1996 in the Philippines

1996 in the Philippines details events of note that happened in the Philippines in the year 1996.

Incumbents

President: Fidel Ramos Vice President: Joseph Estrada Senate President

Events

January

January 22 – A Philippine Navy gunboat engages in a battle with three Chinese naval vessels near Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, marking the first violent military confrontation involving the two countries and further triggering an ongoing diplomatic crisis.

February

February 14 – Violent clashes erupt between Filipino soldiers and Vietnamese boat people, as the Philippines government attempts to forcibly repatriate hundreds of Vietnamese asylum seekers.
February 18 – Overcrowded ferry ML Gretchen I, traveling from Cebu, overturns and sinks at the entrance to the port of Cadiz, Negros Occidental; by the end of the month, fifty-one people are reported killed. It happens when passengers shifted to one side to avoid high waves.

March

March 18 – Fire razes Ozone Disco in Quezon City, killing 162 guests including college graduating students and 95 more injured. The incident was officially acknowledged as the worst fire in Philippine history, and among the 10 worst nightclub fires in the world.
March 24 – A mining disaster occurs on the island province of Marinduque when the leftover mine tailings from the drainage of the Marcopper Mining Corporation are leaked into the river and spilled into the sea.

June

June 13 – Retired P/Col. Rolando Abadilla, intelligence officer during the Marcos administration, is assassinated in Quezon City. Communist Alex Boncayao Brigade claims responsibility. Five of the seven accused would be convicted in 1999.

July

July 24–25 – Typhoon Gloria looses rains and flooding that killed nearly 60 people on Luzon and Mindoro Islands.
July 31 – Sarah Balabagan, a migrant worker sentenced and imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates for almost two years for killing her employer in self-defense, is freed; She returns to the country the next day.

August

August 1 – Mabuhay, moves to its new orbital slot. Mabuhay satellite, previously named Palapa B-2P, was acquired by Mabuhay Philippines Satellite Corporation on an earlier date this year. Mabuhay became one to be owned by a Filipino entity.
August 10 – Sagay becomes a component city in the province of Negros Occidental through ratification of Republic Act 8192.

September

September 2 – A permanent peace agreement is signed at Malacañang Palace between the government of the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front.

November

November 24–25 – 8th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit is held in Subic, Zambales; the first time the country hosted the event.

December

December 7 – Marikina becomes a highly urbanized city in Metro Manila through ratification of Republic Act 8223 which was approved on November 6.

Holidays

As per Executive Order No. 292, chapter 7 section 26, the following are regular holidays and special days, approved on July 25, 1987. Note that in the list, holidays in bold are "regular holidays" and those in italics are "nationwide special days".

In addition, several other places observe local holidays, such as the foundation of their town. These are also "special days."

Sports

May 26 – The Alaska Milkmen defeats the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs, 93-92 in overtime to win the 1996 PBA All-Filipino Cup finals.
July 19–August 4 – The Philippines participate in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia, United States and rank 61st. Athlete Mansueto Velasco receives his silver medal and placed second in boxing.
September 10 – The Alaska Milkmen wins against the Formula Shell Zoom Masters, grabbing their second championship for the season.
December 17 – The Alaska Milkmen wins the coveted grandslam, winning the series over Ginebra San Miguel, 4-1.

Concerts

December 8–10 – Michael Jackson HIStory World Tour: Asiaworld City, is held in Parañaque

Births

January 3 – Calvin Oftana, basketball player
January 4 – Joshua Colet, actor and model
January 6 – Elisse Joson, actress and model
January 10 – Joshua Pacio, mixed martial artist and current MMA World Champion
January 15 – Julian Estrada, actor
January 21 – Hannah Arnold, beauty queen
January 22 – Khalil Ramos, actor and singer
February 15 – Skusta Clee, rapper, member of Ex Battalion
March 16 - Kaila Estrada, actress and model
March 26 – Kathryn Bernardo, actress
April 2 – Kib Montalbo, basketball player
April 12 – Charlie Dizon, actress
April 20 – Miggy Tolentino, actor and That's My Bae contestant
May 10 – Anjo Damiles, actor
May 14 – Jessica Villarubin
May 21 – Jay Arcilla, actor
June 1 – Dawn Macandili, volleyball player
June 2 – Morissette, singer, songwriter, and actress
June 9 – Marvelous Alejo, actress and singer
June 30 – Sarina Bolden, footballer
July 20 – Sue Ramirez, actress
July 22 – Jane Oineza, actress
July 23 – Viy Cortez, vlogger
July 28 – Yasser Marta, actor
August 9 – Sanya Lopez, actress
August 13 – Thea Tolentino, actress
August 15:
* Analyn Barro, actress
* Flow G, rapper
August 17 – Ella Cruz, actress
August 24 – Faye Lorenzo, actress and model
September 4 – Sisi Rondina, volleyball player
September 8 – Krystal Reyes, actress and vlogger
September 13 – CJ Navato, actor
September 27 - Remedy Rule, swimmer
October 17 – Karen Reyes, actress
October 26 – Ronnie Alonte, actor and singer
November 4 – Michael Christian Martinez, figure skater
November 7 – Luke Gebbie, swimmer
November 11 – Mimiyuuuh, vlogger
November 14 – Rabiya Mateo, actress, model and beauty pageant titleholder
December 17 – Thirdy Ravena, basketball player
December 22:
* Makisig Morales, actor and singer
* Joao Constancia, actor and member of BoybandPH
December 25 – Ivana Alawi, actress and vlogger

Deaths

January 7 – Bienvenido Santos, Filipino-American fiction, poetry and nonfiction writer.
March 17 – Rey Cuenco, basketball player
June 2 – Ishmael Bernal, Filipino film, stage and television director, actor and screenwriter
August 11 – Ambrosio Padilla, basketball player and senator
September 18 – Tomás Cloma, lawyer and businessman
October 28 – Irene R. Cortes, Filipino judge
November 2 – Arnie Tuadles, basketball player
November 27 – Balot, comedian, film, television and stage actor