Philippine Canadian Inquirer #162

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VOL. 4 NO. 162

APRIL 10, 2015

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Local officials urged to show Manny-Floyd fight for free

Palace: Ampatuan Massacre resolved within term

Migrante-BC decries mass deportation of TFWs

The Buzz goes off air after 16 years

Express Entry: So Far So Food

Naia gives up on barangay send-offs

CAUGHT IN A TIME WARP

BY JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE Philippine Daily Inquirer

CHRIST TRIUMPHANT. Pilgrims pose for pictures at the foot of the statue of the Risen Christ at the top of a hill in Lubigan village in San Jose, Tarlac City. Monasterio de Tarlac, caretaker of what is believed to be a part of the cross of Jesus, sits on the hill amid the lush Tarlac Ecotourism Park.

EDWIN BACASMAS

Mamasapano sinks P-Noy rating

BY ANA ROA AND NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESIDENT AQUINO’S handling of the Mamasapano incident resulted in his net satisfaction ratings plunging to their lowest levels in the first quarter of the

year, according to analysts.

Edmund Tayao, a political science professor at the University of Santo Tomas, said how the President handled the incident was not acceptable to the public.

“The unfortunate incident held hos❱❱ PAGE 7 Mamasapano sinks

Fil-Can in Focus: Lisa Valencia-Svensson ❱❱ PAGE 24

OFFICIALS HAVE apparently given up and may just have to accept the Filipino tradition of bringing big crowds to the airport to see a relative or welcome him home.

Who knows? Maybe o cials at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) may even find a space for you to bring in your own brass band.

At Naia, having an entire barangay (village) around to send a friend or a relative, or welcome him home, is no exaggeration. It is a situation airport officials can only accept despite the problems it causes.

A Naia employee of 12 years said amusedly: “Each passenger often has an entourage of up to 20 people seeing etching them.”

This sendby the busloads, she said, is not limited to firsttime pas sengers from far-flung areas. The airport, she added, is always crowded with more nonpassengers than passengers. ❱❱ PAGE 10 Naia gives

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FRIDAY

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

3

Lies against me will continue–Binay

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer VICE PRESIDENT Jejomar Binay said last week he was bracing for more political intrigues against him, this time with his detractors using government agencies like the AntiMoney Laundering Council (AMLC) to vilify him.

Binay made the statement as the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee was set to resume its hearings this week on alleged corrupt activities during Binay’s stint as mayor of Makati City.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV had said that the subcommittee might resume its hearings on April 13. But Binay’s spokesperson Joey Salgado said they heard there will be two Senate hearings this month and another in May. “We anticipate that they (detractors) will intensify their using other agencies of government,” Binay said in a

statement.

He said he expected that they would continue to discredit him “in the Senate and through agencies like the Commission on Audit (COA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Ombudsman and the AMLC.” Narrow-minded objective

“Their narrow-minded objective is simply to vilify and embarrass me without even any factual basis to support their claims... This is why I am reminding our people: the lies against me will continue, using the Senate and agencies of the government. They will continue to try and destroy your strong support for me,” Binay said.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco, who is interim president of Binay’s United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party, said part of the script of the Vice President’s detractors was the recent move taken by the AMLC to go to the Court of Appeals so it

could open the bank accounts of Binay and his family.

Nothing irregular

“This was in order for them to complete their story against the Vice President... They want to make up a story that there were huge amounts on those accounts,” Tiangco said in a phone interview.

“We are confident there is nothing irregular in the accounts of the Vice President and his family,” he added.

In his statement, Binay also lamented that “the law is now being perverted in pursuit of their selfish desire to remain in power.”

The Vice President was apparently referring to the ongoing controversy his son, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay is facing after President Aquino’s o allowed Binay’s vice mayor to assume the mayoralty position when the younger Binay was suspended by the Ombudsman.

Still, Binay said he would continue to work and alleviate

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As the Senate blue ribbon sub-committee resumes its hearings this week on alleged corrupt activities during his stint as mayor of Makati City, Vice President Jejomar Binay said that he was bracing for even more political intrigues against him from his various opponents.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

the plight of the poor.

“I will not be hindered by a few from our shared goal of establishing a government serving the people with sincerity,

proven competence, and compassion. I am ready to fight their continued attacks if it means being able to serve the Filipino people,” he said.

Philippine News

4

APRIL 10, 2015

FRIDAY

China projects on rise in Manila despite sea row

BY NATHANIEL R. MELICAN Philippine Daily Inquirer

China,” Ang said in an interview.

He was referring to the case filed by the Philippines in the International Tribunal on the Laws of the Sea questioning China’s claims over islands in the DESPITE THE country’s territorial disWest Philippine Sea. pute with China in the West Philippine “The Chinese naSea, officials of the tional government Manila City governdoes not intrude into ment are confident that its growing list the foreign dealings of of partnerships and It is not Easter difficult Sunday to enter into the local governments. thesign most projects with Chitalksisand agreements That’s the instruction important nese benefactors will with Chinese cities, despite from their leaders. ingoing on in not be jeopardized by whatfestival has been This ensures that they the diplomatic and the national level between are free to pursue comaritime tensions. the Philippines and China. operation,” said Ang, Councilor Bernarwho is also the vice dito Ang, who has chair of the Manila played a key role in Chinatown Developsecuring these partment Council. nerships between Manila and various Manila stands to benefit from a numcity governments in China, said Beijing ber of agreements, many already signed respects the individual engagements and others still in the works, particularly that provinces and cities pursue with with the Chinese city of Guangzhou. their foreign counterparts.

In February, the city government un“It is not difficult to enter into talks veiled plans to construct a much bigger and sign agreements with Chinese cities, welcome arch in Binondo which is said despite what has been going on in the national level between the Philippines and ❱❱ PAGE 13 China projects

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US and Philippine troops during a military exercise in Crow Valley, Tarlac. At this year's Balikatan joint military training exercise, Philippine and American troops will be joined by some Australian troops as well.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Aussies to join Philippine-US ‘war games’

BY CYNTHIA D. BALANA Philippine Daily Inquirer SHOULDER TO shoulder, Filipino and American troops will come together this month for their regular Balikatan joint military training exercises. And they will be joined by a few Australians.

This year’s Balikatan (BK15) will be held on April 20-30 and is the 31st in the series of bilateral exercises provided for by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States.

The exercise aims to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces. Aside from traditional military training, the exercise promotes civil military projects in local Filipino communities.

The AFP will deploy 5,023 personnel and the US 6,656. The Australian Defense Forces (ADF) will take part in some exercises and send 61 personnel.

The AFP will deploy 15 aircraft, the US 76 and the ADF one. The AFP will sail one of its ships while the US will send three.

Three-pronged

“Our and the US’s armed forces are coming together for this mutual defense and disaster response exercise toward a more responsive partnership focusing on development and community service,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said. BK15 will be three-pronged. The Humanitarian Civic Assistance exercise will focus

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on joint civil-military operations by the AFP, USAF and ADF in the Western Command (Wescom) area of responsibility in Puerto Princesa City and the Central Command (Centcom) area in Panay.

The Command Post Exercise will focus on marine security with live arms fire to demonstrate the capabilities of the AFP National Maneuver Force. US and ADF personnel will form a joint liaison group in support of capability development.

The Field Training Exercises involving units of both the Philippine and US Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Special Operations Force will be held at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Tarlac; Basa Air Base in Floridablanca and Clark Air Base in Angeles City, Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija; Gregorio Lim Marine Base, Ternate, Cavite; Heracleo Alano Naval Base, Sangley Point, Cavite, and Leovigildo Gantiouqui Naval Station, San Antonio, Zambales.

The training will enhance capabilities and tactics, techniques and procedures, reinforce relations and improve the interoperability of the AFP, USAF and ADF. The Balikatan (which means shoulder) opening ceremony on April 20 will be held at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The closing ceremony will be at Clark on April 30.

Philippine Navy Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez is Balikatan exercise director this year, while Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago, AFP Command and General Staff College commandant, is vice director.

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

7 5

Court lets Jinggoy see docs for his ‘frozen shoulder’ Mamasapano sinks... ❰❰ 1

tage everything, not

BY MARLON only RAMOS the peace proAND KRISTINE cess. The FELISSE political capital MANGUNAY of the President was significantly Philippine Daily eroded Inquirer by the poor handling of the incident,” Tayao said.

CITING The President’s HUMANITARIAN rating in the first quarter of the the Sandiganyear fell considerations, to its lowest level since heSen. asbayan granted detained sumed in 2010, accordJinggoyoEstrada’s urgent moing Weather Stations tiontoforSocial his own doctors to be (SWS). allowed to examine his “frozen Despite the his ratshoulder” in adecline privateinhospital ing, a majority in San Juan City.said they were not in favor of the proposal that Estrada yesterday underwent Mr. Aquino resign as president, a three-hour medical examinaresults of the SWS survey, tion at the Cardinal SantosconMeducted from March 20is to 23,a morial Hospital, which only showed. few blocks from Camp Crame Of the 1,200 where he is beingadult held responin condents percent nectionnationwide, with the 47 P10-billion were satisfied with the perforpork barrel scam. mance the second President It wasof the timewhile the 36 percent were dissatisfied, senator was allowed to undergo resulting in a net satisfaction a medical procedure outside his rating (satisfied minus dissatdetention cell since he was orisfied) of “moderate” down dered arrested by the 11, antigraft court’s Fifth in con28 points fromDivision last December’s nection with the P184-million “good” 39 (63 percent satisfied plunder brought against minus 24case percent dissatisfied). him Mr.by Aquino’s the Office previous of therecord Omlow budsman. was a “moderate” 25 in June “After last taking year and into his account highest rating the arguments was a “very of both good”parties 67 recorded in August 2012. and for humanitarian considSWS considers a rating of 70 erations, the court resolves to and above “excellent”; 50 to 69, grant [Estrada’s] prayer over “very good”; 30of to 49, the“good”; prosecu10 the objection to tion,” 29, “moderate”; the Fifth Division 9 to -9,said “neuin tral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; - 30 its resolution. toThe -49, order “bad”;was -50signed to -69,by “very Asbad”; and below, sociate-70 Justice Roland“execraJurado, ble.” the division chair, and Associsurvey, first published in ateThe Justices Alexander GesBusinessWorld, a margin Doloof mundo and Ma.had Theresa error res Estoesta. of plus-or-minus 3 percentage The court points. upheld on Monday itsThe earlier sharp resolution decline granting in the President’s rating came several weeks after the clashes between Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) commandos and Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province.

lamic Freedom Fighters and Justice for Islamic Movement as they withdrew from the town. The encounter left 44 policemen, 17 MILF fighters and three civilians dead.

Net satisfaction among those who opposed calls for Mr. Aquino’s resignation was 31 while it was -19 among those in favor.

Glass half full

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. preferred Prospero E. de Vera, profesto look at the survey as a glass sor at the University of the half full.

Philippines National College “While there has been a deof Public Administration and cline in the President’s satisfacGovernance, said Mr. Aquino’s tion rating (down to 47 percent decreasing ratings would have from 63 percent), it is evident an impact on his ability to mothat a higher number of Filibilize his allies in Congress and pinos (50 percent who oppose generate public support for the his resignation; and 47 percent proposed Bangsamoro Basic who expressed satisfaction) afLaw (BBL). firm their belief in his leaderThe BBL is a measure that ship and outnumber those who would establish an autonomous are dissatisfied (37 percent) or Bangsamoro region in Mindanprefer that he resign from o ao as provided for in the peace (32 percent),” Coloma said in a agreement signed by the govstatement. ernment and the MILF. Coloma said the “significant “Can the administration MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU segment” that remained undeDetained Senator Jinggoy Estrada was allowed leave from Camp Crame to have his "frozen shoulder" examined. It was the second time the senator was produce a BBL that will satisfy cided on the President’s perforallowed to undergo a medical procedure outside his detention cell since he was ordered arrested in connection with plunder charges. constitutional challenge, be ac- a consistently high public ap- cent saying they strongly dis- mance (16 percent) and about WIKIMEDIA COMMONS ceptable to the MILF and gen- proval rating. agreed and 20 percent saying his resignation (18 percent) erate enough votes from his alNo controversy would stick to they somewhat disagreed. Thir- “represents an opportunity tainPresident conditions. that Estrada not go control the lies inprosecution’s Congress? The motion real battle for the ty-two percent said“will they agreed for reaching and supervision out to thoseofwho the since he assumed sure Besides directing the Philto any other place other than” detailed the will issuance be foughtofina plenary writ of attachwhere o in June 2010, not even the and 18 percent were undecided. are undecided PNP security,” or ambivalent the anNationalDisbursement Police to the hospital. ment his critics to prevent and those Estrada aspiring from ippine controversial “You can see the public is tigraft in theircourt sentiments said. toward the for national o coordinate with the SandiEstrada wasassessing also barred accessing his properties in 2016while will Acceleration Program, an eco- objective in thefrom in- President The senator and theshould administranot givingdon’t interviews the resurrect cases the against horrors of Mama- nomic program parts of which cident. A majority want be tiontransported and eventually to thewinning hospiwas ordered him sapanoare andbeing link these with the had been declared unconstitu- the President and to resign,” Tayao tal them “earlier over.” than 3 p.m.” and to pay all the ex- should heard.

BBL,” De Vera said in an e-mail tional by the Supreme Court. said.

Coloma “notalso go beyond” noted that 6 p.m., the penses for that his it said. interview.

In his motion The Mamasapano debacle But this is not something SWS survey showed more peomedical examicase theof medical examifiled “Assuming on March the bill In He passes his is motion a had Muslim Mr. filed Aquino artist, on March explaining but is31, also to athe administration should crow ple“In approving the President Filipino creative [spirit] whose style nation. nation [is] completed in less 31, through Estrada Congress, said willEstrada it be said the public the pain four in times his what left shoulder he about, according to De Vera. three weeks after the Pulse Asia and expression cut across cultural and than three hours, the PNP the able pain to hurdle in hisa challenge was in “increasing” knew aboutand the had planning, become ex“It simply means that most survey taken from March 1 to 7 religious limitsand aftermath of the Filipinos would waitsatisfaction for 6 [p.m.] ratbut left the Supreme shoulder Court was and a“unbearable.” plebi- ecution Norather wait for should showednot a lower communication immediately transport the ac“increasing” scite? In all these, and presidential police counterterrorism opera- the elections rather than give ing at 38 percent. cused “It is to his possible detention that, cell,” having the had leadership becomewill “unbe required, and tion. power to someone The else. use Had of gathered said. more information bearable.” a President with a declining the Mamasapano “anydebacle meanshapof court about and havperformance Estrada was and trust rating Explanation from President pened in 2013,communications then the call to The current court events also instructed ganbayan Sheriff’s Office in ing been able to know unallowed will be severely to undergo tested,” theDemediVera What critics still demand and resign electronics” would take by the a senator Estrada to submit a and medical providing security, the court certificate derstand better five days the President’s after his cal added. test for three hours—from 3 from the President was an ex- and direction,” those who De Vera will said. accompany reminded the PNP to make checkup. position on the Mamasapano p.m.

Malacañang to 6 p.m. —subject acknowledged to cer- planation why he allowed his him Netshould satisfaction also be ratings “under of the that the Mamasapano debacle friend, then PNP chief Alan President hit record lows in all incident, the people gave the had influenced the “political Purisima, join the then SAF geographic areas.

President a higher satisfaction landscape” that led to the Pres- commander, Director Getulio The largest decrease was in rating in the SWS survey than ident’s lowest public approval Napeñas, in a Jan. 9 briefing on Luzon outside Metro Manila, the performance approval ratrating in five years. the planned police operation to down 42 points from 39 to -3. ing that he obtained in the Pulse take down Marwan and his co- In the Visayas, it fell 12 points Asia survey,” Coloma said.

Moving forward horts. from 42 to 30. It was downgradThere are only 15 months left Reacting to the results of Purisima was at that time ed in Mindanao, from 46 to 25 in the Aquino administration. the SWS survey, presidential serving a six-month suspension and in Metro Manila, from 23 “We will continue to stay fospokesperson Edwin Lacierda THE order ASSOCIATED from the Ombudsman PRESSfor without to 7. inspection and clear- cused Thursday onevening. priority programs, said that “very clearly events in allegations of graft and corrup- ance By locale, from authorities. net scores dropped Also on such “It’sas possible there aredevelmore infrastructure Mamasapano have influenced tion. He later resigned as PNP board in urban wereareas 100 bags by 34 of cement points, opment, missing because we have no employment generathe political landscape when MANILA, chief andPHILIPPINES Napeñas was—sacked A pas- and fromassorted 37 to 3. cargo.

It fell 18 points in tion way of and checking,” poverty reduction, Arquero said. and the survey was taken.” as SAF boat senger commander overloaded in the with wake 55 rural He areas said 14and survivors slid from rescued 41 to improved He said there socialwere protection. no gale “We recognize that. And mov- people of the debacle. and heavy cargo has cap- by 23. three passing boats were Transparent warnings in theand area,responsive and it was ing forward, we will continue to sized in the southern Philippines, brought The President’s to a hospital netwhile rating an governance likely the boat along was not theable righto do what is good for the Filipino Against leaving atresignation least five dead and one unknown also dropped number in all of socioecosurvivors teous withstand paththe willwaves be pursued, becauseso it people,” Lacierda said. “We still missing, Amid officials calls for saidMr. Friday.

Aquino’s were nomictaken classes. to Tapul.

It was down by that was overloaded. public institutions may be have several hundred days left.” resignation Coast guard following spokesman the bunWil- 43According points among to survivors, Class ABC, the strengthened, Military spokesman the transformaLt. Col. 49 Jolo to 6, by 27 mornpoints tion Until Mamasapano, Mr. gled liam Arquero police said counterterrorism it was unclear from boat left Thursday Harold process Cabunoc sustained, said and a Navy that E, from 45 hours to 18 the Aquino was the only Chief Ex- operation, if more are50 missing percent because of the the re- among ing and Class capsized several boatconcrete was sent gains to achieved the areawill to 27said. points among D, become ecutive after the fall of the Mar- spondents unregistered saidvessel they disagreed left Jolo and later,byhe The coastClass guard help, andpermanent,” that five of the Coloma pas37 to cos dictatorship who enjoyed with islandthe forproposal, nearby Tapul with 30 island per- from learned of 10. the incident only on said. sengers were found dead.

BBL prospects

Overloaded boat capsizes in southern Philippines; at least 5 dead, 1 missing Debacle

On Jan. 25, SAF commandos went to Moro rebel-controlled Mamasapano to arrest Malaysian terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” and Amin Baco, alias “Jihad,” and their Filipino associate, Basit Usman.

The commandos killed Marwan but Baco and Usman escaped and the mission ended in a disaster when the commandos were ambushed by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Is-

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6

Philippine News

APRIL 10, 2015

FRIDAY

Graduate also went to School of Hard Knocks in Lucena City

BY CHELO BANAL-FORMOSO Philippine Daily Inquirer MARLO FRIAS, 16, has the rare privilege of having gone to two schools in the last four years.

One was the School of Hard Knocks. The other was the Quezon National High School.

School of Hard Knocks sounds terribly corny but it was how and where Frias learned all kinds of life lessons. In the morning, he would push a makeshift trolley to transport water for the families who lived in the homes along da riles (railroad tracks) in Lucena City, including his own.

He got paid P12 a gallon.

In the afternoon, he would rush home to change from his QNHS uniform into something more rugged, carry a trolley on his back, lay it on the tracks and start giving passengers a ride along the railway. The fare for the one-kilometer ride is P5.

On a good day, for two hours of pushing (with one leg while running) and after paying the trolley owner a “boundary fee,” Frias would have enough money for his next day’s allowance.

Between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on school days, he would be in Quezon High learning history, math, science and other subjects required to enter a university in June.

Full-time student

Despite his part-time work, Frias was a full-time student, and a not-too-shabby one either. His grade average in the third quarter was 89 (final report cards will be issued after graduation). His highest rat-

ing, 92, was in math, his favorite subject. His lowest, 84, is in English and Filipino, his least favorite.

“I’m not a reader,” said Frias, who also admitted to being poor in writing. “Maybe because I have a need to be constantly moving.”

Running the rails certainly filled that need, but he also enjoyed sports. “I was on the school swimming team,” he said. “I didn’t win any medals.

I’m sure the other competitors had swimming clubs where they could go to practice any time. I could only swim in the river.”

But he was proud of the team and the affiliation has worked in his favor. He has just been asked to teach swimming to a young kid this summer.

Frias was in the section for the brightest students in the Basic Education Curriculum, the regular secondary school program. Although he tried, he didn’t make it to the Engineering and Science Education Program (Esep), a more elite group of students that, in senior year, had subjects such as public health, advanced chemistry and research.

Scholarship

It was just as well because the Esep schedule would have eaten into his trolley time and there was no way he could have worked after dark. He has a condition called night blindness.

He has had to wear eyeglasses since first year high school to correct his nearsightedness.

Two years ago, a group of mass communication students from Manuel S. Enverga Uni-

versity Foundation made Frias the star of a 15-minute documentary titled “Batang Padyak (Trolley Kid).” The film, which showed how a boy from a poor family strove hard to support his education by transporting passengers on an improvised trolley, won the gold in a nationwide competition.

As an offshoot of the film, the university has awarded Frias a scholarship for a course in civil engineering.

Featured in ‘Mukha’

“I’ve lived in a shanty all my life,” he said. He became curious about how sturdy houses were made, he said, after a draft-your-dream-house project in his TLE (technology and livelihood education) class.

“That’s one reason I want to be a civil engineer.”

Just as Frias was starting his last year in high school, ABSCBN came around to film him for an episode of its docu-series “Mukha” (Face). The response from viewers after the program aired locally and on The Filipino Channel was tremendous.

Frias said he received gifts in cash and kind. Someone gave him a digital notebook and pocket Wi-Fi that helped him immensely with school work.

Other people sent him food.

Two viewers gave cash with specific instructions that the money be used to buy a trolley. As a result, he now has two trolleys, which works out fine because a younger brother has joined him in plying the railway tracks.

An anonymous donor started sending him P1,400 every two weeks, he said, for which

he was thankful even though he had been warned that the money would stop coming upon his high school graduation. The allowance had enabled him to buy food in school.

