Timeline of Philippine history


This is a timeline of Philippine history, comprising important legal and territorial changes and political events in the Philippines and its predecessor states. To read about the background to these events, see history of the Philippines.

Prehistoric

Year
DateEventSource
709,000The arrival of the first Homo species to the early Chibanian.
400,000People belonging to the species Homo erectus set foot on the Philippines.
250,000Human habitation is said to be began.
55,000The first Homo sapiens in the Philippines.
50,000Early humans made stone tools in the Tabon Caves in Palawan.
40,000Negritos start to settle.
35,000At the old Kapampangan region was 10 times larger than the present borders, years ago, a series of eruptions from Mount Pinatubo dumped lava, ashes, tephra and lahar into the sea, forming the present landmass of the region.
20,000Tabon Man made stone tools in the Tabon Cave.
8,000The ancestors in the other caves: Batangas, Bulacan and Rizal.
The other caves of Palawan: Guri and Duyong cave where the Homo sapiens lived.
4,500–300Multiple Austronesian migrations from Taiwan.
Earliest evidence of rice growing, domesticating chickens and pigs.
Presumed date of the Angono Petroglyphs.
The Igorots built forts made of stone walls that averaged several meters in width and about 2 to 3 times the width in height around

11th–1st century BCE

Year
DateEventSource
c.1000 BCEThe Late Neolithic period in the Philippines, evidence shows by a Yawning Jarlet on the Burial site in Leta-leta caves in Palawan by Robert Fox which had later become National treasure in the Philippines.
c.1000 BCEFirst mining in the Philippines began. The early Filipinos worked various mines of gold, silver, copper and iron. Jewels, gold ingots, chains, calombigas and earrings were handed down from antiquity and inherited from their ancestors. Gold dagger handles, gold dishes, tooth plating, and huge gold ornaments were also used.
890–710 BCEThe Sa Huỳnh culture, evidence can be found in Manunggul Jar which is a secondary burial jar excavated from a Neolithic burial site in Manunggul cave of Tabon Caves at Lipuun Point. The depiction of sea-waves on the lid places this Manunggul jar in the Sa Huỳnh culture pottery tradition. These are people that migrated in an East to West migration from the Borneo-Palawan area to Southern Vietnam.
600 BCEThe people of Palawan, Cordillera and Batanes become ancient goldsmith's. An ancient goldsmith shop had discovered that made the 20-centuries-old lingling-o, or omega-shaped gold ornaments in Batanes.
c. 400 BCELarger villages came about- usually based near water, which made traveling and trading easier. The resulting ease of contact between communities meant that they began to share similar cultural traits, something which had not previously been possible when the communities consisted only of small kinship groups.
300-200 BCEThe start of the Carabao domestication and husbandry.

2nd–3rd century

YearDateEventSource
c.200 ADThe Maitum Jars are anthropomorphic jars that were depicting children with perforations in red and black colors, had been used as a secondary burial jars in Ayub Cave, Pinol, Maitum Sarangani province, each of the jars had a "facial expression". Another example of funeral pottery in the Philippines.
c.200 ADSince at least the 3rd century, the indigenous peoples were in contact with other Southeast Asian and East Asian nations. Fragmented ethnic groups established numerous city-states formed by the assimilation of several small political units known as barangay each headed by a Datu or headman and answerable to a king, titled Lakan and Rajah.
c.200 ADMarks the end of the Sa Huỳnh culture, as people are merged into different Chiefdoms, Kingdoms and Thalassocracies, but the remnants of Sa Huỳnh has still practiced by the natives of Masbate the artifacts can be found in Kalanay Cave proof that the ancient Masbatenios still practiced the Sa Huyun culture until 1500 AD.

8th century

YearDateEventSource
700The Birth of Kawi script, this Abugida are become widely used in the Maritime Southeast Asia, the word Kawi or Kawikaan means "Poetry" in Sanskrit.

10th century

YearDateEventSource
900April 21End of prehistory. Laguna Copperplate Inscription, the earliest known Philippine document, is written in the region around Laguna de Bay in Kawi script.
971–982The earliest date suggested for direct Chinese contact with the Philippines was 982. At the time, merchants from "Ma-i".
1000Buddhism and Hinduism along with the Animism became the religion of the most of Philippine archipelago by the influence of its neighbors.
Around the feet of Mt. Kamhatik near Mulanay town in Quezon Province once stood a 280-hectare ancient village where the archeologists found a 1000-year-old limestone coffins on a jungle-covered mountain top from 2011 to 2012 proof of the advance burial rituals of the early Filipinos.

11th century

YearDateEventSource
1000People from Central Vietnam called Orang Dampuan established trade zones in Sulu
1000The construction of Idjangs in Batanes Islands built by Ivatans.
1001March 17Song Shih document records tributary delegation from the Indic Rajahnate of Butuan.

12th century

YearDateEventSource
c.1155At the time, the trade in large native Ruson-tsukuri clay jars used for storing green tea and rice wine with Japan flourished in the 12th century, and local Tagalog, Kapampangan and Pangasinense potters had marked each jar with Baybayin letters denoting the particular urn used and the kiln the jars were manufactured in.
1174–1175Raiders coming from Visayas conducted a series of raids on Formosa, which was part of Song dynasty China.
c. 1180Before the establishment of the Sultanate of Sulu, The Indianized chiefdom of Lupah Sug was flourishing. Dwelling of the Buranun peoples under the rule of Rajah Sipad the Older.

13th century

YearDateEventSource
1200The process of Kabayan mummification had begun in Ibaloi Benguet which is also called Fire mummies.
1240Tuan Masha'ika, an Arab, travels and introduces Islam to Sulu.
The Buddhist Ma-i was flourishing in the island of Mindoro. Zhao Rukuo, a superintendent of maritime trade in Fukien province wrote the book entitled Zhu Fan Zhi in which he described trade with a country called Ma-i in the island of Mindoro in Luzon which was a precolonial Philippine state.

14th century

YearDateEventSource
c.1300The adoption of Baybayin, a Brahmic script.
1369Sulu attacked the Majapahit and its province Po-ni, looting it of treasure and gold. A fleet from Majapahit succeeded in driving away the Sulus, but Po-ni was left weaker after the attack.
1380Sheikh Karim-ul Makhdum arrives in Jolo and builds a Mosque.
1390Baguinda Ali arrives in Buansa, Sulu and the people named him Rajah.

15th century

YearDateEventSource
c. 1400Cebu was founded after the arrival of Sri Lumay from Sumatra.
Namayan instated Lakantagkan as its sovereign. The vast domain comprised what are now Quiapo, San Miguel, Santa Mesa, Paco, Pandacan, Malate, Santa Ana in Manila, Mandaluyong, San Juan, Makati, Pasay, Pateros, and portions of Pasig.
1405The Yongle Emperor instituted a Chinese envoy on Luzon during Zheng He's voyages and appointed Ko Ch'a-lao to that position in 1405. China also had vassals among the leaders in the archipelago. China attained ascendancy in trade with the area in Yongle's reign.
1411Paduka Pahala reigned as the King of Lupah Sug in Sulu. He and his family and 300 other people of noble descent sailed to China, he was to pay tribute to the Yongle Chinese emperor, Zhu Di, who was of the Ming dynasty. While he was welcomed by the emperor upon his arrival in China, he nevertheless contracted a mysterious disease on his way home and died at Dezhou, a town in Shandong province in China.
1411December 11The Yongle Emperor holds a banquet in honor of Pangasinan and its Huang Liyu.
1457Sultanate of Sulu founded by Sayyid Abubakar Abirin.
1458–1459October 1547 – February 1549The Lucoes, or warriors from Luzon send soldiers to the Burmese Siamese wars and faced the White elephants of the Royal Burmese Army, at the same time also aiding the Burmese King for the conquest of the Siamese capital, Ayuthaya.

16th century

1500s

YearDateEventSource
1500Rajah Salalila of Maynila married the daughter of Sultan Bolkiah of [Sultanate of Sultanate of Brunei (1368–1888)|Brunei (1368–1888)|Brunei], effectively uniting the royal families of Maynila and Brunei.
1500The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in recorded history, The Buag Eruptive Period, Its eruptions were roughly the same size as those of 1991.

1520s

YearDateEventSource
1521March 16Discovery of the Philippines: Portuguese Ferdinand Magellan lands on Homonhon with three small ships, named the Concepcion, Trinidad and Victoria. Magellan calls the place the Archipelago de San Lazaro since March 16 is the feast day of Saint Lazarus. He also lands on Samar island.
1521March 28Magellan reaches the Philippines
1521March 29Blood compact between Magellan and Rajah Kulambo of Limasawa
1521March 31The first mass on Philippine soil is celebrated.
1521April 7Magellan lands on Cebu; meets Rajah Humabon of Cebu and enters into another blood compact.
1521April 14The first Mass in Cebu province is celebrated, with about 500 natives, including Rajah Humabon and his wife, baptized into the Catholic Church.
1521April 27Magellan is killed by Lapu-Lapu in the battle of Mactan; Spaniards defeated.
1525Spain sends an expedition under Juan Garcia Jofre de Loaysa to the Philippines. The Loaysa Expedition failed
1526Spain sends another expedition under Juan Cabot to the Philippines. The Cabot Expedition also failed
1527Spain sends a fourth expedition under Álvaro de Saavedra Cerón to the Philippines.
1529Saavedra's expedition returns to Spain without Saavedra who died on the way home.

1530s

YearDateEventSource
1536The Loaysa expedition returns to Spain. One of its survivors is Andres de Urdaneta, its chronicler.

1540s

YearDateEventSource
1543Spain sends a fifth expedition under Ruy López de Villalobos to the Philippines. The Expedition succeeds.
1543February 2Villalobos arrives in the Philippines and names the islands of Samar and Leyte as Las Islas Filipinas in honor of the crown prince of Spain, Philip of Asturias; he also becomes the first to explore Mindanao island, naming it "Cesarea Caroli."

1560s

YearDateEventSource
1565Arrival of the Augustinians
1565February 13Miguel López de Legazpi arrives in the Philippines, landing in Cebu, with four ships and 380 men
1565April 27Legazpi returns to Cebu; settlement established.
1565May 8Legazpi established the first permanent Spanish settlement in the country
1565June 4Legazpi, representing King Philip II of Spain, and Rajah Tupas of Cebu signed the [Treaty of Cebu City|Cebu (1565)|Treaty of Cebu], effectively establishing Spanish suzerainty over Cebu.
1565Philippines was governed as a territory of the Viceroyalty of New Spain.
1567Dagami Revolt (1567)
1568The Portuguese, under the command of General Gonzalo de Pereira, attack Cebu and blockade its port.
1569Present-day Capiz Province becomes a Spanish settlement.
1569Legazpi moves the seat of government from Cebu to Iloilo.
1569August 6King Philip II of Spain, through a royal decree, creates Cebu as the country's first Spanish province; he also appoints Miguel Lopez de Legazpi as governor and captain general of the territory.

1570s

YearDateEventSource
1570The Portuguese attacked a Spanish colony in Cebu but were repulsed.
1570MayLegazpi sends an expedition under the leadership of Martin de Goiti to Manila.
1571January 1Legazpi establishes municipality of Cebu and names it "Villa del Santisimo Nombre de Jesus".
1571May 19The ruler of Manila, Rajah Suliman, wages war against the Spaniards
1571June 24Legazpi establishes the Spanish Colonial Government in Manila and proclaims it the capital of the colony
1571December 11Provincehood of Pampanga, first province in Luzon to be inaugurated by the Spaniards.
1572August 20Legazpi dies and Guido de Lavezaris succeeds him as Governor-General (1572–1575)
1574November 7Enslavement of Filipinos is prohibited by a royal cedula from the Spanish king, as a response to a protest against it a day earlier.
1574Chinese pirate Limahong, with his men, invades Luzon; proceeds later to Manila.
1574November 23The Chinese pirate captain Limahong attacks Manila but fails
1574December 2Limahong again attacks Manila with 1500 soldiers but again fails to defeat the Spaniards
1574DecemberLakandula lead a short revolt against the Spanish.
1575Ciudad de Nueva Cáceres established by Captain Pedro de Sanchez
1575Juan de Salcedo defeats Limahong and his men in Pangasinan, forcing them to flee into the mountains.
1575August 25Francisco de Sande appointed Governor-General (1575–1580)
1577Arrival of the Franciscans
1579Diocese of Manila established

1580s

YearDateEventSource
1580AprilGonzalo Ronquillo de Peñaloza appointed Governor-General (1580–1583)
1580April 5Establishment of Pangasinan as a provincial unit.
1580King Philip II of Spain becomes King of Portugal, ending the Portuguese harassment of the Philippines
1580The Spaniards institute forced labor on all male natives aged 16 to 60.
1581Arrival of the country's first bishop, Salazar.
1581Arrival of the Jesuits
1581MarchArrival of the first Dominicans in the Philippines
1582Battles take place between Spanish forces and Japanese Ronin
1583March 10Diego Ronquillo appointed Governor-General (1583–1584)
1583AugustA great fire destroys Manila.
1584May 16Santiago de Vera appointed Governor-General (1584–1590)
1585Pampangos Revolt (1585)
1586The construction of San Agustin Church in Intramuros.
1587July 21Arrival of Miguel de Benavides with the second batch of Dominicans in the Philippines, and the establishment of the Province of the Most Holy Rosary of the Philippines
1587Conspiracy of the Maharlikas (1587–1588)
1589Revolts Against the Tribute (1589)

1590s

YearDateEventSource
1590Missionaries from the Society of Jesus established the Colegio de Manila in Intramuros.
1590June 1Gómez Pérez Dasmariñas appointed Governor-General (1590–1593)
1592Miguel de Benavides's Doctrina Christiana in Chinese published
1593Doctrina Christiana in Spanish and Tagalog is published in the first printing press said to be established by Dominicans.
1593OctoberPedro de Rojas appointed Governor-General (1593)
1593December 3Luis Pérez Dasmariñas appointed Governor-General (1593–1596)
1593Dominicans pioneer printing in the Philippines by producing through the old technique of xylography. This technique produced the Doctrina Christiana en Lengua Española y Tagala and the Doctrina Christiana en Lengua y Letra China, the first books in the Philippines
1594Convent of Santa Isabel founded
1595Diocese of Manila raised to an archbishopric, with Bishop Ignacio Santibáñez its first archbishop
1595Diocese of Nueva Segovia established, with Miguel de Benavides as its first bishop.
1595Diocese of Caceres established, with Luis Maldonado as its first bishop.
1595Diocese of Cebu established, with Pedro de Agurto as its first bishop.
1595Colegio de San Ildefonso founded in Cebu
1596Magalat Revolt (1596)
1596July 14Francisco de Tello de Guzmán appointed Governor-General (1596–1602)
1598Colegio de Santa Potenciana, the first school for girls in the Philippines, established
1600Pedro Bucaneg inscribes the oral epic Biag ni Lam-ang

17th century

1600s

YearDateEventSource
1600The Dutch attacks the archipelago in a tactical offensive during the European war between Spain and the Netherlands
1600Bandala System is formed by the Spanish Colonial Government
1600The Galleon trade between Manila and Acapulco, Mexico begins.
1601Igorot Revolt (1601).
1601August 1Colegio de San Jose is established
1602Chinese revolt of 1602
1602Fray Blancas de San Jose, O.P. together with Tomas Pinpin succeeds in making typographic printing through movable type
1602MayPedro Bravo de Acuña appointed Governor-General (1602–1606).
1605July 24Archbishop Miguel de Benavides bequeaths his library and a total amount of ₱1,500 for the establishment of a seminary college, the present-day University of Santo Tomas in Manila.
1606Arrival of the Recollects
1606June 24Cristóbal Téllez de Almanza appointed Governor-General (1606–1608) by the Audiencia Real.
1608June 15Rodrigo de Vivero y Velasco appointed Governor-General (1608–1609).
1609AprilJuan de Silva appointed Governor-General (1609–1616).
1609The Dominicans granted permission to open a seminary-college by Philip III of Spain
1609Philip III issues a royal cedula requesting from Governor Juan de Silva and the Real Audiencia a report on the projected college.

