#InquirerSeven Most Rage-inducing Stories of 2014
MANILA, Philippines – As 2014 draws to a close, it’s time to take a breather and join INQUIRER.net as we look back at the seven biggest stories that caused us to lose our temper.
This second of seven #InquirerSeven listicles remembers the seven Most Rage-inducing Stories of 2014.
Read the full list of the Inquirer #BestOfSeven 2014 Yearender special.
1. DEATH OF JEFFREY “JENNIFER” LAUDE
Another US Marine has been implicated in a crime near the former US naval base of Subic Bay. The grisly death of transgender woman Jennifer Laude sparked popular outrage, with militant groups calling for the immediate repeal of the US-Philippines Visiting Forces Agreement and the Enhanced Defence Cooperation Agreement.
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:
- US Marine held in slay of Subic transgender
- PH demands custody of Pemberton
- US rejects PH demand for custody of Pemberton
2. CHINA CONTINUES BULLYING IN WEST PHILIPPINE SEA
With the Philippines helplessly looking on, an expansive China continued to reclaim land in disputed reefs in the West Philippine Sea—even as the arbitration case the Philippines filed with the United Nations moved forward.
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:
- China to PH: reclamation is ‘none of your business’
- PH helpless in stopping China’s reclamation in disputed seas
- PH files 4,000-page ‘memorial’ vs China before int’l court
3. PNP CHIEF UNDER FIRE
Suspended PNP Chief Alan Purisima is facing plunder charges; the first was filed on April 22 for an allegedly anomalous courier services contract with Werfast Documentary Agency. The second followed on December 9, this time involving undeclared properties in Batangas.
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:
- Ombudsman suspends PNP chief Purisima over courier contract
- Plunder complaint filed vs PNP chief, firearms office head over license delivery deal
- Multiple charges filed vs PNP chief Purisima
4. STATE OF TRANSPORTATION IN METRO MANILA
The appalling transportation situation in Metro Manila reached a new low when an MRT train broke free and crashed through a Taft Avenue station barrier and on to EDSA. The Japan International Cooperation Agency estimates that road traffic costs the economy P2.7 billion ($57 million) daily.
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:
- MRT train skids, rams Taft station; 38 injured
- Manila’s traffic jams cost $57 million a day
- 4-day work week will not solve Metro Manila traffic woes
5. PORT CONGESTION LEADS TO DELAYED GOODS
A daylight truck ban ordinance in Manila hampered the movement of goods out of the Port of Manila. Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada finally moved to repeal the ban after repeated objections and complaints from business and industry sectors.
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:
- Port congestion is a disease
- Estrada lifts truck ban in Manila
- Estrada defends Manila truck ban: More people benefited from it
6. BILIBID VIPS
The authorities conducted surprise raids inside the Maximum Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prison, finding illegal drugs, gadgets, closed circuit television, a music room, a private gym, and millions in cash. Three NBP officials were relieved and 20 high-profile inmates transferred to NBI facilities.
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:
- Drug lords rule New Bilibid Prison
- Private gym, sex enhancers found in second wave of Bilibid raid
- Congressman, politicians own guns seized in New Bilibid Prison
7. ENZO PASTOR SLAY
Enzo Pastor, the 31-year-old champion racer, was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men in Quezon City on June 12. His wife, Dalia Guerrero, and her alleged lover, businessman Domingo “Sandy” De Guzman, were charged with murder. De Guzman denied the allegations while Guerrero has not appeared in the preliminary investigation conducted by the DOJ.
REFRESH YOUR MEMORY:
- Enzo Pastor widow a suspect in racer’s slay
- Enzo Pastor nanny: Alleged slay brains often visited Dalia
- Curiouser and curiouser
