Philippine Canadian Inquirer #174

Global Remit

www.pnb.com.ph/rcc/

1. FREE Remittance on your birthday.

2. FREE remittance for New Remitter and “Balik” Remitter.

3. FREE remittance for Loyal Remitters.

4. FREE E-mail Transfer bank charge.

5. 50% Discount every Wednesday on one remittance for Senior Citizen.

CANADA’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONWIDE FILIPINO-CANADIAN NEWSPAPER

Certain Conditions apply for each of the 5 Reasons.

☎ 1-866-922-7460 Call Toll Free No.

JULY 3, 2015

VOL. 7 NO. 174

www.canadianinquirer.net

3

12

13

22

33

Filipino LGBT people celebrate Gay Pride

3 Koreans in PH negative for MERS-CoV

China: PH docu on disputed territory ‘ignores facts’

Tunisia struggles to find balanced response to terror

Toronto’s hop-on-hop-off bus

Purisima, 10 other PNP officials ousted from posts

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

DEFYING ORDERS Vice President Jejomar Binay addressed supporters gathered at Makati City Hall as his son, Makati Mayor JunJun Binay, defied a suspension order from the Office of the Ombudsman for his role in the allegedly overpriced Makati Science High School building last June 29. The mayor also refused to heed to the suspension order of the Ombudsman earlier this year after he was linked to the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall Building II. RAFFY LERMA / PDI

No more Binay? Mayor JunJun steps down temporarily

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — “Ako ay pansamantalang bababa sa pwesto.”

Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin ‘JunJun’ Binay Jr. announced Wednesday morning that he will temporarily step

down as Mayor of Makati as he awaits the decision of the Court of Appeals regarding his request of a temporary restraining order on his suspension issued Monday by the Ombudsman.

Inside the Makati City Hall where he has been holed up the last two days,

MANILA — Resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima was dismissed from his service as a regular cop after the Office of the Ombudsman arrived at the decision regarding the PNP’s involvement in an anomalous P100-million deal with a private company.

Aside from Purisima, 10 other police officials were sacked from their posts.

These were Police Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta, Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, Senior Supt. Eduardo Acierto, Senior Superintendent Allan Parreño, Senior Supt. Melchor Reyes, Supt. Lenbell Fabia, Chief Inspector ❱❱ PAGE 10 Purisima, 10

Conservative churches confront new reality on gay marriage

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

❱❱ PAGE 23 ❱❱ PAGE 9 No more

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS InFocus.canadianinquirer.net

twitter: @PhilCanInquirer

2

JULY 3, 2015

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

3

Filipino LGBT people celebrate Gay Pride, US Supreme Court recognition of same sex marriages

BY OLIVER TEVES The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Several hundred gays, lesbians and transgender people held a Gay Pride rally Saturday in the Philippine capital to push for LGBT rights and to celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court decision recognizing gay marriages in all U.S. states as a victory for their cause.

About 500 people marched around Manila’s Rizal Park, many carrying placards and streamers saying “Fight for Love” and waving rainbow banners. Some came with pets dressed in rainbow costumes.

Jonas Bagas, executive director of the pro-LGBT rights group TLF Share, said the U.S. court ruling “will reverberate in other corners of the world.”

The rally was scheduled to commemorate the 1969 demonstrations in New York City

that started the gay rights fessor of women development Same-sex unions are not lemovement around the world. studies at the University of the gally recognized in the PhilipBagas said the U.S. court’s de- Philippines, said the decision pines because the country’s cision on Friday made it more was also “a triumph for femi- civil code limits marriages to a significant. nism” because of the “intimate man and a woman.

He said that in the predomi- connections” between discrimA gay lawyer, Jesus Nicardo nantly Roman Catholic Phil- ination based on biological gen- Falcis III, has challenged the ippines, where the church has der and discrimination based constitutionality of the civil fiercely opposed code provision gay marriages on marriage, sayalong with diing that the convorce and artifistitution does cial contracepWe hope that after this decision, not define martives, he expects the struggle for equality can be riage solely as the “conservareframed to go beyond marriage between a man tive majority” equality so that we can address other and a woman to continue to dehumanizing situations that LGBTs and that the famblock human encounter. ily code itself rights for LGBTs. does not require “We hope that a married couple after this decito have children sion, the struggle or the ability to for equality can be reframed to on sexual orientation, gender procreate. go beyond marriage equality so identity and expression.

The U.S. court’s ruling “touchthat we can address other de“I can’t help but note that the es the very heart of same-sex humanizing situations that LG- three women justices voted for relationships: that now you can BTs encounter,” he said. marriage equality, forming a marry and live with the one you Sylvia Estrada Claudio, a gen- solid core in what was a close love, your union protected by der rights advocate and pro- vote,” she said. the legal mantle of the state,”

www.canadianinquirer.net

said Danton Remoto, chairman of the LGBT Party List.

Remoto said attaining recognition of same sex marriage in the Philippines may be achieved partly by working for an end to discrimination not just against LGBT people, but also against indigenous peoples and persons with disabilities.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, said in a statement that the church will continue teaching that marriage “is an indissoluble bond of man and woman.” He said, however, that the church won’t discriminate against LGBTs. The church will study the U.S. court’s decision “with assiduousness, and revisit our concepts and presuppositions, always with an eye to being faithful to the Gospel and to the mission of the Church,” Villegas said. ■

4

Philippine News

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Aquino on Binay: The people know who is telling the truth

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III remained unperturbed by Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay’s attacks on him and his administration as he believed that the Filipino people knew who was telling the truth.

Aquino disclosed that he would rather focus on fulfilling his duties and continuing his reforms than waste time distressing on Binay’s opposition.

“My interest is to maximize all the opportunities for our people, to run this country… I have a responsibility to make this society, this country better. I will not allow myself to be distracted by talks of politics when I think it is very clear to the people who is telling the truth, and who is lying,” he told reporters at the sidelines of a conference.

With Binay quoting Aquino’s mother former president Corazon Aquino’s rallying call, ‘tama na, sobra na’ in his television address to the Malacañang, Aquino asserted that Binay cannot compare his administration to that of late president Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship.

“Maybe you would ask, how do I feel?

It’s a given to every Filipino, you put yourselves in my position… The people felt the litany of wrongdoing of the dictatorship, all of them were the fault of the dictatorship… I did not treat him (Binay) wrong and this is what he repays me with? So, I say to him, ‘Thank you,” Aquino said in separate statements.

Binay recently quit as the chief of the

Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the presidential adviser on OFW Affairs. Aquino was only surprised with Binay’s sudden resignation.

“I was a bit surprised why there was a resignation at this time. So I called him up and eventually we got to talk and I asked him specifically what the reason was. I think the word I used was ‘casus belli’. What was the immediate reason that prompted him to do this action?”

Aquino recalled.

“He said there were many and that he would write them down and send them to me. When our conversation ended, I told him, ‘Okay, I will wait for it’… Yesterday, although it was not unexpected, in his statement, he mentioned that he was now the opposition,” he added.

On Binay’s television address stating his reason for detaching himself from Aquino’s Cabinet, he mentioned the administration’s ‘selective justice,’ criticized it for being ‘insensitive and inefficient,’ questioned the ‘PDAF and DAP,’ among other issues.

To this, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima would only tell Binay to settle corruptions allegations against him first before pointing out the administration’s flaws.

“He should first put his own affairs in order, especially the corruption cases against him and members of his family…

No administration is perfect. However, it is a fact that world perception of the Philippines has never been better in the past five years because of the President’s anti-corruption campaign and reforms in the bureaucracy,” De Lima claimed. ■

VP Jejomar Binay (left) and President Benigno Aquino III.

www.canadianinquirer.net

MALACANANG PHOTO BUREAU

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

5

Claimants contest titling of UP land

BY JERRY E. ESPLANADA Philippine Daily Inquirer CLAIMANTS TO a 77-hectare portion of the University of the Philippines (UP) campus in Diliman, Quezon City, have filed an appeal in the Supreme Court for “substantive justice,” arguing that the state university’s title to the portion was unlawful.

According to the claimants— Quezon City businessman Jorge Chin and the heirs of Renato Mallari—the UP title was issued on May 3, 1914, a Sunday and therefore not a working day. This, they argued, made the land title “unlawful and contravened existing rules then.”

The date was one of the issues raised in the petition for “substantial justice” filed in the Supreme Court, where the claimants sought the high tribunal’s help in recovering the estate.

A portion of the property, along Commonwealth and Central Avenues, is only 250 meters

from the iconic Oblation statue of the university.

Lawyer Melanio Mauricio, counsel of the petitioners, noted that “on Jan. 3, 1914, then acting US Governor General Luke E. Wright issued Executive Order No. 3, which decreed that work days were exclusive of Sundays and of days declared as public holidays by law or executive orders.”

‘No work on Sunday’

That is why, “on May 3, 1914, when the supposed title of UP was issued, the rule was that there was no work on that day, a Sunday. This only means that the issuance of the title on a Sunday was illegal,” Mauricio said.

In their petition, Chin and Mallari’s children urged the high court to review the case and rectify the error of its First Division which awarded the property to the university on Nov. 11, 2003.

In Supreme Court cases Nos. 133547 and 133843, the peti-

tioners assailed as “unconstitutional” the 2003 decision of the First Division that rescinded their titles over the land in question, which is now being leased by UP to the Ayala Techno Park.

When interviewed, Chin, one of the country’s top hog and poultry feed importers, claimed a “grave injustice” had been heaped upon them with the alleged illegal seizure of their property which they allegedly owned since the 1970s. Mallari died in December 2013, a month after the Supreme Court issued its resolution favoring UP. Through the Mauricio law office, Chin and Mallari’s heirs appealed to the tribunal to reopen and review the case under the doctrine of substantial justice.

Chin explained that their ownership of the 77-hectare property had already been affirmed by the unanimous, final and executory Feb. 10, 2000, decision of the Supreme Court’s

www.canadianinquirer.net

University of the Philippine Diliman.

First Division, as well as a finding by the Court of Appeals (CA) that they had a “better right” over the property than UP. That is why the petitioners got one of the biggest shocks of their lives when the Puno ponencia overturned the Feb. 10, 2000, decision and set aside the division’s own Dec. 7, 2001, resolution that ordered the CA to determine the UP and ChinMallari group’s conflicting claims over the property.

The CA favored Chin and Mallari over UP based on a De-

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

partment of Environment and Natural Resources verification report submitted to Quezon City Regional Trial CourtBranch 9, which said the two were the “true and absolute owners” of the property based on pertinent documents.

Contacted by phone, Rico Mallari, one of Renato’s children, told the INQUIRER it was “unfortunate that my father died without seeing justice.”

The Jehovah’s Witness traveling minister called his father a “victim of injustice.” ■

Philippine News

6

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

LP expels Camarines Norte gov for immorality

BY CMARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer SAYING THAT his “grossly immoral act” had “tarnished the good name and reputation of the LP as a whole,” the ruling Liberal Party expelled from its roster Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado, whose extramarital affair came out on social media in October last year.

In its June 15 resolution, a copy of which was furnished the INQUIRER yesterday, the LP noted that the scandal involving the governor had hogged headlines and that a photo showing him shirtless with a half-naked young woman had also become viral on social media.

The affair came to light after Tallado had initially claimed that his wife, Josefina, and her friend had gone missing.

But his wife surfaced a few days later and disclosed to media that she had left their conjugal home in Daet, on Oct. 17, 2014, after Tallado had threatened her on suspicion that she had posted on Facebook his picture with his alleged mistress.

The governor’s wife also accused her husband of physically assaulting her.

Disloyalty

Tallado’s expulsion stemmed from a

Camarines Norte Gov. Edgardo Tallado with wife Josie.

complaint filed by Daet Mayor Tito Sarion whom the governor had earlier accused of disloyalty for attending a gathering organized by their political rivals in the province. Tallado also claimed that Sarion was spreading rumors that [the governor] would support a non-LP presidential candidate, charges that the party later dismissed.

Sarion, in turn, accused his erstwhile political ally of disloyalty by inviting

opposition senators JV Ejercito and Bong Revilla to the province. Tallado, the mayor said, also has pending criminal and administrative cases of human rights violations and illegal mining operations in Camarines Norte.

In its five-page decision, the LP said “Tallado [had] committed a grossly immoral act that has not only cast doubt [on] his moral integrity, but also tarnished the good name and reputation of the (party) as a whole.”

It added: “Although the LP has no business meddling with its members’ marital problems, the magnitude of the scandal is so overarching that it did not only smear [Tallado’s] image, but also that of the party.”

‘Tuwid na daan’

The resolution was signed by LP director general and Occidental Mindoro Rep. Josephine Ramirez-Sato; LP secretary general and Western Samar Rep.

FACEBOOK

Mel Sarmiento; LP treasurer and Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr., and Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas, who chairs the party’s membership and organizing committee.

The LP’s political and electoral affairs committee chair and Caloocan City Rep. Edgardo Erice, and Javier, Leyte, Mayor Leonardo Javier, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, also signed the decision.

The LP said that ensuring decency and moral uprightness among its members was part of its “tuwid na daan (straight path)” advocacy, and that it was “determined to maintain leaders with high moral fiber and integrity, considering that their constituents look up to them for leadership and inspiration.”

Camarines Norte, which has about 300,000 registered voters, is regarded as one of the country’s poorest provinces and among the few areas still beset by insurgency. ■

Roxas to continue courting Poe

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Caloocan City Rep. Edgar Erice revealed that Interior Secretary Mar Roxas will continue negotiating with Senator Grace Poe to convince her to be his running mate in next year’s polls.

“Our assumption right now is that Secretary Mar will be our presidential bet and we are considering as vice president Sen. Grace Poe,” Erice said.

He added that the Liberal Party remains confident that they will convince Poe to run with Roxas, who is the prewww.canadianinquirer.net

sumptive standard-bearer of the administration.

“To afford due courtesy to Senator Poe, President Aquino, Secretary Mar and Senator Drilon are the only persons in the LP who can talk to her on that matter,” the lawmaker said.

“They’ve already (Roxas and Poe) met on a few occasions and we expect them to sit down again to talk some more on the details,” said Erice.

He added that Roxas was also eyeing to have Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte’s support.

“There is now a bigger chance that Mayor Duterte will support Secretary Roxas,” Erice said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

7

Comelec bares two million corrupted biometrics

BY FERDINAND G. PATINIO Philippines News Agency MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said that almost t2 million biometrics files of voters given to the central file were found to be corrupted.

Comelec Spokesman James Jimenez said that some 1.9 million biometrics records they received from Election Officers (Eos) in cities and municipalities were damaged.

Binay supporters attack policemen at the Makati City Hall.

❱❱ PAGE 12 Comelec bares

SCREENSHOT FROM ABS-CBN FOOTAGE

Binay’s supporters protest violently against suspension order

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

“The data from the registration centre is being sent to the Central Comelec in a CD format...Later the CD was found to be corrupted,” he said during the mock polls for the Precinct Automated Tallying System (PATaS) or the hybrid election system held at the Bacoor National High School in Bacoor, Cavite on Saturday.

But, the poll body official noted that the original source of the data is intact at the

sion order in the ‘most expeditious and peaceable way.’

“This stands as a lawful order of the Ombudsman, a constitutionally-created and independent office of the Republic. The Department is duty-bound to implement the said order in the most expeditious and peaceable way,” the DILG earlier said in an official statement.

Binay has been issued two

With the suspension anew, Binay continued to refuse acknowledging the order and remained at his office. His camp MANILA — Makati City Mayor has already started considering Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay legal actions to counter the susreceived his second suspenpension order. sion order from the officials of Aside from Binay, 14 other the Department of Interior and city officials were also given Local Government (DILG) on the preventive suspension Tuesday. order. These were Lorenza Thousands of Binay’s supAmores, Mario Badillo, Nelia porters then ralBarlis, Giovanlied violently, ni Condes, Pio pushing police Kenneth Dasal, barricades and Norman Flores, even throwing With the suspension anew, Binay Ralph Liberato, bottled waters continued to refuse acknowledging Cecilio Lim III, and monobloc the order and remained at his Eleno Mendochairs at them. office. His camp has already started za Jr., Ulysses At least five ciconsidering legal actions to counter Orienza, Raydes vilians and three the suspension order.

Pestaño, Leonila policemen were Querijero, Geinjured from the rardo San Gabriprotest. el and Manolito The OmbudsUyaco. man’s suspension order against six-month preventive suspenMeanwhile, Interior SecreBinay, however, remained post- sion orders in relation to cor- tary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II ed at the entrance of the Makati ruption allegations against him had not yet seen the suspenCity Hall as the DILG officials and his family. sion order personally as he was were not allowed to serve it perWith the first suspension, still in Cebu with President Besonally. the Binay was able to secure a nigno “Noynoy” Aquino III for The DILG officials earlier 60-day temporary restraining a ground breaking ceremony stated that they would imple- order (TRO) from the Court of when the suspension was orment the preventive suspen- Appeals. dered. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Newly appointed General Manager/CEO Valentino L. Cabansag (right) taking his oath of office before Chairman, PRA Board of Trustees and Secretary of the Department of Tourism Hon. Ramon R. Jimenez Jr (left).

New General Manager/CEO of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) MAKATI CITY — Mr. Valentino Cabansag joined the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) as General Manager/CEO effective June, 2015. He brings with him over 25 years of experience in the tourism industry.

Prior to assuming his new post, Mr. Cabansag was the Tourism Attaché of the Department of Tourism in Tokyo. He also served as Tourism Attaché in Osaka and as Tourism Director of the ASEAN-Japan Centre.

Mr. Cabansag studied for two years at the Ateneo de Manila University and earned a degree in Far East Area Studies from Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan in 1974 where

he was a dean’s lister.

General Manager Valentino L. Cabansag said: “I am deeply honored to lead the Philippine Retirement Authority and I wish to contribute my experiences in furthering the goals of PRA.” About PRA The Philippine Retirement Authority is a government agency attached to the Department of Tourism mandated to attract foreign nationals and former Filipino citizens to retire, invest and reside in the Philippines. PRA’s core product is the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV), a non-immigrant, multipleentry, indefinite-stay visa.

Philippine News

8

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Injured Aussie, BGC residents demand safer streets for pedestrians 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.

Copies are distributed free throughout Metro Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto.

The views and opinions expressed in the articles (including opinions expressed in ads herein) are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editorial Team.

PCI reserves the right to reject any advertising which it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices.

The advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement.

Member

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Australian Jacinta Coote, along with her husband Douglas and about 200 fellow Bonifacio Global City (BGC) residents, held a ‘family walk’ on Friday afternoon, demanding drivers to observe street rules and to consider the pedestrians’ safety in the community.

“Every driver should think: ‘Okay, I will drive carefully today. That’s all I have to do.’ You don’t have to wait for the government to pass laws,” Coote said.

The 34-year-old mother was involved in a car crash accident at 11:15 a.m. on May 12 in the intersection of 2nd avenue

and 30th street wherein two SUVs collided, hitting her and nearly killing her and the baby in her womb.

In an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Coote questioned ‘what was so important that they (the motorists) were in such a hurry.’

The drivers were already identified as Rolando Manese, who hit Coote, and Anne Allison Soriano, whose vehicle rammed Manese.’ Both motorists have not yet apologized to the victim and her family.

A month after the incident, Coote has been recovering from her injuries and complications which included facial wounds and internal hemorrhaging near the womb. Unfortunately, half of her head was still numb and screws and

titanium plates were implanted in her face. She also could not taste, smell or move her right arm.

Knowing the consequences of the accident and not wanting it to reoccur, Coote and her husband rallied with fellow residents in BGC, a day after she was discharged from the hospital.

Coote’s friend T.Nguyen organized the family march.

“We need to teach the importance of road rules and pedestrian safety. It’s a mindset that we need to [instill]; the behavior, the culture,” T.Nguyen said.

The rally started at Burgos Circle and continued to the place of the incident. It was finished in less than an hour.

Meanwhile, Coote’s case against Manese and Soriano is still ongoing. ■

Aquino on Binay: I gave him the chance not to be a spare tire

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday slammed Vice President Jejomar Binay after the latter resigned and spoke against his administration.

Aquino said he could not understand why Binay had to speak ill against his administration when he has given Binay all the opportunity “not to become a spare tire.”

“Hinalal siya ng taumbayan, binigyan ko (s’ya) ng lahat ng pagkakataon para hindi s’ya maging spare tire,” Aquino said during the Livestock expo and convention in Manila.

(He was elected by the people, I gave him all the opportunities not to become a spare tire) “Ipinagkaloob natin sa kanya ‘yung pagkakataon na manaliti ‘yung kanyang popularity ratings bagama’t hindi natin siya kaalyado ‘nung tumakbo sa eleksyon, bagama’t ‘nung 2013 e nandun siya sa kabilang grupo. Hindi natin siya parang pinigilan na ‘yung magkaroon naman ng pagkakataon na marecognize ‘yung kanyang trabaho,” he added.

(We gave him the chance to maintain his popularity ratings though he wasn’t an ally during the elections, and even when in 2013 he was with another group.

We didn’t stop him from being recognized for his work.)

Aquino appointed Binay as the head of the National Housing Authority and he also granted Binay’s request to appoint him the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers Affairs.

Aquino also said that all this time, Bi-

VP Jejomar Binay (left) and Senator Nancy Binay.

NANCY BINAY'S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

nay may have had some “secrets on how to better run the country” but he failed to share this with the current administration that he had been a part of.

“Kung may maitutulong ka sa ikakabuti ng taumbayan na pinangakuan nating paglilingkuran, bakit mo naman isinisikreto?” he said.

(If you can contribute to the betterment of the people who you pledged to serve, why would you not share those ideas?)

The President said that he believes that Binay has the responsibility of sharing whatever it is that he knows to run the government properly.

“Palagay ko may obligasyon siya na miyembro siya ng Gabinete na ibinahagi niya ito ,” he said, echoing his earlier statements on Binay’s criticisms against the administration.

(I think he has an obligation as a member of the Cabinet to share those things.)

Aquino also said that Binay resigned after realizing that he would not get the President’s endorsement for next year’s election.

“Baka naman napag-isip siyang hindi siya ang ma-e-endorso natin, so kailangan ipakita niyang hindi niya kailangan ‘yung endorsement o may mas maganda siyang kayang magawa,” he said.

(He might have realized that he wouldn’t get our endorsement so now he has to show the public that he doesn’t need it or he can do better.)

Aquino also lamented the Vice President’s move to criticize the administration after he has established a good relationship with him.

“I treated him as a member of the official family. We’ve been through a lot,” he said.

“Siguro ganyan talaga ang pulitika sa ating bansa (Maybe that is really how politics works in the Philippines),” he added. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

9

Rising from ‘Yolanda,’ student beats the odds

BY NESTOR P. BURGOS JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer HE HAD to transfer school to Iloilo City.

Yesterday, Bret was beaming with pride because he didn’t just complete his degree in accountancy in the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) in Iloilo.

He also graduated cum laude with a general weighted average of 1.53.

