10 most important things that happened in 2016
The year is about to end. It's time to take stock of the most important events in 2016, and why not count our blessings, too. It has not been a bad year, after all, even when a number of drug suspects died and a lot of earth-shaking controversies surfaced, allegedly involving senators, congressmen, and some governors, mayors, judges, prosecutors, police officers and men. There had been bombings here and there, and terror attacks by Abu Sayyaf and this upstart called Maute Group, which claims kindred alliance with the globally-dreaded ISIS. But a landmark peace talk is ongoing between the government and the National Democratic Front. These are the best of times and yet, also the worst of times, to paraphrase Dickens.
The 10 most important events in 2016 are: first, the election of President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo, both outsiders and natives of peripheral areas, away from the vortex of central powers in the imperialistic Manila. Second, the unprecedented fight against illegal drugs and criminality. Third, the sharp shift in our foreign affairs. Fourth, the Philippines' landmark arbitration victory over China. Fifth, acquittal of high-profile political figures and the charges filed against very prominent politicians. Sixth, the landmark ceasefire agreement with the NDF. Seventh,the appointment of leftists and revolutionaries in the Duterte government. Eighth, the burial of the remains of President Marcos in the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani. Ninth, the upsurge of terrorism in the south.And tenth, the passing of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
The rise into power of two provincianos sends a strong message that the majority of Filipinos are sick and tired of trapos all coming from Luzon. The last seven presidents were all from Luzon: PNoy, GMA, Erap, FVR, Cory, Marcos, and Macapagal.Today, the president, the Senate president, the House speaker, and most Cabinet members are Mindanaoans. This is a significant powershift. The fight against drugs and crimes and corruptions is unprecedented. No other president has ever given as much focus as the Duterte government. And, it is crazy not to expect that the drug war would be as cozy as a picnicor as easy as a walk in the park. It is bloody and the government cannot be blamed for all the deaths. Both sides are heavily armed and dangerous.
The shift of our foreign relations, from the right to the left, is the prerogative of a sovereign state, and the president is the chief architect of foreign policy. It is our perfect right to look for new friends who respect us and do not interfere in our internal affairs. If China and Russia are prepared to treat us as equal, then why not try to warm up to them. Our victory over China in the international arbitration court was a landmark achievement that upholds our territorial integrity, as well as our national sovereignty. The acquittal of GMA by the Supreme Court concerning the PCSO plunder case and her release by the Sandiganbayan on the NBN-ZTE case are indicative of the partisan prosecution by the previous administration.
The landmark ceasefire agreement between the government and the NDF in August and the ongoing peace talks in Oslo, Norway is an outstanding accomplishment. And the appointment of leftists in the Duterte government are indicative of this administration's passion in search of peace. The burial of President Marcos' remains in the Libingan also shows the efforts of the president to heal the wounds of divisions. What matters most is that this was approved by the Supreme Court. We do respect the sentiments of the anti-Marcos activists in their opposition. But the greater majority want to move on and let history be the judge.
The year is about to end. It is hoped that we can leave behind whatever divides us and move on, embracing what binds us all as one people, one nation.
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