Philippine Canadian Inquirer #182

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AUGUST 28, 2015

VOL. 8 NO. 182

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The Trouble with Transpo

Traffic jams kill, heart docs warn

De Lima questions haste in JPE release

Sparks fly: Duffy lawyer, former PMO firefighter

Back to School

OFWs seek tax exemption, declare ‘ZeroRemittance Day’ on Aug.28

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

POSSIBLE PARTNERS? Liberal Party standard-bearer Mar Roxas (left) warmly greets Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, as President Aquinbo looks on, during the multisectoral public forum held at Naga City, in time for the third death anniversary of former Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo on Tuesday. The Robredo widow's name has been floated as a possible running mate of Roxas in 2016.

JOAN BONDOC / PDI

Miriam to Customs: Rid your ranks of thieves

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer PBS.ORG REPORTED in 2011 that there are over 10 million overseas Filipino workers (OFW) worldwide. That’s more than 10% of the Philippines’ population at that time, which was 92.2 million.

In the period of April to September

2014 alone, OFWs remitted an estimated amount of P173.2 billion, according to the Philippine Statistic Authority’s “2014 Survey on Overseas Filipinos” released May this year. April to September—that’s just six months.

Indeed, they deserve being labeled “modern day heroes” because of the

MANILA — The Migrante partylist called for a ‘Zero-Remittance Day’ on Friday, August 28, as a protest of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) against high taxes imposed on ‘balikbayan’ boxes and air parcels by the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

After the halt of random inspections on ‘balikbayan’ boxes, OFWs then sought for tax exemptions, especially to air parcels or small packages delivered to the post office or by private couriers. ❱❱ PAGE 12 OFWs seek

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Philippine News

2

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

Roxas, Binay both in Cebu for ‘campaigns’

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

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other hand, officially met with a local businessman in Cebu but also visited barangays in the cities of Toledo and Talisay. He was already in the province MANILA — Interior Secretary Manuel over the weekend and has already visit“Mar” Roxas and Vice President Jejomar ed barangays in the cities of Lapu-Lapu “Jojo” Binay, who have both publicly ex- and Cebu. pressed interests in Binay earlier joining the presidenslammed Aquino’s tial race in next year’s administration for national elections, its insufficient prohave both been in Cebu has been grams and projects in Cebu on Monday, apthe most voteCebu. parently to campaign rich province in C o i n c i d e n t a l l y, their bids. the Philippines Senator Grace Poe, President Benigno as it had more who topped the latest “Noynoy” Aquino’s than 2.5 million presidential preferendorsed predecesregistered ences surveys, was sor and the ruling voters in also in the island but Liberal Party’s (LP) the previous only attended the standard-bearer general University of San Roxas, held a ‘Daang elections.

Carlos’ (USC) founMatuwid Dialogue’ dation week celebraat the Cebu Nation rather than to tional University in campaign as she rethe morning then hosted a ‘gathering mained undecided with her political of friends’ at the Cebu Coliseum in the plans. afternoon. He was accompanied by the Cebu has been the most vote-rich President himself. province in the Philippines as it had United Nationalist Alliance’s (UNA) more than 2.5 million registered voters presidential candidate Binay, on the in the previous general elections. ■

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Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

3

Enrile refuses to talk politics: I am no longer a politician

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer “I AM NO longer a politician.”

So said Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile upon his return to the Senate yesterday, as he refused to talk about politics, the 2016 presidential race, or even his plunder case.

He stated firmly that he was only back in the chamber to perform his duty as a senator.

Enrile, dapper in a gray suit, arrived at the Senate with his daughter Katrina and grandchild Christine more than an hour before the 3 p.m. session.

Banners welcoming Enrile’s return decked his sixth floor office. “Welcome Home Sir. We missed you a lot,” said one streamer.

Five days after he walked out from over a year of hospital detention, courtesy of the Supreme Court, which released him on a P1.4-million bail while his plunder case is being tried,

Enrile was welcomed by Senate staff members who flocked to see him, bringing flowers and baskets of fruits and snapping camera phones.

“You know, I will perform my duty for as long as I have an ounce of energy,” he told reporters before entering the closed-door Senate lounge where colleagues led by Senate President Franklin Drilon welcomed him.

Asked if he missed Senate work, he said that he had been studying “all things in the world.”

Enrile said his time was not wasted but the nation was the ultimate loser because he said he was unable to do the job people paid him to do.

Asked whether he would be active in the Senate being its minority leader, he said, “Just watch.”

On whether he would take part in the ongoing Senate deliberations on the proposed Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, he said he would have to look into it.

After posting bail last week, Senator Juan Ponce Enrile arrives at the Senate session hall on Monday (August 24, 2015) at the Senate Building in Pasay City.

AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

The Senate minority leader refused to talk about his bail petition, including Justice Sec-

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retary Leila de Lima’s comment that his release had set back the justice system to that of the

“banana republic,” or criticism on the high court ruling that favored him as being a “political accommodation.”

When asked if he would support a presidential candidate next year, he said in Filipino: “I am no longer a politician.”

Told that Vice President Jejomar Binay would expect Enrile’s support for his presidential bid since both of them belong to the opposition, he said he had not talked to Binay or any other politician.

He said he could not remember when asked if there were politicians who visited him while he was under detention.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III said it was a “happy” meeting among senators who welcomed Enrile at the Senate lounge just before the session started. He said the 91-year-old Enrile looked “fresh.”

Sotto told reporters they could expect the Senate minority to be “more active” and have a “better participation” now that the “most intelligent” member was back. ■

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Philippine News

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

Sen. Aquino alarmed by BSP’s report that most Filipinos have no savings

BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency

SHUTTERSTOCK

The Trouble with Transpo

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer

transportation. Our goal has always been to modernize policies and tap innovative solutions to push the transportation sector forward,” said DOTC Sec. Jun Abaya. “We are pleased to have collaborated closely with Uber and other tech companies in crafting regulations for a new class of public utility vehicles, which we believe will greatly enhance the convenience and safety of urban transit in the Philippines.”

Abaya adds, “These will motivate current PUV operators to modernize, upgrade, and innovate as well. We hope to con-

Car applied for accreditation as of today. But despite its accreditation as a transportation network company (TNC), GIVEN THE dismal state of the GrabCar's partner vehicles are Philippine public transportayet to apply for franchise with tion system and the even more LTFRB,” LTFRB Chairman horrendous case of traffic in Winston Ginez said in a report Metro Manila alone, more and from Rappler last week. more people are looking for safAside from GrabCar, Uber er and better alternatives to get also haven’t filed for accredifrom Point A to Point B. tation, said Ginez. “I’ve been Enter Uber and GrabCar. receiving public criticism. Despite this, we will continue to TNVS introduced implement the law without fear Malaysia-based GrabTaxi/ or favor,” Ginez said in the same GrabCar expanded to the report.

Philippines in August 2013, With this discovery, the LTwhile CaliforFRB decided to nia-based Uber uphold the law launched its seragainst private vices in the Philvehicles operippines in March It is the right of every Filipino to have ating as public 2014. But it was better, safer, and more convenient modes of transonly this year and efficient transportation. portation— when they were which is the lifeboth officially blood of Uber and recognized and GrabCar. This legalized. tinue working together in shap- hunt for unaccredited TNVS veIn May 2015, the Department ing the future of our transport hicles and drivers is said to start of Transportation and Com- services.” on August 21, Friday. munication (DOTC) together Everything was peachy in the As per Joint Administrawith the Land Transport Fran- beginning, but the love affair tive Order (JAO) 2014-01, each chising and Regulatory Board between the DOTC, LTRFB, apprehended violator will be (LTFRB) officially launched a and TNVS members started to fined P200,000. new category of public utility turn sour just months later.

By August 19, both Uber and transportation vehicles called GrabCar have taken care of Transportation Network Vehi- The Trouble with Accreditation the necessary paperwork and cle Service (TNVS) in an effort Three months after the an- applied for accreditation as a to alleviate traffic congestion. nouncement of TNVS, DOTC TNC, according to a CNN PhilThis new category includes and LTFRB found out that ippines report. The next step is app-based transportation ser- there are still TNVS members having their operators enlisted vices like Uber, GrabTaxi/ who haven’t applied for accred- as a TNVS. GrabCar, and Tripda. itation—and the LTFRB has Applications—said to be so “It is the right of every Fili- had it up to here. many that it filled four balikpino to have better, safer, and “Though the regulations bayan boxes—are scheduled to more convenient and efficient were issued in May, only Grab- be processed within 72 hours. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV on Sunday said he was deeply alarmed by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ report that most Filipinos have no savings to fall back on.

Aquino said it’s high time to cultivate a culture of savings among our countrymen through financial literacy and entrepreneurship.

“The report that four out of 10 Filipinos have no savings to be used for emergency is very alarming,” Aquino, chairman of the Senate committee on trade, commerce and entrepreneurship, said.

Aquino was referring to the BSP’s National Baseline Survey on Financial Inclusion, which revealed that only four out of 10 Filipinos have savings. Out of those four, only 32 percent put their savings in banks.

“What if an emergency comes up where we need cash, like a disaster or a sudden illness?”

Aquino, a world-renowned social entrepreneur, asked.

While almost all Filipinos are aware of banks, the survey showed that only five out of 10 adults have actually done any banking transaction.

The BSP report stated that the country suffers from low financial literacy mainly because most Filipinos do not have money to save.

“We have to change this by developing a culture of savings

among our fellow Filipinos, especially the youth,” Aquino stressed.

“We have to strengthen our push for financial literacy to educate our countrymen on the importance of saving for rainy days,” he added.

As a staunch advocate of financial literacy, Aquino has co-authored and sponsored the Youth Entrepreneurship Act, which was recently ratified by both houses of Congress and is currently awaiting the approval of President Aquino.

The measure creates financial literacy modules in all levels of Philippine education, to inculcate a culture of enterprise development among the Filipino youth.

The Act also provides wouldbe youth entrepreneurs access to financing, training, market linkages, and other means of support that will help them run and develop their own business.

“By arming the youth with enough knowledge about financial literacy, the future looks bright for them as they prepare for their next phase in life,” Aquino said.

The Youth Entrepreneurship Act is also believed to be an effective tool to solve the growing number of jobless youths in the country, which currently stands at 1.32 million.

“We need to look for new ways to create an environment where Filipinos could earn more than enough for their daily household expenses and be able to save and invest for their future,” he added. ■

Sen. Bam Aquino is alarmed about the fact that many Filipinos don’t have savings.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEN. GRACE POE'S FACEBOOK PAGE

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

5

P-Noy vows to campaign hard for Mar win

BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer CEBU CITY — Interior Secretary Mar Roxas once set aside his own ambition to lead the country for him.

On Monday, President Aquino assured Roxas, the ruling Liberal Party’s presidential standard-bearer in next year’s general elections, that he had his support this time.

In front of some 3,000 political leaders and supporters from this vote-rich province and nearby provinces in the Visayas region, the President vowed to campaign hard for the man who gave way to him during the 2010 presidential election.

The event, held at the packed Cebu Coliseum, was similar to the President’s endorsement of Roxas at Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City, on July 31. It was also dubbed “A Gathering of Friends.”

Mr. Aquino, who brought along several of his Cabinet secretaries, including those who reportedly had their eyes on the Senate, led the virtual “Bat-

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, the standardbearer of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) in the 2016 Presidential elections, flash the Laban sign during the “LP Gathering of Friends” at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City on Monday (August 24, 2015).

GIL NARTEA / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

tle of Mactan” as his layover on the island coincided with the separate speaking engagements of Sen. Grace Poe and Vice President Jejomar Binay, two of Roxas’ potential rivals for Malacañang.

“I promise you, I will be working with you. I will give everything that I can contribute. I will never abandon Mar,”

the President said in Filipino, drawing applause from the crowd.

Roxas, who was seated a few meters away from the presidential rostrum together with local government officials from Cebu and nearby provinces, was seen smiling while clapping his hands.

“We’re now going to the elec-

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tions. Many are telling stories, boasting, criticizing, slinging mud. The time will come that all of you will say, ‘The situation is too deafening,’” Mr. Aquino said.

“Just a reminder: Let’s look at where the person who made the promise came from so we will know where that promise would take us. And with that…

I have made a decision long before that it’s Mar Roxas who should lead us,” he said.

The President acknowledged Roxas’ poor showing in the voter preference polls for President, but said this should not deter them from working together to make Roxas known to the people.

Although his critics tried to bring him down, he lauded Roxas for his integrity, skills and determination as a leader, noting his role in leading the government’s response to natural calamities like Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) in November 2013.

“Our responsibility now is to ensure that our fellow Filipinos will be able to recognize that Mar deserves to continue daang matuwid (straight path),” the President said, using the code word for his administration’s reform program.

“Maybe some still doubt Mar, but not because of his capability or loyalty but because of the difficulty of raising him to the public’s awareness and improving his numbers,” Mr. Aquino said. ■

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Philippine News

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

DMCI: Heritage, progress can coexist

BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer WHAT’S WRONG with the Rizal Monument having Torre de Manila and a cluster of other skyscrapers as background?

Saying it’s possible for development and heritage to go hand in hand, the construction firm DMCI recently distributed an unnamed artist’s perspective of the Rizal Monument with a background sight line of tall buildings not unlike the skyline of New York’s Manhattan area or Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor.

“What we are trying to convey is that it is not really bad if we have that kind of background for the Rizal Monument because if you look at the

Constitution, there is actually a marriage between heritage and development. Because, otherwise, Manila would remain the same,” DMCI legal counsel Roberto Dio said in a media briefing.

Dio referred to Article XIV, Section 14 of the Constitution, which provides: “The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression.”

The Knights of Rizal, in its suit in the Supreme Court, is invoking the same constitutional provision and other laws to preserve the sight line or visual corridor of the monument. The group wants the 46-story Torre

de Manila torn down.

The Supreme Court earlier stopped the Torre de Manila construction and impleaded the City of Manila, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines and the National Museum to get their side on the controversy. The high tribunal is conducting oral arguments on the case.

Accommodate changes

For Dio, the preservation of heritage should also accommodate changes.

“Dynamic evolution refers to the course of changes,” the lawyer said. “How can you move forward if you stick to the past?”

Dio referred to 30 St. Mary

Axe, popularly known as the “The Gherkin,” or the eggshaped or bullet-shaped building that was allowed to be constructed in London’s financial district, which has a lot of centuries-old historic buildings.

Deceptive

However, conservationist and architect Richard Tuason Sanchez Bautista criticized the artist’s rendition of the Rizal Monument with a background sight line of tall buildings, calling it “unrealistic,” “impractical” and “deceptive.”

“That’s not going to happen.

The picture is not clear as to what it’s about. There should be proper sensitivity when you develop,” he told the INQUIRER when asked about his expert opinion on the possible cluster of skyscrapers that would join Torre de Manila in the area east of Rizal Park.

Based on his estimate, the architect said the buildings depicted in the picture would encompass large parts of the Paco

district and reach all the way to Nagtahan and probably even Pandacan.

Bautista said there were many recognized heritage sites and institutions in the area that could not be demolished to give way to skyscrapers.

“Rezoning the area so that those buildings can be constructed won’t do. There would be a lot of land use-related problems like ground subsidence and sewerage system as well as traffic and even security. Buildings that overlook Malacañang, the seat of government, just across the Pasig River, will certainly not be allowed,” he said.

Bautista said that in the past, there were several plans to construct buildings that would affect the visual corridor of the Rizal Monument but the architects made sure there was “proper sensitivity” and “symmetry” in their designs.

“In those planned constructions, the Rizal Monument ❱❱ PAGE 14 DMCI: Heritage

4 Pinoy nurses now have MERS in Saudi Arabia

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer FOUR FILIPINO nurses have now contracted the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) from patients they had treated in a Saudi Arabia hospital, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

DFA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Charles Jose said the four nurses were confined in an undisclosed hospital.

Two of them, females aged 29 and 32, are in the intensive care unit while the two others, a 50-year-old female and a 55-year-old male, were in isolation. The four include the two who were earlier reported to have contracted the disease.

One of the nurses has not developed severe symptoms of the respiratory illness but is under observation, Jose said. www.canadianinquirer.net

Jose said the nurses were hospitalized on different dates, with two of them confined at the emergency room, while the other two in the ICU. “Our embassy in Riyadh was assured by the management of the hospital that the Filipinos were being provided the best medical treatment available and that the hospital was equipped with comprehensive treatment and facilities for MERS,” Jose told reporters.

He said the families of the four nurses had been informed about their condition.

Jose reiterated the DFA advisory to Filipinos in Saudi Arabia “to take extra precaution, pay attention to their personal hygiene and follow closely advisories issued by local health authorities.”

Filipinos working in hospitals should strictly follow infection prevention protocols in their workplace, he said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

7

Loss to Binay in 2010 still painful, admits Roxas

BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer HIS UPSET loss to Jejomar Binay in the vice presidential race in 2010 still rankles Interior Secretary Mar Roxas to this day.

“It’s heartbreaking,” Roxas said in an exclusive interview with the INQUIRER last week, describing his failed bid as the running mate of President Aquino under the banner of the Liberal Party (LP), then the main opposition party.

“I mean, first of all, it’s painful to lose [an election]. Regardless if you have a protest, it’s still painful,” he said.

“But it’s OK. The pain is relieved by the fact that I have a duty… to do. My duty is to do everything to put the country first above myself.

That’s what we have been taught to do,” Roxas said.

Then widely perceived as a runaway winner of the second highest post in the land, Roxas lost by some 720,000 votes.

Roxas’ camp filed an electoral protest against Binay, claiming that about 2.6 million of Roxas’

votes in the Central and Western Visayas regions—his political bailiwick—were not counted by the voting machines used in the country’s first-ever automated polls.

Malacañang.

He has also found confidence in the support of individuals and civil society organizations that have championed Mr. Aquino’s good governance platform of “daang matuwid” (straight path).

“We’re gonna win this battle,” Roxas emphatically declared at the gathering of the Koalisyon ng mga Mamamayan para sa Re-

me in my foxhole. When the enemy comes, I’d much rather that we are together in our foxhole fighting the enemy of the straight path because [we] made it what it is now… Not only is the Filipino worth dying Case pending for, the Filipino is worth fightThe case is still pending in the ing for.”

Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Despite the advantages of an an 11-member body composed administration-backed presiof Supreme Court justices. dential candidate, the inteThen the acrior secretary knowledged leadrefuses to treat er and standardas a return bout bearer of the LP, his much-anticRoxas opted to Not only is the Filipino worth dying ipated match-up step aside for Mr. for, the Filipino is worth fighting for. with Binay, the Aquino in 2010 standard-bearer amid the growing of the opposiclamor for the tion United Nalatter to run for tionalist Alliance President following the death of porma in Davao City on Aug. 15. party. his mother, the late democracy “This is not going to be easy.

For Roxas, the central story icon and former President Cora- This is going to be a continuous, of the next year’s presidential zon Aquino. hard path… The hardest battles elections should not be about Now endorsed by Mr. Aquino are the ones that are worth the personalities. to spearhead the LPled ruling fighting because we are fighting Rather, Roxas said it should coalition in next year’s presi- for what is good and right for focus on the continuity of what dential race, Roxas believes the the [country],” he said. he called unprecedented sucgains of the Aquino administracesses in instituting reforms tion would help him overcome Worth fighting for to fight corruption in the buevery obstacle on his way to “I’m happy to have you with reaucracy and unparalleled

World Vision’s Pinoy Para sa Pinoy project:

Mobilizing the Filipino Community to help kababayans back home INTERNATIONAL aid organization World Vision has been working in the Philippines for more than 60 years. In 1954 it started working in orphanages and day cares in Manila, to help respond to the needs of some of the country’s poorest children.

Today the organization is working to improve the lives of more than 16 million Filipinos, with a focus on helping the children who need it most.

Two of the biggest problems World Vision is fighting there are underemployment and malnutrition. Understanding that many Filipinos in Canada have a deep desire to help improve the lives of children in the Philippines, World Vision has launched the Pinoy Para sa Pinoy Campaign, to help combat these issues. Filipino-Canadians can now donate $10, or more, a month for a specified time of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months to powerful programs that will bring real and lasting change to Filipino families.

By choosing to donate to Goodbye Gutom, Canadians can help prevent child malnutrition; by choosing to donate to BalikBAYANIHAN, they choose to support livelihood projects that will help ensure parents can provide for their families.

Heddy and his family did not escape

Heddy found a second chance after Typhoon Haiyan.

the wrath of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. It uprooted their house and wiped out their entire livelihood. Through assistance from World Vision and the government, they literally rebuilt their lives and started taking care of the family again through the organic garden cultivation. Now, Heddy’s backyard is not only the source of food for the family but an additional source of income. He sells surplus from his garden to earn about US$200 a month.

Mga kababayan, tara nang tumulong! To find out more or help families like Heddy’s to have a brighter future, visit pinoy. worldvision.ca or call 1-800-975-9064.

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economic growth via the President’s straight path advocacy.

Asked if he believed the next year’s elections would be a rematch between himself and Binay, Roxas said, “I think it’s entirely different.”

He said his loss to Binay in 2010 had made him realize a few important points.

Taking time

“I don’t know it all, I think that’s important,” he replied, when asked what were the biggest lessons from his unsuccessful vice presidential run.

“Second, now I understand more that… when you go after big changes, big reforms or big transformations, then you have to take time to explain and build consensus. Because even if you have plotted your destination, you won’t reach it if you fail to explain [it to the people].”

As for dropping his electoral case against Binay, Roxas said it would be “just a matter of law that if you file a candidacy for something else, it’s extinguished.” ■

Philippine News

8

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

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Member

INSET: SCREENSHOT FROM UNTV INTERVIEW

Miriam to... great lengths that they go to Customs na gawin 'yung kanilang tra- workers, the Bureau of Customs is not in order to provide a better life baho at dapat naman siguraduhin ng increasing taxes on the balikbayan boxfor their families back in the gobyerno na wala namang karapatan ng es nor do we want to impede in existing Philippines. Despite their physical ab- taumbayan na mapipinsala dito.” processes. No such statement on tax insence in their homes, this “better life” (Let us help Customs do their job and crease has been made,” the BOC chief that they strive so hard to achieve often the government should also make sure said. arrive to the Philippines in two ways: that no damage is done to Filipinos’ Lina added, “Stricter compliance is monetary remittances and the prover- rights). necessary because the rules on consolibial balikbayan box.