“I think that’s the reason I’ve grown taller and less frail,” Frias said. If you watched the two documentaries, you’d know what he meant.

Frias is the third of nine children of Rizalito and Marissa Frias. His mother studied to be a teacher but never got the break to work as one because the kids kept coming. In such a large family that had to depend on a jeepney driver’s meager income, there was never enough food to eat.

Helping out

Being the eldest boy in the family, Frias realized early enough that he needed to help out, although what got him started was a more selfish reason. He wanted a cell phone, something that his classmates and friends had because their parents could afford it. So he started peddling pan de sal before breakfast and pan de coco in the afternoon. He was just in sixth grade. Each piece of bread cost him P4 and he sold at P5. He made P40 most days, as much as P120 on better days.

Frias didn’t get to buy the cell phone because he ended up giving his earnings to his mother to make ends meet.

A year later, he was brave enough to try pushing the trolley. The railway, as it turned out, made for a good classroom.

He was picking up math, problemsolving and social skills in

the real world, not to mention he was getting a free workout.

One day, exhausted from peddling bread using the trolley, he accidentally hit a three-year-old child, who had no injuries but ended up crying. “I will never forget the look on the father’s face,” Frias said. “That was really scary. He was going to hit me. I was lucky the child’s mother was able to stop him.” He added that he is friends with the man now.

Backbreaking work

The flip side of that experience was the time his friends from QNHS came by for a trolley ride with him. Now imagine a group of high school boys atop an open cart rolling down a track where, any minute now, a train or another trolley could be coming. Imagine the boys imagining themselves riding in a convertible with its top down, the wind in their faces, cracking jokes all around. “We had a lot of fun,” said Frias.

But imagine, too, how exhausting it is to push a trolley, how backbreaking it is for a boy in his teens to be moving the cart on and off the rails, how sore his legs and arms must be at night. He said he was thankful he had very supportive teachers at QNHS. Sometimes, he nodded off in class, he said, but no teacher had ever embarrassed him about it.

All his teachers knew he was working the railway and understood the exhaustion. One teacher, Carlo Pacinor, went to the tracks just to see for himself and soon realized that no visit with Marlo Frias would be complete without a trolley ride.

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Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

7

Mamasapano sinks... ❰❰ 1

tage everything, not only the peace process. The political capital of the President was significantly eroded by the poor handling of the incident,” Tayao said.

The President’s rating in the first quarter of the year fell to its lowest level since he assumed o in 2010, according to Social Weather Stations (SWS).

Despite the decline in his rating, a majority said they were not in favor of the proposal that Mr. Aquino resign as president, results of the SWS survey, conducted from March 20 to 23, showed.

Of the 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, 47 percent were satisfied with the performance of the President while 36 percent were dissatisfied, resulting in a net satisfaction rating (satisfied minus dissatisfied) of “moderate” 11, down 28 points from last December’s “good” 39 (63 percent satisfied minus 24 percent dissatisfied).

Mr. Aquino’s previous record low was a “moderate” 25 in June last year and his highest rating was a “very good” 67 recorded in August 2012.

SWS considers a rating of 70 and above “excellent”; 50 to 69, “very good”; 30 to 49, “good”; 10 to 29, “moderate”; 9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; - 30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; -70 and below, “execrable.”

The survey, first published in BusinessWorld, had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points.

The sharp decline in the President’s rating came several weeks after the clashes between Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) commandos and Moro rebels in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province.

Debacle

On Jan. 25, SAF commandos went to Moro rebel-controlled Mamasapano to arrest Malaysian terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir, alias “Marwan,” and Amin Baco, alias “Jihad,” and their Filipino associate, Basit Usman.

The commandos killed Marwan but Baco and Usman escaped and the mission ended in a disaster when the commandos were ambushed by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Is-

lamic Freedom Fighters and Justice for Islamic Movement as they withdrew from the town. The encounter left 44 policemen, 17 MILF fighters and three civilians dead.

Net satisfaction among those who opposed calls for Mr. Aquino’s resignation was 31 while it was -19 among those in favor.

Glass half full

BBL prospects

Prospero E. de Vera, professor at the University of the Philippines National College of Public Administration and Governance, said Mr. Aquino’s decreasing ratings would have an impact on his ability to mobilize his allies in Congress and generate public support for the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The BBL is a measure that would establish an autonomous Bangsamoro region in Mindanao as provided for in the peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF. “Can the administration produce a BBL that will satisfy constitutional challenge, be acceptable to the MILF and generate enough votes from his allies in Congress? The real battle will be fought in plenary where his critics and those aspiring for national o in 2016 will resurrect the horrors of Mamasapano and link these with the BBL,” De Vera said in an e-mail interview.

“Assuming the bill passes through Congress, will it be able to hurdle a challenge in the Supreme Court and a plebiscite? In all these, presidential leadership will be required, and a President with a declining performance and trust rating will be severely tested,” De Vera added.

Malacañang acknowledged that the Mamasapano debacle had influenced the “political landscape” that led to the President’s lowest public approval rating in five years.

Moving forward

Reacting to the results of the SWS survey, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said that “very clearly events in Mamasapano have influenced the political landscape when the survey was taken.”

“We recognize that. And moving forward, we will continue to do what is good for the Filipino people,” Lacierda said. “We still have several hundred days left.”

Until Mamasapano, Mr. Aquino was the only Chief Executive after the fall of the Marcos dictatorship who enjoyed

President Aquino’s approval rating has taken a nosedive in the first quarter of this year thanks to his handling of the Mamasapano incident in January, where 44 Special Action Forces were killed in combat.

MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU

a consistently high public approval rating.

No controversy would stick to the President since he assumed in June 2010, not even the o controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program, an economic program parts of which had been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

The Mamasapano debacle had Mr. Aquino explaining to the public four times what he knew about the planning, execution and aftermath of the police counterterrorism operation.

Explanation from President

What critics still demand from the President was an explanation why he allowed his friend, then PNP chief Alan Purisima, join the then SAF commander, Director Getulio Napeñas, in a Jan. 9 briefing on the planned police operation to take down Marwan and his cohorts.

Purisima was at that time serving a six-month suspension order from the Ombudsman for allegations of graft and corruption. He later resigned as PNP chief and Napeñas was sacked as SAF commander in the wake of the debacle.

Against resignation

Amid calls for Mr. Aquino’s resignation following the bungled police counterterrorism operation, 50 percent of the respondents said they disagreed with the proposal, with 30 perwww.canadianinquirer.net

cent saying they strongly disagreed and 20 percent saying they somewhat disagreed. Thirty-two percent said they agreed and 18 percent were undecided.

“You can see the public is objective in assessing the incident. A majority don’t want the President to resign,” Tayao said.

But this is not something that the administration should crow about, according to De Vera.

“It simply means that most Filipinos would rather wait for the elections rather than give power to someone else. Had the Mamasapano debacle happened in 2013, then the call to resign would take a direction,” De Vera said.

Net satisfaction ratings of the President hit record lows in all geographic areas.

The largest decrease was in Luzon outside Metro Manila, down 42 points from 39 to -3.

In the Visayas, it fell 12 points from 42 to 30. It was downgraded in Mindanao, from 46 to 25 and in Metro Manila, from 23 to 7.

By locale, net scores dropped in urban areas by 34 points, from 37 to 3. It fell 18 points in rural areas and slid from 41 to 23.

The President’s net rating also dropped in all socioeconomic classes. It was down by 43 points among Class ABC, from 49 to 6, by 27 points among Class E, from 45 to 18 and by 27 points among Class D, from 37 to 10.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. preferred to look at the survey as a glass half full.

“While there has been a decline in the President’s satisfaction rating (down to 47 percent from 63 percent), it is evident that a higher number of Filipinos (50 percent who oppose his resignation; and 47 percent who expressed satisfaction) affirm their belief in his leadership and outnumber those who are dissatisfied (37 percent) or prefer that he resign from o (32 percent),” Coloma said in a statement.

Coloma said the “significant segment” that remained undecided on the President’s performance (16 percent) and about his resignation (18 percent) “represents an opportunity for reaching out to those who are undecided or ambivalent in their sentiments toward the President and the administration and eventually winning them over.”

Coloma also noted that the SWS survey showed more people approving of the President three weeks after the Pulse Asia survey taken from March 1 to 7 showed a lower satisfaction rating at 38 percent.

“It is possible that, having gathered more information about current events and having been able to know and understand better the President’s position on the Mamasapano incident, the people gave the President a higher satisfaction rating in the SWS survey than the performance approval rating that he obtained in the Pulse Asia survey,” Coloma said.

There are only 15 months left in the Aquino administration.

“We will continue to stay focused on priority programs, such as infrastructure development, employment generation and poverty reduction, and improved social protection.

Transparent and responsive governance along the righteous path will be pursued, so that public institutions may be strengthened, the transformation process sustained, and that the concrete gains achieved will become permanent,” Coloma said.

Philippine News

8

APRIL 10, 2015 FRIDAY

Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Managing Editor Earl Von Tapia earl.tapia@canadianinquirer.net Correspondents Ching Dee Lei Fontamillas Frances Grace Quiddaoen Socor o Newland Bolet r Arevalo Graphic Designer Shanice Garcia Photographers Angelo Siglos Solon Licas Operations and Marketing Head Laarni Liwanag (604) 551-3360 Advertising Sales Alice Yong (778) 889-3518 alice.yong@canadianinquirer.net Fiona Wong fiona.wong@canadianinquirer.net Emy Rose Figueroa salesphilippines@canadianinquirer,net emy.figueroa@canadianinquirer.net Nelson Wu (1) 647-521-5155 salestoronto@canadianinquirer.net nelson.wu@canadianinquirer.net sales@canadianinquirer.net 1-888-668-6059 PHILIPPINE PUBLISHING GROUP Editorial Assistant Phoebe Casin Associate Publisher Lurisa Villanueva In cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer digital edition Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at 400-13955 Bridgeport Rd., Richmond, BC V6V 1J6 Canada Tel. No.: 1-888-668-6059 or 778-8893518 | Email: info@canadianinquirer. net, inquirerinc@gmail.com, sales@ canadianinquirer.net Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly every Friday.

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Member

BY GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer WITH THE cost of watching the fight of the century between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. live or in realtime going through the roof, lawmakers are asking local o to make sure that the Filipino masses get the chance to see the bout as it unfolds for free.

Sen. Tito Sotto said local governments should take the lead in arranging the showing of the fight to allow the most number of their constituents to watch it for free on May 3.

“This is a small price to pay for the [local governments] but a big thing for those who cannot it,” Sotto said in a text message last week.

Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting said the pay-per-view (PPV) cost should not be an issue considering that this was a once-in-alifetime event that has long been anticipated by the Filipinos, both boxing and nonboxing enthusiasts. “[Local governments] should show it for free in all public plazas because Pacquiao fights give Filipinos inspiration.

Even the crime rate is at its lowest during a Pacquiao fight. This is even bigger than the Ali-Frazier Thrilla in Manila [in 1975],” Tambunting said.

Quezon City Rep. Winston Castelo proposed that the government regulate the prices charged by cable providers, theater operators and sports bar owners to ensure that they will not charge unreasonable rates for the fight. “[The cost should be regulated] so as not to [make it] exorbitant and discriminatory and [make sure the poor are not denied the chance to see] this bout that would break all boxing records,” Castelo said.

Deal with Solar

Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza said local governments should start assessing how many sports and civic centers they could use for the event and haggle for special discounts with Solar Entertainment Corp., which holds the exclusive rights to air Pacuiao’s fights in the Philippines.

“That’s how we did it before and I am sure it can be worked out,” said Atienza, a former Manila mayor.

The lawmaker’s party-list group counts the Tieng family, who controls Solar, as one of its backers.

Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said a regular public gymnasium could accommodate 2,000 to 3,000 people and a surge of Pacquiao fans would create a nightmare scenario.

“I think governors and mayors should start preparing for tighter security and extra crowd control measures,” said Benitez, who does not agree with pro-

Philippine lawmakers are asking local official to make sure that the Filipino masses get a chance to watch the super mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao on May 2 by hosting free viewing parties. The much-anticipated fight is driving the price of Pay-per-view up and beyond the reach of many poor people in the Philippines.

RAPPLER

posals for local governments to shoulder the cost of the public viewing of the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight.

Theater ticket prices

The country’s biggest theater chain operator, SM, is charging between P800 (regular cinemas) and P1,200 (IMAX) per ticket for the fight in its Metro Manila branches. Its ticket costs P600 in theaters outside Metro Manila. In Pacquiao’s most recent fight, the Macau bout with Chris Algieri in November last year, theater tickets were sold for as low as P400.

Skycable is charging its PPV subscribers P2,500, while Cignal is a discounted price of P2,000 for a limited period.

Another option is watching the fight through your mobile phones, with Smart its subscribers free live streaming of the event for P499, which is more than the P481 minimum daily wage of workers in Metro Manila.

Atienza said watching the fight live at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas was out of the question for most Filipinos, including lawmakers who used to get free tickets from the Saranggani representative in his previous fights, because of the staggering ticket prices.

Floyd makes a killing

Atienza claimed that Mayweather’s group controlled 90 percent of the tickets as part of Pacquiao’s concessions just to get the fight going.

“His group has made a killing in ticket sales, as everything was sold out just minutes after the announcement of the fight’s confirmation was made,” he said.

www.canadianinquirer.net

Former Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson said he expected the $10,000 ringside or floor seats to go up to at least $100,000 as fight day drew near.

Singson, Pacquiao’s confidant, claimed that the boxing idol had not given free tickets to his Congress peers this time.

He said that if lawmakers wanted to watch the fight, they would have to buy the tickets themselves, with the cheapest tickets, at $1,500, now being sold at $10,000 each on the black market.

Free television

Pacquiao fans can watch the fight on free television, care of three broadcast stations—ABS-CBN, GMA and ABC5— which promised to air it on a “slightly delayed basis.” Based on experience, however, that will be at least an hour after the actual fight.

Benitez said the government had no power to compel the TV stations to show the fight closer to real time because they needed to recover the price they had paid to broadcast the fight.

Atienza said most people could listen to match updates on the radio but this would not be the same thing. “It will be a memorable event for most people, especially if they watch it live like the rest of those watching PPV in theaters and their homes. Imagine the entire Philippines glued to their screen all at the same time,” he said.

But for Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, it was no big deal if he’d see the match on delayed telecast as long it was free.

“I don’t know about them but l can wait for a few minutes for the free show,” Belmonte said.

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

9

Ampatuan kin cries persecution by governor

BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer A MAYOR in Maguindanao province has asked Justice Secretary Leila de Lima not to allow her agency to be used in bringing “politically motivated” criminal charges against innocent members of the Ampatuan clan.

In a letter dated March 31 and received by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on April 1, Datu Unsay town Mayor Reshal Santiago Ampatuan urged De Lima to investigate the alleged abuses committed by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu against his political rivals in the province.

“Since we [have] been duly elected by the constituents, Governor Toto has resorted to using his power to unseat all those who oppose him so that he [can] replace them with his own trusted men,” Ampatuan said.

“Yes, we know that Governor Toto has lost some of his family members in the November 2009 incident but he shouldn’t use the tragedy as a license to commit abuses and persecute all those whom he thinks are against him,” she said.

Leading members of the Am-

patuan family, together with their supporters, are jailed in Taguig City while undergoing trial for the Nov. 23, 2009, massacre of 58 people, including 34 journalists, in Maguindanao.

Ampatuan said members of the clan like her who had nothing to do with the crime and were elected to local government positions were being politically harassed by the Mangudadatu camp through the filing of fabricated cases.

The Datu Unsay mayor said Mangudadatu influenced the prosecutor and judge to pursue the charge against Zahara Ampatuan.

“Zahara, a mother [of ] several children, was forced to hide from [the] authorities despite her ailment not because she was guilty of the allegations against her but [because she was afraid she would go] to jail despite her innocence,” Ampatuan said.

She said she and her vice mayor, Janine Julhaya Mamalapat, who is her niece, were also being implicated in the death of another relative, Abdullah Ampatuan.

Suspicious cases

Being members of the opposition, she said she and her relatives could not help being suspicious about the cases, especially because the 2016 elections were fast approaching.

“No doubt the cases are politically motivated. I am asking for your help because I feel that your department is being used by the governor for his own interests. I call on you, a mother like me, to help me so that the injustice taking place in Maguindanao would cease,” Ampatuan said.

The mayor said several alleged henchmen of Mangudadatu burned the house of her husband, Andal Jr., one of the detained massacre suspects, in June last year.

‘Lies, fabrication’

Datu Unsay town Mayor Reshal Santiago Ampatuan has urged the Department of Justice to look into alleged abuses committed by Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu (pictured) against his political rivals in the province.

It turned out, however, that a member of the Ampatuan family was implicated in the arson and was ordered arrested.

State witness

The suspect, Kagui Akmad Baganian Ampatuan, a former mayor of Datu Salibo town, was

recently accepted by the DOJ as a state witness in the massacre case.

Mayor Ampatuan also cited the murder case filed against another relative, Aguak Mayor Zahara Ampatuan. Akmad’s son is a principal witness in the case.

She said the issuance of an arrest warrant against her, which she is challenging, hurt her and her children because the case against her was based on “lies and fabrication.”

She said she could not even attend the graduation of three of her young children and could not tend to three others who were ailing.

Reshal Santiago Ampatuan and Zahara Ampatuan are among the 50 new massacre suspects being subjected to a preliminary investigation by the DOJ.

Half-dozen Filipino devotees nailed to crosses in Good Friday rites frowned upon by church

BY JOEAL CALUPITAN The Associated Press SAN PEDRO CUTUD, PHILIPPINES — Screaming in pain, Filipino devotees had themselves nailed to wooden crosses to mimic the of Jesus Christ on Good Friday in Asia’s largest Roman Catholic nation.

Church leaders have spoken against the annual practice mixing Catholic devotion with folk belief, but it continues to draw big crowds, particularly in northern Pampanga province.

Painter Ruben Enaje, 54, was among half a dozen men whose hands and feet were rubbed with alcohol before locals dressed as Roman soldiers hammered sterilized nails into his flesh.

He has repeated the same act

As a reenactment of Jesus Christ's suffering and death, 54-yeard-old Ruben Enaje (center) had himself nailed on the cross at 3 p.m. on Good Friday (April 3, 2015) in Barangay San Pedro Cutud, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. It was the 29th year for Enaje to do the penitential ritual in fulfillment of avow in exchange for granted favors from Divine Providence.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

for the last 29 years as part of giving thanks after surviving a fall from a building. This year,

he added a gadget — a small microphone near his mouth, although a technical glitch made www.canadianinquirer.net

it di to hear him utter Christ’s last words.

The reenactment of Christ’s crucifixion at a dusty mound in San Pedro Cutud village drew at least 4,000 spectators and tourists, dozens of them foreigners.

Unlike in the past, organizers this year banned foreigners from being nailed to crosses to prevent the event from “becoming a circus,” said Councilor Harvey Quiwa.

After they were lowered from the crosses, medical workers carried the devotees on a stretcher and made sure there were no complications from their injuries.

“I think it takes an incredible amount of dedication and commitment to really go through something like that,” said American tourist Tracy Sengil-

lo. “It’s really fascinating.”

Devotees undergo the crucifixions in the belief that such extreme sacrifices are a way to atone for their sins, attain miracle cures for illnesses or give thanks to God. Similar reenactments were held in other villages around Pampanga and in other provinces, but San Pedro Cutud attracts most crowds.

Before the crucifixions, hundreds of barefoot devotees walked the streets whipping their bare backs with bamboo sticks dangling from a rope.

“I started doing this when my mother got sick, kidney problem. I vowed and prayed to God so that she could be cured,” said electrician Marvin Tao, 25, who has been a flagellant for nine years.

Philippine News

10

APRIL 10, 2015 FRIDAY

Palace wants Ampatuan massacre resolved within President Aquino’s term

Statue of Filipino revolutionary to be unveiled with playground opening in Guam village

PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Malacanang is hoping to see the brutal massacre of 58 individuals, including 36 media members six years ago in Maguindanao, resolved within the term of President Benigno Aquino III, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda on Monday said.

“We have many cases we want to resolve within our term and one of the most frustrating cases that we have right not, one which is very close to the hearts of media people is the Ampatuan massacre,” Lacierda said.

The Ampatuan massacre where the mass graves were found, occurred on the morning of November 23, 2009, in the town of Ampatuan in Maguindanao province.

Former Datu Unsay mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr., son of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr., is the prime suspect in the massacre where the wife of then mayoralty candidate Esmael Mangudadatu was also killed.

“I think that is one of the cases that we would like to see resolved. It has been ongoing for several years. A number of accused have been arraigned but a number as well are still in hiding or have not been arraigned,” Lacierda said.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

A monument to the 58 individuals killed in a brutal mass killing dubbed the "Ampatuan Massacre" on November 23, 2009 in the town of Ampatuan, Maguindanao province. Malacanang is hoping to resolve the case before the end of President Benigno Aquino III's term next year.

HAGATNA, GUAM — A statue honouring Filipino revolutionary Apolinario Mabini will be unveiled later this year with the opening of a planned playground in a Guam village.

Pacific Daily News, a Guam newspaper reports the statue was supposed to be unveiled this month at its future home in the village of Asan, but the ceremony was delayed.

Asan-Maina Mayor Joana

Margaret Blas says organizers did not want to present the statue without the rest of the park.

She says organizers are waiting for materials for the playground to arrive for construction.

According to Blas, the playground should be completed by early June.

Mabini is considered a hero by Filipinos for his revolt against U.S. occupation in the Philippines. In 1901, he was among Filipinos exiled to Guam, where he lived in Asan.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

When asked if the Aquino administration wanted also to see cases involving former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo resolved in the next 15 months, Lacierda said they have no updates on the cases of the former woman leader who is under hospital arrest for due to plunder charges.

“Let me state this as a general principle: you’d like to see all cases resolved the soonest possible time. But you’d also be very, very conscious of the fact that due process must be observed,” he said.

He said there are cases con-

trolled by the judge or by the several justices whether in the Sandiganbayan or a regional trial court or the Supreme Court.

