Philippine Canadian Inquirer #160

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VOL. 3 NO. 160

MARCH 27, 2015

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US Must be wary after Mamasapano

World leaders pay tribute to the late Lee Kuan Yew

A closer look at the holy week tradition

Antarctica tourism thrives despite unexpected nature

Mayweather/Pacquiao official poster revealed

Employees rally behind Junjun

NOT

BY NIÑA CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer

With the ‘4-in, 4-out’ rule slated to come in to effect on April 1, many Temporary Foreign Workers are scrambling to find ways to extend their stay in Canada in the hopes of becoming permanent residents. (Story on page 22)

Potential Options To Remain In Canada For TFWs Facing Uncertain Future CIC NEWS THOUSANDS OF temporary foreign workers who have made Canada their home are facing an uncertain future in

Canada, with the full effects of the socalled ‘4-in, 4-out’ rule scheduled to kick in on April 1, 2015.

Changes made by the government of

Community bids adieu to Toronto envoy

MAKATI GOVERNMENT employees, wearing black shirts, took a break from work yesterday to protest what they claimed was the “continued defiance” of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) of the appellate court’s temporary restraining order (TRO) stopping the Ombudsman’s suspension of Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, who is under investigation for corruption.

Rallying behind the embattled Binay, who has been holed up in his office on the 21st floor of the City Hall since the standoff began last weekend, the employees said they were concerned that the legal conflict would delay the release of their salaries and hamper the operations of the city government.

The DILG, which sent a police complement to serve the suspension order on Monday, wants Binay to vacate his office and allow Vice Mayor Romulo Peña, who has been sworn in as acting mayor, to do his job.

From the adjacent old Makati municipal hall, with hallways that reek of leaking toilets, Peña issued a memorandum

❱❱ PAGE 28 ❱❱ PAGE 27 Potential Options

❱❱ PAGE 11 Employees rally

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FRIDAY

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

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Marwan facilitator of jihadists, says security exec

BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer IT WAS his role as an efficient facilitator in the jihadist network in Southeast Asia that made it imperative for the Philippines to neutralize Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” even if he was not the deadly terrorist that sacked Special Action Force (SAF) Director Getulio Napeñas portrayed him to be, according to National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia.

The INQUIRER last week sought Garcia’s comment on the claim of the Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (Ipac) that Marwan was not a terrorist leader in Mindanao with impeccable bomb-making skills, as was declared after police commandos killed him in a daring raid in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, on Jan. 25.

In a 15-page paper titled “Killing Marwan in Mindanao,” the Ipac noted how the Mamasapano debacle “raises questions about the intersection of

counterterrorism and conflict resolution and their sometimes competing objectives.”

“Those questions would have been important to address even had Marwan proven to be the master bomber that his reputation suggested. They become even more pressing if he was not,” it said, citing former colleagues of Marwan who had nothing impressive to say about the slain terrorist.

Garcia said some of those who make up the Ipac were “very good … but their information came from old sources.”

“The information may have been correct 10 or 15 years ago. But through the years, the prominent jihadists had either been killed or arrested that Marwan grew in importance in so far as being a facilitator for the jihadists in the region are concerned,” Garcia said.

Certainly, Marwan was by no means as prominent as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) leaders Dulmatin or Umar Patek, Garcia said.

In fact, he added, Napeñas’ description of Marwan as the “most

notorious bomb maker not just in Southeast Asia but the world” was “a bit overstated.” “[Marwan] is being given more honor than he deserves,” Garcia said.

But after the Southeast Asian terrorist group JI was broken up, which Garcia credited to the Indonesian government, the jihadists in the region “became a loose network.”

“That was when Marwan became effective as a facilitator.

That was his role. That was his real significance,” Garcia said.

Shortly after Marwan was killed in the Mamasapano raid, Garcia told the INQUIRER that the Malaysian-born terrorist was the conduit in Southeast Asia for the Islamic State (IS), the jihadist group in the Middle East also known as Isis and Isil.

Garcia said then that only Marwan had the status to link with other international terrorists. Not even his deputy, Basit Usman, has that stature, Garcia said.

Usman and another associate of Marwan, Malaysian-born

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Amin Baco, alias “Jihad,” escaped capture in Mamasapano.

They are now being hunted by the military.

In a separate interview with the INQUIRER, a ranking military intelligence official described Marwan as an “average” terrorist.

“He wasn’t really a leader. He has a huge reward from the US but he’s really just average in terrorism skills. While he was able to teach others to make bombs, he was more of a supporter of terrorist cells. He had access to them,” said the official, who requested anonymity.

The official added that Marwan and his followers also expressed support for IS because it was the best-known terrorist organization today.

“They also expected that by supporting Isis, which has a lot of money, it would send them funds as well. Marwan was an instructor and a conduit of finances,” the source said.

While the operation to take down Marwan was successful, 44 SAF commandos, 17 fighters

from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and three civilians were killed in a 12-hour gun battle in Mamasapano.

Napeñas admitted bypassing the coordination procedures set under the peace agreement between the government and the MILF because he did not trust the rebels and the military.

The carnage that ended the SAF operation left the peace agreement, hammered out over nearly two decades, in doubt.

Lawmakers have threatened not to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that would create an autonomous Bangsamoro region in Mindanao, accusing the MILF of coddling terrorists like Marwan.

President Aquino, however, continues to lobby for the BBL’s passage. He wants to make the achievement of peace in Central Mindanao one of the legacies of his administration.

Congressional leaders have agreed to pass the autonomy law by June, before Congress adjourns. ■

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Philippine News

MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

‘US must be wary after Mamasapano’

BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE UNITED States should keep an eye on the divisive effects of the bloody Mamasapano incident as it could have consequences for US interests in the Philippines, particularly on the antiterror operations against the Abu Sayyaf extremist group that recently swore allegiance to the terrorist Islamic State.

Writing in the newsletter of Washington-based thinktank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Gregory Poling cited the possible effects of Mamasapano on the Mindanao’s peace process, which could in turn derail the Philippine military’s campaign to eliminate the Abu Sayyaf.

The US, the country’s oldest and strongest defense ally, has been supporting the Philippines’ counterterrorism efforts, stepping up the partnership, particularly in the wake of the Sept. 11, World Trade Center attack in New York.

And while the Unites States deactivated its Joint Special

Operations Task Force-Philippines in Zamboanga City last month, as Poling noted, US troops remain on the ground “to advise and assist in the fight against the Abu Sayyaf.”

“The Mamasapano raid and its aftermath have presented the Aquino administration with the greatest challenge it has faced. The potential domestic damage is farreaching,” said Poling, whose analysis appeared in the March 19 issue of the CSIS publication “Southeast Asia From Scott Circle.”

“But Washington should not view the matter as one affecting only domestic Philippine political and security concerns.

Mamasapano could have very real long-term consequences for US interests,” he said in the article, “Aftermath of Botched Philippine Raid Should Concern Washington.”

The Jan. 25 operation to arrest Malaysian bombmaker Zulkifli bin Hir, also known as “Marwan,” led to the massacre of 44 elite police Special Action Force (SAF) commandos

by Muslim rebels. Three civilians died as did 17 rebels from

the attacking Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) secessionist group and other groups.

Marwan was also slain in the encounter.

Noting how Mamasapano “has also shaken the faith in the Benigno Aquino administration, with opposition lawmakers calling for the president’s impeachment,” Poling said the fallout could end up as “more than just a domestic crisis and bears watching by US policymakers.”

Affect AFP campaign

Poling, a fellow with the Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies and the Pacific Partners Initiative at the CSIS, cited how the breakdown of the peace process could undermine the Armed Forces of the Philippines campaign against the Abu Sayyaf.

He noted the threats to the peace process as a result of Mamasapano, including the misgivings of several politicians about the Aquino administration and how it handled the operation, doubts about the sincerity of the MILF, the gov-

ernment’s dialogue partner in the talks, and the withdrawal of support for the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. The draft legislation, which is meant to implement the peace agreement that the government signed with the MILF last year, is awaiting approval by Congress where many legislators have questioned its constitutional infirmities.

“The collapse of the peace process with the MILF would seriously deteriorate the Philippine military’s capacity to press the fight against [the] Abu Sayyaf. That in turn could undermine the successes that have allowed the US drawdown of involvement in the southern Philippines,” said Poling.

He said defeating the Abu Sayyaf was a matter of utmost interest to the US. “The United States has a vested interest in seeing the Abu Sayyaf destroyed—one that drove the 14-year-long Operation Enduring FreedomPhilippines and that has come into renewed focus since Abu Sayyaf fighters began swearing allegiance to the Islamic State,”

Poling said.

Philippine view

The Abu Sayyaf pledged allegiance to the jihadist group last year just as the world saw the Islamic State’s escalating atrocities, including the execution of hostages of different nationalities.

Poling also cited how US involvement in the Mamasapano operation was being viewed in the Philippines. Reports of both the Philippine National Police board of inquiry and the Senate have shown how Americans were involved in training the operatives, the surveillance during the assault and the extraction of the dead and wounded. “…[T]he narrative in the Philippines has not focused on the benefits of US support in the operation. Instead, lawmakers and the public have expressed concern about the unusual level of access for US personnel during an operation about which even the interior secretary and the acting chief of [the national] police knew nothing,” said Poling. ■

WHO: Together we can beat TB

BY NIÑA P. CALLEJA AND ERIKA SAULER Philippine Daily Inquirer THE WORLD Health Organization (WHO) in the Western Pacific region has called for new action and commitment in the global fight against tuberculosis (TB), as millions of people still get infected with what is known as the poor man’s disease.

WHO issued the statement ahead of World TB Day on March 24, saying it was an opportunity for communities, governments, civil society groups and international partners to put the goals of eliminating TB at the top of their agenda.

“We must focus on maintaining approaches that have worked well while incorporating new methods and technology to address evolving challenges,” said Dr. Shin Youngsoo, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific.

The WHO said that while the

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Janette Garin delivers her keynote speech during the observance of World TB Day 2015. Secretary Garin noted there has been a marked decline in TB burden since the launching of the DOTS (Directly Observed Teatment Short-Course) strategy in 1996.

AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

fight to reverse the spread of TB was gaining momentum, the number of people still affected by it remained high.

In 2013, 9 million people contracted TB and 1.5 million died from the disease.

“Let us reinvigorate our efforts to reach, treat and cure

all patients suffering from TB, including drug-resistant forms.

We need the concerted efforts of all sectors, not just health workers, to find and fight this disease wherever it hides,” Shin said.

One of the world’s leading infectious killers, TB is caused by www.canadianinquirer.net

the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that most often affect the lungs.

The disease is spread when a person with an active TB infection in their lungs coughs or sneezes and someone else inhales the expelled droplets, which contain TB bacteria.

While tuberculosis mostly affects young adults in their most productive years, all age groups are at risk.

The WHO has stressed that TB is curable and preventable.

In fact, an estimated 37 million lives were saved through TB diagnosis and treatment between 2000 and 2013.

It reported that in the Western Pacific region which covers 37 countries, including the Philippines, substantial progress has been made in reaching Millennium Development Goals relating to TB well in advance of the 2015 deadline.

Although the region’s population is increasing, TB cases continue to decline each year—from 2.1 million cases in 2000 to 1.6 million cases in 2013.

Since 2000, TB treatment has saved 9 million lives in the region, which includes both TB patients and those who would have contracted TB from them had they not been treated. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

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P-Noy in pink of health Palace quashes talk of President’s ‘collapse’

BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer HAS MAMASAPANO gotten into President Aquino’s nerves? Or have too many cigarettes and too much soda joined forces with pressure from handling the cares of state to bring his 55-year-old body down?

None of the above, if Malacañang can be believed, but at any rate there it was: President Aquino “collapsed” around midnight last Friday—but he did not know.

He found out when his spokesperson called to ask if it was true.

It was just a rumor, of course, but since it concerned the President’s health, Malacañang had to work overtime to assure the public that it was not true and that Mr. Aquino was in the pink of health.

A Palace insider told the INQUIRER this week that the President was at Bahay Pangarap, his official residence on the Malacañang grounds, when he learned at around midnight that he had collapsed.

Earlier that night, the President had dinner with some of his Cabinet officials, the source said.

“He was so surprised when he learned that there was a rumor that he had collapsed,” the source, who requested anonymity, said.

The President was “fine” during the dinner, the source stressed.

Earlier that Friday, Mr. Aquino was in Kawit, Cavite province, to inaugurate the new Emilio Aguinaldo museum.

The President led the flagraising ceremony, but did not give a speech. He looked well as he walked in the museum’s garden with other government officials.

Who started the rumor that raised questions about the President’s health anew remains a mystery.

The rumor came amid calls for Mr. Aquino’s resignation or ouster following a bungled police counterterrorism operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, that left 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos dead on Jan. 25 and sunk his administration in

President Benigno S. Aquino III was surprised and amused to hear about rumors that he had unexpectedly collapsed last week at Malacanang Palace. The rumor started by a tweet from a reporter that prompted a flurry of calls to the Palace to confirm.

PCOO.GOV.PH

its deepest political crisis as he neared the end of his six-year term.

The rumor began with a tweet by a television reporter posted late Friday night, citing an anonymous source who told him that the President “collapsed.”

In the same tweet, the reporter mentioned presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda’s denial.

The tweet triggered a frenzy of reporters’ phone calls to the Palace Communications Group trying to verify the information.

There were scant details.

Nothing about where it happened, what time, who the President was with, why he collapsed.

‘No such thing’

At 12:20 a.m., Lacierda texted and posted a tweet: “I have communicated with the President regarding the rumors circulating that he collapsed and he immediately responded to my text that there is ‘No such thing,’” Lacierda said.

He said he hoped his statement would “settle the issue tonight.”

Lacierda also asked the media to “disseminate the information accurately.”

Speaking on state-run Radyo ng Bayan yesterday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that “according to his physician,” the President’s “health is in good condition.”

“We really don’t know where these things come from,” Valte said, recalling that a few years ago a Cabinet official was also rumored to have collapsed.

Valte urged the public to be prudent when disseminating information, especially on social media.

“Let’s just be careful about disseminating unverified information on social media, not just because it’s the President, but about other equally important things as well. You know, sometimes I see people who share [ on Facebook] ‘ I’m not sure if this is true, but I’ll share it anyway.’ Let’s just not adopt that kind of mentality because it is not fair to the subjects of the [ unverified] stories,” she said.

Press meeting canceled

Apparently to dispel the rumor, even after his spokespersons had repeatedly denied it, President Aquino tried to meet the press yesterday afternoon, but canceled it less than an hour after the Palace had sent out an official advisory. www.canadianinquirer.net

The advisory said the President would “visit NEB around 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.”

The NEB is the New Executive Building, which houses the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the press office. It is located on the Palace grounds.

Mr. Aquino, the INQUIRER source said, canceled the visit after learning that most of the reporters were not in the press office, as it was their day off.

In a separate phone call, Jo Paulo Espiritu, head of the Malacañang Media Accreditation and Relations Office, said Mr. Aquino did not want to inconvenience the reporters, many of whom, he learned, would have to rush to the Palace.

In the evening, the President was spotted with Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares in a restaurant at Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City, where a friend was celebrating his birthday.

President Aquino’s health has been the subject of news reports since he began his term in June 2010.

Heavy smoker

Mr. Aquino, a bachelor, has not denied being a heavy smok-

er. He also drinks a lot of soda.

He has been known as a nocturnal worker since his days in the House of Representatives and in the Senate.

Prone to coughing fits, which doctors attribute to his smoking, Mr. Aquino also does not have a known exercise regimen.

It is that profile that stirs up a media frenzy whenever word comes that Mr. Aquino is ill.

In 2012, for instance, President Aquino canceled a meeting with International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde because he was ill.

He also has had bouts with cough and cold, and at times had to deal with pollen allergy attacks.

Last week, Valte said that the President regularly visits his personal physician.

In June last year, there was a question about whether President Aquino’s medical record should be made public, following a series of cancellations of official functions because he had the flu or was down with pollen allergy.

The question came after the White House made public the medical record of US President Barack Obama. Obama’s doctors declared he was in excellent health.

Confidential

At that time, Malacañang maintained that President Aquino had the privilege of keeping his medical record confidential.

Article VII, Section 12 of the Constitution states that the President’s health requires public disclosure, especially if the illness is “serious.”

“In case of serious illness of the President, the public shall be informed of the state of his health. The members of the Cabinet in charge of national security and foreign relations and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines shall not be denied access to the President during such illness,” the Constitution says.

The state of health of Russian President Vladimir Putin was also the subject of media scrutiny recently, following a 10-day absence from public view.

Putin denied reports that he was sick when he made a public appearance on March 15. ■

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Philippine News

MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

PH to build state-of-the-art jail

BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer THANKS TO the modern amenities and expanded facilities of the new prison being planned in Nueva Ecija, the current problems hounding the National Bilibid Prisons (NBP), including the special treatment given high-profile inmates, could be a thing of the past, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.

“We will get rid of that…

Because the structures [at the NBP] are dilapidated and there is too much congestion, other inmates are forced to build their own villas because they could not stand the actual condition[s] at the main dorm,” the Justice official said.

The new prison is set to become a state-of-the-art facility and would probably be the biggest in the world in terms of inmate population, De Lima said. It will also have layers of built-in security since it will be located inside a military base, she added.

The planned 27,000-capacity prison facility for Luzon is also the country’s first ever publicprivate partnership undertaking for the correctional system, the official said at yesterday’s investors’ forum where government invited bidders to file their tenders for the new prison’s Build-Transfer-Maintain contract.

ervation at Fort Magsaysay in General Tinio town, Nueva Ecija, upon the donation of the Department of Defense. In a way, the justice chief said, the site comes with built-in security.

“Remember, this is a military reservation, so we can say there is even a parallel or a shadow security to be provided by the military contingent in that reservation.”

P50-billion project

The P50- billion prison project that will replace the NBP in Muntinlupa and the Correctional Institution for Women in Mandaluyong, is set for construction from March 2016 to March 2019, and comes with a 20- year agreement for the private partner to maintain it.

“The private contractor will maintain the facility, but only on the physical aspect, so that the Bureau of Corrections can concentrate on its core mandate which is safekeeping and [coming up with] correctional [programs],” De Lima said.

The facility will rise on a 500ha site within a military res-

‘Flexible modular system’

Based on its initial design, the prison compound will sit on a 170-ha area, with a total of 12 blocks divided into eight units under a “flexible modular system,” said project consultant Johan Gauderis.

Each block can house 2,240 inmates, with each convict given two square meters of space, Gauderis said. Amenities include a catering area, laundry, medical and morgue facilities and waste treatment.

As part of the project, bungalow-type and condominiumtype housing facilities will be constructed for the estimated

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New Bilibid Prison, the main insular penitentiary designed to house the prison population of the Philippines. A new prison a Nueva Ecija is designed to eliminate the scandals that plagued the NBP last year involving special treatment of certain inmates.

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4,500 jail guards and correctional officers who will man the prison, Gauderis said in his presentation at the forum.

De Lima said the facility’s design also aims to ensure segregation and classification of inmates “based on needs and risks.”

The current 300-ha NBP, where some 27,000 inmates are

being held, will be sold for commercial use, except for some 50 to 60 hectares that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will retain.

De Lima said the remaining lot will be set aside for a DOJ Academy, a training facility for National Bureau of Investigation agents, immigration, correctional and prosecution officials. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

Aquino browbeats BOI head

BY AMANDO DORONILA Philippine Daily Inquirer

the warning that the more the President struggles to explain the Mamasapano debacle, and the more he defies the public clamor to take responsibility for the slaughter, the deeper he sinks in the quicksand trap he has created for himself.

Before a gathering of evangelical leaders on March 9, the President shirked responsibil-

Director Getulio Napeñas, who was later sacked as commander of the PNP Special Action Force (SAF), which was dispatched to arrest “high-value” terrorists who were given sanctuary by the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in areas it controlled in Maguindanao province. The President claimed Napeñas had given him conflicting reports on the Mamasapano mission.

FROM WHATEVER angle President Aquino’s numerous explanations of his accountability for the Jan. 25 massacre of 44 Philippine National Police commandos in Mamasapano may be viewed, his credibility has sunk to rockbottom depth, and now appears to be irreparable.

Since the masThe latest survey by Pulse Asia, sacre, the Presiconducted in the first week of Popularity dent has apMarch, shows that 79 percent of eroded peared no less Filipinos deemed “insufficient” all the It is clear from than three times, explanations. the survey that in press conferthe President’s ences, using all popularity was media facilities severely eroded at the command of Malaca- ity for the massacre and blamed by the Mamasapano episode, ñang. Despite the efforts, the other officials in the PNP. He but the blameshifting approach latest survey by Pulse Asia, claimed that he was given has failed to arrest the steep conducted in the first week of wrong information by “people drop of his ratings. The results March, shows that 79 percent who knew most of what was appear more damaging to the of Filipinos deemed “insuffi- happening.” administration when these are cient” all the explanations.

In particular, he poured most The survey results delivered of the blame for the fiasco on ❱❱ PAGE 12 Aquino brownbeats

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Cabinet has yet to tackle survey showing 60% of Filipinos favor divorce legalization — Palace

BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency

Weather Station (SWS) survey from Nov. 27 to Dec. 1 last year, about three out of five Filipinos favor the legalization of diMANILA — A survey showing vorce. majority of Filipinos favor the “The people have the power legalization of to air their sentidivorce in the ments regarding country has yet the issue to their to be tackled representatives in the Cabinet in Congress,” Comeeting, said loma said.