Despite the government’s support, dated shipments have been abused. HinRecently, the Bureau of Customs an- many have cried foul over these tighter di Customs ang nagbabalak abusuhin nounced stricter policies about the policies—including our modern day he- ang mga OFWs. Ang gusto namin sa Cusmandatory inspection of all balikbayan roes. toms ay matigil na ang pang-aabuso sa boxes in order to thwart smugglers and sistema na dulot ng smugglers.” illegal traders who use these boxes to Statement from the Bureau (It is not the Bureau of Customs who smuggle commercial—often illegal or “We are not after the OFWs or their are planning to abuse our OFWs. What counterfeit—goods we want at Customs into the country. is to stop smugglers President Benigno from abusing the sysAquino III and offitem.) cials from the MalaSee, I have no problem in paying more if I see He noted that the canang Palace have improvements in public service or how they government and inexpressed their supuse public funds or what-not. But they don’t. I dustries have sufport for the Bureau honestly don’t know what they’re doing with our fered loses to these of Customs and their people’s hard earned money illegal activities. Lina efforts to stop smugsaid, “The bureau has glers. paid greatly in revIn a radio interenue losses through view on August 22, Deputy Presidential pasalubong [for their] families. We are these smuggling activities, and more imSpokesperson Abigail Valte assured the after the smugglers who have resorted portantly, the affected industries.” public that there is no need to be ex- to using balikbayan boxes and consoliWith this, he added that they will contremely concerned about BOC’s new dated shipments to smuggle contraband tinue to implement existing rules, notrules. in the country through fake consignees ing the bureau is not equipped to check “Our OFWs are not being targeted,” or insertion of smuggled boxes or goods, on incoming packages.

Valte said. “We directed the BOC to en- otherwise known as riders, in consoli“Existing rules on the balikbayan sure that the process is quick and or- dated shipments,” said Customs Com- boxes still apply, including inspection as derly.” missioner Alberto Lina in a statement. stipulated in the law. However, as menOn Monday, August 24, Liberal Party At the same time, he clarified that tioned before, the Bureau is not techpresidential bet and Interior Secretary they are not imposing taxes on the balik- nologically equipped to inspect all inMar Roxas said, “Tulungan natin 'yung bayan boxes. “To our overseas Filipino coming boxes as efficiently as we want. ❰❰ 1

ERRATUM On PCI issue 181, the article entitled SEACBC organized Trade Mission scores hits incorrectly identified Mr. Marcel Laneville.

Mr. Laneville is Senior Trade commissioner of Canadian Embassy in Vietnam. We apologise for this oversight.

www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

Alternatively, spot checks has been and will continue to be conducted,” Lina said.

“I have my duty to protect this country… I have to implement the law,” he said in a separate INQUIRER report.

He also called on the public to report to the Bureau if they found that items from their balikbayan boxes are missing.

“If you have [any] experience [of ] receiving severely tampered and/or missing items from your box, then let us know so we can properly help you,” the BOC chief ended.

In a dzMM interview on Sunday night, Lina said that if OFWs and other balikbayan box users have nothing to hide, then they should not be scared of the mandatory inspection.

“Kung hindi prohibited, bakit ka matatakot? Kung iyan ay hindi dutiable, bakit ka matatakot?” Lina asked.

(If the contents of the balikbayan boxes are not prohibited, why will you be afraid? If the contents are not dutiable, why will you be afraid?)

The Public’s Response

On August 22nd, Julius Lajara, an OFW from the United Arab Emirates, started a signature campaign on www. change.org entitled “STOP Philippine Customs to Impose Tighter Rules for Balikbayan Boxes.”

The petition is urging Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago to stop the BOC from putting these stricter rules into action.

After only three days, the petition has gathered close to 82,000 signatures.

On Monday, Santiago posted her response to the petition. According to her, she has “filed Senate Resolution No. 1534, calling for an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the issue.”

“It is one thing to inspect balikbayan boxes, another to desecrate them,” Santiago wrote. “The Bureau of Customs seems aware that balikbayan boxes, when opened by their personnel, are sometimes pillaged. What have officials done to rid their ranks of thieves?”

In an official statement released Sunday, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto suggested the use of noninvasive methods of inspecting balikbayan boxes.

Recto wrote, “There are ways to catch the rat without burning the entire house down.”

According to the Recto, who is also the Senate Finance Subcommittee Chair, P298 million is already allotted for the maintenance of the 30 x-ray machines in 10 of the country’s biggest ports.

Citing the outdated allowable declared value of the contents in a balikbayan box—which was determined more than 25 years ago—Recto also suggested to triple the current allowable value from US $500 to $1,500, in order to do away with the need away with the need to inspect boxes with lower value.

In an ABS-CBN report, Recto said that raising the allowable value of balikbayan boxes is “a small thing compared to the

P2.28 trillion that they sent back home last year.”

In the same report, he adds, “Ibalato na natin sa mga OFWs ang balikbayan boxes kasi ang pagpapadala n’yan sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ay isang paraan para mabawasan nila ng konti ang kanilang kalungkutan.”

(Let’s give these balikbayan boxes to our OFWs because sending those to their loved ones is one way to somehow ease their loneliness.)

OFWs’ Outcry

The Philippine Canadian Inquirer asked some overseas Filipino workers about their thoughts on BOC’s new rules. Here are their responses.

Mark Pacumio, a landscape supervisor based in Calgary, shared, “For me, what BOC is doing right now is a total load of crap. I understand why they need to implement stricter rules, but it seems that OFWs are being singled out.”

“There are other smuggling techniques that needs more attention other than these hard-earned balikbayan boxes — kahit nga basura, nai-smuggle na din (they were even able to smuggle garbage),” Mark said, referring to the container vans full of hospital waste shipped to the Philippines from Canada.

“I’ve seen pictures of boxes that have been inspected and you will feel really bad for the actual recipient and for the OFW who sent it,” he added. “Right now, I already have a box ready for sending but I am [keeping] myself from sending it because of this issue.”

A caregiver in California, who requested to remain anonymous, shared a common concern of many OFWs. “[This is an] invasion of privacy,” she wrote. “May chance na pwede nilang nakawin ang pwede nilang kunin.... Hindi na nila naisip yung pinaghirapan ng mga OFW just to fill up those boxes and how much they spent sa pagpapadala n’un.”

(There’s a chance that they [BOC staff ] will steal whatever they can take…

They’re not even thinking about how hard it is for OFWs to fill up those boxes or how much OFWs spent to send [those boxes].)

Arlyn dela Cruz, a caregiver based in Toronto, shared her disapproval of the Bureau’s new policies. She also shared the difficulty of filling one balikbayan box, which could take anywhere from six months to one year.

“Kung walang sale, hindi kami nagpapadala ng mga mamahalin. Kung makabili man ng medyo mahal, yung talagang kailangan lang… Malaki na ang tax namin, may tax pa yung kahon, kaya pinupuno namin talaga para sulit sa tax,” Arlyn wrote. “Kaya nila ginagawa ‘yan kasi alam nilang hindi makakapalag ang mga OFW dahil hindi naming kayang tiisin ang pamilya naming nagugutom.”

(If there’s nothing on sale, we can’t send anything. If ever we send something expensive, it’s only because it’s

badly needed… We’re already getting taxed a large amount here, then there’s a separate tax for the box itself, that’s why we fill it up to get the most out of the box fees. They’re doing this because they know OFWs can’t do anything because we can’t bear to let our families starve.)

Another OFW working as a Sales and Marketing Coordinator in Manama, Bahrain—who chose to remain anonymous—shared her opinion.

“It’s completely ridiculous!” she wrote. “However you look at it, it just means taxing OFWs one way or another… In a way, we don’t have any choice but to accept this. How else are we [going] to take home large or heavy goods or belongings? Airlines only allow 30 kgs of baggage, it’s simply not enough… I would probably try to limit my purchases and buy only as much or as little as what can fit [in] my luggage.”

She also mentioned having no trouble paying higher taxes and fees, if…

“See, I have no problem in paying more if I see improvements in public service or how they use public funds or what-not. But they don’t. I honestly don’t know what they’re doing with our people’s hard earned money,” she said.

P-Noy’s Instructions

In a Philippine Daily Inquirer report released Monday night, President Aquino gave written instructions to the Bureau of Customs regarding the physical inspection of balikbayan boxes.

www.canadianinquirer.net

9

Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima shared the President’s instructions in an interview with the INQUIRER, saying that the BOC should “establish a more defined protocol” when it comes to thwarting smugglers who are allegedly using balikbayan boxes to sneak commercial goods into the country.

Aquino gave the following orders to the BOC: • No random physical inspection of balikbayan boxes; • Use x-rays and K9 units to scan and inspect all balikbayan boxes; • OFWs sending balikbayan boxes will not shoulder inspection costs; • A more thorough, physical inspection is only needed if any suspicious content is identified after scanning the box; • An Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) representative must be present during the actual physical inspection of said box/es.

The President’s order encourages everyone with proof of any mishandling or theft of balikbayan boxes and its contents to present said pieces of evidence to Customs Commissioner Alberto ‘Bert’ Lina.

Later that night, the BOC announced the cessation of all physical inspections of balikbayan boxes, as per the President’s instructions. ■ With a report from Ferdinand Patinio, Philippines News Agency

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Philippine News

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

AFP, NPA step up war on YouTube

BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer THIS SOLDIER is one for the books. Or, for Facebook.

The Armed Forces yesterday released on YouTube a short video showing the heroism of an Army private who volunteered to be taken captive by communist rebels in Misamis Oriental province to put an end to a gun battle and spare the civilians caught in the crossfire.

It is the military’s answer to the video released more than a month ago by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in northern Mindanao claiming that the soldier, Pfc. Adonis Jess Lupiba, was their prisoner of war (POW).

The military has produced a video to show the sacrifice that Lupiba made, which is based on the accounts of the villagers of Barangay Alagatan, Gingoog City, where the fighting occurred, said Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao, commanding general of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID) based in Cagayan de

Oro City.

Lactao said the villagers wanted the NPA rebels to release Lupiba.

The 4th ID produced the eight-minute video, which has been distributed to journalists. In the video, the barangay captain, Emelyn Bucio, and the residents talk about how Lupiba volunteered to be taken by the communist rebels who suddenly attacked the community while the residents and soldiers were playing a game of basketball on July 11.

Two villagers, Helen Mae Helodo, 14, and Leticia Cabrera, 52, were wounded. One soldier was killed and eight others were injured in the attack.

Bucio tearfully recalled how Lupiba shouted at the rebels to stop shooting and take him instead as the villagers cowered in fear.

Laughed, kicked

Bucio said the rebels laughed as they kicked and hit Lupiba as soon as they laid hands on him.

Neri Olano and Gemma Apal said Lupiba was a hero for offer-

Negotiations for release

SCREENSHOT FROM AFP VIDEO

ing to be captured in exchange for the residents’ safety.

A rebel spokesperson claimed NPA responsibility for the raid and said Lupiba was undergoing an investigation. He said the soldier would be freed once it was proven that he had not committed any serious offense against the rebel movement.

In a statement e-mailed to

the INQUIRER, Allan Juanito, NPA spokesperson, said the raid was a punitive action against the “psywar and intelligence operations” of the military in the community.

“The reactionary soldiers were playing basketball in the village center when they were raided by the NPA,” Juanito said.

Lactao said military operations to rescue Lupiba were continuing even as the AFP was supporting the negotiations initiated by local third-party facilitators for the soldier’s release.

In a statement released on Aug. 20, the communist National Democratic FrontNorth Central Mindanao Region (NDF-NCMR) said it was “grateful” to the facilitators composed of Christian religious leaders and the local crisis committee of Misamis Oriental for “their assistance to the family of prisoner of war Pfc. Adonis Jess Lupiba.”

“He still is under the custody of a New People’s Army unit since July 11. We are hopeful their efforts would succeed in securing the necessary conditions to effect the safe and orderly release of the POW,” the NDF-NCMR said on its website.

It assailed the rescue operation that the military has launched, saying it was delaying Lupiba’s release. ■

Belmonte: It’s tough to pass anti-dynasty bill

Death toll rises to 20 as Ineng exits PH

BY DJ YAP Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

provision... then I think it can be done. But you also want to have a really meaningful thing that works,” Belmonte told reporters.

The Constitution prohibits political dynasties “as may be defined by law,” but Congress has passed no such measure

House Bill 3587 is a diluted version of the original bill. It allows two members of a family to run for public office in an election, SPEAKER FELICIANO Belinstead of just one in the origimonte Jr. on Tuesday acknowlnal version. edged the difficulty of passing The substitute bill states that a “meaningful” anti-political a dynasty exists “when three or dynasty bill in Congress which more individuals who are rePresident Aquilated within the no deemed as second degree one of the priorof consanguinity measures in ity or affinity his State of the Belmonte said he would prefer a bill hold or run for Nation Address ‘that targets a lot of the dynasties national or local in July. that are around, not only the more elective office Belmonte said notorious ones.’ in simultaneous he wanted a bill or overlapping that did not just terms.” comply with a The looser provision in the 1987 Consti- since 1987, as powerful families definition of dynasty in the bill tution prohibiting dynasties, continue to dominate local and is seen to be more palatable to implying that the current ver- national politics.

Congress members, many or sion in the House of RepresenBelmonte said he would pre- most of whom belong to polititatives would not be effective fer a bill “that targets a lot of cal dynasties. in suppressing the influence of the dynasties that are around, No date has been set for the political clans. not only the more notorious bill to be put up for approval on “If it's a question of only com- ones.” second reading in plenary sesplying with the constitutional Critics have complained that sion. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA – At least 20 people were killed and about P165 million was lost in damage to infrastructure and agriculture before typhoon Ineng left the Philippines at 12 a.m.

Monday.

Over the weekend, two-yearold Reanne Quintero and her nine-month-old brother Regenty drowned while their fiveyear-old brother R-Gien went missing after their house along Manganvaka River in Subic was flooded and swept.

Last Thursday, 21-year-old Jubert Bumatay from La Union and 24-year-old Mark Tobias from Abra also died of drowning.

A total of 1,194 families or 5,416 people were evacuated in Regions 1, 2 and the Cordillera Autonomous Region while some 17,434 families or

75,348 people were affected in Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur. Damage, on the other hand, amounted to P121.48 million loss in infrastructure and P44.2 million loss in agriculture.

Although Ineng has already exited the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that Luzon may still experience monsoon rains until today.

PAGASA then advised residents in Bataan, Zamabales, Pangasinan and Metro Manila to stay alert against possible flashfloods and landslides.

The Philippines has been expected to experience improved weather conditions starting Wednesday as Ineng has been continuously moving towards Japan since yesterday. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

11

Traffic jams kill, heart docs warn

BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer YES, BEING stuck in a traffic jam daily can kill you, according to health experts.

“Traffic is really bad for our health,” Dr. Anthony Leachon, a cardiologist at Manila Doctors Hospital and president of the Philippine College of Physicians Foundation, told the INQUIRER yesterday.

With the worsening air quality in Metro Manila, commuters who get stuck on the road for hours and endure long lines to catch a ride in public transportation are exposed to various kinds of pollutants. The exposure makes them highly vulnerable to developing respiratory disease and cardiovascular illnesses, Leachon said.

Last week, Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya apologized for saying that Metro Manila’s deteriorating traffic condition “is not fatal.” In a statement on Thursday, Abaya admitted that his remark came across as “reckless and insensitive.”

While the transportation chief has offered his apology to the hundreds of thousands of commuters who were offended by his remarks, medical experts still offered their two cents’ worth on the matter, explaining how traffic jams can be detrimental to one’s health.

According to Leachon, air pollution, a major problem in urban centers, causes lung diseases such as bronchitis and exacerbates bronchial asthma and recurrent respiratory tract infections and allergies.

Air pollution also contributes to cardiovascular diseases and deaths, he said, citing a 2010 report of the American Heart Association that short-term

exposure to air pollution increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, irregular heart beats or cardiac arrhythmia in predisposed individuals.

These vulnerable individuals include the elderly and those with preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes, chronic obstructive heart disease and hypertension, he said.

Leachon also cited a study by researchers at the Institute of Epidemiology of Helmholtz Center in Munich, Germany, showing that heavy traffic, regardless of the mode of transportation, tripled one’s risk of heart attack within an hour due to pollution from car fumes.

The researchers interviewed 1,454 people who survived heart attacks in a previous study and found that many of them had been stuck in traffic in the hour before their heart attack.

The study also suggested that stress brought about by heavy road gridlock could be a contributing factor.

Metro Manila traffic now a health threat.

Environment and Natural Resources.

Both figures are beyond the maximum safe level of 90 μg/ Ncm. Particulate matter of 10 microns in diameter (PM10) in Metro Manila’s air also jumped

PHOTO COURTESY OF PANOBAMAGBLOG / WORDPRESS

Eighty-five percent of the capital’s total air emissions Fatal come from vehicles, records “Thus, traffic woes are fatal. showed.

And the government should In a statement, Dr. Leo Olembark on a major strategic arte, chair of the environmenplan in the next six years or tal group Coalition of Clean Air longer to alleviate this stressful Advocates of the Philippines malady afflicting (CCAAP), said daily commuters traffic jams in the and the whole capital worsened nation as well,” all the deadly efLeachon said.

The researchers interviewed 1,454 fects of unabated Metro Mapeople who survived heart attacks in motor vehicle nila’s air quala previous study and found that many emissions on the ity worsened in of them had been stuck in traffic in health and lives terms of total the hour before their heart attack. of daily commutsuspended parers. ticulates from “If you’re a 106 μg/Ncm patient with (micrograms cardiovascular per normal cubic meter) from from 52 μg/Ncm from July to ailments, the intensive parJuly to December 2014 to 130 December 2014 to 62 μg/Ncm ticulate matter or soot expoμg/Ncm from January to April during the first four months of sure that you can be subjected this year, according to latest the year, two points higher than to when caught in monstrous data from the Department of the standard PM10. traffic jams for several hours

www.canadianinquirer.net

can possibly trigger life-threatening episodes of heart attack, stroke and even sudden death right there and then, even when you’re inside your air-conditioned cars,” Olarte said.

He blamed corruption in emission testing for vehicles for the unchecked air pollution.

In June, the CCAAP led the filing of graft complaints against officials of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), an agency under the Department of Transportation and Communications.

“We are continuously appealing to [Abaya] to act decisively on this crucial public health concern … by ordering LTO chief Alfonso Tan to do his job and to put an immediate stop to the non-appearance or noshow motor vehicle emission scam under his nose,” Olarte said. ■

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Philippine News

AUGUST 28, 2015

SC grants public health workers’ plea THE SUPREME Court has backed public health workers (PHWs) who had complained that the budget and health departments, as well as the Civil Service Commission, violated the law when they issued circulars lowering hazard pay rates.

Voting 9-0, the high court en banc invalidated Department of Budget and ManagementDepartment of Health Joint Circular No. 1 issued on Nov. 29, 2012, lowering the hazard pay rates below the minimum prescribed under the Magna Carta for Public Health Workers (Republic Act No. 7305) and its revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

Public health workers had filed a class suit against the government agencies that issued the circulars regulating the payment of hazard pay and other benefits granted under the Magna Carta, which was passed in 1992.

In a 19-page decision written

by Justice Diosdado Peralta, the high court said Section 21 of the Magna Carta and Sections 7.1.1 and 7.1.5 (a) of its revised IRR clearly state that PHWs exposed to work hazards and hardships at least 50 percent of their working hours must be paid minimum hazard pay rates.

Illegally diminished

The hazard pay to be granted was specified to be at least 25 percent of the basic monthly salary for PHWs receiving salary grade 19 (about P33,000) and below; and five percent of the basic monthly salary for those receiving salary grade 20 (about P36,000) and above.

The benefits may be granted on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.

The petitioners, members of the Public Health Association Inc.(PHAI), had contended that the DBM-DOH circular illegally diminished their pay.

The DBM-DOJ circular pegged the hazard pay to actual exposure of over 22 work days in a month at rates “not to exceed 25 percent of monthly salary” for salary grade 19 and below. The circular also stated that PHWs of salary grade 20 and above who were actually exposed for 12 or more days in

OFWs seek ...

“We are pleased that the President has spoken on the issue of random inspection of our balikbayan boxes… But all the beautiful words cannot hide the fact that the administration has imposed on BOC a P600-million revenue target from balikbayan boxes, Migrante said in a statement on its Facebook page.

Balikbayan boxes worth P10,000 and below received tax exemptions while parcels had no exemptions and even entailed a 30 to 40 percent tax depending on the contents of the parcels plus the fixed 12 percent value added tax.

“Mas matuwa kami kung sasabihin ng Presidente na ‘wag ng lagyan ng taxes o buwis ‘yung mga balikbayan boxes (We will be better-off if the President would order [the BOC] to no longer impose taxes on balikbayan boxes),” Migrante partylist chairperson Connie BragasRegalado said.

“Sa Friday po, August 28, mungkahe na ‘to mula mismo sa mga chapters sa labas ng bansa na ilunsad ‘yung ‘Zero-Remittance Day’ (On Friday, August 28, this has been proposed by chapters outside the country, to declare a ‘Zero-Remittance Day’),” she added.

Bragas-Regalado also dis-

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BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer

SHUTTERSTOCK

a month may be entitled to a fixed P4,989.75 hazard pay per month.

In partly granting the PHAI’s certiorari suit, the Supreme Court ruled: “[T]he minimum rates of hazard pay due all PHWs in the government. . .is clear in the self-explanatory phrase ’at least’ used in both the law and the rules. Thus, the rates embodied in the DBMDOH joint circular must be struck down as invalid for being contrary to the mandate of RA 7305 and its revised IRR.” Who are entitled?

PHWs entitled to hazard pay are those who work in hospitals, sanitariums, rural health units, health centers, health infirmaries, barangay health stations, clinics and other healthrelated establishments located in difficult areas, strife-torn or embattled areas, distressed or isolated stations, prison camps, mental hospitals, radiation-exposed clinics, laboratories and disease-infested areas.

Also covered are PHWs working in areas declared under a state of calamity or emergency which exposes them to great danger, contagion, radiation, volcanic activity, occupational risks and perils to life as determined by the health secretary or their unit head with the secretary’s approval.

The court also declared unenforceable another joint circular of the DBM-Civil Service Commission (dated Sept. 3, 2012) which provides that an official or employee authorized to be granted longevity pay under an existing law was not eligible for

the usual grant of increments due to length of service.

The court said that it was clear that the law did not impose any conditions on the grant of longevity pay to PHWs in the government service.

Exposure to danger

“As such, the DBM-CSC joint circular effectively created a new imposition which was not otherwise stipulated in the law it sought to interpret,” the high tribunal ruled.

Regarding other issues raised by the PHAI, the Supreme Court upheld the provisions in related circulars on the qualification of actual exposure to danger for the public health workers’ entitlement to hazard pay, the rates of P50 and P25 subsistence allowance, and the entitlement to longevity pay based on the workers’ plantilla position.

Concurring in the decision were justices Antonio Carpio, Presbitero Velasco Jr., Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Lucas Bersamin, Martin Villarama, Jose Perez, Jose Mendoza and Estela Perlas-Bernabe.

Two other justices, Marvic Leonen and Arturo Brion, issued separate opinions but concurred in the result of the voting.

Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno and Justices Mariano del Castillo and Bienvenido Reyes were on leave when the case was promulgated, while Justice Francis Jardeleza inhibited himself because he had defended the respondent government agencies when he was the solicitor general. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

closed that the ‘Zero-Remittance Day’ will be launched globally and that Migrante would hold a protest march outside the BOC office in Manila on the same day.

“Iba’t-ibang bahagi ng mundo ay magkakaroon ng paglunsad ng ‘Zero-Remittance Day’ (Different parts of the world will initiate the ‘Zero-Remittance Day’),” she said.

“Ito ay isang political action, bilang pag-rehistro na ang mga OFWs ay patuloy na lalabanan kung anuman yung mga antimigrante, anti-people na mga patakaran ng gobyernong Aquino (This is a political action that will show OFWs continuously fighting against any antimigrant, anti-people policy of the Aquino government),” she added.