“So you have a balance between — a system where you’d like the justice system to be operating vely, mindful, however, that due process must exist in each case. So our answer, as a general principle, is we’d like to see cases resolved but again, we have no control.

That’s a limitation of a tripartite form of government: that we have no control over the judiciary,” Lacierda explained.

“greeters.”

“It is really a concern because it is congesting the terminals and it becomes a safety issue,” Honrado said. “But there is little we can do because it is a Filipino tradition. It is truly Pinoy. So we have to make adjustments.”

will have a proper place and do not loiter around.

Existing greeters’ areas in all Naia terminals, he said, would also have to be expanded to accommodate more people.

“We have to adapt to this practice because very few countries have this kind of or welcoming parties,” Honrado said.

Filipino revolutionary Apolinario Mabini.

Naia gives... ❰❰ 1

Exclusive tradition

While the large number of people congests the Naia and possibly poses a security threat, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Jose Angel Honrado said this was a distinct Filipino tradition which cannot be changed.

Honrado told the INQUIRER that the Department of Transportation and Communications was now in the process of coming up with solutions to decongest the Naia terminals of

Cannot loiter

According to the MIAA general manager, one plan is to set aside areas that can accommodate greeters—those who send and welcome passengers—at the terminals, so these people

Rehab plan

Naia Terminals 2, 3 and 4 have their own areas for greeters. A provision for greeters’ areas at Naia Terminal 1 has been www.canadianinquirer.net

included in its P1.3-billion rehabilitation plan.

According to Naia Terminal 1 manager Dante Basanta, the renovations include the allocation of the east and west wings of the departure area for passenger s entourages.

“Each area can accommodate up to 300 people,” Basanta told the INQUIRER. Finished in May?

He said the authorities were still undertaking repairs and refurbishing the areas and this

could be finished in May, along with the entire rehabilitation of the terminal.

“But knowing how Filipinos are, we will need an expansion of those (areas),” Basanta said.

He said the existing greeters’ area for arriving passengers at the parking lot could also be expanded to accommodate more people.

Currently parties crowd outside the Naia Terminal 1, congesting its entrance and making it di for other departing passengers to maneuver through the area.

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

11

Actor Robin Padilla asks lawmakers to consider Bangsamoro history in passing BBL

BY LILY O RAMOS Philippines News Agency MANILA — He came in early and almost unnoticed to hear the recent Bangsomoro history at the National Historical Commission of the Philippines along Kalaw Street in Manila.

Wearing a Muslim cap of alternate white and brown color, a bronze-colored jacket that seems to be an eternal part of his wardrobe and blue jeans that perfectly fitted his five-foot seven frame.

No one crowded around action star Robin Padilla and everyone seems to have conveniently forgotten that he has converted back to the Muslim faith after becoming a Jehovah’s Witness where his family religiously belonged to for decades.

What’s more, he looked quite tanned and did not have that movie star swagger.

His face looked a little wan and older since the last time we saw him while promoting a movie and martial arts at a forum.

Robin was quiet in his seat and was joined later by a distinguished guest as they discussed softly something.

By mid-snack time, the hosts started giving out a bottle of water and a soft sandwich to everyone, we noticed Robin stand up for awhile and that is when some three of us women pulled him to a corner for a short interview.

He was, of course, very accommodating and quite passionate about his belief about the necessity of passing the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) which is the object of many arguments from the public, the House of Representatives and the Senate where there’s much sound and fury due to the death of 44 Special Action Force men during the January 25 Mamasapano incident.

“Why is there such much ruckus now and the honorable Senators and Congressmen are so angry that they threaten not to pass the bill? Why did they not read, re-read and study the documents to the fullest before allowing it to come out in public?” he said.

“They should have asked all the stakeholders in Mindanao to gather to express their opinion and saw that every tribe is represented. Ngayon pa ba tayo magkakagulo?” said the rugged but clean-faced actor.

“If you ask me, ayaw ko ng giyera dahil wala tayong mapapala. I abhor war even if I was not able to experience one in my lifetime. Just look at the displaced people and their families. They have lost their livelihood, peace of mind and education of their children who are supposed to be their future. What could be more painful than deprivation, lack of freedom to live a life that’s full and happy despite poverty.

“Why can’t we live and let live together

in one country, province or city without country of diverse people, belief and cul- not separate us?” he continued. threatening or killing each other? After ture but we can tolerate our differences Seriously speaking, Padilla emphasized all, we are all broththe importance of ers and sisters, we are knowing our history Filipinos” he said. so that we can adjust Robin said that he and remedy political, They It willshould take ahave longasked timeall tothe remove stakeholders any oilinspillage Mindanao has been gathering social and economic in gather the land and fortheir it toopinion be revived again. to to express and saw that materials and readproblems that has every tribe is represented. ing and digesting been besetting us as them to keep himself a nation since time informed of the isimmemorial. He said sues concerning Mindanao and troubles and still live peacefully. This is happening knowing our roots should make us aware it is facing these times. in all parts of the country, so why should that we are not perfect but we must work “We should understand that we are a we be divided now on matters that should towards becoming one.

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12

Philippine News

APRIL 10, 2015 FRIDAY

Bad drivers blamed for most accidents

BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer ALMOST 80 percent of road accidents in the country may be attributed to human error, the Philippine National Police said.

According to data from the PNP Highway Patrol Group, factors contributing to human error in road accidents include reckless driving, bad overtaking and bad turns.

“We believe that these can be attributed to drivers not having proper training on driving,” said Supt. Elizabeth Velasquez, HPG spokesperson.

Citing statistics from 2014, the police official said 78 percent of road accidents last year were attributed to human error.

There were 15,572 road accidents in 2014, with almost 13,000 of them found to be mistakes of the driver. These accidents resulted in 1, 252 deaths and injuries to 9, 347 persons.

This was an increase from 2013’s 12,875 road accidents, while 2012 had 9,740 cases of road accidents across the country.

“Among the notable cases are

According to data from the PNP Highway Patrol Group, almost 80 percent of road accidents in the country may be attributed to human error.

speeding, reckless driving, bad overtaking and bad turning,” she said.

Other factors contributing to road accidents, the HPG official

said, were due to mechanical failure such as faulty brake systems.

The PNP also noted that regular fourwheel vehicles are

usually involved in road mishaps even though more motorcycles are seen on roads.

In 2012, the HPG reported a total of 5,428 cars involved in

road accidents. This went up to 6,035 the following year, while there were 8,000 accidents involving cars in 2014.

Buses, trucks, jeepneys and tricycles are reported to be the usual vehicles involved in such accidents.

In 2012, there were only 3,112 motorcycles involved in road accidents. This went up to 4,616 in 2013 and 5,720 in 2014.

The HPG added that road accidents involving drunk drivers rose in the past three years.

In 2012, there were 375 cases, which went up to 390 in 2013 and 498 in 2014.

Velasquez said there were fewer drivers using their cellphones when they met an accident. In 2014, there were only 128 such cases, as compared to 2013’s 178 and 2012’s 173.

In 2012 1,129 people were killed in road accidents while 4,904 others injured. The following year, there were 1,362 deaths and 7,817 injured victims.

But in 2014, there were 1,252 deaths due to road accidents while the number of injured victims went up to to 9,347.

PNP-OIC delares mission accomplished as FBI confirms death of Marwan

BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN Philippines News Agency MANILA — Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, officer in charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), on Sunday announced that the operation against Malaysian terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir alias “Marwan” in Mamasapano, Maguindanao in Mindanao last Jan. 25 is mission accomplished.

Espina said this was after the the result of the confirmatory DNA tests and further investigation conducted by the US FBI that established with certainty the identity of international terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir alias Marwan as the person who was successfully neutralized by the PNP-SAF in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

“These conclusive findings effectively dismissed any and all doubts about the death of one of Asia’s most wanted and

dangerous terrorists,” he noted.

“Based on this new evidence provided by modern science, there is no doubt that the PNPSAF indeed got their man, as they always do. This fact should add to the glory and honor of the 44 brave young men who offered the supreme sacrifice to get the job done,” he added.

The the Mamasapano incident last Jan. 25 which led to the deaths of international terrorist Marwan and 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF).

www.canadianinquirer.net

“On their behalf, as OIC of the PNP, I declare that Marwan is dead.

Mission Accomplished,” Espina said as Marwan was one of three highvalue targets of the SAF operation.

In a statement, David Bowdich, assistant director in charge at the FBI Los Angeles Field office said the agency has now taken bin Hir off its Most Wanted Terrorist list and thanked the Philippine police.

“Once again, the men and women of the FBI express sincere condolences to the brave of-

ficers of the Special Action Force who lost their lives while attempting to apprehend this dangerous fugitive,” Bowdich said.

The Mamasapano assault became an hours-long firefight between the elite police force and members of the MILF, its splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and other private armed groups.

A total of 67 people died in the Mamasapano clash, including 44 SAF officers, 18 MILF members, and five civilians.

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Former President Arroyo asks Sandiganbayan to place her under house arrest

BY SAMMY F. MARTIN Philippines News Agency MANILA — The camp of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo asked the Sandiganbayan First Division that she be placed on house arrest, saying she was not a flight risk and emphasizing that she was not a flight risk.

In her motion to modify custodial arrangement which was filed late Wednesday afternoon, Arroyo’s lawyers pleaded for compassion and said her request was made under humanitarian considerations.

“Wherefore, premises considered, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo respectfully prays that, upon clearance by her doctors, the Honorable Court allows her to be transferred to and placed under house arrest in her resident at La Vista Subdivision, Quezon City,” the motion said.

Arroyo, who is suffering a spine disease, has been under hospital arrest at the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City since 2012 for allegedly conspiring to fraudulently divert Php366 million in intelligence funds of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office "for personal gain" from 2008 to 2010.

In their motion, Arroyo’s lawyers reminded the court that house arrest was allowed by law and that it was in no way considered special treatment.

“The Honorable Court has the power to place President Arroyo under house arrest. Rule 113, Section 4 of the 2000 Rules of Criminal Procedure allows for the "transfer" of a person under deten-

tion "upon lawful order of the court."

So long as a person can be held to "answer for the commission of an offense," the purpose of the Rule is met. It does not matter if the arrestee is detained in jail or a police station or a hospital or at home,” Arroyo’s lawyer Jose Flaminiano said.

“House arrest is not special treatment.

It is a mode of arrest allowed by the Rules and recognized by the Supreme Court. If it is so allowed, then the Honorable Court, in the exercise of its discretion, can grant it,” the motion added.

Flaminiano also said that house arrest would allow Arroyo to regain her health.

“It is hoped that President Arroyo’s house arrest can help her recuperate and heal more quickly and fully,” the motion said.

Arroyo’s health has rapidly deteriorated under detention.

The Arroyo lawyers emphasized that the former president is not a flight risk, and that house arrest will not change her circumstances. They also noted that less security forces will be required to secure Arroyo in her Quezon City home.

“Arroyo will be no more a flight risk at home than she is in the hospital. The same sick and frail woman who occupies the VMMC will be the same sick and frail woman who will occupy her house in La Vista Subdivision. The same platoon of policemen who secure her at the sprawling VMMC grounds will be the same who will secure her in her more modest residential grounds,” they said.

“Her resolve to face the charges against her will be no less under house arrest than it is under hospital arrest,” the motion added.

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China projects... to host the biggest and oldest Chinatown in the world. Construction of the arch is now in progress, with the Guangzhou International Educational and Cultural Exchange Foundation footing the bill for the materials and construction.

Under this partnership, the city government will just provide the labor to finish the project, which is expected to be inaugurated in time for Manila Day on June 24. The city government is also taking inspiration from Guangzhou in its bid to revive the rest of Chinatown.

Also in February, the city government sealed a deal with the Philippine Chinese Education Research Center (PCERC), wherein the latter will be hiring language teachers from China to teach Mandarin in schools to be selected

❰❰ 4

by City Hall. PCERC will take care of the teachers’ salaries while the city government will look after their security.

The Manila city government is also expected to benefit from an agreement to revive the “Friendship-City Relationship” agreement with Guangzhou, which was initiated in 1975 by then First Lady and Metro Manila governor Imelda Marcos and signed by then Manila Mayor Ramon Bagatsing and his counterpart, then Guangzhou Mayor Liang Lingguang.

Ang said the city is negotiating the terms for the revival of the agreement and is keen on forging cultural and labor exchanges between Manila and Guangzhou, which can open jobs, internships and other opportunities in the Chinese city for Manila residents.

“Through the 2015 immigration plan we will welcome a record number of individuals who will contribute to our economy and labour market.”

- Hon. Chris Alexander, MP

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

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Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

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www.canadianinquirer.net

14

Philippine News

APRIL 10, 2015 FRIDAY

BBL: Filipinos at the crossroads

BY MA. CRISTINA ARAYATA Philippines News Agency MANILA — Would you go to the troubled parts of Mindanao?

Would you befriend an MILF member?

I bet most of you would answer “No,” or even “No way!”

We cannot deny the fact that many, nowadays, picture the conflict areas in Mindanao as a dangerous place and the MILFs depicted as bad guys.

Apparently, the passage of the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) would clear that picture, as it is said to bring peace in the entire country as well as normalcy in the lives of the Moros, the MILF combatants and their families.

Recently, the BBL is always in the news. As cool as it may sound like the BB in BlackBerry and the ladies’ all-time favorite BB Cream, the BBL has a deeper meaning and agenda.

Its thrusts, according to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government of the Philippines (GPH) are being misunderstood by the public.

There were many questions raised about the bill. Fears have been expressed. What will happen when the BBL is passed?

Who will benefit from it? These are just some of the many questions running in the minds of many Juan. Some, on the other hand, don’t care at all, as it would take them time to read the BBL draft. Thus, Filipinos are at a crossroads. Will you support the BBL? Will you go against it?

In a dialogue Monday among the MILF, the Philippine Council for Evangelical Churches (PCEC) and the GPH, the three groups expressed their desire for the passage of the BBL. Each agreed that all Filipinos, not just the MILF or the Bangsamoro, will benefit from it. They also noted the common public misconceptions and fully expressed why they think anti-BBL sentiments exist.

Dissecting the BBL draft

Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, described that there are actually three groups currently existing: the “Stop BBL” group, the “Stall BBL” and the “Dilute BBL.”

She said the “Stop BBL” group thinks that the said law is unconstitutional. They believe that the MILF is not a sincere partner to the government.

Deles also noted that this group thinks that BBL will lead to independence and entry of ISIS. The “Stall BBL” group, on the other hand, wants justice for the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) policemen who died during the January 25 anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao after a clash with members of the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and armed groups.

Meanwhile, the “Dilute BBL” wants to remove CAB provisions. Deles said reports on the provision on Constitutional bodies, Bangsamoro Police and P70-billion fund for BBL were without basis.

So what is the GPH position on BBL? First, she clarified that BBL was never rushed. “It has undergone 36 public hearings not just in Congress but also in Visayas and Mindanao,” she cited, and continued that it has undergone more consultations than any other laws enacted by the Congress. Also, she cited that President Benigno S. Aquino III and his Cabinet fully support the passage of the BBL. Other supporters, accord-

ing to MILF Peace Negotiation Panel chief, Mohagher Iqbal, are the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP); business community (Makati Business Club, Mindanao Business Council); 18 surviving members of the 1987 Constitutional Convention; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); growing support from other Christian churches; civil society; NGOs; and international community.

As for Iqbal, he said the MILF is pushing for BBL’s passage as this will end the long-standing armed conflict in Mindanao.

“Human rights violations, economic inequities, social and cultural discriminations will be addressed in the BBL,” he said.

He noted that the law will end the suffering of the Bangsamoro people and other inhabitants of Mindanao. There will be no more war between the MILF and the AFP, thus, people will be more focused on livelihood and basic necessities in life.

Furthermore, Iqbal cited that the BBL will foster harmony and unity since inclusive representation and equitable sharing of resources will harmonize various groups. Iqbal envisions that BBL will pave the way for more inter-religious partnerships and dialogues. “The BBL will also buy in economic development in Bangsamoro, Minwww.canadianinquirer.net

danao, and the entire country.

Foreign investors will be attracted to invest in a peaceful country,” he said.

Allaying fears

Both the MILF and the GPH mentioned that one of the most feared results of the BBL is with regard to the Shariah law. They clarified the Shariah law will only be applied to Muslims, and will not be applied to Christians and Indigenous Peoples (IPs).

This also proves that Bangsamoro will not be an Islamic state since there would be separate courts for non-Muslims.

The rights (human rights, vested rights) will also be protected. The Bangsamoro Parliament will also have reserved seats for settler (Christian) communities.

Iqbal highlighted that now is the time to pass the BBL. “Opportunity rarely knocks on our doors,” he noted. Iqbal added that people will be disappointed if this will not be passed, and the MILF’s effectiveness will sink at the lowest level. He added that the MILF will not decommission its weapons and combatants “until the BBL is passed.”

Busting myths

The MILF and GPH highlighted several facts, which, according to them, are commonly

misunderstood by the public: -- Bangsamoro will not have its own armed forces. The defense and security are reserved to the national government; -- It will not have a separate police; -- There is no automatic integration of MILF combatants to the PNP and AFP. If they wish to apply, they will have to comply with the requirements set by the PNP; -- It will not have its own Constitutional Commission; and -- It will not receive P70-75 billion on its first year.

While it is true that the Mamasapano clash brought much anger, grief, and distrust, Deles said she thinks these were used towards one agenda — to weaken the President.

“If you don’t want the President to succeed, you would not want him to pass the BBL, which could even become a big legacy,” she noted.

She added the Anti-PNoy campaign, the original antiBBL campaign as well as the 2016 electoral ambitions as other factors.

While the Constitution is very clear on the separation of the Church and the State, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) expressed its full support to the government and the passage of the BBL. “The PCEC envisions to help transform our nation. We call all parties to make the safety of civilians their priority,” said PCEC National Director Bishop Noel Pantoja.

Former PCEC National Director, Bishop Ephraim Tendero, stated that their group firmly believes that if they are pro-peace, then they are doing what God wanted, which is peace.

The BBL is set to undergo Committee hearings and the public is invited to attend. As Filipinos are at the crossroads, Deles leaves the following questions: Would you return to war or a continued pursuit of peace?

Would you choose bigotry or celebrate cultural diversity?

Would you heighten distrust or choose leap of faith?

Would you prefer the short term interest of politicians or the long term interest of children everywhere?

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

The iconic rice terraces in the Philippines. The prices of commercial rice have declined since February, benefiting consumers, but giving farmers some reservations about lesser income.

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Prices of commercial rice continue to decline

BY CIELITO M. REGANIT Philippines News Agency MANILA — The National Food Authority (NFA) on Wednesday said that prices of commercial rice has seen a continuous decline since the first week of February as the palay harvest season reaches its peak.

NFA administrator Renan Dalisay said prices for both regular and well milled commercial rice started to decline since the first week of February as shown by data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

According to the government official, the average wholesale price of wellmilled rice (WMR) went down from Php39.02 per kilogram to Php38.57 per kilogram and from Php35.76 per kilogram to Php35.35 per kilogram for regular milled rice (RMR) on the third week of March.

From a high of Php42.12 per kilogram, average retail price of WMR went down to Php41.72 and from Php38.47 per kilogram to Php37.97 for RMR during the same period.

Monitoring teams of the NFA have observed that the lowest price for wellmilled rice was monitored at Php30.00 per kilogram in Abucay Market in Tondo, Manila.

Well-milled rice priced at Php33.00 per kilogram is also available in Pritil Market in Tondo, Manila and in Riverside Market and Luzon Talipapa both in Old Balara, Quezon City.

“Consumers will benefit from the continued decline of prices of commercial rice in the market as they get more value for their money,” Dalisay said.

He said that the continued downward trend in the prices of commercial rice is relatively due to the low farm gate price of palay.

Data from PSA showed that the average farm gate price of palay is higher at Php19.91 on the third week of March last year as compared to Php18.05 this year during the same period.

“As the palay summer harvest season has reached its peak, the law of supply and demand applies. Farmers in the traditional production areas in the country where a significant volume of palay is expected to come are already harvesting their crops,” Dalisay said.

However, farmers are having reservations with the decline of the farm gate prices of palay and feared that a continuous decline would lead to lesser income for them.

But Dalisay assured the farmers of the food agency’s readiness to procure their produce at the NFA-set price of Php17 per kilogram if the farm gate price of palay continues to go down.

“Procurement funds were already remitted to NFA field offices while mobile procurement teams have already been mobilized to assist farmers especially in the remote areas. We have also mobilized 303 buying stations and mobile procurement teams nationwide to ensure that farmers can sell their palay at the government set price,” Dalisay said. www.canadianinquirer.net

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Opinion

16

APRIL 10, 2015 FRIDAY

AS I SEE IT

Why are Bulacan churches being renovated?

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer HAVING just finished Holy Week, maybe it is timely to look at the mysterious simultaneous renovation of a number of churches in Bulacan that don’t need renovation. The churches of Angat, Hagonoy and Santa Maria are all being renovated at the same time. Why? Is it just coincidence, or is there a common denominator?

Maybe there are other churches being renovated that have not yet come to public attention? If there is something going on in your church, ask questions and inform the bishop.

Mercifully, Bulacan Bishop Jose F. Olivero has ordered a halt to the renovation of the Angat and Hagonoy churches and an investigation of the one being done at the Santa Maria church. Heritage conservationists had protested against the renovation projects.

Strangely, the parish priests who has started the renovations changed their stories when protests started pouring in.

In Angat, the original plan of the parish priest was to replace all the

floor tiles of the church, said to be 1990s, is like erasing the footprints of family donated.

Another observer recounted the half-a-century old, with new tiles our grandparents,” he said.

De Guzman lamented that despite renovation of the Manila Cathedral. I with another design. But when the heritage advocates of the province the Permanent Commission on the don’t know how true his story is, but protested, the priest said only the Cultural Heritage of the Catholic he said the priests were puzzled why tiles on the aisle and sides would be Bishops’ Conference of the Philip- only the earth under the altar was bereplaced. When residents still pro- pines, there are still priests who are ing excavated for quite some time. tested, the priest backtracked again not conscious of the importance of cul- It turned out that the workers were and said only the aisle tiles would be tural heritage as a capital to “unite and hunting for treasure, said to be buried under the altar. Of course there changed, and, still later, that only the strengthen the identity of the people.”

