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VOL. 10 NO. 188
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Search launched for missing yacht
Joker Arroyo passes away
Sexy show stirs storm
Wynne attacks Harper for lack of leadership
Thanksgiving tips
Honasan chosen WHO WILL YOU VOTE FOR AND WHY? over Marcos as Do you believe in this candidate or do you simply want change? Binay’s running mate — UNA sources BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer HARPER Conservative
MAY Green
MULCAIR NDP
TRUDEAU Liberal
Find out the results of the PCI's exclusive Federal Election survey on the vote of Filipino Communities across Canada on our October 16 issue.
Binay, Poe, Roxas bare poll platforms BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO, LEILA B. SALAVERRIA AND MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer THE THREE announced candidates in the presidential election in May 2016—a former human rights lawyer, a
MANILA — According to unnamed sources from the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II has been chosen by the party to become Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay’s running mate in the coming national elections. UNA leaders scouted for their viable vice-presidential candidate for months, finally reaching a decision over the weekend, according to one of the sources. Binay has already been informed of ❱❱ PAGE 10 Honasan chosen
former movie censors chief, and a former investment banker—have outlined in soaring language their hopes for a nation struggling to rise from poverty in the digital age. Presented here, in alphabetical order, are the candidates and their platforms.
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Abad on DAP: The President has final approval, signature BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — With the Office of the Ombudsman undergoing preliminary investigation over the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad stressed that President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III approved and signed the program. “We endorse to the President and the President has the final approval… I sign the endorsements and the approval. [It] is approved by the President. Of course, all the projects are approved by the President,” Abad
said in a Philippine Star report. The Budget Secretary was among the other Malacañang officials whose possible culpability over the DAP has been probed. Aquino, on the other hand, was spared from the investigation because of the immunity from suit accorded to him while in office. “That’s the finding of the Ombudsman so that’s it and I think, for me, that’s fine because you know the President has to be busy doing what he has to be doing… so I would want him not to have any distraction,” he said in an interview after a budget hearing. Abad, however, asserted that the DAP was passed in good faith.
DAP probe just ‘drama’
Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, who has declared himself as the leader of the opposition, earlier scoffed at the Ombudsman’s investigation over the DAP and Aquino’s immunity from suit. “Drama. Nothing will happen there. If that is true, they should be suspended already… The people who committed wrongdoings under this administration, especially Mr. Abad should be held accountable,” Binay said in an interview. “It’s not good to enforce selective justice. If there is evidence, they should be charged,” he added. ■
Search launched for missing yacht with 2 Britons, American, Canadian and Filipino on board BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A yacht carrying two Britons, an American, a Canadian and a Filipino disappeared while sailing in waters that were lashed by a storm last week, the Philippine coast guard said Tuesday. A coast guard search team on a plane Tuesday spotted what appeared to be a floating body, orange objects and an oil slick in the high seas about 400 kilometres (250 miles) west of the northwestern Philippine city of Laoag, but it has yet to confirm if they were from the yacht Europa, coast guard spokesman Cmdr. Armand Balilo said. Hong Kong and the Philippines have dispatched planes and alerted ships in the area. The British embassy in Manila confirmed two of its nationals were on board. “We are liaising urgently with the local authorities concerning search and rescue operations and providing support to the families,” it said in a statement. The 18.2-meter (60-foot) yacht left Hong Kong on Thursday and was supposed to arrive in Subic Bay northwest of Manila not later than Monday. An emergency position-indicating radio beacon on the boat was activated Saturday, indicating the vessel was experiencing difficulties, the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club said in a statement. Hong Kong’s Maritime Res-
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cue Coordination Centre dispatched a search plane and passing ships were asked to be on the lookout but “no yacht, life raft or debris was detected,” the club said. Hong Kong and the Philippines deployed one aircraft each to continue a co-ordinated search on Tuesday, it added. The Hong Kong-registered yacht was owned and skippered by Robin Wyatt and had four crewmembers who were all experienced sailors, according to the club. The Philippine coast guard identified Wyatt as one of the two Britons on the Europa. A tropical storm, Mujigae, blew out of the northern Philippines on Saturday and intensified at sea into a powerful typhoon before slamming into the southern Chinese province of Guangdong the following day. At least 10 people were killed in the two countries, Chinese and Philippine authorities said. More than 200 Filipino fishermen were reported missing in Mujigae’s aftermath, including many who ventured out to sea from the northwestern Philippine provinces of Pangasinan and La Union despite warnings of rough seas, Manila’s Office of Civil Defence said. Many sailed back safely after taking shelter somewhere and others were rescued, but a few dozen remain missing, officials said. ■ Associated Press writer Kelvin Chan in Hong Kong contributed to this report.
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Dengue surges, but Palace focuses on decline BY JERRY E. ESPLANADA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE NUMBER of dengue cases nationwide surged to over 78,800 in the first nine months of the year, about 15,000 more than recorded in the same period last year, and resulting in 233 deaths. The dengue incidence in seven regions also increased, but Malacañang appeared not to be alarmed by the health emergency caused by the mosquitotransmitted disease. Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma yesterday said that despite the hike in the number of dengue cases, cases in 10 other regions declined. Dengue cases have reportedly increased in several places in the Ilocos, Central Luzon and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). In Pangasinan, cases have reached epidemic levels, with the number of residents stricken ill jumping from 1,687 to 2,940 in just nine months, said the provincial health office.
Dr. Ana Maria Teresa de Guzman reportedly said the number of cases in some areas, which she did not identify, had gone past the threshold for the declaration of an epidemic. Dengue has killed 12 people in the Region I province this year. Last year, only five people died of the disease. The provincial health office has put on a watch-list nine towns and a city with the highest number of dengue cases. These are Alaminos City and the municipalities of Sison, Bolinao, Bani, San Fabian, Mangaldan, Asingan, Umingan, Anda and Pozorrubio. Of the 4,771 cases recorded in Bulacan from January to September this year, 11 deaths were reported. In the CAR, the number of dengue cases rose from 3,124 in August to 4,964 in September, with Mountain Province recording the highest number of cases at 394. Eight fatalities, including a 9-year-old girl in Abra, were reported in the region. Where disease went down
Coloma, however, cited de-
SHUTTERSTOCK
clines in 10 regions. “These are Mimaropa, which went down from 1,648 cases to 1,348; Bicol, from 993 to 868; Western Visayas, 5,718 to 3,756; Central Visayas, 3,481 to 3,326; Eastern Visayas, 4,508 to 737; Zamboanga Peninsula, 4,743 to 3,981; Northern Mindanao, 6,928 to 5,795; Davao region, 5,849 to 2,619; Soccsksargen, 5,302 to 5,109, and Caraga, 6,046 to 2,598,” Coloma said in an interview over state-run Radyo ng Bayan. Dengue, which causes high
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fever, headache, itching and joint pains, can be fatal to children and the elderly. “Dengue is on the decline in many provinces,” Coloma said in a text message to the INQUIRER. “Only Cavite and Bulacan had declared a state of calamity to enable the local government units to access funds for the purpose,” he said, citing Department of Health data. Coloma said a government initiative led by the DOH was addressing the dengue inci-
dence in particular provinces, with the help of local government units “focusing on community and grassroots and household-based prevention.” “The DOH is intensifying its prevention strategy, focusing on vector control. The agency has provided affected local government units with World Health Organization-evaluated insecticide to make sure that these are safe to use and effective,” he said. Asked about the government’s inability to find a replacement for the herbal-based dengue treatment which the DOH suspended in late 2014, Malacañang quoted DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy as saying: “The clinical research during Secretary Enrique Ona’s term was halted because of some technical requirements that were not addressed during the study, like ethical issues.” Palace insiders, including an official who asked not to be named for lack of authority to speak to the media, said lives could have been saved if the treatment had not been suspended. ■
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Makati City mourns passing of Sen. Joker Arroyo PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The City of Makati joins the entire nation in mourning the passing of former Senator Joker Arroyo who had served as a three-term congressman for the first district of Makati from 1992 to 2001. “The city government and the people of Makati will forever be grateful to former Senator Joker Arroyo, who was among the pillars of the city’s transformation into the thriving financial center that it is today,” Acting Makati City Mayor Romulo “Kid” Peña said. Arroyo, who succumbed to heart attack late Monday at the age of 88, was instrumental in Makati’s attainment of its cityhood in 1995, and the subsequent creation of its second district. “We salute him for having generously shared his brilliant mind, matched only by his brave yet compassionate heart, in bringing about sustainable and inclusive progress for the benefit of all Filipinos today and in the future,” Peña said. The acting mayor also expressed the city’s condolences to the bereaved family, including the late senator’s widow, lawyer Felicitas Aquino-Arroyo, and his
daughters, Ma. Antonia Odelia, Ma. Zef Francisca, and Joker. Arroyo had a sterling career in public service marked by notable distinctions, such as a 100 percent attendance record for nine years as Makati representative in the lower house of Congress. He was also the only other senator, aside from former Senator Panfilo Lacson, who never used his P200-million annual Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or “pork barrel” throughout his 12-year term in the Senate (2001 to 2013). A key player in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, the distinguished solon was also one of the founders of the civic group MABINI and the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG). He was known to have handled more human rights cases than any other lawyer from 1972 to 1986. Arroyo first served in government as Executive Secretary to then President Corazon Aquino from 1986 to 1987. Prior to this, he was very first lawyer to challenge before the Supreme Court Proclamation 1081 declared by then President Ferdinand Marcos, which placed the country under martial law. When Aquino ran for president in the 1986 snap election, he served as her counsel. ■
Davao Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte.
Duterte tells Sen. Poe to study more; says Federalism is not about dynasty BY LILIAN C. MELLEJOR Philippines News Agency DAVAO CITY — While he forgives her wrong concept on Federalism, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte told presidential hopeful Senator Grace Poe to study more about Federalism to correct her feudal state of mind.”It has nothing to do with (political) dynasties,” he pointed out. The mayor’s statement came on the heels of reports about Poe’s stand on Federalism. At a gathering in Butuan City, she was quoted saying, “For me, we have a problem on political dynasty, and under federalism, there is autonomy and the proposal is by region. What if a particular region is dominated by only one family? “What kind of devolution of power will it be if only one particular family controls the area?” Duterte said Poe is dwelling on the feudal stage. Duterte stressed federalism has nothing to do with ruling families. In Philippine politics, Duterte said that “whether you like it or not you go by names.” He said Poe herself is a living example of a dynasty syndrome. “Siya mismo hindi naman talaga makatakbo kung walang pangalan eh — ganun talaga dito sa Pilipinas,” Duterte said, reminding Poe that her father, Fernando Poe, ran before her. According to Duterte, Poe has been declaring to continue what his father started. Earlier, Peter Laviña, spokesperson of the Duterte for Federalism, said rejecting federalism has exposed Poe as shallow-minded, fearful of change and lacks faith in the capacity of the Filipino people to decide their own destiny. “That is the whole trouble with someone who has not lived in our country long enough to immerse in our political culture and wants to be our next President,” Laviña said in a press statement.
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Laviña said Poe is not aware that it is under the present set-up of unitary system that has bred and perpetuated the political dynasties in the Philippines. “She should not look far indeed. Her vice presidential team mate, Chiz Escudero, is part of this political anomaly. His father served under Marcos and was a member of Congress, and her mother has replaced him in his former seat in Congress, which was passed on to him by his father. Three family members perpetuating their hold on one district, with one elected as senator and now wants to be vice president,” Laviña noted. Laviña however pointed out that there is nothing wrong with it because these individuals belonging to one family are for the common good. “What is wrong really is a family or clan that is only in government for their selfish ends,” he stressed. Laviña further cited that the Federal system in the United States where Poe once pledged allegiance, has not bred political dynasties which she fears so much. He named the Kennedys, Bushes and Clintons who have been elected because of individuality and not by their ancestry. I believe the American voters elected them not because of their popular names but because of their qualifications, he stressed. Laviña hinted to Poe’s lack of respect and faith in the capacity of the Filipino voters to choose their own leaders and chart their own destiny. “This smacks of elitist arrogance. She wants to instill fear, instead of inspiring the people for change. She wants to perpetuate a system that has caused so much poverty and misery to our people. She represents the status quo protecting her rich financial backers. She stands in the way and blocking the surging clamor of the masses including overseas Filipinos for genuine change in our country,” he said. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Sexy show stirs storm; LP, Palace not amused BY NIKKO DIZON AND MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer MALACAÑANG YESTERDAY condemned the lewd show at a Liberal Party (LP) event on Thursday that kicked up a storm of public protest even as an online petition demanded an apology from President Aquino, the party’s titular head, for the performance that was widely seen as insulting to women. The LP leadership also ordered an investigation into the ribald show that Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Francis Tolentino allegedly gave as a “birthday gift” to Rep. Benjie Agarao during the event in Santa Cruz, Laguna province. The highlight of the event, which was held at Agarao’s home, was the oath-taking of 80 local officials from Laguna’s fourth congressional district as new LP members. Former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, the LP’s presidential candidate in next year’s national elections, administered
performance even if I was not part of the audience,” he said. “I was in a different part of the compound and had no sight line to what was occurring. I did not see the performance.” P-Noy apology demanded
Performing group 'Playgirls' in a "lewd" dance number during LP-member Cong. Benjamin Agarao's party in Laguna on Oct 1, 2015. SCREENSHOT FROM INQUIRER FOOTAGE
the oath to the new party members. LP investigation
Roxas, who left the event before the bawdy performance of the sexy dance group Playgirls started, denounced the show yesterday and promised to investigate the incident, which was caught on video that went viral on social media. “This is a disappointing incident and the Liberal Party is conducting a thorough inves-
tigation,” Roxas said in a statement. “It is incredibly disrespectful, and contributes nothing to public discourse,” he said, referring to the show. Roxas also warned party members against holding similar activities during the campaign next year. “Let me make it clear: My campaign strictly prohibits any sort of exploitative behavior against women,” Roxas said. “I remind those who stand
with us on the daang matuwid (the Aquino administration’s reform program), these actions will not be tolerated,” he said. Roxas lamented how some groups were trying to pin the blame on him, but expressed confidence that the public was “intelligent enough to focus on meaningful discourse on the issues and on the character of candidates running for public office.” “Some quarters are purposely trying to tie my name to this
A petition on change.org uploaded yesterday demanded a public apology from the President, being the leader of the LP. “This unfortunate but deplorable incident merits an apology from your office as Head of State and as Chair of the Liberal Party in whose name, this event was held,” said the petition initiated by one Edna Aquino. The petition cited Section 19 of Republic Act No. 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, which states that “the portrayal of women in a discriminatory, demeaning and/or derogatory manner in advertisements, shows and programs is not allowed.” “Women should always be portrayed and represented with dignity. Under this Act, ❱❱ PAGE 10 Sexy show
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Member
Binay, Poe... ❰❰ 1
Jejomar Binay
Jejomar Binay, 72, Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines, former mayor of Makati City and human rights lawyer during the martial law years, envisions a pro-poor and pro-business administration should he succeed President Aquino in 2016. In speeches even before he resigned from the Aquino Cabinet in June, Binay vowed his presidency would emulate the kind of governance he had led as mayor of Makati City for over two decades: “A government anchored on integrity, justice, compassion and competence; rewarding the initiatives of private businesses, while guaranteeing inclusive and lasting benefits for all the citizens, and care for the poor and the underprivileged.” Outlining the vision of his party, the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), Binay said he wanted to have a country “that every Filipino can speak of with pride, respected in the family of nations, maintaining peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with all, while upholding and protecting national interests.” UNA has outlined 11 missions under a Binay presidency: A determined effort to curb corruption in government, competence in governance and compassion for the poor. Private enterprise must be encouraged and supported, but the benefits of economic growth must be shared by the entire citizenry.
