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JUNE 26, 2015

VOL. 6 NO. 173

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MRT trains ‘five times more deadly’ than counterparts

China puts up ‘Great Wall of the Sea’

Canada border agency locking up more foreigners

Is it ever OK to use the N word?

Global Filipino: Jessie Manaog

‘Matanda na, sinungaling pa’ — Erap to Lim

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer

OPERATION BARRIO SCHOOLS President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a scale model of the 2-classroom school building presented by the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), led by its president Angel Ngu, during the oath taking ceremony at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang on Tuesday (June 23, 2015). The Operation: Barrio Schools is the longest-running and biggest private sector-led development program focused on educational infrastructure. To date, some 4,933 school buildings – equivalent to 9,866 classrooms – have already been turned over to public schools nationwide, benefitting nearly one million schoolchildren. Also in photo is Justice Secretary Leila de Lima.

GIL NARTEA / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU / PNA

Odd Man Out: Binay resigns from Aquino Cabinet

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Vice President Jejomar Binay sent a resignation letter to President Benigno Aquino III, quitting his position as the chief of the Housing

and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the presidential adviser on OFW Affairs.

Binay submitted his resignation Monday afternoon, and is effective immediately.

❱❱ PAGE 6 ‘Matanda na’

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m info@canadianinquirer.net sales@canadianinquirer.net A (888) 668-6059 facebook.com/ PhilippineCanadianInquirer

❱❱ PAGE 28 ❱❱ PAGE 15 Odd Man

MANILA — Incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Estrada called former Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim a liar during a press briefing Thursday.

The press briefing was held to clarify issues after the Supreme Court issued a restraining order against the construction of the 49-story Torre de Manila along Taft Avenue.

“Matanda na, singungaling pa (He’s already old and he’s still a liar)” Estrada said, referring to Lim. According to Estrada, Lim authorized the construction of Torre de Manila in 2012 by vetoing Manila Councilor DJ Bagatsing’s Ordinance 8310, which carried instructions from the National Historical Commission. The ordinance prohibits the construction

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Philippine News

JUNE 26, 2015

FRIDAY

MMDA to mark areas on fault line with ‘thermoplastic paint’

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — In preparation to a possible earthquake that may hit the country, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) sought to mark six cities in Metro Manila and Rizal which transect the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault.

Traversed areas in Makati, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Pasig, Quezon, Taguig and Rodriguez, Rizal would be marked with thermoplastic paint that was said to last up to five years. Taguig was the first to be marked.

The MMDA initiated this move together with the help of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). The MMDA used Phivolcs’ Valley Fault System Atlas in tracing the fault line.

“Hindi basta-basta marking lang eh, kailangan eksakto— ‘yung eksaktong fault line ‘yung paglalatagan, hindi po ‘yung

tyambahan lang… Kaya may kasama kaming seismologist ng Phivolcs at may compass siya kung saan talaga ‘yung eksaktong lugar,” MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM. ([It’s] not simply marking, it has to be exact — [the marker should be painted] on the exact fault line, not merely hit or miss… That’s why we are accompanied by a seismologist from Phivolcs and he has a compass [that points] where the exact area is.)

“The Valley Fault System Atlas was conceptualized as a handy reference for everyone to serve as a guide in making sure that areas traversed by active faults are avoided as sites of houses and structures and considered in various mitigation and response actions to enhance the safety and resilience of communities to strong earthquake events,” Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum earlier said.

The MMDA aimed to put the markers in exact spots but to areas with houses or buildings built above the fault line, the markers would then be painted near them.

“Halimbawa po nasa gate [‘yung marker], understood na po ‘yan na tatamaan kayo,” Tolentino said.

(For example, [if the marker] is in your gate, it is already understood that you will be hit [should an earthquake occur].)

For the public’s part, Tolentino called on everyone to participate in the metro-wide earthquake drill on July 30. He hoped that the public would take the drill seriously as it will greatly help them respond correctly should an earthquake indeed happen.

For increased awareness and preparedness, the MMDA urged the people to visit the site www.bepreparedmetromanila. com.

A 7.2 magnitude earthquake is projected to hit Metro Manila

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MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino.

and Rizal anytime. The earthquake may kill up to 37,000

MMDA FACEBOOK PAGE

people and injure 148,000 others. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

3

“Strong” El Nino, drier conditions loom

Aquino’s satisfaction ratings increased

BY CATHERINE J. TEVES Philippines News Agency

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

The best time to save water is while the rainy season is in progress, PAGASA also said in its statement.

Despite the El Nino prevailing at presMANILA — Government raised urgency ent, PAGASA still forecast an average 11 for more water conservation nation- to 16 tropical cyclones (TCs) within the wide despite the rainy season’s onset, Philippine Area of Responsibility during forecasting even drier conditions in late the June-December 2015 period.

2015 and early 2016 due to droughtOf such number, Lucero said PAGASA driving El Nino phenomenon’s expect- expects one TC this month, three to five ed intensification from “moderate” to TCs in July, two to four TCs in each of “strong” this year.

August and September, two to three TCs “The rainy season is an opportunity in October, one to two TCs in November to save water for drier days ahead — let’s and zero to one TC in December. use this resource wisely,” Philippine PAGASA Acting Administrator Dr. ViAtmospheric, Geophysical and Astro- cente Malano noted that the occurrence nomical Services Administration (PA- of El Nino doesn’t reduce the number of GASA) weather expert Anthony Lucero TCs expected in the country. said Tuesday (June 23) on the side of a El Nino affects TCs’ intensity and diclimatebriefing in rection, however, he Metro Manila. clarified.

He said people “We’re not dismust grab such opcounting the possiportunity as rainy bility of seeing very conditions this year strong TCs towards would likely prevail 2015’s end,” he said. until September only.

He also said TCs “We expect the They said such El during El Nino tend country to experiNino was worse to recurve northence a long dry pethan its 1982wards instead of riod afterwards,” he 1983 counterpart crossing the country. said. which caused On early Tuesday, Lucero attributed an estimated PAGASA announced such expectation to USD 13 billion in onset of this year’s international climate global damages. rainy season. models’ latest outPhilippine PAGASA said puts, which indicate damage from rainfall data from El Nino will further the 1982-1983 its weather stations intensify later this El Nino reached already warranted year and persist until some USD450 such announcement.

2016’s first quarter. million, they also Intermittent to Such intensificasaid. continuous rains and tion will likely apthunderstorms asproximate the 1997sociated with south1998 El Nino that west wind flow will ravaged the country, affect Metro Manila he warned. and other areas in Experts already the country’s westcited the 1997-1998 ern portion, PAGASA El Nino as the stronsaid in another stategest to affect the country during the ment released Tuesday also.

20th century.

“With the rainy season’s onset, it’s They said such El Nino was worse likely that areas affected by below-northan its 1982-1983 counterpart which mal rainfall conditions will improve in caused an estimated USD 13 billion in the coming months specially in northglobal damages. ern Luzon,” PAGASA also said in the Philippine damage from the 1982- statement.

1983 El Nino reached some USD450 PAGASA said onset of rainy season in million, they also said. the country is usually between the sec“Expected intensification of El Nino ond half of May and first half of June. and the fact that this phenomenon is Delayed development of the rainalready prevailing and affecting us com- driving southwest monsoon or ‘habagat’ pounds the problem so we must prepare led to late onset of this year’s rainy seaaccordingly,” said Lucero. son, noted PAGASA. In a statement released Tuesday, PALate development of ‘habagat’ and beGASA reiterated its call for government low-normal rainfall are the prevailing El agencies to take precautionary mea- Nino’s impacts on the country, PAGASA sures against El Nino’s negative impacts. added. ■

MANILA — Should Senator Grace Poe be elected as the next Philippine president, former Manila City mayor and now Buhay party-list representative Lito Atienza fret that she may become an ‘on-the-job (OJT) president.’ “‘Pag si Senator Grace Poe ang maging pangulo ay magiging on-the-job training naman ang mangyari sa atin,” Atienza said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM. (If Senator Grace Poe becomes president, we will have an on-the-job training [president].)

Poe topped the most recent Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia presidential preferences surveys, escalating past Vice President Jejomar Binay who used to dominate the polls.

To this, Atienza believed that voters should support the candidate with more experience in governance.

“Pumili tayo ng malalim na malalim ang karanasan… Ang kailangan natin ay yung may karanasan,” he said, urging the public not to be swayed by candidates’ popularity levels.

(We should choose [the candidate] with extensive experience… What we need [is a president] who has experience.)

But should Poe win the presidential race like how she surged the senatorial race, Atienza feared the consequence the country will face.

“Kinakabahan ako kung maging president si Grace Poe kasi wala siyang experience… Kapag siya ay naging pangulo saan na naman tayo tatakbo? Another six years of what,” he said.

(I’m worried should Grace Poe become [the next] president because she has no experience…. If she becomes president, whom do we run to? Another six years of what?)

Atienza then suggested that Poe seek reelection first then run for a higher post after her second term as senator.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, who has already expressed interest in joining next year’s presidential race, earlier stated that it was ‘risky to entrust the next government to those without experience and competence.’

Poe, for her part, remained undecided whether to seek higher office in next year’s elections or not. ■

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Philippine News

JUNE 26, 2015

FRIDAY

DMCI receives TRO, suspends Kin of SAF 44 get selling Torre de Manila units P69-M in benefits

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — DMCI Holdings, Inc. suspended selling Torre de Manila condominium units as ordered by the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board (HLURB) and delayed construction of said condominium as commanded by the Supreme Court (SC) in its temporary restraining order (TRO).

The 46-story Torre de Manila was criticized for being an eyesore in the sightline of Jose Rizal’s monument in Rizal Park, Manila. Order of the Knights of Rizal then petitioned against DMCI. According to the petitioners, the developer violated the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act and the National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009.

The petition then prompted the SC to look into the matter being raised.

With the TRO issued, the suspension of sales and postponement of construction will then take effect after DMCI receives both directives.

HLURB chief executive officer Antonio Bernardo acknowledged, however, that the developer could resume sales once the SC lifts the TRO.

SC will not inhibit CJ

Amidst questions on Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno’s husband being linked to DMCI Holdings, Inc., the SC maintained that it would not inhibit the Chief Justice as there were no valid grounds to do so.

“The Chief Justice’s husband, Mr. Mario Jose E. Sereno, was connected with Dacon Corp., a Consunji-owned corporation, but resigned from that company almost 26 years ago, in July 1989,” SC spokesman Theodore Te said.

“The supposed connection of the CJ’s spouse to a party in a pending case is not a ground for mandatory inhibition; note also that the connection ceased 26 years ago,” he added.

DMCI consolidates all construction interests of the Consunji clan.

Sereno, for her part, was ‘mindful of the procedures for causing the voluntary inhibition of any judge or justice from any pending matter.’

Meanwhile, Senator Loren Legarda reminded those ‘who desecrate our heritage and think of violating our heritage laws’ to think twice before planning to do so. “[The Rizal monument is a] visual reminder to continue the ideals and advocacies that Rizal had pushed for all throughout his life… [and Torre de Manila] has become an unsightly backdrop to the iconic edifice,” she pointed out. ■

BY JULIE M. AURELIO AND LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer

licemen.

Earlier, the PNP awarded each of the 44 slain policemen with posthumous promotions and the Bravery Medal for their heroism.

THE SURVIVING kin of the 44 Special Franco said another P11 million in Action Force (SAF) commandos killed cash donations were also received from in the Maguindanao clash in January the Senate, House of Representatives have received over P69 million in lump and the local government of Dasmarisum benefits from the government. ñas, Cavite.

The benefits totaling P69,566,524.88 Qualified beneficiaries will also get came from the Office of the President, an average monthly pension of P12,000 Philippine National Police and the Na- from the PNP and another P16,000 avtional Police Commission (Napolcom). erage monthly pension from the NapolIn a statement, PNP spokesperson com.

Chief Supt. Wilfredo The pension payFranco said the lump ments are being paid sum benefits include: through individual P250,000 each from bank accounts with the President’s Sothe Land Bank of the cial Fund totaling P11 Philippines. million; P174,600.75 Aside from the each from the PNP’s Franco said financial benefits, Special Financial this meant that the Napolcom also Assistance totaleach beneficiary granted educational ing P7.6 million; and received an scholarships to all P218,294.19 each in average of children of the slain commutation of acP1,593,656.19 SAF commandos. crued leaves totaling in total lump But the families P9.6 million. sum benefits, of the police officers Other individual depending on have not received all lump sum benefits rerank, which were the benefits promceived by each family released by ised by the governinclude: an average of check. ment, according to P26,062.79 in backSen. Ferdinand Marearned pension from cos Jr. the PNP; P65,759.80 Even then, more in burial benefits than the material from the Napolcom; benefits, the families P263,039.18 worth want justice, he said. of Napolcom gratuMarcos said famiity; P38,222.36 in back-earned pension lies of the slain SAF troopers had also from the Napolcom; and P557,677.12 in been asking about the progress in the insurance benefits from the Public Safe- case against their killers. ty Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. He said the Department of Justice Franco said this meant that each (DOJ) earlier announced that 90 perbeneficiary received an average of sons would be charged, but nothing has P1,593,656.19 in total lump sum ben- yet come of this. efits, depending on rank, which were re“I will ask the DOJ now, I will write leased by check. a letter saying, ‘What happened to the Forty-four SAF commandos were investigation?’” he said at the Senate killed last Jan. 25 in Mamasapano, Ma- weekly media forum. guindanao, while conducting a law en“I won’t allow the SAF 44 to be forgotforcement operation to arrest two high ten,” he said. profile terrorists.

Marcos also decried the fact that forThe policemen encountered elements mer PNP chief Director General Alan of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Purisima remains in the force, even af(MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic ter being implicated in the Mamasapano Freedom Fighters while arresting Ma- incident. laysian bombmaker Zulkifli Bin Hir and He said Malacañang should not coddle Filipino terrorist Basit Usman.

Purisima, who was involved in the planBin Hir, alias Marwan, was killed in ning of the police operation during his that operation, while Usman died in a temporary suspension as PNP chief. firefight with the MILF last May. He returned to the PNP earlier this The government acted swiftly to aid month after serving his six-month prethe surviving kin of the troopers, many ventive suspension arising from corrupwhom left behind parents, widows and tion allegations over the alleged misuse children heavily dependent on the po- of gun owners’ courier fees. ■

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Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

5

NFA OKs $1-M rice importation from Vietnam

BY RIZA T. OLCHONDRA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE NATIONAL Food Authority (NFA) Council has approved the purchase of about $1 million worth of rice from Vietnam after accepting a revised offer from Hanoi as the state agency scrambles to build up buffer stocks of the staple in anticipation of the June-August lean season.

According to an NFA statement, the interagency NFA Council, in a special meeting last June 17, awarded the contract for the supply of 100,000 metric tons (MT) of long grain white rice (25 percent brokens) to Vietnam “based on their revised offer of $416.85/MT under the government-to-government procurement scheme.”

Vietnam was earlier awarded the supply contract for 150,000 MT, 25 percent brokens wellmilled long grain rice. With the 100,000-MT supply contract, it now has a total contract award of 250,000 MT. The average price of $412.81 per MT for the 250,000 MT is

lower than the $421/MT offered last February and $475/ MT in September 2014. The total price for the 250,000 MT to be supplied by Vietnam is $103.2 million.

The NFA said the first rice shipment from Vietnam is expected to arrive in the country

by August 15.

Vietnam’s winning revised offer was above the $408.14 per MT price ceiling set by the Philippines.

The NFA Council accepted Vietnam’s revised offer after the NFA committee on government-to-government procurement (CGGP) elevated the case to the council.

The CGGP initially rejected the offers from Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam, which are way above the government’s reference price for 100,000 MT well-milled long grain white rice at 25 percent brokens.

Thailand offered $418 per MT for 100,000 MT; Vietnam offered $417/MT for 100,000 MT; and Cambodia offered $464/MT for 50,000 MT. In the second round of bidding, Thailand withdrew, say-

NFA.GOV.PH

ing that the Philippine government’s reference price was too low against the average prevailing price in the world market.

Cambodia revised its offer to

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$455.50/MT for the supply of 50,000 MT, while Vietnam offered $416.85 per MT for the supply of 100,000 MT. Both offers were still beyond the price

ceiling set by the NFA Council.

It was at that point that the CGGP elevated the case to the NFA Council.

The 100,000 MT is part of the 250,000 metric tons approved by the NFA Council for importation through the recommendation of the food security committee in preparation for the lean season when supply of rice is traditionally low and prices are high.

The NFA has to maintain a 30-day buffer requirement beginning the lean month of July.

The NFA has at present a buffer stock of 750,000 MT of rice.

This is enough for the next 24 days.

The NFA Council is chaired

by Francis N. Pangilinan, the presidential assistant for food security and agricultural modernization, with representatives from the NFA, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Development Bank of the Philippines, Land Bank of the Philippines, Department of Finance, Department of Trade and Industry, National Economic and Development Authority and a farmer’s representative. ■

Philippine News

6

JUNE 26, 2015

FRIDAY

Advocate: MRT trains ‘five times more deadly’ than counterparts

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer Former President and now Manila City Mayor Joseph ‘Erap’ Ejercito-Estrada during the press conference to clarify issue surrounding DMCI’s Torre de Manila.

FACEBOOK

‘Matanda na...’ of any structure that may disrupt or obstruct any historical

❰❰ 1

cause it would generate thousands of jobs and even more revenue for the city, but he said the local government will heed the Supreme Court’s decision — even if the SC calls for the demolition of the condominium.

DMCI, who owns the condominium project, has earned flak from numerous concerned organizations, heritage advocates, tourists, and locals. Torre de Manila has been dubbed as the “national photobomber” because its height and size have drastically altered the skyline or background of the Rizal Monument.

site.

The local government of Manila issued DMCI’s zoning permit on June 19, 2012. The building permit followed on July 5, 2012.

In previous reports, Lim claimed that he only approved the construction of 19 floors.

Estrada, claiming that Lim was lying, showed the media the original copy of the permits issued in 2012.

Estrada admitted that he would like the construction of Torre de Manila to resume be-

MANILA — Science and Technology of the People advocate Archie Orillosa claimed that the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) trains are ‘five times more deadly’ compared to the foreign countries’ trains.

Orillosa’s statement stemmed from AGHAM’s record from the news and on the MRT’s website from 2013 to 2015.

According to their tally in 2013, for every 100 million passenger-miles of the MRT, around 3.48 injuries occur.

Comparing it to the United States 2003 to 2008 FTA data, for every 100 million passenger-miles of their trains, only 0.7 injuries occur. Hence, MRT’s record is 2.78 more.

“This was made to compare the same age of the US trains and the MRT,” Orillosa said.

Although the records were conducted in different time pe-

MRT train derailed at Taft Station in Pasay City on August 2014.

EARL JIMENEZ / TWITTER

riods, Orilloso asserted that the trains were both 15 to 16 years old by the time the records were taken. He added that the lack of maintenance resulted to the unstable MRT trains with frequent glitches ‘for the past two years.’

APT Global spokesperson Bing Zaide, on the other hand, stressed that the MRT trains needed more than mainte-

nance; they needed to be rehabilitated.

“There is already a need to rehabilitate the system,” he said.

Aside from comparing it to the US trains, AGHAM had also looked into metro rail systems of other countries. They found out that the Philippines has the least railways compared to foreign cities Beijing, Berlin, London, Seoul and Tokyo. ■

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Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

Senate opens first session for 2015 at the Senate Building in Pasay City.

7

AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

Senate to amend half of BBL

BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer NEARLY HALF of the Malacañang-backed version of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) may be changed in the Senate committee’s substitute version, according to Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Marcos, who chairs the local government committee that is leading deliberations on the bill, said he is in the process of drawing up the list of amendments he proposes to make to the original bill in order to come up with a substitute bill.

Close to 50 percent would be amended, the senator said.

These include the controversial opt-in provision, which would have allowed the expansion of the proposed Bangsamoro region; the sections dealing with contiguity; and those con-

cerning power-sharing.

According to Marcos, he will also seek changes on the provisions that will affect the financial and business community, noting that the draft BBL would have an impact not just on the new region but on surrounding areas as well.

Powers of parliament

members. The members would have to deliberate on this before he could present it to the plenary, he told a Senate forum.

But even if the committee will only be able to tackle this issue when Congress sessions resume in July, Marcos said he would be providing the com-

BBL bill.

He explained that a substitute bill simply refers to any bill that contains a proposal that was not in the original measure.

It does not mean that he would be creating a new bill from scratch, he said.

E x t e n s i v e discussions

the

Marcos said he Amendments expected extencan also be exsive discussions pected on the A reorganization would not make the on the substitute powers of the unconstitutional provisions in the bill Bangsamoro bill Bangsamoro constitutional, the senator pointed once it reaches parliament, on out. the floor. the region’s con“I think it will tribution to the be a very thornational governough discussion. ment, and on the I don’t know if it ownership of natural resourc- mittee members with copies of will be tough,” he said. es. his draft before that date.

Debates could center on the Once he had completed his Marcos noted that people constitutionality of the prolist of amendments, Marcos seemed to have been confused visions, although he said he would present them in a draft by his statement that he would would not be surprised if fiscal substitute bill to the committee be submitting a substitute draft and monitory policy would also

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figure in the discussions.