The conservation of heritage was none. damaged tiles would be replaced.

The storyteller said it is easy for Historian Jaime Salvador Corpuz, churches can also be “an instrument whoever masterformer president of minded the treasure the Bulacan Heritage The question is: Why do parish priests want to enhunt to believe that Conservation Socigage in renovation when it costs a lot of money? there was buried ety, said there was really no need to replace the tiles. A to the strengthening of the faith,” he treasure under the cathedral because nearby Fort Santiago was ordered exphotograph of the church floor which added.

The question is: Why do parish cavated by no less than a high-rankappeared in the INQUIRER seems to priests want to engage in renovation ing Malacañang official in search of show the tiles in good condition.

Architect Andrew de Guzman, a when it costs a lot of money? Some the legendary Yamashita treasure. resident of Bulacan and a member observers surmised that with renova- Nothing was found, of course.

Many decades after the war, gullible of the national committee on the vi- tion, the priests can ask for donations sual arts of the National Commission from parishioners. The modus ope- fortune hunters are still digging for for Culture and the Arts, said he had randi, according to one observer, is the fabled Yamashita treasure. Many always been opposed to the idea of for a prominent family to provide the corners of the Philippines have been removing the old tiles of churches, initial cost of renovation. But then dug up, even the most unlikely places, that family is authorized to solicit yet nothing has turned up so far. But a ostensibly for “renovation.”

“Replacing the old baldosa of the donations and contributions, and considerable amount of treasure must church, just like what happened in the solicited collections are usually have been spent for the hunt.

I personally witnessed how an old Pulilan in 2013 and Plaridel in the much more than what the prominent

abandoned church in the Bosoboso valley of Antipolo was dug up in the search for the supposed Yamashita treasure. A huge acacia tree growing beside the church was even cut down in the belief that the treasure was in the trunk of the tree. Poor tree, its life was snuffed out because of man’s greed for loot.

Incidentally, historian Jaime Corpuz said that when the present parish priest of Angat, Fr. Angelito Santiago, was assigned to the Barasoain Church in Malolos, he had the old trees in the premises cut down. I wonder why.

As for the Hagonoy church, Bishop Oliveros rejected the plan to build a covered court in the church patio.

The renovation of the Santa Maria church, on the other hand, was being done without the permission of the diocese when it came to the attention of the bishop. A certain resident of Bulacan is supposed to be behind it. One reason advanced was to give the priest an excuse to throw out the huge old statues of saints donated by families and used during processions and replace them with new ones owned by influential families. ■

PUBLIC LIVES

The epic pointlessness of a motorcycle ride

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer LAST JANUARY, my brother Goli and our cousin George came home specifically to go on a long motorcycle ride with the Hombres, our biking group of middle-aged professionals who like riding to breakfast on any Sunday. The previous year, these two California-based dudes rode with us to Yosemite Valley, setting the pace on America’s fast and uncompromising highways. It was our turn to show them that it is more fun riding in the Philippines.

Our group commander, Eric Mananquil, suggests a four-day, three-night swing to Northern Luzon that will showcase the unique charms of Banaue, Sagada and Vigan. We have all visited these places a couple of times, but we don’t mind going through the same route and serving as tour guides to our enthusiastic guests. The farthest point north of Manila they have been to is, not surprisingly, Baguio. We decide to skip the city of pines and go straight to Doc Toto Kalugdan’s enchanting bed-andbreakfast in Kiangan, Ifugao, where we spend our first night, passing through Nueva Ecija and Nueva Vizcaya. Traveling on a weekday and going via the newly-opened TPLEx segment of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac

Expressway, the journey to Ifugao is ing the ride itself. They are stunned takes a moment to deconstruct the by the sheer number of tricycles on key element that undergirds its exshort and effortless.

The advantage of doing a repeat of a the main roads of Nueva Ecija. But it quisite flavor, and then declares triprevious trip is that you know exactly does not seem to bother them. They umphantly that it’s Worcestershire where to turn, gas up, take a leak, and strike easy conversations with the sauce.

We can barely walk after a meal rehydrate, and where to eat and stay small underbone bike riders that for the night. The downside is that, quickly surround us at every gasoline like that, least of all maneuver heavy adventure bikes on twisty roads in having passed that way before, you stop.

A certified foodie, my brother ea- dense fog—such as we encounter tend to be less engaged. You may even begin to feel a little drowsy while rid- gerly looks forward to every meal on Bessang Pass on our way down ing, especially after a big meal. That’s stop. At the simple turoturo joint to Vigan. It is pointless to proceed when you fail to notice the stray dog in San Jose, Nueva Ecija, where we under such riding conditions. Eric, that is about to dart across your path, break for lunch, he could not resist our spearhead, signals a stop when or the tricycle in front of you that ex- eating with his hands upon seeing the he spots a small coffee shop someecutes a sharp U-turn just when you broiled catfish that came with the bu- where near the top of this historic pass. We order cofare about to overfee and share the take it.

I look at my brother Goli: He looks jetlagged and exremaining sweet On this trip, I hausted, yet he wears the widest grin on his face and gives bananas we took keep checking on me a high five. A silent salute to brotherhood and banality. from the breakfast my kid brother from table in Sagada. Goli my rearview mirror.

I still remember how he and George rong hipon (fermented rice and small takes off his jacket and lays it on the roadside like a mat and takes a nap. I formed a front and rear shield to shrimps).

At the Mankayan junction along glance at the sky and anxiously calcuprotect me when I went on my first long ride in America a few years ago. Halsema highway, where livestock late how much time is left before the Though Goli is a skillful rider, I am from the surrounding ranches are afternoon light gives way to dusk.

What I fear most when riding at aware that the tempo of driving on brought for slaughter, we stop for a Philippine roads could be disorient- late lunch at a roadside eatery cater- night are the blinding lights of veing for him. But I allay my apprehen- ing to truck drivers. There we feast on hicles on the other side of a narrow sions by reminding myself that he huge bowls of beef stew smothered two-way road. The glare clings to the has sharper instincts and he is used with bone marrow, clearly a best- pupils of my eyes for a few minutes, to splitting lanes on California’s high- seller. But the dish that floors us and enabling me to see only the white summons a hundred and one memo- lines that mark the margins of the ways.

Having promised him and George ries of home cooking is the lightly road. I try to make out the tiny red the adventure of a lifetime, I am fried calf liver that is served rare rear light of the bike ahead of me mindful of how they are experienc- in a thick brown sauce. My brother and basically go on auto-pilot mode.

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My brother notices the jerky moves I make when the bike perilously veers to one side. He moves up next to me to ask with a thumbs-up sign if I’m okay. I’m okay, I nod to him. By now I can feel the soothing breeze and the familiar smell of the sea, and I know we are near. Still, it is during moments like these that I begin to doubt the adequacy of my riding instincts, and I ask myself when I should stop riding.

Soon we are in Vigan. We notice that one of us, our friend Richie, is missing, and we worry that he might have missed the turn going to the old town. He calls: No, he isn’t lost; he had minor trouble with his lights and had to stop. We are booked in lovely Ciudad Fernandina Hotel, a marvelous achievement in adaptive reuse. I look at my brother Goli: He looks jetlagged and exhausted, yet he wears the widest grin on his face and gives me a high five. A silent salute to brotherhood and banality.

Milan Kundera calls it “the power of the pointless.” “It is not merely ennui, pointlessness, triviality; it is beauty as well; for instance, the magical charm of atmospheres, a thing everyone has felt in his own life... these trivial circumstances stamp some personal event with an inimitable singularity that dates it and makes it unforgettable.” ■

Opinion

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

17

AT LARGE

‘RH beat’ as relevant as ever

By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer THIS IS a shameless plug, but only because it’s the only way I can thank as many people as I can—here and abroad—for their support and encouragement.

Earlier, Women Deliver selected me, the only journalist from the Philippines and one of four from Asia, as one of 15 journalists from around the world “advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights.” Women Deliver carries out the selection each year as its way of celebrating International Women’s Day, “honoring people, organizations and innovations that are delivering for girls and women.” The 15 of us were selected by an international review board from a “competitive pool” of more than 100 journalists.

But the good news doesn’t end there. Women Deliver then asked the public—mainly through social media and traditional media outlets—to vote “for the journalist who inspired you the most.”

Originally, only the top three of the 15 honorees were to receive a scholarship to the next Women Deliver conference in Copenhagen, Denmark early next year, but organizers said the numbers came so close together they decided to expand the list

to five. And I’m happy to say that I am met with village women, health pro- I am one. Hence, my stories are not fessionals, policymakers and religious just sob stories. I am a positive perone of the five selected journalists!

So here’s a most sincere and heartfelt leaders, talking about reproductive son. So my stories are stories of trithank you to everyone who, first of all, health concerns and women’s rights. umphant women.” *** voted for me and then sent in their con- A special shout-out to PRB from me— gratulations, both when I made it to the and Farah, too, I’m sure—for open- CERTAINLY a “triumphant womlist of 15 honorees and then the “Top ing the gate by nominating us to the an” is Comfort Mussa, a radio host, Five.” My “beauty contest” or “Oscar Women Deliver search. What I best blogger and multi-award winning awards” standard reply was that it was remember about Farah, though, is journalist in Cameroon, who hosts a enough of an honor to be named, and I that in one of our get-togethers, her weekly broadcast where she “leads meant that with no reservations. But of souvenirs for the rest of the group young people in open and vibrant course, getting the scholarship and the were kohl eyeliners, a “trademark of conversations about sexual and refree trip to Copenhagen is more than Pakistani women.” We all had a lot productive health.” As a reporter for just the leche flan on the halo-halo. It’s of fun trying out the makeup on our- Global Press Journal, Comfort writes about such sensitive topics as the risk the cooked saba, red beans, gelatin and selves and on each other. of sexual harassube jam as well! ment for mentally *** One would think, given the passage of the Reproducdisabled women THE other four tive Health Law . . . there would no longer be a need to advoand the ripple efjournos coming to cate for RH, much less to cover it. fect of antichild Denmark next year labor laws on midare: Comfort Mussa In Pakistan, Farah is known for her dle-class women. She also founded from Cameroon; Farahnaz Zahidi Moazzam from Pakistan; Florencia stories that confront and challenge SisterSpeak237, a blog where girls Goldsman from Argentina; and Tareq “cultural and religious norms that and women can openly discuss taboo threaten girls’ and women’s health topics, such as sexual harassment on Salahuddin from Bangladesh.

Of the four, I know Farahnaz Zahidi and rights.” No matter how contro- public transportation.

A “cyberfeminist” is how Florencia Moazzam best, as she and I were in the versial, Farah is not afraid to touch same batch of participants in “Wom- on such topics as female genital mu- Goldsman from Argentina describes en’s Edition” (2010-2012), a project tilation, fistula, sexual violence and herself. As the Women Deliver webof the Population Reference Bureau religious extremism. She has even site puts it: “Florencia is passion(PRB) that gathers women journal- helped bring perpetrators of sexual ate about using digital technology ists from the developing world for assault behind bars. Farah admits: and photography to raise awareness seminars and study tours around the “I tilt towards the female side of the about issues affecting women’s rights world. Women’s Edition brought Far- story, not just because I ama woman, across Latin America and the Caribah and me to Washington, DC, Ethio- but because I understand Pakistani bean, from the rural jungles of Guatepia, Senegal and Indonesia, where we women’s indigenous sensibilities as mala to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro.”

Tareq Salahuddin of Bangladesh is one of twomen on Women Deliver’s list of 15 media RH champions. A physician-turned-journalist, Tareq is health editor of The Daily Star, the leading English-language newspaper in his country, and often covers maternal and reproductive health global policies and programs. A real women’s advocate, Tareq says: “If I could only tell one more story, I would convince policymakers to invest in simple, costeffective interventions that help save women’s lives, like access to oxytocin to prevent postpartum hemorrhage and death. We need to remind our governments, time and time again, that the health and safety of our women is a top priority.” WHEN I began writing about reproductive health, the term hadn’t even been in popular use, since it entered the public lexicon only during and after the International Conference on Population and Development in Cairo, in 1994.

One would think, given the passage of the Reproductive Health Law and the health department gearing up for its full national implementation, there would no longer be a need to advocate for RH, much less to cover it.

But it seems that new issues, new controversies are still cropping up, with many more bound to crop up.

The “RH beat” remains as relevant as ever. ■

LOOKING BACK

Cloistered

By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer IN MY mind’s eye I see it clearly, white as the empty page I slowly fill with idle words and stray memory.

An oasis of peace nestled in the grimy navel of a city best remembered in the past tense, a city once extolled by a 16th-century Spanish king as “insigne y muy leal” (distinguished and ever loyal). A secret garden located a spitting distance from the mobile barbed-wire barricades hurriedly deployed, when necessary, on the corner of Mendiola and Concepcion Aguila to keep protesters from the grand house by the Pasig, the seat of power in the Philippines.

Steady noise wafts in from the busy street outside. Blaring car horns, grinding brake pads and revved-up engines to distract drivers from standstill traffic compete with barkers, sidewalk vendors and the cheerful chatter of students going to and from the far end of the University Belt loosely known as the Mendiola Consortium: St. Jude Catholic School, College of the Holy Spirit (formerly Holy Ghost College), La Consolacion College, V. Mapa High School, Centro Escolar University, San Beda College.

I remember the fateful day I discovAll the noise and the cares of the landscaped labyrinths, unlike its older world are muffled when you enter the European cousins. All it has is a hardy ered this secret place. While most young dark porteria of the Benedictine Ab- carpet of grass punctuated with granite couples in love would spend a Saturday bey. Here is no man’s land, an airless or piedra china to fill quadrants, plant- afternoon in the air-conditioned comfort of a mall, a cinema, or a love motel, limbo between the world you know and ed with a sorry clump of trees.

Cutting this cloister garden in half my girlfriend and I were on an expedianother further within. From the porteria, double doors open into the dappled is a long rectangular pond, filled with tion through the grimy stalls in the Unilight of a cloister where one finds an oa- lotus leaves that hide small nimble versity Belt in search of old books on the sis of calm that envelopes you in an un- fish, the color of lapis lazuli reflect- Philippines. We looked beyond the fake usual silence, a quiet most people find ing a strong afternoon sun. Nothing diplomas and hardbound theses that is left to chance in this garden; every cluttered the shops, but rare Filipiniana deafening and difficult to bear.

Enter and walk on the worn tiled architectural detail comes in num- was not to be found that day. But we did floor following the order of chess piec- bers and their multiples, revealing sa- not leave empty-handed: My loot consisted of the prewar es: Move like a bish“Philippine Readers,” op following a diagoThis was a place where I spent many happy years. with cheerful illustranal line on the tiles Having returned to the tumult of the world, I look back and tions by Fernando C. toward the center of visit it in my dreams.

Amorsolo—a painful the cloister, slide like a rook following a straight line to the cred geometry. Its scale is intended to souvenir of world that is no more.

As we walked on Mendiola toward same destination, or better yet glide gently remind humans that they are like a queen straight or diagonally to- insignificant in the greater scheme of Malacañang where the car was safely ward a garden, boarded by the cloister things. Everything is in place, symbols parked, bracing ourselves for the into a square, where, in another time, expecting recognition, allusion in an- drive back to Quezon City, we saw a following a different custom, monas- ticipation of understanding. The trees, soft light piercing the darkness that tics faced the four cardinal points the four corners, the clear water in had overtaken the tired afternoon. It before retiring at night, to draw four the pond mirroring the cloudless blue emanated from the half-open door of crosses in the air, one each for north, sky—all conspire to recall a similar gar- a church we had never visited before.

We entered out of curiosity and to east, west and south, to bring benedic- den with a snake and a forbidden fruit.

This was a place where I spent claim the wish granted all who enter a tion on a world that has forgotten, or is many happy years. Having returned church for the first time and pray one too busy, to pray.

This cloister garden is simple. No or- to the tumult of the world, I look back “Our Father,” one “Hail Mary” and one “Glory Be.” Inside, our eyes adnamentals or herbs are found here, no and visit it in my dreams.

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justed to the darkness to make out an impressive painted ceiling that made us gasp. It was the Abbey Church of Our Lady of Montserrat, better known as the “San Beda Chapel” referring to the college that grew like poisonous mushrooms all around it.

Monks were chanting vespers, the evening prayer of the Church, as we settled on the back pew and took it all in. Little did I know or imagine I would be someday be chanting in those choir stalls.

I remember being overwhelmed by what I saw and experienced that night, but years later, when the then girlfriend visited me in the cloister to pointedly remark on my “Monk-ey business,” she recalled that evening when I remarked: “Ang ganda naman dito. Balang araw dito ko gustong magpakasal (It’s so beautiful here. One day, this is where I will be married).” Famous last words, indeed. In retrospect, I had used the singular “I” instead of the inclusive “we.” She is now happily married to someone else. Me? I took the road less travelled. I stepped out of the world and back, to live in a monastery for close to seven years, like Jonas who spent time in the belly of a whale. [An excerpt from a memoir in progress] ■

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FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Canada News

Temporary foreign workers in low skilled jobs that have been here for four years since 2011 will soon be asked to leave the country. Critics have called the deadline unfair, and have said it targets primarily those who are the lowest paid and the lowest skilled, while the government has said that four years is plenty of time for temporary foreign workers to find ways to remain in Canada permanently.

Temporary foreign workers in low skilled jobs must start leaving Canada this month THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Thousands of temporary foreign workers are required to leave Canada starting this month, as work permits expire for those who have been in the country for more than four years.

In 2011, the Conservative government set April 1, 2015 as the deadline for temporary foreign workers in low-skilled jobs to either become permanent residents or return home.

In Alberta alone, 10,000 temporary foreign workers have applied to stay in Canada.

Immigration Canada hasn’t divulged the total number of workers who must leave today, but immigration and labour market experts have estimated tens of thousands are affected.

Richard Kurland, a Vancouver immigration lawyer, says temporary workers with legal representation have found

“Rather than offering these to put into process their appliways to stay past the deadline with so-called bridging options hard workers a pathway to per- cations for staying longer than that could lead to permanent manent residence where they their four year limits. could continue the low-skilled “Employers and foreign residence.

But many workers can’t use jobs nobody else wants, the Ca- workers have known about nadian public has been sold a the four-year time limit since that approach, he says.

“The sad thing is that the vic- line that exchanging one legion 2011, when this policy was antims are people unable to ac- of temporary workers for an- nounced. Employers have had cess bridging provisions that other every four years is a solu- four years to find alternative employees. Similarly, temwould have given them more tion.” porary foreign time in Canada workers have ... because a large had four years to number can’t pursue pathways access immigrato permanent tion lawyers; The He ispurpose a Muslim of the artist, Temporary but is also Foreign a Filipino creative [spirit] whose style residence,” he they can’t afford Worker Program is exactly that — to be and expression cut across cultural and said. it,” he said. temporary. Canadians rightly expect to religious limits “The purpose Vanessa Routget first crack at available jobs. of the Tempoley, a Toronto rary Foreign immigration Worker Program lawyer, was critiis exactly that cal of the deadline.

Immigration Minister Chris — to be temporary. Canadians “The four-year limit deliber- Alexander said last Tuesday rightly expect to get first crack ately and unfairly targets the that the temporary foreign at available jobs," he added.’

NDP MP Jinny Sims, howevlowest-paid and lowest-skilled worker program “is putting Catemporary workers ... execu- nadians first.” He also said that er, says the deadline could force tives and engineers will not be there was plenty of time for em- many workers underground.

She also called the federal affected,” she said. ployers and temporary workers

government inhumane for failing to allow workers to stay in Canada while they’re waiting to hear if they’ve been granted permanent residence.

“The Conservatives ignored all the warnings that their deadline was going to have unintended consequences and now some consultants have taken advantage of desperate temporary foreign workers, bilking them of their life savings while making false promises,” she said in the House of Commons.

Several organizations, including the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, have called for an easier path to permanent residence and eventually citizenship for temporary foreign workers, especially those employed in provinces with labour shortages.

They warn that hotel rooms won’t be cleaned and the lineups at fast-food restaurants will move a lot more slowly with fewer foreign workers.

Canada News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

19

Two federal cabinet ministers won’t seek reelection THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper is losing two more cabinet ministers, who announced last Friday that they’re not going to run in the federal election that is scheduled for this fall.

International Development MInister Christian Paradis and Heritage Minister Shelly Glover picked the holiday weekend to make low key announcements that they won’t seek reelection.

Paradis said in a statement on his website that the decision was personal.

“After almost a decade of my being on the public stage, it’s time for me to pass on the torch and move on serenely to write a new chapter in our lives,” he said.

Glover cited family reasons as the main factor behind her decision to not run again. In a statement She said she’ll be returning to her career as a police officer.

“I took a break from policing to become a legislator and am proud to have been part of a government that passed over thirty crime and justice bills,” she said.

A source in the Prime Minister’s Office said both ministers will stay in their cabinet jobs until the election and there were no immediate plans for a cabinet shuffle. The PMO tried to minimize the optics of losing two ministers simultaneously saying they recently informed Harper of their decisions and the announcements were coordinated.

Paradis and Glover are not the first members of Stephen Harper’s cabinet to leave in recent months.

Earlier this year John Baird quit as foreign affairs minister in a stunning decision and said he wasn’t running again.

New Democratic Party MP Alexandre Boulerice pointed to the departures as a sign of trouble for the Conservative Party.

“Now with Mr. Paradis and Ms Glover leaving, it’s a team

International Development MInister Christian Paradis (left) and Heritage Minister Shelly Glover

that is weakened, and the sign of a government that’s a bit exhausted,” he said.

A spokeswoman for Liberal leader Justin Trudeau suggested the departures make little difference, making reference to Harper’s reputation for tightly controlling his cabinet.

“In Harper’s government, the only minister who matters is the Prime Minister,” Kate Purchase said in an email.

University of Toronto political science professor Nelson

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Wiseman says the Conservative party is likely canvassing its members ahead of the election to avoid last-minute surprises.

He says he doesn’t believe the departures will hurt the Conservative party’s chances come fall.

“These are not major cabinet portfolios. These are not major ministers,” he said, adding that Paradis in particular has “not exactly been a shining light.”