Should the BOC fail to take action on the OFWs calls, Migrante warned that they may extend the day-long protest into a month-long action.

Meanwhile, a resolution in Congress has been passed to remove taxes or increase ceiling from P10,000 to P150,000 for tax-exempt value on balikbayan boxes and air parcels.

The BOC, for their part, stressed that they were only fulfilling the duties of the agency to collect taxes and seize smugglers. ■

SHUTTERSTOCK

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

13

Fear not Enrile, says daughter

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer WHO’S AFRAID of Juan Ponce Enrile?

As far as his daughter Katrina is concerned, no one should be.

Enrile is returning to the Senate today as minority leader following his temporary release on a P1.4-million bail while the plunder case against him is being tried.

“What are they afraid of? My father will not do anything. He will just work.

There is nothing to fear,” Katrina said in a radio interview yesterday.

She said that during her father’s detention for over one year, he had just been quiet and the family was equally quiet because they were just waiting for his day in court.

Enrile has been charged with pocketing P172 million in kickbacks in connection with the diversion of his allocations from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), a pork barrel, in schemes allegedly masterminded by detained businesswoman Janet LimNapoles. He has denied wrongdoing.

Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, an administration ally who has locked horns with Enrile on the Senate floor, has said that Enrile’s return could be a “game changer” in the final months of President Aquino’s administration.

Enrile’s resumption of his duties in the Senate coincides with the plenary on the proposed charter for a Bangsamoro entity, centerpiece of a peace agreement signed last year between the Aquino administration and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Sen. Vicente Sotto III said Enrile’s presence was “very timely,” pointing out the start of debates on the 2016 national budget and the substitute bill on the administration’s draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

The Palace timetable on the proposed BBL has been delayed following the massacre of 44 police commandos on Jan. 25 while on a mission to take out international terrorists in Mamasapano, Maguindanao province, under MILF control.

“Enrile never relinquished his post as Senate minority leader,” Sotto said. “I was in acting capacity because I am deputy or assistant minority leader.”

The 91-year-old Enrile walked out of hospital detention on Thursday after he was granted bail on humanitarian grounds by the Supreme Court.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima has said the government should appeal the Supreme Court ruling granting Enrile bail. Malacañang said Mr. Aquino wanted the ruling clarified because it was “essentially unchartered territory.”

Yesterday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Palace legal team would review the court ruling and “see how we can move forward from it.”

“This is a new doctrine. There is really much clarification that would be necessary, especially relative to the parameters of the bail,” Valte said over state radio.

Katrina said she understood De Lima’s sentiments as justice secretary.

“They have to understand that every Filipino has rights, including my father, whether they like my father or not, he is

a Filipino, he has rights, he has human rights,” Katrina said in the radio interview.

She declined to comment on the Palace moves against her father. “It’s a little tiring to do so,” she said.

Sen. JV Ejercito said he was looking forward to Enrile’s return to the Senate.

Rejuvenated bloc

Ejercito, one of four members of the minority that included Enrile, Sotto and Sen. Nancy Binay, said Enrile would be a big help to the opposition bloc that had been

‘Banana republic’

De Lima said Enrile’s release set back the state of the country’s justice system to that of a “banana republic,” noting that the court decision favored the elite. www.canadianinquirer.net

decimated. Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Ramon Revilla are under detention in connection with the pork barrel scam.

Ejercito told a radio station that the high court had stated its reasons for granting Enrile his bail petition.

“As I’ve always said, we are a government of laws. Let’s respect the decision,” he said.

Ejercito reiterated the need for the Palace to respect the ruling as well. He said President Aquino’s statement that the court ruling should be reviewed was “quite scary.” ■

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FRIDAY

DMCI: Heritage... is the focal point.

Streets and buildings seem to radiate from it. Everything is in harmony.

Here [in the artist’s rendition], it’s just a jagged view of skyscrapers,” he added.

Bautista was referring to abortive proposals during the American colonial period and the early days of the Philippine Republic for the construction of massive buildings right inside what is today’s Rizal Park and even behind the Rizal Monument.

The so-called Burnham plan for Manila, as conceptualized by the architect Daniel Burnham during the early American era, envisioned the area behind and beside the Rizal Monument as a national government center William Parsons, the consulting architect tasked by the colonial government with implementing the Burnham plan, designed a cluster of neoclassical buildings surrounding the monument.

The centerpiece, immediately to the back of the monument, was to be the Philippine version of the US Capitol, the Casa de la Nacion (House of the Nation), which would house the legislature.

“According to the general ❰❰ 6

scheme of improvement, this site [around the Rizal Monument] has been reserved for the government center and here will be grouped the capitol for the legislature, the executive offices for the governor-general, the Supreme Court, and buildings for the various departments and bureaus, which are now scattered about in different parts of the city,” read an article on the 1911 issue of Century Magazine on the plans to beautify Manila.

“In composition, this group takes the form of a vast quadrangle, open on one side, with an uninterrupted view of Manila Bay and Mt. Mariveles, at the entrance to the bay, 25 miles to the west,” the article added.

The Burnham plan was slowly abandoned due to lack of funds and shift in government priorities. The former buildings of the legislature,. and of the agriculture and finance departments, all now occupied by the National Museum, were the only structures in the park built from the Burnham plan.

Cultural center

During the administration of President Ramon Magsaysay,

when the country was preparing for Rizal’s birth centenary (1961), another cluster of buildings, the Jose Rizal Cultural Center, designed by Juan Nakpil in the modern architecture style, was proposed to be built right inside the park.

The Rizal Memorial Theater was to be put up behind the Rizal Monument, while a library and a museum would be constructed on either side of the park. Only the library, now the National Library, was constructed.

DMCI’s Torre de Manila clearly visible behind the Rizal Monument

Hall of justice

In the early 2000s, the Supreme Court also planned to construct the Manila City Hall of Justice on the grounds of the demolished Jai Alai building but this was also aborted.

Dio said DMCI was mindful of aesthetics, the reason the company’s design of the Torre de Manila more or less reflected the designs of buildings around the park.

“There is a principle in architecture that whenever there is a new construction on an area dominated by buildings of a certain era, then the new construction would as much as possible fit itself in the prevail-

PHOTO COURTESY OF SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES

ing design. That’s what we did.

That’s why you can see that it is not a glass building. We tried as much as possible to copy the theme of the area and make it conform to the general design of the area,” he said.

Critics demonize Torre

The DMCI counsel cautioned, however, that the Supreme Court suit was not whether a design was good or not.

“If we go into the design, that would be aesthetics. [As one justice said,] the Supreme Court is not a court of aesthet-

ics. What might be ugly to you is beautiful to me,” the lawyer added.

He lamented that Torre de Manila was continually being “demonized” by critics and many people tended to believe the criticism even if they did not yet know all the facts of the construction.

DMCI maintained that it complied with all the requirements, including obtaining all permits and clearances, before undertaking the construction of the condominium and that the location of the building was not a historical or cultural site. ■

De Lima questions haste in JPE release

BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer CEBU CITY — Did the release of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile from hospital detention come too soon?

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima thinks so, noting that the Supreme Court’s decision granting Enrile’s provisional liberty last week did not mention that it was immediately executory.

On the sidelines of a gathering of people’s organizations here yesterday, De Lima argued that the high court’s controversial ruling in favor of the 91-year-old senator should not have been implemented at once since it was still subject to appeal within a 15-day period.

She said the Office of the Ombudsman, which brought plunder, graft and bribery charges against Enrile and 30 other former and incumbent lawmakers

over the alleged fraudulent use of their pork barrel allotments, would be asking the high court to reconsider its Aug. 18 resolution.

“I was thinking why (Enrile) was immediately released since the dispositive portion did not say that this decision is immediately executory,” De Lima told the INQUIRER. “Without that statement, ordinarily the decision of all the courts, including the Supreme Court, is not immediately final and executory but subject to a 15-day period to file a motion for reconsideration,” she said.

She also questioned the jurisdiction of the high court in approving Enrile’s legal remedy, pointing out that the high tribunal was “not a trial court in the first place.”

“So what was the basis or the assumption of the jurisdiction by the Supreme Court?” De Lima asked.

“The petition for certiorari

Justice Secretary Leila De Lima SCREENSHOT FROM ZAMBOANGA TIMES FOOTAGE

filed by Enrile’s camp… goes through the usual process, including the finality of the decision. That’s why I’m puzzled,” she added.

De Lima earlier said that the www.canadianinquirer.net

high court’s unprecedented ruling had again relegated the country into a “banana republic.”

After spending more than a year in a private ward of the

Philippine National Police General Hospital at Camp Crame, Enrile walked out a free man on Thursday night after posting a bail of P1.45 million for plunder and 15 counts of graft.

Speaking at the Daang Matuwid (Straight Path) People’s Dialogue held at Cebu Normal University, De Lima cited the successes of the Aquino administration in pursuing corruption cases against influential politicians and putting them behind bars.

She also took pride in the ouster of Chief Justice Renato Corona, who was found guilty by the Senate impeachment court for culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

“The straight path is all about the rule of law, truth and accountability. It is only now that we were able to show political will in making those who broke our laws accountable,” De Lima said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

15

DOH advises parents: Get kids vaccinated

Top NBI official leads manhunt for Binay aide

BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY NANCY C. CARVAJAL Philippine Daily Inquirer

THE DEPARTMENT of Health (DOH) has urged parents to have their children vaccinated to give them lifetime protection against potentially fatal but preventable diseases.

Health Secretary Janette Garin made this appeal as the school-based immunization program against measles, rubella, diphtheria and tetanus, which the health agency launched on Aug. 3, was observed to be moving slowly contrary to expectations.

Garin said the DOH allotted P120 million for the program, a reasonable price to spend for disease prevention compared to the high costs of treatment.

“Achieving 95-percent coverage will create a very hard cover that will protect the five percent. So when a virus comes, it cannot penetrate the thick shell, no outbreak will occur,” said Garin.

She also assured the parents that the vaccines being administered to the students, which will expire only next year, were safe and pre-qualified by the World Health Organization. “We only accept vaccines that have a shelf life of 18 to 24 months,” she said.

Giving an update on the school-based immunization program, Garin said that by now, at least 50 percent of the 4.36 million Grade 1 and Grade 7 students in all public schools nationwide should have already been given the tetanusdiphtheria and measles-rubella booster shots.

But as of Aug. 14, only 10 to 11 percent have been administered the vaccines, said Garin.

The month-long immunization program aims to achieve 95-percent coverage to attain herd immunity against the highly infectious measles, rubella and diphtheria and lifetime protection against tetanus.

Two weeks since the program was launched, only 199,426 out of the 2.5 million Grade 1 students have been given the measles-rubella vaccine while only 270,618 pupils have been administered the tetanus-diphtheria booster shot.

Out of the 1.86 million Grade 7 students who were to receive both booster vaccines, only 10 percent have been vaccinated, said Garin.

Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon and the Caraga region have registered zero coverage of the vaccination at press time, she said.

As for Metro Manila, Garin explained that the program suffered setbacks because the regional health office had a hard time gathering the support of parents. “There is a delay in starting the program because we need parental consent,” she said.

She said parents became anxious about the program due to the false reports that marred the DOH’s school-based deworming campaign held last month in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Many parents in some areas in Zamboanga Peninsula panicked when they heard reports that some children were brought to hospitals as a result of the deworming.

“Because there was a scare and misinformation that occurred when we rolled out the deworming program, it affected our school-based immunization program,” Garin said. ■

FINDING GERRY Limlingan, the alleged bagman of Vice President Jejomar Binay, has become the No. 1 priority of the National Bureau of Investigation even as the agency’s top official has joined the nationwide manhunt for the fugitive businessman.

NBI director Virgilio Mendez said he has ordered another division to join the search for Binay’s former trusted aide and alleged dummy, who has been on the run since the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee started its inquiry on the Vice President’s supposed corruption activities.

“I am now personally monitoring information and progress of the search and the teams will report to me directly,’’ Mendez told the INQUIRER in a phone interview.

He declined to say which division of the NBI had been assigned to track down Limlingan but said another “crack’’ division of the bureau will also be assigned to join the manhunt.

He said previous efforts to locate Limlingan failed to yield substantial results but operations are still in progress.

“We had several leads and operations, but all turned out to be negative. Despite that, the pursuit operations did not stop,’’ Mendez said.

Mendez said the bureau’s regional offices will also be tapped in the search and arrest of Limlingan.

“Efforts will be doubled and intensified to locate him not only to bring him to the Senate but also to ensure his security,” Mendez said.

“We are aware of the importance of his appearance in the

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National Bureau of Investigation main office in Manila .

Senate hearing and there will be no let up in the search for him,’’ he said.

Mendez said the bureau would also look into the possibility that he may have fled the country even if a report of the Bureau of Immigration said he last went abroad in 2003.

“Although there was no record of him leaving the country, the possibility of him having fled the country is there through the back channels. All of these will be considered and looked into,’’ he said.

During the Senate hearing on Thursday, Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Aquilino Pimentel III urged Mendez to intensify the NBI’s efforts to locate the whereabouts of the “missing” Binay aide.

Limlingan’s younger brother and noted businessman Victor, one of the resource persons in the hearing, told the Senate subcommittee that he has no knowledge on his brother’s whereabouts and whether he is still alive.

Limlingan has been ordered arrested by the Senate for ignoring summonses to the subcommittee hearing but has

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managed to continue to elude search teams from the Senate sergeant at arms and the NBI. During the 23rd hearing of the panel on Thursday, which was also the first anniversary of the probe, Pimentel said the hearings could not be terminated because of failure of Limlingan to appear before the subcommittee.

“Before we end this investigation and since Vice President Binay does not want to face the Senate, we will continue the search for Mr. Gerry Limlingan and we should turn this into a national manhunt,” he said.

Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, who turned Binay whistle-blower, tagged Limlingan as a henchman and bagman of the Vice President when the latter was still Makati mayor.

Mercado said during Senate hearings that Limlingan fronted for Binay in businesses and properties that are not declared in the Vice President’s statement of assets and liabilities. ■

Opinion

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AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

PUBLIC LIVES

Dubsmash and its uses

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer THE LONG-RUNNING local TV noontime show, “Eat Bulaga,” recently registered a phenomenal spike in its viewership after showcasing in one of its regular segments the immense talent of Maine Mendoza, a young woman whose Dubsmash video clips have become a YouTube sensation. By casting Maine in the role of a maid, “Yaya Dub,” to a materialistic señora, and by weaving a poignant love story around her supposed reallife crush on Alden Richards, one of the regular actors in the show, the producers have hit upon the ultimate formula for reality TV—where viewers are left guessing which is fiction and which is reality.

The encounter between Yaya Dub standing beside her sharp-tongued employer “Lola Nidora” at a remote site in one of Metro Manila’s barangays, and the young actor, Alden, seated at the studio, is conducted entirely through the medium of the dubbed audio clip. But in-between the lip-syncs, the two (who supposedly have never met) are shown on a split screen exchanging knowing glances made possible by camera tricks. Is the budding romance real?

Was Yaya Dub’s fainting spell real? Or er contexts.

American movies dubbed in Filipino, was it still part of the performance?

The shock of that recognition, I am the juxtaposition of voice and image We really don’t know—even as the certain, is what sustains the fascina- sourced from different cultural setpoor girl was later shown from her tion with Yaya Dub. She gets behind tings was initially jarring. We found hospital bed recovering from what all of us, and lip-syncs the standard it funny, for example, to hear James seemed like a truly stressful day. texts of our private selves—our inse- Bond speak in Tagalog. Then we got Only a few have heard “Dubsmash curities, anger, celebratory moments, used to it, marveling at the talent of queen” Maine Mendoza’s own voice. and frustrations. Beneath the perfor- those behind the voices. Dubsmash There are YouTube clips purport- mance is parody of the highest type. is the reverse of that. The app lends ing to show her singing in her “real” What Dubsmash the app has done us the voices, and we record the video voice. But no one can be sure she is is to place at the disposal of practi- clip that is superimposed on the aunot just dubbing another person’s cally anyone with a smartphone a dio. song or spiel. We see her, we hear her. technology that used to be available More than the old dubbing maWe know she is performing, and we only to those who have access to chine, however, it is the user-friendly view her performance in relation to complicated and expensive editing Dubsmash that has brought to the the character she is popular consciousplaying. But who is ness the postmodshe when she is not ern meme that There is a presumption, after all, that public figures have lip-syncing?

Roland Barthes many responsibilities, while ordinary conference-goers have time Indeed, we may memorably referred to kill. as well ask the same to as “the death of question of ourthe author.” This selves: Who are we when we are not machines. But, more than this, by simply says: “a text’s unity lies not performing? I think that if there is allowing users to upload audio clips in its origin but in its destination.” anything that Yaya Dub has shown into, and download the same from a Rather than seek the meaning of a us, it is the stereotypical and “me- constantly growing archive of iconic text in the life of the author who prodiatized” nature of our emotions and and/or silly lines from politicians, duced it—as though the two were a modes of expression. In that sense, movie actors, and celebrities, Dub- mirror of one another—we now begin we are performing all the time. What smash has made it possible for the to see that the meaning of a text rewe think are spontaneous feelings ordinary person to try his/her hand sides not in its origin but in the conthat we communicate from the depth at acting or singing while retaining text in which a reader uses it. of our beings are really nothing but the voice of the original performer.

As I write this, Yaya Dub is about to ready-made emoticons that other The technology is certainly noth- get married to “Frankie A. Arinolli,” people have deployed in various oth- ing new. When we began showing to whom Lola Nidora has virtually

sold her. It’s a laboriously stretchedout scene that is filled with Pinoy humor and melodrama. But, I can’t help noting that the script, instead of being allowed to take a life of its own, is being pulled back to the familiar track of noontime slapstick, forsaking in the process the postmodern sensibility that had given its earlier episodes their contingent novelty.

I can see the birth of another movie pairing here, where Maine Mendoza’s versatility as the Filipino Dubsmash queen will be on full display.

But I am not sure if her producers are in any position to ignore the lowhanging fruit of shallow melodrama and crude humor, as she takes the path of parody that the art of lipsyncing has opened up for her. Still, I will be closely watching this lovely and talented young lady, who, using every part of her face, seems to know how to breathe life into the most trivial audio clip.

Maine creates new texts with every video clip she uploads on Instagram and YouTube. In so doing, whether she is conscious of it or not, she also shows the “possibilities and the rules” for the production of other texts. It looks to me that the natural habitat of such texts is not television but the Internet. ■

AT LARGE

Tribute to ‘Pamana’

By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer AMONG THE reactions received on the death of “Pamana” (Heritage), the three-year-old Philippine eagle shot to her death some days ago, one of the most moving was this letter from Emily Abrera, board chair of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and a member of the board of the Philippine Eagle Foundation.

The PEF is a private organization devoted to restoring the population of the Philippine Eagle, primarily through nursing future generations in its reservation on Mt. Apo, raising public awareness by hosting visitors to its sanctuary, and releasing mature eagles into wildlife sanctuaries.

As we all know by now, Pamana was killed within the borders of the protected area in Mt. Hamiguitan, very near the spot where she was released just last June 12. Pamana’s shooting has led some to speculate that Mt. Hamiguitan might lose its protected area status (a title bestowed by Unesco), due to the failure of the human population in the area to protect the wildlife in their territory.

Though muted, public reaction the fundraising for the release, as it evitably accompanies anger. And to to Pamana’s fate has been intense, costs a great deal each time we re- think she was named Pamana! She though it seems to consist more of lease a Philippine eagle back to the wasmeant to live and thrive, and sadness and loss than anger or a wild.) produce more eagles... not die in call to action. Still, those who feel “It was a very moving event. Many two months’ time! for Pamana do so out of mourning members of the community turned “That night, I dreamt of eagles in and regret, not just for the eagle up on that chilly, misty morning on flight and awoke with this thought, herself, but also for the continu- the slopes of Mt. Hamiguitan; their which I shared recently: ing (and seemingly frustrating) pride was so palpable.

“In a strange twist of destiny, struggle to delay, if not prevent, “Pamana, like all Philippine Pamana is actually living up to her the disappearance of these crea- eagles, was a beautiful bird: fierce name. In her death, she has raised tures. What must be done to pro- and wild and incredibly regal. Two awareness for the Philippine Eagle in tect not just the Philippine eagle other friends who were with me on a big way. This is her ‘pamana’ to us but also all wild creatures—rare or that morning were amazed at the and to the environment. I get teary common—from human cruelty and sheer size and presence of the bird. when I recall how swiftly she flew indifference? from her cage that *** morning as soon as HERE is what AbreKim (Atienza, host In her death, she has raised awareness for the Philippine ra has to say: of the environmenEagle in a big way. This is her ‘pamana’ to us and to the “Thank you for tal TV show ‘Matanenvironment. your thoughtful glawin’) opened the column. I ama member of the board (Pamana alighted for a few minutes latch, so eager to be free and so willof the Philippine Eagle Foundation, on the stone walkway, her crest of ing to embrace her assigned role as have been for many years now, since head feathers raised and her wings on the ‘taga-pamana.’ Who could have I first encountered the start-up alert. She surveyed the small group of guessed it would be in this tragic center on the slopes of Mt. Apo in officials who respectfully retreated way? the early ’80s. (I was there to shoot in silence, before she took off for the “Still, this thought has comforted a commercial, but that’s another trees.) me somehow.” story.)

“When we received the news, I *** “I was happy that I was able to at- was in Palawan, with the same two ABRERA enclosed a watercolor tend the release of Pamana last June colleagues, and I cannot describe and a poem created by Sophia Lou12, with co-director Johnson Ongk- our shock and sadness, and that ise Cudiamat, 16, the daughter of a ing of Boysen (who helped much in awful edge of bitterness that in- friend, as a tribute to Pamana. May

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this young woman’s words bring us comfort, too, as well as determination to restore the Philippine eagle, the only such creature in our borders, to sustainable numbers.

The poem is titled “#JusticeForPamana.”

Is it so easy for us To say we care When in times of sadness We sit back and stare Do we appreciate By using bullets and chains Do we enjoy taking Until nothing remains?

We pride ourselves The alpha species we say We can speak, feel, and think Our gain, another’s dismay Is that what we call humanity Is this the civilized path If nothing not walking Can escape our wrath So is this now the normal Is this an acceptable thing To shoot down what’s brave enough To use its own wings So we capture what’s free And kill what is growing As we’re killing our own future Without even knowing.

We have no excuse, in the wake of Pamana’s killing, that we did not, do not know, about this continuing travesty. Save the Philippine eagle, all wild creatures, and their remaining habitats! ■

Opinion

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

17

LOOKING BACK

Much ado about Torre: Rizal asked only for cross on tombstone

By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY THE TIME the Supreme Court issued an order temporarily stopping the construction of the Torre de Manila condominium, 19 of a projected 46 floors had risen on Taft Avenue and appeared within the sight line of the Rizal Monument. Torre had scraped more than sky, reaping a hail storm of protest from critics who claimed that seeing it in the background of the iconic monument would ruin their souvenir photos.