1610s

YearDateEventSource
1611Philip III's permission to open the Dominican's seminary college arrives in Manila
1611April 28Act of Foundation for the establishment of the University of Santo Tomas, then known as the Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario, signed. The Document of Foundation was signed by Fr. Baltasar Fort, O.P., Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Holy Rosary, Fr. Francisco Minayo, O.P., Prior of the Santo Domingo Convent, and Fr. Bernardo de Santa Catalina, O.P., Commissary-General of the Holy Office of the Philippines. Notary Juan Illian witnessed the signing of the act of foundation.
1612Fr. Domingo Gonzalez, O.P. appointed to work on the completion of the organization of the Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario
1612The Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario formally opens
1616April 19Andrés Alcaraz appointed Governor-General (1616–1618) by the Audiencia Real.
1616June 29The Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario given authorization to confer academic degrees in Theology and Philosophy by the Holy See
1616Governor Alonso Fajardo de Entenza recognizes the Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santísimo Rosario
1618July 3Alonso Fajardo de Entenza appointed Governor-General (1618–1624).
1619University of Santo Tomas, then known as Colegio de Nuestra Señora del Santissimo Rosario, recognized by the Holy See.

1620s

YearDateEventSource
1620San Juan de Letran established as the Colegio de Huerfanos de San Pedro y San Pablo.
1621The Colegio de Manila raised to the status of a university and renamed as the Universidad de San Ignacio by Pope Gregory XV.
1621Tamblot Revolt (1621–1622)
1621Bankaw Revolt (1621–1622)
1624JulyJeronimo de Silva appointed Governor-General (1624–1625) by the Audiencia Real.
1624JulyFernando de Silva appointed Governor-General (1624–1626).
1624The Faculties of Philosophy and Theology implemented by the royal order of Philip IV of Spain
1625Isneg Revolt (1625–1627)
1625Tomas Pinpin's printing press settles at the Colegio
1626June 29Juan Niño de Tabora appointed Governor-General (1626–1632).
1627University of Santo Tomas, then Colegio de Santo Tomas, authorized to confer degrees by Pope Urban VIII.

1630s

YearDateEventSource
1632July 22Lorenzo de Olaza appointed Governor-General (1632–1633) by the Audiencia Real.
1632Colegio de Santa Isabel established
1633August 29Juan Cerezo de Salamanca appointed Governor-General (1632–1635).
1635June 25Sebastián Hurtado de Corcuera appointed Governor-General (1635–1644).
1637Sucesos Felices is published by Tomas Pinpin; first newsletter in the country.
1639Cagayan Revolt (1639)

1640s

YearDateEventSource
1640Universidad de San Felipe de Austria established as the first Public University in the Philippines
1643Universidad de San Felipe de Austria closed down
1643Ladia Revolt (1643)
1644August 11Diego Fajardo Chacón appointed Governor-General (1644–1653).
1645An earthquake destroys Manila.
1645November 20The Colegio de Santo Tomas raised to the status of a university and renamed as the University of Santo Tomas by Pope Innocent X, upon the request of King Philip IV of Spain.
1645The Master General of the Dominican Order assumes the power of appointing the Rector Magnificus of Santo Tomas by virtue of the permission granted by Pope Innocent X
1645Zambales Revolt (1645)
1645Pampanga Revolt (1645)
1646October 4Spanish and Filipino forces defeat the Dutch invaders in an encounter, their fifth and final battle, in Manila Bay near Corregidor in Cavite.
1647Dutch besieged the Spanish in the Battle of Puerto de Cavite.
1649Sumuroy Revolt (1649–50)
1649Pintados Revolt (1649–50)

1650s

YearDateEventSource
1653July 25Sabiniano Manrique de Lara appointed Governor-General (1653–1663).

1660s

YearDateEventSource
1660Zambal Revolt (1660)
1660October 7Maniago Revolt (1660)
1660December 15Malong Revolt (1660–1661)
1661Ilocano Revolt (1661)
1662Chinese revolt of 1662
1663September 8Diego de Salcedo appointed Governor-General (1663–1668).
1663Tapar Revolt (1663)
1668September 28Juan Manuel de la Peña Bonifaz appointed Governor-General (1668–1669).
1669September 24Manuel de León appointed Governor-General (1669–1677).

1670s

YearDateEventSource
1677September 21Francisco Coloma appointed Governor-General (1677) by the Audiencia Real.
1677September 21Francisco Sotomayor y Mansilla appointed Governor-General (1677–1678) by the Audiencia Real.
1678September 28Juan de Vargas y Hurtado appointed Governor-General (1678–1684).

1680s

YearDateEventSource
1680May 12University of Santo Tomas placed under Royal Patronage by King Charles II of Spain.
1681Sambal Revolt (1681–1683)
1684August 24Gabriel de Curuzealegui y Arriola appointed Governor-General (1684–1689).
1686The construction of Paoay Church in Ilocos Norte.
1686Tingco plot (1686)
1689AprilAlonso de Avila Fuertes appointed Governor-General (1689–1690) by the Audiencia Real

1690s

YearDateEventSource
1690July 25Fausto Cruzat y Gongora appointed Governor-General (1690–1701).

18th century

1700s

YearDateEventSource
1701December 8Domingo Zabálburu de Echevarri appointed Governor-General (1701–1709).
1704North Borneo is ceded by the sultan of Brunei to the sultan of Sulu.
1709August 25Martín de Urzua y Arismendi appointed Governor-General (1709–1715).

1710s

YearDateEventSource
1715February 4Jose Torralba appointed Governor-General (1715–1717) by the Audiencia Real.
1717August 9Fernando Manuel de Bustillo Bustamante y Rueda appointed Governor-General (1717–1719).
1718Rivera Revolt (1718)
1719October 11Archbishop Francisco de la Cuesta of Manila becomes acting Governor-General (1719–1721).

1720s

YearDateEventSource
Caragay Revolt (1719)
1721August 6Toribio José Cosio y Campo appointed Governor-General (1721–1729).
1722Colegio de San Jose conferred with the title Royal.
1729August 14Fernándo Valdés y Tamon appointed Governor-General (1729–1739).

1730s

YearDateEventSource
1734September 2The Faculties of Civil Law and Canon Law of the University of Santo Tomas established by virtue of a royal cedula of Charles II of Spain
1739JulyGaspar de la Torre appointed Governor-General (1739–1745).

1740s

YearDateEventSource
1744Dagohoy Rebellion (1744–1829), the longest in country's history, wherein Bohol is proclaimed independent from the Spanish.
1745September 21Archbishop Juan Arrechederra of Manila becomes acting Governor-General (1745–1750).
1745Agrarian Revolt (1745–1746)

1750s

YearDateEventSource
1750July 20Jose Francisco de Obando y Solis appointed Governor-General (1750–1754).
1754May 15Mt Taal emits magma and destroys the towns of Lipa, Sala, Tanauan and Talisay.
1754July 26Pedro Manuel de Arandia Santisteban appointed Governor-General (1754–1759).
1759JuneMiguel Lino de Ezpeleta appointed Governor-General (1759–1761).

1760s

YearDateEventSource
1761JulyArchbishop Manuel Rojo del Rio y Vieyra of Manila appointed Governor-General (1761–1762).
1762Palaris Revolt (1762–1765)
1762Camarines Revolt (1762–1764)
1762Cebu Revolt (1762–1764)
1762British forces looted and plundered many of Manila establishments through the so-called Rape of Manila.
1762Rector Fr. Domingo Collantes of the University of Santo Tomas organizes four companies of university students to help in the defense of the city against the British Invasion of Manila
1762September 22British fleet entered seizes Manila Bay as part of the Seven Years' War
1762October 5Manila fell under the British rule; start of the British occupation.
1762October 6de Anda y Salazar appointed Governor-General (1762–17614) by the Real Audiencia. Provisional Government established in Bacolor, Pampanga with de Anda as dictator.
1762October 8Gov. Gen. de Anda moves the seat of the Spanish government to Bacolor, Pampanga, becoming the temporary capital of the Philippines.
1762November 2The British East India Company commissioned The Rt Hon. Dawsonne Drake became the first British governor-general of the Philippines until 1764.
1762November 14Silang Revolt (1762–63)
1763Dabo and Marayac Revolt (1763)
1763Isabela Revolt (1763).
1763February 10Treaty of Paris implicitly returns Manila to Spain.
1763May 28Death of Diego Silang
1763SeptemberExecution of Gabriela Silang, the only Filipina to have led a revolt
1764March 17Simón de Anda y Salazar hands over the control of the colonial government to Francisco Javier de la Torre, newly appointed Governor-General (1764–1765)
1764June 11The last of the British ships that sailed to Manila leaves the Philippines for India, ending the British occupation.
1765February 10Royal Fiscal of Manila Don Francisco Léandro de Viana writes the famous letter to King Charles III of Spain, later called as "Viana Memorial of 1765". The document advised the king to abandon the colony due to the economic and social devastation created by the Seven Years' War. The suggestion was not heeded.
1765July 6José Antonio Raón y Gutiérrez appointed Governor-General (1765–1770)
1765Governor Raon orders the minting of parallelogramic-shaped coins called barrillas, the first coined minted in the Philippines.
176817 MayRoyal decree banishing the Society of Jesus from Spain and the Spanish dominions reaches Manila
1769July 23The Society of Jesus in the Philippines is expelled by Raón after receiving a dated later from Charles III's chief minister Don Pedro Pablo Abarca de Bolea on March 1, 1767. The Jesuit's Properties are confiscated by the Spanish Colonial Government
1769The closure of the Jesuit Universidad de San Ignacio leaves the University of Santo Tomas as the only institution of higher learning in the colony.

1770s

YearDateEventSource
1770JulySimón de Anda y Salazar appointed Governor-General (1770–1776)
1771Moro pirates traveled all over the country and raids many fishing villages in Manila Bay, Mariveles, Parañaque, Pasay and Malate.
1773July 21Clement XIV suppresses the Society of Jesus in his papal brief Dominus ac Redemptor
1774November 9Parishes secularized by order of King Charles III of Spain.
1776October 30Pedro de Sarrio appointed Governor-General (1776–1778)
1778JulyJosé Basco y Vargas appointed Governor-General (1778–1787)

1780s

YearDateEventSource
1780Real Sociedad Economica de los Amigos del Pais de Filipinas (Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Philippines) introduced in the Philippines to offer local and foreign scholarships and professorships to Filipinos, and financed trips of scientists from Spain to the Philippines
1781Charles III of Spain authorizes the University of Santo Tomas to prepare its own statutes, independent of those of the University of Mexico
1783Bishop Mateo Joaquin de Arevalo of Cebu establishes the Colegio-Seminario de San Carlos from the old building of the defunct Colegio de San Ildefonso, which was closed down in 1769 after the suppression of the Jesuits.
1783June 26An island group, which would be named Batanes, is annexed to the Philippines by the Spanish and is founded as a province called Provincia de la Concepcion.
1785Lagutao Revolt (1785).
1785May 20University of Santo Tomas granted Royal Title by King Charles III of Spain.
1787September 22Pedro de Sarrio appointed Governor-General (1787–1788)
1788Ilocos Norte Revolt (1788).
1788April 2Birth of the greatest Tagalog poet from Bulacan Francisco "Balagtas" Baltazar.
1788July 1Félix Berenguer de Marquina appointed Governor-General (1788–1793)

1790s

YearDateEventSource
1793September 1Rafael María de Aguilar y Ponce de León appointed Governor-General (1793–1806)

19th century

1800s

YearDateEventSource
1805Nueva Vizcaya Revolt (1805)
1806August 7Mariano Fernández de Folgueras appointed Governor-General (1806–1810)
1807September 16Ambaristo Revolt (1807)
1808MayFrench Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte installs his brother Joseph Bonaparte as King of Spain.
1809January 22King Joseph Bonaparte gives Filipinos Spanish Citizenship and grants the colony representation in the Spanish Cortes

1810s

YearDateEventSource
1810March 4Manuel Gonzalez de Aguilar appointed Governor-General (1806–1813)
1811Del Superior Govierno is established in Manila by Gov. Gen. Fernandez de Folgueras; the country's first newspaper lasted six months.
1812March 19The Spanish Cortes promulgates the Cadiz Constitution
1812September 24The first Philippine delegates to the Spanish Cortes, Pedro Perez de Tagle and Jose Manuel Coretto take their oath of office in Madrid, Spain.
1813March 17The Cadiz Constitution implemented in Manila.
1813September 4José Gardoqui Jaraveitia appointed Governor-General (1806–1816)
1813October 16Napoleon is defeated in the Battle of the Nations near Leipzig
1813OctoberBritish General Duke of Wellington drives the Napoleonic forces out of Spain
1814Ferdinand VII proclaimed as King of Spain; Conservatives return to the Spanish Cortes
1814February 1Mt. Mayon erupts, affecting Albay and leaving 1,200 dead.
1815June 18Napoleon is defeated in Waterloo
1815October 15Napoleon is exiled in St. Helena's Island
1816Cadiz Constitution is rejected by the conservative government and Filipino representation in the Spanish Cortes is abolished
1816December 10Mariano Fernández de Folgueras appointed Governor-General (1816–1822)
1818February 2A royal decree divides old Ilocos province into Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur.

1820s

YearDateEventSource
1822October 30Juan Antonio Martinez appointed Governor-General (1822–1825)
1825October 14Mariano Ricafort Palacín y Abarca appointed Governor-General (1825–1830)
1828Earthquake strikes Manila destroying many of its buildings
1829August 31Dagohoy Revolt in Bohol ended.

1830s

YearDateEventSource
1830December 23Pascual Enrile y Alcedo appointed Governor-General (1830–1835)
1830Manila is opened to the world market
1835March 1Gabriel de Torres appointed Governor-General (1835)
1835April 23Joaquín de Crámer appointed Governor-General (1835)
1835September 9Pedro Antonio Salazar Castillo y Varona appointed Governor-General (1835)
1835Chamber of Commerce is formed
1837August 27Andrés García Camba appointed Governor-General (1837–1838)
1837Manila is made an open port.
1838December 29Luis Lardizábal appointed Governor-General (1838–1841)
1838Florante at Laura is published.