Presidential The people The survey Communicahave the power based on the tions Operations to air their face-to-face inOffice (PCOO) sentiments terviews with Secretary Herregarding 1,800 adults, also minio Coloma the issue to noted the a rising Jr. their trend supporting “This issue representatives the legalization has not yet been in Congress. of the divorce. discussed in the In the same Cabinet,” Cosurvey, the SWS loma said in a also found that text message to only 29 percent the Malacanang have opposed Press Corps on the legalization Monday. while the balance were undeAccording to the Social cided on the issue. ■

Widodo’s statement consistent with PHL position on South China Sea row — Palace

BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency

COMPREHENSIVE AGREEMENT President Aquino and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak witnessed the signing of

the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippine government represented by chief negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer (seated right) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) represented by its peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal (seated left) on March 27, 2014. Also in photo are Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles (right), MILF Chair Murad Ibrahim (left) and Abdul Ghafar Tenku Mohamed.

LYN RILLON / PCI

www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — Malacanang on Monday said the statement of Indonesian President Joko Widodo that China’s main claims to the majority of the South China Sea has no legal basis is consistent with the Philippines’ position in the dis-

puted territories.

“This is consistent with the Philippine position that the socalled nine-dash-line theory underpinning China’s claims contradicts the principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), for which reason we have filed a petition in the UN arbitral tribunal,” said ❱❱ PAGE 10 Widodo’s statement

Philippine News

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MARCH 27, 2015 FRIDAY

Junior officer who helped in extrication of trapped SAF men in Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident given Gold Cross Medal PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The Philippine Army (PA), during its 118th founding anniversary Monday, decorated 2nd Lt. Lieutenant Jeymark Y. Mateo with the Gold Cross Medal for his efforts in extricating Special Action Force (SAF) men pinned down in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25.

The Gold Cross Medal is the third highest combat award in the Philippines.

“As platoon leader of the 61st Division Reconnaissance Company, 6th Infantry Division, 2nd Lt Mateo together with his platoon, reinforced the 84th Special Action Company of the PNP Special Action Force that was engaged in an encounter with undetermined number of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and lawless groups, and was heavily under fire, in Barangay Tukalanipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25. His group retrieved eight killed, 11 wounded, and 18 unharmed PNP-SAF troopers from the 84th SAC,” the PA said in a statement.

Aside from recovering wounded and slain SAF personnel, Mateo and his men also recovered equipment and weapons left behind.

Other Gold Cross Medal awardees include 7th Infantry Division Sgt. Benjamin A. Garlejo.

He was recognized for gallantry in action during an encounter with fullyarmed rebels in Barangay Bubon, Camiling, Tarlac, which resulted in the neutralization of six rebels, the capture of one, and the recovery of 11 assorted firearms.

Leading this year’s awardees were Cpl. Narding N. Pascual who earned the Distinguished Conduct Star, the nation’s third highest combat award, and Lt. Col. Noel A. Vestuir who earned the Distinguished Service Star, for meritorious and valuable service.

Pascual is a squad leader of the Composite Squad from Charlie Company, 26th Infantry Battalion and 3rd Platoon, 27th Agusan del Sur CAA Company, the Special Operations Group (SOG) that operates in the hinter barangays of San Luis, Agusan del Sur. His squad were oftentimes designated as the main effort of the company and faced hard times engaging the enemy in counter insurgency operations.

Vestuir, on the other hand, transformed his unit into a highly efficient unit that stood the crucial test in the insurgent-infested province of Northern

Soldiers give salute during the 118th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Army on March 23 at the Hunters ROTC Parade Ground in Fort Bonifacio.

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Samar and the 1st District of Western Samar.

Sgt. Arnel S Labaco was awarded with the Bronze Cross Medal for acts of heroism involving risk of life.

As member of the Light Reaction Company pursuing Abu Sayyaf Group bandits, he reinforced the unit from the 2nd Marine Brigade and provided first aid to the wounded Marines, which action resulted to the successful casualty evacuation of the wounded personnel.

While the Gawad sa Kaunlaran was conferred to Major Virgilio J. Perez for his meritorious and invaluable participation in the conduct of humanitarian civic actions in the Bicol region as part of the PHL-US Balikatan Exercises 2014, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response in Southern Leyte.

The Army also commended the exceptional performance of 2Lt Jake Rancel V. Guellega and Sgt. German A. Guerra who received the Military Merit Medal; Cpl. Oliver G. Ramirez who was hailed as the Enlisted Personnel of the Year; CAA Samuel V. Sabanal, named as the CAA of the Year; Engineer Wenefredo DC Abalos as the Philippine Army Model Supervisor; and Cristina K. Baterbonia as the

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Philippine Army Model Employee.

Meanwhile, reservists and ROTC cadets were also recognized. Among the awardees were Capt. Hubert Christopher A. Dolor, Reservist of the Year; Sgt. Donnie L. Nietes, Enlisted Personnel Reservist of the Year; Cadet Harold P. Blanco, ROTC Male cadet; and Cadette Joy Nathalie M. Avelino, ROTC Female Cadet.

The Command Plaque was also given to Hon. Mel Senen S. Sarmiento, Representative of the 1st District of Western Samar; and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) of the PNP. Sarmiento provided his expertise and advice on governance and organizational excellence as member of the PA Multi-Sectoral Advisory Board, while the CIDG-PNP is recognized for its support in the intelligence operations of the Army.

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur; National Bookstore Foundation, Inc., HERO Foundation, Inc., and the Leonio Group of Companies also received Command Plaques. The abovenamed civilian stakeholders supported the Army’s community-based peace and development initiative and projects. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

9

Trillanes wants 300 SAF troops probed

BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer WHILE THEIR 44 colleagues were being slaughtered by Moro rebels in Mamasapano, some 300 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) a few hundred meters away did nothing to save them, citing heavy artillery fire for their refusal to help, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV told reporters at the Magdalo headquarters in Quezon City on Friday.

Trillanes said the group who were to serve as blocking force and support for the SAF men during their Jan. 25 mission to hunt down international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, “just lay on the ground, sent text messages, or lay on their stomachs even though they could hear their colleagues calling for help (through the radios).”

The senator said there were also indications that the police commandos wanted to keep the Mamasapano operation to themselves and had no plans of coordinating with the military, because the night before the mission was launched, intelligence officers from the Philippine National Police (PNP) invited two unit commanders from the Army’s 6th Infantry Division on a night out.

“These are crucial (details) since they would show that the main factor for the death of the 44 SAF members, who still deserve to be recognized as heroes, was their abandonment by their own colleagues,” the senator said.

“We’re looking for someone to blame. We went to the Army, we reached Malacañang, but we haven’t asked SAF as a unit if they went to help their colleagues,” Trillanes, a known administration ally, said, adding that PNP chief Leonardo Espina should investigate these SAF troopers and determine why they failed to provide reinforcements for their beleaguered colleagues.

The Army personnel asked the SAF troopers to provide reinforcements for their colleagues, but the commandos refused, Trillanes said. One SAF personnel told the Army they did not want to go to the encounter site because the firefight was too heavy and they were not familiar with the terrain, he added.

Only 100 to 150 men

Trillanes said he felt free to disclose these details publicly because he got them from Army personnel and not from the Senate executive sessions on the Mamasapano incident which also discussed this information but did not include it in its report, presumably

Senator Antonio Trillanes IV wants some 300 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) to be probed for their alleged inaction during the Mamasapano crisis that saw 44 SAF members get massacred by Islamic rebels.

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Had the SAF troopers provided reinforcement, they This, Trillanes could have said, was meant helped save to keep tabs on their colleagues the military and from the 55th ensure that they We’re looking for someone to blame.

Special Action had no operation We went to the Army, we reached Company (SAC) in the area the Malacañang, but we haven’t asked because the innext day. “They SAF as a unit if they went to help formation was wanted to keep their colleagues. that the armed [the operation] men they had to themselves. encountered They had no numbered only plans of coordinating. They because the report was crafted 100 to 150, the senator said. could have coordinated then,” to conform to public expectaTrillanes said that 120 troophe added. tions. ers from the 45th and 42nd Abandonment

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SAF companies, who were among the 300, were supposed to be close to the 55th SAC but did not get to their positions because they failed to depart from their drop off point on time.

“If they had departed on time and were able to get to their objective, they (could) have been with the 55th SAC when the firefight happened,” he said.

No gunfight

“At face value, there was a breakdown in leadership, a breakdown in discipline,”

Trillanes said, adding that SAF director Getulio Napeñas Jr. had attested to ordering his men to provide reinforcements, but they had cited the heavy volume of fire for failing to do so.

But the senator said his Army source had told him that from their position, which was around 800 to 900 meters away, there was no gunfight. The firefight was in the area of the 55th SAC, he said, adding that despite their claims of heavy fire, none of the 300 men bore any injury. ■

10

Philippine News

MARCH 27, 2015 FRIDAY

Palace extends condolences to family of former Singaporean leader Lee Kuan Yew PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Malacañang has extended its condolences to the family of former Singaporean prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, who died early Monday at the age of 91.

“As the Singaporean people mourn the passing of Lee Kuan Yew, the Filipino people join them in honoring a statesman who can justifiably be called the Founding Father of the Republic of Singapore,” Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a statement issued on Monday.

“The President, in joining the Filipino people in expressing the solidarity of the Philippines with Singapore at this time of mourning, extends his personal condolences to Prime Minister Lee Hsien-Loong,” she added.

“Prime Minister Lee has always extended every official and personal courtesy to the President in his visits to Singapore and their official interactions in the ASEAN community.”

Valte said that as prime minister and senior minister, Lee demonstrated an unswerving devotion to his country, turning

Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore's founding father, died at Singapore General Hospital on Monday where he had been admitted for pneumonia since February 5.

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it into a state that would be an exemplar of efficient, modern, and honest governance.

The development of Singapore has earned it the respect of nations and peoples, including the tens of thousands of Filipinos who work and visit the country, she said.

Because of Lee’s initiatives to

transform the small city-state into a modern and prosperous nation, Valte said Singaporeans can look back in the past with deep pride and a sense of accomplishment.

Lee, Singapore’s founding father, died at the Singapore General Hospital, where he had been admitted for severe

pneumonia since February 5.

Lee would have turned 92 this September.

He left behind his sons, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, 63, and Lee Hsien Yang, 57; daughter Dr. Lee Wei Ling, 60; daughters-in-law Ho Ching, 61, and Lee Suet-Fern, 56; seven grandchildren and two siblings. His

wife, Madam Kwa Geok Choo, died in 2010 at the age of 89.

Lee is widely regarded as the man most instrumental in shaping Singapore. He and his People’s Action Party colleagues pushed for self-government in the 1950s, worked to merge with Malaysia in the early 1960s, and strived to secure the country’s survival after independence on August 9, 1965.

He led a pioneer generation of Singaporeans to overcome a series of daunting challenges that confronted his country from rehousing squatters in affordable public housing, rebuilding the economy after the sudden pull-out of British forces and the oil shocks of the 1970s, and a major economic recession in the mid-1980s.

Lee served as Singapore’s prime minister for 31 years, from 1959 to 1990. At the age of 67, he chose to hand over the premiership to Goh Chok Tong, and took on the role of senior minister, serving as guide and mentor in the Cabinet.

When Prime Minister Lee took charge in 2004, the elder Lee became Minister Mentor, spending time thinking about the long-term challenges facing Singapore. ■

Widodo’s statement...

Presidential Commu- Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam nications Operations and the Philippines, as well as Office (PCOO) Secre- Taiwan. tary Herminio “Moreover, Coloma Jr. in a the Philippines, text message to Indonesia and Malacanang methe other ASEdia.

AN member Although he Widodo countries have said China’s reportedly recognized the claims has no said need to flesh basis in internaIndonesia out a code of tional law, Widowill remain conduct for all do reportedly an countries with said Indonesia “honest maritime enwill remain an broker” titlement claims “honest broker” in the so that these in the territorial territorial may be resolved disputes. disputes. diplomatically China reportand peacefully,” edly claims 90 Coloma said. percent of the Recently, the South China Philippines has Sea, a terrireportedly subtory being partly claimed by mitted a 3,000-page suppleSoutheast Asian countries like mental documents rebutting ❰❰ 7

Top government officials greet Indonesian President Joko Widodo on his first state visit to the Philippines. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has said that China’s main claims to the majority of the South China Sea have no legal basis, a position that is in line with the point of view of the Philippines.

TWITTER PHOTO

the claim of China that UNCLOS has no jurisdiction to decide on the Philippines’ comwww.canadianinquirer.net

plaints in disputed South China sea.

The Philippines filed its

South China Sea complaints before the UNCLOS in March last year. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

11

Employees rally... yesterday to all City Hall employees asserting his authority.

“All ordinances, official documents and official actions must be submitted and referred to the undersigned for approval and/or appropriate action,” Peña said, referring to himself.

The political struggle is seen as a battle between the ruling Liberal Party (LP) and the United Nationalist Alliance of Vice President Jejomar Binay, the Makati mayor’s father. The LP is led by President Aquino and Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, the LP’s presumptive nominee for president in the 2016 presidential elections that the vice president has already declared he would contest. Roxas was narrowly defeated by the older Binay in the vice presidential race in 2010.

The Binay family claims the mayor’s suspension over graft allegations in connection with the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II was politically motivated as the older Binay continues to dominate the presidential preference polls.

The 22-story City Hall building remained partially locked down with only one guarded entrance to it.

Salgado said the reason for the lockdown was because their camp has been receiving reports that Peña was sending supporters to the City Hall for an attempt to take over the mayor’s 21st floor office.

“He’s still trying to bring in supporters to join him here,” Salgado told reporters.

❰❰ 1

Delayed salaries

The bitter standoff has plunged Makati, the country’s financial capital, into chaos, forcing courts to close and delaying government business.

The Makati government has some 8,000 employees, but only about 500 joined the protest at the City Hall grounds from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. yesterday.

The protesting employees read in chorus a prepared statement calling on higher authorities to give them their due.

“Instead of appeasing us by sending armed troops around City Hall, we fear that untoward incidents may happen due to their defiance of the court order,” the statement said.

They fear that their salaries, which should be released by March 31, would be delayed “as a result of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s intrusion [into] Makati City’s affairs.”

Renato Brion, the DILG regional director for Metro Manila, earlier sent a letter to the Makati branch of the Land Bank of the Philippines saying that Binay was not the authorized signatory of all disbursements of the city since he has been suspended for six months.

Binay denounced the letter and claimed that the DILG was only tasked to implement the Ombudsman’s suspension order. He has sent Landbank a letter saying that there was an existing TRO against his suspension.

“We will not allow them to simply do this to us. They should follow the order of the higher courts,” said Reginald Millarez, a district manager at the city’s environment services department.

Looming crisis

Differing interpretations

About 500 Makati government employees last week rallied in support of Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, who has been holed up in his office on the 21st floor of the City Hall since the Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Ombudsman suspended the mayor for allegations of corruption.

The Binay family spokesperson, Joey Salgado, warned of a looming crisis over who had the authority to sign the city government’s checks.

If banks do not honor checks signed

by Binay, street lamps and traffic lights will be shut down, taps in government buildings will run dry and garbage collection will stop, according to Salgado.

“This is a very dangerous situation, if their (the national government’s) actions result in delays in salaries, utilities,” he said.

“Any perception of instability would have an effect on the country. They are sending the wrong signal to investors.

Makati is the financial center of the country,” he said.

Residents confused

The presence of the two mayors in Makati has left some residents confused.

“The truth is really confusing for us.

But they (authorities) should just pick one. I don’t care who they choose as long as City Hall will be back to normal” said tricycle driver Romano Ramos.

He noted that the large volume of people going to the City Hall grounds to join the vigil in support of Binay has been causing traffic jams, especially during the rush hours, eating away their time and possible income.

Susana Seya, a housewife living in Barangay Singkamas, in an interview at the City Hall compound, said the younger Binay should just step down to allow the concerned agencies to investigate the allegations of corruption against him and his family.

“The processing of the yellow card is taking a while because the City Hall is locked down,” said Seya with her toddler in tow. The yellow card is an identification document for the residents’ subsidized medical care.

Seya said ever since former Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, a former ally of the Binays, exposed alleged corrupt practices in Makati, she and her family have been disappointed with the Binays, whose members have taken key elective

positions in the government.

“We just want the truth,” she added.

Partial lockdown

One resident who brings food to City Hall employees expressed the wish that the standoff will be over.

“Look how dirty and unkempt this place is,” she said, refusing to give to the INQUIRER her full name.

Since there was only one entrance to the City Hall, employees and residents often got stuck in the traffic of people.

Binay’s legal counsel Patricia Alvarez noted that there should be no different interpretations of the TRO. “It only meant one thing according to previous decisions of the Supreme Court. The TRO is issued for the purpose of maintaining a status quo at the time of the filing of the case,” Alvarez said noting that Binay was the city mayor when the petition for TRO was filed at the appellate court.

But Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales said the TRO that Binay obtained was already “moot” because the suspension order had been served.

“In that case, the position of the DOJ [Department of Justice], DILG and the Ombudsman is an insult to the Court of Appeals,” Alvarez said. ■

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12

Philippine News

MARCH 27, 2015 FRIDAY

Trial begins in Philippines of US Marine charged with killing transgender Filipino

BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A U.S. Marine charged with murdering a transgender Filipino after allegedly discovering her gender when they checked into a hotel went on trial in a Philippine court Monday.

U.S. security escorts brought Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, wearing handcuffs, into a heavily secured courtroom in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila, for the trial after an earlier plea-bargain negotiation with the family of the victim, Jennifer Laude, reportedly collapsed, lawyers for Laude’s family said.

Pemberton is charged with murder, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The court registered a not guilty plea for him last month after he refused to enter a plea.

Government prosecutors expressed confidence they could win a conviction.

“We will prove the elements of murder,” state prosecutor Emilie de los Santos told reporters, referring to what she has described as “treachery,

abuse of superior strength and cruelty” in the attack on the victim, who was formerly known as Jeffrey Laude.

Pemberton, an anti-tank missile operator from New Bedford, Massachusetts, is accused of strangling Laude and then drowning her in a hotel toilet last October after discovering she was a transgender woman.

Prosecutors say they checked into the hotel after meeting in a bar in a red-light district.

Pemberton was bar-hopping with fellow Marines at the time after participating in joint U.S.Philippine military exercises.

Government prosecutors presented their first witness, hotel worker Elias Gallamos, who identified Pemberton as the man who was with Laude shortly before she was found dead, according to Ethel Avisado, a lawyer for Laude’s family.

The case reignited a debate over custody of American military personnel accused of crimes in the Philippines. The dispute was eased after Washington agreed to move Pemberton from a U.S. warship to the Philippine military’s main camp in metropolitan Manila, where he is held under Ameri-

can custody but with an outer ring of Filipino guards.

Weeks before the trial, there was talk that the two sides were quietly discussing a possible plea-bargain agreement in which Pemberton would reportedly plead guilty to a lower charge in exchange for money for the Laude family. Both sides on Monday denied initiating the talks.

Laude’s mother, Julita, told reporters she would not drop the case against Pemberton even if she was offered a million dollars.

“What they did to my child was gruesome,” she said. “Just because we are poor doesn’t mean we can’t fight for justice.”

The case occurred at a time when the Philippines and the United States have strengthened their military ties with the recent signing of a defence accord that allows greater U.S. access to Philippine military camps.

The accord will help Washington’s bid to reassert its presence in Asia, and enable Manila to deter what it calls aggressive moves by China to push claims to disputed South China Sea territories. ■

The trial of Joseph Scott Pemberton (left) for the alleged killing of Jennifer Laude (right) has begun in Olongapo city, after plea-bargain negotiation between the two parties collapsed.

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Aquino brownbeats... considered together with other findings of the same survey.

The survey also showed that Mr. Aquino’s approval ratings dropped 21 percentage points from 59 percent in November last year to 38 percent. His trust rating plunged 20 points from 56 percent to 36 percent—the lowest since 2010—warning of a possible free fall of his popularity in the last 500 days of his presidency.

The survey results cannot be reversed by brushing aside the finding that only 10 percent of respondents deemed as sufficient all his explanations so far. Clueless Malacañang spokespersons have claimed that the President was “listening to the sentiments of his bosses (the people).”

“The President understands that this is part of the deep emotions of the whole country, saddened and angered by the loss of lives of our SAF troopers,” a Palace spokesperson said when asked about the survey results.

“So, our President is aware of the sentiments of our citizens.”

But 79 percent said with a resounding “not enough” to the President’s explanation of the bungled antiterrorist operation of Jan. 25 in Maguindanao. What the respondents did not say but were boiling inside to express was that they have had enough of the worthless rubbish purveyed by Palace mouthpieces as explanation of the debacle of “Oplan Exodus” that led to the armed clashes between the SAF and guerrilla forces allied with the MILF, resulting in the massacre of the 44 lawmen.

The administration fanned further the flames of public anger when the President called to the Palace last week, Director Benjamin Magalong, head of the PNP board of inquiry (BOI), which made a report that the President broke the PNP chain of command when he dealt directly with then SAF commander Napeñas and then suspended PNP Director General Alan Purisima instead of communicating with Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, the PNP officer in charge.

The President summoned Magalong last week to seek clarifications on the findings and conclusions in the 128page BOI report, which according to press reports, offended ❰❰ 7

Mr. Aquino. The meeting gave rise to reports and perceptions that the President summoned Magalong in an effort to browbeat him to tone down its findings on the issue over the PNP chain of command.