“I feel a great sense of fulfillment after everything I’ve been through,” said Bret, 21.

His parents—Gil and Emelina, both 55, and sister Kristine, 18—flew all the way from Jaro town to attend Bret’s graduation at the UPV main campus in Miag-ao town, Iloilo.

His mother is wheelchairbound after she was paralyzed from the waist down due to a malignant tumor in the spine.

It was Emelina’s second time to leave their house in five years. The first was when Bret graduated in high school at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City.

Only Bret’s brother, Christian, 24 and a welder, was unable to attend the graduation ceremonies because of his work.

There was pride in the eyes of Emelina and Gil, a jeepney driver, seeing their middle child march with 690 graduates of UPV and do so with honors.

The joy that Bret’s family felt over his graduation, with honors, was in stark contrast to what they went through at the height of Yolanda on Nov. 8, 2013.

When Yolanda struck Leyte, winds reaching 300 kilometers per hour destroyed the second floor of the house of Bret’s aunt in Tacloban City where he and Kristine had been staying. The storm surge flooded the ground floor.

Three days later, Bret learned that the roof of their house in Jaro was blown away.

Gil managed to reach Tacloban to check on his children by hitching a ride from Jaro to Palo town and walking 20 km to reach Tacloban. Fortunately, none

A destroyed house on the outskirts of Tacloban on Leyte island. This region was the worst affected by the typhoon, causing widespread damage and loss of life. Caritas is responding by distributing food, shelter, hygiene kits and cooking utensils.

EOGHAN RICE FOR TRÓCAIRE, CARITAS / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

of his family members was hurt.

Yolanda caused heavy damage to the UPV Tacloban College campus on Magsaysay Boulevard, Tacloban City, forcing students to transfer their enrollment to other UP campuses.

Bret was among 60 students of UPV Tacloban College who had been allowed to transfer to UPV in Iloilo City and Miag-ao town in Iloilo.

The UP administration waived dorm fees and offered free meals at the school cafeteria for students displaced by Yolanda.

UPV alumni, faculty members and employees, and other benefactors also sponsored meals and provided financial and other support to the students.

During his early weeks in Iloilo, Bret

offered laundry services to other dorm residents for P30 per kilogram for extra cash.

At times, he thought of quitting school to ease the burden on his parents, who were struggling to also put Kristine, an education student at Leyte Normal University in Tacloban, through college.

The support of UPV teachers, students and alumni gave Bret the push to persevere.

Bret got part-time jobs in a food company and a small home-based business process outsourcing (BPO) company.

His part-time jobs made him decide to stay in Iloilo and finish his course when the 25 other accountancy majors, who crossenrolled in UPV Iloilo, went back to Tacloban after a semester.

nagamit ang buong pwersa ng gobyerno (I always say that my father is a human rights lawyer. Let us not be like other politicians who use the force of the government),” Binay said.

Later on, Binay and his family stepped out of the City Hall to address the throngs of supporters waiting for them outside.

“Hindi po dito nagtatapos ang laban natin. Hindi po namin kayo iiwan.

Masakit man po, kailangan po nating gawin… Di ko kayang tiisin na may

nasasaktan, may karahasan sa lungsod at naabala ang mamamayan,” the younger Binay announced to the people.

(Our fight does not end here. We will not leave you. It may be painful, but this is something we have to do… I can no longer bear seeing people getting hurt, violence in our city, our people inconvenienced.)

After his speech, he hugged his father and together faced the crowd who are chanting “Binay! Binay! Binay!” ■

No more...

Mayor Binay stood in the presence of his father, Vice President Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay; his mother Elenita, and sisters Sen. Nancy Binay and Makati Rep. Abigail Binay to hold a televised press conference.

He announced, “Ako ay pansamantalang bababa sa pwesto (I will temporarily step down from my post).”

“Lagi kong sinasabi na human rights lawyer ang aking ama. Huwag natin tularan ang [ibang tao sa] pulitika na gi❰❰ 1

www.canadianinquirer.net

According to UPV Office of Student Affairs director Ruben Gamala, Bret, though, was not the lone student displaced by Yolanda to graduate with honors.

Gamala said 20 of the crossenrollees also graduated cum laude during the UPV Tacloban College’s commencement exercises on Monday.

Bret’s parents had been anticipating he would graduate with honors. As early as February, he and Christian bought airplane tickets for their parents and Kristine from Tacloban to Cebu and then to Iloilo since these were on sale.

They only paid around P6,000.

When he finally confirmed that he would graduate cum laude, Gil could not help but spread the good news to their neighbors in Barangay Hiagsam, Jaro. ■

10

Philippine News

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Purisima, 10...

Nelson Bautista, Chief Inspector Sonia Calixto, Chief Inspector Ricardo Zapata Jr., and Senior Inspector Ford Tuazon.

The aforementioned officials allegedly transacted with Werfast Documentary Agency, Inc., a courier service company.

After the Ombudsman investigations, they were then found guilty of administrative charges of grave misconduct, serious dishonesty and grave abuse of authority.

Ousted from their posts, the former PNP officials were then forfeited of retirement benefits and barred from government employment. ❰❰ 1

Werfast deal

In May 2011, Werfast en-

tered into an agreement with the PNP for renewal of firearms and licenses. The PNP accepted the deal with the private company bypassing the necessary procurement, accreditation and qualification process.

In November 2012, the PNP Civil Security Group then initiated the formation of a Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO)-Courier Services Accreditation Board. The FEO members were Petrasanta, Acierto, Parreño, Reyes, Fabia, Bautista, Calixto, Zapata and Tuazon.

In February 2013, Werfast was then accredited and the delivery of license cards was made mandatory. The discrepancy in the process was that

Resigned PNP Chief Alan Purisima at the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano clash.

SCREENSHOT FROM RAPPLER FOOTAGE

the company was accredited in February when such policy of accreditation was only issued in March and the resolution issued in April.

By March 2014, the PNP ter-

Questionable accreditation

The Ombudsman was then suspicious over PNP’s accredi-

Marcos may follow father’s footsteps

Binay tells Pimentel: ‘Be a man’

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — ‘Magpakalalaki ka.’

In a strongly worded letter addressed to Senator Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III, Vice President Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay dared the senator to push through with his plans of conducting an audit of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC).

Prior to the said letter dated June 24, Binay resigned from President Benigno Aquino III’s Cabinet as head of the HUDCC on June 22. Aquino readily accepted the resignation.

In the letter addressed to Pimentel, Binay wrote: “Obviously, your statement is but part of the demolition by perception employed by you and your Senate cohorts for the last ten months. I hope this is not a bluff. I dare you: Magpapakalalaki ka (be a man). I expect nothing less than a continuation of your demolition campaign against me.”

Vice Presidential Spokesperson Joey Salgado confirmed the authenticity of the letter.

In a phone interview with reporters, Pimentel said he will still request for the HUDCC audit.

“Gagawin ko naman talaga ‘yon (I intend to do it anyway),” Pimentel said over the phone.

“The audit [has] to be conduct-

minated its contract with Werfast.

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Sen. Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel (left) and Vice President Jejomar 'Jojo' Binay.

FACEBOOK PHOTOS

ed, no one has an idea or inkling as to the result.”

Pimentel also clarified that the audit is not a part of any “demolition job.”

“The audit could even clear him, so therefore he can use it for positive spin. So, how can this be part of a demolition job?

This is just a logical proposal because somebody is leaving an office,” Pimentel was quoted saying in an ABS-CBN report.

When asked about Binay’s strong words, Pimentel said, “May mga kanto speak pa. ‘Di ko maintindihan kung bakit niya kino-connect sa demolition job. I did not focus on the kanto-speak, butnagulat din nga ako na, how come

tation of Werfast when the latter was a questionable company with low capitalization, no track record and income taxes, no PNP Directorate for Intelligence clearance, and no Department of Science and Technology (DOST) accreditation.

“Evidence shows not only that Purisima knew what he was doing in signing Meneses’ (Retired Police Director Gil Meneses) memorandum but that he himself exerted pressure and coercion over the subordinates on behalf of Werfast,” the Ombudsman’s decision stated.

Aside from the Werfast deal, Purisima remained under investigation regarding the PNP’s gun sale to the New People’s Army (NPA). ■

those words were inserted there?”

(He [Binay] even used ‘kanto speak’ I don’t understand why he is connecting this to a demolition job. I did not focus on the ‘kanto speak,’ but I was still surprised, I mean how come those words were inserted there?)

Upon receiving the letter, Pimentel released the letter to the media. According to a Rappler report, a member of the Office of the Vice President left the letter on a table in the senator’s office.

Aside from leaving the HUDCC, Binay also resigned as the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers’ concerns. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he has enough experience to run for the highest post in the government.

In an interview with dzRH, Marcos said that he has already climbed the political ladder preparing him for presidency.

He added that his years of experience in the public service allowed him to become prepared to run for the highest post, just like his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Marcos first joined politics as the vice governor of Ilocos Norte. He then became the

governor in the said town and was elected as a member of the House of Representatives.

Marcos, who is now a senator said that though he belies that he qualifies for the Presidential post, he has yet to decide on whether to run for president or not.

“At least, I have some experience,” he said in Filipino. “I have ideas about reforms.”

He also added that if there was a mentor who taught him best, that was his father.

“I have not seen anybody as good,” he said in Filipino.

He also advised the President to replace his advisers who have done so well in helping him in running the government. ■

Sen. Bongbong is guest speaker at the ECCP luncheon meeting in Makati.

He assures European businessmen in the Philippines that ensuring a businessand investment-friendly environment in Mindanao is one of the goals of the substitute Bangsamoro Basic Law. Makati Shangri-La Hotel, 24 June 2015.

BONGBONG MARCOS FACEBOOK PAGE

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

11

Now, it’s a 5-way race for top PNP post

BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer IT IS FAST developing to be a five-way race for the top post in the Philippine National Police.

As he was promoted to threestar rank yesterday, Deputy Director General Danilo Constantino, the PNP’s No. 4 man, disclosed that he was “interviewed” by President Aquino last week in a casual meeting where PNP issues were discussed.

“It’s true that we were summoned by the President but we don’t know if it was really an interview because that was just a casual conversation,” the police official said on Thursday.

Consantino, the chief of the PNP directorial staff, was invited to Malacañang with his classmate, Director Ricardo Marquez of the Directorate for Operations. Both are members of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1982.

Aside from Marquez and Constantino, other police generals being rumored to be contenders for the post of PNP chief are: Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo, the deputy chief for operations; Director Benjamin Magalong, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group; and Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta, suspended police regional director of Central Luzon.

Earlier, Mr. Aquino said he has been talking with top police officials who are probable replacements for Director General Alan Purisima and officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, who is schedule to retire next month.

Constantino said the President asked him about the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident, which left 44 police commandos, and the alleged factions between police officials within the PNP.

The Philippine National Police on its 24th Founding Anniversary on January 26, 2015 led by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP Officer-In-Charge Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.

PHOTO BY TOTI NAVALES; PNP FACEBOOK PAGE

Constantino said the issue of officials who will retire after PNP chief.” retirement was also brought up the 2016 elections.

“He’s one good guy, very during the discussion.

This would disqualify Garbo, hardworking and silent, very “There was also a question who is technically next in line jolly. We both love our policeabout retirement. Maybe he to Espina. men,” the PNP officer in charge wants to know said. if our birthdays According to are after the Constantino, he 2016 elections,” has been workConstantino You learned that there were police ing with Garbo said. He is schedofficials interviewed, Constantino since 2010 and uled to retire in included. The President by operation he has been a July 2016 upon of the law has the sole prerogative “very big influreaching 56. to choose among all generals of the ence” in his caThe police ofPNP. reer. ficer declined Petrasanta, to comment on who is facing his chances to complaints beland the top PNP post, saying it Garbo will be retiring in fore the Ombudsman and is would be too presumptive.

March 2016, or two months be- currently serving his prevenAsked on how the conversa- fore the presidential elections tive suspension, is perceived to tion ended, Constantino said next year. be Aquino’s personal choice for the President wished him “good Espina, who was at Constan- PNP chief. luck.” tino’s donning of ranks, said For his part, Magalong has reEarlier, Interior Secretary Garbo was such a “good person mained mum on the issue of his Mar Roxas said the selection that he was considered one of being one of the contenders. process was limited to police the contenders for the post of Meanwhile, Espina main-

www.canadianinquirer.net

tained that the selection of the next PNP chief is the sole prerogative of the President.

“You learned that there were police officials interviewed, Constantino included. The President by operation of the law has the sole prerogative to choose among all generals of the PNP,” Espina said.

He said all contenders for the post are very competent. The President also consults with him from time to time on the matter, he added.

However, he declined to comment on why the selection process seems to be taking long.

Espina said the 2016 elections are a serious matter and will need the mobilization of the entire PNP to watch out, especially for election-related violence.

“We have to have a strong police force, and the military of course,” Espina said. ■

12

Philippine News

JULY 3, 2015

More Filipinos believe PH corruption, poverty still prevalent

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — According to the recent Ibon Foundation survey, 59.8 percent or more than half of the 1,496 respondents still believed that corruption did not lessen in the past three months.

The survey, which was conducted from May 13 to 23, found that only 23.8 percent or 4 out of 10 Filipinos believed that corruption did lessen in the past months.

The latest poll results were higher than the previous one conducted, which showed 54.7 of the respondents who supposed that corruption was not lessened.

According to the same survey round, 72.3 percent or also more than half of the respondents claimed that poverty did not decrease in the past three months.

Only 17.9 percent of the respondents claimed that poverty did decrease in the past months.

An earlier poll yielded the same results, showing a 67.2

percent poverty rate of the country.

The survey results were released despite the national government’s pronouncements that the country improved in terms of corruption and poverty.

Ibon said its survey based on ‘public opinion’ and that they used multi-stage probability

sampling with a margin of error of plus or minus three.

For its part, the government continued and extended its anti-poverty programs. In the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, 4,424,705 households are currently registered from 41,519 towns, 1,483 municipalities and 144 cities. ■

China questions Japan’s purported collusion with PH

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Chinese Embassy official He Zhenliang questioned Japan’s interest in supposedly colluding with the Philippines and called on the country to stop meddling with the territorial disputes in the South China Sea. “Even though Japan is not a party [to the dispute], it is trying to pressure China by colluding with some countries,” Zhenliang said in a press conference.

The Chinese official released the statement after the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the Philippines’ military engaged in a joint training exercise in Palawan, an island near

DOH: 3 Koreans in PH negative for MERS-CoV, may have flu instead

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Poverty also prevalent

the Spratly Islands.

“Japan has shown a stronger interest in the issue than usual and taken up the issue on various occasions… We would like it to stop provoking us and try to maintain the momentum for improving our bilateral relationship,” Zhenliang added.

Although Japan and the United States are not claimant states in the disputed islands, both have expressed great concern over China’s massive and rapid land reclamation activities in the region.

With the 70th anniversary of the end of the World War II approaching, the Chinese official hoped that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would remember and learn from their militarist past and decide to

strengthen bilateral relations with neighboring countries instead.

Despite China’s calls, Japan and the Philippines continued to bolster security ties; hence, the crafting of a Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

“We have submitted a wish list to Japan, what equipment the Philippines needs urgently to boost our maritime security [in the South China Sea],” a Philippine naval officer said in a report by Reuters.

Japan, for its part, explained that although they were not claiming territories in the Spratly Islands, China’s reclamation works still had impact on the country’s security. Thus, Japan needed to take action on the matter. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) assured that the Philippines remained MERSCov free as the three South Koreans at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) in Muntinlupa City have tested negative for the said disease.

The three Koreans earlier showed symptoms of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV).

They were initially confined at the Manila Doctors Hospital but were then transferred to the RITM where they were examined.

“Lumabas na ang resulta this morning and it turned out na negative naman sila,” Department of Health spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer.

(The results were released this morning and it turned out that they were negative [for MERS].)

“Baka may trangkaso sila.

Ang importante nung tinest natin for MERS-CoV lumitaw na negatibo sila,” he added.

(They might have flu. What’s

important is that when we tested them for MERS-CoV, it appeared that they were negative [for the disease].)

The three Koreans still remained confined at the RITM as they received medication.

To ensure that MERS-CoV would not go undetected, Suy advised everyone to immediately have check-ups once they experienced symptoms of the said disease such as cough, cold and fever.

Health Secretary Janette Garin also earlier met with representatives from various hospitals to direct them to take travel history records of their patients and report any suspected cases of the disease.

Strict protocols have already been ordered for foreign travelers and returning OFWs from the Middle East, South Korea and other countries where numerous confirmed cases of the disease were recorded.

“As far as the protocol is concerned, all suspected cases will have to be subjected to laboratory testing as well,” Suy said in a CNN Philippines report.

MERS-CoV was first detected in Saudi Arabia in 2012. It has been considered as a cousin of the SARS virus. ■

Comelec bares... registration centre, where they can get a new file or record.

“But that doesn’t mean that the actual source of the biometrics data is affected. The solution here is simply to ask the registration center to make a new CD,” he explained.

Jimenez said the possible reasons why the CD was corrupted either during the process of burning, transporting or accessing it.

He added that the issue on corrupted files was uncovered during the regular management of their database.

On the other hand, Jimenez reported that over 1,700 bio❰❰ 7

metric records were discovered to have been incomplete and cannot be retrieved as Eos failed to have a back up file, which is part of their requirement.

“There have been some cases wherein...the picture or the fingerprint of the person is not that clear and since there is no back up you cannot recover the file. That totals to about 1,728,” he said.

To resolve the issue, Jimenez said, “We write to them and ask them to return to complete the system (of registration).”

He noted that the Eos who failed to do a back up of the files has already been suspended. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

13

China says PH docu on disputed territory ‘ignores facts, confuses right and wrong’

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — China is accusing the Philippines of “attempting to mislead and deceive [and] gain sympathy by cheating and [creating] the illusion of the victim” through a state-produced documentary about the South China Sea / West Philippine Sea. The three-part documentary entitled “Karapatan sa Dagat” focused on the Philippines’ claims on the disputed territory. The first episode was released on June 12, 2015 — the 117th Independence Day of the Philippines.

China’s Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying released a statement on the Ministry’s official website. Hua pointed out in the statement “the Chinese side is strongly dissatisfied with the groundless criticism by the Philippine documentary, which ignores the facts and confuses right and wrong.”

Part of the statement also reads: “China and the Philippines are long-term friends and good neighbors and have shown that they have been able to fully and properly handle the South China Sea issue through friendly consultations.”

The statement concludes by urging the Philippine government to “put first the bilateral relations and regional peace and stability, follow the trend of

‘Karapatan sa Dagat’ on location.

@LOURDDV / INSTAGRAM

the times featuring peace, development and cooperation as well as the common aspiration and expectation of the two peoples, stop provoking confrontations between the two peoples, cease all irresponsible words and deeds, come back to the right track of resolving disputes through negotiation and consultation,

and work with China to safeguard the traditional friendship between the two peoples and regional peace and stability.”

According to a Reuters report, Hua said in a press briefing that the United States should “stop making irresponsible comments which deliberately stoke

regional tensions and confrontation.”

“Karapatan sa Dagat” is hosted by multi-awarded author, musician, and TV personality Lourd de Veyra, and produced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). ■

Rights group slams judge for dismissing torture case

BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer ON THE occasion of International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, an international human rights group yesterday slammed a judge in Batangas for dismissing a torture case filed by the family of a man suffering from a mental illness who was arrested in 2012.

Amnesty International urged the government to investigate the junking of the torture complaint filed in behalf of Dave Enriquez against policemen in the southern Luzon province.

In 1997, the United Nations declared June 26 as International Day in Support of Victims of Torture to remind people that the inhuman treatment of men, women and children that happens almost everyday in police stations and places of detention all over the world, must be stopped.

One aspect that needs special attention is the provision and enforcement

of “proper mechanisms to handle suspects with mental and learning disabilities,” Amnesty International said.

The Tanauan City prosecutors’ office earlier reaffirmed a resolution dismissing the case against the policemen for insufficiency of evidence, despite a Commission on Human Rights ruling recommending the filing of torture cases against the policemen, citing independent medical reports.

Tortured by cops

Enriquez, then 23, was arrested after he was accused by his ex-boss of stealing two roosters, a charge which the victim denied. While in custody, the victim claimed he was hit by a wooden paddle by policemen and his fingers pounded with a large stapler, while four policemen banged his head against the gate of his cell.

Amnesty International said Enriquez was not allowed to meet his family or consult a lawyer, nor was he provided

with any special care for his mental con- subjected to. Some of these policemen dition. torture children, women and even peoAn initial medical examination ple with mental disabilities,” Cunanan stated he was in “essentially normal said. physical condition,” but an examinaThe Tanauan City prosecutors’ office tion conducted after the family filed a first dismissed the torture complaint complaint with the CHR showed that against one of the policemen, citing inthe victim suffered hematomas and sufficiency of evidence because of earlisoft tissue swelling in the legs, back and er medical certificates showing no signs chest. of maltreatment or physical injuries.

Gemma Cunanan, director of Amnes- The agency affirmed this in another resty International Philippines, stressed olution in May. ■ that Enriquez’s torturers must be F ill Unused Capacity brought to justice and no one should C ash Savings get away with torture.

B ill More Hours “His allegations E xtra Income of torture must be thoroughly investigated, and he If you want new customers, more sales must receive efand are looking for ways to save cash, fective remedy for call First Canadian Barter Exchange. the torture and ill 604.759.3223 / info@barterfirst.com treatment he was

www.canadianinquirer.net

14

Philippine News

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Elenita Binay moves to block Mercado testimony

BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer FORMER MAKATI City Mayor Dr. Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar Binay, yesterday moved to block an attempt by state prosecutors to present former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado as a witness against her in the Sandiganbayan antigraft court.

In an opposition her lawyers filed in the Sandigan’s Fifth Division, Dr. Binay said the reasons raised by the Ombudsman prosecutors in their request to allow Mercado to testify were “unavailing.”

She said the prosecution also failed to show “good cause” in presenting new evidence not mentioned during the pretrial conference.

Binay, 70, is on trial for the alleged overprice in the purchase of P72-million worth of office

Former Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay, wife of Vice President Jejomar 'Jojo' Binay and mother of incumbent Makati City Mayor Jun-Jun Binay.

FACEBOOK PHOTO

panel partitions for the Makati City Hall when she was mayor of the city in 1999.

Citing a previous ruling of the Supreme Court, Binay argued that no new evidence should be submitted during the trial proper “other than those iden-

tified and marked during the pretrial, except when allowed by the court for good cause shown.”

“A perusal of the prosecution’s motion reveals that the prosecution failed to provide adequate reasons, and a par-

ticular and specific demonstration of facts that will establish a good cause,” Binay said in her petition.

If the court lets the prosecution present Mercado on the witness stand, she said the rules approved by the Supreme Court on the presentation of new evidence would be “futile.”

“Worse, such admission of the prosecution demonstrates the alarming fact that the prosecution is not at all certain of the merits of the case they are prosecuting,” Binay said.

