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MAY 22, 2015
VOL. 5 NO. 168
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Arrest order sought vs 17 people tied to VP Binay
P-Noy richer by P1.8M, SALN shows
‘I can’t even tell which coffin bears my child’
Rhian treats Glaiza like a leading man
Essentials for visiting Paris
Chinese to non-Chinese marriages in Canada raise red flags in Canadian immigration THE UNTOUCHABLES
BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer
Children of the Rohingya Muslim communities in Arakan, Bangladesh. Read more on page 25. KISA KUYRUK / SHUTTERSTOCK
De Lima: PH is ready to shelter ‘boat people’ BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said on Monday that the country is ready to provide shelter for “boat people” coming from Bangladesh and
Myanmar. This is should they decide to land on Philippine shores, according to De Lima in a press statement. She added that the country maintains compliance of its obligation to admit
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CITIZENSHIP AND Immigration Canada’s training manual for immigration officers reminded them to be vigilant against bogus marriages as they become a rampant practice in the country. Immigration officers were told to be cautious in assessing permanent resi-
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FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
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Arrest order sought vs 17 people tied to VP Binay BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer SEVENTEEN PEOPLE who failed to show up in the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearings on the expanded inquiry into corruption allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay since he was mayor of Makati City face arrest after they were cited for contempt. Among those facing arrest were Binay’s financial adviser Gerry Limlingan and his longtime secretary Ebeng Baloloy who were found to have joint bank accounts with the Vice President that were recently ordered frozen by the Court of Appeals on suspicion these were involved in illegal activities. At press time yesterday, Senate President Franklin Drilon had yet to approve the recommendation for their arrest by the Senate blue ribbon committee chair, Sen. Teofisto Guingona III.
“I will have to see the recommendation first,” Drilon told reporters. “The action of the committee to cite an individual/group of persons for contempt does not require the approval of the Senate President,” Drilon’s office said. “However, when the committee orders the issuance of the arrest and/or the detention order, the approval of the Senate resident would be needed or would become necessary.” Guingona yesterday met with Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, the subcommittee chair, to discuss the panel’s recommendation to cite for contempt 17 people who had snubbed its hearings. They were Limlingan, Baloloy, Tomas Lopez, Antonio Tiu, Vissia Marie Aldon, Danilo Villas, Aida Alcantara, Mario Badillo, Hirene Lopez, Irene Chong, Imee Chong, Kim Tun Chong, Iris Chong, Erlinda Chong, Kimsfer Chong, Anne Lorraine Buencamino-Tiu, and James Tiu. But during the meeting, Pimentel asked Guingona not to
Vice President Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay.
include Tomas Lopez, president of the University of Makati, who attended the hearing of the subcommittee on May 8, and Badillo who wrote the subcommittee yesterday that he would attend the next hearing set on May 28. Ordered arrested earlier were engineer Line de la Peña, Bernadette Portallano and Baloloy.
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JOJO BINAY OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
The Senate sergeant at arms could arrest the 17 persons once the arrest orders are approved by Drilon, Pimentel said. They are to be detained in the Senate or alternative venues. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima yesterday said the National Bureau of Investigation would join the hunt for those ordered arrested.
“The assistance originally requested from the NBI was to trace their whereabouts so the NBI tried to find out their known addresses and other possible addresses. But it’s up to that (extent) only. They could not apprehend them or even summon them because there was still no case against them. So the most they could do is just to try to monitor and locate their whereabouts,” she said. De Lima, however, said the NBI agents did not see “eye to eye” regarding Limlingan, Baloloy and other personalities sought by the Senate. “They never saw these personalities, meaning they have not seen even their shadows. They found their addresses, but the warm bodies of their personalities, they did not see them so far,” she said. The justice secretary, citing records from the Bureau of Immigration, said both Limlingan and Baloloy were still in the country since there were no records of their departure. ■
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Philippine News
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
No breaching of secrecy law — De Lima BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Commenting on threats of prosecution against the media by the Binay’s camp, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima said the “media has every right to report” the freeze order on the assets of Vice President Jejomar Binay. The freeze order was released on assets of Binay, his family and other individuals and companies connected him. Binay’s lawyer, Carlo F. Certeza threatened to file a case against the media for publishing the freeze order. He cited the confidentiality rule under the Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2001. De Lima however said that she sees no violation on the media’s decision to report the freeze order. “[Speaking] offhand, I don’t think there is a violation there,” the justice official said. She added that the provision that Certeza was referring to was only applicable for entities like the banks and other financial institutions. “I looked at the Anti-Money Laundering Act (Republic Act No. 9160), (and) the prohibition in that provision is only for… entities [like] the banks, financial institutions and insurance companies (reporting)
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.
on… suspicious transactions,” De Lima told reporters in an interview. “The prohibition is anchored on practical purposes in the sense that… if the order is yet to be served, the subjects, particularly the respondents, should not know about it because they might do things like withdraw their money and close (their) bank accounts (in the) hopes of (putting one) over the court,” she explained. “What is clear is that when the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is investigating internally, it’s confidential. In fact officers and personnel [of the council] are bound by the rule even before [the investigation is conducted]. Sharing information is not allowed. At that stage, there is a confidentiality rule,” she added. She also said that after the freeze order has been issued, the media is no longer prohibited to report it. “I don’t think the prohibition applies to reporting by media… especially (if there is a) freeze order. I think media has the right to report developments in the case. I’m not aware of any gag order issued,” De Lima said. “Media has every right to report… I think jurisprudence is replete with [rulings] recognizing the right of the media to report on cases like that,” the justice official said. ■
SCREENSHOT FROM UNTV FOOTAGE
Vice President Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay.
JOJO BINAY OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
P-Noy richer by P1.8M, SALN shows BY CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA AND CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESIDENT AQUINO’S wealth rose by P1.8 million last year based on his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) for 2014. The increment came primarily from his share of P507,393 in a property in Antipolo that he inherited from his great grandfather, Juan Sumulong, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte explained. The President's monthly salary is P120,000. Mr. Aquino's net worth rose to P68,311,644 last year from P66,494,183 in 2013, or an increase of P1.8 million. He declared no liabilities in his 2014 SALN. The President declared two other residential properties, a lot in Tarlac City acquired for P718,200 and a house and lot in Quezon City whose acquisition cost was P24,310,760. He also has a commercial lot in San Juan City which he acquired for P7,016,906. Also declared in the SALN were two agricultural lots in Tarlac, one with an acquisition cost of P113,750 and the other of P2,818. www.canadianinquirer.net
Mr. Aquino, a car enthusiast, declared various motor vehicles for a total of P3 million. His cash on hand and in banks amounted to P30,088,988. This increased by P1.3 million from P28,778,920 in 2013. His receivables amounted to P552,829. This represented proceeds from the sale of one property. At the Senate, Cynthia Villar and Antonio Trillanes IV remain the richest and the poorest senators, respectively, based on the SALNs of the 24 senators as of Dec. 31, 2014, copies of which the Senate released yesterday. From a net worth of P1.6 billion in 2013, Villar remained the richest among her Senate colleagues with a net worth of P1.98 billion in 2014. She had no liabilities. On the other hand, Trillanes declared a net worth of P5.5 million, slightly up from P4.9 million in 2013. In second, third, fourth and fifth spots were Ralph Recto (P522 million), Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (P200.5 million), Jinggoy' Estrada (P192 million) and Bong Revilla (P181.8 million). In sixth spot was Juan Ponce Enrile with a net worth of P121 million, toppling Sen. Grace Poe who landed in 10th spot, with a net worth of P89.4 mil-
lion. Enrile, Estrada and Revilla are all detained in Camp Crame awaiting the outcome of their plunder and graft cases before the Sandiganbayan in connection with their alleged misuse of their pork barrel. The net worth of Revilla and Enrile for 2014 (P166 million and P119 million, respectively) were slightly higher compared to 2013, while Estrada's net worth went slightly down from 2013's P195 million. Completing the top 10 in net worth were Serge Osmena (P100.7 million) and Juan Edgardo Angara (P100.3 million). These were the net worth declared by other senators: JV Ejercito (P75.5M); Pia Cayetano (P73.4M), Senate President Franklin Drilon (P73.1M), Miriam Defensor-Santiago (P73M); Vicente Sotto III (P64.2M), Nancy Binay (P62.5M), Loren Legarda (P39.6M), Lito Lapid (P33.8M), Bam Aquino (P24.5M), Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano (P23.3M), Gregorio Honasan (P21.2M), Aquilino Pimentel III (P18M) and Francis Escudero (P6M). Based on Binay's SALN, she declared total assets of P116,552,605 and liabilities of P53,993,789. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
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Free school, therapy for poor kids with special needs wins UN award BY JOVIC YEE Philippine Daily Inquirer WHY IS my kid different? Leonora Zuniga began to ponder over this question when, early on, she noticed her daughter exhibiting traits strikingly different—and unusual— from those of her twin brother. “It’s very difficult to teach her. It seems like she’s not listening and she’s not focusing,” Zuniga said of her 10-year-old daughter, Joanna Esther, who was diagnosed with autism in 2009. She first came to know of her daughter’s condition after she was told by her twins’ daycare teacher that Esther had special needs. The next thing she knew, she was heaving a sigh of relief. “I had a sense of relief since [at the time] I didn’t know what I was supposed to do with her,” Zuniga told the INQUIRER . She said she also found comfort in the fact that there was a local government initiative that would attend to Esther’s needs free of charge—Mandaluyong’s Project Teach (Therapy, Education, Assimilation of Children with Handicap) in Barangay Addition Hills. The 8-year-old communitybased rehabilitation program, a partnership with nongovernment organization Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Adults and Children with Handicap, caters to youths with disabilities from the city’s indigent families. It provides free services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech pathology as well as special education classes to children with special needs. UN distinction
Project Teach recently placed second in improving the delivery of public services category for Asia-Pacific of the 2015 United Nations Public Service Award, alongside Indonesia’s Fostering Partnership between Traditional Birth Attendants and Midwives to Reduce Maternal and Infancy’s Mortality. It will be feted in a ceremony during the UN Public Service Forum, which will be held at Medellin, Colombia, from June 23 to 26.
In 2012, Project Teach was also one of 10 local government programs recognized in the Galing Pook Awards. The award was handed to innovative programs that exhibited positive results and empowered citizens. Zuniga credits Project Teach for the development her daughter has shown over the last five years. “She now sings and is responsive when asked,” Zuniga said of her daughter, who is also a member of the city’s Children with Disabilities Drum and Lyre Corps, which has played at the Correctional Institute for Women, among others. Zuniga can call herself an expert on children’s behavior, having looked after students when she worked as a teacher assistant and eventually as a supervisor at Called Out Christian Academy in Mandaluyong City for almost two decades. Groping in the dark
When Zuniga gave birth to her twins, the school had already closed down. Having more time on her hands, it was not difficult to convince herself to be a “hands-on” mom. “I’ve taught and handled a number of kids and yet I can’t take care of my own? I can’t fathom that idea,” she said. She said she also contemplated moving to her hometown in Cagayan Valley months before being accepted into the program. “I was thinking, if we move, we have relatives who can watch over her (Esther) and I’d be able to get back to work and have the income for therapy,” Zuniga said. Zuniga added that it also came to a point that she “almost lost hope” because none of her friends knew what she was going through. “I thought autism was just for the wealthy.... It came to the point that I almost lost hope. I felt so sad because none of my friends could help me [cope], I was groping in the dark,” she said. Free therapy
The free therapy at the center over the years meant a lot to the family, especially since her salesman husband was single-
JOHNNY D. GUEVARRA / PNA
handedly earning a living for the family. On average, the family would have spent P147,500 annually for Esther’s therapy and education. Esther, who is still undergoing occupational therapy and speech pathology at the center, is now studying in a non-special education school. Her mother proudly told the INQUIRER that Esther finished fourth in her Grade 1 class at Eulogio Rodriguez Integrated School. This was made possible through Project Teach’s bridging program, which equipped her with the necessary skills and competencies she needed for a formal education. Project Teach’s Karen Jeorgha Ballad-Bobier said developments achieved by the likes of Esther made their job more “worthwhile.” “I feel very proud and very happy. It feels like I was able to pay back to the society, which paid for my education,” said Bobier, a physical therapy graduate of the University of the Philippines. “[The experience] that you are able to help people make their life less burdensome is priceless.” She said the UN recognition www.canadianinquirer.net
was a testament that “we are doing something right.” “[With the recognition], we hope the project will be replicated in other cities and municipalities,” Bobier said. Replicating the program
To date, Bobier said, around a hundred city and municipal governments have visited their facility to inquire on how it is managed and sustained. On the day the INQUIRER met Bobier, officials from Naga City and San Miguel, Iloilo province, had just visited the facility. While many have “expressed interest” to replicate the program, only the municipality of Carmona, Cavite province, and Dipolog City have come up with community-based rehabilitation programs similar to Project Teach. Bobier said she hopes the other local governments would follow suit as more and more children are being born with special needs. In Mandaluyong alone, 2012 data showed that 600 children were recorded to have special needs. Of this number, 18 percent are suffering from mental retardation, 16 percent from
cerebral palsy and 15 percent from autism. Bobier said the facility had already catered to around 700 children since it started. In return for the free services offered by Project Teach, parents participate in community services for the facility, namely, information dissemination, program support, family support and housekeeping. Zuniga currently works as a parent volunteer at the facility, guiding parents who are new to the program, so “they wouldn’t feel left in the dark.” Basic human right
She said her eldest daughter, Ethel, is studying occupational therapy at UP Manila so she could return the favor extended to her sister. Bobier said facilities such as Project Teach were important in every area, since special children, especially those coming from the urban poor, were still members of our society. “We don’t want to deprive them of their right to proper education. It’s a basic human right. It just so happened that they needed special attention for them to able to thrive in the community,” she said. ■
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Philippine News
MAY 22, 2015
Elenita Binay wants VP to drop presidential bid
De Lima...
Former Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar 'Jojo' Binay and mother of incumbent Makati City Mayor Jun-Jun Binay. FACEBOOK PHOTO
against Binay and their family. Rep. Binay, however said that there’s no stopping his father anymore. “If you do that, you are in effect telling them, ‘You’ve won.’ We don’t want to give them that prize. Parang sinabi mo na, ‘O sige dahil binugbog niyo na
boat people are victims if persecution. “In their desperation to leave law. the territory where their life or De Lima cited that the Phil- freedom has been threatened, ippines was a signatory to the or their human rights have 1951 Convention Relating to been seriously violated, they the Status of even become Refugees and the willing victims 1954 Convention of human smugRelating to the gling,” she said. Status of StateShe also deless Persons. scribe the phe“If there are Their situation nomenon as “a boat people who is indifferent humanitarian come to us seekand they crisis that calls ing the protecshould be for humanitartion of our govtreated ian measures to ernment, there differently. meet the chalis a process, lenges of counthere are existtries to whom ing mechanisms they may ask for on how to handle help.” these refugees “Asylum seekor asylum seekers cannot alers. So it’s not accurate that we ways be expected to obtain will not help them just because travel documents, particularly they are undocumented. Their where the agent of persecution situation is indifferent and they is the state. Hence, their situashould be treated differently,” tion deserves to be treated and she said. examined in a different conThe secretary added that the text,” De Lima said. ■ ❰❰ 1
BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Rep. Abigail Binay revealed that if her mother, Elenita Binay were to decide, she would choose Vice President Jejomar Binay to drop the presidential bid this coming elections. “If you ask my mom she’ll probably say, ‘Yes. I want your dad to quit,”’ Rep. Binay said in an interview for ANC’s Headstart. She added that her mother is already affected by the recent issues emerging against the Vice President and their family. Rep. Binay also revealed that her mother kept on asking her father why he still have to run for president in the coming elections. “I know she keeps on telling my dad, ‘Why are we doing this?'” The statement was made following the allegations raised
FRIDAY
kami ng sobra-sobra, mag-quit na kami,”’ she said. ‘We have to be vindicated. We have to prove to people that they are lying. We have to prove to these people na walang katotohanan lahat ng binibintang nila (that there is no truth to their allegations),” she added. ■
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and protect asylum seekers in accordance with the country’s
Philippine News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
7
Senator Binay: Freeze order a ‘desperate’ political move BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA – Senator Nancy Binay stated that the Court of Appeals (CA) order to freeze the bank accounts of her father Vice President Jejomar Binay, was a ‘desperate’ move of a political party. “Siguro ang isang partido ay nanginginig na kasi ang pambato nila ay mababa pagdating sa survey… So desperate, ‘diba? (Maybe one party is anxious now because its candidate ranks low in the survey… So desperate, right?),” she told reporters, hinting to the ruling Liberal Party. In the latest Pulse Asia survey on top presidential bets, Vice President Binay garnered 29 percent while LP’s Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II only got 6 percent. Senator Binay asserted that
the freeze order was a clear ‘ha- and petition filed by the AMLC clarified that they were not gorassment’ of the LP in their pre- that showed large and frequent ing to waive bank secrecy rights campaign tactics for the 2016 financial transactions on Vice to disprove corruption alleganational elections, believing President Binay’s accounts tions against them as they were that Roxas was behind the order. done since the Senate blue innocent and had nothing to “Nakakalungkot kasi ang ribbon committee started the hide. AMLC has been abused para hearing on his case. “What for? ‘Di naman iyan gipitin ang mga hindi kakampi Aside from Vice President magpo-prove whether we’re ng isang partido at nakita na- Binay’s bank accounts, also guilty or not (That won’t prove man natin iyan whether we’re noong impeachguilty or not anyment,” she said, way),” she said. referring to forSenator Binay mer chief justice Senator Binay asserted that the freeze also pointed out Renato Corona’s order was a clear ‘harassment’ of the that the freeze impeachment. LP in their pre-campaign tactics for order violated (It’s saddening the 2016 national elections, believing the confidentialthat the AMLC that Roxas was behind the order. ity rules of the (Anti-Money AMLC. Laundering “It’s not a good Council) has sign sa banking been abused to industry natin pin down the opponents of one covered by the order were the ang mga ganung leakages (It’s party and we have seen that in accounts of her brother Makati not a good sign for our banking the previous impeachment.) Mayor Junjun Binay, her moth- industry that there are those The CA issued the freeze or- er Elenita, and her father’s pur- leakage),” she explained. der in connection with the ini- ported ‘dummies.’ Furthermore, she explained tial investigation conducted Senator Binay, for their part, that their bank records could be
sought by matching the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) and records of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR). Makati Representative Abigail Binay earlier released a statement regarding the matter. “Based on cash flow statements of the couple, over P330 million came from the JCB Farms, a piggery business he started in 1994; P14 million came from salaries from 1986 to 2013; more than P4 million from his professional fees as a lawyer; and more than P49 million from the flower shop business owned by Dr Elenita S. Binay (Blooms and Bouquet),” Representative she said. “Also included in the cash flow is over P13 million in excess campaign contributions (SOCE) of the Vice President filed with the Commission on Elections,” she added. ■
Coming in July: 5 Comets to ferry Naia 3 passengers BY JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE Philippine Daily Inquirer COMETS ARE coming to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) in July. These are not the cosmic snowballs of frozen gas, rocks and dust that streak across the skies but electric mass transport vehicles deployed by airport authorities to give arriving passengers more options for getting to their destinations. For the whole month of July, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will be introducing in a test-run five City Optimized Managed Electric Transport (Comet) vehicles to ferry passengers at Naia Terminal 3 to Makati, Taguig or Pasay cities. MIAA senior assistant general manager Vicente Guerzon said that airport officials were aware of how difficult it was to get to or leave the terminal, prompting them to look for more modes of transportation for plane passengers. Guerzon said that the MIAA started discussions with Global Electric Transport (GET) Ltd. last week for the future use of
DOST PHOTO / PRNEWS
16-seater electric shuttles to take passengers from Naia Terminal 3 to at least three strategic points in Metro Manila: Ayala Center in Makati City; SM Mall of Asia in Pasay; and Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City. To ensure the orderly loading
and unloading of passengers, these will be done only at airport shuttle terminals and at designated drop-off points. “At the moment, the project will focus on helping passengers going to and coming from Terminal 3 [as] traffic in the vicinity ... has been observed to www.canadianinquirer.net
be particularly slow,” Guerzon said. The Comet vehicles are powered by rechargeable lithium ion batteries and can run for 70 kilometers on a single charge. Each one is equipped with a cashless payment system, a global positioning system and
vehicle telemetry for real-time tracking and efficient fleet management. According to Guerzon, GET is hoping to get its permits in June from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board in time for the five vehicles’ test-run the following month. “In the long run, the company plans to have in place 20 shuttles for each of the three routes,” he said. Currently, MIAA provides two types of shuttle services by bus: one to ferry passengers to connecting flights in other terminals; and another which brings arrivals to Baclaran. Meanwhile, airport authorities will continue allowing regular taxis to pick up passengers at Naia Terminals 2 and 3 during peak hours. These are between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.; 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Terminal 2; and from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.; 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m; and 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Terminal 3. According to MIAA general manager Jose Angel Honrado, the scheme which began on April 20, effectively provided more taxi cabs for arrivals and did not add to vehicular traffic in the two terminals. ■
Philippine News
8
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Cynthia Villar emerges as the richest senator BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Correspondents Lei Fontamillas Jane Moraleda Frances Grace Quiddaoen Socorro Newland Bolet Arevalo Social Media Head Ching Dee ching.dee@canadianinquirer.net 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 PHILIPPINE PUBLISHING GROUP Editorial Assistant Phoebe Casin
MANILA – Based on the senators’ statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth (SALN) in 2014, Cynthia Villar again topped the list as the richest senator with more than P1-billion assets and zero liabilities. With all assets and no liabilities, Villar’s net worth amounted to P1,983,480,135. She had consistently emerged as the wealthiest senator since taking office in 2013. Included in her assets were residential properties, investments in stocks and other personal properties. Villar was followed by Ralph Recto with P600-million assets. But with P78million liabilities, he registered a net worth of P500 million. Recto was then followed Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with more than P200-million assets. And with some P20-million
Senator Cynthia Villar, wife of former Senate President Manny Villar, is the richest senator to date. CYNTHIA VILLAR OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
liabilities, he totaled an almost exact P200-million net worth. Antonio Trillanes IV, on the other hand, concluded the list with P5-million
net worth. Below is the detailed and ordered list of the senator’s assets, liabilities and net worth.