He said that attention in federal election campaigns is

increasingly focused on party leaders, with their deputies playing a smaller role than they used to.

“Generally cabinet ministers have become less important and these are among the least important,” he said.

Paradis, one of Harper’s small contingent of Quebec MP’s, was first elected in 2006 and held a variety of positions including Minister of Public Works and Government services and the high-profile positions of Industry Minister and was Quebec lieutenant. He was demoted to the less prestigious International Development porfolio in a cabinet shuffle in 2013.

Glover was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008.

Last fall, the federal ethics commissioner cleared Glover of breaching the conflict of interest law in connection with a fundraiser earlier in the year.

The Liberals have been targeting Glover’s Winnipeg riding and have expressed high hopes of stealing it from the Conservatives.

20

Canada News

APRIL 10, 2015

FRIDAY

Duffy trial promises crash course in controversial Senate expense, housing rule

BY JENNIFER DITCHBURN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — When lawyers arrive at the Ottawa courthouse this week for the long-awaited start of the Mike Duffy trial, they’ll be armed with the equivalent of advanced degrees in the rules governing Senate expenses.

Both sides will be armed with heavy binders packed with reams of notes on the guidelines provided to senators, and on the often confusing system that they use to file their claims.

It’s shaping up to be a courtroom battle over interpretation and semantics — one that all senators are sure to be watching closely.

Duffy faces 31 charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery, all associated with living, travel, and contracting expenses filed by the former Conservative appointee.

The spending scandal first began to unfold in late 2012, when a reporter for the Ottawa Citizen began asking questions about how much time Duffy actually spent in P.E.I., the province he represents in the Senate.

Duffy had been claiming living expenses for his longtime home in Kanata, Ont., in the national capital region, declaring it his secondary residence after his appointment in late 2008.

He designated a home in Cavendish, P.E.I., as his primary residence. A subsequent independent audit, commissioned by the Senate, found that he spent about 30 per cent of his time on the island.

Duffy has long insisted that he followed all the rules, but was extorted by the Prime Minister’s Office into repaying $90,000 in living expenses.

That amount was in fact covered by Stephen Harper’s former chief of staff Nigel Wright, after a series of secret negotiations.

Wright, who lost his job shortly after word of the cheque became public, always maintained he was acting in the public interest and that his only goal was to “secure the repayment of taxpayer funds.” Last

Senator Mike Duffy’s trial for 31 charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery is set to begin this week in Ottawa. The trial is expected to shed some light and in the process define the system that senators use to claim expenses for their work.

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April, investigators announced they would not pursue criminal charges against him.

The police allege that it was Duffy who twisted the arm of the PMO to foot the bill for the repayment, hence the bribery charge.

“I wish I had had the courage to say no back in February when this monstrous political scheme was first ordered,” Duffy told the Senate in October 2013.

So what do Senate rules and statutes actually say about what constitutes a primary residence?

The Constitution says that a senator “shall be resident in the province for which he is appointed,” and must own property worth at least $4,000 in that province.

The Senate administrative rules, as they’re known, leave it entirely in the hands of the senator to declare what they consider their primary residence.

An independent audit by Deloitte in 2013 pointed out the

vagueness of the rules, that included no criteria for determining ‘primary residence.’

“As such, we are not able to assess the status of the primary residence declared by Sen. Duffy against existing regulations and guidelines,” the auditors wrote.

Duffy’s lawyer Donald Bayne seized on these facts during a press conference in October 2013.

“Let me disabuse you of the impression that principal residence carries with it an automatic requirement of a certain number of days or proportion of the year of residence,” Bayne said.

“That may be true for provincial health. It’s not true, for example, under the Income Tax Act, where any one of you can designate a house you live in one day a year as your primary residence.”

In the midst of the scandal, the Senate’s internal economy committee voted to change the rules. Senators are now rewww.canadianinquirer.net

quired to show their driver’s licence, health card, and income tax file to prove their province of primary residence.

Bayne is likely to point out those rules were brought in after the period covered by the charges. The same goes for the rules governing travel expenses, which were changed in 2012.

Duffy is also facing 18 charges related to travel expense claims he filed, as he attended political fundraisers, gave speeches and attended funerals.

Prior to 2012, the Senate travel policy didn’t provide much specific guidance as to what was OK and what wasn’t when travelling on Senate business.

“It was not mandatory for senators to provide the detail (sic) purpose of their trips,” reads an RCMP report on an interview with Senate administrator Nicole Proulx. “The mention of ‘Senate business’ was sufficient.”

Another audit firm, KPMG, told the Senate in 2013 that

the housing and travel allowance systems were so vague that the “deficiency” could cause ineligible expenses to be paid out.

The Senate administrative rules refer specifically to partisan activities as “an inherent and essential part of the parliamentary functions of a senator.” Those functions exclude, however, anything that has to do with candidates during an election campaign.

The 2012 travel policy includes an appendix with a description of what is fully funded for travel and what isn’t.

“Party activities” are OK, as long as they relate to “the work of the senator or the Senate and its proceedings.” So are speeches “related to Senate work” or of “public interest.” Speeches delivered at fundraisers are not covered.

These criteria were not in place when Duffy did most of his contested travelling, speaking at fundraisers for fellow Conservatives, for example.

Canada News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

21

CIA ex-spy on Canada’s intelligence safeguards: ‘You’re kidding me’

BY ALEXANDER PANETTA The Canadian Press ARLINGTON, VA. — A former CIA spy’s eyes widen when he hears that, in Canada, the political opposition doesn’t get to see or scrutinize national-security intelligence files.

“You’re kidding me,” says John Kiriakou, who’s now under house arrest in Virginia after a two-year prison stay for revealing information about his former employer.

“That’s shocking to me. It seems to block any chance of a national consensus on an issue that I think would be very serious. There has to be oversight.”

Kiriakou made the remarks during an interview in which he described an internal controversy within the CIA over the arrest and rendition of Canadian Maher Arar to be tor-

tured in a Syrian prison. Many colleagues protested, arguing that they were punishing an innocent man, he said. The CIA’s role in the 2002-03 affair has never been publicly scrutinized.

But the fallout in Canada did include a public inquiry and a $10-million government payout to Arar. A major recommendation from the inquiry was an overhaul of the model used to scrutinize intelligence work.

A decade later, that recommendation from the Arar inquiry has never been implemented — even as the Canadian government prepares to provide intelligence agencies with more power in its new anti-terror bill.

The inquiry recommended giving review bodies the power to scrutinize more than one agency at a time — so that they could see, for instance, how

CSIS and the RCMP co-operate on cases. Also, four former prime ministers recently noted the failure of reforms that would have allowed politicians from different parties to access intelligence files.

The U.S. oversight system was introduced following 1970s scandals involving the CIA, with the creation of bipartisan committees. Canada’s system involves appointed bodies for different agencies, with distinguished Canadians selected by the government.

Kiriakou likened the Canadian system to Ronald Reagan appointing his own investigators during the Iran-Contra affair: “Is that real oversight?”

“I think people need to know what the government is doing in their name.... It’s the only way you can keep people honest. When everything is in the shadows, people tend to push the envelope more than is ap-

propriate.”

Some state secrets are necessary, he said — but they need to be shared with people who will keep the government accountable.

“Here in the United States we have oversight — and even that’s not good enough. We haven’t had serious oversight, really, since the 1970s.”

It took years of negotiating, for instance, to get the Senate intelligence committee to release its torture report — and even then the different political parties continued arguing about the details after the report was released.

Kiriakou was in prison when that report came out late last year.

He said he’s the only person ever punished over the CIA’s post-9-11 use of torture — because he blew the whistle on it.

He first mentioned it in a 2007 news interview. He was arrest-

ed several years later on different accusations: leaking details about former colleagues to the news media.

He was singled out for punishment, he insisted, in a U.S. capital where leaks are a daily occurrence.

In Ottawa, the Conservative government’s new bill would give Canada’s intelligence agents more power to thwart suspected terrorist plots, including within Canada. It would also apply to crimes against the country’s economic and financial interests.

The government has said repeatedly it doesn’t need to update Canada’s intelligenceoversight model, because it’s already the envy of the world.

The government-appointed panels that monitor different agencies file regular reports to Parliament, and members of all parties can scrutinize the edited results.

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Canada News

APRIL 10, 2015

FRIDAY

Canadian dad whose son is ensnared in rule changes demands citizenship for son

BY DIANA MEHTA The Canadian Press TORONTO — Paul Compton has done exactly what the federal government recommended to get his son recognized as a Canadian citizen, but his problems have yet to be solved.

For the past five years the Ontario native has been corresponding with public servants, appealing to politicians and even relocated his family in a bid to rectify what he views as an unjust and precarious situation — now, he’s demanding action.

“They’ve been able to take away the rights of citizenship to my son,” Compton told The Canadian Press. “I will not allow the Canadian government to do this.”

The 45-year-old and his family have found themselves ensnared in a set of regulatory changes made to the Citizenship Act in 2009, which limits the ability to pass on Canadian citizenship to only the first generation of a family born abroad.

At the root of their problems is the fact that Compton was born in Scotland, where his parents were living while in university. He was brought to Canada when he was five months old and lived in the country until his early 30s.

A teacher by profession, Compton then got a job at an international school and moved to Lima, where he met his Peruvian wife.

His first son was born in Peru and automatically became a Canadian citizen. His second son, however, was born just months after the new rules came into effect.

The change meant that five-

Paul Compton and his family are embroiled in a struggle against the Canadian government to get his son Mateo a Canadian citizenship. Mateo was born months after a set of regulatory changes made to the Citizenship Act in 2009 which limits the ability to pass on Canadian citizenship to only the first generation of a family born abroad.

TORONTO STAR TWITTER PHOTO

year-old Mateo is not a Cana- apply for a Canadian passport Mateo, for whom he had to obdian, even though his older for his son in 2010 and was de- tain a Peruvian passport, and brother is. nied.

Compton’s wife came in on visiThe new rules were part of “This is an injustice,” he said. tor visas. legislation which solved the “This could happen to any CaOnce in the country, Compproblems of thousands whose nadian.” ton applied for permanent resicitizenship had been taken The situation has only wors- dency for his son and his wife away by outdat— an avenue the ed legal provifederal governsions. ment recomAt the same mended to gain Over the last six years, the Public time, however, citizenship for Serviceless of Canada has IProsecution will accept nothing than a passport the government those affected by accepted cases, to with resulting for my son 22 delivered my13 door, with a said they were the new regulain guilty convictions andforseveral permanent resident card my wife. protecting the tions — but after others still making their way value of Canamore than a year, through the courts. dian statehood the application by ensuring citiis still being prozenship couldn’t cessed. be passed on Compton is from generation to generation ened over time. now asking that Mateo immediof those living outside Canada.

After trying to deal with the ately be granted Canadian citiThe changes made Compton matter from Peru, Compton re- zenship on humanitarian and feel like a second-class Cana- turned to Ontario with his fam- compassionate grounds, and is dian. ily in February last year. also asking that his wife’s appliHe didn’t even find out about He and his older son entered cation for permanent residency the new rules until he tried to the country as Canadians, but be expedited.

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“I will accept nothing less than a passport for my son delivered to my door, with a permanent resident card for my wife,” he said, noting that his MP has raised his case with the citizenship and immigration minister, who Compton wants to meet.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada said it gives “the highest priority” to “family class” permanent residency applications — which Compton’s son and wife fall under. Children can also apply for citizenship as soon as they become permanent residents, a spokeswoman said.

But things haven’t worked out as Compton hoped.

In addition to waiting for his wife and son’s permanent residency, Compton recently learned the provincial health care he secured for Mateo on a temporary basis had been rescinded, as it was issued in error.

While shocked, he said the action was a symptom of the larger problem over his son’s fight for citizenship.

Ontario’s Ministry of Health notes that among the eligibility requirements for the Ontario Health Insurance Plan, residents must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or “among one of the newcomer to Canada groups who are eligible for OHIP.” Those who’ve submitted an application for permanent residence are part of those newcomer groups, but only if Citizenship and Immigration confirms they’ve met eligibility requirements to apply.

There are no provisions allowing OHIP to be granted on compassionate grounds or for any discretionary reason, a spokesman said.

Community News

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

23

Filipino UN expert consults with BC First Nations

TFWs in Calgary stage a rally against mass deportation.

Migrante-BC decries mass deportation of TFWs A COMMUNITY-BASED organization of Filipinos in British Columbia recently called on migrant workers hit by the federal government’s “4 and 4” rule to come forward and speak out.

The rule refers to a federal policy that forces migrant workers to leave the country and not re-enter for another four years if they have been working here for four years or more. The law was enacted Apr. 1, 2011, and affects most migrant workers who have worked a cumulative of four years since then.

“We and our partner organizations around the province

and across the country are here to support you. We believe this is an unjust rule that penalizes migrant workers who have already contributed much to Canada. You’re an integral member of our community and instead of embarking on this large mass deportation – the federal government should grant all migrant workers permanent residency,” said Jane Ordinario, Migrante-BC spokesperson.

Ordinario says any one that needs help can call their tollfree number 1-800-559-8092 or email them at migrante.bc@

gmail.com.

“This is a confidential phone number and email. If needed, we can also refer them to a lawyer and other community advocates for assistance. The important thing is for them to realize they are not alone and that by working together – our demand for the federal government to grant permanent residency to all migrant workers is much stronger,” she added.

Migrante-BC also called on the provincial government to ensure that migrant workers who have pending BC PNP applications are not deported.

North York Pinoy Athletic Association marks 15th anniversary

BY TONY A. SAN JUAN, OCT THE 125-member North York Pinoy Athletic Association (NYPAA) will celebrate its 15th foundation anniversary on Apr. 18, at the Garnet Williams Community Centre, 501 Clark Avenue in Thornhill, Ontario.

NYPAA, organized in 1999, is composed of dedicated volunteer parents, professionals, youths and students in the Filipino Canadian community who are engaged in fostering youth development and promoting healthy individual and group competitions through its chal-

lenging sports programs and productive well-being activities.

Expected to attend the dinner-dance event are various FilCan amateur players and their parents, friends and relatives who are active members of the organization as well as officers, organizers, coaches, trainers, game officials and other sports-loving guests.

The association has been a leading participant of different amateur basketball championship leagues in the GTA and in the province. It also conducts clinics and training on basketball basics and coaching techniques. A leading member of

NABA - North American Basketball Association, NYPAA also played host to the 24th Inter-City Tournaments of 21 cities from London UK, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Washington, Detroit, Montreal, Winnipeg and Ontario cities (Brampton, North York, Mississauga, Toronto, Vaughan & Windsor).

Purposely, the event is a fundraising social and adult tickets are sold at $20 and $10 per for youth attendees. All proceeds will go towards supporting the upcoming NABA Inter-City Basketball Tournaments in Windsor, Ontario in September 2015. www.canadianinquirer.net

A WELL-KNOWN indigenous people’s right advocate activist and United Nations (UN) expert was in town recently to examine ways of overcoming obstacles toward the full and effective protection of native people’s freedom.

UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Victoria Tauli-Corpuz recently visited British Columbia to speak on her priorities and challenges as special rapporteur and to listen to concerns facing First Nations groups in the province.

Media have reported that in a Westbank gathering, Okanagan Nation Alliance Chief Stewart Phillip conveyed to

Tauli-Corpuz that First Nations peoples’ rights have been neglected under the Harper government and First Nations will continue to be marginalized until a new government is elected.

Phillip made the remarks during Tauli-Corpuz’s Mar. 31 meeting with First Nations leaders from around B.C. He referred to a July 2014 report by the UN on Canada's relationship with its indigenous peoples, which stated that initiatives undertaken by the government to address problems have been insufficient.

"This is a very significant ›› PAGE 32 Filipino UN

Megaworld search for Megavoice kids on MEGAWORLD International brings you The Megavoice kids,a singing competition that searches for the most talented and aspiring kids from all over the world.

Open to all seven to 12-yearold kids of marketing associates, marketing managers and marketing directors of Megaworld International, the Megavoice auditions are held in Asia Pacific & Oceania, North America, Europe, and Middle East and Africa.

There will be nine regional champions who will represent the regions of Megaworld International. These regional champions will fly to the Philippines (with one accompanying parent/guardian) for the grand finals with free roundtrip airfare and two-night hotel accommodation in Manila.

The grand finals will be held on Dec.16, at Grand Ballroom, Marriott Hotel Manila. The grand champion will win prizes worth P100,000.

Megaworld International is the global marketing specialist of Megaworld Corporation. It is present in over 40 countries in North America, Asia Pacific,

Europe and Middle East and is poised to expand to more territories, bringing the best real estate choices from the largest developer in the Philippines.

Auditions are being conducted all over Canada (Maritimes, Quebec, Ottawa, and Western Canada). In the Greater Toronto Area, weekly auditions will start on Apr. 11 until May 16 at various locations.

SCHEDULE OF AUDITIONS - GTA (2pm – 5pm) APR. 11, 2015 - Josie de Leon (JDL) School of Performing Arts (3031 Markham Rd. Scarborough) APR. 18, 2015 - FV FOODS BATHURST (280 Wilson Rd. and Bathurst, North York) APR. 25, 2015 - Josie de Leon (JDL) School of Performing Arts (3450 Wolfedale Rd, Mississauga) MAY 2, 2015 - LUNCH BOX, BRAMPTON (65 Rutherford Rd. S, Brampton) MAY 9, 2015 - STARHAZE BAR (3430 Bathurst St. North York) MAY 16, 2015 - ELLEN’S PLACE (1090 Kamato Rd. Mississauga)

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APRIL 10, 2015

FRIDAY

GLOBAL FILIPINO-CANADIAN FILIPINO: LIANE IN FOCUS: VALENZUELA

The Lisalatest Valencia-Svensson Western social media fitness Emmy award-winning documentary film producer sensation is Filipino

BY EARL VON TAPIA Philippine Canadian Inquirer FOR Lisa Valencia-Svensson, after the surprise and shock of winning an Emmy award wore off, something was still bugging her about the whole affair. After some reflection, she came to understand just what that thing was.

“There’s such an imbalance in the number of people of color or indigenous first nations who are not directing, producing, acting, writing, funding, broadcasting, commissioning, winning awards at film festivals, winning the grants. The list is endless,” she said.

She recalled looking out at the applauding crowd that night and seeing a sea of mostly white people. To Lisa, that was something that needed to change.

“To me that Emmy was a real sign that it is now time for me to focus my efforts on that. It’s not just about me and my career anymore. It’s about me helping more people of color get into the industry, and also me trying to shine a light on this tremendous imbalance,” she said.

It’s a viewpoint that reflects the experiences Lisa had growing up and living in Canada as a person of color, and ultimately helped her find her passion in life for producing stories to help shine light on the injustices people face, in order to bring about societal change.

Lisa’s story begins in late 60’s Toronto where she was born as the only child to a Filipino mother and a white father. She stayed and grew up in the area, and said that the environment was unforgiving for non-white people.

“Back in the 70s and 80s, because there was no discussion of race or racism issues, it just happened. And you just thought ‘That’s life! People are racist, and what can you do?’

You just figured out how to protect yourself,” she said.

After attending university at the University of Toronto, she found herself becoming more involved in the progressive scene, and eventually found herself at the Ryerson Univer-

sity radio station, CKLN. It was a beacon that attracted many people like Lisa, and for over two-and-a-half years she was involved with the news programming at the station.

In particular, Lisa and a few fellow 20-somethings worked on a weekly news broadcast called “Frequency Feminist”.

The program eventually focused down into one that gave coverage almost exclusively to issues facing women of color and first nations women.

And it was during this time, when Lisa would record interviews and performances and readings and play them back to transcribe them, that she came upon her most important discovery for how to effect change in this world.

“If you want to effect change, social change, on an issue, you need to change people’s minds.

And the way to change their mind on an issue is not to bombard them with statistics or information or make them feel bad or make them feel guilty.

The way to change someone’s mind is to change their heart, and the way to change their heart is for them to hear a sto- Festival in order to get her foot Entertainment, a one-off docry about how that issue might in the door and test the waters. umentary production company be affecting one person or a few After a year, she decided to that specialized in “well-told people or a family or a commu- make it a career. stories”. nity, and for them to just natLisa approached a Toronto Throughout all this time, urally, as a human being, start Film Maker named Min Sook Lisa had been doing financial caring about the people being Lee. They knew each other work on the side such as book affected,” she said. from before, and Lisa asked keeping and financial manAfter the radio station, Lisa if she could be involved with agement. It was a skill that she moved out to found would set Vancouver for a her up nicely for while where she a career as a docsaid she “wasn’t umentary film doing all that The way to change someone’s mind is to producer. much.” She did change their heart, and the way to “Once you get however find change their heart is for them to hear into films, sudherself constanta story about how that issue might be denly financial ly attending the affecting one person or a few people or management numerous film a family or a community, and for them skills are exfestivals, and in to just naturally, as a human being, start tremely useful, particular found caring about the people being affected. so suddenly I herself being found I was able drawn to docuto take on addimentaries. tional responRealizing that sibility fairly this was what she wanted to get some of Min’s projects. Min quickly because I had already involved with, Lisa eventually accepted, and Lisa helped pro- developed financial managemoved back to Toronto in 2004, duce the documentary “Bor- ment skills, budgeting, cashwhere the environment for get- derless” about undocumented flowing, cost reporting . . . budting involved in documentary workers in Canada. The project gets are so tight and you have film producing was better. She was a success, and in 2007 Min to max them out, so every sinjoined the board of the Planet put Lisa in touch with Ed Bar- gle thing you do, the daily jugIn Focus Environmental Film reveld, the CEO of Storyline gle with how much money you www.canadianinquirer.net

have to spend to make it happen is non-stop,” she said.

Lisa’s first project with Storyline where she was the lead producer was “Resilience: Stories of Single Black Mothers”.

That experience, combined with just being around Ed at Storyline every day and assisting on his other projects, really helped Lisa hone her skills even more.

In 2009, an editor at Storyline brought a project in for Lisa, claiming that her activist producer nature would be a perfect fit for the job.