She said the prosecution “should have known all of their potential witnesses and documents during pretrial.”

In its petition, the prosecution said Mercado would testify on the authenticity of the original copy of the Commission on Audit (COA) report on the Makati City government’s financial transactions in 1999.

It filed its petition after COA

Commissioner Heidi Mendoza testified that Mercado, the Binay family’s ally-turned-accuser, came to her office in August last year and handed her the original copy of the audit report.

Mendoza said that Mercado, who has accused the Vice President and members of his family of being behind anomalous projects in Makati, told her that he was able to get hold of the report when he was vice mayor.

Mercado surrendered the copy of the COA report after learning that the case against Dr. Binay might be dismissed because the prosecution could not produce the original copy of the document, Mendoza said.

“Per existing guidelines, a party may be allowed to present a witness who is not listed in the pretrial order for good cause shown,” the prosecution said. ■

EU lifts safety ban on PH airlines, allows commercial flights

BY CATHY YAMSUAN Philippine Daily Inquirer

today from the European Air Safety List and are therefore allowed to operate in the European airspace,” EU Chargé d’ Affaires Lubomir Frebort announced at a press conference.

“This is truly breaking news since it is the first time that the entire aviation sector of one country is removed from the European Air Safety List,” Fre-

fly to the continent as well.

Meaning, even smaller and budget airlines are now allowed to operate in the EuroALL PHILIPPINE commercial pean airspace. These carriers, flights are now allowed to fly however, focus more on providto Europe, after the European ing domestic and Asian flights.

Union (EU) lifted its previous Still, EU’s decision would benban which sought assurance on efit them as European tourists the country’s compliance with now have the option of ‘using international air safety stanlow-cost carriers in the Philipdards. pines.’

After the Civil All airlines Aviation Authorwere banned in ity of the Philip2010. National pines (CAAP) All the country’s airlines also received flag carrier Philproved capable a positive review from the fiveippine Airlines of monitoring all man EU safety assessment team’s was the first to Philippine airinspection and evaluation earlier this be removed from line companies year. the list in 2013, and ensuring budget airline safety measures Cebu Pacific was are met, EU then removed from removed the the list in 2014, country’s entire aviation sector bort added. and all the other seven airlines from its European Air Safety Prior the lifting of the ban, this year.

List. only the Philippine Airlines and “After 5 years of hard work, All the country’s airlines also Cebu Pacific were allowed to we are finally able to release the received a positive review from operate direct flights to Europe. airlines certified in the Philipthe five-man EU safety assess- Now, AirAsia, AirAsia Zest, Air pines from the European Air ment team’s inspection and Philippines, Island Aviation, Safety List. The Philippines is evaluation earlier this year.

Magnum Air, Southeast Asian an important country with a “All airlines certified in the Airlines International and Ti- sizeable and rapidly growing Philippines have been removed ger Airways are also allowed to aviation sector,” EU commiswww.canadianinquirer.net

European Union

sioner for transport Violeta Bulc said.

“Today’s result can serve as an example for other countries

which have difficulty to match their safety oversight capabilities with the growth of their industry,” she added. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

15

Binay writes letters, buys ad space to answer charges

BY JOCELYN R. UY AND CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer VICE PRESIDENT Jejomar Binay has taken to writing letters and buying space in a newspaper to defend himself against the many accusations of corruption hurled against him.

One of the recipients of his eight-page letter dated June 5 was a bishop, who requested not to be identified.

In the letter that the bishop received last week, Binay belied all the issues thrown at him and his family—from the accusations made by former Makati City Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado in the Senate and the report of the Anti-Money Laundering Council on his bank accounts.

As in his previous statements, Binay denied accusations such as owning an agricultural estate in Batangas province and a log cabin in Tagaytay City; receiving kickbacks for several projects in Makati City; earning millions as the president of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines; and owning a unit at a luxury condominium.

‘Web of deceits’

He said the allegations were designed to prevent him from derailing “the ruling party’s ambition to dominate the 2016 elections and continue [its] regime of incompetence, aimless leadership, large-scale corruption, selective justice and indifference to the poor.”

Binay said the corruption charges hurled against him formed a “pattern of lies and web of deceits” orchestrated by his political detractors, who saw him as their “obstacle” in the coming balloting.

“By now it is clear that they only intend to influence perception. This is not about justice or the fight against corrup-

VP Binay's full page ad in a major newspaper in the Philippines.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER / @INQUIRERDOTNET / TWITTER

tion,” Binay said in his letter.

“What is happening in the Senate is demolition by perception, exploiting the attitude of most people to believe outright negative statements, especially against a government official,” he added.

Plunder, graft raps

A partial report of the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee investigating the alleged overprice of the Makati City Hall Building II has recommended plunder and graft charges against Binay, his son (Makati Mayor Junjun Binay), Gerry Limlingan (Binay’s finance officer) and Eduviges “Ebeng” Baloloy (Binay’s longtime secretary).

Binay said he was the target of his rivals due to his good performance in survey ratings. “As you are probably aware, my political detractors have resumed their malicious and baseless attacks against me in the media as part of their continuing efforts to bring down my survey ratings…”

In a one-page ad that appeared in a newspaper (not the Inquirer) on Monday and in a statement also issued Monday, Binay questioned the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee report prepared by Sen. Aquilino “Koko’’ Pimentel III. In the ad, the Vice President said the subcommittee report amounted to “lies, hearsay, guesswork, conjectures

www.canadianinquirer.net

and violation of law, rules and rights.” In the statement, Binay described the report as “faulty” and “uncorroborated.”

The Vice President said the subcommittee should have looked into the “truthfulness” of the statements of its resource persons, particularly Mercado who, according to Binay, said “nothing but lies and baseless accusations” at the long-running hearings.

Among the allegations that Mercado raised at the hearings but were found to be untrue, according to Binay, included the statement that he received a 13-percent kickback from infrastructure projects of Makati when he was its mayor. The Vice President said Mercado’s

claim was based on what the late city engineer Nelson Morales had allegedly told the former vice mayor.

Binay also said Mercado’s allegation that his piggery in Batangas was air-conditioned was not true as shown in the ocular inspection by subcommittee members.

The ocular inspection also failed to see Mercado’s allegation that the property had luxurious mansions and a 40-car garage, the Vice President said.

“Mr. Mercado also claims that I own the property in Rosario, Batangas. However, the bare claim of Mercado was debunked by the testimony of businessman Antonio Tiu,” Binay said.

Binay also pointed out that Mercado’s allegation that he owned a log cabin in Tagaytay Highlands and received kickbacks from Hilmarc’s Construction Corp., contractor of the Makati City Hall Building II, was denied by their owners.

Binay said the subcommittee violated the Constitution when its hearings were not in aid of legislation “but to determine his criminal liability.”

Skipping hearings

Reacting to Binay’s ad against his subcommittee report, Pimentel said Binay should have just attended the Senate hearings.

“Instead of appearing before the subcommittee, he had to spend a lot of money,” Pimentel told reporters in a phone patch interview. “Let’s ask him why he has to spend.”

The senator said Binay might have decided to come out with an ad because he was feeling the effects of the findings of the subcommittee report. ■

Opinion

16

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

AS I SEE IT

Bongbong open to Marcos-Poe team

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer IT WAS an all-star cast at last Monday’s Kapihan sa Manila at the Diamond Hotel led by Sen. Bongbong Marcos. The other guests were Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chair Erineo Maliksi, Rep. Winston Castelo of Quezon City, University of the Philippines law professor Harry Roque, and Rep. Jerome Paras.

Asked about the substitute bill on the Bangsamoro Basic Law that he said he would soon submit to the Senate, Marcos said it would have none of the unconstitutional provisions in the original bill. Indeed, why pass a bill at all that would ultimately be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court? Think of all the time, effort and money that would be wasted. He cited the agreement signed years ago in Kuala Lumpur by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that was eventually declared unconstitutional by the high court.

Marcos said the opt-in provision in the original bill would have to go as many Mindanaoans themselves are protesting it. That provision allows local government units outside the

future Bangsamoro to file a petition agency, including an increase in the townspeople. to be included in it with the signa- income of the small town lottery *** tures of only 10 percent of the regis- (STL) so that more funds can be givCongressman Castelo, who chairs tered voters (not the population). en to charity. The PCSO helps poor the House committee on transporta“We have already voted twice patients pay for their medical bills. tion, said it is working on ways to ease against inclusion in two plebiscites,” It spends P18 million a day for them, traffic congestion in urban areas like said the protesters. “Why include “but that is not enough, we need Metro Manila. He said the problem us in a petition by a mere 10 percent more,” he said. is caused by too little efficient public of the voters? That’s no democracy The STL was set up as a means to transportation in these areas. where the majority rules. What’s stop “jueteng,” but it is turning out There are too many buses runmore, the petition for inclusion can that it is the illegal numbers game ning on Edsa that run half-empty be made again and again every year. that is stopping the STL. Maliksi said but contribute to the congestion, There will be a ‘creeping encroach- there are moves to make the STL waste precious fuel, and pollute ment’ by the Bangsamoro on contig- more competitive: more and better- the air with their exhausts, Castelo uous territories that said. The people have already voted prefer the Metro Asked if he intended to run for president, Marcos replied: against inclusion in Rail Transit (MRT) “Maybe yes, maybe not. I am keeping my options open.” plebiscites.” because it is faster, Asked if he inbut the trains are tended to run for president, Marcos paid collectors going from house to too crowded because there are not replied: “Maybe yes, maybe not. I am house to collect bets; public draw- enough of them running due to frekeeping my options open.” ing of winning numbers (unlike in quent breakdowns. As a result, peoAsked if he would be open to a jueteng, where the draw is made in ple buy cars that congest the streets team-up with Sen. Grace Poe next secret); bigger prizes; more benefits even more. Every year, more than year, Marcos laughed and admitted to local government units that would 200,000 new cars are sold, most of that there is an urban legend that he be visible to the people so they would them in Metro Manila, but there are and Poe are siblings. “We have come bet in the STL instead of in jueteng; no new streets added. to accept that,” he said. “In fact, in the a percentage of the profits going to Castelo said a law may be passed Senate, I call her ‘sis’ and she calls me policemen and other municipal em- like those in Tokyo, Singapore, New ‘kuya,’” ployees so they won’t have to accept York and other cities where motor*** bribes from jueteng operators; etc. ists will not be able to buy a vehicle PCSO Chair Maliksi talked about In other words, the more the STL unless they can prove that they the reforms he is planning in the makes, the more benefits to the have a garage to put it in. The nar-

row streets are constricted even further by too many vehicles parked on them, the lawmaker said. More parking areas are what Metro Manila needs most.

Provincial buses will be banned from cities. They will have terminals outside city limits, and city buses will take the passengers inside.

For added public transportation, Castelo said a subway would be built in the metropolis. Plus there will be more MRT trains next year. He also said Congress would allot more funds for the construction of more streets and for the rehabilitation of the Philippine National Railways. *** Professor Roque said he believes the Philippines will win in the international arbitration court in its fight with China over the islets in the West Philippine Sea. Even if China does not participate in the case, the court can still render a decision, he said.

But how can it enforce the decision against China? Roque was asked.

He replied: There have been earlier cases where one party did not take part in the trial but the arbitration court still rendered a decision and world public opinion forced that party to accept the decision. ■

PUBLIC LIVES

The ‘satisfied’ in surveys

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer IN MY column last Thursday (“The ‘undecided’ in opinion surveys”), I made the point that many questions asked in surveys are on issues so complex that a conscientious respondent would not be able to truthfully answer them. The result quite often, I said, is the large number of “undecided” respondents—a phenomenon that may take forms other than the explicit “don’t know” or “neutral” response.

My impression is that opinion polls have devoted too much attention to fine-tuning their sampling and weighting techniques and too little to formulating the right questions.

We know that they are measuring “something”—something that seems to vary across groups and over time.

But just what that is is difficult to say.

The most recent reports of both the Social Weather Stations and Pulse Asia Research, the country’s leaders in opinion polling, illustrate the point I am trying to make here. The SWS survey, conducted in early June, confirms the finding earlier reported by Pulse Asia—i.e., the remarkable improvement in Vice President Jejomar Binay’s public satisfaction (approval) ratings. Pulse Asia uses the term “approve” (aprobado), while SWS prefers

the word “satisfied” (nasisiyahan). performance rating has registered a talagang aprobado, aprobado, maaarBut they more or less refer to the significant increase even when public ing aprobado at maaaring hindi aprosame thing: the public’s assessment of support for his presidential bid has bado, hindi aprobado, o talagang hindi a government official’s performance been declining. That is the puzzle. aprobado kay (name) sa kanyang pagof his or her duties.

All this brings me to the crucial ganap bilang (position) o wala pa kayThe Vice President’s latest public issue: What exactly are the surveys ong narinig, nabasa, o napanood na approval or satisfaction ratings have getting at when they tell people to kahit na ano tungkol sa kanya kahit na come under closer scrutiny this time respond to the kind of questions they kailan?” than in the past mainly because they pose to them? This is what SWS asks Note the last phrase in both quesdo not appear to jibe with the continu- its respondents: “Maaari po bang pak- tions—a probe on the respondent’s ing decline in his presidential prefer- isabi ninyo kung kayo ay nasisiyahan awareness. Unfortunately, it is not ence ratings for the same period. SWS o hindi sa pagganap ng tungkulin ni awareness of the public official’s pershows an improvement of 11 percent (name of official) bilang (position) ng formance of his or her duties that in Binay’s June 2015 “net satisfac- Pilipinas? Kayo ba ay lubos na nasisi- is explicitly being probed here, but tion” rating, compared to his rating yahan, medyo nasisiyahan, hindi tiyak mere awareness of the official’s presin March. Pulse Asia ence in the media. registers the same Let us imagine ourIf I’m not mistaken, this is the first time the Vice President’s trend: a 12-percent selves being asked positive performance rating has registered a significant increase rise in Binay’s “apthe same question even when public support for his presidential bid has been declining. proval” rating from with regard to Vice That is the puzzle. the last quarter.

President Binay’s People are wonperformance in the dering how these numbers can be kung nasisiyahan o hindi, medyo hindi last three months. reconciled with Binay’s 2-percent nasisiyahan, lubos na hindi nasisiyahFirst of all, it makes little sense to drop in SWS’s presidential preference an, o wala pa kayong narinig o nabasa rate the performance of a vice presiquestion, and the 7-percent decline in kahit na kailan tungkol kay (name of dent as vice president, given that the public support for his presidential bid official)?” function of this position is largely in Pulse Asia’s survey for the same peThe Pulse Asia formulation is not that of a spare tire. In VP Binay’s case, riod. The quick answer that has been much different: “Mayroon ako ritong it would make more sense to assess given is that these numbers reflect mga pangalan ng ilang mga opisyal ng him in his role as presidential adviser responses to two different questions. ating pamahalaan. on overseas Filipino workers’ affairs But then, one can look at the correlaPakisabi ninyo ang inyong opinyon or as chair of the Housing and Urban tion between these two ratings over tungkol sa pagganap nila ng kanilang Development Coordinating Countime. If I’m not mistaken, this is the tungkulin nitong huling tatlong bu- cil (HUDCC). In this regard, it might first time the Vice President’s positive wan. (Show rating board) Kayo ba ay be worth probing, for instance, how

www.canadianinquirer.net

much the public knows of Binay’s duties as HUDCC chair. My guess is: not much.

How many would even be aware that the HUDCC chair presides over the boards of six government shelter agencies: Pag-Ibig or Home Development Mutual Fund, National Housing Authority, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, Home Guaranty Corporation, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation, and Social Housing Finance Corporation? A fair question to ask might thus be: What new policy initiatives or achievements in housing have we seen during VP Binay’s 5-year stay as HUDCC chair? I wonder how many respondents have even the vaguest idea.

Without this elementary awareness, this rating is baseless insofar as it purports to be a measure of public approval or satisfaction with a government official’s performance.

What, then, does this artifact of public opinion represent? In all probability, it represents a general emotional predisposition toward a person or an institution. Call it implicit trust or call it something else, but to portray it as though it were an objective indicator of the public’s approval or satisfaction with a government official’s performance of his or her functions is simply unwarranted.” ■

Opinion

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

17

LOOKING BACK

Aguinaldo’s false hopes

By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer WHEN in Singapore I always visit the Asian Civilizations Museum to look at its Philippine artifacts, then I make my way to the lawn in front of the building to visit the memorial to Rizal’s visits to the Lion City.

Weather permitting, I also pay my respects to a bronze elephant that Thai King Chulalongkorn gave Singapore in 1871 as a remembrance of his visit.

Rizal mentioned this elephant in his travel diary, so gazing at it forms a link between the hero and me.

Each time I leave Singapore, though, I always resolve to return and find the place where Emilio Aguinaldo stayed in April 1898 to evade a lawsuit in Hong Kong over revolutionary funds that some greedy individuals wanted withdrawn and divided among themselves. Since I cannot find a Singapore address for Aguinaldo’s visit, the next best thing would be to locate the house of US Consul Edward Spencer Pratt, who made Aguinaldo believe that by cooperating with the US Naval Squadron under George Dewey against the Spaniards, the independence of the

Philippines would follow.

It was Pratt who sought Aguinaldo through Howard Bray, an Englishman who had previously lived in the Philippines. They held two secret meetings; one was held in the US consulate, with Pratt being so impressed with Aguinaldo that he arranged the latter’s return to the Philippines with Dewey who was then in Hong Kong.

Dewey agreed and sent a telegram to Pratt that read: “Tell Aguinaldo come soon as possible.” Later, in a congressional hearing, Dewey was dismissive, saying that the squadron left for the Philippines without Aguinaldo, who followed later on a US vessel.

Early in the evening of June 8, 1898, a group of Filipinos serenaded Pratt in the US consulate that was described as simply furnished. On Pratt’s desk, beside a small American flag, the grateful Filipinos placed a framed photograph of Aguinaldo.

Pratt delivered a response that was reported a few days later in the Singapore press, and that said in part: “When, six weeks ago, I learned General Aguinaldo had arrived incognito in Singapore I immediately sought him out. An hour’s interview convinced me that he was the man for the

occasion, and having communicated with Admiral Dewey, I accordingly arranged for him to join the latter…”

Immediately after the serenade in Singapore, Pratt wrote Aguinaldo, saying: “All is coming to pass as I had hoped and predicted and it is now being shown that I was right in arranging for your cooperation with Admiral Dewey, and equally right in asking that you are given the support and entrusted with the confidence of the American government. I trust that I shall next have the pleasure of congratulating you upon the capture of Manila and when that occurs let me ask that you will send me some historic memento of the place and the incident, such as the flag or keys of the Ciudad or principal fortress, in souvenir of our meeting at Singapore and of the important results which have ensued.”

When Spanish Manila surrendered on Aug. 13, 1898, the Filipinos were left out. At that point, it was clear that Philippine independence from Spain was a broken promise.

A declaration of independence was made from the window of Aguinaldo’s home in Kawit, Cavite, on June

12, 1898, but actual independence and recognition as a free and independent nation would come much later, on July 4, 1946.

What Aguinaldo did not know in 1898 was that Pratt was reprimanded for making public his actions regarding the Filipinos. He was reprimanded by the US State Department and instructed: “Avoid unauthorized negotiations with Philippine insurgents.” In a letter dated June 17, 1898, and signed by the US Secretary of State himself, Pratt was given a long dressing down part of which reads: “The Department observes that you informed General Aguinaldo that you had no authority to speak for the United States; and, in absence of the fuller report you promise, it is assumed that you did not attempt to commit this Government to any alliance with Philippine insurgents. To obtain the unconditional personal assistance of General Aguinaldo in the expedition to Manila was proper, if in so doing he was not induced to form hopes which it might not be practicable to gratify.

“This Government has known the Philippine insurgents only as discontented and rebellious subjects

of Spain, and is not acquainted with their purposes… [T]hey have neither asked nor received from this Government any recognition… The United States, in entering upon the occupation of the islands … will do so in the exercise which the state of war confers, and will expect [obedience] from the inhabitants…

“In the course of your conferences with General Aguinaldo, you acted upon the assumption that this Government would cooperate with him for the furtherance of any plan of his own, or that in accepting his cooperation, it would consider itself pledged to recognize any political claims which he may put forward. Your action was unauthorized and cannot be approved.”

Aguinaldo pinned his hopes on the unauthorized promises of Pratt who was later dismissed from the US consular service. The US consul in Cavite and Dewey kept Aguinaldo’s cooperation by playing on his false hopes. On July 4, Philippine-American Friendship Day, we should remember that the United States came to colonize the Philippines in 1898, not to recognize the independence declared on June 12. ■

When one of the policemen tried attempts to suspend him from his ment official to act? to prevent a Binay supporter (report- duties—had been made some months Again, the incidents at Makati City edly the sister of Binay’s wife, Dr. El- back, with similar results due to the Hall would seem to give us a taste of enita Binay) from entering City Hall, threat of violence. what a Binay presidency could be the Vice President grabbed the offiBut this is the first time the Vice like, one where mob rule and the arcer by the collar and blocked his way. President himself has jumped into rogance of an individual (and of a Despite the melee, the police stood the fray, physically manhandling family) would hold sway over the law their ground in the face of the pro- duly-constituted authority who were and decency.

Binay crowd’s hostility. there, as they protested, merely to I can only hope voters take away More scuffles ensued yesterday keep order and to prevent the out- the right messages from this fracas, morning, with eight people, three of break of violence. Who knew, indeed, keeping the image of a battling Binay them policemen, injured as officials that the second highest official of the in mind when they fill out their balof the Department of Interior and land would himself initiate a physical lots.

Local Government *** tried to serve the Lost amid the I can only hope voters take away the right messages from this suspension order noise and heat of the fracas, keeping the image of a battling Binay in mind when they fill on Mayor Binay and run-up to the elecout their ballots. the family’s suptions was the passporters retaliated ing of Lang Dulay, by hurling chairs and scuffling with attack and launch himself against the 91, an exemplar of T’boli culture who, the authorities. police? with her artistry in T’nalak weaving Perhaps, even as you read this, the It would be comical if it weren’t and her passion to pass on the art to standoff at Makati City Hall contin- so shocking. Granted, Binay was her descendants and younger generues, with the threat of even more vio- provoked, his courage and daring no ations of T’boli, assured that this art lence rising and putting everybody doubt bolstered by the presence of a form would outlive her. on edge. sympathetic crowd and of a watchful In a tribute to Lang Dulay, Sen. *** media. But he is still, after all, a public Loren Legarda, who has taken the The order for the suspension of the official and sworn to uphold the law. championing of Philippine heritage Makati mayor, it must be stressed, is This, even if he has already distanced and culture as a personal crusade, the result of an order of the Office himself from P-Noy, the administra- filed a resolution at the Senate exof the Ombudsman finding cause to tion, and the administration party. pressing “profound sympathy and remove him from office while the inWas it simply a way for Binay to sincere condolences on the death vestigation of the corruption charges gain “pogi points,” proving his macho of Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan lodged against him is ongoing. Re- appeal and derring-do? But is that Awardee and National Living Treamember that similar charges—and any way for a responsible govern- sure Master Dreamweaver Lang Du-

lay.”

