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AUGUST 21, 2015

VOL. 8 NO. 180

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AFP receives 10 new helicopters, defense boost

Office of VP dissatisfaction rating worsens

Harper’s inner circle lands in Duffy trial spotlight

Thai PM: ‘Some suspects’ in blast in video

Global Filipino: Manuel Baldemor

VISITOR FROM CEBU

Poe: I’m still deciding; I don’t want to give false hopes

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Devotees take pictures with their cell phones and try to touch the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu as it is loaded onto the carriage in Guadalupe, Makati City, after a fluvial procession on the Pasig River on Sunday. The pilgrim image is on a five-day visit to Manila as part of the 450th anniversary of its “Kaplag” (discovery) by the Order of St. Augustine in 1565.

RAFFY LERMA / PDI

Asia’s ‘infrastructure gap’ threatens to hamper growth

BY TERESA CEROJANO AND JOE MCDONALD The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Looking out at bumper-to-bumper Monday morning traffic crawling along the Philippine capital’s main avenue, taxi driver Ranilo

Banez shook his head in frustration.

Congestion has gotten so bad as the economy grew, he said, that a 10-kilometer (six-mile) trip that once took 30 minutes can stretch to two hours.

“We lose so much,” said Banez, 64.

“We waste a lot of gasoline and time.”

❱❱ PAGE 4 Poe: I’m still

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❱❱ PAGE 27 ❱❱ PAGE 11 Asia’s ‘infrastructure gap’

MANILA — Senator Grace Poe did not want to keep the ruling Liberal Party (LP) hanging and encouraged them to consider backing other potential vice presidential candidates for next year’s national elections.

The LP has been wooing Poe to be the running mate of their standardbearer, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II in the coming general elections.

Roxas has even visited the neophyte senator in her home over the weekend.

Poe, however, remained undecided if she would seek higher office in the 2016 elections.

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she said.

She said she was thinking of running for the House of Representatives, but had not made a decision.

Her husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, is up for reelection next year. Her son, film and television actor Lucky Manzano, is reportedly considering running for a local office in Batangas.

Duterte’s running mate

LP presidential bet Mar Roxas and Lipa City Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto.

Mar-Vi is ‘hard to beat’ Batangas gov provides mass appeal for LP bet

BY JERRY E. ESPLANADA Philippine Daily Inquirer NOW IT’S Mar-Vi. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas yesterday said the ruling Liberal Party (LP) was seriously considering Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto in its search for a vice-presidential running mate for him in next year’s national elections.

Roxas, the LP-led administration coalition’s standard-bearer, did not say in a text message to the INQUIRER whether he had already talked to Santos-Recto, but expressed confidence that the multiawarded actress-turned-politician would be an “outstanding” and “hard to beat” vice-presidential candidate.

Asked if the LP was considering other potential candidates, Roxas said, “I’m smiling ... So my lips are not really sealed.”

On the “Mar-Vi” tarpaulin banners that have sprouted in many places in Batangas, Roxas said “those tarps are independent initiatives” of the residents of the province.

During his July 10 visit to the Batangas provincial capitol, where he distributed patrol jeeps to local governments in the Southern Tagalog region, Roxas said he was open to the idea of a team-up between him and Santos-Recto.

“Well, why not? It’s not for me to say.

But let us just look at the records,” he told reporters.

Long experience

Roxas cited Santos-Recto’s years in

public service, first as Lipa City mayor and then as governor of Batangas.

“A whole myriad of budgetary deficit to security, to agriculture—she faced all of that so, if we examine the records, she has the experience and capability and she always knows what to do. So it’s up to her and the people of Batangas to decide what happens next,” Roxas said.

But what is truly important, he said, is pursuing daang matuwid, the Aquino administration’s reform program.

Clean record

Malacañang insiders interviewed for this report agreed that Santos-Recto would be a good choice, noting she was an “outstanding government official and one not tainted with corruption.”

A Palace official, who asked not to be named for lack of authority to speak to reporters, said that with her “star power” and “mass appeal,” Santos-Recto would surely boost Roxas’ presidential candidacy.

Santos-Recto, who is serving her last term as governor of Batangas, has said the LP has not yet offered the vice-presidential slot to her.

“No formal talks yet,” she said in a recent interview, adding she had not received an invitation from Roxas’ camp.

Santos-Recto was among more than 2,000 local officials who joined an LP gathering in Greenhills, San Juan City, on Aug. 3 in support of Roxas, who received President Aquino’s endorsement as administration presidential candidate on July 31.

In another interview, Santos-Recto

said Roxas should personally pick a running mate with whom he could comfortably work.

“He should pick his running mate, not accept someone who is chosen by others or recommended to him. The important thing is that he should be able to work comfortably with a partner who will run the government with him for six years,”

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, a potential presidential candidate but remains undecided, has said Santos-Recto will be a “good choice” of running mate for him.

“It can’t be (Sen.) Grace Poe because I think she has decided to run for President,” Duterte said.

Poe, who topped the 2013 senatorial election, holds a commanding lead in the voter preference polls for the presidential election, but has not decided whether to run for Malacañang. The LP is trying to convince her to come aboard as Roxas’ vice presidential running mate.

She has said, however, that if she will run, she will be more comfortable running with Sen. Francis Escudero, a statement understood as a rejection of the administration’s offer for her to team up with Roxas, who needs some image burnishing.

Roxas is unpopular with voters, placing third or fourth in the voter preference polls, but the LP says President Aquino’s endorsement will improve his ratings. ■

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AFP receives 10 new helicopters, boosts air defense

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Westland AW-109Es, on the other hand, will be placed in the 15th Strike Wing.

“The availability of mission capable and combat ready air platforms has always been an essential requirement of our air operations. Its importance places a key role in the operational readiness of the Philippine Air Force, especially in combat operations and movements of the troops and their equipment and supplies by air,” Gazmin said.

“Without doubt these air platforms will be of great assistance in enhancing the operational readiness of our armed forces,” he added.

The brand-new choppers were part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program under its Combat Utility Helicopter Aircraft Acquisition project and the Attack Helicopter Aircraft Acquisition project. More aircrafts were expected to be bought this year.

“We have brand-new aircraft that came in lately but we expect more to come in the coming months. We expect six more attack helicopters that will come before the year ends together with two lift aircraft, one medium lift aircraft, and hopefully before the year ends we get the two FA/50s that had been announced,” PAF commander Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado said.

The PAF, for its part, aimed to have a minimum credible capability with the

MANILA — The Philippine Air Force (PAF) yesterday received eight Bell412EPs combat utility helicopters and two AgustaWestland AW-109Es attack versions which were expected to boost the country’s military air services.

“The goal of really modernizing our armed forces is a long and painstaking process, this is so because the acquisition… on materiel and equipment for operational readiness are constrained by our financial capability,” Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in a Manila Bulletin report.

“We therefore need to persevere and be contented with what we can afford based on the priority for urgent operational needs and the financial affordability. This means that we have to be frugal and acquire reliable platform at very reasonable cost possible that’s allowed by meager financial resources,” he added.

The new air assets will be used for security, airlift operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations and other multiple air operations. Five of the Bell-412EPs will be assigned to the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, while the remaining three will be assigned to the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing. Both Agusta

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Eight Bell-412EPs and two AW-109E helicopters were presented to the DND, AFP and Media with the Secretary of National Defense, Hon Voltaire T Gazmin as the Guest of Honor in a Joint Formal Acceptance, Turnover and Blessing Ceremony.Also present during the ceremony are the Ambassadors of Canada, Italy and United States of America.

PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE / FACEBOOK

aid of its new aircrafts.

“The credibility will lie on several factors… of course the platform is a big factor but it will also depend on the level of competency of our pilots, the support systems, the radar systems, the ISR (intelligence surveillance reconnaissance) system that supports our air defense capability. So this will put us somehow in a more respectable position as far as our air defense is concerned. This is our mandate which is to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country,” Delgado said.

So far, 55 modernization projects worth P11 billion were completed under President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino

III’s administration.

“We expect the rest [of the air assets] to be delivered in 2017. We are also targeting the acquisition of an additional… 2 anti-submarine helicopters, [6] more AgustaWestland-109 helicopters, 2 light-lift aircraft, 3 medium-lift aircrafts, radar systems, all of which are brand new. These, along with other new equipment, will boost the capacity of our Armed Forces,” Aquino earlier said.

The AFP has already received two Hamilton cutters, two C-130 planes, two C-295 medium transport planes, six UH-1H helicopters, eight combat utility helicopters and 18 basic trainer aircrafts, aside from the newly commissioned aircrafts. ■

Poe: I’m still...

“I told [him] he had many potential vice presidential candidates to choose from,” the senator told reporters, admitting that she would be meeting with the interior secretary again.

“I don’t want to mislead or to give false hopes. But what I’m saying is that at this point, I’m still deciding, I’m studying it and it’s up to them (LP) if they will wait. But I am thankful that their doors are open [to me] but I am not encouraging them to wait if this is against their plans or contrary to their position,” she added.

Although Roxas was willing to wait until Poe reached a decision, other LP members former Rep. Erin Tañada and Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda asserted that the political party could not wait forever.

“So I told him (Roxas) I understand they cannot wait for a long time, especially if they are organizing. But for me, he will not lose (a running mate) because the party has many to choose from,” Poe said.

“I will stand firm on what’s good for our country even if the courting is so sweet. What I’m saying, generally, is even if the courting is so sweet, the deci❰❰ 1

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sion still lies in the heart,” she added.

The LP reportedly wanted Poe to run alongside Roxas to boost the latter’s fairings in the elections. Poe topped the latest presidential preferences surveys while the interior secretary ranked either third or fourth.

The senator has already set a deadline for her to come up with a decision in the coming elections but did not disclose when this date was.

Not completely shunning the LP, Poe was asked if she still had political plans with possible running mate Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero. The senator stayed mum but clarified that Roxas and Escudero remained her friends sans politics.

Roxas, for his part, only shared few details about his four-hour meeting with the senator.

“We had a nice talk… But allow us to keep the details to ourselves for now, since we have agreed to meet again,” he told reporters in a different interview.

Escudero, on the other hand, did not know about the meeting and clarified that he and Poe had not yet talked about their plans for the 2016 elections. He assured, however, that he would support whatever decision she would make. ■

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Election offense complaint against Poe filed anew

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

LP presidential bet Mar Roxas.

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Quit Cabinet now, solon tells Mar

BY DJ YAP Philippine Daily Inquirer

She criticized President Aquino for his apparent lack of concern regarding the government’s “international notoriety” on human rights, citing the controversy A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday over the military’s misrepresentation of asked Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to the statement of a United Nations rapleave his Cabinet post irrevocably for porteur on the human rights situation of the sake of “delicadeza,” or propriety, indigenous people in Mindanao. now that he appears to be “clearly purZarate challenged Aquino to stop dilsuing his presidential lydallying and “to let ambitions.” go of his anointed “As the so-called one,” lest Roxas be anointed one, Secreaccused of using his tary Roxas practically Zarate position to further now has at his disposal challenged his campaign. the vast machinery Aquino to stop He earlier pointed and resources of the dillydallying out how funds for the government.

Thus, and “to let DILG had increased questions about the go of his dramatically from sources of his early anointed one,” P65.6 billion in 2010 massive campaign ads lest Roxas to P104.5 billion are not outlandish,” be accused in 2015 with lump Bayan Muna Rep. Carof using his sum appropriations los Zarate said. position to amounting to P13.7 “That you already further his billion in 2015 alone. have the presidential campaign.

“We have pointed spokesman answerout how huge lump ing questions for sums are vulnerable Mar, speaks volume to abuse for corrupof how the ruling partion and patronage, ty takes advantage of the government especially with Malacañang’s brazen machinery to push this early his candi- moves to perpetuate the pork barrel sysdacy,” Zarate said in a statement. tem through redefining the meaning of Roxas, who got President Aquino’s en- savings in the proposed national buddorsement early this month, had submit- get,” Zarate said. ted his resignation from the Department “Additionally, the heavy funding of of the Interior and Local Government the DILG to local government units is a (DILG). The President, however, asked campaign maneuver, because it is comhim to stay longer to finish some projects mon knowledge among politicians that while he has no replacement yet.

LGUs are the base in ensuring electoral But another lawmaker belonging to victories for presidential races,” he said. the progressive Makabayan bloc in the Among other appropriations, the House of Representatives said it was DILG received P7.2 billion for water clear that Aquino had politics in mind. supply and management through the In a separate statement, Gabriela Rep. Bottom-Up Budgeting and “Salintubig” Luzviminda Ilagan accused the Aquino provision for potable water supply, and administration of being “too busy poli- P1.2 billion in assistance to informal setticking and campaigning for 2016.” tlers. ■

MANILA — Senator Grace Poe allegedly committed an election offense by misrepresenting herself in her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) in the 2013 senatorial elections, according to former senatorial candidate Rizalito David.

David then filed a complaint at the Commission on Elections (COC), pointing out that Poe declared in her COC that she was (1) a natural-born Filipino citizen; (2) a resident of the Philippines for six years and six months before the 2013 elections; and thus was eligible to run as senator.

The former senatorial candidate, however, raised questions in Poe’s COC. “The reported circumstances of her birth yield no proof upon which to conclude that her father or mother is a Filipino citizen, so as to make her a Filipino citizen at birth,” he said in his affidavitcomplaint.

“Can a foreigner, or in the case of Poe, an American, acquire residence synonymous with domicile in the Philippines?

She certainly cannot. Being an American citizen, she cannot acquire domicile

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Sen. Grace Poe.

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in the Philippines,” he added.

The COC served as a sworn statement of a particular candidate seeking an elective post.

If Poe indeed misrepresented herself in her COC, she would have then committed an elective offense and may be imprisoned for one to six years, disqualified to hold public office, and be deprived of the right to vote in political elections. ■

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Escudero seeks gov’t action for farmers affected by El Niño

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on environment and natural resources, called on several government agencies to provide assistance for farmers who would be affected by the prevailing El Niño in the country this year.

Escudero was disappointed with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) failure to prepare and equip the agricultural sector for the dry season. The said agency was allotted P5 billion to help prepare farmers for the impact of the very dry weather conditions and improve irrigation facilities adaptable to dry months.

“The Department of Agriculture should be in the forefront of this, but based on our analysis, the DA has been very slow in responding to this issue as manifested by its underspending. It’s very slow in releasing funds for this purpose,” Escudero said in a Philippine Star report.

Doing more than pinpointing faults, Escudero urged the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to help address the potential problems El Niño may bring and minimize its damages.

“Our farmers are going to need all the help they can get in the coming months, and national agencies should be ready

Sen. Francis Escudero.

to work with local governments to pull our farmers through this difficult season,” he said in a press briefing.

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When planting crops would only be futile, Escudero hoped that the TESDA could train farmers with technical and vocational skills that would enable them to resort to alternative livelihood during the dry spell.

And preparing for the worstcase scenario, Escudero urged the DSWD to include farmers and their families as recipients of the conditional cash transfer (CCT).

“The government has to be

proactive and prepare for the worst-case scenario. Our farmers have to be given all kinds of assistance to make up for the projected crop losses because of the drying up of farmlands,” he added.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), for its part, has already cautioned that the country could experience intensified El Niño by October and would continue until December. ■

Duterte: Buying F-16 fighter jets a wrong move

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — With the Philippine Air Force (PAF) acquiring two F-16 American multi-role fighter jets, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte only believed that it was a wrong move as the ‘70s jets were no match to China’s air power.

“The decision to buy two F-16s is really a blunder. How would it help?” Duterte said, urging the AFP to buy gunboats instead. “[Gunboats] are fast and mobile and can be deployed everywhere… Gunboats have firepower too.”

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) bought the F-16s as part of its modernization program, which aimed to www.canadianinquirer.net

build a defense system capable of addressing threats.

Despite modernization efforts, Duterte noted that the Philippines still cannot engage in an armed confrontation with China. He also said that the country could not rely to the United States (US) for help.

“We cannot go to war, we cannot fight China,” Duterte said, urging the national government to continue taking diplomatic steps.

“America will not die for us…

[They have not] deployed the 7th fleet in front of that atoll…

Now they’re there. [The US] allowed them to be finished,” he added.

The Philippines and China have been involved in a territorial dispute in the Spratly Islands. ■

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CBCP backs marijuana bill OKs use of drug for the terminally ill

BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer CATHOLIC BISHOPS yesterday stepped into the medical marijuana debate, saying the highest teaching authority of the Church allowed for the compassionate use of prohibited drugs for the terminally ill.

But Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), stressed that it was “morally irresponsible” to allow the use of cannabis or any other narcotic or psychotropic drugs when not medically indicated and when there were alternative intervention and treatment that would not pose the same risk as with the use of these substances. “[And] it is gravely wrong to make use of them for recreational or leisure purposes,” Villegas said in a pastoral statement, pitching in the CBCP stand on a proposal in Congress that would legalize medical marijuana in the Philippines.

The CBCP statement also expressed reservations about any legislation that would make abused substances easily accessible to the public, highlighting the disastrous effects of drug abuse to the health and life of the people, especially the youth.

“Substance abuse and drug dependence are wrong, and any measure that makes abused or habituating substances within easy reach of potential abusers and dependents is morally wrong,” Villegas said.

He said the government must be vigilant and any measure that would facilitate access to abused substances “cannot be countenanced.”

Catholic ethical principle

The Catholic Church, Villegas said, recognizes the permissibility or licitness of giving narcotics to relieve pain even when the result will be decreased consciousness and a shortening of life.

Villegas quoted an ethical principle explained by the Charter for Catholic Health Care Workers by the Pontifical Council for Pastoral Assistance

to Health Care Workers: “The health care worker who cannot effect a cure must never cease to treat. He is bound to apply all ‘proportionate’ remedies. But there is no obligation to apply ‘disproportionate’ ones.”

Obligation to treat

“We have been apprised of various medical situations other than terminal illness where it seems that palliative care and relief involving the use of narcotics, including cannabis, may be indicated,” Villegas said.

“The obligation to treat subsists, even when it may not be possible to cure,” he added.

Villegas also appealed to health care workers, particularly physicians, to make a prudent and enlightened discernment to apply the “principle of proportionality” and to determine carefully whether there was due proportion between the risks involved in the use of narcotic and psychotropic substances and the benefits anticipated.

“We offer these guidelines for the consideration of the members of the legislature as well as those within the regulatory agencies of the government,” he said.

The CBCP issued the statement to guide health care workers and the Catholic faithful who would make decisions with informed conscience about the health care they and their loved ones would receive, Villegas added.

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was no need for a new law relaxing the rules on medical cannabis as existing laws already allowed the use of such substances in extraordinary cases.

But the medical community, led by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), the largest umbrella organization of phy-

last week, the groups also pointed out that government regulatory agencies already had the mandate to approve the compassionate use of marijuana in consultation with the PMA. OK with DOH, but …

But the Department of Legislators on the health Health (DOH) said that it was committee of the not entirely reHouse of Repjecting the idea resentatives are and would redebating House view Albano’s Bill No. 04477, or In a joint statement issued last week, bill for response the Compassionthe groups also pointed out that to possible probate Use of Medigovernment regulatory agencies lems involving cal Cannabis Act, already had the mandate to approve policing and prewhich was filed the compassionate use of marijuana venting abuse of

by Isabela Rep. in consultation with the PMA. marijuana.

Rodolfo Albano CommentIII in May last ing on the docyear. tors’ opposiAlbano was tion, Albano on aware of the CBCP’s stand on sicians in the country, strongly Saturday accused the PMA of medical marijuana when he in- opposed the bill, saying there protecting the interest of big troduced his proposal, saying it was insufficient scientific evi- pharmaceutical companies and was acceptable and allowed by dence that the use of marijuana of closing the door on alternaCatholic medical ethics for ter- was beneficial for certain con- tive treatment that could pominally ill people. ditions. tentially hurt their businesses.

He said, however, that there In a joint statement issued Speaking in a radio interview, Albano bill

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Albano also said marijuana was not deadly. “Have you heard of anybody dying from marijuana overdose?” he said.

Albano rejected doctors’ claims that marijuana use was behind many traffic accidents, saying those accidents also involved alcohol.

He disclosed that he was a toker when he was young, but said he was never involved in any vehicular accident because toking put him “at peace.”

In a text message yesterday, Dr. Anthony Leachon, former president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said the medical community was not opposing in principle the compassionate use of cannabis.

“We oppose its uninformed, irresponsible and unregulated use in the absence of sufficient scientific data,” Leachon said.

“There is preliminary evidence of its use for specific conditions (ie. cancer pain, palliative care) but the rest are anecdotal and will need further scientific study,” he added. ■

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PH accepts Japan’s ‘non-apology’ over WWII atrocities 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 Vic Vargas Operations and Marketing Head Laarni Liwanag (604) 551-3360 Advertising Sales Alice Yong (778) 889-3518 alice.yong@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 Amelia Insigne 1-416-574-5121 amelia.insigne@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, sales@canadianinquirer.net Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly every Friday.

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BY NIÑA P. CALLEJA AND NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES is apparently accepting the controversial “non-apologetic” remarks of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Japanese atrocities committed during World War II, with Filipino executive and diplomatic officials saying the Philippines has rebuilt a “strong friendship” with its former enemy and that Japan’s actions since the middle of the 20th century have been done with compassion and in accordance with international law.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario issued a statement on Friday reacting positively to Abe’s speech marking the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II in which Abe expressed “profound grief” for the millions of people killed as a result of Japan’s war of ag- As part of his working visit to Japan, President Benigno S. Aquino III held a press conference with gression in East Asia, but stopped short Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU of making his own apology.

Since the war, Japan has “acted with compassion” which has led to a relationA few Japanese leaders had apologized and has more actively engaged—more ship characterized by trust and unfailing for wartime atrocities, including forcibly actively and more positively engaged support in so many fields, said Del Rosa- taking women and girls in China, South with the region and the world after the rio.

Korea and the other Asian countries like war,” she said.

“This 70-year history demonstrates the Philippines, to be “comfort women” Valte said the government has been to the world that through their relent- or sex slaves for Japanese soldiers. But “checking the progress of initiatives or less efforts, peoples of the two coun- Abe, the grandson of a wartime Cabinet courses of action that were mentioned tries can attain a remarkable achieve- minister, did not offer an apology of his during the President’s visit” to Japan in ment in overcoming issues of the past own.

June. and establishing a strong friendship,” In Malacañang, deputy presidential She said Mr. Aquino wanted an uphe added. spokesperson Abigail Valte said the date on the actions taken by the PhilipJapan is now the Philippines’ big- government recognized how post-war pine government in helping the Filipino gest source of development assistance Japan had become a strong peace and comfort women, many of whom are now and the two countries have also been development partner of the Philippines in the twilight of their years. strengthening defense cooperation in and that Japan had acted “with compasValte said Mr. Aquino also said in that the face of separate territorial disputes sion and in accordance with interna- visit “the relationship of the Philippines with China. tional law” after the war. with Japan has been characterized by Del Rosario’s comtrust and unfailing ments were in sharp support in so many contrast to the reacfields.” tions of China and Japan and the South Korea and This 70-year history demonstrates to the world United States are the other Asian victims that through their relentless efforts, peoples only two countries of Japan’s aggresof the two countries can attain a remarkable that the Philippines sion, which criticized achievement in overcoming issues of the past has strategic partAbe’s statement for and establishing a strong friendship. nerships with aimed lacking a proper at strengthening deapology and even befense ties. ing defiant in some The strategic partparts. China called it a “non-apology.”