Marcos also said that even a Senate reorganization would not affect the status of the draft BBL. Anybody who said that a reorganization in the Senate, which might entail changing the committee chairs, would secure the BBL’s approval did not understand the legislative process, he said.

A reorganization would not make the unconstitutional provisions in the bill constitutional, the senator pointed out.

Asked if Senate President Franklin Drilon had talked to him about a Senate reorganization, he said there had been no such discussion.

And he hoped there would be no such move.

“It will not really help anything. It will just cause confusion and it will waste the work done by the committee because we’d have to start again,” he said. ■

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2 PH gov’t-MILF deals cited as unconstitutional Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Correspondents Lei Fontamillas Jane Moraleda Frances Grace Quiddaoen Socorro Newland Bolet Arevalo Online 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 Associate Publisher Lurisa Villanueva In cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer digital edition Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at 400-13955 Bridgeport Rd., Richmond, BC V6V 1J6 Canada Tel. No.: 1-888-668-6059 or 778-8893518 | Email: info@canadianinquirer. net, inquirerinc@gmail.com, sales@ canadianinquirer.net Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly every Friday.

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BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Two agreements signed by both the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were unconstitutional, according to the Philippine Constitution Association (Philconsa) and former Negros Oriental Representative Jacinto Paras.

They were referring to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The FAB laid down guidelines in establishing an autonomous entity. The CAB, on the other hand, was the final peace agreement between national government and the MILF. The FAB was negotiated and signed by former government peace panel chief Marvic Mario Victor F. Leonen on October 12, 2012. The CAB, conversely, was negotiated and signed by incumbent government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer and MILF peace

panel head Mohagher Iqbal on March 27, 2014.

These accords supposedly allowed the creation of a Bangsamoro government.

Philconsa and Paras, however, challenged the FAB and CAB. They have then filed petitions to the Supreme Court asking for the declaration of the said agreements as unconstitutional.

According to Philconsa, the two ‘unconstitutional agreements would grant unconscionable’ economic, political and social benefits to the MILF. They also argued that the MILF peace process violated Executive Order No. 125, which required the presence of ‘one each from the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the Cabinet’ as appointed by the President.

“Contrary to and in violation of EO 125, the GPNPs (Government Peace Negotiating Panels) were not assisted by the panel of advisers. The different GPNPs conducted numerous negotiations, dialogues and face-to-face discussions with the MILF, here and abroad bereft of the presence of the requisite

panel of advisers,” the association said.

Paras, on the other hand, compared the FAB and CAB to the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which was already declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

“Like the MOA-AD, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, particularly its Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its corresponding annexes, were negotiated and signed without any public consultation,” he said.

“This means that the herein respondents acted in a whimsical, capricious, oppressive, arbitrary, and despotic manner when they negotiated and caused the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, particularly its Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its corresponding annexes,” he added.

With these new issues raised amidst the uncertain BBL bill in the Senate, the Mindanao peace process is likely to take a detour. ■

EDSA rehabilitation may start next year — MMDA

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The Metro Manila Development Authority and the Department of Public Works and Highways have agreed to begin the rehabilitation of Edsa next year.

MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino and DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson have agreed in a meeting to begin the P3.74 billion project after the completion of two other infrastructure next year.

The repair of the Dario Bridge in Quezon City and the renovation of the Magallanes Interchange will be finished early next year.

Waiting for other on-going projects to finish was seen as the best move as Tolentino said that adding more projects will create more massive traffic jams.

This is because of the ongoing major works including the Skyway Stage 3 project.

Tolentino has remained firm on its decision not to give permit to the Edsa rehabilitation pending the ongoing road works.

Without the permits, the DPWH could not push through with the imple-

EDSA.

mentation of the rehabilitation which was started in 2005.

“Actually, the Edsa rehabilitation project should have started way back in

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2005 but it never pushed through because it would cause disorder along the major thoroughfare,” he said as quoted in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report. ■

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FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

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Another gov’t agency sued over pollution in Metro

BY AMY R. REMO AND JAYMEE T. GAMIL Philippine Daily Inquirer CLEAN AIR advocates on Tuesday took another government agency to task for failing to carry out its responsibilities under the Clean Air Act. Three weeks after complainants led by the Coalition of Clean Air Advocates of the Philippines (CCAAP) filed a complaint in the Ombudsman against Land Transportation Office (LTO) officials for the worsening air pollution in Metro Manila, the group has leveled similar complaints against officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The CCAAP, represented by chair Leo Olarte, president Herminio Buerano Jr., activist priest Robert Reyes, and transportation group leaders Efren de Luna and Ramon Ventura, asked the Ombudsman to file appropriate criminal and administrative complaints against Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo and Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba for the DTI’s failure to comply with its responsibilities under the Philippine Clean Air Act. The complainants cited Section 21-D of the act which mandates the DTI, along with the Department of Transportation and Communications and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to formulate and implement “a national motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program (NMVIMP).”

But “after the passage of the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, secretaries and undersecretaries have come and gone but to date… we continue to see and experience a lack of meaningful results… simply because of the herein respondents’ neglect,” the complaints’ statement read.

“The neglect is not a simple matter.

Rather, it may be borne or brought about by a strong lobby of vested interests that

Metro Manila.

did not want proper implementation of the law, in order that profitable nefarious activities could be undertaken with impunity, in perpetuity,” the complaint read.

The group said that both the LTO and DTI could be held responsible for the “unclean air in our atmosphere.”

The complainants asked that Domingo and Dimagiba be preventively suspended while the investigation is ongoing.

Olarte earlier said that 80 percent of the air pollution in Metro Manila came from motor vehicle emissions. This is a serious “threat to the health and life of our people,” he added Responding to the complaint, Dimagiba issued a statement denying that the DTI had been negligent in its duties, stressing that the agency was compliant with the provisions of the Clean Air Act. As far as Section 21-D of the the Clean Air Act was concerned, Dimagiba said the DTI had complied through its part in the formulation and implementation of the NMVIMP through the setting of the Philippine National Standard for “Tamper Resistance on Diesel Fuel Injection Pumps.”

However, he admitted the need to address certain flaws so that the agency would be able to implement more effectively the provisions of the Clean Air Act, and to revisit the accreditation program for repair shops.

“We admit that we need to strengthen the communication and coordination activities among our offices to respond to what the Clean Air Act of the Philippines requires. As of this time, we are addressing this flaw to strictly implement the provisions of the said Act which the DTI is responsible for,” Dimagiba said.

“We also admit that we need to revisit the accreditation program of service and repair shops… and evaluate their competency in providing the required services on products to consumers,” he further noted. ■

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President Benigno Aquino III during a cabinet meeting.

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P-Noy names new human rights czar, prisons chief

BY JERRY E. ESPLANADA AND JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer MALACAÑANG ANNOUNCED yesterday the appointment of Jose Luis Martin Gascon as chair of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and of Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III (ret.) as director general of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor).

Gascon, a former member of the Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board, succeeded Etta Rosales, whose term as CHR head ended on May 5. Gascon will serve until May 5, 2022.

According to the Palace, the new CHR head also served as chair of the Human Rights Monitoring Committee for the Philippine government in the Joint Monitoring Committee for the Peace Process With The National Democratic Front (2010-14); as undersecretary in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs (2011-14) and as a member of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (2010-11).

Joining Gascon in the commission are Karen Dumpit, Gwendolynn Gana and Leah Armamento as members. They replaced Cecilia Rachel Quisumbing, Norberto de la Cruz and Ma. Victoria Cardona, respectively.

On the other hand, New BuCor head Cruz, former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command, replaced Franklin Jesus Bucayu.

Cruz, a Bachelor of Science graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, was assistant commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division from 2011 to 2012.

His appointment will be “coterminous with the appointing authority (President Aquino),” Malacañang said.

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Controversies hounded the BuCor during Bucayu’s term, including irregularities at the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa City where Department of Justice raiding teams found luxury items, cell phones and a flourishing drug trade run by convicted drug lords.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima admitted she had recommended Cruz to the President, expressing confidence in the new BuCor chief.

“Given his credentials and background, I think he will be up to the challenge. And his willingness to assume such an enormous task bespeaks of his strong character and high sense of duty,” De Lima said in a text message to reporters.

De Lima had said that on instructions of the President, she had postponed accepting Bucayu’s resignation until she could find someone to head BuCor. Gascon was a student activist during martial law.

From 2002 to 2005 he served as education undersecretary in the Arroyo administration. From 2008 to 2011, he was director general of the Liberal Party.

He served as President Aquino’s undersecretary for political affairs until 2014.

The CHR was without a chair and commissioners for more than a month. ■

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$2.5-million defamation action against Balita’s Teresita Cusipag and Romeo Marquez TORONTO, CANADA — Kol Hope Foundation for Children, a Canadian charity to help kids in need, and Filipino-Canadian philanthropists Melinda Rustia (the President of Kol Hope) and her son, a Canadian broadcaster/fashion producer Jeff Rustia have filed a $2.5 Million defamation suit against Teresita Cusipag, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Balita, and Romeo P. Marquez, Balita’s Associate Editor and Publisher/Editor of Philippine Village Voice, Mabuhay Radio and Filipino Web Channel.

Counsel for Kol Hope and the Rustias, Michael Alexander, well known for his 2005 Supreme Court win against State Farm Insurance (U.S.), said the $2.5 Million defamation suit is set out in three separate actions filed at the Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, Ontario on December 11, 2013, April 17, 2014 and July 28, 2014. The plaintiffs are suing Cusipag and Marquez and their publishing arms for making a series of defamatory statements about Kol Hope, Mrs. Melinda Rustia and her son Jeff Rustia, including false attacks on the legitimacy

of their charitable work and accusations of fraud and impropriety. The falsity of the statements was easily proved since charitable organizations must post their annual reports on a public website maintained by the Canada Revenue Agency. Furthermore, a recent routine audit has simply confirmed what the public reports have already established, which is that Kol Hope has used its revenue to benefit children’s charities.

Kol Hope Foundation, Mrs. Rustia and Jeff Rustia have initially requested an apology and a retraction when the Defendants’ campaign of defamatory email blasts, videos and articles began in May 2013, but none has been provided to date.

Michael Alexander stated, “The defendants have been given ample time to apologize and retract their false and injurious statements. The Foundation doesn’t like to sue, but the assertion that the charity and its members are involved in fraud and self-dealing is a vicious lie”.

In a statement released today, Mrs. Melinda Rustia said, “We formed this children’s foundation in honor of my late

grandson Kol, and have dedicated our vides everything from wheelchairs to relives to helping all the little “Kols” of the spite care to summer camp placements world. The unfounded accusations of Cu- for children with disabilities. sipag and Marquez seriously damage and The Kol Hope Fund at SickKids supundermine the good work of our foun- ports research studies to advance the dation and the wonderful legacy of love, understanding and treatment of genetic charity and hope that Kol has left behind.” disorders. It has also funded and supMr. Alexander noted that his clients ported the genetics clinic at SickKids. have given Foundation money to SickThe Foundation also helps children in Kids, World Vision, Easter Seals in the Philippines, supporting various inCanada, and Bacolod Boys Home, Holy stitutions and schools for orphans and Infant Nursery, and St. Martin De Por- children with disabilities such as Bacolod res Special School in the Philippines. Boys Home and Holy Infant Nursery To date, Kol Hope has donated the fol- Home. The Foundation has donated P200, lowing amounts to its beneficiaries: 000 pesos to St. Martin De Porres, Cebu, Sick Kids Hospital Philippines, a special ($107,500); World school for children Vision ($50,560); with Down syndrome, Easter Seals, Canada autism, and hearing ($65,000); Bacolod The Foundation impairments.

Boys Home and Holy doesn’t like to The Kol Hope Fund Infant Home, Philipsue, but the at World Vision was pines ($45,000); and assertion that officially launched in St. Martin de Porres the charity and 2013 at Canada PhilSchool, Philippines its members are ippine Fashion Week, ($5,000). These coninvolved in fraud thereby extending tributions comprise and self-dealing the Foundation’s abila cumulative total of is a vicious lie. ity to help children $273,060. in many parts of the Father John L. world. The charity Cardinal SDD, Exnumber for Kol Hope ecutive Director, BaFoundation for Chilcolod Boys Home, stated, “The Rustias dren is 86967 9415 RR 0001. have been our dearest benefactors, who helped us so much... They are very good About Michael Alexander people who have a heart for the poor.”

Michael Alexander holds law degrees According to Delia Locsin, Executive from Columbia University and the UniDirector, Holy Infant Nursery Founda- versity of Toronto, and also studied tion, Philippines, “For all they have done, political science and philosophy at the we are sincerely thankful and hope that graduate at both schools.

Mrs. Rustia will be blessed with good While holding the Laidlaw Fellowship health and longer life so that she can con- in Law and Political Science, he also attinue to help Holy Infant Nursery Foun- tended the Committee on Social Thought dation care for destitute, abandoned, ne- at the University of Chicago. With a highglected and surrendered children.” ly successful track record in civil litigation, administrative proceedings, health About Kol Hope Foundation for Children law and public policy matters, Mr. AlexKol Hope Foundation for Children is ander is experienced in all levels of the a registered Canadian charitable orga- court system, including Supreme Court nization founded in 2002, provides sup- of Canada, and has also represented cliport around the world to children born ents before government commissions with chromosomal-related disabilities, and professional tribunals. helping them to lead better lives.

On the business side, he has been inThe Foundation was inspired by a Fili- volved in the regulatory and financial aspino-Canadian boy named Kol, who was pects of start-ups in new media. In 2005, born with Trisomy 13 syndrome, a chro- Mr. Alexander represented himself at mosomal condition associated with se- the Supreme Court of Canada, where vere intellectual and physical disabilities. he obtained a rare unanimous judgment Kol was diagnosed to live for only three against State Farm Insurance (U.S.), months, but against all odds, he lived for which prevented insurance companies 14 years with the help of life support, g- from forcing Canadian homeowners to tube feeding, and 24-hour nursing care. pay out hundreds of millions of dollars He passed away on October 9th, 2011, in new insurance premiums. and left behind an incredible legacy of The innovative strategies he used to love, courage and hope. defeat State Farm became the inspiraThe Foundation has set up various tion for the creation of his two firms, funds to help children, including the Kol BT10 Communications and LitigationHope Fund at Easter Seals, which pro- works (www.litigationworks.com). ■

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FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

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PH security expert: China puts up ‘Great Wall of the Sea’

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The Philippines, Japan and the United States, among other concerned countries, now have increasing apprehension over China’s almost completed massive land reclamation activities and soon to be started infrastructure building in the disputed Spratly Islands.

As of now, China has been continuing with its land reclamation works in Burgos (Gaven), Calderon (Cuarteron), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross), Mabini (Johnson South), McKennan (Hughes), Panganiban (Mischief ) and Zamora (Subi) and reefs in the disputed waters. These reefs are well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

In yet another attempt to stop China from progressing its artificial island building, the Philippines is considering raising the issue to the United Nations arbitral tribunal for a provisional measure issuance.

According to Filipino security expert and National Defense

This handout photo taken on March 17, 2015 by satellite imagery provider DigitalGlobe and released to AFP by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSSI) think tank shows a satellite image of vessels purportedly dredging sand at Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. AFP PHOTO / CSIS ASIA MARITIME TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE / DIGITALGLOBE

College of the Philippines professor Chester Cabalza, China has been illegally occupying the Philippine territory with its land reclamation within the country’s EEZ. “It has effectively put up its own Great Wall of the Sea,” Cabalza said in an interview.

“They are occupying our terri-

tory rapidly because they have a timeline that they need to meet.

This is already an illegal occupation by China through their construction of infrastructure and as a result, we lose a lot of our resources,” Cabalza added.

And as China continues to control the disputed waters where it has military presence,

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Cabalza pointed out that the country’s move is an Anti-Access Area Denial (A2/AD) strategy where foreign militaries are denied access in the said region.

By doing so, China has been infringing other countries’ freedom of navigation.

“The more China blocks access to the South China Sea, the

more power it gets in the region, as [it controls] the area,” Cabalza said.

Japan, however, would not treat China’s extensive land reclamation activities in the disputed sea a ‘done deal.’

The United States, agreeing with Japan, stressed that China’s continued plans in its artificial islands would only create more tension among affected countries.

China, dismissing all calls, announced the near completion of its land reclamation works in the ‘upcoming days.’

As planned, it will then start building infrastructure in the artificial islands which it claimed would aid environmental conservation, maritime search and rescue and scientific research, among other ‘lawful, reasonable and justified’ projects which they asserted were ‘civilian in nature.’

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, however, believed that ‘it is not yet too late.’ The Philippines could still continue pursuing resolution to the territorial dispute with China. ■

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Jinggoy: Tuason’s testimony ‘blackmail’

BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer DETAINED SEN. Jinggoy Estrada yesterday described as “blackmail” the testimony of socialite Ruby Tuason implicating him in the P10-billion pork barrel scam, and said she turned state witness after he refused her alleged demand for money.

“That prompted her to testify against me because I did not give (her) any money. I did not give (her) any financial assistance because I know she pocketed Malampaya funds,” the senator added, referring to the royalties that the government collects from the Malampaya gas project off Palawan province.

Estrada, who is standing trial for plunder and graft in the Sandiganbayan, belied Tuason’s testimony at his bail hearing in the antigraft court’s Fifth

Division last Monday.

The senator said Tuason had asked money from him when he called her while she was hiding in the United States at the height of the pork barrel controversy in 2013.

“When I did not give in to her demand, she started to talk with the DOJ (Department of Justice) for her inclusion in the Witness Protection Program,” Estrada said in a statement.

Tuason, the prosecution’s latest witness against the senator, was among those charged for the misuse of the P900-million Malampaya fund that was supposed to go to energy development projects.

Government prosecutors said Tuason had received at least P242 million for her role in diverting the Malampaya fund to the bogus nongovernment organizations of businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles, the suspected mastermind of the pork barrel scam.

Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) allotments to Napoles-owned foundations.

Immunity

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada.

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Tuason, who served as social secretary to former President and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, Senator Estrada’s fa-

ther, testified that she flew to the US in August 2013 after she was implicated in the scam that had lawmakers funnelling their

She returned to the country in February last year and turned over to the government the P40 million she reportedly earned from the PDAF scam in exchange for immunity from suit.

On the witness stand, Tuason claimed she had delivered at least P19 million as Senator Estrada’s payoff at his San Juan residence and at his office in the Senate.

Estrada flatly denied the accusation and said Tuason’s testimony was meant to “save her skin at (the senator’s) expense.”

He also threatened to sue Tuason for “blurting out these lies, concocting stories and twisting the truth to save her neck from sure punishment” for her alleged role in the Malampaya fund scam. ■

Nat’l gov’t owes LGUs P1B in fire code fees

Aquino praises DPWH performance

BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

THE NATIONAL government failed to turn over to the local government units (LGUs) some P1 billion as the latter’s share of the fire code fees, which they could have spent to improve their firefighting capabilities, said Sen. Ralph Recto.

Recto cited a Commission on Audit (COA) report on the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) that found that from 2010 to 2013, the national government failed to remit P723 million to the LGUs. If the share of the cities and municipalities in 2014 were included, the national government’s obligation would add up to P1 billion, he said.

These amounts should go to the rightful destination, the LGUs, so they could be put to good use, he said.

“We should give local governments their due. If it’s in the law, then we should comply with our obligations. If the BFP does not have the manpower to

MANILA — Following years of being the “poster boy” of corruption and inefficiency, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) received praises from President Aquino for its “quality management” and “honest service” to the public.

In his speech during the 117th anniversary of the department, Aquino expressed his gratitude for the concrete benefits of being in the straight path.

Aquino applauded the department’s effective public service citing the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate for Quality Management System for the DPWH. Public Works secretary Rogelio Singson presented the certificate from the International Organization for Standardization, yesterday to the president.

The ISO is an international

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conduct fire inspections, then the LGU can help,” he added.

According to Recto, the COA report attributed the government’s failure to remit the amount to the LGUs to the absence of “guidelines on its implementation.”

Because of this, many fire stations and fire trucks in the localities were not properly maintained and equipped, the COA said.

It was only last February that

the Departments of Finance, the Interior and Local Government, and Budget and Management issued the joint circular setting out the guidelines for the release of the funds.

“So hopefully the five-year wait of the LGUs for their share from the fire code income will end soon,” Recto said.

Under the country’s fire code, 20 percent of collected fees should be given to LGUs, while 80 percent would go to the BFP. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

standard-setting body comprised by member-representatives from various national standards and organizations.

Singson said that receiving the certificate was a “milestone in the history” of the DPWH citing how it took them two years to qualify and obtain it.

Included in the list of DPWH offices given the ISO certification are nine services, six bureaus, the pilot regional offices in the National Capital Region and in Davao, and the South Manila and Davao City district engineering offices.

Aquino, meanwhile announced that the department’s budget will be equivalent to five percent of the country’s gross domestic product, increasing by a percent from the current four percent allocated in the department.

He also gave credit to Singson for being the “foreman” in the efficient implementation of the projects of the department and for pushing for reforms. ■

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FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

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Poe tops presidential bet poll anew

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Senator Grace Poe is now leading the presidential race in next year’s national elections after topping two voter preference surveys, escalating past Vice President Jejomar Binay who used to dominate the polls.