In a statement, Legarda declared that “as much as we raise concerns over the loss of our tangible heritage, we should also lament … irreplaceable individuals, such as Lang Dulay, who carry with them our DNA, our cultural identity. They are the keepers of our intangible heritage, we must appreciate them before they are gone.” *** Indeed, not all our artists and artisans, our geniuses and keepers of heritage, are appreciated and rewarded while they are alive. Many languish in obscurity, their works passed off as mere “crafts,” or else dismissed for being “crude” or “simple.”

But it is from such beginnings that we move on to greater heights. It is from the naive and the seemingly simple that we gain an understanding of ourselves and ground ourselves in our history and identity.

Individuals like Lang Dulay may have been viewed as “just” craftspeople through most of their lives. But their devotion to their art, and more importantly, their determination to keep it alive and flourishing among the young, ensures their continuing legacy long after they have passed away. To them we owe our gratitude as a nation. ■

AT LARGE

The battling Binay

By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer WELL, this certainly marks a new low in Philippine politics. While not exactly exalted in the past, the incidents at Makati City Hall have plunged the reputation of local politics, and of politicians, to an embarrassing nadir.

Reports have it that police are planning to file charges against Vice President Jejomar Binay, the new “leader of the opposition,” for physical injury, direct assault on a person of authority, oral defamation and grave threats.

The planned action stems from an “encounter” between Binay and Senior Supt. Elmer Jamias and his men belonging to the Southern Police District.

Supposedly deployed to keep order at Makati City Hall, the site of a protest gathering of Binay supporters who were bent on thwarting the serving of suspension orders on Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, only son of the VP, Jamias and his men were instead confronted by the Vice President, who demanded that the police personnel leave. In the course of this confrontation, according to Jamias, the older Binay berated him and his men, even yanking some policemen by the collar and uttering more insults.

www.canadianinquirer.net

18

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Canada News

Toronto Pride parade sees politicians, celebrities unite despite downpours

BY ADAM MILLER The Canadian Press

noticeably absent at this year’s event as light showers drenched crowds throughout the day.

Elton John’s husband David Furnish, an east-end Toronto native and filmmaker, was the grand marshal of the festivities.

“It’s a real honour to be asked and to come back to my home city where I grew up and to

big decision that happened in America on Friday,” he said, referring to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that made sameTORONTO — Cold temperasex marriage a right across the tures and a constant drizzle United States. didn’t seem to dampen spirits “It just feels very meaningful at Toronto’s 35th annual Pride to be here right now.” parade, which brought together Furnish, 52, said things have a diverse group of celebrities, changed since his days growpoliticians and ing up in the city, people from all adding that he is walks of life. “overwhelmed Huge crowds by how it’s lined Toronto’s So it’s important to be here to changed.”

Yonge Street to celebrate the landmark of how far “If you were watch the pawe’ve come but also to pay it forward gay in your 20s rade which was and help all the people that need our and 30s in Tothemed “Come support. ronto when I was out and Play,” growing up it was waving flags, very much being dressing up part of a ghetto, in outrageous costumes and see so much change, so much part of a fringe society,” he said. proudly displaying their pride positive change, and to see the “You’re excluded, you’re on the in what has traditionally been whole city turning out to sup- outskirts, there was no integrathe largest event of its kind in port people on this iconic week tion and when you see the way the country. Water fights were and particularly in light of the the entire city of Toronto now

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau races through the crowds at the Toronto Gay Pride Parade.

FACEBOOK

embraces everybody collectively it’s an amazing and powerful thing.”

Furnish said Canada had a “huge impact” on the world by introducing the Civil Marriage Act, which passed exactly 10 years ago to the day, but said while the progress being made

toward LGBTQ acceptance is encouraging, it was like “tipping dominos” one at a time.

“We have to keep tipping them over until we have the entire world free of homophobia and we have LGBTQ people ❱❱ PAGE 26 Toronto Pride

An increase of the Government of Canada’s Universal Child Care Benefit offers Canadian families: • $1,920 every year for each child under 6— an increase from $100 to $160 each month • $720 every year for each child 6 through 17— a new $60 per month!

It doesn’t matter how much you make. Every family with children under 18 qualifies. Payments start July 20 and are retroactive to January 1, 2015.

Find out if you need to apply at Canada.ca/TaxSavings

MORE MONE Y FOR E VERY FAMILY WITH CHILDREN 6066_ESDC_UCCB_Post_ENG03_CR.indd 1

www.canadianinquirer.net

2015-06-22 1:04 PM

Canada News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

19

NDP leader calls on Harper to defend Missing Ontario hikers supply management ‘in its entirety’ turn up alive after a week in B.C. backcountry

BY KRISTY KIRKUP The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper should defend supply management “in its entirety” during negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership, says NDP leader Tom Mulcair.

Harper’s most recent remarks on the trade talks have created uncertainty for Canadian egg, poultry and dairy producers, Mulcair writes in a letter to the prime minister.

Supply management relies on marketing boards to control domestic production of eggs, milk, cheese and poultry and high import tariffs to protect against foreign producers.

“I am urging you to commit to defending supply management in its entirety and reassure Canadians that it will be protected in all future negotiations,” Mulcair writes in the letter, sent late last week.

“Concessions in supply management sectors could have profoundly negative effects on our regional economies.”

Mulcair also stressed the importance of the policy in his home province.

“In Quebec alone, nearly 7,000 family farms exist and prosper thanks to supply management, which also accounts for 92,000 jobs and 43 per cent of total agricultural revenue.”

Last Thursday, Harper said Canada is “working to protect” the supply management system while it participates in the trade talks.

“I believe these negotiations are going to establish what will become the basis of the international trading network in the Asia Pacific. It is essential in my view that Canada be part of that — that the Canadian economy be part of that,” Harper said.

“At the same time, we are

BY GEORDON OMAND The Canadian Press

Tom Mulcair.

working ■ to protect our system of supply management and our farmers in other sectors.”

Max Moncaster, a spokesman for Trade Minister Ed Fast, denied media reports from last week that said the government was prepared to make concessions on supply management.

“Our government is committed to defending our system of supply management,” he said in a statement.

“Unlike Thomas Mulcair, who has consistently opposed Canada’s free trade agreements and advocated against Canada’s economic interests on the world stage, our government will continue to promote Canadian trade interests across all sectors of our economy, including supply management.”

The TPP is currently being negotiated by 12 countries including Canada, Australia, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam.

SCREENGRAB FROM CANUCKS POLITICS

The government says TPP countries represent 792 million people and a combined GDP of $28.1 trillion, which is about 40 per cent of the global economy.

One of the central complaints from opposition parties has been the secrecy surrounding the talks, which have gone on behind closed doors.

The government has also faced strong opposition from dairy and poultry farmers who want supply management preserved.

Some groups, including the Dairy Farmers of Canada, have expressed concerns about how the trade deal could increase access to the Canadian dairy market.

In a 2014 report, the Conference Board of Canada said supply management “effectively transfers resources from poorer Canadians to wealthier Canadians” and called for the policy to be dismantled or dramatically retooled. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

erwise they’re in surprisingly good condition.”

Berry said the pair built a shelter in a heavily wooded drainage KEREMEOS, B.C. — Search- basin and hunkered down to be and-rescue crews were shocked rescued after becoming disoriwhen an Ontario couple miss- ented and realizing they were ing for seven days walked out lost. But they escaped detection of the backcountry in southern by rescue crews.

British Columbia.

“They were in an area where, Lynne Carmody, 61, and Rick despite multiple flights by heMoynan, 59, of North Bay, Ont., licopter, by fixed-wing aircraft turned up virtually unharmed and searchers in close proxon Sunday around 4 p.m., just imity, they were not able to be hours before crews were going seen,” he said. to call off the search for them.

“Last night they were close “We had actuenough they ally just finished were actually meeting with the able to see the cofamily and flying lour of the rope the family into we were using to the mountains to They’re extract teams out really have a last dehydrated, of the field by hegoodbye,” said pretty buglicopter.”

Paul Berry of Cobitten and The pair evenmox Search and bruised. tually left their Rescue. shelter and stumCarmody and bled across resMoynan were cuers very close reported missto where they ing last week started their hike after going for a day hike in a week earlier, said Berry.

Cathedral Provincial Park in He said their reappearance the South Okanagan Monday was very emotional for both morning. rescue crews and the couple’s Crews launched a rescue op- family. eration after the pair failed to The two were flown to hospiturn up that evening as planned tal in Penticton, B.C., for a preat a park lodge where they were cautionary assessment. vacationing.

Berry said the pair did well to More than 300 people took stay put but emphasized that part in the search effort, which they were dangerously unpreinvolved 19 teams from across pared for their trek into the the province, as well as officials backcountry. from B.C. Parks, the B.C. AmHe encouraged hikers to carbulance Service and the RCMP. ry proper navigational equipThe search area covered more ment and survival gear whenthan 200 square kilometres. ever they head into the bush.

“They’re dehydrated, pretty “It’s a very, very good news bug-bitten and bruised from all story for them but they don’t of the deadfall and rocks they all end like this when people go had to crawl through,” said Ber- that unprepared into the backry on Sunday evening. “But oth- country,” said Berry. ■

20

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Trudeau says Liberal government would bolster National Energy Board reviews

BY ADAM MILLER The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau says restoring a “gutted” environmental review process would be part of his vision for strengthening Canada’s economy.

Trudeau pledged on Monday to “put some teeth” back into the National Energy Board as one of the Liberals’ top priorities if he unseats Prime Minister Stephen Harper in October.

The board, which regulates construction and operation of oil pipelines as part of its mandate, has been criticized for whittling down public input while reviewing some projects after the Conservative government amended its act in 2012.

Trudeau said the Liberals would overhaul the NEB assessment process to include more consultation with aboriginal groups and increased analysis of greenhouse gas emissions for proposed projects such as new pipelines.

“This government has chosen to be a cheerleader instead of a referee on is-

Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau.

sues like this,” Trudeau told reporters while standing before a backdrop of the ocean and ships at Jericho Beach.

He cited Enbridge’s proposed Northern Gateway pipeline, which would see Alberta crude flow westward to Kitimat,

*

**

Remit successfully in PNB and get a raffle entry for a chance to win one ( 1 ) free Philippine Airlines roundtrip ticket to the Philippines and two ( 2 ) Philippine Airlines domestic roundtrip tickets. One successful remittance = one raffle entry.

Refer to the Terms and Conditions for the number of winners per country.

All Philippine domestic destinations are included except the following: Basco, Busuanga, and Caticlan.

Visit www.pnb.com.ph for the complete Terms and Conditions.

Follow PNB Canada on facebook to know about the latest promos, products and services.

 Wilson PNBRCC Branches: British Columbia

British Columbia

Manitoba

Ontario Branches

☎ 604-737-4944 604-737-4948

☎ 604-581-6762 604-581-6299

☎ 204-697-8860 204-697-8865

☎ 905-896-8010 ☎ 905-268-0580 905-896-9338

 Vancouver Branch  Surrey Branch  Winnipeg Branch  Mississauga

☎ 416-630-1400 416-630-1406

 Sherbourne  Scarborough ☎ 416-960-9231 ☎ 416-960-8004 416-960-8688

☎ 416-293-5438 ☎ 416-293-8758 416-293-7376

Global Remit

www.pnb.com.ph/rcc/

Institute in welcoming Trudeau’s commitments to including upstream carbon emissions in his proposed amendments to the environmental review process.

At least one industry group, the Canadian Electricity Association, said it was pleased with the Liberal platform.

Association president Sergio Marchi said he was “heartened” that Trudeau picked up on policy suggestions the group sent to all the federal parties.

“Full marks for listening and acting,” said Marchi, who is a former Liberal cabinet minister.

A spokesman for Enbridge said the company is committed to protecting the province’s natural environment.

“We know that safe shipping is of the utmost importance to our province’s coastal communities,” Ivan Giesbrecht said in a statement, adding that EnTRUDEAU'S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE bridge is meeting conditions set by the National Energy Board and federal and B.C. B.C. governments.

“Everyone here in B.C. knows the He said “the independent examinaGreat Bear Rainforest is not a place for tion of the Northern Gateway Project an oil pipeline,” he said of the name was based on sound science and fact, given by environmentalists to a 6.4-mil- and is the most thorough and comprelion-hectare area stretching along the hensive in Canadian history.” coast north of Vancouver Island.

The Conservative party criticized “If Mr. Harper had actually listened Trudeau’s platform, saying he “does not or understood B.C. in the slightest, he understand” the implications of some of would have said that his policies, though from the get-go and it did not mention saved an awful lot of Trudeau’s plan to people a lot of time, revamp the environa lot of effort and a mental review prolot of money,” he said cess. of all sides involved The New Demoin the controversial Any new crats said the Liberal project. assessment leader’s announceGroups including must include an ment contained ForestEthics Advoexplicit climate “few details” but cacy called some of test, along borrowed plenty of Trudeau’s proposals the lines of policies from its own a “good first step,” what President platform. but argued the NEB (Barack) Obama The Liberal enviprocess would still included in the ronmental platform need to be beefed up Keystone XL also includes pledges further. process. to: “Any new assess-- Work with the ment must include provinces to map out an explicit climate a plan to reduce Cantest, along the lines ada’s collective carof what President bon footprint within (Barack) Obama in90 days of taking ofcluded in the Keyfice by putting a price stone XL process,” on carbon pollution. said Karen Mahon, the group’s director.

-- Invite premiers across the country ForestEthics also lauded the Liberals’ to join Trudeau at the United Nations proposal to formalize a tanker ban in Climate Change Conference in Paris at northern British Columbia as the “final the end of this year. nail in the coffin” for the Northern Gate-- Increase the amount of protected way pipeline. marine and coastal areas to five per cent However, Greenpeace Canada said it by 2017, and 10 per cent by 2020. was disappointed in a platform it dubbed -- Cancel admission fees at national “too weak, vague.” parks in 2017 to commemorate Canada’s But the group joined the Pembina 150th anniversary. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

Canada News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

Ramadan dinner at PM’s house sign of increased influence of Muslim vote

BY STEPHANIE LEVITZ The Canadian Press

onside with the Conservatives anyway.

A 2011 online poll by Ipsos Reid suggested 46 per cent of Muslims who cast a ballot in that year’s election voted for the OTTAWA — This spring, 21 Toronto-ar- Liberals, while 38 per cent voted NDP. ea imams used a Friday sermon for a sinTwo recent decisions by the Liberals gular message — the need for Muslims to might prompt a shift this time, said Alia vote in the federal election this fall.

Hogben, of the Canadian Council for The decision to make the unprecedent- Muslim Women, a non-partisan group ed political pitch — imams generally shy that is preparing to focus its energies on away from politics — was spurred by new making sure more Muslims vote this fall. research showing a record half million The first was the party’s support for Bill Muslims are now eligible to cast a ballot.

C-51, the government’s anti-terror legisSo, the prime minister’s decision lation that critics say hampers civil liberlast week to host an iftar, the meal that ties. The second was that party’s support breaks the daily Rafor a bill dealing with madan fast, was seen polygamy, under-age as an acknowledgand forced marriage, ment the potential called the Zero Tolerheft of the commuBut traditionally, ance for Barbaric Culnity isn’t going unpolls suggest tural Practices Act. noticed by politicians most Muslim The title of the bill either. voters haven’t was seen as deliberThat the acknowlhistorically been ately provocative by edgment came as onside with the many ethnic commupart of Ramadan Conservatives nities, and while the was significant, said anyway.

Liberals had spoken Ihsaan Gardee, the out against it, they executive director of voted in favour of the the National Council law. of Canadian Muslims.

“This was discouraging,” Hogben said.

“Ramadan is a time to renew our com“I don’t know if it’s going to be a clear mitment to our shared values, princi- cut choice, maybe on other issues but ples like respect, tolerance and unity, by certainly not on those ones.” reaching out to our friends and neighThere are segments of the commubours and other communities,” he said. nity attracted to the Tories by virtue of “Nonetheless, the iftar event certainly that party’s approach to family values came as a surprise given the track record and other conservative principles, acof rhetoric and action that has alienated cording to economist Daood Hamdani, and marginalized Canadian Muslim who wrote the study that prompted the communities.” imams to unite this spring.

A perceived failure to reach out to But the economy is also likely to be a Muslims in the wake of the jihadi-linked major ballot box question — the rate of October 2014 attacks — including one on unemployment among Muslims is 13.6 Parliament Hill — as well as the debate per cent, six points higher than the naover wearing face coverings at citizen- tional average, his research found. ship ceremonies are two issues casting Many Muslim newcomers to Canada a pall over the relationship between the also find themselves dramatically unConservatives and the Muslim commu- deremployed, while Canadian-born nity.

Muslims (who now outnumber those But while turnout among the Muslim born abroad) struggle as well. community is believed to be lower than Sixteen of the 23 ridings with electorthe rest of the population, if the num- ally significant Muslim populations are bers increase this October, Muslims in Ontario, five are in Quebec and two could influence the results in 23 ridings, are in Alberta. most in the highly coveted Greater ToIn addition to demographics, what ronto Area. will make Muslims a more powerful Conservatives managed to capture voting force in this election is their own many of those ridings in 2011 to nab awareness, Hamdani said. their majority victory and some privateSo both the messages from the imams ly acknowledge their relationship with in Toronto and even the dinner at 24 Muslims may be in need of repair before Sussex will help, he said. this fall’s vote.

“The hard facts and the strength the But traditionally, polls suggest most community has — this will generate Muslim voters haven’t historically been higher voter turnout,” he said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

21

22

World News

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Tunisia struggles to find balanced response to terror

BY PAUL SCHEMM AND BOUAZZA BEN BOUAZZA The Associated Press TUNIS, TUNISIA — Tunisia has reason to fear a terror attack. The only democracy that emerged from the turmoil of the 2011 Arab Spring has seen more of its young men join the Islamic State group than any other nation, and many have returned, battle-hardened, to spread radical ideologies back home. It’s also a country full of vulnerable targets, with an economy that depends on welcoming European tourists to its warm Mediterranean shore.

Despite having so much at stake, the shocking slayings of 22 tourists at the national museum in March failed to persuade lawmakers to resolve their debate over an anti-terror strategy proposed more than a year earlier. Only now — after a single jihadi from a gritty Tunisian town was able to kill 38 tourists at a seaside resort — does the government appear ready to launch a comprehensive response.

“We decided today to pass the counter-terrorism law before Republic Day

on July 25,” Parliament President Mohamed Ennaceur said while visiting survivors of Friday’s attack at a hospital.

“We will be after the government to take the necessary measures in all areas to fight against terrorism.”

The new anti-terrorism law would increase police powers and provide for harsher penalties, moves that worry human rights activists. It also would create a commission to devise a strategy to tackle the roots of terrorism by addressing terror’s economic and social causes, and creating “de-radicalization” centers to change minds through persuasion, not prison.

The law has been stuck in committees since it was first proposed in January 2014 as leaders of the coalition government sought to balance reform and repression. That’s a difficult challenge in any democracy, even more so in a country that knew only one-party rule for 50 years before the overthrow of dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. In the security vacuum that followed the fall of his police state, ultraconservative Islamic groups flourished, and ❱❱ PAGE 24 Tunisia struggles

A Shinkansen Bullet Train of Kyushu in Kumamoto, Japan.

PEERAPONG W.AUSSAWA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

2 dead after man sets self on fire on Japanese bullet train

BY KEN ARAGAKI AND MARI YAMAGUCHI The Associated Press ODAWARA, JAPAN — A man riding a Japanese high-speed bullet train set himself on fire Tuesday, killing himself and another passenger as the coach filled with smoke, a fire official said.

At least 26 other people were injured, three seriously, mostly from smoke inhalation, Odawara Fire Department official Ikutaro Torii said.

The man’s motive wasn’t clear.

The passenger poured an oil-like substance over his head before setting himself on fire, authorities said. Kyodo News service reported that he used a lighter. Officials said the fire was at the front of the first car in the train, which was heading from Tokyo to Osaka.

“I said to myself, ‘This is bad!’“ said Takeo Inariyama, a 54-year-old businessman traveling in the second car. “I saw everyone running toward me and smoke coming. Also the smell (of smoke) filled the car. So I felt my life was in danger.”

The train stopped on the outskirts of Odawara city, about 80 kilometers (50 miles) west of Tokyo, when a passenger pressed an emergency button after finding someone collapsed on the floor near a restroom at the back of the first car, a transport ministry official said on condition of anonymity, citing department rules.

The passenger on the floor, a woman, was later pronounced dead, reportedly from inhaling smoke.

Crew members rushed to extinguish the fire, said Kengo Sasaoka, a spokesman for Central Japan Railway Co., which operates the bullet train between

www.canadianinquirer.net

Tokyo and Osaka.

TBS television broadcast a video of passengers evacuating the smoke-filled coach, some coughing, others covering their faces with towels and handkerchiefs.

Witnesses provided somewhat varying accounts to Japanese networks.

One passenger, in a telephone interview with TBS, said the man approached him when he was standing outside the driver’s compartment and told him to stay away because it would be dangerous, then poured an orange-colored liquid over himself.

Public broadcaster NHK quoted a 58-year-old businessman as saying the man walked up and down the aisle a few times before returning with a plastic container that splashed a liquid on the businessman’s shoulder as he walked by.

The man then started dumping the liquid on the floor, and the businessman quickly left as he smelled gasoline, he said.

Bringing hazardous materials on public transportation is prohibited, but there is no way of checking, railway analyst Reizo Kawashima told NHK. Bullet train service between Tokyo and Osaka was suspended for about two and a half hours while rescue workers helped some of the injured off the train.

The train then moved slowly to Odawara station, where about 1,000 passengers got off.

The 16-car bullet train, called the Shinkansen in Japanese, travels the 553 kilometers (343 miles) between Tokyo and Osaka in 2 hours and 33 minutes. ■ Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo. Associated Press writer Ken Moritsugu in Tokyo contributed to this report.

World News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

23

Conservative churches confront new reality on gay marriage

BY RACHEL ZOLL The Associated Press AT FIRST Baptist Dallas, where the pulpit was adorned Sunday with red, white and blue bunting to honor the Fourth of July, the pastor called the Supreme Court’s gay marriage ruling “an affront in the face of Almighty God.” The iconic rainbow colors that bathed the White House Friday night after the court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide represent “depravity, degradation and what the Bible calls sexual perversion,” the Rev. Robert Jeffress said.

“But we are not discouraged,” Jeffress said. “We are not going to be silenced. This is a great opportunity for our church to share the truth and love of Jesus Christ and we are going to do it.”

On the first Sunday after the high court ruling, theological conservatives grappled with their new status as what the Southern Baptists call “a moral minority” on marriage. Ministers were defiant about publicly upholding their views, and warned church members to prepare themselves for a rough time ahead.