“I think one point that we agree on nership between the Philippines and Like China and South Korea, the Philip- along with the rest of the world on Ja- Japan is becoming more significant as pines suffered from the abuse of Japa- pan [is] that we must never again repeat both countries face maritime disputes nese soldiers, particularly the exploita- the devastation of war, and that was with China. tion of Filipino women. very clearly stated there,” Valte said, in Philippine defense officials have response to questions from reporters pointed out that the military coopera‘Unshakeable’ about the Palace reaction to Abe’s state- tion between Japan and the Philippines In his war-anniversary speech, Abe ment. will promote security and stability in said Japan’s repeated past “heartfelt the region that is threatened by China’s apologies” would remain unshakeable, Compassionate island-building frenzy. ■ but that future Japanese generations “Japan has acted with compassion and should not have to keep apologizing. in accordance with international law, with AFP and AP reports www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

9

Cabinet members free to choose whom to support in 2016

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Sen. Bongbong Marcos welcomes the visiting delegates of WTCC, a non-governmental organization whose goal is to help fellow Taiwanese business people conduct business in various countries, and to promote overseas Taiwanese enterprises. Pasay City, 17 August 2015. -with 世界台灣商會聯合總會 World Taiwanese Chambers Of Commerce FACEBOOK

Marcos urges MILF: Be flexible on BBL

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer

Speaking to Radyo INQUIRER, Marcos said he believed the Senate debates would be “smooth sailing” as the substitute bill was very detailed.

“That’s why I could possibly answer questions on the amendments and changes made there,” he said.

He said the MILF was seeking to meet with senators—the same way it did with House counterparts—but there was no definite schedule as of now.

Asked what the government would do if the MILF rejected the new version, he said this would be up to the government

“Otherwise, we cannot do anything. What will happen after that is really up to the two parties, the Philippine government and the MILF,” he said.

SEN. FERDINAND Marcos Jr. Marcos said his committee yesterday said he was prepared would provide research materito defend his substitute bill on als used in making the substia proposed Bangsamoro entity tute bill to explain the changes that will replace the Autonobut added that it was “impossimous Region in Muslim Minble” to say when the debates in danao (ARMM) and urged the the Senate would be completed.

Moro Islamic Liberation Front Fourteen senators have reg(MILF) to exercise flexibility. istered for the interpellation, The Senate begins today Marcos said. “I think almost floor debates on the substitute all the senators will ask quesbill for the Palace’s proposed tions,” he said.

Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) Even if the proposed BBL is that Marcos’ not passed after committee had October, lawsubmitted to the makers will inSenate floor. clude a provision In an interview Marcos said he was saddened by that will allow a with Radyo INreports that the MILF had dubbed smooth transiQUIRER, Marhis substitute bill a “a man without tion of elected cos expressed a soul” because the changes ARMM memhope that the comprised more than 100 percent. bers to the new measure would Bangsamoro be approved beautonomous refore the October gion. deadline for canMarcos said he didates to file their certificates and the MILF negotiating pan- was saddened by reports that of candidacy for the ARMM els. the MILF had dubbed his subregional legislative assembly What the Congress and Sen- stitute bill a “a man without a whose election would be held ate can do is to make sure dis- soul” because the changes comsimultaneously with the May cussions are complete and prised more than 100 percent.

2016 national and local elec- detailed so people could under“I’m sorry that was their view tions. stand why the changes have to on what I did. But I only did The Bangsamoro charter to be made in the Palace bill, he what I think is needed to make be crafted by the Senate and said. the bill legal and we also fixed the House of Representatives Marcos expressed hope that the problems in the original would abolish the ARMM and he would be given the chance draft,” he said. set up a substate envisioned to explain the changes and Marcos said the commitunder a peace agreement ham- that “our partners in the peace tee could not retain proposed mered out last year between the process could be flexible— not provisions in the original draft Aquino administration and the pushing to accept only the orig- that he said were unconstituMILF. inal draft.” tional. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — Although President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III endorsed Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas as his preferred successor, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. clarified that the Cabinet members were still free to choose whom to support in next year’s presidential elections.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda earlier stated that the Cabinet was ‘solidly behind’ Aquino’s ‘anointed’ candidate in the coming national elections but Coloma clarified that the President never imposed anything to them, especially when it came to election decisions.

“On the question of whether each cabinet member has freedom to choose his candidate, of course, the answer to that is yes,” Coloma said.

“We all know the President.

He has never forced us to do anything. His approach is giving justification, giving an opportunity to understand his policies and programs,” he added.

Coloma believed, however, that the Cabinet was united with a common goal — ensuring that the next President would continue the good reforms Aquino started.

“What I know is the Cabinet is united in supporting, sustaining the programs of the administration because that is their sworn duty. Each member of the Cabinet is considered

the alter ego of the President so their actions are part of fulfilling their duties,” he said.

Meanwhile, there have been speculations that some Cabinet members were considering supporting other possible presidential candidates in the 2016 general elections.

While majority were likely backing Roxas, others seemed to be inclined to vote for Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay or Senator Grace Poe instead.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro, for his part, decided to remain politically neutral since his department will be working closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in next year’s elections.

“Among the Cabinet, I should be the one who is colorless. We are the partner of COMELEC because of our election duties. I think it is more important that we, together with the COMELEC and the public, ensure that the elections will be clean and credible,” he said.

“I decided not to appear in political gatherings so that our election duties will not be colored. Our elections to be viewed as fair,” he added.

Luistro also asked that social services would not be linked to politics or the coming elections.

“If we stop building classrooms because we fear that it might be interpreted as politicizing, the people will be shortchanged… Maybe other government programs can wait but health, education and social services should be beyond politics,” he said. ■

Pres. Aquino’s Cabinet members discussing the 2016 budget.

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Philippine News

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Bangsamoro to have parliamentary form of gov’t

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The new Bangsamoro region will be having a parliamentary form of government as stated in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) approved by both the House of Representatives and the Senate.

“We laud the two chambers of Congress for retaining the provisions establishing a parliamentary form of government in the region, seeing as it is crucial to the reforms we hope to put in place in the Bangsamoro,” government peace panel chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said in a Philippine Star report.

While retaining the original provision in the draft BBL, the Senate made some structural changes, including the designation of seats in the Bangsamoro legislature.

Originally, the Bangsamoro parliament was to have 60 seats, allocating 24 of these to the parliamentary districts, 30 to the party-list groups and 6 to the non-Moro indigenous peoples, settler communities and women.

In the Senate’s version of the parliamentary system, 40 of the 60 seats were reserved for the parliamentary districts, 8 to the party-list groups and 12 to the non-Moro indigenous peoples, settler communities and women.

“Lopsided representation in favor of district representatives, presumably elected on the basis of plurality or highest number of votes, will perpetuate personalistic politics, clan dynasties and weak political parties,” Ferrer said.

“On the other hand, we believe that allocating more seats to regional political parties and sectoral representatives would encourage the practice and development of a political culture in the region that is based on broad-based political parties with defined programs of governance competing in free and fair elections,” she added.

Ferrer hoped that the Senate would resort to the original allocation of seats and ensure that political parties and sectoral representatives would have more seats for a more participatory government.

“Our goal with this parliamentary form of government as envisioned in the original BBL

is to ensure inclusive and more participatory governance. Allocating a large majority of the seats of the Bangsamoro parliament for parties and marginalized sectors will encourage politics based on principles and not personalities. It will empower the different segments of the people in the Bangsamoro,” she said.

Senators have then asked for more time to review the substitute BBL, delaying floor debates on the proposed bill.

Improve BBL, don’t hinder it Knowing that some ‘esteemed lawmakers’ were still against the passage of the BBL, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III urged them to help improve it instead.

“Instead of asking: ‘How can I improve the BBL so that it may effectively address the grievances of our countrymen,’ it appears they ask, ‘How can I stop or block the passage of this bill,” Aquino said.

“If there are 10 steps between us, steps we must take to become closer to one another, and they have already taken nine and a half steps — would you still deprive them of that last half-step,” he added. ■

Palace backs DOJ probe on INC

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

(Investigating individuals or organizations involved or might be involved in possible violations of the law is part of the mandate of the Department of Justice.)

Coloma made the statement

the probe because of the absence of a complainant.

“Secretary De Lima should cease and desist from her MANILA — Malacanang dewitch hunt of Iglesia ni Cristo. fended Justice Secretary de In the absence of a complainLima, urging her to continue ant, she should not investigate the investigation the alleged inof the Departtramurals withment of Justice in the Iglesia ni on the alleged Cristo,” Roque abductions and Investigating individuals or said. threat against organizations involved or might be He also said some members involved in possible violations of the that continuing of the Iglesia ni law is part of the mandate of the the probe would Cristo.

Department of Justice. mean a consti“Kasama sa tutional violamandato ng tion.

Department of “To persist in Justice ‘yung pagsisiyasat sa in an interview over the state- investigating the local church indibidwal o organisasyon na run Radyo ng Bayan following would be to violate the connasasangkot o maaaring sang- criticisms raised against the stitutional right of freedom of kot sa posibleng paglabag sa probe. religion which includes both a batas,” Communications SecLaw professor and lawyer guarantee of freedom to believe retary Herminio Coloma Jr. Harry Roque earlier said that and non-intervention with said.

De Lima should not conduct church affairs,” he said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV.

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While Marcos mulls, Trillanes is raring to go

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer SEN. FERDINAND Marcos Jr. said yesterday he could only make a decision about running for higher office if the political landscape and alliances were clear.

“I think whatever decision I will make for 2016, it could very well be the most important decision I will ever make in my life,” Marcos told dzIQ or Radyo Inquirer.

The senator, whose term will end in 2016, asked the people, particularly his supporters, to be “patient” so he could make the “right decision.”

Marcos said his party, the Nacionalista Party (NP), is slated to announce possibly at the end of September its decision on the role it will play in 2016. The party also will decide whom to support in the presidential election, he said.

The NP was still waiting for two of its members—Marcos and Senate Majority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano—to announce their plans for 2016.

Another NP member, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, had declared he would be running for Vice President as early as June.

In a separate interview also over Radyo Inquirer, Trillanes yesterday reiterated he will run for Vice President and that if he, Marcos and Cayetano all ran for the same office, it was likely their party will go “zona libre” (free zone) and will not take a party position on whom

to support.

He said he had talked to party head, former Sen. Manny Villar, who assured him all the candidates would be given support.

Trillanes also said that as early as June he had told Malacañang he did not want to go with the administration Liberal Party in 2016, but that he was told they were considering him as a running mate for Roxas.

He said he begged off, adding that he and his Magdalo party will part ways with the LP in 2016 because he disagreed with some of the positions the party had taken.

These included the LP’s support for the K-to-12 basic education program that Trillanes had wanted scrapped, and the party’s support of the reproductive health law, partly because he disliked the requirement that sex education be taught to sixth graders.

Still, he said, he told the Palace he would continue to support President Aquino until the end of his term next year.

Asked if he just did not want to support Roxas next year, he said: “It’s not Secretary Mar. To be fair, he is a decent man, he’s not a corrupt person.”

Asked whom the NP would support if no member ran for President, Trillanes said party members were open to supporting Roxas, Sen. Grace Poe or Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

But in a text message later, Trillanes said the “sense” he got from NP members was that they were not keen on the party aligning with the LP in 2016. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

11

Asia’s ‘infrastructure gap...’

The Philippines is far from alone. The outpouring of support for a Chinese-led bank to finance infrastructure highlights a gap in Asia’s success story: From power-starved India to Thailand’s overburdened railways, developing economies face a shortage of basic facilities so severe that it threatens to hold back growth and living standards.

Manila and other cities are choked with construction sites for office and apartment towers. But spending on roads, railways and other unglamorous but essential infrastructure collapsed after the 1997 financial crisis and has yet to recover.

“The catch-up they need to do is still considerable,” said Ramesh Subramaniam, deputy director general of the ADB’s Southeast Asia department.

If spending fails to pick up, “then this could possibly have an impact on future growth,” he said. “Certainly it is going to reduce the competitiveness of the countries in the region.”

That gap has given Beijing a chance to assert its ambition to be a regional leader and fueled a diplomatic alms race.

On top of its planned infrastructure bank, which 57 countries want to join, the government of President Xi Jinping has launched initiatives to improve road, rail and sea links.

Japan joined Washington in staying away from the Chinese bank. Instead, Tokyo responded in June by announcing its own credit package of $110 billion for the region.

The Asian Development Bank has estimated developing Asian economies need to invest $8 trillion in the decade through 2020 or some 80 times the planned $100 billion capital of Beijing’s bank.

India is set to pass China this year as the world’s fastestgrowing big economy. To keep ❰❰ 1

that up, its government says, the nation of 1.2 billion people needs to spend $1 trillion on infrastructure in the five years through 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called in May for India to speed up building “all projects that will ensure a modern infrastructure backbone.”

India’s most ambitious initiative is the $100 billion DelhiMumbai Industrial Corridor Project. It calls for creating seven industrial cities, high-speed railways, six airports and three sea ports.

Nationwide, the government says India needs 450 new coalfired power plants. It also plans a $10.2 billion high-speed train to link Mumbai, the financial capital, with Ahmedabad, an industrial city to the north.

In Vietnam, the ruling Communist Party in June approved a proposal for a $15.8 billion second airport for its business capital, Ho Chi Minh City.

To meet power demand that rises by 10 percent a year, state media say Vietnam needs to spend $50 billion in the decade through 2020 and another $75 billion over the next decade.

They put Vietnam’s spending needs for highways at $22.5 billion in 2015-20.

Thailand has a 3 trillion baht ($92 billion) building plan for 2015-22 that includes highspeed train routes that eventually will stretch from China in the north through Malaysia in the south to Singapore. It calls for expanding seaports and Bangkok’s commuter trains.

In the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III in May approved $1.4 billion in spending for commuter rail in Manila and other projects. That brought the total for infrastructure investment to $31.8 billion since Aquino took office in 2010.

Bjorn Pardo, founder and CEO of Xend, a delivery company in the Philippines with 250 employees, said it copes with

EDSA, Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare.

congestion by using customoutfitted motorcycles instead of trucks.

“The traffic situation will not get significantly better anytime soon,” said Pardo in an email.

The Philippines ranks 95th out of 144 countries on a World Economic Forum survey of infrastructure quality. Its 2011-16 development plan promises to reduce the number of homes without access to power and running water and build ports, railways, power plants and cargo terminals.

“Our priority will be energy,” said Benjamin Diokno, an economist at the University of the Philippines and former Cabinet secretary. “The urban rail system is also pressing. The railway system from north to south is pressing. Everything is pressing.”

The Asian Development Bank says if the required facilities are built, the region’s people could get an extra $4.5 trillion in income in the decade through 2020 and another $8.5 trillion after that.

Many have yet to work out how to pay for those projects.

www.canadianinquirer.net

Before the 1997 crisis, public works spending in many developing Asian economies was equal to 6 to 8 percent of annual economic output.

Post-crisis, that tumbled to as little as 2 percent. It dipped below 1 percent in the Philippines in 2010. Today, it is below 3 percent in Indonesia, Pakistan and other economies — less than half the level the ADB says is needed to support growth at current levels.

In the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, courier Yusuf Abdillah complained he loses two hours a day in traffic jams that can stretch up to eight kilometers (five miles).

“I’m fed up,” said Abdillah, 28. “The government is being irresponsible.”

Many governments want to draw in money from pension funds, insurance companies and other private investors.

The Philippines hopes encouraging private investment will help boost infrastructure spending from 3.4 percent of gross domestic product this year to 5 percent next year, according to Economic Planning

ANTONIO V. OQUIAS / SHUTTERSTOCK

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

But many projects have yet to be structured as profit-oriented ventures to repay investors.

And investors are wary of political interference and potential delays over environmental and other concerns.

China has pledged to supply most of the initial $50 billion in capital for its Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

In June, governments including Britain, New Zealand, France, Australia and South Korea signed an agreement on the bank’s basic principles.

Still, the ADB’s Subramaniam said the region’s total spending is likely to be less than half the amount required.

“The continuing unmet needs clearly indicate we need more resources and different ways of structuring projects,” he said. ■ McDonald reported from Beijing. AP Writers Nirmala George in New Delhi, Tran Van Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam, Thanyarat Doksone in Bangkok and Niniek Karmini in Jakarta, Indonesia contributed.

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Philippine News

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Mar-Garin a healthier team-up

BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer “MAR-GARIN” IS a better choice, not for politics, but for health.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas and Health Secretary Janette Garin both crushed speculations on the likelihood of a political tandem shaping up between them, with the latter saying that she was not throwing her hat into the political ring in 2016.

“With all the speculations as who would be the running mate, if you think about Janette Garin, it will be Mar-Garin,” said Roxas, laughing as he addressed guests of the National Health Summit at Manila Marriott Hotel yesterday. “[It’s] healthier than butter, less cholesterol than butter,” he said.

Mar’s humor

Garin said Roxas was merely humoring the crowd when he brought up the “Mar-Garin” tandem.

In an interview later with reporters, Roxas said he was still waiting for Sen. Grace Poe to respond to the Liberal Party’s (LP) invitation to be his running mate in the 2016 presidential elections under the administration coalition.

“Time will come that she

have the confidence of the President. As you can see, we have a series of activities until June 2016 in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Department of the Interior and Local Government,” said Garin.

Staying the course

Liberal Party standardbearer Mar Roxas and Health Sec. Janette Garin

will either accept or reject our invitation. But we invited her to join us in continuing the straight path that [President Aquino started],” said Roxas.

“But should she reject it, it will be up to the President and the coalition as to what will be the next step,” he added.

Early this month, President Aquino endorsed Roxas as the ruling LP’s standardbearer in the upcoming balloting despite his poor performance in the polls. Roxas lost the 2010 vice-

presidential election to former Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay.

Third in surveys

He is running third in the latest Social Weather Stations survey, behind Binay and Poe. In his speech as keynote speaker during the Department of Health’s activity, Roxas mentioned that he and Garin had worked together for the passage of the cheaper medicines law when he was still a senator and the latter was representa-

tive of the first district of Iloilo.

“We worked very well together at that time [and] we continue to work well together at the executive side of the government,” said Roxas.

In a separate interview, Garin said she really had no plans seeking an elective post in the May 9 balloting next year.

“No, I am not running because I am still with the Department of Health... I’m not one of those considered,” she said.

“I’ll finish my deeds if I still

Garin also stressed that she would stay at the helm of the health agency to ensure that the many programs being implemented under the Aquino administration will be completed by June 2016.

“He (Roxas) was just trying to be funny,” Garin said, but added that the pun had a real health message. Research shows that margarine contains “good” or unsaturated fats which reduce bad cholesterol because it is made from vegetable oils. On the other hand, butter is made from animal fat, containing more saturated fat, she said.

Speaking with reporters later, Roxas praised Garin’s competence and experience in politics but he said he believed that the health secretary would rather continue serving in the health sector.

“We have gone far in the healthcare agenda under the ‘daang matuwid’ and we will continue to protect and defend this against those who want to undo it,” said Roxas. ■

Office of the Vice President dissatisfaction rating worsens — Survey

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — According to the latest Makati Business Club (MBC) Executive Outlook Survey, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) has been the worst performing government office, getting the lowest ranking.

The survey, which was conducted from July 6 to August 7 through fax and online surveys, asked several senior business executives about their views on how well 64 government agencies performed from July 2014 to July 2015.

The OVP got a net score of negative 76.3 with a high 88.1

dissatisfaction rating and a low 11.9 satisfaction rating. Last year, it ranked 33rd. This year, it placed 64th.

The Office of the President (OP), on the other hand, received a net score of positive 29 with a 65.5 satisfaction rating and a 35.5 dissatisfaction rating. It now ranked 27th from last year’s 36th.

Meanwhile, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), and the Department of Tourism (DOT) emerged as the top three best performing agencies, receiving the highest net scores.

BSP has topped the list since 2011, being able to maintain the

country’s financial stability for years. It got a net score of 90.8 with a 94.4 satisfaction rating and only a 4.6 dissatisfaction rating. PEZA and DOT received net scores of 84.5 and 81.1, respectively.

Making it to the top ten were the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Board of Investments (BOI) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Out of the 64 government offices and agencies, 38 got www.canadianinquirer.net

Vice President Jejomar Binay (red shirt) interacting with his constituents FACEBOOK

positive net scores while 34 received negative net scores; with the OVP, Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Department of Ag-

riculture (DA), and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) landing in the bottom of the list.

The 2015 MBC Executive Outlook Survey had 64 corporations as respondents. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

13

Last batch of PDAF cases filed

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Daily Inquirer

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak witness MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles affix their signature to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in a ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace.

RYAN LIM / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

Lack of quorum delays BBL passage, bothers Belmonte

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Few attendees at the House of Representatives in the deliberation of House Bill 4994 or the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has been impeding its passage, House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. admitted.

Only few lawmakers participated in the resume of debates on the draft BBL, which aimed to form a new Bangsamoro government which would replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II, for his part, disclosed that some representatives may be ‘purposely absenting’ as they were opposed to the passage of the bill.

Belmonte, however, still wanted to pass the measure by next month as the House needed to discuss the 2016 national budget afterwards.

“It’s bothersome, but I’m still confident of its passage… We have to do our best to talk to the [Congress] leaders,” he said in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.

Meanwhile, BBL panel chairman Rufus Rodriguez, welcomed the House and the Senate’s actions on the proposed bill.

“There are a lot of balancing acts to be done to ensure that the [draft BBL] remains true both to the genuine aspirations of the Bangsamoro for self-deter-

MANILA — According to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, the probe and filing of charges related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam have already been brought to an end after the Department of Justice (DOJ) filed the third and last batch of cases last week.

“There is nothing on the table at the moment with respect to the PDAF cases arising out of the Commission on Audit (COA) special report covering the years 2007, 2008 and 2009 and involving non-government organizations (NGOs) linked to alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim-Napoles,” De Lima said. “We’re done with the PDAF cases and Napoles NGOs (non-government organizations).”

Nine new respondents have been linked to the PDAF scam, including Senator Gregorio Honasan and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Chief Joel Villanueva.

Napoles and Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinngoy Estrada and Bong Revilla,

mination and the 1987 Philippine Constitution,” Rodriguez said in the same report.

He also acknowledged the Senate’s new version of the proposed measure — the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBAR).

“The House and Senate versions of the BLBAR carry significant differences,” Rodriguez added. “Early reviews of the Senate version… weakened [the] Bangsamoro parliamentary system of government.”

Having differences in the two versions and with the Senate’s numerous omissions in the bill, the BBL panel chairman noted that these were expected.

“This only proves that we have a working and healthy democracy. As legislators with independent minds, different takes on the bill are to be expected,” he said.

“That is the beauty of our democratic system. You have independent minds working on the same thing [that] will eventually compare notes, as they say, and reach a consensus,” he added.

After the House and Senate deliberations, the joint Congress will then finalize the measure in a conference on its third reading.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), for its part, feared that a ‘diluted’ version of the BBL would be passed.

To this, Rodriguez stayed optimistic that the Muslim group would accept the amended bill. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

along with the new set of respondents, are now facing plunder and graft charges for the misappropriation and misuse of the PDAF. Several government-owned companies were also allegedly connected to the PDAF scam; these included the Philippine Forest Corp., National AgriBusiness Corp., National Livelihood Development Corp., Technology and Livelihood Resource Center, and Zamboanga del Sur University Real Estate Corp. These firms purportedly served as pork barrel fund conduits.