The project would eventually become Herman’s House, a documentary about New Orleans native Herman Wallace, who was serving a 25-year sentence for bank robbery when he was accused of murdering a prison guard and thrown into solitary confinement. As Herman toiled for decades in solitary, a young art student named Jackie Sumell came into contact with him and asked him “what kind of house does a man who has lived in a six-foot-bynine-foot cell for over 30 years dream of?”.

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FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

“I really didn’t know anything much, I man’s House won the 2014 News & Dochad zero profile myself, and zero reputa- umentary Emmy Award for Outstandtion in the big league. But I just wanted ing Arts and Culture Programming, Lisa to produce, and here’s a good opportu- officially became an Emmy Award-Winnity, and it’s a story that really interests ning documentary film producer. me. And this editor, I really trust his “We were just very lucky to have accreative instinct, and he’s really excited cess to this extraordinary story. A great about this story,” said Lisa. film is made because the subject matter As the project took shape, it started to is so extraordinary. We didn’t make that, gather attention within the established we just recounted it,” she said. circle of documentary film festivals, Shortly after the broadcast of Hertv stations, and industry insiders. Lisa man’s House on POV on July 2013, Lisa and Storyline pitched the project ev- moved on to a more part-time role with erywhere they could, Storyline, and into a and in return got full-time role doing some funding, some financial work for a mentorships, and TV series production some buzz. company in Toronto, All of that work A great film is which she has been paid off, as on July made because the doing since. She also 2013, POV, the acsubject matter is so became involved claimed documenextraordinary. We again with Min Sook tary series on PBS, didn’t make that, Lee, helping her out purchased Herman’s we just recounted it. with another side House for broadcast. project.

Once under the The Emmy win is POV umbrella, PBS something that Lisa submitted Herman’s hopes will help her House for severin the future as she al awards. The Storyline team moved uses her talent for producing extraoron, but in July 2014, a full year after dinary stories to shine light on the inbroadcast, they got a message: Her- justices facing many people out there man’s House had been nominated for an today.

Emmy in the category of Outstanding “Definitely to have Emmy award-winArts and Culture. The team went down ning in my bio is news that I can use to New York in October that year for so people will take me seriously much the awards ceremony, and to bask in the more quickly now,” she said. glow of the accomplishment of simply “It pisses me off when people are getting a nomination. treated unjustly, and I think we should “Of course we go. How do you not go all be speaking about it, whether it’s hapto that? So we went and we were com- pening to us or others, and we should pletely certain we wouldn’t win because not be afraid to take a deep look at what’s we were up against a couple of films that wrong with our lives and how we struccertainly had a high profile, higher than ture everything in society,” she said. ours in some ways,” she said.

“I think we should all be conscious“So we just figured oh it’s okay we got ly working for justice, but I know most a nomination. That’s huge. So we were people aren’t. I don’t feel happy if I’m truly shocked when the film’s name was not somehow doing that in some way called out. We were truly shocked. Did in my life, and what I’ve come to realize someone make a mistake? We were cel- is that my strength is in being involved ebrating the nomination, but we forgot somehow in storytelling. It so happens that someone would win,” she added. that it’s been documentary film makAnd so, on October 1 2014, when Her- ing,” she added.

Lisa (fourth from left) with the Storyline Entertainment crew posing with their Emmy award.

www.canadianinquirer.net

26

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Entertainment Bianca King reveals ex-bf who broke up with her via text

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

The Buzz goes off air after 16 years

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — After 16 years, Kapamilya Sunday entertainment talk show The Buzz announced that it will temporarily be going off air starting on Sunday, April 5.

In a statement during the last airing of the show, talk show host Boy Abunda confirmed the announcement and added that the show needed to take a break for a fresh start.

“After more than 15 years of unparalleled credibility as Philippine television’s leading showbiz-oriented talk show, The Buzz takes a break after its April 5,2015 episode. The program recognizes the evolution

in showbiz news reporting, and to cope with it, The Buzz deems it a necessary step to reinvent to start anew. Showbiz news will never die. The showbiz talk genre remains.”

Abunda explained that the evolving changes in the way showbiz news is reported have made the people behind the show to agree that they should “stop today and then come back strong” after the break.

“The world has changed and ang pamamaraan ng news reporting, and that includes showbiz news reporting, ay nabago na rin po. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit pansamantala kami ay mawawala sa ere. We want to take a few steps backward para makita namin ng mas malinaw kung sino kami, nasaan kami,

kung sino kayo at kung nasaan na po kayo. Para sa aming pagbabalik ay isang malaking pagbabago ang inyong aabangan,” Boy said.

(The world has changed and so the methods of news reporting, and that includes showbiz news reporting. This is the reason why we will be off the air temporarily. We want to take a few steps backward for us to see clearly who we are, where we are, who you the viewers are, and where you are. So that when we return, there is something new you can look forward to.)

The show was first aired in 1999 with Abunda, who was later joined by Kris Aquino and a number of other celebrities as host.

MANILA — Actress and host Bianca King revealed that actor Dennis Trillo broke up with her through a text message.

Bianca made the revelation during a press conference for TV5’s new showbiz talkshow, Konek na Konek, where Bianca along with IC Mendoza and MJ Marfori will be hosting.

The actress admitted that Trillo was the one she was referring to when she was interviewed in the radio program, Call Me Papa Jack on the same station.

During the presscon, Bia n c a also revealed t h a t s h e wants to interview

the Megastar Sharon Cuneta on her talkshow.

“Siguro, in all honesty, parang gusto ko si Miss Sharon [Cuneta].”

(In all honesty, maybe I want (to interview) Miss Sharon Cuneta.)

“Tumatak din siya sa akin growing up ko. Kasi, parang siya yung Filipino na Oprah [Winfrey].

(I saw her when I was growing up as the Filipino version of Oprah Winfrey.)

27

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Entertainment

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Xian opens up about Kim

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Actor Xian Lim reveals that actress Kim Chiu is one of the people who makes him happy.

In an interview, Lim expressed his excitement for his upcomi n g

teleserye with Kim Chiu and his movie with Vilma Santos.

He also revealed that Kim is among the persons who is making a great difference in his life.

“She’s a very happy person and parang wala syang problema. Nakukuha ko rin. (it seems like she has no problems. I get her also)” When asked to pick a song that would describe their relationship, Lim chose the song “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias.

“Ang ganda nung kanta,

www.canadianinquirer.net

Maggie Wilson on Balesin’s ‘Yaya’s Meal’

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Fashion designer and model Maggie WilsonConsunji condemns the “Yaya’s Meal”of an Balesin Island Club, an exclusive resort in Quezon province.

Maggie narrated through a post on her Facebook page how her mother ordered for the same food as their nanny’s but was refused by the waiter.

“My mom, Connor and his nanny, Nanay Belen went to have breakfast this morning.

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Entertainment

APRIL 10, 2015

FRIDAY

7 Canadian things about ‘Mad Men’ THE CANADIAN PRESS

Canuck cameos

Neve Campbell is among the bigger Canadian names to turn up, appearing in the first episode of this current season as a widow whose husband “died of thirst.”

Other characters tackled by Canucks include Don’s neighbour Dr. Arnold Rosen (married to Don’s mistress Sylvia) played by Brian Markinson; the Jaguar executive who Joan sleeps with in exchange for a partnership, played by Gary Basaraba; and Megan’s friend from Montreal, Camille, played by Quebec actress Kim Poirier.

TORONTO — While the stylish drama “Mad Men” is larger centred on vintage New York, with occasional sojourns in sunny California, Canadian fans have been delighted by occasional references to the Great White North.

In honour of the seven final episodes that begin airing this weekend, we look at seven Canadian connections to the show: Megan Draper (nee Calvet)

The second wife to dapper ad man Don Draper is not only Quebecois, but she’s also played by Montreal actress Jessica Pare.

The brunette beauty drops francophone curse words, while her mother (played by Julia Ormond) makes an offthe-cuff reference to Regina — all to the delight of Canuck fans who took to Twitter to celebrate the northern exposure.

Others, however, have taken issue with the show’s creative liberties, questioning how Quebecois the name Megan Calvet is and nitpicking about the accents of her supposedly Quebecois parents.

Canuck story references

Canadian Club

Don’s drink of choice is this Canadian whisky, a fact drilled into Peggy on her first day at the Sterling Cooper ad agency.

“Mr. Draper drinks rye,” Joan tells her on her first day.

“Rye is Canadian, right?” Peggy asks, reaching for a pen.

“You better find out,” says Joan, lighting a cigarette.

Beam Inc., the distiller that owns Canadian Club, reportedly saw a boost in

sales as the series took off.

Semi Chellas

The Calgary-raised Chellas joined the show as a writer in its fifth season, penning Emmynominated episodes that include Roger’s LSD trip and Joan’s reluctant play for a partnership.

Chellas recalls meeting creator Matthew Weiner for an interview on a Friday, being hired that afternoon, and scrambling to find a place to live by Monday, her first day of work. She says she still has a house in Toronto.

Dahvi Waller

This Canadian scribe made her mark as a producer and writer on seasons 3 and 4, with standout episodes including “Wee Small Hours,” which introduces Betty and Henry’s burgeoning affair, and sees Sal fired after refusing to surrender to a big client’s advances.

More recently, she’s logged credits as a writer and producer on another AMC period drama, “Halt and Catch Fire.”

These are admittedly few and far between, so when they pop up they stand out for eagle-eyed Canuck fans.

In season 6, Sylvia’s son Mitchell consults Megan about running to Canada to dodge the draft; and Roger asks Megan’s mother Marie “What is Reh-ji-nah?”

In season 2, Sal’s wife Kitty makes a doomed attempt at dinner-party small talk by announcing: “My cousin has an advertising agency in Montreal.”

“He’s not interested in that,” Sal admonishes her.

The real Don Draper

This is for hardcore trivia buffs only: Who plays Don Draper?

Of course, Jon Hamm doesn’t really play him — Hamm plays Dick Whitman, the illegitimate son of a prostitute who assumes the identity of a man named Don Draper.

The real Draper died in the Korean War, and we see him in a season 1 flashback played by Alberta actor Troy Ruptash. Ruptash’s other TV credits include “Firsts,” “Justified,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and “The Mentalist.”

Pacquiao gets a new round of inspiration from Nick Vujicic

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Renowned motivational speaker, evangelist, and author Nick Vujicic visited Pambansang Kamao Manny Pacquiao in his Beverly Hills home.

Vujicic, the latest celebrity to pay PacMan a visit before the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight on May 2nd, has a rare condition called Tetra-Amelia Syndrome. The Australia Christian Evangelist was born with no arms and legs due to his condition, but he decidwww.canadianinquirer.net

ed to use his situation to inspire millions of people worldwide by sharing his faith.

Pacquiao, who has been very vocal about his new-found faith, was grateful for Vujicic and wife Kanae’s visit.

Pacquiao posted a photo of the Vujicic couple and his wife Jinkee and two daughters on Instagram Tuesday saying: “You inspire me to be thankful for everything and to love the Lord more and more everyday.”

Nick Vujicic also gave Manny and Jinkee a copy of his new book “Love Without Limbs.”

Entertainment

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Xian opens up about Kim

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Actor Xian Lim reveals that actress Kim Chiu is one of the people who makes him happy.

In an interview, Lim expressed his excitement for his upcomi n g

teleserye with Kim Chiu and his movie with Vilma Santos.

He also revealed that Kim is among the persons who is making a great difference in his life.

“She’s a very happy person and parang wala syang problema. Nakukuha ko rin. (it seems like she has no problems. I get her also)” When asked to pick a song that would describe their relationship, Lim chose the song “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias.

“Ang ganda nung kanta, dapat pag pine-play nyo to, nagpe-play yung background (The song is beautiful, when you play the song, the background should go like)… I think the message of the song is very: ‘I can be your hero, baby’,” he said.

29

Maggie Wilson on Balesin’s ‘Yaya’s Meal’

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Fashion designer and model Maggie WilsonConsunji condemns the “Yaya’s Meal”of an Balesin Island Club, an exclusive resort in Quezon province.

Maggie narrated through a post on her Facebook page how her mother ordered for the same food as their nanny’s but was refused by the waiter.

“My mom, Connor and his nanny, Nanay Belen went to have breakfast this morning.

Our nanny ordered her meal and my mom wanted the same thing.

The waiter said ‘Oh, hindi pwede ma’am, kase that’s a ‘yaya’s meal,’ (Oh, that’s not allowed because that’s a Yaya’s meal.)”

Maggie also felt dismayed that some members of the resort are not allowing their helpers to order the kind of food they want.

Hence, the resort came up with a meal exclusive for the

www.canadianinquirer.net

“yaya’s.”

“So when I checked with management they said that they won’t stop the yaya’s from ordering what they want.

Which is true because we been here for 3 days and not once was our nanny told she couldn’t order what she wanted. But they do however have such a thing as

a “yaya’s meal”, the waiter that served them was clearly not informed correctly. But still, the fact that there are people who don’t want their yaya’s to eat whatever they want to is beyond me. Hence the resort having to offer a “yaya’s meal”. I still find that offensive,” Maggie explained in her post.

Entertainment

30

APRIL 10, 2015

FRIDAY

William Shatner continues to boldly go everywhere he possibly can

BY JUSTIN SMALLBRIDGE The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — There are a few constants in William Shatner’s career: he will always be working, he will always be mocked — not least by himself — and he will always be James T. Kirk, captain of the Starship Enterprise.

Those are the reasons why Shatner is appearing last weekend at Vancouver Fan Expo, a three-day gathering at the city’s convention centre for fans of comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming and the people who make that pop culture.

It’s one of “two or three — very few” such shows Shatner said he chooses to attend in a year.

Shatner said in telephone interview from Los Angeles that he continues to attend the events because he encounters constant reminders of the relevance of “Star Trek.”

In a recent example, his driver suddenly stopped on the way to the airport to tell Shatner about being tortured as a pris-

oner of war.

“The only way he kept alive was remembering words that I had said in the part of Captain Kirk,” he said.

The series originally ran for three seasons from 1966 to 1969 before NBC cancelled it because of low ratings.

It became a cult classic in the 1970s because of constant syndication reruns, which led to movies, beginning with “Star Trek: The Motion Picture” in 1979.

Those reruns also provided comedians with fodder for mocking impressions of Shatner as Kirk, often so exaggerated that he didn’t recognize himself.

“I’d have to say, ‘Who are they doing?’ in the beginning. Now I realize they’re doing me, so I can put that on and play with that,” he said. “But what seems to have happened is everybody’s grasped the idea that I’m trying my best.”

He said some of his performing quirks, including his stilted dialogue as the captain, came from memorizing pages and pages of lines.

At 84, William Shatner still feels like he can do it all, including attending a select few fan conventions every year.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Experiences like that and his encounter with the driver are the basis for an autobiographical one-man show, “Shatner’s World,” that toured Australia and Canada in 2011.

Touring Canada renewed the Montreal native’s appreciation for the country, he said.

“I’ve been from one end of the country to the other in the last couple of years in a way that not many people do, except for soap salesmen,” he said. “And I’ve seen Canada in all its fresh, glorious beauty.”

“Shatner’s World” ran on Broadway in 2012 and he con-

tinues performing the show.

“It became a show that had as its thrust the desire to work and say Yes to opportunities either professionally or personally and the concept of grasping life and making it work for you as best you can in the limited time we have.”

At 84, Shatner continues to say Yes, including recently completing four episodes on the supernatural series “Haven.”

“I just finished a show in Halifax in which I had many, many long speeches,” he said. “I thought, ‘This is going to be an interesting test to see what my memory’s like.’ I had no problems whatsoever.”

He described his health as “superb.”

Shatner said in the past weekend, he had ridden five American Saddlebred horses — he raises the animals — competing against a field of a hundred that included 18-year-old riders and came away with nine blue ribbons.

“Why in God’s name would you retire when I feel like I’m just discovering how to do it all?”

HOROSCOPE ARIES

CANCER

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)

(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)

(DEC 22 - JAN 19)

You may not know it, but the people around you may have been keeping grudge against you for always bossing around and nagging at them in ways that you may have not noticed. Try to be more caring and understanding of their feelings.

Losing your cool will not be very productive for you, this week. There are a few conflicts in work or at home, that will really test your patience. Learn to tame that beast inside and always look at the brighter side of things.

TAURUS

LEO

(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)

Trouble will follow you if you are not vigilant, so never let your guard down. The stars are telling you that it is not wrong to be friendly and to be open to building new relationship. Just be very careful in picking the ones you’ll trust .

Avoid stop overs in the form of leisure and unnecessary pleasures, which may slow you down from achieving what you will. Stay focused on driving towards the path that will lead you and your family to the end of the road.

The kind of happiness that giving brings is still greater than any kind of material bliss. Exploring a different king of joy – the joy of giving, and of charity – may help you ease the stress brought by your professional load.

Giving without asking for something in return is the ultimate key. Let go of all the pride you’ve been keeping inside and take a step towards greater peace of mind. Do not forget that the only way to reach the happiness that you desire is by being selfless.

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

(OCT 23 - NOV 21)

(JAN 20 - FEB 18)

Now is the right time to pursue the kind of style that will make your clients say yes. Just remember that whatever you are wearing is a reflection of the kind of person you are, so pick the best!

Remember that it wouldn’t hurt to lay down the flag first. You can only be happier if you forgive and forget.

Straighten the crooked beginnings by apologizing to those you have hurt in the past days.

GEMINI

VIRGO

SAGITTARIUS

PISCES

(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)

(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)

(NOV 22 - DEC 21)

(FEB 19 - MAR 20)

Try avoiding future conflicts by always keeping in mind that you have to be reasonable at all times. Depending on facts and sound logic may help you make the best decision today. Relying on baseless and unproven doubts and feelings may not do you any good.

Do not let temptations distract you from growing wiser in handling financial matters. Remember to save today to gains success tomorrow! Have a bountiful harvest by playing the cards right this week!

Great things come only once, so when it’s finally there, grab it and never let go. Letting the opportunity pass is the biggest mistake you’ll be making this week. Be on guard of the wonderful chances that will be coming your way.

www.canadianinquirer.net

The stars want you to free yourself from thinking about the worst, which may never happen. Instead of blaming yourself and the people around you, why not try keeping a positive note in your mind and you’ll be surprised with the good things it might bring you.

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FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Immigration

Express Entry: So Far So Good CIC NEWS ANYBODY WHO had followed the government of Canada’s announcements regarding the launch of its new Express Entry selection system for Canadian immigration coming up to launch day on January 1, 2015, knew the rules and procedures that would govern the system, but nobody could say for certain how things might pan out.

Three months and six draws later, we are getting a fuller picture of how the system operates in reality.

In terms of how often Express Entry draws are made, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) appears to favour frequent draws that select a limited number of candidates.

Before launch day, CIC officials said that an estimated 15 to 25 draws would be made in 2015.

With six draws having taken place between January 31 and March 27, CIC is on track to get to the upper end of that estimated range if the regularity of draws remains consistent.

CIC also indicated that candidates without a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer or a provincial nomination may be selected in earlier draws from the pool. While the first four draws selected only candidates who had either a job offer or a provincial nomination, the two most recent draws have indeed selected a number of candidates who did not have either one. These candidates had reasonably high scores under the Comprehensive Ranking System based on factors such as age, level of education, language ability, and work experience. Up to 600 points may be awarded for these factors, with a further 600 awarded to candidates with a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer or a provincial nomination.

Express Entry: the past, present and future

“While three months of operation may not provide enough details to form a full picture of how Express Entry may

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function in the future, it cer- Express Entry quick facts, from • Smallest decrease in CRS tainly offers enough to make a January 1 to April 1 (All dates points required between two fair analysis of how things are are for 2015) consecutive draws: 10 (from • Launch date: January 1 February 7 to February 20 working today,” says Attorney David Cohen.

• First draw from the pool: draws) “The good news for candidates January 31 • Longest gap between two who have not yet been issued an • Most recent draw from the consecutive draws: 21 days invitation to apply is that the re- pool: March 27 (from February 27 to March 20 quired CRS score required has • Minimum CRS points re- draws) decreased with each new draw quired for selection in any one • Shortest gap between two from the pool. With CIC having draw: 453 (March 27 draw) consecutive draws: 7 days (on selected a numthree occasions) ber of candidates without job ofI m p o r t a n t information for fers or provincial all candidates nominations in Express We’re just Entry awaiting is not an instructions immigration and applicants from Malacañang.

We will respect recent weeks, program in itself, but rather a system whatever is the decision this provides used

by CIC to select candidates for Once an inviof Malacañang. real incentive for immigration to Canada. tation to apply these individuals has been issued to make efforts to a candidate, to improve their he or she has profile and rank60 days to file a ing. Doing so may increase their • Largest number of invita- complete application with all chances of making it over the tions to apply issued in any one supporting documents; no exline and being selected. draw: 1,637 (March 27 draw) tensions will be granted. Can“It should be remembered, • Fewest invitations to ap- didates who have been issued however, that obtaining a quali- ply issued in any one draw: an invitation to apply are enfying job offer or provincial 779 (January 1 and February 7 couraged to submit their comnomination remains the surest draws) plete applications in good time way of being issued an invita• Largest decrease in CRS to avoid missing their opportion to apply. Express Entry is points required between two tunity, while those who have a system that rewards proactive consecutive draws: 254 (from not yet been selected from the candidates.”

February 27 to March 20 draws) Express Entry pool are en-

couraged to gather these documents in advance.

Moreover, it is important that the information provided and documents submitted are completely accurate in order to avoid being penalised for misrepresentation. Penalties for misrepresentation may include a five-year ban on applying to immigrate to, or even visit, Canada.

Express Entry is not an immigration program in itself, but rather a system used by CIC to select candidates for immigration to Canada using the following economic immigration programs: • Federal Skilled Worker Program • Federal Skilled Trades Program • Canadian Experience Class • a portion of the Provincial Nominee Programs To find out if you are eligible for any of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, including the federal economic programs that are processed under Express Entry, please visit www.canadavisa.com.

32

Immigration

APRIL 10, 2015 FRIDAY

British Columbia Puts Temporary Halt On New Applications To Provincial Nominee Program CIC NEWS THE GOVERNMENT of British Columbia (B.C.) has announced that, effective immediately (April 2015), it is implementing a 90-day pause on new applications to most categories of the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP) for Canadian immigration.

