[Rappler’s Best] Annus horribilis

Believe it or not, this nation witnessed — in a year that’s not over yet — the arrest and detention abroad of a former president, the impeachment of a vice president (and her suspended trial, courtesy of the Supreme Court), the midterm elections that crushed the administration slate, the fall from power of a once-untouchable House speaker, the fall from grace of a Senate president and his fashionable wife, and an unprecedented flood control scandal that’s now exposing the underground structures that have elected the corrupt and kept them in power.

China’s constant and infuriating incursions into our territory (the latest of which just happened on December 12) suddenly paled in comparison. The only thing that this year’s political turmoil could not surpass is the rate by which our incomes have deflated.

The year 2025 did begin rather ominously for the world. Los Angeles’ apocalyptic wildfires in January burned down everything in their path. And then Donald Trump was sworn in the second time around as US president, declaring he was saved by God to rescue America. Yet, if there’s anything that this year showed us, it is that it’s America who needs rescuing.

But has it been all that bad?

We cap the year with two initiatives that, for once, are aimed at addressing long-standing structural defects behind how we’re governed and which resulted from the massive public protests — in all forms — against the flood control corruption scandal:

• The live-streaming of the once secretive bicameral conference committee hearings that will finalize the 2026 national budget. The first day of the hearings was held on Saturday, December 13. Watch Day 1 here; check highlights here. Watch Day 2 here; check highlights here. Now it’s up to alert groups and experts to spot the red flags — and make sure they’re exposed and addressed.
• The filing of bills that will finally operationalize a constitutional mandate that prohibits political dynasties and, what’s more, the momentum behind it. The bills filed range from the weak to the promising. Local officials, academics, and members of civil society organizations also launched a coalition that is seen to lead a strong lobby for an anti-dynasty law that will not make a mockery of the intent of our constitution framers.

A year that began with holding the Dutertes to account threatened to make a U-turn, when the Senate refused to put impeached Vice President Sara Duterte on trial and the Supreme Court sided with her, and when Rodrigo Duterte asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to grant him temporary release. But…

• On October 10, the ICC unanimously rejected Duterte’s plea for temporary release.
• On December 12, several groups filed a plunder complaint with the Ombudsman against the Vice President over her alleged misuse of her offices’ confidential funds.

And how about the key actors linked to the flood corruption scandal? They have either resigned from their executive and legislative posts or are now subjects of complaints and cases. We keep track of the status of these complaints and cases here.

Even the tycoon once dubbed the Philippines’ wealthiest saw his business and reputation in steep decline this year. Manuel Villar’s conglomerate could not even pay suppliers and contractors. As Val Villanueva writes, the Villar empire story — while far from collapsing — is about an untouchable being a test case of governance. 

So perhaps some Filipinos, realizing that a few of the mighty have fallen this year, probably think that while this has been President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s annus horribilis, it’s been annus mirabilis for them.

At Rappler, it’s a year that begs for rest and reflection. It means this newsletter will also take a break during the holidays and will be back on January 5.

Wishing you a meaningful Christmas. And a new year filled, as always, with hope. You can find early Christmas joy in the Southeast Asian Games! Check the updates here.

Here are some of Rappler’s bests that you shouldn’t miss:

Lian Buan writes about how the justice department granted asylum to two Chinese nationals with questionable backgrounds.

Jinji Abaño notes that less than 30% of Filipinos hold a life insurance policy, with the industry penetration being one of the lowest in Southeast Asia.

Val Villanueva tells us that the Philippines stands at a critical point where “credibility has become the economy’s most valuable — and most vulnerable — asset.” 

Jairo Bolledo profiles the remarkable 35-year-old lawyer Ross Tugade, who has been accepted as assistant to counsel at the ICC.

Filipinas edge host Thailand on penalties to reach first-ever SEA Games final

For the first time in the history of the Southeast Asian Games, the Philippines will play in the final of women’s football.

Philippines says fishermen hurt, boats damaged by China in Escoda Shoal

The Philippine Coast Guard said nearly two dozen Filipino fishing boats near Escoda Shoal were targeted with water cannons and blocking maneuvers on December 12.

[HOMESTRETCH] Raising Alex Eala: An ace for Philippine tennis

Homestretch sits down with Alex Eala about her extraordinary journey shaped by family, discipline, and a lot of heart.

How Bebang Halo Halo won a crowded market with one bold idea

Bebang’s CEO talks about how a grandma’s recipe turned into a halo-halo sensation.

Meghan Markle sends letter to father hospitalized in the Philippines

Yes, this happened while you were probably sleeping.

– Rappler.com

Rappler’s Best is a weekly newsletter of our top picks delivered straight to your inbox every Monday. Visit rappler.com/newsletters to subscribe.

The views expressed by the writer are his/her own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Rappler.