Another possible case

Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has still been investigating on an NGO not linked to Napoles. De Lima, however, clarified that it was ‘only a possible case’ and that the NBI may not even be able to obtain enough evidences to support the complaint against it.

Subsequent COA annual audit reports also linked at least four more congressmen to the PDAF scam. This may bring another possible case. But should there be new anomalies seen by the COA, it will be the Office of the Ombudsman to file new cases. ■

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Philippine News

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Silk Road way to solve PH, Sino feud

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer QUANZHOU — The sea used to be near this city, the starting point of China’s ancient maritime Silk Road in the east.

Today, Quanzhou, where the 90-meter-high Jiuri Mountain is located, is being developed into the “pioneer” of China’s new maritime Silk Road, and Chinese officials make it clear that the Philippines is very much part of the new Chinese initiative that aims to boost trade, economic and cultural ties between the two countries and, it is hoped, strengthen political ties strained by the South China Sea dispute.

Jiuri Mountain, or “Hill Jiuri,” as stated in the marker standing at the foot of the mountain, was a witness to centuries of prayers of Chinese and foreign sailors and travelers for good winds and smooth sailing before they set sail for foreign lands.

Their prayers and wishes are forever etched in 75 inscriptions and engravings set around the hill.

During the Tang Dynasty, Quanzhou was the busiest port and venue for foreign trade, and during the succeeding Song and

Yuan dynasties, the largest port in eastern China.

The inscriptions found on Jiuri Mountain say that Quanzhou was the starting point of the ancient trade route that linked the east with the west, which China is now reviving.

“Quanzhou at that time was like Shanghai and Hong Kong today,” according to Helen Chen, associate consultant of the Quanzhou Municipal Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs Office.

Chen said the modern Silk Road envisioned by China and other countries was intended “not only to promote trade but [also cultural and person-toperson exchanges] and even infrastructure [development].”

A Philippine delegation of journalists and academicians recently visited Fujian province to learn about the Silk Road project and understand how the Philippines could benefit from the Chinese initiative.

The Filipinos stayed for six days, also visiting Xiamen, and learned from Chinese officials that China wants to strengthen economic and cultural ties with the Philippines through the Silk Road initiative.

Territorial dispute

The Chinese gave an assurance of cooperation despite

the territorial dispute between China and the Philippines in the South China Sea. Insisting it has “undisputed sovereignty” over almost the entire South China Sea, China seized seven Philippineclaimed reefs in the West Philippine Sea, part of the waterway within Manila’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Without military muscle to defend its territory, the Philippines took the dispute to the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague for resolution.

China has refused to take part in the proceedings, insisting on bilateral negotiations to settle the dispute.

Chinese academicians see the Silk Road initiative as a way for the two countries to build confidence as they try to solve the dispute through diplomacy.

In a meeting with the Philippine delegation, professor Xu Ke of Xiamen University’s Research School of Southeast Asian Studies, called for confidence-building and cooperation between China and the Philippines, pointing out how the South China Sea dispute strained ties by Manila’s move to take legal action against Beiwww.canadianinquirer.net

jing instead of negotiating with China.

Xu also said Manila was keen about promoting a code of conduct between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Besides the Philippines, Asean members Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei also have competing claims in the South China Sea. Taiwan also claims the whole China Sea. Bilateral talks

China has for some time now been espousing bilateral talks to resolve the dispute, Xu said.

“So first we have to build confidence between the two countries. If we don’t (build) confidence to deal with the issue, so how can we do this and how can we cooperate under this scheme?” he said.

But Xu also said the Silk Road initiative may help China and Asean countries get on politically well.

“The problem is China and Asean have quite close economic cooperation. But in terms of the political, the gap is wider and (we can) use this scheme (Silk Road) to narrow this gap,” he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the revival of the Silk Road in 2013 with the goal of

building more economic cooperation among countries in Asia, Europe and Africa.

In separate trips in Central and Southeast Asia in 2013, Xi spoke about the development of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, also called One Belt, One Road Initiative.

Oriented toward Asean

The 21st Century Maritime Silk Road is oriented toward Asean.

“In the 21st century, a new era marked by the theme of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, it is all the more important for us to carry on the Silk Road Spirit in face of the weak recovery of the global economy, and complex international and regional situations,” China’s National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce, said in a paper about the Silk Road.

“This initiative advocates tolerance among civilizations, respects the paths and modes of development chosen by different countries, and supports dialogues among different civilizations on the principles of seeking common ground while shelving differences and drawing on each other’s strengths, so that all countries can coexist in

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

peace for common prosperity,” the paper said.

Jiang Xiding, a professor at Xiamen University’s Research School of Southeast Asian Studies, dispelled the notion that the Philippines is excluded from the Silk Road initiative because of the South China Sea dispute.

Asia bank

Jiang said the Chinese government was not excluding the Philippines from Silk Road, pointing out that the Philippines is a member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) that will finance infrastructure projects under the initiative.

The Philippines was among 21 countries, including China, that signed on in October last year as founding members of the AIIB, which was seen as a rival to the World Bank.

Aside from the Philippines and China, the AIIB founding members are Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Burma (Myanmar), Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

“So I think this is a good beginning for cooperation,” Xing said. “When the Philippines needs capital for construction or infrastructure, the AIIB will provide (but) certainly there will be some procedure. So I don’t think the Philippines would lose from the One Belt, One Road (initiative).”

Jiang said China set up a Silk Road Fund of $40 billion. The AIIB, he said, has a capital of $100 billion, expected to increase from its members’ contributions.

At meetings with local officials in Xiamen and Quanzhou, the Philippine delegation received assurance that the Philippines would be included in their Silk Road action plans.

39 projects In Xiamen, local officials have mapped out 39 projects

for the participation of nine John Gokongwei’s Robinson’s zhou county, according to Helcountries—the Philippines, Group has also a shopping mall en Chen, associate consultant Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, in Xiamen. of the Quanzhou Municipal Singapore, Indonesia, India, There are 199 Philippine en- Foreign Affairs and Overseas Iran and Sri Lanka. terprises in Xiamen, mostly Chinese Affairs Office.

Of the 39 projects, nine were medium and small-sized busiChen also said Quanzhou had earmarked for the Philippines nesses, with a total capital of drawn similar action plans inand these were made up mostly $280 million, Chen said. volving 180 projects under the of infrastructure construction The Philippines is Xiamen’s Silk Road initiative where the “to promote development and 10th largest investor, concen- Philippines would benefit. connectivity between the two trating on manufacturing and She said the action plans were nations,” according to Chen Ji- services. Manila is the second being reviewed at the provinanjin, vice senior officer of the largest trader among Asean cial level and would be brought Xiamen Commerce Bureau. members in Xiamen, Chen said. eventually for the approval at In a briefing, Chen said He said, however, that Xia- the national level. among the projects was the men’s investment in the Philip“The Philippines is one of the construction of the Southeast pines is smaller, with only four most important countries in China shipping center where a enterprises with $3.16 million Asia and we’re sure there will container port would also rise. in investments, mostly in min- be some projects related to the “We are also building the ing.

Philippines in Quanzhou. The cruise home port. We are goIn the case of the export-ori- Philippines is an investor, so we ing to attract internationally ented economy of Quanzhou, have projects,” she said. famous ships to Xiamen to pro- the Philippines is its third largUnder the Silk Road initiamote tourism,” Chen said. est source of foreign direct in- tive, she said, local governXiamen was ments in China also boosting will encourage mutual investbusinessmen “to ment with the go abroad and The Philippines is one of the most Philippines and set up indusimportant countries in Asia and Chen said Chitrial parks” and we’re sure there will be some nese-Filipino in the case of projects related to the Philippines business tycoon Quanzhou, shoe in Quanzhou. The Philippines is an Henry Sy’s SM companies as investor, so we have projects.

Group would they have a bigbuild the third ger international phase of its shopmarket. ping mall there.

“Our Xiamen bus company vestments, with Hong Kong and Long-standing cooperation is also promoting an assembly Taiwan on the first and second Chen of the Quanzhou complant in the Philippines,” he spots, respectively, according merce bureau said long before said. to Chen Jin Zhen, section chief the Silk Road initiative, QuanIn boosting tourism ties un- of the Quanzhou Municipal Bu- zhou and the Philippines were der the Silk Road initiative, reau of Commerce. already doing well in economic Chen said Xiamen was working The export volume between and trade cooperation. on a “popular cruise route” that the Philippines and Xiamen is That is why when Beijing inwould see the inclusion of some $1 billion, while their import troduced the modern Silk Road countries, including the Philip- volume is $60 million, she said. initiative, Chen said, Quanzhou pines. “seized” the opportunity for it “In the future, we plan to give PAL flights to become the “pioneer” of the greater support in importing “We can do more business to- project. goods from the Philippines and gether. It’s beneficial not only The SM Group made its first other Asean countries, and to to Chinese businessmen but investment in China in 2001, get more subsidy for these pro- also to Filipino businessmen,” opening a large shopping mall. grams,” he said. she said.

It is opening soon a third The opportunity to do more shopping mall in Xiamen, SM More PH investment business and people-to people Xiamen III, which will be “more Chen also expressed hope exchanges as well as tourism upscale” than SM Xiamen II or that Philippine enterprises will between Quanzhou and the the Lifestyle Center, accordinvest more in Xiamen, noting Philippines is expected to in- ing to Ronald Allan Brosas, SM that many Chinese-Filipinos crease with Philippine Airlines Supermalls assistant vice presicome from Xiamen. opening direct flights between dent who is based in China.

Aside from Sy’s SM Group, Manila and Jinjiang, a QuanBrosas said SM Group hoped

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15

to open soon a third shopping mall that was linked with SM City Xiamen and SM Lifestyle Center.

“We need to be aggressive of the competition,” he said, noting that the business competition has become stiffer because Xiamen is “close to Hong Kong.”

Brosas said the recent opening of a subway is Xiamen allowed residents to visit Hong Kong in four hours, prompting the SM Group to strive to get more international brands to its shopping malls.

“We want to compete. We want to build a city within a city,” Brosas said, adding that the group was working with the city.

Five SM malls

SM Xiamen is among five SM shopping malls operating in China. The others are located in Jinjiang, Quanzhou; Chenghua, Chengdu; Wuzhong, Suzhou and Yubei, Chongqing. It is set to open more SM malls, among them in Zichuan, Zibo City and in Tianjin.

And SM has big investment plans for China, with officials saying they will enter in more real estate business there, building residences, condominiums and offices.

“SM’s future plan in China is focused on the core targets of provincial capitals and cities as well as the second-tier cities to develop SM shopping centers while actively expanding the brand name of SM and increasing the recognition of SM nationwide,” the group says in its “Live with Style” brochure.

Chen of the Xiamen commerce bureau said he hoped that under the Silk Road initiative, “more Philippine enterprises would invest in Xiamen.”

“Xiamen is coastal and the Philippines is an [archipelago].

So we have a lot of cooperation potential,” Chen said. ■

Opinion

16

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

PUBLIC LIVES

In defense of politics

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer BECAUSE ONLY a thin line separates them, politics and governance tend to be confused with one another. Worse, politics is often seen as the ugly twin of governance, the one that corrupts the best intentions of government. In truth, the two are equally indispensable, and are neither intrinsically good nor bad.

It would be useful to treat politics and governance not as opposites, but as distinct components of a political system, operating on the basis of their respective criteria of rationality. Modern society puts a premium on the operational autonomy of governance, consciously keeping its criteria separate from those of politics.

Traditional society, in contrast, tends to fuse them under a political system sometimes known as patronage politics.

Some definitions might help clarify this point. Politics is about people making choices regarding the basic decision premises (or visions) of government. It begins with the process of choosing the right persons or parties to whom they entrust the power to make collectively binding decisions. Governance (or administration), on the other hand, concerns the

use of this power to legislate policy, Its success depends on its capacity office, President Aquino could have formulate and implement programs, to preserve its autonomy and remain opted to terminate it. But, setting enforce norms, and coordinate the nonpartisan in its operations. aside the usual objection to a project functions of government.

To illustrate this sensitive linkage associated with one’s predecessor, he We judge the success of politics, between politics and governance, let decided instead to expand it. Today, it in the first instance, by the degree us consider the government’s Condi- has 4.4 million enrolled families unto which it produces legitimate lead- tional Cash Transfer Program, better der its care. ers—i.e., individuals whose selection known as the Pantawid Pamilyang A government cash transfer is acceptable to the people. Credible, Pilipino Program or 4Ps. I know a scheme of this magnitude is bound orderly and honest elections are es- little about this human development to attract the meddling of politicians, sential to this goal. project, which aims to interrupt the particularly at the local level. The DeIn turn, we judge the success of intergenerational transfer of pover- partment of Social Welfare and Degovernance by the velopment, the key degree to which it agency in charge of is able to solve sothe program, has By anointing Mar Roxas as his preferred successor, P-Noy ciety’s persistent waged a fierce bathas, in effect, put upon him the onus of defending his policies and problems, and pretle to keep the 4Ps programs. pare the ground for from being politicontinued progress. Professional ty, illiteracy and poor health among cized. This basically means preventcompetence, equal access to govern- the country’s indigent households. ing politicians from playing any role ment services, efficiency, transpar- Initially skeptical about the program, in the identification and processing ency, and accountability are among I accepted the invitation to serve, of beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are the key criteria for assessing an ad- without compensation, as a member methodically chosen on the basis of ministration. of the National Independent Advi- strict criteria of eligibility from a list The relationship between politics sory and Monitoring Council that furnished by a national household and governance is complex and is in- regularly reviews the program at the targeting system. Not every poor escapably marked by conflict. Politi- national level. family qualifies automatically. To be cians in power naturally wish to use Following its success in Brazil and eligible, a poor family needs to have their time in government to ensure Mexico, the 4Ps was introduced into a nursing mother and/or children their continued hold on power. That the country in 2007 through a small of school age, and must be willing to is the code of politics. On the other pilot sample during the presidency of meet certain conditions in exchange hand, the bureaucracy that forms the Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. By the end for receiving the monthly grant. backbone of governance operates by of Arroyo’s term in 2010, the program Keeping politics out of the 4Ps has a different code. Its goals go beyond had enrolled about 800,000 house- been a delicate balancing act for the the tenure of any party or politician. hold beneficiaries. When he assumed DSWD because the cooperation of

local governments is also needed at some point to get the work done. Yet, it is inevitable that a program like this would become an election issue.

The opposition has criticized it as a dole program that keeps the poor dependent and idle. The Aquino administration, on the other hand, wishes to be judged by its success.

By anointing Mar Roxas as his preferred successor, P-Noy has, in effect, put upon him the onus of defending his policies and programs. Of course, along with this also comes the blessing of being able to bask in the government’s successes.

It is thus perfectly reasonable that Roxas would launch his political advocacy on national media by extolling the 4Ps, a government project with an enormous impact on the poor, and promising its continuation. To be sure, he might have been more persuasive if he had focused on an achievement in which he played a direct role. But, what would really be objectionable is if political operators started promising inclusion in the list of beneficiaries in exchange for votes, or threatening people with removal if they held contrary affiliations. That would not be politics, but politicking.

The advisory and monitoring council for the 4Ps would be the first to raise a furor should this happen. ■

LOOKING BACK

‘Talangka’

By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer TABA ng talangka, at first glance, is a disgusting orange paste in a bottle that reminds some people of skid marks on toilet bowls, but just the mention of it makes others swoon at the memory or expectation of its rich taste and bad cholesterol. While most people literally translate taba ng talangka to mean “crab fat” when it is actually “crab roe” or “aligue,” which comes from the female crablet. Talangka is also known as “Asian shore crab” in English, and its hard-to-spell scientific name is Hemigrapsus sanguineus.

I was introduced to these crablets in Pampanga where they were served in their shell as “burong talangka,” which I never learned to eat simply because it seemed like so much trouble to squeeze and suck less than a teaspoon of the crablet meat or juice from its shell. The easier way to enjoy these crablets these days is to have them deep-fried such that you can eat the whole crunchy shell and the roe and flesh inside after dipping it in spiced vinegar.

Just recently I realized that the taba ng talangka in the bottle is not really pure crab roe because I doubt if

the male crablets are separated from ply. My mother described to me how key. The traditional chicharon dip in the female or the “bakla” of their people had to squeeze the aligue out my grandmother’s home was never kind before the extraction process. I of each crablet by hand, often cut- vinegar spiced with sili but atsara have never checked talangka for gen- ting and scraping their skin in the which provided a sweet contrast to der before, but I do know that with process. One sack of crablets, gath- the salty pork skin and fat. But I have the bigger crabs we know as alimango ered from rice fields and the shores found something better: chicharon or alimasag, you can tell a male from of rivers, yielded only as much to fill with laman with a dab of taba ng taa female by the back side of the shell: one small Nescafé diamond glass, so langka is literally a bite to die for. the male has a pointed design while this was never to be wasted. Even the I was told that the talangka are a female has a round design. Also, spoon used to scoop the liquid gold not as easy to find as before, having male crabs contain more white meat from the bottle had to be licked clean been over-harvested because of the while the female have more aligue. after eating. demand for taba ng talangka and also When I was a child and accompanied Traditionally, taba ng talangka is because pesticide has killed them off my mother to the market, I would served as a siding to grilled or fried in their traditional breeding places. always overhear her asking the fish- fish, but it is best eaten on a bed of The world is different now from the monger to choose time of my childthe crabs that had hood when you This was obviously thought up by someone who has never the most aligue. She knew the seasons been to a wet market because when you go to the crab section, you would also tell him from the food that will see these crabs with claws tied up with rubber band or string. that she would prewas served: manfer the bakla to the goes and siniguelas female crabs, if available. The bakla, freshly cooked rice, seasoned with in summer; suman, bibingka and “in-between” male and female, was kalamansi. My mother once used puto bumbong during Christmas; tathe best of both “worlds,” yielding taba ng talangka instead of tomato langka in August. All these can be had both meat and fat. sauce for seafood pasta, and when all year round and bought easily off a Taba ng talangka was delivered to my cousins visited me in Tokyo two grocery shelf. my mother in bottles every August years ago carrying pasalubong like Everyday food for people in the and she would cook the paste with the Three Magi, I opened the Lapid’s farms and fields that were once delots of garlic and give it a tang from chicharon with laman— and having scribed as “native food” have moved “dayap,” not kalamansi. I knew this no atsara to eat it with, I tested fate from rural papag to the urban mall bottled stuff was precious because by having chicharon with taba ng where the taste of nostalgia is a sellone whole barrio labored to produce talangka, and washing everything ing point. our annual taba ng talangka sup- down with Suntory Yamazaki whisIt has been over a decade since my

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mother passed away, but the talangka is still delivered from Pampanga and is recooked and flavored by my sister, who then packs them in little bottles eagerly awaited in August by friends and relatives.

Talangka is all about the tastes and flavors of childhood for me; it reminds me of home.

But today when I mention talangka it may refer to a small-minded or narrow-minded person. Or it can mean somebody who pulls others in a group down to get ahead. Talangka mentality or the so-called “crab mentality” is used to describe a negative Filipino trait about envious or smallminded people who block other people who are doing well or better than them. This was obviously thought up by someone who has never been to a wet market because when you go to the crab section, you will see these crabs with claws tied up with rubber band or string. If they are let loose, they are kept in a covered basin.

I once asked that the cover be removed to observe the crabs and I saw that they did not pull each other down; they actually climbed on each other to get out. So maybe we should be kind to the talangka and rethink our use of the so-called “crab mentality.” ■

Opinion

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

17

ANALYSIS

Third party replay

By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer CANBERRA—The concept of a third party in the 2016 presidential election, to break the dominance of two main coalitions in this post-Edsa multiparty era, has regained currency with the emergence of at least five contenders for the presidency, some of them party-less or independent.

The issue came to a head following moves by senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero to run for either president or vice president on a not-yet-named political vehicle, nebulously tagged as a “third party” or “third force.” The ruling Liberal Party (LP) named Interior Secretary Mar Roxas its standard bearer in the May polls, after Vice President Jejomar Binay declared himself leader of the opposition and official presidential candidate of the United Nationalist Alliance.

The endorsement of Roxas by President Aquino as LP’s official candidate for president was hailed as the polarization of the elections along the lines of the administration’s and Binay’s, as well as a return to the twoparty system that prevailed from the

post-war years, after independence with the illusion that because of the president Manuel Quezon. in 1946, up until its replacement by survey showing her leading the votThe merger of support of these the multiparty system following the ers preference for president, she can two parties is expected to enhance overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship dictate the terms of her affiliation by a significant degree the political in the 1986 People Power Revolution. with the LP ticket, which has invited weight of whatever party Poe and In the light of the apparent polariza- her to be the running mate of Roxas. Escudero would use as their vehicle tion and attempts by party-less dark Her determination to run together to square off with LP. But the merger horses to escape the clutches of the with Escudero, and no one else, is a talks are still up in the air, and are too dominant coalitions (i.e., of the ad- demonstration of admirable loyalty; flimsy to depend on. ministration and Binay’s), some ob- and, no doubt, her front-running NPC has a wide political network servers view the Poe-Escudero “third position in the surveys is, indeed, with two senators, 47 representaforce” as a viable alternative to the phenomenal. But her compact with tives, 14 governors and 22 city maytwo major alignors. NP has five ments. senators, 20 repNow that the President has endorsed Roxas, the dynamic Actually, what resentatives and of the coalition has become even more fluid and unstable for appears to some obseven governors. electoral alliances. servers as a recycling These numbers of the third-party allook impressive on ternative that offers an escape from Escudero appears to be turning out paper. But according to NPC officials, the clutches of the two dominant co- to be a covenant for political suicide Cojuangco still have to meet with alitions is nothing more than a symp- with epic melodramatic proportions. them to come up with a party stand tom of the empirical reality that the Only recently, business magnate on whether to support President electoral system is in a state of flux. Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. Aquino’s candidate.

The third party’s chances of winning and former senator Manuel Villar But the talk about Cojuangco-Vilare based on wishful thinking, if not were considering forming a tactical lar alliance came about before Presimarginal. At the rate the polarization alliance to support a Poe-Escudero dent Aquino endorsed Roxas. Both is crystallizing, it is hard to make a ticket, which they reckon was the NPC and NP are strategic partners case for third-party candidates to win team to beat. Cojuangco heads the of the administration-led coalition in next year’s election.

Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) in Congress, formed for the purpose This is particularly the case of the and Villar is a pillar of the Nacionalis- of securing a majority in passing legPoe-Escudero tandem—especially ta Party (NP), the oldest party in the islation. Now that the President has Poe who seems obstinately obsessed country, founded by Commonwealth endorsed Roxas, the dynamic of the

coalition has become even more fluid and unstable for electoral alliances.

According to NPC officials, their party was not in coalition with LP, but was in partnership only with President Aquino since 2013. They also claimed that most NPC members were inclined to support the tandem of Poe and Escudero, saying that their meeting this week “will see whether this will be confirmed or not, or the party will decide whether we support (national candidates) as a group or as individuals.”

The support of the NP for a PoeEscudero run was even more uncertain. NP officials said the party was in a “wait and see” attitude on whether the President and LP were open to coalitions with other parties. The party would want to know what kind of partnership the President wanted with coalition partners, the platform of government and the positions LP would offer.