1840s

YearDateEventSource
1841February 14Marcelino de Oraá Lecumberri appointed Governor-General (1841–1843)
1841August 11Samar province is declared independent, separating from the provinces of Leyte and Cebu, through a decree issued by Queen Isabela III of Spain.
1841November 4Apolinario Dela Cruz better known as Hermano Pule was executed.
1843June 17Francisco de Paula Alcalá de la Torre appointed Governor-General (1843–1844)
1844July 16Narciso Clavería y Zaldúa appointed Governor-General (1844–1849)
1846December 1La Esperanza is established by Miguel Sanchez; the country's first daily newspaper lasted three years.
1848Diario de Manila, best edited newspaper, is published.
1849December 26Antonio María Blanco appointed Governor-General (1849–1850)

1850s

YearDateEventSource
1850July 29Antonio de Urbistondo y Eguía appointed Governor-General (1850–1853)
1852December 4Glowing avalanche from Mt Hibok-Hibok.
1853December 20Ramón Montero y Blandino appointed Governor-General (1853–1854)
1854February 2Manuel Pavía y Lacy appointed Governor-General (1854)
1854October 28Ramón Montero y Blandino appointed Governor-General (1854)
1854November 20Manuel Crespo y Cebrían appointed Governor-General (1854)
1856December 5Ramón Montero y Blandino appointed Governor-General (1856–1857)
1857January 12Fernándo Norzagaray y Escudero appointed Governor-General (1857–1860)
1859Jesuits return to the Philippines
1859Jesuits takes over the Escuela Municipal and establishes the Ateneo Municipal

1860s

YearDateEventSource
1860The country's first Masonic lodge is founded in Cavite.
1860January 12Ramón María Solano y Llanderal appointed Governor-General (1860)
1860August 29Juan Herrera Davila appointed Governor-General (1860–1861)
1861February 2José Lemery e Ibarrola Ney y González appointed Governor-General (1861–1862)
1861June 19Birth of Jose Rizal, one of the country' national heroes
1861Escuela de Artes Y Oficios de Bacolor established as Asia's oldest vocational school.
1862El Pasig is published, a bilingual fortnightly paper, one of the first native newspapers.
1862July 7Salvador Valdés appointed Governor-General (1862)
1862July 9Rafaél de Echagüe y Bermingham appointed Governor-General (1862–1865)
1863June 3An earthquake leaves Manila in ruins
1863November 30Andres Bonifacio, founder of the Katipunan, was born.
1864July 23Apolinario Mabini, the Brains of the Revolution, was born.
1865University of Santo Tomas made the center for public instruction throughout the Philippines by royal decree of Queen Isabella II of Spain.
1865Observatorio Meteorológico del Ateneo Municipal de Manila (Manila Observatory) established by the Jesuits
1865March 24Joaquín del Solar e Ibáñez appointed Governor-General (1862–1865)
1865April 25Juan de Lara e Irigoyen appointed Governor-General (1862–1865)
1866July 13José Laureano de Sanz y Posse appointed Governor-General (1866)
1866September 21Juan Antonio Osorio appointed Governor-General (1866)
1866September 27Joaquín del Solar e Ibáñez appointed Governor-General (1866)
1866October 26José de la Gándara y Navarro appointed Governor-General (1866–1869)
1867Colegio de Santa Isabel established in Naga by Bishop Francisco Gainza, OP of Nueva Caceres, through the royal decree of Queen Isabella II of Spain.
1869November 17Suez Canal opened; shortening duration of travel from the Philippines to Europe.
1869Colegio de Santa Isabel inaugurated as the first Normal School in Southeast Asia
1869June 7Manuel Maldonado appointed Governor-General (1869)
1869June 23Carlos María de la Torre y Navacerrada appointed Governor-General (1869–1871)

1870s

YearDateEventSource
1871The Gabinete de Fisica of the University of Santo Tomas established as the first Museum in the Philippines.
1871The Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the University of Santo Tomas is established as the first school of Medicine and Pharmacy in the Philippines.
1871April 4Rafael de Izquierdo y Gutíerrez appointed Governor-General (1871–1873)
1872January 20About 200 Filipinos stage a mutiny in Cavite.
1872February 17Priests Mariano Gomez, José Apolonio Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora are implicated in the Cavite Mutiny and executed.
1873January 8Manuel MacCrohon appointed Governor-General (1873)
1873January 24Juan Alaminos y Vivar appointed Governor-General (1873–1874)
1874March 17Manuel Blanco Valderrama appointed acting Governor-General (1874)
1874June 18José Malcampo y Monje appointed Governor-General (1874–1877)
1875The Colegio de San Jose incorporated into the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the University of Santo Tomas.
1875September 18Colegio de Santa Isabel is established in present-day Camarines Sur province as the country's first normal school for girls.
1877Spanish colonial government conducts the first official national census in the country.
1877February 28Domingo Moriones y Murillo appointed Governor-General (1877–1880)
1878Sabah is leased by the Sultan of Sulu to the British North Borneo Company.

1880s

YearDateEventSource
1880March 20Rafael Rodríguez Arias appointed Governor-General (1880)
1880April 15Fernando Primo de Rivera, 1st Marquis of Estella appointed Governor-General (1880–1883)
1880Manila is connected through telegraphic cable with Europe by Eastern Telecom.
1880July 18Two shocks of an earthquake create destruction from Manila to Santa Cruz, Luguna. Tremors continue until Aug 6
1882March 3Jose Rizal leaves for Spain to continue his medical studies
1882June 2Jose Rizal begins writing the Noli Me Tangere
1883March 10Emilio Molíns becomes acting Governor-General (1883).
1883April 7Joaquín Jovellar appointed Governor-General (1883–1885)
1884Required forced labor of 40 days a year is reduced to 15 days by the Spanish Colonial Government.
1884June 21Rizal finishes his medical studies in Spain
1885April 1Emilio Molíns becomes acting Governor-General (1885).
1885April 4Emilio Terrero y Perinat appointed Governor-General (1885–1888)
1886February 26Establishment of the Audiencia Territorial de Cebu.
1886May 10Felix Manalo, founder of Iglesia ni Cristo is born.
1887May 29Noli Me Tangere published.
1887OctoberRizal starts writing the El Filibusterismo
1887The Manila School of Agriculture is established.
1888March 1A massive anti-friar demonstration took place in Manila
1888March 10Antonio Molto and Federico Lobaton became acting Governor-General (1888)
1888Valeriano Wéyler appointed Governor-General (1888–1891)
1888December 10La Solidaridad established
1888December 12A petition, seeking permission for a night school, is submitted by 21 young women of Malolos, Bulacan, to the Governor-General.
1889La Solidaridad is first published in Spain as the Propaganda Movement's organ.
1889El Ilocano is established; country's first local newspaper.

1890s

YearDateEventSource
1891March 28Rizal finishes writing El Filibusterismo in Biarritz, France
1891El Filibusterismo published in Ghent, Belgium
1891Eulogio Despujol appointed Governor-General (1891–1893)
1892Diariong Tagalog is published; first native daily paper, lasted at least three months.
1892June 26Rizal arrives in the Philippines from Europe via Hong Kong
1892July 3Rizal forms the La Liga Filipina
1892July 7Rizal is arrested for establishing the La Liga Filipina
1892July 7Andres Bonifacio secretly established the Katipunan.
1892July 7Rizal is exiled to Dapitan
1892September 23Filipino painter Juan Luna shot dead his wife Paz Pardo De Tavera.
1892November 24Ferrocaril de Manila-Dagupan is opened, country's first railroad line with route of ManilaDagupan, the forerunner of the Philippine National Railways.
1893El Hogar is established; country's first publication for and by women.
1893March 10Federico Ochando becomes acting Governor-General (1893)
1893Ramón Blanco appointed Governor-General (1893–1896)
1894July 8Bonifacio forms the Katipunan
1894October 17Sorsogon province was separated from Albay province.
1895First local (municipal) elections
1895April 12Recorded "earliest" day of celebration of independence, when Andres Bonifacio and other Katipuneros go to Pamitinan Cave in Montalban (now Rodriguez), Rizal to initiate new Katipunan members.
1896Republic of Kakarong de Sili is established in Pandi, Bulacan.
1896July 1Rizal is recruited as a physician for the Spanish Army in Cuba by Governor Ramon Blanco
1896August 6Rizal returns to Manila from Cuba
1896August 19Katipunan is discovered by the Spanish authorities. Katipuneros flee to Balintawak
1896August 23Revolution is proclaimed by Bonifacio at the Cry of Balintawak. Katipuneros tear up their cedulas
1896August 26Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and other Katipuneros board Rizal's ship to Barcelona. They offer his rescue but Rizal refused
1896August 30Revolutionary Battle at San Juan del Monte. Governor Ramon Blanco proclaims a state of war in Manila, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, Bulacan, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.
1896August 30Battle of San Juan del Monte took place.
1896September 2Rizal Boards the ship Isla de Panay for Barcelona
1896September 2Gen. Mariano Llanera leads the Filipino revolutionaries in a three-day battle against the Spanish forces in San Isidro, Nueva Ecija.
1896September 4Four members of Katipunan involved in the Battle of San Juan del Monte, were executed on the Campo de Bagumbayan.
1896September 12Thirteen Filipinos were executed in Plaza de Armas in the town of Cavite.
1896October 3Rizal arrives at Barcelona
1896October 4Rizal is imprisoned in Montjuich by order of Capt. Gen. Despujo
1896October 6Rizal returns to Manila as a prisoner
1896October 31A new group of the Katipunan is formed in Cavite headed by Emilio Aguinaldo
1896October 31Emilio Aguinaldo issues his manifestos in Kawit, Cavite, declaring the aim of the revolution and announcing the formation of a central revolutionary committee for the municipal government.
1896November 11Filipino forces, under Emilio Aguinaldo, defeat the Spaniards in a battle in Kawit, Cavite.
1896November 13Rizal arrives in Manila and is incarcerated in Fort Santiago
1896November 20Rizal is interrogated for charges against the Spanish Colonial Government
1896December 13Camilo Polavieja becomes acting Governor-General (1896–1897)
1896December 30Rizal is executed at Bagumbayan.
1897January 1Some 3,000 Filipino fighters die in an attack by the Spanish soldiers against revolutionaries under Gen. Eusebio Roque in Pandi, Bulacan.
1897January 4Eleven of the 15 Filipinos of Bicol were executed at the Luneta in Manila
1897January 11Thirteen La Liga Filipina members are executed at Luneta, Manila.
1897February 6Katipunan leader Roman Basa and eight members are executed in Bagumbayan.
1897February 17Battle of Zapote Bridge
1897March 22The Katipunan creates a revolutionary government and holds its election, during Tejeros Convention in Cavite, said to be the first election ever held in country's electoral history. Emilio Aguinaldo is elected as president.
1897March 23Nineteen Filipinos of Kalibo, Aklan were executed
1897April 15José de Lachambre becomes acting Governor-General (1897)
1897April 18Dissenters from the Tejeros Convention election results concluded the Naic Military Agreement-
1897April 23Fernando Primo de Rivera appointed Governor-General (1897–1898)
1897April 29Katipuneros arrest Andres Bonifacio and his brothers Procopio and Ciriaco on orders of Aguinaldo with sedition and treason before a military court of the Katipunan.
1897May 8The Katipunan convicts and sentences Bonifacio brothers to death
1897May 10Andres Bonifacio and his brothers are executed at Mt. Buntis, Maragondon, Cavite.
1897May 31Aguinaldo establishes a Philippine republican government in Biak-na-Bato, San Miguel, Bulacan.
1897August 10Aguinaldo begins negotiating with the Spaniards colonial government in Manila with Pedro Paterno as representative.
1897August 15A 7.9 intensity estimated earthquake hits Luzon's northwest coast
1897November 1Constitution of Biak-na-Bato is promulgated by the revolutionaries, including Aguinaldo.
1897December 14Pact of Biak-na-Bato, between Filipinos and Spaniards, signed.
1897December 27Aguinaldo is self-exiled to Hong Kong following the Pact of Biak-na-Bato
1898The only issue of Katipunan#Kalayaan, the official organ of the Katipunan, is published.
1898The American Soldier and The Soldier's Letter are published; first English language newspapers.
1898Official Gazette is established by the civil government.
1898February 8The Katipunan is revived by Emilio Jacinto and Feliciano Jocson
1898March 25A revolutionary government in Candon, Ilocos Sur is established by Don Isabelo Abaya as he starts Cry of Candon.
1898April 3Pantaleon Villegas leads a battle against Spanish forces in present-day Cebu City; said to be the start of the revolution in Cebu province.
1898April 11Basilio Augustín appointed Governor-General (1898)
1898April 14Local Katipunan members under Ildefonso Moreno conduct an uprising against Spanish colonizers in Daet town.
1898April 17A provisional government is established by Gen. Francisco Macabulos, with its own constitution signed; lasts about a month.
1898April 24Aguinaldo meets American Consul, Mr. Pratt, at Singapore.
1898April 26Aguinaldo goes to Hong Kong.
1898April 26The US declares war on Spain.
1898May 1Commodore George Dewey attacks Manila
1898May 19Aguinaldo and his companions return to Cavite Province from exile in Hong Kong.
1898May 24Aguinaldo proclaims a dictatorial government and issues two decrees which show his trust and reliance in US protection
1898May 28Filipino revolutionaries defeat the Spanish forces in a battle in Alapan, Imus, Cavite, with the first unfurling of the Philippine flag.
1898June 12Philippine Independence from Spain is declared by Filipino revolutionaries, led by Pres. Aguinaldo, in Kawit, Cavite.
1898June 23Aguinaldo changes the dictatorial government to revolutionary government.
1898June 27Over 50 Spanish soldiers begin to hide themselves at a church in Baler town, in what would be their last stand in the country against the revolutionaries.
1898July 15Aguinaldo creates a cabinet
1898July 15The Malolos Congress in established
1898July 17US reinforcements and troops arrive in the Philippines.
1898July 22Pangasinan Province is liberated from the Spanish.
1898July 24Fermín Jáudenes becomes acting Governor-General (1898)
1898August 13Francisco Rizzo becomes acting Governor-General (1898)
1898August 13Wesley Merritt appointed Military Governor (1898)
1898August 14The Spanish surrender to the U.S., which took Manila.
1898August 22Revolutionary government headquarters is transferred from Bacoor, Cavite to Malolos, Bulacan through a decree issued by Pres. Aguinaldo.
1898August 29Elwell S. Otis appointed Military Governor (1898–1900)
1898SeptemberDiego de los Ríos becomes acting Governor-General (1898)
1898September 15Delegates of what would be known as the Malolos Congress convene at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan to draft a Constitution for the country.
1898September 29The Malolos Congress meets and elects its officers; ratifies the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on June.
1898September 29El Horado de la Revolucion, the official publication of the Malolos Congress, publishes its first issue.
1898October 11The Manila Times is founded by Thomas Cowan and publishes its first issue; the country's oldest running broadsheet; its first incarnation lasted 32 years.
1898October 15The American is published by Franklyn Brooks; second English language daily paper.
1898October 19Universidad Literaria de Filipinas is established in Malolos, Bulacan through a presidential decree.
1898October 24Enrique Mendiola founds a college school for boys, the Burgos Institute, in Malolos, Bulacan.
1898October 25Establishment of Academia Militar, country's first military training school that lasted for less than a year.
1898November 5A revolutionary movement under Gen. Aniceto Lacson and Gen. Juan Araneta proclaims the Republic of Negros in Bago town.
1898November 7Revolutionary forces promulgates a constitution for the Republic of Negros and declare Gen. Lacson as president.
1898November 17Provisional revolutionary government of the Visayas is organized in Santa Barbara town upon liberation of the majority of Iloilo province, with Roque Lopez elected president; Cry of Santa Barbara occurs.
1898November 22Town of San Jose in Antique is captured from Spanish forces by revolutionaries under Leandro Fullon, who established a provincial government.
1898November 29Malolos Congress approves its draft Constitution.
1898December 10Spain and the U.S. sign the Treaty of Paris. Article III provides for the cession of the Philippines to the U.S. by Spain and the payment of 20 million dollars to Spain by the US.
1898December 21US president McKinley issues the Benevolent Assimilation Proclamation
1898December 23Pres. Aguinaldo signs the Malolos Constitution.
1898December 24Gov. Gen. de los Rios surrenders the town of Iloilo to revolutionary forces under Gen. Martin Delgado.
1899January 20U.S. Pres. McKinley appoints the first Philippine Commission, known as the Schurman Commission
1899January 21The Malolos Constitution is promulgated by Aguinaldo.
1899January 23The Malolos Republic government, Asia's first republic, is inaugurated at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan; Emilio Aguinaldo takes his oath of office as the first president of the Philippines.
1899February 4Hostilities break out between the Filipino and U.S. forces.
1899February 6The US Senate ratifies the Treaty of Paris with Spain
1899March 3La Justicia, Cebu province's first Filipino-owned newspaper, publishes its first issue.
1899March 4The Schurman Commission arrives in Manila
1899April 23Filipino forces under Gen. Gregorio del Pilar defeated the Americans in an encounter in Quingua (now Plaridel), Bulacan.
1899May 6Aguinaldo creates a new cabinet
1899May 6The country's first municipal election is held in Baliuag, Bulacan.
1899May 12Filipino troops, led by Emilio Aguinaldo, recapture the Calumpit and Baliwag towns from the Americans.
1899May 18General Vicente Alvarez establishes the Republic of Zamboanga.
1899May 20Aguinaldo's moves face opposition from Apolinario Mabini and Antonio Luna
1899June 2Siege of Baler ends after 11 months, with 35 surviving Spanish soldiers surrendered.
1899June 5Antonio Luna killed
1899October 11Pres. Aguinaldo moves the seat of government from San Isidro, Nueva Ecija to Tarlac Province.
1899December 2Gregorio Del Pilar killed in the Battle of Tirad Pass.
1899December 4An American base is attacked by the Filipinos in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