Worse, according to the Knights of Rizal, the Torre de Manila was a “national photobomber,” disrespectful to the memory of the national hero. Social media went viral, renaming the Torre de Manila the “Terror de Manila.”

Looking back on the background of the Rizal Monument should put the controversy in context.

A tomb Contrary to popular belief, the Rizal Monument is not the exact spot where Rizal was felled by a bullet on the morning of Dec. 30, 1896. Rizal fell some 100 meters away, northwest of the monument, on the side of Rizal Park toward the corner of Roxas Boulevard and P. Burgos.

Neither is the Rizal monument Kilo-

meter Zero, the point from which all geographical distances on highway markers in the Philippines are reckoned.

The Rizal Monument is not merely a structure built to commemorate the life and death of a man who inspired the emergence of the Filipino nation, it is a tomb, the final resting place of the national hero’s mortal remains.

Burial at Luneta After Rizal’s execution in 1896, his corpse was not turned over to his family for a proper funeral and burial. Rizal was interred in an unmarked grave at Paco Cemetery, which one of Rizal’s sisters located only after bribing one of the undertakers.

She marked the grave with a simple tombstone with the letters “RPJ,” the initials of Jose P. Rizal in reverse.

In August 1898, a few days after Spanish Manila surrendered to the Americans, the Rizal family exhumed the body of Rizal and discovered rotting papers hidden in his pockets and shoes. We will never know what those writings were all about. Perhaps Rizal’s last will and testament?

His thoughts before death? All disintegrated and lost to history.

Rizal’s remains were stored in an ornate urn of rare Philippine hardwood and ivory carved by Romualdo

de Jesus and venerated in the Rizal home in Binondo. Here Teodora Alonso, the hero’s mother, would sometimes take out Rizal’s skull to show curious visitors.

On Dec. 29, 1912, after lying in state in the Ayuntamiento, Rizal’s remains were brought in a solemn procession to Luneta where they were buried on the base of a monument to be constructed above them.

Simpler design wins The Italian Carlo Nicoli won over 39 other entries in an international competition for the design of the Rizal monument, but his complicated and ornate wedding-cake design was never executed. Some sources say Nicoli was not able to post the required bond to implement the project. Others say the organizers had second thoughts about the projected cost and gave the commission to the second-prize winner, a simpler monument in granite and bronze by the Swiss artist Richard Kissling. Assembled in Switzerland and shipped to the Philippines, Kissling’s monument was unveiled on Dec. 30, 1913.

Kissling titled his work “Motto Stella” [Guiding Star]. It consists of a granite base built over Rizal’s grave topped by an obelisk in three parts, and capped by three golden stars lined

up to form a triangle taken by many to signify Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. Rizal’s face was modeled from a photograph taken in Madrid in 1890, in which the hero is shown holding a book and wearing an overcoat that is out of place in the tropics.

The Rizal figure faces the Quirino Grandstand and the Manila Bay, to gaze upon the setting rather than the rising sun. Arranged around the obelisk are other bronze figures: on one side is a mother rearing a child, on the opposite side two boys reading to underscore Rizal’s love for family or the motherland caring for her citizens, and education. Behind the monument is a still life composed of: a banana tree, an earthenware jar and a plow to suggest industry and the natural resources of the Philippines.

Last wishes While the Rizal Monument is the focal point of two national commemorations—the June 12th Independence Day and Rizal Day on Dec. 30—and while visiting foreign dignitaries offer wreaths on Rizal’s grave, Filipinos should ask themselves what Rizal would have thought about the monument and the controversy over the Torre de Manila.

True to his nom de guerre “Laong Laan” [Ever Prepared], Rizal scribbled

an undated letter in Fort Santiago before his death giving his family specific instructions regarding his burial: “Bury me in the ground, place a stone and a cross over it. My name, the date of my birth and of my death. Nothing more. If you later wish to surround my grave with a fence, you may do so.

No anniversaries. I prefer Paang Bundok [the area where the Manila North and Chinese Cemeteries now stand].”

All but one of these last wishes were followed. Instead of a simple cross and tombstone, a monument in granite and bronze was built over Rizal’s grave. Instead of Paang Bundok, he now rests in Luneta. Each year on Dec. 30, the President of the Philippines lays a wreath on the monument and leads the nation in commemorating Rizal’s death, when he specified “no anniversaries.”

Rizal might well be amused about the honor and respect we accord him, manifested in the fierce defense of a monument and a sight line. God forbid that Rizal comments with the title of Shakespeare’s play: “Much ado about nothing.” ■ Editor’s Note: The columnist is the former chair of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, then called National Historical Institute.

ANALYSIS

Deadline pressure on Poe

By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer CANBERRA — The 2016 presidential election will be uniquely different from the ones since the term of President Cory Aquino following the overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship in the February 1986 People Power revolt.

We have had four popularly elected presidents since the ratification of Cory’s 1987 democratic-restoration Constitution—Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III. Within a full circle of 28 years, next year’s election will mark a stage of the institutionalization of political parties as the vehicle for political and social change. After 1987, we have tried to move out of the paradigm of mob rule in the streets (albeit bloodless) as a catalyst of change. The process of transition from street politics to orderly electoral change has not been completed, and is still in a state of flux—a work in progress.

Next May, we are electing a new president and the incumbent is stepping down. This mode of succession

has generated intense public interest key to winning the May 2016 election. cides to run for president. in the vice presidential candidates In previous presidential elections afAfter Poe told Roxas not to wait of the emerging alignments (i.e., the ter the 1986 Edsa revolt, the conven- for her to decide on his invitation to administration’s, the opposition’s, tional wisdom was that the standard- run as vice president in the LP ticket, and the third party’s). With this fo- bearer (and not the vice presidential there were signs that some party ofcus centered on the vice presidency, candidate) was the pace-setter for ficials were getting fed up with her the presidency has been relegated to “winnability.” The standard-bearer hedging. In the face of Poe’s apparthe back seat. In effect, we are virtu- was presumed to carry party mates ent rebuff, Roxas told reporters on ally making a choice on whom to vote on the wings of his or her popularity Wednesday: “I’m not opening new for president for the next six years to victory. That is not the case today. talks until I have closed the current based on the decisions of the parties This is why there is a deep interest talks [with Senator Poe].” He added: on their vice presidential candidates. in the search for a vice presidential “This is to give respect [to Senator Although PresiPoe]. … [The vice dent Aquino has enpresidency] is not There is a presumption, after all, that public figures have dorsed Interior Secsomething to throw many responsibilities, while ordinary conference-goers have time retary Mar Roxas as away and to pick up to kill. the ruling Liberal anybody who says Party’s candidate yes… We are inviting for president, and Vice President candidate who can boost the elec- Senator Poe to join ‘daang matuwid.’”

Jejomar Binay has declared himself toral chances of the presidential canThe spurning of the invitation left presidential candidate of the oppo- didate. For example, there is intense a wave of resentment in the ruling sition, neither Roxas nor Binay has jockeying to draft Sen. Grace Poe to party. announced their choice of their run- run as vice president solely on the While Speaker Feliciano Belmonte ning mate. The parties are marking basis of the fluke of survey results Jr. said that Poe remained the LP’s time to complete their lineups until showing her as front-runner in popu- top choice for vice president, he did the deadline in October for the filing larity as presidential material. The not act to stifle the growing resentof certificates of candidacy.

Liberal Party wants her to be Roxas’ ment among party members over her In both the administration’s camp running mate, and the Nationalist attitude. Some LP officials warned and the opposition camp, there is a People’s Coalition of businessman that Poe and Sen. Francis Escudero prevailing belief that their choice of Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco is could be stripped of their committee vice presidential candidate holds the considering to support her if she de- chairmanships should they decide

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to run together as a “third force” in 2016. One LP official said: “I believe it’s just fair for them to give up their seats in Senate committees [which they] received as part of being members of the ruling coalition.”

Some LP officials said they expected an overhaul of the Senate committees after the October deadline for the filing of certificates of candidacy.

Poe chairs the committees on public information and mass media and on public order and dangerous drugs, as well as the joint committee on the Human Security Act. Escudero chairs the committee on environment and natural resources and the joint committees on the Clean Water Act and on the Chainsaw Act. Mincing no words on his frustration, Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali virtually read the riot act to Poe in connection with her rebuff of Roxas’ invitation. “That is her prerogative,” Umali said. “You cannot force someone you are courting. It’s a waste because she may miss her chance if she does not consider. You know, it’s different when you are an ally of a sitting president, especially one who has an endorsing power.” ■

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Canada News

Federal leaders return to campaign trail as markets and dollar totter

BY MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — A precipitous drop in North American stock markets sparked fresh debate on the federal campaign trail Monday about which leader would be the best choice to manage Canada’s finances.

The S&P/TSX composite index dropped 768.5 points shortly after markets opened, before rallying to close down 420.93 points, a 3.12 per cent decline over Friday’s close. The dollar, meanwhile, closed down about half a cent.

For Stephen Harper, the plunging economy — fallout from China’s worst market performance in eight years — provided a welcome diversion from the relentless revelations of the Mike Duffy trial that have kept the Conservative campaign off balance for close to two weeks.

The prime minister’s office released a short statement Monday, saying that he had spoken on the phone in the morning with Stephen Poloz, the governor of the Bank of Canada.

“Prime minister Harper and governor Poloz discussed the recent decline in global stock

markets and commodity prices, slowing growth in China and emerging markets and the potential impacts on Canada’s economy,” said the statement, which offered no other details.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau blamed Harper for the economic mess and said they could do a better job of running the country’s finances.

Harper repeated that his government is the best bet in uncertain economic times.

That’s a message that the Conservative leader has been struggling to deliver as he fends off questions about how much his current chief of staff, Ray Novak, knew about Nigel Wright’s controversial $90,000 payout to Duffy in February 2013.

Harper said Monday the unstable global economy is the most important issue facing Canadians and urged them to stay with his party.

“Given the challenges around us, we need to stick with a longterm plan that has been working and will work,” Harper said in Drummondville, Que. He said his political opponents offer proposals that would damage the economy.

“What the other guys are proposing, at a time of enormous

market instability, is that they would embark on large-scale, permanent spending increases,” he said. “They would finance that through deficits and through big tax increases, including tax increases on workers and on job-creating businesses.”

The New Democrats and Liberals punched back, blaming Harper for the current downturn.

Campaigning in Toronto with Mulcair, Stephen Lewis, a former Ontario NDP leader and international diplomat, attacked the Harper Conservatives’ stewardship of the country’s finances, calling them “economic poseurs.”

Mulcair said an NDP government would invest in infrastructure, transit and housing.

The New Democrat leader touted economic promises aimed at seniors and families with young children in need of daycare, while pledging to be a champion of Canada’s struggling manufacturing sector.

“We have lost 400,000 good paying jobs in the manufacturing sector, there are 200,000 more people out of work now than there were in the crisis of 2008,” Mulcair said.

Mulcair said Harper “put all

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and NDP leader Tom Mulcair FACEBOOK PHOTOS

his eggs in one basket” by focusing the Canadian economy on the oil and gas sector, which has been rocked by a downward price spiral.

Mulcair also chided Harper as the only Canadian prime minister to have presided over two recessions.

He was referring to the recession of 2008 and the fact that economists suggest the economy likely contracted in the second quarter of the current fiscal year after also pulling back in the first quarter — a technical recession.

Asked about falling oil prices and the effect on the budget, Trudeau said a full Liberal

platform would be released soon.”We have to recognize that Stephen Harper has put us into deficit right now” Trudeau said in Belleville, Ont. He also slammed Harper for not being able to deliver “the kind of growth” the economy needs.

“Right now, with the instability on global markets, there are an awful lot of Canadians worried about their retirements, looking with anxiety at the coming years,” Trudeau said.

“That’s where Mr. Harper’s plan to give benefits and advantages to the wealthiest Canadians has failed to create the kind of growth that we need.” ■

Police say Ashley Madison hack is taking a toll on families around the world

BY DIANA MEHTA The Canadian Press TORONTO — A massive cyberattack on a website facilitating extramarital affairs is taking a toll on families across the world, Toronto police said Monday as they announced two unconfirmed reports of suicides and a string of extortion crimes related to the hack.

Police warned those respon-

sible that their actions would not be tolerated as an international investigation into the AshleyMadison.com breach is carried out.

“This ain’t fun and games anymore, this is reality, this is affecting all of us,” said Acting Staff Supt. Bryce Evans. ”The social impact behind this leak, we’re talking about families, we’re talking about children, we’re talking about wives, their male partners. It’s going to have

impacts on their lives.”

Evans would not provide details on the two unconfirmed suicides, but published U.S. media reports have said a police captain in San Antonio, Texas took his own life after his official email address was linked to an Ashley Madison account.

The Canadian-owned Ashley Madison site — whose slogan is “Life is short. Have an affair” — claims to have about 39 million members around the world. www.canadianinquirer.net

The site was the victim of a cyberattack a month ago.

Employees powering up their computers were greeted with a threatening message accompanied by the song “Thunderstruck” by rock band AC/DC. Hackers referring to themselves as the Impact Team vowed to release Ashley Madison customer data unless the website was permanently shut down.

Police said Avid Life launched

an investigation, employed a computer security firm and contacted police but last week, the Impact Team released detailed records of millions of people from several countries registered with the website.

A Canadian Press analysis found hundreds of email addresses in the data release appeared to be connected to federal, provincial and municipal ❱❱ PAGE 21 Police say

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Testy trial: Sparks fly between Duffy’s lawyer, former PMO firefighter

BY JENNIFER DITCHBURN The Canadian Press

end of a message in March 2013.

“I didn’t see it at the time. I actually didn’t see that line until probably about late June 2013, and I was actually quite surprised OTTAWA — What happens when Ste- when I saw it,” Woodcock explained. phen Harper’s former political firefightDuffy’s lawyer Donald Bayne began a er goes head to head with a man who’s cross-examination with a withering attrying to take a flamethrower to the tack on that element of Woodcock’s tesPrime Minister’s Office? timony. The defence has been striving At Sen. Mike Duffy’s fraud, breach of to undermine the credibility of certain trust and bribery trial, the answer was Crown witnesses, including Wright. a shower of sparks Monday in what was Harper’s current chief of staff Ray Noperhaps the most hostile confrontation vak has also denied through a spokesperbetween lawyer and witness of the en- son that he read an email from Wright extire courtroom saga to date. plicitly telling him about the repayment.

It all came down to the question of Harper has defended Novak and others, who among Harper’s staff knew about pinning the blame on Wright as the “boss.” the $90,000 secret repayment of Duffy’s “Your claim is just like Ray Novak’s, ‘Gee, expenses.

I got the email, it’s only to me, but golly I The firefighter was never read it.’ That’s Chris Woodcock, the your claim,” Bayne put 33-year-old former to Woodcock. director of issues “That’s the truth, management inside It all came down sir,” Woodcock rethe PMO. His role into the question sponded. side the Harper team of who among “That’s what you keep was to identify poHarper’s staff saying,” Bayne said. tential headaches for knew about the The lawyer went the PM in the media, $90,000 secret on and the back and and figure out how to repayment of forth became more extinguish them.

Duffy’s expenses. strained.

That job, he said, “You have taken involved getting up at the position — and 4:30 a.m., and readstill cling to it — that ing 700-1,000 emails you read so many a day, trying to play whack-a-mole on emails a day and you just missed this…” negative stories in the papers and the Woodcock responded: “I won’t prenewscasts. tend that you can comprehend what a As it turns out, Woodcock became em- day-to-day work life is like when you rebroiled in a scandal that would give Harp- ceive 50 emails in a particular meeting.” er perhaps the biggest migraine of his gov“No, I’m sure I can’t comprehend that,” ernment — the Duffy expenses imbroglio. Bayne said, the tone getting tenser.

He was among the staff members who “I’m sure you can’t either, but it’s abappear in dozens and dozens of emails solutely common that I would open an about striking a deal with Duffy to get email, I would scan the email, extract him to repay his contested living ex- the information from it and then I would penses — negotiations that ultimately move on. It’s a fact of life when you receive led to Harper’s former chief of staff Ni- 700-1,000 emails,” Woodcock bristled. gel Wright secretly paying $90,000 out “You understand here that the judge of his own pocket. here has a function, and he judges the Woodcock said his main contact with credulity of evidence being given to Duffy was in the drafting of media re- him? He doesn’t just take it because leases and public statements — initially somebody says something happened,” “collegial, co-operative’’ talks, he said. Bayne told him.

This evidence suited the Crown, which “Absolutely,” said Woodcock. has been trying to establish that Duffy The former staffer conceded that had also was either the instigator or an equal been copied on earlier discussions about partner in the repayment scheme. the Conservative party secretly repaying Woodcock also told the Crown that he Duffy’s expenses, but he didn’t assign a great wasn’t aware that Wright had repaid the amount of importance to the fact. $90,000 until it came out in the media, “You’re adopting the position that this is despite receiving an email where Wright written in hieroglyphics, sir,” said Bayne. tells him directly he’s going do to it.

“This is written in English and you “For you only: I am personally covering Duffy’s $90K,” Wright wrote at the ❱❱ PAGE 27 Testy trial

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Ruling coming on Nova Scotia’s anti-cyberbullying law THE CANADIAN PRESS HALIFAX — A judge is expected to issue a ruling today on Nova Scotia’s groundbreaking anti-cyberbullying law.

The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia has been asked by a Halifax lawyer to approve his bid to challenge the Cybersafety Act under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Lawyer David Fraser says the legislation is so vague and broad that cyberbullying could be considered anything online that hurts somebody’s feelings.

But before the court deals with the potential charter challenge, Fraser says he expects to be told whether messages sent by his client to a former business partner amount to cyberbullying.

Robert Snell has been accused of cyberbullying Giles Crouch when the two got into a dispute.

Crouch has been granted a cyber safety protection order under the new law, which prevents Snell from communicating with him.

Fraser says the law as an unreasonable

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and unjustified infringement of freedom of expression rights.

He says the provincial government, which is defending the law, contends the challenge won’t be necessary if the judge rules no cyberbullying occurred.

The law was passed in May 2013 by the province’s former NDP government in response to public outrage around the case of Rehtaeh Parsons.

The teen’s family alleges Parsons was sexually assaulted in November 2011 and bullied for months when a digital photo of the assault was passed around her school.

She died after attempting suicide in April 2013.

Parsons’ death also acted as a catalyst for the federal government, which changed the Criminal Code to make it illegal to distribute intimate images without consent.

The provincial act defines cyberbullying as any electronic communication “that ought reasonably be expected to cause fear, intimidation, humiliation, distress or other damage or harm to another persons health, emotional well being, self-esteem or reputation.” ■

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Christian law school fights B.C. law society’s refusal to call grads to the bar

BY TAMSYN BURGMANN The Canadian Press

rights, with each side arguing discrimination.

Boonstra said Trinity’s covenant is central to the private university’s identity as an evangelical Christian institution. Trinity enrols about 4,000 students annually and is located in the Fraser Valley community of Langley.

He said students are not screened for sexual orientation but must abide by the code of conduct.

“It asks students to make a choice. If they come, they should understand what being part of an evangelical Christian

Earl Phillips, executive director of Trinity’s law school, said the case is about whether there is room in Canada for a minorVANCOUVER — A Christian ity group to exercise its beliefs university that forbids sexual together. About 12 per cent of intimacy outside heterosexual Canadians identify as evangelimarriage is arguing the Law Socical Christian, he said. ety of British Columbia is violat“That’s what we are seeking the right to religious freedom ing, space in Canada to live and of those who would graduate work and study together as an from its proposed law school. authentic Christian universiTrinity Western University ty,” Phillips said outside court. is asking B.C. Supreme Court to Kendra Milne, who represents overturn the society’s decision to intervener West Coast LEAF, deny accreditation to graduates said religious freedoms can be due to the institution’s so-called exercised in private, but gradu“community covates called to the enant,” which bar become offiprohibits sex outcers of the court side of marriage and have public between a man If anything ... the membership of the obligations. and a woman. law society shows that if anybody’s “I don’t think The society acrights need protection, its religious anyone here credited the prominorities. is saying that posed law school Trinity Western in April 2014, but should not be reversed that deable to have a law cision last October after a vote educational institution is about, school,” she said outside court. by its members. to make sure they understand “The issue is when we get to the The B.C. government subse- what they are getting into.” public accreditation process.” quently revoked its own supHe said the covenant includes The university won a simiport, barring the school from provisions for treating all stu- lar case in Nova Scotia earlier enrolling students. dents with respect, and there is this year, but an Ontario court “I expect over the next week no evidence of sexuality-based upheld the Law Society of Upyou’ll hear a lot about conflict harassment within the university. per Canada’s refusal to accept of rights,” said university lawStudents can be disciplined graduates. yer Kevin Boonstra in court on for breaking the covenant, but The Federation of Law SocietMonday.

Boonstra said there is no specific ies of Canada and the Alberta and “If anything ... the member- mechanism for reporting sexual- Saskatchewan’s bar associations ship of the law society shows that related breaches of the code. have approved accreditation, if anybody’s rights need protecIn its written reply, the soci- while Manitoba and Saskatchtion, its religious minorities.” ety argued the covenant is dis- ewan have put decisions on hold.

The judicial review, sched- criminatory and runs contrary The school was originally uled for five days, is the third to equality rights of LGBTQ slated to open in the fall of 2016, time the university has fought people set out in the charter. but Phillips now expects classes provincial law societies in court The code “seriously under- to be delayed at least two years. for refusing accreditation. mines the integrity and the The case is expected to conThe cases pit religious free- foundation of the administra- clude in the Supreme Court of doms against same-sex equality tion of justice,” it said.

Canada. ■

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Police say... ❰❰ 18

workers across Canada, as well as to the RCMP and the mili-

tary.

“This hack is one of the largest data breaches in the world and is very unique on its own in that it exposed tens of millions of people’s personal information,” said Evans. “The ripple effect of the Impact Team’s actions has and will continue to have long-term social and economic impacts. And they have already sparked spin-offs of crimes and further victimization.”

Police said criminals capitalizing on the cyberattack were using the leaked information to try extorting people through scams that included asking for fees to purportedly delete customer data.

“Nobody is going to be able to erase that information,” Evans said, adding that anyone being extorted should report the matter to their local police force.

Evans said those responsible for the cyberattack need to know their actions are under intense scrutiny by law enforcement partners around the world, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Se-

curity and the FBI. He addressed the Impact Team directly, saying their actions are “illegal and will not be tolerated.”

“This is your wake-up call,” he said. “We are now doing a serious investigation and inviting all our partners.”

Evans also appealed to others in the hacking community, asking them to help police because they knew “the Impact Team has crossed the line.”

Avid Life Media, the parent company of Ashley Madison, is co-operating with the police investigation, Evans said, and is offering a $500,000 reward for information leading to the identification and prosecution of the hackers.

Separately, the federal privacy commission is opening its own investigation into the Ashley Madison data breach, saying it will be probing the attack with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner and in co-operation with other international counterparts.

The commissioner’s office has been talking with the company to determine how the breach occurred and what is being done about it. ■

One person dead, 6 injured semi plows into minivan west of Calgary THE CANADIAN PRESS CALGARY — One person was killed and six others injured when a semi crossed the median and crashed into a minivan on the Trans-Canada Highway west of Calgary.