After the meeting, Magalong said the BOI found that the President “could not be held accountable” for the disastrous SAF operation because he was “not part of the (PNP) chain of command.” He said the BOI absolved the President from any liability, contrary to press reports. He also went out of his way to douse “speculation” that he had backtracked from the position of the BOI report.

According to Magalong, “I stand by our word that we will not change our conclusions and findings in the BOI report.

The meeting with the President does not at all affect the report and the investigation we did on the Mamasapano incident.”

On the issue of the President’s liability for breaking the PNP chain of command, Magalong sounded, after the Malacañang meeting, less resolute than the language of the BOI report. His resolve faces tough tests under presidential pressure and tampering. He has to prove he has strong spine to resist such pressures.

On the contentious issue of chain of command, Magalong cited the PNP Manual on Fundamental Doctrine, saying that the sitting PNP chief is considered the highest position in the police organization’s “established” chain of command.

“The President is not part of the chain of command of the Philippine National Police,” Magalong said. “If you read the 2013 fundamental doctrine, the chain of command is very clear. It starts with the PNP chief. The President is not part of it. So, what’s his liability?

None. We just stated the fact that the President exercised his prerogative, which is true. But he bypassed the chain of command. He dealt directly with Napeñas.”

So, what purpose did Malacañang serve to hold the President not liable for the debacle?

All it did was to provide the President loopholes to escape accountability for the debacle.

The Palace meeting proved to be a whitewash or a cover-up for the President to look for more scapegoats. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

13

‘Purisima let me down’ P-Noy wanted Espina involved in mission

BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer HE HAD always defended and stood by Philippine National Police Director General Alan Purisima, but this time, President Aquino appeared to have drawn the line following what he felt was a betrayal by his close friend who disobeyed his orders.

“If ever I [was at] fault here, it was [because I trusted] these people. Why did I fail to detect that they were misleading me?” the President said on Saturday night.

He was referring to Purisima, then the suspended PNP chief, and the sacked Special Action Force (SAF) commander, Director Getulio Napeñas, who both briefed him on Jan. 9 about the police operation to get Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan.”

While the operation successfully took down Marwan, who top security officials said had been recruiting for the Middle East jihadist group Islamic State (IS), it ended in disaster for the SAF, with 44 commandos getting killed in an ambush

by Moro rebels.

Seventeen guerrillas from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace agreement with the government in March last year, and three civilians were also killed in the fighting that lasted 12 hours.

His handling of the debacle has mired Mr. Aquino in the deepest political crisis of his presidency, with critics calling for his resignation and, according to the most recent Pulse Asia survey, 79 percent of Filipinos not believing he had said everything he knew about the Mamasapano debacle.

The deaths of the SAF commandos have drawn widespread public anger and thrown into doubt the completion of the peace process with the MILF. The scandal that broke following the disclosure that he took part in the planning and execution of the SAF mission forced Purisima to resign as PNP chief.

When Mr. Aquino accepted Purisima’s resignation on Feb. 6, he said in a speech that he did so with a heavy heart as he praised his friend.

the PNP officer in charge.

“I told Alan that it has come to my attention that Dindo Espina does not know and he is not [in] the loop and you tell him, tell him everything, to which I believe there was an acquiescence. I would not have let him go had he said, ‘Sir, he should not know.’ I would not agree to that. Now [on Jan.] 25, that was when I found out that that was also another order that was not carried out,” Mr. Aquino said.

Why was Espina not in the Jan. 9 meeting?

Espina should know

‘Subject matter expert’

On Saturday, the President stressed that knowing full well Purisima was suspended, his only directive to him was to coordinate with the PNP officer in charge, Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.

Mr. Aquino said he stressed this to Purisima because on Jan. 8, at a meeting for the visit of Pope Francis, National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia informed him that Espina was “not in the loop” in the hunt for Marwan, his compatriot Amin Baco and their Filipino associate Basit Usman.

The President said he wondered why, but he did not pursue an answer during the meeting.

By sheer coincidence, however, Purisima sent him a text message that day to inform him that Napeñas wanted to brief him about the counterterrorism operation.

Mr. Aquino said he told Purisima he was free to meet Napeñas on Jan. 9, after he arrived from an official trip to Romblon province.

Because he already knew that Espina was out of the loop, Mr. Aquino said he emphasized to Purisima the need to inform

The President said Purisima was the “subject matter expert” in the hunt for the terrorists and even before he was suspended, Purisima had been briefing him on different police operations.

“Alan would have to brief Director Espina, who was the understudy and had to catch up, and then he (Espina) would brief me. [But] then I [could] have the guy who was on top of all this before,” Mr. Aquino said.

He stressed that Purisima was at the meeting “not to command or plan anything but just to help me understand what Napeñas and his people were talking about.”

Coordination with MILF

Mr. Aquino also said that Napeñas’ PowerPoint presentation showed coordination with the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities, which is required under the peace agreement between the government and the MILF. The President also said that he stressed the importance of coordinating the police operation with the Armed Forces of the Philippines days before the

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Former Philippine National Police Chief Alan Purisima has always had the support of President Aquino amidst allegations that a series of missteps and miscommunication from the President and the former Chief led to the death of the 44 Special Action Force members.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

departure of the SAF commandos for Mamasapano.

“If there were concerns [about] operational security, then I told him (Napeñas) to talk to one person in the AFP who could coordinate once the operation is about to begin,” Mr. Aquino said.

After the debacle in Mamasapano, Mr. Aquino said he texted Purisima to ask him why his orders to brief Espina were not carried out.

“I asked him, ‘I told you this.

I ordered you to do this. Why wasn’t it done?’”

And what did Purisima say?

No answer

“He did not respond. I guess

there is no answer,” the President said.

Mr. Aquino did not answer directly when the INQUIRER asked him if he and Purisima remained friends.

Instead, he said: “At one point, I will have to ask them (Purisima and Napenñas), ‘What were you thinking? Why did this happen?’ We’ll just finish all this and I will ask him (Purisima) and Napeñas as well, ‘What’s wrong with my orders to you?’” ■

14

Philippine News

MARCH 27, 2015 FRIDAY

Singapore security command line up beside the coffin of the late Lee Kuan Yew before bringing the coffin into a funeral hall where the funeral ceremony will take place.

FACEBOOK PHOTO

Singaporeans mourn death of founding father Lee Kuan Yew as world leaders pay tribute

BY STEPHEN WRIGHT AND JEANETTE TAN The Associated Press SINGAPOREANS WEPT and world leaders paid tribute Monday as the Southeast Asian city-state mourned the death of its founding father Lee Kuan Yew. The government announced that Lee, 91, “passed away peacefully” several hours before dawn at Singapore General Hospital.

An increasingly frail Lee was hospitalized in early February with severe pneumonia.

State television broke away from regular programming with a hagiographic tribute to Lee’s life and achievements. In a live broadcast, one of its reporters called Lee’s death the “awful and dreaded” news.

Lee commanded immense respect, and sometimes fear, from Singaporeans, who this year will celebrate the country’s 50th anniversary of independence. He led multiracial Singapore with an iron grip for more than three decades until 1990, and is credited with transforming the resource poor island into a wealthy bustling financial hub with low crime

and almost zero corruption. in 2009, said his “remarkable” eastern values and an internaHis son, the current prime leadership helped build one of tional perspective.” minister Lee Hsien Loong, the most prosperous countries The Singapore government struggled to hold back tears in a in the world. has declared seven days of natelevised address to the nation.

He said Singapore’s suc- tional mourning and flags will Speaking in Malay, Mandarin cess meant that Lee’s counsel fly at half-staff on state buildand English, the prime minister was sought by political leaders ings. A national holiday has not said Lee built a nation and gave around the world. Lee was also been declared and daily life in Singaporeans a proud national “hugely important in helping this pragmatically commercial identity. me reformulate our policy of city of vaulting glass towers and “We won’t see another man rebalancing to the Asia Pacific,” broad immaculate streets conlike him. To many Singapor- Obama said. tinues to bustle. eans, and indeed others too, Neighbouring Malaysia, with A private wake for the Lee Lee Kuan Yew family will take was Singapore,” place on Monday he said. and Tuesday at At the hospiSri Temasek, the tal where Lee We won’t see another man like him. prime minister’s spent the last To many Singaporeans, and indeed official residence weeks of his others too, Lee Kuan Yew was in the lush tropilife, 55-year-old Singapore. cal grounds of Maligah Thanthe Istana govgaveloo cried as ernment comshe clasped her plex. After that, hands in prayer Lee will lie in before a sprawling array of which Singapore has occasion- state at parliament until a state flowers and cards left by Singa- ally testy relations, said Lee’s funeral on Sunday. poreans. Calling Lee “father,” achievements were great and Sayeed Hussain, an IT execushe recalled shaking hands with his legacy assured. “Malaysia tive, said Lee was a “great hero” him as a nine-year-old when he is committed to the future of to Singaporeans as he paid revisited her school. our relationship with Singa- spects at Singapore General President Barack Obama pore,” said Prime Minister Ha- Hospital. called Lee a “visionary” in jib Razak. In Beijing, Foreign “It is our duty to respect him a statement, saying he was Ministry spokesman Hong Lei and recognize him as a great “deeply saddened” to learn of described Lee as “an Asian poli- hero in the world,” said Hushis death. Obama, who met tician with unique influence as sain. “This is our last chance to Lee during a visit to Singapore well as a strategist imbued with do so.” www.canadianinquirer.net

The government also set up condolence boards at Parliament House and Istana and a website called Remembering Lee Kuan Yew where people can leave messages.

Under Lee and his successors, Singapore was known around the world for its strict social order including a ban on chewing gum, restrictions on free speech and canings for crimes some countries would rule as minor. In recent years, it has become socially more liberal and the fragmented political opposition made gains in Singapore’s last elections in 2011.

After stepping down as prime minister, Lee remained part of the Cabinet and an influential figure in Singapore and Asia.

His legacy is regarded within Singapore and abroad as profound but there is also recognition that a toll was also exacted.

Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said Lee’s “tremendous” role in Singapore’s economic development is beyond doubt.

“But it also came at a significant cost for human rights, and today’s restricted freedom of expression, self-censorship and stunted multi-party democracy,” he said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

15

President Aquino condoles with Singaporeans on death of former Singapore PM Lee Kuan Yew PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

“As the Singaporean people mourn the passing of former PM Lee Kuan Yew, the Filipino people join them in honoring a MANILA — President Benigno S. Aqui- statesman who can justifiably be called no III extended his personal condolenc- the Founding Father of the Republic of es on Monday to Singapore Prime Min- Singapore,” Valte said. ister Lee Hsien Loong over the passing The Palace official said throughout away of Singapore’s founding father Lee Lee’s long life, as prime minister and Kuan Yew. senior minister, Lee demonstrated an “The President, in joining the Filipino unswerving devotion to his country, people in expressing turning it into a state the solidarity of the that would be an exPhilippines with Sinemplar of efficient, gapore at this time of modern, and honest mourning, extends governance. his personal conThe Filipino “The developdolences to Prime people join ment of Singapore Minister Lee Hsien them in has earned it the Loong,” Deputy Preshonoring a respect of nations idential Spokesperstatesman who and peoples, includson Abigail Valte said can justifiably ing the tens of thouin a statement. be called sands of Filipinos “Prime Minister the Founding who work there and Lee has always exFather of the visit the country,” tended every official Republic of Valte said. and personal courSingapore.

“An era has passed, tesy to the President one upon which Sinin his visits to Singagaporeans can look pore and their official back on with deep interactions in the pride and a sense of ASEAN community,” accomplishment,” she added. she added.

Valte said President Aquino also According to media reports, Lee died joined the Filipino people and the Sin- at the Singapore General Hospital where gaporean people in mourning the pass- he was confined for severe pneumonia ing of Lee Kuan Yew. since Feb. 15. He was 91. ■

Lee Kuan Yew.

TWITTER PHOTO

Ampatuan kin placed under gov’t protection

BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer

cause his life is in danger,” De Lima told reporters yesterday morning.

Ampatuan survived an ambush try in November.

SAYING HIS life is “under threat,” the The WPP took Ampatuan under its Department of Justice has taken custo- wings just as he faced arrest for cases dy of a relative of the Ampatuan family like arson and murder before the Cotagged in the 2009 Maguindanao mas- tabato Regional Trial Court (RTC), De sacre and placed him Lima said. under government She said she had protection for being a sent the WPP office “crucial witness.” to manifest before the Initially among The custody should court that the witness those charged for be with us because was under governthe Nov. 23, 2009, his life is in danger. ment protection. carnage that left 58 “He is a crucial witdead, former Datu ness, so we put him unSalibo town Mayor der WPP…I instructed Akmad Ampatuan is our WPP office to file now under the witthe appropriate maniness protection program (WPP), Justice festation and motion in Cotabato RTC [to Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday. say that] he is covered by WPP and that we Ampatuan is known to be a close and are asserting our authority that he is under trusted relative of Andal Ampatuan Sr., one our custody,” said De Lima. of the principal accused in the massacre Ampatuan is among witnesses who that included several journalists as victims. named suspects in the second wave of “He is in a hospital now [in Makati]. complaints against those allegedly inI asked WPP [officers] to rush there. volved in the massacre.

We have to intervene, we informed the Under the WPP, a government witness Makati Police that he is under our cus- is provided a safe house and round-thetody. The custody should be with us be- clock protection. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

Opinion

16

MARCH 27, 2015 FRIDAY

AS I SEE IT

‘Dribbling the ball’ on Puerto recall petition

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESSURE MUST be very great on the Commission on Elections and the prosecutors of the Office of the Ombudsman to “dribble the ball” on the election and criminal cases against Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron. The recall petition against Bayron was filed on March 17, 2014. That’s one year ago, but the Comelec has yet to act with finality on the case in spite of the fact that all requirements have been met. There is a deadline, May 8, after which recall elections can no longer be held.

That deadline is fast approaching.

The Comelec is supposed to meet en banc tomorrow. Will the commissioners finally shake their lethargy and decide on the case with finality?

The recall petition has taken a long, circuitous route. A total of 40,409 registered voters of Puerto Princesa signed the petition initiated by Alroben Goh, lead convener of the Yes to Recall Movement. Only 15,336 signatures are needed for the recall polls to proceed.

From the streets of the city to the Comelec and, as in most contentious electoral jousts, the recall petition

ended up in the Supreme Court. On The verification process started On the criminal case against Bayron, Nov. 26 last year, the tribunal, voting last Feb. 20 and was completed Feb. the Ombudsman has issued instrucunanimously, ordered the Comelec 28. The verification report was im- tions to all prosecutors to finish all the to hold recall election proceedings mediately submitted to the Comelec cases against elective officials by Feb. against Bayron when it set aside two head office by Orlando Ba-alan, act- 28 this year. That’s one month ago. resolutions of the poll body that sus- ing city election officer.

Puerto Princesa citizens are wonpended all recall proceedings in the Last Saturday, March 21, was the end dering why the Ombudsman has not country allegedly for lack of funds. of the 13-day reglementary period for acted on the graft and corruption Since then, the recall process in the Comelec en banc to decide on the charges filed on May 23 last year Puerto Princesa began to move but was verification report on the signatures against Mayor Bayron and his son, stymied by appeals and motions for re- to recall Bayron and clear the way for Karl M. Bayron. consideration filed by Bayron’s lawyers the election. Apparently, the en banc The charges stemmed from the in the Comelec and allegedly illegal apthe Supreme Court. pointment by the The graft case against Mayor Bayron shows the huThe last-ditch mayor of his son as bris and arrogance and tendency of public officials to abuse effort of Bayron to a program manager power and authority for selfish interests. thwart his recall was in the city governa petition in the Sument from July 1, preme Court early this year, question- has not acted on the verification report 2013 to Dec. 31, 2013. ing the one-year limitation of a recall for nearly a month after its submission.

The complaint alleges that Mayor election under the Local Government The recall election must be held before Bayron violated various administraCode. Should it be counted from the May 9, the cut-off date specified by law tive and criminal laws against nepofiling of the petition or from the con- for any recall election to be held. tism, committing the crimes of perjury duct of the recall proceeding itself?

The law on recall elections stipu- and falsification of public documents Last February, the tribunal dis- lates that they be held at least one as well. Both father and son are also missed Bayron’s petition and de- year before the regular elections for accused of violating the Revised Penal clared that the issue of the sufficien- local officials. The Comelec should Code provision on falsification of pubcy of the recall election for mayor of decide on the Puerto recall poll now, lic documents and making untruthful Puerto Princesa has been decided otherwise all the efforts to make the statements when they declared under with finality. The decision paved the people’s initiative in the city a reality oath that they were not related to each way for the verification of the signa- would go to waste. other within the fourth degree of contures in the recall petition. *** sanguinity or affinity.

However, the truth is they are first degree relatives by consanguinity.

Respondent Karl M. Bayron is the biological son of respondent Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

Mayor Bayron’s sheer audacity and abuse of authority will cost him not only his job but also a permanent ban from holding public office.

At the same time, it will earn him a stint behind bars in the company of his son. Both will also be required to reimburse the government P96,000 representing wages paid to the son for the illegal appointment.

The complaint against Mayor Bayron also includes administrative charges for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the public service, and conduct unbecoming of a public officer.

The graft case against Mayor Bayron shows the hubris and arrogance and tendency of public officials to abuse power and authority for selfish interests.

Evidently, when Mayron Bayron took his oath of office, he was either ignorant of or simply disregarded Section 1, Article XI of the 1987 Constitution, which is on the Accountability of Public Officers. ■

PUBLIC LIVES

The American role in Mamasapano

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer HEARING IT from the US State Department, one would think American security personnel played no more than a peripheral role in the Mamasapano encounter. Here’s how its spokesperson, Jen Psaki, put it at the department’s daily press briefing last March 18: “At the request of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, personnel serving in the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines responded to assist in the evacuation of casualties after the firefight. The operation was planned and executed

by Philippine authorities.”

That’s also what most of us initially thought after seeing photos of wounded troopers and body bags being loaded onto waiting vehicles by brawny Caucasians sporting military haircuts. Can it be that they just happened to be in the neighborhood with their air ambulance when dead bodies needed to be retrieved from the battlefield? Sensing something disingenuous in this matter-of-fact portrayal of the US role in Mindanao, a reporter tried to probe: QUESTION: And when you said that any US support was in accordance with the Philippine Government, in other words it was part—I’m

not sure what that means. ing the leaders of the al-Qaida network American global security state. (InMS. PSAKI: Well, specifically, as I and its regional affiliate in Southeast terestingly, the JSOTF-P withdrew mentioned, we responded to assist in Asia, the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI). The from Mindanao a month after the the evacuation of casualties after the Philippines became a theater in this Mamasapano debacle.) firefight. That was the role. QUES- American global campaign against A paper titled “Understanding FuTION: After they asked? MS. PSAKI: terrorism after it was determined that ture Irregular Warfare Challenges,” Yes, mm-hmm. After the request of the notorious Mindanaobased kidnap presented as a testimony before the the Armed Forces of the Philippines.” group Abu Sayyaf maintained close re- armed services committee of the US The reference to the Armed lations with leaders of the JI. Congress by retired US colonel David Forces is understandable. The legal In a changed world environment, S. Maxwell, discusses the key concept umbrella that justifies and protects America decided it needed to recast that governs the operationalization the presence of American troops on its military presence in countries of the global antiterrorist campaign— Philippine soil is the Visiting Forces that were battling terrorism. New “Foreign Internal Defense.” Maxwell Agreement, which is associated with experiences were sought in the battle was the commander of the JSOTFthe series of joint P in Mindanao in military exercises 2006-2007.

Despite the steep price paid, their handlers insist it between AmeriI have been wonwas mission accomplished. The day after the assault, a sevcan forces and the dering how the Philered finger was delivered to the American partners who had Philippine military. ippine National Pocommissioned the killing of the terrorist to whom it belonged.

Today, it is being lice got involved in invoked as an all-purpose cover for against this scourge. In the Philip- the counterterrorism campaign. Like a wide range of US security activi- pines, Mindanao was chosen as a counterinsurgency, this has been histies in the Philippines. There were suitable laboratory in which new torically a function of the Philippine six Americans at the Special Action models of irregular warfare could be military. Perhaps, the answer is to be Force’s Tactical Command Post who tested. Under “Operation Enduring found in Maxwell’s paper: “Foreign were monitoring the Jan. 25 Mama- Freedom,” America offered advice internal defense is participation by sapano mission in real time. I am and assistance in counterinsurgency civilian and military agencies of a aware that this is not an issue with and counterterrorism to selected al- government in any of the action promany of our people. But, a little back- lies. A corollary of this campaign was grams taken by another government ground on how this came about may the formation in several countries of or other designated organization help enrich our understanding of the missions called “Joint Special Opera- to free and protect its society from American role in Mamasapano. tions Task Forces.” The Joint Special subversion, lawlessness, insurgency, In the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, Operations Task Force-Philippines terrorism, and other threats to its America launched the global war (JSOTF-P) was organized in 2002, security.” against terrorism, specifically target- one of the first to be set up by the I suspect that, after years of work-

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ing with the Philippine military, the JSOTF-P found the PNP-SAF to be a better partner in getting the remaining high-value terrorists in Mindanao. Perhaps the JSOTF-P saw how the military had become so tightly bound to the ongoing peace process that it could no longer be relied upon to pursue new initiatives against targets in areas controlled by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the government’s peace partner.