20th century

1900s

YearDateEventSource
1900January 21The Schurman Commission returns to the U.S.
1900February 2Manila Bulletin is founded as a shipping journal by Carson Taylor, an American, and publishes its first issue.
1900March 16U.S. Pres. McKinley appoints the second Philippine Commission, known as the Taft Commission
1900MarchAmerican forces capture Bohol.
1900AprilBattle of Cagayan de Misamis
1900AprilSiege of Catubig
1900May 5MacArthur, Jr appointed Military Governor (1900–1901)
1900MayBattle of Agusan Hill
1900JuneBattle of Makahambus Hill
1900June 3The Taft Commission arrives in Manila
1900July 31Filipino revolutionaries defeat American troops in a battle in Boac, Marinduque, said to be the first recorded armed encounter between two forces.
1900August 20Pres. Aguinaldo orders the start of attack against American forces in northern Luzon.
1900SeptemberBattle of Pulang Lupa
1900SeptemberBattle of Mabitac
1900December 23Partido Liberal established
1901March 2The Army Appropriation Act, also known as the Spooner Amendment, is passed by the US Senate.
1901March 23Pres. Aguinaldo is captured by US authorities in Palanan town.
1901April 1Aguinaldo takes an oath of allegiance to the US.
1901April 15Gov. Taft inaugurates the provincial government of Capiz.
1901June 11Establishment of Rizal Province by the second Philippine Commission, upon unification of then provinces of Manila and Morong.
1901June 17El Colegio de San Beda established
1901July 1End of insurrection declared
1901July 4Adna Chaffee appointed as the last US Military Governor (1901–1902)
1901July 4A civil government is established in the Philippines with William Howard Taft as the first Civil Governor (1901–1904)
1901July 18The US organizes the Philippine Constabulary
1901August 28Silliman Institute, later known as Silliman University, is established as the first American university in the Philippines.
1901SeptemberThe first Filipino members of the second Philippine Commission are appointed
1901September 28Guerillas, headed by the Filipino Captain Eugenio Daza, attack the U.S. military barracks in Balangiga, Samar; Americans' "worst single defeat."
1901September 29Balangiga massacre occurs
1901October 20A U.S. Marine battalion arrives on Samar to conduct the March across Samar operation
1901October 29The president of the United States creates the position of provincial vice governor in the country, under the Spooner Amendment.
1901November 4The Philippine Commission enacts the Sedition Act
1901December 14An earthquake estimated of magnitude 7.8 shakes Lucena City.
1902JanuaryThe first labor union of The Country, Union de Litografose Impresores de Filipinas, is organized.
1902January 21The Philippine Commission calls for the organization of Public Schools in the Philippines.
1902March 30The US Marines leave Balangiga
1902April 16General Miguel Malvar surrenders to the US forces
1902MayGovernor Taft negotiates with Pope Leo XIII the sale of the friar lands in the Philippines
1902May 2Macario Sakay establishes a second Tagalog Republic.
1902JuneMindoro and Lubang islands are annexed to Marinduque province.
1902July 1The Philippine Organic Act was enacted.
1902July 1Cooper Act is passed by the US Senate. Philippine Assembly is established
1902July 4Americans proclaim the end of the Philippine–American War, however fighting continues
1902August 3The foundation of Iglesia Filipina Independiente separated from Roman Catholic Church was proclaimed by the Union Obrera Democratica with Gregorio Aglipay as the 1st Obispo Maximo
1902September 17Pope Leo XIII formally bestows a Pontifical title on the University of Santo Tomas
1902November 10Marinduque province is annexed to Tayabas province.
1902November 12Bandolerism Act passed by the Philippine Commission. All armed resistance against US rule are considered banditry
1903Governor Taft enunciates the policy of The Philippines for the Filipinos
1903May 1Thousands of members of the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina, led by Dominador Gomez, stage a massive rally aiming for workers' rights as well as a public holiday for May 1.
1903June 1Establishment of the Moro Province, consisting of the districts of Jolo, Lanao, Cotabato, Davao and Zamboanga.
1904February 1Luke Edward Wright appointed as Civil Governor (1904–1905)
1904October 19The Manila Business School was founded and started its operation.
1904November 16Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm is established in Palawan, country's oldest and largest open prison.
1905November 3Henry Clay Ide appointed as Civil Governor (1905–1906)
1906May 27Establishment of Culion Leper Colony in Culion Island in Palawan.
1906September 20James Francis Smith appointed as Civil Governor (1906–1909)
1906December 3St. Scholastica's College in Manila is established by the Missionary Benedictine Sisters of Tutzing.
1907June 3Centro Escolar University established as Centro Escolar de Señoritas.
1907June 30First congressional elections held
1907September 13Macario Sakay is executed by hanging, ending his Tagalog Republic.
1907October 10A law that restricts and regulates the use and sale of dangerous drugs is signed.
1907October 16The First Philippine Assembly is inaugurated and convened.
1908June 18The University of the Philippines is established in Manila.
1908August 29Philippines Free Press is founded by Judge W.A. Kincaid and publishes its first issue in magazine format.
1909March 6Present-day University of the Philippines Los Baños in Laguna is established, first autonomous UP campus.

1910s

YearDateEventSource
1911January 27Mt Taal erupts, and kills 1,334 people
1911June 16De La Salle University-Manila is founded as De La Salle College by the Brothers of Christian Schools.
1912A silent movie about Jose Rizal is the first Filipino movie introduced in the Philippines.
1913JuneBattle of Bud Bagsak
1913September 1Newton W. Gilbert appointed as acting Civil Governor (1913)
1913October 6Francis Burton Harrison appointed as Civil Governor (1913–1921)
1914July 27Iglesia ni Cristo is registered to the government.
1916October 16The Jones Act is passed establishing an all-Filipino legislature
1916October 16Manuel Quezon elected Senate President while Sergio Osmeña is elected as House Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of the Philippines
1917January 11The first cabinet of Filipinos under the US regime is organized.
1917March 9Provincehood of Abra
1917March 10An Act Amending the Administrative Code reorganizes the territories in the Philippines, consisting of:
1919September 19The silent film Dalagang Bukid by José Nepomuceno was released, the first film to be produced locally.

1920s

YearDateEventSource
1920Mountain Province is established by American colonial government.
1920February 21Provincehood of Marinduque, separating from Tayabas.
1920AugustPhilippines Herald is established by Manuel L. Quezon and former Manila Times journalists; first pro-Filipino nationalist newspaper.
1920December 15Provincehood of Masbate, former sub-province independent from Sorsogon.
1921March 5Charles Yeater appointed as acting Civil Governor (1921)
1921October 14Leonard Wood appointed as Civil Governor (1921–1927)
1922Mrs. Redgrave pioneers the radio broadcasting from Nichols Field, only for a test broadcast.
1922JuneHenry Hermann, owner of an electrical supply company, begins operating three radio stations in Manila and Pasay, also for their test broadcasts.
1924October 4Radio Corporation of the Philippines acquires radio station KZKZ, which begins its broadcast by Hermann earlier that year, replacing experimental stations; broadcast ceased in 1925 upon merger of Far Eastern Radio with RCP.
1927August 7Eugene Allen Gilmore appointed as acting Civil Governor (1927)
1927December 27Henry L. Stimson appointed as Civil Governor (1927–1929)
1929RCP operates its first radio station outside Manila, also first provincial station in the country, with KZRC in Cebu, experimental station originally a relay station of KZRM in Manila.
1929February 23Eugene Allen Gilmore appointed as acting Civil Governor (1929)
1929July 8Dwight F. Davis appointed as Civil Governor (1929–1932)
1929November 2Old Misamis is divided into the new provinces of Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental..

1930s

YearDateEventSource
1930November 7Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas is formally established by Crisanto Evangelista at Tondo, Manila.
1932January 9George C. Butte appointed as acting Civil Governor (1932)
1932January 21Davao Prison and Penal Farm in present-day Davao del Norte is established ; country's first penal settlement.
1932February 29Theodore Roosevelt Jr. appointed as Civil Governor (1932–1933)
1932October 26The Communist Party of the Philippines is declared illegal by the Supreme Court
1933July 15Frank Murphy appointed as the last Civil Governor of the Philippines (1933–1935)
1933October 29Partido Sakdal formed.
1933December 7Governor-General Frank Murphy granted the Right of Suffrage to the Filipino women.
1934March 24The Tydings-McDuffie Law, known as the Philippine Independence Law, is approved by U.S. President Roosevelt.
1934May 7A pearl, which would be one of the world's largest, is found in Palawan.
1934July 10202 delegates are elected to the Constitutional Convention in accordance with the Tydings-McDuffie Act
1934July 30The Philippine Constitutional Convention is inaugurated
1934November 3Bannawag, Ilocos region's weekly vernacular magazine, established.
1935February 8The Constitutional Convention creates a new constitution
1935February 15The Philippine Constitution is signed
1935May 2Sakdalista uprising against the Philippine Constabulary fails with at least 60 members dead.
1935May 14The Philippine electorate ratifies the Constitution in a referendum
1935September 17Manuel Quezon elected president in the first Philippine presidential elections
1935November 15The Philippine Commonwealth is inaugurated
1935November 15The Office of Civil Governor is abolished
1935December 21The Defense Act of 1935 that created the Armed Forces of the Philippines was signed.
1936March 25President Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which provided for the technical description and specifications of the Philippine national flag.
1936October 31The Boy Scouts of the Philippines was established.
1937February 3–7The 33rd International Eucharistic Congress was held in Rizal Park, Manila; first in Asia.
1937November 9The Institute of National Language recommends Tagalog as the basis of the country's national language.
1939July 15KZRH, established by H. E. Heacock Company under Samuel Caches, goes on air; country's oldest existing radio station, renamed PIAM during the Japanese era and now DZRH.

