1996 in the Philippines details events of note that happened in the Philippines in the year 1996. Incumbents President: Fidel Ramos (Lakas) Vice President: Joseph Estrada (NPC) Senate President Neptali Gonzales (until October 10) Ernesto Maceda (starting October 10) House Speaker: Jose de Venecia, Jr. Chief Justice: Andres Narvasa Philippine Congress: 10th Congress of the Philippines Events January January 22 – A Philippine Navy gunboat engages in a battle with three Chinese naval vessels near Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands, marking the first violent military confrontation involving the two countries and further triggering an ongoing diplomatic crisis. February February 14 – Violent clashes erupt between Filipino soldiers and Vietnamese boat people, as the Philippines government attempts to forcibly repatriate hundreds of Vietnamese asylum seekers. February 18 – At least 50 people were killed when an overcrowded ferry capsized at the entrance to the port of Cadiz, Negros Occidental; the incident happened when passengers shifted to one side to avoid high waves. March March 18 – Fire razes Ozone Disco in Quezon City, killing 162 guests including college graduating students and 95 more injured. The incident was officially acknowledged as the worst fire in Philippine history, and among the 10 worst nightclub fires in the world. March 24 – A mining disaster occurs in the island province of Marinduque when the leftover mine tailings from the drainage of the Marcopper Mining Corporation are leaked into the river and spilled into the sea. June June 13 – Retired P/Col. Rolando Abadilla, intelligence officer during the Marcos administration, is assassinated in Quezon City. Communist Alex Boncayao Brigade claims responsibility. Five of the seven accused would be convicted in 1999. July July 24–25 – Typhoon Gloria loosed rains and flooding that killed nearly 60 people on Luzon and Mindoro Islands. July 31 – Sarah Balabagan, a migrant worker sentenced and imprisoned in the United Arab Emirates for almost two years for killing her employer in self-defense, is freed; will return to the country the next day. August August 1 – Mabuhay, moved to its new orbital slot. Mabuhay satellite, previously named Palapa B-2P, was acquired by Mabuhay Philippines Satellite Corporation on an earlier date this year. Mabuhay became one to be owned by a Filipino entity. August 10 – Sagay becomes a city in the province of Negros Occidental through ratification of Republic Act 8192 which was approved last June 11. September September