The courage, zeal and heroism of the SAF commandos cannot be doubted. But Mamasapano proved to be unfamiliar terrain for many of them, and prolonged combat in the field was not what they were trained for. They were led to their death by false assurances. Still, despite the steep price paid, their handlers insist it was mission accomplished. The day after the assault, a severed finger was delivered to the American partners who had commissioned the killing of the terrorist to whom it belonged.

A sentence from Maxwell’s paper leapt out of the screen as I was reading it: “A problem that most US forces have is that they are so focused on mission accomplishment they often lack the patience to let the host nation operate in accordance with its own capabilities as well as customs and traditions.” How true! ■

Opinion

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

17

ANALYSIS

Senate report blasts subservience of peace panel to MILF

By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer TWENTY SENATORS have signed a Senate report that denounces the Aquino administration’s peace panel for subservience to the demands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that is seeking an autonomous Bangsamoro substate in Mindanao.

The report, the executive summary of which was released on Wednesday, came on the heels of the Philippine National Police board of inquiry (BOI) report that held the President liable for the Jan. 25 massacre of 44 Special Action Force commandos

by MILF guerrillas in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

The Senate report went further than the BOI report. It found the government’s peace negotiators “suffering from wanton excess of optimism,” and called on them “to speak for the country and for the government.” The report said the government negotiators should take a more critical look at the MILF demands.

It said they may be too optimistic in their dealings with the MILF and promising too much at the expense of the government.

While the pursuit of peace in Mindanao is to be appreciated, the Senate report said, the investigating

committee could not abandon its re- allegedly allowing the creation of a “must bear responsibility for giving sponsibility of questioning the gov- substate.” assent and failing to prevent the unernment peace panel for “defending” The peace process should also pur- lawful exercise of official functions the MILF. sue justice and bring the guilty MILF by suspended and later resigned “In the process of achieving peace members to account for their roles [PNP] Director General Alan Purisiin Mindanao, we should not over- in the killing of the SAF commandos ma in connection with Oplan Exodus look the seeming inadequacies of our in Mamasapano, the report said. For that led to the massacre.” partner in this process, the MILF, the peace efforts in Mindanao to sucThe report said it was beyond doubt such as [its] lack of control over [its] ceed, the people must accept and sup- that the President was fully aware that ground forces and [its] disrespect for port this, it said, adding: “The peace Purisima was preventively suspended legitimate government operations,” that we seek must be based on justice, by the Ombudsman on Dec. 4, 2014, the Senate report said. “The Office of where the rule of law reigns supreme, and yet he allowed Purisima to join the Presidential Adviser on the Peace and where criminals are brought be- the Jan. 9 meeting at Bahay Pangarap Process and the peace panel, while fore the bar of justice and punished.” in Malacañang, where Oplan Exodus advocating peace was discussed. He on a high ground … also instructed PuriIn the process of achieving peace in Mindanao, we are suffering from sima to coordinate should not overlook the seeming inadequacies of . . . the a wanton excess Oplan Exodus with MILF, such as [its] lack of control over [its] ground forces of optimism that the Armed Forces of and [its] disrespect for legitimate government operations. ‘blinded’ them in the Philippines. He negotiating a fair communicated exagreement for the government.”

The report, which called the Ma- clusively with Purisima in regard to the It pointed to the draft Bangsam- masapano incident a “massacre” progress of Oplan Exodus on Jan. 25, as oro Basic Law (BBL) as an example, rather than a “misencounter,” was well as in giving Purisima instructions given its provisions that would seem- issued by the Senate committees on as to the conduct of the operations. ingly create a substate in Mindanao public order and dangerous drugs toThe Senate report concluded that and pour too much mtoney into the gether with the committees on peace, Purisima’s actions with respect to Bangsamoro region to be created. unification and reconciliation, and Oplan Exodus during the period of It said: “The BBL, in fact, is an ex- on finance. It is partly based on the his suspension constituted “usurpaemplar in this regard: While founded testimonies of 37 resource persons at tion of authority or official function on a noble vision of harmony for the investigative hearings. It also de- under Article 177 of the Revised PeMindanao, indications show that termined the President’s liability for nal Code.” there are major areas, including but the massacre and took pains to define While the report questioned the not limited to the largesse found in his responsibility for the fiasco. conduct of the members of the peace its high cost of appropriations, and It determined that the President panel in apparently defending the

MILF on the Bangsamoro issue, it also questioned the commitment of the MILF to the peace process. According to the report, while representatives of the MILF were present at the Senate hearings, they have been less than forthright. Today, almost two months after the Mamasapano incident, the committees have not been furnished copies of the results of the MILF’s own investigation.

“In fact, the MILF has categorically refused to furnish the government altogether its report. The MILF, particularly its chairman, Al Haj Ebrahim Murad, and Commander Wahid Tundok refused to cooperate when they denied the request of the Department of Justice for an interview to present its findings of the incident. The MILF continues to refuse to divulge the names of [its] fighters responsible for the deaths of the SAF troopers. MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal had told media that the MILF will not surrender them to the government. This is a clear indication of the MILF’s unwillingness to work with us in our search for truth, much less for justice.”

The report described the massacre as an “overkill.”

“We should not forget that the majority of the SAF 44 lost their lives at the hands of our socalled ‘partner’ in the peace process,” it said. ■

SOCIAL CLIMATE

Is there any progress in real wages?

By Majar Mangahas Philippine Daily Inquirer THE TITLE of this piece has a question mark due to the near-absence of data by which to determine how real wages—i.e., adjusted for inflation—are changing, if at all, over time. The scarcity of data on real wages contrasts with the abundance of data on the real Gross Domestic/National Product per person over time. There is no substitute for time-series as a means of measuring the extent of progress.

There is so much trumpeting about the high rate of economic growth. If such economic growth is inclusive, then the average real income of workers, especially lowskilled workers, should be rising commensurately. At any time, 92-95 percent of the labor force are already employed. The way for the employed to share in economic growth is for their real wages to rise.

So the issue raised here is not the adequacy of current wages—Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz admits that wages are very low—but whether real wages are rising in line with economic growth.

The concern of this piece is the actual real wage received by the average worker, rather than the legal mini-

mum wage. Some workers receive less, to improve the legal minimum wage? ary workers, for the country and the though hopefully most workers make The limited data on actual wages. 17 regions, for seven points in time: more, than the legal minimum. But After I wrote about the lack of time- 2012 as a whole; January, April, July what happens to the average real wage, series on wages (“Lack of pay, not and October of 2013; and January when the legal minimum is adjusted? lack of work,” Opinion, 2/7/2015), and April of 2014. The DOLE does Last Wednesday, the regional wage executive director Criselda Sy of not deflate its wage series for inflaboard for Metro Manila approved a the National Wages and Productiv- tion. Usec Lagunzad opined that the hike of P15 per day in the minimum ity Commission (NWPC) requested a real wage trend is probably flat. wage. Department of Labor and meeting to discuss NWPC initiatives The DOLE’s means of promotEmployment regional director Alex on the matter. The meeting was held ing higher pay for workers is the soAvila said: “The takehome pay of our last Feb. 18 at SWS. It was attended called “two-tier wage system.” The minimum wage earners will increase by Labor Undersecretaries Reydeluz first tier is the legally mandatory to P492.57 per day, or by 3.2%, be- Conferido and Ciriaco Lagunzad III, minimum wage. The second tier is a cause of the wage hike, compared to director Sy, her deputy Patricia Hor- voluntary, productivity-based, comthe current P477.03 per day” . (It’s nilla and two other NWPC staffers, pensation scheme, wherein certain not clear how the DOLE derives the and myself and two SWSstaffers. participating enterprises receive minimum takerecommendations home from the refrom the Regional There is so much trumpeting about the high rate of ported new legal Tripartite Wages economic growth. If such economic growth is incluminimum of P481 and Productivity sive, then the average real income of workers, especially per day for nonagBoard on certain inlow-skilled workers, should be rising commensurately. ricultural workers.) centives, including Using the monthnonmonetary benly Consumer Price Index (CPI; base At the meeting, we were shown the efits, to provide their workers.

2006) for Metro Manila, one can average monthly wage rates of timeThe effectivity of the scheme compute the rate of inflation in each rate workers on full-time basis in 443 should be determined empirically. month of 2014 from the same month occupations, for the Philippines as a How many companies participate in in 2013. The simple average of the 12 whole, for July 2012. But these are not the two-tier system? Are their numrates of inflation in 2014 happens to collected regularly, not even annually. bers growing? What is the track rebe 3.2 percent. Thus, if Mr. Avila’s 3.2 On our specific interest in wage cord of total compensation received percent is a one-year change, then it data over time, we were shown un- by workers in these companies? happens to be no more than the rate published figures, based on the Labor SWS computations. This week, of inflation, or not enough to be called Force Surveys (LFS), on the aver- we at SWS deflated the NWPC figa real increase. Is there no intention age daily basic pay of wage and sal- ures for the Philippines and for the

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National Capital Region by their respective CPIs. At the national level, the latest available average daily pay is P365.89, for April 2014, which is worth P264.56, in terms of 2006 prices. In April 2013, the daily pay was P346.27, which was worth P260.75 when deflated.

Thus we estimate the real national increase in pay from April 2013 to April 2014 at 1.46 percent. This cannot be satisfactory, since it is only half of the GNP growth per worker, of around 3 percent per year. (Note also that: (1) the CPI probably understates the inflation that affects families of wage earners; and (2) the April 2014 figure excludes Leyte—see my 3/14/2015 piece about how Typhoon “Yolanda” disrupted the LFS.) For the NCR, the April 2014 average daily pay is P525.59, or P404.92 when deflated. In April 2013, the average daily pay was P489.83, or P389.99 when deflated. Thus we estimate the real NCR increase in pay from April 2013 to April 2014 at 3.82 percent. This needs to be compared to the growth of Gross NCR Product per worker—which is probably much higher than the national growth rate—to see if the sharing of economic growth with the labor sector was commensurate. ■

18

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

Canada News

Harper describes expanded ISIL war motion, seeking airstrikes in Iraq and Syria

BY MURRAY BREWSTER The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The plan to expand Canada’s war against the Islamic State into Syria hinges on the conviction that dictator Bashar Assad has lost control of the country, allowing extremists to pose a clear and direct threat to the international community, Stephen Harper said Tuesday.

Although the question opposition parties were asking Tuesday was: What changed the prime minister’s mind?

When Canada’s combat mission first got underway almost six months ago, Harper ruled out the possibility of CF-18s attacking targets in Syria, which has been home to a bloody fouryear long civil war.

The military would have had to seek the permission of the Assad government, he said at the time. But that all changed Tuesday with the introduction of a proposed mission renewal, to be debated later this week, that would expand airstrikes into Syria and extend the mission by a year.

“As our allies have indicated, they are taking necessary and proportionate military action in Syria on the basis that the government of Syria is unwilling or unable to prevent ISIL from staging operations and conducting attacks there, including ultimately attacks that include this country as a target,” Harper said.

“That is the legal basis on which we are proceeding. The practical basis is we are determined to do whatever we can to degrade ISIL and to eliminate the threat it poses to this country, and Canadians support us doing that.”

It is also a case of military necessity to deny extremists safe haven, he added. The U.S., Jordan and United Arab Emirates have been dropping bombs there and have met with “some success” in those operations.

“We think the mission is im-

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper (left) seen here at a security round table discussion in Aurora, Ontario earlier this year. Harper is seeking to expand the Canadian military involvement against ISIL into Iraq and Syria.

PM.GC.CA

portant,” Harper said. “For the against the initial deployment would have the effect of propvery fact that this mission is now find themselves opposed ping up that country’s brutal so important to the security of to broadening the mission into dictator. this country, we intend to fully the murky, vicious conflict in“If the basic premise is you contribute.” volving Assad. are using military action to stop The effect of adding Syria to Lloyd Axworthy, a former extreme killing, then why the the target list hell are we not has been to furdoing something ther unite politiabout Assad becal opposition at cause he’s out home — notably We are determined to do whatever there killing the Liberals, we can to degrade ISIL and to people every day some of whom eliminate the threat it poses to this with his barrel were uncomfortcountry, and Canadians support us bombs and beable with the dedoing that. heading people?” cision to oppose Axworthy said in the initial dean interview. ployment in the “He’s as much face of blatant an extremist — ISIL atrocities. foreign affairs minister, said although he carries the title Some in the party who ini- Trudeau is right to reject Ca- ‘president’ — as anybody in tially lambasted Liberal Lead- nadian involvement in air- (ISIL).” er Justin Trudeau for voting strikes in Syria, which he said Even without Syria added

to the mix, Axworthy said the six-month bombing campaign in Iraq should now be followed up with a more longterm plan to restore stability to the country.

“I mean, the lesson from Libya, the lesson from Afghanistan is you’ve got to be prepared to invest in the rebuilding and the restructuring and the rehabilitation of these conflicts,” he said.

“You just can’t walk away and say, ‘Well, we’ve done our bombing, now it’s over, goodbye.”’

The Liberals said Tuesday that, should they emerge victorious from this fall’s federal election, they would change the focus of Canada’s mission in the region to training and humanitarian assistance.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, whose party has long said it would oppose the motion, accused the government of “openly considering an alliance of sorts” with Assad by expanding the mission into Syria.

“It is hard to believe the prime minister when he says that the mission is about preventing atrocities when he is willing to work with one of the worst perpetrators of atrocities in the world today.”

Government officials say that can be accomplished without adding extra aircraft or personnel. Defence Minister Jason Kenney has already ruled out increasing the size of the special forces contingent that’s already in Iraq — a commitment that the government insists is non-combat.

The threat posed by the Islamic State is self-evident, Harper said during his statement in the House of Commons.

“Canadians did not invent the threat of jihadi terrorism, and we certainly did not invite it,” he said. “Nor, as this global threat becomes ever more serious, can we protect our country or our communities by choosing to ignore it.” ■

Canada News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

Jet crashes in French Alps with 150 on board after 8-minute descent; Accident suspected

BY LORI HINNANT AND CLAUDE PARIS The Canadian Press SEYNE-LES-ALPES, FRANCE — A Germanwings jet carrying 150 people from Barcelona to Duesseldorf slammed into a remote section of the French Alps on Tuesday, sounding like an avalanche as it scattered pulverized debris across a rocky mountain and down its steep ravines. All aboard were assumed killed.

The pilots sent out no distress call and had lost radio contact with their control centre, France’s aviation authority said, deepening the mystery over the A320’s mid-flight crash after a surprise 8-minute descent.

“The site is a picture of horror. The grief of the families and friends is immeasurable. We must now stand together. We are united in our great grief,” German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in a statement after being flown over the crash scene and briefed by French authorities.

The crash left officials and families across Europe reeling in shock. Sobbing, grieving relatives at both airports were led away by airport workers and crisis counsellors. One German town was rent with sorrow after losing 16 high school students coming back from an exchange program in Spain.

“This is pretty much the worst thing you can imagine,” a visibly rattled Haltern Mayor Bodo Klimpel said at a hastily called press conference.

After night fell on the hard-to-reach site, French authorities called off the search and helicopters stopped flying over the area.

About 10 gendarmes will spend the night at the crash site to guard it, and search operations will resume at daybreak, Lt. Col. Jean-Marc Meninchini of the regional police rescue service, told The Associated Press in the mountain town of Seyne-les-Alpes. Recovery operations are expected to last a week, he said.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted, “We still don’t know much beyond the bare information on the flight, and there should be no speculation on the cause of the crash.

Lufthansa Vice-President Heike Birlenbach told reporters in Barcelona that for now “we say it is an accident.”

In Washington, the White House said American officials were in contact

with their French, Spanish and German counterparts.

“There is no indication of a nexus to terrorism at this time,” said U.S. National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan.

Video and photos of the site showed scattered white flecks across a stony mountain and several larger airplane body sections with windows. French officials said a helicopter crew that landed briefly in the area saw no signs of life.

“Everything is pulverized. The largest pieces of debris are the size of a small car. No one can access the site from the ground,” Gilbert Sauvan, president of the general council, Alpes-de-HauteProvence, told The Associated Press.

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said a black box had been located at the crash site and “will be immediately investigated.” He did not say whether it was a data recorder or a cockpit voice recorder.

Germanwings is low-cost carrier owned by Lufthansa, Germany’s biggest airline, and serves mostly European destinations. Tuesday’s crash was its first involving passenger deaths since it began operating in 2002. The Germanwings logo, normally maroon and yellow, was blacked out on its Twitter feed.

Germanwings said Flight 9525 carried 144 passengers, including two babies, and six crew members. Officials believe 67 Germans were on board, including the 16 high school students from Haltern and two opera singers.

Barcelona’s Gran Teatre del Liceu says German contralto Maria Radner was aboard the crashed plane along with her husband and baby. The opera house in Duesseldorf said bass baritone Oleg Bryjak, was also on the plane.

One Dutch citizen and one Danish citizen were among the victims as well, their governments said.

The plane left Barcelona Airport at 10:01 a.m., then began descending again shortly after reaching its cruising height of 38,000 feet, Germanwings CEO Thomas Winkelmann told reporters in Cologne. The descent lasted eight minutes.

Eric Heraud of the French Civil Aviation Authority said the Germanwings plane lost radio contact with a control centre at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, but “never declared a distress alert itself.” He said the combination of loss of radio contract ❱❱ PAGE 22 Jet crashes

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Canada News

MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

Canadian waste angers Filipinos; Canada says it’s ‘private commercial matter’

BY LEE-ANNE GOODMAN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Fifty containers of reeking Canadian garbage, including used adult diapers, have been languishing in the port of Manila for almost two years, sparking recent protests in the Philippines by environmental and public health activists.

The protesters, among them a Catholic priest, say the containers hold toxic and hazardous waste, although a recent study by Philippines officials suggests they’re simply stuffed with household trash.

“Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government is an embarrassment to the civicminded and environmentally conscious Canadians,” priest Robert Reyes said at a protest last week on the steps of the Canadian embassy.

“We know this is not the real Canada. We urge Prime Minister Harper to take immediate action. Take back your illegal waste shipment now.”

But a spokeswoman for Foreign Affairs reiterated the government’s long-stated opinion that the case is a “private commercial matter involving a Canadian company and its Philippines partner.”

“The embassy engaged the government of the Philippines and its appropriate agencies to actively seek to assist and resolve it in keeping with the spirit of collaboration and cooperation that characterizes our countries’ relations,” Amy Mills said in an email.

Chronic Inc., a plastics exporter based in Whitby, Ont., shipped the containers — supposedly filled with recyclable Vancouver plastics — to the Philippines in the spring and summer of 2013.

Enterprising residents and community volunteers collect recyclable garbage at the Zapote Riverside on Friday (March 20, 2015) in Las Pinas City. Fifty containers of reeking Canadian garbage, including used adult diapers, have been languishing in the port of Manila for almost two years, sparking recent protests in the Philippines by environmental and public health activists.

AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

But upon inspection, the country’s Bureau of Customs found the containers were filled with stinking household garbage, including used adult diapers and kitchen waste.

The bureau said the material could “pose biohazard risks” and impounded the shipment.

Chronic Inc.’s owner, Jim Makris, couldn’t be reached for comment. But he denied in an interview with the Toronto Star a year ago that he shipped garbage to the Philippines and also suggested he was being punished for failing to pay off Filipino officials when his containers arrived.

Late last year, the Philippines Department of Justice recommended filing criminal charges against Makris’s Philippines partner, Chronic Plastics, for misrepresenting the contents of the containers.

In her email, Mills said that Canada was “pleased that this matter has been resolved” following the report from the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources that deemed the contents of the containers nonhazardous.

Environmentalists and some Philippines officials appeared to take issue with the notion

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that the case is resolved.

Late last year, the Environment Department recommended the garbage be returned to Canada under the provisions of the Basel Convention. That treaty, signed by both Canada and the Philippines, prohibits developed countries from shipping garbage to developing nations.

“The Basel Convention says, as a developed country, (Canada) cannot export waste,” Filipino environment secretary Ramon Paje said in a televised interview. “That would be considered as dumping.”

Angelica Carballo-Pago of

BAN Toxics said even if the garbage is not hazardous, its shipment to the Philippines still violates the convention and Canada must take the containers back.

“The wastes, after all, have been found to be heterogenous — as opposed to the exporter’s declaration that they are homogenous, recyclable materials — and are mostly household wastes,” she said from Manila.

International Trade Minister Ed Fast was in Manila last Friday, meeting his Philippines counterpart. The garbage containers weren’t discussed, an official in Fast’s office said. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

21

B.C. MLA Jenny Kwan defeats Mable Elmore for federal NDP nomination in Vancouver East THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — Veteran member of B.C.’s legislature Jenny Kwan has won a hard-fought nomination race to represent the NDP in Vancouver East in the upcoming federal election.

Kwan squared off against fellow B.C. New Democrat Mable Elmore, but ultimately captured more votes at a nomination meeting on Sunday.

“I’m obviously very thrilled,” Kwan said in a phone interview shortly after the results were announced.

“Moving forward, the most important job is actually ahead of us and that is working to keep Van East orange and working to elect Thomas Mulcair as the next prime minister of Canada.”

The riding is thought to be an NDP stronghold and it opened up after party icon Libby Davies announced she would not run again after nearly 18 years.

Kwan is a former city councillor who was elected to the legislature in 1996 and later became the first Chinese-Canadian to sit in the provincial cabinet.

She faced controversy last year when it was revealed that the Portland Hotel Society had paid for her family’s lavish trips to Europe and Disneyland, prompting her to pay back $35,000.