1940s

YearDateEventSource
1941January 1Provincehood of Romblon
1941March 15Philippine Airlines starts operations with its maiden flight between Makati and Baguio cities.
1941November 11Manuel Quezon re-elected as President
1941December 8Start of the Japanese invasion of the Philippines following Pearl Harbor attack.
1941December 10Japanese planes attack Sangley Point in Cavite.
1941December 17Wenceslao Vinzons organizes a citizen's army to fight Japanese forces in Camarines Norte.
1941December 20President Quezon, his family and the war cabinet move to Corregidor Island
1941December 26General MacArthur declares Manila an open city
1941December 28Filipino and US armies retreat to Bataan
1941December 30Pres. Quezon and Vice Pres. Osmeña take their oath of office for their second term in Corregidor Island, Cavite.
1942January 2Japanese troops enters Manila
1942January 3Masaharu Homma appointed as Japanese Military Governor (1942)
1942January 3General Masaharu Homma declares the end of American Rule in the Philippines
1942January 3Martial Law declared
1942January 13All forms of opposition against the Japanese forces declared subject to death penalty
1942January 23An executive committee, composed of Filipinos, is formed by General Homma as a conduit of the military administration's policies and requirements.
1942February 17The Japanese Military Government issues an order adopting the Japanese educational system in The Country
1942February 20President Quezon and the war cabinet leave for the US
1942March 11General MacArthur leaves for Australia to take command of the South Western Pacific Area
1942March 13The Commonwealth government is moved to the US
1942March 25Hukbong Bayan Laban sa Hapon is organized in Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.
1942AprilA pro-US resistance movement is organized, mainly to provide data to the US on enemy positions
1942April 9Battle of Bataan: Bataan, under US commander Gen. Edward King, is the last province that surrenders to the Japanese armies.
1942May 6Corregidor Island falls to Japanese forces.
1942June 8Shizuichi Tanaka appointed as Japanese Military Governor (1942–1943)
1942June 14The Commonwealth of the Philippines becomes a member of the United Nations
1942December 30The Kalibapi is organized by the Japanese
1943May 28Shigenori Kuroda appointed as Japanese Military Governor (1943–1942)
1943June 20Japanese Premier Hideki Tojo nominates an all Filipino 20 member Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence
1943September 4The Philippine Preparatory Commission for Independence drafts a new Constitution which provides for a unicameral national assembly
1943September 20The 108 delegates to the National Assembly are chosen by the members of the Preparatory Commission for Philippine Independence.
1943SeptemberJose P. Laurel elected President of the Philippines by the National Assembly
1943October 14The puppet government is inaugurated. Laurel takes his oath of office
1943NovemberThe Philippine economy collapses, the shortage of rice becomes serious.
1943November 10U.S. Congress approves a resolution allowing Pres. Quezon to serve beyond the designated period, nine days after his term expires.
1944MayThe puppet government inaugurates the Green Revolution Movement.
1944August 1Death of Pres. Quezon; Vice Pres. Sergio Osmena then assumes the Office of the President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines.
1944September 21US forces raids Manila
1944September 26Tomoyuki Yamashita appointed as Japanese Military Governor (1944–1945)
1944October 20Gen. MacArthur lands in Palo, Leyte, accompanied by Pres. Osmeña and U.S. troops.
1944October 23Gen. Douglas MacArthur reestablishes the Commonwealth government of the Philippines in Tacloban, Leyte, with Sergio Osmeña as its president.
1944October 24Battle of Leyte Gulf: Battle of Sibuyan Sea
1944December 8Pro-Japanese Philippine generals Pio Duran and Benigno Ramos organize the Makapilis
1945January 9U.S. troops led by Gen. MacArthur land on the shores of Pangasinan via Lingayen Gulf in an attempt to liberate the country from the Japanese.
1945January 30Raid at Cabanatuan: 121 American soldiers and 800 Filipino guerrillas free 813 American Prisoners of war from the Japanese-held camp in the city of Cabanatuan in the Philippines.
1945January–FebruaryBattle of Bataan (1945)
1945February–AprilBattle of Baguio
1945FebruaryRaid at Los Baños
1945February 4US troops enter Manila
1945February 22Hukbalahap troop leaders arrested by the US forces
1945February 24The Battle of Manila ends. The Japanese surrender to the combined US and Filipino troops
1945February 27MacArthur hands over Malacanang Palace to Osmena.
1945March–AprilBattle for Cebu City
1945March–JulyBattle of the Visayas
1945MarchCorregidor Island is reoccupied by the Americans.
1945March 3Battle of Manila (1945): The US and Filipino troops recaptured Manila.
1945March 18Town of Panay in Capiz and the province of Romblon are liberated from the Japanese forces.
1945March 19Filipino and American forces defeat the Japanese in a battle occurred in Bacsil Ridge in San Fernando, La Union.
1945March 22The families of pro-Japanese President Laurel and Speaker Aquino leave the country for Japan to seek refuge
1945March 24Town of San Fernando in La Union is liberated from the Japanese forces.
1945April 22Palawan is liberated from Japanese invaders.
1945April 27Baguio is liberated from Japanese forces.
1945May 10–13Filipino and U.S. forces defeat the Japanese in a battle occurred in Balete Pass (now Dalton Pass) in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya.
1945June 5The Congress elected in 1941 convenes for the first time
1945June 14Filipino soldiers, with the Americans, defeat the Japanese under Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita in a battle in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur; considered as their greatest victory in World War II.
1945July 5General MacArthur announces the liberation of the Philippines
1945August 15The Empire of Japan accepts defeat
1945August 17Pres. Laurel issues an Executive Proclamation putting an end to the Second Philippine Republic, thus ending to his term as President of the Philippines.
1945September 2The final official Japanese Instrument of Surrender is accepted by the Supreme Allied Commander, General Douglas MacArthur, and Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz for the United States, and delegates from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, The Netherlands, China, and others from a Japanese delegation led by Mamoru Shigemitsu, on board the American battleship USS Missouri'' in Tokyo Bay.
1945September 2Japanese general Tomoyuki Yamashita surrenders to Filipino and American forces at Kiangan, Ifugao.
1945September 12Jose P. Laurel is arrested by the US army
1945September 26Provincehood of Catanduanes, former sub-province independent from Albay.
1945October 24The United Nations is founded by ratification of its Charter, by 29 nations.
1945DecemberManuel Roxas separates from the Nacionalista Party of Sergio Osmena Sr and joins the Liberal Party
1946February 23Tomoyuki Yamashita is executed by hanging at Los Baños, Laguna prison camp for the war crimes.
1946April 23Manuel Roxas wins in the last presidential election under the Commonwealth
1946AprilU.S. Pres. Harry Truman signs into law the Philippine Trade Act of 1946, continuing free trade relations between the U.S. and the Philippines, and imposing tariffs; Tydings Rehabilitation Act passed.
1946June 13Bolinao Electronics Corporation is established by James Lindenberg; later Alto Broadcasting System and the forerunner of ABS–CBN.
1946JulyHukbong Mapaglaya ng Bayan is organized in Candaba, Pampanga.
1946JulyCongress votes to accept the Bell Trade Act.
1946July 4The United States recognizes the Independence of the Republic of the Philippines.
1946July 4Manuel Roxas becomes the first president of the Third Republic.
1946SeptemberCongress passes an amendment that revises Constitution, allowing the Americans parity rights.
1946September 30The Amended Tenancy Act is promulgated.
1947JanuaryRehabilitation Finance Corporation, later Development Bank of the Philippines, begins its operations.
1947January 28President Roxas issues an amnesty proclamation to collaborators
1947MarchAn amendment in the 1935 Constitution granting parity rights to the Americans is ratified in a plebiscite.
1947MarchThe Military Assistance Act is signed by U.S. Ambassador Paul McNutt and Pres. Roxas.
1947March 6HUKBALAHAP declared illegal
1947March 14The Treaty of General Relations between Philippines and United States, the Military Bases Agreement, is signed; would be effective until 1991.
1947September 8The Philippine representative to the Far Eastern Commission, Carlos P. Romulo, signs the Japanese Peace Treaty
1947October 12Corregidor Island in Cavite is turned over to the Philippines.
1947October 16Turtle Islands, now in Tawi-Tawi, is placed under country's jurisdiction.
1947NovemberFirst post-war elections held for local officials and senators.
1948JanuaryPres. Roxas issues a general pardon for all those with collaboration cases and pending cases in the People's Court.
1948MarchHukbong Mapagpalaya ng Bayan and Pambansang Kaisahan ng mga Magbubukid are declared illegal organizations by Pres. Roxas.
1948April 15Death of Pres. Roxas; Vice Pres. Elpidio Quirino assumes the Office of President.
1948JunePres. Quirino issues an amnesty proclamation given to the surrendered members of Hukbalahap and PKM.
1948JulyNewly formed Quezon City is declared capital of the Philippines by Pres. Quirino.
1948AugustHuk leaders under Luis Taruc go underground to continue the resistance against the government following failed truce negotiations.
1948October 1Pres. Quirino releases the result of the country's first official postwar census, taken and compiled by the Bureau of the Census and Statistics, showing the population after its independence from the U.S. at 19.2 million.
1948NovemberPKP renews armed struggle following failed truce negotiations with the government.
1948DecemberQuirino administration imposes import control, a law that would be effective on the first day of 1949.
1949JanuaryEstablishment and inauguration of Central Bank of the Philippines.
1949April 28Former First Lady Aurora Aragon–Quezon, with her eldest daughter, and Quezon City Mayor Ponciano Bernardo, are among those killed in an ambush allegedly by the Hukbalahap in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija.
1949NovemberPres. Quirino reelected.
1949NovemberA month-long rebellion occurred in Batangas.

1950s

YearDateEventSource
1950FebruaryUST pioneers the television broadcast, only for experimental purposes.
1950JuneThe Philippines joins the Korean War, sending over 7,000 troops under the United Nations command.
1950June 15Old Mindoro is divided into the new provinces of Mindoro Occidental and Mindoro Oriental.
1950OctoberTwenty-three high-ranking PKP and Huk Politburo members are captured in a series of raids led by Secy. Magsaysay in Manila.
1950OctoberPres. Quirino suspends the privilege of writ of habeas corpus regarding detention of suspected communists.
1951March 6Fort Santiago was declared a National Shrine.
1951MaySuspected PKP members are penalized by the Court of First Instance, with six given death sentences and nine given life sentences.
1951July–SeptemberArmed Forces of the Philippines launches offensives against Huks in Laguna and Pampanga.
1951AugustNational Movement for Free Elections is established
1951August 30The Mutual Defense Treaty between Philippines and United States was signed.
1951October 8Nicasio "Asiong" Salonga, branded as Tondo's public enemy No. 1 and the kingpin of Manila, was shot and killed by Ernesto Reyes, a henchman of his rival and also notorious gang leader Carlos "Totoy Golem" Capistrano.
1952April–MayArmed Forces launches Operation Four Roses in Nueva Ecija in the search for Huk strongholds in Sierra Madre mountains.
1952June 6Old Zamboanga is divided into the new provinces of Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.
1953JuneMagna Carta for Labor is signed into law.
1953October 23DZAQ-TV Channel 3, now Channel 2, of ABS, then owned by presidential brother Antonio Quirino, airs its country's first official television broadcast from Manila.
1953November 10Ramon Magsaysay is elected President of the Republic of the Philippines
1954Social Security Act is passed in Congress.
1954MayHuk Supremo Luis Taruc surrenders to Pres. Magsaysay, prompting an end of the eight-year Huk rebellion.
1954May 22Cityhood of Trece Martires, Cavite
1954July 21The Southeast Asia Collective Defense Treaty is signed in Manila, creating the South East Asian Treaty Organization
1954AugustAgricultural Tenancy Act of 1954 passed.
1954SeptemberSoutheast Asian Treaty Organization is established in Manila, with the Philippines as one of its eight members.
1954December 15Laurel-Langley Agreement: An agreement between the Philippines and the U.S., regarding provisions of the Philippine Trade Act of 1946, is signed by Sen. Jose P. Laurel and Secy. James M. Langley.
1955SeptemberLaurel-Langley Agreement is ratified by the U.S. and Philippine governments, to be effective on the first day of 1956.
1956April 25Provincehood of Aklan, separating from Capiz.
1956MayRizal Bill is passed into law amid opposition from Catholic Church.
1957February 24ABS is acquired by Eugenio Lopez Sr. of CBN, of which they later merged into ABS–CBN with two television stations later being operated.
1957March 17Death of Pres. Magsaysay, one among the 25 killed in a plane crash in Cebu; Vice-Pres. Carlos P. Garcia assumes the presidency.
1957JuneAnti-Subversion Act passed.
1957JulyU.S. Congress ratifies a law granting the Philippines possession of the documents regarding the revolution.
1957November 14Carlos P. Garcia elected President of the Republic of the Philippines
1958March 22Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan is elevated by the Department of Education to university rank, becoming the Mindanao's first private and Catholic university.
1958August 28"Filipino First" policy is officially promulgated by the National Economic Council.
1959May 22Old Lanao is divided into the new provinces of Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur. ; inaugurated, July 4.
1959May 22RA 2227 created the province of Southern Leyte, separating from Leyte.
1959July 1810th World Scout Jamboree is held at Mt. Makiling in Los Baños, Laguna.
1959September–OctoberAn agreement between Foreign Affairs Secy. Felixberto Serrano and Amb. Charles Bohlen is signed, following series of conferences, in which duration of lease of the American military bases is reduced from 99 to 25 years.
1959OctoberU.S. authorities turns over Olongapo City to the Philippine government.

1960s

YearDateEventSource
1960International Rice Research Institute is established in Los Baños, Laguna.
1960MarchArchbishop Rufino Santos is the first Filipino to achieve the rank of Cardinal.
1960June 19Republic Act No. 2786 divided old Surigao into the new provinces of Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur.
1961January 18Baguio experiences cold at 6.3-degree Celsius, the country's lowest temperature ever recorded.
1961November 7Diosdado Macapagal elected President of the Republic of the Philippines.
1962JanuaryPhilippine Constabulary Rangers conduct a siege of the Central Bank building to oust its governor, Dominador Aytona, due to "midnight appointments" of his own.
1962JanuaryPres. Macapagal lifts exchange and import controls in his campaign for free enterprise.
1962May 12Commemoration of Independence Day is officially changed by Pres. Macapagal, from July 4 to June 12 ; to be first celebrated on that day of that same year.
1962June 22Pres. Macapagal's government, with the United Kingdom, files a communication regarding country's claim of North Borneo, now in Malaysia.
1962SeptemberElectrification Administration Act is implemented through an executive order issued by Pres. Macapagal.
1963July 28Twenty-four members of the Philippine contingent for the 11th World Scout Jamboree in Greece are among the 60 deaths in a plane crash into the Indian Ocean.
1963JulyPres. Macapagal, Sukarno, and Tungku Abdul Rahman sign the Manila Accord, an agreement for Maphilindo.
1963August 8Agricultural Land Reform Code is signed into law by Pres. Macapagal.
1964MayPartido Komunista ng Pilipinas secretary-general Jesus Lava is captured in Sampaloc, Manila.
1964AugustCongress ratifies an executive order issued by Pres. Macapagal that changes the date of celebration of the nation's Independence Day, by virtue of Republic Act No. 4166.
1964August 14Miss Philippines Gemma Cruz was crowned Miss International 1964, the first Filipino to win the title.
1964NovemberKabataang Makabayan is formed by Jose Maria Sison, with himself elected as its chairman.
1965June 19Republic Act No. 4221 divided old Samar into the new provinces of Western Samar, Northern Samar, and Eastern Samar.
1965SeptemberTaal Volcano in Batangas erupts, killing around 2,000 and damaging villages.
1965November 9Ferdinand Marcos elected President of the Republic of the Philippines.
1966Asian Development Bank establishes its new headquarters in Manila.
1966FebruaryPhilippine-American Assembly is held in Davao.
1966June 18Old Mountain Province is divided into the new provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Kalinga-Apayao and Ifugao.
1966June 18Republic Act No. 4669 created the province of Camiguin, separating from Misamis Oriental.
1966June 18Republic Act No. 4849 created the province of South Cotabato, separating from Empire Province of Cotabato.
1966JulyPres. Marcos signs the controversial Vietnam Aid Law.
1966JulyThe mayor of Candaba, Pampanga, also the president of the Anti-Huk Mayors League in the province, is killed in an ambush, an incident which was attributed to the Huks.
1966AugustCongress approves the appropriation for the Philippine Civil Action Group to be sent to Vietnam.
1966SeptemberThe first batch of the battalion of the Philcag leaves the Philippines for South Vietnam.
1966SeptemberAn agreement is signed by U.S. secretary of state Dean Rusk and Foreign Affairs Secy. Narciso Ramos, reducing the lease of military bases from 99 to 25 years, thus to expire in 1991.
1966OctoberMarcos administration hosts the Manila Summit with 6 countries.
1967JanuaryTwo buses carrying pilgrims collide and fall off a ravine south of Manila, killing more than 115 in what would be the country's worst road accident.
1967FebruaryMovement for the Advancement of Nationalism is formed by nationalists from various sectors.
1967May 8Old Davao is divided into the new provinces of Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
1967May 21A demonstration conducted by Lapiang Malaya, a peasant religious sect, ends in a violent dispersal attempt by the Philippine Constabulary in Pasay, killing 33.
1967June 17Republic Act No. 4979 divided old Agusan into the new provinces of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur.
1967August 8Association of Southeast Asian Nations is formed in Bangkok, Thailand, with the Philippines as one of the five founding members.
1968First provincial television stations are established in Cebu, Bacolod, and Dagupan, all operated by ABS–CBN.
1968March 18Jabidah massacre: A group of trainees of a Muslim special forces unit, part of a controversial operation, are allegedly killed in Corregidor.
1968August 21968 Casiguran earthquake and the collapse of Ruby Tower
1968SeptemberPres. Marcos signs into law a bill defining country's territorial waters in compliance with the United Nations and claiming Sabah as part of the country's territory, amidst protest from the Malaysians.
1968SeptemberPres. Marcos pardons 166 prisoners, including former Huk leader Luis Taruc.
1968December 26Communist Party of the Philippines is reestablished by Jose Maria Sison and his colleagues in Pangasinan.
1969March 29New People's Army is formally organized in Tarlac by Bernabe Buscayno of PKP as the military arm of the CPP, upon merger with Jose Maria Sison's army.
1969May 11Tuguegarao City, Cagayan experienced heat at 42.2 degrees Celsius, the country's highest temperature ever recorded.
1969July 19Miss Philippines Gloria Diaz was crowned Miss Universe 1969.
1969November 11Marcos re-elected President of the Republic of the Philippines.