RCMP say the 86-year-old Calgary woman was one of five people in the minivan travelling east on Monday afternoon.

A 14-year-old boy was seriously injured, while the woman’s husband, who is in his 90s, an 11-year-old girl and a 48-year-old woman driving

the minivan all had minor injuries.

Mounties say the driver of the semi, a 44-year-old man from Grande Prairie, Alta., and a 37-year-old man from Delta, B.C.; had minor injuries and were taken to hospital for further examination. www.canadianinquirer.net

The eastbound lanes of the Highway 1 were closed from about 2 p.m., when the crash happened, until 10:40 p.m.

Police did not have an update on the conditions of the injured as of late Monday night.

Cochrane RCMP Sgt. Dave Hardy said police have spoken

with the truck driver briefly.

“There was a lane change being made and we have witnesses saying it was making that lane change and it just entered the median and came across the traffic lanes.” ■ With files from CTV Calgary

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FRIDAY

South Korea halts propaganda broadcasts as Koreas reach deal

BY HYUNG JIN-KIM AND FOSTER KLUG The Associated Press SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — After more than 40 hours of talks, North and South Korea pulled back from the brink Tuesday with an accord that allows both sides to save face and, for the moment, avert the bloodshed they’ve been threatening each other with for weeks.

In a carefully crafted, though vague, statement, North Korea expressed “regret” that two South Korean soldiers were maimed in a recent land mine blast Seoul blamed on the North. While not an acknowledgement of responsibility, let alone the “definite apology” South Korea’s president had demanded, it allows Seoul to claim some measure of victory in holding the North to account.

South Korea, for its part, halted anti-Pyongyang propaganda broadcasts over loudspeakers on the border, which will let the authoritarian North trumpet to its people a propaganda win over its bitter rival, and silence the broadcasts that outside analysts say could demoralize front-line troops and inspire them to defect.

The agreement represents a good first step in easing animosity that has built since South Korea blamed North Korea for the mine explosion at the border earlier this month and began the propaganda broadcasts in retaliation. But, as always on the Korean Peninsula, it’s unclear how long the good mood will continue.

Despite South Korean President Park Geun-hye’s expression of hope that the North’s “regret” will help improve the Koreas’ relationship, the accord does little to address many fundamental, long-standing differences. The announcement of further talks to be held soon in either Seoul or Pyongyang could be a beginning, but the Koreas have a history of failing to follow through on their promises and allowing simmering animosity to interrupt diplomacy.

The negotiations that began Saturday at the border village of Panmunjom, where the Ko-

The South Korean flag as seen behind DMZ fences of North Korea.

reas agreed to the 1953 ceasefire that stopped fighting in the Korean War, also resulted in Pyongyang agreeing to lift a “quasi-state of war” it declared last week, according to South Korea’s presidential office and North Korea’s state media.

While the declaration was largely a matter of rhetoric — the border is the world’s most heavily armed and there has never been a formal peace agreement ending the Korean War, so the area is always essentially in a “quasi-state of war” — there had been growing worry about South Korean reports that the North was continuing to prepare for a conflict during the talks, moving unusual numbers of troops and submarines to their land and sea border.

The Koreas also struck an important humanitarian agreement by promising to begin talks in September to plan emotional reunions of families separated by the Korean War. The reunions could take place as early as October, considering the time needed to match relatives and agree on a venue, said an official from Seoul’s Unification Ministry who didn’t want to be named, citing office rules.

The Koreas said in the accord that more reunions would follow, but there were no immediate details.

In a signal of North Korea’s seriousness, Pyongyang sent to the talks Hwang Pyong So, the top political officer for the Korean People’s Army and considered by outside analysts to be North Korea’s second most important official after supreme leader Kim Jong Un. “I hope the two sides faithfully implement the agreements and build up (mutual) confidence through a dialogue and cooperation and that it serves as a chance to work out new South-North relations,” chief South Korean negotiator and presidential national security director Kim Kwan-jin said in a televised news conference.

The United States quickly welcomed the agreement and the prospect of tensions dropping.

Kim, the Seoul negotiator, described the North’s expression of “regret” as an apology.

Pyongyang had denied involvement in the land mine explosions and rejected Seoul’s report that North Korea launched an artillery barrage last week. South Korea’s military fired dozens of artillery rounds across the border in response and said the North’s artillery strikes were meant to back up an earlier threat to attack the loudspeakers. There were no details on whether the www.canadianinquirer.net

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North addressed the artillery claim in Tuesday’s deal.

North Korea often makes conciliatory gestures to win concessions and aid from rivals after stoking tensions. The North is now seen as eager to reopen to South Korean tourists, along with pursuing business and investment deals with its more affluent neighbor.

During the talks at Panmunjom, the North Korean negotiators raised the issue of restarting joint tours to the North’s scenic Diamond Mountain resort, said the official from Seoul’s Unification Ministry.

The tourism project began in 1998 during an era of warmer ties and was a legitimate source of hard currency for the cashstrapped North, but Seoul suspended the tours in 2008 following the shooting death of a South Korean tourist there.

Issues related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons program or joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea, which Pyongyang condemns as a rehearsal for invasion, were not discussed during the talks, the official said.

These were the highest-level talks between the two Koreas in a year, and the length of the sessions was no surprise.

While the Koreas have difficulty agreeing to talks, once

they do, marathon sessions are often the rule. After decades of animosity and bloodshed, finding common ground is a challenge. During the latest Panmunjom talks, the first session lasted about 10 hours and the second session about 33 hours.

The negotiations started shortly after a Saturday deadline set by North Korea for the South to dismantle the propaganda loudspeakers. North Korea had declared that its front-line troops were in full war readiness and prepared to go to battle if Seoul did not back down.

South Korean defense officials said during the talks that about 70 percent of the North’s more than 70 submarines and undersea vehicles had left their bases and could not be located by the South Korean military.

They also said the North had doubled the strength of its front-line artillery forces since the start of the talks.

Kim Min-seok, a spokesman for Seoul’s Defense Ministry, said Tuesday that the South Korean military was seeing signs that some of the North’s submarines and undersea vehicles were returning to their ports, but he did not elaborate. ■ Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report.

World News

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

Singapore to hold election Sept. 11 in test of ruling party

BY ANNABELLE LIANG The Associated Press SINGAPORE — Singapore will hold a general election on Sept. 11, the government announced Tuesday, in what is expected to be a tight contest for the ruling party, which has dominated politics in the city-state for 50 years but is now facing growing disaffection among citizens.

The People’s Action Party, whose founder and Singapore’s first prime minister, Lee Kuan Yew, died in March at age 91, currently holds 80 out of 87 seats in Parliament.

Although that number implies massive popularity for the PAP, the party has been aided by an electoral system in which some constituencies are represented by a group of four to six lawmakers, boosting the winning party’s numbers.

The party usually fields groups led by senior, popular members of Parliament.

The system has helped the PAP maintain a commanding majority, even though it received just 60 percent of all votes in the 2011 general election, in its worst electoral performance. It has lost two by-elections since then.

The decline in popularity results from growing resentment over political restrictions, an influx of foreigners and a high cost of living.

For the younger generation, Singapore’s economic success “does not have that much resonance compared with their parents or grandparents,” said Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at Singapore Management University.

“They are less enamored of a one-party dominant system and are inclined to more political diversity and contestation. The results will signal whether we are incrementally moving away from a

The famous Merlion of Singapore.

one-party dominant system,” he said.

The virtual one-party dominance was led by Lee, who is widely credited with setting the country on the path of economic success and was lauded at the nation’s 50th birthday celebrations on Aug. 9 for his achievements.

Lee’s son, current Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, recounted at the rally the country’s progress in the last 50 years and urged Singaporeans to think about the next 50.

“If you are proud of what we have achieved together, if you support what we want to do ahead, the future that we are building, then please support me, please support my team,” he said.

“We have to do it together, so that we can keep Singapore special for many years to come. Another 50 years. And Singapore has to stay special because if we are just a dull little spot on the map, a smudge, we are going to count for nothing. We have to be a shining red dot,” he added.

On election day, 16 areas in Singapore will be contested in groups, while 13 others will be contested individually, amounting to a total of 89 seats. Parliament was dissolved by the president earlier Tuesday and nomination Day is Sept. 1.

There are around 2.46 million eligible voters, up from 2.35 million in 2011, with an increased number of voters born post-independence.

The opposition Workers’ Party currently holds the other seven seats. It rose in popularity, particularly among the younger generation, after campaigning on the back of providing credible voices to keep the PAP in check.

In the 2011 election, the party snatched the five-member ward of Aljunied in Eastern Singapore, ousting a PAP team led by a former foreign minister. ■

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MP Costas Menegakis Clarifies Bill C-24, Allays Fears of Arbitrariness SPECIAL TO PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER “IT IS an act that strengthens Canadian Citizenship” reassuring words from Member of Parliament, Costas Menegakis, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, and member of House of Commons Standing Committee for Citizenship and Immigration, in an exclusive interview with Philippine Canadian Inquirer.

He further stress that “Canada is the most welcoming country in the world and that has not changed even with Bill C-24.”

In clarifying the controversial provision of Bill C-24, he allays fears of arbitrariness and explained that the Bill does not intend to change the way democracy has been viewed and experienced in a free country like Canada. The bill stands to retain Canada’s respect for the country, the language, the culture, the religion, and the tradition immigrants carry with them even as they moved to this new country.

PCI: What is Bill C-24?

MP Menegakis: ”Bill C-24 is an act strengthening Canadian citizenship introduced in the House of Commons by Minister Alexander. A bill that is consulted widely with Canadians across the country before we brought these important measures to Parliament and a bill that I worked on as government leader (in the) Standing Committee for Citizenship and Immigration with my colleagues and colleagues from the opposition parties as well.

The Bill has been subject of many speculations and worries on the part of the public in view of what is perceived as arbitrary and very loose provisions on the discretionary authority of the Minister of Canada to cancel or revoke once citizenship, something that was only previously granted to the Court of law.”

Specifically, Bill C-24 now states that “The Minister may revoke a person’s citizenship or renunciation of citizenship if the Minister is satisfied on a balance of probabilities that the person obtained, retained, renounced or

resumed his or her citizenship by false representation or fraud or by knowingly concealing material circumstances.

The same section of the Bill further provides that same authority is vested upon the Minister if it is proven that a person has committed and has been convicted of the crimes of treason, acts of terrorism and other serious crimes against the Queen or Canada. In this regard, MP Menegakis clarifies: “the bill (only seeks) to penalize those (who) would obtain Canadian citizenship under false pretenses. For example, there is an important measure in the legislation on the revocation of citizenship from dual citizens that (was) either obtained fraudulently (have not met one person in Canada that lied when they get their citizenship) or if they commit a very serious crime especially the crime of treason , high treason (against the Queen), espionage or terror against Canada, Canadian people or Canadian troops. (That) is important to point that out. It does not affect the 99.9999 percent of the citizens of Canada (who) happen to have dual citizenship. It only affects those dual citizens who have committed those serious crimes and who are found guilty in the courts of law They (will) have always the opportunity to appeal their case even up to the Supreme Court, but once found guilty and imprisoned, they will lose their Canadian citizenship.”

PCI: What has made this bill sound so controversial?

MP Menegakis: ”There is a lot of dissemination of false information in the communities that somehow, (arbitrarily), the Minister can take away their Canadian citizenship — that is categorically false. The only time the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration or the government can take their citizenship away is — if they have committed one of those four crimes and only if they have been convicted of one of those 4 crimes, or if they obtained their citizenship fraudulently in the first place. So a lot of fear-mongering in the community by political opponents and so forth

is very unfair in a very dynamic and vibrant multicultural ethnic community across Canada that is contributing to Canadian society every single day.”

MP Menegakis further explained that the penalties are not outright and still has to undergo a democratic process.

Bill C-24, Section (3) clearly states that “Before revoking a person’s citizenship or renunciation of citizenship, the Minister shall provide the person with a written notice that specifies the person’s right to make written representations; the period within which the person may make his or her representation and the form and manner in which they muct be made; and the grounds on which the Minister is relying to make his or her decision. (4) A hearing may be held if the Minister, on the basis of prescribed factors, is of the opinion that a hearing is required. The Minister shall provide his or her decision to the person in writing.”

In relation to the same issue of revocation, the Bill provides that “The Minister may revoke a person’s citizenship or renunciation of citizenship if the Minister is satisfied on a balance of probabilities that the person has obtained, retained, renounced or resumed his or her citizenship by false representation or fraud or by knowingly concealing material circumstances.”

PCI: In layman’s language, how will the changes affect immigrants yet to become citizens of Canada? This in reference to the residency requirements.

Bill C-24 intends to grant citizenship to a person who “is a permanent resident within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, has, subject to the regulations, no unfulfilled conditions under that Act relating to his or her status as a permanent resident and has, since becoming a permanent resident, been physically present in Canada for at least 1,460 days during the 6 years immediately before the date of his or her application, been physically present in Canada for at least 183 days during each of 4 calendar years that are fully or partially within the www.canadianinquirer.net

MP Costas Menegakis.

6 years immediately before the date of his or her application, and met any applicable requirement under the Income Tax Act to file a return of income in respect to four taxation years that are fully or partially within the 6 years immediately before the date of his or her application.”

MP Menegakis: The residency requirements used to be 3 of the last 4 years. The new Act requires 4 out of the last 6 years; in 4 of those 6 years, to have spent at least 183 days here in Canada. So basically, in layman’s terms, someone has to spend 1,460 days in Canada and in 4 of the last 6 years, they have to have been here in Canada at least 183 days. This does a number of things. First of all, it allows the individual the opportunity to travel. They don’t feel imprisoned and they don’t feel contained in Canada and many families have reasons to travel.

It can be for family, business, travel. So It allows flexibility for people to come and go. In addition, the additional years of residency in Canada, gives more opportunity for people to integrate easier to the society in Canada. . . . and in vast majority of cases, people apply for Canadian citizenship after 4 years anyways. So it really does not affect that many people other than the fact that it gives them more time in Canada. I am happy to say that the second half of 2014, because of this bill, we created a record year for 2014 for new citizens to 262,000 first time and we are in a position today, that we will be under 12 months once they have completed their time here. It is only fair to people who have fulfilled their obligations and therefore, they shouldn’t be waiting for an

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAARNI LIWANAG-DE PAULA

additional 2 or 3 years.

Another provision that is seen as stricter, if not restrictive, is that one requiring those under 65 and those 14 and up to prove their English language proficiency. The Bill states that “. . . if under 65 years of age at the date of his or her application, demonstrates in one of the official languages of Canada that he or she has an adequate knowledge of Canada and of the responsibilities and privileges of citizenship. . .”

To this, MP Menegakis says: [with the required] level of proficiency in one of two official languages, English and French, their potential to be successful in Canada is very much greater...

Both the residency requirement and the language proficiency “strengthen the value of Canadian citizenship,” in the opinion of MP Menegakis. According to him, Bill C-24 “represents the first real changes to the Canadian citizenship act since 1977. It has been 37 years.

Our objective (is) to strengthen the value of Canadian citizenship by empowering newcomers and new Canadians with the right level of proficiency in one of the two official languages in Canada and allowing more time in the country before they can get citizenship so that they can have a higher potential of successful outcomes once they become Canadian citizens of the country.”

PCI: We Filipinos tend to reach out to our fellow Filipino Canadians for advice on any matter, be it pertaining to immigration, and I would say, less on the government resources available to them. What is your ❱❱ PAGE 47 MP Costas

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AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

FILIPINO-CANADIANS IN FOCUS:

Fantastic Four: Fil-Can Parliament Candidates in Canada's Political Derby

BY TONY A. SAN JUAN Special to the Philippine Canadian Inquirer “PINOY KAMI. We are Filipinos!”

With this proud mantra, for the first time in Canada’s political history, four Filipino Canadians from Canada’s east and west coasts are currently running for elected positions in Canada’s Parliament this coming October 2015 Federal election engagingly hoping to follow the “footsteps” of Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan — the first Filipino Canadian elected Liberal MP for Winnipeg, Manitoba from 1989-2001.

The four fellow kababayans who are official candidates for Member of Parliament: Julius Tiangson of Mississauga Centre, Ontario; Francisco “Jojo” Quimpo of Vancouver-Kingsway, British Columbia; Mario Jacinto Rimbao of Mount Royal, Montreal, Quebec; and Levy Abad, Jr. of Winnipeg North, Manitoba. The first two are running under the Progressive Conservative (PC), while the

other 2 are candidates of the New Democratic Party ( NDP).

Here’s a profile of each of the courageous political candidates now being dubbed as the Filipino “Fantastic Four.”

JULIUS TIANGSON, a Conservative MP Candidate in Mississauga Centre, Ontario, came to Canada from Davao in 1985 via a job-exchange program, settling first in Saskatoon and then moving with his family to Toronto in 2000. Married to Nona Lee Molina , they have 3 children. An avid golfer and financial advisor, he is a practicing Christian and a former church pastor.

Focusing in “newcomer integration, race relations, refugee advocacy, spirituality and youth mentoring”, and social - wealth creation strategies as well, Tiangson co- founded Gateway Homes, Gateway Capital and Gateway Wealth Strategies under the “roof” of Gateway Centre for New Canadians.

Very much involved in social and political circles in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and Ontario, as a Conservative, he was a recipient of municipal and

national recognition awards.

His civic service reaches out to Buddhist, Christian, Hindu and Muslim communities.

A graduate of the Ateneo de Davao University with a degree in Commerce-Accounting, Tiangson is still completing his Master’s program in Intercultural Studies through Ambrose University-Alberta. As a Philippine Certified Public Accountant, he is a FSCO-Canada licensed financial advisor.

Thrilled to have a cross section of multicultural supporters and volunteers especially his kababayang mga Filipino, Julius is “looking forward to serve you and be your voice in Ottawa.”

Running for Conservative MP in Vancouver-Kingsway, B.C., FRANCISCO QUIMPO, during his acclamation in October, 2014, declared: “Kaya natin ito.” A senior PC government, in a press release, said of Quimpo: “We are passing the torch to another generation of leadership. With bright dreams , he came to Canada with no guarantees and left the Philippines when he was in his fourth year www.canadianinquirer.net

of law school, but he worked hard, went back to school, became a qualified paralegal and had become an amazing community leader.”

Quimpo was “deeply involved in organizing charity events and various Filipino cultural events, fundraising for typhoons in the Philippines, helping his church organization, while at the same time, supporting his family and upgrading his education. His educational background includes having studied at Adamson University, University of Santo Tomas,University of the Philippines-Visayas.

Affectionately called “Jojo,” he is “the Filipino-Canadian immigrant feel-good story – where hard work, determination, living within one’s means, and dedication to community results in resolve and leadership.”

From factory worker to a paralegal career, Jojo never lost sight of his vision to do more and along the way, he inspired and continues to organize Canada’s largest Filipino-Canadian street parade and festival.

Quimpo got noticed, receiving federal and community

recognition, and joining Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Canada’s Trade mission to Asia in 2012. He also uses his talent as a singer and performer, to help raise money for worthy causes and for calamity relief.

With a genuine understanding of the Canadian immigrant, and a strong commitment to community and family, Jojo is ready to be Vancouverites’ representative in Parliament.

MARIO JACINTO RIMBAO was acclaimed by his riding association as the NDP MP Candidate in Mount Royal.

Born in Montreal to Filipino practicing medical technologist -and- nurse parents, lives in Brossard with his wife Roanne, a registered nurse, and their year-old daughter Alyanne. He was raised in Cote des Neiges, on Dupuis and later in NDG, on Fielding in Quebec.

Rimbao, an affable and easygoing 36-year old CanadianFilipino is known as “coach” in Montreal’s Filipino community for being a volunteer in the Philippine Basketball Association. He was educated at Loyola High School, completed CE-

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FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

GEP , a pre-university program status or the experience politi- for Canadian citizenship appliat Dawson College in Quebec cally, but I know how people feel cation lowered. and his B.A. in political science and think.” His mantra: “I am the A singer-songwriter-guitarat Concordia University as a underdog,without a doubt, but I ist, Abad is a member of Musishipping industry working stu- always like a challenge.” kang Bayan. He considers himdent. He works at Fednay InterLEVY ABAD, JR., a former self as an alternative musician national setting schedules for Toronto resident, immigrated playing musical pieces with nadeep-sea cargo ships. to Canada in 2006. As the NDP tionalist themes and included A long-time and committed candidate in Winnipeg North, two tunes in his 2014 album social democrat, Rimbao says Manitoba Abad said “that ex- “Rhythms of Compassion” that “he decided to run because, perience and the desire to help deal with Aboriginal issues. following the birth of his first new Canadians is his main rea- He wrote the song “Daughter child, he realShe Can’t Find” ized how hard about the disapit is to find subpearance of an sidized daycare aboriginal girl, even in Quebec, We should be truthful. We should and the song which uniquely face the truth and help these people “Souls Taken in Canada has a instead of pretending because it’s Away” about reslimited number totally wrong. idential school of spaces at $7.30 issues. a day. (Under a “When I first new sliding scale, arrived here the families earning more than son for seeking election, as he only thing I could do was sing, $55,000 will pay more, up to $20 knows the challenges of coming because I was struggling finana day.”). He is supportive of the to a new country.” At 47 years cially. Right away you can’t parNDP idea to abolish the Senate old, Abad has a wife and two ticipate in the political process, and to oppose the government’s kids and is currently on leave so the only thing I could do is anti-terrorism legislation. from his job as a Multicultural write socially relevant songs “One thing I’m good at Outreach Officer in the provin- that were reflective of the isthroughout my life is dealing cial government. sues of Winnipeg North.” with people, touching their emoIn addition to helping new Abad wants to better serve tions, their passions, issues and Canadians, Abad is concerned Canada’s indigenous populaproblems. I understand people, with old age security, particu- tion, promising that as a huI grew up around different na- larly the federal government’s man rights advocate, he “would tionalities and backgrounds, and increase of the retirement age address this issue, a cause that I know how to deal with all of from 65 to 67. He said he would is close to his heart and bring them. I don’t have the celebrity like to see the processing fees their concerns to Ottawa.” ■

Testy trial... read English, sir?”

“Sir, frankly, you don’t need to insult me,” said Woodcock, hackles raised.

“What I’m saying is that it’s not that I didn’t understand the words on the page, it’s that it they weren’t important or immediately relevant to what I had to take care of that day.”

While the Bayne-Woodcock exchange provided the drama of the day, the Crown introduced evidence that potentially bolsters their case.

Emails showed that a former lawyer for Mike Duffy advised him to defend the secret repayment of his contested expenses as a “contract,” in the days immediately following details of the secret cheque breaking in the media.

Lawyer Christopher Rootham told him that because firm colleague Janice Payne had helped to strike a repayment deal with Wright, that would be a better way to frame it than calling it a gift.

“In my opinion, a good argument could be made that this was not a ‘gift’ at all, but instead income received from a con-

tract (negotiated by Janice),” he wrote. “The payment therefore falls under the annual ‘confidential disclosure statement’ that you must make under...

1/8the Senate ethics and conflict of interest 3/8 code.”

Duffy sent a letter to Senate ethics officer Lyse Ricard, repeating the notion of a contract with Wright and asking her to review the matter.