“Welcome to the new world. It’s just changed for you Christians. You are going to be persecuted,” Alabama’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore said from the pulpit at the Kimberly Church of God, in Kimberly, Ala. Moore, who fought a losing battle to keep a Ten Commandments monument he erected inside Alabama’s state judicial building, said the decision went against the laws of nature.

“Is there such a thing as morality anymore? Sodomy for centuries was declared to be against the laws of nature and nature’s God. And now if you say that in public, and I guess I am, am I violating somebody’s civil rights? Have we elevated morality to immorality? Do we call good, bad? What are we Christians to do?”

In their dissents to the ruling, Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justices Samuel Alito and Antonin Scalia, each expressed similar concerns. First Amendment protections for clergy and worship are clear, leaving churches to decide who they will marry. But religious liberty protections are less certain for faithbased charities, schools and hospitals that want to hire and fire based on religious beliefs.

“I assume that those who cling to old beliefs will be able to whisper their thoughts in the recesses of their homes, but if they repeat those views in public, they will risk being labeled as bigots and treated as such by governments, employers, and schools,” Alito wrote.

At liberal churches, pastors and congregants rejoiced, as gay pride celebra-

First Baptist Dallas.

FACEBOOK

tions were held around the country.

“In one decision we’ve swiftly moved people from being second-class citizens to first-class,” said the Rev. Neil CazaresThomas, who was leading Sunday’s worship at the Cathedral of Hope in Dallas, a megachurch formed years ago as a spiritual refuge for gays.

Sixty-two percent of white evangelical Protestants and 54 percent of non-white Protestants oppose same-sex marriage, according to the Public Religion Research Institute.

But support for gay marriage is growing even within some evangelical communities, driven in part by younger generations who have gay friends and don’t see opposing same-sex relationships as central to their faith.

The division could be seen in competing statements from evangelicals after the high court ruling.

One group of about 100 leaders, organized by the Southern Baptist’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, issued a marriage declaration called “Here We Stand,” pledging to continue “witnessing to the biblical teaching” of marriage as the union of a man and a woman “and live this truth at all costs.” Another, by the pro-gay Rise Network and also signed by about 100 pastors and community leaders, praised the ruling as “a major step towards justice and equality.”

And some congregations are conflicted.

“There’s a mixed feeling. There’s mixed understandings,” said the Rev. Donald Jenkins at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, whose denomination bars same-sex weddings. “It’s just something that we’re going to have to look into, figure out as we go along, how we’re going to deal with it.”

The U.S. bishops are facing an even greater challenge within, even as they move forward as the leading religious voice advocating for legal protections for those who object to gay marriage.

In the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ar-

www.canadianinquirer.net

lington, Va., Bishop Paul Loverde held a Mass and organized a lecture for the U.S. bishops’ annual religious freedom commemoration, called “Religious Liberty For How Long? How to Prepare Spiritually for the Coming Persecution.”

About 58 percent of Roman Catholics say they support same-sex marriage, according to Public Religion Research Institute, and the U.S. bishops have struggled openly with how they can persuade their faithful to follow church teaching.

At New York’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, there was no mention of the ruling from the pulpit. Outside, about 20 members of Dignity, a Catholic gay advocacy group, sang and greeted parishioners.

“Our message is now to our fellow Catholics that we would like to see our relationships recognized as holy within the church as well,” said Jeff Stone, a member of Dignity. “That is not something that can be accomplished by legal means. We are hoping to change hearts and minds of our fellow Catholics.” ■ Associated Press writers Kim Chandler contributed from Kimberly, Alabama, David Warren from Dallas, Michael Casey from New York and Skip Foreman from Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

24

World News

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Tunisia struggles... when their demands were denied, they began attacking politicians and police.

With technical help from the U.S. and other countries, Tunisia’s security forces have slowly been rebuilt and are becoming more effective in hunting down terror cells and ramping up arrests of alleged extremists. But none of this stopped 24-year-old Seifeddine Rezgui from pulling an assault rifle and three grenades out of a beach umbrella and hunting down tourists at a resort hotel.

Even before this latest attack, Tunisia’s point-man on terrorism, Rafik Chelli, acknowledged that tougher policing alone can’t do the job.

“Only the security approach has been really implemented and it has not been sufficient on its own,” Chelli told The Associated Press recently.

Immediately afterward, Prime Minister Habib Essid said armed guards would be placed at tourist sites, and that mosques outside control of the government would be closed. Essid also announced financial rewards for information leading to arrests.

The new law promises a more holistic response, but lawmakers have to get it right, Chelli said. The key “is to ensure that these measures respect freedoms and human rights and the security of the country.” ❰❰ 22

Chelli blames much of the situation government on its strategy. “The dogma voices are heard, he said. on the Ennahda, the moderate Islamist of the radical groups is fragile and can’t Last fall’s parliamentary elections party that was elected immediately af- hold up in arguments against the funda- were hailed around the world, but just ter the revolution and lost power in the mentals of Islam,” he said.

20 percent of young people voted. Many 2014 elections. He said the party was The new law does have its detractors. feel disillusioned by the country’s slow too lenient on security and “actively enHuman Rights Watch says the law’s and uneven economic growth, and abancouraged youth to leave for the jihad.” ambiguous definition of terrorism and doned by their leaders. Police are often Ennahda leader Rachid Ghannouchi weakened due process rights are a back- the only government representatives counters that his moderate brand of Is- ward step for Tunisia. It could permit many people see. lam has kept more Radicalization of people from falling the youth is a probunder the ideology lem across the repromoted by Islamic gion, but especially State, also known by The key “is to ensure that these measures acute in Tunisia. its Arabic acronym respect freedoms and human rights and the Some 3,000 of its citiDaesh. He blames security of the country.” zens have left to join much of the extremextremist groups in ism on Ben Ali’s draSyria, Iraq and Libya, conian secularist and at least 500 are rule. government to repress a wide range of believed to have returned. Many see po“Ben Ali’s repressive policies favored internationally protected freedoms, the lice as the enemy. the emergence of extremism among the group said. For example, public dem“Police beat kids up, insult them youth,” Ghannouchi told the AP. “Daesh onstrations that lead to “harming pri- and arrest them,” said Bilal Saadaoui, is a wrong and extremist interpretation vate and public property” or disrupting a 23-year-old breakdancer from Tadaof Islam. The bad merchandise must be public services could be prosecuted as mon, the tough neighborhood where fought with a quality product, and mod- terrorist acts, and police could hold sus- police say militants radicalized Rezgui. erate Islam is the alternative to Daesh pects incommunicado without charges Police disappeared after the revolution, and al-Qaida.” for up to 15 days. but then “they came back stronger, with Tunisia must engage in this battle of Moncef Kartas, a researcher on Tuni- reinforcements. We just have rocks and ideas and take back the terrain of reli- sian security issues, said these harsher they have guns and tear gas,” he said. gion that it surrendered to extremists, security measures could even be counScaring off the tourist economy will said Sami Brahem, a researcher at Tu- terproductive because they do not ad- only make it harder for the government nisia’s Center for Economic and Social dress deeper cleavages in Tunisian so- to make good on its promises, but these Studies and Research who advised the ciety that have left so many young men people must be shown that “they are not marginalized, frustrated and hopeless. forgotten,” Kartas said. ■ The government has to reach out to neglected communities where only radical Schemm reported from Rabat.

Weeklong devastating heat wave in southern Pakistan kills 1,233 people

BY MUNIR AHMED The Associated Press ISLAMABAD — A devastating weeklong heat wave in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi killed 1,233 people, an official said.

Nazar Mohammad Bozdar, operations director at the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, said about 65,000 heatstroke patients were treated by doctors at all of Karachi’s hospitals since June 20 when the heat wave struck Sindh province, where Karachi is the provincial capital.

He told The Associated Press that 1,923 patients with heat-related ailments were still being treated.

“The government quickly responded by making arrangements for the treatment of heatstroke patients and the situation has improved now,” he said.

Pakistan’s deadliest heat wave on record coincided with the holy Muslim www.canadianinquirer.net

month of Ramadan, when Pakistan’s Muslim majority observed a dawn-todusk fast.

The temperatures in Karachi came down to 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit) after reaching 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit) a week ago amid chronic power outages, which forced many residents to spend nights outdoors.

The heat wave shocked many Pakistanis just weeks after soaring temperatures caused nearly 2,200 deaths in neighbouring India.

Since then, it has raised fears that South Asia could be seeing some of the devastating effects of human-caused climate change.

On Saturday, TV footage showed a charity burying several unidentified bodies of people who died earlier this week because of the heatstroke. Pakistani television stations reported that several unidentified bodies were buried by the Edhi Foundation charity because local morgues were overflowing. ■

World News

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

25

NY Gov. Cuomo: Captured convict 'critical but stable'

BY MICHAEL BALSAMO The Associated Press MALONE, N.Y. — The escaped murderer who was shot by a state trooper near the Canadian border is in "critical but stable" condition at an Albany hospital, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday.

Cuomo told CNN that David Sweat's condition initially was listed in stable condition but was downgraded to critical after being flown to Albany Medical Center on Sunday night.

Sweat is one of two prisoners who escaped from a maximumsecurity New York prison three weeks ago. The other escapee, Richard Matt, was killed in a confrontation with law enforcement on Friday.

Cuomo said Sweat had a bag containing maps, tools, bug repellent and Pop Tarts when he was shot twice by Sgt. Jay Cook on Sunday afternoon in a farm field less than two miles from the border in Constable, New York.

The daring escape from Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora was "done with facilitators, it was done with cooperators," Cuomo said.

"This was 'Cool Hand Luke' meets 'Shawshank Redemption," he said on MSNBC's "Morning Joe." Some of the same state troopers who'd been hunting down the convicts since their escape found themselves scrambling to get the lone survivor to a hospital, hoping to make him well enough to share the tale of how the pair managed to escape and stay on the run for so long.

Sweat, 35, was shot and captured Sunday afternoon when a single state police sergeant spotted a suspicious man walking on a rural road in Constable, near the Canadian border.

His capture came two days after Matt was killed in Malone, just south of Constable, while holding a shotgun. Sweat was unarmed when he was shot twice by Sgt. Jay Cook as the fugitive ran for a tree line.

The men had been on the loose since June 6, when they cut their way out of the prison in Dannemora, about 30 miles from Malone, using power tools. Two prison workers have been charged with helping them.

New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo.

LEV RADIN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Clinton correction officer Gene Palmer, charged with promoting prison contraband, tampering with physical evidence and official misconduct, is due in court Monday. His attorney has said he will plead not guilty.

Officials said Palmer gave the two prisoners frozen hamburger meat that a prison tailoring shop instructor had used to hide the tools she smuggled to Sweat and Matt. Palmer's attorney said he had no knowledge that the meat contained hacksaw blades, a bit and a screwdriver.

Prosecutors said the tailor shop worker, Joyce Mitchell, got close to the men while working with them and had agreed to be their getaway driver but backed out because she felt guilty for participating in the escape. Authorities also said Mitchell had discussed killing her husband as part of the plot.

Mitchell pleaded not guilty June 15 to charges including felony promoting prison contraband.

Sweat's capture ended an ordeal that sent 1,300 law en-

forcement officers into the thickly forested northern reaches of New York and forced residents to tolerate nervewracking armed checkpoints and property searches.

"The nightmare is finally over," Cuomo declared at a news conference.

Cook, a 21-year veteran, was alone and on routine patrol when he stumbled upon Sweat in Constable, about 30 miles northwest of the prison. He gave chase when Sweat fled and decided to fire fearing he would lose Sweat in the trees, state police said.

"I can only assume he was going for the border," Superintendent Joseph D'Amico said.

D'Amico said the men may have used black pepper to throw off their scent from the dogs that were tracking them; he said Sweat's DNA was recovered from pepper shakers found at one camp where the fugitives may have spent time.

Cuomo said many questions remained unanswered in the case, including whether the inmates had other accomplices.

"We have already started a full investigation," he said. "But today ends with good news.

These were dangerous, dangerous men."

Sweat had not been formally interviewed by investigators as of late Sunday, but any information he provides could be critical to the investigation, Clinton County District Attorney Andrew Wylie said.

Sweat will be charged with escape, burglary and other charges, Wylie said. He and

No Credit?

www.canadianinquirer.net

Matt are suspected of breaking into some of the region's many cabins during their time on the lam. Wylie said prosecutors would wait for Sweat to recover before charging him.

Matt, 49, and Sweat used power tools to saw through a steel cell wall and several steel steam pipes, bashed a hole through a 2-foot-thick brick wall, squirmed through pipes and emerged from a manhole outside Clinton Correctional.

Sweat was serving a sentence of life without parole in the killing of a sheriff's deputy in Broome County in 2002. Matt was serving 25 years to life for the killing and dismembering of his former boss.

Authorities said the men had filled their beds in their adjacent cells with clothes to make it appear they were sleeping when guards made overnight rounds. On a cut steam pipe, the prisoners left a taunting note containing a crude caricature of an Asian face and the words "Have a nice day."

Prosecutors said the inmates apparently used tools stored by prison contractors, taking care to return them to their toolboxes after each night's work. â– Associated Press writers Carolyn Thompson in Buffalo, New York, and Deepti Hajela in New York City contributed to this report.

26

Immigration

Millions of dollars in unclaimed benefits

Harper Government looking for hundreds of thousands of families not currently registered for the increased child care benefit CIC PRESS RELEASE CAMPBELL RIVER — An estimated 200 families with children in Campbell River are eligible to receive money under the Harper Government’s boosted Universal Child Care Benefit (UCCB), but are at risk of not receiving the benefit unless they apply. The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of Employment and Social Development, today asked for help from the media and the public to encourage families to apply for the benefit.

The majority of families with children, approximately 3.8 million, are known and will automatically receive the increased UCCB or be contacted by the Government to confirm their information. However, an estimated 200,000 eligible families in Canada, including 23,800 families in British Columbia, are not currently captured by the Government’s UCCB system and may miss out on receiving money that is owed to them unless they apply. In 2015 alone, this represents potentially millions of dollars in unclaimed benefits.

Under the boosted UCCB, families will receive almost $2,000 per year for each child under 6 and $720 per year for each child aged 6 through 17. The new benefit amounts will be retroactive to January 1, 2015 and be reflected in

monthly payments to families in July 2015. The increases to the UCCB are expected to more than double the number of families that benefit from 1.6 million to more than 4 million.

If your family is not currently receiving the UCCB, has never received the UCCB, or has never applied for the Canada Child Tax Benefit and you still have children under 18 in your care, please go to www.canada.ca/ taxsavings to find out how you can apply.

Quick Facts

- All families with children will benefit from the new Family Tax Cuts and Benefits Plan, which includes the Family Tax Cut, and the boosted UCCB, Child Care Expense Deduction and the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit.

- Combined with tax relief introduced by the Harper Government since 2006, a typical family of four can receive up to $6,600 in tax relief and increased benefits in 2015.

- Low- and middle-income families will receive twothirds of the overall benefits provided by the Harper Government’s new family measures.

- The Family Tax Cut will eliminate or significantly reduce the difference in the federal tax payable by a one-earner couple relative to a two-earner couple with a similar family income ■

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Honouring newcomers’ contributions to Canada CIC PRESS RELEASE COSTAS MENEGAKIS, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, congratulated winners of the seventh annual RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards in Toronto, while Alice Wong, Minister of State (Seniors) and Member of Parliament for Richmond, congratulated award recipients in Vancouver.

Organized by Canadian Immigrant Magazine, these peoples’ choice awards recognize inspirational immigrants who have come to Canada, achieved success and made a positive difference within their community.

The winners were announced at events on June 23rd in Toronto and June 25th in Vancouver. A list of the winners is available at Canada’s Top 25 Immigrants 2015.

The RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant Awards exemplify the valuable role the private sector can play in fostering a welcoming society and raising awareness of the many positive benefits of immigration to Canada.

The Government of Canada is a global leader in immigrant integration, funding the provision of settlement services such as language training, employment-related services, and community connections, which help newcomers become active members of Canadian society.

Costas Menegakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

FACEBOOK

The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that newcomers integrate and con-

tribute fully to the Canadian economy, and to their communities, as soon as possible.

The government has significantly increased funding for newcomer settlement services in jurisdictions outside of Quebec, from less than $200 mil-

lion in 2005-06 to almost $600 million in 2015-16.

More than 700 service provider organizations across Canada (outside of Quebec) receive federal funding to help newcomers adjust to life in Canada. ■

there is a “small possibility” of a Pride parade in Moscow in the near future if there was more international pressure put on Russian President Vladimir Putin for LGBTQ rights.

Members of the band rode in the parade on a massive red rocket atop a military truck.

Politicians marching in Sunday’s parade included federal leaders Thomas Mulcair of the NDP, Liberal Justin Trudeau and Elizabeth May of the

Greens, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, along with provincial leaders Patrick Brown of the PCs and New Democrat Andrea Horwath, and Toronto Mayor John Tory.

“I think it’s important for political leaders across the country to come out for Pride parades because it’s a way of showing our support for the diversity of our society, wanting to break down barriers, making Canada a more inclusive place,”

said Mulcair.

“I really wish Prime Minister Harper would have been here, as prime minister I would intend to come back to Pride year after year to show my support for the entire community, for the openness of Canadian society and for LGBTQ issues as a whole.”

Tory’s attendance was significant because of the fact that his predecessor, Rob Ford, routinely snubbed the event during his four years in office. ■

Quick facts

Toronto Pride... decriminalized everywhere and we can’t stop until we’re finished,” he said.

“So it’s important to be here to celebrate the landmark of how far we’ve come but also to pay it forward and help all the people that need our support.”

International grand marshals included Bollywood actress and Indian gay rights supporter Celina Jaitly, members of Russian feminist punk rock band Pussy ❰❰ 18

Riot, singer-songwriter Cyndi Lauper and YouTube sensation and youth ambassador Brendan Jordan.

Political activist and Pussy Riot member Nadezhda Tolokonnikova said she’s hoping to see a similar parade in Russia one day.

“I’m happy to see so 1/8 many 3/8 people joining this Pride because you know we don’t have stuff like this in Russia yet,” she said, adding she believes

www.canadianinquirer.net

Immigration

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

27

PANGARAP : SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS

So, What Questions Can You Ask During an Informational Interview?

BY BOLET AREVALO

SINCE YOU ARE THE INTERVIEWER, YOU ARE IN CONTROL OF THE INFORMATION YOU WANT TO GATHER. NAVIGATE THROUGH THE DISCUSSION TO GET ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WHICH ARE MOST USEFUL TO YOU. So you have established contact with the company in your priority list, check. You have the date and time of appointment with a resource person, check. You have reviewed the background of the company, check. You have your pen and paper, check. You have chosen the proper attire to wear, check.

Do you have the right questions to ask?

When you are making an appointment, it is most proper to indicate the estimated length of time your interview will be conducted. There is no hard and fast rule, but because you are dealing with a busy personality, thirty minutes should be a comfortable length of time and will most likely be acceptable to the prospective interviewee.

To someone like me who’s such an enthusiastic and curious person, thirty minutes is way too short. But since you are asking a favour, this should test your flexibility and time management skills. Time management starts with asking the right questions and prioritizing the most important ones so that responses that will be most useful to you are more immediate. If the interviewee finds you very intelligent and witty, he will enjoy talking to you way

past the deadline you two have set.

Since you are interviewing somebody whose function is within your line of interest or skill, you could start with profiling the job—what he does, what the expectations of his job are, where he is in the organizational chart, how his work relates to the other units in the company, how many people are working with him and what their responsibilities are, what typical career path in this function is, what skills are necessary.

Then you may move on to profiling your interviewee in relation to the job that he does in the company. How long has he been in his present position, since he started in the company, how he copes with the demands of the job, has he done any skills you may also make it known to meetings like this one. But upgrade, what his own vision the interviewee your desire to remember that you are bringis for the company, what his improve your knowledge of a ing your resume not to apply working and management style company or an institution which for a job. Bring it so somebody, is, what his own expectations you intend to join in the future. whose opinion matters, can crifrom his employees are, wheth- As such, you may discuss a bit of tique it for you. In the course of er he see his turf reviewing your as growing or resume, your inexpanding, what terviewee will strategies he has get a good picManage that time very wisely in terms in mind to attain ture of your qualof being able to cover the questions that. ifications. As you that are very important to you.

Go now to becontinue in your ing able to relate discussions, he the person and will complete his his function to basic knowledge the overall proof you and your file of the company. What are your own set of skills and attri- background, your skills, how the main business thrusts or butes, for the interviewee to give your mind operates and what objectives of the company, how you an indication as to whether your values are. If you impress does it intend to pursue its cur- you need more upgrading or him, then chances are, he will rent objectives, what is the ex- preparation to meet the expec- have you in mind the next time act role of his office to these ob- tations of job in a similar com- an opportunity comes along. jectives, does the company plan pany. If the discussion reaches Thirty minutes is perhaps the to expand operations to achieve this point, be able to project a most that your busy resource those, what kind of an employ- willingness to learn and open- person can give you. Manage er is this company, are the em- ness to receive suggestions. that time very wisely in terms ployees happy here, what are its Bringing a copy of your re- of being able to cover the quesexpectations of its workforce. sume is always useful every tions that are very important In an informational interview, time you go out, especially for to you. Go from profiling the

www.canadianinquirer.net

job of your interviewee, then profile your resource person in relation to this job, and complete the picture by relating the job of this person to the overall profile of the company and its business objectives. An interview like this gives you a decent chance to project yourself. Carry out the conversation well, ask your questions logically, and speak intelligently. With that, you will certainly leave a good impression. ■ Bolet is a marketing communications practitioner and dabbles in writing as a personal passion.

She is author-publisher of the book: The Most Practical Immigrating and Job Hunting Survival Guide, proven simple steps to success without the fears and the doubts. The book is available in Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, the Reading Room and other online bookshops worldwide, and in National Book Store and Power Books in the Philippines.

28

Community News

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

World Vision launches ‘Pinoy para sa Pinoy’ Program THE FILIPINO community from World Vision recently launched, “Pinoy para sa Pinoy.” This program works to combat the problem of child malnutrition and lack of livelihood by asking Filipino-Canadians to help malnourished children under five years old and poor families in the Philippines.

At the launch event held at Chef George restaurant in Toronto, World Vision spokesperson Edgardo Gonzales encouraged fellow Filipinos to get involved in this program which will work to improve the lives of Filipino children and families.

“Generosity and caring are key characteristics of the Filipino culture,” said Gonzales. “We know that our community in Canada is very invested in the success of Filipinos back home, but we often don’t know how we can directly help families who are struggling. The “Pinoy para sa Pinoy” program is an effective and affordable way to give back to the Philippines. As

a Filipino-Canadian, I am excited about this, and I’m confident that the Filipino community in Canada will extend their gener-

ous support to the families this program helps,” he added.