1970s

YearDateEventSource
1970Typhoon Patsy (Yoling) is the most devastating typhoon to hit the country at that time.
1970January 26–MarchFirst Quarter Storm
1970AprilMajor rallies and riots held, protesting oil prices and fare costs.
1970June 27Pres. Marcos publicly endorses the Barrio Self-Defense Units, later Civilian Home Defense Forces.
1970November 17Elections for 315 members of a Constitutional Convention held.
1970November 27Pope Paul VI makes his first papal visit in the Philippines, but survived an assassination attempt by Benjamín Mendoza y Amor Flores at Manila International Airport.
1970December 29Members of the New People's Army, led by Lt. Victor Corpuz, raid the armory of the Philippine Military Academy.
1971Moro National Liberation Front is established by Nur Misuari.
1971FebruaryDiliman commune
1971JuneManili massacre
1971June 1The Constitutional Convention assembles to rewrite the 1935 Constitution. The Convention elects former Pres. Carlos Garcia as its head.
1971June 14Death of Carlos Garcia, former Philippine president; another former president Diosdado Macapagal succeeds as the president of the Constitutional Convention.
1971August 21Plaza Miranda is bombed during the Liberal Party's election campaign, seriously injuring some opposition personalities.
1971August 22Pres. Marcos suspends the Writ of Habeas Corpus following the Plaza Miranda bombing.
1971SeptemberU.S. operations in Sangley Point Naval Base terminated.
1971September 10Provincehood of Quirino, former sub-province independent from Nueva Vizcaya.
1971September 17Provincehood of Siquijor, former sub-province independent from Negros Oriental.
1971October 10Leonardo "Nardong Putik" Manecio, one of the most notorious gangsters and dubbed as Cavite's public enemy No. 1 was killed in Imus in a highway shootout with NBI agents.
1971NovemberPhilippine Senate election, 1971
1972Suspicious bombing incidents increase all over the country. The MNLF launches its campaign for the independence of the Muslim provinces.
1972Parliamentary form of government is approved by the Constitutional Convention.
1972JanuaryPres. Marcos restores the Writ of Habeas Corpus
1972JuneDaily Express is established; Martial Law era newspaper later sequestered by Aquino government.
1972AugustQuasha decision: Supreme Court decides on American ownership rights.
1972September 13Sen. Ninoy Aquino exposes Oplan Sagittarius, a top-secret plan to place the capital under military control.
1972September 21Pres. Marcos signs the Martial Law edict to be imposed nationwide; at that time not publicly announced.
1972September 22Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile survives a staged assassination attempt.
1972September 22Pres. Marcos announces that he had placed the entire country under martial law, with the earlier "ambush" as a pretext.
1972September 22Media establishments and wire agencies are ordered to be closed.
1972September 22Sen. Aquino arrested.
1972September 23The implementation of martial law is officially announced.
1972September 23Public utilities as well as media outlets, except some including newspaper Daily Express and television and radio stations of Kanlaon Broadcasting System, are shut down and seized by the government.
1972September 23Media and opposition figures, including three other senators, are arrested.
1972September 26The whole country is proclaimed a land reform area and an Agrarian Reform Program is decreed.
1972September 26The first major armed defiance of martial law takes place in Lanao del Sur
1972OctoberLand reform program issued
1972October 22The battle between the MNLF and the government troops ends with the latter regaining control of the city.
1972November 29The Constitutional Convention passes the new Constitution of the Philippines.
1972DecemberFirst Lady Imelda Marcos survives an assassination attempt.
1973Misuari leaves The Country for Libya to solicit armed support from Muslim countries for the war in Mindanao.
1973January 10–15A plebiscite referendum is held among the citizens' assemblies to ratify the new Constitution, which would become effective.
1973January 15Chinese drug lord Lim Seng is executed by firing squad in public in Fort Bonifacio for drug trafficking.
1973January 17Pres. Marcos declares the approval of the 1973 Constitution, orders Congress padlocked.
1973March 1Philippine News Agency established
1973March 31Supreme Court upholds the validity of the 1973 Constitution.
1973AprilThe National Democratic Front, the united front organization of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is formally organized.
1973MayMasagana 99 program launched
1973July 2San Juanico Bridge, connecting Samar and Leyte islands, is inaugurated.
1973July 21Miss Philippines Margarita Moran was crowned Miss Universe 1973.
1973July 27Marcos' term as president extended by virtue of a referendum, which was later proven as a hoax
1973September 27Provincehood of Tawi-Tawi, separating from Sulu.
1973November 22Old Cotabato is divided into the new provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Sultan Kudarat.
1973December 27Provincehood of Basilan
1974FebruaryJolo is occupied and burned by Muslim forces.
1974February 27Presidential appointments to local elective positions declared legal by virtue of another referendum
1974March 11Japanese Lt. Hiroo Onoda formally surrenders in a ceremony held in Malacañang Palace after staying for years in the Lubang Island.
1974JuneFirst Filipino All-Muslim Congress held in Marawi City.
1974JulyParity rights amendment as stated in 1955 Laurel–Langley Trade Act expired.
1974July 21Miss Universe 1974, its 23rd pageant, was held in Manila.
1974SeptemberJose Diokno is ordered by Pres. Marcos to be released.
1974SeptemberBarangay status is reorganized and Sep 21 is declared Barangay Day.
1974September 17Supreme Court upholds the declaration of martial law and dismisses petitions regarding habeas corpus.
1974OctoberSecretary-general of the old communist party Felicisimo Macapagal signs a memorandum of cooperation with the President's efforts.
1974December 24A classified wire revealing the so-called Rolex 12 is submitted by the American Embassy in Manila to the Secretary of State in Washington, D.C.
1975FebruaryPrimitivo Mijares defects from the government.
1975FebruaryThird referendum, asking for continuation of exercising the presidential powers, held.
1975April 4Ninoy Aquino starts his hunger strike for his refusal to recognize military court's jurisdiction on charges against him.
1975April 9Philippine Basketball Association founded
1975JuneDiplomatic relations with People's Republic of China formalized.
1975JunePrimitivo Mijares testifies in the U.S. Congress on the alleged corruption and abuses of the government.
1975October 2Thrilla in Manila
1975November 1Pres. Marcos issues Presidential Decree No. 824, establishing Metro Manila and creating the Metropolitan Manila Commission.
1976January 4New people's Army Spokesman Satur Ocampo arrested
1976August 17An earthquake of 7.8 magnitude and a following tsunami hit Mindanao, killing an estimated 8,000 people on and off the coast.
1976August 26Kumander Dante of the New People's Army arrested
1976October 16Martial Law allowed to extend by virtue of a plebiscite
1976December 23Tripoli Agreement is signed between the Philippine Government and the secessionist group Moro National Liberation Front in Tripoli, Libya.
1977January 20The Armed Forces of the Philippines enters into a ceasefire agreement with the MNLF.
1977March 4President Marcos issues a decree creating the autonomous Bangsamoro Islamic Government
1977AugustPres. Marcos announces amnesty for persons found guilty of subversion.
1977August 22Imposition of curfew hours lifted
1977September 2Archimedes Trajano found dead, murdered
1977OctoberEugenio Lopez Jr. and Sergio Osmeña III escaped from detention in Fort Bonifacio and flee to the United States.
1977November 10CPP head Jose Maria Sison arrested
1977November 25The military court finds Ninoy Aquino, Bernabe Buscayno and Victor Corpuz guilty of their charges and sentences them to death by firing squad; but sentence never imposed.
1977December 16A referendum is held, the result of which again empowers the president to continue in office, and to become prime minister as well.
1978April 7Members of the Interim Batasang Pambansa are elected.
1978JuneInauguration of Interim Batasang Pambansa with Pres. Marcos as its prime minister.
1978September 21Tadhana, the first feature-length animated film in the Philippines premiered one time at the local television on GMA 7, RPN 9, and IBC 13 to commemorate the anniversary of Martial Law in 1978.
1978October 5Jesus is Lord Church led by Eddie Villanueva, a former activist and professor was established.
1979JanuaryU.S. military bases agreement amended.
1979April 10President Ferdinand Marcos issues Presidential Decree No. 1616 creating the Intramuros Administration
1979MayRegional assembly elections held in Mindanao.
1979May–JuneUnited Nations Conference on Trade and Development is held in the Philippine International Convention Center.
1979July 30Eat Bulaga!, the longest running noon-time variety show in the Philippines, premiered on RPN. It was also aired on ABS-CBN from 1989 to 1995 and on GMA Network since 1995.
1979August 13Aurora province was established by Batas Pambansa Blg. 7.
1979October 31Project Gintong Alay, a national sports program was commenced.
1979NovemberConstruction of a nuclear-power plant in Bataan is ordered to be stopped.
1979DecemberNinoy Aquino is released from detention for the first time after given a furlough.

1980s

YearDateEventSource
1980The Philippines' first local elections under the martial law era is held amid wide boycotts.
1980April 22MV Don Juan and oil tanker MT Tacloban City collide in Tablas Strait off Mindoro, killing 176.
1980MayKilusang Mayo Uno organized
1980MayPres. Marcos allows Ninoy Aquino to flee to the U.S. for his medical treatment.
1981January 17Martial law lifted
1981February 17–21Pope John Paul II visited the Philippines for his first papal visit.
1981April 7Executive Committee is created by a constitutional amendment as ratified in a plebiscite.
1981June 161981 Philippine general election and referendum.
1981June 30Inauguration of Pres. Marcos; Finance Minister Cesar Virata is elected Prime Minister by the Batasang Pambansa
1981November 17Accident during the construction of the Manila Film Center, 169 were killed.
1982Reform the Armed Forces Movement formed
1982JanuaryInternational Film Festival is held in the Manila Film Center.
1982AprilUnited Nationalist Democratic Opposition formed.
1982MayBarangay elections held for the first time.
1982DecemberNewspapers We Forum and Malaya are shut down by the President for engaging in "black propaganda."
1983August 21Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. is assassinated at then Manila International Airport.

1983August 31Approximately seven million people attends funeral procession of Ninoy Aquino which turned into a rally, the longest and largest in history.
1983November 21Martyrdom of Good Shepherd Sisters
1984January 27Executive Committee is abolished and the Office of the Vice President is restored through a constitutional amendment as ratified in a plebiscite.
1984February"Tarlac to Tarmac" march is staged by opposition and coalition groups.
1984May 141984 Philippine parliamentary election
1984JulyNational Assembly covenes; Prime Minister Virata reconfirmed; Nicanor Yniguez elected Speaker.
1984August 19El Shaddai DWXI Prayer Partners Foundation International, Inc. led by Bro. Mike Z. Velarde, a geological engineer and movie producer was established.
1984September 1Typhoon Nitang struck the Philippines. It killed 1,492 people and 1,856 more were injured. Roughly 1.6 million people were affected in the country.
1984November 14Mayor Cesar Climaco assassinated
1984December 1Manila LRT Line 1 opened as the Southeast Asia's first rail line.
1985---
1985JulyPres. Marcos transfers the control of the Integrated National Police from Defense Ministry to the presidential control.
1985AugustOpposition Parliament members file impeachment charges against Pres. Marcos.
1985September 20A massacre in Escalante, Negros Occidental kills at least 20 people.
1985October 18Typhoon Dot (Saling) landfalls on the country, leaves at least 101 people dead.
1985October 21Marchers joining the five-day Lakbayan rally are shot by the police at Taft Avenue before reaching Liwasang Bonifacio, leaving a number of deaths.
1985October 28Congressional and U.S. intelligence sources report that Pres. Marcos was diagnosed with a fatal illness.
1985November 3Pres. Marcos announces in a television interview that he would set a snap elections.
1985December 2AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Fabian Ver and 26 others accused of conspiracy in the assassination of Ninoy Aquino are acquitted by Sandiganbayan.
1986February 71986 Philippine presidential election
1986February 9Thirty-five COMELEC computer workers led by Linda Kapunan walk out at PICC, protesting alleged cheating of election results.
1986February 11Opposition Antique former Gov. Evelio Javier is assassinated during the canvassing of election results.
1986February 15Batasang Pambansa declares Marcos and Arturo Tolentino as re-elected President and elected vice-president, respectively. Twenty-six Assembly members walk out before the proclamation.
1986February 16Marcos' opponent Corazon Aquino, widow of Benigno Aquino Jr., is proclaimed President in Tagumpay ng Bayan rally in Rizal Park and calls for a civil disobedience campaign as a protest.
1986February 22–25EDSA I Revolution ousts Pres. Marcos; Corazon Cojuangco–Aquino becomes President.