In the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted from June 5 to June 8, 42 percent or almost half of voters chose Poe as their preferred presidential candidate in the coming national elections, while only 34 percent named Binay as their preferred presidential bid.

“I am truly humbled by the latest SWS survey results. I am very grateful that more people appreciate the kind of public service that I strive to uphold—transparent, honest and efficient,” Poe said in a statement.

Aside from the SWS survey, pollster Pulse Asia also released a similar poll with Poe also placing first among preferred presidential candidates and Binay following second.

In the Pulse Asia survey conducted from May 30 to June 5, 30 percent or majority of voters picked Poe as their preferred presidential successor, while only 22 percent cited Binay.

United Nationalist Alliance’s standard-bearer Binay, who used to top both the polls, was believed to be losing supporters as more corruption allegations are hurled against him.

With what may appear as a counterattack, Binay’s camp raised questions on Poe’s Philippine citizenship, being raised in the United States and being adopted by late presidential contender Fernando Poe Jr. and former actress Susan Roces.

Their attempt may now seem futile as Binay emerged second in both surveys.

Nevertheless, Binay humbly accepted his drop in ratings.

“The Vice President respects the survey results. He sees them as barometers of the pulse of the public at a point in time. He will continue to listen to the people,” the Vice President’s spokesperson, Joey Salgado, said in a statement.

Binay is also thankful for landing second, still with wide public support.

“Despite the relentless attacks from his opponents, Vice President Jejomar Binay is thankful for the unwavering support as reflected in the SWS survey,” Salgado added.

Liberal Party’s possible presidential bid Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, on the other hand, remains unpopular in the presidential polls.

Following Roxas in the SWS survey are Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte with 20 percent, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada with 7 percent, former Senator Panfilo Lacson with 7 percent, Senator Francis Escudero with 4 percent, Sen-

ator Miriam Defensor-Santiago with 4 percent, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with 3 percent, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano with 2 percent, former Senator Manny Villar with 1 percent, Senator Loren Legarda with 1 percent and

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Senator Antonio Trillanes IV with 1 percent.

Despite topping the two recent polls, Poe remains undecided whether to seek higher office in next year’s elections or not. ■

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Tiny Japanese navy drill with Philippines may lead to bigger role in South China Sea

BY KEN MORITSUGU AND JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press PUERTO PRINCESA, PHILIPPINES — A tiny military exercise in the Philippines this week may presage something much bigger: the entry of Japan into the tussle for control of the South China Sea. A Japanese surveillance plane and about 20 troops conducted the first of two days of joint training with the Philippine navy on Tuesday off the coast of Palawan, a strategically important island not far from contested islands claimed by several countries including China and the Philippines.

While the P-3C plane was being used for maritime searchand-rescue drills and disaster relief drills, the aircraft is also a mainstay of Japan’s anti-submarine and other aerial surveillance efforts. In theory, it could help the U.S. keep an eye on the Chinese navy in the South China Sea. Some experts think that’s a possibility in coming years.

“It’s likely we will see Japan doing joint surveillance and reconnaissance in the South China Sea in the coming years,” said Narushige Michishita, a defence expert at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo. “It is going to be with the U.S., Australia, the Philippines and others.”

Others are less certain. Such a move would raise tensions with China, with which Japan already has a major territorial dispute over islands farther north in the East China Sea. It would face public opposition at home from those who want Japan’s military to avoid getting entangled in overseas disputes. The military is already

On the second day of his state visit to Japan, President Benigno S. Aquino III was welcomed by His Majesty Emperor Akihito and Her Majesty Empress Michiko in ceremonies at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The President also met Their Imperial Highness the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and other members of the Imperial Family during the ceremony SHUTTERSTOCK

stretched, keeping an eye for concern about the exercise. ers. The P-3C communicated example on North Korea and “We hope that the sides in with a smaller Philippine plane China in the East China Sea. question do not play up and on a hypothetical search misTakashi Manzen, speaking for create tensions on purpose, and sion for a missing ship or plane. the Japanese delegation, said that any interactions between Both Japanese and Philipthe P-3C, which was manned by those countries would actually pine commanders stressed that 13 Japanese flight crew mem- contribute to regional peace the drill was to practice searchbers and accompanied by three and stability, rather than the and-rescue, and said they Filipino military personnel, opposite,” Lu told reporters at a weren’t aware of any plans for flew 100 kilometres (62 miles) regular briefing. joint patrols. westward from The exercise Palawan island follows the firstwith a Philippine ever joint drill navy islander tobetween the two ward the South Such a move would raise tensions navies six weeks China Sea in a with China, with which Japan already ago, and is part mock search for has a major territorial dispute over of a confluence a missing ship. islands farther north in the East China of developments While the Sea. It would face public opposition that suggest JaPhilippines and at home from those who want Japan’s pan may at least Japan can posmilitary to avoid getting entangled in test the waters in sibly hold simioverseas disputes. the South China lar drills in the Sea. Consider future, Manzen this: told The Associ-- Japan’s parated Press that liament is debatthese would remain focused on Philippine naval personnel ing legislation this summer that improving disaster response, flew on board the Japanese would loosen post-World War “not patrolling, not surveil- P-3C to observe operations and II restrictions on its military to lance.” learn techniques and proce- allow it operate outside of the Chinese Foreign Ministry dures, Col. Jonas Lumawag of immediate area. Under quesspokesman Lu Kang expressed the Philippine navy told report- tioning by opposition lawmak-

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ers, Defence Minister Gen Nakatani said that could include patrols in the South China Sea in certain situations — though he added Japan has no current plans for that.

-- The new head of the U.S. Pacific Command, Adm. Harry Harris, told the Japanese media on a recent visit to Tokyo that the P-3 aircraft, which the U.S. also uses, is well suited to patrol the South China Sea. He added that he welcomes Japan’s willingness to play a larger role in regional security. The U.S. is looking for help from Japan, Australia and other allies as it confronts Chinese challenges to its naval dominance in the Pacific.

-- The drill coincides with rising American criticism of China for reclaiming land and building structures on disputed islands and outcroppings in the South China Sea. Japanese officials are also openly critical of China’s attempts to establish its territorial claims through construction.

“Certainly the current Japanese government seems to be seriously signalling that this is a possibility,” said Corey Wallace, a security analyst joining the Freie Universitat in Berlin in July. “My sense is that the Japanese government is putting into place the necessary legal and military mechanisms as preparation ahead of making a final decision about whether to get more directly involved later down the track.” ■ Moritsugu reported from Tokyo.

Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Louise Watt in Beijing contributed to this story.

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

Odd Man...

According to Binay’s Binay’s camp also stated that but no longer a Cabinet member. spokespersons in the the Vice President was also presSenator Antonio Trillanes IV, opposition United sured to resign after criticizing one of Binay’s critics, saw the Nationalist Alliance (UNA), the some administration policies Vice President’s move as a ‘very Vice President had long wanted and furthermore after being positive political development.’ to resign as he felt ‘awkward’ be- probed on account of several cor“Finally! This is a very posiing the ‘odd man out’ in Aquino’s ruption allegations. They clari- tive political development.

Cabinet dominated by members fied, however, that Binay’s resig- Now, there is no more inconsisof the Liberal Party (LP). nation was a ‘personal decision.’ tency in the ‘tuwid na daan’ slo“He’s really gan of the P-Noy not part of the administration,” political party Trillanes said. where most, if Binay’s daughIt’s untenable in the sense that he is not practically ter, Senator still in the Cabinet and a declared all of those servNancy Binay, on candidate, and the President will be ing the Cabinet the other hand, supporting someone else, it’s going are members. So assured the pubto be awkward. he seems to be lic that his father the odd man out. will continue fulAt some point, it filling his duties really becomes even without the intolerable, esposition. pecially when the political cliBinay’s daughter, Makati Rep“Makakaasa po kayo na bibigymate heats up,” UNA interim resentative Abigail Binay, was ang halaga at iingatan ng Vice secretary general JV Bautista the one who personally deliv- President ang pagtitiwalang ito at said in a report by Rappler. ered the letter to Aquino’s office susuklian ng tuloy-tuloy na pag“It’s untenable in the sense at 3:55pm, Monday, June 22. sisilbi sa taong bayan,” she said. that he is still in the Cabinet Executive Secretary Paquito (Rest assured that the Vice and a declared candidate, and Ochoa Jr. then received the let- President will value the trust the President will be support- ter in Aquino’s account. that is still given to him; and ing someone else, it’s going to With Binay’s resignation, he will continue serving the pubbe awkward,” he added. now remains as the Vice President lic.) ■

❰❰ 1

15

Pemberton’s fingerprints found on condom in crime scene

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The fingerprints of US Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton were found on one of the three condoms recovered from the Olongapo City motel room where Filipina transwoman Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude was found dead October last year.

“It was the first time that we heard about the condoms found in the motel room,” Atty. Virgie Suarez said.

Suarez, legal counsel of the Laude family, said Jessica LeCroy — a latent print examiner from the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory — shared said discovery during the trial at the Olongapo City Trial Court.

According to Suarez, “Based on the report of US NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Ser-

vice) and as proven by these forensic experts, Pemberton’s fingerprints were present on one of the condoms.”

“LeCroy testified that Pemberton’s fingerprints were present on one of the three condoms found near the bathroom door,” Suarez said, as quoted in a report from the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

“Both LeCroy and [Derek] Dorrien (a second expert witness) tested the condoms and they [discovered] that Pemberton’s fingerprints matched those on the condom wrapper,” Suarez added.

The lubricant found in the condom wrapper matched the lube found in Pemberton’s genitals and Laude’s anal area.

However, two other condoms were recovered from the Celzon Lodge room in Olongapo and the DNA samples from both condoms did not match Pemberton’s DNA. ■

SSS: REACHING OUT TO MORE FILIPINOS WORLDWIDE OVERSEAS Filipino Workers (OFWs) continue to demonstrate their economic value and power as their remittances help fuel the Philippines’ economic growth.

As an important membership segment of the Social Security System (SSS), OFWs likewise help boost SSS’ contribution collections. In 2014, the SSS collected a total of P3.904 billion in contributions from OFWs, up by 25 percent from the P3.124 billion OFW collections in 2013. Overall, OFW-contributions made up 3.2 percent of the P120.65 billion worth of contributions collected by the SSS in 2014.

Since 2011, the number of OFWs covered by the SSS has steadily increased by an average of nine percent (9%) annually. Last year, OFW membership exceeded the one million mark, from 923,065 in 2013 to 1,028,252 by end-2014. The increased appreciation for the SSS by OFWs and their voluntary act of registering for coverage and becoming active members can be traced to the program marketing efforts

of foreign representative offices established by the SSS and the intensive outreach events conducted by top SSS officials in different OFW hostcountries in Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America.

Also key to SSS’ coverage and collection drive in the OFW sector is providing overseasbased members easy access to SSS information and services. SSS initiatives, such as allowing members to view their records through the “My. SSS” facility in the website, opening a dedicated OFW contact center, uploading instructional YouTube videos, and having an official SSS Facebook page, were all pursued with the goal of reaching out to OFWs. To ensure the social security protection of overseas Filipinos, the Philippines concluded Social Security Agreements (SSAs) with Austria, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, Spain, France, Canada and Quebec, Switzerland, and Belgium.

The SSAs with Denmark and Portugal have been recently ratified, while the

Philippine Social Security System National Headquarters.

SSA with Germany is subject to ratification. This year, the Philippines has signed the agreement with Luxembourg, and expects to sign the SSAs with Japan and Sweden also in 2015.

The OFW Contact Services Unit (OFW-CSU) was created to provide OFWs and their families dedicated e-mail support and call services from 6:00 am to 10:00 pm on weekdays.

The OFWCSU also operates a special assistance desk to handle walk-in transactions of OFWmembers at the SSS Main Office in Quezon City In 2014, the SSS opened 25 new branches and 13 new www.canadianinquirer.net

service offices, located mostly in under-served regions or provinces in the Philippines, in its goal to provide accessible and responsive services to its members. Three (3) new foreign representative offices were also launched last year to serve OFWs and resident Filipinos in Oman, Japan, and Canada, bringing SSS’ foreign operations network to a total of 20 offices. By the end of 2014, SSS branches totaled 283, with a few of them open to serve members even on Saturdays.

As a way of giving back to OFWs, the SSS approved higher guaranteed earnings for members of the Flexi-

fund Program, which is a provident fund scheme offered exclusively to OFWs. Since 2012, interest earnings under the Flexi-fund Program have been based on average rates of SSS’ short-term peso placements or 91-day T-bills, whichever is higher.

This would help Flexi-fund members earn more from their savings for retirement through prime rates obtained by the SSS for Flexi-fund, whenever the benchmark T-bill rates are low. Also starting 2012, the SSS grants annual incentive benefits (AIB) to qualified active Flexi-fund members, aimed at encouraging retention of their funds by maximizing returns on their savings on top of the guaranteed earnings. The Flexi-fund AIB is computed based on excess interest income on Flexi-fund investments.

As of year-end 2014, the Flexi-fund registered 15,687 new enrollees, bringing the total Fund investors to 44,626 OFW-members, with combined net equity of P448 million.

Opinion

16

JUNE 26, 2015

FRIDAY

AS I SEE IT

MILF’s proof of ‘trust and sincerity’?

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer AFTER BEING accused of massive corruption, expect Vice President Jejomar Binay to be accused of lying.

He has been going around the country delivering campaign speeches, making election promises, shaking hands and distributing campaign materials—in other words, everything that a candidate campaigning for votes does—and yet he has the cheek to say that he is not campaigning. He says he is just doing his job.

That’s not his job. On the contrary, he deserts his job in Manila to roam the provinces courting votes. He is the administration’s housing czar whose job is to provide housing for homeless Filipinos. But look at the millions of our countrymen who are still homeless. He has also been assigned by President Aquino to look after the welfare of overseas Filipino workers, but look at how many OFWs are languishing in prisons in other countries, some of them sentenced to death. One of them, Mary Jane Veloso, was almost executed in Indonesia. What did Binay do to save her? It was President Aquino’s personal plea to his Indonesian counterpart that saved her from the firing squad.

During all that time, what was Bi- Comelec rule against premature with China. He also boasted that he nay doing? If I remember correctly, campaigning—and of the intelligence would fortify the border with Mexico he just wrote a letter to an Indonesian of Filipinos. by building a “Great Wall of America” official and then left Mary Jane to her *** to prevent Mexican “rapists” from fate, as he continued campaigning for John F. Kennedy was the first entering the United States. “Novotes in the Philippines. But he bare- Catholic to become president of the body builds walls better than me,” he facedly claims he is “not campaign- United States. Barack Obama is the boasted. “I will make America great ing.” What does that make of him? first black American to become its again.”

In fact, that is what he has been do- president. Hillary Clinton MAY beIn the same way that most Filiing since he became vice president. come its first woman president. But pinos are afraid Binay would really When it was announced that he won with Donald Trump’s announcement run for president of the Philippines, the vice presidential election in 2010, that he, too, would run for president, Republicans in the United States, unBinay announced that he would seek the United States may have another der whose party Trump threatens to the presidency; he has done little else first: If “The Donald” wins, he would run, fear he would turn an “otherwise but that since then. serious Republican I do not underprimary contest Trump is an example of what wealth does to some people. stand why the Cominto a circus.”

They become conceited. mission on ElecSaid a Republican tions does not make strategist: “I just even a squeak to warn him against be the first US president with the apologized to my toddler for bringing premature campaigning. The legal queerest hairdo. He would also be the him up in a country where Donald excuse is that Binay has not yet filed most conceited and bombastic US Trump runs for president, (and) gets his certificate of candidacy (the time president ever. better than 2 percent in the polls.” for filing is still in October), so techTrump (rhymes with chump) Canadian singer Neil Young, nically he is not yet a candidate. boasts that his net worth is $9 billion, whose song, “Rockin’ in the Free But Binay himself said he is a can- (Forbes Magazine said it is only $4.1 World,” was used at Trump’s andidate for president and is, in fact, billion), but how much personal in- nouncement, was so embarrassed campaigning for votes. Except for come tax does he pay every year? He is that he issued a statement saying that the technicality of the lack of a cer- known in America as a master of self- its use was unauthorized and that he tificate of candidacy, Binay is, in all promotion (shades of Jojo Binay!) was not supporting Trump. respects, already a candidate and is In his speech announcing his canTrump is an example of what certainly behaving like one. Because didacy, he boasted that if he becomes wealth does to some people. They beof the Comelec’s timidity, Binay has president, he would defeat the Is- come conceited. So don’t get rich or made a mockery of the intent of the lamic State and make trade deals you may become like (ugh!) Trump.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front, showing “its trust and sincerity,” handed over to a foreign monitoring team (not to the Philippine government) 75 assorted firearms in a well publicized ceremonial decommissioning (not surrender, MILF emphasizes) to entice Congress to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Also, some 175 MILF fighters allegedly decided to return to normal life, in exchange for P25,000 and a means of livelihood for each.

Big deal, 75 guns out of an estimated 16,000 firearms in MILF hands of more than that number of MILF fighters?

During the ceremonies led by no less than the President of the Philippines, MILF chief Murad Ebrahim warned that there would be no more future surrender of firearms if the BBL is not passed. And a congressman, who was part of the cabal that railroaded the passage in the House of Representatives its version of the BBL, threatened that it would be “war” if Congress does not pass the BBL. Threats are proof of trust and sincerity? Don’t they realize that if a BBL with unconstitutional provisions is passed, the Supreme Court would strike it down and we would be back to square one? ■

PUBLIC LIVES

Ethics for a threatened world

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer EARLY REPORTS on Pope Francis’ much anticipated encyclical on the environment have tended to frame its message in an old question: Can religion add anything significant to the understanding of complex issues that belong to the province of modern science? More specifically, can a pope’s pronouncements on the contentious issues of climate change carry any weight at all?

Drawing from a leaked draft of Francis’ encyclical letter, “Laudato Si,” subtitled “On care for our common home,” the initial media accounts laud his “masterful grasp of the science behind climate.” They resonate the hope that a voice like his, coming from one of the most trusted figures in the world, could shape the current debate on climate change. Still, as the Washington Post reminds us, “the encyclical comes at a time when institutional religion’s influence is waning in many parts of the world.”

Having had a chance to read most of the 192-page final document, I think it would be misleading to take Francis’ intervention as an attempt to “weigh in” on the scientific issues. He knows that is not the role of religion. Indeed,

he concedes to the complexity of envi- views denouncing a way of life built on reiterate the Church’s longstanding ronmental issues. “Here I would state nihilism and relativism. It is this, he preferential option for the poor. once more that the Church does not says, that ultimately lies behind the Francis devotes a series of parapresume to settle scientific questions crisis of the environment: the attitude graphs to a clarification of an Old Tesor to replace politics. But I am con- that nothing is sacred anymore and tament reference to man being given cerned to encourage an honest and that everything is permissible. “When “dominion over the earth,” which has open debate so that particular inter- the culture itself is corrupt, and objec- sometimes been singled out as a teachests or ideologies will not prejudice tive truth and universally valid prin- ing that justifies the unbridled exploithe common good.” ciples are no longer upheld, then laws tation of the world’s resources. “The While the encyclical does echo the can only be seen as arbitrary imposi- biblical texts are to be read in their confindings of climate scientists, which tions or obstacles to be avoided.” text, with an appropriate hermeneutic, depict the reality, the magnitude, and There is a lot in this lucid docu- recognizing that they tell us to ‘till and the urgency of the manmade threats ment that readers will find appealing keep’ the garden of the world (cf. Gen to the environment, Francis goes one or disagreeable, depending on where 2:15). ‘Tilling’ refers to cultivating, step further. He ofploughing or workfers a theology of ing, while ‘keeping’ The theology of a “genuine human ecology” that Francis the environment, means caring, proarticulates draws extensively from the writings of his predecessors, and of the totality tecting, overseeing notably John Paul II and Benedict XVI. of life as God’s creand preserving.” ation. In so doing, Francis covers he provides a layer of ultimate mean- their own personal circumstances a lot of ground in this encyclical, his ing, beyond science, from which to have situated them. second since he became pope. You can understand what has brought huHere is, for example, an eloquent almost hear him freely expounding manity to this state. On this basis, he restatement of the Church’s stand on on a wide range of topics with the wit, proceeds to weave what, to me, is one private property: “Whether believers spontaneity and homespun wisdom of the clearest statements of an ethics or not, we are agreed today that the that have become his trademark. He for a threatened world. earth is essentially a shared inheri- talks about the perils of “a spirituality The theology of a “genuine hu- tance, whose fruits are meant to ben- without God,” and of a world in which man ecology” that Francis articulates efit everyone…. The Christian tradi- the media and digital devices are omnidraws extensively from the writings of tion has never recognized the right present. He questions the authenticity his predecessors, notably John Paul II to private property as absolute or of relationships formed in social netand Benedict XVI. Though his words inviolable, and has stressed the social working sites. He revisits the value of are simpler and more direct, Francis’ purpose of all forms of private prop- “contemplative rest,” a virtue that, on message is a restatement of Benedict’s erty.” This and many other passages a previous occasion, he had contrasted

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to “Marthaism.” He takes a dig at those who are obsessed with reducing birth rates, those who promote abortion, and those who tinker with human embryos in the name of science.

He even has a paragraph on issues that would surely draw the attention of transgender persons—a takeoff from Benedict’s “ecology of man.”