Foreign direct investments are desirable in order to strengthen and grow the Philippine economy, but any amendments to the Constitution must give priority to our national interests. Small businesses must be aided in accessing capital and provided guidance. Adequate education must be provided as a right to make our citizens competitive with the rest of the world; It is the primary duty of government personnel to render efficient, competent and courteous service to the citizenry. Patronage and nepotism breed incompetence and corruption. Transparency is key to trustworthy governance. The executive, legislative and judicial branches of government should remain coequal. Human rights, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion must never be curtailed. We must establish an enlightened foreign policy based on peaceful and friendly international relations, and the observance of alliances and international treaties. Binay said his basic policy of governance was “anchored on competence, inclusiveness and compassion.” “Competence refers to competent and efficient management of the bureaucracy, utilization and development of available resources, and delivery of services to the citizenry,” he said. Grace Poe
Leading the voter preference surveys
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is Grace Poe, 47, former chair of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, and adopted daughter of the late movie action king Fernando Poe Jr., who lost the alleged fraudmarred presidential election in 2004 to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In presenting her vision for the country, Poe anchored this on the idea of unity and inclusiveness, which she said was inspired by her father’s dream for the country. According to Poe, her program is centered on “a simple principle and belief: that no Filipino and no region should be left behind.” “We will rise and progress together as one nation,” she said in her speech announcing her run for the presidency last month. She said she was inspired by her father’s dream to help the poor and the oppressed, and to build a prosperous and just society. Her goal, she said, is to bring about reforms to achieve inclusive growth, global competitiveness, and transparent government. There should be preferential bias for the poor and the vulnerable, she added. To make these concrete, Poe presented her position on 20 key issues, including priority on infrastructure development for which the annual budget would be increased to 7 percent of GDP. The government would also help the the private sector formulate an industrialization and IT plan, so that there would be
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
more ‘made in the Philippines’ ruptcy by illness. banking on the purported gains products. This would create The Philippines would pro- of the Aquino administration’s more jobs, she said. tect its territory through peace- centerpiece governance agenda She planned to maximize ful means and according to in- of “daang matuwid” (straight digital technology for educa- ternational law. The Philippine path). tion, expand the scholarship Coast Guard and the Armed Anchored on President Aquiprograms and strengthen the Forces would be beefed up so no’s popularity, Roxas and the “study now, pay later” program. that they would not be intimi- LP-led coalition would present College students would receive dated by other countries. a platform of uninterrupted inassistance in finding internArts, culture, and sports stitutional reforms to curb corships and jobs so they could get would also receive proper gov- ruption and ensure inclusive experience before graduating. ernment attention, so that the economic growth to woo voters Poe said she would strive to country’s skilled and talented in next year’s general elections. give farmers their own land, citizens would be recognized at “Our platform of principles is boost irrigation and push for home and not just abroad, ac- a platform of dynamic continumechanization. She would look cording to Poe. ity; one premised on maintainfor a program to make fishing, There should be a separate ing the gains and momentum farming and livestock propaga- Emergency Management De- of (the President’s) term and tion profitable for the farmers partment that will focus on bringing it to the next level in and the youth. national preparedness, climate a comprehensive and inclusive The fight against corruption change and geomapping, she manner,” Roxas told the INwould continue, and those re- said. QUIRER. sponsible would be held acMore attention would also be “It is one that is arrived at countable, whether friend or given to the tourism industry to through a process of deliberafoe, she said. She would push boost job creation. Additional tion and consensus,” he added. for a freedom of information infrastructure, including airRoxas said the LP and its colaw. ports, would be built, she said. alition partners would make Tax rates would be brought Children, who represent the public their comprehensive down, but the people should country’s future, would receive governance principles and platsee to it that they are paying the more government assistance form after the official filing of correct taxes. their candidaWages and cies. benefits of workIn his speech ers would be after the Presiexamined to enThe straight path transcends me and dent formally sure they are fair, [the President]; it is a Filipino ideal endorsed him she said. that has been there long before we on July 31, Roxas Poe also said were born and will remain long after said, “We just she would look we are gone. need a governfor ways to lower ment which power costs and cares for the welresolve the frefare of the people quent brownouts in Mindanao. through proper nutrition, Poe and which remains faithful to She would see to the develop- said. There should be a stan- its mandate … a government ment of renewable energy. dard lunch program in all pub- which quickly and readily reOverseas Filipino workers lic schools, she added. spond to our needs; professionwould receive the proper attenAccording to Poe, her dream al and not transactional.” tion. The government would is to have each and every FilipiHe said what the Filipinos give them the necessary legal no live a complete and produc- needed was a government that support and reduce the fees tive life, and one with dignity. would be able to put in place the they pay and the red tape they She outlined three strategies appropriate system in attaining face in processing their papers. to achieve her goals. The first the nation’s goals of economic The eradication of drugs and is to fight poverty and push for prosperity and stability. crime is a personal crusade for inclusive growth. The second “This has been started by the Poe. She would ensure the po- is to have an open government, straight path. (The President) lice had the required discipline one that is free from corruption allowed us to imagine again and skills to immediately deal and respects human rights. The what the Filipino is capable with crime, she said. third is to push for a culture of,” he said. “We are a serious Peace with all groups is a goal. that would pave the way for the people who are serious with It is time that the Moros are country’s global competitive- our dreams, who have just had given equal opportunities and ness. a taste of what serious, selfless genuine assistance, she said. leadership can achieve.” She said she would not be Mar Roxas He said that the straight blind to the conditions of the The Aquino administration’s path advocacy was the emvulnerable sectors, such as standardbearer is Mar Roxas, bodiment of the dreams of evpersons with disabilities, in- 58, son of the late Sen. Gerardo ery Filipino. digenous peoples, urban poor, Roxas and grandson of the fifth “As what the President said, it women, youth and children, the President of the Philippines is worth fighting for. It is worth LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, Manuel A. Roxas. He had served sacrificing for and dying for if transgender) sector and senior as secretary of trade and the in- need be,” he said. “The straight citizens. terior, and was a former invest- path transcends me and [the People should be able to rely ment banker in New York. President]; it is a Filipino ideal on expanded benefits through Continuity will be the corner- that has been there long before PhilHealth, because families stone of the Liberal Party (LP) we were born and will remain should not be driven to bank- standard-bearer’s campaign, long after we are gone.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
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House may pass 2016 budget with minimal changes, says lawmaker BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The House of Representatives may approve the P3-trillion national budget for 2016 on second and third reading with few changes, said House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II. “Wala pa namang nakikitang ganun (major realignments). It will depend sa appropriations committee and kung may changes na i-propose ang any of the agencies concerned. Wala pa akong nababalitaan. They will take care of it,” Gonzales told reporters. (There hasn’t been any major realignment seen yet. It will depend on the appropriations committee and if there will be changes proposed by any of the agencies concerned. I haven’t heard anything yet. They will take care of it.) The plenary has yet to create a committee that will be responsible for all proposals for amendments and only a certain number of days will be given for the raising of amendments. “Ang budget kasi is a different kind of bill. When it goes to the period of amendments, hindi talaga tine-take up ang individual amendments sa floor. We create a small committee tasked to accept and check the amendments that will be proposed,” the lawmaker said. (The budget is a different kind of bill. When it goes to the period of amendments, individual amendments are not taken in the floor…) “Kung ano ang desisyon, that will be the final decision. Even
in the past, kahit third reading wala nang appeal sa decision of the small committee,” he added. (Whatever the decision will be, that will be the final decision. Even in the past, even in the third reading there is no longer an appeal to the decision of the small committee.) 2016 budget urgent
Expecting an erratic schedule for the Congress in the coming months, Gonzales asked President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III to certify the 2016 budget as urgent so that it may be approved on time. Aside from the Halloween break from October 10 to November 2, lawmakers may also already be busy campaigning when they resume from break and lack of quorum may be a problem. “I requested a certification to make the budget bill an urgent measure because of the difficulty of passing it on third and final reading… We have an erratic schedule and November 3 (resumption of session) falls on Tuesday,” Gonzalez explained. “Hindi ko alam if there are enough people. We will have difficulty to transmit that to the Senate. That is why I made a suggestion na magkaroon ng certification,” he added. (I don’t know if there are enough people. We will have difficulty to transmit that to the Senate. That is why I made a suggestion for it to have a certification.) “The UNA party which I am helping organize is deliberating on it. A decision will be made and I will subordinate myself to that decision,” he said. ■
ROBERT VINAS/ MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU
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Sexy show... your government is duly accountable in fulfilling the State obligations as described by law,” the petition said, addressing President Aquino. “The entertainment at a Liberal Party oath-taking ceremony and attended by government officials presented women as sexual objects,” the petition said. As of 4:30 p.m. yesterday, the petition had gathered 1,618 signatures. Sought for comment, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said “the Liberal Party has already stated that they are getting to the bottom of the incident.” ❰❰ 7
Exploitation of women
But the Palace was obviously angry. “Women are not objects to be given away as gifts during celebrations. President Aquino has always stood firm against the exploitation of women and will not condone such displays of disrespect,” Valte said. The petition wants the LP to investigate Roxas, Agarao and Tolentino, a Senate hopeful, as they may “have acted either in acquiescence or as purveyors of this deplorable act.” They “should be investigated and be held liable if proven guilty,” it said. Agarao apologized for the show in a radio interview yes-
terday. of exploitation of women,” the Drilon promised a party inTolentino, who has denied group said. “This has never vestigation. sponsoring the show, could not been, and will never be, con“We will not let the good be reached for comment. sistent with the values of the name of the LP be besmirched Budget Secretary Florencio Liberal Party, which, through- with this sorry, isolated inciAbad, an LP stalwart, told the out the years, has made social dent,” he said. INQUIRER in a text message equity one of the pillars of its “that there is no excuse for us- endeavors.” House ‘reenactment’ ing scantily clad women for enThe statement was signed But in a joke that may invite tertainment.” by Representatives Henedina more condemnation from the “That cannot be counte- Abad of Batanes, Josephine public, Majority Leader Nepnanced,” Abad said. Sato of Occidental Mindoro and tali Gonzales II proposed a “reThe three-member Playgirls, Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Island. enactment” of the show at the clad in boyleg panties and midThey said the LP and its House of Representatives. riff tops, twerked and gyrated members had shown them and “There might be a need to before a crowd have it invesof about 400, intigated so that cluding local ofthere would be a ficials from the reenactment in fourth congresWe know that such gimmickry will not the House,” Gonsional district of be tolerated by our members and zales jestingly Laguna. our leadership and we fully support said in a talk with The perforthe investigation to unearth the truth reporters. mance was seen behind the incident. Gonzales, by some children the LP’s parliaand students, mentary caucus some of whom chair, was apexpressed disgust at the show. other women legislators “ut- parently unperturbed by the The Playgirls also hosted sex- most respect.” criticisms drawn by the Laguna ually suggestive “parlor games,” “We know that such gim- show. inviting men from the audi- mickry will not be tolerated by “Some are saying in the provence, making them lie down on our members and our leader- inces that is really how they the stage, hunching over their ship and we fully support the in- campaign. What may be acceptfaces and gyrating over their vestigation to unearth the truth able to them may not necessarnoses. behind the incident,” they said. ily be acceptable in Metro MaSenate President Franklin nila. We were asking each other ‘Gross insult’ Drilon, LP vice chair, also con- what happened, and the reply Women leaders of the LP is- demned the show, saying LP was, ‘Boss, that’s how it is in the sued a statement yesterday members who “fail to prove to provinces,’” Gonzales said. condemning the show as “a the nation that they are good He noted that Agarao’s birthgross insult to all.” and morally responsible public day party, which came after “We condemn, in the stron- servants have no place in our the oath-taking of the new LP gest terms, any and all forms ranks.” members, was a private gather-
ing. “That was not [an LP event]. I cannot intervene in how any birthday celebrator runs his private program, and what he wants to do in his party. In the same manner, I cannot stop Speaker (Feliciano Belmonte Jr.) from twerking at his birthday party later tonight,” Gonzales said. Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo, Roxas’ prospective running mate, expressed strong displeasure with her fellow Liberals involved in the Laguna show. “There should be no space in our party for any activity that demeans the rights and dignity of women,” Robredo said. ‘Really demeaning’
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, expected to be one of the LP’s senatorial candidates next year, joined the condemnation of the Laguna show. “It’s really demeaning, it’s appalling, especially when there were children and women [in the audience],” De Lima said in an interview on the fly. Later, in a text message, De Lima said: “Such casual treatment of the individual dignity of human beings sets back any progress we make in women’s rights and the protection of children. Definitely, whether or not there were children, such an indecent adult show in public deserves censure and condemnation.” ■
Honasan chosen... the political party’s choice — Honasan over another possible vice presidential bid, Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “The media focused on Senator Bongbong. Between the two, the talks with Honasan were faring much better… It’s clear that Honasan is committed to the VP’s platform — a pro-poor, healing and unifying presidency,” a source said in a Philippine Star report. Marcos has also already been informed of UNA’s decision. The senator has yet to disclose his political plans for next year’s elections, while Binay and Honasan will officially declare their tandem soon. Aside from Honasan and Marcos, the Vice President ❰❰ 1
also eyed former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Senator Grace Poe, Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Davao Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte as his possible running mates. All, however, rejected his informal offer. Negotiations still ongoing
Despite reports, Senator Vicente “Tito” Soto III, close ally of Honasan, clarified that there was no formal acceptance of the political party’s offer yet and that a final decision will be rallied in tomorrow’s meeting. Having concerns, including his family, Honasan was not interested in joining the vicepresidential race. But with UNA wanting him as their vicepresidential candidate, the senator considered the offer.
“I think the problem is his political party wants him to run… That’s why he’s seeking my advice and help. They are asking him to run so that’s his situation. I have to leave it up to him, he has to decide,” Sotto said in a Rappler report. Although Honasan has already turned down earlier offers, his partymates believed that he would still change his mind and that he would make an effective ‘anti-crime czar.’ “Senator Honasan is very easy to talk to because he is a party member. It just takes some negotiation. In the case of Senator Bongbong, it’s more complicated because he is a member of the Nacionalista Party,” UNA Secretary-General JV Bautista said in the same report. “Our country is nearing anwww.canadianinquirer.net
Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II.
archy… You need an anti-crime czar and that person can be Honasan who was a baron of the Philippine Military Academy,
@GRINGO_HONASAN / TWITTER
disciplined, a ranger. I told the Vice President to announce Greg as his partner,” UNA member Danilo Suarez said. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Case vs alleged rice smuggler back to square one This handout photo taken on March 17, 2015 by satellite imagery provider DigitalGlobe and released to AFP by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSSI) think tank shows a satellite image of vessels purportedly dredging sand at Mischief Reef in the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. AFP PHOTO / CSIS ASIA MARITIME TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE / DIGITALGLOBE
PH at UN dares China to put words to action BY NIÑA P. CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer ADDRESSING THE 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario on Friday took China to task anew over the South China Sea dispute, expressing the Philippines’ hope the rule of law would prevail in the peaceful settlement of the dispute. Del Rosario, in the session “The United Nations at 70: The Road Ahead for Peace, Security and Human Rights,” challenged China to act in accordance with its own declarations to lower tensions in the South China Sea. “On our dispute with China, a longtime partner and neighbor, we also hope that we will finally see actions that are consistent with Beijing’s declarations so that genuine efforts to lower tensions in the South China Sea can succeed and the peaceful settlement of disputes can be obtained,” he said. The Philippines in several fora slammed China’s “salami slicing and cabbage strategy” in
enforcing its sweeping claims in the South China Sea, parts of which are claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. Del Rosario thanked the world leaders for the growing support from the international community for the peaceful resolution of the disputes in the South China Sea, which include the Philippines’ pending arbitration case. “The Philippines believes the final outcome of this arbitration process would pave the way for a settlement of the maritime disputes. “International law serves as the great equalizer among states, allowing small countries to stand on an equal footing with wealthier, more powerful states,” Del Rosario said. The Philippines has invoked the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in challenging China’s claims and its reclamation work in the disputed sea. On other issues, the foreign affairs chief said the Philippines would do its best to achieve the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, focusing on poverty reduction and social
inclusion. Del Rosario also said the Philippines would continue to play an active role in tackling the issues of climate change, resiliency and disaster risk reduction and management. The Philippines is currently the president of the Climate Vulnerable Forum and intends to push for a meaningful outcome in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 21st session of the Conference of Parties in Paris. The Philippines would also continue to highlight the positive contributions of migrants to sustainable development in countries of origin, transit and destination, Del Rosario said. “We deeply appreciate the United Nation’s recognition of the Philippines as a model of migration governance because of its comprehensiveness in terms of managed deployment, solid protection component, diaspora engagement and reintegration. Both the United Nations and the Philippines believe that migration governance is really about giving migrants a “human face,” he said. ■
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TWO YEARS after painstakingly building a case against alleged rice smuggler David Bangayan, alias David Tan, farmers and traders groups are back to square one. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has tossed back the smuggling case against Bangayan to the National Bureau of Investigation, for the agency to gather more evidence against allegedly the biggest player in the P7 billion-a-year rice smuggling racket. Outgoing Justice Secretary Leila de Lima confirmed in a text message the Bangayan smuggling case had been returned to the NBI, apparently for lack of evidence. “The case filed by the NBI versus Bangayan for monopoly in restraint of trade and violation of procurement laws was returned to the NBI for further case buildup in May 2015. I recently followed it up with the NBI for re-filing,” said De Lima in a text message. In August 2014, De Lima was reported to have approved the filing of criminal complaints against Bangayan, former National Food Authority chair Angelito Banayo, NFA bid and awards committee officials Jose Cordero, Celia Tan, Gilberto Lauengco, Carlito Co and Judy Carol Dansal, and rice traders David and Judilyn Lim, Elizabeth Faustino, Eleanor
Rodriguez and Leah Echeveria. Perplexing
A source in the NBI antigraft division, who is privy to the probe but is not authorized to speak for the bureau, said the DOJ claimed the NBI had failed to prove that Bangayan and David Tan were one and the same person. The NBI source said the antigraft division found this perplexing as Bangayan was identified as David Tan in court and in Senate hearings on rice smuggling. Bangayan appeared at the Senate on Jan. 22 and Feb. 3, 2014, and denied under oath that he was David Tan. He was subsequently charged with perjury by the Senate committee on agriculture and food which used as evidence a libel case filed by Bangayan against Federation of Philippine Industries chair Jesus Arranza. In that libel case, Bangayan issued a sworn affidavit in 2005 referring to himself as Davidson Bangayan, alias David Tan. Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile also testified that Bangayan and David Tan were one and the same person. Aside from Arranza and Enrile, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte also testified that Bangayan was David Tan. “Everybody here in this town and all over the Philippines knows he’s really David Tan,” Duterte told the Senate, which summoned the mayor after he issued a threat to kill Bangayan if the latter showed up in Davao City. ■
MARKETPLACE.ORG
BY GIL CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Philippine News
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Filipinos most concerned MERS eyed in Saudi’s death; with increased wage, DOH looking for his contacts controlled inflation BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer
BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Improved wages among workers (47 percent) and controlled inflation in the market (46 percent) were two of the top national concerns deemed most urgent by Filipinos — both of which the Aquino administration received negative ratings from in terms of performance, according to a Pulse Asia survey. The results of the poll showed that the national government got negative ratings in increasing the salaries of workers with -4 (33 percent approval, 37 percent disapproval) and controlling inflations with -22 (24 percent approval, 46 percent disapproval). The government also received a negative score in reducing poverty with -13 (33 percent approval, 41 percent disapproval and only registered one “majority” approval rating which was in protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with +36 (51 percent approval and 15 percent disapproval). The Pulse Asia survey, which was conducted from September 8 to 14, had 2,400 respondents who were asked to cite their top three most urgent national concerns and the performance ratings of the administration on these concerns. Fighting graft and corruption (39 percent) ranked third as the most urgent concern. This was followed by creating more jobs (37 percent) and reducing poverty (32 percent), in the fourth and fifth place. “Essentially, the same percent-
ages of Filipinos mention the same set of issues — workers’ pay, inflation, graft and corruption, jobs, and poverty — first (11% to 18%), second (10% to 17%), or third (11% to 13%),” Pulse Asia said. Other national concerns included eradicating crimes (25 percent), attaining peace (18 percent), enforcing the rule of law (16 percent) and curbing environmental destruction (13 percent). Overall, the government got positive ratings in most concerns. They were given a +24 in increasing peace (46 percent approval, 22 percent disapproval); +21 in defending territory against foreigners (43 percent approval, 22 percent disapproval); +20 in curbing the destruction of environment (43 percent approval, 23 percent disapproval); +18 in fighting crimes (44 percent approval, 26 percent disapproval); +15 in enforcing the law on all (39 percent approval, 24 percent disapproval); +6 in creating more jobs (37 percent approval, 39 percent disapproval); and +3 in fighting graft and corruption (39 percent approval, 36 percent disapproval). In terms of geographic areas, improved pay among workers and controlled inflation remained the top national concerns. Among socio-economic classes, on the other hand, the two remained the main concerns for Class D and E respondents while fighting corruption was the top concern of Class ABC respondents. Among the least national concerns were the territorial integrity, government change and terrorism. ‘In addition, less than one in 10 of those in Class E (8%) considered rapid population growth as an urgent national concern.’ ■
A SAUDI national suspected of carrying the MERS virus has died while visiting the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said yesterday. The patient, who had a cough, fever and occasional chills, died in an undisclosed hospital on Tuesday after a two-day confinement, Health Secretary Janette Garin said yesterday. But Garin said the DOH could not yet officially declare that the 63-year-old tourist from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was the Philippines’ first MERS death in the absence of tests that would confirm MERS infection. Garin said the DOH received information about the patient only on the day of his death, too late to get samples for tests. “This is an extraordinary situation because we were not able to isolate the actual virus since the tourist had already died and been embalmed,” Garin told reporters. “Because of the religion of the tourist, he was immediately embalmed and repatriated to his country.” 2 confirmed cases
Garin said the Philippines needed to consult the World Health Organization and the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Manila to determine whether the patient could be considered the country’s first MERS death. So far, the Philippines has two confirmed cases of MERS— a pregnant Filipino nurse who returned to the country from Saudi Arabia and a 36-year-old man from Dubai. Both overcame the MERS virus, a less transmissible but deadlier cousin of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) virus. But the symptoms shown by the Saudi patient—cough, high fever, difficulty of breathing and chills—and his chest X-rays “suggested” MERS infection, Garin said. The patient also showed indication of myocardial infarction, she said. According to the findings of a DOH investigation, the Saudi national arrived in the Philippines on Sept. 17. He was billetwww.canadianinquirer.net
MERS has very similar symptoms with the flu.
ed in a hotel in Manila and his booking was up to Oct. 2. On Sept. 26, the tourist developed cough, high fever and occasional chills. Two days later, hotel staff and medical personnel took him to a private hospital. But his condition deteriorated overnight and he died on Sept. 29. Tracing contacts
Garin said a DOH team was tracing people with whom the tourist had contact during his stay in the country. The team has located 93 people, mostly hospital staff and workers at the funeral parlor where the tourist was embalmed. Twelve of them developed MERS symptoms and they were confined at the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine and at San Lazaro Hospital for monitoring, Garin said. She said the team was looking for four other people who had contact with the tourist, among them his hired driver. Garin said initial screening conducted on the 12 people in confinement showed they had not developed symptoms, but they would remain confined until after the end of the 14-day incubation period of the MERS virus, or Oct. 13. “They will be tested again because there is a possibility that during the initial screening the viral load was still very low to be detected ... and even if they tested negative they will still be quarantined up to Oct. 13,” Garin said. The other 81 were advised to stay at home during that peri-
SHUTTERSTOCK
od, she added. The DOH also ordered the decontamination of the hotel room used by the tourist. The hotel’s staff were also given orientation on the MERS virus, Garin said. Similar to flu
Garin urged public vigilance to make sure MERS would have a limited presence in the country. “It is an illness that is similar to the flu,” she said. “What is important is to report to the nearest hospital if you experience flu-like symptoms and if you have a history of travel to the Arabian Peninsula or possible exposure to a MERSinfected patient,” she said. Saudi Arabia recently reported a surge in MERS infections, with 19 deaths in August, ahead of the annual hajj pilgrimage. A total of 536 people have died of MERS in the kingdom since it first appeared in 2012, according to data from the Saudi health ministry’s website as of Friday. The virus has serious complications among elderly people with diabetes and those who have a history of stroke, she added. Reporting system
Garin said the DOH would implement a reporting system for private hospitals to make sure they were always on the lookout for MERS. “All private hospitals will have to submit a report to the DOH even if they have no case of the virus. The purpose of this is to easily identify suspect cases and to remind them to be aggressive,” she said. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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P-Noy takes swipe at SC Court taken to task for delays in projects BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer
a TRO,” Mr. Aquino said. Expressway project
NOT FOR the first time when he had the country’s highest magistrates as his captive audience, President Aquino yesterday took the occasion to take the justices to task for taking on cases that he said delayed critical infrastructure projects and promulgating rulings that he described as “judicial legislation.” While stressing that his administration supports the judiciary and its reform programs with increased funding, the President firmly asserted his authority, pointing out the cost to the country of slow litigation, citing in particular an expressway project that has apparently stalled because of court proceedings. “What our bosses expect from us public servants is simple: Instead of “just tiis (being patient), let’s promote genuine justice. That’s why I will take this opportunity to raise some issues with you,” he said in remarks that were a mixture of English and Filipino at the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Supreme Court complex in Taguig City. Mr. Aquino even quoted the Constitution to drive home his point. He said Article VIII, Section 15 (1) mandates that the high court resolve “all cases or matters” within 24 months, or two years from the day of filing.