These developments offer only cold comfort for Poe and Escudero and undermine the prospects of a third force. These tell us that the ground is shifting underneath, and that the notion of third force has no legs to stand on. ■

AT LARGE

Dying for a smoke

By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer FOOTAGE OF the shooting of a security guard, who had been admonishing a man for smoking in a public place, must have sent a chill down the spine of antismoking advocates.

The video shows the guard following the man around, especially when he takes out a cigarette, lights it, and brazenly puffs away. The “sekyu” starts out discreetly, but when the man continues to ignore him, says a few words to him. At this point, the man suddenly pulls a pistol from his waistband and, yanking it from its holster, aims at the guard who scampers away. But the man follows him, shooting point blank. In the ensuing panic and confusion, as customers flee the premises, the shooter joins them, even taking time to bend and pick up the fallen holster.

The killer’s face can be seen clearly enough in the video so there’s really no reason for law enforcers to botch their duty to get him. But since the gunman acted so arrogantly and brazenly, the suspicion is that he must wield some kind of influence in the locality or with authorities.

I haven’t gotten any word yet on how this woeful incident has been solved—if it has been solved—but one

can’t help but ruminate on the deadlier would he quote the saying: “Kissing a eases related to smoking: cardiovasconsequences of smoking. If smoking smoker is like licking an ashtray.” cular complications, lung diseases, doesn’t kill you in the long run, it’ll end As a consequence, we didn’t have even cancers, since smoking has been your life in a few minutes, at the hands ashtrays in our home. My brothers linked to lowered levels of immunity. of a hot-tempered, arrogant smoker. would often complain, when they still It is thus puzzling why the Court We now know enough about sec- indulged in the bad habit, that they of Appeals ruled recently against the ond-hand smoke to realize that smok- had no place to drop their cigarette Metro Manila Development Authoring can kill you even if you yourself ashes or stub out their sticks when ity on the issue of banning smoking haven’t yet lighted up. Scientific stud- we held parties in our home. I would in public places. ies show that breathing the smoke scramble to find replacements: bottle The CA upheld a local court’s deciexhaled by a smoker is even deadlier caps, opened cans, old saucers. Until sion finding against the MMDA when than the one the smoker inhales. This the hubby simply decreed that our it sought authority to enforce proviis because the exhaled smoke blends home was a “no-smoking zone.” sions of the Tobacco Regulation Act with all the other pollutants floating Maybe that’s the reason neither of of 2013. The MMDA, it was said, did in the air and carries deadlier toxins. our children took up the habit. I read not have the authority to enforce the So even if the ban because it was smoker hadn’t not a member of the Can’t the court give priority to health concerns and the gunned down the Inter-Agency Comoverall health of the population over territorial technicalities? hapless guard, he m i t t e e -To b a c c o, was surely, though which has the sole slowly, killing all those people quietly somewhere that if a person hasn’t be- authority to enforce the law. enjoying themselves as he wandered gun smoking by age 18, chances are he But what if the MMDA is deputized around the small mall. or she would never become a smoker. by the IACT, or by local governments, *** Our children have many things to to act as their enforcers? Would that I GREW up in a family of smokers, thank their parents for, but not pick- give it leeway to enforce the law? although after my father had a stroke ing up smoking is something they It seems foolish, after all, to enact he was forced to give up the habit, definitely must credit to their father. a law against smoking without creatand all my four brothers were even*** ing or deputizing a body to enforce it. tually convinced to stop by various IN this my family is definitely an Asking local governments to enforce health problems. exception. A recent survey found that the law in Metro Manila makes little But I married a nonsmoker who ef- “most” Filipinos smoke, a remark- sense, since a smoker could very well fectively nipped in the bud my attempts able statistic given the level of pover- light up in Quezon City and smoke as to seem more “sophisticated” by threat- ty in the country, and the rising cost he makes his way through Mandaluyening that if I continued to smoke he of cigarettes. This may also explain ong to Makati. (Although, given the would stop kissing me! Not just once the rising numbers of deaths and dis- traffic times nowadays, he could fin-

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ish a pack of cigarettes by the time he reaches his destination.)

Can’t the court give priority to health concerns and the overall health of the population over territorial technicalities? *** ONE bright spot in this scenario is the conversion of the added revenue from the “Sin Tax” Law, garnered mainly from higher taxes on cigarette manufacturers, into funds for mitigating the effects of diseases resulting from smoking or other “lifestyle” problems.

A large portion of “sin tax” money, to my mind, should also go to health promotional activities to bring down the number of smokers among Filipinos. The special target of promotional activities should be preteens and teens, who are most vulnerable to peer pressure and the mystique of smoking created by the media.

Not coincidentally, young people have become the focus of much cigarette marketing efforts, from rock concerts to cigarette kiosks in malls.

With so many older Filipinos already “hooked,” it makes sense for marketers to go after new customers, and that includes working on mindsets and attitudes from childhood that give cigarettes and smoking the mystique of adult freedom and sophistication. ■

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AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Canada Votes Mulcair burnishes NDP’s economic credentials; Duffy trial dogs Harper up north THE CANADIAN PRESS

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau and Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Trudeau promises billions for First Nations education; Harper sings TFSA praises THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Liberal Leader Leader Justin Trudeau announced his first big-ticket campaign promise today, saying a Liberal government would spend billions to improve First Nations education.

He says a Liberal government would launch a “renewed, respectful, and inclusive, nationto-nation process” to close the education funding gap.

With NDP Leader Tom Mulcair away from the hustings and Prime Minister Stephen Harper touting his government’s economic philosophy in Saskatchewan, Trudeau found an opening to make a political splash.

He is promising a new investment of $515 million a year in core annual funding for First Nations education, rising to over $750 million a year by the end of the mandate.

He also proposes spending

$500 million over three years for aboriginal education infrastructure and an extra $50 million for a fund which helps indigenous students with postsecondary studies.

Harper, meanwhile, is promoting his government’s taxfree savings accounts — and warning that his opponents would do away with them and other tax breaks brought in by the Tories.

He said the NDP and Liberals see those breaks as taking money away from government.

“The money doesn’t belong to the government, it belongs to you, that’s our philosophy,” he said.

The prime minister, who has been scrapping with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne over her plan for a provincial pension plan, also found himself in a squabble Thursday with Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci.

Ceci reacted angrily to Harper’s suggestion that Alberta’s

NDP government is focused on raising taxes during the oil downturn because that’s part of their political DNA. Ceci noted that Harper hasn’t balanced a budget since 2008.

While the Mike Duffy trial was still a focus in Ottawa, it had little echo on the campaign.

Harper was content to recycle what he has said for months; he thought Duffy had repaid his questioned expenses on his own and when he learned that wasn’t so, he took action.

While the Chinese economy continued to send shivers through world stock exchanges, Harper urged urge people to stay the course and avoid what he said was his opponents’ plan for “runaway spending, runaway deficits, runaway taxes.”

Mulcair is due back in public on Friday, promising an important economic announcement.

Green party Leader Elizabeth May is also promising she’ll roll out a proposal to help veterans. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

OTTAWA — Tom Mulcair took his fight against the Conservatives straight into Finance Minister Joe Oliver’s back yard Friday, hoping perhaps to add a bit of spit and polish to the NDP’s less-than-stellar credentials as guardians of the public purse.

Stephen Harper returned the favour, sort of, by travelling to the Northwest Territories — a seat the NDP has held since 2006 — armed with his reputed soft spot for the North and a promise to pave a key highway.

Mulcair said Andrew Thomson would carry the orange banner to challenge Oliver in the riding of Eglinton-Lawrence, saying he’d take Thomson’s record over that of Harper’s government any day.

“The NDP’s Andrew Thomson offers the people of Eglinton-Lawrence something that Joe Oliver hasn’t — a record of balanced budgets,” Mulcair said as he introduced the party’s newest candidate.

As finance minister in Sas-

katchewan, Thomson brought in big tax cuts in 2006 and engaged in a skirmish with the federal government over equalization payments.

Thomson’s candidacy is a clear effort to beef up the NDP’s credibility on the economic front — as is Mulcair’s other promise: to strengthen the office of the parliamentary budget officer.

“We’ll remove the prime minister’s power to fire the parliamentary budget officer and make them an independent officer of Parliament, like the auditor general,” Mulcair said.

“We’ll make transparency the law so that future governments can’t hide financial information from Canadians.”

Harper, who said a re-elected Conservative government would spend $14 million paving 68 kilometres of the way between Hay River and Fort Smith, N.W.T., also left the door open to Canada participating in a ballistic missile defence program at some point.

NDP leader Tom Mulcair and Gord Johns.

❱❱ PAGE 23 Mulcair burnishes

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19

Harper’s inner circle, present as well as past, lands in Duffy trial spotlight

BY JENNIFER DITCHBURN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Conservative Leader Stephen Harper now says the “vast majority” of his staff didn’t know about a plan to fake Mike Duffy’s personal repayment of Senate expenses, changing his position that only a single person was aware.

The focus on Harper’s office and who was involved in negotiating the repayment scheme, is expected to intensify as more witnesses testify in Duffy’s fraud, breach of trust and bribery trial.

In early June 2013, weeks after it was revealed that Harper’s then-chief of staff Nigel Wright repaid the $90,000, Harper emphasized to the House of Commons that it was Wright’s doing.

“Those were his decisions,” Harper said. “They were not communicated to me or to members of my office.’’

Then-cabinet minister James Moore told the Commons that Wright “acted alone.”

But Justice Charles Vaillancourt has heard testimony from Wright and seen hundreds of emails, that place a half dozen staff and party brass in the know.

One of those told about Wright’s plan to repay was Ray Novak, Harper’s current chief of staff and a senior campaign director. Novak is arguably the closest person in the party or the government to Harper. He’s not just a staff member, but also a friend and confidante.

On Thursday, Harper backed Novak’s claim that he did not read the direct email from Wright — then his boss — and didn’t know about Wright’s payment.

“We were all told, we were all told that Mr. Duffy had repaid his expenses ... that’s not only

(L-R) Former chief of staff Nigel Wright, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and former senator Mike Duffy.

what the entire caucus thought and I thought, that is what the vast majority of our staff also believed was the case,” Harper told reporters in Hay River, NWT. The trial is likely to become even more sticky for the Conservative campaign, as two key lawyers are expected to testify on the negotiations inside Harper’s office around repayment of the senator’s expenses.

Janice Payne, Duffy’s lawyer in 2013, and Benjamin Perrin, then a PMO lawyer, are expected to be defence and Crown witnesses respectively.

Both took part in a March 22, 2013 conference call with Novak and Wright. Conservative spokesman Kory Teneycke said Novak was on the first part of the call, but didn’t hear discussion of Wright’s cheque.

Teneycke could not comment on what Novak did hear during the call — a blank that defence

attorney Donald Bayne is likely to try to fill if and when Payne and Perrin testify.

A day after the conference call, Wright wrote to Novak and Perrin directly: “I think her approach works. I will send my cheque on Monday.”

Three days later, Wright sent the cheque to Payne’s office.

Novak and others weren’t just told about Wright’s decision to repay the $90,000, they were also told about a plan a month earlier to have the party pay for both Payne’s legal bills and Duffy’s expenses.

In an email Wright sent to Novak on Feb. 22, Wright directs Novak to read a chain of emails on negotiations with Payne, calling it the “state of play.”

“We are ready to move when we hear back from his lawyer,” Wright tells Novak.

One element of that “state of play,” copied to Novak, contains

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Wright’s comment that “the party is open to keeping Sen. Duffy whole since it is clear that any overpayments were innocently received. I have a call into the party to confirm this, as I think that the senator has a right to have it confirmed.”

Duffy’s lawyer pointedly raised Novak’s name during the proceedings on Friday. He has referred to Novak as a “conduit” to Harper.

“He’s not there for plausible deniability... he’s not there for that?” Bayne asked.

Wright responded: “Ray ... was the No. 2 person, senior member in the PMO and he’s entitled to know what’s going on.”

Stephen Lecce, another member of Harper’s current campaign team, was also copied on those points of negotiation.

Later, Lecce helped draft the media lines that Duffy would use when telling the public it was he (not the party or Wright)

ATTRIBUTION?

who would repay his expenses.

Lecce did not respond to a request for comment.

Another figure who appears in the email exchanges is party lawyer Arthur Hamilton, who Payne emails in March 2013 to inquire about “when we can expect to be in funds.”

The Conservative financial fund chief Sen. Irving Gerstein was consulted by Wright on having the party pay for Duffy’s expenses when they were first estimated at $32,000.

Wright testified that either Hamilton or Gerstein, he couldn’t recall which, had told him that any party payment should be kept secret.

“These are the actions of Mr. Duffy and Mr. Wright. You hold people responsible for their own actions, you certainly don’t hold subordinates responsible for the actions of their superiors,” Harper told reporters Friday. ■

20

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AUGUST 21, 2015

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21

Mike Duffy’s lawyer takes aim at Nigel Wright’s image during cross examination

BY KRISTY KIRKUP The Canadian Press

To which Bayne said, “You know what, sir, you are a great champion — when it suits you — of common-sense rationale.”

Bayne also raised an email in which Wright, describing the need to contain the escalating Duffy scandal, called it “Chinese water torture,” and asked him what he meant.

“What I call Chinese water torture is the dribbling out of new facts, Wright replied.

Sen. Duffy faces 31 charges including fraud, bribery and breach of trust, including three which relate to Wright’s famous $90,000 payment to Duffy to cover the cost of repaying his disallowed expenses.

Bribery is one of the most serious offences in the Criminal Code, as it carries a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.

The Crown needs to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Duffy accepted the payment with corrupt intent.

Duffy, meanwhile, has long insisted he’s a victim of the

OTTAWA — Mike Duffy’s defence lawyer ripped into Nigel Wright’s choir-boy image Friday as he used his cross-examination of Stephen Harper’s former chief of staff to slowly pick apart the bribery charge against his client.

Donald Bayne pulled no punches during his inquisition, trying to discredit Wright by suggesting he and others in the Prime Minister’s Office had strong-armed Duffy into a expense-repayment scheme the senator did not support.

Bayne suggested Wright was “pissed off” at Duffy’s resistance to go along with the plan.

“Why did you use the lanPM Stephen Harper's former Chief-of-Staff Nigel Wright. guage, ‘We had to force him to SCREENSHOT FROM WLN NEWS FOOTAGE do this,’ rather than saying, ‘I was persistent?’“ Bayne asked, referencing statements Wright a PMO ploy — the “monstrous Harper said of the Wright paygave to police about the effort scheme,” he once called it — to ment at the time. “They were to get Duffy to repay his disalmitigate the political damage not communicated to me or to lowed expense and make him members of my office.” claims. take the fall.

In fact, they were — includ“Because I Email evi- ing Ray Novak, who was workhad to apply a dence intro- ing for Wright in February lot of pressure,” You hold people responsible for their duced at trial 2013 and replaced him when Wright replied. own actions; you certainly don’t hold indicates the Wright left the PMO as the “I had be persissubordinates responsible for the scheme was payment scheme began to be tent.” actions of their superiors. These are known to a num- exposed later that year.

“You said, ‘We the two people who are responsible ber of senior staff “These are the actions of Mr. basically had and they are being held accountable. members inside Duffy and Mr. Wright,” Harper to force him,’“ the Prime Min- said Friday when asked about it Bayne said. ister’s Office — a during a campaign stop in Hay “I’m telling direct contradic- River, N.W.T. you the connotation of what Ste“You hold people responsition I was intending to convey scheme, not a co-conspira- phen Harper told the House of ble for their own actions; you with those words,” Wright re- tor; someone who was forced Commons in June 2013. certainly don’t hold subordiplied. against his will to take part in “Those were his decisions,” nates responsible for the ac-

tions of their superiors. These are the two people who are responsible and they are being held accountable.”

Bayne is arguing that his client was coerced by the most powerful political figures in the country to go along with the plan, which originally involved the subsidized Conservative party fund footing the bill when it was believed closer to $32,000.

At one point Friday, his frustration was palpable.

“Listen to the question,” Bayne he told Wright.

“You go secretly to the chair of the Conservative fund, you use public funds and taxpayerdonor funds, secretly to arrange to have the fund pay it without telling Canadians, and you think that was principled and ethical to do?”

“The reason that was OK is, the appropriate thing to do with those expenses was to repay them,” Wright said.

“But not with the Conservative fund,” Bayne shot back.

Wright ended up picking up the tab, out of his own pocket, when the cost soared to more than $90,000.

On Thursday, the devoutly religious Wright quoted the Bible to explain his motives.

But Wright was not simply doing “a good deed,” Bayne said. He was motivated by politics, not faith.

“It was done ... because you wanted to end the Chinese water torture,” Bayne said.

Wright’s cross-examination continues Monday. ■

Ex-Kremlin Internet ‘troll’ wins damages from Putin propaganda ‘factory’

BY IRINA TITOVA The Canadian Press ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — A Russian court on Monday awarded symbolic damages of one ruble ($0.01) to a former “Kremlin troll” who sued her ex-employer and demanded closure of what she describes as a “factory” that has been churning out Internet

propaganda defending President Vladimir Putin.

In an interview in April, Lyudmila Savchuk told The Associated Press how she and hundreds of colleagues in St. Petersburg managed several social media accounts, flooding the Internet with pro-Putin commentary and doctored images that landed on Russian and Western news websites.

Savchuk’s descriptions of the work coincide with those of other former trolls who have spoken publicly, although she was one of the few willing to disclose her identity. She quit after two months, deciding she couldn’t stand being part of a propaganda machine. She said most of the workers were young and attracted by relatively high monthly salaries of 40,000 to www.canadianinquirer.net

50,000 rubles ($600 to $770).

The Petrogradsky district court on Tuesday set the damages at just one ruble as the plaintiff requested, but didn’t close the facility. Savchuk said she was happy with the ruling because she thought her mission had been accomplished.

“We have managed to prove that the trolls exist, which was the main goal,” she said outside

the courtroom.

In her lawsuit, Savchuk sought moral damages, compensation of unpaid wages and demanded the closure of the company, Internet Research, saying its employees didn’t have proper Russian employment contracts.

Internet Research wasn’t immediately available for comment on the ruling. ■

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World News

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Family says daughter raped repeatedly while held by IS

BY KEN DILANIAN The Associated Press WASHINGTON — American hostage Kayla Mueller was repeatedly forced to have sex with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the leader of the Islamic State group, U.S. intelligence officials told her family in June.

“They told us that he married her, and we all understand what that means,” Carl Mueller, Kayla’s father, told The Associated Press on Friday, which would have been his daughter’s 27th birthday. Her death was reported in February.

Her mother, Marsha Mueller, added, “Kayla did not marry this man. He took her to his room and he abused her and she came back crying.”

The news is but the latest in a litany of horrors perpetrated by

the Islamic State group, which has beheaded, burned and crucified male captives while passing around women as sex slaves.

Mueller was held for a time

by Islamic State financier Abu Sayyaf and his wife, known as Umm Sayyaf. Al-Baghdadi took Mueller as a “wife,” repeatedly raping her when he visited, according to a Yazidi teenager who was held with Mueller and escaped in October 2014.

The 14-year-old made her way to Iraqi Kurdistan, where she talked to U.S. commandos in November 2014. Intelligence agencies corroborated her account and American officials passed it on to her parents in June.

Umm Sayyaf confirmed that al-Baghdadi had “owned” Kayla during Umm Sayyaf’s lengthy American interrogation in Iraq, the Muellers said they were

told by American officials.

A U.S. official confirmed their account, first reported by London’s Independent newspaper.

The official was not authorized to be quoted by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Abu Sayyaf was killed in a Delta Force raid of his Syrian compound in June, which resulted in a treasure trove of intelligence about the Islamic State group.

Umm Sayyaf has been turned over to the Iraqi Kurds for trial.

The Muellers have been told that justice will be served in her case, said a family spokeswoman, Emily Lenzner.

Mueller was held with three other women, all Yazidis, the Muellers were told. All were sexually abused. When alBaghdadi visited, he would take Mueller to his room, the witness told American officials.

She would tell her fellow captives — sometimes tearfully — what had happened.

“Kayla tried to protect these young girls,” her mother said.

“She was like a mother figure to them.”

When the teenage Yazidi girl escaped with her sister, she asked Mueller to accompany her, the parents were told, but Kayla refused, worrying that her obvious Western appearance would lead to their capture.

By the time the Yadizi escapee reported the situation to Delta Force commandos in Iraq, Kayla had been moved, her parents were told.

U.S. intelligence officials found information on Sayyaf’s computer indicating that Mueller, who spoke some Arabic, had been searching for information about fertility to help

Umm Sayyaf, who was trying to get pregnant, according to two U.S. officials who refused to be quoted because the information is classified.

Mueller, from Prescott, Arizona, was taken hostage with her boyfriend, Omar Alkhani, in August 2013 after leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo, Syria, where he had been hired to fix the Internet service for the hospital.

Mueller had begged him to let her tag along because she wanted to do relief work in the war-ravaged country.

Alkhani was released after two months, having been beaten.

The Islamic State group claimed Mueller was killed in a Jordanian air strike near Raqqah, the group’s self-declared capital in Syria. U.S. officials confirmed the death but not the circumstances. ■

Thai PM: Video shows ‘some suspects’ in blast that killed 20

BY ANUSONADISAI NATTASUDA AND JOCELYN GECKER The Associated Press BANGKOK — Thailand’s prime minister said Tuesday that authorities had seen “some suspects” in security-camera footage of the central Bangkok bombing that killed at least 20 people and injured 140, and promised to track down those responsible for what he described as the country’s worst attack in history.

The defense minister, meanwhile, said officials had no prior intelligence about Monday’s rush-hour bombing of a popular shrine at a hectic intersection. The blast from the improvised explosive device scattered body parts, spattered blood, blasted windows and burned motorbikes to the metal.

“This is the worst incident that has ever happened in Thailand,” Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said. “There have been minor bombs or just noise, but this time they aimed for innocent lives. They want to destroy our economy, our tourism.”

The explosion went off around 7 p.m. in an upscale area filled with tourists, office workers and shoppers.

“Today we have seen the closed-circuit footage, we saw some suspects, but it wasn’t clear,” Prayuth said. “We have to find them first.”

Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said the attack, which no one immediately claimed responsibility for, was aimed at destroying the country’s economy by targeting a major tourist area.

“It is much clearer who the bombers are, but I can’t reveal more right now,” Prawit said, as he headed into a Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning. “We haven’t ruled out terrorism.”

He acknowledged that authorities had no idea an attack was planned.

“We didn’t know about this ahead of time. We had no intelligence on this attack,” the defense minister said.

Prayuth vowed to “hurry and find the bombers,” though he noted there may be just one perpetrator. Speaking to reporters, he continued what has been a notoriously prickly relationship with the media since

the former general took control of the government in a May 2014 coup.

Asked if there were leads on the suspects’ identities, Prayuth bristled, “We are still investigating. The bomb has just exploded — why are you asking now? Do you understand the word investigation? It’s not like they claim responsibility.”

Thailand has seen many violent attacks in recent years, particularly through a morethan-decade-long insurgency

by Muslim separatists that has left more than 5,000 dead in the country’s deep south. Those attacks have never extended to the capital, however.

Bangkok has seen politically charged violence over the past decade; the deadliest, in 2010, killed more than 90 over two months and was centered on the same intersection where Monday’s bomb went off. But none of those attacks included a bomb blast that seemed intended to produce mass casualties.