Senator Cynthia Villar Assets: P1,983,480,135 Liabilities: 0 Net worth: P1,983,480,135
Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara Assets: P115,980,900 Liabilities: P15, 624,800 Net worth: P100,357,100
Senator Loren Legarda Assets: P61,194,263 Liabilities: P21,525,000 Net worth: P39,669,263
Senator Ralph Recto Assets: P600,689,290.47 Liabilities: P78,682,635.26 Net worth: P522,006.655.21
Senator Grace Poe Assets: P126,955,615.31 Liabilities: P37,490,795.95 Net worth: P89,464,819.36
Senator Manuel Lapid Assets: P128,500,000 Liabilities: P94,700,000 Net worth: P33,800.000
Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Assets: P228,011,706.45 Liabilities: P27,413,698.23 Net worth: P200,598,008.22
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito Assets: P153,872,192.91 Liabilities: P78,354,970.25 Net worth: P75,517,222.66
Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino Assets: P33,386,486.59 Liabilities: P8,850,000 Net worth: P24,536,486.59
Senator Jinggoy Estrada Assets: P213,865,546.13 Liabilities: P21,056,092 Net worth: P192,808,545.13
Senator Pilar Juliana Cayetano Assets: P78,280,071.06 Liabilities: P4,868,874.68 Net worth: P73,411,196.38
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano Assets P28,346,574 Liabilities: P5,032,034 Net worth: P23,314,540
Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. Assets: P219,785,615.75 Liabilities: P37,914,965.63 Net worth: P181,870,650.12
Senator Franklin Drilon Assets: P73,125,857.99 Liabilities: 0 Net worth: P73,125,857.99
Senator Gregorio Honasan II Assets: P21,225,615.91 Liabilities: 0 Net worth: P21,225,615.91
Senator Juan Ponce Enrile Assets: P121,053,463 Liabilities: 0 Net worth: P121,053,463
Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago Assets: P120,133,539 Liabilities: P50,000,000 Net worth: P73,033,359
Senator Aquilino Pimentel III Assets: P18,004,720 Liabilities: 0 Net worth: P18,004,720
Senator Teofisto Guingona III Assets: P220,339,575.30 Liabilities: P106,957,512.98 Net worth: P113,382,062.32
Senator Vicente Sotto III Assets: P152,620,072.52 Liabilities: P88,339,612 Net worth: P64,280,462.52
Senator Francis Joseph Escudero Assets: P6,049,082.09 Liabilities: 0 Net worth: P6,049,082.09
Senator Sergio Osmeña III Assets: P105,270,000 Liabilities: P4,500,000 Net worth: P100,770,000
Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay Assets: P116,552,605 Liabilities: P53,993,789 Net worth: P62,558,816
Senator Antonio Trilllanes IV Assets: P13,459,000 Liabilities: P7,910.000 Net worth: P5,549,000
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. Copies are distributed free throughout Metro Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto. The views and opinions expressed in the articles (including opinions expressed in ads herein) are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editorial Team. PCI reserves the right to reject any advertising which it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement. Member
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Philippine News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
9
‘Dramatic’ changes to BBL eyed BY DJ YAP Philippine Daily Inquirer THE HOUSE ad hoc committee on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has proposed dramatic changes to the measure, including renaming the new entity the “Bangsamoro Autonomous Region” and deleting the “optin” provision allowing contiguous areas to join the territory through a plebiscite. The BBL version of the House of Representatives was released by committee chair Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Wednesday night and it reflected most of the amendments the panel wanted to the draft law. In a forum on Thursday, Rodriguez clarified that it was only a “chairman’s working draft” and the final version would be put to a vote next week. The 75-member ad hoc panel is set to begin voting on the BBL on Monday. Optimistic
Last Wednesday, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. expressed optimism that in spite of delays the House would pass the measure before Congress adjourns next month. Asked how the new entity would be different from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao it would replace, Rodriguez said it would be “very much different.” “We have given increased powers to the Bangsamoro. From the 58 exclusive powers, we reduced them to 53, but this is still much more than only the 12 stated in the Constitution. We also gave them 24 concurrent [or shared] powers. “We’re giving them more funds through an annual block grant, other sources of revenue and the right to raise revenue. They are receiving more in powers and more in funding,” he added.
President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak witness MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal, GPH Peace Panel chairperson Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar affix their signature to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in a ceremony at the Kalayaan grounds of the Malacañan Palace. GIL NARTEA / ROBERT VIÑAS / RODOLFO MANABAT / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU
The proposed amendments in the chair’s draft range from simple changes to wording or phrasing—such as from “central government” to “national government”—to major ones—such as the deletion or addition of entire provisions and sections. Less power
For instance, the House draft strips the Bangsamoro government of authority over land registration, regulation of power generation, transmission and distribution, as well as the right to establish new laws and institutions. It clarifies the “asymmetric relationship” between the national government and the Bangsamoro based on the definition of “autonomous regions” in the Constitution. If approved as is, the title of the bill will be changed from Bangsamoro Basic Law to Basic Law on the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.
“We want to make clear it’s not a substate and to make it clear it’s an autonomous region, which the Constitution provides for,” Rodriguez said. A provision containing a verse from the Koran has been deleted, as “we cannot have a Koranic verse in a secular law,” he said. Function of state
Another provision stating that the Bangsamoro must adhere to international treaties and agreements was also removed, as “that is a function of a sovereign state,” Rodriguez said. The committee also wants the national government to retain exclusive and reserved powers over energy, national and local elections, auditing, civil service, human rights and the Ombudsman. They propose erasing all the provisions that create local versions of national agencies. In another significant change,
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the committee draft proposes the creation of a “Presidential Office for the Bangsamoro” to be headed by an official with Cabinet rank. The draft also removes six sections on the appointment of a titular head of the Bangsamoro called wali, who, in the original bill, will take on ceremonial functions for a term of six years. Rodriguez said only states had ceremonial heads. The House version would also subject final and executory decisions of the Bangsamoro Shariah High Court to judicial review by the Supreme Court. More deletions
The panel deleted more than it added to the draft. Some provisions added included strengthening the madrasah educational system, and allocating two reserved seats for youth representatives to the Bangsamoro parliament, aside from women and indigenous
peoples. The panel draft also removed the section establishing coordination protocols to govern the movements of the military, as well as a provision on the possible creation of a Bangsamoro command in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. At the forum, Rodriguez said he believed the draft had a strong likelihood of winning the committee’s approval. “In fact, more than 20 congressmen are really only against the opt-in provision, because these are the congressmen of the adjacent areas, because their territories will be diminished,” he said, referring to the provision allowing contiguous areas to join the Bangsamoro through a plebiscite petitioned for by 10 percent of a barangay. Rodriguez proposed deleting the provision entirely, but panel members suggested limiting the option to within five years of the passage of the bill. ■
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Philippine News
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Razed slipper factory had no fire permit BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA — Kentex Manufacturing Corp. was given a provisional business permit even without a fire safety inspection certificate from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP). Results of the investigation conducted by the special interagency task force looking into
the incident required BFP officials to explain why the factory was allowed to operate even after their failure to obtain a fire safety inspection certificate. BFP spokesman Renato Marcial said in an interview for the Philippine Star that the fire safety certificate is a pre-requisite in securing a business permit. Once they failed to secure appropriate permits, “the establishment will not be allowed to
operate.” Valenzuela Mayor Rex Gatchalian also confirmed the process adding that the issuance of the permit requires certificate from the BFP. He added that what was given to Kentex was a “provisional business permit” which was “within the mandate of the LGU.” “What the LGU gave them was a provisional business permit. Now, some people are say-
ing that is not allowed, and let me refer you to all citations: 2010 circular number one, it’s a joint circular of the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government)… In that circular they are trying to address the red tape in getting permits and what they said there was they are enjoining the LGU like Valenzuela to set up one-
stop shops,” he said, quoted in a Philippine Star report. He also added that the joint memorandum also acknowledges the existence of provisional business permits. Despite this, the BFP remained firm that the LGU should not have issued any form of business permit which will allow the establishment to operate without obtaining a fire safety inspection certificate. ■
More Pinoys discovering Canadian education–envoy BY KRISTINE FELISSE MANGUNAY Philippine Daily Inquirer THE NUMBER of Filipinos going to Canada to study has increased at “quite an impressive” rate, according to the Canadian ambassador to the Philippines. “We’ve had a doubling of the number of Filipino students in the past two years,” said Ambassador Neil Reeder, who was at Tenement Elementary School in Taguig City yesterday for the Department of Education’s Brigada Eskwela program which gathers community members to repair and clean up schools. Reeder said Canada issues nearly 3,000 student visas a year. “So that’s quite impressive.” According to the ambassador, while there was obviously a big flow of Filipino guest workers, caregivers and temporary labor to Canada, he could see that the “student flow was picking up as well.” He said Canada was “now the second most popular destination for (International School of Manila students) after the United States.” “I can kind of feel a growing interest in Canada as a study destination because it (offers) good quality (education), it’s safe and it’s multicultural,” he said. Canada’s University of British Columbia, he said, had
“thousands and thousands” of undergraduates from the Asia Pacific so Asians who study there “feel at home.” He said studying in Canada was “cost effective.” There were no private universities there and tuition was “kept down.” “So for foreign students, it can be as little as half the cost of going to study with some of the other competitors,” he said. The Canadian government also offers students the opportunity to study and work at the same time, unlike other countries which require students to go back to their home countries between courses or after they obtain their degrees. “We give work visas to students now. So in between classes you can study. In the summer you can study, you can study for up to three years. We want students to stay. So you can get a work visa and actually work up to three years and that time can count... toward residency if you decide to become a citizen,” he said. He said the Canadian Embassy conducted two student fairs in the last six months, with the one in Makati attended by around 3,000 students and parents. He said the Commission on Higher Education signed an agreement with Canada’s Bureau of International Education in a bid to “facilitate student exchanges in both directions, professor exchanges, academic linkages.” ■
Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.
ANTONIO TRILLANES IV OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
Trillanes: We need VP Binay to face the Senate, not his daughter BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer
serted that she would welcome anyone as running mate of her father in the May 2016 national elections, except MANILA – In a television inTrillanes. terview, Makati City RepreTo this, Trillanes answered sentative Marthat he was not Len Abigail interested to run Binay said that alongside Vice she would attend President Binay the Senate hearI really wish we need her but we anyway. ing should she be don’t. Ang kailangan naming “That’s juveinvited in place humarap ay yung tatay nya (The nile. But just to of her father who person we need to face is her father). be clear, I never is facing corrupplanned to aption allegations ply in the first against him. place,” he exSenator Antoplained. “Benio Trillanes IV, who initiated leged share of anomalies on her sides, I maintain that her fathe Senate blue ribbon subcom- pork barrel funds. ther would back out from the mittee hearings on the anomarace a few months from now.” lies, rejected the offer. Trillanes cannot be VP Binay’s In earlier interviews, Vice “I really wish we need her but running mate President Binay clarified that he we don’t. Ang kailangan namRepresentative Binay as- will still run for presidency. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
ing humarap ay yung tatay nya (The person we need to face is her father),” Trillanes said. Trillanes also disclosed that the Senate will also be looking at Representative Binay’s al-
Philippine News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
11
2 Binay aides billionaires VP camp: Transfers to Canada banks legit BY NANCY C. CARVAJAL Philippine Daily Inquirer WHEN HE was mayor of Makati City, Vice President Jejomar Binay was working with billionaires: his finance officer Gerardo “Gerry” Limlingan and longtime secretary Eduviges “Ebeng” Baloloy, according to the report submitted by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to the Court of Appeals (CA) on May 7. Limlingan and Baloloy are not related, but the AMLC found that besides individual bank accounts they also had joint accounts. From 2007 to 2014, they had cash and checking accounts that contained at least P810 million in deposits and P1.629 billion in investment management funds in different banks. The AMLC report also showed that Limlingan had joint accounts with Binay and with other alleged dummies of the Vice President and that the joint accounts also contained hundreds of millions of pesos in deposits. The accounts of Limlingan and Baloloy were found in BDO Unibank, Metrobank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Land Bank of the Philippines, Security Bank, Philippine Bank of Communications and Philippine Savings Bank.
lingan and Baloloy and instead referred the INQUIRER to a press statement issued by Limlingan’s lawyer Grace Reyes. In the statement, Reyes denied the contents of the AMLC report, saying Limlingan was a legitimate businessman. Referring to the AMLC report of fund transfers to Canada, Reyes said the US dollar transfers from Philippine to Canadian banks between 2008 and 2014 involved legitimate transactions with third parties, including payments to Canadian market research firm. Transfers to Canada’s firms
In an earlier statement, Salgado said the money transfers to three Canadian research firms—Synovate, Synovate Ltd. and David Rink Consultancies— were legal. “Had [the] AMLC bothered to do a simple Google check, they would have known that these companies are legitimate market research companies. They were paid for services rendered,” Salgado said. He said Binay began to tap the services of the three research firms in 2008 to measure his popularity, two years before the 2010 elections. Disproportionate to incomes
The AMLC report said the accounts contained billions of pesos in deposits. A table of transactions prepared by the AMLC showed that the biggest amount deposited to the pair’s account at BDO Unibank was P100 million. The deposit was made on Dec. 22, 2009. Less than amonth after that, on Jan. 18, 2010, P50 million was deposited in another joint account of Limlingan and Baloloy in the same bank, the AMLC said. There were smaller deposits but these were also in the millions. The smaller deposits were made between bulk deposits, the report said. The table of transactions also showed that two or three deposits were made to the different accounts of Limlingan and Baloloy in a single day. On March 3, 2010, a total of P77 million was deposited in Baloloy’s account at BDO Unibank, the report said. Two weeks earlier, on Feb. 23, 2010, P40 million was deposited in another joint account of Limlingan and Baloloy, it said.
The AMLC report said Limlingan and Baloloy made bank transactions much larger than their earlier transactions. Some of these transactions, the report said, amounted to hundreds of millions of pesos with one amounting to more than P1 billion. The values of the transactions were disproportionate to the incomes of Limlingan and Baloloy, the report said. “It is inconceivable for a secretary of VP Binay to derive the funds from her lawful and declared income,” the report said, referring to Baloloy. “Neither is it reasonable that Limlingan, who in 2011 and 2012 declared a monthly income of no more than P30,000, would have the resources to conduct high-value deposits and transactions,” the report said. “Their only link is VP Binay,” the report said. The AMLC submitted the report to the CA on behalf of the Office of the Ombudsman, which is investigating allegations of corruption against Binay and his son, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, and had asked the court to freeze their bank accounts and those of the Vice President’s business associates and alleged dummies.
‘AMLC wrong’
Accounts frozen
Multimillion deposits
Sought for comment yesterday, Joey Salgado, Binay’s spokesperson, declined to discuss the AMLC findings about Lim-
On May 11, the court ordered 242 bank accounts frozen, including Binay’s and those of his wife, Elenita, Mayor Binay,
Vice President Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay.
Limlingan, Baloloy and several other associates and alleged dummies for the Vice President. It all began with allegations of corruption being thrown at the Vice President last year at a Senate blue ribbon subcommittee inquiry into the alleged overpricing of the construction of Makati City Hall Building II. According to the AMLC report, Limlingan and Baloloy began to empty their bank accounts after the Senate inquiry opened in August last year. They started selling securities, making interaccount transfers, preterminating their time deposits, investment placements and cashing checks. They also made large withdrawals, which amounted to P160,042,173.03. On Sept. 26, 2014, Limlingan made an over-the-counter withdrawal from RCBC Palanca of P57,745,796.62, the report said. Why joint accounts?
“These investments, along with those in other accounts, were preterminated, sold or withdrawn in bulk since Aug. 20, 2014, or at the start of the hearing, likely calculated to disperse funds and layer transactions to evade liability,” the AMLC report said. The AMLC also reported that it found no reason why Limlingan and Baloloy should maintain joint accounts and conduct high-value and frequent bank transactions when they had no business or professional relationship. Like Binay’s accounts, the pair’s individual and joint accounts could have originated from unlawful activities, the AMLC said in its report. “Given the unusual linking of circumstances, the funds transacted in Limlingan’s and Baloloy’s accounts originated
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JOJO BINAY OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
from unlawful activities, particularly the construction of the Makati [ City Hall Building II],” the AMLC report said. “These transactions show that they themselves do not own the transacted funds, which are derived from unlawful sources,” the report said. Cited for contempt
Limlingan and Baloloy have not appeared in the Senate investigation despite summons. The two have been cited for contempt for ignoring the subpoenas issued for them. Authorities say, however, that they now know the whereabouts of the two. Limlingan has two addresses in the AMLC report, one on A. Luna Street in Pasay City and another on Bagtikan Street in San Antonio village in Makati City. Baloloy’s last known address is on Arellano Street, West Rembo village, in Makati. The bank accounts of Baloloy’s relatives, Francisco, Frederick and Jennifer Baloloy, were also ordered frozen by the CA. Also ordered frozen by the court were accounts of Limlingan’s relatives Marguerite Lichnock, Melissa Gay Castañeda Limlingan, Victor Limlingan and Patricia Padua. ■
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Philippine News
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Grace Poe slams issues on citizenship BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA – With the May 2016 national elections forthcoming and Senator Grace Poe-Llamanzares eyed as a possible presidential candidate, questions on her citizenship came up. Senator Poe, for her part, asserted yesterday that she had already settled all legal issues on her citizenship. She also claimed that she was a naturalborn Philippine citizen. When Senator Poe formerly took the position of chairperson of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, she renounced her U.S. citizenship in compliance to the Philippine law. “That was a condition, if you will serve in the government, for whatever position, you have to give up whatever other citizenship you may have,” Poe said, adding that she consulted Senate President Franklin Drilon for assurance.
Senator Poe used to have dual citizenship as she lived in the United States for some years, when her father, former presidential candidate Fernando Poe, Jr., was still alive. The same issue was earlier raised against his father. Senator Poe clarified that she reverted back to her Filipino citizenship for the MTRCB post. She also had no more citizenship issues when she ran for senator. Now, Senator Poe had to apply for visa whenever she planned to visit the United States. Poe still a presidential bet
In an earlier SWS poll, Senator Poe emerged as the second top bet for president in the 2016 elections with 31 percent, closely following Binay with 36 percent. President Benigno Aquino III had also met with Senator Poe earlier this month and he was vocal on saying that he wanted a presidential candidate who would continue the reforms he
started during his administration. President Aquino later on said that Poe was one of those possible candidates who could ‘continue his reforms.’ Senator Poe, for her part, had not yet declared running for a higher position in the 2016 national elections. She had also downplayed rumors on the possibility of a Roxas-Poe, LacsonPoe or Escudero-Poe tandem in the coming elections. But when asked for Senator Poe’s preferred running mate should she seek higher office, she admitted that she was more comfortable campaigning alongside Escudero. “I am comfortable with Sen. Escudero but this is not the only basis. First of all, we both do not belong to a party,” Poe said, adding that she had not received any formal offer from the two ruling political parties. In 2004, Escudero was the spokesman of her father when he ran for presidency. In 2013, Escudero campaigned for her when she ran for senator. ■
Senator Grace Poe.
FACEBOOK PHOTO
‘Nearly P100M deposited in Binay account in 4 days’ BY NANCY C. CARVAJAL Philippine Daily Inquirer CONTRARY TO the claim of Vice President Jejomar Binay that he has only five bank accounts, a report from the AntiMoney Laundering Council (AMLC) shows that he had 18 accounts in various banks for the period 2008 to 2014, the period covered by the AMLC investigation. Three of these accounts— at Banco de Oro (BDO), Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) and Metrobank—were held jointly with Binay’s longtime finance officer and alleged bagman Gerry Limlingan. Another Metrobank account that Binay holds jointly with Limlingan also has a Lily Crystal Hernandez as a joint owner, the AMLC said in its report. Hernandez, who was found to be a beneficiary of a dollar remittance made from the joint accounts of Binay and Limlingan, is said to be a longtime assistant of Limlingan. She is reported to have fled to Canada after the Senate blue ribbon
subcommittee started its investigation of the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II and Makati Science High School last year. Bank transactions
The AMLC said that “large transactions involving VP Binay’s accounts either in his name or jointly with Limlingan or Hernandez before and after the start of the building construction (of the Makati parking building) from May 14, 2008, to April 15, 2015. Said transactions are not commensurate to his declared income in his SALN (statement of assets,
court last Monday. Binay has denounced the AMLC report as an attempt to derail his intended run for the presidency in 2016. He claimed that he had only five accounts and the money deposited there was all “acquired legally.” Five accounts at Bank of the Philippine Islands are in the name of Binay and his wife, Elenita.
According to the AMLC, from Nov. 14, 2013, to Aug. 8, 2014, the joint account of Binay and Limlingan with BDO made six money transfers to two banks in Canada for a total of $276,463 SALN examined to various benThe remaineficiaries. ing accounts are For a period Binay has denounced the AMLC individual acof four days in report as an attempt to derail his counts of Binay March 2010 intended run for the presidency in at the Land Bank alone, the indi2016. of the Philipvidual Binay acpines, Philippine counts received National Bank total deposits of and Security P99,737,500 million, according liabilities and net worth), or his Bank, RCBC and Metrobank to a table of transactions drawn business interests.” and BDO. Some of these latter up by the AMLC. banks held more than one BiThe table also showed that 242 accounts frozen nay account. the individual Binay accounts The report is contained in the To determine the legitimate would usually receive large de- petition that the AMLC filed in income of Binay during the posits in the amounts of P35 the Court of Appeals to freeze construction of the buildings million, P29 million and P15 242 bank accounts and other in question, the AMLC said it million. assets of Binay, his family and looked into the SALN of Binay The lowest amount deposited alleged dummies. The petition and his wife. was P2.5 million. was granted by the appellate From 2006 to 2013, the www.canadianinquirer.net
couple’s net worth was shown to have increased by P2.984 million in 2007 and by P1.78 million in 2008, compared to the declared annual gross family income of P1.053 million in 2007 and P1.27 million in 2008. In 2010 a substantial increase in cash and net worth of P16.17 million and P13.306, respectively, was noted, compared to the declared annual salary of P541,930. Business interests
In their SALN from 2006 to 2009, Binay and his wife declared their business interests as follows: Agrifortuna Inc. registered in 1992 to engage in agribusiness; JCB Farms in Rosario, Batangas province, acquired in 1995; Blooms and Bouquet flower shop acquired in 1988; and Hermitage & Manor Realty Management Corp., acquired in 1999. But in their SALN from 2010 to 2013, Binay and his wife no longer declared any interest in JCB Farms while the flower shop continued to operate, the AMLC report said. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
13
Canadian trash to be Gov’t workers who did good treated here, says envoy may get bonuses BY KRISTINE FELISSE MANGUNAY Philippine Daily Inquirer
said. He said the problem was a “private matter that we (Canada) learned about as a government.” IT WILL be processed locally. “It wasn’t our choice to bring This was Canadian Ambas- the waste here,” he said. sador Neil Reeder’s solution to He said that when the issue dispose of the 50 40-ft contain- came out, Canada did not have er vans of mostly household the means “to force the shipper trash that were illegally shipped by law to take the waste back to from Canada to Canada.” the Philippines “And the Philin 2013. ippines doesn’t “We found a have the legal local solution. means to force Both governRecognize the shipper to ments are going that we’ve take the waste to work toward made back to Canada. having the garprogress, So we’re going to bage treated lowe’ve made a deal with that locally and in a sussolution. cally,” he said. tainable manner Environmenand that case tal and labor will be closed,” groups had asked Reeder said in President Aquian interview at no to tell Canada Tenement Elementary School to take back the containers full in Taguig City. of trash, which were declared He was there to witness the as “scrap plastic materials for Department of Education’s recycling.” The President was Brigada Eskwela program, in Canada last week on a threewhich engages community day state visit. ■ members and other organizations in the repair and maintenance of public schools. Representatives of Telus International Philippines, an outsourcing services provider, and Hands On Manila, a volunteer organization, also attended the event. Reeder did not say exactly where the waste will be processed, only that both governments “recognize that we’ve made progress, we’ve made a solution.” Asked how long the processing would take, Reeder said: “You’ll have to check with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources but we’re waiting now for the next step which is the processing of the waste.” He clarified that contrary to reports, there was “nothing toxic” in the waste. He said the Canadian government had a “complete study” done and found that the waste was composed “primarily” of plastic and household trash. “[That they were toxic] was a misconception put forward by groups that were opposed to this from the beginning,” he
BY CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA Philippine Daily Inquirer BEGINNING JUNE 1, government employees could be receiving performance bonuses equivalent to either a month’s basic salary or P5,000. But the “performance enhancement incentive” will depend on whether a particular agency has met its targets, according to President Aquino’s Executive Order No. 181, issued last Friday. The President authorized government agencies to release the bonuses no earlier than June 1. Besides national government agencies, including state universities and colleges (SUCs), the order also covers Congress, the judiciary, Civil Service Commission, Commission on Audit, Commission on Elections and the Office of the Ombudsman. It includes governmen-
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towned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs), local water districts, government financial institutions and local government units. The President on Wednesday hinted at a monetary reward for GOCCs, 49 of which remitted a total of P36.857 billion to the national treasury from their 2014 earnings. Surprise
“I have a surprise for our fellow workers in government,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said yesterday over state radio before releasing a copy of EO 181 to Malacañang reporters. The EO implements the provisions in the 2015 national budget on the grant of performance bonuses to government workers. Excluded from the bonus are “consultants and experts hired to perform specific activities or services with expected outputs, laborers hired through job contracts and those paid on piecework basis.”