Her ex-husband had been an executive at the non-profit society. Kwan has said the matter is a “deeply personal issue” that she has handled.

On Sunday, she renewed her vow to fight on behalf of vulnerable groups including First Nations and temporary foreign workers if she is elected to Parliament.

“I want to see a national housing program, I want to see a national childcare program, I want to see a national inquiry into missing and murdered in-

BC NDP MLA Jenny Kwan defeated fellow BC NDP MLA Mable Elmore and two other candidates this past weekend for the right to represent the NDP in Vancouver East for the upcoming Federal Election.

digenous women and girls,” she said.

“I want to see temporary foreign workers treated in a way

An Invitation From The Anglican Churches of the Diocese of New Westminster

that is respectful. Frankly, if they’re good enough to work here they’re good enough to stay.”

You Are Invited this Holy Week, Easter & All Year Long To the Anglican Church of Canada Churches of The Diocese of New Westminster In Full Communion with Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan Church) & the Episcopal Church in the Philippines

The Anglican Church of Canada is in full communion with Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan Church) and The Episcopal Church in the Philippines.

holy communion services 2015

In the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster which stretches from Powell River in the Sunshine Coast to Hope at the entrance to the Fraser Canyon, taking in all the urban and suburban areas of the Metro Vancouver Area there are 68 Anglican Churches all offering a warm welcome to all who seek the presence of God.

holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10:30am • Palm Sunday (Domingo Ramos) • April 2 • 7pm • Maundy Thursday (Huwebes Santo) • April 3 • 10:30am • Good Friday (Biyernes Santo) • April 4 • 7pm • Holy Saturday (Sabado Gloria) • April 5 • 10:30am • Easter Sunday (Domingo Alleluia)

You are warmly invited this Easter Season and all year long to worship with us.

There are three churches with significant Filipino-Canadian congregations: Father Expedito Farinas and the community of St. Mary, South Hill, 808 East 50th Avenue, Vancouver, 604.324.3395; Father Wilmer Toyoken and the community of St. Michael’s, Multicultural Church, 409 East Broadway, 604.876.8191; Father Luisito (Louie) Engnan and the community of St. Michael’s, Surrey, 12996 – 60 Avenue, 604.591.8323

St. Michael’s, Surrey • The Reverend Fr. Louie Engnan

Fr. Expedito, and Fr. Louie are priests ordained in the Philippine Independent Church, Fr. Wilmer is a priest ordained in the Episcopal Church of the Philippines and their Holy Orders have been transferred and gladly accepted by the Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster, Anglican Church of Canada.

They and their communities of faith are looking forward to meeting you.

Give them a call, and/or come by for a visit this Easter Season.

Kwan added she wants to see Canada taking a leadership role on climate change and for Canadians to reject the Conservative government’s anti-terror legislation Bill C-51.

She said she’ll talk to provincial NDP leader John Horgan soon to discuss a “transition period” allowing her to exit the B.C. legislature and focus on the federal election.

Other candidates included Simon Fraser University public relations director Scott McLean and public education advocate Gwen Giesbrecht.

“I think all of the candidates brought something to the table,” said Kwan, adding that she saw many community members sign up as party members for the first time.

“It made the Van East nomination race very exciting and energized the people ... That’s good news for the New Democrats. That’s good news for progressive politics.” ■

St. Mary’s, South Hill • The Reverend Fr. Expedito Farinas

808 East 50th Avenue, Vancouver • 604.324.3365 • www.stmarysouthhill.com

12996 – 60 Avenue, Surrey • 604.591.8323 • www.stmichaelschurch.ca

holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10am • Palm Sunday • Blessing of Palms • Liturgy of the Passion • April 2 • 6:30pm • Maundy Thursday • Ceremony of the Washing of Feet • April 3 • 12noon • Good Friday • April 5 • 10am • Easter Sunday • Renewal of Baptismal Vows St. Michael’s Multicultural • The Reverend Fr. Wilmer Toyoken

409 East Broadway, Vancouver • 604.876.8191 • www.stmikes-church.ca

holy week & easter (semana santa) • March 29 • 10am • Palm Sunday • April 2 • 6pm • Maundy Thursday • April 3 • 10am • Good Friday • April 5 • 10am • Easter Sunday

http://stmikes-church.ca/ http://www.stmarysouthhill.com/ http://www.stmichaelschurch.ca/ www.canadianinquirer.net

WE LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!

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Immigration

MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

4-in 4-out: Temporary Foreign Workers face looming deadline

BY EARL VON TAPIA Philippine Canadian Inquirer STARTING APRIL 1, some temporary foreign workers may be forced to leave Canada.

The ‘4-in, 4-out’ rule is a rule where a temporary foreign worker (TFW) that has reached a four-year cumulative duration limit will not be granted another work permit in Canada for the next four years. After four years again, the worker may be allowed back into Canada again.

The change was made to the TFW program in 2011, meaning that the first temporary foreign workers that are affected by the change will now reach the fouryear limit starting next week on April 1, a deadline set by the federal government.

The deadline has caused an estimated thousands of TFWs to panic as they scramble to find ways to stay in Canada, where many have formed relationships and built lives during their temporary stay in the country.

The April 1 deadline treats TFWs as “disposable and expendable” said Justice for Migrant Workers spokesman Chris Ramsaroop in a statement this week. Ramsaroop

added that the policy is “racist”. are prepared to take “appropri- are encouraged to seek the adMigrant worker advocates ate action” to remove anyone vice of an immigration consulfear that for those TFWs un- that is in defiance of the order tant regarding the specifics of able to extend their stays, they to leave after their time is up. their situation. will instead go “underground” Another issue is the proSpecial help for a lucky few as undocumented illegal immi- cessing time for applications, TFWs may come from the Progrants, working under the table which is estimated to take in vincial governments themto make ends meet and opening the 12-25 month range. Some selves. themselves up to employment TFWs may still have their ap“In Alberta, the government abuse. plication in processing by the asked for an extension for work Employers too will feel pres- time they reach their four year permits for those that are exsure from this deadline, as deadline. The looming deadline piring, a temporary extension some stand to lose significant is expected to create a surge of until such time as they can be numbers of hardworking, and applications, which can cause brought in under the provincial in some cases cheaper, employ- even further delays. nominee program,” said MP ees.

Pierre Poilievre, One issue is Minister of Emthat many TFWs ployment and saw the TFW Social Developprogram as a The April 1 deadline treats TFWs as ment and Minispath to perma“disposable and expendable.” ter of State. nent residency “And so there in the country, are a 1000 Albut federal reberta temporary forms last June foreign workers mean employers can only use There are several ways a who are being allowed to stay TFWs for up to 10% of their TFW can extend or make their because the province has idenwork force, meaning that em- stay in Canada permanent, tified the strong likelihood that ployers aren’t extending per- even as they approach their they will become permanent mits for as many workers as in own deadline. Among them are residents, so instead of upthe past. the Express Entry immigration rooting from their jobs, sendFederal spokesman Remi selection system, Provincial ing them back to their country Lariviere said that the four- Nominee Programs, through then telling them in 90 days year maximum was intended to family or spousal relationships, that they’ve been approved for give migrants an opportunity or through study permits. Cer- permanent residency under the to seek permanent residence, tain jobs are also exempt from provincial nominee program, rather than use work permits to the four year limit, such as sev- we’re extending their temporemain in Canada indefinitely, eral in the management and rary foreign work permit until and adding that border services professional categories. TFWs such time as they make that fi-

nal decision,” he said.

“So that’s something we’re open to doing for other provinces, I know that the jobs minister for British Columbia is working very hard to ensure that we don’t make the mistake of sending people back to the country only to tell them they can return here a short time later after they’ve lost their jobs and left their homes and uprooted themselves from Canada. I think the Alberta accommodations are a good approach, and we’re open to extending it to other provinces with the same circumstances,” he added.

And despite the potential for thousands of lives to be affected by the deadline, some people are for TFWs being sent home after their time is up.

“As much as I know many of these people are good workers, they came here and should have known the terms of what they are allowed,” said one user in a response to an online article that was critical of the rule.

“Yes you have helped in the job scene, but you have also been helped and most of the dollars you earned did not go back into the economy here as you sent a good part of it home.”

“Come back if and when it is legal for you to do so,” they added. ■

Jet crashes... and the plane’s quick descent prompted the control centre to declare a distress situation.

“We cannot say at the moment why our colleague went into the descent, and so quickly, and without previously consulting air traffic control,” said Germanwings’ director of flight operations, Stefan-Kenan Scheib.

The plane crashed at an altitude of about 2,000 metres (6,550 feet) near the towns of Prads-Haute-Bleone and Meolans-Revels and the popular ski resort of Pra Loup. The site is 700 kilometres (430 miles) south-southeast of Paris.

“It was a deafening noise. I thought it was an avalanche, although it sounded slightly different. It was short noise and lasted just a few seconds,” Sandrine Boisse, the president of the Pra Loup tourism office, ❰❰ 19

told the AP. Interior Ministry spokesman Pierre-Henry Brandet told BFM television he expected “an extremely long and extremely difficult” search-and-rescue operation because of the area’s remoteness. The weather in the area deteriorated Tuesday afternoon, with a chilly rain falling.

Winkelmann said the pilot, whom he did not name, had more than 10 years’ experience working for Germanwings and its parent airline Lufthansa.

The aircraft was delivered to Lufthansa in 1991, had approximately 58,300 flight hours in some 46,700 flights, Airbus said. The plane underwent a routine check in Duesseldorf on Monday, and its last regular full check took place in the summer of 2013.

The plane had a minor technical problem Monday with a

nose gear landing door, Luf- Francois Hollande called the “The crash ... is a shock that thansa spokesman Christoph crash “a tragedy on our soil.” plunges us in Germany, the Meier said, but added that it The last time a passenger jet French and the Spanish into was really only a noise problem crashed in France was the 2000 deep sorrow,” said Merkel, who that did not appear to have any Concorde accident, which left planned to travel to the region link to the crash.

Wednesday.

He also said a few The A320 Germanwings plane is a workcrews asked not horse of modto fly after the ern aviation. crash “for perWe cannot say at the moment The single-aisle, sonal reasons.” why our colleague went twin-engine jet The safest into the descent, and so quickly, is used to conpart of a flight is and without previously consulting nect cities benormally when air traffic control. tween one and the plane is at five hours apart. cruising elevaIt is certified to tion. Just 10 per fly up to 39,000 cent of fatal acfeet but it can cidents occur at begin to experithat point, according to a safety 113 dead — 109 in the plane and ence problems as low as 37,000 analysis by Boeing. In contrast, four on the ground. feet. takeoff and the initial climb acMerkel spoke with both HolThe A320 family also has a counts for 14 per cent of crashes lande and Spanish Prime Min- good safety record, with just and final approach and landing ister Mariano Rajoy about the 0.14 fatal accidents per million accounts for 47 per cent. crash, immediately cancelling takeoffs, according to a Boeing In Paris, French President all other appointments. safety analysis. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

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FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

A Closer Look at the Holy Week tradition

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MORE THAN the usual tradition—visiting churches and holy places, acting out parts from Christ’s life and being one with his physical suffering by joining the “Sinakulo”—the Lenten season is about solemnly reliving the passion of Christ and reflecting from his suffering.

As Pope Benedict XVI explained, Christians “share in the mystery of Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection.”

And like other traditions, Holy Week has a colourful beginning rooted from the observances beginning in Jerusalem as the Church’s early days flourishes.

Historical accounts would recall how devout people would travel from certain places to Jerusalem in order to relive and re-enact the events that lead to Christ’s resurrection.

One of the earliest historical accounts cited in the history of the Holy Week is that of Egeria, a Christian who has travelled widely around 381-385. Egeria has written accounts on Church traditions in Egypt, Palestine and Asia Minor.

In one of her written accounts, she recalled how religiously people re-enacted the passion of Christ. One of her observances was how a group of people waved palm fronds as they march from Mount of Olives into the city.

The observances which started in Jerusalem spread in several countries including in Spain, by the fifth century, in Gaul and England by the early seventh century and Rome, in the twelfth century.

From the Scriptures

Unlike any other traditions, activities during the Lenten season are rooted from what is written in the scriptures.

For instance, the Passover meal was

taken from the disciple’s meal with Jesus, followed by their walk to the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed, the betrayal of Judas and the crucifixion were all parallel to the accounts written by Matthew 27:62, Mark 15:42, Luke 23:55-56, and John 19:31.

The rest of the traditional days including Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath when Jesus rested in the tomb were all taken from accounts of Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1-3, and Luke 23:56-24:3.

Sunday, the first day of the week and the day when the Festival of First Fruits is celebrated, is also patterned to accounts from Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1-3 and Luke 23:56-24:3.

Mapping the Tradition

A blessing of palms is usually held at the Palm Sunday mass, celebrated on Sunday, a week before the Easter. Some churches would also conduct long procession outdoors with live donkeys in front of the group.

This celebration is rooted from Jesus’ messianic entrance to Jerusalem riding a small donkey and the Jews gathered around him and throw cloaks, raises palm branches along the road while shouting praises as he made his way into the city.

After the blessing, the palms are then kept inside the house; some hang it on their doors while others place it in the altar. For the devout Catholics, this is a representation that their home is a witness to faith in Jesus Christ.

Inside the Church, some would cover all the religious artwork in the church with veil – a purple cloth. Crucifixes are then unveiled after the Good Friday ceremonies and the rest of the images before the Easter vigil Mass on Holy Saturday. ❱❱ PAGE 37 A Closer

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Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

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MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

NDP NOMINATION Filipino Canadian MLA Mable Elmore sought the NDP nomination for Vancouver East riding vacated by resigned MP Libby Davis. She was defeated by a narrow margin of 28 votes by 18-year BC MLA Jenny Kwan. Mable remains MLA for the Vancouver-Kensington. (Photos by Treenee Lopez).

HELIJET Helijet begins its new harbour-to harbour service between downtown Vancouver and downtown Nanaimo at the Cruise Ship Welcome Centre, just minutes from Nanaimo’s city centre. Seat reservations are now available, with an introductory fare of $109 one way.

CALGARY OUTREACH For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net.

The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver is holding an outreach program in Calgary up to Mar. 28 (Photos from Evelyn Lopez’ FB).

www.canadianinquirer.net

Seen & Scenes: Toronto

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

MORE SENDOFF Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) hosted a send-off party for Consul General Junever Mahilum-West on Mar. 21.

More than 450 community leaders, friends and guests bid adieu to the new ambassador (Photos by Ariel Ramos).

PINOY RADIO

Toronto guests at the Mar. 22 Sunday Talk Show with Randy Bucao @ PinoyRadio.com on the topic: "Proliferation of Filipino Canadian Associations in Ontario." PinoyRadio Manager Von Canton, guests Verth Bugtong, Tony San Juan, host Randy Bucao, and JC Quiambao and Ron Culianista.

CALGARY OUTREACH Toronto Action Honda General Manager Rafael Nebres (centre) poses with Talakayan Radyo's co-anchor Karen Tan (L) and political commentator Tony A. San Juan (R) on Mar. 21, at the Fairchild Radio Network 1030 AM broadcast -interview in Thornhill, Ontario. (Photo by Nelson Galvez).

PinoyRadio guests at Talk Show with Randy Bucao in Scarborough, Toronto on Mar. 15, discussing "Sex education curriculum in Ontario schools." (From L) educator Tony San Juan, parent Dennis Hastings, parent Merecyl Cauton, and host Randy Bucao. www.canadianinquirer.net

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Seen & Scenes

26

MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

DENTAL MISSION The Caring Hearts Dental Society (CHDS) successfully concluded their 2015 Dental Mission entitled, “CHDS Healthy Teeth…Healthy Smiles,” in Panglao, Bohol last February. Here are highlights of the organization’s charitable undertaking.

FIRETRUCK DONATION Elena Agala of Rotary World Help happily shared these photos of the turnover to the Municipality of Panglao of two fire trucks which may be used to contain fires in tall buildings, towers and hotels.

NEW BRUNSWICK FILIPINO COMMUNITY Scenes from the Special Olympics New Brunswick Winter Games III. www.canadianinquirer.net

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FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

Possible options...

Canada to the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) program in 2011 mean that after a temporary foreign worker has reached a fouryear cumulative duration limit, he or she will not be granted another work permit in Canada for the next four years. After that time has elapsed, the worker may again be permitted to work in Canada temporarily for up to four years. Foreign workers in management or professional positions, designated as National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 0 or A, respectively, are not affected by these regulations. A complete list of exemptions may be found at the end of this article.

The first temporary foreign workers to whom the rule applies could reach their four-year limit next week, with more workers expected to be affected as time goes on. While many of these workers and their families have established new lives in Canada and wish to remain in the country, doing so may prove challenging. That being said, it may well be the case that all is not lost. Here are some potential immigration solutions for temporary foreign workers facing an uncertain future in Canada.

❰❰ 1

Express Entry

Canada’s new Express Entry immigration selection system, which came into operation on January 1, 2015, strives to make the immigration process simpler and quicker for eligible candidates.

Express Entry is not an immigration program in itself, but rather a system used by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to select candidates for immigration to Canada through the following economic immigration programs: • Federal Skilled Worker Program • Canadian Experience Class • Federal Skilled Trades Program • a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs Temporary foreign workers may be eligible for one or more of these federal programs, in which case they are encouraged to create an Express Entry profile and seek out ways to increase their score under a Comprehensive Ranking System.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

In Canada, the federal government and the provinces and territories share jurisdiction over the selection of immigrants.

Apart from the territory of Nunavut and the province of Quebec, which has its own unique immigration system outlined below, all other provinces and territories have immigration programs that allow them to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and who are interested in settling in a particular province.

Each PNP is tailored to the specific needs of the provinces and territories, which aim to select new immigrants who will be able to settle into life and work in the region and effectively contribute to the community, both socially and economically.

Temporary foreign workers with ties to

a particular province may be eligible for a PNP stream in that province. Indeed, workers may also be eligible to apply to a PNP in a province where they may never have lived or worked. With a multitude of programs and sub-categories, however, potential candidates are encouraged to research potential immigration options through the PNPs.

while studying.

Canadian universities and colleges are renowned for their research, innovation and diversity. High academic standards and thorough quality controls mean that students may gain a high-quality education that will benefit their careers over the long term.

Quebec

Assessing the options

The points-based Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) may be an immigration option for certain temporary foreign workers currently in Canada. Please note that, though knowledge of French is not a requirement for the QSWP and candidates with little or no French proficiency may be eligible, a portion of points may be awarded for this factor.

Moreover, temporary foreign workers who have at least 12 months of work experience in Quebec within the past two years may be eligible under the Quebec Experience Class (Programme de l’expérience Québécoise, or PEQ). This immigration program requires candidates to have at least advanced-intermediate French proficiency.

Potential candidates for the QSWP or PEQ should bear in mind that they should have the intention to reside in Quebec and that the government of Quebec has discretion to reject an application if it does not deem that the applicant has the intention to reside in the province.

Family Class

Canadian citizens and permanent residents may sponsor close family members for Canadian immigration. For temporary foreign workers who have established a legitimate relationship with a spouse or common-law partner, the spousal sponsorship category of Family Class immigration may provide an immigration solution.

Both the Canadian citizen or permanent resident (also called the ‘sponsor’) and the foreign national (the ‘sponsored person’) must be approved by CIC in order for the sponsored person to receive a visa.

“Individuals affected by the regulations may be confused or downhearted at the moment. Many of them have created lives in Canada, provided for their families, and built ties to local communities,” says Attorney David Cohen.

“While the future may seem unsure, and there are certainly no guarantees, what is sure is that those affected will have to leave Canada unless they first take stock of their options, and then act on whichever avenue appears most beneficial to them and their situation.”

Exemptions to the ‘4-in, 4-out’ rule

When a foreign national is applying for work authorization, the following categories or occupations are the exceptions for which a work permit can exceed the four-year limit: • NOC types 0 (management) and A (professional).

• LMIA-exempt jobs under: • International agreements (such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA); • Canadian interests;

Visitor status

Temporary foreign workers who are in Canada and wish to remain in the country can apply to extend their stay in Canada as a visitor. Foreign workers who may reach their four-year limit on cumulative work permits soon, but wishing to immigrate permanently to Canada, should note that it is quite likely that they will have to switch to visitor status for a period.

CIC can issue visitor status for any length of time, with a six-month period typically being granted as long as applicants can show you have the funds to support yourself. This may be renewed, though renewal is at the discretion of CIC officials.

An individual may not work or take part in a study program while in Canada on visitor status.

Study in Canada

Temporary foreign workers who have completed a four-year period of cumulative work in Canada but wish to study in Canada may do, as long they do not work www.canadianinquirer.net

• Self-support; or • Humanitarian reasons.

Note: With regard to spouses of temporary foreign workers who are LMIAexempt, only spouses/dependants of those working in occupations that are NOC type 0 or A would be exempt from the cumulative duration considerations when seeking a work permit.

• Applicants under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers’ Program (SAWP).

• When no work permit was required in order for the foreign national to work in Canada, therefore providing no basis for assessing cumulative duration of work done in Canada. Examples include certain business visitors, foreign diplomats, performing artists and those working for a foreign news company reporting from Canada.

• Permanent resident (PR) applicants who have received a positive selection decision or approval in principle in the PR category for which they have applied.

• Provincial nominees applying for an employer-specific work permit who intend to perform work pursuant to: • an international agreement between Canada and one or more countries, other than an agreement concerning seasonal agricultural workers; or • an agreement entered into by one or more countries and by or on behalf of one or more provinces. ■ © 2015 CICnews All Rights Reserved. Article reprinted with permission.