Matthew Wheeler, Southeast Asia security analyst for the International Crisis Group, said the bombing was a “new type of attack for Bangkok” that doesn’t bear the trademarks of www.canadianinquirer.net

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.

typical violence over the past decade from political instability or Muslim separatists.

“It is certainly not like politically motivated attacks we’ve seen in the past which have generally been designed to grab attention but not cause casualties,” Wheeler said, adding that he expected it would have “major ramifications for security in Thailand.”

Early Tuesday morning, investigators surveyed the damage as police and soldiers guarded the area, still littered with shattered glass and other debris.

The normally busy intersection

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that was closed off to traffic and eerily empty aside from onlookers standing behind police tape to take pictures. Barricades were set up outside five-star hotels in the neighborhood and security stopped cars to inspect trunks before letting them pass.

The intersection was reopened by midday.

At least 20 people were confirmed dead and 140 injured, according to the Narinthorn emergency medical rescue center. China reported three of its citizens dead, and Somyot said ❱❱ PAGE 34 Thai PM

World News

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

23

Mulcair burnishes...

“Our position is that we keep evaluating our options,” Harper said.

“If we felt that at any point in time that we faced particular threats that required us to participate, that is something we would look at,” Harper said. “At the present time we haven’t made that assessment.”

Harper has long made the North a key component of his nine years in office, often using it as backdrops for photo ops and announcements that have a military theme. He’s especially fond of using the North to frame his tough talk about Russia and its leader, Vladimir Putin.

Harper argued his government has made investments in Arctic sovereignty, such as military bases and a naval dock, “to make sure we can actually project that sovereignty.”

“We are making those investments precisely because those and other threats have existed and we have understood for some time now, long before the invasion of Ukraine, that Mr. Putin’s Russia was on a very aggressive course in the world.”

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau wasn’t actively out and campaigning Friday. Neither were Mike Duffy or Nigel Wright — but their impact on the race was unmistakable. ❰❰ 18

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

360B / SHUTTERSTOCK

Japan emperor offers ‘remorse’ on WWII surrender anniversary

BY MARI YAMAGUCHI The Associated Press TOKYO — Emperor Akihito expressed rare “deep remorse” over his country’s wartime actions in an address Saturday marking the 70th anniversary of Japan’s World War II surrender, a day after the prime minister fell short of apologizing in his own words to the victims of Japanese aggression.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, meanwhile, stayed away from a contentious Yasukuni shrine that honors war criminals among other war dead. He instead prayed and laid flowers at a nearby national cemetery for unnamed fallen soldiers ahead of the annual ceremony at Tokyo’s Budokan hall.

That ceremony started with a moment of silence at noon to mark the radio announcement by Emperor Hirohito, Akihito’s father, of Japan’s surrender on Aug. 15, 1945.

“Reflecting on our past and bearing in mind the feelings of deep remorse over the last war, I earnestly hope that the ravages of war will never be repeated,” Akihito said in his speech. Japanese media said it was the first time he had used the words “deep remorse” in reference to the war in his annual war-end anniversary speech.

Akihito also emphasized that Japan’s peace and prosperity stand on “the people’s tireless endeavors and their earnest desire for peace,” and renewed his war-renouncing pledge.

Even though they are subtle and still rather neutral, remarks by the emperor on Japan’s wartime past in recent years have caught attention, often portrayed in the media to contrast Abe’s nationalist and hawkish image, especially as he pushes to give Japan’s military an expanded role and change Japan’s pacifist constitution.

Abe, who also spoke at the memorial service, avoided any reference to the damage caused by Japan’s aggression for the third year in a row since he took office in December 2012.

Instead, as if talking to the spirits of the war dead, Abe thanked them for the sacrifice on which he said Japan’s peace and prosperity are built.

Abe did promise, however, to “face the past” and “never to repeat the calamity of the war.”

On Friday, Abe issued a closely monitored statement, acknowledging damage and suffering on innocent people but falling short of apologizing in his own words to the victims of Japan’s aggression.

His statement had been widely anticipated because of his past remarks on historical issues that suggested a revisionist stance. He has repeatedly said there is no clear definition of aggression, and has denied that Japan’s wartime government coerced foreign women to become military prostitutes, citing lack of documentary evidence.

Friday’s statement drew mixed reactions from overseas — including criticism from China and South Korea, and praise from the United States. South Korean President Park Geun-hye said the statement “left a lot to be desired,” and China called it evasive.

On Saturday, Abe donated Shintostyle religious ornaments for the shrine, as he has done since his last visit, in December 2013, which triggered uproar from China and South Korea. However, two of his Cabinet ministers prayed at the shrine, and a group of about 60 national lawmakers also visited Yasukuni on Saturday.

The lawmakers say they merely wanted to pay respect to those who sacrificed their lives for their country. But because Yasukuni enshrines mostly soldiers, many see it as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

Emails released at Duffy’s trial show that several senior people inside the Prime Minister’s Office were explicitly made aware of Wright’s plan to use $90,000 to repay disallowed expense claims on behalf of a recalcitrant Duffy.

That directly contradicts the message Harper has been sticking to for years — that Wright and Duffy were the only ones in the PMO who were in the loop.

“Mr. Harper would have us believe that these were rogue elements within his office who did this without letting him know anything about what was going on,” Mulcair told a news conference in Toronto.

“But the thing is, if they were out of control and not reliable people ... how come he’s kept them all in his office?

That’s just not credible.”

Mulcair also lashed out at Harper for gutting environmental protections and easing the approval process for projects like the Energy East pipeline, which he said ended up making it harder, not easier, to get them approved.

Green party Leader Elizabeth May travelled to Nanaimo on Vancouver Island where she promised a better deal for veterans.

She said she wants to reverse changes to veterans benefits and said any vet with post-traumatic stress disorder who wants a service dog should get one. ■

World News

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AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

China blast zone evacuated over contamination fear; 104 dead

BY CHRISTOPHER BODEEN The Associated Press TIANJIN, CHINA — New small explosions rocked a disaster zone in the Chinese port of Tianjin on Saturday as teams scrambled to clear dangerous chemical contamination and found several more bodies to bring the death toll to 104 in massive blasts earlier in the week.

Angry relatives of missing firefighters stormed a government news conference to demand any information on their loved ones, who have not been seen since a fire and rapid succession of blasts late Wednesday at a warehouse for hazardous chemicals in a mostly industrial area.

The death toll in the ensuing inferno included at least 21 firefighters — making the disaster the deadliest for Chinese firefighters in more than six decades.

An unknown number of firefighters remain missing, and a total of 720 people were injured in the disaster in Tianjin, 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of Beijing. One additional survivor was found Saturday.

Two Chinese news outlets, including the state-run The Paper, reported that the warehouse was storing 700 tons of sodium cyanide — 70 times more than it should have been holding at one time — and that authorities were rushing to clean it up.

Sodium cyanide is a toxic chemical

The devastating explosion in Tianjin, China.

that can form a flammable gas upon contact with water.

Authorities also detected the highly toxic hydrogen cyanide in the air at levels slightly above safety levels at two locations in the afternoon, The Paper cited Tianjin environmental official Wen Wurui as saying. But the contamination was no longer detected later Saturday and there was no obvious impact on anybody in the area, the report said.

The disaster has raised questions about whether dangerous chemicals were being stored too close to residential compounds, and whether firefighters may have triggered the blasts, possibly

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because they were unaware the warehouse contained chemicals combustible on contact with water. The massive explosions Wednesday happened about 40 minutes after reports of a fire at the warehouse and after an initial wave of firefighters arrived and, reportedly, doused some of the area with water.

Authorities on Saturday pulled out one survivor from a shipping container, state media reported. His identity was not immediately known. Television video showed the man being carried out on a sketcher by a group of soldiers wearing gas masks.

Authorities were keeping residents, journalists and other people not involved in the disaster response outside a 3-kilometer (1.8-mile) radius around the site of the explosions in what media reports said was an operation to clean up the sodium cyanide.

Flames were spotted in the disaster area on Saturday, and explosions were reported by witnesses and state media.

In one case, heavy smoke from a fire engulfing several cars rose as high as 10 meters (yards), accompanied by at least five explosions.

Police and military personnel manned checkpoints on roads leading to the blast sites, and helicopters were seen hovering in the overcast sky. The air had a metallic chemical smell, and there was uneasiness over rain forecasts, although it was warm and windy.

Meanwhile, family members of missing firefighters disrupted the latest news conference about the disaster, demanding to know whether their loved ones were still alive. “(The authorities) didn’t notify us at all,” said Liu Huan, whose son Liu Chuntao has been missing since late Wednesday. “Our son is a firefighter, and there was a team of firefighters who lost contact. We couldn’t contact him.”

Liu Longwang said she had not heard a word on her son Liu Ziqiao, also a firefighter. “We are extremely worried,” she said. “He just turned 18.”

State media reported that the casualties of the first three squads of firefighters to respond and of a neighborhood

www.canadianinquirer.net

police station have not yet been fully determined, suggesting that the death toll could rise further.

Tianjin Fire Department head Zhou Tian said at a news conference Friday that the explosions occurred just as reinforcements had arrived on the scene and were getting to work. “There was no chance to escape, and that’s why the casualties were so severe,” he said. “We’re now doing all we can to rescue the missing.”

One surviving firefighter, 19-year-old Zhou Ti, was found Friday morning and taken to a hospital. Zhou Ti and Zhou Tian are unrelated.

Li Yonghan, a doctor at Teda Hospital, called Zhou’s survival “miraculous” and said Zhou escaped death mainly because he was covered by his fallen comrades.

Zhou had massive injuries, including burns and leg cuts.

From his hospital bed, Zhou told state broadcaster CCTV that the fire was spreading out of control. “I was knocked onto the ground at the first blast,” recalled Zhou, his eyes swollen and closed.

“I covered my head and don’t know what happened after that.”

Lin Yujie, who lives in a nearby residential complex, said when he initially heard the blasts Wednesday night he thought they were a massive air strike.

“It was just a sea of fire,” Lin recalled.

“We were really worried that there would be a second or third explosion and what we would do then.”

As details of the blasts and the rescue efforts surface, members of the public have been raising questions about whether fire commanders had erred in prematurely sending firefighters into a highly dangerous zone and using water to put out flames on the site known to have stored a variety of hazardous chemicals, including sodium cyanide and calcium carbide, which become flammable on contact with water.

Local officials also have been hardpressed to explain why authorities permitted hazardous goods warehouses so close to residential complexes and critical infrastructure, clearly in violation of the Chinese rule that hazmat storage should be 1,000 meters (yards) away from homes and public structures.

Pope Francis, meanwhile, offered his prayers to the victims of the disaster.

“I assure my prayers for those who lost their lives and for all those persons tried by this disaster,” he said Saturday in remarks to thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square.

Francis made the remarks despite a tense relationship between Beijing and the Vatican. ■ Associated Press videojournalists Paul Traynor and Peng Peng in Tianjin and writers Didi Tang and Ian Mader in Beijing and Frances D’Emilio in Rome contributed to this report.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

TANONG MO KAY KUYA BOY

What To Do If A Death Has Occurred KUYA BOY, I want to be prepared when a death occurs while my family lives here in Canada.

What do I need to do if a loved one dies?

- Jimmy from Coquitlam, BC.

& installation • Service participants • Newspapers • Death Certificates • Flowers • Food / catering for reception • Hospitals • Ambulance • After Burial, Contact the ff: • Extended family & friends • Canada Revenue Agency • Accountant • Lawyer • Employer • Insurance agent • Creditors • Clubs, unions & organizations • Financial advisor / banker • Credit card companies • Provincial health agency • Department of motor vehicles • Bereavement counselor if needed

JIMMY, I commend you for being prudent in wanting to be informed and prepared. Many families are at a total loss when a death occurs. Planning ahead makes a difference. It will help spare your family from all the emotional and financial problems during one of the hardest times of their lives. Preplanning provides peace of mind, saves money, and allows you to take control of your affairs.

What To Do If A Death Has Occurred

Since most deaths occur in health care institutions such as hospitals and nursing homes, the attending staff may provide you with some preliminary information. If the death occurs at home, please notify the physician or attending registered nurse (if the death was unexpected or if there are any peculiar circumstances, phone the Police immediately). If the deceased was under hospice care at home, they should have left some basic information for you to follow. No matter what circumstance, here is a brief funeral planning checklist that can help you along the way.

Initial Contact

• Funeral home • Doctor or Nurse • Police if necessary • Immediate family • Close friends • Provide information to the funeral home: • Birth certificate • Citizenship card • Social Insurance Number • Health card • Date of Birth

SHUTTERSTOCK

• Marital status • Spouse’s name • Parent’s name • Copy of will • Pre-arrangement service • Cemetery lot documents Documents to Locate

Will • Deed to cemetery plot • Birth certificate • Marriage certificate • Citizenship papers • Insurance policies • Bank documents • Title to property • Vehicle ownership • Tax returns • Military discharge papers • Decisions to be Made • Choose a funeral home • Set time & date of service • Choose location of service • Apply for burial permit • Apply for death certificates

• Choose burial or cremation • Request preparation and embalming • Choose family viewing or visitation • Decide if jewelry is to remain or return • Supply clothing for deceased • Select photographs to be displayed • Select musical selections, hymns & solos • Select scripture or literature to be read • Compose & submit obituary • Choose charity to direct donations to • Display religious or fraternal items • Arrange location & food for reception • Select casket or cremation container • Select burial vault or cremation urn

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• Choose cemetery • Select burial or cremation plot • Decide whether above or below ground • Select memorial grave marker & inscription • Select memorial register • Select memorial folders & acknowledgment cards • Choose floral arrangement • Celebrant, Clergy or Officiant • Musician(s) • Pallbearers • Family or friend to perform eulogy • Other family or friends to participate Services to be Paid

• Funeral service • Cemetery plot, perpetual care & interment fees • Grave memorial, inscription

As you can see, there are a lot of things that one needs to prepare for, decide on, accomplish, and pay for when your loved one dies. That is why I strongly suggest that every adult should plan for their funeral beforehand. This way you can make intelligent and stress-free decisions.

By taking some time now, you can provide both financial and practical help for your loved ones in the future. It means that those closest to you do not have to worry about the expenses when you or they are most vulnerable and least able to cope.

It’s a simple way for you to take control of your affairs, gain peace of mind, and help your family at a difficult time. ■ If you have any more questions on what steps to take next or if you need information on funeral preplanning, call Kuya Boy at (604) 355-0692 or Ngaio Davis at (604) 313-4811.

26

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

GLOBAL FILIPINO:

16 lessons on art, life and success from Manuel D. Baldemor

BY MICHELLE CHERMAINE ALCANTARA RAMOS EVERYONE LOVES a success story. When award international award-winning Filipino painter/sculptor/printmaker/writer/book illustrator and philanthropist Manuel D. Baldemor recently toured Canada, he sat for an interview with PMNTV about his humble beginnings and his adventures around the world as the most travelled artist with his work for UNICEF. I also had the privilege of collaborating with him on a painting he based on his recollection of a sculpture by my late granduncle, the famous Filipino artist/sculptor/ inventor Jose P. Alcantara.

Baldemor became friends with my granduncle through his teacher Vicente Manansala who was my granduncle’s childhood friend and neighbor. Collaborating with Baldemor felt like coming home as I never had the chance to work with my late granduncle.

How did Baldemor achieve the ultimate artist’s dream? With an impressive career spanning across cultures and continents with over 200 solo exhibitions worldwide, artists can learn a lot from Baldemor. Here are some gems of advice and wisdom I learned from this modern master’s creative journey:

World-renowned UNICEF artist Manuel Baldemor and artist/PMNTV host Michelle Chermaine at the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, collaborating on an abstract painting inspired by Baldemor’s recollection of the late Jose P. Alcantara’s sculpture, “Hapunan.” Michelle is the grandniece of Jose P. Alcantara, who was Baldemor’s friend.

techniques that will make you a better artist. Learn the rules before you break them.

Natural artists are born- but successful artists are made.

Baldemor says it takes more than talent to succeed. His first job as an artist was at nine years old painting paper mache toys to save money for high school.

At fourteen, he was painting posters for movie theatres. He spent years honing his skills in art school, exploring different styles and media, putting careful thought into steps he needed to take to get his work noticed.

Follow your heart

If you have the passion and the talent, go for it. It is possible to not only survive but also thrive making a living from art and Baldemor is living proof. Who knew back then that the little boy from Paete, Laguna, who came from a farming family would grow into a world travelling success? So follow your heart, but take your head with you because you also need a plan...

Start with a solid foundation

“That is most important for an artist, even for a young artist- you have to know how to draw,” Baldemor says. Drawing is the foundation of painting. By studying the basics, you gain a better understanding of

Attend art openings.

Nothing is going to happen if no one knows you or your work.

Attend art events and mingle.

Develop relationships now so you can get your work in front of the right people. And speaking of work…

Be consistent

Even when he had an 8 to 5 office job, Baldemor devoted time to painting at home. Through consistency, he created a large collection of work for exhibitions that enabled him to pursue painting full-time. No amount of networking will help you if you have no art to show.

Keep creating so you will be ready to exhibit whenever the opportunity strikes.

Color sells

“UNICEF chose my work because my paintings are the colors of Christmas. Color sells.”

Baldemor explained when I asked him how he caught UNICEF’s eye and had his vividly colored works selected for reproduction on UNICEF’s Christmas cards for 18 years straight. Color attracts the eye.

It is ok to draw inspiration from masters, but be original

New artists tend to try too hard imitating famous artists that they end up getting lost in a sea of other wannabe Amorsolos, Manansalas, Monets, Picassos, etc. Although Baldemor was a student of a famous master, he blazed his own trail and is known around the world for his own distinctively unique style. You owe it to yourself as an artist to let the world appreciate you for your own uniqueness. Be the one and only topnotch version of yourself rather than a second-rate version of someone else.

Study your roots

He is known for his vibrant depictions of Philippine folk culture and traditions and his extensive knowledge of history fuels his creativity. “You have to understand where you came from,” he explains. Every culture has its own unique www.canadianinquirer.net

World-renowned UNICEF artist Manuel Baldemor and artist / PMNTV host Michelle Chermaine collaborating on an abstract painting inspired by Baldemor’s recollection of the late Jose P. Alcantara’s sculpture “Hapunan.”

Michelle is the grandniece of Jose P. Alcantara.

history of traditional arts and crafts. Tapping into your own heritage can be a wellspring of ideas.

Expand your horizons. Learn about other cultures

This opens your eyes to new places, people, experiences, philosophies and ways of living that can spark your creativity in ways you never thought possible. If you can’t afford to travel, use the internet and visit the library, museums, and local multicultural festivals.

Inspiration is everywhere.

If you can’t find inspiration, facilitate it.

He says he never has artist’s block. What inspires him? People, music, travelling and the environment. While working on our painting, he asked me if I sang when I worked alone.

He explained that when painting pieces depicting a certain culture, like his Mexican series for example, he will often play Mexican music for inspiration to immerse his senses in the creative process. Don’t wait for inspiration. Seek it everywhere.

Use a sketchpad/notebook/ phone/iPad/etc. to record your ideas.

Baldemor keeps a small travel sketchpad to record his thoughts. Ideas for a masterpiece can hit you anywhere,

anytime and you need to be prepared to draw or make notes so you can refer to those ideas when you’re back in your studio.

When fate gives you a nudge, take the hint. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone or you might miss great opportunities.

Baldemor initially declined the job to create his epic mural for the Basilica of St. Therese de Lisieux in France because he had never done a largescale mosaic of that nature and wasn’t familiar with St. Therese. An avid traveller, he often visits cathedrals to admire the art and architecture.

Coincidentally, at that time whenever he visited a cathedral, he saw an image of St. Therese which sparked his curiosity. To top it off, on his flight back to Manila, the relics of St. Therese were on the same plane. He figured it had to be a sign. After doing some research on the saint and mosaic techniques and materials, he took a leap and accepted the job on which he collaborated with French mosaic artists Sylvie Henot and Francois Sand.

The rest, as they say, is history.

Maintain a positive attitude. Turn setbacks into ❱❱ PAGE 38 16 lessons

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FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

SEACBC organized Trade Mission scores hits 10 BUSINESSMEN hopeful joined ASEAN 2015 Trade Mission to Philippines, Vietnam, and Indonesia from July 23 to August 4, and bagged significant deals.

With the goal to assist its members in building successful business partnerships in ASEAN, the trade mission zeroed in on 4 significant industries — education, solar renewable energy, health and wellness, and organic farming. The Heads of Diplomatic Posts from the three countries who are based in Vancouver — Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer for Philippines, Consul General Tran Quang Dung for Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and Consul General Sri Wiludjeng for Republic of Indonesia assisted the trade delegation. Marcel R. Laneville, the Senior Trade Commissioner of Canadian Consulate General of Canada in Ho Chi Minh City offered significant advice.

Brent Atkinson and Cindy Tang of GLOBAL EDU-CATER SERVICES INC inked Memorandum of Understanding with TIEN LOC GROUP OF COMPANIES in Vietnam to open up and start off shore K to Grade 12 school in Ho Chi Minh City using BC curriculum. And talks are ongoing with Vocational Schools Presidents in General Santos City for the company to supply Canadian welding instructors to upgrade training to Canadian standard.

Victor Que of USANA HEALTH SCIENCES will be back in Indonesia to open a Distributor’s office in Jakarta. His Indonesian partners expect to finish renovation of the building in time for the grand opening approximately second week of October 2015.

Alan Yong, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Asia Solar Power got significant leads and will follow up with officials of Forever Green Resort of Ben Tre, Ho Chi Minh City, regarding its energy requirements and possible supply of off grid solar power to the resort. He is also expected to start talks with a Surabaya Solar Power Company to join forces regarding solar renewable power cooperation.

Carmelita Tapia who heads the delegation as President of Southeast Asia Canada Business Council, got the nod from

Senior Trade Commissioner Marcel R. Laneville of Consulate General of Canada in Indonesia with Alan Yong, CEO of Asia Solar Power and Carmelita Tapia and some Vietnamese businessmen.

The Trade Delegates led by Carmelita Tapia at the Vietnam-Canada Cooperation Forum.

HUBA Directors with ConGen Tran Quang Dung, Huang Kim Son, Chief of Vietnam Trade Representative in Western Coast of USA, and Senior Trade Commissioner of Consulate General of Canada in Indonesia, Marcel R. Laneville.

The Trade Delegates led by Carmelita Tapia at the Vietnam-Canada Cooperation Forum.

erstwhile top Filipino inventor, Capt. Bong Reamon, to market his award winning REX Compost Tea Brewer to augment the new innovative WORM TEA Organic Farming Technology based on the research by UBC Aquaculture Scientist, Dr. Jesse Ronquillo.

In the Philippines, the delegates interacted with General Santos Chamber of Commerce and toured Felicidad Orchard Garden which uses organic farming in its operations.

HUBA, SEACBC counterpart in Vietnam, arranged meetings with officials and businesses.

A Vietnam Canada Entrepreneurs Cooperation Forum was organized and was attended by 200 businessmen representing various industry sectors.

HUBA also arranged a special meeting of delegates with the Deputy Premier of Ho Chi Minh City with several members of the City’s cabinet in at-

and Indonesia Canada Chamber of Commerce. She also joined the delegates on tour to Industrial Training Centers, to head office of Whistler based MUSTIKA RATU, and to Textile Technology Center in Bandung.

Other members of the delegation include Helen Cruz, an international consultant on Hu-

tendance.