1986February 26From Clark Air Base, Marcoses finally leave the country aboard U.S. planes to Guam and to Hawaii.
1986February 28Presidential Commission on Good Government is formed by Pres. Aquino.
1986March 5CPP founder Jose Maria Sison and NPA founder Dante Buscayno are freed by Pres. Cojuangco–Aquino.
1986March 25Pres. Aquino declares a revolutionary government, abolishes Interim Batasang Pambansa and the 1973 Constitution and adopts Freedom Constitution.
1986July 6Former Vice Pres. Arturo Tolentino, with groups of armed military officers and Marcos loyalists, occupies the Manila Hotel and declares himself as "acting" President; they are forced to surrender after the failure of the coup that lasted until the 8th.
1986July 22DZMM of ABS–CBN is established as the first post-revolution AM radio station.
1986July 22DWKO established as the first post-revolution FM radio station.
1986September 13The Mt. Data Peace Accord is signed in Mt. Data in Bauko, Mountain Province, between the Philippine Government and the separatist Cordillera Bodong Administration–Cordillera People's Liberation Army, involving cessation of hostilities that led to a creation of an administrative region.
1986November 22A coup attempt called "God Save the Queen" is reportedly discovered by the government.
1987January 22Mendiola massacre: Thirteen from the farmers are killed in clashes with the forces of policemen and soldiers at Mendiola Bridge in Manila during their protest rally.
1987January 27–29Pro-Marcos rebel soldiers, led by Col. Oscar Canlas, seize GMA Network compound, for almost 3 days, and military bases in Sangley Point, Cavite and in Pasay wherein an assault with government military forces results in the death of a mutineer and 16 injuries.
1987February 2The 1987 constitution, drafted by the Constitutional Commission, is ratified in a plebiscite.
1987February 11A new constitution is declared ratified, replacing the "freedom constitution."
1987April 18A raid is staged by 56 rebel soldiers on Fort Bonifacio; a rebel soldier dies.
1987May 111987 Philippine legislative election; the first free elections held in almost two decades and under the new constitution.
1987JulyA plot to take over MIA is discovered; four military officers are arrested.
1987July 15The Cordillera Administrative Region is created through Executive Order No. 220 signed by Pres. Cojuangco–Aquino, consisting of, from Region 1, the provinces of Abra, Benguet and Mountain Province, and Baguio, and from Region 2, the provinces of Kalinga-Apayao and Ifugao.
1987August 28–29A coup attempt, said to be the bloodiest of the attempts against Pres. Aquino, is launched by rebel soldiers of RAM, led by Col. Gregorio Honasan, with assaults on Malacañang Palace, Camp Aguinaldo, Villamor Air Base, various television stations, and military camps in Pampanga and Cebu resulting in 53 fatalities and over 200 injuries; prevented on the 29th as Honasan evades arrest.
1987October 18Canonization of San Lorenzo Ruiz, the first Filipino saint
1987November 25Super Typhoon Sisang slammed into Luzon, killing 1,063 people.
1987December 20Interisland passenger ferry MV Doña Paz, said to be overloaded, and oil tanker MT Vector collide and sink at Tablas Strait between Marinduque and Oriental Mindoro provinces and Tablas Island; death toll later estimated to be 4,386; the deadliest maritime disaster in peacetime world history.
1988January 18Local elections are held under the new constitution.
1988April 2Military reports that Col. Honasan, who led the August 1987 coup attempt, escapes from his prison ship in Manila Bay.
1988June 10Pres. Cojuangco–Aquino signs the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program into law, providing land reform for farmers; to be effective within 10 years; later extended.
1988OctoberFormer Pres. Marcos and his wife are charged in the United States regarding illegal money transfer.
1988October 17Interior Bases Agreement was signed by the Philippines and United States.
1988October 23–24Typhoon Unsang struck into Luzon.
1988October 24Interisland ferry MV Doña Marilyn sinks off Leyte during a typhoon, killing 389.
1989January 5Camp Cawa-Cawa in Zamboanga City is seized by some soldiers following the hostage crisis wherein seven people were taken hostage by Rizal Alih and killed in an air strike.
1989April 21U.S. Army Col. James Rowe is assassinated by the Communists; incident prompts the issue of removal of the U.S. military bases from the country.
1989August 1Pres. Cojuangco–Aquino signs Republic Act No. 6734, a law creating the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, giving limited autonomy to the Muslim provinces.
1989August 13–15Davao hostage crisis: Felipe Pugoy and Mohammad Nasser Samparini, perpetrators of an earlier hostage-taking incident in Davao Penal Colony on April, lead the prisoners who take five people hostage in Davao Metrodiscom; ending in gunfights with the authorities resulting in the death of the hostages as well as some hostage takers.
1989September 28Death of Ferdinand Marcos, former Philippine President
1989October 1–13Typhoons Angela (Rubing), Dan (Saling), and Elsie (Tasing) impact the country in two weeks.
  • Super typhoon Angela (Rubing), causes 119 fatalities and $8 million worth of damage.
  • Typhoon Dan (Saling) leaves 58 dead and hundreds of thousands homeless.
  • Typhoon Elsie (Tasing) leaves 47 dead, $35.4 million worth of damage, and 332 thousand people homeless.
1989November 19A plebiscite is held in ARMM, resulting in the ratification of RA 6734 that established the region, with the inclusion of the provinces of Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
1989December 1–9A coup attempt is launched by RAM under Col. Honasan and Marcos loyalists under retired Gen. Jose Ma. Zumel, with Malacañang bombarded on the 1st and several military bases seized; rebels surrender on the 9th; the most serious attempt against Pres. Aquino with 99 casualties.

1990s

YearDateEventSource
1990Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is officially created.
1990March 4Hotel Delfino in Tuguegarao, Cagayan is seized by suspended Gov. Rodolfo Aguinaldo and his armed men of 200, followed by a gunfight intending to kill them, with a checkpoint shootout, where 14 found dead and 10 injured.
1990JuneU.S. Peace Corps removed 261 volunteers from the country amid Communist threats.
1990July 16Luzon earthquake: An earthquake with a surface wave magnitude of 7.8, whose epicenter was recorded in Nueva Ecija, hits Northern and Central Luzon, affecting Cabanatuan, Dagupan, and Baguio cities, and parts of Nueva Ecija and Pangasinan provinces, causing a death toll of an estimated 1,621 and estimated damages worth ₱15 billion; produces a 125-km long ground rupture stretching from the municipalities of Dingalan to Cuyapo; strongest and costliest in the island since 1970.
1990SeptemberSixteen military members are convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment regarding the 1983 assassination of Sen. Aquino.
1990October 4–6A raid is staged by mutinying soldiers on an army base in Mindanao on the dawn of 4th; Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim and 21 others capitulate to the government on the 6th.
1990October 4–6Col. Alexander Noble stages a coup in Mindanao and seizes two military garrisons in Cagayan de Oro and Butuan cities.
1990November 12Typhoon Mike (Ruping) hits Visayas, affecting Cebu City, Bacolod, and other key cities.
1991January 29Merger of the Philippine Constabulary with the Integrated National Police to form the Philippine National Police.
1991June 12–15Pinatubo eruption: Series of major eruptions from the dormant Mount Pinatubo, the most explosive occurred on the 15th, and worsened by Typhoon Yunya (Diding) causing massive lahar flows, affecting densely populated areas of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga; killing 847 people; total damages at least ₱12 billion; the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century.
1991September 16Senate votes, 12–11, to reject a Treaty of Friendship, Peace and Cooperation between the U.S. and Philippines, an agreement for renewal of American military bases in the Philippines in exchange for aid, forcing them to leave the country.
1991October 10The Local Government Code is signed into law.
1991NovemberFormer First Lady Imelda Marcos returns to the country to face charges against her.
1991NovemberU.S. closes and surrenders Clark Air Base.
1991November 4–5Tropical Storm Uring lashes into Eastern Visayas, leaving 8,000 people dead as a result of widespread flooding in the coastal city of Ormoc, Leyte.
1991Terrorist group Abu Sayyaf is founded by Abdurajak Janjalani, separated from the Moro National Liberation Front in which he was a former member.
1992JanuaryFormer First Lady Marcos is arrested and later released on charges regarding her accounts in Switzerland.
1992March 16Provincehood of Sarangani, separating from South Cotabato.
1992May 111992 Philippine general election, the first under the 1987 Constitution
1992May 11Biliran province was established through RA 7160.
1992May 22Guimaras province was established through RA 7160.
1992September 30U.S. forces leave Subic Bay Naval Base upon its turn over to the Philippines.
1992November 24Subic Bay Naval Base closes as it is turned over to the local government, with a last batch of American soldiers finally leaving Naval Air Station Cubi Point and returning to the U.S., ending its military presence in the country.
1992Pres. Ramos signs the Anti-Subversion Act of 1992.
1993July 2A floating pagoda sinks in the annual Bocaue River Festival in Bocaue, Bulacan, 279 devotees drown.
1993SeptemberMarcos funeral: Remains of former Pres. Marcos return in the country upon permission from the government; are interred later in his hometown of Batac.
1993September 24Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is found by Sandiganbayan guilty of corruption and sentenced to 18–24 years in prison.
1993DecemberNumerous bomb attacks in Davao City, targeting a church and two mosques, kill at least two and injure 150.
1993Pres. Ramos signs Republic Act 7659 reinstating capital punishment for selected crimes, which is banned in the 1987 Constitution.
1994JanuaryThe government and the Moro National Liberation Front sign a ceasefire agreement, aiming to end guerrilla war.
1994March 29The Philippines first makes its connection to the Internet, with Philippine Network Foundation connects to the United States' Sprint via a 64 kbit/s link.
1994JuneA5-day conference on East Timor held in Manila ends with an agreement to form a coalition for then Indonesian territory.
1994JulyAbu Sayyaf group massacres 15 Christian civilians in Basilan and holds 19 others hostage; most of the captives are freed later following a rescue mission, while Lamitan parish priest Fr. Cirilo Nacorda is freed on August after being turned over by the group to the Moro National Liberation Front.
1994OctoberSeries of terror attacks of the MILF in parts of Cotabato result in the death of 50 people from both the rebel and government sides and displace thousands from four municipalities.
1994November 15Mindoro earthquake
1994December 2Singaporean freighter Kota Suria and ferry MV Cebu City collides in Manila Bay, killing about 140.
1994December 11Abomb explodes on board a Philippine Airlines plane during a test run as part of the Bojinka plot, a planned attack for the assassination of Pope John Paul II during his 1995 visit, killing a passenger.
1994Abu Sayyaf launches a series of bombings in Zamboanga City, killing 71.
1995JanuaryBojinka plot is discovered following a chemical fire in an apartment in Manila.
1995January 10–15Pope John Paul II visits the Philippines and presides over the country's first World Youth Day in Manila.
1995FebruaryPhilippine Navy sights ships and structures being built, all by the Chinese, in Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef) in the South China Sea off Palawan; causing Manila to file legal diplomatic actions against Beijing over continuous occupation of the Kalayaan Island Group, and further resistance between the Philippines and China.
1995February 14Old Kalinga-Apayao is divided into separate provinces of Kalinga and Apayao.
1995April 3Abu Sayyaf rebels raid Ipil town, wherein they burn the town center and kill 53 people.

1995April 30President Ramos inaugurated the opening of Subic International Airport. This indicates growth after the removal of military bases in the country.
1995May 17Kuratong Baleleng case
1995October 31Super Typhoon Rosing
1995November 27The construction of the Skyway project was initiated, the biggest infrastructure project in the country that was intended to ease the flow of traffic in Metro Manila.
1996March 18Fire razes Ozone Disco Bar in Quezon City, killing more than 158, including students.
1996March 24Marcopper mining disaster in Marinduque occurs; one of the largest mining disasters in history.
1996September 2The Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine Government and the Moro National Liberation Front, led by Nur Misuari, is signed at the Malacañan Palace; implementing the 1976 Tripoli Agreement.
1996November 24–258th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit was held in Subic.
1997JulyAsian financial crisis hits the country; causes decreasing economic growth in the Philippines.
1997October 29Pres. Ramos signs Indigenous Peoples' Rights Act, with the creation of National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.
1998January 30Provincehood of Compostela Valley, separating from Davao del Norte.
1998February 2A Cebu Pacific plane hits Mt. Sumagaya in Claveria, Misamis Oriental, killing 104 on board.
1998May 111998 Philippine general election
1998June 12Celebrations for Centennial of Philippine Independence begins, with 2-day activities held.
1998June–SeptemberDry spell felt in 16 regions amid country's four-year growth, with ₱9 billion worth of agricultural damages.
1998September 18Passenger ferry Princess of the Orient sinks off Fortune Island during a typhoon, killing 150.
1998Abu Sayyaf founder Abdurajak Janjalani dies in a police encounter.
1999February 5Rape convict Leo Echegaray is executed by lethal injection at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa; the first Filipino to be meted the death penalty since its reinstatement in 1993; yet the country's first public execution since 1976, and also of that method.
1999MayNew Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States is ratified by the Senate, returning American military presence in the country.
1999August 3About 60 people died and 378 houses buried when a massive landslide, caused by Typhoon Olga (Ising), occurs in Cherry Hills subdivision in Antipolo, Rizal.

21st century

2000s

YearDateEventSource
2000March 15Pres. Estrada's government declares an "all-out-war" against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
2000April 19An Air Philippines plane crashes in the hills of Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, killing all 131 on board; the worst aviation disaster in country's history.
2000April 12Cargo vessel Annahada sinks off Jolo Island, killing 159.
2000April 23Twenty-one foreigners are abducted by Abu Sayyaf extremists from Sipadan Island, Malaysia and are later brought to Jolo Island; hostage crisis lasts five months.
2000MayA computer virus is released by a student, damaging around 45 million computers worldwide.
2000May 25A Philippine Airlines plane is hijacked by an armed man, who later died in a failed jump attempt.
2000July 9Fall of Camp Abubakar: Camp Abubakar in Maguindanao is captured by the Armed Forces of the Philippines from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as part of a campaign against Moro insurgency in Mindanao.
2000July 10More than 200 people are killed in a trash slide in Payatas, Quezon City.
2000November 13Pres. Estrada is the first incumbent president to be impeached by House of Representatives on accusations regarding jueteng money;
2000December 7The Senate formally initiates the impeachment trial against Pres. Estrada presided by Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.
2000December 30Rizal Day bombings: Series of terrorist bombings occur in Metro Manila, with 22 fatalities and more than 120 injuries.
2001January 16–20EDSA II Revolution ousts Pres. Estrada; Vice-Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo becomes the 14th president of the Philippines.
  • January 16 – Prosecutors of the trial walk out after senators voted, 11–10, not to open the second envelope containing the documents of evidences against Pres. Estrada, regarding his supposed link to a bank account purportedly containing kickbacks from an illegal numbers game; crowd start to gather in the People Power Shrine and conduct the mass rallies, calling for his resignation.
  • January 17 – Impeachment trial aborted.
  • January 19 – High-ranking military and police officials, including Defense Secy. Orlando Mercado, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Angelo Reyes and PNP Chief Dir. Gen. Panfilo Lacson, withdraw from the Estrada administration.
  • January 20 – Pres. Estrada resigns and leaves Malacañang. Vice-Pres. Macapagal Arroyo is sworn into office by Chief Justice Davide at Our Lady of EDSA Shrine in Mandaluyong; thus, the nation's second woman President.