28

Community News

MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

Community bids adieu to Toronto envoy

BY FE TADURAN MEMBERS OF the Filipino community in Canada bid farewell to newly-appointed Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Jordan with concurrent jurisdiction over the Palestine Republic, Junever Mahilum-West.

The despedida party held Mar. 21 at the St. Ohrid Macedonian Banquet Hall in Toronto, was hosted by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF), headed by its' President Romy Rafael and Executive Vice-President Rosemer Enverga, with Answering the Cry of the Poor Canada (Ancop) headed by its’ President Ricky Cuenca.

It was attended by more than 200 leaders, members, media and friends of the Filipino community from the Greater Toronto Area, Barrie and other areas in the central Ontario Simcoe County and Montreal in the province of Quebec. Also among the well-wishers were Senator Tobias (Jun) Enverga, the first Canadian of Filipino

Amb. Junever Mahilum-West (seated with appreciation plaque) and her well-wishers from the Toronto community.

origin appointed to the Senate, and Member of Parliament John Carmichael.

Amb. Mahilum-West served the Filipino community as consul general of the Greater Toronto Area, Saskatchewan and Manitoba for the last three years. She is very popular and is well-loved by the Filipinos in the jurisdiction she served for the personalized service she provided as a diplomat.

Proceeds of $3,000 from the farewell event was presented to Ambassador Mahilum-West, which was put toward the construction of a house in her name in Ancop’s PCCF Village to be in built in storm-ravaged Tacloban in Leyte.

In her remarks, Amb. Mahilum-West said, “You make me feel honored, humbled and inspired. The best is yet to come for our community here and

with your drive, initiative and bayanihan spirit, it will start to happen soon.”

Now on its 5th year of existence, PCCF through its’ projects, is working towards getting more houses added to the PCCF Village in Tacloban. Construction of one house in the village costs $3,000.

PCCF’s main event for the summer of 2015, is the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show in Toronto,

scheduled for June 27 at the Metro-Toronto Convention Centre. It will be highlighted by the PCCF pageants and a trade show.

Tickets are now available for the event. Interested exhibitors are also invited to pursue the opportunity of promoting their products and services. For more information or any inquiries, please e-mail: pageantsphilippines@gmail.com or pinoyfiestatoronto@gmail.com. ■

Caring Hearts hold dental mission in PH

BY GHEE SALCEDO THE CARING Hearts Dentistry Society (CHDS) concluded another successful dental mission to the Philippines from Feb. 9 to 18, in cooperation with Rotary World Help.

The dental society performed over 3,200 procedures in eight days. Thereafter, they gave the people of Panglao, Bohol approximately C$ 50,000 or P1.7 million-worth of dental equipment.

Some 500 children also benefited from the society's feeding program held in a fishing village of Panglao, Bohol.

Packed meals were distributed and served. Sample menu was hotdog sandwiches, rice, fried chicken, orange juice and ice cream.

CHDS performed preventive and operative dentistry, tooth extractions and pediatric dentistry services.

Preventive programs, including administering fluoride, were provided to local elemen-

tary and high school students, where each one was given a toothbrush and floss. Proper brushing techniques and oral hygiene instructions were likewise demonstrated by dentists and hygienists.

Dental caries (decay) and periodontal (gum) disease are the two most widespread diseases worldwide. Dental infections are often painful and occasionally may be life-threatening. While many projects focus only on the provision of extraction services to combat these diseases, Caring Hearts Dentistry Society provides restorative and preventive dental services as well.

Several portable periodontal scalers and portable dental delivery units along with suction machines and more supplies were purchased by CHDS purposely to serve more people during dental missions.

The 2015 dental mission to the Philippines included various portable dental units, compressors, generators, dental chairs, and other equipment to

make the services a reality. The Panglao Cultural Center stage was converted to a fully functioning dental clinic.

Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder together with his wife Irene, attended and facilitated the turnover of donated goods, Tim Horton’s shirts, tons of clothing from Edgewater Casino, adult and www.canadianinquirer.net

kid's multi-vitamins, big bottles of antiseptic liquid soaps, adult diapers, anti-bacterial wipes, sewing machines, desktop computer sets, books, dictionaries, school supplies, hundreds of CAP'S bicycles, incubators, various hospital equipment and supplies by Rotary World Help to the people of Panglao.

Two fire trucks were likewise

received by the Municipality of Panglao donated by Firefighters Without Borders Canada, Rotary Club of Langley and Rotary World Help Canada.

Each day's activities are truly a group effort between the Caring Hearts Dentistry Society members, the 53rd Engineer Brigade of Philippine Army, 1305th GHQ Dental Dispensary, Philippine Air Force, AFP Dental Service, local counterparts of Tagbilaran Provincial Dental Unit and volunteers from the island.

Members of the 2015 dental mission are Elena Agala, CHDS chairperson, Dr. Danilo Salcedo (president), Dr. Gloria Samosa (vice-president), Dr. Francisca Valdes, Dr. Marietta Quiambao, Francisco Valdes (treasurer), Nerissa Salcedo (secretary), Pacifico Alegro, Lorna Simms, Steve Gable, Bonnie Gable, Dr. Mary Jane Fuster & Carlotta Perez (from USA), Howard & Leni Humffray (from Australia), Andrew Milne, Jovencio Salonoy, Nancy Bantug and Minerva Tolentino. ■

29

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS Every week, the Philippine Canadian Inquirer celebrates the unwavering Filipino spirit through a feature called “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”

The feature recognizes the achievements of Filipinos living in Canada who have shown concern for the community, success in spite of trials, and the uniquely Pinoy practice of “bayanihan.”

This year, we are welcoming nominations for the next subject of “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”

MECHANICS: - All nominees must have (a) Filipino heritage/ancestry - All nominees must be residing in Canada at the time of nomination - Nominees from all industries are welcome (e.g. medical/health, politics, community service, business, entertainment, charity institutions, etc.)

- Who can nominate? Anybody.

Fill up the nomination form by scanning the code with your smartphone or by visiting InFocus.canadianinquirer.net.

www.canadianinquirer.net

Immigration

30

MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

PANGARAP : SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS

So, How Do You Begin to Make a Cold Call?

BY BOLET AREVALO YOU NEED A PLAN TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE STARTING OUT RIGHT IN THIS COLD CALLING TECHNIQUE. You need a plan to make sure you are starting out right in this cold calling technique.

It is human nature that we so believe in something because it has actually happened to us.

I remember a job coach who was talking to us animatedly about her faith in the power of cold calling because that was exactly how she got her current job. The testimony is stronger if spoken from the voice of successful experience and realistic encounters with the ideology.

While my lowest grade was in math, to me, the simple math is that going for as many techniques in job hunting as you can to give yourself gives you many chances at succeeding.

But how do you really begin to make those calls?

As in anything, you need to plan out your course as if you

are going on a road trip without Possible it may be, but probSo, you begin by deciding behitting the road (because you able? Rarely. In fact, it’s excep- tween school of thought No. only need to do it without leav- tional. And that is the reality. 1 and No. 2. If you do not have ing your place. Hmm, this looks What, one out of ten or one out much money to spare, the a lot easier that door-to-door, of a hundred, or one out of a sooner you decide to embrace according to your feet). thousand? Nobody has the cor- one school of thought, the betHave you decided on what rect statistics on his hands, but ter. Remember that the money industry you wish to work for? go and ask an immigrant on the you bring with you has been diMake a list of companies in that street. minished even before you can particular industry or indusI went for school of thought even start spending it by the tries that you intend to target. No. 1. bravely for one year, be- reality of foreign exchange rate Do you want to system. Sticking hit the big time to one school of or go for the thought does not small ones? need to be for as There are at Ask yourself if you want to target long as one year least two schools the big companies at the outset, or as I did. You can of thought in job if you want to start with the smaller choose one for hunting for becompanies to gain experience. only two or three ginners or new months or so, immigrants: The and then switch. first is to hit the I will not prebig time, and scribe which immediately go after your own cause I had money to last me school of thought you should line and level. The second is for one year or so without work. take up because the lessons to try to find something else But what was the first job I are better learned and the sucwhere you can start at an entry got? A store job. This is not to cesses are better gained when point, whether this in an indus- demean the job itself, but for a you have made decisions you try you have worked for or not skilled professional, that was believed in and are happy about at all. a challenge, a challenge not to them in the beginning. After all, The first school of thought is fight the system, but to fight the there is no right or wrong school sadly the one that is pounded fear of one day giving up and of thought. The difference lies on would-be immigrants in deciding to pack my bags and go in when you will chance upon workshops in their own coun- back to my otherwise gorgeous your biggest break and how. try as if it was easy and possible. life in my own country.

Not how soon, only how. www.canadianinquirer.net

Again, you should believe that many times the biggest success comes in very unexpected places and ways. Cold calling may be, yes, cold and drab, but the job that you may be the most happy about may be the one you get out of one of those cold calls you make, just like my job coach.

It is always good to start out with a plan on how to proceed with your cold calling. Ask yourself if you want to target the big companies at the outset, or if you want to start with the smaller companies to gain experience. List the companies you want to work for and where you envision yourself to be working. â– Bolet is a marketing communications practitioner and dabbles in writing as a personal passion.

She is author-publisher of the book: The Most Practical Immigrating and Job Hunting Survival Guide, proven simple steps to success without the fears and the doubts.

Please check out https://www.amazon.com/ author/boletarevalo

31

FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2015

Entertainment

George R.R. Martin won’t let pressure rush his writing despite TV show closing in on him

BY OLGA R. RODRIGUEZ The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — George R.R. Martin has been feeling the heat to finish “The Winds of Winter,” the long-awaited sixth novel in his bestselling series, “A Song of Ice and Fire,” but he is not letting the pressure rush his writing.

“There is more pressure every year,” Martin said Monday in San Francisco at the U.S. premiere of the fifth season of “Game of Thrones,” the HBO television series based on his books. “The main thing is to make the book as good as I can possibly make it.”

Martin, 66, has completed five of seven planned novels: The most recent, “A Dance With Dragons,” came out in 2011, the same year the Emmywinning television adaptation first aired. With this season, the series will have exhausted almost all the material from the existing books.

“Fifty years from now nobody is going to care how frequently the books came out,” he said. “They will care if the books are as good as they can possibly be, if the books stand the test of time.

That’s what I struggle with as I write.”

Martin and 24 cast members sat among the audience that watched the first episode of season five at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, a palatial building aptly suited for the television show about a mythical kingdom. It was

George R.R. Martin, author of the wildly successful book series "A Song of Ice and Fire", has said that despite the pressure to finish the book series (where only five of seven planned novels are completed), he wants to ensure that the books are as good as he can possibly make them to ensure they stand the test of time.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

packed with 3,000 people. a leading tech hub, and HBO answer fan questions submitEmilia Clarke, who plays gave “Game of Thrones” fans ted via Facebook, which ranged Daenerys Targaryen, said the access to the black carpet from what the actors would stories that fans name their pet have been foldragons to what lowing for four characters will seasons will die next in the start to interThey will care if the books are as blood-soaked twine in season good as they can possibly be, if the epic fantasy. five. books stand the test of time.

A couple of “The threads hundred fans we’ve been weavwho didn’t want ing are really to watch on their coming together computers stood now, and that will be quite sat- event by streaming it live on on the street holding up posters isfying to watch,” Clarke said. the show’s Facebook page. The of HBO’s most watched series The City by the Bay is also series’ stars also took time to and waving at the actors as they

walked the carpet.

“Game of Thrones” is set in the war-torn continent of Westeros, a place where winter and summer can last for decades and tells the story of warring kingdoms. The show includes stunning landscapes, lots of sex, plenty of sword fights and decapitations, and fire-breathing dragons.

Season five premieres April 12 on HBO and on HBO Now, the networks’ streaming service, which will launch that day on Apple TV. ■

32

Entertainment

MARCH 27, 2015 FRIDAY

CRTC to require cable, satellite companies to offer basic package, with $25 cap

BY TERRY PEDWELL The Canadian Press GATINEAU, QUE. — Cable and satellite service providers will soon have to offer consumers an “entry-level” television service, at a cost of no more than $25 a month, a decision that the country’s broadcast regulator acknowledges will cost some people their jobs.

They’ll also have to give customers a choice, on top of the basic package, of either paying for additional channels individually or in smaller bundles, says the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission.

The Harper government welcomed the move — something it has been pushing for in the run-up to the fall federal election — but critics including Friends of Canadian Broadcasting warn it’ll hurt the economy and the country’s TV industry as a whole.

The new, trimmed-down basic packages must include local channels in each service area, as well as channels currently on the CRTC’s mandatory distribution list such as public interest, educational and legislature channels where they’re available.

U.S.-based broadcasters that are currently free over the air in most major Canadian markets near the border — so-called 4-plus-1 channels — will also be included.

It’s the first time television service pricing has been regulated in Canada since 1999 and makes it the only jurisdiction in the industrialized world to require that TV distribution companies offer a basic selection of channels.

The national broadcast regulator said it expects service providers to offer trimmed-down basic packages by March 2016.

TV viewers will then be able to supplement the so-called “skinny basic” package with either individual channels available through a pick-and-pay model, or what it calls small, “reasonably-priced” bundled channel packages, the CRTC ruled.

But service providers will have until the end of next year

Cable and satellite service providers in Canada will soon have to offer consumers an "entry level" television service at a cost of no more than $25 a month. They will also be given the choice of paying for additional channels individually or in smaller bundles.

to offer both a la carte channels alities.”

Instead, she called on service and theme packages.

Still, Blais acknowledged providers to move to a pickCustomers who are happy that the changes will likely cost and-pay system sooner than with their current TV offerings some people their jobs as al- the Dec. 2016 deadline imposed won’t have to switch. ready struggling TV channels by the regulator.

“Canadians will have the lose revenues and go off the air.

“While we understand that choice of keeping their curThat goes against govern- the CRTC feels the industry rent television services without ment pledges that any plan to needs time to adjust to the new making any changes, if these offer “pick-and-pay” TV ser- rules, we call on all industry continue to meet players to delivtheir needs and er the choice to budgets,” the Canadians that CRTC said in a they deserve in a statement. timely manner,” CRTC chairWe call on all industry players to said Glover. man Jeandeliver the choice to Canadians that Under the new Pierre Blais they deserve in a timely manner. system, service said technolproviders will ogy has changed not have to offer Canada’s TV free audio servicindustry to the es, such as local point that viewradio stations, ers are taking it upon them- vices should not affect jobs, said although they can include them selves to choose what they want Ian Morrison, a spokesman for if they want. to watch, when they want to the group Friends of Canadian The $25-a-month price won’t watch it.

Broadcasting. include the cost of renting or “Viewers are in control,” “This is reckless,” said Mor- buying a cable or satellite setBlais said. rison. top box. Nor will it include tax“Today’s decision is not about “We don’t think (the CRTC) es. But service providers could making choices for Canadians,” passed the test that the govern- offer an even lower price. he said. ment gave them about protectRogers Inc. flirted with en“Rather, it’s about setting out ing Canadian jobs.” try-level pricing when it testa road map to give all Canadians Heritage Minister Shelly marketed a digital basic packthe freedom to choose the tele- Glover didn’t acknowledge the age in the London, Ont., area vision content that meets their potential for job losses in a state- from Nov. 2011 until Feb. 2012, unique needs, budgets and re- ment reacting to the decision. at a cost of $19.99 a month. www.canadianinquirer.net

Rogers reacted positively to the CRTC decision Thursday, saying it was pleased the regulator agreed to include American channels in the basic service mix.

The move “is a real win for Canadians,” added Ann Mainville-Neeson, the vice-president of broadcasting policy and regulatory affairs at Telus.

“The decision explicitly prohibits anti-consumer contract terms which have historically limited our ability to enhance consumer choice and flexibility,” she said.

Bell Media said it would not comment on the decision.

While relief may be in sight for Canadians fed up with paying for TV programming they never watch, the new rules mean subscribers will still have to pay for some channels they don’t necessarily want, resulting in a basic package that will cost more than what many viewers were hoping for, said advocacy group OpenMedia.

To make sure the big networks don’t shut out independent broadcasters from basic services, the CRTC also introduced a code of conduct for the industry last Thursday. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

33

Ben Stiller happy nobody tripped during recent ‘Zoolander’ stunt at Paris Fashion Week

BY ALICIA RANCILIO The Associated Press NEW YORK — Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson made many “Zoolander” fans giddy when they closed the Valentino runway show during Paris Fashion Week earlier this month as their model characters from the 2001 comedy.

It was a manoeuvre to announce a sequel, “Zoolander 2,” due out next year, which Stiller will also direct. The actors were met with cheers and whistles in person as guests hurried to catch the moment on their cellphones.

“I was a little surprised,” Stiller said about the reaction while attending Monday’s premiere of his movie “While We’re Young.” “I mean it’s been 15 years since the movie came out so we really didn’t know if people remembered or cared, and it was nice to know that there was a little bit of a connection there that

Ben Stiller as Derek Zoolander from the popular 2001 movie "Zoolander". Stiller and Owen Wilson, who played fashion model Hansel, announced a sequel to the movie, "Zoolander 2", during Paris Fashion week in Paris earlier in March dressed as their characters from the original movie.

SCREENSHOT

people had.”

Their commitment was ad-

mirable, as Stiller and Wilson chose to not only take some of

www.canadianinquirer.net

the spotlight from a couture fashion house (with its permis-

sion, of course) but to do it during a fashion show. In Paris.

Stiller said he was “just happy we were able to keep it a surprise and nobody tripped.”

“We thought it would be a fun idea as a way to announce the movie,” said Stiller when asked why they chose Paris Fashion Week to make the announcement. “We sort of had top three designers or brands that we went to and TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory bowed out at the last minute so we went Valentino.”

Besides “Zoolander,” Stiller has had a number of roles that have been memorable and quote-worthy, including in “Meet the Parents,” “Dodgeball” and “Night at the Museum.”

So which movie is he most recognized for?

“Usually it’s ‘Waterboy,”‘ joked Stiller, who’s not in it — it stars Adam Sandler.

“While We’re Young” opens March 27. ■

Entertainment

34

MARCH 27, 2015 FRIDAY

The time ‘The Punisher’ (kinda, sorta) visited the Philippines

Cebu gets the Marvel military comic-book treatment from a writer who has written a mission set in the Philippines

BY RUEL S. DE VERA Philippine Daily Inquirer

and joined Carter on a mission in an episode of ABC’s “Marvel’s Agent Carter.”

NO, IT wasn’t Frank Castle, the violent vigilante of Marvel Comics fame, who visited the Philippines, but it was his monthly series, “The Punisher,” that did so. Specifically, it happened in “The Punisher” # 13, which infiltrated comicbook shops in December. In fact, Castle doesn’t even appear in this particular issue; he’s out trying to get back to a crimeinfested Los Angeles.

Instead, this issue sheds light on an elite military unit called the Howling Commandos.

That’s them on the cover. Yes, this is the modern version of the Howling Commandos (waahooo!) who fought during Marvel’s World War II stories.

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the Howling Commandos (led by Neal McDonough’s Dum Dum Dugan) accompanied Captain America and Peggy Carter in the movie “Captain America: The First Avenger”

Elite team

This modern unit, the topsecret C-Squadron, F-Team, is dubbed “the most elite direct action special operations team on the planet,” who act only on the orders of the President himself. Led by the man codenamed Sidewinder, the Howling Commandos were ordered to bring in the Punisher.

The story in “The Punisher” # 13 has a very catchy title: “What I Learned in Cebu.” In it, the Howling Commandos use wing suits to make a combat drop into Cebu City in order to liberate the American Embassy.

I know what you’re saying, there’s no American Embassy in Cebu, but in this continuity, there is. The Embassy has been taken over in a coup by what are implied to be Islamic separatists. “This isn’t a coup. It’s terrorism,” Sidewinder says. “Terrorists crawled out from under their rocks in the Middle East,

scurried into the Philippines.”

Remember, this is an issue that came out in December 2014, and had been written much

earlier, yet this bit of prescient verisimilitude does hit the target, doesn’t it?

In short order, the Comman-

dos strike the embassy, take out the bad guys and rescue the hostages in a hail of gunfire.

What the Commandos don’t realize is that enemy planes are about to carry out an air strike.

The planes swoop in, bombs fly, and the Commandos drag the hostages out of the strike zone—but lose one of their own in the process.

The Cebu City in the issue is very different from the real one, though the backgrounds in some panels are somewhat based on actual photos of Cebu.

This is pretty much a nightmare version of reality, where the rebels have gathered enough forces—even airborne assets— to carry out a coup d’état and an invasion. It’s serious enough that American special forces had to come in to liberate their own embassy in the southern Philippines.

“What I Learned in Cebu” is written by Nathan Edmondson, who is currently the go-to scribe for anything military❱❱ PAGE 37 The time

HOROSCOPE ARIES

CANCER

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)

(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)

(DEC 22 - JAN 19)

Remember that whatever people will tell you, you still hold the key for change, so change for the better. Do not be moved by the negative notes you’ll be hearing in the coming days. Take their words as a challenge to improve on your work and your personality.

Meeting new friends will work better this week. Go out and socialize with new people. This will help you build the kind of confidence you need in your work. It will also help expand your networks— something you really need to work on.

SCORPIO

TAURUS

LEO

(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)

It’s time to socialize, Taurus!

Meeting new friends will work better this week. Go out and socialize with new people. This will help you build the kind of confidence you need in your work. It will also help expand your networks—something you really need to work on.