New applications will be accepted from July 2015 with a more streamlined application process and updated program criteria.

The BCPNP will continue to accept applications under its enhanced Express Entry British Columbia stream, as well the Health Care Professional and Northeast Pilot Project

categories, during the temporary pause on new applications. Applications that are in the BCPNP application system as of March 31, 2015, will continue to be processed on a firstcome, first-served basis during the pause, which runs April 1, 2015, to July 1, 2015. Program staff will not be responding to requests for status updates during this period.

Under the BCPNP, the government of Canada allows the provincial government of B.C. limited jurisdiction over immigration policy and selection, based on local labour market needs. This year, B.C. will grant permanent resident status to up to 5,500 immigrants. The program offers an accelerated pathway to permanent resi-

dence for skilled workers and qualified entrepreneurs, as well as their dependent family members, who intend to settle in B.C. The moratorium on new applications is expected to allow the province to deal with a backlog in applications. A year ago, B.C. could process a PNP application in 12 weeks; now the wait list is 13 months, and there are already more people in the queue than B.C. can admit this year. The provincial government has been warning that it faces a skills shortage in the coming years, with an anticipated construction boom in the north. Like a number of other provinces, it has been calling for more control over immigration policy in order to

Filipino UN... ‹‹ 23

time in our respective nation's history where we have an opportunity to formally bring forth, to the United Nations, the difficulties that the indigenous people in British Columbia are facing today," he said.

Meanwhile, Tauli-Corpuz visited Vancouver from Apr. 1 to 3, and spoke on what she described as the continuous violation of people’s rights by corporations and governments around the globe wanting to extract resources mostly found in indigenous people’s territories.

The talks were sponsored

by Kathara Pilipino Indigenous Arts Collective Society and hosted by Migrante.

Other discussions were presented by UBCO’s Indigenous Studies Program and the

Schools of Arts and Sciences, with support from the International Distinguished Visitor Fund.

Tauli-Corpuz is from the Kankanaey Igorot people of the Cordillera Region in the Philippines. She is a social development consultant, an international indigenous activist, civic leader, human rights expert, public servant and advocate of women’s rights.

As an activist, she helped organize indigenous peoples in the community level to fight against the projects of then President Marcos. They succeeded in stopping the Chico River Hydroelectric Dam and the Cellophil Resources Corporation.

Corpuz is a trained nurse from the University of the Philippines. - MM

www.canadianinquirer.net

address such shortages.

The rationale

“The PNP is an important program for B.C. and a key pathway to permanent residence for workers who want to come and live in B.C., raise a family and contribute to building our province. The redesign of the PNP and streamlined application process will support B.C.’s economic growth by attracting highdemand skilled workers and investment-ready entrepreneurs,” stated B.C. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training, Shirley Bond.

“The redesigned PNP will be focused on supporting B.C.’s labour market and economic development priorities for a

strong economy. The Province’s 2015 PNP allocation from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is 5,500 nominations and is over-subscribed.

We continue to work with the federal Government to secure flexibility in the number of high-demand skilled workers and investment-ready entrepreneurs we need to keep the economy diverse, strong and growing.”

To find out if you are eligible for any of over 60 Canadian immigration programs, including immigration streams under the British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program’s Express Entry category, which remains open, please visit www.canadavisa.com.

33

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Lifestyle

Science Matters: Water is life; we can’t afford to waste it

BY DAVID SUZUKI The Associated Press HOW LONG can you go without water? You could probably survive a few weeks without water for cooking. If you stopped washing, the threat to your life might only come from people who can’t stand the smell. But most people won’t live for more than three days without water to drink. It makes sense: our bodies are about 65 per cent water.

According to the United Nations, about 750 million people lack access to safe water - that’s one in nine! One child dies every minute from a waterrelated disease and 1.2 billion people, a fifth of the global population, live in areas where water is scarce. And it’s not just in other countries. As of January, at least 1,838 drinking water advisories were in effect in Canada, including 169 in 126 First Nations communities some ongoing for years.

With Canada’s abundant glaciers, lakes, rivers and streams, we often take water for granted.

(In my home province, we give it away to large corporations that bottle and sell it back to us at exorbitant prices!) We shouldn’t be so complacent.

People in California thought they had enough water to fill swimming pools, water gardens and yards, support a fertile agricultural industry and shoot massive volumes into the ground to fracture shale deposits to release the oil they contain. Now, with the state in its

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fourth year of severe drought, regulators are considering emergency legislation and have imposed restrictions to deal with shortages.

Droughts in California and elsewhere are serious warnings about what we could face in Canada and around the world as growing human populations and industry require ever more water, and as climate change wreaks havoc on the Earth’s hydrologic cycle, causing drought in some areas and flooding in others.

According to a UN report, as water supplies dwindle, demand from manufacturing, thermal electricity generation and domestic uses will increase 55 per cent by 2050. The report, “Water for a Sustainable World”, says that unless we find

better ways to manage water, the world could face a 40 per cent shortfall by 2030. About 20 per cent of the world’s aquifers are already overexploited.

Water shortages and unsafe water lead to many problems, including food scarcity and crop failure, increased poverty and disease, ecosystem collapse, problems for industry and increasing conflicts over dwindling supplies.

As individuals, we should do everything possible to conserve water, but avoiding massive shortages of clean water will take concerted action at all levels of society. The UN report concludes: “The global water crisis is one of governance, much more than of resource availability, and this is where the bulk of the action is

required in order to achieve a water secure world.”

Water conservation is the best way to ensure we have enough to go around. Recycling wastewater and reserving clean water for drinking, moving away from water-intensive agricultural practices, reducing water pollution and avoiding industrial activities that use excessive amounts of water are also important. The report states that the growing demand for meat, large homes, motor vehicles, appliances and other energy-consuming devices “involves increased water consumption for both production and use.” And while population is a factor, the report shows the increase in water demand is double the rate of population growth.

At the policy level, better supply and sanitation infrastructure and improved management are essential. Protecting natural assets such as forests and wetlands that purify and store water and reduce flooding will help, especially in light of expected increases in natural disasters as the world continues to warm. Of course, doing all we can to reduce climate change and its consequences is also crucial.

The report also notes the world’s current obsession with economic growth has “come at a significant social and environmental cost,” including greater demands on water resources.

Getting a handle on water management and conservation concerns us all. It’s also about social justice, as the poor feel the brunt of negative impacts from water pollution and shortages.

As the UN report points out, “It is now universally accepted that water is an essential primary natural resource upon which nearly all social and economic activities and ecosystem functions depend.” Water makes life possible. We must never take it for granted.

Dr. David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Editor Ian Hanington.

34

Immigration

APRIL 10, 2015 FRIDAY

Companies and scientists are hoping that genetically engineered foods containing extra benefits such as more nutrients or built-in resistance to diseases and damage will be attractive enough to consumers that they will overlook any concerns they may have about genetic engineering.

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What’s next? Next generation GMOs could be pink pineapples, purple tomatoes, healthier oils

BY MARY CLARE JALONICK The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Cancerfighting pink pineapples, hearthealthy purple tomatoes and less fatty vegetable oils may someday be on grocery shelves alongside more traditional products.

These genetically engineered foods could receive government approval in the coming years, following the OK recently given to apples that don’t brown and potatoes that don’t bruise.

The companies and scientists that have created these foods are hoping that customers will be attracted to the health benefits and convenience and overlook any concerns about genetic engineering.

“I think once people see more of the benefits they will become more accepting of the technology,” says Michael Firko, who oversees the Agriculture Department’s regulation of genetically modified organisms, or GMOs. Critics aren’t so sure. They say there should be more thorough regulation of modified foods, which are grown from seeds engineered in labs, and

have called for mandatory labeling of those foods. The Agriculture Department has the authority only to oversee plant health relative to GMOs, and seeking Food and Drug Administration’s safety approval is generally voluntary.

“Many of these things can be done through traditional breeding,” says Doug GurianSherman of the advocacy group Center for Food Safety. “There needs to be skepticism.”

What could be coming next?

Del Monte has engineered a pink pineapple that includes lycopene, an antioxidant compound that gives tomatoes their red colour and may have a role in preventing cancer. USDA has approved importation of the pineapple, which would be grown only outside of the United States; it is pending FDA approval. Some gardeners already grow conventional purple tomatoes, but a small British company is planning to apply for U.S. permission to produce and sell a new genetically modified variety that have high levels of anthocyanins, compounds found in blueberries that some studies show lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. FDA would have to approve

any health claims used to sell the products.

Seed giants Monsanto and Dow AgroSciences are separately developing modified soybean, canola and sunflower oils with fewer saturated fats and more Omega-3 fatty acids.

The Florida citrus company Southern Gardens is using a spinach gene to develop genetically engineered orange trees that could potentially resist citrus greening disease, which is devastating the Florida orange crop. Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc., the company that created the nonbrowning apples, is also looking at genetically engineering peaches, cherries and pears to resist disease and improve quality.

A few genetically engineered fruits and vegetables are already available in grocery stores: Hawaiian papaya, some zucchini and squash and a small amount of the sweet corn we eat, for example. But the bulk of the nation’s genetically engineered crops are corn and soybeans that are eaten by livestock or made into popular processed food ingredients like corn starch, soybean oil or high fructose corn syrup.

The engineered corn and www.canadianinquirer.net

soybeans have faced resistance from environmental groups and some consumers who are wary of the technology, saying not enough is known about their effects on humans or on the land. While science has so far shown that genetically engineered foods are safe, the groups have called for the labeling so consumers know what they are eating.

According to a December Associated Press-GfK poll, twothirds of Americans favour those labels.

Facing that concern, companies developing the new products say their strategy for winning over consumers is to harness the increased interest in healthy eating.

“This is a new wave of crops that have both grower benefits and consumer benefits,” says Doug Cole of J.R. Simplot, the company that developed the potatoes. Many modified types of corn and soybeans are engineered to resist herbicides, a benefit for growers trying to control weeds but of little use for the consumer.

A potential benefit of Simplot’s potatoes is fewer black spots, a plus not only for farmers seeking higher yields

but also for consumers who wouldn’t have to soak them before preparation.

British scientist Cathie Martin has developed the modified purple tomatoes and hopes to eventually sell them as a juice in the United States. She says some of those same healthconscious consumers that have concerns over GMOs should be attracted to a product with potential to help lower the risk of cancer.

“This product has been designed to be good for them,” Martin says.

Retailers are still uncertain.

McDonald’s buys Simplot’s conventional potato products but said the company does not have “current plans” to source any GMO potatoes. Other retail chains have already pledged not to sell a genetically engineered salmon that is pending approval at the Food and Drug Administration.

Cathleen Enright of the Biotechnology Industry Organization says the industry worries that opposition from advocacy groups will slow development.

“At the end of the day, the marketplace is going to determine what is going to succeed,” Enright said.

Lifestyle

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

35

Investing 101: Choosing between RRSP and TFSA

BY LAARNI LIWANAG, FINANCIAL ADVISOR CHOOSING between RRSP and TFSA is always a battle for some people.

For years, we have been introduced to Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSP) as the primary investment vehicle for our retirement savings.

RRSP limit equals 18% of your earned income (subject to the annual contribution limit as reflected in your CRA Assessment) and allows you to carry forward your unused contribution year after year. Some buy RRSPs because of the notion that if they buy RRSPs they will get a refund come tax season.

With the introduction of Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA), there has been a battle for some who wanted to invest their hard earned money in a vehicle that will generate them income for their retirement years and at the same time give them flexibility in accessing the money if needed. The TFSA maximum contribution is $5,500 a year. (From 2009 to 2012,

the amount is $5,000 a year).

Likewise, with carry forward unused contribution year after year.

But first things first: where do I invest – RRSP or TFSA? It really depends. If you are earning less than $30,000, your marginal tax rate is already low so a RRSP will not be a tax benefit to you. If you earn between $30,000- $80,000, then you can consider investing in both. If you think that, after retirement, your marginal tax rate is still high, a TFSA might be better, but if your income is higher now than when you expect it at retirement, then consider a RRSP. If your income is over $80,000 consider using your annual RRSP tax deduction to fund your TFSA. Thus if you are a high income earner, buy RRSP and invest your tax refund in TFSA. Buying RRSP will reduce your taxable income and may entitle you to a refund which you can use to buy TFSA, thus allowing you to grow your retirement money faster. In a nutshell, a RRSP offers an immediate refund and tax deferral, while a TFSA offers flexibil-

ity and tax free growth.

To illustrate the effect of investing both in RRSP and TFSA towards your retirement, assume that Mary at 30 years old invested in a RRSP in the amount of $5,000 which entitled her to a tax refund of $2,000. If Mary invested the tax refund in TFSA, she would have $5,000 RRSP and $2,000 TFSA working for her towards her retirement.

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Assume that each vehicle earns an average of 6% p.a., applying the compounding interest principle; her $7,000 now would be $56,864 at age 65. If Mary contributes regularly to her TFSA in the amount of $50.00 a month, she would have $128,100 in her retirement years.

Investing is a matter of discipline, the earlier you start the better your money works for

you. If you start investing late in your life, your time horizon is shorter and you will need to catch up with the lost time to attain your retirement goal.

Further understanding of the key features of each investment vehicle can help you in deciding which type of investment to go. For a more detailed understanding of each vehicle, please talk to your financial advisor.

36

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Business

Bangsamoro to stimulate multi-billion peso economic turnaround: expert

BY CATHERINE J. TEVES Philippines News Agency MANILA — Government expects creation of the targeted Bangsamoro autonomous region, a poverty-stricken and war-weary area at present, to generate economic growth of at least some PHP36 billion annually and about 60,000 jobs.

“That’s even only a conservative estimate of Bangsamoro’s possible contribution to Philippine GDP,” government peace panel member and former agriculture chief Senen Bacani said Monday (April 6) at a Metro Manila forum on updates regarding the government-Moro Islamic LiberationFront (MILF) negotiations for peace and the region’s creation.

He projects peace and stability following the region’s creation to fuel agro-fisheries as well as gas and minerals exploration activities, stimulating economic turn-around of the area.

“Agro-fisheries will be the biggest job creator there,” Bacani said.

Between PHP100,000 to PHP200,000 investment is needed to generate jobs in the area’s agro-fisheries sector, he noted.

“I think it’s possible to generate the projected 60,000 jobs there,” he said.

Bacani made the projections, noting conservative estimates place the Bangsamoro’s expected economic growth at about a third of one percent of Philippine GDP which already ballooned to around PHP12 trillion.

According to government, the target Bangsamoro territory will still be part of the Philippines.

Such territory will cover land mass as well as maritime,terrestrial, fluvial and alluvial domains and the aerial domain above it, government noted.

Bangsamoro’s core territory

Philippine government officials have said that the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous region will bring a much needed infusion of economic growth to the currently poverty-stricken and war-weary area, and that it will add much growth to the Philippine GDP. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

will include the present geographical areas of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) as well as Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan and Tangkal municipalities in Lanao del Norte province.

The target region will also cover all other “barangay” (village) settlements in Kabacan, Carmen, Aleosan, Pigkawayan, Pikit and Midsayap municipalities in North Cotabato province that voted for inclusion in ARMM during the 2001 plebiscite; Cotabato and Isabela cities as well as “all other contiguous areas where there is a resolution of the LGU or a petition of at least 10 percent of registered voters in the area asking for their inclusion at least two months prior to conduct of ratification of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the process of delimitation of the Bangsamoro.”

Government also said areas contiguous and outside the Bangsamoro core territory “may opt at any time to be part of the territory upon petition of at least 10 percent of the registered voters and approved by a majority of qualified votes cast

in a plebiscite.”

Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is the legislation Malacanang proposed for the target region that will replace the current ARMM. Bacani said the target Bangsamoro region will likely experience, some 10 years after its creation, the full impact of expected multi-billion peso economic growth.

He based such forecast on developments after past international conflicts, noting it normally took a decade for private investments to flow into previously strife-stricken areas.

He said government hopes the real impact of Bangsamoro’s economic growth can be substantial in the next five years with the nearly 50 percent poverty incidence there at present being halved by then.

“We’re optimistic that in the near-term, there should be faster effect in terms of poverty alleviation,” he noted.

Public and private expenditures will help bring forth such poverty reduction, he said.

“Only sustainable livelihood can lift people out of poverty,”

he said.

Bangsamoro’s immediate impact is possible some two years after creation of this target region, Bacani said further.

It will take such period for government to establish in Bangsamoro the infrastructure and basic services needed for this target region’s economic take-off, he noted.

“Government must fill in the necessary gaps,” he said.

Peace talks between government and MILF hit a snag this year when deadly fighting erupted in Maguindanao province between Special Action Force (SAF) police commandos and non-State forces during an anti-terrorist operation.

Forty-four of the SAF commandos were killed in action while on a mission against terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan, a Malaysian master bomb-maker, and his Filipino counterpart Basit Usman.

Authorities identified the non-State forces as belonging to MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) breakaway group as well as private armed groups.

At least 17 MILF and four civilians also died during the fighting.

In February 2013, government and MILF launched the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program which is a socio-economic initiatives for jumpstarting initial dividends of the peace both parties continue striving to achieve.

The program aims to improve health, education and livelihood of priority Bangsamoro communities and targeted individual beneficiaries through quick-gestation, high-impact and social protection-type measures.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as well as other government agencies concerned directly implement projects under the Sajahatra Bangsamoro Program.

Sajahatra was designed to be inclusive so there are individual IPs and non-Moros as well as areas under this program that are outside the proposed Bangsamoro core territory.

The government said such areas include Davao Oriental and Zamboanga Sibugay provinces.

Business

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

37

ASEAN leaders aim to narrow economic gap in region, document says

BY VIVIAN HO Philippines News Agency

ration on a People-Centered ASEAN.” The ASEAN Economic Community blueprint envisaged an integrated market and production base with free flow of goods, services and investments, skilled labor and capital.

But there is a startling development gap among member countries. For example, Singapore’s gross national income per capita is 56 times bigger than that of Cambodia.

Skeptics have long voiced doubts over ASEAN’s ambition for closer integration given the grouping’s sacred stance on sovereignty and the increase in protectionism as national interest trumps regional ambi-

tries.

“Those are basically companies from ASEAN countries that want to expand but have KUALA LUMPUR — Leaders encountered problems such as from the Association of Southwith approvals and other noneast Asian Nations will push tariff barriers. You will only for more engagement with the know if you look at it company private sector to narrow the by company,” the official news gap among their countries as agency Bernama quoted Idris the bloc strives toward a comas saying. mon market by the end of this In addition to the Kuala year, according to a draft decLumpur declaration, the ASElaration set to be adopted by AN leaders are also expected to the leaders at a summit later adopt the “Langkawi Declarathis month. tion on the Global Movement of Leaders from the 10 member Moderates.” countries in ASEAN are expectThe declaration calls for “a ed to meet in Kuala Lumpur for commitment to democratic their annual summit on April values, good governance, eq26 before heading to the northuitable economic growth and ern island readherence to sosort of Langkawi cial justice” as a for an informal way “to counter gathering the and address the next day. root causes of Malaysia plays The leaders agree to “encourage terrorism, viohost at a cruWe’re more engagement just awaitingand instructions interaction lent extremism from Malacañang.

We willand respect cial juncture in between ASEAN leaders and radicalism,” whatever is the decision ASEAN develbusiness leaders . . . as well as according to a of Malacañang. opments as this promote the free movement of draft obtained by year marks the peoples and skilled labor.

Kyodo. deadline for the Southeast formal establishAsia has not ment of the ASEbeen spared AN Community, by extremists’ a project which entails closer tion. violence. Groups like the Inintegration through political But host Malaysia has a plan donesia-based Jemaah Islamisecurity, and closer economic to integrate the private sector, yah and the Abu Sayyaf based and socio-cultural relations. helping companies to expand in southern Philippines have wrought terror.

On economic ties, the leaders across borders.

And now, the latest threat is agree to “encourage more enAt the ASEAN economic mingagement and interaction be- isters meeting last month, Id- the growing influence of Islamtween ASEAN leaders and busi- ris Jala, minister in the Prime ic State militants. Officials say ness leaders including small Minister’s Department, pre- dozens of people in Southeast and medium enterprises to nar- sented his “pathfinder project” Asian countries have headed to row the gaps within and among proposal to the ministers where Syria and Iraq to join IS. ASEAN as well as promote the each country identifies 10 comASEAN groups Brunei, Camfree movement of peoples and panies and gets all 100 to sit bodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malayskilled labor,” according to a together and thrash out their sia, Myanmar, the Philippines, draft obtained by Kyodo News problems trying to expand in Singapore, Thailand and Viettitled “Kuala Lumpur Decla- other ASEAN member coun- nam.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Costco Wholesale Canada recalls Kirkland roasted chicken salad because of listeria risk THE ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK — Costco Canada is recalling Kirkland Signature brand roasted chicken salad because of a possible listeria contamination.

The recall covers salads that contain fully cooked sliced chicken breast. The salad was sold in all Canadian provinces except for Prince Edward Island. The universal product code numbers on the recalled packages start with 2 47321 and 2 47319. No illnesses have been reported related

EXCHANGE RATES

to the potential contamination.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said consumers who have the salads should throw them out or return them to Costco Wholesale Canada stores. The agency said the food may not look or smell spoiled.

Symptoms of listeria infection can include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, headaches and neck stiffness. The infection can be the most dangerous for newborns, older people, and pregnant women.

Costco Wholesale Corp. has 88 locations in Canada.

As of April 8, 2015, from finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

CND / USD

1.2462

-0.0048

-0.3813%

CND / PHP

35.6985

+0.1247

+0.3506%

CND / EUR

1.3497

-0.0030

-0.2207%

www.canadianinquirer.net

38

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Travel

Outdoor adventure at 5 star ecotourism lodge in Nova Scotia: Mushroom hunting and wilderness

BY ANICK JESDANUN The Associated Press IN THE TOBEATIC WILDERNESS, N.S. — Into the forest we went with a mushroom hunter and guide, in search of edibles in the speckled light of a summer afternoon. The finds: golden chanterelles peeking through the moss, reed-thin cucumber root and the grand prize, a brown-capped bolete, which became one of the mushrooms in the beef soup we consumed that evening.