The bonuses also do not cover “student laborers and apprentices” and “individuals and groups whose services are engaged through job orders, contracts of services or others similarly situated.” Transparency seal
To qualify for the bonus, national government agencies, including SUCs, must have achieved “at least 90 percent of the 2014 targets under at least two performance indicators (quantity, quality or timeliness) for at least one major final output.” The EO also requires compliance with the “posting of the transparency seal” and the “posting or publication of the Citizen’s Charter or its equivalent as required under the AntiRed Tape Act of 2007.” Government firms monitored by the Governance Commission for GOCCs could also be evaluated based on targets spelled out in a “performance scorecard.” ■
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Philippine News
MAY 22, 2015
AMLC: Huge withdrawals made almost at same time as deposits BY NANCY C. CARVAJAL AND GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer
used as conduits for remittances abroad, particularly to two banks in Canada—The Bank of Nova Scotia and the Toronto Dominion Bank. The AMLC found deposits in the joint accounts totaled P29,189,150 and withdrawals of almost the same amount, P29,156,189. The report showed that listed as beneficiaries of the remittances were Synovate; Synovate LTD., DJR research and Lily Cristal Hernandez, said to be Limlingans’ longtime assistant now based in Canada.
ident of JC Binay Foundation Inc., a board member of the University of Makati, a managing director of Omni Security Investigation (which cornered “THE AMOUNT transacted the security and janitorial conthrough Vice President Jejotracts in Makati City Hall), mar Binay’s accounts origioriginal stockholder of Agrinated from illicit and/or unFortuna Inc. (which owned the declared activities. Moreover alleged “Hacienda Binay”). because of the near equivalence His brother, Victor S. Limlinof deposits and withdrawals gan, is a codepositor in two of his bank accounts were used as the accounts frozen by the CA. mere conduits of funds derived Victor is the managing director from such activities.” of DMCI Holdings Inc., direcThis was the conclusion of tor of Landco Pacific Corp., and the Anti-Money Laundering owner and manager of Regina Council (AMLC) in its petiDevelopment Corp., a stock tion to the Court of Appeals to Baloloy, Limlingan accounts brokerage firm. freeze 242 bank accounts and Former Makati Vice Mayor Mercado also identified Limother assets of Binay, his family Ernesto Mercado said that lingan’s children, Melissa Gay and alleged dummies. On Mon- Limlingan, and another former and Gerardo Martin, and his day, the court granted the peti- Binay aide, Eduviges “Ebeng” second wife, Marguerite E. Lition, effective for six months. Baloloy, held the key to the cash chnock, among those whose acThe report said that from and stock holdings outlined in counts were put on hold by the 2009 to 2014 Binay’s large and the AMLC report. CA. frequent deposit transactions In a phone interview, MerMercado said that one of with several banks totaled at cado said that Limlingan and Limlingan’s co-depositor in the least P263 milfrozen accounts, lion, while subseLily H. Crystal, quent large withwas also his exdrawals reached ecutive assistant P266,731,454.47. before she miThe AMLC There is a wide gap between his grated to Canada explained that legitimate income and his total bank in 2006. Merwithdrawals accounts. cado said Crystal were made alwas replaced by most simultaMitzi O. Sedillo neously with who also owned almost equal some of the bank amounts of deposits which Baloloy, who had not been seen accounts ordered frozen by the made it appear that the ac- in public since the Senate blue CA. counts were “mere conduits.” ribbon subcommittee started He pointed out that Crystal’s “There is a wide gap between its investigation into the alleg- migration to Canada should exhis legitimate income and his edly overpriced Makati City plain the AMLC’s finding that a total bank accounts,” the AMLC Hall Building II 10 months ago, significant amount of US dolsaid, indicating income from il- accounted for the lion’s share of lars were transferred from the legitimate sources. the 242 bank, stocks and trust monitored accounts to Canada The conclusion stemmed accounts ordered frozen. from 2008 to 2014. from the computation of BiMercado said that LimlinNext to Limlingan, Mernay’s statement of assets, liabil- gan, his relatives and staff con- cado said the only person Biities and net worth (SALN) as of trolled 110 of the 242 frozen nay trusted with his money 2009 as Makati mayor and Dec. accounts, excluding 12 more he was Baloloy who was a distant 31, 2010, as Vice President— owned with Baloloy. relative of the Vice President. P937,773 and P541,930, respecBaloloy and her relatives con- The AMLC report showed that tively. His salaries from 2007 trolled 44 of the 242 frozen ac- she had 44 accounts under her to 2014 totaled P13 million—P6 counts. name and with her kin Franmillion as mayor and P7 million “I’m very happy with the cisco B. Baloloy, Frederick D. as Vice President. AMLC report because it con- Baloloy and Jennifer Baloloy. The AMLC said the Vice firmed all of the things that I “She (Baloloy) started out as President did not declare any told the Senate. At least we now a maid in the Binay household business interests. know who has been lying,” Mer- and worked her way up first cado said. as secretary in Binay’s law ofRemittances to Canada banks fice and personal secretary in Binay also had joint accounts Limlingan the Office of the Mayor. She with his longtime financial adLimlingan is the longtime fi- (Baloloy) knows more secrets viser Gerry Limlingan, which it nancial adviser and campaign of Binay than his wife , Elenita,” said also showed that it was also adviser of Binay. He is the pres- said Mercado. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY
LP solon on presidential bets: Corruption allegations greater issue than citizenship BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA – Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone, of the Liberal Party (LP), commented on the issues possible 2016 presidential candidates were facing, saying that raising the issue of Senator Grace Poe’s citizenship was just a political ploy of the contending candidates. Representative Evardone noted that corruption allegations against other presidential bets were greater issues than Senator Poe’s purported dual citizenship and noneligibility to run for presidency should she seek higher office in the coming national elections. “By bringing up the issue of citizenship against Poe, her detractors hope that it would create doubts in the minds of the electorate. But I think this is a non-issue compared to the issue of corruption,” Evardone said.
Senator Poe earlier dismissed rumors on her citizenship, clarifying that she had already renounced her U.S. citizenship and reverted back to her Filipino citizenship. Aside from defending Senator Poe, Representative Evardone also defended Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II against detractors who said that he would only be sliding to vice presidency. “As to Roxas sliding to vice president, his opponents want to portray him as a weak presidential candidate. His detractors want to convince the voters to shun a ‘non-winner’ Again, I think this can easily be demolished by Roxas’ track record as an incorruptible leader,” Evardone said. The LP had been considering Secretary Roxas and Senator Poe as its standard bearers in the coming elections. However, the senator is not a member of the political party and said that she had not yet received any formal offer from the ruling LP. ■
Eastern Samar Representative Ben Evardone during the Project Ben at the Municipality of Quinapondan, Eastern Samar FACEBOOK PHOTO
Philippine News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
15
‘I can’t even tell which coffin bears my child’ BY JOVIC YEE Philippine Daily Inquirer
Cash aid, scholarships
MARCIANO APOSTOL has not seen or spoken with his daughter for over two years, which by now should make their reunion deeply poignant. But instead it became a moment of horror for the 55-yearold father, who arrived Friday morning at Arkong Bato cemetery in Valenzuela City just as 49 coffins were being brought in, one of them possibly containing the charred remains of his own Mary Liza, 29. And it only got more painful from there. “I came here to bury my daughter, but I can’t even tell which of the coffins is hers,” said Apostol, who came all the way from Pangasinan province with his youngest son. Just numbers for now
Mary Liza was counted among the 72 people whose bodies were recovered from the seven-hour blaze that engulfed the Kentex footwear factory in Barangay Ugong on Wednesday. Less than 48 hours later, authorities decided to have the remains temporarily interred at the cemetery pending their identification and in the interest of public sanitation. Seven red trucks from the city government’s motor pool division carried the 49 coffins to the cemetery, where “apartment-type” tombs were marked with numbers, not names, to later guide grieving families in the event positive identifications are made. The 49 coffins were already the second batch; the first group of 21 bodies was brought to the cemetery for a nighttime burial late Thursday. Apostol recounted that in the days before his daughter’s death, he was inexplicably in low spirits. “I was not my usual self. I felt sad but I couldn’t un-
A technician of the Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory shows tissue samples taken from the relatives of those killed in the Kentex factory fire for DNA testing. LYN RILLON / PDI
derstand why. Now I realize it’s 25year-old son Mark arrived in Local government officials because this would happen,” he Valenzuela and saw what’s left said family members have the told reporters. of the Kentex factory, he could option to keep the remains in He learned of Mary Liza’s easily tell from the rubble what the cemetery or have them exfate through her friend who his daughter went through. humed. If they choose the latcalled him up Wednesday night, “Ang sakit sa kalooban. Torta na ter, City Hall will shoulder the shortly after he returned home siya (It hurts deep inside. It was cost of the exhumation and from work at a transport to the construction bodies’ final site. He has not resting place. seen his daughIn a phone inter for more than I came here to bury my daughter, but terview with the two years. “I let I can’t even tell which of the coffins is INQUIRER on her be since she hers. Friday, Kentex was focused on company lawyer her work and Renato Paraiso had her own life said the manand family.” though she had been fried).” agement would be extending Mary Liza is survived by her His “hardworking” daughter financial assistance to the vicfour children and a live-in part- had been employed in the fac- tims’ families. ner. Three of the children are tory since 2007. “We just didn’t Paraiso could not give a figliving with her parents in Pan- expect this to happen to her,” ure, but explained that the comgasinan and have yet to be told Apostol said, unable to control pany’s immediate concern is to of their mother’s death. his tears. He said he wants to “address the families immedibring his daughter’s remains ate needs such as the identificaCompany, gov’t assistance back to Pangasinan once her tion of the bodies, and medical When Apostol and his body has been identified. and burial expenses.”
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Meanwhile, a Buddhist volunteer organization started visiting the homes of the grieving families in Valenzuela also on Friday. The Tzu Chi Foundation handed out assistance at P5,000 to P10,000 in cash per family, the INQUIRER learned. The group is set to visit the other families of the dead or injured who are residing in Caloocan, Malabon, Quezon City and Manila. Tzu Chi is also prepared to grant scholarships to the victims’ children, according to its social service coordinator, Michael Siao. One possible scholar is the eldest child of Elizabeth Banico, one of the workers who perished in the fire. The sole breadwinner of her family, Banico left behind her husband and four children. “[Granting scholarships] is a big concern for us since families like the Banicos may now be thinking twice about sending their children to school. We can accommodate their children so they could finish their studies,” Siao said. Banico’s eldest child is an incoming senior marine engineering student at Dr. Carlos Lanting College, he noted. “Wewill evaluate their situation and they can become part of our long-term assistance program and our cash-for-work program,” he added. Before the home visits, Tzu Chi volunteers chanted prayers for the dead who were then at a funeral parlor in Barangay Maysan. “We just hope to bring some light and peace to the deceased so that their [next journey] would be peaceful,” Siao said. ■
Opinion
16
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
PUBLIC LIVES
Wandering nations By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer DESCRIBED as the world’s most persecuted minority group, the Rohingya are once more in the news. Most of them fled their homes in Arakan, northwestern Myanmar (Burma), staying in refugee camps on both sides of the Burmese-Bangladeshi border. Unable to bear the conditions in these camps, they sell whatever possessions they have to pay for precious space in crowded boats run by human traffickers operating out of nearby Thailand. Sailing out on the vast Andaman Sea, they head for Malaysia, a predominantly Muslim society with a prosperous economy and a sizeable Indian population, where they hope to culturally blend in and find work. The Rohingya are Bengali Muslims, a people formed and displaced by the contingencies of geography, religion, Western colonization, and nationalist wars of independence. Arakan Valley, which they consider their homeland, is part of Burma’s Rakhine State. By religion and by ethnicity, they are indistinguishable from the Bangladeshi. Indeed, their ancestors were brought to Burma by the British colonizers to farm rice lands. They have little in common with the rest of the Burmese popula-
tion, who are mostly Buddhist. are mind-boggling. I quote from a New adrift at sea, uncertain whether they In the partitions that followed the York Times report: “The Office of the will make it to shore or perish from colonial era—where ethnicity, cul- United Nations High Commissioner drowning, illness, starvation, or dehyture, and government were fused un- for Refugees said in a report released dration. This is a humanitarian crisis, der the emergent nation-states—the Friday that an estimated 25,000 people not unlike the unabated flow of refuRohingya found themselves without fled Myanmar and Bangladesh by boat gees fleeing Libya and Syria, who ata state. The Burmese military gov- in the first quarter of this year, twice tempt to cross the Mediterranean on ernment, under Gen. Ne Win, de- the number of last year.” frail boats to reach Europe. The Roclared them in 1982 to be ineligible Over the weekend, more than 500 hingya come from Myanmar, an Asean for Burmese citizenship, and insisted Rohingya arrived in Sumatra, Indone- member-state, and are preyed upon on classifying them as illegal immi- sia. Their crew had abandoned them, by human smuggling syndicates based grants from Bangladesh. But Bangla- fearful of the crackdown on human in Thailand, another Asean memberdesh refused to accept them as its na- smugglers. The Indonesians gave the state. All they ask is to be allowed to tionals, preferring to set up refugee refugees water, food and fuel, and start a new life in any country that camps instead to accommodate them promptly sent them off, confident would take them, and give them work, as internally displaced persons. that Indonesia was not their desti- free from fear and harassment. Asean The exodus of the cannot treat the RoRohingya people hingya as though But this is precisely what makes the moral imperative started in 2012 and they were the sole more salient—that we are able to see ourselves as being part of the became more inresponsibility of the tense in 2013, when country into which solution even when the problem is not immediately at our door. Burmese mobs bethe sea current and gan attacking their communities, nation. Last Monday, another 1,051 the wind happened to deposit them. forcing hundreds of thousands to people landed on the Malaysian resort All this seems far removed from seek protection in refugee camps on island of Langkawi, a good number of our everyday concerns as Filipinos, both sides of the border. A powerful them jumping from their boat when though we may be part of Asean. Inpolitical movement in Burma known they saw land and summoning their deed, a glance at the map would show as “969” regards the Rohingya Mus- last strength to swim ashore. There that the probability of Rohingya lims as a threat to Buddhism. were 101 women and 52 children in boats washing ashore on a Philippine The Rohingya boat people who are this group. Tourist hotels in Langkawi beach is pretty low. But this is prenow adrift on the Andaman Sea and the sent them food, water, medicines, cisely what makes the moral imperaMalacca Straits appear to have come clothes and blankets, and, this time, tive more salient—that we are able to from the refugee camps in Bangladesh Malaysian authorities assured them see ourselves as being part of the soand Myanmar, where they have been they would not be sent away. lution even when the problem is not stuck for some years. The numbers Thousands more are, however, still immediately at our door.
In this regard, it is worth asking: How many of us are prepared to welcome the Rohingya into our communities? Not many, I suspect. While we did open our doors to war refugees from South Vietnam in the 1970s, they did not exactly live among us. They stayed in camps in Bataan and Palawan where they basically waited and prepared for eventual resettlement in the United States. In truth, it’s not an easy question to answer. There’s a new type of racism that is thriving everywhere in the modern world. No longer anchored on a belief in the hierarchy of races, it manifests itself as a belief in cultural essentialism. It is often subtly expressed as the need to preserve cultural integrity in a pluralist world, though its ultimate aim is clearly to exclude the “other.” Anti-immigrant Europe is a good example of this. And indeed, overseas Filipino workers often find themselves at the receiving end of this sentiment. The more globalized societies become, the more people begin to think their nationhood is threatened. Unable to tap the sources of modern solidarity, they ironically turn to ethnicity, and sometimes to religion, in a frantic effort to recover and defend their imagined purity and wholeness. I dare say we are probably no different. ■
AS I SEE IT
Why Poe will beat Binay in polls By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer TALK OF credit-grabbing, is it true that Vice President Jejomar Binay is claiming credit for the victory of El Gamma Penumbra, the Philippine shadow play troupe that won the first “Asia’s Got Talent” contest in Singapore? Is it true he claimed that he is the original “penumbra” and that the troupe got its inspiration from him? I don’t think so, but you can never tell with politicians. They would sell their own mothers for votes. *** “And now the end is near, and so I take the final curtain…” That line from a signature song of Frank Sinatra may now be the theme song of Binay, now that it looks like Sen. Grace Poe will be the presidential candidate of the administration’s Liberal Party in next year’s elections. In his statements to the press, President Aquino is dropping very broad hints that he prefers Poe to be the LP standard-bearer, saying that Poe seems to be the right person to continue his reforms. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas is the presumptive LP candidate, but so far the President has refrained from endorsing him publicly; instead he
seems to be endorsing Poe. him campaign because I was already when he was mayor of Makati. The reason may be the low ratings of in prison. Helping his daughter beThe United Nationalist Alliance Roxas in the opinion polls. He is behind come president is the only way I can (UNA) is not the party of Binay, alBinay and Poe, tying for third place with atone for that shortcoming.” though he claims it as his own. UNA Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. But “Baka pagmultuhan ako ni FPJ is a coalition founded by Erap, Binay Poe, with 31 percent, is only 5 points kung hindi ko tulungan si Grace (FPJ and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who is behind Binay who has 36 percent. And may haunt me if I don’t help his now detained also on graft charges. she has not even declared her candidacy daughter),” he added as a joke. But UNA is 90 percent Erap’s Pwersa yet, while Binay has been campaigning So what if Erap supports Poe instead ng Masang Pilipino (PMP). Binay and for the presidency on the very first day of Binay? Because Binay is nothing Enrile brought nothing to UNA except that he became vice president. Political without Erap’s support. Binay won as themselves and their families. Without analysts see Poe overtaking Binay in the vice president as the running mate of the PMP, UNA would be nothing. next poll, especially with the discovery Erap, who placed second to Noynoy. Binay said he would form his own by the Anti-Money Laundering Council Binay won and Erap lost because party and join the UNA coalition, but he (AMLC) that the Bihas not done that. nays have hundreds So where would That’s how fed up Filipinos are with criminals, such that they of millions of pesos Binay get votes when will tolerate human rights violations to get rid of crime. stashed in a number Erap’s PMP votes go of bank accounts to Poe? Binay might which the Court of Appeals has ordered members of the Aquino-Cojuangco as well say goodbye to his presidential frozen. clan double-crossed Noynoy’s run- ambition. Right now, he should be singIn a contest between Poe and Binay ning mate, Mar Roxas, by secretly cam- ing, “And now, the end is near….” for the presidency, Binay would surely paigning for a “Noy-Bi” (Noynoy-Bi*** lose. Why? As I explained in the May nay) tandem. In short, Binay may have The surprise is Mayor Rodrigo 11 column, it is because Manila Mayor also double-crossed Erap in exchange Duterte. From faraway Davao, he catJoseph Estrada will dump him and for the “Noy-Bi” campaign. Those close apulted to third place in the surveys, support Grace Poe, the daughter of his to Erap say that he also thinks so. tying with Mar Roxas. Not many peobosom friend Fernando Poe Jr. Binay has practically no party. He ple outside Davao even knew Duterte Erap told me why, and I will quote was forced to quit his party, PDP-Laban, a few months ago. Although he claims him word for word: “Grace is the because of differences with the party’s he is not running for president but daughter of my bosom friend FPJ. It president, Sen. Koko Pimentel, who is only campaigning for a federal syswas I who convinced FPJ to run for now leading the Senate investigation of tem of government as an answer to president but I was not able to help the corruption charges against Binay the Moro problem, people think he is
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really aiming for the top position. Most presidential candidates come from the Senate and from Luzon, the Philippines’ biggest and most populous island, so why is Duterte from Davao suddenly a “presidentiable”? Because Filipinos are fed up with crimes and criminals and Duterte talks tough against criminals. His latest quote against them is: “Kill them all!” This may shock human rights advocates but, apparently, this tough stance against criminals works. Duterte’s Davao City has been ranked as the “9th safest city” in the world by the crowdsourcing site www.numbeo.com. “How do you think I did it?” Duterte asked a national convention of safety advocates. “Kill them all (the criminals)!” he answered his own question. There were gasps in the audience, but they were drowned out by loud applause. That’s how fed up Filipinos are with criminals, such that they will tolerate human rights violations to get rid of crime. Human rights for criminals is a Western concept which should not have been adopted in the Philippines, Duterte said. He added: “When you start getting soft on criminals, that’s when you start to have problems.” ■
Opinion
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
17
LOOKING BACK
Aguinaldo vs Quezon By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer EVERYONE is simply shocked by the front-page news of the past two days regarding the Binays. First we are told that the Binays and their associates maintain over 200 bank accounts and have moved P600 million around. The next day the figure bloats from P600 million to P11 billion! To do the math on all these requires a calculator especially made for Indonesia, because its currency has more zeroes than ours. The amount does challenge the imagination: How big a suitcase do you need to hold P1 billion in P1,000 bills? The reports are not new in our political history; only the cast of characters and the amounts change. The family says the controversy is meant to derail Vice President Jejomar Binay’s bid for the presidency in 2016. Browsing through prewar periodicals recently made me realize how politics colors the way in which we remember our heroes. On Jan. 13, 1927, officials of the Bureau of Lands announced the sale of agricultural land in Dasmariñas, Cavite, at a public auction set on Feb.