This characterization of the payment as a contract is potentially problematic for Duffy now, as the Crown tries to paint him as the instigator or equal partner in a scheme to have the $90,000 in dubious expense claims paid back from someone else’s pocket.

Rootham goes on to tell Duffy that the “more serious risk” is if someone alleges he breached the Parliament of Canada Act — something that some experts did bring up at the time, but which the RCMP never delved charged him with.

The Act prohibits any member of the Senate from receiving money in relation to any “controversy,” or any person from offering the money to a senator. ■

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28

Community News

AUGUST 28, 2015

Farewell to Sis Grace WHEN I was asked to speak at Grace’s burial service and give a eulogy, I have to look back at how we met her and how the bonds of our fraternity have evolved from our student days sa UP, and how the solidarity of our sorority have transcended into something that we can not really prepare for: the reality of death and dying.

Grace entered the Pi Sigma Delta sorority in 1980. She was our Lady Excelsius during early 80’s.

As condolences from brods and sisses all over the world started to pour in, they remembered Grace and her legacy.

Nabanggit ni Brod Dennis na nung simula nung 1980’s sa UP Diliman, napansin nya na mula nung naging sis na si Grace, nag karoon ng surge sa membership ng frat...biru-biruan sa tambayan na ang ibang bods ay pumasok sa frat dahil naakit sa kagandahan ni Grace.

But beyond her external beauty, there lies a deeper and more meaningful characteristics that Grace have shown.

Sisses have shared that: Sis Grace was among our first and staunchest supporters in the early days of the PSD/PS Bar Ops. Thank you for your generous spirit. They remembered her generosity and kindness in letting the sisses use her Makati law office for several weekends for Bar Ops at tandem talaga sila ng husband niya sa pag-asikaso at paghanda ng food for the volunteers.

At kami naman dito sa Canada, this is our story: We’ve met Grace and Arnold here in Vancouver.

That was 2011, when they immigrated from Manila.

Kasama ko sina brod Paul at brod Zhai, at sis MJ...we welcomed Grace and Arnold’s family....we had dinner one evening...and that dinner have cemented a bond, a fraternal bond that will take us to a greater understanding kung ano at kung paano magmahal sa isang kapatid.

That dinner gathering became frequent...nagkikita kita kami sa mga birthdays, sa mga sporting events, BBQs, Thanksgiving, even when they moved from Vancouver to Delta, o kahit minsan, kahit walang dahilan-basta makapag sama sama lang kaming mga brods at sisses...masasayang okasyon na

Reintegration Program readied for returning temporary workers

Tats Montinola.

punong puno ng mga tawanan, kwentuhan, at kantchawan.

Pero....may ibang dahilan kung bakit ko laging kasama si Grace. May mas malalim na rason kung bakit lagi akong nasa tabi nya.

Few years ago, sinabi nya sa akin: sis, paki tignan mo nga ito, may bukol ako... ano kaya itong bukol na ito? Tinanong ko sya sa mga tests at doctor’s appointment nya...and finally, she shared with me the dreaded news.

As I look back at how Grace embraced this new diagnosis, may mga qualities si Grace na ipinakita nya... her positive attitude that I will forever adore, her strength that I will forever remember, and courage that I will forever emulate.

As Grace go through numerous chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and surgeries, she was brave. She was always positive that this too shall pass. I salute her - lagi nyang iniisip na gagaling sya, lagi nyang iniisip na wala itong karamdaman na ito.

We have seen how Grace’s illness progress through the years.....

She was stronger and saw what was beyond her illness.

She was determined that she will overcome this.

And I tell you Grace: Once your hair have started to fall, you never associate that with weakness as you have always believed : your hair will grow back again.

As I look into your eyes, I saw what you truly are: you have the strength of a courageous woman.

When I whisper in your ears that I love you... you said you

FRIDAY

love me back.

When the words “thank you sis” kept coming out of your mouth, it exudes humility.

When I held your hands countless times, I felt the warmth of your sisterly love.

When I massaged your feet, I’ve held the feet of a woman who has stood up for the rights of others, who have advocated for the marginalized, and who have loved her family and friends.

Madami akong ma-mi-miss about Grace: Yung maja blanca at cassava na lagi nyang dala pag may gatherings, karaoke sessions, yung mga usapan namin about politics, where to volunteer next, to girly topics like nail polish, hair styles, books, orchids and plants, at yung gusto nyang mag pa-picture na wacky at our selfies.

Nag dugo ang puso namin nung nakita namin sya na nahihirapan. However, Grace always gave us a smile... despite all the hardships, she gave a smile despite the pain.

In the back of my mind, how did Grace able to endure the pain....of thinking that sooner or later, she will be gone. How did she manage to endure the pain of a mother thinking that she will not see George on his high school graduation... how did she endure the pain thinking she will not be around to see George and Niko grow up....not celebrate their college accomplishments, not be there when they start their chosen careers, not walk them to the alter at their weddings, and not see her ❱❱ PAGE 39 Farewell to

www.canadianinquirer.net

FILIPINOS IN Canada whose status of residence in the country fall under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, including but not exclusive to those who are subject to the a “four years in and four years out” residency limitation under the terms and conditions of their contract of employment, now have the additional option of availing themselves of the various reintegration assistance programs prepared for returning overseas workers by the Philippine government on their return to the Philippines.

The assistance comes in the form of the following: domestic and/overseas employment facilitation; training for employment facilitation; livelihood assistance; enterprise development; biyaheng agripreneur.

Queries may be directed to the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) of the Department of Labor and Employment: www.nrco.dole. gov.ph, nrcointegration@ gmail.com, +632.526.2633.

Information is also posted online and may be obtained from the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa, the Philippine Consulates General and from the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices in both Toronto and Vancouver, and the Philippine Consular offices in Charlottetown, Edmonton, Halifax, St. John’s, and Winnipeg.

Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, a plan designed and implemented by the government of Canada, im-

pact those workers who fall under the previous categories of high-skilled workers (NOC skill type 0 or NOC skill level A or B), low-skilled workers (coded at the NOC C or D skill level, Agricultural Stream, and the Live-in Caregiver Program.

Under its new iteration, the TFWP now covers high-wage positions, low-wage positions, the Primary Agricultural Stream, the highest-demand, highest-paid or shortest-duration, and the Caregiver Program. The new TFWP now refers to only those streams under which foreign workers enter Canada at the request of employers following approval through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

Filipino nationals and their employers affected by the ongoing reforms are expected to comply with the terms and conditions for employment as agreed upon by the parties concerned. Compliance may further help ensure the long term viability and prospect for further employment of a foreign worker in Canada.

The Philippine diplomatic and consular offices in Canada continues to monitor developments that affect Filipino temporary workers in Canada, as the Philippine government affirms its commitment to ensuring the protection and welfare of Filipinos working overseas and in providing assistance programs for the benefit of both departing and returning overseas Filipino workers. ■

Temporary Foreign Workers in Victoria, B.C..

ANNETTE BEECH

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FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS:

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS Every week, the Philippine Canadian Inquirer celebrates the unwavering Filipino spirit through a feature called “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”

The feature recognizes the achievements of Filipinos living in Canada who have shown concern for the community, success in spite of trials, and the uniquely Pinoy practice of “bayanihan.”

This year, we are welcoming nominations for the next subject of “Filipino-Canadian in Focus.”

MECHANICS: - All nominees must have (a) Filipino heritage/ancestry - All nominees must be residing in Canada at the time of nomination - Nominees from all industries are welcome (e.g. medical/health, politics, community service, business, entertainment, charity institutions, etc.)

- Who can nominate? Anybody.

Fill up the nomination form online by scanning the code with your smartphone or by visiting InFocus.canadianinquirer.net.

www.canadianinquirer.net

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AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

Entertainment

Kris Aquino rushed to hospital after high blood pressure, headache

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Kapamilya host-actress Kris Aquino was rushed to the Medical City after having high blood pressure and experiencing persistent headache in the previous days while taping for her talk show “Kris TV.” When Aquino’s blood pressure reached 150/100 on Monday evening, she was then brought to the hospital. Her blood pressure was already at 200/110 when she arrived in the emergency room.

According to her doctors, if Aquino was not immediately brought to the hospital, her blood pressure could have been higher and she would have suffered a mild stroke.

After being confined for a couple of hours, the Queen of All Media was dis-

charged on Tuesday. She then took to Instagram and admitted that what happened was a ‘wake up call’ for her to take better care of her health.

“I’m headed home but I need to first say thank you to my sons and siblings… [and doctors] for taking good care of me,” she said in her post.

“I will never again abuse my body because I was a slave to my work. My goal now is to achieve a healthy work and life balance,” she added. “Last night was a scary wake up call for me… but it also made me realize how much my siblings and sons love and care for me. It really [puts] my priorities in proper perspective.”

Aquino had a hectic schedule for the whole month as she had been filming for Star Cinema’s “Etiquette for Mistresses” while continuing taping for “Kris TV” and her entertainment news show “Aquino and Abunda Tonight.” ■

AlDub has viewers all over the world glued to Eat Bulaga, which airs worldwide on GMA Pinoy TV. PHOTO COURTESY OF MAINE MENDOZA’S INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT

AlDub’s kalyeserye receives praises from Catholic Church

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

told Yaya Dub that true love could not be bought by money.

“It’s not enough to love someone because he is wealthy… True love is felt, not MANILA — Accidental on-screen love- bought. It is kept hidden and revealed at team Alden Richards and “Yaya Dub” or the right time,” she said.

Maine Mendoza’s ‘kalyeserye’ has been Just like the CBCP, Radyo Veritas was supported and approved by Catholic pleased with the show’s kalyeserye. It groups, saying that the popular tandem also tweeted, ‘We salute Eat Bulaga for has been showing good values on mar- the pure intentions of the kalyeserye to riage in its segment. bring back to mind the basics of love and According to a Philresponsibility.’ ippine EntertainAgreeing with the ment Portal (PEP) two, 100% Katolikong report, the Catholic Pinoy also expressed Bishops Conference We support support. It tweeted, of the Philippines the kalyeserye ‘We support the kaly(CBCP), Radyo Veribecause the eserye because the tas and 100% Katomessage is message is wholelikong Pinoy have all wholesome… It some… It reflects how given positive comreflects how love love should be. Love is ments on AlDub’s should be. Love patient. Love is kind.’ ‘kalyeserye’ segment is patient. Love is Truly, AlDub’s in GMA-7’s noontime kind. kalyeserye has been show Eat Bulaga. one of the most talkAfter the ‘Yakie’ ed about television wedding of Yaya Dub series at present, and Franki Arinoli or Jose Manalo, the even gaining the approval of religious CBCP tweeted ‘2-million tweets for Fili- groups. But the question remained, pino marriage moral standards.’ Prior when will Alden and Yaya Dub finally the tweet, Lola Nidora or Wally Bayola meet in person? ■

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Entertainment

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

31

Charice, Gerphil Flores, Jason Dy perform in David Foster’s concert

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — As part of the 2015 HitMan David Foster and Friends Asia Tour, Charice Pempengco performed with her godfather — well-renowned music producer and scriptwriter David Foster — in his concert held last week at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s so great to be with you on stage again. This audience (pointing to Filipino concertgoers) is so amazing!

They love music!” Foster said when Charice joined him onstage.

Aside from Charice, other Filipino guest performers in the concert were Asia’s Got Talent finalist Gerphil Flores and singer Jason Dy. “It’s great to be back here in the Philippines after

four years because Filipinos love music as much as I do,” Foster said in a Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) report.

The 15-time Grammy award winner then started his show by performing the 1988 Winter Olympics’ theme song. Last week’s concert was his third concert in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, in an earlier interview, the 15-time Grammy award winner admitted that Charice ‘has some personal issues that she has to overcome and she’s trying to get over a decision.’ He also respected her change in music style.

“People like Charice, Celine, and Josh, and Buble, Bryan Adams, and all the other people I started out with, they get their own mind. And so they should.

The good ones do,” Foster said. ■

“The Voice Kids” Coach Sarah Geronimo with her team Zephanie and Kyle.

@POPSTERS25 / TWITTER

Sarah Geronimo on The Voice Kids 2 grand finals: ‘Don’t be sad; Ganun talaga’

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Sarah Geronimo may have been saddened that none from Team Sarah made it to the grand finals of The Voice Kids 2 but she humbly accepted the results and hoped that the most deserving kid would win.

Sarah also thanked all of those who supported Zephanie Dimaranan and Kyle Echarri, and hoped for the best for

the kids from Lea Salonga’s FamiLEA and Bamboo’s Kamp Kawayan who comprised the singing competition’s Top 4 finalists.

“Sa lahat po ng Popsters at sa mga hindi po Popsters na sumuporta sa Team Sarah, maraming maraming salamat po (To all Popsters and non-Popsters who supported Team Sarah, thank you very much). Thank you po, thank you,” she said on Twitter.

The Popstar Princess remained positive and still felt

happy for having the opportunity to coach the two kids from her team who both inspired her.

She also encouraged others to lighten up, saying ‘Don’t be sad. Ganun talaga (It’s really like that [sometimes]).’

This has been the first time that none from #TeamSarah made it to the grand finals as The Voice Kids Season 1 grand winner Lyca Gairanod and The Voice Season 2 champion Jason Dy were both under Coach Sarah. ■

Emotional Celine Dion returns to the stage, braces for husband’s death THE CANADIAN PRESS LAS VEGAS — Celine Dion says she’s preparing for her husband’s death as she resumes her career in Las Vegas this week.

Dion tells USA Today that Rene Angelil has told her he wants to die in her arms and has given her detailed instructions www.canadianinquirer.net

for his funeral as he continues his battle with throat cancer.

The 47-year-old singer told the newspaper in an interview published Monday that Angelil is back in Las Vegas after undergoing procedures in Boston and has been on a feeding tube for two years.

She took a lengthy break from her show, “Celine,” at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in

Las Vegas, to deal with Angelil’s illness.

In earlier interviews, she’d said that Angelil was the one who had encouraged her to go back to work.

Dion tells the paper she doesn’t know if Angelil will be well enough to attend her return concert in person.

She returns to the stage on Thursday. ■

32

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

Back to School

Back to school shopping .

SHUTTERSTOCK

Back to school shopping: Teens say no big deal

BY ANNE D’INNOCENZIO The Associated Press GARDEN CITY, N.Y. — Giulia Pugliese is a typical teenager.

She likes to look good, and she’s particular about what she wears.

But when The Associated Press followed the 15-year-old from Long Island on a recent back-to-school shopping trip with friends, she left a Nike store empty-handed - even though Nike is one of her favorites. The reason?

“I buy on sale because it’s stupid to buy a pair of shorts for $60,” said Pugliese, who instead looks for the “Swoosh” logo in discount stores like Marshalls.

Teens are shopping like their parents during the backto-school season, and that’s putting a lot of pressure on retailers to change the way they market to them. Gone are the spending sprees, starting weeks before school bells ring. More

teens are thrifty nowadays, a habit picked up from their recession-scarred parents.

Today’s kids recycle more clothes from the previous school year, mixing and matching the old with the new for different looks. They also shop year-round for things they need so they’re spending less money this time of year.

When they do buy, they’re less likely to get anything that’s not on sale. And the number of kids who’ll reuse last year’s items rose to 39 percent from 26 percent between 2011 and 2015, says a Deloitte LLP poll of 1,000 parents.

And when teens shop, they’re spending less. Families with school-age kids, on average, are expected to spend $630.36 this year, according to a survey of 6,500 by the National Retail Federation. That’s down 6 percent from last year and results have registered declines for four out of the past seven years.

Overall, back-to-school spend-

ing this year should hit $42.5 billion, up 2.1 percent from the previous year, according to The Retail Economist, a research firm. That’s much lower than the 5 to 6 percent average gains typically seen in a healthy economy.

Teens’ behavior is an extension of how their parents learned to shop since 2008 when retailers pushed discounts to entice people to buy during the downturn. That helped lure shoppers, but it also got them addicted to deals. The shift made it difficult for stores to make money because discounts cut into profits.

Such behavior has cut into sales from July through September, the second biggest shopping period of the year behind the winter holidays. Sales during that period were 24.9 percent of total sales annually last year, down from 25.8 percent in 2003, according to The Retail Economist.

“Consumers are sending a message to retailers that says www.canadianinquirer.net

‘the back-to-school shopping season just isn’t that important anymore,’” says Deloitte’s Alison Paul.

The shift is changing how stores market to teens. Whereas stores’ promotions would end around Labor Day, they’re now extending them through September. They’re also pulling together complete outfits from different brands in stores to make it easier for teens to buy looks. And they’re using social media campaigns to be more easily discovered by teens.

To observe teens’ new behavior, the AP followed Pugliese; her cousin, Arianna Schaden, 14; and two friends, Isabella Cimato, 17, and Sofia Harrison, 15, at Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City, N.Y. Here are some ways teens are shopping differently, and how retailers are adjusting: They’re in no rush to buy

Teens aren’t impatient about shopping.

Although they started shopping weeks early, the four teens plan to delay buying things they don’t need immediately, like jeans, until well after school starts and the weather cools.

In fact, they’re planning to spend about half of their backto-school budget of about $400 after school begins.

Cimato didn’t buy anything at all that day. Harrison, who bought just a few shirts, said: “To be honest, it’s not that big of a deal because I shop year round.”

Besides that, they want big discounts. During their shopping trip, Schaden found a $58 romper she liked, but decided to leave the mall without it.

“I think I buy on sale because my mom never buys something unless it’s on sale,” she said.

In response to this new thinking, Macy’s and J.C. Penney are now staggering back-to-school promotions through Septem❱❱ PAGE 34 Back to

Back to School

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

33

September just another month CIBC: College for home-schooled kids students need

budget training; 51% out of money before year ends

BY MATT INGRAM The Canadian Press TORONTO — As many kids prepare to return to school this fall, the back-to-school season just doesn’t have the same meaning for other Canadian families choosing to home-school their children.

September is in the middle of the school year for Lisa Marie Fletcher and her five children.

“We don’t start a new math book, we don’t start a new language book — we just keep going wherever we are,” Fletcher said in an interview from Whitby, Ont. Fletcher, who home-schools her kids, says she schedules her kids’ school year between March and December because her husband is off work in the winter.

“My family is kind of a weird twist,” Fletcher said. “We take time off in the winter to spend time with daddy.”

According to Fletcher, September’s only significance to the family is the beginning of fall programs and activities at community centres, accompanied by a “fresh start” feeling and “sense of newness” the time of year brings.

Fletcher says she’s never done fall back-to-school shopping but does use the time of year to celebrate her family’s differences.

“A lot of home-schoolers seem to be into the ‘not back to school’ party, so they get all their home-school friends together and go hang out at a park,” Fletcher said.

Like Fletcher, Kara-DavisonWildeman, her husband, Rob, and their 11-year-old daughter, Zoey, design their own school year that doesn’t follow the traditional September start.

“We don’t fit into that mould,” Davison-Wildeman said from Clarksburg, Ont. “(In September) we just do what we do normally.”

Davison-Wildeman says she will plan a “fun and special” event with other home-schoolers in September similar to Fletcher’s “not back to school party” to mark the season.

Juliet Forrester of Mississauga, Ontario, also home-

THE CANADIAN PRESS

SHUTTERSTOCK

schooled her daughter, Katherine, and followed a unique schedule.

“As far as September, our lives were just so different that it really wasn’t part of our routine,” Forrester said.

That will change soon when Katherine begins high school at the Etobicoke School of the Arts. “(Katherine’s friend) is going to be teaching Katherine how to do back-to-school shopping,” Forrester said. “It will be an event.”

Some home-schoolers choose to conduct class year round, meaning they never experience a back-to-school season. Andrea Nair, a parenting educator, says she believes the year-round schedule works best for her two boys.

Home school is a departure for Nair, a former teacher who sent her boys to school previously. She said not having to worry about the September rush this year is “oddly relaxing.”

“It’s nice not having to buy backpacks and extra shoes and lunch kit stuff; I’m not going to miss that,” Nair said speaking from London, Ont. Fletcher, Davison-Wildeman, Forrester and Nair’s families are all part of a growing number of Canadians deciding to home-school. A report from the Fraser Institute released in June found a 29 per cent in-

crease in the number of people choosing to home-school their kids over a five-year period.

Each family takes its own approach, with some choosing to follow a September to June schedule.

Mark Simms and his family have chosen to mimic the traditional school year in some ways. Simms and his wife have been home-schooling for seven years from their place in Conn, Ontario, northwest of Toronto.

He says his four kids follow the September to June school year, carry backpacks and take part in back-to-school shopping like many kids destined for classrooms across the country.

Simms says his kids even wear uniforms.

“The reason why is to give them the sense that it’s school, and during the hours of school this is your job, so it just gets them into that mode,” Simms said.

They also participate in a variety of sports and activities outside the home with some kicking off in the fall, according to Simms.

Simms can’t hide his passion for his brand of home-school, sharing a joke explaining his family’s choice: “There’s a caption I used to have on my Facebook page that said I home-school my children because I’ve seen the village and I don’t want it raising them.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

TORONTO — If past practice is any indication, the majority of post-secondary school students will likely run out of money before the school year ends — and end up turning to the Bank of Mom and Dad for help.

A new poll from CIBC has found that 51 per cent of postsecondary students tapped their parents for additional financial support last year because they ran out of money.

And according to the bank, there wasn’t much difference between students from higherand lower-income families.

CIBC said some 48 per cent of students from families with household incomes of more than $125,000 tapped their parents for extra cash, compared with 52 per cent from families with household incomes of less than $75,000.

Sarah Widmeyer, managing director and head of Wealth Advisory Services, at the bank, said that even though 86 per cent of parents surveyed considered themselves good role models

for financial planning, some students were treating their parents like personal ATMs. Widmeyer said young people need to understand that their parents may not always be willing or able to dispense extra cash and that being taught basic financial and budgeting skills before they go off to college or university is essential.

“Clearly, being a good financial role model doesn’t mean your children will understand how to manage their own finances,” she said.

“That’s why it is so important to teach them the importance of balancing a budget in their early teens because it’s a much a tougher lesson to learn when they are off living on their own for the first time in their lives.”

The online survey was conducted Aug. 13-17 among 1,001 Canadian parents who are Angus Reid Forum panellists.

The polling industry’s professional body, the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association, says online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population. ■

TOMASZ BIDERMANN / SHUTTERSTOCK

34

Back to School

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

‘Good and Cheap’ cookbook for students, families on tight food budget

BY LOIS ABRAHAM The Canadian Press TORONTO — Thousands of people on a tight food budget have benefited from a thesis project by a former Edmonton resident.

Leanne Brown, who earned a master’s degree from New York University in food studies, wrote a cookbook targeted to low-income people and Food Stamps recipients that she made available for free.

“Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day” has now been downloaded more than 700,000 times.

But Brown, 30, wanted to get “Good and Cheap” into the hands of people who might not be have access so she launched a Kickstarter campaign to selfpublish it.

Setting a goal of $10,000, she was overwhelmed when she ended up with more than $144,000, enabling her to print 40,000 copies — which she and her husband distributed out of their tiny New York apartment.

Workman Publishing has stepped in for the expanded second edition and agreed to the “buy one, give one” model — for every book sold, a copy is donated to a non-profit organization working with lowerincome families.