Indonesia Economic Consul Nina Kurnia, arranged meetings with government officials – the Minister of Industry and Directors of Departments; Ministry of Agriculture; Ministry of Health; Director of Energy Conservation - Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources; www.canadianinquirer.net

man Environment and Green Technology, Jhynette Juanillas, a Director of Asia Solar Power, Andy Dong – CEO of Vietnam Tradition Trade Alliance, and Liza Wajong, President of Canada Indonesia Diaspora Society and Managing Director of Citranti, Batik and Ikat Collections. ■

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Community News

AUGUST 21, 2015

Eulogy for Grace Quiddaoen WHEN WE lose someone, the hardest thing is that we have to grapple with memories.

Those memories could be sharp, painful, and sometimes crippling.

It was too soon for Grace.

But those same memories make us smile and laugh and make us want to celebrate her life.

And there’s a lot to remember, there’s a lot to celebrate.

Grace went to Canada leaving behind a thriving law practice in Manila. She was a businesswoman, handling several other businesses all at the same time.

Nikko would tell me that during her pre-Canada days, she would sometimes only have one hour of sleep.

In a way, Canada was, for her, a conscious choice to reconnect with her family and herself.

But even here in Canada, she could not help being who she is.

An achiever. Grace is/was an achiever.

In her first year here, she took a course in immigration law and graduated with honours.

She also received the highest award in Ashton College, the President’s Award, for individuals who consistently exceeded expectations. In 2014, she received the Lilian To scholarship for a free course in Ashton College. She was thinking of going into HR Management.

But our common ground — our sanctuary — was our UPAABC group. It is an alumni association of graduates of the University of the Philippines here in BC. It provided support, a way to navigate the enigma that is Canada, and there she made many friends.

And I want to tell you about their favourite memories of Grace.

Mary Ann Mandap, current board member and wife of DepConGen Anton Mandap, first met Grace in 2012 at the office of Labour Attache Bernie Julve.

Grace asked Anton for Mary Ann’s number so they can chat, meet up for coffee, windowshop or see the sights. She was good at reaching out to people and advising them on how best to settle down. Both Mary Ann and Anton really appreciated those gestures since Mary Ann was new in town then.

That was Grace.

Cynthia Tamondong, current vice president of UPAABC, was with Grace and her family in her

Former PCI Immigration Columnist Atty. Frances Grace H. Quiddaoen.

last hours. Grace told her that all she wanted was to simplify matters to make it easy for her family. She was always thinking of the welfare of others.

That was Grace.

Monette Ledesma, one of the closest to Grace, a fellow UP lawyer and being the funny and lovable Monette, upon knowing that Grace had breast cancer, Monette asked her what stage.

She remembers Grace telling her that it did not matter because she was going to get well.

That was Grace.

Liza Guevara, another fellow lawyer, was a classmate of Grace at the Skills Connect workshops in ISS Vancouver several years ago. When they found out that they were both lawyers from the Philippines, they became instant friends.

She said she will always remember their long conversations about the lives and careers they left behind, and the challenges they faced in building their lives and careers here in Canada. Through the years, they continued to stay in touch through lunches and phone conversations, and even if they did not see each other that often, she felt like they were companions on the same journey.

Liza says Grace inspired her with her courage, her compassion and her openness to life and that she will always hold Grace close to her heart.

That was Grace.

As for me, my favourite memory of Grace is our last few days together. Though they were the most painful, they were the most significant to me. We talked about life, about pain, about doctors, about choices. I read her some excerpt from the Celestine Prophecy while we held

hands. I felt strong love for her and from her during that time; I felt her compassion, kindness and light. We talked about their citizenship exam, and though they haven’t received their notice yet, we were already planning to study for it. I gave her some sample questions to take her mind off that hospital bed, off her beaten body — and I had to smile because I could hear her mind whirring, thinking, momentarily forgetting what great pain she was in. I looked in her eyes and saw the old Grace.

We laughed, we cried, we tried to be strong.

A week after, while Grace was at the hospice, Grace and her husband Arnold received their notice to take their citizenship exam. They are scheduled to take it on August 31st.

One of her last wishes — fulfilled.

And that’s what I will remember. Her hope, her smile, her strength, her faithfulness to God, her kindness, her compassion. She put everyone before her. Always.

One more thing. We just came from Vancouver Island and stopped by the house before coming here. The back door was open. I remembered that in one of our last conversations, she said she will visit me in my new house once she gets well.

I would like to think that she visited me, and that she is well.

Thank you my friend. Rest in peace. Until we meet again. ■ Eulogy of former UPAABC President and PCI Editor Melissa Remulla-Briones at the Memorial Service for PCI Immigration Columnist Frances Grace H. Quiddaoen. www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

Filipino foundation donates $13k to charity THE PHILIPPINE Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) has once again fulfilled its promise of advocating for charity by walking for the poor and donating $13,000 at the recent Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) Walk. The money will be used to build houses for poor families in the Philippines.

PCCF hold events like the prestigious Miss Philippines Canada, Little Miss Philippines Canada, Mrs. Philippines Canada, and Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto. Rosemer Enverga, executive vice president of PCCF said, “This is just the start of giving back to the community.”

To-date, the fifty year of Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto, PCCF donated over $66,000 to various worthy causes like the recent Nepal earthquake.

ANCOP President Ricky Cuenca, thanked PCCF and reminded everyone that, “Answering the Cry of the Poor (ANCOP) through Faith and Action... the ANCOP Walk is an

annual global fundraising event that raises funds for the poor in the Philippines and other third world countries. The donation ANCOP receives will go toward providing shelter, housing and child education programs for the poor living in extreme poverty.”

The annual walk in Toronto Downtown was attended by different organizations both civic and religious. Prominent among those who participated in the ANCOP Walk were Canada’s Minister of Finance Joe Oliver; Senator Jun Enverga; PCCF Vice-Presidents Mario Alpuerto and Gloria Rafanan; Philip Rafanan; Secretary Lita and Tony Leano; PRO Jojo and Fe Taduran; Finance Danio Penuliar; Business Liaison Chris Jones; Community Liaison Li Eron; and PCCF’s Ambassadors - Miss Philippines Canada - Nathalie Ramos; Miss Teen Philippines Canada - Ansha Hipolito; Little Miss Philippines Canada runners-up, Jasmin Flores and Kaila Ventura; and Little Mr. Philippines Canada Edward Jones. ■

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FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

www.canadianinquirer.net F PhilippineCanadianInquirer

T PhilCanInquirer

m info@canadianinquirer.net sales@canadianinquirer.net

A (888) 668-6059

www.canadianinquirer.net

30

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Entertainment Melissa Ricks now a busy mommy

BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer “IT WAS tough in the beginning. I needed a lot of support. I cried a lot,” said actress Melissa Ricks, who admitted having suffered post-partum depression shortly after she gave birth to daughter Keira.

The former “Star Circle Quest” alumna gave birth via normal delivery on Jan. 12 to Keira Kelly, her first child with boyfriend Charles Togezaki.

Keira is now 7 months old.

“I take my hat off to every mom out there, especially those who single-handedly took care of their newborns and didn’t have any help to assist them,” said the 25-year-old actress. “I was the youngest in the family and was used to depending on my family. Now, I’m taking care of somebody else. The support from family and friends meant a lot.”

Melissa said Keira’s first month was the most challenging. “She cried nonstop. I didn’t have milk for the first couple of days so she would really throw a fit. I also didn’t know how to bathe her. It was good that my mom arrived (from the United

States) shortly after.”

The new mom said she also got a lot of support from fellow celebrity moms. “Sharmaine Arnaiz gave sound advice. Ara Mina gave birth only a few months ahead of me, but she really helped me a lot,” said Melissa, adding that they would sometimes go out on play dates or schedule counseling sessions.

“This is what I want moms my age, or younger, to see on my YouTube channel,” said Melissa of her channel dedicated to parenting. Her first video documented her experience with Keira when the baby joined a pictorial contest. Melissa is one of the 90 creators included in “Chicken Pork Adobo,” ABSCBN’s multi-channel network.

“I want to teach them how to handle their baby. I remember feeling so terrified in the beginning and so I asked other moms how it was like to give birth to a child. They were great at helping me calm down,” she said.

Melissa and Charles are still adjusting to their life as parents to Keira. “It used to be that everything was about me. Now, everything I do revolves around my baby…I’ve become more responsible, a more patient per-

son,” she said.

Melissa said Charles approved of her returning to work.

“He’s not the jealous type— that’s a good thing. We haven’t discussed kissing scenes yet, but I don’t think that will be a problem for him. He knows it’s part of my job as an actress.”

Melissa was last seen in an episode of the drama anthology “Maalaala Mo Kaya,” titled “Pagkain” opposite her former onscreen partner, Matt Evans.

“I don’t say yes to all offers for guest appearances because Keira doesn’t have a nanny. It’s hard to leave her with just anyone,” she explained.

Better than before

“I want to be better than before. A lot has changed in me, including my appearance.

I want to get rid of the extra weight that I gained during pregnancy—maybe in a year. “ She said she used to feel hurt whenever online bashers posted comments about her weight, but not anymore. “It has been a struggle for me for the past four to five years. I gained 40 to 50 lbs when I was pregnant. I’ve been blessed with such a beautiful baby. Why would bashers affect me now?”

Star Magic actress Melissa Ricks with boyfriend Charles Togesaki and daughter Kiera. @MELISSARICKS09 / INSTAGRAM

Six months after giving birth, Melissa said she has started dieting. ”I’ve lost a couple of pounds. I’m determined to continue to do that. After a month, I will start exercising. When I return to showbiz, I want people to be able to notice the difference. This is also what people will see on my channel.”

“Chicken Pork Adobo” has channels on YouTube that tackle a variety of topics: toys, fashion, comedy, music, lifestyle,

vlogs, entertainment, arts and crafts, food, parenting, and inspirational stuff. It is the platform where creators who may not have a chance to go on TV are empowered, according to Donald Lim, head of ABS-CBN Digital Media Division.

Lim added that “Chicken Pork Adobo” was meant to help online content creators make a mark in the digital space and help them become superstars “in whatever way or form.” ■

Pokwang’s American boyfriend confirms her miscarriage

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Kapamilya actress Pokwang with American boyfriend Lee O’Brian @POKIE827 / INSTAGRAM

MANILA — American actor Lee O’Brian confirmed reports that his girlfriend, Filipina comedienne Pokwang, suffered a miscarriage with their first child. “[We] just had to accept it hasn’t happened yet, it wasn’t time, and it’s something that you definitely need to cope with,” he said in an interwww.canadianinquirer.net

view with Showbiz Konek na Konek.

Although the experience was heartbreaking, O’Brian shared that they still wanted to try having another baby.

“It’s something that we are hoping for and we’re striving for and, at the right time, it’s gonna happen… It’s something I’m still comforting her about because we’re still trying,” he said.

The American actor was also proud of how tough Pok-

wang has been, accepting the sad news and trying to move on.

“You just have to accept that it hasn’t happened yet… It wasn’t time and there are just things that are out of control in our life,” he said.

“She’s the one who’s gonna be carrying [the baby], what I can do is I’m gonna support her… can love her unconditionally and that’s what I did, I still do that, and so it’s all good that way,” he added. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

Alden Richards finds ‘Yaya Dub’ pretty

Dina Bonnevie admits being a battered wife

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — In an interview with the Philippine Star, actorhost Alden Richards admitted that he found “Yaya Dub,” portrayed by Maine Mendoza, beautiful. Maine, for her part, earlier confessed that she has already developed a crush on her on-screen partner.

“I’m enjoying the moment. Lahat, everything’s in place. Kumbaga, ako, I’m not closing my doors. I am open with possibilities kahit noon pa man. Whatever comes, if it’s for you, it’s for you,” Alden said.

(I’m enjoying the moment.

Everything, everything’s in place. It’s like, me, I’m not closing my doors. I am open with the possibilities even before.

Whatever comes, if it’s for you, it’s for you.)

With the “AlDub” now a popular loveteam, Alden thanked Eat Bulaga for believing in him and vowed to work harder every

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

The latest love team to sweep Philippine TV: Alden Richards and ‘Yaya Dub’ of Eat Bulaga.

INSTAGRAM

day.

“Being in Eat Bulaga is a blessing. Kaya I would really hold on to this at pag­hihirapan ko ang everyday ko sa Bulaga. I will make the most out of it, and be better every day,” he said.

(Being in Eat Bulaga is a

31

blessing. That’s why I would really hold on to this and I will really work hard every day in Bulaga. I will make the most out of it, and be better every day!)

The AlDub tandem has been rumored to be starring in their first movie soon. ■

MANILA — Dina Bonnevie, who was Vic Sotto’s estranged wife, admitted suffering hits and blows from her former husband whom she married after parting ways with Vic. “I remarried after Vic… Doon ko naranasan yung talagang grabe, nilapastangan ako, binugbog, lahat (That’s where I experienced being mistreated, hit, everything),” Dina said in an interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal.

“Naranasan kong maapi pero ayoko nang maalala yun, mabugbog, masapak,

magulpi… (I experienced being abused, but I don’t want to remember it anymore, being punched, slapped, hit…) And he even took my money,” she added.

Dina begged off from disclosing further details as she did not want to recall her dark past. She also withheld the name of her ex-husband.

With Vic, the actress only hoped that he would find someone who would truly love him.

“Sana lang, Vic would find someone who will truly love him kahit na may sakit na siya, kahit na tumanda na siya (I hope, Vic would find someone who will truly love him even by the time he weakens, even by the time he grows old),” she said. ■

Jolina: Real to reel mom

BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer “WE NEED to look after our children, and offer them emotional support as much as we can,” said actress Jolina Magdangal when asked about her thoughts on recent issues hounding young showbiz personalities.

The actress was referring to the video scandal that involved a 12-year-old actress and the shocking news of a 15-year-old actress committing suicide.

The “FlordeLiza” star is wife to musician Mark Escueta and mom to toddler Pelle. “More than my son, I was concerned with Rhed (Bustamante) and Ashley (Sarmiento),” she said of her two young costars in the series.

“The news I’ve read and heard about some of our young celebrities were very disturbing. I was also hurt by the harsh comments of netizens, especially those directed at the victims.”

Jolina added: “This made me more curious about what Rhed and Ashley do during their free time. I know that their parents guide them well, but I also want to be there for them. I also want to learn from the girls so I can prepare myself when Pelle is older.”

Jolina said the controversies also forced her to look back at her own childhood. “I tried to recall what I was fond of doing when I was their age. I was busy designing accessories. I didn’t own gadgets then,” she recalled.

“We were all very conscious of our public image then. I pity the young celebrities today—their rise and fall from stardom are made quicker by technology.”

Has being a mom helped you as an actress?

Yes, it gave depth to my acting. My role in “FlordeLiza” is perfect because I play a mother to Ashley. I treat her as my own daughter.

The pilot week of “FlordeLiza” did not do well in terms of ratings. What can you say about

its steady climb?

I’m happy with the pilot week’s ratings. I always say that it’s better for a show to start with a relatively low rating, and then eventually go up, rather than start high and end with a whimper. The whole team is proud of “Flordeliza.” Nobody knew it would last for seven months. We’re so thrilled to have been told recently by our bosses that it would be extended for another couple of weeks.

Did you know that, aside from Marvin Agustin, you’d also work well with Carlo Aquino?

This is because Carlo is a brilliant actor. I never thought we’d click because he is way younger than I am. I felt so uncomfortable in the beginning. It would be great if we’d get to work again on another project. Like Marvin, I trust Carlo, especially when doing kissing scenes.

How do you react to comments saying it was ABS-CBN that revived your showbiz career?

To be fair, I never quit show www.canadianinquirer.net

Jolina Magdangal with husband Mark Escueta and son Pele. @MARIAJOLINA_IG / INSTAGRAM

business. I just prioritized some things over others, like my music and then eventually my family. I’ve been in the business for 27 years and never gave up on it. I will stay for as long as I’m needed.

I’m thankful to ABS-CBN because it has been giving me interesting projects since I returned. I was at first hesitant to join “Your Face Sounds Familiar.” It was good that I did because I learned a lot from

the show. “FlordeLiza” has not ended yet but I’ve already been offered another show, “Written in Our Stars.” The Kapamilya network is so accepting. It welcomed me back with open arms after being away for 12 years.

“Flordeliza,” written and directed by Wenn V. Deramas, airs on the “Kapamilya Gold” afternoon block. The drama marks the comeback and reunion of the Jolina MagdangalMarvin Agustin love team. ■

Entertainment

32

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Rhian-Piolo’s ‘daring’ film closes Cinemalaya

BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer RHIAN RAMOS, who took on her most daring role so far in the psychological thriller “Silong,” said she was glad she did the film with Piolo Pascual, whom she described as “a lovescene veteran.”

“I felt so stressed because of the sexy scenes. If those sequences turned out well, it’s because of Piolo. I needed help and he gave it to me,” Ramos said. “He’s such a gentleman.

After each take, he was the first to cover me up with a blanket.

It required a lot of courage. On the day of the shoot, I asked for a bottle of wine.”

Rhian said the love scenes were important “to show how passionate the characters are...

They weren’t added just to make the film commercial.”

Not sexy Piolo added: “We don’t want to sell it as a sexy film; it’s not.”

“Silong” is a film by Jeffrey Hidalgo and Roy Magsaysay Ho. Piolo’s character Miguel, a reclusive doctor, will find a mysterious woman (Rhian) injured and bloodied in the middle of a

road. He later realizes that she is trying to escape from a dark past.

The closing film of this year’s Cinemalaya, “Silong” will premiere tonight, 9 p.m. at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City.

“Beyond their celebrity [status], Piolo and Rhian are good actors,” said Hidalgo. Ho wrote the screenplay. “It started with a concept fromme and (producer) Darlene Catly Malimas. We contacted Roy to write our concept but he came up with something better,” said Hidalgo, who is also a singer.

“It’s nice to do something different,” said Rhian. “Although it was a nerve-wracking experience, I discovered a lot about myself as an actor.”

For Piolo, Rhian “is one of the easiest people to work with.

She didn’t complain of the long hours. She’s a trouper.”

He added that the directors, Hidalgo and Ho, were “open to the actors’ suggestions. This is a team effort.”

A commercial release for “Silong” is in the works, said Piolo.

“We first want to get the word out. That’s why we set a screening at the Cinemalaya.” ■

One Direction at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.

TINSELTOWN / SHUTTERSTOCK

Pharrell, One Direction among headliners at Apple Music Fest THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — Pharrell Williams, One Direction and Florence + The Machine are going to appear at the Apple Music Festival next month.

Apple announced Tuesday that the musicians will be among the headlining performers at

the 10-night festival at London's Roundhouse that begins Sept.

19. Festival performances will be broadcast live and on-demand on Apple Music, and additional material will be available on the app's Beats 1 radio.

Niall Horan of One Direction said the group is excited to return to London “to perform for our fans in the Roundhouse

and around the world on Apple Music!”

Previously known as the iTunes Festival, the eight-yearold concert event was renamed the Apple Music Festival to support the launch earlier this summer of the new Apple Music app.

Past performers have included Adele, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake and Elton John. ■

Bon Jovi weekend concert in Vancouver cancelled THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Piolo Pascual and Rhian Ramos star in ‘Silong’.

SCREENSHOT FROM MOVIE TRAILER

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA — A weekend Bon Jovi concert in Vancouver, British Columbia, has been canceled after the city said the promoter had failed to obtain the required permits.

The show — which also featured the Kings of Suburbia — was scheduled for Saturday, a day after Bon Jovi planned to release its special fan album “Burning Bridges” as a tie-in to its international tour. It's Bon Jovi's first album since guitarist Richie Sambora left the band in 2013.

Bon Jovi Tours Inc. issued a statement saying it “shares the disappointment of fans” over the cancellation.

“The band was ready and willing to give a great performance on Saturday,” the statement read. “Unfortunately, the local www.canadianinquirer.net

Rock 'n Roll legend Jon Bon Jovi.

promoter, Paper Rain Performances, has proven unable to guarantee a properly-produced event.”

The city of Vancouver said in a statement that it had provided initial support for the event but the organizers did not have

YAKUB88 / SHUTTERSTOCK

the required city permits.

The promoter, Paper Rain Performances, said it asked for but could not secure a postponement from the rock band's management, but still hopes a future concert date can be confirmed. ■

33

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

Lifestyle

2015 TELA FASHION SHOW: A tapestry of Mindanao Island fabrics and haute couture

BY BABES CASTRONEWLAND

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Richmond’s Riverside Grand Ballroom on August 7th was turned into a festive ambiance of southern Philippines. It was a showcase of prized Mindanao fabrics hitting the runway in Canada for the first time. With over 60 haute and prêt-a-porter creations from Cagayan de Oro’s top designers who infused contemporary and ethno-cultural mosaic of the island — Mimi Pimentel, Gil Macaibay III, Mark Yaranon, Boogie Musni Rivera and Benjie S. Manuel.

I dub this milestone as the renaissance of Southern Philippines fibers into the global 21st century. The well-attended fashion show depicted intricately hand-woven native textiles such as the pinya cloth from the province of Aklan.

Considered as crème dela crème of Philippine fabrics, Pinya is derived from pineapple plant leaf fibers. And there were the colorful hand-loomed tapestries and waistcloths of different tribes of Mindanao.

Noted for its intricate geometrical patterns and vibrant colours, the Mindanao fabrics are handcrafted by tribal women made from abaca, pineapple to silkworm cocoon fibers.

Finished fabrics are called T’nalak, Jusi, Pina, Pina Jusi and Hinabol.

According to Tela fashion show coordinator and program director, Ontario-based Christopher Nazaire, “the beauty of these Mindanao fabrics lies in the dexterity of women weaving them who are mindful of a long tradition passed through generations. Woven into the intricacies of the fabrics are their tribes’ dreams and aspirations. Most famous of them, the T’boli weaves the T’nalak fabric which represents birth, life, marriage and death. With-

out guides, their women often called dream weavers rely on a mental image of the designs; believing that the patterns are bestowed on them through their dreams or the spirit of the abaca.” Christopher further added, “the Mindanao silk is now a constant feature in Filipino haute couture. It is worn

by Philippine politicians and famous celebrities like Senator Loren Legarda and Chin Chin Gutierrez.”

Designer Benjie S. Manuel, who is the founding president of the Oro Fashion Designers Guild, articulated, “Tela 2015 aims to bring back the grandeur of the weaving industry by promoting it globally. Such initiative is a celebration of being a Filipino and a Mindanaoan.

Being supported by Filipino communities around the world, I am grateful to them for believing in the designers and giving everyone a chance to reconnect with the Filipino roots as we move into the future of the Mindanao fashion industry.”

The group proceeds to Toronto, New York and Seattle WA as respective stops for showcase.

Hopefully, this would just be the first of many series of inter-

national showcases featuring avant-garde creations by this fresh, young breed of Filipino designers.

The Tela 2015 Fashion Show and Exhibition in Vancouver BC was presented and produced by the Society of Indigenous Network Above-Ground www.canadianinquirer.net

(SINAG), an organization that upholds the diverse ethnicity, nationality, faith and culture that make up the Filipino-Canadian as a whole. SINAG cofounders Victor and Zeny Villamera; and Lilet Salazar were pleased with the outcome of their debut project which was

done in close cooperation with the Consulate General of the Philippines in British Columbia. The proceeds from Tela benefited Answering the Cry of the Poor or ANCOP in the Philippines. ■ babecastronewland@gmail.com

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Lifestyle

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Sun spots, age spots: Is there anything you can do to stop brown skin patches?