Yes, the evening meal. It is the exclamation point for a day’s agenda at Trout Point Lodge, a five-star “ecotourism” resort accessible by a gravel and dirt road in southwestern Nova Scotia 40 miles from the coastal port of Yarmouth. Chefs Charles Leary and Vaughn Perret, two of the lodge’s partners, create a nightly table d’hote for guests that is inspired by Cajun cooking in faraway New Orleans. That, in turn, was inspired by the food of Nova Scotia’s French Acadian settlers who were displaced in the 18th century by British conquerors.

Instead of flying to Halifax

170 miles (274 kilometres) away or driving through New Brunswick Province, we travelled from Portland, Maine, via the overnight Nova Star ferry, in an ocean-view cabin in the huge ship’s bow, then disembarked at Yarmouth for the brief journey by rental car to Trout Point.

With roads becoming narrower, we turned with rising curiosity onto a canopied lane that ended at Trout Point’s main house of massive logs and granite.

The concept of “gourmet meets wilderness” was established right away, it being lunchtime. Our server, Kara Crowell, in a starched white waiter’s coat, brought bowls of chunky shrimp and bean soup in the cozy downstairs dining hall, followed by the main course, fresh mussels steamed in saffron, garlic and butter. We would see the same server later in a much different outfit.

“The vegetables and herbs are grown on site,” says co-owner Leary. “The wild foods are collected by hand, the salmon is smoked a few yards from the kitchen, the bread is baked each day. The fish is caught on the nearby coast, the yogurt firms sitting on a high kitchen shelf.”

This is not surprising, considering his and partner Perret’s background. They emigrated from Louisiana, where they helped found Chicory Farm in 1990 to provide sustainable cheeses, produce and wild foods first to customers of New Orleans’ French Market and then to restaurants like Commander’s Palace and Emeril’s.

Though food service was part of Perret’s background, he was a lawyer and Leary was a Chinese historian when they took a flier on Chicory Farm.

That brought them in 1996 to the historic homeland of Acadians in Nova Scotia and the purchase of 200 acres (81 hectares) of untouched woodlands, bisected by the Tusket and Napier Rivers. “It’s actually not so easy to find land that was not within eyeshot of a major timber holding, but we succeeded,” says Leary. “We also like the dynamism of the river, as opposed, for example, to being on a lake.”

Almost two decades later, the Tusket still flows and gurgles below the lodge and outbuildings, ready for kayakers, canoeists, and - in late summer - swimmers. It is home to

COURTESY OF TROUT POINT LODGE WEBSITE

beavers, trout, waterfowl and wild cranberry bushes. A woodburning above-ground spa is a counterpoint to a crisp dip in the Tusket. An elevated walkway ends at a raised platform in a calming pool of the river with a 360-degree view of shoreline thickets and stands of white birch, ash, maple, hemlock and pine. By day, the solitude and silence there is encompassing; on a clear night, some of the darkest skies in North America reveal a sparkly dome of countless stars.

Pack swim suits, hiking boots, outdoor apparel, an appetite and perhaps a book to read on the spacious veranda where the only interruptions are darting chipmunks and an occasional hummingbird. Off-road bicycles, fly rods, waders, the kayaks and canoes and other equipment are already part of Trout Point’s inventory. The multi-tasking staff cooks, waits tables, collects foodstuffs from the gardens and takes drink

orders before dinner. Besides being the edible hike guide, our mushroom hunter Brendon Smith is a massage therapist and a classical guitarist who offers lessons on site and plays for guests in the evening.

The owners may pitch in to staff the front desk, where oatmeal cookies and white wine await new arrivals, but their primary focus is on cuisine.

Each afternoon, the menu is determined by the day’s shopping and discoveries of “wild delicacies.” The day doesn’t conclude until the last of the meals are served and the paperwork - invoices for tomorrow’s checkouts and the like - is done.

Which brings us back to Crowell, our food server and an ebullient mother of two who lives nearby. After lunch on the first day, the next time she was seen in lumberjack gear, having wielded a chain saw to clear trails cluttered with fallen logs from a hurricane two weeks before.

Travel

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

39

Low winter DOT: Phl must-see snowpack brings destinations featured crush of hikers to in travel IG accounts Washington trails

BY AZER N. PARROCHA Philippines News Agency

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS TACOMA, WASH. — Federal land managers have been caught unprepared for the rush of visitors after a low winter snowpack cleared Washington’s mountain roads and trails weeks earlier than usual.

The News Tribune reports that national parks and forests in western Washington typically bring on hundreds of seasonal employees — many of them college students — to handle summer crowds. But this year the seasonal crews are already needed, and many are still in school.

Steve Johnson, the acting district ranger of the BakerSnoqualmie National Forest, said the trails along Interstate 90 are seeing crowds they wouldn’t usually get until June.

“Normally our field crews, we don’t bring them on until mid-April, or May first,” Johnson said. “We need them now.

People are not hitting snow un-

til they get to 5,000 feet, so they can get way up into the backcountry.”

The Washington state De partment of Transportation announced that Chinook Pass and Cayuse Pass reopened late Thursday afternoon, which will open access to the Pacific Crest Trail and hundreds of square miles of back country east of Mount Rainier that’s usuallyaccessible at this time of year only by snowmobiles or snowshoes.

“Historically, that’s the sec ond-earliest for Cayuse and the earliest ever for Chinook, as farback as record-keeping goes,” said Tracy Swartout, acting su perintendent at Mount RainierNational Park.

Swartout said some trail heads and parking lots will besnow-free before the park’s water systems and wastewa ter treatment plants have been dewinterized, meaning visitors will find no drinkable water or working toilets.

MANILA — Some of the Philippines’ must-see destinations were featured on various travel and tourism Instagram (IG) accounts last week, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday.

According to the DOT, New York-based magazine Travel + Leisure featured a photo of the Shangri-la Boracay and Perth Beach Resort in Sipalay, Negros Occidental on its official IG account, @travelandleisure just last weekend.

Travel guide book Lonely Planet meanwhile featured the Hapao rice terraces in Ifugao on its official IG account, @lonelyplanet, describing the place to be perfect for a Holy Week.

In London’s official IG travel account, @London, the Royal Albert Hall with London’s iconic red bus carrying the department’s #VisitPhilippines2015 ads were also featured.

Meanwhile, film producer, Joshua Cowan (@JoshZoo) has also featured photos of the rice terraces which are stills go-

The Shangri-la Boracay was one of several notable Philippine travel destinations featured by high-profile travel Instagram accounts recently.

COURTESY OF SHANGRI-LA.COM

ing to be used for an upcoming JacksGap video feature of the Philippines.

JacksGap is a British YouTube channel run by twins Jack and Finn Harries.

Finally, travel influencer Beautiful Destinations (@BeautifulDestinations) founder Jeremy Jauncey featured the Pan-

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gulasian Island in El Nido in his Best Destinations bucket list.

DOT for its part, welcomed the inclusion of these destinations and expressed confidence that more of the country’s tourist spots be featured in other IG accounts in the coming days, especially during its peak summer season.

Long term forecast taken from: www.weathernetwork.com

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FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Sports

Last boxer to beat Mayweather lives on 435 dollars a month in Bulgaria PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are taking separate approaches to training for their upcoming mega-fight on May 2, but both expect to be in top shape to face each other.

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Contrasting buildups for Manny, Money

BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer MANNY PACQUIAO and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are taking different routes toward attaining optimum fighting form for their gigantic showdown on May 2 in Las Vegas.

Mayweather swims laps in the pool, Pacquiao does laps at the track oval.

Pacquiao jogs in the early morning, Mayweather runs late at night.

Pacquiao hammers medicine balls, Mayweather chops wood.

Mayweather follows no strict

schedule, Pacquiao adheres to regular workouts.

These are what conditioning coaches Justin Fortune for Pacquiao and Alex Ariza for Mayweather charted in the course of their preparations for the Fight of the Century at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Even their relaxation time, after rigorous training or sparring, is in sharp contrast.

Mayweather listens to hip-hop music, Pacquiao reads the Bible.

Despite the deviations in training and recovery methods, however, both are expected to be in peak form on fight night.

After all, they’ve been suc-

cessful with these systems throughout their long, illustrious careers.

The unbeaten Mayweather is acclaimed as pound-for-pound king, and the revitalized Pacquiao as Fighter of the Decade.

Nobody else comes close. That’s why their battle for the unified welterweight crown stands to be the biggest, the richest and the grandest ever.

Mayweather, the world’s highest-earning athlete in 2014 according to Forbes, stands to earn between $120 and $180 million; Pacquiao, ranked No. 11, between $80 and $120 million.

lion dollars.

Todorov’s neighborhood in Bulgaria is ridden with drug dealers and “underworld bossFLOYD MAYWEATHER has es” who have offered Todorov never lost a professional box- positions, but he has turned ing match with a perfect 46-0 them down. record, but he is a loser to BulIt’s a far cry from where garian boxer Serafim Todorov Todorov was in the 1996 Olymin the semifinals of the 1996 pics. Todorov beat Mayweather Olympics in Atlanta. in a close 10-9 decision, which Todorov was 27 years old then was later appealed by Mayand was considered one of the weather and the US team, who best and most believed that experienced boxBulgarian judge ers in the Atlanta Emil Jetchev Olympics, but was judging unTodorov’s life Todorov says he fairly. couldn’t be more was Butapproached do not Todorov had to be different than byforget three men a chance to cash astute.

Not M a y w e a t h e r ’s after the fight in on his win. everything since the fight. who offered him Todorov says he the Mayweather a on professional was approached Internetbut is is now the highcontract, by three men est-paid athlete hetrue. turned them after the fight in the world, down. who offered him Todorov lives on a professional a monthly pencontract, but sion of 435 dolhe turned them lars. Todorov and down outright. his wife are both unemployed Todorov says he later had after working at supermarkets an offer on the table to transand sausage factories, accord- fer his nationality to Turkey ing to the New York Times re- for the 1997 world championports. ships. If he had won the gold, Forbes calculated this week Turkey would have paid him 1 that Mayweather will likely to million dollars. But the deal fell earn at least 150 million dollars through at the last minute. in the welterweight world title He has barely competed showdown on May in Las Vegas since. “It was stupid. I came against Manny Pacquiao, who back and I found hell,” Todorov will take in more than 100 mil- said.

41

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Vietnam expects to host 31st SEA Games in 2021 PHILIPPINES PHILIPPINE NEWS NEWS AGENCY HO HO CHI CHI MINH MINH CITY CITY, — VietApril nam 6 (PNA/Xinhua) is expected—toVietnam host the is 31st Southeast expected to host the Asian 31st South(SEA) Games east Asian in(SEA) 2021Games pending in 2021 the Prime Minister’s pending the Prime approval, Minister’s local Tuoi local approval, Tre News Tuoi Tre reported News Monday. Monday. reported The SEA Games has been held every two years, starting in 1959 in Thailand. Vietnam first hosted the games, organized under the auspices of the Southeast Asian Games Federation (SEAGF), in 2003.

According to Tuoi Tre News, Chris Chan of the SEAGF Sport & Rules Committee has sent a letter on SEA Games 2021 to Vietnam’s Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Anh

Southeast Tuan, in which AsianChan Games said Federthat ation according (SEAGF), to thein SEAGF’s 2003. Charter, According ASEAN members to Tuoi Tre willNews, take Chris turns to Chan hostofthe theGames.

SEAGFAtSport a re& cent Rules meeting Committee in Singapore, has sent the acommittee letter on SEA agreed Games that 2021 Malayto Vietnam’s sia would be Minister the hosts of Culture, in 2017, Sports followed and byTourism Brunei in Hoang 2019,Anh and Tuan, then Vietnam. in which Chan said that according If the PM to the agrees SEAGF’s with Charthe ter, ministry’s ASEANproposal, membersthe willViettake turns nam toOlympics host the Games.

Committee At a recent will make meeting its inconfirmation Singapore, the to committee SEAGF in the agreed next that meeting Malayon sia June would 4 in Singapore, be the hosts and in if2017, the followed PM rejects

by Brunei it, the incommittee 2019, and has to inform SEAGF immediately so that SEAGF will appoint another country to replace Vietnam.

The games are expected to be organized in southern HCM City, the country’s economic and sports hub.

then Vietnam.

If the PM agrees with the ministry’s proposal, the Vietnam Olympics Committee will make its confirmation to SEAGF in the next meeting on June 4 in Singapore, and if the PM rejects it, the committee has to inform SEAGF immediately so that SEAGF will appoint another country to replace Vietnam.

The games are expected to be organized in southern HCM City, the country’s economic and sports hub.

Michele O’Keefe appointed as Canada Basketball’s new president and CEO PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY TORONTO — Michele O’Keefe says the biggest challenge in her new role with Canada Basketball is ensuring the ship stays on course.

O’Keefe was named the organization’s president and CEO on Tuesday. She stressed it’s important people realize the development of the country’s talented youngsters didn’t happen overnight.

“Basketball has some great momentum right now,” O’Keefe said in a phone interview. “I think our biggest challenge is to make sure everyone understands it’s not a fluke ... it’s a systematic and planned development system we are going through right now and to prove to everyone it’s sustainable.”

The native of Welland, Ont., has worked off and on at Canada Basketball since 1994, holding the position of executive director the last three years. She’ll be tasked with capitalizing on the sport’s increased popularity.

O’Keefe said she’s taking over a program that turned a corner under outgoing president and CEO Wayne Parrish, especially with regards to funding.

TWITTER PHOTO

“(He) was instrumental in stabilizing the finances at Canada Basketball and I think my challenge is to make sure we maintain our stability and grow our budget,” said O’Keefe.

“Once we’re able to grow the budget, then we know for sure that our senior teams will be competing for podiums every year and that we’ll be able to

have some great grassroots development programs.”

Her first goal on the court is to get the men’s and women’s teams qualified for the 2016 Olympics in Rio. “The women’s team finished eighth at the London Olympics and fifth at the world championships last year in Istanbul.

We’re aiming high on the womwww.canadianinquirer.net

en’s side,” she said. “The men’s side, we know we still have some miles to gain ... but we have great expectations. We’re going to plan to be on the podium by the 2020 Olympics.”

Apart from her excitement regarding the new job, O’Keefe also noted having a woman atop an organization like Canada Basketball could have an im-

pact down the road.

“It allows girls to dream and to think bigger,” said O’Keefe. “One of the best comments I’ve gotten is from my 18-year-old niece, who said that I’m her role model.

“To have a young, impressionable female think that she could be a leader in something someday I think is very powerful.”

Events

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International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

By York Regional Police WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Apr. 12, at Markham Event Centre, 95 Duffield Dr., Markham, On. MORE INFO: RSVP York Regional Police Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Bureau at diversity@yrp.ca 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.

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APRIL 10, 2015 FRIDAY

MORE INFO: Call (416) 928-9355 Tagalog Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto 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.

CANADA EVENTS

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Free Multilingual Tax Clinics for Low-income Individuals & Families Filing Basic 2014 Tax Returns

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: Wednesdays and Thursdays of April, 10 to 4 p.m.Visit www.mosaicbc.com/settlement-services Burnaby (Permanent residents only) 778-321-5406; Vancouver (Permanent residents, naturalized citizens and work permit holders) 604-254-9626 Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar By the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver and Philippine Overseas Labor Office WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Apr. 12, Rm. 102, Surrey Central Library, Surrey, B.C. MORE INFO: To register, contact Junah Bahena at 604-641-1234 or email at polo.vancouver@yahoo.ca Permanent Resident Preparation By the Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Apr. 12, at the Bayanihan Centre, Blanchard St. Victoria, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Flo – 778-679-8106 or Mary – 250-885-9092.

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 Ultimate Party Night

By PBJ Band and 7th Route WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m, Apr. 17 at Hippos Bar.

MORE INFO: Tickets at $15. Featuring Ethan David and Raffy “Swap One”. Proceeds will go to assisting Ethan’s competition to the World Championships in Hollywood.

2015 The Star Experience Songwriting Competition for BC Teens

By Everiathing WHEN/WHERE: Live auditions 12 to 3 p.m., Apr. 18, at Joe’s Atlantic Grill 2410 St. John’s St., Port Moody.

MORE INFO: Call 604-936-8883 Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver

By GMA Pinoy TV WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., Apr. 24 at the Orpheum Theatre Vancouver, Canada MORE INFO: Guest performers include Marian Rivera, Alden Richards, Christian Bautista and more.

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 www.canadianinquirer.net

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) 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 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 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.

Colonial Dance Performance

By CoErasga WHEN/WHERE: Apr. 26, Victoria Learning Theatre, UBC Ike Barber Learning Centre MORE INFO: Featuring Alvin Tolentino. Email at kia_go@hotmail.com

43

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

Maple Leafs’ Booth is playing well enough to keep his NHL career alive

BY STEPHEN WHYNO The Canadian Press TORONTO — When the Toronto Maple Leafs traded away their impending free agents at the deadline, David Booth remained to finish out the rest of his one-year contract. That may turn out to be the best thing for him.

Booth has arguably been the Leafs’ best player since the deadline with six goals and two assists. He’s played well enough to earn himself another NHL contract, whether it’s in Toronto or elsewhere.

“There were times where I’m like, yeah, I don’t feel like I once did,” said Booth, who missed the season’s first six weeks with a broken right foot.

“But that’s why I kept working at it because I know if I keep working at it, things will change and you will start to see, I think, the results of hard work.

“I think it’s shown itself right now. I do feel more confident out there, and I do feel like I can contribute and can help a team win.”

Six years removed from the only 30goal season of his career and on the heels of being bought out by the Vancouver Canucks, Booth has shown in recent weeks that he can still play a role in the NHL. He made the most of increased ice time that came after Toronto dealt forwards Daniel Winnik and Mike Santorelli.

Booth went from being a fourth-liner to someone playing upwards of 16 minutes a game.

“It’s tough when you’re getting two, three shifts a period to really go out there and do anything,” the 30-yearold said Tuesday. “(I’ve been) coming to practice, working hard every day, working on specific skills so if you do get that chance like happened at the trade deadline, then you’re ready for it. It’s good that I was given that shot.”

Booth’s agent, Mike Liut, has not had contract talks with the Leafs, but with uncertainty about the future of the front office that’s not a surprise.

Booth said he’d like to come back to prove this team is better than this season showed.

The Leafs or another team would like to have Booth if he’s healthy and plays the way he has recently. Booth has been working with skating consultant Barb Underhill, and the results are noticeable in game action.

“His confidence and ability to take the puck to the net is there,” interim coach Peter Horachek said. “I think he feels

better about his game, and sometimes psychologically that’s the most important part.”

It was difficult for Booth to come back from a bad fracture in his foot, and he wasn’t himself when he made his season debut in late November. Eventually as he felt healthier, he got more scoring chances and felt better about moving around the ice.

“I think my game is skating and being

dynamic on my feet,” Booth said. “When I feel good skating, I feel dominant in other areas of the game.”

Horachek said the coaching staff talked to Booth recently about being more productive and taking the puck to the net. Work ethic is never the question for Booth, who’s a gym rat and one of the fittest players around.

Booth said he’s not focused on a con-

www.canadianinquirer.net

tract and hopes to use the off-season to take the next step in his career evolution.

“The summer is where I really make up ground,” he said. “I think staying healthy, I can continue this and just get a lot better: work on specific skills over the course of the summer and come back wherever it may be and just showing that I’m capable of playing this game at a high level.”

Seen & Scenes

44

APRIL 10, 2015

FILIPINO COMMUNITY FORUM

FRIDAY

FILCAN LEADERS’ MEET

Camarines Sur Congresswoman Leni Robredo was guest speaker during the recent Filipino Community Forum at the ATB Financial Corporate Center in Calgary, AB. Robredo enjoined the community to help change the mindset of fellow Filipinos. “You have the responsibility to help the place where your heart still belongs,” she said. (Photos by Ferdie Zantua)

A meeting of heads and representatives of Filipino community organizations in Metro Vancouver was held to discuss the Philippine Independence Day celebrations for 2015 (Photos by Treenee Lopez).

WOMEN’S MONTH Snapshots taken during the recent celebration by the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver of National Women’s Month (Photos by Treenee Lopez).

EASTER CELEBRATION Easter celebration with the Siglos family (Photo by Angelo Siglos). www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY APRIL 3, 2015

45

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Seen & Scenes: Toronto

46

WORLD AUTISM DAY

APRIL 10, 2015

FRIDAY

REUNION

Senator Enverga joined his fellow Parliamentarians in supporting Autism on the Hill, a yearly activity on the steps of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, On. Recent studies show that one in 100 Canadian children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) every year. Senator Enverga supports initiatives that provide additional assistance for families with loved ones with ASD.

After several years of not seeing each other Romeo Ayson Zetazate (middle), news coordinator of St. Jamestown News Service, hosted a coffee talk with long-time friends Johnny Villamil and Farrish Ratag at the Tim Horton Coffee Shop at Agincourt Mall corner Sheppard Ave. East and Kennedy Ave., Scarborough, On. They are planning to put-up a Filipino association along the area. (Photo by Dindo Orbeso)

POPE JOHN PAUL II PHILIPPINE ARTISTS GROUP The Philippine Artists Group in Toronto show off the many portraits of former Consul General Junever Mahilum-West during their send-off party for the new ambassador (Photos by Rene Sevilla and Jonray Diamante).

One of the Senators to support the Pope John Paul II Day bill in the Senate of Canada was FilCan Senator Tobias Enverga. Conservative MP Wladyslaw Lizon introduced her Private Member’s Bill C-266 in the House of Commons, an Act to establish Pope John Paul II Day, in 2011. The bill designates April 2 as Pope John Paul II Day.

FINAL FAREWELL Photo shows newly installed Ambassador to Jordan, Junever Mahilum-West (3rd from L) with Sir George Poblete, immediate past regional commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Canada Region; John West, husband of Ambassador Mahilum -West; Fe Paca Taduran, and Journalist Joaquin (Jojo) T. Taduran, Jr, during the despedida party hosted recently by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation . (St. Jamestown News Service, Manuel Papa) The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto bids adieu to new Ambassador Junever Mahilum-West and husband John West as they embark on their journey to Amman, Jordan (Photo from Ludy Manalo’s FB).

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47

FRIDAY APRIL 10, 2015

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APRIL 10, 2015

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FRIDAY