The President was apparently referring to the expressway project at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, which has been delayed by right-of-way issues. “To you who know the law better, ❱❱ PAGE 14 P-Noy takes
Supreme Court in Manila.
A new chapter
He challenged the magistrates to complement the modernity and quality of the new Supreme Court facility—funded by Malacañang—that will rise on the site where he was speaking. “The complex that will be built will be modern and of high quality, with new equipment. But for me, the most important part of it is the people who will work there,” Mr. Aquino said. He said the facility was proof that “a new chapter” has begun in the relations among the three branches of government, noting the expected doubling of the budget allocation for the judiciary, from P12.66 billion in 2010 to P25.89 billion in 2016. “All the new equipment in your new building will help you fulfill your mandate, but it’s still up to you if you will uphold what is right and just,” he told the high court magistrates. The President, who has had tense brushes with the Supreme Court justices in the past, said government infrastructure projects should be spared from the delaying effect of a temporary restraining order. “Just look at the situation of one of our expressways, where the project was delayed because the court did not immediately issue a writ of possession. When I think about it, because court hearings delay a project, it’s just like being under www.canadianinquirer.net
AEROUS / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
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Philippine News
OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Drilon admits Senate is struggling to muster quorum due to election fever BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency MANILA — Senate President Franklin Drilon on Tuesday admitted that the Senate is beginning to feel the pinch of the election fever with at least six senators eyeing higher office and five seeking reelection in 2016. “I have to admit, it is really difficult,” Drilon said in a media interview before the start of the session, second to the last before the three-week break to give way to the filing of the certificate of candidacy from Oct. 12 to 16. “This is the first time that there are five vice-presidential candidates and plus one presidential candidate, six out of twenty four running in one election. We feel left out. But you know, we are highlighting it because it is extremely difficult
to do legislative work today. We have barely making quorum because everybody is out there in the field,” he added. Drilon, however, assured the Senate will continue to function and has actually passed important bills particularly an act declaring large-scale agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage and an act granting educational assistance to dependents of military, police and other law enforcers killed in line of duty last Monday with 14 senators present. “We’ll just continue. We’ll keep on struggling,” Drilon, one of the re-electionist senators, said. Drilon said the Bangamoro Basic Law (BBL), a priority measure of the Malacanang, will have to wait when the Senate returns on November 3. “It is difficult to finish because Sen. (Ferdinand) Marcos has other appointments out-
side, so he has not been in the hall. That’s the reality that we face. We hope to finish it (BBL) by December,” he said. On Tuesday, Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile was supposed to interpellate on the proposed BBL, but Marcos, the measure’s sponsor, was no show. Marcos is one of the four senators who have already declared intention to run for vice president. Others include, Senators Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero, Antonio Trillanes IV and Alan Peter Cayetano. Senator Gregorio ‘Gringo’ Honasan II has to decide before the filing of COCs whether to accept the offer of Vice President Jejomar Binay as his running mate in the 2016 elections. On the other hand, Senator Grace Poe has declared to run for president while the other senators seeking reelection are Vicente Sotto III, Teofisto ‘TG’
and benefits for the public, and multiply costs for the government. “Because of such delays, costs also increase. And the additional funds could have been used for other services. We are all serving our bosses. We should focus on nothing else but those that will be for the good of the nation,” he said.
was released from detention on humanitarian grounds despite being on trial on the non-bailable charge of plunder. The Aug. 18 ruling has been criticized as a rewriting of the restrictions on granting bail for an accused facing non-bailable charges, which does not include humanitarian considerations as a ground for granting an exemption. “As among those expected to uphold the interest of the Filipino, let us ask ourselves: Am I able to do right by the people or am I just doing something to say I am fulfilling my duties? Will this be good for my bosses, and will it truly deliver justice?” Mr. Aquino said.
Senate President Franklin Drilon.
PHILIPPINEPRESIDENCY / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Guingona III, Ralph Recto and Serge Osmena II. Drilon said he is hoping that they would still be able to muster quorum when they resume sessions in November. “I am sure that my colleagues are responsible enough to know that we have jobs to do also and we are here to enact laws,” Dril-
on said. Aside from BBL, the Senate must also pass the proposed Php3.002-trillion National Budget for 2016 before the end of the year. The election campaign for the May 2016 national and local polls will start in February next year. ■
not programmed in the budget passed by Congress or that were obtained from illegally declared savings. The DAP ruling angered the President who twice went on television to defend the program, issuing a not-so-subtle threat against a coequal branch of government. Not since he instigated the removal of Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2011 and 2012 did Mr. Aquino speak so strongly against the Supreme Court. But attempting to introduce a note of levity yesterday, the President quoted a joke that his lawyers apparently like to tell. He said his lawyers were told in their introduction to law class that there are only two kinds of lawyers: “those who know the law” and “those who know the judge.”
and I will have to look into these matters,” she told reporters. In response to the President’s call for speedy judicial proceedings on cases involving government expropriation, Sereno said there should be a national discussion on “what kind of periods are allowable for due process.” “Ultimately, you have to make sure that property owners are not unduly deprived. So we are going actually in that direction and we are already convening several small committees to discuss these problems,” she said. She said the current legal framework “is no longer capable of addressing all these issues.” On the matter of judicial legislation, Sereno said the court has also been careful to avoid overstepping its powers. “In every en banc session, we continue to debate on whether what we’re doing is already legislation or if it is still within the bounds of what we can do. But, ultimately, it will redound to a question of what the final vote will be. So it’s an evolving thing, but we are mindful of that need to maintain that line,” she said. ■
P-Noy takes... isn’t there a law that says when it comes to a project involving government infrastructure, there should be a deposit for the amortization of land to be expropriated? And when that has been done, the court has to issue a writ of possession saying government has the right to use that land and proceed with its project,” Mr. Aquino said. He said Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson had reported that despite compliance with the deposit requirement, the court hearing the case has yet to issue the writ, thus delaying the project. Mr. Aquino also mentioned instances where “projects are delayed because of the need (for the court) to determine just compensation.” He did not cite the specific project. “I hope you give due attention to coming up with decisions on issues like these. The law is clear on the right of the government to proceed with a project even when the court has yet to resolve the matter of just compensation,” he said. He cited how such obstacles derail the delivery of services ❰❰ 13
Confounding positions
The President also cited cases where he felt certain magistrates took “confounding” positions or made a sudden turnaround. “You are the experts in law, and my appeal is this: Go back to the major and controversial issues that the judiciary faced, such as the times when one or several justices took confounding positions (on a case), when the court suddenly changed its view on important issues, or when it seemed there was judicial legislation,” he said. Mr. Aquino did not cite a specific case or issue, but his statement brought to mind the recent Supreme Court ruling granting the bail petition of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who
Lawyers’ joke
In the audience were the same justices who last year invalidated the President’s Disbursement Acceleration Program, a spending reform mechanism to speed up public expenditure and boost economic growth. The high court declared the DAP unconstitutional because in carrying out its high-impact programs and projects, it used funds that were www.canadianinquirer.net
CJ for a national discussion
In an interview after walking the President out of the venue, Sereno said she would look into the expressway case that Mr. Aquino had raised. “I didn’t know there was an issue on infrastructure… especially about the Naia Expressway,
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
15
It’s Roxas-Robredo in 2016 elections
CA junks with finality Pateros’ claim over part of Makati
BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer
BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer
naig at ang tama ang parating magtagumpay.’” (The good will always prevail and the right will always triumph.) MANILA — Camarines Sur RepLP chairman President Beresentative Leni Robredo has fi- nigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, for nally accepted the ruling Liberal his part, openly welcomed the Party’s (LP) offer to be their vice- Roxas-Robredo tandem, believpresidential candidate, becom- ing that the congresswoman ing LP standard-bearer Manuel will also be able to continue “Mar” Roxas II’s running mate. his “Daang Matuwid” (Straight Earlier today, Roxas pro- Path) type of governance. claimed Robredo as the admin“Si Leni palagay ko positiistration’s vice-presidential bid bong-positibo ang imahe... Kung in next year’s national elections. maghahanap ka ng talagang hinThe official proclamation was di pwedeng masasabing ‘trapo’ o held at the histraditional politoric Club Filipitician parang… no in Greenhills, ‘yon ang isa sa San Juan City. mga mukha nito “Matapos ang I gave myself — si Leni Robremalalim na pagwholly do,” Aquino told iisip, malawak especially reporters. na konsultasyon to those (I think Leni is at mataimtim na in slippers a positive image… pagdadasal, buoutside, If you will look for ong puso, buong below and at someone who will pananampalatathe hem of not be labeled as ya at buong tapat our society. ‘trapo’ or a tradiko pong tinatangtional politician, gap ang hamon it’s like… she’s na tumakbo bione of the faces — lang pangalaLeni Robredo.) wang pangulo ni Secretary Mar “Ang dami na niyang dinemonRoxas,” the lawmaker said in strate na kahanga-hanga talaga. her acceptance speech. So, ito, isasama niya sa pagkam(After thorough consider- panya — kasama ni Mar… taation, consultation and prayers, lagang magpapabilis ng lahat ng I wholeheartedly, faithfully and nagawa na natin,” he added. sincerely accept the challenge (She has already demonstratto run as the vice president of ed a lot of impressive [projects Secretary Mar Roxas.) and programs]. So, this, she will “Ibinigay ko po ang aking include in her campaign — tosarili nang buong-buo lalung- gether with Mar… [they] will lalo na sa mga nakatsinelas sa really speed up all that we’ve labas, sa baba at sa laylayan ng done.) lipunan (I gave myself wholly It can be recalled that the LP especially to those in slippers also wooed Senator Grace Poe outside, below and at the hem to be their vice-presidential of our society),” she added. candidate but the senator optEnding her speech, Robredo ed to seek the country’s highest quoted her late husband and post instead. Robredo, who was former Interior Secretary Jesse also reluctant at first, decided Robredo, saying, “[in the end], to accept the offer after several ‘ang mabuti ang parating mana- weeks of private meetings. ■
THE COURT of Appeals (CA) has junked with finality the civil suit filed by the Pateros municipal government to claim ownership of around 300 hectares in Fort Bonifacio which itself is the subject of an unresolved dispute between two other cities —Makati and Taguig. Denying Pateros’ motion for reconsideration, the appellate court’s Former Ninth Division upheld its Jan. 29 decision which ruled that the Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) did not commit grave abuse of discretion when it dismissed the complaint filed by the municipality for the judicial declaration and confirmation of certain parcels of land within its territorial jurisdiction. “Finding the matters raised by appellant are a mere rehash of its previous arguments, and there being no cogent reason to modify, much less reverse our assailed Jan. 29, 2015, decision, the instant motion for reconsideration is denied,” the appeals court said in the twopage resolution issued on Sept. 24 and written by Justice Magdangal de Leon. The other division members —Justices Jane Aurora Lantion and Victoria Isabel Paredes— concurred in the ruling. The Pasig RTC had ruled that it could not exercise jurisdiction over Pateros’ claim because the municipality failed to comply with Sections 118 and 119 of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991. Section 118 mandates that boundary disputes involving a component city or municipality on one hand and a highly urbanized city on the other shall
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Bonifacio High Street in Fort Bonifacio.
be jointly referred for settlement to the respective councils of the parties. Each council is given 60 days to effect an amicable settlement and if this fails, it is given another 60 days to formally deliberate on the dispute. Only then can the decision of the council be elevated to the lower court with jurisdiction over the disputed area, as provided for under Section 119. The CA pointed out that the complaint filed by Pateros in the Pasig RTC was not a case where the councils concerned jointly rendered a decision resolving the boundary dispute. It noted that what preceded the filing of the case were resolutions that reflect unilateral acts of the Pateros municipal council. The Pateros municipal government’s complaint covers seven barangays, namely, Cembo, South Cembo, West Rembo, East Rembo, Comembo, Pembo
ALVEO LAND / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
and Pitogo with an aggregate area of 3,044,568 sqm. These barangays were declared part of Makati’s territory by virtue of Proclamations No. 2475 and 518 issued on Jan. 7, 1986, and Jan. 31, 1991, by former Presidents Ferdinand Marcos and Corazon Aquino, respectively. Taguig, however, is also disputing Makati’s claim over the area. In a ruling issued on July 30, 2013, the appellate court ruled in favor of Makati, prompting Taguig to file a motion for reconsideration which has yet to be resolved. In staking its claim, Pateros cited old Spanish colonial maps showing the seven barangays as being part of its area from the time it was a barrio of Pasig until 1801, when the municipality became an independent town. ■
Opinion
16
OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
AT LARGE
LP and the Playgirls By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer MUST BE because I just adopted “dual citizenship” lately, which may mean I’ve seen too much of life to be surprised or shocked by it. But I just can’t work up the seemingly requisite outrage and anger over the “twerking” dance number and naughty game performed by the dance group “The Playgirls” at a Liberal Party rally recently. For one—another indicator of my senior status—I couldn’t seem to get the videos of the event downloaded, and had to be content with still photos and brief glimpses of the action on TV news. But the reactions of women whose opinion I respect indicate that the action was rowdy and lascivious enough to go beyond the usual fare we see in noontime variety shows and MTVs. The reactions of the rally host and candidates, party officials and even Malacañang spokespeople have ranged from the studied and judicious to the politically correct, if not incensed. One LP stalwart, Rep. Kaka Bag-ao, has gone so far as to call for the removal of MMDA Chair-onleave Francis Tolentino from the senatorial slate of the LP. His sin? “Inviting” the dance group, which apparently is his family’s suki in all
its campaigns. Tolentino’s denials, bad has it become that one woman *** as well as those of his LP colleagues, candidate in a previous election even STILL, it’s time politicians woke up are belied by shots of him obviously had to warn her party-mates that she to the fact that the times, they are enjoying the “dance” number, and by would leave the rally stage the second a-changin’, especially in this era of shots of a rally for his brother Bam- the sexy dancers made their appear- cell phones, YouTube, Instagram, bol, now mayor of Tagaytay, featuring ance. Facebook and other iterations of the the self-same sexy dance group. Protests would be raised about instant communication age. A staffer of a congresswoman tried the dumbing down of campaign acAny word misspoken, any act beto justify the presence of the sexily- tivities. Feminists would foam at the yond the norm, any gesture apt to be clad women at the LP event. “That’s mouth about the scantily-clad wom- misinterpreted, can not merely be rehow it is in the provinces,” she ex- en and double entendres designed corded instantly, but spread throughplained. “In our campaigns, we have to amuse the crowd. These would out the Net in a matter of seconds. By to offer the people some entertain- be met by the wringing of hands and the time enough “eyeballs” behold ment, even the presence of celebri- cringing reactions. Everybody would the offensive content, it’s often too ties, or none of them late for a rear-guard would bother to ataction. People Women and girls, too, are part of the crowd, as are men tend our rallies.” would not only have and boys who could be offended by the raunchy numbers. Electoral exercisseen the questionAnd everybody carries a cell phone. es, then, are mostly able video, but also forms of entertainhave reacted to it, ment for the great majority. Already behave—for a while—but when the posted their knee-jerk reactions, and reduced to a horse race, political campaign heats up once more, party “shared” these with friends around campaigning is seen as a means to leaders would bring out the usual the globe. distract the folks from everyday re- ammunition: celebrities, comedians Time was, too, when bikini-clad alities, with song and dance, some- and the familiar dancing girls (apart women lying on top of automobiles times from the candidates them- from guns, goons and gold, of course). were thought of as the best way to sell selves, taking the place of substantive Maybe it’s time we looked, not cars, even if their curves had nothing rhetoric and platforms of action. at the craven candidates and their to do with the lines of the vehicles What are earnest pleas for votes and cynical campaign managers, but at they were selling. It took the rise of discussions of local issues compared ourselves, and what we’ve come to feminism, the increase in awareness to sexily-clad maidens pretending to expect from political campaigns and of the sensibilities of women, as well hump the local officials? electoral exercises. If politicians are as the emergence of outspoken wom*** there only to provide sound bites en and their sons and allies—to finalPERHAPS another reason for my and amusement, then we deserve the ly break the link between sex and adlack of passion on the issue is that it’s clowns we’ve elected too often to of- vertising. Although, to be sure, that happened so many times before. So fice. hasn’t stopped a few Neanderthals in
marketing to seek to revive the trend. *** IF the “LP and Playgirls” fiasco has accomplished anything, it may be to make campaign managers more conscious of the diversity of their rally audiences. No longer is it just male voters who troop to town plazas or compounds of party leaders to listen to the candidates and seek to be entertained. Women and girls, too, are part of the crowd, as are men and boys who could be offended by the raunchy numbers. And everybody carries a cell phone. We might yet see more “town hall” campaigning in these parts, with political parties no longer seeing the need to mount extravaganzas that draw huge crowds and instead engage voters in sincere and rational discussions about issues that affect their lives. I remember a trip to the United States during campaign season, and jumping at the chance to watch a “rally” at a nearby mall. Boy, was I disappointed! Instead of a massive crowd and a rowdy stage, all we saw were about 20 campaigners holding up neat placards and waving them at passing motorists. How tame! How corny! And they didn’t even have half-naked dancers atop local officials prone on the floor! ■
ANALYSIS
Grace Poe’s messianic pretensions By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer CANBERRA—Never in my 65-year career as a journalist have I encountered a more audacious bid for the presidency than that of the junior senator Grace Poe. In announcing her decision to seek the presidency last Sept. 16 at the University of the Philippines’ alumni house, Poe said it was prompted by her desire to “continue” what her father, the late actor Fernando Poe Jr., had started. “His decision was anchored on the same ... principle,” she perorated in Filipino. “Eleven years ago in this very same hall, he declared that he wanted to help the poor, fight oppression and forge a prosperous and just society.” Soaring to the heights of sentimental rhetoric, she rhapsodized on her father’s legacy: “He often told me, Gracia, poverty is not a destiny because each one’s fate is in his/ her hands. But to get out of poverty, one’s own hard work is often not enough. Everyone needs a helping hand. Shouldn’t this be a measure of responsive government and society—how it uplifts everyone and leaves no one behind?” At this juncture, would someone tell this poor lady to stop her homilies and nonsense, and ask her if she realizes
