The year’s political stories unfolded like a series of aftershocks, each new event landing before the nation could process the last one. It’s been difficult to keep up with the news, and, frankly, depressing to get into the muck of it and understand every single thing that’s happened in 2025. But I’m of the belief and hope that this should all lead to some sort of radical, positive change, whatever that may be.
As the year ends, we’re left wondering how the flood control controversy will conclude, and what it is that will put a stop to the administration’s infighting, among many other uncertainties that have arisen in this particularly volatile time in politics. Previously, we recapped the political moments already shaping the year ahead. This time, we look back at five of the biggest, most shocking political stories we’ve covered.
Congressmen Vote to Impeach Sara Duterte
In December 2024, Vice President Sara Duterte was hit with three impeachment complaints from various civic groups following the House of Representatives’ probe into her office’s alleged misuse of confidential funds. For over a month, it felt as though the House was not keen to tackle the complaints, with the legislature’s inaction prompting protests calling for Sara’s impeachment. But on February 5, in a shocking move, 215 out of 316 House members signed a fourth complaint, launching impeachment proceedings against the vice president.
The case, however, died in the Senate, which adjourned during the election period and delayed action on the complaint until June. Eventually, the senators formed an impeachment court, only to junk the articles of impeachment in August after the Supreme Court deemed the proceedings “unconstitutional.” The case had the whole nation, regardless of party, watching the news with bated breath — only for Sara’s critics to feel baited.
Rodrigo Duterte Arrested and Detained
We almost didn’t see this one coming either. A few days leading up to the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, rumors swirled that the International Criminal Court (ICC) had issued an arrest warrant. On March 10, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that it was ready to make an arrest as soon as Rodrigo returned from his trip to Hong Kong, where he had joined PDP-Laban’s overseas campaign sortie ahead of the midterm elections.
The next day, Rodrigo was arrested moments after he arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). And after a full day in the PNP’s custody at the neighboring Villamor Air Base, he was flown out to The Hague, the Netherlands. Supporters of the Duterte family did not take the news well, and calls to “bring him home” have swelled from internet posts to rallies in and out of the country. Rodrigo’s legal team has also launched efforts to put the Davao City mayor on interim release, but the ICC has so far stood its ground.
Nepo Babies Face Flood Control Wrath
Families of politicians and businessmen linked to flood control corruption schemes became the object of the public’s wrath when the scandal broke out in the middle of the year. Influencers such as Claudine Co, Lemuel Lubiano, and Gela Alonte are a few among others who drew flak for their “ostentatious displays of wealth” on social media as the Senate launched a probe into anomalous infrastructure projects. It didn’t help that these young adults’ lavish lifestyles were spotlit as the country reeled from typhoon after typhoon.
Ellis Co, son of former Congressman Zaldy Co and cousin of Claudine, spoke out in September, urging his father to surrender to authorities and take responsibility as the House’s former appropriations chair. But even he was not spared from criticism, with netizens pointing out that he received financial support from his parents for his clothing brand.
Mendiola Protests
On September 21, several groups from all over the country mobilized to protest against corruption in the government. Following the rally at Luneta in Manila, protesters marched on to Mendiola and Recto, where the demonstration quickly turned into a scuffle with police. Photojournalists Raffy Lerma and Ezra Acayan talked to Rolling Stone Philippines about capturing the chaos and rage in Manila’s streets.
Following the riots, which came amid other mass protests in other parts of the world, several individuals now dubbed the “Mendiola 216” were arrested without warrants and detained at the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters and other police stations. Human rights groups flagged the MPD for subjecting the detainees to “grave conditions,” raising concerns regarding police brutality and abuse.
Juan Ponce Enrile Passes Away
In November, longtime politician Juan Ponce Enrile passed away after a bout of pneumonia. He lived a remarkably long life, to the age of 103, with a seven-decade political career that started and ended in service to a Marcos president.
Enrile’s death came less than a month after he was acquitted of plunder in the Pork Barrel Scam case that blew up a decade ago. There, he was accused, alongside other lawmakers, of funneling millions of pesos in public funds through fake NGOs in a scheme masterminded by businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles. With his passing, the case is closed for Enrile, but the acquittal feels like a dangerous precedent for the flood control corruption cases still looming.