For a minimum of $10 a month Filipino-Canadians can

support hunger-fighting projects on a three-, six-, nine- or 12-month basis. Projects include “Goodbye Gutom” that

will help families in Malabon with nutrition education and support and “BalikBayanihan” that will train farmers in Albay on production techniques and technology, and will provide fishermen in Sarangani motorized boats through cooperatives.

Poverty remains the most prevalent issue in the Philippines with 30 percent of Filipinos living below the poverty line. Families often struggle to meet the basic needs of their children.

Health problems are also a major concern, and stem from inadequate and unavailable sources of nutrition, proper hygiene and sanitation.

There are 15-million children in the Philippines that are hungry and malnourished. Without a steady and sustainable source of income, daily sustenance is a constant struggle. World Vision has been working in the country since 1954 and currently works in nine provinces to help children and families thrive. ■

Senator Enverga pays tribute to Philippine Heritage Band

The new board of the Philippines Canada Trade Council is composed of (from R) Jorge Miguel Marcó, president; Gary Manansala, vice president; Mercedes Wong,secretary; Mary Tecson, treasurer; Ray Lino, Jun Lagman, David Macgrotty, Mary Annne Velayo, and Gigi Astudillo, directors.

Trade council elects new board THE PHILIPPINES Canada Trade Council (PCTC) elected its new board of directors and officers at its annual general membership meeting held recently at the Hilton Vancouver Airport hotel in Richmond, B.C. The new board is led by

Jorge Miguel Marcó as president; Gary Manansala as vice president; Mercedes Wong as secretary; Mary Tecson as treasurer; and Ray Lino, Gigi Astudillo, David Macgrotty, Jun Lagman and Mary Anne Velayo as directors. Immediate past president Wilfred Victo-

ria acts as adviser to this year’s board.

Since 1983, PCTC has worked to promote and assist trade and business between Canada and the Philippines. PCTC’s ninemember board sets and executes the strategic direction of the Council. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

ONTARIO SENATOR Tobias C. Enverga Jr., paid tribute to the Philippine Heritage Band and its 35th anniversary in the Senate of Canada.

His speech in the Senate Chamber followed the 3rd annual Philippine flag-raising on the Hill event in celebration of the 117th Philippine Independence Day, which has been taking place every year since the appointment of Canada’s first senator of Filipino descent.

Hundreds of guests from Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal attended this year’s flag-raising ceremony and unfurling of a gigantic Philippine flag on Parliament Hill.

“Honourable senators, when I last saw the PHB perform in early May this year, they were playing for Benigno S. Aquino III, president of the Philippines, and Hon. Stephen Harper, prime minister of Canada, onto the stage of Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto for

the two leaders to confirm the strengthening of bilateral ties between Canada and the Republic of the Philippines,” said Senator Enverga in his statement.

“I want to thank the PHB's founder, Oscar Farinas, for having the vision to create the band in 1980, and I want to thank Caroline Bañez, the current president, for keeping the PHB a strong and vibrant organization and for all the good work that is done by them in our community,” the Senator continued.

Senator Enverga paid tribute to the Philippine Heritage Band as being a stellar example of how the nearly 800,000 Filipino-Canadians contribute to Canada’s growing multicultural reality. He also highlighted that the Philippines became the largest source country of permanent residents last year with over 40,000 new permanent residents from the country coming to Canada. ■

29

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

www.canadianinquirer.net F PhilippineCanadianInquirer

T PhilCanInquirer

m info@canadianinquirer.net sales@canadianinquirer.net

A (888) 668-6059

www.canadianinquirer.net

30

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Entertainment

Angel Locsin tells LGBTQ bashers: ‘Huwag na natin idamay ang Diyos’

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Kapamilya star Angel Locsin fired back at LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) bashers who left comments on her Instagram post.

Locsin posted a screenshot of Jesuit priest and author Fr. James Martin’s Facebook status after the United States Supreme Court legalized samesex marriage in all 50 states.

A part of Fr. Martin’s status reads: “The Catholic church must do a much better job of teaching what the Catechism says: that we should treat our LGBT brothers and sisters with ‘respect, sensitivity and compassion.'”

He also noted that “God wants us to love. And not a twisted, crabbed, narrow tolerance, which often comes in the guise of condemnations, instructions and admonitions that try to masquerade as love, but actual love.”

Fr. Martin ended his statement by writing, “Love first.

Everything else later. In fact, everything else is meaningless without love.”

Locsin used Fr. Martin’s words as the caption of her Instagram post, writing: “Respect, sensitivity and compassion.”

Locsin’s post quickly reached her 1.4 million followers on Instagram, some of which took to Instagram their disappointment over the actress’ choice

Angel Locsin.

to support gay marriage. Some even posted passages from the Bible about homosexuality.

“Kung magiging insensitive, rude, and self-righteous ho tayo, ‘wag na ho natin idamay ang Diyos. That’s very ungodly and a huge turn off. The statement says we should show respect, sensitivity, and compassion to one another at naniniwala ho akong yan ang gusto ng Diyos,” Locsin responded on Instagram.

(If we’re just going to be insensitive, rude, and selfrigheous, let’s not bring God into this. That’s very ungodly and a huge turn off. The statement says we should show respect, sensitivity, and compassion to one another and I believe that’s what God wants us to do.)

Locsin also called her followers to look beyond sexual acts and think of equal rights for all

@THEREALANGELLOCSIN / INSTAGRAM

couples — gay or straight.

“Personally, I’m not going to deny my LGBT friends the ‘protection’ that ‘straight’ people get kapag kasal. Think of insurances, healthcare, kahit bantay nga sa ICU, etc… Not just sexual acts,” she urged.

In closing, the 30-year-old actress said she’s the one who feels disrespected for her LGBT friends.

“Tama naman ho na may pinaniniwalaan kayo, pero careful lang sa kung paano sabihin.

I have LGBT friends na sobrang bait, at ako ho ang nababastos para sa kanila. Wag ho tayong mag away-away.”

(It’s good to have convictions, but we should be careful with how we say it. I have LGBT friends who are extremely nice and I’m the one who feels disrespected on their behalf. Let’s stop fighting.) ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

Ronnie Ricketts faces graft charge

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Optical Media Board (OMB) chair Ronnie Ricketts is now facing a graft charge filed by the Office of the Ombudsman for allegedly allowing seized pirated DVDs to be pulled out.

The pulled-out copies should have served as evidence against suspected counterfeiters.

Investigators from the Ombudsman said that Ricketts ordered the confiscation of the said pirated DVDs (digital video discs) and VCDs (video compact discs) only to have it withdrawn.

The board seized a total of 127 boxes and two sacks of pirated DVDs and VCDs including a video recording human I.P.C. Three Chinese nationals were also arrested during the raid in Quiapo Manila on M a y

2010.

This, according to the Ombudsman in the charge filed before the Sandiganbayan, gave unfair preference to Sky High Marketing Corp, which was not sued for the seizure.

The Ombudsman described the incident as “detriment of public interest.” “(The accused), while in the performance of their official functions as such, taking advantage thereof and committing the offense in relation to office, did then and there willfully, unlawfully and criminally give unwarranted benefit, advantage or preference to Sky High Marketing Corp. thru manifest partiality, evident bad faith, or gross inexcusable negligence,” the Ombudsman said. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

31

Matteo: Sarah and I are going strong

BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer “I HAVE my own dreams. I also want to get married at a certain age. I only wish for the best,” said athlete-actor Matteo Guidicelli when asked to comment on girlfriend Sarah Geronimo’s statement that she should be ready to get married at 32, or five years from now.

The Italian-Filipino actor is younger than Sarah by two years.

“Only God knows what will happen in the future. I always say that if we’re passionate about something, anything is possible,” he said during the press conference for “Dreamboys,” a concert at the Music Museum that he will topbill with Daniel Matsunaga and JC de Vera on July 11.

“Dreamboys: A Back-to-Back Triple Treat Concert” will also feature Erich Gonzales.

Matteo added about his relationship, “We really can’t say what will happen in the future.

The first people who will know if ever I’ll get married are my relatives… Sarah and I are going strong right now. I’m just praying that things will stay this

Were you surprised when Sarah said she requested to do a kissing scene with Piolo?

No, I wasn’t surprised. If that’s true, then I am happy for her because she is now growing as an artist… She is now open to trying different things. A person should always strive to improve his or her craft.

way.”

What makes you and Sarah click?

We’re honest with each other, especially when it comes to our feelings. We are very open.

I’m serious about her. I don’t go into a relationship just for fun or just to show people that I have a girlfriend. Like most people, I’m also hoping for forever. She is my one and only girl. I’m not sure if I’ve already told her that, but I always try to make her feel that she’s the only one in my life.

What do you usually fight about?

I always say that if we don’t feel jealous and possessive of our sweetheart, then there’s no more love. Yes, we argue but they are petty fights. But we hardly see each other now because we’re both busy. To be fair to Sarah, she’s supportive of my interest in sports.

What can we expect from you in the show?

We promise to give the audience a good time. The point is for our supporters to enjoy the night. This is one of the ways we can give back and say thank you

Matteo Guidicelli.

to them.

The producers came up with the name “Dreamboys.” They were the ones who brought us together.

I’m very excited. I really love to go into music. I’m producing my album this year. The show will be a preview of my album.

I chose KZ Tandingan as my special guest because she is one of my favorite singers. Like me, she’s also Visayan. I feel that we will collaborate well.

Will Sarah watch the show?

@MATEOGUIDICELLI / INSTAGRAM

I don’t think so. She’s superbusy. She has a movie with Piolo (Pascual, “The Breakup Playlist”) and is part of “The Voice Kids.” I guess she’ll just watch it on YouTube.

We talked about the show, but I want to keep my career separate from what Sarah and I have.

I don’t want to ride on her popularity. I want to be build a name of my own in music. As of now, there is no plan yet for a collaboration with Sarah. She has her own thing.

Are you more passionate about music or acting?

I’ve been working on this album for four years. I recently had a meeting with Star Records. I hope to release the album by August.

I love music and acting. It was just that my first break was in acting, and it had been one teleserye after another since then.

I’m doing an indie movie now and I’m very excited. “Tupang Ligaw” also features Ara Mina and Paolo Contis. It’s the directorial debut of Rod Santiago, one of the best illustrators in the country. He is the creator of “Agua Bendita” and “Buhawi Jack.”

Our work is very collaborative, especially with the action scenes. I brought in a group that helps me choreograph my fight scenes. They are teaching me all the techniques in hand defense and handling firearms. ■

Claudine Barretto, Raymart Santiago are now ‘friends’

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Kapamilya actress Claudine Barretto shared that she and estranged husband Raymart Santiago are now good friends, with both confirming the status of their relationship.

In Barretto’s interview on ABS-CBN’s talk show “Aquino & Abunda Tonight,” she shares how she has called Santiago before the show started and has clarified the real status of their relationship.

“Tinawagan ko siya. Sinend ko muna ‘yung mga [interview] questions. Sabi niya, ‘Kaya mo ‘yan.’ Tapos thumbs up. Tapos tumawag siya. Tapos sabi ko, ‘Mart, questions lang, friends ba tayo?’ Tawa siya nang tawa. Tapos sabi niya, ‘Oo, friends na.’”

Barretto said.

(I called him. I first sent the questions. He said, ‘You can do it.’ Then he gave a thumbs up. After that, he called. And I said, ‘Mart, just a question, are we friends?’ He laughed and laughed. Then he said, ‘Yes, [we’re] friends now.’)

“Kasi hindi ko alam kung ano isasagot. Civil ba o friends na?

Tapos, oo friends na daw. So, friends na kami,” she added.

(Because I didn’t know what to answer. Civil or friends? And then, yes [he said we’re] friends now. So, we’re friends.)

It can be recalled that Barretto and Santiago have separated in 2013. Their controversial separation even involved legal charges filed against each other with regards to the custody of their children and domestic violence.

Fortunately, the estranged

couple has been able to settle their rift later on for the sake of their two children Sabina and Santino.

“Talagang pinaupo niya (Judge Geraldine Macaraeg) kami at pinaintindi na, ‘Hindi tama itong ginagawa ninyo. You have to stop it’… After that, our relationship is better na. Wala kaming magagawa. We still have a relationship for our children,” Barretto recalled.

(She really had a sit-down talk with us and made us understand that, ‘What you’re doing is not right. You have to stop it’… After that, our relationship became better. We can’t do anything else. We still have a relationship for our children.)

Barretto, however, is firm on what she thinks went wrong not only with Raymart but with other persons she had issues www.canadianinquirer.net

Claudine Barretto.

with.

“Siguro, ‘yung I allowed myself talaga to be taken advantage of... And then, ‘yung I think ‘yung mga hindi tama, yung betrayal, yung lahat ng pasakit na nagawa ng lahat ng mga nakasakit sa akin, pati pamilya ko,” she said.

(Maybe, it’s that I allowed

DANE ALEGANA / FLICKR

myself to be taken advantage of… And then, those which I think we’re wrong, the betrayal, all the hurts people inflicted on me and to my family.)

Recently, Barretto and Santiago are taking steps to repair their broken relationship and are spending time together with their two kids. ■

32

Entertainment

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Beyoncé win big at BET Awards

BY MESFIN FEKADU The Associated Press THOUGH SHE was absent, Beyonce won three BET Awards, including video of the year for “7/11,” while Chris Brown and Nicki Minaj also won multiple awards at the all-star show Sunday night.

But the show was less about the awards — video of the year didn’t even make the live broadcast — as performances stole the night.

As Janet Jackson entered the stage at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, Brown screamed loudly, Minaj whipped out her phone to record the moment and Laverne Cox was teary-eyed. The pop star was honored with the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual Award as she made one of her first public performances in sometime as she readies a new album and tour this fall.

“It’s been a very long moment to this journey ... my heart is so full,” Jackson said to the audience, which included her moth-

er and father. “To my beautiful mother, to my beautiful father, and to my entire family, your love is unbreakable.”

An impressive Ciara, Jason Derulo and Tinashe paid tribute to the 49-year-old veteran by mimicking her signature dance moves.

“Twenty five years ago we created ‘Rhythm Nation,’ hoping the world would be a better place, but today there’s even more to be done,” Jackson said.

Jackson wasn’t the only show stopper Sunday: Diddy dropped it like it’s hot at the awards show — figuratively and literally.

The entertainer fell during an exciting performance that celebrated Bad Boy Records’ 20th year anniversary, one of the night’s highlights. Lil Kim, Mase, Faith Evans, 112 and The Lox joined Diddy as they performed a medley of past hits. A video montage of rap king Notorious B.I.G. appeared in the background as his verse from “Mo Money Mo Problems” played.

Brown performed multiple times, and won best male R&B/

Nicki Minaj at the 2015 BET Awards.

pop artist and the fandemonium award.

“A lot has changed in my life, a lot of mistakes, a lot of lessons learned. The best thing I’m most thankful for is my daughter,” he said onstage. “I’m so thankful and happy to have the loyal fans ... and everybody here that knows me, to know me is to love me.”

HELGA ESTEB / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The show Sunday brought a mix of funny and serious moments. Rapping on top of a police car with a large American flag waving behind him, hiphop prince Kendrick Lamar kicked off the BET Awards with a dose of seriousness, but also brought a fiery energy thanks to his charisma and beat of his song, “Alright.”

He later won best male hiphop artist.

“This is for Compton, this is for Watts,” the Los Angelesborn rapper said.

Janelle Monae and Jidenna also brought a serious vibe to the stage when they performed “Classic Man”: The singers and ❱❱ PAGE 47 Chris Brown

Prankster invades Kanye West Journey drummer stage at Glastonbury Festival now charged with rape after arrest THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

LONDON — Kanye West declared himself “the greatest living rock star on the planet” at Britain’s Glastonbury festival.

But that didn’t prevent a prankster from invading the rapper’s performance and upstaging him.

West’s headline set Saturday night was briefly interrupted when comedian Lee Nelson stormed onto the stage, rapping along with the star. A security guard quickly bundled him offstage.

Later, Nelson — whose real name is Simon Brodkin — tweeted: “Some people were saying Kanye shouldn’t headline Glastonbury so I thought I’d give him a hand.”

Saturday’s prank amused many fans, who recalled how

BY STEVEN DUBOIS The Associated Press

Kanye West.

West crashed Taylor Swift’s 2009 acceptance speech at the Video Music Awards.

The star also gushed over his

CARL BJORKLUND / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

wife Kim Kardashian, saying she “brought this poetry out of me.” The couple arrived at the festival by helicopter. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

PORTLAND, ORE. — The drummer for the classic-rock band Journey sat in jail Tuesday after being indicted on a rape charge two weeks after his domestic violence arrest.

Deen Castronovo, 50, faces new charges of rape and other crimes after a grand jury returned the indictment Monday.

He was arrested June 14 in Salem, Oregon, on misdemeanour assault and menacing, then released on bail and ordered to stay away from the female victim.

Castronovo disobeyed by having contact with the woman this past weekend and Monday, leading to three charges of con-

tempt of court, according to the indictment.

The indictment states Castronovo had sexual intercourse with the victim “by forcible compulsion” between June 8 and June 14. He faces felony charges of assault, sexual abuse and unlawful use of a dangerous weapon, which was a knife he carried on June 13, prosecutors say.

Castronovo has been with Journey since 1998, when he replaced Steve Smith — the drummer on the group’s bestknown songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Journey’s Facebook page still lists Castronovo as its drummer, though his legal woes have him sitting out of their shows.

The band is scheduled to play in Provo, Utah, on July 4. ■

33

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

Lifestyle

Toronto’s hop-on-hop-off bus provides informative fun for visitors and locals

BY COLIN PERKEL The Canadian Press TORONTO — Discovering Canada’s largest city from atop a double-decker bus yields a summery sampler of Toronto attractions that should please visitors and locals alike.

The hop-on-hop-off buses — similar to those that ply the streets of major cities around the world — hit many of the city’s best-known attractions, from the CN Tower and Casa Loma to the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Distillery and Entertainment districts.

“We arrived yesterday and leave tomorrow,” Ann Sutherland, of Dusseldorf, Germany, said recently aboard one of the famous London transplants.

“It’s a good way to get an overview.”

A guide aboard the open-top bus provides commentary that ranges from the fun and informative to the puerile and factually dubious. Nevertheless, some of the fascinating highlights of the city, past and present, shine through the patter.

On a random weekday, tourists from various countries as well as students on a Grade 8 graduation field trip from Sunderland, Ont., learn about the purposely relaxed zoning bylaws that led to Yonge Street’s mishmash of stores.

The “scramble” intersection at Yonge and Bloor is noteworthy as a popular spot for guys to propose to their girlfriends, the guide intones.

“Isn’t that every little girl’s dream?” he asks.

There’s swanky Yorkville, once the centre of counter-culture in the city, now home to a condo penthouse that sold for $28 million that, the guide tells us, has his and hers libraries, “book cooties being the leading cause of divorce in Canada.”

While the tours officially start from Yonge and Dundas Square, passengers can get on or off at any of 21 stops along a

A guide aboard the open-top bus provides commentary that ranges from the fun and informative to the puerile and factually dubious.

two-hour circuit to explore ar- row, although the school has Bus staff sell discounted tickeas more fully. Tickets, valid for produced 10 Nobel prize win- ets to Casa Loma and other atthree consecutive days, can be ners, the guide tells us. tractions. used multiple times — providUp there is North America’s Trundling along, streetcar ing the cost-conscious a way only urban castle, Casa Loma, lines nearly graze our heads to get around as well as see the built for his wife in the early and we duck for one notorisights.

1900s by Sir Henry Pellatt, one ously low bridge. Still, we take Included in the price of of Canada’s wealthiest busi- in such landmarks as the Madia ticket is a son Avenue Pub, 45-minute boat the Ontario legride that exislature, and the plores the inner hospitals that waterways of the A guide aboard the open-top bus line University Toronto Islands. provides commentary that ranges Avenue. There The tour is from the fun and informative to are stops at the not just for the puerile and factually dubious.

Royal Ontario tourists.

City Nevertheless, some of the fascinating Museum and residents get a highlights of the city, past and Bata Shoe Mufresh perspecpresent, shine through the patter. seum, which, the tive on familiar guide assures neighbourhoods us, is “actually or a breezy inpretty cool if you troduction to want to lick Nanew ones from their top-deck nessmen. Pellatt, who fell on poleon’s socks.” viewpoint. hard times, ended up living For Sutherland, this is her Here’s Varsity Stadium, home above the garage at the home of third such tour in a few days, to the University of Toronto’s his chauffeur in the city’s west having taken the buses in Philafootball team, renowned for end, but his funeral was a grand delphia and Boston. once having lost 49 games in a affair.

“I’ll tell you now, it’s the www.canadianinquirer.net

CITY-SIGHTSEEING.COM

worst one of the three,” she says as the guide asks everyone to leave the bus, which has begun leaking “green stuff.”

A short while later, aboard another bus, she calls the tour a “bit chaotic.” Things look up a bit as she settles in and she expresses approval of the Toronto version, saying the Philadelphia tour was boring.

“It gives us a flavour of Canadian humour,” she says of the banter. ■ If You Go...

Tickets can be bought online or from tour guides. Cost is $38.05 per adult, with discounts for children and seniors.

In summer, tours start at Yonge and Dundas Square at 9 a.m.; last bus leaves from there at 5 p.m.

Sun and weather protection is advised if sitting upstairs.

For more information, visit http://www.citysightseeing toronto.com/

34

Lifestyle

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Fried Oysters, King Crab Melt: Adrift in Singapore’s celeb chef capital

BY PAM PASTOR Philippine Daily Inquirer MARINA BAY Sands is Singapore’s celebrity chef capital.

It’s home to Wolfgang Puck’s CUT which serves steak that people fly there for; Osteria Mozza and Pizzeria Mozza by Mario Batali which we love; Justin Quek’s Sky on 57; David Thompson’s Long Chim; DB Bistro & Oyster Bar by Daniel Boulud; and Tetsuya Wakuda’s Waku Ghin.

Gordon Ramsay is set to launch Bread Street Kitchen later this year, while Puck will open Spago.

Once known for Los Angeles hot spots Hinoki & the Bird and Comme Ça, the Boston-born chef and restaurateur recently opened Adrift by David Myers, a restaurant that serves modern Asian cuisine.

“Adrift is for dreamers and explorers,” Myers said.

We were ready to dream and explore while being led to the bar where a mostly Filipino staff started the evening by serving drinks from a cocktail menu created by bar consultant Sam Ross.

‘Trouble Maker’

“A Singapore Sling?” We shook our head, and then spotted the perfect drink for us, Trouble Maker—a mix of gin, sweet vermouth, fresh lemon, cucumber and strawberry.

“This one, please,” we said.

Halfway through, and while enjoying bowls of spicy popcorn and corn nuts with the

Perhaps in a late attempt to add a dose of healthy greens to our meal, we ordered Young Kale Salad tossed with hazelnuts, maitake, truffle pecorino, shallots and vinaigrette.