28, 1927. This would not have made to the land or a contract allowing him down payment and roughly P18,000 a news except that Emilio Aguinaldo to settle on and cultivate it, the Bu- year until the balance was fully paid. was found to be squatting on 1,200 reau of Lands declared the Paliparan With the Paliparan estate scheduled hectares of the government land estate vacant. The government could for public auction on Feb. 28, 1927, Aguiknown as the Paliparan estate. To have made this arrangement legal in naldo fought back on Feb. 6, during a regularize his possession of the land, recognition of Aguinaldo’s role in his- meeting of the Veterans of the PhilipAguinaldo had to pay the assessed tory, but as we know, he and Quezon pine Revolution in Palma de Mallorca, value set at P200,000, perhaps even did not get along, and later ran against by expelling from the association: Genmore if someone bid against him at each other in the Commonwealth erals Pantaleon Garcia (who called Aguthe auction. Aguinaldo claimed that presidential election of 1935. inaldo the “instrument of imperialism Manuel L. Quezon had allowed him Aguinaldo asked for some time to in the islands” during a Veterans meetto use the land, but then Quezon said settle the issue before the announced ing in January), Aniceto Lacson and he could not give away land that did auction. Had he executed sales con- Tomas Mascardo, Col. Manuel Sityar, not belong to him. Lt. Daniel Maramba, According to reSgt. Patricio Mariano, cords, Aguinaldo and a few others. The Shakespeare is best experienced in a theater than force-fed had been occupymost prominent perthrough text in a classroom. ing and cultivating son on the black list the land for 16 years happened to be Masince 1911 with nojor Quezon. In this body objecting, until a candidate for tracts in 1911 when he first occupied period, when Filipinos were opposed a seat in the House whom Aguinaldo the Paliparan estate, it would have to the policies of US Governor-General did not support made it public. Four cost him P149,000 in cash. If he de- Leonard Wood, Aguinaldo said the way letters were sent to Aguinaldo by the cided to pay on installment, the gov- Quezon “has directed our public affairs Bureau of Lands from 1911 to 1927, ernment required a down payment of has been disastrous for the country, and advising him to legalize his occupancy P7,000, with the balance payable in therefore he should resign his leaderof the Paliparan estate that was part 20 years at an interest rate of 4 per- ship so that others may take his place.” of the Imus friar hacienda measuring cent per annum, which would have Quezon replied through the press: 1,175 hectares, an area bigger than any made the estate worth P202,929.44. “My alleged expulsion from the held by Negros hacenderos. But Agui- If he paid cash, the estate would have Veterans Association is a farce. While naldo simply ignored the letters, and been worth P231,000; on install- I am a veteran I have never affiliated since he could not produce legal title ment, it would have been P20,000 as myself with the association… The
so-called veterans association is misleading. The majority of the present membership are not veterans and have never been veterans but politicians aspiring to get jobs from Governor-General Wood through the influence of General Aguinaldo…” Quezon even made a remark that many of the so-called veterans had not even smelled gunpowder. He said he could not be expelled from an association he wasn’t associated with, but Aguinaldo replied by providing the press with Quezon’s application for membership dated Nov. 3, 1913, and another document signed by Aguinaldo approving his application dated Nov. 23, 1913. After the issue with the Bureau of Lands in 1927, Aguinaldo was hounded in 1929 for a decade-long outstanding debt that, coupled with penalties and interest, amounted to almost P80,000. In both cases his defense was that everything was political persecution. Reading up on this forgotten period in our history and comparing it with events today make me wonder whether our political landscape has changed much since the Commonwealth or even the First Republic. ■
AT LARGE
Why women are dying By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer BY ALL rights, no woman should be dying of cervical cancer. True, the human papillomavirus (HPV) is, as Dr. Ricardo Manalastas, an ob-gyne and authority on HPV, puts it: “ubiquitous”—that is, quite common and frequently seen. The website of the US Centers for Disease Control declares that “HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women get it at some point in their lives,” most commonly through skin-to-skin transmission. For more than 80 percent of those who get infected with HPV, the virus, which most commonly causes warts, will spontaneously disappear. But some of those infected with HPV will develop a “persistent infection,” which, unless detected early, will develop into lesions and most probably lead to cervical cancer. But the “good” news is that the time frame from the appearance of the precancerous or cancerous lesions to the development of cervical cancer can take as long as 10 years. Which is why women are encouraged to get a screening test—either a pap smear or VIA (visual inspection with ascetic acid wash)—three years or less after their first sexual encounter.
With early detection and diagnosis, says Dr. Cecile Llave of Cecap or the Cervical Cancer Prevention Network, “the chances for cure are very high.” The problem is that the majority of cases of cervical cancer exhibit no signs and symptoms, said Dr. Llave. Many patients are driven to seek medical advice only when they experience bleeding from the vagina, by which time the disease would have developed to an advanced stage. In some cases, say doctors who’ve worked with cervical cancer patients, they can tell if one woman in their waiting room is a cervical cancer case simply by the odor of rotting or “necrotic” flesh, which can happen in the late stages. *** In the Philippines, said Dr. Llave, speaking at a forum on cervical cancer sponsored by the women’s health group Likhaan, the cervix is the “second leading cancer site,” with an average of 12 Filipino women a day dying from it. Obviously, if more women were getting screened regularly, they would have greater chances of surviving infection from HPV. But despite years of campaigning and offering screening services, only 12
percent of Filipino women are getting screened (an annual pap smear is recommended after sexual debut, but some experts say that if three consecutive tests show no infection, then the screening can be done every three years or so.) To this end, the Cecap has begun offering what it calls the “single visit approach,” which combines counseling with the use of the VIA—which does not require expensive lab diagnosis like the pap smear—and immediate cryosurgery (to kill off suspicious-looking cells), with no need for follow-up treatment. Dr. Llave is also involved with the “Mother-Daughter Initiative” with various local governments, which involves gathering groups of women for mass screening programs and encouraging them to bring along their daughters for mass immunization against cervical cancer, through the anti-HPV vaccine. *** This last is the main reason I say that, in an ideal world, no woman should be dying from cervical cancer. For some years now, the HPV vaccine has been available to provide protection from the virus, which means protecting them, too, from cervical cancer—well, at least for about 70 percent of all possible cases.
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(There is as yet no vaccine available against the other HPV types linked to cervical cancer.) Dr. Manalastas says that aside from the bivalent and quadrivalent vaccines available in the market, there are reports of the development of an anti-HPV vaccine that protects against nine types of HPV, which would provide, he said, 90-percent protection against the virus, of which there are about 100 types. The present 30 percent of cases not covered by the HPV vaccine is the reason, said Dr. Manalastas, he would recommend that “even if you have already been vaccinated, you should still go for a screening after you become sexually active.” For reasons like higher immune levels, greater efficiency and no previous exposure to HPV, health experts recommend that the HPV vaccine be given to girls as young as nine years up to their early 20s. Older women may take advantage of the vaccine, too (there is an uptick of cervical cancer cases among women in their 50s and 60s), although it may be limited in effectivity. *** Unfortunately, in previous years the uptake on the HPV vaccine was only around 10-12 percent, about the same rate for screenings. We
may see better numbers soon when the vaccine is made available by the Department of Health to girls from nine to 13 years old in public schools in 20 of the “poorest” areas in the country. But we may have to wait for a decade or more before definitive statistics on survival rates are available, when the immunized girls reach their teens or early adulthood, become sexually active and thus exposed to HPV. Only then, perhaps, will health authorities know how many lives were saved and how many women were protected from cervical cancer because of the HPV vaccine. To parents of young women not included in the free school-based vaccination program, nothing stops you, or should stop you, from bringing them to get their HPV shots. Cervical cancer is only one of two cancers (the other is liver cancer which has been linked to the hepatitis-B virus) that can be prevented by a vaccine. True, the vaccine shots (three shots are required, about two months apart) cost more than P10,000 in total. But think about the consequences—not just the million or so pesos needed for treatment, but the possibility of losing your daughter to a disease you could have prevented. ■
18
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Canada News
Up for debate: parties blowing up the old system of leader election face offs BY JENNIFER DITCHBURN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Canadians can expect to see multiple federal election debates during this campaign season, likely over the summer and in different formats, as part of a major upheaval in the way the leaders square off in person. YouTube, live-streaming, multiple moderators — it’s all on the table in the run-up to the October vote. The Conservative Party of Canada appears to be taking the first step in shaking up the debate system, rejecting outright the traditional model of one debate each in French and English, both tightly controlled by the major networks. The Conservatives and the NDP have instead said yes to two new debates in August — one proposed by the Frenchlanguage network TVA and another hosted by Maclean’s magazine. And they’re willing to do more. The Liberals, meanwhile, haven’t made any commitments, but say that the time has come to create a new independent debate commission to oversee the particulars. “This kind of commission will be in our platform and we will bring forward legislation if we form government,” the party said in a written statement. “Political parties and broadcasters should not be able to cherry-pick debates on an adhoc basis.” The extent to which the Green Party and the Bloc Quebecois will be able to participate remains unclear. So far, the Greens and the NDP have agreed to participate in a debate hosted by an alliance of women’s organizations. Conservative spokesman Kory Teneycke has said his party is willing to participate in up to five debates, and wouldn’t necessarily turn down something hosted individually by a
consortium member such as ing debates has been critiqued Canadians as possible airing on CTV, CBC/Radio-Canada or for years, particularly over a all the networks,” the consorGlobal. perceived lack of accountability tium said. “There are many credible within the TV consortium. “In addition to the core conorganizations and media orgaThe consortium issued a sortium group which produces nizations capable of hosting a statement Tuesday, emphasiz- the debates, the debates hisdebate, and the notion that you ing the wide reach of the tele- torically have been distributed would exclude all of them in vised debates during the 2011 to other broadcasters, again favour of three ensuring wide broadcasters access to Canaseems to me to dians.” be difficult to deThe Liberals fend,” Teneycke There are many credible and others have said. organizations and media called for a sysNDP camorganizations capable of hosting tem more like paign director a debate, and the notion that you that in the U.S., Anne McGrath would exclude all of them in favour where a nonsaid her party of three broadcasters seems to me to partisan group isn’t opposed to be difficult to defend. decides on the the consortium’s hosts and venproposal, but is ues. Still, that also open to othCommission on ers. campaign — 10 million viewers Presidential Debates has also “Our objective is to have for the English debate, and four faced criticism for an apparent more debates and more oppor- million for the French. lack of transparency and for tunities for our leader to debate “As a public service, Canada’s effectively being controlled by the prime minister,” McGrath major broadcasters come to- the Democrats and the Repubsaid. gether to make sure that the licans. Canada’s system of organiz- debates are exposed to as many Of course, there’s always www.canadianinquirer.net
plenty of politics involved where debates are concerned. The parties want to ensure the best possible set of circumstances for their respective leaders. Longtime Conservative activist and Ottawa consultant Yaroslav Baran says it’s likely in Harper’s interest to go up against the newer leaders as many times as possible to highlight their differences. Choosing different venues and hosts also means the possibility of reaching different voters. “If you end up with five debates, each on a different platform, you’re basically guaranteeing that you’re reaching people that you wouldn’t reach if you had two debates according the classic consortium format,” said Baran. “You have a whole bunch of people in Canada who don’t even own a television anymore, or a landline telephone.” ■
Canada News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
19
Harper Government marks the International Day of Families
The Harper Government is looking for hundreds of thousands of families not currently registered for the enhanced child care benefit OTTAWA, ONTARIO — The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today marked the International Day of Families and took the opportunity to remind parents it is their last day to apply for the enhanced Universal Child Care (UCCB) in order to get a payment in July. While the majority of families with children, approximately 3.8 million, are known and will automatically receive the enhanced UCCB or be contacted by the Government to confirm their information, an estimated 200,000 eligible families are not currently captured by the Government’s UCCB system and may miss out on receiving money that is owed to them unless they apply. For example, it is estimated that are approximately 69,000 families with children in Ontario not currently registered.
In 2015 alone, this represents potentially millions of dollars in unclaimed benefits. Under the proposed enhancements to the UCCB, families would receive almost $2,000 per year for each child under the age of 6 and $720 per year for each child aged 6 through 17. The new benefit amounts would be retroactive to January 1, 2015, and be reflected in monthly payments to families in July 2015. The proposed enhancements to the UCCB are expected to more than double the number of families that benefit from 1.6 million to more than 4 million. If your family is not currently receiving the UCCB, has never received the UCCB or has never applied for the Canada Child Tax Benefit and you still have children under 18 in your care, please go to www.canada.ca/ taxsavings to find out how you can apply.
If an application is received after today, families will still receive the enhanced UCCB payment, including any retroactive payments, in a later month. Apply by June 1 to ensure you receive your payment in August. Quick Facts
• Families that need to submit an application will need to do so by today in order to receive the enhanced UCCB payment in July 2015. • All families with children will benefit from the new Family Tax Cuts and Benefits Plan, which includes the Family Tax Cut and enhancements to the UCCB, Child Care Expenses Deduction and Children’s Fitness Tax Credit. • Combined with tax relief introduced by the Harper Government since 2006, a typical family of four can receive up to $6,600 in tax relief and enhanced benefits in 2015.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper and family.
• Low- and middle-income families will receive two-thirds of the overall benefits provided by the Harper Government’s new family measures. • The Family Tax Cut will
FACEBOOK PHOTO
eliminate or significantly reduce the difference in the federal tax payable by a one earner couple relative to a two-earner couple with a similar family income. ■
Information commissioner wants Mounties charged; government rewrites the law BY BRUCE CHEADLE The Canadian Press OTTAWA — An unprecedented Conservative bid to rewrite the law in order to retroactively erase the RCMP’s mishandling of gun registry records sets the table for legislated, after-the-fact coverups of far more serious crimes, Canada’s information commissioner declared Thursday. In a damning new report tabled in Parliament, Suzanne Legault concluded that the practice establishes a “perilous precedent” of rewriting laws — one that could jeopardize the ability of authorities to prosecute electoral fraud or other government scandals. Legault recommended almost two months ago that charges be laid against the RCMP for its role in withholding and destroying gun registry data. But instead of Justice Minister Peter MacKay moving on the recommendation to lay charges, the Harper government rewrote
the law, backdated the changes ing by then-public safety min- further — legitimate in our and buried the amendment in ister Vic Toews that the RCMP Canadian democracy ... then I an omnibus budget bill. wouldn’t destroy records while think we could have done the MPs and senators should her investigation continued. same thing when (auditor gen“look themselves in the mirror The RCMP, nevertheless, went eral) Sheila Fraser investigated and decide whether they can, ahead and destroyed the data in the sponsorship scandal” under in their own integrity, actually October 2012. the Liberals in the 1990s, Levote in favour of those proposed Legault filed a suit Thursday gault told The Canadian Press. amendments,” Legault said in in Federal Court in an effort to “We could have ousted her enan interview. tire jurisdiction “We could do after the fact.” the same thing The RCMP inafter investigatsisted it has fully ing potential We could do the same thing after complied with electoral fraud. investigating potential electoral provisions of the We could erase fraud. We could erase these things Access to Inforthese things retretroactively. mation Act. roactively.” “The RCMP At issue are would vigorously millions of redefend against cords from the defunct long- preserve the rights of the un- any accusation of unlawful congun registry, which the Conser- named complainant in the case, duct in respect of the handling vative government voted out of but she said the issue goes far of this access to information reexistence in April 2012. beyond gun registry records. quest,” spokesman Sgt. Harold Legault found that the Backdating changes to the Pfleiderer said in an email. Mounties stonewalled a re- law to make something legal Under the provisions in Bill quest for the registry data in that was illegal — and after a C-59, the Mounties won’t have March 2012 and later released finding of wrongdoing — breaks to defend anything. only portions of the eight-mil- new ground, she said. The omnibus budget bill exlion-plus records. “If we accept that this is legal, empts any “request, complaint, Legault was assured in writ- constitutional and — perhaps investigation, application, juwww.canadianinquirer.net
dicial review, appeal or other proceeding under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act” related to those old records. Legault said it’s the fourth time she has provided evidence to the attorney general of Canada or a minister that there were grounds for criminal charges. No charges have ever been laid under the Access to Information Act, despite past findings of blatant and illegal political interference in the workings of the system, which is designed to inform Canadians about the activities of their government. Prime Minister Stephen Harper said the Mounties were just obeying the will of his majority government. “The government, the Parliament of Canada, has already decided to abolish the longgun registry,” Harper said at an event in Windsor, Ont. “The RCMP have acted fully within Parliament’s intention ❱❱ PAGE 23 Information commissioner
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MAY 22, 2015
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FRIDAY
Canada News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
21
‘Rent-a-cop’ program brings millions to police coffers, but critics want change BY LIAM CASEY AND PAOLA LORIGGIO The Canadian Press TORONTO — Police officers across Canada have been getting paid for years to stand around manholes and construction sites during off-hours. But no one seems to know just when the practice first started, or where — not even those who reap millions of dollars every year from so-called “paid duty,” a program that allows companies and individuals to hire off-duty officers for various events. “When we tried to pin down where these requirements came from, nobody could tell us,” says Alok Mukherjee, chair of the Toronto Police Services Board, which oversees the force. From a thick binder labelled “Paid Duty,” he pulls a copy of a document from 1957 — minutes from a police board meeting that references setting the rate for paid duty. As far back as the 1920s, Toronto’s then-police chief criticized paid duty, saying it would likely be rescinded. But today, the practice has become a funding source for cash-strapped police forces, and a lightning rod for criticism. In cities that include Montreal, Waterloo, Ont., and Calgary, critics are raising concerns that the system grants better protection to those with the means to pay for it, and questioning whether officers can remain impartial towards those who offer lucrative contracts. In Toronto, where the program has been a political hot potato for decades, city officials are eager to cut back the funds doled out each year for paid duty supervision of municipal projects. Mukherjee also worries about what he calls the “reputational” cost. “When people talk about police officers these days, it is interesting how frequently they talk about the police officer who is standing guard over a sewage drain doing nothing, slouching, holding a cup of coffee,” he said.