BY HELEN BRANSWELL The Canadian Press TORONTO — Middle age often carries with it a number of advantages, one of which is a clearer complexion. But as acne becomes a distant memory for most people, other issues arise to plague aging skin.

Sun spots, age spots, liver spots, granny warts — whatever you call them, brown pigmented spots are common eruptions as we age.

Dermatologists don’t use these terms, knowing that what one person calls a liver spot another will call an age spot. But assessing and excising these pigmented spots is a daily event for skin doctors.

“Pigmented lesions and brown spots are a huge part of dermatology,” says Dr. Lisa Kellett, a Toronto dermatologist who works at the clinic DLK on Avenue.

“Sometimes they just want reassurance,” Kellett says of the patients she sees with these skin spots. “And other times they say, ‘You know, I really hate the look of this; can you get rid of it for me?’“ There are two main types of these pigmented brown spots, solar lentigines and seborrheic keratoses. The good news is that both are benign; they are

not early manifestations of skin cancer.

But people should not selfdiagnose what they are seeing, Kellett says. She tells her patients she wants to see them if they develop new spots or moles, or if existing ones change.

Dr. Benjamin Barankin agrees.

Medical director of the Toronto Dermatology Centre, Barankin says these types of pigmented brown spots are not directly linked to a higher risk of skin cancer. But these spots pop out when people are older — which is also the time when the risk of developing cancerous melanomas increases.

As well, people who have these spots may become complacent — taking reassurance from the fact they were once told those ugly brown patches aren’t skin cancer — and miss a melanoma hiding among an array of pigmented spots on their backs, Barankin says.

So what are solar lentigines and seborrheic keratoses?

Let’s start with lentigines. You may never have heard the term, but if you can picture the hands of an elderly white adult, you probably know what they are.

As freckles can dust the nose and the cheeks of some fairskinned folks, brown spots can mottle the skin on the back of

some aging hands.

Lentigines or lentigos are like freckles, says Barankin. But where a true freckle will fade in the winter when sun exposure is limited, these spots do not go away on their own.

Lentigos are the result of sun exposure. If you are fair skinned and you don’t want them dotting the backs of your hands, limiting sun exposure or protecting your skin with a sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30

is advised.

Slather it on, says Barankin, who notes most people apply about one-third to one-half of the recommended amount of sunscreen.

Some commercial bleaching creams will help fade these spots, but may not get rid of them entirely if they are dark and have been on the skin for a while.

Dermatologists can zap these spots off using either a laser or liquid nitrogen. The procedure is not covered by medicare. And

set up on the sidewalk along the shrine. The site is a hubbub of activity, with quiet worshippers sometimes flanked by Thai dancers hired by those seeking good fortune, while groups of tourists shuffle in and out.

Bangkok has been relatively peaceful since a military coup ousted a civilian government in May last year after several months of sometimes violent political protests against the previous government.

At the same time, the military government has tightly controlled dissent, arresting hundreds of its opponents and banning protests. Tensions have risen in recent months, with the junta making clear that it may not hold elections

until 2017 and wants a constitution that will allow some type of emergency rule to take the place of an elected government.

Stirring the pot has been exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. It was his sister Yingluck Shinawatra who was ousted as prime minister last year.

Last week, Thaksin posted a message on YouTube urging his followers to reject the draft constitution because he said it was undemocratic. The draft charter is supposed to be voted on next month by a special National Reform Council.

If it passes, it is supposed to go to a public referendum around January.

Another source of recent tension is the annual military promotion list, with the junta’s top two leaders — Prime Minister Prayuth and Deputy Prime Minister Prawit — widely believed to be supporting different candidates. The reshuffle, which comes into effect in September, has traditionally been a source of unrest, as different cliques in the army, usually defined by their graduating class in the military academy, seek the most important posts to consolidate their power.

The U.S. Embassy in Bangkok issued an emergency message for U.S. citizens, advising them to avoid the shrine’s area.

In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby

SHUTTERSTOCK

if your skin is prone to developing lentigines, unless you protect it from the sun you will likely develop more.

The other type of pigmented brown spot is a seborrheic keratosis — or keratoses, if you have more than one. People who develop these crusty, dark brown spots often do.

Barankin sees patients with dozens of these spots, which are generally found on the torso.

They are not caused by sun exposure.

“You cannot prevent them,” he says. “It’s your genetics and getting older.”

Dermatologists can also zap off seborrheic keratoses, using the same techniques as they do for lentigines.

“For the flat ones, it has a success rate of between 85 and 90 per cent with one treatment,” Kellett says of laser therapy.

“It depends on how thick it is.

The thicker they are, the more difficult they are. But it’s a very good treatment.”

Really thick keratoses that have been around for a while may need to be cut out, she notes. And both she and Barankin say if you don’t like these spots, it’s easier to get rid of them when they are new.

“Whether it’s the keratosis or the lentigo, they will come off easier the earlier you get at them,” Barankin says. ■

Thai PM... a Filipino also was among those killed.

National chief of police Somyot Poompanmoung said the bomb was made with a pipe wrapped in cloth and weighed 3 kilograms (more than 6 pounds).

It detonated at the Erawan Shrine, which is dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma, but is extremely popular among Thailand’s Buddhists as well as Chinese tourists. Although Thailand is predominantly Buddhist, it has enormous Hindu influence on its religious practices and language.

Throngs of tourists come there to pray at all hours, lighting incense and offering flowers purchased from rows of stalls ❰❰ 22

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expressed deep sympathy to those affected by the Bangkok explosion. He said authorities were still determining whether any Americans were among the victims.

Tourists reacted with concern.

“We didn’t think anything like this could happen in Bangkok,” said Holger Siegle, a German who said he and his newlywed wife had chosen Thailand because it seemed safe. “Our honeymoon and our vacation will go on, but with a very unsafe feeling.” ■ Associated Press journalists Grant Peck, Jerry Harmer, Michael Rubin and Penny Yi Wang contributed to this report.

Lifestyle

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

35

‘Good and Cheap’ cookbook for students, families on tight food budget

BY LOIS ABRAHAM The Canadian Press

A glimpse at Filipino millenials

BY MA. CRISTINA C. ARAYATA Philippines News Agency MANILA — Many people say that the younger generation (Millennials) is hard to understand. Some think Filipino Millennials are “pasaway”, “maarte” and “pabebe”.

Who they really are, maybe it’s not for anyone to judge.

However, the Far Eastern University (FEU), in partnership with eight other universities, recently conducted a survey to understand Filipino Millennials better.

According to Michael Alba, FEU president, the study aims to determine the impact of college life to Filipino students.

“How does college experience affect their learnings, beliefs, priorities and opinions?” he asked.

Based on the survey, researchers found that Millennials seem to be entrepreneurial, since 55 percent of the respondents indicated success in owning their business as a value that is most appealing to them.

Majority of respondents strongly disagrees with legalization of divorce, while strongly favoring death penalty in the country. Thus, the researchers consider this as a sign that Millennials are conservative.

The survey included 4,325 freshmen from nine universities including FEU. It will be a 4-year study as the respondents will be asked again during their sophomore year and until they

reach 4th year college.

Alba believes that this research will help them find out how these Millennials’ beliefs may change as they go through college.

In an interview with the Philippines News Agency (PNA), Alba cited some difficulties they encountered while conducting the survey.

First, he said they had a hard time ensuring confidentiality.

Alba admitted that it was hard to gain the trust of the respondents.

Second was with regard to how the survey was presented.

“The students found it too boring,” he said. With this, they did some animation and made the presentation look more interesting.

He added they also encountered problem in uploading the data. They had to buy a Cloud storage for this.

Alba did not elaborate, but he didn’t deny they also had problem on the sampling method they used.

Meanwhile, he cited that the survey in the coming years would basically contain almost the same set of questions, and that they will just change some of the questions slightly.

The survey may not be a perfect one. For instance, the universities behind it are not sure of the respondents’ age, and just said it’s between 15-19.

However, at least there are these universities who took the initiative to discover and understand Filipino Millennials better. ■

a bin on each shopping trip, a bunch of carrots rather than a bag of baby carrots that can be double the price, a head of letTORONTO — Thousands of tuce instead of salad mix and people on a tight food budget two-for-one loaves of bread have benefited from a thesis (put one in the freezer). project by a former Edmonton Brown focuses many recipes resident. on vegetables.

Leanne Brown, who earned “When you have little flexa master’s degree from New ibility in your budget, meat is York University in food studreally expensive. It’s easy to ies, wrote a cookbook targeted just do a lot of cheap starches, to low-income people and Food but that’s not particularly well Stamps recipients that she balanced.” made available for free.

Canned and frozen fruits and “Good and Cheap: Eat Well on vegetables can be a good alter$4/Day” has now been downnative to fresh depending on loaded more than 700,000 the time of year. times.

Brown prefers butter for verBut Brown, 30, wanted to satility and the flavour it adds get “Good and Cheap” into the during browning. It can be hands of people who might not used in baking and as a spread. be have access so she launched Cheap oils and margarine proa Kickstarter campaign to selfvide little flavour. publish it.

Compare unit prices. GenSetting a erally items are goal of $10,000, less expensive she was overwhen purchased whelmed when in bulk. she ended up It’s extremely difficult sometimes to Drink water. with more than carve out really truly enough time. It’s Most packaged $144,000, endifferent from the middle class who drinks are overabling her to say they don’t have time because priced, loaded print 40,000 of piano lessons and soccer and with added sugar copies — which whatever. and don’t fill you she and her husup the way a piece band distributed of fruit or serving out of their tiny of yogurt do.

New York apartBuy plain yoment.

30 in the food and drink cat- gurt in large tubs rather than Workman Publishing has egory — says she loves to help individual servings and make stepped in for the expanded people understand the reason your favourite flavours in your second edition and agreed to certain techniques are used so kitchen where you know exactthe “buy one, give one” model they can make a recipe and then ly what’s going into it.

— for every book sold, a copy is adapt it using what’s on hand, Develop strategies around donated to a non-profit orga- what’s on sale or what’s tastiest leftovers. Add vegetables and nization working with lower- to their palate. meat or beans to rice, put them income families.

Brown’s master tip is to buy in a pita or scramble them with “Good and Cheap” is designed flexible ingredients. At the eggs. to help families, students and store, think of several ways She explains how to doctor up retirees with limited funds de- something can be used with basic toast with Asian greens, velop cooking techniques using pantry items at home. caramelized onions and chedwhole unprocessed food along Develop a pantry of basics dar or roasted vegetables and with practical advice like how — buying in bulk and on sale — suggests ways to transform into stock a pantry. with rice and other grains, dried expensive popcorn with spices, People on social assistance beans, dry pasta, lentils, canned oils and Parmesan. with dependents who work tomatoes, dried herbs and spicNon-profit organizations multiple jobs to make ends es, then supplement these with interested in being part of the meet have so little time. eggs, butter and seasonal fruits donation program for “Good “While everything can be and vegetables. and Cheap” can contact Canacheaper when you’re cooking “That will allow you to have dian distributor Thomas Althings from scratch your op- great variety in your diet.” len & Son at info?t-allen.com. tions are limited because you Buy a bag of potatoes as need- Requests will be forwarded to have to do things that are very ed rather than a few loose from Workman Publishing. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

quick and sometimes you come home at the end of your second eight-hour shift and you have to deal with the kids and get everyone to bed on time,” Brown says.

“It’s extremely difficult sometimes to carve out really truly enough time. It’s different from the middle class who say they don’t have time because of piano lessons and soccer and whatever.”

She provides strategies for making large quantities of tomato sauce, dumplings, chili, pulled pork or zucchini chocolate muffins on days when there might be a few extra hours.

These can be eaten throughout the week or frozen.

Brown — who won the 2015 judge’s choice award from the International Association of Culinary Professionals and was named one of Forbes 30 Under

36

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Travel

DENR offers Sorsogon’s offshore tourism spot to private investors

BY DANNY O. CALLEJA Philippines News Agency SORSOGON CITY — The provincial office here of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is offering one of the province’s offshore ecotourism sites to any tourism industry investor who may win in the public bidding scheduled on October, this year.

Being offered for lease is the public landmass called Panumbagan Sandbar, an ecotourism wonder that sits at the outskirt of Ticao Pass off the coast of the municipality of Pilar.

On its notice to lease the state property released recently, the DENR’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO)-Sorsogon announced that the “right to lease the land will be awarded to the person offering the highest annual rental as per instruction and authority of the DENR regional office.”

The Panumbagan Sand Bar, a fivekilometer-long tamarind fruit-shaped islet richly endowed with fine, pearly white sand, is an added place to go for tourists swarming the nearby town of Donsol for the yearly seasonal interaction events with whale sharks.

The islet has been provided by the local government of Pilar a well-engineered series of facilities like floating cottages connected with each other by floating bridges made of industrial bamboo and built in style in three octagonal rings.

More developments are in the offing for this site through a Php3.5-million fund allocation provided by the DOT via the Grassroots Participatory Budget-

Floating Cottages at Panumbagan Sand Bar, Pilar, Sorsogon SORSOGON TOURISM VIA FACEBOOK

ing Process (GPBP) of the agency under the 2015 General Appropriation Act, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office for Bicol based in Legazpi City.

“At this point and time, escapade in Donsol will no longer be complete without experiencing what Panumbagan Sand Bar offers — like the taste of sea grapes (locally, “lato”) that are abundant at the surrounding Panlatuan Bay and can be harvested from under the water by visitors themselves and eaten fresh,” Ravanilla said.

Panlatuan Bay, a cove covering three barangays of Pilar, is the ancient site of Astillero de Panlatuan, the once-famous shipbuilding yard established after the end of Galleon Trade in 1650.

Sea grapes (Caulerpa lentillifera), an edible seaweed reported to have antibacterial and antifungal properties and believed to have a cure to hypertension and rheumatism, abundantly and naturally grows under the pure seawater of the bay for its high salinity.

This pretty green seaweed — which studies show to contain high amount of minerals, balanced amino acid profile and iodine — is made up of tiny oblong, greenish crystalline balls.

Edible sea urchins, locally named “suwaki” (Sea Urchin Roe) that are known as aphrodisiac in Japan for thousands of years, can also be found around the area.

Panumbagan can be reached via a 50-minute motorboat ride from the Pilar port passing along the Bantigue Point and Marine Sanctuary Reserve, a cool place for diving and snorkeling, viewing and interacting with various colors, shapes and types of corals, fishes and other underwater characters.

Both places are perfect for nature lovers who want to be embraced by peaceful ambiance, hear the music created by the sea breeze, and enjoy sun bathing, bare foot sand walking, swimming, and savoring tranquility.

Ravanilla describes these places as among Sorsogon’s perfect getaways from a busy life that are now among the most visited sites in the province because of its proximity to the whale shark sanctuary of Donsol.

Tourists, mostly Malaysians and Russians coming for the whale sharks, have

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been making side trips to these areas to discover for themselves these wonderful add-on experiences, she said.

For Ravanilla, the operation, management and maintenance of tourism sites in the province are better given to private investors who can afford the cost of its development into a commercial tourist facility than to local government units (LGUs).

Programs of LGUs on tourism are often compromised due to partisan politics wherein funds and projects are choked when the mayor is not a partymate of the majority of the legislative council that approves the local budget and gives authority to the chief executive to enter into contracts of whatever nature, she said.

And when the mayor is replaced by another who is not a political ally, oftentimes, projects started by the past administration are shelved or killed to the detriment of its continuity, she added.

Panumbagan Sandbar is a 50,200-square-meter land with an appraised value of Php11.8 million which, according to the PENRO, is covered by foreshore land lease application in the name of Imelda Perryman which is now a subject of a notice of lease.

The municipal government of Pilar has expressed strong opposition to the DENR move to privatize the property based on the potentials of the area as a tourism site which was classified by the DOT as an emerging eco-tourism product of the province and of Bicol.

The opposition was recently raised by the LGU before the Sorsogon provincial legislative board in an effort to block the public bidding, saying it is a DOT-accredited ecotourism product under the tourism convergence program called Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon (AlMaSor) tourism alliance.

In its opposition, the LGU is armed with a resolution approved by the council in 2013 withdrawing its support of the foreshore lease application of Perryman, a native of the municipality, which the same council expressed in a resolution approved in 2007 when the municipality was under a different mayor.

A petition to annul the withdrawal of support resolution has been filed with the Regional Trail Court here by Perryman and notwithstanding all those hullabaloos, a source from the DENR regional office in Legazpi City said the public bidding will push through. ■

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FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

Business

Bearish trading seen

BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer

SHUTTERSTOCK

Impact of yuan slide minimal

BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry and a local exporters group have downplayed the potential impact of a weakening Chinese currency, noting that this would likely have a marginal effect on the economy on the back of the country’s strong fundamentals.

“The devaluation [of the Chinese yuan], for one, is not that big since it’s just about 2 percent, while our peso devalued also about that much already.

There could be some marginal impact on us to the extent their currency will be cheaper than ours,” Trade Secretary Gregory L. Domingo said in an interview last Friday.

“The thing is, China is one of

the country’s biggest markets.

But for me, I am not too concerned as it was only about 2 percent. If the Chinese currency drops by about 10 percent, then I’ll have reason to be concerned,” he added.

Data from the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc. (Philexport) showed that in June this year, China was the Philippines’ third-largest overseas market with an 11.4-percent share of total exports and shipments valued at $600.92 million. Japan and the United States remained as the country’s top export destinations.

Local exporters remained similarly optimistic that the slide of the Chinese yuan would have a minimal impact on their operations, said Philexport president Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. Ortiz-Luis noted that “our

competitiveness will not suffer” as long as the Philippine government allowed the peso to track the natural movements of currencies in the region.

“Provided that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) allows the peso to devaluate and track the yuan and other currencies especially of our competitors in Asia, it will not affect our exports so much,” OrtizLuis said.

He added that what would be a bigger concern for many Filipinos would be the dollar movements since majority or about 80 percent of the population depended largely on the greenback. This percentage, which would prefer to see a strong dollar, comprised largely of the local exporter-companies and the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). ■

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

THE LOCAL stock market is seen trading with a bearish bias this week as the market digests remaining corporate-earnings reports while the “ghost” month has started.

Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 124.08 points or 1.65 percent to close at 7,408.44 on Friday, weighed down by jitters on the yuan’s devaluation and a mixed bag of local second quarter corporate results.

But since most of the corporate results had come out, there would likely be not much local news that could move the market, said Bede Lovell Gomez, vice president at First Metro Investment Corp. With the onset of the “ghost” month, many investors are seen opting to stay on the sidelines.

The next big news to wait for

by the end of this month, Gomez said, would be the secondquarter Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate.

“Unless the index recovers above the 260-day moving average, we are to expect wider pullbacks to two-month range support (7,272) as weaker signals and recent support breaks last week put downward pressure on prices,” said Luis Gerardo Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital Development Corp. “Lightening up or taking profits on trading positions is advised, and then wait for a support bounce before entering a range buy.”

The test of the support level will be crucial, Limlingan said, noting that trend reversals would usually occur during such crossroads.

Jonathan Ravelas, chief strategist at Banco de Oro Unibank, said last week’s close below 7,500 signaled “the market’s march toward the 7,000 levels.” ■

QVIST / SHUTTERSTOCK

As of August 19, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

1.3058 35.4798 1.4400 2.0448 1.1028 0.7336 124.3850

-0.0002 -0.0053 -0.0000 -0.0001 +0.0001 +0.0000 +0.0250

-0.0153% -0.0149% -0.0022% -0.0054% +0.0131% +0.0034% +0.0201%

www.canadianinquirer.net

38

Business

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Gov’t borrowings increase in June

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

San Miguel Corporation.

GINEBRABLOG

SMC power unit to issue $300M in offshore bonds

BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE POWER-GENERATION unit of San Miguel Corp. is planning to return to the offshore bond market and raise $300 million from a fresh offering of perpetual securities.

SMC Global Power has mandated a group of international banks to set up a roadshow in Singapore and Hong Kong alongside investor calls in Europe starting last Friday.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) on Friday, SMC said its power unit had tapped ANZ, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, DBS Bank Ltd., Deutsche Bank, HSBC, ING, Mizuho Securities and UBS for the prospective transaction.

The disclosure added that a “Regulation S (Reg S)” US benchmark undated subordinated capital securities offering might follow “subject to market conditions.” The “Reg S” format means the securities will be sold to global investors outside the United States.

The disclosure did not provide additional details but people familiar with the transaction said SMC Global Power was planning to raise $300 million from the sale of perpetual securities, which could not be redeemed—based on a “noncall” feature—until the fifth year. The securities are thus

expected to be priced based on a five-year benchmark.

The offering will be on a stand-alone basis, which means it will not be guaranteed by parent SMC. The proceeds would be used by SMC Global Power for “general funding purposes,” one source said.

For investors, perpetual securities function like dividendpaying stocks or preferred shares as interest is paid for as long as these are held by investors. They offer a predictable source of income for the holder.

The date at which the issuer is allowed to redeem or call—in this case on the fifth year—thus becomes the maturity and pricing will be based on such tenor.

This is not the first time that SMC Global Power will tap the offshore bond market. It debuted overseas in 2011 by selling $300 million worth of bonds due on January 2016 with a coupon rate of 7 percent a year.

Last year, it likewise raised $300 million from an issuance of perpetual bonds which were priced to yield 7.5 percent a year based on a 5.5-year tenor.

The San Miguel group has also been planning a stock offering debut for SMC Global Power, the country’s largest independent power company by installed capacity, supplying 22 percent of the Luzon grid and 17 percent of the national grid.

This power generation holding firm administers three power plants located in Sual (coal),

Ilijan (natural gas) and San Roque (hydroelectric), with a combined capacity of 2,545 megawatts, pursuant to the independent power producer administration agreements with Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. and National Power Corp.

In September 2013, SMC Global Power’s subsidiary SMC Powergen Inc. acquired the 2x35-MW co-generation solid fuel fired plant of Petron Corp.

(Petron) in Limay, Bataan. The plant added 140 MW to the total capacity of SMC Global Power, which brought its total capacity to 2,685 MW by endSeptember 2014.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Consolidated Power Corp. broke ground in 2013 for the new 300MW coal-fired power plant in Malita, Davao, and for another 300-MW coal-fired power plant in Limay, Bataan. These power plants are expected to be commercially available by 2016.

SMC Global Power also bagged in 2013 the concession to rehabilitate, operate and maintain the facilities of Albay Electric Cooperative in Bicol.

In 2014, Power One Ventures Energy Inc. (PVEI), a subsidiary of SMC Global, and Korea Water Resources Corp. (K-Water) entered into a joint venture partnership to acquire, rehabilitate, operate and maintain the 218-MW Angat hydroelectric power plant, awarded by PSALM to K-Water. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — Government borrowings increased by 33 percent reaching P35.47 billion in June.

Compared to year ago results, the figure grew, owing to the increase in loans from foreign sources, according to a data from the Bureau of Treasury.

The borrowings are mainly sourced from bills (T-bills) auctioned by the government on a regular basis and from

fixed rate treasury bonds (Tbonds).

In the first half of 2015, the government borrowed P186.247 billion. The figure is higher than the P174.203 billion recorded in the same period last year.

Loans from external sources also increased to P14.960 billion from P517 million in the same month last year.

Increase in loans from external sources, was meanwhile, owing to the sharp jump in program loans by up to P46.477 billion as of June. ■

16 lessons... ❰❰ 28

opportunities to do good.