In it, Francis warns that the belief “that we enjoy absolute power over our own bodies turns, often subtly, into thinking that we enjoy absolute power over creation.” He counsels that we must learn “to accept our body, to care for it and to respect its fullest meaning,” but we must value “one’s own body in its femininity or masculinity… if I am going to be able to recognize myself in an encounter with someone who is different.”

Could this paragraph have been written in reference to Bruce Jenner’s transformation into Caitlyn Jenner?

This papal encyclical, to me, is not just about the crisis of the natural environment. This is Pope Francis’ all-encompassing take on the crisis of humanity in the modern world. As ethics, it is a plea for a return to humility, to faith, to love and simplicity— and to “true wisdom as the fruit of self-examination, dialogue and generous encounter between persons….” ■

Opinion

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

17

LOOKING BACK

Rizal in the Lopez Museum

By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer RATON DE biblioteca, literally translated from the original Spanish, means “library mouse” in English, but a better rendering is “bookworm” or “bibliophile.” I fit the description to a tee because I grew up in a house with books and have lived most of my professional life in libraries. Fortunately, I have only come across a handful of librarians who were difficult to approach at first, with one encounter particularly memorable.

I visited a university library for the first time to survey its Rizal holdings by going through one and a half drawers in their card catalogue. Just to make sure I didn’t miss anything I went up to the reference librarian and inquired. Mature and formal, the librarian didn’t even look up from her desk and dismissed me by snorting: “Rizal? Have you consulted the work of Ambeth Ocampo?” Her attitude improved after I declared: “I am Ambeth Ocampo.”

I often console young people discouraged by library research that I was once like them, and that if they

are new to Filipiniana they are best served by visiting user-friendly specialist libraries. At the top of my list are: the Lopez Museum and Library, the Filipinas Heritage Library, and the Ortigas Library. For really specialized research my top picks, aside from the libraries mentioned above, are: the National Library of the Philippines, the University of the Philippines Main Library, the “old” Rizal Library at Ateneo de Manila University, and the University of Santo Tomas Library. It also helps that very rare Filipiniana, sometimes jealously guarded by librarians, are available from the Library of Congress, the University of Michigan and the Biblioteca Nacional de España—some of them downloadable, too.

For original Rizaliana there are only two places to visit: the National Library of the Philippines and the Lopez Museum and Library. I made a “Calendar of Rizaliana” for the National Library in the early 1990s and recently completed one for the Lopez Museum. This undertaking led to quite a number of surprises.

Most of the Rizal manuscripts in the Lopez Museum and Library are

letters addressed to his family or individual family members. These are doubly significant because Rizal, in a letter dated Dec. 30, 1882, and sent from Madrid to his sister Maria, instructed her to: “…keep all my letters in Spanish that begin with: ‘ Mis queridos padres y hermanos,’ [My dear parents and brothers] because in them I relate all that is happening; when I return, I shall put them together and make them clearer.”

That Rizal considered some letters more important than others, such that these had to be preserved, suggests that some letters could be discarded, or perhaps, even destroyed after reading. Teodoro A. Agoncillo’s description of Rizal as a “conscious hero,” one who knew and carved his place in Philippine history, gains renewed credence when put in the context of Rizal compiling and editing the primary source material that has come down to us after his death.

The Lopez Collection forms part of Rizal’s correspondence which was first compiled, arranged chronologically and published by Teodoro M. Kalaw, director of the National Li-

brary of the Philippines, as the “Epistolario Rizalino.” These five volumes, in six books, appeared between 1930 and 1938. After the war, Rizal’s letters were reorganized and supplemented in 1961 by the Jose Rizal National Centennial Commission (JRNCC), which published them in four volumes in eight books: “Correspondence with Family (two books),” “Correspondence with Colleagues in the Propaganda Movement” (two books); “Correspondence with Ferdinand Blumentritt” (three books); and “Miscellaneous Correspondence” (one book). Contrary to popular belief, the JRNCC volumes do not contain Rizal’s complete correspondence as known in 1961 because at least 49 letters are missing, of which 38 are extant and form part of the Lopez Collection of Rizaliana.

In 1953, according to Jose P. Apostol in his introduction to “One hundred letters of Jose Rizal to his parents, brother, sisters, relatives,” the National Library was unable to acquire a cache of original Rizal letters offered to the government for half a million pesos.

Furthermore, the National Library could not even afford the P25,000 de-

manded by the seller for the right to make photostatic reproductions of the collection. Fortunately, Eugenio Lopez Sr. acquired most of these letters (except 11 of them) in 1955 from the original cache sold to two other collectors.

These letters now form the core of the Lopez Collection of Rizaliana. The 11 remain unlocated.

Luis Montilla, in 1959, wrote that the National Library prepared a compilation of these previously unpublished letters to form Volume 6 or a supplement of the prewar “Epistolario Rizalino.” However the National Library was directed to postpone publication so they would not preempt the JRNCC. When the 1961 compilation of Rizal’s correspondence was published, they inadvertently left out 38 of the letters in the Lopez Collection.

My revisiting of the Lopez Collection proved that all published Rizaliana remain incomplete with the stray items just waiting to be found. I had wished to get my life back after the Rizal Sesquicentennial in 2011, but it seems the rest of my life will be spent in an unending study of Rizal and his times. ■

deserving of some attention. But “Ju- ics of genetic testing and experimen- walls of its enclosure. rassic World” raises at the same time tation when there’s a creature out Joining Grady in his search for the urgent questions about the limits to there which is not only intelligent escaped predator is Claire Dearing humanity’s exploitation of nature and canny, but which can also use (Bryce Dallas Howard), the park’s and technology. Howfar should sci- camouflage, change its skin color and operations director who is seeking to entists go in manipulating genetic even its body temperature to evade rescue her nephews who have wantraits with the aim of creating unique, capture? It also seems to be imbued dered off on their own. How she prountested and unknown creatures with a human trait: malice, because poses to do this in a white suit with whose true natures and abilities can it kills not out of necessity but out of matching heels escapes me, although yet pose a threat to humanity? pleasure.

I would think she should have found Activists protesting the increasOwen Grady (Chris Pratt), ex- the time to put on a pair of sneakers ingly common and unbridled use of Navy fighter and animal trainer, while chasing after the Indominus genetic testing and manipulation in believes he has established rapport rex. plants call the products of such ex- with the prehistoric creatures in “Ju*** periments “franken foods,” in refer- rassic World,” being the chief keeper “JURASSIC World” earns its huge ence to the creature box-office take. created by Dr. FranThere are thrills kenstein as part of a and scares aplenty, The Indominus rex “is symbolic of consumer and corporate bizarre experiment and the CGI work is excess,” with the creature “meant to embody humanity’s worst to create a “new seamless. The dinotendencies. We’re surrounded by wonder and yet we want more, and man” from the varisaurs not only look we want it bigger, faster, louder, better.” ous parts of dead real, but in certain persons. scenes, it seems we The movie’s director, Colin Trev- of a quartet of Velociraptors, who can simply stretch out our hands and orrow, speaking of the creature that have come to see him as their own feel their scales and slimy skin. But emerged from experiments carried “alpha male.” Audiences familiar with all the CGI resources at their out in the labs of “Jurassic World,” with the “Jurassic” franchise know disposal, the special effects crew says the Indominus rex “is symbolic the raptors well, having figured as the disappoints with the Indominus rex, of consumer and corporate excess,” uber-predators in previous movies. which seems to be a rather generic with the creature “meant to embody That Grady has been able to “con- version of the common public image humanity’s worst tendencies. We’re trol” these creatures speaks volumes of dinosaurs. surrounded by wonder and yet we of his skill and courage, but it seems Some scientists, in fact, have dewant more, and we want it bigger, he has met his match in the Indomi- cried the moviemakers’ failure to faster, louder, better.” nus rex, the as-yet unseen attraction use the latest scientific data to por*** whom he first meets when it leaves tray how dinosaurs must have really BUT who has time to ponder the eth- tracks on the seemingly unscalable looked like. For instance, latest sci-

entific theory has it that many dinosaurs actually sported feathers, yes, even the dreaded T-rex. After all, not for nothing are dinosaurs considered the true ancestors of birds.

There is even a hint (spoiler alert!) of a sequel to “Jurassic World.” Toward the movie’s close, the head of the park’s laboratory (and in many ways the true father of the Indominus rex), Dr. Henry Wu (BD Wong), conspires with the security chief played by Vincent D’Onofrio to take the remaining eggs of the Indominus rex with them when they escape.

Earlier, the security chief had designs on using the raptors for military purposes. What does he plan to do with the eggs of the Indominus rex? *** WE have tantalizing hints of the story arc that will follow. Perhaps we should take comfort from the movie’s closing shot: the T-rex, who helped defeat the Indominus rex, trudging across the attraction’s roof, roaring, and looking across the water where the humans have fled, declaring that in the war between humanity and nature, as symbolized by the dinosaurs, nature will end up the winner.

Nature may well win out against human greed, neglect and arrogance, but at what price? And who will pay for our need for bigger thrills and sensations, for profit and for ego? ■

AT LARGE

Humans vs dinos

By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer ON ISLA Nublar in Costa Rica, the conglomerate InGen operates a tourist attraction that features prehistoric creatures built from DNA remnants preserved in amber. The trouble is that dinosaurs no longer provoke the same scale of awe and terror as they did in previous years, so the owners feel they have to keep ratcheting up the fear factor among the public.

The solution is to genetically engineer new creatures, combining DNA from a variety of dinosaurs with those of other animals with genetic traits that should prove useful to any creature aspiring for uber-predator status.

That is the central conceit of the movie “Jurassic World,” which has so far grossed more than $500 million in worldwide box-office earnings.

This is considered the biggest movie gross of all time, as well the first time that a film generated over $500 million worldwide in a single weekend (in China, reports have it that the film has earned more than $100 million).

So by itself, “Jurassic World,” the fourth and much-delayed film in the series that began some 20 years ago with “Jurassic Park,” is a newsmaker,

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18

JUNE 269, 2015

FRIDAY

Canada News

Canada and Russia’s Canada’s ‘paramilitaristic’ deteriorating relationship: border agency locking up Five things to know more foreigners: Report THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Five things to know about the deteriorating Canada-Russia relationship: Northern Exposure

Tensions over Canada and Russia’s Arctic territorial ambitions have been brewing since at least February 2009, when Canada scrambled F-18 fighter jets to intercept Russian bombers approaching Canadian airspace, then loudly publicized the incident. A Russian military spokesman said Canada should chill out: “All the international flight regulations were strictly respected.”

Sailor, Soldier, Spy

In January 2012, the RCMP arrested Canadian naval officer Jeffrey Delisle who had been passing classified information to the Russians from his Halifax post for five years, seriously compromising trust in Canada as a partner in the “Five-Eyes” intelligence-sharing network that links Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Crime in Crimea

Canada, with its huge Ukrainian diaspora, has been one of the most vocal critics of Russia’s annexation of Crimea in

southern Ukraine and first imposed sanctions on Russia in March 2014. Prime Minister Stephen Harper has made a point of leading the charge, with his officials relating last November that Harper, upon meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin at a G20 summit, told him: “I guess I’ll shake your hand, but I only have one thing to say to you: you need to get out of Ukraine.” A Putin spokesman said the Russian leader responded: “Unfortunately it is impossible, because we are not there.”

Buzz Kill

In March this year, Foreign Affairs Minister Jason Kenney claimed Russian jets provocatively buzzed a Canadian frigate in the Black Sea, an account that NATO officials later appeared to question. Harper subsequently paid a visit to HMCS Fredericton earlier this month with Kenney, where they reported being tracked by Russian naval vessels.

Stay Out of My Group

Harper used the G7 summit in Germany this month to publicly state that Russia, expelled from the group last year over its Ukraine incursion, should never be permitted back into the club as long as Putin remains Russia’s leader. ■

SHUTTERSTOCK

BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press

independent body or ombudsman to oversee and investigate the border services agency and to whom immigration detainTORONTO — Canada’s rising ees can complain. detention of non-criminal forIt also urges alternatives to eigners in maximum-security detention and, in keeping with prisons amounts to arbitrary, practices in the United States cruel and inhumane treatment and Europe, creating a prethat violates international oblisumption against jailing that gations, a disturbing new report lasts beyond 90 days with court concludes. oversight for longer stretches.

The report by the University In a foreword, Prof. James of Toronto’s International HuHathaway of the University of man Rights Program finds that Michigan Law School says what Canada Border Services Agency happens in Canada goes much has become more heavy handed further than protecting the in dealing with migrants with public. little or no accountability.

“Beyond its truly massive Renu Mandscale, the study hane, a criminal shows that milawyer and the grant incarceraprogram’s extion by Canada ecutive director, Separation from families, no often operates said the report comprehensive judicial review process, in something apreveals “shockand lack of adequate services in proaching a legal ing gaps” in the the prison means that detention ‘black hole’,” Harule of law. causes severe stress, depression and thaway says.

“A CBSA ofdegradation of health.

Several coroficer essenners inquests tially has the into migrant dediscretion to tainees who have determine that killed themsomebody should be held in movals accompanied by a dis- selves or died of medical-relatmaximum-security jail condi- proportionate rise in deten- ed causes as well as the Canations,” Mandhane said Wednes- tion since 2012 are huge red dian Red Cross have criticized day in an interview. flags pointing to a detentions CBSA’s punitive approach over “It was really surprising to program that is out of control,” the years. me… that decision was totally Williams said in an interview.

Syed Hussan, with the activdiscretionary and also not subThe report for the law fac- ist End Immigration Detention ject to any rules.” ulty’s rights program by stu- Network, said jailing non-crimThe report, called “We Have dents Hanna Gros and Paloma inal migrants must stop.

No Rights,” concludes incar- van Groll notes the especially “For those suffering with ceration can have a catastrophic troubling problem of jailing prior histories of trauma, imimpact on migrants’ mental migrants with mental-health migration detention can be health. It contains harrowing issues. deadly,” Hussan said. profiles of detainees imprisoned In every case, they say, deten“Separation from families, no for as long as eight years who tion in a provincial jail, even comprehensive judicial review talk of a lack of access to support for a short period, exacerbated process, and lack of adequate services, confinement in cold mental-health issues or created services in the prison means windowless cells, their despair. new ones. that detention causes severe “They treat us like garbage,” An agency spokesman said “it stress, depression and degradaone inmate told researchers. is not the practice of the CBSA tion of health.”

“We had no rights at all.” to comment on third party docThe International Human Figures show Canada de- uments.”

Rights Program plans to prestained more than 7,300 miThe report makes several rec- ent its report to the UN Human grants at a cost of more than ommendations, foremost is one Rights Committee in Geneva $50 million in 2013. About one that calls for the creation of an next month. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

third were incarcerated in jails, even though few might be considered criminals. A Red Cross report found more than 2,000 foreigners in Ontario jails in 2012.

Reg Williams, a director of CBSA immigration enforcement from 2004 until 2012, said the agency has become increasingly “paramilitaristic” with an emphasis on force rather than co-operation.

Detainees have become little more than a file that no one wants to open, leading to detentions that have become “more akin to storage,” he said.

“The dramatic plunge in re-

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FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

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Senate redemption lies in doing duty, defeating anti-union bill: Tory senator

BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Diane Bellemare is urging the discredited Senate to find redemption by doing its constitutional duty as the parliamentary chamber that represents the regions.

The Conservative senator is waging a one-woman crusade within the Senate’s government caucus to block C-377, a private member’s bill that would force labour unions to publicly disclose how they spend their money.

And she’s using the scandal over senators’ expenses to make her case.

The controversial bill, sponsored by Conservative MP Russ Hiebert and backed strongly by the Prime Minister’s Office, would require unions to publicly disclose any spending of $5,000 or more and any salary of more than $100,000.

It’s been widely denounced as undemocratic and an invasion of privacy and it’s opposed by at least five provinces, who’ve argued that the bill is an unconstitutional intrusion into provincial jurisdiction over labour laws.

If senators want to reclaim some relevance in the midst of the current crisis, Bellemare maintains they need to represent the interests of their provinces and vote against C-377.

“I would like to say that, at this difficult time when the Senate is being accused on all sides of not playing its role as a chamber of sober second thought, and of not taking the interests of the people it represents seriously, I urge you to vote in line with your constitutional obligations, the official positions of your respective governments, in other words, the provincial governments and the people they represent, and all of the emails you received that have criticized this bill as being too invasive,” she implored her colleagues last week.

It’s a lonely battle for Bellemare, who has found little support for her arguments in her own caucus, although Liberal senators are behind her.

She had more company two years ago, when 16 Conserva-

Diane Bellemare.

tive senators broke ranks, joining forces with the Liberals to send the bill back to the House of Commons with amendments that effectively eviscerated the legislation.

However, Parliament was prorogued before the Commons could consider the amendments and, in accordance with the rules for reinstating legislation following prorogation, the bill wound up back in the upper chamber in its original form.

The unamended bill is now before the Senate for final debate, with Bellemare and the Liberals using every procedural trick available to run out the clock until the chamber adjourns for the summer, likely this week. With Parliament set to be dissolved for the fall election before the Senate can resume, failure to pass the bill before the summer break would kill it.

Ditto if the bill were to be amended again by the Senate.

The Commons has already adjourned for the summer and would never get the chance to consider amendments.

Bellemare tried several weeks ago to have the bill ruled out of order. That failed.

She then proposed an amendment to exempt all labour unions not under federal jurisdiction, which would have

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exempted about 90 per cent of them. That amendment was defeated last week.

“Personally, in the midst of this crisis, I try to focus on my main mandate, which is to defend the interests of the population of my province,” the Quebec senator said in an interview, noting that her province is among those that have

objected to the bill.

Were it to pass, Bellemare is convinced the bill would eventually be tossed out by the Supreme Court. All the more reason, she believes, for the Senate to do its duty as the chamber of sober second thought.

“We are a legislative body and when we see that things are wrong, it’s our role to not

No Credit?

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agree,” she said.

Bellemare feels she’s done what she can to kill the bill but she’s hopeful the minority Liberals have a plan up their sleeves.

Since debate can’t be limited on private member’s bills in the Senate, the Liberal plan appears to be simple: talk C-377 to death. ■

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Justice minister says he didn’t confirm open CSIS investigation in Ontario THE CANADIAN PRESS

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Manitoba premier promises students will learn about residential schools THE CANADIAN PRESS WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger says his government is moving forward with recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission for teaching aboriginal history and culture in schools.

The NDP government announced on Sunday that a new four-point plan will ensure students in Manitoba learn the legacy of residential schools as well as the 60s Scoop.

The ‘60s Scoop refers to the practice in the 1960s and beyond of removing aboriginal children from their families to live in non-aboriginal homes.

Selinger says the plan includes introducing legislation this fall for a new First Nation, Metis and Inuit education policy for teaching the history and culture of aboriginals as well as the significance of treaties.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s report earlier this month followed a six-year study of Canada’s residential schools that concluded the system was a “cultural genocide” that led to the deaths of more than 6,000 children — many others who survived suffered various forms of abuse.

Last week, B.C. announced that children as young as 10 would soon be taught about residential schools, as well as other racist government programs,

such as the Chinese Head Tax. “With the release of the (commission’s) final report, it’s time to acknowledge the truth about what happened in Canada’s residential schools, educate students and move forward in a spirit of reconciliation, mutual understanding and respect,” Selinger said in a news release.

“Educating students about historical wrongs is a step toward mutual respect, reconciliation, and understanding how we as a society can move forward together,” he added.

A report by the group People for Education released June 8 said public school teachers in Ontario are not receiving enough training on aboriginal issues and called on the province to add more professional development for teachers.

Based on survey responses from nearly 1,200 school principals in Ontario, it said most elementary schools in the province do not offer any aboriginal education opportunities.

The Manitoba announcement also promises the government will work with post-secondary institutions to develop a strategy for introducing more indigenous content into bachelor of education courses to support teachers.

It says the promised legislation will include a provision that will require the education framework to be reviewed every three years. ■

On Thursday, MacKay said it was a leading question.

“I’ve made no allegations. I’ve conOTTAWA — The federal justice minister firmed nothing,” MacKay said. backed away Thursday from comments “To suggest that I have waded into this he made earlier this week that appeared is a complete falsehood,” he added. to suggest Canada’s spy agency is curHe also denied speaking broadly about rently investigating an Ontario cabinet the issue. minister.

According to a transcript of the exPeter MacKay called it an “asinine as- change Tuesday, MacKay was asked that sertion” that he confirmed the Canadian given “that CSIS is investigating a minSecurity Intelligence ister of the Crown in Service was actively Ontario (for his relooking into whether lationship with the Michael Chan was Chinese consulate)... under the influence Is it appropriate for of a foreign governI think it’s someone in your poment. fair to say it’s sition to have close The Globe and incumbent relationships with Mail reported Tuesupon all public these people?” day that CSIS warned officials to be He answered: the Ontario governvery diligent in “Well, it depends ment in 2010 that our they conduct on what’s being disChan may have been themselves and cussed as in all cases susceptible to influto be wary of and because it’s an ence by the Chinese that fact. ongoing investigagovernment and had tion, I’m not going to “unusually close ties refer to the specifics to Chinese officials.” of what you’ve just In a statement, asked,” he said.