SECURITY VEHICLE AND GUARD IN MONTREAL, QUEBEC. In cities that include Montreal, Waterloo, Ont., and Calgary, critics are raising concerns that the system
grants better protection to those with the means to pay for it, and questioning whether officers can remain impartial towards those who offer lucrative contracts. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Base salaries of police constables in Toronto range from $63,436 to $90,623, the force’s website shows. Meanwhile, paid-duty earnings amount to an average of $8,909 per officer, according to Ontario’s so-called sunshine list. Mukherjee wants to overhaul the program, including eliminating what he calls “rent-acops,” where officers are hired for events that aren’t required by law to have a police presence, such as Maple Leafs and Blue Jays games. He also wants the city and the province to change rules that mandate when an officer must be on scene, usually to guide traffic, on larger roads that are under construction. “I’d rather see a combination of special constables, paid duty and private security,” he said. In 2014, Toronto police officers made more than $27 million for performing paid duties, with the service raking in another $4 million from a 15-percent “administration fee” and another $1 million for equipment. More than 80 per cent of that cost is paid for by private indi-
viduals or organizations, which is why the head of the police union said the debate is not about finances since it doesn’t affect the police budget. “There’s no economic basis to attack paid duties, so they’ve shifted to the reputational impact, which, to me, holds no water at all,” Mike McCormack said. “When we have officers who are downtown or in the city to improve traffic flow, it actually increases our reputation.” Mukherjee doesn’t think so. The police board has the power to set guidelines on paid duty, he said, but change will have to come from the incoming police chief, Mark Saunders. A spokesman for Saunders said paid duty is among the issues the new chief will tackle once he’s sworn in, but would not elaborate further. A recent report by the Association of Municipalities of Ontario recommended that some of the specific functions of paid-duty officers should be transferred to civilians or other security providers. “This could include court security and prisoner transporwww.canadianinquirer.net
tation, data entry, accident reporting, burglary investigations (provided the burglary is no longer in progress), and forensics, among other functions,” the report states. In Montreal, the paid-duty system — established in the mid-1990s — is seen by some as a way to bolster municipal coffers. At one point, there was a push to use the program to help transform the force into a selffinancing entity. A report issued last year by Montreal’s public safety commission urged the force to look at ways to expand its paid-duty services in order to generate more revenue. The current police chief, Marc Parent, made it clear when he took over five years ago that he planned to scale back the program after the city’s then-mayor raised concerns about the appearance of two-tier policing. Guy Ryan, a former Montreal police inspector, said he always had reservations about the system, particularly with paid-duty assignments he considered too close to security work. “I’d say: ‘Come on, there’s an
ethical issue there for us as a public service,’ but there were some who went around that because they said it was additional revenue,” he said. The man overseeing Montreal’s paid duty program — called “commercialization” — said strict guidelines have been put in place in recent years to ensure the force’s integrity isn’t compromised. Officers aren’t allowed to take on work that amounts to acting as a security guard, or that could give the impression of a conflict of interest, said Didier Deramond, the force’s deputy chief. That includes watching over bars or other businesses, he said. Paid duty brought in roughly $4.4 million last year, Deramond said. While it does count as revenue in the police budget, he said it isn’t a cash cow for the force. “We charge them what it costs us — we’re not making any gains with this,” he said. A few years ago, ethical concerns prompted Waterloo’s then-police chief to step in after business owners in the city’s ❱❱ PAGE 47 ‘Rent-a-cop’ program
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World News
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Myanmar trafficking fed by greed as well as persecution; brokers trick children onto boats BY ESTHER HTUSAN The Associated Press SITTWE, MYANMAR — The boy was shoved onto the wooden vessel with hundreds of other Rohingya Muslims. For days, the 14-year-old sat with his knees bent into his chest, pressed up against sweaty bodies in the cabin’s rancid heat. Women cradled coughing babies. The crew paced back and forth with belts and iron rods, striking anyone who dared to speak, stand up or even those who vomited from the nauseating stench and rolling waves. Rohingya have been fleeing persecution in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar for years, but that was not the central reason Mohammad Tayub ended up on the ship anchored off the coast of western Rakhine state two weeks ago. He said he was simply tricked by brokers, now capitalizing on poverty and a growing sense of desperation. Two men approached him while he was tending cattle, he said, offering him a job in Malaysia and saying that if he wanted to help earn money for his family, this was his best chance. They took him to the shore on the back of their motorbike, offering assurances he wouldn’t have to pay for the boat ride. He hoped at least to go home, pack a bag and say goodbye, but by that time, it was already too late. “I’m never going to see my mother again,” he thought when inside the ship, his body pressed up tightly against strangers on all sides. “I wanted to cry, but I knew I’d be beaten again if I did.” Tayub had no way of knowing there is little chance of an exit for thousands of Rohingya and Bangladeshis stranded in the sea since a crackdown on human trafficking networks in Thailand earlier this month left the region grappling with a monumental humanitarian crisis. They are growing weaker each day as the navies of three Southeast Asian nations have pushed crowded rickety boats out of their respective waters, each nation fearing that any
Rohingyan people displaced in Rakhine State Buddhist violence. UK DEPARTMENT FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
sign of acceptance could trig- all armed. I knew they’d shoot ucation or receive medical care. ger a mass exodus that would me.” They have been told there’s swamp its shores. The government claims little chance they will be alSurvivors say dozens have Myanmar’s 1.3 million Ro- lowed to vote in upcoming gendied and an increasingly hingya are illegal migrants eral elections and that those alarmed United Nations has from neighbouring Bangladesh, who cannot prove their families warned that the boats could though many of their families have been in the country since turn into “floating coffins.” arrived generations ago. De- it gained independence from But that has not stopped nied citizenship, they are effec- Britain in 1948 could face debrokers like the ones who ap- tively stateless and have faced portation or indefinite detenproached Tayub in Myanmar. violence and state-sponsored tion in camps. All are still eager to earn the discrimination for decades. As result, more than 100,000 $100 they reRohingya and ceive from the neighbouring ship’s captain for Bangladeshis each body delivhave fled by boat ered regardless I wanted to jump in the water and in the last three of what happens swim back home, but the crew were years, the biggest after they leave, all armed. I knew they’d shoot me. exodus of boat according to people in the reMaung Maung, gion since the a community Vietnam War, leader who has says Chris Lewa researched trafficking in camps After the country of 50 mil- of the non-profit advocacy in and around Sittwe, the capi- lion started moving from dic- group Arakan Project. tal of Rakhine state. tatorship to democracy in 2011, Now it is not just religious The captains know they can newfound freedoms of expres- and ethnic persecution but abearn more money — thousands sion lifted the lid off deep-seat- ject poverty, desperation and of dollars per person from fam- ed hatred of the dark-skinned greed within their own commuily members — once they leave religious minority, making nities that have torn the social the country’s terrestrial waters. them even more vulnerable. fabric and driven Rohingya to For those trapped inside the Up to 280 Rohingya have been leave. vessels until the crew is given killed since mid-2012, and some Though police, navy and oththe go-ahead to leave, the shore 140,000 were chased from their er government officials profit, is tantalizingly close, a few homes by machete-wielding ex- the brokers themselves are alhours away by boat. tremist Buddhist mobs. They most all Rohingya. “I wanted to jump in the wa- now live under apartheid-like The Associated Press interter and swim back home,” Ta- conditions in camps where they viewed nine families whose yub said, “but the crew were can’t work, get an adequate ed- children have been taken by www.canadianinquirer.net
traffickers. It also interviewed six young victims, several community leaders and a smuggler in Sittwe. Maung Maung, one of the community leaders, rattled off names of more than a dozen men and women working full time to fill ships with human cargo. Residents were quick to confirm them, saying it’s no longer a secret. The giant wooden vessel that carried Tayub was among five migrant ships bobbing last week in the Bay of Bengal that separates Myanmar and Bangladesh. The brokers promise men jobs and offer pretty young girls the prospect of marriage if they agree to board the ships. It may cost them nothing to board, but the migrants are unaware that they will be held hostage in jungle camps or at sea until their poor families somehow come up with enough money to pay their ransom. Activists also say some women end up being sold into prostitution. Until recently, the first stop for boats leaving the Bay of Bengal was Thailand, long considered a regional trafficking hub. Men, women and children were often held until brokers could collect up to $2,000 from relatives. Those who could pay continued onward, usually to Malaysia, because the Muslim country faces a shortage of unskilled workers. Those who couldn’t come up with the money were sometimes beaten, killed or left to die. At suspected migrant camps in the mountains of southern Thailand, authorities have unearthed dozens of bodies from shallow graves since May 1. They have also arrested dozens of people, including police, politicians and a suspected trafficking kingpin. The crackdown, however, had the unintended consequence of spooking agents and brokers, who started holding the migrants offshore in overloaded boats. Fearing arrest, captains abandoned vessels, leaving thousands of men, women and children to fend for themselves on the open ocean. Off the Myanmar coast, Tayub and everyone else on the ❱❱ PAGE 30 Myanmar trafficking
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FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
PANGARAP : SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS
So, How Do You Benefit from an Informational Interview? BY BOLET AREVALO
INFORMATIONAL INTERVIEWING IS THE WAKE-UP CALL YOU NEED THAT WILL TELL YOU THAT THERE IS MUCH YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT A JOB, HOW TO GET IT AND HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN IT IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT. In one of the first jobs that I got after having decided to get serious about my job hunting, I unintentionally put the instructions of one of my trainors in question, or so it seemed to her. She took it poorly that I seemed not to have believed what she said and had to double-check with somebody else. She rattled off her disbelief. But had I been given the chance to explain myself as a free man, I would have told her that what I was double-checking was myself, and not her, and not even her instructions but the original instructions given to me by somebody else. I had to double-check because I had dialled the numbers and talked to more than a hundred people only to be told that
it was stupid to be calling those people after all, perhaps only to recoup my self-esteem a bit and verify that I had not misread or misheard the original instructions. But I was too shocked to even speak out that I deserved that piece of dignity. But there was no point in emoting through that incident because my angry trainor turned out to be a really nice lady. She explained that she could sound loud and could be too straight-forward sometimes, but that is all there was to it. Wouldn’t you rather have ten of her than have one who seems so nice and friendly but stabs you in the back? An informational interview could have warned me of the different personalities and cultures of people in the workplace that I needed to understand and accept hands down. Although we expect that, because we know of a place like Canada to be the land of immigrants and to thus be a multicultural society, we do not appreciate the shock of interacting with people of other cultures until we work with them, eat with them, ride with them, or go to church or school meetings with them. While the informational inter-
view is not a shortcut to acquiring a high emotional or social IQ, it should at least prepare you for what to expect and how to respond to some situations. Your resource person must have been through a lot of tricky situations before he saw himself successfully climbing up the ladder of success. From a professional point of view, an informational talk with an authority will also widen your understanding of the different directions that your own job hunt may take, or perhaps make you aware that there is an entirely new career direction that is waiting for you that you may have never thought of or considered. As to what are the requirements and skills upgrading needed to pursue this or that direction may also be an interesting area that can be talked about or explored in this discussion. Trends, business profiles, and expansion or reduction of operations of major players in the industry which you are eyeing can be interesting topics that can crop up in an informational interview. This is important because it will give you indications as to which companies are worth running after or spending job hunt time on or cold calling for work opportunities.
Information commissioner... in destroying the data in the long gun registry.” Harper asserted that the dispute is over contradictions between the Access to Information Act and his government’s legislation to end the long gun registry. That is not the case. In fact, the dispute revolves around the RCMP refusing to disclose gun registry data while the Conservative bill was still being debated and not yet law, then destroying records it knew were under an active investigation. Liberal MP Wayne Easter, a former solicitor general, said the government appears to be blinded by its fixation on destroying all traces of the long gun registry. “They don’t see the other implications here ❰❰ 19
You can also consider an informational interview as a practice interview for a job. Many of us might not have done job interviews in a long time, and this could be the chance to come face-to-face with a ranking individual and exchange notes and ideas. Yet, you are relaxed and will not suffer the tension of wanting to super-impress. Above all, an informational interview may actually be that slap that will wake you up and make you put both feet firmly on the ground that you are dreaming too much or aiming too high at this point of your life as a new immigrant. After the interview, you may benefit from knowing what to expect at the very least and how to respond to a really challenging search for that elusive job. Informational interviewing is both a data gathering activity and a professional networking
No Credit?
— and there are other implications.” Easter said the RCMP would not make a decision to withhold records without political direction or support. “If they’re complicit with the government in terms of destroying information against the law, what next will they be complicit with their political masters in? That’s a huge, huge question.” Nonetheless, the Conservative move will be popular with gun advocates. Eliminating the long-gun registry, which was part of a wider gun control initiative brought in by a Liberal government in 1995, has been a huge fundraising and vote-winning issue for the Conservatives over the years. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
technique. On another level, it is a way to acquire knowledge on how hard other people had worked their way up and to realize that, by working hard, you can also make it there. Trends, practices and work cultures: All of these can be gathered from this interview, giving you a holistic point of view of the new work environment you are facing. ■ Bolet is a marketing communications practitioner and dabbles in writing as a personal passion. She is author-publisher of the book: The Most Practical Immigrating and Job Hunting Survival Guide, proven simple steps to success without the fears and the doubts. The book is available in Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, the Reading Room and other online bookshops worldwide, and in National Book Store and Power Books in the Philippines.
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MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Community groups support Filipinos 2 Filipino nurses jailed facing home evictions for sex acts while on duty BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Daily Inquirer
Most of the building’s residents are immigrant Filipino families who have no home to transfer to should they be evicted. “I’m a veteran. I’m just making less than a thousand. What can I do? Where will I get the rest of the utilities, the food,
thing except the money do this to our communities,” said Tony Robles, community leader. “It’s not just about being rootSEVERAL FILIPINO famied out of your home: the stress lies are fighting evictions from that people are going through, their homes after their building the sleepless nights because has been purchased by the Big they don’t know where they are Tree Properties Incorporated going to be living tomorrow,” last March. said Angelica Ca“We are getbande, a member ting this presof the South of sure and stress Market Commubecause as soon The company then filed lawsuits nity Action Netas we see these against the tenants for alterations, work. people getting overcapacity and poor housekeeping “Talk to comout of these in their units. munity organibuildings then zations because what if it hapwe can help. But pens to us also? if you don’t fight, So that’s a big then you don’t problem for us,” said Rosendo and all that? So they want us have an option but to leave. But Anicete, one of the Filipinos to live on the street? Come on if you fight, you have an option facing eviction. now!” said Anicete. of at least staying and keeping The Big Tree Properties earVarious community advo- your home,” said Vivian Zalvilier offered to buy the building cates in the South of Market dea Araullo, the executive dibut the residents refused. The neighborhood showed support rector of the West Bay Pilipino company then filed lawsuits to the affected families. Center. against the tenants for altera“How can they do that when The tenants are hoping that tions, overcapacity and poor these irresponsible speculators they can still revoke the home housekeeping in their units. that care nothing about any- evictions. ■
BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Daily Inquirer FILIPINO NURSES Russel Torralba and Alfredo Ruiz were sentenced to one year imprisonment after engaging in sex acts while on duty on their then 98-yearold patient. They were immediately handcuffed and taken into custody after the hearing. According to the victim’s lawyer William Berman, the two nurses were not even apologetic for what they did. “There was never a true recognition that they had done something wrong to the individual,” he said, adding that through the course of the hearing, the nurses never apologized to the victim and her family. The Filipino nurses’ attorneys, however, claimed that their clients were sorry for the lewd acts. In 2011, the two nurses were seen to have engaged in sex acts in front of their patient. These were found out through the patient’s home surveillance camera.
“The video itself is quite disturbing but there are parts of the video clip where you can actually see her raising her hand as if to say enough or stop,” Berman said. The 43-year-old Filipino nurses were then charged of inflicting mental suffering to an elderly. They both pleaded guilty and were sentenced to the maximum amount of jail time for the acts. They were also placed in a five-year probationary period. Despite the positive outcome of the case, Berman was still not satisfied and believed that justice was not fully served. “On the one hand, my clients are happy that these individuals received the maximum amount of time per our laws but they’re disappointed that the laws don’t provide for stiffer penalties for acts of abuse or neglect of our elderly,” he said. Berman still believed that other Filipino caregivers and nurses do well in their profession. However, he reminded them not to neglect or abuse their patients. ■
Chinese to... dence applications for Chinese spouses or common-law partners who are already in Canada. “Marriages of convenience have become a threat to the integrity of Canada’s immigration program,” the 2013 Canada Border Services Agency’s enforcement and intelligence operations directorate report said. Canadians married to Chinese nationals, who claim to be newlyweds but do not show wedding photos with them kissing on the lips, was among the red flags raised in the Immigration Canada. The immigration’s list of red flags contained the following: • Chinese nationals married to non-Chinese nationals • Sponsors with low-paying jobs or on welfare • Couples who do not have honeymoons • Couples with no diamond rings • Private marriage ceremony performed by a minister or justice, and the reception is informal ❰❰ 1
• Few wedding photos not showing the couple kissing on the lips • Few photos of shared activities only with friends and without family members, and sometimes with the couple wearing the same clothes in different activities The immigration also advised officers to pay attention to the following: • Age gaps • Ethnic backgrounds • Education attainments • Previous relationships of the couple • Unusual or common Chinese surnames • Length of time the couple had been in a relationship before settling in marriage and the length of time they had known each other • Sponsored spouse gains from permanent residence The contents of the training manual were based on the documents from the Access to Information released in April 2007. The criteria presented then were still in place as re-
Canadian immigration officers have been reminded to be vigilant against bogus marriages as they become a rampant practice in the country. SHUTTERSTOCK
cently as in October 2013. However, the Citizenship and Immigration Canada could not say if the criteria were still in effect. Documents such as copies of the marriage certificate, questionnaire, invitation and photos of the wedding ceremony, www.canadianinquirer.net
divorce decree or annulment certificate if previously married, and photos of shared activities like family trips or community events among others were the requirements for spouse or common-law partner applications as evidence of
their relationships. Should immigration officers not be satisfied that the marriage was genuine and was only done to acquire status or privilege, they may refuse the application for permanent residency. Some immigration lawyers questioned some of the instructions. “Why Chinese people are singled out I have no idea, and then that they’re training officers to be suspicious of people of lower income and lower education when they get married, I thought that was pretty offensive,” Vancouver immigration lawyer Steve Meurrens said, adding that he observed immigration officers did not scrutinize specific groups of people only. Aside from the Chinese, Canadian spouses of Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Ethiopian, Guyanese and Haitian nationalities were also ‘high-risk’ concerns for marriage fraud. ■
25
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
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26
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS:
Miguel Tecson: Collections and Recollections BY MARY ANN R. MANDAP FILIPINOS IN Canada, nearly 800,000-strong, are in many ways the best ambassadors for their country and exponents of Filipino culture in this part of the world. But nothing else speaks more eloquently of Philippine ancient and ethnic history than the famed Tecson collection, housed at the UBC’s Museum of Anthropology (MOA). To Dr. Miguel and Julia Tecson, pioneer Filipino professionals in Canada, MOA was, and will always be their museum of choice for their extensive collection of over 350 archaeological objects, mostly from the Philippines. This treasured collection was turned over by the couple to MOA in 1987, in a selfless gesture to help future generations, Filipinos and Canadians alike, gain a deeper knowledge of their native country’s history and cultural heritage. “People thought of MOA as a museum for First Nations art but in reality it has an extensive trove from other cultures as well, but nothing from the Philippines then,” says Dr. Tecson, former UBC professor of psychiatry. At the renowned museum are over 500,000 anthropological artifacts from around the world and 40,000 ethnographic pieces. The Tecson donation consists of four parts and forms the bulk of MOA’s Philippine collection. The Filipino philanthropist identifies the four parts as the Archaeological and Ethnographic artifacts; Selected Library of Oriental Ceramics and Pottery; Collection of Antique Maps and Prints of the Philippines and Asia kept at the Rare Books and Special Collection at
A fitting tribute to Dr. Mike Tecson will be held on May 24, at the University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology for the extensive collection he and wife Julia Tecson, donated to the museum, in a selfless gesture to help future generations. JUN CUNANAN
the Main Library of UBC; and the Julia Tecson Textile Collection which includes her precious wedding ensemble. Dr. Tecson narrates that over the years, he and his wife amassed artifacts and memorabilia ranging from burial jars, jewelry, ancient pottery, carved religious images, reliefs, textiles, prints, maps and others. The students and friends who visited their residence at the University Endowment Lands were amazed at the collection, so the Tecsons decided to make this available to the next generation by donating them. “The pieces are all heirlooms inherited from family, relatives and friends. All are genuine,” he says. “Some artifacts are from Philippine archaeologists like Henry Otley Beyer, the father of Philippine Anthropology. We
lived next door to him and his son, Bill, gave me several burial jars (bulols),” adds Dr. Tecson, who holds the distinction of being the first Filipino licensed psychiatrist in British Columbia. The couple purchased objects from indigenous tribes in Northern Luzon, Central Visayas and Mindanao. Other heirlooms were from commercial dealers who obtained them through excavations in the Philippines and Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand and South China. Still others were anthropological finds bought by the Tecson’s during numerous trips abroad. The 84-year-old retired practitioner counts other influences who fired up his passion for revisiting the past. For one, his mother was a history major
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who started his love for reading at a young age. His father used to go on archaeological digs but was unable to unearth hidden treasures, Dr. Tecson adds. His great grandfather, Pablo Tecson, a key figure in Philippine history, was a revolutionary captain who served as brigadier general in Gen. Gregorio del Pilar’s military command. Pablo was later elected first civil governor of Bulacan. It was in Tecson’s ancestral house that the Pact of Biak-naBato was signed. This house, the largest in San Miguel, Bulacan, was often used to store old objects owned by the community. Hence, the young Tecson grew up surrounded by lifesized paintings, baskets, weapons, antique furniture, ceramics, precious jars and other
collectibles. In grade school, he started picking pottery. His intensified his acquisition after World War II, he recalls. Dr. Tecson points out that he doesn’t have spectacular pieces. “Most of these are great representational pieces which are ideal for studies and research.” His favorite relic is the cobalt blue jar with a lion head from Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Norte, which he says, comes with a touching love story. He narrates, “The Sobanon clan (considered the equivalent of sultan) had been trading with the Chinese for hundreds of years before the Moros came to the Zamboanga peninsula. During the Japanese era, the clan buried 100 of these precious jars in a pit. After the war, ❱❱ PAGE 42 Miguel Tecson
Community News
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
27
Miss Philippines Canada candidates presented to public BY FE PACA TADURAN THE 10 Miss Philippines Canada and Miss Teen Philippines Canada candidates showcased their beauty and talents during the pre-pageant event held at the Korean Cultural Centre in Toronto recently. The event, organized by the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF), made up of leader volunteers from the Filipino Canadian Community, aims to inspire excellence in young ladies of Filipino origin and to promote better understanding of the Filipino culture, talents, arts, heritage and charity. The bar of Miss Philippines/ Miss Teen Canada pageant has been raised. All candidates are in it to win and are having a very memorable journey. These beautiful and intelligent young ladies all want to make a difference, travel to the Philippines
The candidates with Pageant Director Rosemer Enverga, co-chairs, Noemi Milanes, Bing Marasigan and Lita Leano and 2014 winners Krisgelle Maramot and Adrienne Eduria.