When his studio in Pasig was flooded in seven feet of water by typhoon Ondoy in 2009, while he was in France on a tight deadline, he asked the priest for permission to fly home. “You cannot take anything with you to heaven or hell. These are material things,” he was told. He stayed to work and went home in November to find all his paintings destroyed.

However, some of his watercolor paintings became even more beautiful after the flood waters washed and blended the colors. He donated these to the environmental institution in the Philippines and UNICEF, turning a disaster around into an opportunity to do good.

Create a work-life balance

“Work hard and play hard. You also have to relax. You also have to give space for your mind, your body, your time,” Baldemor explained. Inspiration cannot flow if you are over stressed. Give yourself time to

celebrate life, to breathe, observe, absorb and reflect.

Always keep learning

“Even now, I consider myself under training,” says Baldemor.

No matter how accomplished and famous you are, there is always room for artistic growth.

Despite being accomplished in different media, his other interest is photography, which he is working on mastering.

Share your gift

He finds fulfilment in using his art to help the less fortunate.

Material success will only give you so much satisfaction, but sharing your blessings with others helps make the world a better place. “Maybe if I retire or can’t paint anymore, I wish I can write or teach so I can share whatever gift I have. If you have a gift, you have to use it. And use it in a nice way, in the right way and if you have that, you have to count your blessings so you can share it. Maybe that will be my little contribution to the world,” he explained. ■

F ill Unused Capacity C ash Savings B ill More Hours E xtra Income If you want new customers, more sales and are looking for ways to save cash, call First Canadian Barter Exchange.

39

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

Sports

LA Tenorio has high hopes on Coach Cone

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — With Tim Cone now Barangay Ginebra’s coach, player LA Tenorio hoped that PBA’s 41st season will finally be in favor of their team.

“Lahat kami excited, lahat fresh going to this season… I hope makalagpas naman kami sa gusto namin (We’re all excited, we’re all fresh going to this season… I hope we get through what we want),” Tenorio said in a Spin.ph report.

It can be recalled that the Gin Kings have not won the PBA

championship since 2008. But with basketball’s ‘winningest’ coach now on their side, the team may finally take home their next title.

“Nakarami na ang Purefoods.

Nakarami na ang San Miguel.

Sana kami naman (Purefoods [won in several seasons]. San Miguel [won in several seasons.

I hope it’s us this time),” Tenorio said, referring to their sister teams.

“It’s time for us to repay what management gave us,” he added.

Playing under Cone in Alaska Aces, Tenorio knew the coach’s triangle offense and believed

that it would work well with the team.

“I think Coach Tim can handle the whole team. He is a born teacher. Sobrang mahaba ang pasensya niya. Talagang i-popound niya sa mga players kung papaano. If he has to do basic triangle for the whole conference, he will do it,” he said.

(I think Coach Tim can handle the whole team. He is a born teacher. He’s really patient. He will really pound to the players on how it should be done. If he has to do basic triangle for the whole conference, he will do it.) ■

Spitfire LA Tenorio.

MON RUBIO / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Two silvers, a bronze for PH paratriathletes

BY JASMINE W. PAYO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES picked up two silver and one bronze medals even as powerhouse Japan ruled all six categories of the ASTC Asian ParaTriathlon Championships 2015 yesterday at Subic Bay Freeport.

Bucking a poor start, Sixto Ducay emerged as the best Filipino differently-abled athlete with a time of one hour, 17 minutes and 30 seconds in the competitive PT4 category of the 750m swim-18K bike-5K run race.

The 47-year-old Ducay (arm disability) finished second to Japanese Keiichi Sato, a fourth placer in the Yokohama World ParaTriathlon Championships, who timed 1:07:20.

Seo Jeong-guk, South Korea’s

SHUTTERSTOCK

national champion, settled for the bronze in 1:20:25.

“I had problems [in the swim leg], but I never lost my confi-

dence,” said Ducay.

Filipinos Andy Avellana and Arnel Aba (leg disabilities) also secured podium finishes

www.canadianinquirer.net

in the PT2 class ruled by Japanese Kenshiro Nakayama, who clocked 1:24:26.

Avellana bagged the silver

with a time of 1:51:00, while Aba checked in third in 1:56:51.

Other Japanese winners were Junpei Kimuna in PT1 (1:11:25), Hikeki Uda in PT3 (1:12:15) and Ryu Nakazawa in the male PT5 (1:14:24) and Atsuko Yamada in the female PT5 (1:23:37).

Hong Kong also copped a silver, while South Korea and Malaysia took a bronze each.

In the side events, abled triathletes competed in the sprint race ruled by John Chicano in the elite category.

Category winners (Abled): Men— Austine Morfe (16-19), Aiken Ainstay Ting (25-29), Jet Ramos (30-34), Pavel Artyushenko (35-39), Gilbert Canlas (40-44) and Ramon Marchan (50-over); Women— Jeverleen Canlas (2024), Valerie Anne Consunji (25-29), Lou Ramos (30-34), Chua Chin (35-39) and Jennifer Soto (40-over). ■

40

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Technology

Amazon’s data-driven approach becoming more common

BY MAE ANDERSON The Associated Press NEW YORK — Amazon isn’t the only company that is using data on employees to improve productivity.

A New York Times article over the weekend portrayed Amazon’s work culture as “bruising” and “Darwinian” in part because of the way it uses data to manage its staff. The article depicted a work culture where staffers are under constant pressure to deliver strong results on a wide variety of detailed metrics the company monitors in real time — such as what gets abandoned in peoples shopping cards and what videos people stream — and encouraged to report praise or criticism about colleagues to management to add to more data about workers performance.

The story led to an outcry on social media.

Amazon’s CEO Jeff Bezos said in a memo to staff over the weekend that the article doesn’t accurately describe the company culture he knows. But experts say the kind of datadriven staff management Amazon uses is set to become more common as technology continues to transform the American workplace.

“Every company is somewhere in process toward using data to get a better handle on who their top performers are and to understand where people stand,” said John Challenger, CEO of outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. Companies, both large and small, have been moving away from traditional human resources reviews that rely on annual performance evaluations.

They’re moving toward a more data-driven approach with more frequent feedback, checkins, and other metrics.

Consulting firms Accenture and Deloitte both said this year they would revamp their per-

YEAMAKE / SHUTTERSTOCK

formance review processes, for City, Calif., is offering clients. ees are faring overall. example, adopting a more data The company, with clients in“The old mentality was once driven approach that includes cluding music-streaming site a year we would check in with more frequent ratings by man- Pandora and marketing au- an annual survey, have an anagers and other internal feed- tomation company Marketo, nual review, set goals,” said Barback and data that can be aggre- sends employees what it calls nett. “What we’ve learned is the gated and analyzed to provide a “pulses,” or short surveys about world today moves much faster better portrait of performance how they are feeling and how than that.” than a single rating. In an es- they feel about their job.

One of Glint’s clients, Marsay in the Harvard Business Glint CEO Jim Barnett said keto, was able to use the data Review, Deloitte gleaned from said the new apthe Pulses to see proach uses “the that women in technology to go one department from a small data Every company is somewhere in were ranking version of our process toward using data to get their work/life people to a big a better handle on who their top balance substandata version of performers are and to understand tially lower than them.” where people stand. expected.

The Tech compacompany found a nies have been staffing shortage even speedier in in that area and applying data analytics to staff- the surveys let executives see increased staff. ing. Google, for example, uses how the health of their employ“What they were able to do data to figure out how to put ees and company are faring in was to go in and increase the together optimal-sized teams real time, in the same speed staffing before they had sigfor projects and figure out what with which they might be able nificant attrition,” Barnett said. makes effective leaders. to check sales results or mar- “The beauty of systems like this Paul Hamerman, a Forrester keting impressions. Since the is you’re able to link actions to analyst who focuses on human “pulses” to company employ- outcomes.” resources management and fi- ees recur more frequently than The downside to a data-drivnancial applications, says the traditional reviews. And their en approach is t can seem “Big future may look more like what data can be aggregated to give a Brother-ish” to staffers. But Glint Inc., based in Redwood clearer picture of how employ- Glint said the surveys that the www.canadianinquirer.net

company sends out have an 80 to 85 percent response rate.

“Employees tend to be willing to share,” Barnett said.

Another drawback: Relying strictly on numbers can lead to the perception of a cold-hearted workplace. “It’s easy to get so hung up on statistics that you miss the value of what that individual brings to the table in terms of personality, connectivity and those intangible pieces,” said David Lewis, CEO of HR outsourcing and consulting firm OperationsInc in Norwalk, Conn.

That can lead to a dysfunctional workplace. “If everybody is miserable about what they are doing at work that bleeds over,” said Jay Starkman, CEO of Engage PEO. But in general, performance tracking makes sense, he said: “Companies and jobs should not be family. You can’t fire crazy Uncle Jim. Families aren’t gauged by performance.”

Michael Distefano, chief marketing officer at executive recruitment firm Korn Ferry in Los Angeles, likens the datadriven workplace approach to how data has taken over fitness training. Rather than having your fitness level measured at a checkup or visit to the doctor, it’s now available in real time to everyone with a fitness tracker like FitBit or Apple Watch.

“I envision a world where we’ve all got wearables on and you send a pulse survey to a few hundred employees a day asking about different levels of engagement: `Here are four emoticons, which one best depicts how you feel about your job?,’“ he said. “That gets transmitted to a dashboard, and the first thing a CEO does in the morning is grab his tablet, plug into the dashboard, see how people are feeling and make a few calls accordingly.” ■ AP Technology Writers Barbara Ortutay in New York and Mike Liedtke in San Francisco contributed to this report.

Technology

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

41

2 jumbo phones from Samsung ahead of expected iPhone

BY ANICK JESDANUN The Associated Press NEW YORK — Samsung has unveiled two new Android smartphones with jumbo screens as it seeks to recapture some of the sales lost to Apple after larger iPhones came out last year.

Samsung said Thursday that the new Galaxy Note 5 and S6 Edge Plus will start shipping Aug. 21 in the U.S. and Canada. Usually, Note phones don’t come out until well after Apple’s new iPhone models in September.

The timing reflects a shift in fortunes for a company that pioneered jumbo phones with the original Note in 2011. Now, Samsung needs to beat Apple to the punch, or risk seeing its products drowned out by all the attention on the iPhone, IDC analyst Ramon Llamas said.

The new phones from Samsung have screens measuring 5.7 inches diagonally, the same as last year’s Note 4, yet both are lighter and thinner. They are comparable to Apple’s 5.5inch iPhone 6 Plus, the larger of the two new iPhones. Sam-

sung’s Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge phones, which are closer in size to the regular iPhone 6, came out in April.

The Note 5 will cost $696 to $740 without a contract, depending on the carrier. The Edge Plus will cost about $75 more. The iPhone 6 Plus sells for about $750. T-Mobile is throwing in a year of Netflix with both phones, while Sprint is giving away a low-end Samsung tablet with a two-year contract. Advance orders begin in the U.S. on Thursday.

Samsung Electronics Co. also said its Samsung Pay mobile payment service will debut in its home country of South Korea on Aug. 20. Testing in the U.S. will begin Aug. 25, with a formal launch on Sept. 28.

Although there’s competition from Apple Pay and Google’s upcoming Android Pay, Samsung is hoping its payments system will catch on with the inclusion of a technology that mimics the old-school, magnetic signals from credit-card swipes. That allows it to work with a wider range of merchants, though it still won’t work everywhere cards are accepted.

Samsung also teased an upcoming smartwatch, the Gear S2.

It will have a round face, rather than the rectangular design in Apple Watch and previous Samsung watches. A video from Samsung suggests snazzy graphics to rival Apple Watch. More details will come at the IFA tech show in Berlin next month.

As for the phones, Samsung is looking to play to its strengths.

The new Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy 6 Edge+.

SAMSUNG MOBILE / FACEBOOK

Galaxy Note 5

Though it appeals to a niche audience, the Note is popular for including a stylus to take notes and annotate images on the screen. The update provides quicker access to apps and features that use the stylus.

A clicking mechanism makes the stylus easier to pull out.

One new feature ends the need to print out and rescan electronic forms to sign or fill out. Just write on the PDF document directly before saving and sending.

Screenshots can get annoying when you’re just snapping what’s visible on the screen.

An article or list of directions you’re trying to save might take four or five shots. A new feature

called scroll capture combines all those shots into one image, though you still need to snap them one section at a time.

Galaxy S6 Edge Plus

The screens on Samsung’s Edge phones are curved on both sides. The feature proved popular in this spring’s S6 Edge, which used one of those sides for quick access to friends and other frequent contacts. Now, you can use it for quick access to favorite apps, too.

There won’t be a stylus, though, as last year’s Note Edge phone had.

Common to both phones

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the improved camera technology found in this spring’s S6 phones. Added is live streaming of video you’re capturing, a practice made popular by Meerkat and Twitter’s Periscope apps.

Samsung’s video will appear on YouTube. The front cameras take sharper selfies, at 5 megapixels rather than 3.7.

The new phones also borrow design elements from the S6.

They sport aluminum frames and glass backs rather than plastic. The back of the Note 5 is slightly curved for a better grip, while the Edge gets its curve on the front. Either way, it doesn’t feel as boxy as the regular S6.

The new phones incorporate

❱❱ PAGE 47 2 jumbo

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Events

42

Fiesta Filipino 2015 By the Philippine Festival Council of Alberta WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sept. 5, at Calgary Olympic Plaza Downtown MORE INFO: With special guest Matteo Giudicelli

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

Freestyle

By Below Zero WHEN/WHERE: Sept. 18, Century Casino Calgary, 1010 42 Ave., SE Calgary, AB

CANADA EVENTS

To have your events featured on PCI, please email events@canadianinquirer.net

YUKON NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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, On MORE INFO: Call (416) 928-9355

NUNAVUT

BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

Community BBQ

By Lawrence Woo WHEN/WHERE: noon to 3 p.m., Aug. 16, Brighouse Park, Richmond, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Daniel Kwong 604-8804150 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 PR Renewal Workshop

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 10a.m. to 12 nn, Aug. 17, at Tommy Douglas Burnaby Public Library, 7311 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Faustin at 604- 438 8214 ext 112 Canadian Citizenship Preparation

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 1to 4 p.m. Aug. 20 & 21, Mosaic Vancouver, 2nd floor, 1720 Grant St. Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Paeony at 604-254 9626 ext 288

ONTARIO

View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

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Festival

By Filipino Street Festival WHEN/WHERE: Aug. 22 at Sears Garden City, Manitoba

Consular Mission in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador By the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa Tagalog Class WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

By FCT Aug. 25; 9 a.m. to 12 nn, Aug. 26, WHEN/WHERE: 10 NEWFOUNDLAND to 11 a.m., every at St. Pius X Church 16 Smithville Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto Crescent, St. John’s NL MORE INFO: Contact Hon. Consul Homework/Tutorial QUEBEC Class General Hazel Alpuerto at 709-351By FCT 3057 or filassn_nbcin@yahoo.ca WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Consular Mission in New Toronto Brunswick MORE INFO: For registrations, call NOVA By the Philippine Embassy in 416-928-9355. The office, at 597 SCOTIA Ottawa Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Aug. 27, 28 & 29 at Fredericton Inn, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 1315 Regent St., Frederiction, NB p.m.

MORE INFO: Roland Moreno – 506-4707203 or Esthela Pyett – 2015 Manitoba Filipino Street 506-2606160

Have that Professional Look

By Iss of BC and Immigrant Women’s Peer Support Program WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Aug. 27 & 28, at 200-404 Cottownwood Ave., Coquitlam MORE INFO: Free workshop for immigrant and refugee women. To register, contact Liza Dela Rosa at 778-861-8499 or email liza.delarosa@issbc.org Drop-In Taichi for Seniors

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., up to Aug. 28, at Brentwood Community Resource Centre, 2055 Rosser Ave, Burnaby, B.C. MORE INFO: Call - Jennifer 604-292-3907 Free Drop-In English Conversation Circle

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., up to Sept. 21, Vancouver Community Room, 1720 Grand St., Grd. Flr. MORE INFO: Call Pia at 604-254-9626 ext 487 Temporary Foreign Workers Uncontested Divorce Clinic

By Law Courts Center WHEN/WHERE: Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m., at the www.canadianinquirer.net

Justice Education Society at the Provincial Court of BC Room 260 800 Hornby St., Vancouver B.C. MORE INFO: To book an appointment, call/text 778-322-2839 or email: tfw.divorce@gmail.com 2015 Ancop Walk

By Ancop Canada WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m., Aug. 23, Holland Park, 13428 Old Yale Rd., Surrey, B.C. MORE INFO: Register and join at www. ancopcanada.org Dr. Holmes on Life, Love & Lust

By Vancouver Public Library and the U.P. Alumni Association in B.C. WHEN/WHERE: 6:30 to 8 p.m., Sept. 24, Vancouver Public Library Central Branch, 350 W. Georgia St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: The subject of sex remains deeply personal--even taboo--in this day and age. It is a social minefield capable of inducing both distress and hysterical laughter. Sex therapist, clinical psychologist, and author Dr. Margarita 'Margie' Holmes, a popular no-nonsense sex therapist in the Philippines, tells us why through her dazzling humour and straightforward answers to the provocative questions.

AUGUST 21, 2015

43

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AUGUST 21, 2015

AVAILABLE AT:

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FRIDAY

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

BOWEN ISLAND

SOUTHEAST ASIAN CULTURAL ARTS FEST

Scenes during the recent Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (PICPA) annual summer outing in Bowen Island, B.C. (Photos

by Laarni Liwanag-De Paula).

The Southeast Asian Cultural Arts Festival (Seacaf) is an annual celebration of Southeast Asian Cultural arts organized by instructors, performers and students from different clubs, societies, associations and performance troupes. The free family-friendly event was held at Slocan Park on Aug. 15 (Photos by Laarni Liwanag-De Paula).

FOND FAREWELL Arnold Quiddaoen (standing R) and son, Nikko (seated leftmost), greeted friends and family who came to Valley View Funeral Home on Aug. 15 and 16, to celebrate Frances Grace H. Quiddaoen’s life and grieve her passing.

www.canadianinquirer.net

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46

Seen and Scenes: Toronto

AUGUST 21, 2015

FRIDAY

MARLEE-VILLE The Marlee-Ville business community proudly sponsored Marlee-Ville Festival on Aug. 12, on Marlee St., Toronto, On.

SPORTS FEST Pictures takes during the Benguet, Ifugao, Bontok, Apayao, and Kalinga (Bibak) Sports Fest at Earle Bales Park on Aug. 15, organized by Carlos Castillo, Bibak president (Photos by Amelia Insigne).

OUR LADY OF ASSUMPTION FEAST Here are scenes during the Our Lady of the Assumption Feast on Aug. 16. The event was supported by Sen. Jun Enverga, Western Union, GMA Pinoy, PNB Global Remit, and Mega World (Photos by Amelia Insigne).

HALO-HALO FESTIVAL The second Halo-Halo Festival held recently at Artscape Wychwood Barns attracted lots of guests and participants from out of town (Photos by Ariel Ramos).

For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net. www.canadianinquirer.net

Food

FRIDAY AUGUST 21, 2015

47

Chicken and rice skillet supper is super easy for kids to make THE CANADIAN PRESS LOGAN GULEFF loves nothing more than proudly serving up something he has cooked.

And he likes to make extra so he can tote leftovers to school the next day.

“One of the best things about making it is that you really get to show off that you made it and show it to friends, family and be like, ‘I made this. Look, it’s awesome,’” says the winner of the second season of “MasterChef Junior.”

When he’s making a recipe, he’s learned to prep the ingredients ahead and put them in bowls, a technique used by professional chefs called mise en place.

“If you really have a nice, clean, wellorganized, really thoughtful mise en place, it will help you throughout the kitchen,” he explains.

He uses coloured cutting boards and knives with coloured ceramic handles.

One colour is reserved for preparing raw meat while he uses another mainly for vegetables.

When it comes to serving brown or white rice, registered dietitian Cara Rosenbloom recommends choosing what your children will eat. Brown rice doesn’t taste much different, especially when incorporated into recipes with flavourful sauces.

But brown rice, being a whole grain, does have more nutritional value.

“Whole grains, when they’re intact, they have more fibre, more vitamins, more minerals and more of these antioxidants and phytonutrients that you can’t recreate. White rice is good too because it’s enriched so you’re still getting some vitamins and minerals.”

Here is a skillet supper prepared by Logan that features some of his favourite southwestern ingredients — corn, onions and tomatoes — served with a fresh salsa full of vibrant colours.

MasterChef Junior Logan Geluff

TACO-LICIOUS CHICKEN SKILLET WITH WHOLE-GRAIN BROWN RICE

Roasting corn in the oven intensifies and brings out its sweet flavours. It's the perfect accompaniment to this skillet dinner and fresh tangy salsa.

When making the recipe, Logan suggests flattening the chicken before cutting it. The pieces will be of uniform thickness and cook more evenly.

Browning spices first injects even more flavour into the dish, Logan says.

Use ancho or chipotle powder for the chili powder and jalapeno or serrano chili pepper for the red pepper in the salsa for added spice.

Prep Time: 20 minutes Start to Finish Time: 50 minutes • 10 ml (2 tsp) olive oil

SHUTTERSTOCK

@LOGAN.JR.CHEF / INSTAGRAM

• 340 g (12 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed • 5 ml (1 tsp) chili powder • 2 ml (1/2 tsp) ground cumin • 250 ml (1 cup) no-salt-added diced tomatoes • 175 ml (3/4 cup) no-salt-added chicken broth • 175 ml (3/4 cup) whole-grain brown rice • 125 ml (1/2 cup) shredded Mexican cheese blend • 2 corn cobs, husks and silk removed • 10 ml (2 tsp) olive oil • 1 ripe mango, chopped • 250 ml (1 cup) halved cherry tomatoes • 125 ml (1/2 cup) chopped orange pepper • 50 ml (1/4 cup) finely chopped red onion • 45 ml (3 tbsp) lime juice • 15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh parsley • Pinch salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 220 C (425 F).

In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat; cook chicken, chili powder and cumin for 5 minutes or until browned. Transfer to a plate.

Stir diced tomatoes and broth into a skillet; bring to a boil. Add rice; reduce heat to low. Return chicken to skillet; cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, brush corn evenly with oil; transfer to a baking dish. Roast for 12 to 15 minutes or until tender and golden brown in some spots.

While other items are cooking, stir together mango, cherry tomatoes, orange pepper, red onion, lime juice, parsley, salt and pepper. Serve with chicken and rice and roasted corn.

Makes 4 servings. ■

2 jumbo...

Borrowing another page from Apple’s playbook, the phones are coming out just a week after they are announced. It used to take Samsung a month or longer. ❰❰ 41

The landscape

After the larger iPhones came out, Samsung could no longer proclaim to have “The Next Big Thing.”

The S6 phones this spring emphasized design instead, but sales fell below expectations, as Apple dominated the high-end market. Meanwhile, rival

Android phone makers have been able to offer decent cameras, displays and speeds for less money than Samsung phones. Although it’s still the leading smartphone maker, Samsung has reported five consecutive quarters of profit decline.

“There’s an urgency to show that Samsung can still stand up to the challenge that is Apple and everybody else out there,” Llamas said. “For a while, Samsung was the `be all and end all’ of Android devices. Now, it’s a different market.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Source: Uncle Ben's

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AUGUST 21, 2015

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