Then we restored balance in the universe by choosing three kinds of dessert: Caramel French Toast with Coconut Sorbet and Kopi Syrup; Parfait of Raspberry, Rose and Cocoa Mochi; and Calamansi, Creme Fraiche, Creamsicle.

Symphony of sweetness

Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

drink, we moved to our table, a cozy spot by the window. We were fixated on trying to Instagram this highly photogenic restaurant when we heard someone speak: “I heard this is the table of all tables.”

We looked up to see a handsome, ponytailed man set down a plate of rice crackers with green onion salt and yuzu kosho aioli.

Oh, David Myers, you had us at rice crackers.

But he vanished as quickly as he appeared, leaving us to mull the menu while our Filipino waiters encouraged us to order.

On the menu was a personal note from Myers: “Adrift represents the feeling I experience when traveling the world in search of colorful cultures and vibrant flavors... To fully enjoy

the Adrift experience, order as I do when on a mission of discovery—try many small plates and share!”

And that’s what we did.

Playfulness

Starting with what Myers calls Drinking Bites, we tried Fried Oysters, as well as Crispy Fried Chicken with Mustard Miso Dip. Biting into a particularly crunchy piece, we realized, moments later, that we had just eaten our first chicken comb—or chicken mohawk, as we like to call it.

There’s a playfulness to Myers’ food—and not just in his ability to get us to pop unknown things into our mouth.

The Grilled Yuba, which was filled with truffle cheese and sprinkled with togarashi,

reminded us of Pinoy cheese sticks, but with tofu skin substituting for lumpia wrapper.

We loved the King Crab Melt—chunks of crab meat and pimento cheese trapped between little slices of golden brown bread. The Housemade Ricotta with Preserved Lemon and Black Sugar on toast was another favorite.

The Larger Plates were big treats. Seared Hokkaido Scallops on a bed of peas and beans were delightful—plump, perfectly cooked and naturally sweet. Kagoshima Beef topped with onion jam, alfalfa sprouts and ponzu was unforgettable— flavorful and melt-in-yourmouth tender. It gave somebody in our group, who claimed to be too stuffed, good reason to pick up her fork again.

Don’t make us choose a favorite. Each one had something special to offer.

The French toast was a symphony of richness and sweetness, the Parfait of Raspberry was a love story in a bowl, while the Calamansi Creamsicle, caught between two tuile cookies, was the most delicate and refreshing ice cream sandwich we’ve ever eaten and a fitting tribute to the Philippine lemon.

It was while attacking dessert—digging for cocoa mochi, exclaiming over the calamansi, dunking another piece of toast in the kopi syrup—that Myers reappeared at our table.

He looked almost amused.

“This is a good sign,” he said, grinning.

Our meal almost over, we soon bade Myers and his staff—”95 percent Filipino,” we were told—good-bye and left Adrift. We had overeaten but still felt like floating—from the great meal, the excellent service, the “delicious” company.

We’d like to get lost there again. ■

Tourists in Greece worry about ATMs and credit cards but most holidays unaffected

BY BETH J. HARPAZ The Associated Press NEW YORK — Tourists on holiday in Greece offered advice to others Monday: Bring extra euros.

Several reported having some anxious moments over the weekend thanks to empty ATMs and merchants refusing

credit cards, but the inconveniences eased as ATMs were replenished Monday.

“We were finally able to get cash out of an ATM today, thankfully, since we are running out of euros we got in the U.S.,” said Anthony Adornato, a college professor from Syracuse, New York, heading from Athens to the island of Kea with

three other Americans. “We thought we would have to start rationing, but luckily found an ATM that worked after two days of having no luck with others.”

They’d tried five ATMs before finding one with cash, and many merchants had refused to take their credit cards.

Richard Joplin, a realtor in www.canadianinquirer.net

Austin, Texas, arrived in Athens Monday with his two daughters for a 10-day holiday.

“So far we have only been inconvenienced with restaurants and cabs only wanting cash,” he said. “I brought euros with me for that reason.” But he didn’t bring enough to last the trip, and hoped he’d be able to use credit cards and ATMs later in

the trip.

But others reported no problems. “So far so good because we’ve only been here for a day and came with a lot of euros,” said Chloe O’Brien, 21, of New York City, travelling with her grandma and two aunts to Athens and Mykonos. ❱❱ PAGE 47 Tourists in

Lifestyle

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

35

This is one downpour Manila will enjoy

The hit West End musical based on the 1952 film that starred Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor opens Aug. 20 at The Theatre at Solaire

BY CHECHE V. MORAL Philippine Daily Inquirer

(Taryn-Lee Hudson), a woman deluded with the idea that their onscreen romance is also true in real life.

Don, however, falls in love with an aspiring actress named Kathy Selden (Bethany Dickson), who, with her beautiful pipes, is asked to voice for Lina.

Apart from the Voice of Lina— which is possibly a character in itself—Don’s best friend and sidekick Cosmo Brown (Steven Van Wyk) provides the show with laughs.

chos for the performance.

“Singin’ in the Rain” is a feelgood show with a universal appeal. You need not have seen the film to enjoy it and neither should you be of a certain age to relate to the characters.

“This is light but it’s not all frothy,” said Anton Luitingh, the resident director. “It has substance, and you leave whistling these famous songs. The story is uplifting and audiences leave the theater with a grin on their face, wishing there’s rain outside so they can sing in the rain.”

AUDIENCES ARE in for a treat with triple-threat performances in one of the most grueling choreographies ever created on stage.

The musical production “Singin’ in the Rain” does just that.

You leave the theater elated, humming that all-familiar melody, perhaps with a skip and a tap, and a silly grin on your face, thinking, wouldn’t it be nice if it actually rained right now?

‘Splash Zone’ And quite possibly, that will What is predicted to be a be the show’s challenge when crowd-drawer, however, is the Delightful it goes onstage in Manila be- actual downpour onstage. The It’s not, by any means, a repliginning Aug. 20, in the midst of show drops 12,000 liters of wa- ca of the film, but neither will it typhoon season, when a down- ter at every performance for the disappoint fans of probably one pour means more of a headache unforgettable sing-and-dance of the best musical films ever than a source of joy, and where sequence of Don, just like in the made, he added. a puddle means a slippery, sod- iconic film where Gene Kelly is “There are so many themes den mess, not the theatrical set- seen tapping and splashing in now that are quite dark. ‘Les ting of some childlike exuber- rainwater.

Miz’ is sad and tragic, ‘Miss Saiant dancing.

At one of the company’s per- gon,’ all those shows are heavy.

Presented in Manila for a formances at the Civic Theatre What makes this relevant now limited period at The The- in Auckland, New Zealand, is that people are going to see atre at Solaire by David Atkins which this writer caught in shows that make them feel Enterprises, Michael Cas- May, members of the audience good. Same reason why the film sel Group, Concertus Manila, in the so-called “Splash Zone” was made, for people to find Dainty Group and Lunchbox (the first three rows up front) inspiration and hope after the Theatrical Productions with relished being drenched during war. It changed their focus onto Visa Entertainment, “Singin’ in the main theme sequence, as happier things. It’s just delightthe Rain” the musical is based Almirall went to town with the ful to be taken away into a jouron the 1952 Metro-Goldwyn- splashing. ney and get lost in the story and Meyer film that starred Gene The spirited scene conveys romance.”

Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and the heady joy and intoxication The singing and dancing are Donald O’Connor. of new romance. Don croons especially grueling for the acDirected by Jonathan and taps and splashes, unmind- tors; one sequence in the final Church, it debuted in 2011 at ful of getting soaked to the act alone is 12 minutes nonstop. the Chichester For this producFestival Theatre tion, the three in England beprincipals had fore it moved to a boot camp in the Palace The‘Singin’ in the Rain’ is a feelgood South Africa for atre in the West show with a universal appeal. You the choreograEnd, where, folneed not have seen the film to phy, and about lowing a sell out enjoy it and neither should you be 5-6 weeks more run, it earned of a certain age to relate to the to train with the four Olivier characters. entire company, Awards nominaand another tions, including week of studio for the choreogrehearsals when raphy of Andrew Wright. bones in the heavy rain: “I’m they arrived in Wellington, ac“Singin’ in the Rain” is set singing in the rain/ Just sing- cording to Duane Alexander, in the late 1920s and tells the ing in the rain/ What a glorious the dance captain who’s also a story of Don Lockwood (played feelin’/ I’m happy again/ I’m Don Lockwood alternate. in this production by Grant laughing at clouds/ So dark up “The water has to be the right Almirall), a silent movie star, above/ The sun’s in my heart/ ratio because the less water it’s as Hollywood was beginning And I’m ready for love...” actually more slippery,” Alexto transition into talkies. The The Splash Zone has the most ander said. “So you want just process is beset with problems, coveted and most expensive enough water to make a lovely not the least of which is the seats in the house. No worries, big splash for the audience, shrill, peculiar voice of Don’s you needn’t bring an umbrella; which they enjoy; if there’s too onscreen partner Lina Lamont you’re given disposable pon- much water then the actors www.canadianinquirer.net

SOLAIRERESORT.COM

can’t turn properly. They slip.

I fortunately haven’t. Our crew is on top of their game; once it stops raining they’re up with their mops and squeegees and they dry the floorboards and the speakers, in the 10-15 minute interval. It’s a very athletic show.”

Adrenaline rush

The rain part isn’t just about water pouring from above, through a complicated series of valves and hoses. It’s also designed to flood the floor just enough for the actors to be able to splash. According to Johan Kupferburger, company manager, the floor is specially treated so it doesn’t rot, dries quickly between acts, and makes a great sound for tapping.

The stage is a unique setup.

The orchestra pit is covered below, and the musicians are on top, away from the water.

The water used in the show is recycled for every performance.

It’s UV-treated and chlorinated, and heated to a temperature comfortable for the actors.

“People underestimate what they can take from this show,” Luitingh said. “They think it’s a lovely, olden days show with a couple of lovely dance moves.

It’s not. Andrew Wright’s choreography, I challenge anybody to come in and say, this is easy stuff. It’s a nonstop, adrenaline-rush show. We have physiologists on call to look into the actors’ bodies, so it’s full-on, energetic till the end. What’s wonderful about this piece is that we don’t have any fancy chandeliers coming down... It’s an actors’ show. We don’t rely on huge, technical wow factor, besides the rain.”

“The story is accessible,” Kupferburger added. “For younger audiences, it’s a lesson in history especially in the technological world that we live in now. It’s probably hilarious to them that there were silent movies. There’s a magic of sitting in a dark theater watching magic happen onstage that’s not created on film. It’s happening now at this moment and you can’t pause it. It’s got broad appeal.” ■ “Singing in the Rain” is from the same producers of “CATS,” “Mamma Mia,” “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Wicked,” and opens on Aug. 20 at The Theatre at Solaire. For tickets, visit www.ticketworld.com.ph or call 8919999.

36

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Business

Expanding tax-free savings limit offers little for lower, middle earners: Study

BY ANDY BLATCHFORD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The Harper government’s recent move to raise the contribution ceiling on tax-free savings accounts offers little to benefit low- and middle-income Canadians, a new analysis of federal tax data has found.

The study, released Monday by the left-leaning Broadbent Institute, comes after the government nearly doubled the maximum annual TFSA contribution limit to $10,000 from $5,500. The Conservatives made good on an 2011 election promise with the April change, effective this year.

The report, however, said under the $5,500 yearly cap, there had already been a steep drop in the number of people who maxed out their TFSA contributions.

Maximization rates were higher for people in the upper income categories, says the study, written by Simon Fraser University economist Rhys Kesselman.

The research was released as politicians clash over what could become a pivotal ballotbox issue in the October election: how best to help Canadians save for the future.

The debate over TFSAs, in particular, has been central in the fight to woo voters in the so-called middle class.

Kesselman, whose past research helped build a foundation for the government’s initial

The study, released Monday by the left-leaning Broadbent Institute, comes after the government nearly doubled the maximum annual TFSA contribution limit to $10,000 from $5,500. The Conservatives made good on an 2011 election promise with the April change, effective this year.

introduction of TFSAs six years ago, found in this latest report that 62 per cent of Canadians eligible for a TFSA had yet to open one by the end of 2013.

His number crunching of Canada Revenue Agency data also revealed that of all the people who qualified for TFSAs — but didn’t necessarily have one — only about 6.7 per cent had maxed out in 2013.

For those who actually held a TFSA in 2013, only about 17 per cent had reached the contribution limit.

Kesselman said that among those eligible for TFSAs with annual incomes below $60,000, only five per cent hit the ceiling.

By comparison, the maximization rate was 31 per cent for those with incomes higher than $250,000.

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

“This study demonstrates that raising the TFSA limit to $10,000 will yield disproportionate benefits to the highest earners and wealth holders, and that this tilt will mount over time,” he wrote.

The New Democrats and Liberals have promised to eliminate the Tories’ TFSA expansion and bring the limit back to $5,500. Both parties charge that

raising the maximum primarily benefits wealthier Canadians.

The Conservatives have defended their TFSA enhancement, saying everyone will benefit.

Finance Minister Joe Oliver has said people with yearly incomes of less than $80,000 accounted for more than 80 per cent of all TFSA holders in 2013.

In his report, Kesselman challenged such assertions.

“Contrary to the government’s messaging, all the evidence indicates that the increase of the TFSA contribution limit to $10,000 will benefit only a very small proportion of Canadians,” he wrote.

The TFSA expansion introduced by the Tories was watered down from its earlier pledge. The government decided against allowing the higher contribution ceiling to continue to rise with inflation, which will reduce its cost to federal coffers.

But even with that adjustment, the parliamentary budget watchdog has warned that expanding the limit will lead to a significant, long-term fiscal burden on the government.

The parliamentary budget office has also noted how TFSA expansion will help some Canadians more than others, stating in an April report that “high wealth and older households are projected to receive relatively larger benefits than lower net worth, younger counterparts.” ■

As of July 1, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

1.2502 36.0550 1.3924 1.9628 1.1138 0.7717 122.5380

+0.0012 -0.0820 +0.0008 +0.0001 -0.0004 +0.0012 +0.1480

+0.0941% -0.2269% +0.0585% +0.0049% -0.0372% +0.1531% +0.1209%

www.canadianinquirer.net

Business

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

37

PH wants politics-free lending by China-led bank

BY BEN O. DE VERA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES is closely watching how the China-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB) governance structure is shaping up before it commits to be part of the multilateral lender.

Speaking at the conference “Dynamic Philippine Economy: Growth, Reform and Looking Ahead” hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. last June 24, Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima said the Philip-

pine government had “concerns about the governance of AIIB” even as it also awaited the bank’s basis for granting loans.

“We do hope that AIIB will function based on purely financial basis, and not political,” Purisima said.

The Philippines and China are in a dispute over a number of islands and rocks lying in the South China Sea or what Manila calls West Philippine Sea. Philippine officials had said that the territorial row should not be a hindrance as far as the country’s possible membership in AIIB was concerned.

Purisima told the CSIS forum

that the Philippines has yet to commit to join AIIB, but was in the process of doing so.

Last October, the Philippines, through the Department of Finance, signed a nonbinding agreement to join discussions aimed at threshing out issues ahead of the bank’s formal establishment.

The China-backed lender is being positioned to become an alternative to the mainly USbacked multilateral financial institutions.

According to Purisima, the Philippine government was still looking closely at the composition of AIIB’s board of governors

as well as the bank’s “fine print.”

The DOF had said that it recognized that the AIIB has “great potential to contributing to social and economic development in the region.”

An official familiar with AIIB negotiations earlier said that prospective member-countries have to commit to join no later than the end of this year.

Prospective members then have until next year to actually become a member by contributing to AIIB’s capital.

The Philippines may have to shell out about $900 million or more than P40 billion, about 1 percent of the $100-billion

capitalization requirement for the bank.

The amount would be subscribed capital, of which only a fifth would be paid up, payable over five years, a source had said, citing proposals during recent meetings in China and Singapore.

The Philippines’ membership in AIIB would also be subject to the availability of budget for the contribution to the capital as well as Senate ratification.

China aims to start the lender’s operations in January next year, during which it must have more than half of the required capital. ■

3 PH firms listed in Forbes Banks and insurers increasingly shy ‘Best Under A Billion’ away from former grow ops, brokers say

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Three Philippine firms was listed on Forbes Magazine’s “Best Under A Billion” list for 200 leading public companies in the Asia Pacific region.

D&L Industries, Nickel Asia and Oriental Peninsula Resources Group (ORE) made it to the 2015 BUB list.

D&L is the leading manufacturer of food ingredients and a specialty plastic additive and is headed by the Lao family.

It has a market capitalization of $1.55 billion, has $363 million in annual sales revenues and $61 million in net profit.

Nickel Asia Corp., the Philippines’ largest producer of lateritic nickel ore and one of the largest in the world, has a market capitalization of $2.08 billion and is led by the Zamora family.

ORE is another mining firm focused on the mining opera-

tions of its sole subsidiary Citinickel Mines and Development Corp., and is led by the Tanchay family, with $78 million in sales revenues and $37 million in net profit.

The list, according to a press statement released by Forbes Asia on Thursday, is composed of companies with annual revenue between $5 million and $1 billion, with a positive net income and which have been publicly traded for at least a year.

“The secret to making the BUB is consistent growth in the measured performance metrics. One off year and you’re out. Companies in sustained strong-growth economies, or in Taiwan’s case, exporting to them, have a decided advantage. It is also important to have a good, liquid channel for public stock offerings,” said Forbes Asia editor Tim Ferguson.

Almost 60 percent of the companies in the list came from China, Hong Kong and Taiwan. ■

BY CRAIG WONG The Canadian Press OTTAWA — New rules in Ontario to better protect consumers from unscrupulous debt settlement companies come into force this week, but bankruptcy trustees says those in financial trouble seeking help still need to be cautious.

Trustee Doug Hoyes says unscrupulous companies that were taking advantages of borrowers in trouble have already closed up shop in anticipation of the new rules taking effect.

However, he says the new regulations set up a possible conflict of interest for collection agencies that will also be able to offer debt settlement services.

“It certainly opens the door for a different form of collection activity,” said Hoyes, cofounder of bankruptcy trustee firm Hoyes, Michalos & Associates Inc. “You’re getting a phone call to collect your cellphone bill, and now you feel a lot of pressure because all of a sudden this guy on the phone also says you can deal with your other debts as well. What are you going to do?”

Ontario announced in 2013 that it would join provinces like Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia in making changes to the rules amid increasing complaints about debt settlement companies including unclear or www.canadianinquirer.net

misleading contracts, high fees and a failure to reduce debts as promised.

The new rules that take effect Wednesday will not impact bankruptcy trustees who are already regulated by Ottawa and covered by federal rules that govern their conduct and what they can charge.

The new Collection and Debt Settlement Services Act replaces the Collection Agencies Act. The rules put an end to upfront payments charged by debt settlement services other than a nominal amount and they place limits on the amount that can be charged.

Debtors also get a 10-day cooling off period during which they can cancel a debt settlement services contract with no reason.

However, Andre Bolduc, a bankruptcy trustee with BDO

Canada, says the provincially regulated debt settlement companies aren’t a replacement for federally regulated trustees.

“It is important for consumers to still do their due diligence, still do their homework, to do their research and make sure when they do get help that they get help from qualified individuals,” he said.

Trustees are obligated to review all the possible options for clients up to and including a bankruptcy filing.

Bolduc said many of the clients he’s seen in recent years first tried to get help from a debt settlement company before dealing with him.

“They spent a lot of money for no reason,” he said. “Now hopefully maybe they’ll come straight to us or they’ll go straight to reputable credit counselling industry players.” ■

38

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Technology

Take common sense precautions to Consumer Reports protect your credit cards from fraud finds some newer cars burn too much oil

BY CRAIG WONG The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — As Canadians head out for their holidays this summer, they’re going to be reaching for their credit card to pay their way and experts want them to take some simple steps to protect against fraud.

While entirely eliminating the risk that your card number will be stolen isn’t possible, reducing the chances you will be hit requires mostly common sense.

Don’t lend your card, protect your personal identification number, don’t share your PIN number and check your transactions regularly.

“You should protect your card like you would cash,” says Maura Drew-Lytle, spokeswoman for the Canadian Bankers Association.

Drew-Lytle says banks are constantly monitoring credit card transactions looking for fraud, so you may want to let your bank know if you’re travelling so they don’t suspect your purchase of a souvenir while on holiday in Europe is someone that has stolen your card.

“If you’re someone that doesn’t travel a lot and all of a sudden they see transactions from Spain on your credit card, they may block it thinking it is fraudulent,” she said.

The big credit card companies have zero liability policies that can protect you from unauthorized purchases, but if your card is compromised and needs to be replaced it can be a major inconvenience, especially if you are travelling.

The introduction of chip cards in Canada has helped fight credit card counterfeiting. According to the Canadian Bankers Association, they reduced card counterfeiting by 23 per cent between 2012 and 2013.

However, the U.S., a major destination for vacationing Canadians, has been slow to adopt the technology with many

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The introduction of chip cards in Canada has helped fight credit card counterfeiting. According to the Canadian Bankers Association, they reduced card counterfeiting by 23 per cent between 2012 and 2013.

stores and restaurants still swiping your card and requiring you to sign the bill.

Drew-Lytle says you should take the same precautions while travelling in the U.S. you did before chip cards were introduced in Canada.

“If anything looks unusual about the terminal that they are using, you might want to pay cash or go somewhere else,” she said.

When shopping online, Mike Haley, a regional vice-president for the Royal Bank, says beware of links sent to you with offers that seem like they might be too good to be true because they could be phishing attempts to steal your card information.

“If it is coming to you, you have to be a bit skeptical,” he said, adding that you should use a secure connection with making a purchase online and never send your card number by email, which is not secure.

Haley also recommends receiving electronic statements instead of paper bills because that eliminates another way your card number could be stolen.

If you spot purchases that aren’t yours on your statement or think you might have given out your number when you shouldn’t have, you should contact your card issuer right away.

Banks will contact you in some circumstances if they think a charge doesn’t look right.

If you’re concerned that a call from someone saying they are from your bank may be a fraudster, Haley says there’s nothing wrong with hanging up and calling back.

But, he adds, don’t call a number given to you by the person on the phone. Instead, call the number on the back of your card or look it up somewhere you can trust.

“Just connect with your card company,” Haley says. “They’ll take over the situation immediately, they’ll make sure they can issue you a new card and protect you from any additional risks out there.”

Your card company or bank will never call or email you to ask for personal information like your card number, expiry date or PIN. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

DETROIT — Newer cars aren’t supposed to burn oil, but Consumer Reports magazine found that some engines mainly from Audi, BMW and Subaru force their owners to add a quart as often as once a month.

In the magazine’s annual survey of car owners, significant numbers reported what the magazine considered to be excessive oil consumption.

Consumer Reports focused on 2010 to 2014 models and called on automakers to make repairs under the powertrain warranty or to extend warranties.

“The companies should be willing to step up and take responsibility for their products,” said Mark Rechtin, the magazine’s cars content team leader.