and help the poor. Some of the candidate started out as shy and unassuming but have evolved with self-confidence. The talents they have shown exceptionally exceeded expectations and they have exhibited an outstanding
programme choreography. Coronation of the Miss Philippines Canada 2015 and Miss Teen Philippines Canada winners by GMA Star Heart Evangelista will be at the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show on June 27
Dimasalang artists hold freedom exhibit A COLLECTIVE art exhibition was adopted after the street in ists and Dimasalang II conby the Dimasalang III Inter- Manila where the founding art- sisted mainly of his students national Artist Group entitled ist SYM lived at the time. in the Philippines. Then, SYM “Kalayaan” hosted by the Surrey “Kalayaan” (Freedom) is the moved to Canada with his famArts Centre will be displayed at chosen theme of the upcoming ily in 1981 where he persisted to the Centre’s lobby from May 4 to exhibit at the Surrey Arts Cen- unselfishly share his immense July 4. Opening reception is set tre to pay tribute to the free- knowledge and expertise in all for June 4, at 6 p.m. dom the Filipino people enjoy nuances of art. He continues to Led by Dimasalang founder today. The Dimasalang artists teach aspiring talented artists and leader Sofronio Ylanan join in the celebration of the in Vancouver and formed a new Mendoza, better known by his Philippine Independence day set of “Canadian Dimasalang initials SYM, Artists”. together with Dimasalang Filipino-CanaIII International dian artists, will Artist Group is a showcase conIt was Jose Rizal’s writings and registered nottemporary works martyrdom that sparked a fervent call for-profit society of art. The Dimafor freedom. in British Cosalang group was lumbia directed formed in 1968 by a governing in Manila. The board of artists word “Dimadedicated to prosalang” originated from Phil- on June 12, by featuring paint- moting awareness of contemippine national hero and free- ings depicting a collection ex- porary arts and culture in the dom fighter, Dr. Jose Rizal, a pressing a touch of the Philip- community. The group offers revolutionary writer who used pine heritage and culture. arts-related educational and Dimasalang as his pseudonym Forty-seven years ago, in professional development opduring the turn of the 19th cen- 1968, the original Dimasalang portunities to its members and tury when the Philippines was artists (Dimasalang I) included the general public. Committed under Spanish rule. prestigious artists like SYM, to its vision of fostering a posiIt was Jose Rizal’s writings Emilio Abe Cruz (co-founder), tive contribution to the arts and martyrdom that sparked a Ibarra dela Rosa, Andy Cris- movement, the group continfervent call for freedom. The art- tobal Cruz & Romulo Galicano. ues to pursue a high standard of ists’ group’s name, ‘Dimasalang’ SYM helped mentor many art- artistic works. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
at the Metro-Toronto Convention Centre. The winners will receive free trips to the Philippines, amongst other prizes. They will serve as a PCCF ambassadors of goodwill in various events and activities throughout
Canada and the Philippines and will have the chance to meet the community's most influential leaders, appear on TV, meet GMA PinoyTV stars, make new friends and help the poor in the Philippines, through ANCOP projects. ■
Filipino Centre seeks candidates for Outstanding Student Awards BY MARISA ROQUE THE FILIPINO Centre Toronto’s (FCT) search for Filipino Canadian Outstanding Students for 2015 is now open. The annual competition targets elementary, high school and post secondary graduates of Filipino heritage residing in Ontario who have achieved academic honours in their studies. One or both parents or grandparents of contestants must be Filipino or of Filipino descent. Qualification of Applicants:
1. An elementary school applicant should have completed the final year of elementary school and entering high school; 2. The high school applicant should be accepted and going into university, or community college, or into an apprenticeship program; 3. The post secondary applicant should have completed his / her degree program. Elementary and high school applicants must have a minimum academic average of 85% or equivalent during the last
two school years, and must have been involved in extra- curricular and community activities. Post-secondary applicants must have graduated “with distinction /high honours” or equivalent academic honour. Elementary school graduates must submit original copies of final report cards for the last two years and high school graduates need to submit a current and original academic transcript bearing the school's official seal. Post-secondary graduates must submit a copy of their diploma with the academic honour citation or transcript of academic record. All candidates need two original letters of character references. One reference must be from the school. Immediate family is excluded. The completed application form must include two passport size photos. Final Evaluation will be based on scholastic achievement (50%), community involvement and extracurricular activities (25%) and interview (25%). ■ www.filipinocentretoronto.com
28
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Entertainment
GMA Network tops digital TV coverage survey BROADCAST GIANT GMA Network led in an independent study measuring digital TV presence in the country, affirming the robust coverage of the Network’s digital TV signal. The study, which was conducted by local smartphone and tablet manufacturer Starmobile, revealed that GMA 1SEG and GMA News TV were available in 10 out of the 14 test locations in Metro Manila. Other channels surveyed were ABS-CBN, ABS-CBN Sports, TV5, and AKSYON TV, among others. “The results of the study confirm our readiness for the eventual shift to Digital TV,” says Engr. Elvis B. Ancheta, GMA Senior Vice President for Engineering. In compliance with the directive of the National Telecommunications Commission, GMA has started to adapt the Japanese DTV standard or ISDB-T. “Moreover, it manifests the level of importance the Network has placed in being able to reach as many viewers as possible as this ultimately determines our audience size,” Ancheta adds. The Network takes pride in its commitment to signal superiority as evidenced by its excellent signal across the country, an advantage over competitors exhibited consistently by its analog footprint which it commits to carry over to digital. Based on claimed household reception findings in the 2014 TV Establishment Survey
Ell Gamma Penumbra in Singapore for ‘Asia’s Got Talent’. EGP OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
El Gamma Penumbra thankful for victory BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer
Engr. Elvis B. Ancheta, Senior Vice President and Head of the Engineering Group
of Nielsen Philippines, GMA is received by 99 percent of all TV households in Total Urban Philippines, leading other local free-to-air channels. As it continues to improve and expand its coverage in the regions, GMA completed numerous transmission upgrades in 2014. The Network commis-
sioned a new 2KW TV relay station in Daet, Camarines Norte and re-located its transmitting station in Iligan City to enable the re-broadcast of Northern Mindanao programs from Cagayan de Oro. GMA is set to commission a new 5KW TV relay station in Butuan City this May. ■
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MANILA — Asia’s Got Talent’s first-ever grand champion Filipino shadow play group El Gamma Penumbra is beyond thankful for their win and dedicates it to all their supporters in the Philippines and in other parts of Asia. “Ang pangarap ng El Gamma Penumbra at pangarap ng bawat Pilipino ay naabot na. Maraming salamt po sa suporta, dasal at boto ng lahat!” the shadow play group said in their Facebook page. (The dream of El Gamma Penumbra and the dream of every Filipino is now reached. Thank you so much for the support, prayers and votes of all!)
And by means of every Filipino, included among the group’s supporters are the local celebrities who also congratulated them via social media posts. El Gamma Penumbra won via public vote from the studio audience and the viewers at home. They will then receive $100,000 and a chance to perform at the Marina Bay Sands. The shadow play group has bested out eight other grand finalists including fellow Filipino contestants Gerphil Flores, Junior New System, and Gwyneth Dorado, as well as Mongolian musical ensemble Khusugtun, Japanese dance troupe Triqstar, Thai rock group The Talento, Chinese acrobats Gao Lin and Liu Xin, and tap dance group Dance Thrilogy. ■
29
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:
FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS Every week, the Philippine Canadian Inquirer celebrates the unwavering Filipino spirit through a feature called “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.” The feature recognizes the achievements of Filipinos living in Canada who have shown concern for the community, success in spite of trials, and the uniquely Pinoy practice of “bayanihan.” This year, we are welcoming nominations for the next subject of “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”
MECHANICS: - All nominees must have (a) Filipino heritage/ancestry - All nominees must be residing in Canada at the time of nomination - Nominees from all industries are welcome (e.g. medical/health, politics, community service, business, entertainment, charity institutions, etc.) - Who can nominate? Anybody.
Fill up the nomination form online by scanning the code with your smartphone or by visiting InFocus.canadianinquirer.net.
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30
Entertainment
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Rhian treats Glaiza like a leading man BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer ON GMA-7’S newest teleserye “The Rich Man’s Daughter,” actresses Rhian Ramos and Glaiza de Castro play the roles of a lesbian couple. Rhian and Glaiza vow to fully support each other as they bring their characters to life. Rhian notes that being able to work with each other before, they are now confident and prepared for the teleserye. “If there’s a scene that one of us has trouble with, we’ll talk about it and help each other,” Rhian said in an interview during taping, adding that it has been a challenge for them to be ‘lipstick lesbians.’ Rhian also believes some tactics would work and make them appear more natural in their roles. “I asked her what her favorite perfume was, so that I can get it and use it and hopefully when I pass by, she’ll go, ‘that’s pleasant!,’ so she will get attracted to me in some way,” she said. “I’m gonna try and use senses. When
‘Rich Man’s Daughter’ co-stars Rhian Ramos and Glaiza de Castro.
you already like a certain perfume, gusto mo na ‘yun eh (you like it already). So I’m gonna try and bring that attention to me,” she added.
GMA PRESS RELEASE PHOTO
Rhian also shares that she had her mind set on working with a ‘leading man.’ “In my mind, I treat her like I would treat any one of my leading men,” she said. “Before a scene where we get up close and personal, I’m at the side of the set, I spray perfume, I take a mouthwash, everything. I wanna treat her like I would treat any leading man I have.” Despite several past leading lady roles and preparations for her first lesbian role, Rhian still feels pressured with her lesbian character. “[I feel] a little bit [pressured], because I’ve never had a role like this. I’ve
been in love stories before, just not with another girl. I just want to try and read it in the same way,” she said. “That’s how I know it’s important to me, when I’m getting nervous about it. I’m asking myself, ‘Is this my best?’ And that’s all I want, because it’s such a good story,” she added. Rhian would want to really bring her character to life as she wants to voice out the minority in the society. “And I feel like it’s not just any teleserye. I also feel like I’m going to be representing the feelings of many other girls that have probably gone through something similar and had to go through a stage of self-discovery. So I want to be as realistic as possible about it,” she said. “I already know it’s not easy for them because everyone always has something to say. I’m personally not one of those people,” she added. “I think the show is going to shed some light on the struggle, maybe the confusion at first. And then also what other people think about it, because when some people say that— ’what you feel is not right’—I’m sure it hurts.” The Rich Man’s Daughter is directed by Dominic Zapata. In here, Rhian plays the role of Jade, a wealthy daughter arranged to marry a man his father has chosen for her. Glaiza, on the other hand, plays the role of Althea, a wedding coordinator who would develop feelings for the bride. The teleserye’s pilot episode has been aired last Monday and immediately went trending in micro-blogging site Twitter, gaining warm acceptance and support from the audience. ■
Myanmar trafficking... wooden boat seemed destined to meet the even more uncertain fate once the vessel left, though it was unclear to those on board what they were waiting for. As the number of passengers climbed to about 300, they were convinced the ship would soon set sail and their families would never know what had happened. Some were able to leave, but only if they could somehow pay the brokers anywhere from $100 to $300 to disembark. On Tayub’s 12th night on board, he heard a boat pull up and loud voices. He was shocked to hear someone call, “Come out people from the Sittwe area!” He rushed to the deck with 13 other boys and girls, tripping between the bodies and legs of the other tightly packed passengers. The kids didn’t know it then, but their parents had learned what had happened and paid a local community leader to ❰❰ 22
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rescue them. They argued, negotiated, and eventually, after handing over hundreds of dollars, the ship’s broker let them disembark. When they arrived at shore hours later, eyes red from crying and their stomachs concave after days of eating nothing but a few handfuls of rice and slices of potato, they rushed to their parents’ arms. Some said they knew when their children disappeared that there was only one place they could be: the ships. Every village and camp in the area had stories about missing children or relatives and friends. “When we left from the ship, the rest of the people were crying and shouting,” Tayub said. “They wanted to go home, too.” Instead, he said, the crew beat them, and shot their guns in the air to shut them up. Associated Press writer Robin McDowell in Yangon, Myanmar, contributed to this report.
Entertainment
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
31
‘Forevermore’ Inah Estrada speaks up on mom crew: Protecting Janice and Gerald rumors Benguet is a shared responsibility BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer
BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — With Sitio Pungayan, the setting of ABS-CBN’s teleserye “Forevermore,” slowly turning into a tourist destination, the crew and cast remind the public to protect and preserve the region. “We constantly remind people to protect it. We integrate this message into the story, like when crops were attacked by pests. We discussed right farming techniques. We tried to point out to the audience how important La Presa is to the people here. If their crops were destroyed, they would lose their source of livelihood,” said Forevermore lead male actor Enrique Gil. “Whether or not to turn the place into a commercial area is not the network’s decision but of the local government and the tourism office. We just want to remind people that protecting this region is a shared responsibility,” said Forevermore head writer Mark Angos. Sitio Pungayan is an upland village in Mount Kabuyao. It is the location of the teleserye’s fictional Sitio La Presa, hometown of its lead female character, Maria Agnes Calay, played by Liza Soberano. Since last year, the Forevermore crew had called it its home. “It was just us back then. It was so quiet. I remember that there was only one small sarisari store standing here. We would buy snacks from it. A few months later, it began selling
what it called La Presa hats as well as necklaces similar to what Agnes would often wear. That started everything,” said Soberano’s onscreen partner Gil. With its final episode set to be aired on May 22, the crew will soon leave the haven. They, however, planned to leave behind what they had built in the area, including a small shack, an iconic bench, and a signpost. “We are hoping that the people will keep them because they are iconic and are important elements in the program,” said Angos. “Baguio and Benguet became characters in the story, too.” Popularized by the teleserye, Sitio Pungayan’s tourism continues to boom. Although this has given business opportunities to locals, garbage dilemmas and congested roads have also occurred. These alarmed the residence and the local government. ABS-CBN management has earlier announced a Forevermore concert to be held in the region as a thanksgiving event to all its avid viewers. They had, however, postponed the concert due to ‘environmental concerns on its venue.’ The Forevermore crew and cast still continue to thank its audience for their support. “They tell us that even TFC (The Filipino Channel) viewers like it. We’re up here and don’t really know what’s happening in other places. We don’t have any idea how big the show has become. We’re just happy with the feedback. It’s so unexpected,” said Gil. ■
MANILA — After Kapamilya actor Gerald Anderson’s split with co-star Maja Salvador, Janice de Belen was rumored to be romantically linked to the actor. To this, Janice’ daughter, Inah Estrada, only continued to dismiss speculations but admitted that she was affected by them. Janice played the role of Gerald’s mother in their former teleserye together, “Budoy.” “Siyempre, naapektuhan ako. But at the end of the day, wala naman kasi talagang katotohanan. So, might as well just brush it off. If I look into it more, it will get bigger lang. So, masasabi ko lang lagi, it’s not true,” Inah said in a press conference. (Of course I’m affected. But at the end of the day, there really is no truth to it. So, might as well just brush it off. If I look into it more, it will only get bigger. So, what I can say is, it’s not true.) Inah, however, admitted that her mom and Gerald were indeed close friends. “Mabait naman talaga siya. (He’s really good.) They don’t talk that much anymore,” Inah said. She also pointed out that she and her siblings would be the first ones to know if there was someone courting their mother. “My mom has gone through so much. And ayaw ko kasing masaktan ulit ang mom ko. So that’s
@IQUENHOPE / TWITTER
what me and my siblings would like to avoid. As much as possible, if someone is going to court her, magba-background check talaga muna kami,” she said. (My mom has gone through so much. And I don’t want my mom to get hurt again. So that’s what my siblings and I would like to avoid. As much as possible, if someone is going to court her, we will first do background check.) When asked what her thoughts were should a younger guy court her mother, Inah seemed to not have any problem with the matter. “If, for example, this guy or someone younger can make her happy and treat her well, why not? But it also depends, if may mangliligaw sa nanay ko, he has to go through all of us first. May
INAH ESTRADA / INSTAGRAM
screening talaga. Kung magkakaroon siya ng boyfriend, maiscreen muna siya,” she said. (If, for example, this guy or someone younger can make her happy and treat her well, why not? But it also depends, if someone is going to court my mom, he has to go through all of us first. There really is a screening. If she will have a boyfriend, he will be screened first.) Inah starred in ABS-CBN’s Wansapanataym and TV 5’s Wattpad Presents. She will soon be seen in TV 5’s new teleserye Baker King, portraying the role of Eunice. Meanwhile, both Gerald and Maja clarified that Janice was not the cause of their break up. The previous couple, however, still had not shared the reason why they separated. ■
Music icon Mike Hanopol to be ordained as first Filipino rabbi BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer
Tourists flock at ‘Sitio La Presa,’ the location for Kapamilya teleserye “Forevermore”.
Janice de Belen’s daughter Inah Estrada
MANILA — Music icon, Mike Hanopol will be ordained as the first Filipino rabbi next year. According to a report for the ABS-CBN News, Hanopol discovered that he has a Jewish blood when his father introduced him to their relatives in New York during the ‘70s. He later on developed his www.canadianinquirer.net
curiosity about the Torah, the Jews’ bible and started studying in 1995. Rabbi is a Jewish word which means religious teacher and is authorized to implement decisions under the Jewish law. “I’ve been teaching about ten years pero unofficial pa rin. I still need to go through one year for the ordination para maging official.” (I’ve been teaching about ten years but it’s still unofficial.
I still need to go through one year for the ordination to make it official.) If the ordination pushes through, Hanopol will be the first Filipino rabbi in the Philippines. He also shared that from the 60 listeners he had when he started Judaism in Antipolo, only 10 remained. “Nobody has attempted it,” he jokingly said adding that the role is very challenging. ■
Entertainment
32
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Remembering B.B.: Club Ebony, Lights, camera, entrepreneurship: famed Mississippi blues venue, More celebrity women using star opens for King’s fans, friends
power to start businesses
BY ADRIAN SAINZ The Associated Press INDIANOLA, MISS. — Club Ebony was once a hopping juke joint, a place where blues masters B.B. King, Little Milton and Howlin’ Wolf performed for residents of this humble farming community looking to spice up their Saturday nights with dinner, dancing and maybe some drinks. On Friday night, the historic club in Indianola became a meeting place for friends and fans of King who talked about his influential music, his friendly personality and his effect on the town where he used to live and returned every year to perform as their own personal guitar hero. King died Thursday in Las Vegas at age 89. Fans in Indianola and around the world have been mourning since they heard the news. Annise Strong James, 67, used to get into the club as an underage teenager, and was able to see Bobby “Blue” Bland and Little Milton perform. The club was something of a town hall, a
BY JOSEPH PISANI The Associated Press
Legendary artist and musician B.B. King,
locale where folks would gather at football games to eat burgers and fish plates, where the fun would extend until early in the morning. James’ brother would drive around in a van, picking up residents and driving them to the club, she said. “It would get packed. We had a ball,” said James, who enjoyed a beverage with a friend as others sat around tables and chatted with King’s music playing in the background Friday night. “This
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
was a spot for us to enjoy life.” James said one of the thrills of her life was meeting King at a one of his homecoming shows in 1978. “You would not believe his voice was from Mississippi,” she said. “It was so elegant.” King bought Club Ebony in 2008, after its previous owner Mary Shepard retired. He later donated the roughly 70-yearold building to the B.B. King ❱❱ PAGE 42 Remembering B.B.
NEW YORK — These days, one of the most-coveted roles among A-list actresses is business owner. Oscar winner Halle Berry is one of the latest female celebrities to start a business. She launched Scandale Paris last year, a line of lingerie sold at Target stores. For decades, famous faces have been hired by big corporations to sell hair dye, lipstick and high-end fashion. But now, more female celebrities are taking control and starting their own businesses. It’s also helping some balance career and motherhood. “Having a business like this, I can do more work at home, be with my family,” said Berry, who is co-owner and creative director of Scandale Paris. “I have two little kids now. I can’t travel around the world and do
a movie like I used to.” Wal-Mart shoppers can pick up lip gloss, mascara and perfume made by Flower, a makeup brand co-owned by actress Drew Barrymore. Fitness fanatics can buy a pair of yoga tights from Fabletics, an online seller of workout gear co-founded by actress Kate Hudson. “It’s way more lucrative than making one movie a year,” said Jo Piazza, author of “Celebrity, Inc.: How Famous People Make Money.” Berry stumbled upon Scandale Paris during a trip to France. Founded more than 80 years ago, the brand was struggling because the undergarments were too expensive, Berry said. She called her business partner, Erik Ryd, and they bought the company. In October, Scandale’s $7 panties and $18 bras began selling at Target. In France, they’re sold at Carrefour. Berry is involved with the ❱❱ PAGE 42 Lights, camera
HOROSCOPE ARIES
CANCER
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)
(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)
(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)
(DEC 22 - JAN 19)
Stop getting depressed with the
It’s the perfect time to meet new
Time to have your own piggy
You may not know it but you have
criticisms you’ll be hearing from
friends! You will be given a chance
bank. Avoid spending money for
your family, friends and workmates in the coming
to meet new faces this week, so go ahead and do not
things that you really don’t need this week. There will
because of hanging on to something very
days. Take their words as a challenge to improve on
hesitate to welcome them in your circle of friends!
be greater financial challenges in the coming days, so
unproductive. Now is the best time to open your eyes.
start preparing for it today.
Don’t let that best chance step out of your doorstep.
your work and your personality.
been missing greater opportunities
TAURUS
LEO
SCORPIO
AQUARIUS
(APRIL 20 - MAY 20)
(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)
(OCT 23 - NOV 21)
(JAN 20 - FEB 18)
It’s time to go out of your comfort
A bit of the so called “sense of
Watch out for heavier deadlines and
Too much emotion has been
zone and explore the world with
urgency” will help you ace this
more demanding tasks and schedules
hampering your ability to make the
friends! Go out and socialize with new people. This will
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GEMINI
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)
(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)
(NOV 22 - DEC 21)
(FEB 19 - MAR 20)
Brace yourself for a storm of
Let it all go, Virgo. Let go of the
You have been running in a maze-
The absence of patience will create
unsolicited advice from your peers.
things you can’t change. Let go
like direction in the past months
conflict in the coming days. Make
Your friends may try to influence your decision, but
of the unnecessary complaints and demands. And
and now is your chance to turn the arrow to the right
sure to load up your sleeve with enough understanding
keep in mind that you are the writer of your own story.
most importantly, let go of the grudge that hinders
corner. Ask yourself what you really want to do, set
and open-mind to avoid any unnecessary confrontations.
No one else but you holds the pen, so write it right!
you from the goodness of positivity.
your goals and align your directions to those goals.