Chan says the article repeats five-year“But you know, clearly there are peoold, unfounded suggestions and notes ple outside our country as inside our in 2010, the newspaper itself called the country who would seek to exert influallegations “reckless, foolish and con- ence and I think it’s fair to say it’s incumtradictory.” bent upon all public officials to be very Premier Kathleen Wynne says Chan, diligent in our they conduct themselves who is now the minister of citizenship, and to be wary of that fact.” immigration and international trade, At an event in Toronto Thursday, has served with honour in the Ontario Harper was also asked about the case government and is one of the hardest- and MacKay’s comments but said matworking people she has ever met. ters pertaining to CSIS weren’t someOn Tuesday, MacKay had been asked thing he would discuss. whether, in light of the Globe report, it “I have no comment on these rumours was appropriate for government minis- or allegations,” he said. ters to have close relationships with for“They’re obviously a matter for CSIS eign officials. and for the government of Ontario.” ■

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JUNE 26, 2015

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Solidarity in Charleston before church victims’ funerals

BY PIETRO DE CRISTOFARO AND NICOLE WINFIELD The Associated Press CHARLESTON, S.C. — A week of funerals lie ahead for victims of the Charleston church massacre that killed nine people, re-opened old racial wounds and evoked memories of past episodes of violence against black churches.

Bells tolled across the city Sunday as thousands linked up on a towering bridge and a historic sanctuary reopened in displays of unity. Area residents repeated messages of solidarity, love and even defiance of evil at the remembrances, hopeful their expressions would drown out the hate embodied in the slayings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Authorities say a white gunman was welcomed into a bible study last week at the historic black church before making racist remarks and shooting nine people to death.

“Because the doors of Mother Emanuel are open on this Sunday, it sends a message to every demon in hell and on earth,” said the Rev. Norvel Goff, who led the first Sunday service since the killings at the church known as “Mother Emanuel” because it is one of the oldest

black congregations in the South.

During the service, many stood — some holding small children — to shout their praises or raise their hands toward the church’s vaulted ceiling. For added security, police officers stood watch over worshippers.

from the South Carolina Statehouse grounds, in part because photographs of suspect Dylann Roof in a purported manifesto showed him holding Confederate flags. The 2,500-word manifesto also contained hate-filled writings.

Less than 2 miles from Emanuel, someone vandalized a Confederate monument, spray-painting “Black Lives Matter” on the statue. City workers used a tarp to cover up the graffiti, police said.

Photos on local news websites from before the tarp was put up showed the graffiti in bright red paint, along with the message “This is the problem. # RACIST.” Around the country, pastors asked people to pray for Charleston. In Atlanta’s 1st Iconium Baptist Church, a predominantly black church with a tradition of speaking out for social justice, the Rev. Timothy McDonald told his congregation Sunday that he had met shooting victim the Rev. Clementa SHUTTERSTOCK Pinckney, Emanuel’s senior pastor, last April during a visit to Columbia, South As Emanuel’s congregation sang a gos- Carolina, with a group of ministers. pel hymn, church bells rang throughout “You talk about a promising young the “Holy City” —nicknamed because of man,” he said, expressing shock at the the numerous churches here. manner of Pinckney’s death.

Later Sunday, thousands of people “How do you sit in a Bible Study next gathered on either side of the city’s to a pastor for almost an hour and then iconic Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge and you just stand up and shoot to kill? That marched across in a showing of solidar- kind of hate, that kind of evil — we need ity and healing. Underneath the more God y’all. We need Jesus,” McDonald than 2-mile span with towering cable said. supports, dozens of boats gathered and Goff, a presiding elder of the 7th Disblew their air horns in support, while trict AME Church in South Carolina, was cars honked as they appointed to lead the passed on the bridge. historic Charleston When the marchchurch after Pinckers from the two ney’s death. A black sides met near the sheet was draped middle, they cheered, How do you sit over Pinckney’s usuclapped and broke in a Bible Study al chair, which sat into songs including next to a pastor empty. At least one “This Little Light of for almost an parishioner kneeled Mine.” hour and then down in front of it Juliett Marsh, a you just stand and prayed.

56-year-old from up and shoot to Gail Lincoln said Summerville, dekill? That kind of she typically attends scribed the walk hate, that kind of another AME church through humid air evil — we need nearby, but felt comand temperatures in God y’all. We pelled to visit Emanthe 90s as tough but need Jesus. uel this week. “exhilarating.”

Lincoln said she “It feels great,” was glad visitors who she said. “There’s so came to Charleston much love out here.” in the days after the Before the march, Shulonda Powell shooting took note of how gracious peosaid she drove 45 miles from McClellan- ple have been in the face of despair and ville to participate because she wanted indignation. to show solidarity with the victims.

“It sends a message to everyone that “I grew up in the AME church, so ev- people are people,” she said, “and just eryone is family,” she said. “I want peo- like we can grieve others, they grieve ple to learn from this experience and see with us.” ■ everyone coming together.”

The bridge is named after a former Associated Press contributors include state lawmaker and vocal Confederate Mike Stewart, Don Schanche, David flag supporter. The slayings have re- Goldman, Emily Masters, Allen Breed, newed calls for the flag to be removed Josh Replogle and John Mone.

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FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

23

Obama’s use of taboo word begs the question: Is it ever OK to use the N word?

BY HELLEN BRANSWELL The Associated Press TORONTO — The word had barely slipped from President Barack Obama’s lips before the first headlines were being written.

A sitting U.S. president, the first African American commander-in-chief in the country’s history, had uttered in an interview a word that is widely considered to be one of the biggest verbal taboos.

It quickly begged the question: Is it ever OK to say the N-word?

People who have thought about and written about that very issue reacted with wariness and some fatigue to the question, coming as it does in the context of Obama’s comments, which related to last week’s racially inspired killing of nine people at a historic African American church in Charleston, S.C. They argued the debate over the president’s choice of words is overshadowing the message Obama was trying to convey — that just because it is now unacceptable to use the N-word in most social

U.S. President Barack Obama.

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settings does not mean racism has been uprooted from modern day America.

Eric Deggans, a Florida-based TV critic for NPR Radio, expressed dismay

at the focus of the coverage of Obama’s interview with comedian and podcaster Marc Maron. For him, the use of the Nword was a side issue.

Pope: Forgive Catholic persecution of evangelical Christians

BY PIETRO DE CRISTOFARO AND NICOLE WINFIELD The Associated Press TURIN, ITALY — Pope Francis asked forgiveness Monday for the Catholic Church’s persecution of members of a small evangelical church in Italy whose leader was excommunicated and followers branded as heretics during the Middle Ages.

Francis made the appeal during the first-ever visit by a pope to a Waldensian house of worship, starting the second day of his two-day visit to Turin with a strong ecumenical message of Christian inclusiveness and fraternity.

The Waldensian church was founded in the 12th century by a wealthy merchant from Lyon, France, Pierre Valdo, who gave up his belongings to preach a Gospel of simplicity and poverty that condemned papal excesses. He was excommunicated and his followers persecuted as heretics by Rome.

The Waldensians today are united with the Methodist Church of Italy and claim 45,000 followers, mostly in Italy, Argentina and Uruguay.

During a speech to a few hundred people in the Waldensian temple of Tu-

rin, Francis decried how Christians over history committed atrocious acts of violence in the name of their faith.

“On the part of the Catholic Church, I ask your forgiveness, I ask it for the nonChristian and even inhuman attitudes and behavior that we have showed you,” Francis said somberly from the altar. “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us!”

His speech, greeted with warm applause, was reminiscent albeit on a much smaller scale of the appeals for forgiveness made by St. John Paul II during the 2000 Jubilee. In several events that year, John Paul asked pardons for the Crusades and Catholic wrongs committed against Jews and others.

Francis, an Argentine Jesuit, has continued his strong friendships with leaders of Protestant and evangelical churches that he developed as the archbishop of Buenos Aires.

Later Monday, Francis had lunch with and celebrated Mass for around 30 members of his extended family, who hail from Italy’s Piedmont region. The Vatican said the reunion involved six cousins and their families. ■ Winfield reported from Rome. www.canadianinquirer.net

“Frankly I think it’s disappointing that there are so many media outlets that are focused on the fact that he’s used the word,” said Deggans, author of “RaceBaiter,” a book that explores how racial issues play out in the media.

“Because what he was talking about is a bigger issue and a more appropriate issue than the fact that he used the word. But once again we end up getting sidetracked and tangled up in these side issues that are not about the core issue that he’s trying to talk about... It’s just another way of avoiding talking about the stuff that’s the most uncomfortable.”

For Deggans, one of those uncomfortable topics is the fact that one of the victims — Rev. Clementa Pinckney, the church’s pastor and a state senator — was to lie in state in the South Carolina capitol building, which flies the Confederate flag on its grounds.

The flag is widely seen as a symbol of the American South’s slave-owning past.

South Carolina has been under pressure to remove the flag and the state’s lawmakers agreed Tuesday to consider a ❱❱ PAGE 47 Obama’s use

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PM welcomes Harper invites Muslim leaders the creation of a to 24 Sussex to break Canadian Polar Medal the Ramadan fast on Monday PRIME MINISTER Stephen ment is fitting as it takes Harper today welcomed the anplace on the 145th annivernouncement of the creation of a sary of the transfer of the Canadian Polar Medal. As Sovvast northern land mass ereign and font of all honours, of Rupert’s Land and the Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth North-Western Territory to II has given her approval to this Canada. addition to the Canadian Hon- • The Governor General presours System. ents honours The Polar and awards in Medal will recogthe name of Her nize individuals Majesty Queen who have made Elizabeth II on extraordinary The timing behalf of all Cacontributions of the nadians to recto the Canadian announcement ognize those North across a is fitting as it people who have diverse range of takes place demonstrated endeavours. on the 145th excellence, courThe design of anniversary of age or exceptionthe new medal the transfer al dedication to was released earof the vast service in ways lier today by His northern land that bring speExcellency the mass of Rupert’s cial credit to this Right HonourLand and the country. able David JohnNorth-Western • Each year, ston, Governor Territory to hundreds of General of CanCanada.

Canadians earn ada. The medal our applause program will be and gratitude: managed by the from commuChancellery of nity volunteers Honours as part of the Office of to astronauts, from actors the Secretary to the Governor to members of the military, General, which is responsible from scholars to everyday for administering the Canadian citizens. Our Canadian Honours System.

Honours System gives them The first recipients of the the opportunity to join an new medal are expected to be order or to be granted a announced later this year. decoration or a medal in recognition for their treQuick Facts mendous contributions to • The timing of the announceour society. ■

THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper may have made Canadian history Monday night, inviting Muslim leaders to 24 Sussex to break the Ramadan fast.

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims fast daily between dawn and sunset and the break-the-fast dinner, called the iftar, is traditionally a festive and spiritual event.

U.S. President Barack Obama hosts an iftar annually at the White House. But Harper’s office says Monday is the first time one has been held at 24 Sussex.

In his speech to the dinner, Harper says his house ultimately belongs to all Canadians and hopes everyone can share in the blessings of the month.

He also notes tradition is that those who host an iftar bring goodness upon themselves.

The Conservative government’s relationship with the Muslim community has been tense, with major flare-ups over issues such as a new bill banning face veils during citizenship ceremonies.

Harper has also been criticized for focusing more on radical elements within Islam than on reaching out to mainstream Muslims in the aftermath of terrorist attacks linked to radicalization.

But in his speech Monday,

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he paid tribute to the contributions of the community.

“Like so many others, the followers of Islam have, overwhelmingly, come to Canada, seeking freedom, opportunity and tolerance,” he said, according to a prepared text of his remarks.

Among those at the dinner was Sen. Salma Ataullahjan,

who is a Sunni Muslim.

The prime minister’s office didn’t immediately release a list of those who attended.

“This house belongs ultimately to all Canadians,” Harper said.

“And I hope all Canadians, especially our Muslim friends and neighbours, share in these blessings tonight.” ■

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JUNE 26, 2015

Jessie Manaog in Cote D’Azur, Nice, France.

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GLOBAL FILIPINO:

Pinoy in the ‘Land of Tulips’: Jessie Manaog

BY MARGIE QUIMPOESPINO Philippine Daily Inquirer HE BELONGS to the wave of Filipinos who sought opportunities outside as the local scene was lacking severely in new avenues due to the destruction caused by the 20-year rule of the Marcoses.

The economy was at its lowest and coup d’etats were regular fare.

Many migrated to the United States, a few went to Europe — Jessie Manaog was one of them.

First he wanted Germany but he was not able to get a visa.

Upon the invitation of an aunt, she went to the country of tulips.

In 1993, Manaog went to The Netherlands, “land of tulips.”

For the past two decades, he has worked in different electronic companies like Quanta Computers, LG, Hitachi-LG Data Storage and now manages the European operation of Ubee Interactive, a leading network technology supplier.

“My hobbies are my alter egos. I like photography and music; once in a while I also

(become the) DJ in parties. On Sundays I’m a choir member. I also play the guitar in Catholic Masses in the nearby towns of Purmerend, Zaandam and Amsterdam.”

Jessie supports church charity initiatives. “Right now through my community, which we call the Steylstreams-Zaandam, we have been supporting the Sibol project, a pre-education program of Gawad Kalinga.

Our beneficiaries are children from poor families of Don Manuel village in Barangay Balingasa, Quezon City. Since it was established in 2002, Sibol Preparatory School has been giving free kindergarten lessons to poor children between the ages of 3 and 6 years.”

Filipino way

Manaog found his mate, Cathy, in tulip land — a Filipina who used to be with the Philippine embassy and is now with a United Nations organization.

They have two girls.

“My kids were born here.

They are typical Filipino children raised by our way of discipline. As parents in Europe, we try to teach them the Filipino way of life as much as we can by

attending Sunday Mass, speaking Tagalog at home, and most especially by keeping them aware of the importance of embracing the Filipino values while allowing them to explore and integrate to the European mindset.”

“We are blessed with very talented kids — Katrina, 14, is very musical. She plays the piano and guitar, and is into singing.

She’s in the finals of the Voice Kids-NL (Netherlands) and just recently landed another finals berth for the Junior Song Festival, a singing-songwriting competition. If she wins, this contest will give her a chance to represent Holland in the Junior Eurovision contest, which will be held in Bulgaria later this year.

Mikaela, 13, plays the piano and violin, and is her sister’s confidant and jamming partner.

Manaog studied at Colegio de San Juan de Letran and took up business management.

“Going to college was nothing compared to my high school days. College was more about building up a future, gone were the playful barkada hangouts. It was the time where I needed to www.canadianinquirer.net

be more serious and responsible about my studies and future goals.

“My childhood classmates were with me from elementary to college. We have formed strong bonds. We consider ourselves brothers.

“We always find time to meet up for get-togethers, parties and (watch) NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) games.”

Manaog had very few options for countries to migrate to other than The Netherlands.

Getting a visa

“I had very little option. I was so focused on leaving the country then. The country was struggling to recover after the fall of Marcos, an era I won’t forget. Being a martial law baby, I grew up basically knowing only one President. Everyone is a politics freak, very few on economics. It was so difficult then to find the opportunity that could fit to my personal demand for growth. The economy was in shambles and job searching was a battle.

“I tried several times to get a European visa, I first intended to go to Germany but I was de-

nied. I got another chance when I was invited to tour Holland by my aunt. It was my tipping point, I jumped at the chance and did not hesitate at all. I can still remember when my visa was released. I was so excited, at last I could go. My focus was on one thing — leave. My attitude was bahala na, whatever will be, will be.”

Manaog says he now speaks “broken Dutch.” I’m still learning it day by the day.

“Speaking this language successfully depends on how far you have integrated and interacted in the Dutch society on a daily basis. I had a language school stint but speaking the usual street lingo became my best teacher. Listening is key and then I started to imitate.

The challenge is to save a reasonable amount of vocabulary in your pocket and to know how the Dutch alphabets are pronounced. Funny but I get congratulated sometimes by Dutch friends by doing my best or should I say trying very hard.

My children are my worst critics; I get surprised by their corrections whenever they hear funny words coming out of me. Believe me, it is not easy

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to learn this language. How I manage to learn is by speaking it impromptu, by choosing very common words and using the common expressions, and by keeping the conversation as simple as possible. On a very formal context like reading and writing, it is always advisable to ask for assistance from the natives.

The Dutch are very good and willing English speakers though, along the conversation they care more for better understanding. The notion that you both understood each other, that’s the most important thing to them,” Manaog says.

“Living here is such a blessing, the Dutch are wonderful and warmhearted people, they could be very blunt especially when expressing themselves, and it should not be misunderstood as arrogance. A ‘yes’ is a yes and a ‘no’ is a no. You’ll gain their respect when you say, ‘I do not like what you have done.’ In other words, just be honest and show them your true feelings.

They too have humble beginnings, and it is very evident of their being very thrifty and practical in all aspects of life.

You can see their politicians or celebrities biking to work or doing the groceries themselves — bodyguard-free. The middle class is about 80 percent of the population. It is very uncommon here to see rich people employing personal drivers. Train and bus schedules are on time,” he says.

“Coming a few minutes late to work or to a scheduled appointment will not be appreciated.

Miss your appointment with the dentist and you’ll surely end up receiving the bill for the professional fee you skipped.

About our ‘Filipino time,’ you will agree that we are missing an essential wheel to drive our country forward,” he adds.

Pragmatic, liberal

“The Dutch practice tolerance by heart, that’s their way of life. They are pragmatic but very liberal. Something I like

my kids to be very aware of.

Their way of being democratic is what I like most. Governments more often are run on a coalition, on a power-sharing basis.

The government may collapse every now and then, but it is all business as usual. You may hate taxes here but you will see how it is being spent. Controversial issues like soft drugs, legal prostitution and euthanasia are being regulated here; though they may sound bizarre to a religious Filipino standpoint but the Dutch are observing these very intelligently.

Controversial and intriguing as it may seem, I believe these have strengthened the fibers of the Dutch society,” he says.

Like most Filipinos living abroad, Manaog hopes to someday retire in the Philippines.

“I’m quite accustomed already to the way of life here. At the moment, there are so many reasons why I would prefer to stay; for now we’re inclined to settle here until our kids are ready to live on their own and then we’ll cross the bridge when we come to it. Returning to the Philippines though is never ruled out.

Tulips in Netherlands.

pines. When I come back, I plan on doing a humanitarian project, one that could make a difference; perhaps venturing into agricultural land development, waste management, recycling and wind energy.

When I visited the Bicol region during our previous holiday, I came to see the dire land condition in my town. During heavy rains, ricefields are literally turned into unwanted lakes and farmers are deprived of the much needed incomes from their ancestral agricultural lands. Farmers cannot plan ahead; always risking their

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coming inland never stops.

They have mastered their artificial dams, polders and megawater projects very well. They are so effective and have been the envy of so many countries.

Through the years, their fight against water became their identity. As the Dutch saying goes, ‘Het hoofd boven water houden’ (Keep your head above water),” he adds.

Meet everybody Right direction

“I believe the Philippines is now heading in the right direc‘Bejaardentehuis’ tion.

“I never would want to be in However, I think our country their bejaardenis not yet ready tehuis (home for to embrace the the aged) though return of its I know this is a overseas Filipidecent place to Perhaps, until the promise of no workers and spend my old economic stability is felt at the retiring immiage. I would rathgrassroots, until our country is ready grants. Perhaps, er be back home to receive the balikbayan back for until the promise and be with the good, I’m afraid we won’t be seeing of economic stacaring hands of a drastic return of our kababayan as bility is felt at the my family inyet. But we are getting there. grassroots, until stead of caregivour country is ers. I heard some ready to receive stories that old the balikbayan people are less back for good, visited by their loved ones; season’s harvest,” Manaog says. I’m afraid we won’t be seeing a even missing important dates “This watered land can be re- drastic return of our kababayan such as birthdays, anniversa- claimed easily through proper as yet. But we are getting there,” ries. This is probably because land and water management. I he says. their kin are very preoccupied see how the Dutch are doing it As The Netherlands is landwith the fast-paced way of life,” here; considering 26 percent of locked, Manaog and family Manaog says.

The Netherlands is under sea have spent summers in Luxem“I hope to retire in the Philip- level, their fight against water bourg, France, Spain, Austria,

www.canadianinquirer.net

Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Portugal, Turkey, UK and Monaco.

“We have been to Scandinavian countries, too, like Norway, Sweden, Finland; and Asian countries, Thailand and China. We have visited Cuba and Jamaica, too, and often to the US where my wife’s family resides.”

“Holland is a small country, Filipino communities are relatively small unlike communities in Paris, Barcelona or Milan, chances are you will come to meet everybody; from the visiting Filipino politician or celebrity to the current ambassador, Joma Sison. At one point in time, you will be meeting them in a Filipino gathering.”

There are many Filipino organizations around, but they also come and go. Here you’ll see groups of Kapampangan, Bicol, Bisaya, etc.; you’ll be amazed to see the Filipino gathering at Spaarnwoude Park, a local park, during the annual Independence Day celebration, our way of celebrating our yearly fiesta.”

The rise of different religious groups and foundations is also worth noticing; there are Catholic Masses and prayer meetings held in different Dutch cities,” he says. ■

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Community News

JUNE 26, 2015

FRIDAY

Heritage Week nurtures FilCans’ native ties SINCE 1967, Filipinos in Ottawa have been assembling en masse every year to mark Philippine Independence Day. Within Canada’s multicultural society, the declaration of Philippine Heritage Week by the mayor of the Canadian capital city of Ottawa institutionalized community events that promote Filipino cultural heritage in a week-long celebration organized by the Philippine Independence Committee in the Ottawa Valley (PICOV).