Owners of newer cars, he said, shouldn’t have to carry oil around and worry about adding it. Most cars, he said, have dashboard lights warning drivers if their oil gets too low. But failing to pay attention to that light eventually can cause engine damage. The magazine’s survey didn’t find any link between oil consumption and other engine problems, but it found that cars that burn oil early consume more as they age.

It’s normal for cars to burn oil a little oil as they age toward 100,000 miles, the magazine said in its August issue. But for a late-model car to burn a quart or more between changes is not acceptable, Rechtin said.

The magazine focused on survey data from 498,000 owners of 2010 to 2014 models, finding that 98 percent did not have to add oil between changes. But even if the problem happens to only 2 percent of owners, that equals 1.5 million

cars from the five model years, Rechtin said.

Several engines from the three manufacturers were the main offenders, according to the magazine, including Audi’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder and 3.0-liter V6; BMW’s 4.8 liter V8 and 4.4 liter twinturbo V8; and Subaru’s 3.6 liter six-cylinder and 2.0- and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. The Subarus burned less oil than the others.

Affected models include Audi’s A3, A4, A5, A6 and Q5; BMW’s 5, 6, and 7 Series and X5; and the Subaru Outback, Legacy, Forester and Impreza.

The magazine says that standards for certain Audi and BMW cars say that it’s reasonable to burn a quart of oil every 600 to 700 miles. Subaru considers one quart burned for every 1,000 to 1,200 miles to be acceptable, Consumer Reports said.

Audi spokesman Bradley Stertz said a class action lawsuit against Audi over oil consumption by the 2.0-Liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines is close to being settled without the company admitting liability or wrongdoing.

The settlement affects 2009 A4, 2010 A4 and A5, and 2011 A4, A5 and Q5 models. With the other models, Audi hasn’t been able to identify an abnormal number of oil consumption complaints on the other models, he said.

Subaru spokesman Michael McHale said oil consumption can vary depending on how a vehicle is used. The vast majority of Subarus, he said, performed within specifications, and the company’s vehicles have improved from 2010 through the current models.

Messages were left for a BMW spokesman. ■

Technology

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

39

From antennas to swipe screens, cellphones mark 30 years in Canada

BY PETER HENDERSON The Canadian Press TORONTO — Victor Surerus says the $2,700 he paid for his first cellphone 30 years ago was worth every penny.

It was July 1985 and Surerus says he needed the phone to help run his business as a travelling funeral director out of Peterborough, Ont. The phone attached to an aerial in his car and came with its own carrying bag.

His contract with Bell made him the first cellphone customer in Canada, and that honour didn’t come cheap. In those early years, his annual bills amounted to roughly $10,000.

“This way you had the freedom of doing things and you weren’t tied down,” he says now from his home in Roseneath, Ontario.

“The price was high to pay for it, but it was worth it.”

Cellphones debuted in Canada with a call between Art Eggleton and Jean Drapeau, then the mayors of Toronto and Montreal respectively, on July 1, 1985.

The regional monopolies that

dominated the telephone industry in the early 1980s were concerned that mobile phones would disrupt their grip on nearly every aspect of the market.

Francis Fox, then the minister of communication in Brian Mulroney’s cabinet, says the phone companies would defend their turf by saying their industry was heavily regulated and the CRTC was there to protect the consumer.

“Their great line was always, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’“ he says.

Shrugging off pressure from the Reagan administration to choose a bid from an American company, Fox and his team awarded the rights to the first private cellphone network to an upstart company that later became one of the three dominant players in Canada’s wireless sector: Rogers.

“Obviously we thought that it would lead to the usual benefits of greater competition, which meant innovation, which meant new products, and which meant lower prices for the consumer,” Fox said.

Fox says the recent quar-

rels between the federal government and Rogers, Telus, and Bell over competition are echoes of the arguments he heard 30 years ago involving the landline monopolies.

“What goes around comes around,” he said.

Rogers Wireless executive vice-president Raj Doshi joined the company in 1989, when it was still CanTel AT&T and mobile telephones were still a luxury item.

Doshi has the original Cantel ad from January 1985 announcing “the end of the line for the

telephone” framed in his office as a reminder that back then, competition was less important than explaining why people needed to spend thousands of dollars on a cellphone.

“When you talk about competitive intensity, it was very much around getting people aware of the proposition versus the pure competitive intensity between the two of us,” he said.

“The market growth potential was basically the whole of the Canadian population.”

Wade Oosterman, now president of Bell Mobility, remem-

WEATHER UPDATE VANCOUVER

4

Sat

5

Sun

6

Mon

7

Tues

8

Wed

9

Thurs

10 Fri

bers it differently. In the mid1980s he worked with George Cope, now Bell’s CEO, getting Clearnet Communications Inc. off the ground, which was later bought by Telus.

“It was competitive right from the get-go,” he said. “The cost of building out Canada is extraordinarily high: big land mass, relatively few people.

When you’re spending that kind of money on deploying your network, every single subscriber really, really counts.”

The high price of cellphones eventually fell as technology advanced, networks matured, and new competitors such as Wind Mobile and Videotron entered the market, while others such as Public Mobile and Mobilicity were snapped up by the big three incumbents.

Regional players Sasktel and MTS carved out a niche in the Prairies, becoming dominant in their regions.

“Canada and everybody who played a role in it should be quite proud of the state of the wireless industry in Canada today and the benefit it confers on consumers and businesses alike,” Oosterman said. ■

Long term forecast from www.theweathernetwork.com CALGARY

EDMONTON

WINNIPEG

TORONTO

32°C

22°C

22°C

35°C

29°C

33°C

23°C

23°C

29°C

27°C

31°C

26°C

25°C

23°C

30°C

30°C

29°C

29°C

23°C

31°C

30°C

23°C

26°C

30°C

25°C

30°C

23°C

27°C

28°C

27°C

31°C

23°C

29°C

28°C

28°C

www.canadianinquirer.net

40

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Sports

Lauren Sesselmann’s ‘nightmare’ error costly in Canada’s Women’s World Cup exit

BY JOSHUA CLIPPERTON The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — Lauren Sesselmann collected a pass from a teammate early in the first half on Saturday, a play the Canadian defender has made countless times.

On this occasion, however, in front of more than 54,000 fans, the ball got caught up in her feet. She fell to the ground and tried desperately to recover, but it was too late.

Jodie Taylor was off to the races and made no mistake with her finish in the 11th minute to give England a lead it would never relinquish in beating Canada 2-1 to send the hosts crashing out of the Women’s World Cup at the quarter-final stage.

“It’s a soccer player’s nightmare,” Canadian midfielder Sophie Schmidt said of Sesselmann’s gaffe. “It’s unfortunate.

That’s how soccer goes, but I’m still proud of her. She didn’t let that affect her performance.”

Sesselmann, who still had tears in her eyes 90 minutes after the match and declined to speak to the media, had not been on the pitch for a single goal against at the tournament prior Saturday.

Despite that record — Canada conceded just once through the first four games — the 31-yearold was the target of criticism for some nervy moments.

“She’s took a bit of flack this tournament,” said Canadian head coach John Herdman. “That player’s going in there with the amount of grief she’s taken across games. She’s shown real resilience to pull that shirt on and play tonight.

I’m proud of Lauren. I make the decisions on selection.”

Coming off a serious knee injury in the build up to the World Cup, Sesselmann had to convince Herdman to keep her

Lauren Seselmann.

on against China in the opener after some erratic sequences.

JOHN MENA / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“You hear it here and there,” Sesselmann said of the criti-

cism earlier this week. “People are always going to have something to say. You can be the best player in the world and they still have something to say. I’m not even worrying about that.”

Sesselmann was almost victimized on a couple of occasions against Switzerland in the round of 16, but she and teenage defender Kadeisha Buchanan continued to anchor the backline and had a spotless record together at the World Cup until Saturday.

“I’m not going to hide from mistakes players make,” said Herdman. “(Sesselmann) did well tonight to recover from that and come out and show that resilience and still keep playing. You imagine what was going through her head? She’ll want that ground to swallow her up.

She just came out fighting. She had a rocky five minutes after the mistake, but she came back fighting. All credit to her. All credit to that woman.” ■

Globalport import may play for his country in 2015 Fiba

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Globalport’s Palestinian import Omar Krayem, who played in the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, admits that there is ‘very high’ possibility that he will be playing for his country’s national team in the coming 2015 Fiba Asia Cham-

pionship in China.

“It’s a very high possibility...

But I need to go home and get some downtime. I’ve been playing since August 1st, Sweden, Mexico and Philippines. So I’m about to get some rest, talk to the National team and see what the plan is and hopefully I make it there in September,” Krayem told reporters after one of his games.

Belonging in the same

group, the Philippines and Palestine may play in the first round.

“I’m excited to compete.

Philippines basketball is tough, physical and got some great players so I’m excited to compete against them and show my real stuff,” Krayem said.

Playing for Globalport, the 28-year-old Palestinian guard averages 14.4 points, 3.2 re-

www.canadianinquirer.net

bounds and 3 assists. He, however, isn’t satisfied with his performance.

“Here at Globalport I had to play a role, a role that I’m not really used to and I’ve adjusted.

Done the best that I can but on the Palestine National team is different. I’m the main point guard and I’m going to be able to show my stuff more,” Krayem said.

“So I’m just looking forward

competing against everybody we’re going to play against especially the Philippines since I played here and it’s a pleasure and an honor,” he added.

Gilas Pilipinas head coach Tab Baldwin, on the other hand, believes that Krayem is good enough.

“He’s a good player. He’s tough and really quick. And this [PBA stint] will help him a lot,” Baldwin said. ■

Sports

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

41

Lions battle Cards as NCAA wars begin

BY CEDELF P. TUPAS Philippine Daily Inquirer

Jackson Vroman.

STB-1 / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Former Ginebra import Jackson Vroman dies in car mishap

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Former Barangay Ginebra import and NBA player Jackson Vroman died at age 34 after a car crash accident on Tuesday, according to several reports.

Before playing for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup in 2012, Vroman teamed up with NBA’s Phoenix Suns in 2005 and the

New Orleans Hornets in 2006, as well as FIBA’s Lebanese national basketball team in 2009.

He was imported in the PBA as a replacement for Chris Alexander and was able to take his team to the semifinals. The 6-foot-10 player averaged 16.64 points, 12 rebounds and 4.09 steals.

Vroman was the son of former 1980’s NBA player Brett.

He started his basketball stint with Chicago Bulls in 2004. ■

Mapua coach Atoy Co has expressed high hopes of improving on its 5-13 finish last season.

Former Rookie of the Year JoTOTALLY DOMINANT in the san Nimes returns from a twopast five seasons, San Beda imyear absence, while Andretti mediately faces a tough test in Stevens and Mark Brana are its bid for an unprecedented also back after missing last seasixth straight crown as the 91st son. The Cardinals also tapped NCAA basketball tournament Nigerian Allwell Oraeme to unfolds today match up with at Mall of Asia the league’s best Arena. big men, particuTipped for larly Adeogun. another hisWe have to work harder this season Duplicating toric run, the because other teams are also getting their finish last Red Lions begin stronger. season will be a their campaign challenge for the against the reChiefs with only tooled Mapua Jiovani Jalalon Cardinals at 1 and Dioncee p.m., after the opening ceremo“It would be good for us to Holts among the remnants of ny that starts at 11 a.m. start the season with a win, the roster that got swept by San Arellano and Jose Rizal U but we can’t take any team for Beda in the finals. clash at 3 p.m. in a rematch of granted, especially Mapua,” “We still have a good team and their Final Four showdown last said Jarin, who replaced Boyet with Jiovani and Holts there, I season won by the Chiefs.

Fernandez. think we can still match up well Impressive in the preseason, “We have to work harder this against the other teams,” said the Heavy Bombers try to un- season because other teams are Arellano coach Jerry Codinera. derline their title credentials also getting stronger.”

High-scoring guard Paolo against an Arellano squad that The Cardinals are the only Pontejos is the only significant lost several key players from its NCAA team that beat the Lions addition for the Bombers, who run to the finals last year. in preseason. reached the semifinals of the But the spotlight will be on With an upgraded roster, Filoil preseason tournament. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

the defending champion Lions, who are again tipped to go all the way with the likes of battletested players Baser Amer, Ola Adeogun and Art dela Cruz leading the charge.

New San Beda coach Jamike Jarin sees a tougher season ahead for the Lions despite the presence of his veterans.

Events

42

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 Tagalog Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre

YUKON

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

Toronto Homework/Tutorial Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416-928-9355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m.

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

CANADA EVENTS

To have your events featured on PCI, please email events@canadianinquirer.net

http://bit.ly/ PCI-Events

NUNAVUT

BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA

View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

NEWFOUNDLAND

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

ONTARIO

QUEBEC

NOVA SCOTIA

Erik Santos and Angeline Quinto Greatest Love Songs Canada Tour WHEN/WHERE: July 3, Massey Theatre, 735 8th Ave., New Westminster, B.C. MORE INFO: Call (778) 859-5982; (604) 805-8625 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 Seniors Club Burnaby South Walking Club

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: July to August, Mosaic Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Jennifer 604-438-8214 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 Free Drop-In English Conversation Circle

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., July 6 to Sept.

21, Vancouver Community Rm, 1720 Grand St., Grd. Flr. MORE INFO: Call Pia at 604-254-9626 ext 487 Workshop on Upcoming Changes to Citizenship

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 2 to 4 p.m., July 7, at Mosaic Vancouver, 2nd Flr., 1720 Grant St. Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Gerardo 604-254-9626 ext. 227 2015 Asean Golf Tournament By the Association of Southeast Asian Nations WHEN/WHERE: Registration - 11 a.m.; Shotgun www.canadianinquirer.net

Consular Outrech Mission in Montreal

By Philippine Embassy WHEN/WHERE: 2 to 7 p.m., July 24; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 25 at Jesus is Lord Church, 5180 Queen Mary Suite 200, Montreal, Quebec MORE INFO: Call Pastor Mercy Galera at 514-731-8307

Tee-off – 1 p.m., July 24. Registration deadline: July 10. Swaneset Resort and Country Club, 16651 Rannie Road, Pitt Meadows, B.C. MORE INFO: Email aseangolf2015@vancouverpcg. org Annual Iced-Tea Off

By Tea Sparrow WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., July 19, Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Tickets are two for $10 for adults in advance or $10 at the door. Free for children 12 and under.

Grand Canao 2015 Gala By the Vancouver Island Cordillera Association WHEN/WHERE: 5 p.m. to 12 mn July 25, at the Eagle Polish Hall, 90 Dock St., Victoria B.C. MORE INFO: Grand Canao Picnic at Beaver Lake Victoria B.C., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 26. Contact Marcos Ogen 250-589-5876.

Summer Encore Concert: Featuring Kay BalajadiaLiggayu, Ruben Federizon and Nazer Salcedo WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., St. Faith’s Anglican Church, 7284 Cypress St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: For tickets call: 604-483-3844; 604339-7568 or 604-341-7058

JULY 3, 2015

43

CANADA

"The Travel Partner You Can Trust!"

50011720

905-747-0909 CALL US NOW for SPECIAL AIRFARES to the Philippines!

www.polaristravel.ca

support@polaristravel.ca

248 Steeles Ave. W. Unit 5, Vaughan ON. L4J 1A1

Toronto Enquiries: salestoronto@canadianinquirer.net Philippine Enquiries: salesphilippines@canadianinquirer.net

www.canadianinquirer.net

Tel: (1) 647-521-5155

44

JULY 3, 2015

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

45

HISTORAMA IN CALGARY Here are a few pictures taken at the sold out presentation of Philippines Historama at the Martha Cohen Theatre in Calgary, AB. The show was presented in collaboration with the Philippine Cultural Centre Foundation - Calgary (Photos by Art Viray).

ASIAN HEROES CANADA FOUNDATION Lita Tapia of the Asian Heroes Canada Foundation (centre) with (from L) Ryan Ferrer, Lou Lauron, Remy De los Reyes and Janice Lozano.

(seated from L) Alfredo “Jun” Lagman, Bishop Teodoro Bacani, Victor Tan (standing from L) Mary Ann and Anton Mandap, Elma Lagman, Nenita Tan and Linda Nicolas.

BISHOP BACANI VANCOUVER VISIT Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro C. Bacani Jr., spiritual adviser to the El Shaddai community, recently visited Vancouver, during the 23rd anniversary of El Shaddai. A hearty dinner in his honor was hosted by close friends, Alfredo and Elma Lagman, at the Gotham Steakhouse and Cocktail Bar in Vancouver.

Bishop Bacani flanked by Deputy Consul General Anton Mandap (R) and wife, Mary Ann.

Baby Nathaline with Ed Tapia, Natie and Cris Sotana at the Asian Heroes Canada Foundation MultiCulturalism Day at the Richmond International Summer Night Market.

www.canadianinquirer.net

Cliff Belgica

46

Seen and Scenes

JULY 3, 2015

FRIDAY

IGOROT VOLUNTEERISM Photo shows the Igorot Pride of the Mountain Province, who volunteered their services during the 2015 Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation held June 27, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. (Photo by Fred Tomas, St. Jamestown News Service)

FILIPINOS IN NEW BRUNSWICK The Filipino Community of New Brunswick recently celebrated the 117th anniversary of Philippine Independence with a picnic at the Potato Research Centre. Here are some highlights of the event (Photos from FCNB FB page).

CONCERT IN WINNIPEG Below: Nazer D. Salcedo, Marlyn Martinez, Dante Aviso, Paul Ong and Kay B. Liggayu

PHILIPPINE FIESTA Pictures from the Pickering Philippine Fiesta organized

by Filipino Canadian Heritage and Resource of Durham headed by Evie Poliarco. A flagraising ceremony was led by Pickering Mayor Bryan, MP Cris Alexander, Senator Enverga, and Consul General Rosalita S. Prospero followed by a Santacruzan parade and various forms of entertainment (Photos by Amelia Insigne).

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

Performers Nazer Degayo Salcedo, Oscar Pantaleon Jr. and Kay Balajadia-Liggayu in Winnipeg, MB.

www.canadianinquirer.net

47

FRIDAY JULY 3, 2015

Tourists in...

Chris Brown...

Laura Simoes, visiting Kefalonia from New Hampshire, said she had “neither seen, nor felt, any impact from the economic crisis... Nearly every market, restaurant, etcetera has taken our credit card and never suggested they’d rather have cash.”

Greeks can only withdraw 60 euros ($67) per account daily from banks, but the limits do not apply to foreigners.

The tour group company smarTours, which is sending several groups to Greece in a few weeks, is not seeing cancellations and is simply advising clients to bring euros.

“It is our understanding that our various suppliers are preparing for shortages of goods by stocking up,” said smarTours co-CEO Greg Geronemus. “At this time, we do not believe that travellers are at risk, but this is a fluid situation and we are monitoring it very closely.”

The Tauck tour company currently has a cruise group finishing up with three nights in Athens. “We were in touch with our hotel and our tour director earlier today, and both report that daily life is going on normally,” said spokesman Tom Armstrong.

Jim Christoforidis, a doctor in Chicago who was born in Greece and who’s planning to travel there later this summer with his wife to visit family, said they’ll “probably withdraw a substantial amount of euros” to bring. The biggest issue, he said, will be safeguarding the cash.

“Because we’ll be staying with family, it’s less of a concern,” he said. “But we’ve heard stories of people staying in hotels dealing

❰❰ 32

❰❰ 34

Travellers with standard trip insurance probably are not covered if they elect to cancel a trip simply because of economic turmoil.

with theft.”

Nikolitsa Katsoulias, of Ottawa, Canada, who is planning a trip with her fiance the last two weeks of July to Athens, Corfu and Zakynthos, booked the trip on a credit card that allows cancellations of airfare and other prepaid travel, “but we decided to go ahead with our plans anyway. After speaking to family in Greece, they advised us to bring extra euros with us and not to worry. We are going to take a leap of faith and trust that we will still enjoy our two weeks with the possibility that we may hit some bumps along the way.”

Travellers with standard trip insurance probably are not covered if they elect to cancel a trip simply because of economic turmoil. “A traveller would need a covered reason to cancel and economic events are not covered explicitly in our U.S.

travel insurance plans,” said Luke Hilty, global head of travel products at AIG. “If someone has a cancel for any reason policy, they would likely have some coverage under that provision.”

Newlywed Gina Cherwin, who works in public relations in New York, planned a honeymoon in Greece with her husband for September. “We looked at each other this morning and said, ‘Here we’ve been planning for six months the trip of a lifetime and what if we aren’t able to go?’“ Because their wedding gifts were mostly contributions to the honeymoon, most of the trip is prepaid. “I was looking forward to doing my part to bolster the economy and eat all the amazing food and see all the amazing sights,” she said.

“Hopefully this is a short-term crisis.” ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

their background Rihanna, who debuted a dancers wore large 1-minute clip of her new music “I’m a Classic Man” video for “B---- Better Have My signs around their necks, a ref- Money,” was among the A-listerence to the historic “I Am a ers who sat in the audience, and Man” civil rights era protest she sang along during Omarion signs. and Brown’s performance of And as Anthony Hamilton the pop hit, “Post to Be.” Alicia and Gary Clark Jr. performed Keys surprised the crowd when while photos of celebrities she joined The Weeknd to sing who died appeared on screen, a his hit, “Earned It.” montage of the nine people who Smokey Robinson received were gunned down at a church the Lifetime Achievement in CharlesAward, perton earlier this formed a medley month closed the of his hits and performance. earned a stand“Black-ish” ing ovation from actors Anthony A lot has the audience Anderson and changed in when he spoke Tracee Ellis my life, a lot about HollyRoss won over of mistakes, a wood and humilthe crowd with lot of lessons ity. Ne-Yo, Robin back-to-back learned. The Thicke and risjokes, including best thing I’m ing singer Tori one about Ramost thankful Kelly paid tribchel Dolezal, the for is my ute to the icon. former president daughter.

And Patti Laof the Spokane Belle was a fan chapter of the favorite too, hitNAACP. ting high notes “Is white really alongside Tamar the new black,” Braxton and K. Anderson sang as two photos of Michelle.

Dolezal — one old, the other reMinaj, who won the fancent — appeared on screen. voted viewer’s choice award, Anderson also dressed as brought her mom onstage when British singer Sam Smith, who she collected her sixth consecuwon best new artist but didn’t tive best female hip-hop artist attend the awards show. award.

“Sam Smith isn’t here tonight “Momma, I want to thank you because he’s white and he didn’t from the bottom of my heart for think he would win at the BET everything you’ve done for me.

Awards,” Anderson said as the I love you so much,” said Minaj, audience burst into laughter. who performed her with rap“This award is going to stay per-boyfriend Meek Mill later with me for you not showing up in the show. to BET,” Anderson sang, referBeyonce’s wins included best encing Smith’s ubiquitous hit, female R&B/pop artist and vid“Stay With Me.” eo director of the year. ■

48

JULY 3, 2015

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY