MANILA, Philippines – Some of them were champions in their respective fields, heroes in their loved ones’ eyes.

Some of them played key roles in major controversies, at the receiving end of the nation’s ire.

Some even sparked debates nationwide, directing attention to pressing issues.

All of them, in one way or another, took their rightful places in Philippine history and culture.

We remember some of the influential, controversial and notable newsmakers who passed away in 2013.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story referred to Ukol Talumpa as former mayor of Lawaan. Talumpa is a former mayor of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur, while Lawaan is a town in Eastern Samar. This has been corrected.