MANILA, PHILIPPINES — What a year 2024 has been for the Philippines. With so many significant events and developments that shaped the narrative of the country’s media landscape, CARMA sought out the five biggest news stories based on their share of coverage by volume in mainstream media across 2024. In this article, we take a look at these stories that shaped Philippine media this past year.
5. The Philippines made history at the Olympics
Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo made history at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the first Filipino to win back-to-back gold medals. His victories in the men’s floor exercise and vault events earned him widespread celebration, including cash rewards, a condo, and lifetime supplies of food from sponsors. Caloy’s triumphs united the nation and sparked pride. His success, and his fellow athletes’, highlights the country’s growing prominence in international sports.
4. US Presidential Elections
The U.S. presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump was marked by key issues like abortion rights, economic policies, and leadership fitness. The Filipino media covered various moments throughout the year for example Arizona’s abortion ban, Joe Biden’s debate struggles, and Tim Walz & J.D. Vance as running mates. Global markets were tense ahead of the election, with analysts warning of potential economic impacts from a Trump victory.
3. Former mayor Alice Guo faces allegations tied to POGOS
Alice Leal Guo, former mayor of Bamban, faced multiple accusations tied to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), including links to illegal gambling, human trafficking, and corruption. In June 2024, she was suspended. After fleeing to Malaysia in July, she was arrested in Indonesia in September and deported back to the Philippines. In November, a Senate committee concluded its investigation into POGOs, with Guo’s alleged involvement in various criminal activities being central to the probe.
2. West Philippine Sea conflict
Throughout the year, tensions between China and the Philippines escalated regarding the West Philippine Sea, with both nations accusing each other of aggressive actions. In June, the Philippines vowed to resist China’s actions, and the U.S. reaffirmed its defense commitment to the Philippines. By August, China enhanced its military presence on Triton Island. Amid growing friction, President Marcos emphasized the Philippines’ stance on territorial disputes, calling for diplomatic solutions while asserting sovereignty over the contested waters.
1. Political Tensions Between President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte
Tensions escalated between Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte this year. Duterte threatened to have Marcos, his wife, and the House Speaker assassinated if she were killed. This remark, made in a press conference, sparked widespread concern and prompted government officials to treat it as a national security matter. The feud, rooted in policy differences and personal animosities, worsened after Duterte resigned from the cabinet in June.