Independence Day Mass launches week-long festivities

Ambassador Garcia joins FilCans at the annual community picnic at Vincent Massey Park where Mayor Watson declared Philippine Heritage Week from June 6 to 14.

This year, Holy Mass at the Our Lady of Assumption Church and a program featuring a balagtasan on June 6, kick-started the community’s festivities. The following day, Mayor Jim Watson, proclaimed Philippine Heritage Week from June 6 to 14, at a community picnic which saw thousands of Filipino community members converge at the Vincent Massey Park on June 7.

The top envoy greets members of the Filipino community in Montreal together with Councillor Marvin Rotrand, Mayor Anthony Housefather, Mayor Russel Copeman and featured artist Manuel Baldemor.

Largest Filipino fiesta

At the picnic, Filipino organizations and the Philippine Embassy participated in the parade of colors signalling the start of the biggest Pinoy fiesta in Ottawa. Along with Ambassador Garcia and Mayor Watson, Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development and Member of the Parliament of Canada, greeted the merrymakers celebrating Kalayaan 2015. Ambassador Garcia conveyed the good news of the country’s political and economic gains and closed her remarks with the independence day message of President Benigno S. Aquino III. This year’s Parada ng Lechon swelled with nine entries competing for prizes. Likewise, entertainment numbers became more diverse with many talented Filipino youth performing on stage.

Official receptions featuring Baldemor’s Images of the Homeland

Ambassador Garcia hosted official receptions spotlighting Philippine cultural heritage by way of painting exhibits titled, “Images of the Homeland” by famed Fillipino artist Manuel Baldemor. At the National Gallery of Canada on Junee 9. Ed

A giant Philippine flag is unfurled at Parliament Hill.

Philippine Heritage Week culminates in a fluvial parade at the Lac Leamy Park.

Fast, Minister of International Trade, as well as members of the Canada-Philippines Parliamentary Friendship Group attended the Embassy’s traditional national day reception as guests of honor. According to some members of the diplomatic corps, the Philippine national day event was among Ottawa’s “most successful” receptions.

On June 11, at the Centre de Ressources Communautaire de Côte-des-Neiges, Ambassador Garcia co-hosted a finissage under the auspices of the Maison de la culture Côte-des-Neiges, through the good offices of Mayor Russell Copeman and Councillor Marvin Rotrand, to celebrate Philippine Independence Day with the Filipino community in Montreal.

Ottawa.

Parliament of Canada joins Philippine Independence Day celebrations

For the third year running, the Parliament of Canada honored Canadians of Filipino heritage with a flag raising ceremony and reception on June 11. On

this occasion, Senator Tobias Enverga, Jr., together with Ambassador Garcia, led the unfurling of a giant Philippine flag on the grounds of Parliament Hill.

The occasion also presented an opportunity for the Senate of Canada to greet and welcome Ambassador Garcia and Embassy officers as visitors to an on-going sitting and for Senator Enverga to rise and deliver a statement on Philippine independence day.

Flag Raising at Ottawa City Hall

Through arrangements made

by PICOV, Ambassador Garcia and Mayor Watson presided over the annual flag raising ceremony at the Ottawa City Hall on June 12. Always a high point of Philippine Heritage Week, the solemn rites affirm the important place of Filipinos in Canadian society while sustaining their connection to Philippine roots.

A breakfast reception hosted

by PICOV followed at the Philippine Embassy to strengthen the fellowship among members of the Filipino community in www.canadianinquirer.net

Independence Day Gala

Also on June 12, the annual PICOV Ball took place at the St. Elias Centre in Ottawa with record attendance. The dinner-dance also showcased Filipiniana fashion and some of the Filipino community’s finest singers.

Fluvial Parade in Gatineau

Philippine Heritage Week culminated in a fluvial parade organized by Philippine Centre Canada at Le parc du LacLeamy in Gatineau, Quebec where members of the Filipino community took turns sailing the Ottawa River in a paraw jointly built by Filipino and Canadian hands.

In her remarks throughout Philippine Heritage Week activities, Ambassador Garcia enjoined Filipinos in Canada to help sustain the Philippines’ economic gains by registering as overseas voters for the 2016 national elections and by helping the Embassy’s trade, investments and tourism promotion.

“For Filipinos around the world, it is a fact of overseas life that June 12 is a day of deep meaning, an occasion we look forward to every year to celebrate not just the liberties we enjoy but also our identity as a free and sovereign nation. I heartily congratulate the Filipino organizations comprising the Philippine Independence Committee in the Ottawa Valley (PICOV) for the immensely successful events marking this year’s Philippine Heritage Week and Kalayaan 2015. PICOV Chair Nora Arriola deserves special mention for her efficient leadership.

I thank Filipinos across Canada for sharing with their adoptive country their very best Filipino qualities every single day.

Friendly, courteous, diligent, honest and caring caring — that is the gold standard which Filipino-Canadians have set for themselves. The Philippines is proud of you and Canada equally so,” Ambassador Garcia said. ■ Photos by Allan Fernandez, Ben David and Danny Arriola

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FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

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JUNE 26, 2015

FRIDAY

Entertainment Angelica says stupid people started break-up rumors

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Kapamilya actress and host Isabelle Daza.

(@ISABELLEDAZA / INSTAGRAM)

Isabelle Daza apologizes for ‘foul’ and ‘offensive’ hashtag

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Actress-host Isabelle Daza has been criticized for purportedly using a ‘foul’ and ‘offensive’ hashtag she captioned in an Instagram photo of her and her cousin in Siquijor.

Daza captioned the photo ‘We’re here to insta! Lol #siquiWhores #dumagetiton.’

Several netizens reacted negatively with the hashtag, saying it was and ‘insensitive’ and ‘inappropriate’ term.

Days after her post, Siquijor Vice-Governor Dingdong Avanzado expressed concern over Daza’s hashtag and called on the actress to explain her intention with her use of the word.

“It has come to my attention that the Instagram account @ isabelledaza, which appears to be owned by actress Isabelle Diaz Daza, has posted a travel photo with the hashtag #siqui-

Whores,” Avanzado’s said in a statement.

“Before jumping into conclusions, I would like to hear directly from Ms. Daza whether the offensive term #siquiWhores is a description of herself and her companion or a judgment to my beloved people of Siquijor,” the statement continued.

Avanzado worried about how the term could affect the reputation of the province’s residents.

“As the vice-governor of the province, I am worried on how such a foul and offensive word would damage the reputation of the Siquijodnons in the long-run. I believe every citizen of Siquijor deserves a clarification from Ms. Daza on the matter.#siquijor,” he said.

Daza has not aired her side in Instagram but has explained to Avanzado regarding her intention on the hashtag, which she used in jest and endearment.

She has also apologized to the

residents of Siquijor.

Avanzado then urged the people to accept the apology and move on from the controversy.

“Actress Isabelle Daza has already explained that the hashtag #siquiWhores was merely ‘a joke’ and is a ‘term of endearment’ between her and her cousins. Likewise, she apologized to the people of Siquijor who may have been offended by such a term,” Avanzado said in a more recent statement.

“I encourage the netizens and the people of Siquijor to accept her apology, move on, and focus our time and efforts on more important concerns that our nation faces today,” the statement continued.

Daza, on the other hand, posted a new photo of the book titled “Brand Aid,” also in Instagram.

She captioned the photo ‘How ironic is it that I’m reading this book right now?’ ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — Kapamilya star Angelica Panganiban vehemently denied allegations that she and boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz are on the rocks.

In a report from The Philippine Star, Panganiban said that the people who are making those rumors are stupid.

“Tanga lang ang gumagawa ng ganun (Only stupid people make [rumors like that]),” she was quoted saying.

She also added that she and Cruz do not dwell or even talk about said rumors.

The alleged breakup of the Kapamilya power couple was first reported

by Philippine Star colu m n i st Ricky Lo on June 9. In the report, L o ’ s inform a n t said that “John

Lloyd and Angelica haven’t been talking to each other for three weeks.”

The 28-year-old “Pangako Sa’Yo” star further dispelled the rumors when she declined answering more questions at the night of Gawad Urian Awards on June 17, saying that she had to rush to the airport after the ceremonies to pick up John Lloyd who just finished a show in Spain. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

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Fil-Am’s docu about transgenders gains recognition abroad

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer FILIPINO-AMERICAN Janice Villarosa’s “Shunned,” a documentary depicting the discrimination and other struggles the transgender community faces, has been touring film festivals abroad.

“The journey has been difficult. I wanted to wave the white flag a number of times. But I cannot give up. I made a promise and I always try to keep my word. Now that the film is finished, my work has just begun,” Villarosa said.

Last October, the documentary was screened at the Hawaii International Film Festival and was nominated for the Halekulani Golden Orchid Award.

“We had two almost packed screenings and the audience was engaged and had lots of questions,” Villarosa recalled.

A month after its screening

in Hawaii, “Shunned” was then shown at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in Florida and won the Spirit of Independence Award.

And earlier this year, the documentary was also screened at the Historic Waimes Theater in Hawaii and at the Beloit International Film Festival in Wisonsin.

“Last year, we had a screening at the Cebu International Documentary Film Festival…

But I really want to show it in Manila where most of the cast members, including Mimi Juareza, live,” Villarosa said.

Juareza recently won a best actor award in Cinemalaya for his role in “Quick Change,” an independent film about a lesbian struggling as a mother and wife.

Villarosa has been thankful for all the recognition her documentary has been gaining. She looked forward to more screenings where she could further send the

message of anti-discrimination towards transgenders.

“They inspire me… In spite of what they have been through, they still managed to pick themselves up and keep going,” Villarosa said. “I promised the cast that if they use this film as their sounding board, I will make sure that they will be heard.”

With a deep advocacy for the transgenders, Villarosa has been frequently asked if she was a transgender herself.

“I do not mind at all… I understand it’s natural for people to wonder because I am so passionate about this cause,” she said. “People would size me up and look at me from head to toe.

The most jarring reaction was from a guy who demanded that I drop my pants.”

Experiencing a demeaning treatment herself, all the more Villarosa sought to raise awareness. She also hoped that the case of Jennifer Laude, a trans-

ART BY RAYMOND ANTHONY VIA ‘SHUNNED’ OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

gender woman who was allegedly murdered for her sexual preference, would not reoccur.

“My advocacy is antidiscrimination and anti-hate crime,” Villarosa said. ■

Gawad Urian first-time winners beyond grateful

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Several showbiz personalities were beyond grateful for their first-ever Gawad Urian awards.

Allen Dizon and Eula Valdez received the Best Actor and Best Actress awards, respectively.

“I didn’t act in the movie.

I just gave what my character required me to do. I didn’t overact. What is happening in real life and what I feel are the things I always bring in my every portrayal,” Dizon said.

Dizon portrayed the role of “Randy” in “Magkakabaung.”

His character was a desperate father who accidentally killed his eight-year-old daughter by giving her wrong medication.

He then struggled to bury his daughter’s body as well as bury his liability to the crime.

“Ang balak ko lang talaga ay um-attend… and to have a ‘selfie’ with the nominees… I just wanted to have pictures taken with them. Maraming salamat sa

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mga Manunuri…,” Valdez said.

(What I really planned was to attend and to ‘selfie’ with the nominees… I just wanted to have pictures with them. Thank you to the judges.)

Valdez played the role of “Issey Tolentino” in “Dagitab.”

Her character was a professor with a lost soul. She later on struggled with a failing marriage and a scandal with a young student.

Best Supporting Actor Mar-

tin del Rosario and Best Supporting Actress Gladys Reyes also portrayed roles in Dagitab and Magkakabaung, respectively. They were also first-time Urian winners.

“Magkakabaung and Barber’s Tales ay ang dalawa pa lamang sa pelikula na nagtiwala po sa akin, nagbigay sa akin ng pagkakataon, na bukod sa pananakit at pang-aapi sa bida, ay mayroon pa pala akong pwedeng ipakita,” Reyes said in her www.canadianinquirer.net

acceptance speech. (“Magkakabaung” and “Barber’s Tales” are the two films which believed in me, gave me the chance, that aside from being an antagonist [in other movies and teleseryes], I could also show more.)

Here is the complete list of winners: Best Director: Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon Best Actor: Allen Dizon, Magkakabaung

Best Actress: Eula Valdez, Dagitab Best Supporting Actor: Martin del Rosario, Dagitab Best Supporting Actress: Gladys Reyes, Magkakabaung Best Picture: Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon Best Screenplay: Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon Best Production Design: Popo Diaz, Dementia Best Cinematography: Neil Daza, Bwaya Best Editing: Lav Diaz, Mula Sa Kung Ano ang Noon Best Music: Erwin Fajardo, Bwaya Best Sound: Corinne De San Jose, Violator Best Documentary: Walang Rape sa Bontok (of Lester Valle and Carla Ocampo) Best Short Film: Kinabukasan (Adolf Alix Jr.) Natatanging Gawad Urian (Lifetime Achievement Award): Nora Aunor The 38th Gawad Urian awards was held last Tuesday and was hosted by Angelica Panganiban, Robi Domingo and Manunuri Butch Francisco. ■

32

Entertainment

JUNE 26, 2015

FRIDAY

‘Jurassic’ holds box office, but ‘Inside Out’ shows bite

BY JAKE COYLE The Associated Press NEW YORK — In a box-office bout of Tyrannosaurus-sized proportions, “Jurassic World” kept the No. 1 spot with one of the biggest second weeks ever, while Pixar’s “Inside Out” nearly matched it with a $91.1 million debut well above expectations.

Universal’s “Jurassic World” took in $102 million in North American theaters, according to studio estimates Sunday, making it only the second release to break $100 million in its second week. The enormous holdover for “Jurassic World,” which last week set an opening weekend record with $208.8 million, has been bested by only 2012’s “The Avengers,” which made $103.1 million in second week.

The unexpected sensation of the Colin Trevorrow-directed, Steven Spielberg-produced fourth entry in the franchise had turned Disney’s $175 million 3-D “Inside Out” into an underdog expected to merely nip at the heels of “Jurassic World.” But the emotional “Inside Out,” about the voices in the head of an 11-year-old girl, blew past its own forecasts to set records, too.

“Inside Out” was the first Pixar release not to open in first place, following an unparalleled two-decade streak of 14 straight no. 1s. But it’s the largest opening for a wholly original movie (one not based on source material or a sequel), unseating “Avatar” in that distinction.

Directed by Pete Docter (“Up”)

and co-directed by Ronaldo del Carmen, “Inside Out” had been expected to open in the range of previous Pixar non-sequels like “Wall-E” ($63.8 million opening) and “Brave” ($66.3 million).

But “Inside Out” was propelled by gushing reviews from critics, a flashy premiere at the Cannes Film Festival and an appetite for a movie from Pixar.

The animation studio hadn’t had a release in two years after delaying “The Good Dinosaur” last year.

“We came into the weekend thinking we’d do something in the 60s,” said Dave Hollis, distribution head for Disney. “As we got closer to release, we hit a critical mass of really unbelievable critical response. In this day and age where technology allows people to see a Rotten Tomatoes score or read something and pass it along to their friends, all of a sudden, there was quite a stir about this as a thing to see.”

The twin hits of “Inside Out” and “Jurassic World” are giving Hollywood’s summer a major boost. The weekend was up a staggering 64.6 percent over the same weekend last year, according to box-office data firm Rentrak. In 10 days, “Jurassic World” has already made $981.3 million and appears poised to be among the highest-grossing releases of all time.

“Part of the success of ‘Inside Out’ is owed to this massive infusion of moviegoers into the marketplace,” says Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for Rentrak. “If you look at last weekend, around the world, how many people were in the-

aters when ‘Jurassic World’ made its debut?”

He added, though, that “Inside Out” was also driven by Pixar’s unique storytelling knack: “They can take almost any subject and turn it into something insightful, poignant and moving.”

“Inside Out” and “Jurassic World” had the multiplexes largely to themselves over the weekend. The other wide release to open was “Dope,” a low-budget teen comedy set in Los Angeles’ Inglewood neighborhood. Written and directed

by Rick Famuyiwa, starring newcomer Shameik Moore and boasting some high-profile producers (Forest Whitaker, Pharrell Williams), “Dope” was acquired by Open Road after a buzzy premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

Though Open Road gave “Dope” an optimistic wide release of 2,002 theaters, it took in only $6 million.

In limited release, the Adam Scott and Jason Schwartzman comedy “The Overnight” — also a Sundance premiere — opened on three screens in New York and Los Angeles, pulling in $61,523, good enough for the most packed theaters (albeit in far tinier numbers) besides those playing “Jurassic World” and “Inside Out.” *** Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak. Where available, the latest international numbers for Friday through Sunday are also included. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.

Actor Chris Pratt stars in record-breaking ‘Jurassic World’ reboot.

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1. “Jurassic World,” $102 million ($160.5 million international).

2. “Inside Out,” $91.1 million ($41 million international).

3. “Spy,” $10.5 million ($9.6 million international).

4. “San Andreas,” $8.2 million ($18 million international).

5. “Dope,” $6 million.

6. “Insidious Chapter 3,” $4.1 million ($3 million international).

7. “Pitch Perfect 2,” $3.3 million ($1 million international).

8. “Mad Max: Fury Road,” $2.8 million ($4.9 million international).

9. “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” $2.7 million.

10. “Tomorrowland,” $2 mil-

lion.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at international theaters (excluding the U.S. and Canada), according to Rentrak: 1. “Jurassic World,” $160.5 million.

2. “Inside Out,” $41 million.

3. “SPL 2,” $29 million.

4. “San Andreas,” $18 million.

5. “Minions,” $12.3 million.

6. “Spy,” $9.6 million.

7. “The Classified File,” $8.5 million.

8. “Dragon Ball Z: Resurrection F,” $7 million.

9. “Mad Max: Fury Road,” $4.9 million. ■

Vice Ganda cries, says sorry to mother

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Vice Ganda became emotional during the live episode of “It’s Showtime” on Thursday.

In the noontime show’s segment, “AdVice Ganda,” a 67-year-old man sought Vice’s advice as the latter shared that

he was longing for his grandchildren.

“Nalulungkot po ako at nangungulila dahil ‘yung mga anak kong tatlo, wala na ho rito. Nandoon po sila sa labas ng Pilipinas,” the participant named Benjamin said.

(I feel sad and longing because my three children are no longer here. They’re all out of the country.)

Vice Ganda turned emotional as he recalled his relationship with his late grandfather, Gonzalo Dacumos.

Dacumos died on Christmas Day last year at the age of 93.

Vice shared that his grandfather who decided to move back to his home province in La Union also suffered the same loneliness.

He broke down to tears www.canadianinquirer.net

when he said that he doesn’t want the same thing to happen to his mother, Rosario Viceral who was also in the studio audience.

“Hindi ko gustong maramdaman ‘yan ng nanay ko,” he said.

(I don’t want my mother to feel that.)

“I’m sorry,” a crying Vice Ganda told his mother.

“I am trying my best, pero minsan hindi ko talaga kaya (but sometimes, I really can’t) .I’m sorry. I’m trying as much as I can to make you proud…

Kaya kitang mabilhan ng bahay, ng magandang kotse. Pero nahihiya ako na hindi kita mabigyan ng oras. (I can buy you a house, a nice car. But I am ashamed that I can’t give you my time.)

I’m sorry,” he said. ■

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FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

Lifestyle

Tiny space, large living: Filipina designs small, efficient home

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer WHAT CAN you do with 13 square meters?

For Filipina architect Vina Lustado, she maximized the tiny space and made a home.

In an interview for Choose Philippines, Lustado shared her life and what inspired her to design a tiny, efficient home whose video has already gone viral on social media.

Humble beginnings

Born to a family of 9 children, Lustado was used to small spaces.

After emigrating to Los Angeles, California with her entire family, they all shared a onebedroom duplex.

“All my life, I’ve never felt Sol Haus Design with a hint of rustic beauty. rooted anywhere,” she shared.

Based in Ojai, California, Sol “The design of the house is “We lived in a very modest life- Haus Design is “a small-time really thought out,” Lustado style because we didn’t have architectural firm focused on shared in the video. “You have much money at all.” sustainability, efficiency, and to make use of every inch of She earned her space that you degree in archihave.” tecture in 1991 Her mobile from the Univerhome is made of sity of Southern cedar and also California.

The design of the house is really features sustainShe traveled thought out. You have to make use of able sources of around the world every inch of space that you have. energy like solar and continued to panels, a woodlearn and hone burning stove, her craft by beand a skylight ing a part of “nuover her bedmerous big-time room loft to let architectural firms.” conservation.” Lustado lives in natural light in. A part of her In 2010, she decided to take a house that she designed her- drainage system that feeds her her knowledge and passion to self. grapefruit tree. Despite its size, another level.

As you will see in the video her home also has a classy pair Hence, Sol Haus Design was below, her house is both elegant of French doors and a wooden born. and homey. Modern and crisp deck for entertaining — both www.canadianinquirer.net

welcoming and inviting.

She also made use of multifunctional pieces of furniture to make every inch count.

As for Lustado, she said living in such a small space has made her more aware and “mindful of the things she buys.”