that her lectures are beginning to sound her presidential aspirations? of his mother, President Cory Aquino, like echoes of the administration’s proAnd why should Filipino voters none among the present presidential paganda on fostering inclusive growth elect her to the presidency on the contenders is more brazen than Poe in that does not leave the poor far behind basis of her being the daughter of pushing her ambitions on the back of in the enjoyment of the benefits of high FPJ, who had the temerity to stand her relationship with a dead actor. growth? Maybe she is not aware of this for president on his fame as a heroic Among the three declared contenddue to her limited education, or she has figure in the synthetic world of make ers, Poe tops the list for messianic prenot been reading up on the economic believe, far removed from the social tensions. It’s time to ask what is really presentations of Neda Director General reality of Philippine politics? fueling her bid. Arsenio Balisacan. We have had a number of presidenA review of the records will show that The totality of Poe’s speech sound- tial elections since our country became Poe topped the senatorial elections in ed to us like a 21st-century reworking a democratic republic in 1946. But none 2013. From that time onward, she has of the absolutist doctrine of European of the aspirants had come forward to been topping the surveys on the most monarchies in the Middle Ages: that promote their candidacies mainly on preferred contenders. But considerkings were maning the volatility of dated to rule in any the public mood, it is In the speech, she said: “We should push for true reforms way they wished acreckless to conclude that will achieve inclusive growth, global competitiveness and cording to the divine that the ratings will transparent government.” Is she up to fulfill these dreams? rights of kings, with remain unchanged no accountability whatsoever to their the basis of their hereditary pedigree, in the next few months until May 2016. suffering subjects. until Poe foisted the notion that she has Poe’s record in the Senate in the past Poe spoke of continuing the legacy the right to be elected president on the two years faces tough public scrutiny. of her father. But she failed to tell us basis of her claim as the heir to FPJ’s Many of her critics are asking what she just what her father had done 11 years legacy (whatever it is). For example, has done in the Senate to deserve her ago to help the poor and to fight op- Mar Roxas, standard-bearer of the rul- front-runner position in the surveys, pression. She seemed to claim that her ing Liberal Party, is not capitalizing on and to justify her depiction of herself bid for the presidency is built on the his pedigree as a grandson of Manuel as a messianic leader who can save and mandate of her father’s accomplish- Roxas, the first president of the postwar transform society from its current malments, of which there is no record of republic, to propel his candidacy. And aise, especially endemic corruption. any kind having to do with public office while it is true that President Aquino There are signs that the survey results or service. What accomplishments is was swept to his post by the wave of have gone to her head, distorting her outshe talking about, on which to anchor sympathy stemming from the death look, making her overcomplacent and
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believing that her election is inevitable. She must beware of hubris. Her camp has shown arrogance and self-delusion. True, Poe has outlined a 20-point program vowing to “continue FPJ’s dreams” (a dead man’s dreams could be the obituary of her own extravagant dreams). She has scornfully spurned invitations from the administration to run as vice president, as if this were beneath her dignity; she insists that she and Sen. Francis Escudero would run as a team with herself leading the ticket, tackling the established parties’ lineups. Her 20-point program reeks with ambitious claims, making it sound like a State of the Nation Address of a sitting president. It was launched at UP to give it intellectual gravitas, a credential that she has to prove she possesses. In the speech, she said: “We should push for true reforms that will achieve inclusive growth, global competitiveness and transparent government.” Is she up to fulfill these dreams? We are anxious to know whether we are heading for a boom or the bust of a bubble blown up by self-proclaimed messiahs hearing voices of a mandate from heaven. Let us be aware that these self-serving prophets have insulted the intelligence of our people. ■
Opinion
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
17
LOOKING BACK
Mothers and their sons By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer AFTER RECEIVING 30 wounds from guns, bolos and daggers, Antonio Luna breathed his last, expiring with an expletive on his lips. As his assassins stood around his bloodied corpse, a woman’s voice from the convent house of Cabanatuan broke the silence with the question: “Nagalaw pa ba iyan?” It was Trinidad Famy—or Kapitana Teneng, Emilio Aguinaldo’s mother—who wanted confirmation that the threat to her son’s life and hold on power was dead. One unreliable source quotes the kapitana as shouting: “Hoy! Bad men! Don’t you recognize General Luna?” A review of the different sources on the death of Luna shows one that lays the blame for his death, not on Aguinaldo, but on a woman who sat in on important meetings, a woman Aguinaldo could not refuse. All the interest generated by the film “Heneral Luna” helps us see that history is composed of many narratives, some conflicting. It also gives us a chance to reflect on the role of mothers in history. Teodora Alonso, Jose Rizal’s mother, is said to have climbed the staircase of Malacañang in 1896
to intercede for the life of her son. Our story should end with Juan justice to the tragic death of my AnAn hour before his life was snuffed Luna’s death certificate, but I have tonio. Believe me that in the near out by a bullet in the field of Bagum- always been interested in a lead given future, history, being above vile and bayan, Rizal left a note that reads: “To me by E. Aguilar Cruz and Teodoro crude passions, will trace in gold the my very beloved mother Sra. Doña A. Agoncillo, senior members of the name of he who was a victim of duty, Teodora Alonso, At six o’clock in the National Historical Institute, who if not the envy of his detractors. morning of 30 December 1896. Jose suggested that the painter might not “I have no ambition of making the Rizal.” It leaves little to the historian, have died of natural reasons, and was names of my sons, Juan and Antonio, but much to a grieving mother. probably poisoned by someone hired appear side by side with that of Rizal, Nothing can be more tragic than by his brother-in-law, Trinidad H. I only wish that posterity would do for a mother to bury her child, worse Pardo de Tavera. Revenge was sug- them justice and that their memory when it comes in threes, as it did for gested as the motive since Juan Luna would cause a tear to fall from the Laureana Novicio vda. de Luna in had murdered Pardo de Tavera’s bottom of people’s hearts. 1899: First she buried her daughter mother Juliana Gorricho and sister “With this, I will die in peace, perNumeriana, then haps pardoning in her son Antonio my last moments I only wish that posterity would do them justice and that their was murdered in their murderers. memory would cause a tear to fall from the bottom of people’s hearts. Cabanatuan in This is the most that June, then another an afflicted mother son Juan died in Hong Kong in De- Paz in a fit of jealousy in Paris in 1892. can say to reciprocate the loving words cember. Antonio’s murderers were Long after Agoncillo and Cruz with which you honor her sons.” never brought to justice, and Juan, passed away, I found sources to supThat Laureana Novicio vda. de we all know, died of a heart attack port what they suspected. On April Luna believed her two sons were on Dec. 7, 1899, as stated coldly in 14, 1900, the Luna brothers’ mother murdered is one thing. That her son the death certificate: Juan Luna, 42 wrote to Tomas Arejola and the mem- and grandson also believed this is years old, painter, passed away in 2 bers of the Comite Republicano Filipi- shown in two articles by Alfonso T. Lower Castle Terrace, due to angina no in Madrid expressing her gratitude Ongpin, published in the Spanishpectoris, literally translated to “pain for the honor given her sons Antonio language Voz de Manila and Nueva in the chest,” or a heart attack. His and Juan. The letter reads: Era in 1949. A part reads: death was registered the next day by “In the midst of misfortune and “I used to frequent the residence of a certain A. Martin and PPJ Wode- overwhelming solitude, I am con- the brother [of Juan Luna] Don Pepe house, nephew of the British author soled to know you have risen above (Jose Luna), reputable toxicologist P.G. Wodehouse. base and petty calumnies by doing who on one occasion told me verbally
that his brother Juan died treacherously poisoned in Hong Kong by a compatriot of ours. This was also confirmed by his only son Andres Luna de San Pedro, creator of notable buildings and magnificent mansions that are now standing in this capital and in the provinces.” While I have yet to find the socalled smoking gun, I have looked at Juan Luna’s handwritten apology to Pardo de Tavera dated Jan. 19, 1897, and preserved in the Lopez Museum, that reads: “I have reconciled with God through the holy sacrament of confession … since I wish to reconcile myself likewise with men, as a good Christian Catholic should. I ask you, as representative of your whole family, to pardon me of anything that has caused offense. I offer this simple and just reparation … for the very sad misfortunes that occurred in another time between both [our] families… These lines are sealed in peace because I wish that we can be united as good and resigned Christians. Your sure servant who kisses your hand. J. Luna.” History is fascinating because it opens us to many alternative stories, some more engaging than what we have in our textbooks. ■
PUBLIC LIVES
‘Twerking’ and the Liberal Party By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer THE OTHER day, my 14-year-old granddaughter, Julia, who serves as my weather vane for things that go viral on social media, showed me a YouTube post. “What’s this about, Lolo?” she asked. It was a video clip of a scantily clad female dancer doing what looks like the “twerk” with a man in a yellow shirt. Photos of Liberal Party presidential contender Mar Roxas and of senatorial aspirant Francis Tolentino, both speaking from a podium, frame the video. “Oh, that looks like someone doing the twerk,” I replied, with a knowing air. “Yah, that’s obvious,” she said. “I mean, what was the occasion? Why was Mar Roxas there?” My sophisticated apo, who is well-informed about cultural trends, clearly knew little about Philippine political culture and the obligatory space it gives to entertainment. “It was the birthday party of a congressman from Laguna,” I told her, “and the event was used as the occasion to swear in new recruits to the Liberal Party, whose presidential bet is Mar Roxas. Maybe Mar was there as a birthday guest and to administer the oath to the new LP members.” “Oh,” Julia said, sounding even more
perplexed. “What do they swear to, the twerk Miley Cyrus’ signature act. the dancers, they at first looked like and why are those guys dancing the And although the dance in its origi- shy clients who, quickly overcoming twerk?” nal form was not meant to suggest their hesitation, gamely participated “It’s a long story; I’ll tell you about anything necessarily sexual, its more in an explicit reenactment of the it later,” I said, wanting to end the provocative versions have increas- sexual act. As my granddaughter inconversation so I could go back to ingly become sexually explicit. nocently mused: What does all that my writing. But, her questions perI suppose this sexual explicitness twerking have to do with the serious turbed me. I ended up devoting the becomes more pronounced where it business of oath-taking that is suprest of the morning to a reflection on is least expected. The propriety of ac- posed to have brought them there? the relationship between politics and tions is relative to the occasion and to Entertainment has, of course, alentertainment. Reviewing the video the persons performing them. If Rep. ways been a part of our political life, clip on YouTube, I began to wonder Benjamin Agarao’s birthday party and, indeed, it’s often difficult to tell which was more obscene: participa- had been a private closed-door affair, where one ends and the other begins. tory “twerking” at a political event the entertainment provided by the The name of the game is to assemble or the mass swearing in of political dancing group “The Playgirls” might large crowds and make them stay, and party recruits during the election not have caused as much public furor nothing seems to attract them more season? than the presence The twerk is a of movie and televiBut, even while politicians consciously strike a balance between sexually suggestive sion celebrities and beingtakenseriouslyandbeinggameatsinginganddancing,theydon’t dance form that hired performers seem to pay as much attention to the public’s reaction to entertainment features gyrating who sing and dance numbers rendered at these events by paid performers. and thrusting hip between speeches. movements, usually But, even while from a low squatting stance. Some as it has. But this was billed as a po- politicians consciously strike a balsay the term, which nearly made it as litical event featuring the swearing in ance between being taken seriously the 2013 Oxford Dictionary Online’s of new Liberal Party members. The and being game at singing and dancword of the year, is a combination of media covered it and chose to focus ing, they don’t seem to pay as much two words: “twist” and “jerk.” Evolv- on the unpleasant side of the enter- attention to the public’s reaction to ing from African-American hip-hop tainment act, rather than on the in- entertainment numbers rendered at culture, this dance has apparently creasingly meaningless ritual of mass these events by paid performers. been around since the 1990s, predat- oath-taking for new party members. In this regard, senatorial aspirant ing the American pop performer MiWhat perhaps made it worse was Tolentino, who chairs the Metro Maley Cyrus’ March 2013 Facebook post the participation of the new yellow- nila Development Authority, may showing her in a raunchy twerking shirted recruits in the dance rou- have abused the blurred lines beroutine. That particular video made tine itself. Pulled onto the stage by tween politics and entertainment by
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bringing in his twerking dancers to political gatherings. He denies bringing the Playgirls to that LP oathtaking in Laguna. But then it’s not the first time the presence of the group has been noted at a political meeting. More than a week ago, at the general assembly of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, held at the Manila Hotel, the same dancers were seen entertaining the delegates, wearing skimpy tops that bannered Tolentino’s name across their chests. I don’t know if the much-criticized MMDA chair thinks voters might view him more positively by his association with sexy dancers than by his explanations of Metro Manila’s problems. But, it’s incredible that any politician could honestly believe that people might take him more seriously if his speeches were preceded by a sexy dance routine. Just because voters are easily drawn to the glitter and noise of political campaigns does not mean they don’t care about substance. I wonder who else the Liberal Party is drafting in its senatorial slate. Surely, Mar Roxas must be aware that politicians who comport themselves like barkers at a vaudeville stage do nothing to reflect the vision of high-minded statesmanship that is supposed to be the hallmark of his presidential bid. ■
18
OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
Canada News
Wynne attacks Harper for lack of leadership; urges Canadians to back Trudeau THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne is again lashing out at the federal Conservatives saying they are out of ideas and out of touch. In a lengthy speech to the Empire Club in Toronto, Wynne complained about a lack of national leadership on a host of issues ranging from climate change and infrastructure funding to Syrian refugees and pensions. Without mentioning Prime Minister Stephen Harper by name, Wynne told the business audience that government “should not seek refuge in fear” but must speak in an optimistic voice. She said Canadians deserve
a government that is focused not simply on winning an election, but on using its mandate to make a positive impact in people’s lives, and urged voters to elect Justin Trudeau’s Liberals on Oct. 19. The Liberal premier has clashed repeatedly with Harper during the campaign over a new Ontario Retirement Pension Plan that the prime minister has strongly opposed, saying it will kill jobs. Wynne insisted she would not be cowed by Harper’s claim that he would do all he could to block federal government co-operation with the Ontario pension scheme. “When a prime minister declares he is ‘delighted’ to thwart the will of a duly elected government with a mandate to
Premier Kathleen Wynne with Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau. FACEBOOK
improve retirement security, just as an example, well you are darn right I am going to fight
back,” she said. Wynne also said she was increasingly frustrated with fed-
eral Conservative candidates, including Harper, who call the provincial pension plan a payroll tax. “I find myself astonished listening to some of the voices on the federal campaign trail,” said Wynne. “Only the truly shortsighted could look at a pension contribution and describe it as a tax.” A Conservative spokesman responded by noting that Trudeau plans to hike taxes and run massive deficits to pay for $146 billion in new spending. “Like Premier Wynne, Justin has promised to hike payroll taxes, taxes on families, taxes on personal savings, as well as billions in additional, yet-tobe-named tax hikes,” Stephen Lecce said in an email Monday evening. ■
Nasa ibang lugar o busy ka ba sa Oktubre 19? Maaari kang bumoto ng mas maaga. Kung handa ka nang bumoto ng mas maaga, maaari kang bumoto sa iyong advance polling place sa pagitan ng Oktubre 9 at 12, mula tanghali hanggang 8:00 n.g. Maaari ka ring bumoto sa alinmang tanggapan ng Elections Canada sa buong bansa anumang araw hanggang Oktubre 13 ng 6:00 n.g. Para sa voting locations, i-check ang iyong voter information card, bisitahin ang elections.ca o tumawag sa 1-800-463-6868 ( TTY 1-800-361-8935). Ipagbibigay-alam ng Elections Canada ang lahat ng impormasyon na kakailanganin mo upang maging handa sa pagboto.
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Canada News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
19
Trans Pacific Partnership rocks election trail, buoys Harper’s campaign mood THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Stephen Harper’s blockbuster trade deal upstaged Justin Trudeau’s students and the stage and screen stars backstopping Tom Mulcair on Monday as the three main parties began their two-week sprint to the ballot box. Mulcair, the NDP leader, had a stage full of television, music and film personalities — it even included a performance by the folk duo Whitehorse — all lined up for his announcement about helping artists. Trudeau was all set to unveil a high-gloss campaign platform, a popular Liberal strategy, in front of a crowd of earnest university students eager to cheer his plan of expanded grants and easier loan repayment terms. But the Pacific Rim depth charge known as the TransPacific Partnership blew them both out of the water. “Today is a historic day,” a prime ministerial Harper beamed during a news conference in Ottawa as he described the deal as nothing short of “the largest economic partnership in the history of the world.” Not everyone is enamoured of the deal: held up by Harper as a model for future 21st-century trade agreements, Mulcair is committed to tearing it to pieces. “I will not be bound by Stephen Harper’s secret deals,” he said. A New Democrat government would provide $60 million over four years to Telefilm Canada and the National Film Board, and loosen rules to secure grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, Mulcair promised instead. The NDP would also allow self-employed artists to average their incomes, a move the party
Prime Minister Stephen Harper (center) hosts a roundtable with cultural media representatives in Mississauga on October 6, Tuesday. FACEBOOK
says would make tax filing fairer and more predictable. There would also be a new $10-million digital content fund to support celebrations of Canada’s 150th anniversary in 2017. Trudeau, unveiling the Liberal platform at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ont., parked his vote on the TPP until all the details are clear. “We will ratify this properly in the House of Commons after a fulsome and responsible discussion,” he said. The main points of the Liberal platform — three years of deficit spending on infrastructure, higher taxes on the wealthiest Canadians and lower rates for most others — were released long ago. But a few new details came out Monday, including new restrictions on marketing unhealthy food and drinks to children — restrictions similar to
ones already in place in Quebec — and regulations to limiting the amount of trans fats and salt in processed foods. Popular among the university crowd was a plan to increase Canada Student Grants by 50 per cent to $3,000 a year. Trudeau said a Liberal government would allow students to wait until they’re earning at least $25,000 a year before requiring them to start repayment. “Finding money to pay for school is only half the battle,” he said. “Repaying those loans after you leave is often just as challenging.” Later Monday, Harper was back in his campaign uniform — blue blazer, open collar, everpresent smile --as he arrived in Richmond Hill, Ont., for a campaign rally. But it was clear he was feeling fresh energy as talk turned to the TPP.