Your lucky days will begin with extra tolerance!
www.canadianinquirer.net
33
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
Lifestyle
How do we perceive mental health? BY MA. CRISTINA C. ARAYATA Philippines News Agency MANILA — “Bigyan mo ako ng sabaw at saka ng tubig” (Give me soup and water), uttered a lady to a fast food chain crew. Then the lady, who looks 25-27 year old, created noise, and an “eksena” from layman’s term when she was asked to leave. She’s acting like crazy. She looks like any ordinary girl that you wouldn’t think there’s something wrong with her. Seeing her, I think she’s just dealing with something. Sadly, the people around didn’t care. Worse, some were laughing at her. I wanted to approach her and offer some help. But she looks like capable of hurting anyone, so I didn’t do anything. After some minutes of asking for soup and water, she was dragged outside by two guards. Poor lady. I don’t understand why she had to be treated that way. Plus, why didn’t they just give her soup and water while these are actually being offered for free in almost every food establishment in the country? Why did some people laughed? Was there anything funny about her condition? Some fail to take a look at the mental health problems a lot of people are dealing with. Health experts always note the huge problem on mental health in the Western Pacific Region. In fact, each year the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for the Western Pacific holds its session, mental health is among the topics they discuss. It is prevalent. Harvey Whiteford, professor of psychiatry and Population Health, The University of Queensland, said that one in four people who had mental disorder in a 12-month period and without treatment last for a long time. “So the prevalence is high and many people don’t get the treatment,” he added. He also said that mental disorders and substance use were
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the leading cause of disability, able that so many people don’t or they’re too ashamed to conand might cause a quarter of all receive treatment. “Without tinue with treatment. health-related disability in the treatment, many people would During the 65th session, I was region. There is a 50-90 per- suffer for decades,” noted Whit- able to interview Dr. Shekhar cent treatment gap worldwide, eford in his presentation. Saxena, director, Department according to him. The problem with stigma. of Mental Health and SubLast year, durstance Abuse, ing the Regional WHO, Geneva. C o m m i t t e e ’s He cited that the 65th session, first misconcepGraham ThorniWhy do some people don’t get the tion on MH is croft, professor right treatment? Or why do some of that it is not real of Community them opt not to consult a doctor? It’s disease, that it Psychiatry, Inbecause of stigma and discrimination. is imaginative stitute of Psydisease or probchiatry, King’s lem that people College London, can take care by shared that 600 themselves. million people globally have Why do some people don’t get He noted that mental dismental disorder today, and 85 the right treatment? Or why do orders are as real as physical percent of them live in low- some of them opt not to consult disorders. “When the person and-middle income countries. a doctor? It’s because of stigma has disease of depression, it is Furthermore, it was revealed and discrimination. as real as any of the physical that approximately one in five Whiteford said that many illness like diabetes, and it reindividuals will have mental people who had the disorders quires identification, diagnosis health illness. “It is unaccept- did not stay in their treatment and treatment, just like any of www.canadianinquirer.net
the disease,” he siad. He also cited that one of the biggest challenges in addressing mental health is that as societies and as countries, we’re not investing enough in it. “Mental health is responsible for almost a quarter of the total disease burden, but the budget assigned out of the total health budget, are sometimes 1 percent and maximum of 5 percent,” he lamented, and added that this is just completely inadequate to take care of the problem. Few years ago, together with two other journalists, we were able to ask Dr. Wang Xiangdong, WHO regional adviser for mental health, regarding the issue. He said that many doctors did not have enough training in mental health when they were in school, and do not even have basic skills to interact with patients as well as the capacity to identify symptoms of depression and anxiety. “They are even afraid of discussing it with the patient,” he told us. “Most and education,” he shared, and added that some doctors do not look at their patients even when they are prescribing medicines. He also shared that before he joined WHO, he saw a video showing doctors interacting with patients, and lamented that that is not actually a form of interaction between human beings. Meanwhile, of course we need to note that mental disorders (such as depression and psychosis) are one of the triggers for people to commit suicide. Other culprits that the experts cited are stress in the environment, alcohol and drug use. But did you know that according to Dr. Saxena, in many cases, they (doctors) do not know the reason behind it? But there’s one thing they are sure of – with adequate help, suicides can be prevented. We could do something, from simple gestures, lending a hand, and giving some time to listen. If we would just care enough about the people around us, we could actually help them. Who knows? We are capable of saving lives. ■
34
Lifestyle
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Canadian millennials drawn to vagabond culture through online communities BY LAURA KANE The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — Eric St. Pierre may not have been an obvious candidate for the hobo life. Growing up in Windsor, Ont., he spent every waking minute outside of high school online, playing World of Warcraft or scrolling through message boards. He’s always had wanderlust — at 15, he became obsessed with the idea of walking across Canada and begged friends to come with him. The plans fell apart, his friends grew up and they went to university or got full-time jobs. St. Pierre felt stuck. At 21, he was spending his days answering phones in a FedEx office and crashing at home every night, drained of energy or inspiration. “I went into a pit of depression. I couldn’t sleep very well, getting up two or three times a night,” he recalled. “I could hardly look people in the eye.” Then he came across an Internet forum thread about vag-
abonds. Intrigued, he clicked through and found Squat the Planet, an online community filled with tips on how to safely train hop, hitch rides or sleep outdoors. His old dream of travelling across Canada came roaring back. One day, he asked his dad to drop him off at a truck stop. As St. Pierre got out of the car, all his father said was, “I don’t know why you need to do this, but be safe.” His life as a hobo had begun. St. Pierre is one of many young Canadians who are dropping out of the 9 to 5 life and hitting the road to work odd jobs, dumpster dive and sleep under the stars. But while vagabonds of generations past stayed connected through a secret code scratched on walls, today’s hobos are turning to iPhones, Tumblr and Facebook. “Never, ever, ever in our history have we been anti-technology,” said Huck, a U.S. train hopper who asked that his real name not be used because his lifestyle is illegal. “When freight trains were
invented, hobos were the first ones to jump on ‘em, and when automobiles were invented, we were sticking out our thumbs for rides.” Huck is the founder of /r/ vagabond, a reddit community for hobos to share photos and advice about living on the road. The forum has grown rapidly from 500 to 10,000 members in the past year, according to Huck, and has been featured in Newsweek and on the Vice Motherboard news website. Many outsiders are surprised to learn that homeless travellers use the Internet and smart phones. But Huck pointed out that it’s pretty cheap to buy a used cell and a small package of prepaid minutes. Even those who don’t have phones can pop into a public library to use Google Maps or Craigslist, he said. Jon Smith, a 16-year-old from Saint John, N.B., stumbled across /r/vagabond last fall while surfing the Internet. Amazed, he spent the harsh winter scouring the website and planning for his first big www.canadianinquirer.net
hitchhiking trip this summer. “Here I saw an entire underground world of people I always thought of as bums, working together in a secret infrastructure in a seemingly solid and orderly fashion all over the world,” he said in an email. The demographics of online hobo communities are not easy to determine, as most people use pseudonyms and don’t reveal much about their backgrounds. Both Smith and St. Pierre said they came from good homes, with loving parents and enough food on the table, although they were not rich. Squat the Planet founder Matt Derrick said most members appear to be middle-class people choosing the lifestyle, as opposed to street homeless with mental health or addiction issues. He added it’s not clear whether the community is growing or if the Internet is just making it more visible. “Some people travel for awhile and then they stop, have a kid and a family. People fall out of the community and peo-
ple come in for the first time. Just like the culture itself, it’s very transient,” he said. Vagabonds are also using the Internet to share and document their experiences. One Canadian man who goes by the name Wize Hop posts videos of himself hopping trains on YouTube, where they have been viewed tens of thousands of times. Wize Hop, who asked that his real name not be used for safety reasons, said he began creating the videos to share his love of riding the rails, which he called meditative and therapeutic. He’s careful to post a disclaimer warning that train hopping is dangerous and illegal. While he’s heard from some concerned viewers, he believes that overall his videos have a positive effect. “I started to hear from people who wanted to break out of their shell, but felt it wasn’t possible,” he said. “So slowly it seemed like it wasn’t just about the trains any more, it was about a greater concept of life, freedom, and what it meant to be true to yourself.”
Lifestyle
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
Quit smoking? You bet! Study finds quitting soars when smokers wager on their own success BY MIKE STOBBE The Associated Press
cent took that offer. Another group of about 500 were offered no cash incentive, but did get the company’s standard offering of counselling and nicotine replacement therapy.
NEW YORK — When it comes to offering cash to get smokers to quit, more people go for the carrots than the stick The outcome — but the stick gets better results. The few that put in their own money In a study released Wednesday, smok- were a committed bunch. About half of ers with $150 of their own money at them made it six months without a cigastake were far more likely to quit than rette. That was a much better than the 17 smokers who didn’t have to wager their per cent of the rewards-only group that money to get the cash rewards. made it to the finish line. “A bit of a stick was much better than But there were so many people in pure carrot,” said the study’s lead au- the rewards-only program that the acthor, Dr. Scott Halpern of the University tual number who quit in that group was of Pennsylvania. much higher — 156, compared to 78. But here’s the catch: Few people were Only 28 of the people offered no cash willing to bet on themselves. Nearly incentives quit — a measly 6 per cent. everyone who was To get the largest offered the rewardsnumber of people to only option, though, stop, “it looks like signed up for a stop the better bet might smoking program. be for employers to As employers try The few that supply pure reward,” to hold down health put in their own said Cliff Douglas, the care costs, growing money were American Cancer Sonumbers of them a committed ciety’s vice-president have been using fibunch. About for tobacco control. nancial incentives to half of them He was not involved encourage workers made it six in the research. to quit smoking or months without The study was pubget healthier in otha cigarette. That lished in Thursday’s er ways. But there’s was a much New England Jourbeen relatively little better than the nal of Medicine. research on what 17 per cent of works best, said sethe rewards-only Too-high stakes nior author Dr. Kevin group that made The study’s auVolpp. it to the finish thors say there’s a The Penn reline. compelling story in searchers collaboratthe success rate for ed with CVS Health, the smokers who had the second largest money on the line. U.S. drugstore operaBut they also say the tor, for the study. About 2,500 smokers $150 deposit apparently scared many took part — CVS employees, their rela- away. tives or friends. One participant, Camelia Escarcego of Rialto, California, said she is unemThe incentives ployed and wouldn’t have been able to Past research has found money is per- come up with the deposit. Her sister suasive. Volpp and his colleagues tried works for CVS and Escarcego ended up to see what difference it made if em- in the rewards-only group. ployees stood not only to win money for A 12-year smoker, Escarcego, 55, said quitting, but also to lose money. the hundreds of dollars was enough moAbout 1,000 smokers were offered the tivation. chance to win up to $800 if they could “That helped me to have a little bit of quit for six months. Participation was money in my pocket,” she said. high — about 90 per cent signed up. Next month, CVS is to launch a quit Another 1,000 were asked to put $150 smoking program for its 200,000 emdown as a deposit. It they quit for six ployees that will require a lower deposit months, they would get their $150 back of $50 and will award $700 to those who plus $650 — a total of $800. Only 14 per quit for a year. www.canadianinquirer.net
35
36
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Business
Members of the APEC Technical Working Group held a conference on enhancing tourism competitiveness in the APEC region through alignment of tourism and taxation policies. The meeting led by Javier Guillermo Molina was held at Paradise Garden Resort on May 19. MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU
ABAC chair: Open trade, investment regime in services to boost growth, jobs in APEC economies BY LESLIE D. VENZON Philippines News Agency BORACAY ISLAND, AKLAN — Asia-Pacific business leaders are calling 21-member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to adopt an open trade and investment regime in services in an effort to generate growth and more jobs in the region. Doris Magsaysay Ho, APEC Business Advisory Council (BAC) 2015 chair, said servicerelated sectors, particularly
manufacturing, agriculture and environment, have potential power to spur inclusive growth in the Asia-Pacific region. “The services sector is the single biggest creator of jobs in the region, accounting for 60 percent of employment. It has become the most dynamic segment of international trade,” she said during the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) on Services held here Sunday. Ho noted that freer trade and investment in services offers business opportunities even to smaller companies, profession-
als and service providers who have focused more on domestic markets. In the Philippines, Ho said services in business process management, creative services, tourism, ship repair and fabrication, among others, have become key drivers of the country’s economic growth. She also cited a report by the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI) and Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) indicating that the services sector now accounts for 68 percent of value-added
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in the Asia-Pacific region, making it the largest sector in the regional economy. Ho said APEC member economies need to explore ways to seize new growth opportunities offered by the services sector. “The services sector are now at the center of a major business transformation in APEC, contributing more intensively to the value chains in manufacturing and agriculture and to the way business trades and invests,” she further said. The PPD is a prelude to the
first Regional Conference of Services Coalitions and Service Industries at the margins of the Third APEC Senior Officials’ Meeting in September in Cebu. The PPD Series and the Regional Conference are organized in support of the proposed APEC Services Cooperation Framework, a Philippine initiative to guide APEC’s collaborative work towards enhanced services competitiveness.
As of May 20, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE
CHANGE
% CHANGE
CDN/USD
1.2229
-0.0001
-0.0115%
CDN/PHP
36.4860
+0.0649
+0.1782%
CDN/EUR
1.3585
-0.0047
-0.3415%
www.canadianinquirer.net
Business
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
37
Hong Kong quarterly economic growth tepid as Chinese tourist numbers weaken BY KELVIN CHAN The Associated Press
Causeway Bay in Hong Kong is one of country's major shopping districts. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
HONG KONG’S economy expanded tepidly in the first quarter as exports slumped and fewer mainland Chinese tourists visited following a backlash against their influx. The Asian financial centre’s economic output grew 0.4 per cent in the January-March period compared with the previous quarter on a seasonally
adjusted basis, the government said Friday. Officials reported “visibly slower growth in tourist arrivals and weaker tourist spending.” Mainland Chinese make up most of the visitors to the former British colony and they have been estimated to account for a third of all retail sales. But their numbers have fallen in recent months following rowdy protests by activists angered at how their voracious
buying of everything from baby formula to luxury goods has warped the local economy. Exports were “lacklustre” as declines in shipments to Europe, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan outweighed growth in exports to the U.S. and some Southeast Asian markets including India grew, the government said. Hong Kong is a major transshipment point for goods moving from mainland Chinese factories to markets overseas.
Coal mines could face new hurdle review of how burning coal impacts global warming
Chinese investors told to take advantage of India’s ‘winds of change’
BY COLLEEN SLEVIN AND MATTHEW BROWN The Associated Press
PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY
already facing uncertainty. Two of the rulings involving Colorado mines, from U.S. District Judge R. Brooke Jackson, say greenhouse gas emissions need to be considered in environmental reviews. A similar case threatens to block production at another mine, in the coal-rich Powder River Basin of Montana and Wyoming. Another federal judge also recently ruled that a mine on the Navajo Nation must consider the effects of burning coal before expanding. The agency at issue in the two most recent cases, the Office of
put the Obama administration in an awkward position because of its efforts to cut emissions of carbon dioxide, the most prevalent greenhouse gas. DENVER — Beset by power The cases focused on coal plant closures, growing regufrom federal leases, which aclatory scrutiny and proposed count for about 40 per cent of changes in how they pay royalU.S. production, but could open ties, coal mines are facing a new the door to similar legal chalobstacle — a review of how coal lenges across the industry. extracted and burned will imIn his most recent decision, pact the air and global warming. issued May 8, Jackson said the Under a series of rulings by surface mining office must redo U.S. judges in Denver over the an environmental review for a last year, federal agencies that coal mining project that’s been approve mining projects have underway for nearly a decade been told to take into account in northwestern Colorado or he coal’s indirect would yank the environmental mine’s permit. impact along The Colowyo with traditional Mine says losing concerns about Environmentalists say the rulings will the permit would mine dust and help open up what they view as an lead to job losses equipment emisindustry-tilted process so the public for some of its sions. can decide if burning coal is worth 220 miners. The immedithe cost. Colowyo is ate effects of one of two mines the rulings apthat provide pear limited to most coal for a single mine in Colorado’s Craig northwestern Colorado that Surface Mining Reclamation Station power plant, which could lose its permit if a new en- and Enforcement, is part of generates about 8 million tons vironmental review isn’t com- the Interior Department and of greenhouse gases annually, pleted within four months. But regulates the environmental according to federal emissions industry representatives fear effects of mining across the data. the rulings, if allowed to stand, country. Office spokesman Jackson, an Obama appoincould set an example for other Chris Holmes said the agency tee, said if the government “can judges to follow and eventually is still reviewing the rulings predict how much coal will be threaten the mines that make and hasn’t decided what do to up the backbone of an industry next. But fighting them would ❱❱ PAGE 47 Coal mines www.canadianinquirer.net
SHANGHAI — Reaching out to Chinese investors, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asked them to take advantage of the “winds of change” in India with a much more transparent, responsive and stable regulatory regime even as leading firms from the two sides signed deals worth USD 22 billion. “This is a historic opportunity for Chinese companies,” Modi said addressing the India-China Business Forum here in China’s financial hub after interacting with 22 CEOs of top Chinese companies, including Alibaba Group chairman Jack Ma. “We have committed ourselves for creating and improving the business environment. I can assure you that once you decide to be in India, we are
confident to make you more and more comfortable,” the Prime Minister said. “India is ready for business. You must be sensing the winds of change in India. I only advise you to come and feel the same,” he told business leaders from both countries. The Prime Minister said as two major economies in Asia, “harmonious partnership” between India and China was essential for economic development and “political stability” of the continent. “You are the ‘factory of the world’. Whereas, we are the ‘Back office of the world’. You give thrust on production of hardware, while India focuses on software and services,” he said. Earlier, he met CEOs of 22 top Chinese companies including Alibaba, China Light and Power, Xiaomi, Huawei and Trina Solar on the last leg of his three-day visit to China.
38
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Travel
Essentials for visiting Paris: What’s new, classic attractions and more BY THOMAS ADAMSON The Associated Press PARIS — The City of Light is not just one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals. Because of its small size, just 8 kilometres (5 miles from north to south), Paris is also perfect for exploring on foot. So walk round the winding cobbled streets of panoramic Montmartre or stroll through the historic Marais with its devastatingly chic fashion boutiques. And for budget-conscious foodies — forgo the world-class restaurants in favour of the local artisan shops where you can stock up on delightful cheeses and wines for a picnic in Paris’ oldest monumental square, the Place des Vosges, or in the gardens of the majestic Louvre museum. What’s new
To encourage Parisians to walk around and fight rising air pollution by ditching their vehicles, car-free pedestrian zones are cropping up all over the city — especially near the river Seine. Enjoy walks on the arty left bank, which was transformed in 2013 when a stretch was pedestrianized from the Musee d’Orsay museum all the way to the popular Quai Branly museum near the Eiffel Tower. And from 2016, you’ll be able to walk down a 3-kilometre (2mile) car-free stretch of the Seine’s right bank — past Notre Dame cathedral, the beautiful island Ile Saint-Louis and end up at the beautiful blooms of Tuileries gardens. If you want a break from Paris’ classical beauty, head to the once-gritty suburb of Pantin, which has been dubbed the “Brooklyn of Paris.” Its derelict, graffiti-covered warehouses by a canal have been taken over by galleries and artists, turning it into the hippest place in the City of Light.
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Classic attractions
The incredible Versailles Palace has been given a new feature — to celebrate 300 years since the death of the palace’s founder, Sun King Louis XIV. This week, it inaugurated the newly renovated Water Theater grove — fittingly, to great fanfare. It’s an incredible contemporary fountain with gilded sculptures composed of 2,000 pearls and 20,000 pieces of gold leaf. It’s fit for a king, even though the king is dead. And what would a trip to Paris be like without a visit to the new-look Eiffel Tower? The 324-meter (1,063-foot) monument was given a verti-
go-inducing face-lift last fall as organizers celebrated its 125th anniversary — and now has seethrough glass floor panels on its first level. The four small viewing sections, which cost 30 million euro (US $38 million), allow visitors to see 57 metres (187 feet) below their feet. Tips
Airbnb, the house rentals website, is hugely popular among Parisians. Visitors can save hundreds by opting to stay in a private accommodation instead of a hotel, and an organized tourist can find something for every area, taste and price range — from a small room to an apartment in a hiswww.canadianinquirer.net
toric town house. If you’re on a shoe-string budget, check out the new 1,000-bed Generator hostel in the city’s funky 10th district, with a shared room for 25 euros per person per night. For getting around, nothing is more fun than the freebicycle rental initiative called the “Velibe.” Bike stations are located around the city — and all you need is a pair of legs and a credit card (that won’t be billed — it’s just to insure the bike return). Hanging out
The famed pedestrian street Rue Montorgueil, near metro Etienne Marcel, is a perfect place to sit and people-watch.
It’s as popular with fashionconscious hipsters as it is with queens — Britain’s Queen Elizabeth’s favourite bakery Patisserie Stohrer is here! Paris is famed for its beautiful gardens and parks. So sit, talk philosophy, nibble Camembert and sip fine Bordeaux wine in the Parc Monceau in the 17th district. Or picnic in Paris’ “Central Park,” the aweinspiring Buttes Chaumont in the 19th district. A verdant beer garden called Rosa Bonheur, found within the Buttes Chaumont, is a particular hit with Parisians. For those not afraid of getting their feet wet, go boating in the large lake at the Bois de Vincennes, in the east.
Travel
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
39
SERENITY NOW:
Along St. Lawrence in Quebec, where the river is a sea of tranquility BY CALVIN WOODWARD The Associated Press SAINTE-FLAVIE, QUE. — The St. Lawrence River in Quebec is like a pastoral painting along most of its length, wild in so many places, gently settled in others — a sea of tranquility for the spirit no matter how rough the waters or dark the sky. You can pick your peace here. The choices are endless, from the outskirts of Montreal to Land’s End in the Gaspe Peninsula some 600 miles (960 kilometres) away. Which side of the river is better? Which, on official lists of Quebec’s most beautiful villages, is fairest of them all? There are no right answers. But on this grand canvas, here’s one vibrant brush stroke, about 50 miles (80 kilometres) long, where you can find solitude by the wide water, natural beauty all around, art that melds into the landscape, memorable sunsets and some pretty great bagels if the man who makes them happens to be around when you roll into his driveway.
This stretch runs, as the river flows, from Saint-Simon nearly three hours east of Quebec City to Grand-Metis at the edge of the Gaspe. Some highlights:
Balmori says in a video about it, “just to look, and see how a landscape looks, from different angles.” The inn
The gardens
In Quebec’s too-short summer, nature goes bonkers: brilliant flowers everywhere, exploding in the wild, dressing up every street in every village. Les Jardins de Metis, also known as Reford Gardens, is a half-day’s diversion or more, combining traditional manicured gardens with an edgy, whimsical series of sculptures and art installations. One of the most popular is among the simplest: “Making Circles in the Water,” by New York City urban landscape artist Diana Balmori. A series of walk-through circles looking out on the river, like an oversized telescope, the installation invites serenityseekers to stroll through — but not really to dig for deeper meaning. “There is nothing that you need to remember about this,”
In Sainte-Flavie, 15 minutes away, the Gagnon family of artists runs an inn and art centre (Centre d’Art Marcel Gagnon) with cozy, well-appointed rooms looking out on the river, galleries inside and dozens of statues stretching out into the water, made by the patriarch, Marcel. The dramatic tides swallow and lay bare those sculptures, which look eerie in fog but weird anytime. The shore here is a gorgeous, quiet stroll, perfect for beachcombing and carving initials in hard-packed sand. The park
The Appalachian Mountain range that begins in the southeastern U.S. sinks into the water here, with seals sunning on rocks in a cove, carpets of rose bushes lining trails, hills rising sharply from the water and
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photographers with long lenses and tripods feasting on the scene like pelicans. Bic Park, outside the city of Rimouski, offers a network of trails for hiking and cycling, big enough to find your own retreat in a popular but not overrun destination. The villages
The quintessential Quebec village — meaning pretty, immaculate houses, a commanding Roman Catholic church, zero litter, those ubiquitous flower beds, and charming bakeries and coffee shops — is in evidence here and well beyond. Sainte-Luce, for one, has the
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feel of a small resort, lively but with grace. In one of these places, take in the sunsets for which this leg of the river is known. On an August night last year, slashes of scarlet, pink and gold played out in skies over the distant shore, 30 miles (50 kilometres) across the water. Those bagels
Saint-Simon Bagel: http:// www.bassaintlaurent.ca/en/ company/saint-simon-bagel — gives the iconic bagels of Montreal a run for their money. In a house, not a sit-down place, Saint-Simon is grab and go, and catch the man as you can.
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40
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Sports
Fiji win season crown, Canada ties for seventh at London Sevens rugby tournament THE CANADIAN PRESS LONDON — Canada finished tied for seventh at the London Sevens on Sunday, losing 3315 to New Zealand in the Plate semifinal at the final stop of the season on the nine-event HSBC Sevens World Series. Harry Jones scored two tries for Canada, reaching the 50 career mark, in a losing cause at a festive Twickenham Stadium. Organizers had called for a galactic fancy dress theme and the crowd did no disappoint. Australia met the U.S in the final of the tournament, officially known as the Marriott London Sevens. Series leader Fiji assured itself of the World Series overall title when it defeated No 2 South Africa 19-7 in the Cup quarter-finals earlier in the day. New Zealand had won the crown the last four seasons. The Fijians then fell 33-7 in the semifinals to Australia, led by former Canadian coach Geraint John. Fiji, which trailed 28-0 at the half, had two men sent to the sin-bin. Still Fiji won four of nine events this season, playing some spectacular free-flowing rugby. Fiji, South Africa, New Zealand and England all booked their ticket to the 2016 Olympics by finishing in the top four of the overall standings. England qualified Team Great Britain. It was an encouraging end of the season for Canada, making its third trip to the quarterfinals in as many tournaments.