“Good and Cheap” is designed to help families, students and retirees with limited funds develop cooking techniques using whole unprocessed food along with practical advice like how to stock a pantry.

People on social assistance with dependents who work multiple jobs to make ends meet have so little time.

“While everything can be cheaper when you’re cooking things from scratch your options are limited because you have to do things that are very 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

30 in the food and drink category — says she loves to help people understand the reason certain techniques are used so they can make a recipe and then adapt it using what’s on hand, what’s on sale or what’s tastiest to their palate.

Brown’s master tip is to buy flexible ingredients. At the store, think of several ways something can be used with pantry items at home.

Develop a pantry of basics — buying in bulk and on sale — with rice and other grains, dried beans, dry pasta, lentils, canned tomatoes, dried herbs and spices, then supplement these with eggs, butter and seasonal fruits and vegetables.

“That will allow you to have great variety in your diet.”

Buy a bag of potatoes as needed rather than a few loose from 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 lettuce instead of salad mix and two-for-one loaves of bread (put one in the freezer).

Brown focuses many recipes on vegetables.

“When you have little flexibility in your budget, meat is really expensive. It’s easy to just do a lot of cheap starches, but that’s not particularly well balanced.”

Canned and frozen fruits and

“Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day.”

vegetables can be a good alternative to fresh depending on the time of year.

Brown prefers butter for versatility and the flavour it adds during browning. It can be used in baking and as a spread.

Cheap oils and margarine provide little flavour.

Compare unit prices. Generally items are less expensive when purchased in bulk.

Drink water. Most packaged drinks are overpriced, loaded with added sugar and don’t fill you up the way a piece of fruit or serving of yogurt do.

Buy plain yogurt in large tubs rather than individual servings and make your favourite flavours in your kitchen where you know exactly what’s going

into it.

Develop strategies around leftovers. Add vegetables and meat or beans to rice, put them in a pita or scramble them with eggs.

She explains how to doctor up basic toast with Asian greens, caramelized onions and cheddar or roasted vegetables and suggests ways to transform inexpensive popcorn with spices, oils and Parmesan. ■

together looks before they get trends and hashtags on social ry. These include looks teens there. Google says its image media that are getting lots of haven’t necessarily seen on sosearches for “school outfit” have followers. It now highlights cial media. grown dramatically during the shoe trends using the popular Penney uses Pinterest perpast three years, and soared 76 hashtag FWIS, which means sonalities like Katherine Acpercent in July. cettura and Cimato, who Mai Phung who researched are influential denim tops and among teens to items with fringe Today, the customer is the center of market its backon Instagram, everything we do. to-school fashsaid: “I pretty ions. The commuch know what pany says it sees I am looking for.” up to 500 times That presents challenges for “from where I stand.” more re-pins than if it promotretailers that are afraid teens The retailer also is putting ed the product itself. will bypass their stores because together more looks from varithey’re focused on items they ous labels to create outfits and They want a unique look already want to buy. So, retailers displaying them on manneTeens no longer want to be are trying to get teens’ attention quins or tables in the teen de- carbon copies of each other. before they are in stores. partment instead of showing Now, kids, inspired by what Macy’s is identifying key them by merchandise catego- they see on Instagram and the

like, want to personalize hot looks.

“I’m not a big fan of logos,” Harrison said. “That’s distracting to my style.”

That behavior makes it hard for retailers to dictate specific looks. That means retailers have to do more marketing to attract teens.

Penney’s back-to-school ad campaign called “Bend the Trend” tries to show how easy it is to put together trends for a personalized style. And like many teen retailers, Hollister has scaled back its logoed merchandise.

“Today, the customer is the center of everything we do,” said Hollister president Fran Horowitz. ■

Non-profit organizations interested in being part of the donation program for “Good and Cheap” can contact Canadian distributor Thomas Allen & Son at info@t-allen.com. Requests will be forwarded to Workman Publishing.

Back to... ber. Penney also is increasing the back-toschool merchandise it carries in late August and September. That includes denim, backpacks, and basics such as underwear.

And Hollister, a division of Abercrombie & Fitch, says it is timing deals on items that shoppers most want at that time. Right now, it’s promoting trendy tops and T-shirts with graphics, for instance. ❰❰ 32

They’re smarter consumers

Teens aren’t roaming around at the mall for kicks during backto-school. They’re researching the looks they want online and follow popular hashtags on social media so they can piece

www.canadianinquirer.net

Travel

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

The sea mirroring the sky at Patar, Bolinao.

35

Enchanted Cave.

Hundred Islands.

Bolinao: A Boundless Beauty

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer CRASHING WAVES, warm sun, and quiet countryside charm.

The sleepy municipality of Bolinao in the province of Pangasinan continues to lure foreign and local tourists alike. And it’s easy to see why.

Worth the trip

Bolinao is roughly 6 to 7 hours from the capital of Manila by car. Make sure you pack the car with good tunes, good friends, and snacks for the long trip.

Having an alternate driver is also a great idea.

For those taking public transportation, there are several bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City or Pasay City with buses going straight to Bolinao. The bus ride can take anywhere from 8-10 hours, depending on the time of the day or week. Weekend vacationers might be in for a longer drive, especially with the heavier influx of tourists in terminals and even at North Luzon Expressway (NLEX).

With its growing popularity among tourists, there are lots of options when it comes to lodging and accommodations in Bolinao. From the budget-friendly hostels and transient homes by the beach to the more upscale beach resorts and hotels, there’s a place to rest your head whatever your budget. All it takes

is a bit of research, which is even easier nowadays thanks to the Internet.

When in Bolinao, do not miss out on one of this coastal municipality’s offerings: Its delectable selection of the freshest seafood.

Things to do

On the way to Bolinao is one of the country’s most famous landmarks: The Hundred Islands in Alaminos, Pangasinan.

If you cross the Pangasinan border early in the day, why not visit Hundred Islands before heading off to Bolinao?

The boat tour around its main islands — Governor’s Island, Children’s Island, Quezon Island, and Marcos Island — takes about 4-5 hours, depending on how long you and your travel buddies want to swim around or take photos.

The best part of the island is the panoramic view of the world famous island cluster.

Upon arriving in Bolinao, don’t forget to visit the Cape Bolinao Lighthouse in Abac, Patar. It is the second tallest lighthouse in the Philippines after Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Ilocos Norte. Built on top of Punta Piedra Hill, it is 352 feet above sea level. The structure itself is 101 feet tall. On a good clear day, the view from the lighthouse is said to reach up to 20 miles midsea.

Another tourist destination is Patar White Beach, just a short distance from Cape Bolinao Lighthouse. The sand may

Bolinao Falls.

not be as fine or as white as that of Boracay’s, but if you like peace and quiet — with only the sound of the gushing waves — then this stretch of beach is for you. It gets a bit crowded during the summer and holiday weekends, but it’s still tolerable.

If you’re looking for a cooler, shadier swimming spot, head down to the Enchanted Cave. It’s an underground pool inside a cave with crystal clear and cool waters to soothe the swimmer. An entrance fee of P100 per person will be collected upon entry. Some parts of the underground pool can be as deep as 10 feet, so be careful. Also, be mindful of the jagged rocks underneath. If you’re not too comfortable relying on your swimming

www.canadianinquirer.net

PHOTOS BY CHING DEE

skills or the guide ropes, you can also rent a life vest for an additional fee.

Another alternative is going to Bolinao Falls in Samang Norte. Despite the 5-10 minute trek (depending on your pace) leading to the falls, it’s been developed over the years and is now one of the most famous tourists destinations in the municipality. There are bamboo cottages and tables you can rent for the day. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not take a leap of faith from the top of the falls to the cool pool waiting beneath?

Summer may be over but it’s never too late to explore. Don’t forget to include Bolinao to your travel itinerary next time you come back home to the Philippines. ■

36

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

Business

Peso slips to lowest level in 5 years

BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA AND PAOLO MONTECILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINE stock market wiped out P764.44 billion of its market value following a record free-fall while the peso slipped to a five-year low against the US dollar yesterday.

The massive declines came amid a global financial market meltdown triggered by concerns on the Chinese economy and the slump in commodity prices.

The paper loss on the stock market was equivalent to around 6 percent of the country’s nominal gross domestic product, the total value of goods produced and services rendered, in 2014.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell 487.97 points—the largest decline in a single day in absolute terms—to close at 6,791.01. This reversed the PSEi’s remaining gains, resulting in a year-to-date loss of 6 percent. The amount of market value lost during yesterday’s stock market rout was more than the entire market capitalization of some of the country’s most valuable companies, like tycoon Henry Sy’s SM Investments Corp. (P720 billion) which owns the largest property, banking and retailing businesses in this side of the world or telecommunications giant Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (P594 billion).

At the same time, the peso depreciated to its lowest point since President Aquino came

to power at 46.815 to $1, losing 31.5 centavos from last week’s close of 46.50 to $1.

But local monetary authorities said intervention in the foreign exchange market would be kept to a minimum to allow the currency to move in line with the region.

Loss of confidence

The local stock barometer is deemed an advance gauge of the domestic economy. A sustained period of falling stock prices indicates a loss of overall confidence. When investor sentiment is weak, investors in turn spend less for job-and incomecreating expansion activities.

Michaelangelo Oyson, president of BPI Securities, said looking back at the situation during the US Fed taper tantrum in 2013, the market’s next support level would be at around 6,400.

Yuan devaluation

In a press briefing, PSE president Hans Sicat this heightened volatility started with the surprise devaluation of the Chinese yuan two weeks ago alongside the slump in commodity prices, particularly base commodities and oil.

Because local financial markets were closed on Friday, a nonworking holiday in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day, Sicat said pent-up pressures added to yesterday’s sell-off.

“What’s happening in the Philippines is consistent with pressures across emerging markets,” he said.

In terms of percentage decline, the local stock market had seen worst single-day drops in previous years. The PSEi saw a similar pace of decline, 442.57 points or 6.75 percent, on June 13, 2013, during the first episode of the “taper tantrum” when the US Federal Reserve first hinted at the tapering of its aggressive monetary stimulus.

On Oct. 27, 2008, or at the height of the US-epicentered global financial crisis, the PSEi lost 12.27 percent in a single day.

Disconnect

But Sicat said there was “a little bit of disconnect” be-

Cheering weak peso

SHUTTERSTOCK

tween the market decline and the strong Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals, which he noted had greatly improved since the global financial crisis.

In recent years, the Philippines has achieved a higher growth trajectory in a low inflation rate environment with its total foreign exchange reserves exceeding foreign debt while its government had achieved investment grade rating for the first time.

Bear territory

The stock market has now pulled back by around 17 percent from the all-time high closing of 8,127.48 seen in earlier months but, according to Sicat, it is too early to say whether the local stock market would

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

fall into bear territory.

When a stock market falls by 20 percent from its peak, some investors deem this as technically entering the bear market.

Sicat acknowledged that the sharp decline would be a negative factor as far as capital market activities were concerned.

“Issuers may be hesitant to pull the trigger,” he said.

But while domestic economic fundamentals have changed a lot for the better since 2008, economies today are more intertwined and multiple asset classes in various geographies easily get infected, Sicat noted.

“We’re a small economy in the overall scheme of things whereas China is the largest.

So, clearly it has a global effect,” he said.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said the central bank would “carefully provide liquidity in the market should the exchange rate volatilities become excessive” but saw no need for any aggressive intervention.

The BSP maintains a flexible policy for the peso, but reserves the right to intervene occasionally to keep spikes in check.

Tetangco said excessive volatility in the peso’s value could be disruptive to business planning, in the short term, and may also “dis-anchor” inflation expectations.

“So far, the peso volatility has remained within the middle of the range of the volatilities of regional currencies and inflation expectations are still wellanchored,” Tetangco said.

Beneficial to OFWs

The peso’s recent weakness ❱❱ PAGE 47 Peso slips

As of August 26, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

1.3300 35.1034 1.5266 2.0880 1.1478 0.7140 119.6250

-0.0031 +0.0456 -0.0074 -0.0040 -0.0029 -0.0006 +0.4500

-0.2307% +0.1301% -0.4803% -0.1899% -0.2512% -0.0910% +0.3776%

www.canadianinquirer.net

Business

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

Stock plunge got you rattled? Check your financial plan and risk tolerance

BY CRAIG WONG The Canadian Press

If the plunge in the markets has rattled your nerves and you’ve realized that you really can’t tolerate the risk like OTTAWA — The plunge in the thought you could, Vandermeer stock markets in recent days recommends making changes may have rattled investors, but to your portfolio now, not waita financial adviser says the drop ing for a little bounce back. is a reminder of the importance “You can’t postpone and of understanding your risk tol- hope that tomorrow is better,” erance and building a strong fi- he said. “The trend is usually nancial plan. persistent for a while and that’s The S&P/TSX composite in- the unfortunate part.” dex is down more than 15 per While the drop in recent days cent from its looks big, comhigh reached last pared with the year, while the downturn durDow Jones ining the 2008-09 dustrial average You can’t financial crisis, is off more than postpone the move re10 per cent from and hope mains relatively its high reached that small. earlier this year. tomorrow is During the “If you are better. financial critelling me tosis, the S&P/ day that your TSX composite risk tolerance index dropped is not what you more than 7,000 thought it was and you’re in points from its high in 2008 bethe wrong model and you don’t fore the crisis to its low point in want any downside losses, 2009. then we have some things to The drop in the market folchat about,” said Brent Van- lows a move by China earlier dermeer, a portfolio manager this month to devalue its curwith HollisWealth. rency amid concerns about “This is part of what equity growth in its economy. markets have consistently done The stock market has also and will continue to do and we been fuelled in recent years by have to endure these downside the flood in cheap money made storms even though we get very available by central banks, fearful and worried it is going to which helped keep interest keep going down to zero.” rates low. ■

37

APEC hosting means more economic benefits for PHL, says official PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The country’s hosting of this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit would mean a lot of economic benefits for the Philippines in the long term, the head of the APEC 2015 National Organizing Council said in an interview.

Director General Marciano A. Paynor Jr. told China Central Television that in the past 10 to 15 years, the Philippines’ trade with APEC’s member economies has grown by 8 percent annually.

An 8 percent growth is a very, very solid case why the Philippines must continue to be part of the APEC, according to Paynor.

The total population of the APEC’s 21 member economies is more than 40 percent of the total global population, making the trade bloc a significant driver in regional growth.

He noted that as the country prepared to host this year’s summit, it has launched a number of infrastructure projects, although some of them are not APEC-related.

Overall, the projects are part of the government’s plan, with or without the APEC, he said, noting that any construction work in any country is a form of pump-priming the economy.

The people, however, must be patient because construction work creates such inconveniences as traffic congestion, Paynor explained, adding that once construction is completed, the people could enjoy a better transport system, roads, and

President Benigno S. Aquino III graces the official launch of the APEC Logo during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) 2015 kick-off ceremony at The Eye Ballroom of the Green Sun Hotel in Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati City.

ROBERT VIÑAS / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

bridges like other economies within the APEC. The Philippines, in hosting the 2015 APEC Summit, has scattered the initial APEC meetings in different provinces of the country to expose them to investors and tourists who want to put money or travel to the Philippines, Paynor said.

In the case of Cebu, which hosts this month’s APEC meetings, it could gain a lot of benefits for its business and tourism sectors.

The Cebu provincial government, in partnership with a local telecommunications company, has released the updated travel app Cebu Guide for the delegates attending the APEC meetings in the province.

With the release of the app, the delegates can have access to a handy guide about Cebu’s top attractions and latest activities.

The guide lists the island’s attractions such as heritage structures like ancient houses and centuries-old stone churches, white sand beaches and island-hopping destinations, a wide range of land and water activities, the best accommodations, food to try, as well as emergency numbers.

Cebu is hosting the APEC 2015 Third Senior Officials’ Meeting and Related Meetings (SOM 3) from Aug. 22 to Sept. 6 The APEC Summit, one of the world’s most important gathering of key decision-makers from across the globe, focuses on inclusive growth.

This year’s APEC is the first gathering to be held in the Philippines in nearly two decades.

The Philippines first hosted the APEC Summit in 1996 during the administration of then president Fidel V. Ramos. ■

6% GDP growth in 2015 seen still likely

BY PAOLO G. MONTECILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer ECONOMIC GROWTH is expected to improve steadily in the second half of the year as the government hikes spending, and as investments and consumption stay strong.

Singapore’s DBS bank said gross domestic product (GDP) growth might still reach 6 percent for the entire year, match-

ing last year’s 6.1 percent.

This still falls short of the government’s target range of 7 to 8 percent.

“Domestic demand continued to support overall GDP growth,” the bank said in a note.

The bank’s projection comes ahead of this week’s release of Philippine GDP numbers. DBS said growth likely improved in the second quarter.

Private consumption growth is likely to remain steady at

about 5.5 percent in the second quarter, anchored by strong remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFW).

OFW remittances were up by 5.5 percent in the second quarter and on track to hitting more than $25 billion this year, which will be a new high.

In the meantime, fiscal conditions have improved, the bank said, noting that budget spending grew by 12.4 percent in the second quarter, compared to only 4.5 perwww.canadianinquirer.net

cent in the previous period.

The bank said overall private sector sentiment remained rather firm while the scale of public spending was still supportive. Investment growth is likely to remain at about 10 percent in the second quarter.

Weak global demand, according to • the note, will likely be the biggest threat to the economy.

In the first quarter, growth would have reached 6 percent, higher than the actual 5.2 per-

cent, if demand for exports had not collapsed.

The bank said the export sector had shown some signs of improvement, with shipments of electronics products in the second quarter growing by 5.2 percent, up from 2.7 percent in January to March.

Unless fiscal expenditure collapses again in the second half, overall GDP growth may still reach 6 percent for the full year, the bank said. ■

38

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

Sports Rugby Canada CEO Graham Brown to step down after next month’s World Cup

BY NEIL DAVIDSON The Canadian Press

Philippine Azkals.

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Public cheering for Azkals at World Cup endorsed by Sen. Angara and Pia Cayetano PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Two senators have added fire to the growing excitement being generated by the approaching World Cup qualifying match between the Philippines and Uzbekistan on Sept. 8 at the Philippine Sports Stadium in Bocaue, Bulacan.

In separate tweets, Senators Sonny Angara and Pia Cayetano made known their interest in the forthcoming match, with the latter calling on fans to support the Philippine national football team during games. ”Let’s support our Azkals in the World Cup qualifiers, esp in their hometown matches!” Cayetano tweeted to her 401,900 followers and attached a link to a broadsheet article.

Angara tweeted to his over 70,000 followers “#azkals gearing up for #WorldCupQualifiers on #sept8 at the #philstadium.”

Earlier, mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar Fil-Am Brandon Vera also tweeted to urge fans to support the Azkals and watch the game on September 8.

Dan Palami, Philippine Azkals team manager, expressed appreciation over the support being given by well-known personalities to the national football team.

“The Azkals need all the support not only from football fans but also from well-meaning citizens to motivate them to give their best when they face a tough Uzbeks team,” he said.

The Azkals have won their first two World Cup qualifying matches against Bahrain, 2-1,

and Yemen, 2-0. They are eyeing a third win against Uzbekistan but Palami has acknowledged that the Uzbeks are a formidable opponent.

The Uzbeks are the top seed in Group H where the Philippines is bracketed but they lost to the North Koreans last June 16.

Uzbekistan ranks 75th, the highest ranked team in the group, while the Philippines is ranked 125th, its highest place in the history of the FIFA rankings.

Tickets for the Azkals vs.

Uzbekistan game to be held at the Philippine Sports Stadium on September 8, 2015 are now available at www.ticketworld. com.ph. Tickets are at P531.80 for Price Zone 1, P331.14 for Price Zone 2 and P125.40 for Price Zone 3.

www.canadianinquirer.net

TORONTO — Rugby Canada is looking for a new leader on the eve of the sport’s biggest showcase.

The governing body announced Tuesday that CEO Graham Brown is leaving Rugby Canada after 13 years. The 45-year-old Brown plans to step down after the conclusion of Canada’s campaign at the Rugby World Cup, which starts next month in Britain.

Brown’s next challenge is as president of Canadian Interuniversity Sport, the governing body for university sports, Rugby Canada said.

The announcement came the same day as Canada’s “Rugby World Cup send-off dinner,” a major fundraising event in Toronto. Brown downplayed the timing of the news, saying the men’s national team was on course with all tournament plans already in place.

“It’s a good time,” Brown told The Canadian Press.

For both parties, he believes.

“Any business leader will tell you it’s probably a good time.

Thirteen years with the same person. New vision, new energy and new focus is a good thing,” he said.

Brown, who has three young children, says he travels more than 100 days a year in his rugby job. Rugby Canada has offices in suburban Toronto and Langford, B.C., with Brown based in Ontario.

Rugby Canada paid tribute to Brown for his contributions.

“Graham has been an exemplary leader at Rugby Canada,” Pat Aldous, chairman of the board of directors, said in a statement. “We want to thank him for his many years of service and his commitment to making Rugby Canada an elite national sports organization.”

Rugby Canada’s plan to fill the position will be announced at a later date.

Brown leaves Canadian rugby in a better place than when he found it in 2002 when the organization was still searching for stability. He was one of just three full-time employees at Rugby Canada at the time. Today there are 48.

Rugby Canada has built a Centre of Excellence in Langford, a facility that will grow with the recent news of the planned addition of a $8-million high-performance centre.

The Canadian women’s sevens team ranks second in the world and has qualified for the 2015 Olympics. The women’s 15s team reached the final of the last World Cup. The men’s sevens team ranked ninth and sixth on the HSBC World Series the last two seasons.

Canada will host a stop on the men’s sevens circuit in 2016, following a women’s event earlier this year.

The men’s 15-man squad, currently No. 18 in the world, finds itself in choppier waters as it prepares to cross the Atlantic.

Sports

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

39

Senate okays bill raising incentive of Olympic gold medalist to Php10M

BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency MANILA — In a bid to push the Filipino athletes to aspire more for excellence, the Philippine Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill that would increase the cash incentives for the national athletes.

Voting 14-0 with one abstention, the senators approved Senate Bill No. 2898 which, if enacted into law, would increase the cash incentive for Olympic gold medalist from Php5 million to a whooping Php10 million.

The Philippines has not yet won Olympic gold since it joined the world’s most prestigious sports event in 1924. It’s highest achievements were two silvers courtesy of boxers Anthony Villanueva in 1964 Tokyo Games and Mansueto ‘Onyok’ Velasco in 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

“Athletes inspire us and demonstrate what is possible with perseverance and hard work. We want to make them feel their efforts are worth it. Giving our athletes proper recognition aligns with our goal to build a society that properly rewards those who succeed,” Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara said.

Angara, chairman of the Senate committee games, amusements and sports and sponsor of the bill, said the coaches and trainers would also be entitled to cash bonus equivalent to 50 percent of the cash

incentives of their triumphant athletes.

Under the proposed measure, the PHp5 million will be given to Olympic silver medalist; Php2 million to bronze winner while for the Youth Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, the gold medalists would receive Php5 million, the silver medalists Php2.5 million, and the bronze medalists Php1 million each.