Lustado even noted that her current kitchen is the largest kitchen she’s ever had, compared to the places she rented out in the past.

With such a beautiful example, let’s hope more people will be interested in spatially efficient and sustainable homes. ■ All photos are screenshots from the Houzz video. Find out more about Vina Lustado’s home and how she makes it work at www.houzz.com

Lifestyle

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JUNE 26, 2015

FRIDAY

Ramadan: Fasting during the day, and keeping an eye out for fake halal meat at night

BY JOSH CORNFIELD The Associated Press NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. — For millions of Muslims, the holy month of Ramadan marks a time for ritual fasting during the day and, often, a large meal with friends and family after sundown. For those buying and selling ritually approved halal meat, it’s a time to pay close attention to ensure the food the observant are eating is exactly that.

It’s harder than it sounds. Not only is it difficult to regulate, but some critics raise questions about whether the doctrine of church-state separation means governments should even get involved. That means policing is sometimes up to the meat sellers themselves as demand for halal products grows in the U.S. along with the Muslim population.

Gul Muhammad, who opened a halal meat shop in New Jersey this year, said he visits farms and slaughterhouses himself to make sure the animals are being slaughtered according to the religious standards generally adhered to by the world’s estimated 1.6 billion Muslims.

“I think we’re all responsible for what we eat. We can’t just say that guy is selling me halal and it’s up to him,” said Muhammad, who says a meat supplier once offered to sell him “50/50 meat” — half halal

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and half not. “If you’re going to give someone the chance to do something fishy, they are going to do it. If I am selling this meat and I am certifying it as (halal), then it is on me.”

Observant Muslims aren’t supposed to eat pork or drink alcohol, but there is a range of opinions on what is considered halal — for instance, some Muslims are OK eating poultry killed by machines; some aren’t.

The USDA inspects products made from ritually slaughtered animals — both halal and kosher food that meets standards of Jewish law — but leaves decisions on whether the ritual is acceptable to religious organizations that certify meat as halal.

“If someone is touting a product as halal, it should be regulated as such,” said Atiya Aftab, an attorney in South Brunswick and member of the board of overseers of the Islamic Society of Central Jersey. “You need to have that element of the government overseeing labeling.

On the other hand, there is that responsibility on the individual to do some sort of due diligence.”

There is also a growing group food. It put out a reminder last sold regular meat as halal, and of Muslims, like Aftab and Mu- week reminding businesses and a wholesaler in England was hammad, who value how ani- consumers of the law, which in- fined nearly $100,000 last year mals are treated before they are cludes fines as high as $10,000 after investigators caught the killed as much as how they are for first-time offenders. company putting the halal label killed.

Nine states now have simi- on chicken that was traced to a Hamzah Wald Maqbul, of the lar laws, including New York, supplier that did not sell halal non-profit Halal Advocates, which requires halal establish- meat. said that the intricacies of ha- ments and certifiers register Late last year, the owners of a lal and separahalal beef supplition of church er in Iowa were and state make it charged with difficult for the selling $4.9 milgovernment to lion in beef that fully prosecute You need to have that element of prosecutors said fraud. the government overseeing labeling. did not follow “What they On the other hand, there is that the halal praccan do, like many responsibility on the individual to do tices it promstates do, there some sort of due diligence. ised. A manager are halal laws pleaded guilty to that revolve directing workaround the idea ers at the Miof transparency,” damar Corp. to he said. “If someone claims with the state. repackage beef products from a something is halal, the conNew Jersey regulators have slaughterhouse that wasn’t apsumer has the right to know visited more than 600 halal proved for export to Malaysia what the definition of halal is businesses since 2013, accord- and Indonesia. according to that vendor . but ing to the Division of Consumer The company has denied (that’s a) far cry from being able Affairs, but have not issued any wrongdoing and moved to to enforce it.” violations. There is no known dismiss the case, arguing New Jersey adopted the Ha- public database of violations the charges violate the First lal Food Consumer Protection for selling non-halal meat as Amendment. Islamic Services Act in 2000, requiring halal halal. of America, which certified hafood sellers to disclose inforIn November 2011, a super- lal beef for Midamar, said the mation, including whether they market chain in Anaheim, Cali- U.S. government can’t enforce sell both halal and non-halal fornia, paid $527,000 after it religious slaughter protocols. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Lifestyle

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

35

Bottega Veneta hits a trend, Millions of people shows silken pajama inspired bend and twist their looks at Milan Fashion Week bodies for Yoga Day

BY COLLEEN BARRY The Associated Press

BY NIRMALA GEORGE The Associated Press

MILAN — Silky comfort is emerging as a trend on the second day of menswear previews for next spring and summer during Milan Fashion Week.

Bottega Veneta designer Tomas Maier joined colleagues Versace and Dolce & Gabbana in offering silken pajama-inspired looks, down to the classic stripe, to handle the warm weather. The outfits surprisingly can sometimes take the form of suits, becoming office wear for the style-minded.

Here’s some highlights from the shows Sunday by Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, Calvin Klein, Missoni and Prada.

NEW DELHI — Millions of yoga enthusiasts bent and twisted their bodies in complex postures Sunday to mark International Yoga Day. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spread his mat among rows of people, including his Cabinet members and foreign diplomats, at New Delhi’s main thoroughfare, which was transformed into a sprawling exercise ground.

Thousands of people dressed in white sat on yellow mats under the Eiffel Tower, and similar events were held in Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Beijing, Manila and other places. Modi had lobbied the U.N. to declare June 21 as the first Yoga Day. “We are not only celebrating a day, but we are training the human mind to begin a new era of peace and harmony,” Modi told participants. “This is a program for the benefit of mankind, for a tension-free world and to spread the message of harmony.”

Schoolchildren, bureaucrats, homemakers, soldiers and ordinary folk took part in the exercise, held in all Indian state capitals. In Modi’s home state of Gujarat, yoga events were organized at nearly 30,000 places, state officials said.

In Taipei, more than 2,000 participants rolled out mats and performed 108 rounds of the “sun salutation” – the sequence of poses often practiced at the beginning of a routine as the sun rises.

“They give themselves a piece of time to observe their mind and their heart, which I think in the modern society we need a lot,” said practitioner Angela Hsi. Fazel Shah, an Indian pilot working for a Middle Eastern airline, rushed from the airport on his stopover in Taiwan to join the event.

“Isn’t it awesome? I mean, just look at the number of people who are here, embracing it,” he said.

He said yoga was prob-

Returning to nature

Maier’s spring/summer collection for Bottega Veneta took it outside — with looks and gear suitable for strolling in the Bavarian Alps or along the coast, if not all trail ready then at least lodge appropriate.

Maier said the collection “is about the fascination of a journey back to nature.”

Tapping his Teutonic origins, the German designer incorporated details from Lederhosen on lambskin suede trousers, from the drawstring waist closures to the button-down calves. He wisely eschewed the traditional checked buttondown shirt, pairing the bottoms with, say, a cotton sweater and Gabardine jacket.

The looks were finished with sandals featuring rope details or hiking boots, both worn with two-tone ribbed wool socks.

And then Maier took his duffel or quilted backpack and headed for the seaside with cotton-pull-on pants that gathered on the calf, ready to wade right in, and crochet caps in bright purple and peacock blue.

The collection culminated with silken suits with a comfy pajama feel made out of cupro, a regenerated cotton fiber often used as a silk substitute, and paired with flip-flops.

The outdoor looks tended toward natural and washed-out co-

BOTTEGA VENETA / FACEBOOK

lours, while the suit jackets and matching trousers were stronger shades of olive green, blue and maroon, often in stripes.

Menswear star model Lucky Blue Smith continued his Milan run, taking a turn for Bottega after Versace and Philipp Plein. While Plein singled him out with a ride on the back of a stunt motorcycle, the 17-yearold American model was just one of the blokes for Bottega, No. 40 in the lineup.

dated, read of the classic suit included shorter jackets and contrasting stitching.

The most obsequious bag was a belted wallet, and shoes included sandals and sneakers with Velcro-closures covering the tongue. Baseball caps underlined the collection’s everyday nature.

The oft-overlooked belt is actually the brand’s big seller and came in rich black and brown combinations.

Ferragamo whimsy youthful dresser

Back to basics

for

the

Massimo Giornetti reached for a youthful audience with an idiosyncratic collection that included off-kilter graphic prints of cacti and monkeys, bold colour panels on suits and pinstripes dressing up bomber jackets.

Menswear is a big part of Ferragamo’s heritage and represents 40 per cent of its business, a rare event in the female-oriented fashion universe. Signalling the collection’s eclecticism, Ferragamo dressed up its showroom with art deco furniture, hot house plants and a life-size carved gorilla — the dwelling of an eccentric adventurer.

For the more traditional customer, there were doublebreasted and single-button suit jackets, often paired with more adventurous colour-block tops.

Giornetti tapped the brand’s leatherwear DNA with an ultraluxurious graphic shirt that appeared to be panels of brightly colored crocodile.

Its more interesting, and up-

Is there anything more refreshing to the fashion palate than blue jeans, a white T-shirt and a pair of well-cut Khaki colored trousers that aren’t chinos?

It’s back to basics at Calvin Klein, where men’s creative director Italo Zucchelli presented a utilitarian collection for spring/summer 2016 that works for the man, and not the other way around.

The mainly monochrome looks featured T-shirts or sweaters with suit jackets and tailored trousers, or for more casual outings simply T-shirts with jeans or trousers, usually cuffed. Staple T-shirts were plain or with a faded graphic palm tree.

There were a series of sleeveless tops in black-red-and-grey waves for the more fantasyminded.

For evening, simply add a little sheen to the fabric and you are off. In keeping with the uniformity theme, models’ hair was cut short and worn sleek. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

ably born in India but belongs anywhere. “If you go up from where I am and look from the sky down, you don’t see borders, you don’t see religions, you don’t see nationalities, you just see one group of people. So, I just go down and meet up with them, that’s all.”

Many believe that yoga, the ancient form of exercise, is the best way to calm the mind and the best form of exercise for the body.

Indian officials said more than 35,000 people participated in the New Delhi event that was also an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest single yoga class at a single venue. Guinness representatives said they hired more than 1,500 members of a global accounting firm to count participants.

India’s Defense Ministry said that soldiers on the Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battleground in the Himalayas, and naval cadets on navy ships at sea also would be participating in the Yoga Day events.

Although Modi’s message was one of peace and harmony, many in India were concerned that the push for yoga was an attempt by Hindu groups to give a boost to Hinduism.

Many Muslims objected to the government’s exhortations to join the public exercise programs. Some Muslim leaders said yoga was a Hindu practice.

The government quickly dropped a plan for the “sun salutation” exercise, which Muslims found objectionable because it implied the sun was a deity. Also dropped was the Hindu “om” chant.

Some Christian groups were upset that the mass yoga sessions were being held at a time when they usually attend Sunday Mass.

Others were skeptical about the time and money spent by the government on Yoga Day. “The government organizes these hyped-up events,” said Sumita Rani, a primary school teacher in South Delhi. “Last year was the Clean India Campaign. What came of it? This city is as filthy as ever.” ■

36

JUNE 269, 2015

FRIDAY

Business

PH climbs up in Australian BPO expands world infra rankings operations in Clark

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The Philippines climbed up to 87th place from the previous 114th place in this year’s World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report ranking in overall quality of road network and state infrastructure.

President Aquino announced the country’s moving up in the global list during his speech at the 117th anniversary celebration of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at the agency’s Port Area, Manila, head office on Monday.

“It’s clear that your perseverance has improved the lives of our countrymen who have always hoped for improved infrastructure services,” he said.

Aquino praised the department for its “quality of manage-

ment” and “honesty” in giving service to the public.

“The former poster boy for irregularities has become a model of good and efficient governance,” Aquino said.

He also commended the department’s effective public service citing the ISO 9001:2008 Certificate for Quality Management System for the DPWH. The ISO is an international standard-setting body comprised by member-representatives from various national standards and organizations.

DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson also said that receiving the certificate was a “milestone in the history” of the department citing how it took them two years to qualify and obtain it.

Aquino also called Singson the “foreman” in the efficient implementation of the projects of the department and for pushing for reforms. ■

SHUTTERSTOCK

BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer AUSTRALIAN BUSINESS process outsourcing firm Beepo has expanded its operations in Clark, which the company deemed a strategic location for recruiting highly skilled professionals who meet its clients’ requirements.

In a statement, state-run Clark Development Corp.

(CDC) said Beepo had increased its employment base to 160 as of May this year from only 15 when the company started operations in April 2014.

Beepo chief executive officer Aimee Engelmann was quoted as saying that the company’s expansion was due to a number of advantages offered by Clark, which include the availability of talent, streamlined incorporation process, adequate facilities for both commercial and leisure activities, and ease of travel.

Engelmann also cited the convenience of being near the airport, hotels and offices and the benefits of being able to tap government support in the form of tax incentives and other privileges of locating within a freeport zone.

The CDC also cited the Beepo website as stating that there had been “an increasing number of Australian organizations outsourcing various core and noncore positions to offshore service providers in the Philippines. And while Manila has been the dominant choice for

EXCHANGE RATES CDN/USD CDN/PHP CDN/EUR CDN/GBP EUR/USD AUD/USD USD/JPY

BEEPO.COM.PH

locations, Clark, located an hour north, is quickly becoming the better choice for Aussie business-owners wanting to get away from the overly congested capital.”

According to Beepo, over a quarter of a million jobs will be sent to the Philippines from Queensland businesses alone in the next 10 years.

Beepo offers services that include graphic design, digital marketing, social media, sales and lead generation, sales support, human resources support, administration and bookkeep-

ing and business start-up.

CDC said Clark Freeport had been steadily gaining recognition for being one of the more attractive locations for the business process outsourcing industry.

In 2010, CDC said it was awarded Center of Excellence in Information and Communications and Technology by the IT-Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Commission on Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). ■

As of June 24, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

1.2335 36.5898 1.3797 1.9417 1.1185 0.7721 124.0840

+0.0001 +0.0201 +0.0027 +0.0021 +0.0020 -0.0016 +0.1390

+0.0081% +0.0550% +0.1965% +0.1057% +0.1809% -0.2029% +0.1121%

www.canadianinquirer.net

Business

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

37

BlackBerry results show struggle persists, analysts find optimism

BY DAVID FRIEND The Canadian Press WATERLOO, ONTARIO — BlackBerry Ltd. delivered another loss in the first quarter as the company struggled to sell its smartphones, but investors appeared pleased with some of the headway made with its turnaround effort.

The Waterloo, Ont.-based company’s stock was ahead nine per cent to US$10.04 in pre-market trading in New York, as BlackBerry managed to grow its software licensing revenue by 150 per cent.

That appeared to be a bright spot in an earnings report which showed other areas of weakness.

BlackBerry posted an adjusted loss of US$28 million or five cents per share, which compared with expectations of a three-cent per share loss, according to a survey by Thomson Reuters.

Revenues of $658 million

were also softer than the $679 million analysts anticipated.

Total revenue was down from US$966 million a year earlier, but about steady with the previous quarter ended Feb. 28.

Growth of software revenues to $137 million — about onefifth of the total in the quarter ended May 30 — appeared to overshadow some of the problems with BlackBerry’s hardware business.

Missing from the initial financial results was much insight into how the recent launches of the BlackBerry Passport and Classic phones have fared when it came to sales.

The company, which only recognizes revenue on devices when they’re sold to customers, booked revenue on 1.1 million BlackBerry smartphones during the period, a steep drop from the 2.6 million phones sold a year earlier.

Smartphone revenue fell to about $263 million from $379 million a year ago.

SHUTTERSTOCK

In a separate announcement, BlackBerry said it will receive an unspecified licence fee from network equipment manufacturer Cisco for patents, as part of a long-term agreement. The company did not offer any further details.

Chief executive John Chen has been focused on transitioning the company away falling

handset revenues and towards sales in its software business.

“Those of you know me know how I hate losing money,” Chen told analysts on the company’s first-quarter conference call.

“I believe these investments are prudent as we transition to growing a bigger software business,” he added later.

The length of the turnaround

has tested the patience of some investors, and BlackBerry’s share price has fallen about 11 per cent on the TSX since the start of the year. The stock closed Monday at C$11.32 on the Toronto market, down from $12.74 on Jan. 2.

BlackBerry is also scheduled to hold its annual meeting on Tuesday morning in Waterloo. ■

SSI Group to bring in BSP still watchful of Fed moves Canadian fashion retailer

BY PAOLO G. MONTECILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer SPECIALTY RETAILER SSI Group has entered into a deal to bring to the Philippines Joe Fresh, one of Canada’s leading fashion retailers.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, SSI said it had entered into a franchise partnership with Loblaw Companies Ltd. and its affiliates, the owners of Joe Fresh, to open free-standing Joe Fresh stores in the local market starting in first half of 2016.

“We are very excited for the addition of Joe Fresh to our portfolio of brands. Joe Fresh further strengthens our lineup of value brands, allowing us to tap and delight an even broader base of Philippine consumers,” SSI president Anthony Huang said in a statement.

“We are pleased to introduce

Joe Fresh to the expanding Philippines retail landscape. There is no better partner than SSI Group to deliver our message of essential, modern style and exceptional value to this dynamic market.

Building on SSI Group’s unparalleled expertise in the region, we look forward to creating an exciting and accessible new fashion choice for consumers in the Philippines,” said Mario Grauso, president of Joe Fresh.

Founded in 2006, Joe Fresh offers what has been described as “well-designed” and “wellpriced” collection for women, men and children. Assortments include apparel, accessories, footwear and beauty. The brand is sold in more than 350 locations in Canada, including 12 freestanding stores and using online platform JoeFresh.com.

Since 2014, Joe Fresh entered new overseas markets such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates with local partners. ■

in the coming months may create a repeat of 2013, Tetangco warned as he urged market players to be more mindful of THE PHILIPPINE central bank their own moves. is preparing for whatever its “The Fed’s consistency in its counterpart in the United States message should provide some may dish out in the coming market calm, but it should also months, wary of the volatility encourage the market to be any action may cause in the fiwatchful of developments and nancial markets. avoid extreme US Federal Reactions,” he said. serve kept policy The BSP adsettings on hold justs interest rates this week, and Tetangco warned as he urged market and other liquidgave little in the players to be more mindful of their ity management way of hints on own moves. tools to manage plans of the sodomestic demand, called “lift-off”— in line with its the first hike in mandate to prointerest rates since the 2008 made by the US Fed. tect the consumers’ purchasing Global Financial Crisis.

In 2013, after the US Fed power by keeping prices stable.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas hinted at halting large cash Overnight borrowing and (BSP) Governor Amando M. infusions into the American lending rates set by the BSP Tetangco Jr. said the US Fed’s economy to allow interest rates stand at 4 and 6 percent, reassessment on the strength of to rise, markets in emerging spectively. Cutting rates would the American economy was economies like the Philippines spur domestic demand, but good for trading partners like were hit by the so-called “Taper turn off foreign investors due to the Philippines. However, the Tantrum.” This sent borrowing lower yields. The reverse would effects of the US Fed’s expected costs up, and stock market valu- help stem excessive demand, rate hike may still hound the ations and currencies down. but make the Philippines more domestic economy.

An adjustment in Fed rates attractive to foreign capital. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

“We will take the Fed’s views into consideration during our policy meeting,” Tetangco said.

The BSP’s policymaking Monetary Board will meet to determine interest rate settings next week.

Tetangco’s concerns follow spells of financial market volatility faced by emerging markets following past adjustments

38

JUNE 269, 2015

FRIDAY

Technology

Need a reason to pay by phone? Apple, Google add new features

BY BRANDON BAILEY AND ANNE D’INNOCENZIO The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — The tech industry has been saying for years that smartphones would make traditional wallets obsolete. But most people still use cash or plastic when they shop in stores.

That could change later this year when three leading tech companies are promising to give shoppers more reasons to use “digital wallets.”

Apple said last week that it’s adding store-issued credit cards and store rewards programs to Apple Pay, the mobile payments service it launched last fall. Google is readying a similar service for millions more smartphones to run on its Android software. And Samsung promises a service for its newest Galaxy smartphones will be accepted in more stores than both Apple Pay and Google’s Android Pay. “Our ultimate goal is to replace the wallet,” Apple vice president Jennifer Bailey told software developers last week.

The new options come as numbers show mobile payments are still in their infancy: About 16 million U.S. shoppers used smartphones to pay for $3.5 billion in store purchases last year, according to the eMarketer research firm. That includes payments with Apple Pay, other services like PayPal and apps from merchants like Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts.

While that’s a tiny slice of the $4.3 trillion spent in stores overall last year, eMarketer expects mobile payments will grow to $27.5 billion in 2016.

“We’re still in this very early stage of laying the groundwork to be able to make this happen,” said analyst Brian Yeager at eMarketer. “But there’s progress being made.”

The progress follows years in vinced they need Apple Pay. which the industry has strug“I might come around and try gled to get digital wallets off the it at some point, but I haven’t ground as major players failed really seen a reason,” said Amato agree on technical standards, lia Bornstein, a 29-year-old security measures and finan- data analyst. Though she carcial terms. Some big merchants ried her iPhone 6 in hand as she have balked at services devel- walked along a busy San Franoped by Apple or Google, saying cisco sidewalk, Bornstein said they’d rather build and control she still uses cash or plastic for their own system. most purchases.