England playing Spain at the 2008 London Sevens MARTIN HEREDIA / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Coach Liam Middleton’s team finished tied for seventh last week in Glasgow and was fourth at the previous tournament in Tokyo. The Canadians jumped two places in the overall standings by virtue of its performance in London to finish ninth in a transitional year under Middleton, a Zimbabwe native who missed the first tournament because of immigration red tape. Canada was sixth overall last season. One warning sign is the rise
of the U.S., which ousted Canada 29-10 in the quarter-finals before thumping England 4312 in the semifinals. It was the Americans’ first victory over England in more than five years. Canada and the U.S. are expected to meet again in June in a regional Olympic qualifying tournament. The U.S. have now won four of five meetings with the Canadians this season. Canada scored the lone win last weekend in Glasgow.
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Canada went 2-1-0 Saturday, defeating Samoa and Argentina before losing to Fiji, in reaching the Cup quarter-finals. But it was relegated to the consolation Plate competition after losing to the U.S. on Sunday. Jones and Mike Fuailefau scored tries in a losing cause against the Americans. The Kiwis, third in the overall standings, had been eliminated from the Cup competition in a 21-17 quarter-final loss to England. Jones opened the scoring
against New Zealand after a bruising run by Adam Zaruba. The Canadians pressed again but lost the ball five yards from the New Zealand line and 18-year-old Rieko Ioane raced the length of the field before passing to Sherwin Stowers for a converted try and a 7-5 New Zealand lead. Ioane scored himself in the corner for a 12-5 halftime lead. Beaudine Waaka, set up by D.J. Forbes, crossed the line in the second half but flipped the ball to Stowers rather than touch down himself to give Stowers his 100th career try. A conversion made it a 19-5 New Zealand lead. Stowers, completing his hat trick, and Scott Curry then scored to make it 33-15. Zaruba scored a late consolation try, flying down the left wing. And the big man set up Jones to make the final score 33-15. The victory was New Zealand’s 29th in 30 meetings between the two. Canada scored its only win against New Zealand in Tokyo last month, a 1915 decision. On Saturday, the Canadian women lost a heartbreaker to Australia in the final of their London Sevens competition. Leading 17-5 with four minutes left, Canada gave up three later tries to lose 20-17. Ellia Green scored the decisive try with no time remaining on the clock. Canada is now 0-3 in tournament finals. Karen Paquin and Ashley Steacy made the tournament Dream Team.
Events
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
First Asian Film Festival Asian Heritage Month By Philippine Embassy in Ottawa WHEN/WHERE: 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., May 30, Ben Franklin Chamber, 101 Centrepointe Dr., Ottawa MORE INFO: Call Philippine Embassy – 613-233-1121. Screening of “Ang Babae sa Likod ng Mambabatok,” a documentary film on the art and memories of a living legend, Fang Od, a 95-year-old woman known as the ‘last traditional tattoo artist of Kalinga.”
By Philippine Embassy in Ottawa WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 26; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 27, at Calvary Christian Church Gym, 9 Capital Dr. cor. Route 2, Charlottetown, PEI MORE INFO: Call Consul Leticia La Rosa 902-393-4850.
Consular Outreach Mission in Halifax, Nova Scotia By Philippine Embassy in Ottawa WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 28 to 30, at the Holiday Inn Harbourview, 101 Wyse Road, YUKON Consular Outreach Mission in Dartmouth, NS NUNAVUT Charlottetown, Prince Edward MORE INFO: Call Elizabeth NORTHWEST Island Domondon 902-488-8981
TERRITORIES
BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA
MANITOBA
SASKATCHEWAN
Free Facilitation Training By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: up to July 25 at the ISS of BC Cottonwood Office, # 200-504 Cottonwood Ave., Coquitlam, BC MORE INFO: Bus tickets available. Priority given to residents of the Tri-Cities. Call: Ana Maria at 604-684-7498 ext. 1267 anamaria. bustamante@issbc.org or Lisa @ 604-395-8000 ext. 1706 liza.delarosa@issbc.org 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 Pinoy Connect sa Mosaic By Mosaic English Conversation Circle WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 4 p.m., Sundays starting Apr. 12 Employment Law Clinic By Appointment Only MORE INFO: for live-in caregivers, temporary foreign workers and newcomers who need advice. Call Mika 604-254-9626 ext 484 or email at mtorres@ mosaicbc.com Broadway on Davie A Musical Journey By Pinoy Pride Vancouver WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 21, at The Junction, Vancouver MORE INFO: Featuring Kay Balajadia-Liggayu, Noel Azcona and Molinder Cadiz. Tickets at $35-VIP; $10 General Admission.
ONTARIO
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CANADA EVENTS
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To have your events featured on PCI, please email events@canadianinquirer.net New WelcomePack Canada Distribution Centre By WelcomePack Canada Inc. WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Mon, Tues, Thu & Fri at the Filipino Centre Bldg., 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, Ont. MORE INFO: Call (416) 928-9355
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every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416-928-9355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m.
Tagalog Class Klownz the Canadian Tour By FCT By Comedies Primetime Divas WHEN/WHERE:NEWFOUNDLAND 10 to 11 a.m., every WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., May 24, Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto Ryerson Theatre 43 Gerrar St., East, Toronto QUEBEC Homework/Tutorial Class MORE INFO: Featuring Allan K, Ate By FCT Gay and Boobay WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn,
Celebrating the Tecson Collection By Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, the UBC Museum of Anthropology and the Asian Heritage Society WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 4 p.m., May 24, UBC Museum of Anthropology Canadian Citizenship Preparation By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., May 25 & 26, at Tommy Douglas Burnaby Public Library, 7311 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: 604 254 9626 ext 104 or email Eric Lam at elam@mosaicbc.com Klowns The Canadian Tour By Comedies Primetime Divas WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 29 at River Rock Show Theatre. MORE INFO: Featuring Allan K, Ate Gay and Boobay. Tickets: $48/ $68 Kapusong Pinoy Vancouver By GMA Pinoy TV WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 29 at the Orpheum Theatre Vancouver, Canada MORE INFO: Guest performers include Ai Ai de las Alas, Alden Richards, Christian Bautista and more. Maple 2.0 Mentorship By ISS of BC MORE INFO: Maple 2.0 provides 4 to 12-week placement opportunities for internationally trained professionals to gain Canadian work experience and start working in their field. Go to http://issbc.org/prim-nav/programs/career-services/ www.canadianinquirer.net
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NOVA SCOTIA
Kundiman ATBP WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 29, Auditorium at the Oasis, Elim Village 160th St., Surrey, B.C. MORE INFO: Call 604-339-7568 (Cliff); 778-8815815 (Dante) Tickets: VIP - $50; Gen. Admission - $20 Come What May Dinner & Dance WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., May 30, at the Our Lady of Mercy School Gym, 7481 -10th Ave., Burnaby, B.C. MORE INFO: Ticket- $20; DJ Music by Russell S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Funds for Nepal Earthquake By SUCCESS and Canadian Red Cross WHEN/WHERE: up to May 25 at the following service locations: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Social Service Centre 28 West Pender Street, Vancouver, B.C. (telephone: 604-684-1628) S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Richmond Service Centre 220 – 7000 Minoru Blvd., Richmond, B.C. (telephone: 604-2797180) S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Tri-City Service Centre #2058 – 1163 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, B.C. (telephone: 604-4686000) S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Burnaby Settlement Service Centre #200 – 5172 Kingsway, Burnaby, B.C. (telephone: 604-430-1899) S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Surrey-Delta Service Centre #206 – 10090 152nd Street, Surrey, B.C. (telephone: 604588-6869) S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Fort St. John Service Centre Suite 209-10142 101 Ave. Fort St. John, B.C. (telephone 250-785-5323)
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MAY 22, 2015
Lights, camera... design of the lingerie and chooses fabrics, even as she films the second season of CBS show “Extant.” In the next few months, Scandale Paris will be sold in Canada, Asia and more European countries. She wants to add bathing suits and nightgowns to the line. “We are solely focused on getting this business off the ground,” said Berry. Starting a business can be risky, but several star-studded companies have soared. Jessica Alba, who battled evildoers in two “Fantastic Four” movies, co-founded The Honest Company, which sells diapers, baby wipes and laundry detergent, four years ago. It rang up $150 million in sales last year, Alba told business network CNBC. Singer and actress Jessica Simpson, who famously confused a can of tuna fish for chicken on a reality TV show, started a brand 10 years ago that can be found in Macy’s, Nordstrom and other stores. Last month, brand management company Sequential Brands bought a majority stake in the Jessica Simpson Collection, which sells women’s clothing, shoes and handbags. Sequential did not say how much it paid, but said the brand brings in nearly $1 billion in sales a year. “Celebrities are leaving money on the table if they don’t do ❰❰ 32
FRIDAY
Remembering B.B.... this,” said Piazza. Male stars have always had their hand in business ownership, said Piazza, but more women are getting into the game. Owning a business gives stars the potential to make more money over a longer period of time than with shortterm endorsement deals. And they have a better chance of succeeding than an average small business owner, since stars come with built-in customers: their fans. They can get their products in front of millions of people with magazine covers, TV talk show interviews and with their social media accounts. Hudson, for example, was on the cover of the March issue of Shape magazine wearing a $50 vest, a $25 sports bra and $65 leggings, all from Fabletics, of course. Last week, actress and producer Reese Witherspoon launched a brand of clothing, home decorations and stationery called Draper James while simultaneously promoting her new movie “Hot Pursuit.” Barrymore’s Flower cosmetics company doesn’t advertise, instead it relies on her to get the word out about the products. In most cases, the stars are co-owners along with a business partner or another company that runs the day-to-day operations. Barrymore was approached to start Flower by
makeup company Maesa after the actress and producer’s fiveyear endorsement deal with cosmetics company CoverGirl ended. “There are a lot of Drew fans,” said Scott Oshry, president of Maesa. Many have watched Barrymore grow up on screen, from the pig-tailed little girl in 1982’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” to a butt-kicking hero in the “Charlie’s Angels” movies. “We get notes from 14-yearolds to 55-year-olds,” said Oshry. Having a celebrity co-owner saves money, Oshry said. Instead of spending money on ads, it can use the money to develop products and keep prices low. Many of Flower’s mascaras, foundations and nail colours are under $10. Music and business can mix, too. Rapper Nicki Minaj finds ways to infuse her bubbly wine, Myx Moscato, co-owned by Mona Scott-Young, who produces the “Love & Hip Hop” reality show series on VH1, into her music videos and songs. Myx, which is sold in singleserve bottles, was one of the fastest-growing wine brands last year, more than quintupling in sales from the year before, according to research company The Beverage Information Group. Minaj’s star power is helping to grow the brand. “She knows how to leverage her celebrity,” said Scott-Young.
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Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. According to the Mississippi Blues Trail historical marker outside the green wooden building, Club Ebony was built just after the end of World War II by entrepreneur Johnny Jones, opening for business in 1948. In a memoir, Jones wrote “there were no other clubs for Negroes in Indianola at the time.” It was part of the “chitlin’ circuit,” a collection of juke joints and clubs where blacks could forget their hardscrabble existence and enjoy themselves in the racially divided South. Under Jones and other owners, including a white bootlegger named James B. “Jimmy” Lee, the club’s early performers included Ray Charles, Count Basie, Albert King and Willie Clayton. Ruby Edwards took over the club in the 1950s. When King came from Memphis to play Club Ebony in 1955, he met Edwards’ daughter, Sue Carol Hall. King and Hall were married in 1958. Mary Shepard and her husband Willie bought the club in 1975. It would go on to play host to James Brown, Ike Turner and Bobby Rush. The club had live music from Thursday through Sunday for a time after King donated it to the museum in 2012, said Dion
Brown, the museum’s executive director. However, it no longer has regular shows; it only opens for tour groups and special occasions. The wooden exterior of the club is painted green, and the entrance has a small portico. Interior walls have wood paneling, and they are decorated with posters advertising concerts by King and Rush. Photos of Charles, Bland and Albert King also line the walls. A wall behind a stage near the front of the club has a painting of a wild juke joint, complete with two men fighting and patrons lining a bar. The rear of the club is a large dance hall, with recessed lighting and a long dance floor. Red light gives the club a sultry feel. Alphonso Sanders, a musician and educator, said the club was the town’s most popular place, an oasis of fun for countless music lovers. But it also was a refuge for neighbourhood folks who needed help. “They took care of you. You could come here and get a meal,” said Sanders, who runs the B.B. King Recording studio at Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena. “This was a place where people in the community could get away.” Club Ebony is scheduled to be open for King’s fans and friends again on Saturday night.
quested a more colorful jar. The friend promised to get him one. At that time, a young descendant of Sobanon wanted to study pharmacy in Manila so she traded the cobalt blue jar to Miguel’s friend. The two eventually fell in love, got married, had children, one of whom was sponsored by Dr. Tecson to pursue graduate studies at Simon Fraser University.
There is almost always an interesting story behind every piece forming part of the collection. Yet there are other collections. The MOA collection is just one of the many the couple has contributed to learning institutions. When Julia was still alive, she donated $70,000-worth of ballet memorabilia to the Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle.
The Tecsons also donated three panels of wood-carvings done by the Fadul brothers, noted woodcarvers from Paete, Laguna. According to Dr. Tecson, these are probably at the UBC storage. A mural by Carlos “Botong” Francisco, also carved in Paete, was given to a Catholic school in East Vancouver. “I don’t even remember which one,” Dr. Tecson says.
At MOA, however, is kept what is probably the most impressive one assembled by the Tecson couple over a lifetime. On May 24, the long-overdue launch will finally be held, alongside a fitting tribute to the famous donors and a special presentation as part of the month-long program of the Vancouver Asian Heritage Month Society.
Miguel Tecson... the Sobanons dug them out and traded them one by one to pay for their education, to get a wife or a carabao, or purchase a coconut plantation. A friend of Dr. Tecson’s, an “ethical dealer” (one who dealt only in genuine pieces) had kept bringing him brown jars. Having collected several brown jars, Dr. Tecson one day re❰❰ 26
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Sports
MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
Pacquiao considers retiring soon BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Eight-division world boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao came home to a warm hero’s welcome despite loss to still undefeated boxer Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. in their match billed as the “Fight of the Century” last May 2 (May 3 in the Philippines). Upon his return, Pacquiao announced that he may retire soon. The Filipino boxing icon came home with his right arm in a sling as he recently had shoulder injury for a torn rotator cup. When asked for any boxing or political plans, Pacquiao only said that he was focused on his recovery for now. “I will focus first on healing my shoulder. After that, I will announce whether to continue my career or my retirement,”
Pacquiao told reporters upon his arrival to the country. “I’m not saying I am going to retire [now], but it’s near. I’m already 36, turning 37 this December,” he added. But when Pacquiao was told that Mayweather referred to him as a ‘sore loser’ and a ‘coward’ after he disclosed his shoulder injury, he said that he was willing to have a rematch. “I [would] like that (fight). [But] I don’t want to say anything, because if I say something I will be stooping to his level,” he said. “My focus right now is my shoulder, my work as a congressman and my family,” he added, mentioning that he is expected to be fully healed after a period of six to twelve months. Although fully accepting his defeat, Pacquiao still believed that he really won the fight. “I reviewed the fight and kept score. I won by two points … but a decision has been made and
we have to accept it. At least in the people’s hearts, I won,” he said. “I have accepted my defeat. It is just boxing. That is part of the sport where sometimes you win and sometimes you lose,” he added. But more importantly, Pacquiao believed he won over Mayweather by restoring the American boxer’s faith. “I still won because before and after the fight, Mayweather thanked the Lord,” he said. Pacquiao had a homecoming motorcade from Makati to Manila City yesterday, where he gave away autographed shirts and CDs to fans who welcomed him in the streets. Despite his defeat, the people still called him the people’s champ. Pacquiao then went to the Malacañang for a courtesy call with President Benigno Aquino III, who ‘congratulated and thanked him’ for bringing honor to the country by fighting
Should ‘Pambansang Kamao’ Manny Pacquiao think about retiring soon? MANNY PACQUIAO FACEBOOK PAGE
with courage and skill. “The President observed that Mayweather may have projected himself as having been slightly more aggressive in the early rounds and that this may have influenced the eventual
outcome, but that like most spectators, he observed that Mayweather avoided engaging Representative Pacquiao at close quarters,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said.
Mandatory drug tests for professional and non-professional athletes PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has proposed under House Bill No. 5690 the mandatory drug tests for all professional and nonprofessional athletes in the country. HB 5690 is entitled “An Act requiring drug tests for professional and non-professional athletes, amending for the purpose Section 36 of Republic Act 9165, otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and for other purposes.” “Fitness and health are among the primary concerns of athletes. Since the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have negative side effects on the body, athletes should be prevented from using such substances. PEDs do not only damage the body, they are also considered as cheats in the sports world,” Arroyo said. Article 3 of the Compre-
hensive Dangerous Drugs Act requires drug testing for specific individuals. Among those required to undergo drug testing are applicant for driver’s license, applicants for firearm’s license, employees of private and public offices, students,
among others. The list provided in Article 3 does not include the country’s athletes, Arroyo noted. Arroyo said that a big part of an athlete’s career is dedicated on intense physical training and strenuous exercise to www.canadianinquirer.net
stay in shape, which is key to a successful career in sports. Athletes, she added, face constant pressure to improve their skills and abilities to remain at a competitive level and increase their chances of winning.
“The competitive drive to win can be fierce. Some take it very seriously that they result to taking performanceenhancing drugs,” she pointed out. PEDs are substances that boost the body’s physical capabilities and therefore improve one’s performance. But taking PEDs have its consequences as these may, according to medical experts, cause hypertension, heart problems, and psychiatric disorders, among several other serious illnesses, the author explained. Arroyo stressed that her bill, now referred to the Committee on Dangerous Drugs, does not only seek to protect Filipino athletes from the harmful effects of PEDs, it will also show that the Philippines does not tolerate the use of dangerous drugs to enhance performance of its athletes. “And more important, the bill will compel athletes to put in the necessary hard work, discipline and determination to attain success without the use of PEDs,” she concluded.
Seen & Scenes: Vancouver
FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
MISS WORLD CANADA Scenes from Mister & Miss World Canada 2015 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre (Photos by Angelo Siglos).
PNB
SPROTT SHAW
PNB RCC officials paid a courtesy call to Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer at the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver.
The Philippine Canadian Inquirer joined the recent Summer Job Fair organized by Sprott Shaw College.
TZU CHI VOLUNTEERS To assist in helping Nepal rebuild the country after eight million families were hard hit by the latest 7.8 magnitude earthquake, T & T Supermarket together with Tzu Chi Foundation Canada held the “Together We Save Valuable Lives� fundraising event which raised a total of over $200,000. The government of Canada pledged to donate the same amount to Nepal.
For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net. www.canadianinquirer.net
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Seen and Scenes: Toronto
PRESIDENTIAL VISIT Highlights of President Benigno Aquino’s meeting with the Filipino Canadian community in Toronto (Photos by Ariel Ramos).
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MAY 22, 2015
FRIDAY
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FRIDAY MAY 22, 2015
‘Rent-a-cop’ program... bar area started hiring paid- special constables are used to help guide duty police officers to patrol traffic. on weekend nights. The cost is significantly cheaper. Matt Torigian, now deputy minister of “It would be very rare to have a police Ontario’s Community Safety and Cor- officer at a construction site — we have rectional Services, told the Waterloo a traffic authority if we need someone Record at the time other than the flag he believed policperson,” said Vaning should be shared couver police spokesequally instead of man Const. Brian allowing one area to Montague. pay for “a higher lev“Basically, this is el” of service. I’d say: ‘Come an on-call position, In Calgary, police on, there’s an on a part-time basis. stopped offering ethical issue These are teachers, paid-duty services there for us as a veterinarians, people to bars eight years public service,’ who want to help out, ago after community but there were but this is not a fullgroups said they were some who time job.” worried the officers went around In 2011, Toronto’s would act in favour of that because auditor general rectheir paying clients they said it ommended the Vanrather than remain was additional couver model. impartial in the event revenue. A year later, Toof disputes. ronto’s former chief, There’s a different Bill Blair, reported model in Vancouback to the board, ver. Off-duty offisaying if the Vancoucers can still pick up ver model were to be paid shifts to guard Vancouver Canucks implemented, the force stood to lose $16 hockey games or other large events, but million in revenue. Blair also suggested cops do not handle traffic at construc- the move could have a negative impact tion sites. Instead, civilians known as on the morale of the force. ❰❰ 21
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Coal mines... ❰❰ 37
produced, it can likewise attempt to predict the environmental effects of its combus-
tion.” Coal industry representatives said mines already face delays in permitting and adding more review would make matters worse. Colorado Mining Association President Stuart Sanderson said calculating a mine’s contribution to global warming is meaningless because it’s dwarfed by unregulated emissions in the developing world. “It’s pushing the envelope of regulation that is not in the nation’s interests,” Sanderson said of the rulings. But legal experts say the rulings reflect an emerging trend of linking fossil fuel extraction to climate change. “The agencies could continue to act just as they have been, but the cost of what they’re doing will be more public and clear,” said Justin Pidot, an assistant professor at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law. While he doesn’t think the Colowyo mine will be forced to close, Mark Squillace, director of the University of Colorado’s Natural Resources Law Center, said the more thorough reviews could lead the government to deny coal mining meant for export. “I think the government is going to have to give serious thought to whether they’re going to allow that to go forward,” he said. Environmentalists say the rulings will help open up what they view as an industry-tilted process so the public can decide if burning coal is worth the cost. “I think the more we learn and the more honest accounting we get from the federal government, the more we will decide we don’t like it,” said Jeremy
Nichols of WildEarth Guardians, which sued to stop the mining in northwestern Colorado and also was part of lawsuits to block mine expansions in Somerset, Colorado, and Decker, Montana. In the Somerset case, Jackson stopped the expansion of Arch Coal, Inc.’s West Elk mine last year partly because the Bureau of Land Management considered but rejected calculating the impact of future greenhouse emissions. In April, another Denver federal judge, John Kane, ruled that the surface mining office must consider the effects of burning coal at a northwestern New Mexico power plant before allowing an expansion of the Navajo Nation’s Navajo Mine. Environmentalists there were mostly concerned with mercury pollution impacting fish in the San Juan River. The Navajo Nation company that owns the mine has appealed Kane’s ruling. The government did not appeal the West Elk ruling. In the Montana case, WildEarth Guardians and the Northern Plains Resource Council sued to block the mining of more than 117 million tons of coal, which would extend the life of Cloud Peak Energy’s 280-worker Spring Creek mine by 13 years. The environmental groups have asked U.S. District Judge Susan Watters to halt mining until its environmental impacts are more thoroughly vetted. Cloud Peak and Montana Attorney General Tim Fox have entered the case on the side of the Interior Department, which wants it dismissed. Brown reported from Billings, Montana. Felicia Fonseca in Flagstaff, Arizona, contributed to this report.
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