17 January



“There was generally a negative perception of government performance over issues and a disappointment with some economic conditions.”

– Mahar Mangahas, Social Weather Stations President

24 March


Marcopper mine tailings spill into Makulapnit River in Marinduque.

28 March

RA 8179 liberalizes further foreign investments.

RA 8180 deregulates the downstream oil industry.

April

Filipinos were at their happiest since the 1990s. World Values survey show 40% of Filipinos were “very happy” and 52% were “fairly happy.”



May


EDSA Metro Rail Transit starts construction.


9 May




“Before, when there were bank robberies, kidnap-pings will die down for a short while and vice-versa but now they happen simultaneously or one after the other.”

– Teresita Ang See, Citizens Action Against Crime Spokesperson

11 June

President Fidel Ramos excludes Official Development Assistance from foreign debt limit.

August

Automatic Pricing for oil products takes effect.

2 September

GRP-Moro National Liberation Front sign peace pact.

22 November


RA 8240 restructures the tax on beer, cigarettes, and distilled spirits from ad valorem to specific tax.

23 November

MBC launches Philippines-Malaysia Business Council.



25 November

Philippines signs Manila action plan at APEC Leaders’ Summit in Subic.



12 December

“MBC reiterates its position against moves to amend the Constitution at this time. Such moves will be extremely divisive to Philippine society and will slow down the momentum of our economic progress.”

– MBC statement