As for the Asian Games, the gold medalists would be entitled to Php2 million cash incentives, the silver medalists Php1 million, and the bronze medalists Php400,000 each while for the Southeast Asian Games, the gold medalists would get Php300,000, the silver medalists Php150,000, and the bronze medalists Php60,000 each.

For team events with five or more participants, each member would get 25 percent of the cash incentives provided for the individual medal winners.

Apart from regular major competitions, medalists of world-level championships held every two years or with at least 45 countries participating and Asian-level competitions held every two years or with at least 25 countries participating would also receive cash incentives.

Senate President Franklin Drilon said the measure seeks “to help further develop the competitiveness of Filipino athletes and give them the financial boost due them as they represent our nation in various international sporting events."

Angara said the bill would also cover

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the athletes with disabilities (AWD). ”There is still no legal mandate granting benefits and incentives to AWDs. In many ways, our AWDs are deprived of equal opportunities and access to public facilities. Their limitations did not stand in their way and we have witnessed how these individuals push the limits to bring pride and honor to the country,” Angara said.

Under the proposed law, Angara said AWDs would be recognized as national athletes and accredited by the National Paralympic Committee of the Philippines.

Farewell to... grandchildren. How did she endure the pain that somehow Arnold will grow old without her at his side.

She was a fighter. Ang tatag nya, Ang tibaytibay ng kalooban nya.

In her days sa ospital, lagi syang nag so-sorry... Ang lagi naming sagot: dahil mahal namin sya.

Grace, huwag mong alalahanin yun binigay namin na time at effort para sa iyo. Dahil yan ang pagmamahal ng isang kapatid.

As Grace lay in the hospital bed, in the last days of her life, tinanonong nya kami ulit ni MJ: pagod na ba kami sa pag aalaga sa kanya, kung pagod na kami sa pag bisita sa kanya… we told her: We will never get tired of loving her, We will never get tired of caring for her… We are eternally grateful that we were able to serve her back.

Ipinakita ni Grace ang tunay na kahulugan ng pagiging malakas, ng pagiging matatag, ng pagiging matapang. She was a paragon of scholarship. She was a paragon of service. ❰❰ 28

Grace, you gave us a reason to love you and to love one another... ang pag mamahal namin sa iyo ang pabaon namin sa iyong pag lisan.

Salamat Arnold, George at Niko sa pagmamahal nyo sa aming kapatid.

Thank you Grace for allowing us to meet all these people that loved you as well, lalu ka na Kuya Raffy.

Thank you for the showing all of us the true meaning of courage.

Thank you for allowing us to feel what is hope.

Sis Grace, as you go on your next journey, please bring our love.

Our hearts will hold you as tenderly as we can.

Our mouths will talk about how wonderful it was to have known you.

Our minds will house the great memories we shared with you.

Mahal ka namin sis Grace. Paalam, hanggang sa muling pag kikita.

Eulogy of Aljonita Soriano-Montinola for close friend, Atty. Grace Frances Quiddaoen www.canadianinquirer.net

The bill proposes to source the fund for the incentives from the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) through the National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

At present, the national athletes are entitled to cash incentives ranging from Php10,000 to a maximum of Php5 million.

The bill was authored by Deputy Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III, Senate President Pro-Tempore Ralph Recto and Senators Angara, Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Pia Cayetano.

40

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

Technology

Who needs .com?

Domains like .vegas, .pr, .nyc are trending

BY JOYCE ROSENBERG The Associated Press NEW YORK — Did the website address you just went to really end with “vegas” instead of “.com”?

It’s not a mistake. Companies, organizations and people are starting to forsake the familiar “.com” and “.org” Internet address suffixes, using instead hundreds of new ones like “.legal,” “.restaurant,” “.solutions,” “.movie” and “.nyc” that have been coming on the market since early 2014. Some U.S. companies have started using suffixes that previously were used in other countries or territories, such as Puerto Rico’s “.pr.” Others are catching up to a handful like “.jobs” and “.travel” that became available a decade ago.

Known to some as not-coms, the suffixes give companies a chance to get website addresses, known as domains, that include their names. Many have tried to get a “.com” domain, only to find someone else already had it. They’re also used as a marketing tool, helping an organization or business show the public what they’re about. The suffixes are eyecatching and trendy, especially with tech-savvy Internet users.

Some not-com addresses redirect to addresses with suffixes like “.com” or “.co.”

“People are much more attuned to all the quirky names out there,” says Heddi Cundle, whose online travel gift card company, myTab, uses “.travel” in its domain.

Expect to see more of them after Google’s announcement last week that its new parent company, Alphabet, will have a website address of abc.xyz.

“Google’s action shifts notcoms from an interesting option to the ‘new normal,’” says Jeff Davidoff, chief marketing

officer of Donuts Inc., a company that owns some of the new suffixes.

The suffixes have been approved by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, the agency that oversees online addresses.

Businesses, organizations and individuals can buy a domain from brokers known as domain registrars. These brokers, in turn, get the names from suffix wholesalers like Donuts, known as registries.

More than 6 million domains using the new suffixes have been registered, says Mike McLaughlin, a senior vice president at GoDaddy Inc., a company that sells lic.bike is a good marketing broadened its customer base domains to the public. There are strategy, appealing to tech- beyond travel and real estate clian estimated 150 million “.com” savvy customers who want the ents to include spas, architects domains in use. latest trends, says Avery Pack, and retailers. It chose “.pr” be“When somebody has a ker- president of the company that cause it described what the comnel of an idea, one of the very sells custom-made bicycles, pany does — public relations. first things they do is (check on electronic locking devices and “It’s clearer, it’s fresher and a name’s availability) to see if other gear to consumers and it’s very much my style,” says they can capture the essence of companies.

Florence Quinn, owner of the their idea in a name,” McLaugh“It’s kind of a nod to our cus- business. lin says. tomers that what we’re doing is New twist on old domain: While many of the companies not traditional,” Pack says.

The company selected “.pr” alusing the new suffixes are startStill has the “.com”: The com- though it has been the domain ups, established used by Puerto companies are Rican compaalso adopting nies. If visitors not-coms. And type in the old some huge comWhen somebody has a kernel of an address, quinpanies are getidea, one of the very first things they nandco.com, ting their own do is (check on a name’s availability) they’re taken to suffixes, includto see if they can capture the essence quinn.pr. ing the interof their idea in a name. national bank Domain name: Barclays, which mytab.travel has “.barclays,” Owner: myTab, and delivery company FedEx, pany uses republic.bike in ads. travel gift card company based which is working on getting It still uses its original domain, in San Francisco “.fedex.” Big corporations ap- republicbike.com; when people Why “.TRAVEL”? Two reaply for suffixes with their own type in republic.bike, they’re sons, one practical, one strabrands to be able to control how taken to the “.com” site. tegic. The company had been they’re used. using the address mytab.

A look at the domains some Domain name: quinn.pr co because it couldn’t get a companies use: Owner: Quinn, public rela- “.com” with its name when tions business based in New it launched in 2013. It would Domain name: republic.bike York have cost $100,000 to buy the Owner: Republic Bike Inc., a Why “.PR”? Quinn made the “.com” domain from its curbicycle manufacturer based in change as part of a company rent owner, an amount the Dania Beach, Florida overhaul. It had shortened its company couldn’t afford, presWhy “.BIKE”? Using repub- name from Quinn & Co. and ident Heddi Cundle says. Some www.canadianinquirer.net

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people were confused by “.co” and typed the “.com” address, so “.travel” eliminates that problem. The address mytab. travel also lets people know instantly what the company does, Cundle says.

Not-com a non-issue: “Nobody has batted an eye. No one even questions it,” Cundle says.

Domain names: pbtk.vegas, certifiedpublicaccountant. vegas, taxaccountant.vegas, 401kaudit.vegas Owner: Piercy Bowler Taylor & Kern, accounting firm with offices in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City Why “.VEGAS”?: Using “.vegas” will help the firm be more visible when someone searches for Las Vegas-area accountants with specialties like helping businesses with 401(k) retirement plans, says Shannon Hiller, the firm’s marketing director. Also, the firm was unable to get names like taxaccountant. com. The “.vegas” addresses take visitors to the “.com” site, which also serves the Salt Lake City office.

A domain synonymous with an industry: “We thought ‘.vegas’ ties in to our brand because our firm works with gambling and hospitality companies. It’s a good fit,” Hiller says.

Technology

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

41

Hackers expose millions on cheating site; some in US gov’t

BY JOYCE ROSENBERG The Associated Press LONDON — Hackers say they have exposed unfaithful partners across the world, posting what they said were the personal details of millions of people registered with cheating website Ashley Madison.

A message posted by the hackers alongside their massive trove accused Ashley Madison’s owners of deceit and incompetence and said the company had refused to bow to their demands to close the site.

“Now everyone gets to see their data,” the statement said.

Ashley Madison has long courted attention with its claim to be the Internet’s leading facilitator of extramarital liaisons, boasting of having nearly 39 million members and that “thousands of cheating wives and cheating husbands sign up every day looking for an affair.”

Its owner, Toronto-based Avid Life Media Inc., has previously acknowledged suffering an electronic break-in and said in a statement Tuesday it was investigating the hackers’

claim. U.S. and Canadian law enforcement are involved in the probe, the company said.

The Associated Press wasn’t immediately able to determine the authenticity of the leaked files, although many analysts who have scanned the data believe it is genuine.

TrustedSec Chief Executive Dave Kennedy said the information dump included full names, passwords, street addresses, credit card information and “an extensive amount of internal data.”

In a separate blog, Errata Security Chief Executive Rob Graham said the information released included details such as users’ height, weight and GPS coordinates. He said men outnumbered women on the service five-to-one.

Avid Life Media declined to comment Wednesday beyond its statement. The hackers also didn’t immediately return emails.

The prospect of millions of adulterous partners being publicly shamed drew widespread attention but the sheer size of the database — and the technical savvy needed to navigate it — means it’s unlikely to lead to an immediate rush to divorce courts.

“Unless this Ashley Madison

information becomes very easily accessible and searchable, I think it is unlikely that anyone but the most paranoid or suspecting spouses will bother to seek out this information,” New York divorce attorney Michael DiFalco said in an email. “There are much simpler ways to confirm their suspicions.”

Although Graham and others said many of the Ashley Madison profiles appeared to be bogus, it’s clear the leak was huge.

Troy Hunt, who runs a website that warns people when their private information is exposed online, said nearly 5,000 users had received alerts stemming from the breach.

Although many may have signed up out of curiosity and some have little more to fear than embarrassment, the consequences for others could reverberate beyond their marriages. The French leak monitoring firm CybelAngel said it counted 1,200 email addresses in the data dump with the .sa suffix, suggesting users were connected to Saudi Arabia, where adultery is punishable by death.

CybelAngel also said it counted some 15,000 .gov or .mil addresses in the dump, suggesting

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that American soldiers, sailors and government employees had opened themselves up to possible blackmail. Using a government email to register for an adultery website may seem foolish, but CybelAngel Vice President of Operations Damien Damuseau said there was a certain logic to it.

Using a professional address, he said, keeps the messages out of personal accounts “where their partner might see them.”

“It’s not that dumb,” Damuseau said.

How many of the people registered with Ashley Madison actually used the site to seek sex outside their marriage is an unresolved question. But whatever the final number, the breach is still a humbling moment for Ashley Madison, which had made discretion a key selling point. In

WEATHER UPDATE VANCOUVER

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a television interview last year, Chief Executive Noel Biderman described the company’s servers as “kind of untouchable.”

The hackers’ motives aren’t entirely clear, although they have accused Ashley Madison of creating fake female profiles and of keeping users’ information on file even after they paid to have it deleted. In its statement, Avid Life Media accused the hackers of seeking to impose “a personal notion of virtue on all of society.”

Graham, the security expert, had a simpler theory.

“In all probability, their motivation is that 1 I’s fun, and 2 because they can,” he wrote.

Technology Writer Bree Fowler in New York contributed to this report.

Long term forecast from www.theweathernetwork.com CALGARY

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42

Events

Global Fest Parade of Champions WHEN/WHERE: up to Aug. 29, at Elliston Park, Calgary, AB

Downtown MORE INFO: With special guest Matteo Giudicelli

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

Freestyle

By Below Zero WHEN/WHERE: Sept. 18, Century Casino Calgary, 1010 42 Ave., SE Calgary, AB

AUGUST 28, 2015

CANADA EVENTS

To have your events featured on PCI, please email events@canadianinquirer.net

YUKON

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

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

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 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 ASEAN Festival 2015

By Asean and the Consulates General in Vancouver WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 5, at the

ONTARIO

FRIDAY

View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

http://bit.ly/ PCI-Events

Consular Mission in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador By the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Aug. 25; 9 a.m. to 12 nn, Aug. 26, at St. Pius X Church 16 Smithville Crescent, St. John’s NL MORE INFO: Contact Hon. Consul General Hazel Alpuerto at 709-3513057 or filassn_nbcin@yahoo.ca

Tagalog Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., Consular Mission in New Brunswick every Saturday, Filipino Centre By the Philippine Embassy in Ottawa NEWFOUNDLAND Toronto, Toronto WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Aug. 27, 28 & 29 at Fredericton Inn, Homework/Tutorial QUEBEC Class 1315 Regent St., Frederiction, NB

By FCT MORE INFO: Roland Moreno – WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, 506-4707203 or Esthela Pyett – 506every Saturday, Filipino Centre 2606160 Toronto, 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, ON NOVA Migrant Workers’ Forum MORE INFO: For registrations, call SCOTIA

By Western Union 416-928-9355. The office, at 597 WHEN/WHERE: 5:30 to 9 p.m., Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, Aug. 29, at the Assumption of the is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Blessed Virgin Parish, 320 Olmstead Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m. St., Vanier, Ottawa

Roundhouse Community Centre Exhibition Hall MORE INFO: Join Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand in celebrating ASEAN Day 2015 with the festival of ASEAN culture and arts.

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 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 Seniors Book Club By the Richmond Public Library WHEN/WHERE: Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. to 12 nn, at the Brighouse Main Branch, the Living Rm., 7700 Minoru Gate, Richmond, B.C. www.canadianinquirer.net

MORE INFO: Seniors ages 55 and older are invited to read books and exchange ideas with likeminded. To register visit any branch of Richmond Public Library, call 604-231-6413 or register online at www.yourlibrary.ca/events Lita Nuguid’s 40th Day Prayer WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., Sept. 3 at Multicultural Helping House Richmond World Festival

By Coast Capital Savings WHEN/WHERE: Sept. 5, Minoru Park, Richmond, B.C. 2015 Taiwan Fest

By Tzu Chi Foundation WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 7 p.m., Sept. 5 to 7, Granville St. in Downtown Vancouver, B.C. Grouse Grind Challenge 2015 By the University of the Philippines Alumni Association in B.C. WHEN/WHERE: 8:30 a.m., Sept. 12, Grouse Grind, Vancouver, B.C.

AUGUST 28, 2015

43

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AUGUST 28, 2015

K R O W T E N A N G N I L A M AG O Y S E R P A G M A N Y A M A HUS O S I M O R P M O K A G M WALANG WALANG MGA

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FRIDAY

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2015

MHHS FUN RUN The Multicultural Helping House Society (MHHS) We Care Fun Run started in 2011, with purpose of raising money for the caregivers and temporary foreign workers’ crisis fund. The fund is used by members in need of financial help. This year’s event held Aug. 22, at Killarney Park Oval in Vancouver, B.C. included the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400x100-meter relay, walkathon and high jump, zumba, volleyball and badminton matches.

(Photos by Laarni LiwanagDe Paula)

PCI SUMMER GET-TOGETHER Philippine Canadian Inquirer employees, friends and families, had a funfilled summer get-together during PCI CEO Alan Yong’s recent birthday.

(Photos by Laarni Liwanag-De Paula)

ANCOP WALK The 2015 Answering the Cry of the Poor (Ancop) Walk held on Aug. 23, at Holland Park in Surrey, B.C. is an annual global fundraising event that raises funds for the poor in the Philippines and other third world countries. The funds go toward providing shelter, housing and child education programs for the poor living in extreme poverty. (Photos by Laarni Liwanag-De Paula)

www.canadianinquirer.net

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Seen and Scenes: Toronto

AUGUST 28, 2015

FRIDAY

ABAKADA

TASTE OF MANILA

The Philippine Embassy in Ottawa recreates Filipino childhood experiences in Abakada atbp.

Some scenes from ‘Taste of Manila’ on Aug. 22 and 23, in Toronto, Ont. The event was attended by Premiere Kathleen Wynne, Finance Minister Joe Oliver, Sen. Jun Enverga, former Ambassador Leslie Gatan, Consul General Rosalita Prospero. Event highlight was the performance of ABSCBN star Jerico Rosales. (Photos by Amelia Insigne)

SENATOR ENVERGA Answering the Cry of the Poor, a Catholic organization founded by Couples for Christ with chapters in over 100 countries, held the ANCOP Walk, an annual fundraising activity that provides resources for deserving families in the Philippines and other third world countries. Sen. Tobias C. Enverga Jr., joined hundreds of fellowmen at the David Pecaut Square in Toronto, Ont. in this year’s walkathon.

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Peso slips... is seen beneficial to some sectors of the economy, particularly overseas Filipino worker (OFW) households and exporters who earn foreign exchange as this will greatly boost the peso equivalent of their foreign exchange earnings.

Foreign exchange movements raise issues for small economies like the Philippines, which on one hand earn money from overseas through remittances and exports, and buy vital commodities like food and fuel from other countries.

Imported goods and foreign debt payments become more expensive when the peso declines. However, exporters and families receiving remittances from overseas workers earn more money in peso terms for every dollar they receive.

Local economists said given its current position, the Philippine economy has much to gain as its currency weakens.

“My estimate is that about 75 percent of the economy will benefit from a weaker peso,” University of Asia and the Pacific economist Victor Abola said in an interview.

On Monday, peso reached a low of 46.845: $1 and a high of 46.65: $1 after opening at 46.70: $1 on Monday. Volume was thin at $572.50 million from last Thursday’s $699.70 million in trades. ❰❰ 36

BPO workers

Abola said about 15 million people rely on remittances from OFWs. Dollarearning business process outsourcing (BPO) companies directly employ about one million people, while at least four times as many people work in industries that thrive due to outsourcing.

“The depreciation of the currency is positive, as long as it’s not too sharp that it becomes disruptive,” Abola said. The peso has declined by about 2 percent since July—relatively stable against other currencies in the region.

Local firms that compete with multinationals would be able to better compete.

“When the peso becomes more competitive, it also boosts the performance of local, non-exporting companies because it eases competition from imported alternatives,” Bank of the Philippine Islands economist Emilio Neri Jr. said on Monday.

As the cost of imported goods goes up, local products become more affordable to Filipino consumers. “The stronger the peso, the more we flood the local market with imported products that would have otherwise generated profit and jobs to a lot of Filipinos,” he said.

Low inflation also gives policymakers the space to allow the peso to depreciate.

In July, consumer prices rose by an average of 0.8 percent relative to year-ago levels, the slowest pace on record. This lowers the risk of breaching inflation targets set by the government, even if

the cost of imported goods climbs.

The weaker peso would also help improve government revenue collections, offsetting the higher cost of paying for dollar-denominated state debt.

“Remember that customs receipts and (sales taxes) improve when the peso is weak. If the economy’s growth accelerated, Bureau of Internal Revenue’s [collections] also improve,” Neri said.

He also credited the government’s fiscal authorities for veering away from borrowing heavily from overseas in the past five years—a decision that insulates the economy from the negative effects of a weaker currency.

“I don’t think the Aquino administration would have been able to successfully fund [projects] if the national government had not changed its borrowing tack,” Neri said.

Risk aversion

Siddharth Mathur, an economist at Citigroup, said risk aversion was spreading, now via the equity markets.

“Falling commodity prices have been sending an alarming message about global final demand for several months already, and have now perhaps fallen far enough to trigger a shift in the market’s sanguine growth outlook. The inability of Chinese policymakers to engineer a bounce in growth, together with large currency devaluations across the world and uncertainty around the Fed’s policy normalization path have all contributed to the market’s nervousness ahead of this week’s meeting of global policymakers at Jackson Hole,” Mathur said.

If this sell- off damages the consensus view that the US Fed will start raising interest rates this year, Mathur said the US dollar could underperform in this environment, with the euro and Japanese yen likely to be the main beneficiaries.

“Emerging markets were already suffering from growth underperformance, and so are unlikely to be able to withstand this turn in global risk appetite.

Even though positioning in Asian FX (foreign exchange) markets is modest by historical standards—and in some instances is already at extreme short—we expect the currency markets will continue to bear the brunt of this sell-off,” Mathur said.

Policy intervention, which in Asia has traditionally been the main volatility absorber, may be less reliable this time, the economist said. With inflation low, commodity prices falling and output gaps widening, he said Asian policymakers would be under no pressure to lean against currency depreciation at this time.

“But as the global sell-off is still young, it is possible that investors look to any similar puts in other markets as offering an opportunity to further reduce their exposure. We believe it is still too early to expect bargain-hunting,” he said.

MP Menegakis with Tatay Tom of MHHS.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LAARNI LIWANAG-DE PAULA

MP Costas... advice to us or to the residents of Canada, in general. How can they access to government information on topics critical to their well- being as residents of Canada?

MP Menegakis: “There (are) a number of ways. Every Filipino Canadian or every Filipino living in Canada has always the opportunity to visit their local Member of Parliament and request or ask any assistance from their local Member Parliament, that is their job — no matter what the case is or how easy it might be, the MP is there to assist the constituents that live in that riding. That is one way.

“Certainly, Canada’s immigration website www.cic.gc.ca, has a lot of information and phone numbers where people can call and ask questions directly.

“We have also done something very unique when Prime Minister Stephen Harper was first elected in 2006 — Settlement Services. We provide Settlement Agencies across the country., the Canadian government is spending about $200,000,000 per year to do that. And, we decided that is not enough. It is obvious that the multicultural ethic community across the Canada are very dynamic and vibrant contributors to Canadian economy and Canadian society and we need to empower newcomers when they come here with the right skill set so that they can contribute as fast as possible, to their families and their community and their country and in so doing we have tripled the settlement funding to $600,000,000 each ❰❰ 24

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year and in addition to that $55,000,000 for refugee settlement.

“And these settlement agencies are prevalent and available in all major provinces across the country. There’s so many, many ways in which people can communicate directly with their government — thru the website, thru the Member of Parliament and thru community leaders. I can tell you, we have in the Senate of Canada, there is a Filipino descent Senator Tobias Jun Enverga who has a very, very strong voice in Canada’s parliament, very well respected. Even with the changes in the live-in caregiver program, he was one of the people that sat down and voiced his opinion and reached out to the community so that he can give his input prior to us coming up with legislation. So there’s so many, many ways in which people can communicate with the government.

MP Menegakis encouraged people to keep communications lines open by reemphasizing that Canada is a democratic country. “It is a democratic country, feel free to ask, there is no penalty for asking questions, we encourage questions and we are here to help.”

He further remarked, “That’s the beauty of (this) democratic country in which we live. Canada is the most welcoming country in the world. We all respect the country we came from, our families came from and respect the language and the culture, the religion and the tradition.”

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