Too much emotion has been hampering your ability to make the right choices. This week, your days will be extra lucky if you try to look at things rationally and deal with major decisions using logic and sound reason.

(OCT 23 - NOV 21)

Do not be moved by the negative notes you’ll be hearing from your family, friends and workmates in the coming days. Take their words as a challenge to improve on your work and your personality. Remember that whatever they say, change for the better.

Do not deprive yourself of the chance to grow. You may not know it but you have been missing greater opportunities because of hanging on to something very unproductive. Now is the best time to open your eyes. Don’t let that best chance step out of your doorstep.

GEMINI

VIRGO

SAGITTARIUS

(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)

(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)

(NOV 22 - DEC 21)

The stars want you to re-assess your goals and priorities. You have been running in a maze-like direction in the past months and now is your chance to turn the arrow to the right corner. The best map is inside you.

Ask yourself what you really want to do, set your goals and align your directions to those goals.

AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18) You will be experiencing time management problems in the coming days. Watch out for heavier deadlines and more demanding tasks and schedules both in the professional and personal aspect of your life. Avoid these problems: prioritize what’s on the top list.

PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20)

You are your own voice. Your friends may try to influence your decision, but keep in mind that you are the writer of your own story. Your family and friends may have a say on the kind of chapter you’ll build, though no one else but you holds the pen, so write it right!

The absence of patience will create conflict in the coming days. Make sure to load up your sleeve with enough understanding and open-mind to avoid any unnecessary confrontations. Your lucky days will begin with extra tolerance!

Going out and spending time with friends will be a nice way to take a break on the loads of work in the past weeks. You will be given a chance to meet new faces this week, so go ahead and do not hesitate to welcome them in your circle of friends!

www.canadianinquirer.net

There might be future financial concerns that may need your skill in budgeting your funds and resources. Avoid spending money for things that you really don’t need this week. Start preparing today.

35

FRIDAY MARCH 20, 2015

Lifestyle

Canadian coach shares stress management strategies in ‘Performing Under Pressure’

BY LAUREN LA ROSE The Canadian Press TORONTO — From writing exams to taking a game-winning shot, virtually everyone will be confronted by a pressure moment, but a Canadian performance coach says there are strategies to put the squeeze on stress and thrive in tough challenges.

Toronto-based J.P. Pawliw-Fry teamed with renowned psychologist Hendrie Weisinger on the new book “Performing Under Pressure” (Crown Business).

Pawliw-Fry spends part of his time working with athletic organizations like the NBA’s Orlando Magic and executives from North America’s top four professional sports leagues.

He also worked with nowretired Canadian beach volleyball teammates John Child and Mark Heese who won bronze at the 1996 Olympics. But the bulk of his work is with organizations, including Fortune 100 companies, the U.S. Army and Navy and CIA. “Performing Under Pressure” involved a multi-year study of 12,000 people, including Fortune 500 executives, CEOs, Navy SEALs and Olympic athletes. It zeros in on the top 10 per cent to see why they could manage pressure more effectively.

The authors write a key differentiator was “an ability under pressure not to become defensive when criticized.”

They were are also sensitive to physiological arousal “shifts,” allowing them to do things like

According to performance coach J.P. Pawilw-Fry and renowned psychologist Hendrie Welsinger, what separates people who do well under pressure from people who don't is the ability to minimize the impact of pressure on their performance through techniques such as downsizing the importance of the moment, recalling previous successes, and focusing on what is within their control.

breathe slower which helps them process information more effectively.

“That top 10 per cent, they weren’t perfect under pressure.

(But) they were better able to minimize the effect of pressure on them,” said Pawliw-Fry, co-founder of the Institute for Health and Human Potential.

The book outlines 22 pressure solutions designed to help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, fear or embarrassment, avoid distraction and guide behaviour. Among them: downsizing the importance of the moment, recalling previous

successes and focusing on what is within control.

Pawliw-Fry, a father of three, said a strategy students can use prior to taking a test is to write out how they’re feeling.

“When we do that, it actually takes those kind of thoughts and emotions and feelings out of what’s known as our working memory — which is kind of a space above the eyes, behind the forehead — where we can hold onto four or five ideas, chunks of information ... at any one time. That’s where we do our thinking on a test.

“If that space is clouded up

by worries, thoughts, emotions, there’s no space to think.”

It can be tough for athletes to close their eyes and take a breath in a pressure moment.

In those circumstances, Pawliw-Fry said he’d recommend they use an anchor, thinking of one or more words that remind individuals of themselves at their best.

Pawliw-Fry also contends there’s no such thing as a “clutch performance,” saying they have yet to find data to show anyone who’s better under pressure.

He points to basketball great

Michael Jordan who made the game-winning jumper for the Chicago Bulls in Game 6 the 1998 NBA Finals to clinch the championship. But statistically, Jordan wasn’t a better shooter at the end of the game over the course of his career, and hit just 15 of 35 shots in his final game as a Bull.

“What Michael Jordan did better though — and this is important — is he didn’t let pressure affect him as much. So yes, it diminished him, but not as much as maybe other people who were diminished more.”

Pawliw-Fry said it’s also important for individuals to distinguish between stressful and pressure moments which can feel similar but have distinct differences.

“If you don’t deliver on a stressful moment — you’re late picking up the kids, you’ve got to drop off your dry cleaning, you’ve got to get your taxes done ... there probably won’t be a material impact on your stress or survival. Yeah, it’s a bit of a hassle, but you’re probably going to be OK. “A pressure moment is different. It can feel like a stressful moment in terms of what it does to us physiologically, but a pressure moment is when there actually will be a material impact on your success or survival.

“If we react to every stressful moment as if it’s pressure, it really has a big outcome on our success. We use up all of our resources. And then when we come to a real pressure moment, there’s nothing left.” ■

36

Lifestyle

MARCH 27, 2015 FRIDAY

The longer and colder than normal winter (in some parts of Canada) has put prevented many people from starting their home gardens. But with winter thawing and spring just around the corner, Canadians are getting their gardening skills into gear.

Get growing: Tips on reviving gardens and fresh bloom trends for spring summer

BY LAUREN LA ROSE The Canadian Press TORONTO — Gardening enthusiasts may be anxious to dig in as the weather warms up, but after a tough winter across much of Canada, outdoor green space may be in need of a little extra TLC. Denis Flanagan said homeowners should be surveying their property for any damage as a result of heavy snow and ice.

“It tends to tear the bark where it joins the trunk and the sooner you can clean off that damaged branch ... the less likelihood is that pests and diseases are going to get into that plant,” said Flanagan, public relations manager of Landscape Ontario, co-founder of Canada Blooms, the country’s largest flower and garden festival which concludes Sunday in Toronto.

Depending on soil conditions due to the volume of accumu-

lated snow, gardens are going that till early spring until you recommends starting with to be a bit wet this spring, Fla- poke around and see some more manageable container nagan noted. He advised not to green shoots coming up.” gardening. go out in gardens too early since Sometimes after a long win“You can have it close to the treading on damp soil will com- ter some plants aren’t killed but back door. You don’t have to pact it — “which is a bad thing.” are delayed — a prime example march down to the garden to As the ground freezes and being the rose of Sharon. look after it. thaws, Flanagan said the crown, “It looks dead and people “I always believe your first or centre, of perennials tends panic and dig it up.” attempt at a garden should to get pushed up from beneath He suggested using a thumb- be a successful one so that the soil. “Then encourages you we get some dryto move on the ing winds and it following year — dries it out.” and that’s why I He recomYour first attempt at a garden should think container mended checkbe a successful one so that gardening is ing plants and encourages you to move on the such a good way adding 2.5 to five following year. to start off.” centimetres (an Raised-bed inch or two) of gardening may mulch around be another opthem to protect tion. them. nail to scratch below the bark.

“Instead of actually digging “When we’ve had late, cold “If it’s green below the bark down into the ground, you’re rains and gardens flood and you know that that is eventually getting some timber or some that perennial is sitting in cold going to come. It might just be stones and building a bed up to frozen water, they can actually a few weeks later than what you 10, 15 inches (25 to 38 centimerot off and get damaged. That is normally would see.” tres) high, filling it with brandpossible.

For novices seeking to flex new soil.

“You’re not going to know their green thumbs, Flanagan “You’ve got a fresh start and www.canadianinquirer.net

it makes gardening a lot easier.”

For gardeners keen to add some fresh blooms for the warmer months, here are a few of Flanagan’s recommendations.

BrazelBerries: The new forms of blueberries and raspberries are hybrid plants, which tend to be on the more compact side, making them ideal to fit into small spaces.

Haskap: Flanagan said the deciduous shrub bears the fruit of a honeysuckle which can be used for cooking.

L.A. Dreamin’ and Red Diamond: Flanagan said the new varieties of hydrangeas are “absolutely stunning.”

“The colours on these are just magnificent, and the blooms tend to last most of the summer; so those are going to be very, very hot.

Oh So Orange: Flangan said bold orange colours will be big in blooms this year and foresees this citrus-hued geranium being among them. ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

Social media can contribute to the winter blues: professor

BY ALY THOMSON The Canadian Press HALIFAX — People in stormbattered Atlantic Canada might be fixated on winter, but a psychology professor says tweeting about it isn’t the best way to blow off steam.

Holly Seniuk of the University of New Brunswick said Thursday many people experience increased anxiety, depression, anger and stress during the winter months.

But Seniuk said expressing those frustrations on social media only reinforces the negative connotations surrounding winter and feeds into a cycle of negativity.

“People are spending a lot of time venting their frustration,” Seniuk said from Fredericton.

“On the one hand, yes it’s an outlet, but on the other hand, it’s reinforcing this cycle of frustration and feeds even more into the frustration.”

It’s been a cold winter in the Atlantic provinces with plenty of snow. The region was still digging out Thursday after the second large storm in less than a week dumped more than 50 centimetres of snow in some areas.

In the Halifax area, a number of this season’s snowfalls were followed by plunging temperatures and freezing rain, turning sidewalks and roads into sheets of thick ice for weeks.

Kate Harkness, a professor of psychology at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., said engaging with people during trying times is important, but constantly complaining about the weather — on and off social media — will reduce your mood.

“It’s a downward spiral,” said Harkness. “Going over and over the stressors in your life or how bad you’re feeling actually stimulates more negative emotion, which then stimulates more negative thoughts.”

Seniuk said some people can become blind to the positive aspects of winter because of constant complaining on social media sites.

“The season and the snow evokes these negatives emotions and reactions because it’s paired with adverse things like

37

A Closer...

Some authors would describe this as a way to focus on the important parts of the celebration of Christ’s passion to redeem mankind.

The Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper is also commemorated on Holy Thursday through a special Mass of the Lord’s Supper.

This is a solemn celebration of the night when according to the scriptures; Jesus changed bread and wine into his own Body and Blood and commanded the Apostles to act in his stead and represent the sacrifice.

The Washing of the Feet, which is re-enacted by most churches, then follows. The priest ceremoniously washes the feet of 12 people in the congregation just as Christ did to his 12 Apostles.

The remaining sacred hosts ❰❰ 23

are then carried out of the sanctuary to an “altar of repose” after the Holy Thursday mass.

The people would customarily go with the Eucharistic Christ through a procession.

The Church is then stripped of its linens, candles and holy water as a symbol of mourning for Christ’s death. The ornaments are returned only during the Easter vigil Mass on Saturday which symbolizes the resurrection of Christ and the restoration of joy in the Church.

During Good Friday, the Station of the Cross is conducted to commemorate the Passion of Christ and recall his suffering and death—an act he did because of his love for mankind.

Beyond the celebration of the Lenten season as a tradition yearly looked upon by Catholics, what matters most is to look at it as a symbol of spiritual pilgrimage to Christ’s passion. ■

The time... related. For Marvel, he is also writing “Black Widow” (with artist Phil Noto) and “Deathlok” (with artist Mike Perkins).

Edmondson has been writing an extremely realistic version of “The Punisher,” with Castle depicted as a dedicated and experienced soldier carrying out a mission of attrition against criminals. This issue features a guest artist named Moritat.

Usually, Edmondson is joined on “The Punisher” by the talented artist Mitch Gerads; Gerads provides the cover for “The Punisher” # 13. This is not the first time Edmondson has visited the Philippines in his work. Edmondson and Gerads really got rocking with the Image Comics series “The Activity,” which follows Team Omaha, a high-tech, highly trained group of armed intelligence operatives, on their missions around the world. ❰❰ 34

Though winter might be long, experts say that complaining about it on social media can lead to a downward spiral where you stimulate negative thoughts that contribute to a more negative mood.

having to drive on ice and worrying about whether your kids are going to school,” said Seniuk.

“We tend to focus on those aspects, but people should try to switch that focus to associate winter with some of the more positive things it can bring.”

Seniuk said part of the solution for combating the winter blues is simple: put down your phone and head outside.

It’s important to get sunlight and exercise whenever possible, she said, and tweeting something positive about winter wouldn’t hurt.

“Try and focus on the things that are enjoyable about winter instead of the negative things,”

said Seniuk, mentioning activities like walking the dog or skiing.

Harkness said if you really don’t want to go outside, make a point to get some indoor exercise, like taking a walk around your office building a couple times a day.

“Getting exercise inside is still going to have that mood lifting effect,” said Harkness.

“Get the heart going and that will get those chemicals going in your body and your brain.

“That not only helps alleviate a sad mood but it also has cognitive effects so it can increase your attention, your memory, your focus and your motivation.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Realistic

“The Activity” is a fantastic series, believable and tense. It can easily be argued that “The Activity”—which is thankfully still ongoing despite delays between issues—prepared the team of Edmondson and Gerads for their tour of duty with “The Punisher.”

Edmondson and Gerads’ first

Philippine sojourn happened in December 2012, in “The Activity” # 10, titled “Out With the Trash.” This story happens in Busuanga Island in Palawan.

Most of the members of Team Omaha are on the island pretending to be American waste disposal contractors; they’re really transporting weapons and materiel to fight insurgents.

One Filipino they’re working with says: “Someone has to stop the terrorists from taking up homes in our islands, especially because the security forces are aiding them, like on Maguindanao.” An American answers: “It’s not just the Ampatuans.

Mideast jihadists are swarming to your islands like flies to garbage.” The mission doesn’t go as expected, and Team Omaha is forced to make a difficult choice. Here, Gerads clearly is using photo references, because his Busuanga Island is accurate down to the uncanny little details. And based on the dialogue, Edmondson clearly knows what he’s writing about.

How good is “The Activity”?

The property is being adapted into a feature film and has landed “Black Hawk Down” screenwriter Ken Nolan. However that turns out, writer Nathan Edmondson has already displayed a soft (if hard target-oriented) spot for the Philippines. ■

38

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

Business

Samsung looks to rebound from disappointing sales with new Galaxy S6 phones

BY MICHAEL OLIVEIRA The Canadian Press TORONTO — Samsung says it wanted to start over from scratch for its forthcoming new smartphones, the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 Edge.

While loath to call the predecessor, the Galaxy S5, a flop, the South Korean company admits the plastic-bodied phone — which was marketed as a more rugged dust and water resistant device — missed the mark with many consumers.

“I don’t think that was true in every market,” says Ken Price, vice-president of carrier sales and marketing for Samsung Canada, when asked why sales slumped for the S5.

“I think we were successful with the S5. We’re not at liberty to share numbers but we wouldn’t view the same thing for Canada. What we’d say was, we pressed on things we thought the marketplace was telling us ... and what the market told us was, increasingly, they were looking for something that felt more premium.

“So we feel confident we did some things to listen, respond and adjust our strategy.”

Samsung is now talking up the sleek design of the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge, made with “premium metal and glass.”

Price said Samsung also made a conscious effort to streamline the preloaded software on the new phones, unlike previous Galaxy devices that felt bloated in comparison.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 Edge with its curved screen presents a radical departure from the more tried and tested formula of previous Samsung Galaxy phones. The phone maker is hoping to make the phones stand out in a now crowded premium smartphone market.

“I think we looked in the mirror, so to speak, and said you know what, we’re going to make sure everything in there has a reason and in fact we’ve taken things out that no longer, we felt, had utility.”

The Canadian Press sat down with Price and Vlastimir Lalovic, director of product marketing, to discuss the upcoming launch of the new phones, which are available in Canada starting April 10.

CP: You have 30 seconds with a consumer, what’s your pitch for them to consider a new Galaxy over an iPhone?

Lalovic: I would go with the design, because we’re using premium materials, we used Gorilla Glass 4 on the back and front, so this is the most durable glass material that is available today on the market. And our metal used in our devices is 50 per cent stronger than any other devices.

CP: With the new design, users can no longer swap out the battery as they could with previous Galaxy phones and there’s no longer a SD card slot.

What effect will those changes have on sales?

Lalovic: This kind of question

EXCHANGE RATES

we took very seriously, we have access to how many of Samsung’s customers actually purchased additional batteries and I can tell you it’s a very small number.

Price: I think that’s changed over time because the batteries have become better. Even on the Galaxy S5 we had faster charging and the battery capacity had improved, so over time we noticed the demand for replacement batteries went down.

CP: To what extent will emerging Chinese smartphone makers (such as market-leader

Xiaomi) influence the Canadian market?

Price: Samsung is a humble company that at one point had three per cent of the marketplace in smartphones and had to earn its way. The one thing about Canadians — and you can ask the folks in Waterloo this too — they want world-class products and a great value. And if you don’t deliver that, no matter what country you’re from, you’re not going to be successful. Will there be a chance for one of those manufacturers to emerge? That’ll depend on their ability to do what Samsung has done in terms of thinking about the user experience and being able to aggregate scale around that. It’s not easy to do. It’s not obvious to us who will be the next contender that would come up that way but I think it’ll have to be more than (just) a sheet of glass and putting Android in there, Canadians are more discerning than that.

CP: What did you think of the recent Apple Watch unveil and its impact on Samsung’s Gear watches?

Price: From our perspective, we’re onto our third generation (of smart watch) arguably, depending on what you count, so we’ve got lots of experience based on what we’ve done.

Looking at what Apple’s done, I’m not sure they’ve done anything new, I think they’ve done it for their base, within the context of Apple customers. I’m not sure they’ve done anything to excite people outside of that base, based on new functionality or new ideas. ■

As of March 25, 2015, from finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CND / USD

1.2506

+0.0002

+0.0160%

CND / PHP

35.8188

+0.0142

+0.0398%

CND / EUR

1.3666

+0.0024

+0.1756%

Business

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

39

Vancouver-based online dating service PlentyOfFish surpasses 100 million users

BY LAUREN LA ROSE The Canadian Press

two.

“I hired my first employee.”

Ultimately, Frind said the site’s success is correlated to positive results found by users.

“At the end of the day, you’re only going to use a dating site if it works. So a large amount of effort was spent around making sure that the service actually works and that people find someone and then leave with someone from the site. That becomes our virality. Those become our brand ambassadors, so to speak.”

POF maintains Vancouver as its hub, with a downtown office employing more than 70 people. The company has doubled its revenue since 2012. Billed as the world’s largest online dating site, the company said there are four million users daily, and the service is available in five languages.

Frind said the site earns considerable revenue from ads and subscriptions.

The surge in smartphone use

CANADIAN COMPANY PlentyOfFish continues to reel in big numbers with the online dating site now surpassing 100 million users.

It’s been a steady ascent for the homegrown startup which CEO and founder Markus Frind launched from his Vancouver apartment in 2003.

While there are plenty of web-based services now available to help forge potential romantic connections, the online landscape was drastically different when Frind created PlentyOfFish — and not just with respect to dating.

“The web wasn’t very interThe Plenty of Fish offices in Vancouver, BC, Canada. The online dating company, launched in 2003 from the apartment of active, and it was a social netCEO and founder Markus Frind, has recently surpassed 100 million users. It claims to be the largest online dating site in work before there were social the world. networks,” Frind recalled in a phone interview from Vancouver.

“About two to three years ago, POF has also made a signifi- bile matchmaking app Tinder “It was dynamic. You could 10 per cent of our traffic was cant investment in offline ser- which allows users to connect talk to someone, you could commobile, and now it’s something vices to bolster its business. In with others in close proximity. municate with like 80, 90 per 2013, the company announced Frind isn’t concerned about other people, cent,” said Frind, the acquisition of FastLife, the competition affecting POF’s you could upnoting that POF world’s largest speed dating site traffic, but rather sees the load photos and is among the top- and singles event company, and influx as a net benefit. do stuff, whereas We see most of the innovation ranked apps. now hosts local events all over “Those kinds of services are every other site and most of our future is going to be “We’re really the world. Frind said there are bringing more people to online at that time was tied to mobile in some shape or form. just starting at also hundreds of user-orga- dating,” he said. all about ‘You’re the start of mo- nized events held each month.

“It’s a gateway drug. People just reading statbile taking over.

Within the online dating try it and then they move on to ic content that And we see most realm, there has been an ex- more serious dating sites. As never changes.”’ of the innovation plosion of services in the de- Tinder’s come along, as mobile By 2008, Frind had 15 million has mirrored the significant and most of our future is going cade-plus since POF launched, has come along, we just have a signups, $10 million in revenue spike seen among users logging to be tied to mobile in some from niche sites to those like lot more people that want to and doubled his workforce — to on to the site remotely. shape or form.” the much buzzed about mo- use online dating.” ■

Easy auto loans drive car sales in PHL PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

Easy access to loan financing has driven sales growth in the Philippine automotive industry.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MANILA — Easier access to car loan financing has driven the sales growth in the automotive industry in the country, said Carmudi Philippines managing director Subir Lohani in an interview Monday.