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“Today friends, we took another significant step in securing our economic future,” he said. Harper said the federal cabinet has already approved a plan to spend $4.3 billion over the next 15 years to protect Canadian dairy farmers from the impact of the trade deal. He said the concessions Canada has made in the dairy sector are modest — an additional 3.25 per cent of foreign imports would be allowed — and cites the compensation fund as more than enough to protect dairy producers. The auto sector is a different matter. Mulcair latched onto a claim by Unifor, Canada’s largest private-sector union, that 20,000 autoworker jobs are in jeopardy if it proceeds. “Canada will not be part of an agreement that removes 20,000 Canadian jobs. Period,”
Mulcair said. “And every time we say that, it’s important to remember that every job you and I just referenced is actually a family that will lose their livelihood.” Mulcair urged Harper to release the full text of the deal, which is undergoing a legal review, before the election. The federal government has offered no guarantees but expressed optimism the 12 countries involved might make it available before voting day in two weeks. According to the federal government, the TPP keeps Canada’s dairy industry mostly intact, with a modest increase in permitted imports for supplymanaged sectors and farmers would be compensated for losses through a multibillion-dollar series of programs. Foreign-made cars would be allowed into Canada without tariffs, as long as they have 45-per-cent content from the TPP region — lower than the 62.5 per cent regional-content provision under NAFTA. Canada’s auto industry has been alarmed about the prospect of loosening domestic requirements for car components. “I know there is also concern in some parts of our auto industry about the implications of this agreement for that vital sector,” Harper said, promising to soon announce measures to attract new auto investment and ensure the stability of car assembly operations in Canada. “I want to reassure the Canadians who depend on it for their livelihood that we have reached an agreement that will clearly benefit our auto industry here at home. This agreement will mean the well-paying jobs in the auto sector that they continue to support thousands of Canadian families for years to come.” ■
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
Wynne says kids shouldn’t be bargaining chips in open school doors dispute BY KEITH LESLIE The Canadian Press
added Wynne. “It is the responsibility of the board and the schools to keep kids safe,” she said. “We are at the table working to get TORONTO — Ministry of Education of- an agreement. That is our priority.” ficials were scrambling Monday to make After school shootings in the United sure students were safe after schools in States several years ago, the Liberal Halton region unlocked their doors be- government offered boards funding cause of a job action by office staff. to install locks with buzzers and video Parents arriving at Escarpment View cameras so staff can decide who gets enPublic School in Milton were greeted trance to a school and who doesn’t. with a sign on the door saying the enThe Halton board took the province trance was temporarily unlocked and up on that funding, said Sandals. visitors should enter and proceed di“We made the money available berectly to the office. cause we do want to make sure that Secretarial staff kids are safe, but we who have been workneed to figure out ing without a conwhat is the real issue tract for more than here that it’s become a year are no longer mixed up in the lawilling to answer the It is the bour disruption,” she buzzer and let people responsibility said. into schools because of the board Sandals admitted that duty was simand the schools she was caught off ply added to their to keep kids guard by the Halworkday by the govsafe. We are ton board’s deciernment’s safe doors at the table sion to unlock the initiative, said Jo working to get doors at its elemenDean of the Ontario an agreement. tary schools, but said Secondary School That is our there is no mandatoTeachers’ Federapriority. ry locked-door policy tion. in Ontario schools. “Without any supParents are right to port it just fell on be worried about the the secretary in the situation, added Sanoffice who has 1,000 dals. other ministry initiatives that have “I was a little bit surprised that a union been downloaded on them and it just had chosen the safe entry system as the interrupts the day constantly,” said direction for disruption because obviDean. ously safety is important to us,” she said. The Halton District School Board said “But there’s nothing in the Education it had no choice but to unlock school Act or the regulations that even requires doors because of the job action by secre- this system to be in place.” tarial and support staff. The government and school boards “The elementary school front doors reached a tentative agreement last will need to remain unlocked during the month with the OSSTF governing teachschool day as secretarial staff are no lon- ers, but has been unable to strike a deal ger able to unlock the door for visitors,” for support staff that the union repreboard spokesman Jason Misner said in sents for more than a year. an email. “However, entryway cameras The Canadian Union of Public Emwill remain in place and office staff will ployees is also trying to negotiate a new continue to monitor who enters the contract for clerical and support staff at schools.” other Ontario school boards. It’s always difficult to see kids caught There were also tentative agreements in the middle of labour disputes, said reached last month with the English Premier Kathleen Wynne. Catholic Teachers’ Federation and with “It’s not acceptable that kids’ safety Francophone teachers, but not with the should be used as a bargaining chip,” Elementary Teachers’ Federation. Talks said Wynne. “It absolutely is not.” were scheduled to resume Monday beEducation Minister Liz Sandals is tween the province, school boards and following up with the Halton board to ETFO, which has also gone more than a make sure safety measures are in place, year without a contract. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
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Canada News
OCTOBER 9, 2015
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In small Nova Scotia town, locals push ahead with effort to help Syrian refugees BY MICHAEL TUTTON The Canadian Press HUBBARDS, N.S. — Just days after the image of a three-year-old Syrian boy whose body washed up on a Turkish beach flashed around the globe, about 60 people packed a church hall in Hubbards, N.S., determined to find a way to respond to the refugee crisis his death came to symbolize. A month later, the resulting refugee support group is flourishing, but there’s
also a growing realization that private sponsorship is far from simple. Susy MacGillivray, 47, a mother of two young children who joined the refugee support group, contrasts current efforts to help Syrians with her childhood memory of her parent’s church bringing Vietnamese boat people to Canada in 1980. “People got it together. We filled a kitchen. We had beds and there was a family there and we had a party,” she recalled. A private sponsor today faces fund-
raising challenges, multiple committees and efforts to dispel fears of terrorism, say members of the Bay Refugee Project. “We are the little engine that will,” says Sheelagh Priestly, 53, who also joined after the first meeting. “It’s miraculous to see in the short 3 1/2 weeks how far we’ve come.” Already, about 25 people are meeting regularly for hours at restaurants and donated space, while 100 people have indicated interest on a Facebook page. The group has a fundraising committee,
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an executive committee and a logistics committee to handle paperwork. Stephen Sharam, 38, heads up the communications committee and has had to appoint a volunteer just to answer questions from nearby communities that want information. “There are so many people who want to help,” he says. For the Hubbards group the first step was to find a sponsorship agreement holder — an agency that has worked with Ottawa to bring in refugees in the past — to partner with. They chose the Roman Catholic diocese, one of eight such groups available in the province. Sharam says church experts will initially assist a team of five people in the town working through applications to be sent to Citizenship and Immigration in Winnipeg to apply to receive a refugee under the program. Meanwhile, MacGillivray, Priestley and other volunteers are busy raising the $27,000 Ottawa requires them to provide to fund the first family of four for a year. Space for a fundraising dinner has already been donated for a night of food and music at the Shore Club in Hubbards at the end of the month. MacGillivray says she’s hoping to raise between $5,000 and $10,000 from that event. Another committee member is working out how to get charitable status. There’s also plans for an art auction. She says when they’ve reached the 50-per-cent point for the funds the group needs, they can send in the application for private sponsorship. The group is also exploring another option, known as Blended Visa Office Referred refugees, where a refugee is identified by a visa office overseas and half the costs are paid for by Ottawa. MacGillivray says that could mean the project could bring in two refugee families with the same amount of cash. Some committee members say they are happy to contribute but Ottawa’s approach is too cumbersome and reliant on private donors. “I’m glad we’re helping ... but I feel like it’s almost nothing,” Jackie Leppard said as a recent meeting of the group began. “We should be sending teams over there and we should be bringing people over by the tens of thousands.” Meanwhile, Priestley says one of the challenges the group faces is social media comments whipping up fear terrorists will somehow slip through the refugee system. “We’ll have to communicate that there shouldn’t be fear about helping. It’s sad really. Aren’t all of us friends and brethren of one another?” she says. ■
Canada News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Harper’s inbox receives emails about allegations involving Sen. Don Meredith BY JORDAN PRESS The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Angry Canadians called for Sen. Don Meredith to be removed from the Senate after allegations emerged that he had an improper relationship with a teenager. The demands for Meredith — who is facing the prospect of a police investigation into the allegations — to lose his Senate seat landed in the Prime Minister’s Office inbox, according to emails obtained by The Canadian Press. Some Canadians had seemingly been pushed too far by yet another senator caught in a scandal and, more specifically, another one appointed by Stephen Harper. “Man o man?couldn’t you have put some half decent people on the Senate payroll?” one email read. Another message was just as blunt: “Holy Hannah, has there been anyone nominated
by Harper to the Senate that hasn’t brought shame to Canada?? How is it indeed possible to have so many senators nominated by one prime minister go in the ditch?” The emails were sent on June 18 and 19 after published allegations of misconduct forced Meredith to quit the Tory caucus. The names and addresses of the writers were redacted from the messages, which were released to The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act. Many emails raged at the Conservatives and the Senate over yet another scandal in the upper chamber. Meredith could face a police probe into allegations following a Toronto Star report that alleged he had a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl, who is now 18. The woman told the Star that Meredith initially thought she was 18, but that she only told him her true age six weeks after their first meeting.
The Star report said the woman had sexually explicit online chats with Meredith and that the relationship progressed to kissing and touching before she turned 18. She said the pair had intercourse twice after she turned 18 before the 50-year-old Meredith, a married Pentecostal minister and father of two, broke off the relationship earlier this year. The age of consent in Canada for sexual relations is 16, except in cases of a relationship of trust or authority in which the young person is in a dependent or exploitive relationship, when it increases to 18. The allegations against Meredith remain unproven and no formal complaint against him has been filed with the Senate. Meredith has not responded to the allegations. He quit the Conservative caucus when the allegations were published. “That’s a good first step, but it’s only a first step,” said one email to Harper.
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper of the Conservative Party is running for reelection on October 19th. FACEBOOK
“He should be booted out of the Senate entirely, and this should be done tomorrow! He is a disgrace and has no longer any right to be in that institution.” That writer went on to call for the abolition of the upper chamber — something the NDP has pledged, if elected — or “at the very least” make the selection process for senators nonpolitical, which the Liberals have promised to do. Senate ethics officer Lyse
Ricard said Friday she was suspending her review of Meredith, citing a request from another authority that didn’t want her to interfere in their investigation. She didn’t identify which investigative body asked her to suspend her review, but the clause in the Senate ethics code cited by Ricard only kicks in when police ask the ethics offi❱❱ PAGE 27 Harper’s inbox
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World News
OCTOBER 9, 2015
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In writings, Oregon gunman ranted about others being crazy BY JONATHAN J. COOPER AND TAMI ABDOLLAH The Associated Press ROSEBURG, ORE. — The gunman who killed nine people at an Oregon community college last week complained in writings he left behind that everyone else was crazy and ranted about not having a girlfriend, a law enforcement official said. The mother of shooter Christopher Harper-Mercer, 26, has told investigators that he was struggling with some mental health issues, the official also said Monday. The official is familiar with the investigation but was not authorized to speak publicly because it is ongoing. In the writings that spanned a couple of pages, HarperMercer seemed to feel like he was very rational while others around him were not, the official said. He wrote something to the effect of: “Other people think I’m crazy, but I’m not. I’m the sane one,” the official said.
Harper-Mercer killed nine people and wounded nine others, then killed himself after a shootout with police. On Monday, some faculty, staff and students returned to Umpqua Community College for the first time since the shooting, while President Barack Obama announced he will travel to Oregon to visit privately with victims’ families. Classes do not resume until next week, but some students came to the campus to pick up belongings they left behind when they fled the attack Thursday. Others met with professional groups to work through their trauma and grief. A memorial was growing on the driveway leading to Snyder Hall, where Harper-Mercer opened fire. “It was hard not to focus on Snyder Hall,” student Joel Mitchell said. “When we got back, I think a lot of people were probably ... looking at it, checking it out, seeing what it looked like.” A group of eight held hands
and bowed their heads in prayer in front of the building. Elsewhere, clusters of people chatted at picnic tables. In a courtyard near the center of campus, a therapy dog sat on a blanket with its handler. A woman, crouched down, wiped away a tear. School officials designated an outdoor amphitheater as a makeshift memorial, open only to staff and students for now. Flowers and balloons were positioned on tables, and markers were available for people to write messages on a banner that says, “UCC Strong.” “I needed to be here,” student Madysen Sanchez said. “I needed to come and see my friends, make sure they’re OK.” At least one student injured in the shooting was among those who returned Monday, college President Rita Cavin said. She did not identify the student. Chaplains who had been on campus said they were both helping with and participating in the healing process. “I’m going through the grieving process myself because this
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has touched everyone in the community,” chaplain Russell Wilson said. “If you don’t know someone that goes here, you know someone that knows someone.” Meanwhile, Obama announced that he will visit Roseburg on Friday as he opens a four-day trip to the West Coast. No additional details about his
visit were immediately available. Obama has renewed his call for stricter gun laws following the shooting and has expressed exasperation at the frequency of mass shootings in the U.S. ■ Abdollah reported from Los Angeles. P. Solomon Banda in Roseburg contributed to this report.
World News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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NATO Chief: Russian jets in Turkish airspace no accident BY JOHN-THOR DAHLBURG AND SARAH EL DEEB The Associated Press BRUSSELS — NATO’s secretary-general on Tuesday rejected Moscow’s claim that its military incursion into alliance airspace over Turkey wasn’t intentional or important, saying there were two separate incidents and “the violation lasted for a long time.” Turkey’s military, meanwhile, said more of its jets patrolling the border with Syria were placed in a radar lock by Russian planes and surface-toair missile systems. In Syria, Russian warplanes reportedly continued pounding targets in the country, where the Kremlin has come to the aid of beleaguered ally President Bashar Assad. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference in Brussels that recent breaches of Turkish airspace by Russian warplanes were “very serious”even dangerous. “It doesn’t look like an accident, and we’ve seen two of them over the weekend,” he added. The latest Russian airstrikes in Syria, in cooperation with Syrian jets, struck targets in rural areas of the northern Aleppo province, targeting the towns of al-Bab and Deir Hafer, Syrian state TV reported, quoting a military official. Both towns are controlled
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by the Islamic State group. The official also said IS bases were targeted in Palmyra and surrounding areas in the central Homs province, destroying 20 vehicles, three arms depots and three rocket launchers. Meanwhile, the Syrian air force was said to have targeted areas in rural Latakia controlled by militants, with the military official reporting the death of at least 12 fighters, in-
cluding two Turks, one Saudi militant from al-Qaida’s affiliate in Syria, Nusra Front, and one Palestinian. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group with a wide network of activists on the ground, said in the last 24 hours, Russia carried out at least 34 airstrikes in Palmyra and vicinity, areas controlled by IS. Airstrikes also were report-
ed in the rural part of the city of Raqqa, the group’s de facto capital. The Observatory said at least 19 IS members were killed, including four in Raqqa in an airstrike that hit two vehicles and an arms depot. In Palmyra and its boroughs, the airstrikes were said to have killed 15 IS militants, struck 10 vehicles and an arms depot. In a statement, NATO spokeswoman Carmen Romero said
Stoltenberg later confirmed that NATO generals would be contacting their Russian counterparts about the violation of Turkish airspace. “It’s unacceptable to violate the airspace of another country,” Stoltenberg told reporters. He said NATO is expressly worried that such acts by the Russians could have unforeseen consequences. “Incidents, accidents, may create dangerous situations,” Stoltenberg said. “And therefore it is also important to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.” Turkey’s military said Tuesday that eight Turkish F-16 jet patrolling the Turkish-Syrian border were harassed by a MIG29 plane as well as surface-toair missile systems based in Syria in two separate incidents on Monday. It was the second successive harassment of Turkish planes reported by Turkey. The MIG-29 locked radar on the planes for 4 minutes and 30 seconds, while the missile systems threatened the planes for 4 minutes and 15 seconds, the military said. Turkey reported Monday that two Turkish jets were harassed by a MIG-29 on Sunday. During an official visit to Belgium, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed NATO’s stance, and pointedly warned the Russians that if ❱❱ PAGE 27 NATO Chief
Ted Cruz: Allowing Syrian refugees into US is ‘crazy’ BY DAVID EGGERT The Associated Press KALAMAZOO, MICH. — Republican presidential contender Ted Cruz on Monday called the Obama administration’s plan to accept refugees from war-torn Syria “nothing short of crazy,” because he believes some are Islamic State terrorists. “There is a reason the director of national intelligence said among those refugees are no doubt a significant number of ISIS terrorists,” the Texas senator told a crowd of hundreds in a Michigan campaign stop, us-
ing an acronym for the Islamic State group. “It would be the height of foolishness to bring in tens of thousands of people including jihadists that are coming here to murder innocent Americans.” In fact, National Intelligence Director James Clapper has not confirmed that the refugee wave includes significant numbers of terrorists. He has spoken of the risk of terrorists mingling in, saying last month: “We don’t obviously put it past the likes of ISIL to infiltrate operatives among these refugees.” ISIL is an alternative acronym for the Islamic State group.
Clapper said the U.S. was aggressively screening the small number of Syrian refugees it has accepted. The Obama administration said it intends to accept about 10,000 Syrian refugees and increase the overall number of refugees allowed into the country from around the world to 85,000 in the next 12 months. That total would increase to 100,000 by 2017. The U.S. now accepts up to 70,000 refugees per year. Michigan’s Gov. Rick Snyder, also a Republican, is talking with federal officials about what the state can do to accept more Syrian refugees. www.canadianinquirer.net
“Isn’t it part of our nature as Americans to say, ‘How can we help people in need?’“ he asked last week. The Detroit area has one of the largest Middle Eastern populations in the country. GOP candidate Ben Carson also has said the U.S. should bar refugees from Syria because they are “infiltrated” with Muslim extremists. Another rival, Donald Trump, has pledged to send Syrian refugees home. Cruz said the Islamic State rose to power “in the face of American weakness.” The refugees should be resettled in the Middle East in majority Muslim countries, he said.
In Michigan campaigning for the state’s March 8 presidential primary, Cruz said he is the “real conservative” among 15 Republicans still running, citing his efforts in Washington to stop the federal health care law, Obama’s order granting temporary legal status to millions of immigrants and money to Planned Parenthood. Gregg Stephenson, a 59-yearold former automotive technician from Gowen, northeast of Grand Rapids, said he likes Cruz’s combative tactics and stance against illegal immigration. “We need somebody that stands up for us,” he said. ■
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Immigration
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
Mohamed Fahmy wants Canada to do more for citizens detained abroad BY DIANA MEHTA The Canadian Press
Fahmy said Mulcair and Trudeau appealed to Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his Conservative government when he needed it the most, particularly IN THE midst of a heated federal elec- during a brief period when, while out on tion campaign, a Canadian journalist bail in Cairo during his second trial, he who fought terror charges in Egypt for was left without a Canadian passport. nearly two years will be returning to “(Harper’s) response was unacceptCanada with a clear message for all par- able, considering the security threat I ties vying to form the next government was facing,” Fahmy said of the situation — Ottawa needs to do more to help citi- at the time. zens detained abroad. While thankful for the efforts of the Mohamed Fahmy maintains he Canadian ambassador and consular staff doesn’t want to get too political, but he in Cairo, Fahmy expressed his disapdoes want to trigger a national conversa- pointment with what he suggested were tion on the issue when he arrives in To- very “mild” efforts by Ottawa to secure ronto in the coming days. his release. “I will start a constructive debate about “If the Conservative government even the Canadian government’s handling of begins to take credit for my pardon, then the case and how forthey are extremely eign policy in dealing mistaken,” Fahmy with such emergensaid, crediting his recies could be improved lease to the efforts of to protect Canadians his wife, his lawyers, who could be in a simi(Harper’s) and the support he lar situation like mine, response was received from Caor worse,” he told The unacceptable, nadians and others Canadian Press in an considering the around the world. interview. security threat I The Conservative “Our trial should was facing. government, howbe a case study that ever, has said it concould benefit so sistently called at many.” the highest level for Fahmy’s points are Fahmy’s release. likely to be heard by at least a few figures For the past week, Fahmy has reof note. The 41-year-old plans to accept mained in Egypt, readjusting to freeinvitations he’s received to meet sepa- dom, speaking about his experiences rately with NDP Leader Tom Mulcair and waiting to get his name removed and Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau fol- from a no-fly list — a bureaucratic hurlowing his return to Canada. dle that he fully expects to clear. “I’m not endorsing or pledging alleHe will soon be leaving the country giance to anyone,” he said. “But these two and stopping first in London. There he parties and these two leaders — I really will meet with his high-profile lawyer, want to meet them in person and thank Amal Clooney, and take part in a few them, because they stood beside me very speaking engagements before heading much so when I needed the support.” to Toronto, where there will also be pubThe NDP said Sunday that it already lic appearances. had plans, if elected, to bring in legisAt all the events he plans to particilation aimed at protecting Canadians pate in, Fahmy said he plans to thank abroad. his many supporters, openly talk about “An NDP government will enact legis- the lessons learned from his ordeal and lation to ensure consistent and non-dis- continue to urge Egypt to issue pardons criminatory provision of consular ser- to his Al Jazeera colleagues who remain vices to all Canadians abroad,” a party convicted in absentia. spokesman said. “I think our trial was very unique in Fahmy and two colleagues were ar- the sense that it involved so many currested in Cairo in December 2013 while rent affairs issues such as identity, the working for satellite news broadcaster war on terrorism, how it’s being used to Al Jazeera English and faced widely de- clamp down on civil liberties and press nounced charges. freedoms and geopolitics of the Middle An arduous legal battle involving two East,” he said. trials and a year in prison for Fahmy “I will be thanking so many Canadifinally came to an end when he was ans who supported this stranger they abruptly pardoned by Egypt’s president haven’t met for almost two years and just over a week ago. contributed to freeing me.” ■
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NATO Chief... such actions continue, relations between the two neighboring countries on the Black Sea could go into a deep freeze. “Any attack on Turkey is an attack on NATO,” Erdogan said. “If Russia loses a friend like Turkey with whom it has cooperated on many issues, it will lose a lot.” A Turkish government official confirmed that Russian Ambassador Andrey Karlov had been called to the ministry on Monday afternoon during which Turkish officials lodged a “strong protest” over the second infringement. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with Turkish government regulations. On Monday, NATO ambassadors met in special session and condemned what they termed Russia’s “irresponsible behavior” in penetrating alliance airspace. The ambassadors also called on Russia to cease such practices. On Thursday, NATO defense ministers are scheduled to meet in Brussels, and the actions of the Russian military in Syria and any measures the U.S.-led alliance needs to take as a result will be among the leading topics. Stoltenberg told reporters he was also concerned that in Syria the Russians are not mainly targeting the Islamic State extremist group, “but instead attacking the Syrian opposition and civilians.” Russia’s Defense Ministry rejected ❰❰ 25
claims that its airstrikes in Syria are targeting civilians or opposition forces. Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a televised briefing on Tuesday that Western media is engaged in “information warfare,” distributing “pure propaganda” about alleged civilian deaths caused in Syria. Russia says the airstrikes that began last week are targeting IS and al-Qaida’s Syrian affiliates, but at least some of the strikes appear to have hit Westernbacked rebel factions. The Russian attacks have largely focused on the northwestern and central provinces - the gateways to the heartland of Assad’s power in the capital and on the Mediterranean coast. The main Western-backed Syrian opposition group said Russia’s airstrikes have damaged an archaeological in the northwestern village of Serjilla in Idlib province. The Syrian National Coalition said the attacked area didn’t have any IS presence, adding that airstrikes occurred on Sunday and damaged an Assyrian site. The group called on the U.N.’s cultural agency UNESCO to condemn the Russian airstrike and preserve archaeological sites in Syria. ■ Sarah El Deeb reported from Beirut. Suzan Fraser in Ankara, Nataliya Vasilyeva in Moscow, Bassem Mroue in Beirut, and Lorne Cook in Brussels, contributed to this report.