Still, Apple opened the door Apple says it’s offering more for widespread adoption of reasons this fall with its next digital wallets last year when software update, which will let it launched Apple Pay with en- shoppers charge store credit dorsements from major banks accounts and redeem loyalty and retail chains. With Apple points from major chains. ForPay, which only works on the rester Research analyst Suchalatest models of iPhones and rita Mulpuru said frequent the Apple Watch, users link a shoppers see loyalty rewards as credit card or bank account to an important benefit, and they their iPhone. want an easy way to use them.

Once that’s done, a user only Walgreens expects more has to hold the phone next customers will pay with smart- droid Pay. The service will work to a device at a store counter. phones or watches when 80 similarly to Apple Pay when reThe phone and the store de- million members of the chain’s leased later this year. vice communicate wirelessly, Balance Rewards program Google says it will incorpoprompting the user to autho- will be able to use their loyalty rate store rewards, but won’t rize payment by pressing the points with Apple Pay, said Ben work with store credit cards to phone’s fingerprint sensor in- Weiss, Walgreens mobile prod- start. Android Pay will work on stead of swiping a plastic card. ucts manager. J.C. Penney also a variety of phones running the Apple Pay uses encrypted codes is betting iPhone users will two latest versions of Android to protect shoppers’ financial want to use their store-label software — or about half of all information. credit cards. Spokeswoman Android phones in use.

Apple says Samsung, shoppers and meanwhile, says merchants have it’s addressing embraced Apple another hurdle Pay, although it with a service hasn’t released We’re still in this very early stage of called Samsung usage details. laying the groundwork to be able Pay, due for reOne early fan to make this happen. But there’s lease this fall. is Allison Luprogress being made.

Unlike rival sercas, a 35-yearvices Apple Pay old tech worker and Android Pay, who tapped her Samsung says Apple Watch to its technology pay for a box of breakfast cereal Daphne Avila said the store’s will work with traditional store and other items at a Walgreens own credit card is used on more credit-card readers. store in San Francisco’s Finan- J.C. Penney transactions than Apple Pay and Android Pay cial District last week. any other payment card, be- only work in stores with equip“You don’t realize how much cause customers earn points for ment capable of receiving data freedom it gives you until you every transaction. from smartphones via “neartry it,” said Lucas, who used Google, which had struggled field communication” or NFC her watch to pay for lunch on to win support for its earlier radio. But new models of Samanother day when she acciden- Google Wallet service, says sung’s Galaxy smartphones tally left her wallet at home. major banks and retail chains will transmit two kinds of sigBut not everyone is con- have signed on to its new An- nals — one for NFC readers www.canadianinquirer.net

SHUTTERSTOCK

and one that works with older equipment that merchants use to read the magnetic stripe on credit cards.

Many smaller stores don’t have NFC readers. But Visa and MasterCard are pushing retailers to meet an October deadline for installing new terminals that read cards with embedded microchips, which are more secure than magnetic stripes.

While the technologies are separate, many chip-card readers will accept NFC signals too.

Some experts are hopeful the changes will draw more shoppers to use digital wallets. But there remain some big challenges. For instance, Wal-Mart has declined to accept Apple Pay and is part of a consortium working on its own mobile payment system.

“It’s a chicken-and-egg problem,” said Yeager, explaining that shoppers won’t embrace a service if stores won’t accept it, while many stores want to know consumers and banks are backing a system before they invest in new check-out terminals. ■ D’Innocenzio

reported from New York.

Technology

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

39

Apple changes tune on royalties after Swift complains

BY BRANDON BAILEY The Associated Press PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA — Taylor Swift has Apple changing its tune.

Hours after the pop superstar criticized the giant tech company in an open letter posted online, Apple announced Sunday that it will pay royalties to artists and record labels for music played during a free, three-month trial of its new streaming music service.

“When I woke up this morning and I saw Taylor’s note that she had written, it really solidified that we needed to make a change,” said Apple senior vice president Eddy Cue in an interview with The Associated Press.

Apple had already agreed to share revenue from paid subscriptions to the new Apple Music service, which will cost $10 a month. But Swift said she would withhold her latest album from the service because Apple wasn’t planning to pay artists and labels directly for the use of their music during the free, introductory period.

“We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation,” Swift wrote

Pop sensation Taylor Swift.

HELGA ESTEB / SHUTTERSTOCK

in an open letter posted Sunday on her Tumblr page, under the heading “To Apple, Love Taylor.”

Apple has maintained that it negotiated revenue-sharing at rates that are slightly higher than the industry standard,

to compensate for the three months that it plans to offer its streaming service without charge.

“We had factored that in,” Cue said Sunday. But he added, “We had been hearing from artists that this was going to be rough on them, so we are making this change.”

Cue declined to say how much Apple will pay in royalties for streaming during the free trial period. He said Apple will share 71.5 percent of its revenue from paid subscriptions within the United States and 73 percent from subscriptions outside the country, while other streaming services generally share about 70 percent.

Some artists and independent labels had worried they would miss out on opportunities to get a financial return from new music that is released during the three-month trial.

Swift said she spoke out on their behalf.

Swift wasn’t immediately available for comment on Apple’s change of heart. But she posted a reaction on Twitter late Sunday, saying “I am elated and relieved. Thank you for your words of support today.

They listened to us.”

Cue wouldn’t comment on

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whether she will now make her album “1989” available on Apple Music. But he said he spoke with Swift personally on Sunday. “She was very pleased to see that we would give her a call right away and have a discussion,” he said.

Since Apple began selling digital music through its iTunes store in 2001, he added, “We’ve always loved music and have strived to make sure that artists are getting paid for their work.”

Swift had written in her letter that she found Apple’s original stance to be “shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company.”

While praising Apple for developing a paid music service that will compensate artists, she added, “We know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the 3 month trial period.”

The singer and songwriter has been outspoken on the issue of compensating musicians for streaming music. Last year, Swift pulled her catalog of recordings from Spotify after complaining about its use of her music on the free, ad-supported version of its service. ■

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40

JUNE 269, 2015

FRIDAY

Sports

Looking at the top players in the Women’s World Cup

BY ANNE M. PETERSON The Associated Press EDMONTON, ALBERTA — Now that Alex Morgan has had a start, look to see more of her at the Women’s World Cup. Morgan is one of the most visible players on the U.S. national team, with endorsement deals with Nike, ChapStick and Nationwide Insurance.

But Morgan came in as a sub in the U.S. team’s first two matches in Canada while she returned from a bone bruise in her left knee. She made her first World Cup start in the final group stage match, a 1-0 victory over Nigeria.

Now that Morgan appears to be back and healthy, she’ll be a player to watch for the secondranked United States team, which plays No. 28 Colombia to open the knockout stage Monday in Edmonton. The speedy 25-year-old, appearing in her second World Cup, has 51 goals in 84 international appearances.

Here are some of the other players to watch at the World Cup: MARTA DA SILVA, Brazil: A forward, Marta Vieira da Silva is arguably one of the best women to play the game.

She scored on a penalty kick against South Korea in the group stage, becoming the all-time leading scorer in the Women’s World Cup with 15 goals.

This is Marta’s fourth World Cup. The 29-year-old was named FIFA player of the year an unprecedented five straight years from 2006-10.

Brazil, ranked seventh in the world, won all three of its group stage matches and advances to face No. 10 Australia on Sunday in Moncton, in far eastern Canada.

of 16 in Montreal on Sunday.

ABBY WAMBACH, United States: While the debate rages whether Wambach should be a starter or a closer off the bench, there’s no question she creates chances for the Americans.

Wambach, 35, is playing in her fourth World Cup. Her goal against Nigeria was her 14th in the World Cup, pulling her even for second all-time with Germany’s Birgit Prinz.

Wambach is the world’s alltime leading scorer with 183 goals in 245 international appearances. She was the FIFA player of the year in 2012.

She both started and came in off the bench in the group stage at this World Cup.

CHRISTINE SINCLAIR, Canada: The captain of the Canadian team, Sinclair is the national team’s all-time leading scorer with 154 goals, and ranks third all-time internationally behind Americans Abby Wambach (183) and Mia Hamm (158).

Sinclair is well known in the United States, too: She played on two NCAA championship teams for the University of Portland, and she currently plays for the Portland Thorns of the National Women’s Soccer League.

She had a big moment in Canada’s opener at the World Cup with a stoppage-time penalty kick against China.

Canada, ranked eighth in the world, finished atop its group and will face No. 19 Switzerland on Sunday in Vancouver.

HOMARE SAWA, Japan: The 36-year-old midfielder is probably best known for her goal in the 2011 World Cup final against the United States.

The stunning goal in the 117th minute sent the match to penalty kicks, and Japan came away with the victory.

Sawa was named the 2011 FIFA player of the year, ending Marta’s five-year reign.

Sawa is playing in a record sixth World Cup. She has 202 international appearances and 83 goals.

Japan, ranked fourth, won all of its group stage matches

Christine Sinclair of Canada.

and will play the Netherlands, ranked 12, in the round of 16 on Tuesday in Vancouver.

EUGENIE LE SOMMER, France: A versatile 26-year-old striker, Le Sommer already has three goals at the World Cup. But it was her first, a 25-yard soaring strike into the right corner of the goal, that gave third-ranked France a 1-0 vic-

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tory over England in the group stage opener.

It was her 45th international goal for France. She now has 47 in 108 international appearances, as France makes its third World Cup appearance.

France stumbled in the group stage with a surprising 2-0 loss to Colombia, but advanced to the elimination round and will play South Korea in the round

NADINE ANGERER, Germany: The goalkeeper says she’ll retire from the game later this year, but first she wants to lead her country to its third World Cup championship.

Angerer was named the team’s starting goalkeeper for the 2007 World Cup in China, taking over when Silke Rottenberg was injured. She did not concede a single goal during the tournament, setting a World Cup record for most minutes played (540) without being scored upon.

In the final against Brazil, she stopped a penalty kick from Marta for a 2-0 German victory. It was Germany’s second World Cup title. In 2013, Angerer became the first goalkeeper to win FIFA player of the year honors.

Angerer is captain of topranked Germany, which will play fifth-ranked Sweden in the knockout round Saturday in Ottawa. ■

Sports

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KIA consultant: Pacquiao still head coach

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Amidst speculations, KIA team consultant Joe Lipa clarified that Manny Pacquiao remained as the head coach of their basketball team.

Pacquiao has been absent from KIA’s games and practices for almost a month now. He was last seen in the games following his arrival from the United States after his mega-bout with boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. “He’s undergoing therapy on his shoulders. And he is also busy with his job in Congress.

He’s in Gensan,” Lipa said in an interview, referring to Pacquiao’s right shoulder injury which required him to undergo surgery.

KIA governor Ginia Domingo confirmed that the management was informed of Pacquiao’s need of time to rest and recover.

“Yes, we gave him time to recover. Everybody knows he’s injured. Syempre, priority natin yung health niya (Of course, our priority is his health). We will

Aside from being a champion boxer, businessman, and congressman, Manny Pacquiao is also a playing coach for rookie team KIA Sorento in PBA's 40th season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KIA SORENTO BASKETBALL FACEBOOK PAGE

need him in the team and boxing most especially,” Domingo said.

KIA team manager Eric Pine-

da noted that having Pacquiao returning in the games at once may aggravate his shoulder injury.

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“Na-istress kasi masyado yung balikat sa game. Kasi ‘pag nasa game, hindi mo maiiwasan na igalaw. Yung mga kilos na

‘yun, masakit eh,” Pineda said.

(The shoulder gets stressed in the game. Because when you’re in the game, you cannot avoid moving them. Moves like those, they hurt.)

Conversely, Lipa maintained that the boxer-coach was still able to watch the team’s games in television and instructed them thru phone calls with his assistants.

“He’s still the head coach of the team. He motivates and he gives instructions on what to do through the managers,” he said.

“Nanonood si Manny sa lahat ng games namin sa TV (Manny watches all our games in TV) then during halftime he will call his managers to relay his message to the coaching staff,” he added.

Pineda also clarified that there is no ongoing rift between KIA and Pacquiao.

“Hindi totoo ‘yun, otherwise kung may problema si Manny sa management ng KIA, eh ‘di sana wala na rin kami rito,” he said.

(It’s not true. Otherwise, if Manny has a problem with the management of KIA, we should not be here.) ■

Events

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CANADA EVENTS

YUKON NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Grand Night for Singing with Kay BalajadiaLiggayu and Naser Salcedo WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m, June 27, at Broadway Disciples United Church, 396 Broadway, Winnipeg, MN MORE NUNAVUT INFO: with special guest performer Paul Ong

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 @ 604-3958000 ext. 1706 liza.delarosa@issbc.org 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/ maple-20 Bumper to Bumper Vancouver

By SNM Intl. Night Market, B2BCarShow.com, Ladner Events Prodn. & Prive WHEN/WHERE: June 27, at the Summer Night Market, 12631 Vulcan Way, Richmond, B.C. & Drive Night Club

ONTARIO

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

View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

http://bit.ly/ PCI-Events

Miss Philippines and Little Miss Philippines Coronation Night

By PIDC WHEN/WHERE: June 20, at Korean Cultural Centre, 1133 Leslie St. North York, Ont.

5th Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto

By Philippine Canadian Charitable Tagalog Class Foundation

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. June 27, NEWFOUNDLAND WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., at the Metro Toronto Convention every Saturday, Filipino Centre Centre, 255 Front St., W. Toronto, On. QUEBEC Toronto Philippine Fiesta and Flag Raising Homework/Tutorial Class

By Filipino-Canadian Heritage and

By FCT Resource of Durham WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, WHEN/WHERE: June 27, every Saturday, Filipino Centre NOVA Pickering City Hall Toronto SCOTIA MORE INFO: For registrations, Fiesta ng Kalayaan at call 416-928-9355. The office, at Mississauga Celebration Square 597 Parliament St., Suite 103,

By Kalayaan Toronto, is open on Mondays, WHEN/WHERE: 12 nn to 10 Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays p.m. June 27, at Mississauga from 1 to 6 p.m.

Celebration Square, Mississauga, On.

Vancouver, 250 Pacific Blvd. Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Contact 604-349-2300

Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Jennifer 604-438-8214

Ipasa

By Kababayang Pilipino WHEN/WHERE: 4 p.m. June 28, at Massey Theatre, 736 8th Ave., New Westminster, B.C. MORE INFO: Featuring KP kids

Burnaby Village Museum Fieldtrip

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 11 to 1 p.m., July 1, by the main entrance of the museum (6501 Deer Lake Ave, Burnaby) MORE INFO: Call 604-438-8214 ext 104

The Star Experience: Singer/Songwriter Competition for BC Teens

By Subeez and Mercury Artists WHEN/WHERE: 5 p.m., June 28, at Subeez Café Yaletown MORE INFO: Almost $20,000 worth of prizes.

FilCan Community Entry in Canada Day Parade WHEN/WHERE: 7 p.m., July 1, eastbound from Broughton and Georgia Sts., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Wear Barong, Filipiniana, ethnic or Philippine costumes.

Seniors Club Burnaby South Walking Club

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: July to August, Mosaic Burnaby www.canadianinquirer.net

Drop-In Taichi for Seniors

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., July 3–Aug. 28, at Brentwood Community Resource Centre, 2055 Rosser Ave, Burnaby, B.C. MORE INFO: Call - Jennifer 604-292-3907 Harana, Balagtasan, Tula at Kundiman

By UP Alumni Association in BC & The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver WHEN/WHERE: 6 to 8 p.m. July 3, at The Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, Suite 660, Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Potluck of native delicacies. Attire: Filipiniana/Business

JUNE 26, 2015

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Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

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RICHMOND FLAG RAISING

PAGDIRIWANG

The Multicultural Helping House Society and the City of Richmond held on June 20, the first flag-raising event in the city to commemorate the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence. Among the guests during the event were Richmond MP Alice Wong; Mayor Malcolm Brodie and members of the Richmond City Council; MLAs Linda Reid and Mable Elmore; leaders of the Filipino-Canadian community; Deputy Consul General Anton Mandap and Consul Rogelio Villanueva Jr.

Deputy Consul General Anton Mandap gave inspirational greetings during the “Pagdiriwang” celebration, saying this annual event is an unmistakeable sign of growing recognition of the contributions of the Filipino community in this region, and in particular the City of Richmond.

Jose Mari Chan sang an impromptu duet with Pagdiriwang Program Director Socorro CastroNewland.

Lita Nuguid (L) organizer of Pagdiriwang 2015 Filipino Friends in Richmond, held at Lansdowne Mall shown in photo with distinguished guests from (R) FilCan community leader Treenee Lopez; Minister of International Trade, Asia Pacific and Multiculturalism Teresa Wat; Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie; Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton; and members of Richmond Council Linda McPhail and Bill McNulty (Photo from Lita Nuguid’s FB).

FIRST AID COURSE The Victoria Filipino Canadian Caregivers Association prepared a First Aid Course on June 20, for health workers and the general public. In picture are workshop organizers and participants (Photo by Annette Beech). www.canadianinquirer.net

Seen and Scenes

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BALDEMOR The Philippine Embassy mounted painting exhibits of famed Filipino artist Manuel Baldemor (in Barong Tagalog) from June 6 to 11, in Ottawa and Montreal. Nearly 100 artworks of the illustrious painter made up the simultaneous one-man shows entitled, Images of the Homeland.

MODELO Photo shows guests during the recent opening of Modelo Cosmetic Clinic at the corner of Bathurst St. and Wilson Ave. in Toronto.

WORLD VISION World Vision recently launched its program called, "Pinoy para sa Pinoy" at Chef George Restaurant.

RIZAL'S BIRTHDAY

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

Some scenes during the Knights of Rizal Canada Region event, "Honoring Dr. Jose P. Rizal's 154th Birth Anniversary,� on June 19, at Earl Bales Park, Toronto, Ont. Guests include Toronto Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero (in grey blazer), MP Joe Daniels and Manny Yanga (Photos by Amelia Insigne).

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FRIDAY JUNE 26, 2015

Obama’s use... call from Gov. Nikki Haley to take it down.

“This guy got killed by a racist. And now his body is going to lie in state underneath a symbol of the Confederacy. Let’s talk about that,” said Deggans, an African American who recalls first being called the N-word when he was in middle school.

“Let’s talk about what the resistance to removing what that symbol symbolizes. Let’s talk about that.”

Georgetown University law professor Sheryll Cashin was not harshly critical of Obama for having said the word, saying she thought it was a mistake.

She hopes it is a word choice Obama and others would avoid in future.

“The word is nuclear in the United States,” said Cashin, an African American and the author of “Place Not Race,” which argues equal opportunity programs ought to focus on disadvantaged children regardless of their colour.

“What I worry about most when the president of the United States uses a word like that — or when anybody does, particularly an African American — that somebody who hears it may feel that they have licence to use it. And I just think that it’s not a word that should be used casually.”

Cashin admitted the N-word was frequently heard in her household — often as a term of affection — when she was growing up. But as a mother, she does not allow use of the word in her home. And she does not use it with her students. ❰❰ 23

“I would never use that word in my class, even if we’re talking about a case where people used it. I would say ‘the N-word’ because I want to model the behaviour that I want others to do,” she said.

“It’s such an ugly, nasty word.”

Prof. Neal Lester rarely utters the word either, even though he teaches a course on the N-word at Arizona State University. Lester, an English professor, makes an exception if he’s reading a text that has the word in it.

He finds the appropriation of the word by rappers and some young black people unsettling.

Though they often use an alternate spelling — ending the word with an “a” or “ah” --it doesn’t make the word acceptable, suggested Lester, who is also African American.

“Young people and old people, black people and white people know that this is a problematic word,” he said.

“People have tried to hide behind changing the word. I do think there is an ignorance that somehow we have evolved in such a way that we can use the word and it’s free of all the negativity that has been associated with it historically. But that’s clearly not true. And Charleston, S.C., is yet one more piece of evidence of that.”

Deggans agreed.

“I just feel there’s a little piece of the word that is always going to be connected to degrading us as a people,” he said. “And we hold onto that when we accept the use of that word in that way.

I think we’d be better off if we stopped doing it.” ■

Pinakbet or pakbet is an indigenous Filipino dish from the northern regions of the Philippines made from mixed vegetables and longaniza sausage steamed in fish or shrimp sauce.

LEIGH ANNE MEEKS / SHUTTERSTOCK

PH cuisine ‘worst in Asia’ says Malaysian celebrity chef

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The Philippines was recently hailed as the second best culinary destination in the world according to a CNN poll, but one Malaysian celebrity chef thinks Pinoy food is the “worst in Asia.”

In an interview for Malaysian channel Astro Awani, Chef Da-

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tuk Redzuawan Ismail — also known as Chef Wan — said, “Philippines is known to have the worst food in Asia, ask any chefs (sic) and they will tell you I am right.”

Malaysian food was in sixth place in the said CNN poll, and Chef Wan believes it should be number one.

“I see food as varieties and flavors that reflect the culture and food, and that is why

Malaysia should be the first world’s best food destination,” he said in the same interview.

Chef Wan gave his top 5 food destinations as (in order) — Malaysia, Italy, Thailand, Japan, and India.

In the CNN poll, Taiwan was the top choice with a total of 8,242 votes. The Philippines got 1,528 votes, while Malaysia got 265 votes. ■

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