Lohani mentioned that banks remain the biggest car dealers in Carmudi Philippines — an online vehicle buy-and-sell platform.

He said a bank has an average of 250 to 350 car postings in Carmudi. www.canadianinquirer.net

Total vehicle postings in Carmudi Philippines now reach to 25,000 with 900 dealers within a year after it launched its operation here early 2014.

More than 90 percent of its clients are commercial dealers such as banks, car companies, and car dealers while around 5.0 percent are individual users.

Despite customer-to-customer (C2C) market is seen to expand, Lohani said car deals through banks will remain stable because of customers’ confidence in transacting with banks than with a private individual.

Auto loans offered also make it more attractive to tap financial institutions for purchasing a car because of lower interest rates.

According to a report of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), as of July 2014, household loans grew steady by 16 percent with the expansion in auto loans and other types of loans such as salary and personal loans.

On the other hand, in the first two months of 2015, the local auto industry reported that car sales perked up by 21 percent to 39,325 units from last year’s same period of 32,506 units. ■

40

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

Travel

Antarctica presents an exciting new land of adventure where unique wildlife such as penguins can be seen (for those with pockets deep enough). But the unpredictable nature of the continent means some tourists could find themselves stuck in ice, or waiting for days for the sun to pop out.

CHRISTOPHER MICHEL / FLICKR

Antarctica tourism thrives but tourists must brace for wild and unexpected forces of nature

BY LUIS ANDRES HENAO The Associated Press KING GEORGE ISLAND, ANTARCTICA — They trekked snow-covered mountains, gasped at seals flopping along the coastline and oohed at penguins waddling along on the ice, and even took in the spectacle of a humpback whale flapping its tail amid a sea of melting icebergs.

But then, the dozens of tourists stranded on a cruise ship at the end of the world could only stare up at the sky, waiting for several days of thick fog to clear so they could go home.

“In Antarctica, you can plan all you like, but you can’t really schedule anything,” goes a local saying.

It’s the last terrestrial tourism frontier that nature lovers, adventurers and explorers are rushing to visit. This tourist season, which runs November through March, more than

37,000 people are expected to visit the coldest continent on Earth, about 10 per cent more than last season.

While some tourists climb Mount Vinson, Antarctica’s highest point at 16,050 feet (4,892 metres), others seek a chance to take in the views of other-worldly terrain or snap pictures of massive groups of penguins as they bop in and out of the water. Still others do extreme sports, like scuba diving in icy waters, or imagine themselves as early 20th century explorers during reenactment expeditions. High-profile visitors of recent years include Bill Gates and Prince Harry, while heavy-metal band Metallica rocked out for a small group of fans at the Carlini Argentine Base here in 2013.

No matter the draw, a strong dose of humour, patience and humility, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars, are an essential part of any Antarctica vacation. Without fail, every

year some tourists are left waiting for the sun to come out, or for a patchy Internet connection to work, or even for help to get their stuck boots dislodged from the ice.

“Was it worth it? Yes, of course it was,” said English tourist Christine Brannan, 65, recently holed up on the cruise ship. “But I would say to anybody who wants to do the flight and cruise to be aware of the unpredictability.”

“It’s been fantastic,” chimed in husband John as the couple walked with other tourists to the airstrip. “It’s something we’ll never forget.”

Antarctica is roughly the size of United States and Mexico combined, but tourists and the 4,000 or so scientists who live here part of the year mostly keep to areas that aren’t permanently frozen and where wildlife can be found. Those areas account for less than 2 per cent of the continent.

Most visitors arrive on the

Antarctic Peninsula, accessible from southern Argentina and Chile by plane or ship. The next most popular destination is the Ross Sea on the opposite side of the continent, which visitors reach after sailing 10 days from New Zealand or Australia.

The harsh environment requires vacationers to come with many essentials: water-resistant hiking boots, several layers of winter clothes including long underwear and a parka, and powerful sun lotion and dark shades with extra ultraviolet protection.

“I was awed by everything,” said Maria Estela Dorion, a retired nurse from Chile. “The snow-covered mountains, the sunsets, the sunrises. There are no words to describe Antarctica.”

Although many tourists are well-heeled retirees who mostly stay aboard cruise ships, conservationists worry about potentially devastating envi-

ronmental damage from boat pollution and from the more adventurous visitors who hike or cross-country ski around sensitive sites, such as moss beds or bird breeding colonies during the Southern Hemisphere summer, when 24-hour daylight allows unrestricted access.

Increasing foot traffic poses “particular risks of disturbance or contamination to some of the last remaining essentially pristine areas on the planet,” said Alan Hemmings, an environmental consultant on polar regions. “We should not passively watch Antarctica being turned into a theme park.”

Hemmings said several countries with territorial claims in Antarctica, such as the United States, Great Britain, Argentina, Chile and others, have signed agreements to regulate tourism, but most are nonbinding or nearly impossible to enforce.

Many visitors are drawn here

Travel

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

by the legacy of the so-called heroic era of Antarctic exploration from 1898 to 1915, when several adventurers braved harsh conditions, and sometimes died, to explore the mysterious continent.

Some agencies even lead reenactment expeditions of Ernest Shackleton’s desperate sea and land journey to a South Georgia Island whaling station in the southern Atlantic Ocean in 1916. After his ship was crushed by sea ice during an Antarctica expedition, Shackleton left 22 of his crew at on remote Elephant Island and then set sail in a lifeboat on an 800-nautical-mile (1,482 kilometres) voyage to seek help.

Thanks to Shackleton, the crew was rescued by a Chilean Navy cutter boat.

Antarctica is not for budget travellers, and the sky is the limit when it comes to cost. At the top end, chartering a 114foot yacht (35-meter) in Antarctica costs about $53,000 per week, while a 460-foot yacht (140-meter) runs more than $1 million a week, according to estimates by Superyachts.com.

Tim Johnson, the founder of London-based TBJ Super Yachts, said demand is rising every year for clients wanting to explore “unchartered territory” in style.

“This is the last frontier on the planet,” he said.

For those not quite part of the 1 per cent, a 14-day expedition on the National Geographic

Explorer ship costs between $12,000 and $24,000. A more affordable option is Antarctica XXI, which offers plane and cruise ship trips starting at $10,000 for six nights, which is on top of the cost to fly to southern Chile.

Most tourists sleep on their cruise ships, which offer a bevy of fine-dining options and onboard entertainment between several excursions to see the landscapes and animals.

No matter how tourists arrive, weather delays are the norm. During the recent patch of heavy fog, for six days planes could not take off or land on King George, leaving guides to deal with more than 100 frustrated tourists.

Despite the unpredictable weather and high costs, tourism in Antarctica has become increasingly popular since the 1980s, when on average less than 2,000 visitors came per year. The peak was in 20072008, when 46,000 people visited, according to the Rhode Island-based International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

“It’s definitely on many people’s bucket list,” said Steven Cowpe, who leads expeditions for Antarctica Bound, a United Kingdom-based travel agency.

“You feel like you’re at the end of the planet because it’s so wild and when you come back, you feel like you have achieved something great, even if you’re not an explorer.” ■

Travel new and now: Tips for female travellers, Philly events, Lonely Planet series

BY BETH J. HARPAZ The Associated Press A TOUR company is offering a free copy of a new booklet called “101 Tips for Women Travelers.”

Overseas Adventure Travel vice chair Harriet Lewis says the booklet draws on advice offered by hundreds of guides, employees and women who've travelled with the company.

There are sections on packing, health and hygiene, safety, going solo, communications, digital photography and more, including foreign phrases and an international time zone chart.

A few of the tips: • Use dental floss to hang laundry or string broken jewelry; wrap duct tape around a pencil so you'll have the tape handy for emergency repairs of anything from a suitcase to a shoe.

• Bring cash, a debit card and a credit card, but stash them in different places, some in a money belt, some in a wallet.

• When water is suspect, keep yourself from ingesting

while showering by putting mouthwash in your mouth.

• Carry a whistle to blow in case you need help.

• Bring a large scarf. The book-

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let lists 25 uses for scarves under the heading, “Bandanarama,” including cold compress, sleep blindfold, pillow cover and accessory. ■

Long term forecast taken from: www.weathernetwork.com

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42

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

Sports

Manny Pacquiao welcomes Tim Tebow to his LA training camp; the famous athletes know each other THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — Manny Pacquiao welcomed a highprofile visitor to his training camp Saturday with ties to his native Philippines: Tim Tebow.

Pacquiao is preparing for his much-anticipated fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 in Las Vegas. The Heisman Trophy-winning former Florida QB posted photos on Instagram of the two together in Pacquiao's gym in Los Angeles.

“Awesome being with my Filipino and Christian brother,” Tebow posted on his Instagram account.

Tebow, who is known for being very open about his Christian faith, was born in the Philippines to missionary parents.

Pacquiao spokesman Fred Sternburg said Tebow and Pacquiao know each other and embraced when Tebow came to the gym.

Heisman Trophy-winning former Florida quarterback Tim Tebow paid a visit to Manny Pacquiao this past weekend.

TIM TEBOW / INSTAGRAM

Official poster for the MayweatherPacquiao Canadian Jean joins Pacquiao spar mates mega-fight revealed

BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer

PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER THE OFFICIAL poster for the mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao on May 2 has been revealed by HBO. Though it's expected that there may be a couple of differing posters as the fight draws near, this first one released by HBO shows the two fighters in a simple stance facing toward

the reader with their bodies angled more towards each other.

Internet commenters have stated that the poster is "too plain", boring, and bland, but one commenter said that there was not even really a need for a poster to be done to sell the fight, as the much anticipated fight is expected to break all kinds of records for viewership and money brought in through Pay-Per-View buys and gate tickets. ■

ANOTHER WELL-ROUNDED fighter, Dierry Jean, has been added to the rotation of Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partners for his Super Fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The 32-year-old Jean, a Haiti-born Canadian now residing in Montreal, tested his mettle against Pacquiao for three rounds Thursday (Friday in Manila) at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Hollywood,

Promoter Bob Arum was also there and they watched Pacquiao spar seven rounds, Sternburg said.

“Bob said when he left Tebow was still there,” Sternburg said.

“They seemed to be getting along.” ■

according to Philboxing.com.

Jean, boasting a 28-win, 1-loss record with 20 knockouts, took the place of Finn Edis Totli.

Aside from the 5-foot-7 Jean, a former light welterweight contender now ranked third by the World Boxing Council in the light welterweight division, Pacquiao also sparred three rounds with Kenneth Sims Jr., who’s likely to be retained for the duration of training camp.

Chief trainer Freddie Roach has lined up six training partners for Pacquiao, but will use only two in each sparring session scheduled Tuesdays,

Thursdays and Saturdays.

Team Mayweather, on the other hand, had reportedly enlisted the services of 10 spar mates, including former world champion Zab Judah and DeMarcus Corley.

Jean, highly recommended

by Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz, has been tasked to simulate Mayweather’s defensive stance.

Meanwhile, prices of rooms at MGMGrand soared for the Super Fight weekend, starting at $1,600 a night, according to reviewjournal.com. The same rooms can be booked at $338 two weeks later. ■

Events

FRIDAY MARCH 27, 2015

New WelcomePack Canada Distribution Centre

By WelcomePack Canada Inc. WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Mon, Tues, Thu & Fri at the Filipino Centre Bldg., 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, Ont. MORE INFO: Call (416) 928-9355

Homework/Tutorial Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416-9289355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m.

Tagalog Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto

YUKON NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

CANADA EVENTS

NUNAVUT

ONTARIO

QUEBEC NEW BRUNSWICK

Parokya ni Edgar Bente+ North AmericaTour WHEN/WHERE: Mar 27, TCU Place Centennial Hall, 35-22nd St., E. Saskatoon, SK MORE INFO: Call 306-716-9906; 306-380-0818

Vancouver International Autoshow WHEN/WHERE: Mar. 24 to 29 at the Vancouver Convention Centre Tzu Chi Canada Volunteers

By Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation WHEN/WHERE: Volunteer registration ongoing at 8850 Osler St., Vancouver B.C. or contact www.tzuchi.ca Free Income Tax Clinic for Low Income SUCCESS Member

By SUCCESS WHEN/WHERE: up to Apr. 26, Burnaby Settlement Service Centre (200-5172 Kingsway, Burnaby) Tel: 604-430-1899 Service dates:Apr. 11, 18 & 25: 10 am – 3 pm (Saturday) Pender Social Service Centre (28 West Pender Street, Vancouver) Tel: 604-408-7260 Service dates: up to Apr. 23, 10 am – 4 pm Every Tuesday and Thursday (NO services on April 14) Richmond Service Centre (220 - 7000 Minoru Blvd, Richmond) Tel: 604-279-7180 Service dates: up to Apr. 22, 5:30 pm – 8 pm Every Monday and Wednesday (NO services on Mar 30, Apr 1, Apr 6 and Apr 15) Richmond Johnson Centre (250 - 8191 Westminister Hwy, Richmond) Tel: 604-408-7260 Service dates: Apr. 18 & 25, 10 am – 3 pm (Saturday)

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View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

Parokya ni Edgar Bente+ North America Tour WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., Mar. 28, Club Regent Casino Event Centre, 1425, Regent Ave. West, Winnipeg MORE INFO: With special guest Wency Cornejo

BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA

43

Surrey-Delta Service Centre (206-10090 152nd Street, Surrey) Tel: 604-588-6869 Service dates: Apr. 11, 10 am – 3 pm (Saturday) Tri-City Service Centre (2058 -1163 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam) Tel: 604-468-6000 Service dates: Apr. 15 (Wednesday) 5pm – 8 pm Vancouver International Dance Festival WHEN/WHERE: Daily up to Mar. 28, 600 Hamilton St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-662-4966 or go to vidf.ca Spring Break at the Cannery-Richmond WHEN/WHERE: Daily up to Mar. 29, Gulf of Georgia Cannery, 12138 Fourth Ave., Richmond B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-664-9009 Winter-Spring Training 2015

By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: 14 Saturdays till Apr. 18, at the Immigrant Services Society of B.C., Royal City Centre – Rm. 280 610 – 6th St., New Westminster, B.C. MORE INFO: Contact Liza at 604-395-8000 ext.

1706 or email: liza.delarosa@issbc.org Burnaby Seniors’ Club Free Activities for Immigrant Seniors

By Mosaic Settlement Services WHEN/WHERE: (Burnaby North) www.canadianinquirer.net

Taichi – Till Mar. 27, Fridays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

English Conversation Circle – Till Mar. 27, Fridays, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.

Brentwood Community Resource Centre, 2055 Rosser Ave., Burnaby B.C. Beginners’ English Practice – till Mar. 27, Fridays, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Knitting Club – till Mar. 27, Tuesdays, 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Meet & Greet Dinner and Dance

By Luzvimin Bisaya Association WHEN/WHERE: 5:30 p.m., Mar. 28, Victoria Drive Community Hall, 2026 E. 43rd Ave. Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: For ticket call 604-771-8145.

Spring Clean UP Garage Sale

By UP Alumni Association of B.C. WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mar. 28, 1528 W. 57th Ave., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Proceeds will go to UPAABC Scholarship Fund.

English as Second Language Book Club for Adults

By Richmond Public Library WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 2:30 p.m, Apr. 13 to May 4, at Brighouse Branch, Special Collection Room, 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, B.C. MORE INFO: Register at www.yourlibrary.ca/events or call 604-231-6413.

44

Sports

MARCH 27, 2015

FRIDAY

Ultimate road trip: Edmonton hockey fan Rejuvenated Jim Daley on quest to see 30 games in 30 nights has no intention to stop coaching football just yet

BY CHRIS PURDY The Canadian Press

EDMONTON — If it's Friday, he must be in Florida. Time to see the Lightning.

Edmonton hockey fanatic Rob Suggitt is on an ultimate sports road trip — 30 games in all 30 National Hockey League arenas over 30 consecutive nights.

With several games already under his personalized jersey, the 53-year-old says he has to start reminding himself each morning where he is, and where he's off to next.

“I've got some serious travel miles ahead,” Suggitt said last week after arriving in Miami to watch the Florida Panthers play Detroit. He was heading to Tampa Bay on Friday to watch the Lightning take their turn with the Red Wings.

The adventure began March 13 when he landed in New York to see the Islanders lose to the Ottawa Senators. It is to wrap up in Toronto on April 11, the last day of the regular season, when the Leafs take on the Montreal Canadiens.

Suggitt said he's feeling tired, but it's a good tired.

“By Game 17, Game 21, Game 26, I might be pretty wiped out.

But there's no way I'm stopping, because I'm loving it and I'm going to complete it for sure.”

The magazine publisher grew up in a cash-strapped family with six children and didn't see his first live NHL game until he was 20.

He was hooked.

He came up with the plan to see 30 games in 30 nights about a decade ago, but there was always a reason to put it off — not enough time; not enough money. As the years went by, other sports fans made similar trips, some to see hockey games, oth-

BY DAN RALPH The Canadian Press

Rexall Place in Edmonton, AB, Canada, home of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League. Edmonton hockey fanatic Rob Suggitt is on a quest to see 30 NHL hockey games in 30 nights by travelling all over Canada and the US to watch teams play. The self-financed trip (to the tune of $25,000) is meant to raise awareness and donations for the Make-A-Wish foundation..

MACK MALE / FLICKR)

ers baseball.

This year, Suggitt said, he wasn't going to procrastinate anymore.

Part of the incentive came from a meeting with the MakeA-Wish Foundation, a charity his company regularly works with. He decided to make the trip part dream holiday, part fundraiser. He hopes to collect $30,000 in donations on his journey, so some children will also get to have their dreams come true.

Suggitt is financing the tour himself at a cost of about $25,000. His wife joined him on the first six games and a few other friends will be meeting him in other cities. Otherwise, he's doing it solo.

His schedule has him crisscrossing the continent several times, racking up nearly 38,000 kilometres on planes, trains and automobiles.

Suggitt said he's trying to pace himself: in bed each night by 1 a.m. to get about six hours sleep, then up early to zoom off

to his next destination.

He's doing it all with a carry-on bag so he can speed through airports. Switching it up with some fresh T-shirts underneath, he pulls on the same jersey for each game to promote his “30games30nights.com” website and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

He hasn't packed 30 pairs of underwear, but plans to stock up on fresh clothes when he arrives home in Edmonton for an Oilers game this week.

So far, his favourite arena is Madison Square Garden in New York. But it's also where he heard the most cussing by fans.

He got goose bumps when Canada's national anthem was played in Buffalo.

And the best hot dog so far was at Nassau Coliseum in Long Island.

Suggitt said he's trying to watch his weight, eating healthy during the day so he can splurge on dogs and beers at night.

“Sometimes, if I'm having a hot dog, I just have a half ... but I have to try it.” ■

JIM DALEY has received the green light to cut loose.

In January, Daley had to turn down an offer to return as the Toronto Argonauts’ specialteams co-ordinator for personal and health reasons. Two months later, Daley has received a clean bill of health following some heart issues and although he still doesn’t have a coaching position for 2015, he’s anxious to return to the sidelines.

“If the players I coached in Hamilton and Toronto thought I was wired before, they haven’t see the new me yet,” Daley said with a chuckle recently in a telephone interview from his off-season home in Calgary. “I am raring to go.”

The 63-year-old Ottawa native, who served as Hamilton’s special-teams co-ordinator in 2012, said Toronto head coach Scott Milanovich’s offer came at a time when he was having issues with his heart. Although Daley wanted to return, he couldn’t make the commitment in January and understands Milanovich ultimately hiring Scott Downing as the club’s special-teams coach.

“When I got the offer from Scott to return, I was unable to make a commitment for personal and health reasons,” Daley said. “Those reasons have now been addressed but the timing wasn’t good because now everybody has filled their jobs.

“But I had to take care of those issues first. I loved it in Toronto but I wasn’t going to be unfair to them. I am high energy and full motor . . . I want to be able to do that job with the intensity I feel it needs. I want to do it that way.”

Daley has spent 38 years coaching football and has spent time as a head coach, defensive and offensive co-ordinator as well as specialteams co-ordinator in both the Canadian university and pro ranks.

The former Ottawa Gee Gees head coach has worked in the CFL since ‘91 as a coach as well as the league’s senior adviser of football operations and officiating.

Daley served as CFL head coach with Winnipeg (2004’05) and Saskatchewan (‘96-’98), guiding the Riders to the ‘97 Grey Cup game. Daley earned a championship ring in ‘01 as a member of Calgary’s coaching staff.

As Daley waits for the phone to ring, he’s revamping his special-teams playbook.

“I’m going to coach for many more years,” he said. “I’ve coached on all three sides of the ball so if a (CFL) job opened that I was a fit for, I’d be very interested in it.

“Sometimes CIS coaches bring guys in just for the season so that might even be of interest . . . whether it’s this year or next, I am coaching.”

And that’s in large part, Daley said, because of his two previous stints with Hamilton (2012) and Toronto (last year).

“My last two years of coaching in Hamilton and Toronto have rejuvenated me as a coach,” Daley said. “When you work with guys like (returner) Chris Williams and (linebacker) Marc Beswick in Hamilton and (returner) Chad Owens, (linebacker) James Yurichuk and (kicker-punter) Swayze Waters in Toronto, I really, really loved it.

“In both situations we had the (special-teams) player of the year in Chris Williams (2012) and Swayze Waters (2014). I’m like a 30-year-old again.” ■

Y. NOW ONLINE, DAIL

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