Harper’s inbox... cer to put a review on hold. Harper appointed Meredith to the Senate in 2010 after he ran unsuccessfully in a 2008 Toronto byelection. Other Harper-appointed senators have found themselves in trouble over the past three years, including Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin, Patrick Brazeau and Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu. Although many non-Harper appoin❰❰ 23
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tees to the Senate have since landed in hot water over their spending, eight of the 30 senators named by the auditor general were appointed by Harper. Nine were appointed by Jean Chretien, six by Brian Mulroney, five by Paul Martin, and one each by Joe Clark and Pierre Trudeau. The opposition parties, however, have tried to pin the upper chamber’s problems on Harper. ■
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Community News
OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
Justice Carpio gives lecture on West Philippine Sea BY MARY ANN R. MANDAP Philippine Canadian Inquirer SUPREME COURT Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio is arriving in Vancouver this week to give a lecture on the Philippine position on the brewing West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute. Carpio will address an audience consisting of academics, students, media, diplomats and community members at a forum on October 9, at 5-8 p.m., at the University of British Columbia’s (UBC) Centre for South East Research. Vancouver will be the fourth stop in a series of lectures the magistrate is delivering in the United States and Canada. In a synopsis obtained by PCI of his Oct. 9 lecture at the UBC, Carpio warned that allowing China, through its controversial nine-dash rule, to gain control over the South China Sea would encourage other powerful nations to also lay claim over
the maritime zones of other coastal states. He argues that China's ninedash claim over the South China Sea must be voided and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) be upheld. Carpio said the UNCLOS, ratified by around 165 countries, entitles a coastal state to 12 nautical miles of territorial sea and an additional 200 nautical miles of exclusive economic zone, and, at most, another 150 nautical miles of extended continental shelf. "You cannot claim beyond that. You cannot claim the entire sea," he points out. According to Carpio, “the recent creation by China of artificial islands in the Spratlys is shown as part of a grand design by China to control the South China Sea for economic and military purposes, turning it into a Chinese lake.” The lecture will explain how the nine-dash line theory and the activities by China to en-
force the claim violate UNCLOS and threaten the peace, security and stability of the region. The lecture will also show that the nine-dash line claim has no historical basis. Throughout the Chinese dynasties, the southernmost territory of China had always been Hainan Island, Carpio asserts. Carpio sees a possible resolution of the dispute if China returns to the original intent of the 1947 nine-dash line, articulated by President Ma YingJeou of Taiwan, as a claim to islands and their maritime zones that are recognized under international law. Carpio has been the most high-profile Filipino legal expert assailing the legality of China’s claim to 90 percent of the 3.5-million-square-kilometer South China Sea. Before his US-Canada tour, Carpio had given several lectures in Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, Germany, France, The Netherlands, and Belgium. ■
Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio
UBC talks about reconciliation in South Africa
FORMER CONSERVATIVE Party Member of Parliament Stockwell Day (right), goes all out for Jojo Quimpo (left) as he talks with FilCan media in the run-up to the Oct. 19 elections. Even though he will not be on the ballot this elections, Mr. Day, who has a Filipino daughter-in-law, actively campaigns for Quimpo, Conservative Party candidate for Vancouver-Kingsway riding, and one of only four candidates of Filipino descent running for a seat in Ottawa.
FEDERAL LIBERAL Party candidates from 11 electoral ridings in Greater Toronto Area held their joint Question and Answer Forum at JC Restaurant on Sep. 26. The event was organized by Norma Carpio of PIDC. www.canadianinquirer.net
AT THE Vancouver Human Rights lecture, Richard Goldstone discussed the successes and failures of reconciliation in post-Apartheid South Africa. Goldstone was a judge in South Africa for 23 years, the last nine as a Justice of the Constitutional Court. Since retiring from the bench he has taught as a visiting professor in a number of United States Law Schools. Recently he has been teaching at the University of Virginia School of Law and the Central European University in Budapest. In the fall of 2014, he was the first Scholar-in-Residence at the new Sorensen Center for International Peace and Justice at the City University of New York School of Law. “Apartheid came to a relatively peaceful end in 1994 with Nelson Mandela as the first democratically elected
South African head of state,” Goldstone said, “after the racial oppression of the majority of South Africans by a white minority for almost 350 years. One of the momentous debates at that time concerned the reconciliation of South Africans and particularly the place of white South Africans in the new political dispensation. The two poles of this discussion were, on the one side, Nuremberg style trials for the leading Apartheid perpetrators and, on the other, a blanket amnesty for them. The political and moral compromise was the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The lecture on Oct. 6 at the Frederic Wood Theatre in UBC, described the work of the TRC, considered its successes and failures, and assessed the state of reconciliation 21 years after the end of Apartheid. ■
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
Top general in Afghanistan: US strike on hospital a mistake BY DEB RIECHMANN The Associated Press
pitals is a war crime! Stop the bombing now!” was escorted from the room. The chairman, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., warned that those interfering with the WASHINGTON — The deadly American hearing risked arrest. attack on a hospital in northern AfghanOn troop levels, Campbell said the istan occurred despite “rigorous” U.S. ability to train Afghan forces and conmilitary procedures designed to avoid duct counterterrorism operations such mistakes, the top commander of would be restricted if the number of U.S. U.S. and allied forces in Afghanistan said troops were to drop to 1,000 by the end Tuesday. of next year. Gen. John F. Campbell also told a Sen“If you go to just embassy only, our ate committee that he thinks President ability to do TAA (train, advise and asBarack Obama should revise the current sist) is very limited. Our ability to do plan to reduce the U.S. force in Afghani- CT (counterterror operations) is much stan at the end of 2016. The plan calls more limited,” Campbell said. He said for cutting the force from 9,800 to about the different options that he has provid1,000 embassy-based security. ed to his superiors are for troop levels Campbell said he had provided his su- beyond a normal embassy presence. periors with several Asked if he thought options because conthe president should ditions in Afghanireview his plan, stan have changed Campbell said “Yes, significantly since sir.” Obama approved To be clear, the Defense Secretary that troop-cut plan in decision to provide Ash Carter said Mon2014. (airstrikes) was a day the Pentagon is Testifying three U.S. decision, made providing options to days after the mediwithin the U.S. the White House and cal clinic strike that chain of command. Obama will be makkilled at least 22 The hospital was ing decisions about people, Campbell mistakenly struck. future force levels said Afghan forces We would never later this fall. requested air supintentionally target Campbell has said port Saturday while a protected medical the airstrike, now engaged in combat facility. under investigation, with Taliban fighters was requested by Afin the city of Kunghan forces who reduz, communicating ported being under with U.S. special opTaliban fire. It’s unerations troops at the scene. Those U.S. clear whether the clinic was targeted in forces were in contact with the AC-130 error or whether U.S. military personnel gunship that fired on the medical clinic followed procedure. They are required run by Doctors Without Borders, he to verify that the target of a requested added. airstrike is valid before firing. “To be clear, the decision to provide Christopher Stokes, general director (airstrikes) was a U.S. decision, made of Doctors Without Borders, has said within the U.S. chain of command,” “there can be no justification for this Campbell said. “The hospital was mis- horrible attack” and that it was critical takenly struck. We would never inten- to conduct “a full transparent indepentionally target a protected medical facil- dent investigation.” ity.” Kunduz has been the scene of heavy In his appearance before the Senate fighting in recent days. Armed Services Committee, Campbell A Taliban assault on Kunduz took said he could not provide more details Afghan authorities by surprise and emabout what happened, including who barrassed President Ashraf Ghani’s may have failed to follow procedures for administration. The Taliban, who atavoiding attacks on hospitals. He said tacked on multiple fronts, held the city he must await the outcome of multiple for three days before a government investigations. Campbell had disclosed counter-offensive began. Afghan forces on Monday that the attack had been re- have retaken Kunduz, an important city quested by Afghan troops. on the Tajikistan border, a hub for drug Anti-war protesters sat in the front and gun smuggling to and from Central row of Tuesday’s hearing with red color- Asian countries. ■ ing, depicting blood, on their faces. They carried signs that read: “Healthcare not Associated Press writers Robert Burns warfare,” and “Kunduz victims: RIP.” and Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this A woman who shouted “Bombing hosreport. www.canadianinquirer.net
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
Entertainment
Dangerous stunts excite Coco Martin BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer COCO MARTIN, lead star of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” said he got so involved with his character that he volunteered to jump into muddy waters for a difficult action scene. “If you really get into a particular character, you also want to do your own stunts. I didn’t have second thoughts about jumping into the river. I was used to swimming in one while growing up. It actually felt exciting for me,” Coco told reporters during a press conference for the series, which began airing last week on ABS-CBN. “You can get hurt when you do action scenes. I got into an accident when we shot a sequence in an eatery. I jumped while holding a gun, which hit me on the face. My nose bled,” he recalled. “I just carried on with the scene because I didn’t want to be the cause of delay.” Negotiator
Coco said he would often collaborate with the production
team of most of his projects. For this series, he is working closely with directors Malu Sevilla and Avel Sumpongco. “I’m part of the production team that created the concept. I also helped look for set locations and negotiated for my coactors,” he told the INQUIRER. “I made sure to discuss important concepts with my director. I often exchanged ideas with the writers.” FPJ classic
“FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” is based on the 1997 film of the same title by the late action star Fernando Poe Jr. It is about a police officer named Ador, who was killed in a drug-bust operation after he was betrayed by a fellow cop (Arjo Atayde). His superiors tap his brother Kardo (also played by Coco), a provincial cop, to assume Ador’s identity and continue his mission of capturing drug syndicate leaders and corrupt cops. “I would never be able to match what FPJ did. What the directors and I are doing is try-
Kapamilya actor Coco Martin stars in the remake of Fernando Poe Jr.’s “Ang Probinsyano.” ABS-CBN
ing to come up with something new, something that would be applicable to the present time. Tita Susan (Roces, FPJ’s widow, and cast member) told me not to feel pressured. Everyone knows that drama is my forte.” Coco also said the idea to do a dramaaction series was first brought up by ABS-CBN president and
CEO Charo Santos-Concio. “She suggested that we make a show that gives importance to our police force. This is one way we can help them regain the love and respect of the people,” Coco said. “While we were working on the concept, I suggested making a TV adaptation of ‘Ang Probinsyano.’ This was
because my grandmother and I loved watching FPJ movies while I was growing up.” Coco said he hoped to remake more FPJ projects in the coming years. “I have not met a Filipino actor who didn’t dream of working on an FPJ remake. I consider myself lucky because Tita Susan allowed us to do this.” The series also features Bela Padilla, Albert Martinez, Agot Isidro, Ana Roces, Dennis Padilla and Maja Salvador, Coco’s onscreen partner in the Kapamilya series “Nagsimula sa Puso” and “Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigin.” Coco said his relationship with Maja is “purely professional.” Maja has just broken up with fellow Kapamilya artist Gerald Anderson. “Maja and I worked well together in our last two projects. We agreed that the things we do onscreen are meant to entertain our supporters. We make sure to separate our personal lives from work. I guess that’s why our fans love us and continue to support our respective projects,” he said. ■
“Heneral Luna” earns P180M, becomes ‘highest grossing historical film’ BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Now on its third week, historic biopic “Heneral Luna” has been P20 million short to the P200-million box office mark. Its producer and
distributor Joji Alonso disclosed that the film has already grossed P180,434,088. Despite a weak opening, Heneral Luna’s popularity and sales were boosted by word-ofmouth and a strong social media presence. From earning P15,333,299
in its first week, Alonso shared that the historical epic grossed P44,066,423 in its second week and further reached P104,010,219 in its third week. “Heneral Luna — P19,565,912 left to reach 200M and break even after grossing another P8,086,507 yesterday.
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[Please], please continue to support this film!” she said in her Facebook account, adding that the movie has ‘broken norms and patterns and the usual dwindling statistics as each week passes.’ With its earnings still increasing, Heneral Luna has
already been regarded as ‘the highest grossing historical film of all time’ in the country, according to its producers. Jerrold Tarog’s film has also been chosen to be the country’s entry to the 88th Academy Awards for the Best Foreign Language film category. ■
Entertainment
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
Sharon Cuneta on FAMAS exclusion: I felt a little offended
Sheryl Cruz: What I’ve said, I won’t retract BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer
BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — During her guest appearance in ABS-CBN’s talk show Tonight with Boy Abunda, actress-host Sharon Cuneta admitted that she ‘felt a little offended’ not being among those awarded as the Iconic Movie Queens of Philippine Cinema in the 63rd Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) Awards. “It was icons and queens, and I felt a little… a little offended by the FAMAS, because I know, I was once one of… We were a few, just a few of us who ruled the 80’s and the 90’s,” she said. Adding the new category, the FAMAS Awards handed over trophies to Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Nora Aunor, Dawn Zulueta, Maricel Soriano and Sarah Geronimo for their works in the silver screen. In her acceptance speech, Nora Aunor gave recognition to Sharon’s contribution to cinema during the 80’s and 90’s and wanted to share the award with her along with other deserving movie stars Bea Alonzo and Marian Rivera. “Gusto ko pong hatiin ang karangalang ito sa apat na tao po na sana po ay makita rin natin sa entablado sa mga susunod na taon (I would like to share this award to four persons that I hope we’ll also see in this stage in the succeeding years),” the Superstar said. “Unang-una na po si Ms. Sharon Cuneta, dekada otsen-
Megastar Sharon Cuneta.
ta. Hindi natin matatawaran ang kanyang mga ginawa niya noong dekada otsenta. At itong year 2000, si Bea Alonzo at si Marian Rivera. Gusto kong ialay ang award na ito sa kanila,” she added. (First of all, Ms. Sharon Cuneta during the 80’s. We can’t disregard what she’s done during the 80s. And this year 2000, Bea Alonzo and Marian Rivera. I want to offer this award to them.) Despite the exclusion, the Megastar felt honored and thankful to Nora Aunor’s words. “Ate Guy, I don’t know how to get in touch with you but it was totally unexpected… And I just want to say, when one of the best actresses not only in the Philippines but in the world says, ‘Sana, gusto ko rin sana makita dito ang iba pang mga dapat na nandito. Unang-una na si Ms. Sharon Cuneta, dahil hindi natin matata-
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ABS-CBN / FACEBOOK
waran…’ ang mga ginawa ko daw nung 80s,” she said. (Ate Guy, I don’t know how to get in touch with you but it was totally unexpected… And I just want to say, when one of the best actresses not only in the Philippines but in the world says, ‘I hope, I also want to see others who should be here. First of all, Ms. Sharon Cuneta, because we can’t disregard…’ what I’ve done in the 80’s.) “Actually sabi ko nga, ‘So ano yung mga nangyari nung 80’s at 90’s? Buti pa si Ate Guy, naalala niya (I actually said, ‘So, what happened in the 80’s and 90’s? At least Ate Guy remembered),” she added. It can be noted that Sharon has starred in more than 50 movies, wherein many of these became blockbuster hits, including “Bituing Walang Ningning,” “Maging Sino Ka Man,” and many more. ■
MANILA — Kapuso actresssinger Sheryl Cruz remained firm on her stand against her cousin Senator Grace Poe’s presidential bid in the coming national elections. “What I’ve said, I won’t retract… Iyon ang akin. Mayroon naman akong paninindigan. I respect everyone in my family and I love everyone in my family, including her (Poe). Kasi kung wala akong concern, I won’t speak up,” Cruz said in a Philippine Entertainment Portal report. (What I’ve said, I won’t retract… That’s my [opinion]. I have my own conviction. I respect everyone in my family and I love everyone in my family, including her. Because if I’m not concerned, I won’t speak up.) “Concerned ako sa aking pinsan. Ayokong mangyari sa kanya kung ano ang nangyari kay Uncle Ronnie (Fernando Poe Jr.) before (I’m concerned towards my cousin. I don’t want her to experience what Uncle Ronnie experienced before),” she added, referring to FPJ’s candidacy in the 2004 presidential elections. Cruz reiterated that everyone was entitled to their own opinions and that she was hurt that a lot have reacted negatively on her statement. “Masyado lang naging malaki yung reaksiyon na hindi naman dapat ganun… Ang sa akin lang, lahat naman tayo may karapatan sa ating mga sariling opinion (The [people’s] reaction was too much and unnecessary…
For me, we all have rights to our own opinions),” she said. Still not able to talk to Poe or her aunt Susan Roces since the issue started, she stressed that her communication line was always open. “They all know that. Wala naman akong hindi kinakausap… Hindi pa kami nagkakausap kasi nga busy kami sa taping [ng mga teleserye], at saka pumunta nga ako ng Brunei recently,” she said, clarifying that she was in good terms with her relatives. (They all know that. There’s no one I don’t talk to… We’re just not able to talk yet because we’re busy with tapings, and I’ve been to Brunei recently.) With rumors that the reason why she was unsupportive of Poe was because she felt insecure over her cousin’s achievements and capabilities, Cruz simply dismissed such issues and maintained that she did not have any ulterior motive with her previous statements. “Masama yung mainggit. Ang inggit ko ay hindi inggit na nakakasira para sa akin… Inggit na sana isang araw maging kasing galing ko rin siya. It’s a constructive thing, ayoko ng negative,” she said. “Hindi ko gusto na naiinggit kasi ang inggit nakakamatay iyon, e. At hindi lang ganun, you have to get over your insecurities in life, whatever they may be.” (It’s not good to be envious. My desire is not one which destroys me… Desire to someday be as good as her. It’s a constructive thing, I don’t want negativity. I don’t want to be envious because it kills. And it’s not just that, you have to get over your insecurities in life, whatever they may be.) ■
“That Thing Called Tadhana” gains recognition at Guam Film Fest BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Filipino romantic-comedy film “That Thing Called Tadhana” (That Thing Called Destiny) bagged its first international award at this
year’s Guam International Film Festival, winning the Best Narrative award. Movie director Antoinette Jadaone was overjoyed with the recognition. “Yay! First international FF (Film Festival) win (for any of my films) evahhh (ever)! Sweet-
er! Thank you!!!,” Jadaone said in her Twitter account. “I’m just happy kasi ibig sabihin nata-transcend ng ‘That Thing Called Tadhana’ ‘yung mga culture and language [ng Pilipino] and it goes to show love really is the universal language,” Jadaone said in an inwww.canadianinquirer.net
terview with ABS-CBN’s talk show “Tonight with Boy Abunda.” (I’m just happy because it means that ‘That Thing Called Tadhana” transcends the culture and language of the Filipinos and it goes to show love really is the universal language.)
The film starred JM de Guzman and Angelica Panganiban. Aside from the independent film, Filipino actor Buboy Villar also won An Achievement in Acting award for his portrayal as the young Filipino boxing icon Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao in “Kid Kulafu.” ■
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
Happy thanksgiving!