2001MarchMoro Islamic Liberation Front declares ceasefire with the government.
2001April 25Former Pres. Estrada, charged with plunder while in office, and his son Jinggoy are arrested following an arrest warrant issued by Sandiganbayan with their co-accused.
2001April 30 – May 1EDSA III: Supporters of former Pres. Estrada stage protest following his arrest, ending in a violent dispersal and riots on the 1st, killing four.
2001May 27Dos Palmas Resort kidnappings: Twenty hotel staff and guests, mostly tourists, are seized by the Islamist terrorist group Abu Sayyaf members from the Dos Palmas Resort in Honda Bay, Palawan; hostage crisis lasts for more than 12 months.
2001Lamitan Siege: Abu Sayyaf takes a church and a hospital in Lamitan, Basilan hostage, with captives brought from Palawan, wherein four of them are reportedly escaped, and 20 more people; terrorists escape military operation.
2001NovemberA rebellion in Sulu and Zamboanga City, staged by several MNLF commanders loyal to Nur Misuari, is suppressed by AFP.
2001Another plebiscite is held in ARMM for its expansion, resulting in inclusion of Basilan province and Marawi City.
2002February 26Former Pres. Estrada admits signing ₱500 million Jose Velarde bank account in Equitable-PCI Bank.
2002March 5Mindanao earthquake
2002June 7A rescue operation for the remaining Abu Sayyaf captives, held since 2001, is launched by the Special Forces of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in an area in Zamboanga del Norte, with a gun battle resulting in the deaths of Martin Burnham and Ediborah Yap; only Gracia Burnham survived.
2002June 21Death of Abu Sabaya, leader of Abu Sayyaf.
2002AugustAbu Sayyaf kidnaps six Filipino members of a Christian group, two of them later beheaded.
2002OctoberSeries of bombings, allegedly by the Abu Sayyaf, take place in Manila and Zamboanga cities.
2003February 11Government soldiers' attempt to disband a terrorist kidnap group "Pentagon Gang" results in a 3-day encounter that killed about 135 MILF fighters in their base near Pikit town.
2003July 27Oakwood mutiny: Magdalo Group, led by Army Capt. Gerardo Gambala and LtSG. Antonio Trillanes IV, takes a mutiny at Oakwood Premier apartments in Makati.
2004February 27SuperFerry 14 is bombed by then Jemaah Islamiyah-linked Abu Sayyaf, then sinks near Manila Bay, killing 116; deadliest terrorist attack in Philippine history.
2004May 102004 Philippine general election
2004November 16Hacienda Luisita massacre takes place, 14 people die in clashes with police.
2004November 20 – December 2Cyclones Muifa (Unding), Merbok, Winnie and Nanmadol (Yoyong) hit the country, affecting million people, causing massive fatalities and damages.
2005February 14Valentine's Day bombings: Three explosions occur in the cities of Makati, Davao, and General Santos, resulting to, in total, 8 deaths and at least 90 injuries; Abu Sayyaf claims responsibility for the attacks.
2005June 6Hello Garci scandal : Audio recordings, containing a conversation believed to be between Pres. Macapagal Arroyo and Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, are released by media to the public, revealing the allegations of cheating in 2004 national elections.
2005September 6Congress rejects impeachment complaints against Pres. Macapagal Arroyo in what would be the longest Lower House session in country's history.
2005NovemberReformed Value Added Tax Act is implemented, after being delayed for months, as a solution to the government's fiscal crisis.
2006February 17A landslide from an entire mountainside occurs in Guinsaugon village in Southern Leyte, following continuous heavy rains and an earthquake, causing damages and 1,126 deaths.
2006February 24Pres. Macapagal Arroyo places the entire country under state of emergency in response to coup rumours.
2006May 18Mountaineer Leo Oracion reached the summit of Mount Everest via the Nepalese side.
2006June 24Pres. Macapagal Arroyo signs Republic Act 9346 abolishing capital punishment in the country.
2006August 11Vessel M/T Solar I sinks off the coast of Guimaras, resulting to an oil spill, causing widespread environmental damage.
2006September 28Typhoon Xangsane (Milenyo) struck Luzon, killing at least 200 and causing agricultural damages.
2006October 2Provincehood of Dinagat Islands, separating from Surigao del Norte.
2006November 25–30Typhoon Durian (Reming) kills at least 720 people, with damages at US$130 million; triggers a massive landslide from the Mayon volcano in Legazpi City on the 30th, causing additional 800–1,000 casualties.
2006December 4Makati Regional Trial Court convicts American serviceman LCpl. Daniel Smith and acquits three co-accused for their involvement in the 2005 Subic rape case.
2006Death of Khadaffy Janjalani, Abu Sayyaf leader.
2007MarchRep. Satur Ocampo is arrested and charged with murder allegedly committed on a purge of suspected spies in the CPPNPA occurred then, later released.
2007MarchThe Permanent Peoples' Tribunal in The Hague finds the Arroyo administration responsible for unsolved killings and disappearances in the country.
2007April 20A contract is signed by the Philippine and Chinese governments for a proposed National Broadband Network, which was later found to be corrupted.
2007July 11Fourteen Marine soldiers are found beheaded following an encounter between government forces and Islamic rebels Moro Islamic Liberation Front and, allegedly, Abu Sayyaf, in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
2007August 28Exiled Communist Party of the Philippines founding chairman Jose Maria Sison is arrested at Utrecht, Netherlands.
2007September 12Sandiganbayan and the Office of the Ombudsman convicts former Pres. Estrada for plunder and sentences him to reclusion perpetua, but acquits him and his co-accused on other charges.
2007October 19An explosion at Glorietta mall in Makati kills 11 and injures at least 100.
2007October 26Former Pres. Joseph Estrada is pardoned and freed from jail after his trial.
2007November 29The Armed Forces lays siege to The Peninsula Manila following a mutiny staged by soldiers.
2007December 6Fourteen Abu Sayyaf members are convicted by the Pasig Regional Trial Court regarding the 2001 kidnapping incident in Palawan.
2007MNLF leader Nur Misuari is arrested in Malaysia following rebellion charges filed against him.
2008February 8Jun Lozada testifies before the Philippine Senate in connection with the National Broadband Network contract deal.
2008March 6Several Congress members call for an investigation into a joint oil exploration agreement on 2004 between the Philippines, China, and Vietnam over the disputed Spratly Islands, claiming it unconstitutional.
2008March 11Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is acquitted by a Manila trial court of 32 counts of illegal money transfers.
2008March 17The United States Supreme Court hears oral arguments on a certiorari petition filed by the government, invoking sovereign immunity regarding the enforcement against former Pres. Marcos' estate.
2008June 20–23Typhoon Fengshen (Frank) makes landfall in Samar on the 20th; devastates Central Visayas; kills at least 557 people and affects more than 99,600 families in some regions, with damages at ₱4.37 billion.
2008June 21Passenger ferry MV Princess of the Stars capsizes and sinks off San Fernando, Romblon in Sibuyan Island during a typhoon, 814 of its total number of passengers and crew are either dead or missing.
2008August 25Peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front collapse after the memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain is declared by the Supreme Court unconstitutional.
2008OctoberEuro Generals scandal
2008CARPER Act is passed, reforming CARP and extending it until 2014.
2009January 15Three International Committee of the Red Cross volunteers are kidnapped by the rebel group Abu Sayyaf
2009MarchPhilippine Archipelagic Baselines Act is signed into law by Pres. Macapagal Arroyo, ensuring international recognition of the country's territorial boundaries.
2009April 23Court of Appeals acquits LCpl. Daniel Smith in connection with Subic rape case, reversing the 2006 decision, ordering his release.
2009September 26Typhoon Ketsana (Ondoy) is the most devastating typhoon to hit the country since Typhoon Patsy (Yoling), affecting Manila, with damages of $1.09 billion and 747 fatalities.
2009OctoberTyphoon Parma (Pepeng) hits the country, affecting millions of people, causing $617 million in damages and 500 fatalities.
2009November 23Maguindanao massacre: Fifty-eight people being part of a convoy, including clan members and 32 journalists, are killed and buried in a mass grave in Ampatuan town by an estimated 100 gunmen belonging to a victims' political rival; single deadliest attack against journalists in world history.
2009December 4Pres. Macapagal Arroyo places Maguindanao under a state of martial law in connection with the murder incident; lifts it eight days later.
2009MNLF leader Nur Misuari is acquitted in connection to the 2001 rebellion.

2010s

YearDateEventSource
2010May 10The 2010 Philippine general elections, also the first national computerized election in the Philippine history, took place.
2010August 23A hostage-taking incident at the Quirino Grandstand ends in a gunfight that killed a perpetrator and eight hostages.
2010October 16–18Typhoon Juan, officially as Typhoon Megi, hits northeastern Luzon at Sierra Madre, creating widespread damage over Luzon.
2011July 26Supreme Court declares creation of a Truth Commission unconstitutional.
2011November 11Puerto Princesa Underground River is named as one of the world's New7Wonders of Nature.
2011November 18Electoral sabotage charges are filed by Comelec against former Pres. Macapagal Arroyo, arrested on the same day, and the co-accused at the Pasay Regional Trial Court in connection to allegations of electoral fraud.
2011DecemberTropical Storm Washi (Sendong) causes flash floods, leaving 1,080 people dead and affecting Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities.
2012FebruaryAn earthquake with 6.9 magnitude hits Visayas islands causing damages.
2012AprilAn attempt of the Philippine Navy to detain Chinese fishermen caught on the Scarborough Shoal is blocked by China, escalating a diplomatic standoff over the area.
2012April 24Supreme Court votes to distribute Hacienda Luisita lands to its farmers.
2012May 29Senators vote, 20–3, to convict Chief Justice Corona guilty in the second article of the impeachment case regarding alleged undisclosed wealth, removing him from office.
2012SeptemberCybercrime Prevention Act is signed into law by Pres. Aquino.
2012October 15The Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro is signed by the Philippine Government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, aiming to end war in the southern Philippines and also for the creation of a new autonomous political entity, Bangsamoro, replacing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
2012October 21Canonization of Pedro Calungsod as second Filipino saint
2012December 3Typhoon Bopha (Pablo) makes landfall on Mindanao, affecting Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, with more than 600 fatalities and damages estimated at more than US$1 billion.
2012December 21Reproductive Health Bill is signed into law by Pres. Aquino.
2013May 15The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, commonly known as K–12 program was signed.
2013July 27The United Federated States of Bangsamoro Republik declares its independence from the Philippines
2013August 16Passenger ship MV St. Thomas Aquinas and cargo ship Sulpicio Express Siete collide in Cebu Strait, killing 115.
2013SeptemberMNLF commander Ustadz Habier Malik launches an attack on Zamboanga City, leaving more than 200 people dead.
2013September 28The UFSBR ceases to exists as it is defeated in the Zamboanga City crisis.
2013October 15A magnitude 7.2 earthquake, whose released energy is found equivalent to 32 Hiroshima bombs, strikes Bohol province, affecting Central Visayas, with 222 people died; the country's deadliest earthquake since 1990.
2013October 28Davao Occidental was founded, separating from Davao del Sur; country's 81st province.
2013November 8Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) landfalls in Visayas and devastates the country, whose winds caused storm surges that severely flooded Eastern and Central Visayan coasts, with Samar and Leyte among the most affected; death toll of at least 6,300; majority of about 11 million people reportedly affected are left homeless; one of the strongest tropical cyclones to hit the country, and the deadliest typhoon on record.
2014March 27The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro was signed.
2014March 30Philippine government files a memorandum in the United Nations arbitration court regarding the shoals and reefs in the South China Sea.
2014May 23The Philippines and Indonesia signed a maritime treaty that draws the boundary of the two countries' overlapping Exclusive Economic Zone in Mindanao and Celebes seas.
2014July 21Philippine Arena is inaugurated in Bocaue, Bulacan, the "largest mixed-use indoor theater."
2014July 27Philippines marks a milestone in its population growth identifying the birth of a baby girl in a Manila hospital as the 100 millionth Filipino.
2014September 10President Aquino III lead the handover of the draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to the Senate and House leaders in a historical turnover ceremony at the Malacañang.
2014December 8Vigan City, Ilocos Sur is chosen as one of the world's New7Wonders Cities.
2014Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement signed, maintaining rotational American military presence in the country.
2015January 15–19Papal visit of Pope Francis in the Philippines, with a special Mass held at the Tacloban airport on the 17th.
2015January 25Mamasapano clash: An encounter between police commandos and the MILF occurs in a police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, aiming to capture international terrorist Marwan; leading to, in total, 74 deaths including 44 PNPSAF officers
2015February 25The AFP declared its all-out offensive campaign against the MILF break away group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
2015April 14Death of Ameril Umbra Kato, the founding leader of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
2015May 29Pres. Aquino signs Executive Order 183, creating the Negros Island Region.
2015June 28Death of Kumander Parago, the top commander of the New People's Army.
2015October 18Typhoon Koppu (Lando) hits northern and central Luzon, creating widespread damage and floods over Luzon.
2015December 1LCpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton is convicted by the court for the death of a transgender in 2014.
2015December 21
Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach is crowned Miss Universe 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada; the country's first title after 42 years.
2016JanuarySupreme Court declares the EDCA as constitutional.
2016February 10The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority announces that it has documented more than 400 additional islands.
2016March 23Diwata-1 was launched to the International Space Station aboard the Cygnus spacecraft on a supply mission.
2016April 9Twenty-three soldiers and Abu Sayyaf bandits, including a Moroccan jihadist, are killed in a gunfight between government troops and a terrorist group in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
2016May 92016 Philippine general election
2016July 1An intensified nationwide anti-drug campaign is launched by President Rodrigo Duterte.
2016July 12The Permanent Court of Arbitration rules in favor of the Philippines against China over territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
2016July 19The Supreme Court acquits former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of her plunder case regarding the alleged misuse of funds for the PCSO in an 11–4 ruling.
2016July 23President Duterte signs an executive order for the implementation of the Freedom of Information.
2016August 1Launch of the 911 emergency number and 8888 civil service complaint hotline
2016October 19Typhoon Haima. Typhoon signal number 5 raised for the first time.
2016November 18The controversial burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
2017January 5Death of Mohammad Jaafar Maguid, the leader of Ansar Al-Khilafah Philippines.
2017January 11Pres. Duterte signed an executive order mandating universal access to modern family planning tools.
2017February 5President Rodrigo Duterte designates the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples Army as a terrorist organization following attacks and kidnappings of soldiers by NPA members amid the imposed ceasefire between the government and the communist rebels.
2017February 24Arrest of Leila de Lima for violations of Republic Act 9165, related to her alleged involvement in the New Bilibid Prison drug trafficking scandal.
2017February 28Philippines' signing of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
2017May 16Pres. Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 25, that renamed Benham Rise to Philippine Rise.
2017May 16Pres. Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order No. 26, that ordered a nationwide smoking ban.
2017May 23Pres. Duterte declares a 60-day martial law in Mindanao following clashes between government forces and the Maute group in Marawi City.
2017July 22Congress votes to extend martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2017 as siege in Marawi City continues.
2017October 16Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute group leader Omar Maute are killed by government troops in an assault.
2017October 17Pres. Duterte declares the liberation of Marawi City, with more than a thousand reportedly killed in the battle.
2018July 26The Bangsamoro Organic Law is signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte, effectively abolishing the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and providing for the basic structure of government for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

2020s

YearDateEventSource
2020March 16The island of Luzon placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine in response to the growing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 in the country.
2020July 3The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 is signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte, giving more surveillance powers to government forces to curb terror threats and acts.
2021June 23The Anti-Terrorism Council designates the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization, citing it as an "integral and inseparable part" of the CPP-NPA.
2021July 26Hidilyn Diaz wins a gold medal at the Women's 55 kg event for weightlifting in Tokyo, Japan during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. It is the Philippines' first Olympic gold medal.
2022May 9The 2022 Philippine general election are held, marking the first majority win since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1987, the first presidential ticket to win together since 2004, and the return of the Marcos family to power since the People Power Revolution.
2025March 11Former president Rodrigo Duterte is arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport for an International Criminal Court warrant that charged him with crimes against humanity in relation to the Philippine drug war. He was then sent to the Hague to face trial.