its policy (as of March 4, 2026) of not pursuing mass repatriation. The suspension of deployments has stranded roughly 40,000 people domestically (as of April 6, 2026)

7. Main Sources (Obtained for This Project)

日本語の詳細版: 分野「歴史」「年表・2016〜2026の10年」（本サイト日本語版）。