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FRIDAY
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
Lifestyle
Chefs Jeremy Charles, Lynn Crawford, Anna Olson on elevating Thanksgiving dishes BY LOIS ABRAHAM The Canadian Press TORONTO — Planning to serve turkey, mashed potatoes and carrots yet again for Thanksgiving this year? While a roasted bird and all the trimmings are traditional classics, others opt for an unconventional approach. At chef Anna Olson’s gathering, seafood will be on the menu. “Something we’ve learned is: guess who buys seafood on Thanksgiving weekend? No one. So you often get great sales,” says Olson in an interview from her home in Ontario’s Niagara region. “Because it’s a holiday we’ll go a little decadent. We’re not just going to do grilled salmon.” The menu might include king crab, lobster or shrimp. She oohs and aahs over the idea of seared scallops with brown butter sauce along with celery root puree and wilted greens like Swiss chard or kale. For Jeremy Charles, hunting season brings with it such choices as moose, rabbit, partridge and grouse. “It keeps it a bit more exciting instead of just having turkey — which I do enjoy, mind you,” says the head chef at Raymonds Restaurant in St. John’s, N.L. If home cooks are cooking turkey, he advises focusing on getting it right. “Ninety per cent of people overcook their turkey,” says Charles. “Being able to cook the protein separately — whether it’s a partridge or a grouse or a turkey — it really helps with the end product, for sure.” Charles breaks down the carcass and cooks the pieces individually. He likes poaching the breast, which renders out fat while keeping in the moisture. “Then I sear it in a pan to get a caramelization and beautiful colour and then you’re left with a lovely product. You rest
SHUTTERSTOCK
the meat properly and slice it and you have a nice juicy breast of chicken, partridge, turkey or what have you.” Lynn Crawford, chef-owner of Ruby Watchco restaurant in Toronto, advocates brining turkey before roasting. “Not only does it season the turkey, but you can infuse so much more flavour into the bird and it stays moist. It’s foolproof,” says the “Chopped Canada” judge. “So all those wonderful aromatics that you want to infuse the turkey with — if it’s apples and cinnamon and rosemary and stout with maple syrup — you can get all that in there.” You need a container large enough to submerge the turkey in the brine and ice for up to 24 hours — a clean cooler or plastic bin works. The ice keeps the turkey at a safe temperature. When it comes to flavour combinations for stuffing, the
sky’s the limit. “Traditionally my dad always did pork sausage, sage and onions and that’s a classic. I love that,” says Crawford, who also suggests sweet corn, leeks and spicy chili; roasted fall fruits, ham hocks and sauerkraut; or a vegetarian version using mushrooms. Some of Charles’ favourite fall side dishes are roasted brussels sprouts with shallots, bacon and chestnuts, or honey-roasted carrots. He also loves parsnip puree. Simply cook parsnips in milk with a fresh bay leaf, then puree and season with a hint of honey and touch of salt. Olson, who hosted “Bake with Anna Olson” and “Sugar” on Food Network Canada, keeps side dishes light to counter the richness of the other food. Instead of a potato gratin or scalloped potatoes laden with cream, milk and cheese, try boulangere potatoes: layers of www.canadianinquirer.net
sliced potatoes and caramelized onions with stock that can bake alongside the turkey. She keeps flavour builders like caramelized onions and roasted garlic on hand to boost fall dishes. “When you need to add that little ‘something something’ to make your gravy that much better, a spoonful of caramelized onions just really takes it to the next level or adds zip to a soup. Or I toss it with sweet potatoes,” says Olson. While apple or pumpkin pie are traditional Thanksgiving fare, you can use the seasonal ingredients in other ways. For a twist on a pumpkin pie that Olson calls “heaven,” fill a chocolate pastry shell with a thin layer of pumpkin custard and top it with chocolate ganache. For a crowd, the dessert guru makes pumpkin chocolate trifle — layers of chocolate cake
or chocolate wafer cookies with pumpkin mousse. “It looks beautiful, the dark brown and the orange layered on top of each other in a trifle bowl. You could even do poached pear or cooked apple if you wanted to add a fruit element,” she says. Or layer chilled apple crisp in a trifle bowl with custard spiked with bourbon. “I don’t own a trifle bowl so I use my flower vases — well cleaned, of course. They work great because they’re flat-sided and you can fit a spoon into it.” For a sumptuous pumpkin mousse, Olson stirs a little brown sugar into softened cream cheese, then folds in pumpkin puree and whipped cream. Charles likes dessert to be uncomplicated. “I just love simple pies with local berries (blueberries, cloudberries and partridge berries) and some vanilla ice cream. How can you beat that?” ■
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Lifestyle
OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
In some families, student debt squeezes parents and children simultaneously and clouds future BY JOSH BOAK The Associated Press WASHINGTON — A college degree practically stamped Andres Aguirre’s ticket to the middle class. Yet at age 40, he’s still paying the price of admission. After a decade of repayments, Aguirre still diverts $512 a month to loans and owes $20,000. The expense requires his family to rent an apartment in Campbell, California, because buying a home in a decent school district would cost too much. His daughter has excelled in high school, but Aguirre has urged her to attend community college to avoid the debt that ensnared him. “I didn’t get the warmest reception on that,” he said. “But she understands the choice.” America’s crushing surge of student debt, now at $1.2 trillion, has bred a disturbing new phenomenon: School loans that span multiple generations within families. Weighed down by their own loans, many parents lack the means to fund their children’s educations without sinking even deeper into debt. Data analyzed exclusively by The Associated Press, along with surveys about families and rising student debt loads, show that: -- School loans increasingly belong to Americans over 40. This group accounts for 35 per cent of education debt, up from 25 per cent in 2004, according to the New York Federal Reserve. Contributing to this surge: Longer repayment schedules, more midcareer workers returning to school and additional borrowing for children’s education. -- Generation X adults — those from 35 to 50 years old — owe about as much as people fresh out of college do. Student loan balances average $20,000 for Generation X. Millennials, who are 34 and younger, have roughly the same average debt, according to a report by Pew Charitable Trusts. -- Gen-X parents who carry student debt and have teenage children have struggled to save for their children’s educations.
The average they have in college savings plans is just $4,000, compared with a $20,000 average for teenagers’ parents who aren’t still repaying their own school loans, Pew found. A result is that many of their children will need to borrow heavily for college or pursue cheaper alternatives, thereby perpetuating a cycle of family debt. -- Student debt is surpassing groceries as a primary expense for many borrowers, with the gap widening most for younger families. The average collegeeducated head of household under 40 owes $404 a month in student debt payments, according to an AP analysis of Fed data. That’s slightly more than what the government says the average college-educated family spends at the supermarket. The multigenerational debt cycle reflects a rush to pursue college as a path to middle class security. Roughly 25 years ago, SHUTTERSTOCK federal policies began to encourage borrowing on a mass cal era where so much debt was derson hoped to become a child scale to cover soaring college taken out at an early age,” said psychologist. But after sufcosts. Policymakers figured Diana Elliott, research man- fering a shoulder injury while that borrowers could afford the ager for financial security and playing soccer, he found relief debt because college degrees mobility at Pew. only from an acupuncturist. would all but guarantee comThe treatment led him to study fortable incomes. Different paths Chinese medicine after graduaThe reality played out someNathan Anderson received tion and become a licensed acuwhat differently. his first student loan in 1991. puncturist himself in 2004. He Roughly 6 million Gen-X His time at Johns Hopkins had already racked up $45,000 households still owe student University overlapped with the in college debt; acupuncture debt. Some, like Aguirre, are for- start of the lending boom: The school required more. going homeownership. Others government was raising borNow 42 with a blended family have moved to of five, he runs remote stretches an acupuncture of the country to clinic in Tucson, qualify for loan Arizona, with his forgiveness proSuccessful careers increasingly wife, Julie, also grams. require graduate degrees — and an acupuncturRepayment thus, ever larger debt loads that take ist. Combined, has increasingly longer to repay. At no point in the their monthly required finanpast, experts say, has such a large student loans cial sacrifices share of the U.S. population begun bills approach because as coltheir careers indebted. $1,700. lege borrowing “More than we has climbed, spend on grocerearnings have ies and kind of stagnated for people with only rowing limits, introducing un- like having a second mortgage,” bachelor’s degrees, according to subsidized Stafford loans and Anderson said. data provided by Georgetown incentivizing private lenders. The push to borrow that beUniversity. Successful careers Such policy moves were sup- gan in the 1990s was premised increasingly require graduate posed to make college afford- on the notion that virtually evdegrees — and thus, ever larger able for students regardless ery degree — regardless of the debt loads that take longer to of their parents’ incomes. But school or the major — could repay. At no point in the past, the wider availability of debt more than pay for itself beexperts say, has such a large instead helped fuel rising tu- cause college graduates would share of the U.S. population be- itions, according to research command premium incomes, gun their careers indebted. this year by the New York Fed. explained Peter Cappelli, a “We’ve never had a historiMajoring in psychology, An- management professor at the www.canadianinquirer.net
University of Pennsylvania and the author of “Will College Pay Off?” That’s not necessarily how it turned out. Many students, like Anderson, recast their career goals — a shift that compelled them to take on more debt. And even as the debt loads climbed, median income for college graduates has stagnated. A recent college graduate in their 20s earned about $41,000 in 2013, or $2,000 less in current dollars than in 1970, according to figures from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. That same pattern continues for workers with only a college degree in their 30s and 40s. “If the debt is not paying off for the parents,” Cappelli said, “they don’t have the money to support their kids.” Indeed, Anderson says his family’s debt loads have inhibited their college savings. For his two teenage stepsons, he and his wife have discussed more affordable college options, such as starting at a two-year school. It’s a prospect that leaves Anderson conflicted because it means limiting their child’s education and career options. “It’s not only going to affect the next four years but the next 34 years,” he said. No choice but debt
Until recently, few researchers had explored the relationship between parents’ student debt and meagre college savings for their children. In July, Pew Charitable Trusts provided a glimpse. Gen X parents with student debt managed to set aside just $4,000 in college savings plans. That would cover less than half a semester’s tuition at a typical public university. Pew’s report warned that parents’ student debt loads “could fuel an intergenerational legacy of debt” within families. The survey found that loan balances averaged $20,000 for both Generation X and younger millennials — a surprising finding given that many Gen X-ers have worked for more than a decade and might be expected ❱❱ PAGE 39 In some families
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
Travel The view from the top of Mount Tapias.
The view from the climb going to Kayangan Lake.
CHING DEE / PCI
Coron’s soul of paradise BY MAVELLE DURIAN Philippine Canadian Inquirer
10 best scuba-diving sites in the world. During World War II, a fleet of Japanese ships were sunk by the US Navy, with the remains of the said ships becoming a top PRISTINE WHITE beaches. Crystal attraction for divers seeking an eclectic clear blue waters. A rich flora and fauna. mix of nature with history. Tourists, both local and foreign, have But over time, tourist of all shapes and been raving about this paradise, now sizes, not just those hoping to find the considered one of the world's best des- best scuba-diving sites, have discovered tinations. its charm. Those, who have seen and Boracay? Nope. experienced Coron, It's Coron, locatare finding it hard to ed in the province leave. Those who do, of Palawan, which have vowed to return. in 2013 was named Those, who Here are the reaas the World's Best have seen and sons. Island by Travel experienced Coron is a quiet and Leisure MagaCoron, are place to get away zine's "World's Best finding it hard from the chaos of Awards." to leave. Those the metropolis. If According to Wikiwho do, have you're looking for a pedia, Coron is a vowed to serene place to enfirst-class municipalreturn. ergize yourself and ity in the province of be one with nature, Palawan, comprising Coron is the place the eastern half of to be. Although it is Busuanga Island, all of Coron Island and inevitably headed there, Coron is still about 50 other minor islets stretching as not as commercialized as other tourist far as Tara Island in the northeast and destinations, where fastfood joints, bars Canipo Island in the south. and hotels are sprouting left and right It used to be just one of the world's like fertilized mushrooms. The local best scuba-diving sites, marked by the hotels here will bring you the peace you aquatic views from the sunken Japanese want as you can stay in bed and watch warships off Coron Island and being the slow life of local folks flash before listed in Forbes Traveler Magazine’s Top your eyes. Or you can go island-hopping,
Banana Island.
or camp in your chosen island. If these aren't your thing, you can also experience its hot springs, or dip in its crystal clear lake, or climb Mt. Tapyas to get a panoramic view of the island. Compared to other beaches, Coron is much cleaner, and way more beautiful because it is untouched by technology and modern times. This is probably because it has less tourists, who litter the place. Its local government must make sure that it stays this way with the looming influx of visitors in the coming years. Furthermore, Coron won't put holes in a traveler's pockets. Seafood here is
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cheap, succulent and fresh. Even the hotels and the boat rides won't break the bank. Lastly, a lovely place such as Coron becomes a paradise only because of its residents. Local folks here have a ready smile for tourists seeking to embrace everything it has to offer. Each one of them has a story to tell to those willing to listen. So when you head to Coron one of these days, appreciate its beauty. But never ever leave out the local folks, who for hundreds of years, have kept its beauty intact. After all, these folks are Coron's soul. ■
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
Business
PH growth seen to fall below 5% in 2016 BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES may grow at its slowest pace of below 5 percent for the first time in five years in 2016 as faltering China could lead Asia into a “protracted” growth crisis and the global economy into a recession, economists from global banking giant Citi said. In line with its sluggish global outlook for 2016, Citi has slashed its gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines next year to 4.8 percent from 5.9 percent while expecting a gradual recovery of 5.1 percent in 2017. The downgraded forecast is much lower than the average growth rate of 6.3 percent seen by the country in the last five years of the Aquino administration. It could also be the slowest since 2011, when growth in
gross domestic product (GDP) eased to 3.7 percent from 7.6 percent in 2010. Citi’s forecast GDP growth for the Philippines next year is also much lower than the consensus growth forecast of 6 percent. This also suggests that growth will be a notch below the 2016 consensus growth forecast of 4.9 percent for Southeast Asia’s four emerging economies (Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand). In a research note dated Sept. 28 written by Citi economist for the Philippines Jun Trinidad, the GDP growth forecast for this year was kept at 5.6 percent, slightly lower than the consensus growth forecast of 5.8 percent. With a bleaker growth forecast, Trinidad said the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ monetary policy rate bias would be to keep key interest rates on hold. The country’s inflation rate, on the other hand, is seen to
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remain benign at an average 1.5 percent this year and 1.1 percent in 2016. The downgraded growth forecast for 2016 was in line with Citi’s global recession call. “Global growth backdrop
is much weaker now: The US economy was in better shape in the 1990s and the impact of [emerging market or EM] crises on global growth was lower. Now, [advanced economies] are weaker with more limited pol-
icy space, and an EM-led slowdown weighs more so on global growth; US-led expansion is unlikely to pull Asia out of its slump,” said another section in the Sept. 28 research note done by Citi’s Asia-Pacific research team led by Johanna Chua. “We think that Asia is facing a protracted ‘growth’ crisis, not a financial crisis. However, it is precisely because we do not envision a financial crisis to facilitate a rapid adjustment that we do not know quite how long Asia’s ‘growth crisis’ will last,” it said. Citi said it believed that potential spillovers of a further Chinese yuan depreciation could have bigger implications for Asia than the yuan devaluation of 1994. External vulnerabilities are seen to become bigger issues in Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Malaysia and even China while noting that India and the Philippines looked “bulletproof.” ■
Poll: Nearly one in six could not handle $500 increase in mortgage payment THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Nearly one in six Canadians would not be able to handle a $500 increase in their monthly mortgage payments, a new survey from the Bank of Montreal suggests. According to the bank, 16 per cent of respondents said they would not be able to afford such an increase, while more than a quarter, or roughly 27 per cent, would need to review their budget. Another 26 per cent said they would be concerned, but could probably handle it. Such an increase would be generated in the case of a three percentage point hike in interest rates — from 2.75 per cent to 5.75 per cent — on a $300,000 mortgage with a 25-year amoritization period.
Given that interest rates are balance sheet as quickly and ef- disposable income. likely to increase in the foresee- ficiently as possible.” The report by BMO’s Wealth able future, the bank said there A report by Statistics Canada Institute found that almost half was no better time to put to- last month found the ratio of of Canadians, 47 per cent, begether a detailed debt manage- household credit market debt lieved that the high level of debt ment plan. to disposable income climbed in Canada has been influenced “The ultimate goal of most Ca- in the second quarter of 2015 by soaring real estate values, nadians should be the elimination to 164.6 per cent, up from while 40 per cent believed it has of debt, but the been influenced first step needs to by low rates. be getting rid of Interest rates, bad debt, which including morthas the potential It appears that many Canadians have gage rates, have to destabilize a used low interest rates to get larger been near hishousehold’s filoans on more expensive houses toric lows. The nancial situation,” rather than to aggressively repay their Bank of Canada said Chris Buttidebt. has cut its key ingieg, senior manterest rate twice ager of wealth this year in an planning strategy attempt to boost at BMO. 163.0 per cent in the first three an economy hobbled by a sharp “A financial professional can months of the year. drop in commodity prices. help you avoid having your debt That means Canadians owed BMO noted that when inlead to long-term financial in- nearly $1.65 in consumer credit terest rates are low it is a good stability and work with you to and mortgage and non-mort- time to make aggressive princidevelop a plan to sort out your gage loans for every dollar of pal repayments on loans and its www.canadianinquirer.net
survey found that 35 per cent of those asked are looking to pay down their mortgage sooner. “However, statistics have shown that debt service rates have not changed very much from the early 1990s, when interest rates were much higher,” the report said. “It appears that many Canadians have used low interest rates to get larger loans on more expensive houses rather than to aggressively repay their debt.” The online survey was conducted by ValidateIt for BMO from June 23 to 29, with a sample size of 1,014 Canadians. 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. ■
Business
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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PH reaping benefits IMF expects world economy to of EU access register slowest growth since 2009, Exports to 28-member bloc up 23% in first half sees risk in emerging markets BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES has already started to reap significant benefits from its inclusion in the European Union’s (EU) new generalized scheme of preferences (GSP+) as exports to the 28-member bloc have already risen by 23 percent in the first half of the year. Walter van Hattum, head of the economic and trade section of the EU delegation to the Philippines, said in an interview that the strong growth in the first six months of the year could be seen in a number of sectors, namely vegetable products, foodstuff, optical instruments, chemicals, wood products, footwear and pearls. It was only in December last year that the Philippines was granted preferential access to the EU market through the reduction of duties to zero on more than 6,200 product lines. The Philippines is the only Southeast Asian country accorded the GSP+ status, which would be in effect over a 10year period or up to 2024. Van Hattum, however, stressed that the GSP+ was a long-term process and that the secondarily benefit—to promote sustainable development—required a medium to
European Union
long commitment. To help keep the Philippines, as with other beneficiaries, on track to keeping its commitments under the GSP+, the European Commission recently sent a team to the country to look at the country’s compliance with the 27 core international conventions that earlier served as prerequisites to the country’s inclusion in the preferential trade scheme. Initial results from the visit were regarded to be positive. “The Philippines government has put together an effective structure in dealing with the GSP+ commitments under the coordination and leadership of the Department of Trade and Industry with the full support of the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Philippines’ authorities ensured a very good cooperation with the visiting GSP+ team from all participating authorities and agencies,” Van Hattum told the INQUIRER on Friday. “The visit showed that the Philippines has taken GSP+ participation seriously, which bodes well for our future relationship,” he added. According to Van Hattum, a European Commission GSP+ monitoring visit was a standard procedure. The Philippines was informed and had agreed to this when applying for the GSP+ scheme. ■
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BY PAUL WISEMAN The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The International Monetary Fund is downgrading its forecast for global economic growth and says falling commodity prices and jumpy financial markets have raised global risks. In a report Tuesday in advance of the IMF-World Bank annual meetings this week in Lima, Peru, the fund says the world economy will grow 3.1 per cent this year, down from a July forecast of 3.3 per cent and slowest since the recession year 2009. “Downside risks to the world economy appear more pronounced than they did just a few months ago,” the fund said in its World Economic Outlook. The fund predicts the United States will grow 2.6 per cent
this year, up from a July forecast of 2.5 per cent. Emerging market economies will likely grow 4 per cent, which would mark the fifth straight annual drop. They have been hurt by an economic slowdown in China, which has reduced demand for emerging market raw materials and pushed down prices of commodities such as copper and oil. Among those hardest hit by the commodities bust: The Brazilian economy, forecast to contract by 3 per cent this year; and Russia, forecast to shrink 3.8 per cent because of lower oil prices and economic sanctions imposed by the West as punishment for Russian aggression in Ukraine. Collapsing energy prices are also hurting Canada. The IMF downgraded its forecast for the Canadian economy by half a percentage point to 1.5 per cent
this year. The Chinese economy has been slowing for four straight years, partly because the government is engineering a transition away from dependence on exports and often-inefficient investments. Instead, they are moving toward slower, more sustainable growth based on consumer spending. The IMF expects Chinese economic growth to drop to a 25-year low 6.8 per cent this year, but that is unchanged from its July forecast. The IMF foresees continued improvement in Europe. It kept its forecast for 1.5 per cent growth this year in the 19 countries that share the euro currency. The Japanese economy is expected to grow 0.6 per cent this year, down from the IMF’s July forecast of 0.8 per cent but an improvement from last year when it shrank 0.1 per cent. ■
Stocks seen to rise BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE LOCAL stock barometer is seen to gain ground this week as sluggish US jobs data boosted expectations that the US Federal Reserve’s interest rate liftoff may not happen at all this year. Last week, the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) lost 66.94 points or nearly 1 percent to close at 6,850.61 on Friday. The index had declined for the second straight week. Trading was cautious ahead of Friday’s release of US payrolls data for September. Joseph Roxas, president of local stock brokerage Eagle Equities Inc., said the outlook this week should be “good” for local equities. “It looks like US interest rates won’t rise yet,” he said. Roxas said the local stock barometer could climb back to 7,000 this week. On Friday, it was reported that the US added 142,000 new www.canadianinquirer.net
jobs in September, less than the street forecast of 200,000. As such, the Dow Jones Industrial Index rallied by 200.36 points or 1.23 percent to 16,472.37 on Friday. With weak US payrolls data alongside continuing risks from China’s slowdown, many
analysts have thus pushed back expectations of the US Fed rate increase from December 2015 to March 2016 at the earliest. Despite the number of external headwinds, Roxas said it was likely that there would a Santa Claus rally in the local market this year.
Luis Gerardo Limlingan, managing director at Regina Capital, said the PSEi would need to rally above 6,900 this week following last week’s breaching of the 6,860 support. “Failure to recover would lead to deeper corrections back to weekly low (6,720), possibly extending to 6,600. This rally is also crucial because prices are slowly tracking 32-day moving average’s downward slope,” Limlingan said. “We advise to stay light on positions or accumulate issues which are still holding above long-term moving averages,” he said. But until the PSEi breaches 7,020, Limlingan said the index might trade sideways this week. On the other hand, he said a breakout would extend rallies to 7,110-7,211. Jonathan Ravelas, chief strategist at Banco de Oro Unibank, said the market could trade between 6,800 and 6,970 this week. The decline last week, he said, was on renewed concerns over China’s faltering economy. ■
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
Sports
Cheers for cheerdancing champs Stuns UP, UST for 3rd straight title BY JASMINE W. PAYO Philippine Daily Inquirer
Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Team.
Gilas is best performing team in FIBA, says Cone BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Former national team coach Tim Cone saw that Gilas Pilipinas has been faring well in this year’s FIBA Asia Championships, believing that it has even been the ‘best performing team’ this season. “Gilas looks like the best right now… I’m watching all the teams, and I think the only team that’s going to battle them at this point is China,” Cone said in an interview with PBA.ph. The PBA coach noted that China’s ‘hunger’ to finish at the top has driven the foreign country’s national team to fight for the lone slot in the 2016
Olympics. They also had the homecourt advantage. “They’re very hungry, so China could be Gilas’ biggest obstacle over Iran just because of the hunger factor,” he said. But still, Cone remained impressed with Gilas. “They’ve been awesome… They’ve been well coached, and the guys really bought in. They’re playing with a real chip on their shoulder, playing like us against the world, and that’s really a great position to be in as a basketball team,” he said. “That’s all been taught and worked on by Coach Tab [Baldwin] so you have to give him enormous credit for what they’ve been able to achieve so far,” he added. ■
AMID A rain of confetti, members of the National University Pep Squad celebrate their third straight win on Saturday in the UAAP Cheerdancing Competition at SM Mall of Asia Arena. Coming in second was the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe, while the UP Pep Squad placed third. A crowd of at least 25,000 watched the much-awaited cheerdance competition. IT CERTAINLY wasn’t the easiest of title defense as the National University Pep Squad faced a tough crowd that celebrated its every miscue. Any faint-hearted cheerdancer could have buckled under pressure, but this NU crew just kept going to complete one of the field’s toughest routines on the way to capturing its third straight UAAP Cheerdance championship. “I was part of the group that had a flaw [in a pyramid sequence],” admitted NU team captain Claire Cristobal. “But coach kept reminding us even in practice that we can’t give up, that we still have to do something next. That encouragement helped. So when it happened during our performance, we just remembered what our coach said. We kept the energy.” And in doing so, they fulfilled their “L3GACY” battle cry, a play on the word “legacy” and their goal of a “three-peat” in the event. NU got the expected penalties for their errors—a total
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National University wins “back to bark” championship in the UAAP Cheerdance Competition. RAUL QUINTELA / COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY / FACEBOOK
of six—but the Bulldogs just pulled ahead in virtually every category for a league-best 668 points. “Honestly, we wondered what would happen in the judging,” said NU coach Ghicka Bernabe after her squad celebrated in front of a record crowd of 25,388 yesterday at Mall of Asia Arena. “Our members are known to show flawless routines. So when we made a mistake, we knew we have more in store. Not all universities risked to have four pyramids. We also made sure to hit No. 1 in every segment.” NU did almost just that as it topped the tumbling (91.5 points), stunts (70.5), tosses (84) and pyramids (88) while placing second in dance (340). A story in itself was how stunned the favored University of the Philippines Pep Squad looked after the hosts announced that it wound up third place.
The UP Pep Squad executed a clean number—getting zero penalty in fact—but the team ranked only fifth in tumbling and tosses that hurt its total output of 610.5 points. Another crowd favorite, the University of Santo Tomas Salinggawi Dance Troupe wound up second with a total of 651.5 points. Despite what some perceived an an upset loss, UP maintained that it is proud of its number that showcased a heart-shaped pyramid as a finale to its utak at puso (mind and heart) theme. “I was really, really shocked,” admitted UP Pep Squad captain Cam Lagmay as some of her teammates cried during the awarding ceremony. “Right after we finished our routine, I already knew we will be number one. That’s why it took us so long to react when the announcement of winners happened.” ■ With a report from Jun Veloira
Sports
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Azkals set out to lick Pyongyang mystery BY CEDELF P. TUPAS Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Azkals.
AS IF traveling to one of the most mysterious cities in the world isn’t enough, the Philippine Azkals will be up against a North Korea side which is off to a blazing start in World Cup Qualifying. The Azkals are intrigued by the prospect of playing in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, but that’s nothing com-
In some families... to have repaid much of their debt. Yet many Gen X-ers have felt compelled to return to college or attend graduate school to improve their earnings prospects. To do so, they’ve had to borrow at a time in life when savings traditionally became a priority. Consider Ernie Rosales, who returned to college in his 30s. He felt he had maxed out his potential income in California’s aerospace industry with a pair of associate degrees. Earning a bachelor’s degree at Azusa Pacific University in 1999 enabled him to pivot into information technology. Two years later, Rosales returned to school and obtained a master’s degree to further enhance his earnings power. “You reach a certain level in the corporate world you cannot go above without a bachelor’s or master’s,” explained Rosales, 52, wearing his college class ring. But the combined debt left him with a shortage of savings for his three daughters’ educations. Two are on the verge of graduating college with debt. A third, in high school, excels at ballet and is starting to look at universities. Each month, $1,500 is deducted from the family bank account for student loans. It’s more than their mortgage. The withdrawals include about $500 a month to repay his college and grad school debt — debt that felt unavoidable if he wanted to provide enough for his family. “Neither of us really likes debt,” said Rosales’ wife, Jill Rosales. “But to some degree in ❰❰ 34
the United States, it’s just a part of living here. There’s some debt that you have to take on to get ahead.” Higher debts, falling pay
Much of the problem is that student loans are essentially bets on future income, secured on the faith of a lucrative career ahead. But as a group, only workers with advanced degrees have enjoyed inflation-adjusted pay increases. The median income for a 30-something with a graduate degree is $70,000. This marks a decent jump from an inflationadjusted salary of $66,921 in 1970, according to Georgetown figures. That said, a master’s degree requires an average debt load of $41,400, according to the Education Department — in addition to the average of $27,300 borrowed separately for a bachelor’s. “This is one of those Catch22’s,” said Anthony Carnevale, director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. “If you don’t take out the debt, you don’t get the earnings. And you need the earnings to repay the debt.” Back in 2001, the Fed studied the student debt of collegeeducated households younger than 40. These were largely the Generation X-ers, many still managing college bills. At the time, this group owed an inflation-adjusted $3,760 a year in payments. By 2013, when the Fed examined millennials and the tail end of Generation X, the borrowing cycle had worsened: More was owed. The survey
suggested that the debt burden would likely be magnified for millennials and their children. The average sum owed in 2013 — $4,850 — exceeded what college graduates spent that year on auto-loan bills or groceries, according to government data. Economic security fades
Many parents with debt have made extreme sacrifices to contain their loans and their children’s. In Kansas, Jonathan Bigler, 54, decided to leave teaching to become a physician’s assistant in 2001. It meant taking on loans shortly before his three children would enter college. After graduating, Jonathan and his wife, Lori, 51, also a teacher, had to move to the remote town of Ashland as part of a government-backed program to forgive the debt. With a population of 853, Ashland is 50 miles from the nearest Wal-Mart and an hour from hamburgers at the closest Sonic Drive-In. After a decade and a sizable consolidation, the Biglers write checks totalling $2,531 each month to repay student debts for the physician assistant’s degree, her teaching credentials and the college degrees of their daughters, ranging in age from 22 to 27. They are happy with their lives. Yet they feel stressed to know they are on track to be repaying debts until Jonathan turns 72. “We don’t have the security that we would like to have,” said Lori Bigler. “We feel like we are in servitude and would be living a complete different life without the games that came along with the student loans.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
pared to the challenge confronting them on Thursday, when they face the home side that’s on top of Group Hat Kim Il Sung Stadium. North Korea is unbeaten in three games, demolishing top seed Uzbekistan, 4-2, at home before beating Bahrain, 1-0, in Manama. Yemen forfeited its match to North Korea, 0-3, for fielding an ineligible player. The Azkals are third in the group with wins over Bahrain (21) and Yemen (2-0), before
losing to Uzbekistan (1-5). “Everyone is excited to go to North Korea but we’re a bit scared because it’s the first time, and not a lot of people have gone to North Korea,” said midfielder Manny Ott. “We expect a hard game.” The Azkals began their 18hour journey to Pyongyang last night via Bangkok, then to Beijing, where some of the Europebased standouts and goalkeeping coach Pascal Zuberbühler will be linking up with the side.
MVP: Gilas should plan ahead for 2017 BY MAVELLE DURIAN Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Ending with placing a runner-up in the 2015 FIBA Asia Championship giving the Philippine men’s basketball team a spot for the Asian region in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in July 2016. In a report from Mikkel Bolante of Interaksyon.com, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) president Manny V. Pangilinan believes that there is not much to gain from participating from the tournament and the Gilas Pilipinas should be more concerned and look forward to their future. “My view is that, I’m not saying we will get chosen for the wild card, but frankly my view is that we should opt out of it,” Pangilinan told in an interview with InterAksyon.com. “And plan further ahead towards 2017 when the pre-quali-
fication games are started to get played for the 2019 World Cup. We should prepare better for that.” MVP believed that long-term preparation has made China bring back their crown in Asian basketball this year. MVP said that in 2013, the men’s basketball team of China wasn’t able to make it in the quarters, in which the team made a vast improvement on their play from where it was two years ago. “We should think the same way as they (China) do. Prepare forward,” he said. Manny Pangilinan also stressed that despite the Philippines’ lost to China, Filipino community should continue to believe in the future of Philippine basketball. “I don’t think we should lose hope. It’s a sport that Filipinos love so it’s a sport we’ll continue to support. We shouldn’t take this as a complete setback to the program. We should look at the positive aspects of the program and the things that need to be improved.” ■
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
Technology
Canadian Arthur McDonald shares Nobel Prize in physics for work on neutrinos BY ALAN BLACK The Canadian Press STOCKHOLM — Arthur McDonald — a professor emeritus at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., and the director of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory in northern Ontario — is a co-winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on tiny particles called neutrinos. McDonald and Japanese scientist Takaaki Kajita were cited for the discovery of neutrino oscillations and their contributions to experiments showing that neutrinos change identities. “The discovery has changed our understanding of the innermost workings of matter and can prove crucial to our view of the universe,” the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said in announcing the award early Tuesday. McDonald, who spoke to reporters by phone from his home in Kingston immediately after the prize was announced, said being named by the committee is a “very daunting experience, needless to say.” “Fortunately, I have many colleagues as well who share this prize with me.” McDonald said they have put in a “tremendous amount of work” and that he benefited from having a “very friendly collaboration among scientists from Canada, the United States, Britain, and Portugal.” He said that group will help him “enjoy the moment” when he has a chance to speak with them. McDonald said there was a “eureka moment” when they were able to see that neutrinos were able to change from one type to another in travelling from the sun to the Earth. “Neutrinos are among the fundamental particles (which) we do not know how to subdivide any further. Therefore, their position within the models of physics at the most funda-
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mental level is very important,” by his university. “My mind has until American researchers he said. gone completely blank,” he said proved that it was real in 1956. “When you do not know after taking the stage. “I don’t There are three kinds, or whether they have mass, it’s know what to say.” flavours, of neutrinos and the otherwise difficult to underAfter getting his composure laureates showed they oscillate stand how to incorporate them back, he stressed that many from one flavour to another, into those theories that give us people had contributed to his dispelling the long-held notion a more complete understand- work, and that there was much that they were massless. ing of the world of physics at the work still to do. Kajita showed in 1998 that most fundamental level. Dis“The universe where we live neutrinos captured at the Sucovering this property helps us in is still full of unknowns,” he per-Kamiokande detector in tremendously in this regard.” said. “A major discovery cannot Japan underwent a metamorMcDonald, 72, is a native of be achieved in a day or two. It phosis in the atmosphere, the Sydney, N.S., who academy said. studied at DalThree years housie Univerlater, in Canada, sity in Halifax in while working the mid-60s and The discovery has changed our at the Sudbury later at the Caliunderstanding of the innermost Neutrino Obserfornia Institute workings of matter and can prove vatory, McDonof Technology. crucial to our view of the universe. ald found that He was made an neutrinos comOfficer of the Oring from the sun der of Canada in also switched 2006. identities. McDonald and Kajita, who takes a lot of people and a long “A far-reaching conclusion is the director of the Institute time. I would like to see young of the experiments is that the for Cosmic Ray Research and people try to join our pursuit of neutrino, for a long time conprofessor at the University of mystery solving.” sidered to be massless, must Tokyo, will split the prize monNeutrinos are minuscule have mass,” the academy said. ey, the equivalent of about $1.3 particles created in nuclear reMcDonald said that scienmillion Cdn (8 million Swedish actions, such as in the sun and tists would still like to know kronor). the stars. the actual masses of the various Kajita seemed flummoxed at For decades the neutrino re- forms of neutrino. And experia news conference organized mained a hypothetical particle ments are looking at whether www.canadianinquirer.net
there are other types of neutrinos beyond the three clearly observed. The idea that neutrinos could transform from one type into another was first put forward by the Italian physicist Bruno Pontecorvo in the late 1950s, but scientists’ understanding of the process was rather vague until Kajita announced his discovery in 1998, said Antonio Ereditato, director of the Albert Einstein Center for Fundamental Physics at the University of Bern, Switzerland. “This was a big shock because he proved in a statistically significant manner ... that neutrinos oscillate,” said Ereditato. “Then Art McDonald explored another channel using solar neutrinos. It came after Kajita but he also proved neutrino oscillation in another channel. The two deserved this award.” Neutrinos are the second most abundant particles in the universe after photons, “so any property of neutrinos can have dramatic repercussions on the life of the universe and on its evolution,” he said. “This is really one of the milestones in our understanding of nature.” The University of Tokyo said in a statement congratulating Kajita that he was one of the students of 2002 Nobel physics winner Masatoshi Koshiba, who also has contributed to Japan’s neutrino research. On Monday the Nobel Prize in medicine went to scientists from Japan, the U.S. and China who discovered drugs that are now used to fight malaria and other tropical diseases. The prize announcements continue with chemistry on Wednesday, literature on Thursday, the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday and the economics award next Monday. Each winner will also get a diploma and a gold medal at the prize ceremony on Dec. 10. ■ With files from the Associated Press
Technology
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Amid rash of breaches, cost of cybercrime rising for companies in US and abroad, study shows BY BREE FOWLER The Associated Press VLADIMIRS1984 / SHUTTERSTOCK
Toyota shows self driving car, being readied for 2020 in challenge to other automakers, Google THE ASSOCIATED PRESS TOKYO — Toyota unveiled its vision for self-driving cars in a challenge to other automakers as well as industry newcomer Google Inc., promising to start selling such vehicles in Japan by 2020. Toyota Motor Corp. demonstrated on a regular Tokyo freeway Tuesday what it called the “mobility teammate concept,” meaning the driver and the artificial intelli-
gence in a sensor-packed car work together as a team. In the demonstration, a Lexus drove itself within the 60 kpm (37 mph) speed limit for about 10 minutes, changing lanes, braking and steering. The human at the wheel did nothing except turn on a button to kick in the technology. Tokyo’s plans are part of a larger Japanese government initiative to pioneer automated driving in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. ■
NEW YORK — Cybercrime costs are climbing for companies both in the U.S. and overseas amid a slew of high-profile breaches, according to research released Tuesday. A sixth-annual study by the Ponemon Institute pegged the average annual cost of cybercrime per large U.S. company at $15.4 million. That’s up 19 per cent from $12.7 million a year ago. It also represents an 82 per cent jump from Ponemon’s inaugural study six years ago. Individually, cybercrime costs for the U.S. companies surveyed varied dramatically, ranging from $1.9 million to $65 million. And the average cost of a cyberattack on a U.S. company rose 22 per cent to $1.9 million from $1.5 million. Globally, the average annualized cost of cybercrime increased 1.9 per cent from last year to $7.7 million. “As an industry we’re getting
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better, but attacks are becoming much more invasive and sophisticated,” said Andrzej Kawalec, chief technology officer for Hewlett-Packard Co.’s HP Enterprise Security, which sponsored the study and sells cybersecurity services to businesses. The study examined the total cost of responding to cybercrime incidents, including detection, recovery, investigation and incident-response management. It also looked at afterthe-fact expenses designed to prevent additional costs stem-
WEATHER UPDATE VANCOUVER
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ming from the potential loss of business or customers. Recent expensive and embarrassing breaches at companies including Target, Home Depot and Sony Pictures have prompted many companies to boost their cyberdefenses. The study looked at a sample of 58 U.S. companies with at least 1,000 connections to its computer network. Globally, the study analyzed data from 252 companies in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Japan, Russia and Brazil. ■
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Events
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
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
Homework/Tutorial Class By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto, 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, ON MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416928-9355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from NUNAVUT 1 to 6 p.m.
Tagalog Class
YUKONBy FCT
WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m.,NORTHWEST every Saturday, Filipino TERRITORIES Centre Toronto, Toronto
CANADA EVENTS
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The South China Sea: The View From the Philippines By the UBC Centre for Southeast Asia Research and PCG-Vancouver WHEN/WHERE: 5 to 8 p.m., Oct. 9, Centre for Southeast Asia Research Conference Room, C.K. Choi Bldg., UBC MORE INFO: A special lecture by Justice Antonio Carpio Special Worship Celebration By the SDA FilCan Burnaby Church and the SDA Bayanihan New Westminster Church WHEN/WHERE: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 10, at SDA FilCan Burnaby Church, 3821 Lister St. (cor. Smith Ave.) Korean United Church Bldg., Burnaby, BC 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. 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 The Association of Filipino Canadian Accountants of BC Speaker’s Series By AFCA-BC WHEN/WHERE: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 20, at Executive Suites Hotel and Conference Centre,
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4201 Lougheed Highway, Burnaby, B.C. Bilingual Job Fair By Connexion Carrière WHEN/WHERE: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Oct. 21, at Bow Valley College, North campus, Room N231. Practise Your English at the Richmond Public Library By Richmond Public Library WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 12 nn, up to Dec. 11, the English Corner, Richmond Public Library, Brighouse (Main) Branch, 2nd floor Community Place Room, 7700 Minoru Gate. Luzvimin Miss Calendar Girl Coronation Gala By Luzvimin Bisaya WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m, Oct. 17, St. Patrick’s Gym, Vancouver, B.C.
OCTOBER 9, 2015
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CANADA
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
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Seen & Scenes: Vancouver
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
KERYGMA
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UNITED FILIPINO ASSOCIATION
Kerygma Grand Feast an annual inspirational, empowering and learning event of the Light of Jesus Family founded by Bro. Bo Sanchez was held recently in Vancouver, B.C. (Photo by Christian Cunanan).
Left: UFCABC officer Amado Mercado and wife, Glo, partied the night away (Photo by Angelo Siglos).
NEGRENSES' FUNDRAISER The United Filipino Canadian Association In British Columbia (UFCABC) recently held their first fundraising dinner and dance at St. Monica Parish Hall in Richmond B.C. (Photo by Christian Cunanan).
Cris Sotana, president of the Negrenses Association of B.C., welcomes guests during their fundraiser dinner-dance for their upcoming medical mission in the Philippines.
(From L) Consul General Neil Ferrer, wife Miriam Manaog-Ferrer, Natie and Cris Sotana.
The medical mission team (from L) Ferlit Torre, Marinet Torre, Nikaia Torre, Jessica Sotana, Natie Sotana, Evelyn Linsangan and Cris Sotana.
Officers of UFCABC (Photo by Angelo Siglos).
UFCABC President Joel Castillo mingles with Ateneo Alumni (Photo by Angelo Siglos).
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46
Seen and Scenes: Toronto
SENATOR ENVERGA
OCTOBER 9, 2015
FRIDAY
The Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF) recently celebrated their 5th anniversary in Toronto, ON. Special guest during the event were Senator Enverga and Consul General Rosalita Prospero. The United Architects of the Philippines Ontario Chapter marked their 12th anniversary with a gala in Toronto, On. Senator Enverga joined in the celebration.
Senator Enverga congratulates the Filipino United Pentecostal Church on their 17th anniversary on Oct. 4, in Toronto.
PARTNERSHIP World Financial Group (WFG) and Mount Everest Group announced their joint partnership during a dinner at Max’s Restaurant on Sept. 28. WFG is the exclusive seller of the Mount Everest product line in Canada (Photo by Ariel Ramos).
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47
FRIDAY OCTOBER 9, 2015
Don’t limit your dreams Be different!
Become an Independant Financial Consultant Becoming an independent financial consultant has been a huge stepping stone for many who join Greatway Financial. This has enabled them to achieve their financial goals and dream bigger. It is not full-time but part-time. They do it at their own time. You too can have that opportunity to write your own pay cheque! What do Greatway financial consultants do? They passionately share their blessings with others by educating others about finances.
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OCTOBER 9, 2015
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