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FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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VOL. 2 NO. 206

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Binay son formally charged with graft

Reminiscing the EDSA Revolution

Low income families struggle to feed kids healthy

Cocktail capital of Canada?

Tech companies join Apple in encryption fight

Liberals shatter deficit promise, projecting shortfall likely to exceed $20B

FACE-OFF The five presidential aspirants square off in the first of three debates held at Capitol University in Cagayan de Oro City: Vice President Jejomar Binay (left), Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Sen. Grace Poe and former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. The event was sponsored by the INQUIRER and GMA News.

PH candidates grilled on poverty, crime in debate BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — One Philippine presidential candidate warned of a bloody presidency, promising to take down criminals and the corrupt in six months. Others pledged to lift many from poverty and offered a way out of daily miseries, including a new way for fishermen to locate catch faster via ra-

dar technology. The five aspirants addressed personal issues, including graft allegations, womanizing, incompetence, a bout with lung cancer and a lack of experience as they squared off Sunday in a nationally televised debate ahead of the May 9 presidential election. Commission on Elections Chairman Andres Bautista said the two-hour de-

LYN RILLON / PDI

The why’s and how’s of investing

BY ANDY BLATCHFORD The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The federal government says next year’s budgetary deficit will be nearly five times larger than forecast just three months ago — a shortfall likely to more than double the $10-billion cap promised by the Liberals. Battered by the fallout from collapsing oil prices, the government is projecting a deficit of at least $18.4 billion for 2016-17 — a far cry from the $3.9-billion shortfall they predicted back in November. And by the time they unveil their maiden budget on March 22, it will likely exceed $20 billion. That’s because while Monday’s economic update factored in the struggling Canadian economy, it did not include billions of dollars in forthcoming Liberal campaign promises, including infrastructure spending. It’s rare for a federal finance minister to release economic projections

❱❱ PAGE 36 ❱❱ PAGE 15 PH candidates

❱❱ PAGE 19 Liberals shatter

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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Philippine News

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Gov’t workers get pay hike President issues EO authorizing increase BY NIKKO DIZON, TARRA QUISMUNDO AND KRISTINE FELISSE MANGUNAY Philippine Daily Inquirer IT WAS one homecoming that government workers particularly relished. Hardly had President Aquino warmed his seat back in Manila on Friday after attending the two-day Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit in the United States when he signed the Salary Standardization Law (SSL) that would raise the salaries of some 1.5 million government employees. The President signed Executive Order No. 201 after Congress failed to approve the proposed bill that would give government workers the wage hike that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had announced in November 2015. Under the SSL of 2015, the country’s 1.3 million government employees, except for incumbent elected national officials, can expect four rounds of yearly salary increases starting Jan. 1, 2016. The increase, which would cost the government a total of P226 billion, will raise the minimum salary for government employees under Salary Grade 1 from P9,000 to P11,068 monthly, Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad said. At the other end of the spectrum, the next President’s salary will be raised from P120,000 a month to P388,000 by the fourth year. Not covered

The pay hike, however, does not cover Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, as an increase in their base pay would have a negative impact on the AFP’s pension funds. Instead, Abad said, these personnel will be given an increase in the hazard pay, provisional allowance and officers’ allowance on top of the 14th month pay that they receive. The EO also excludes from the salary increase and benefits those whose “services are engaged through job orders, contracts of service, consultancy contracts, and service contracts with no

employer-employee relationship.” The increase waswelcomed by several government workers, including a Senate employee who described it as “a parting gift” from the Chief Executive whose term of office ends in June. Another source said the raise could encourage people to stay in government rather than transfer to the private sector, where the pay is generally higher. On the average, government employees receive 55 percent of what those in the private sector are getting, Abad said, adding that the pay hike would help government “attract and retain competent and committed civil servants.”

was a way to court votes. At the same time, the Vice President twitted the government for its slow spending which, he said, hampers economic growth. “The government is there to spend for the benefits of its employees, to deliver quality services. That’s government’s job. It’s not the job of the government to save,” Binay told reporters on Friday. In his speech before the Chinese-Filipino business community yesterday, the Vice President vowed to spend more. “I will be a President who will be spending money. Government is there to spend,

not to save. There’s a budget, but it’s not being used,” Binay said, adding that if elected, he would focus on infrastructure spending and allocate five percent of gross domestic product for it. The former Makati mayor is facing plunder complaints for allegedly pocketing public funds in the construction of what has been described as an overpriced parking building in the city. Binay, who did not face Senate hearings on the issue, had repeatedly denied the allegations, saying these were part of efforts to derail his presidential bid. Unequitable

Also unimpressed about the wage hike was a coalition of government workers’ unions, that issued a statement describing the pay hike scheme as “unjust,” “un❱❱ PAGE 14 Gov’t workers

Incentive

A policeman assigned with the Aviation Security Group said the pay hike was a “big morale booster” and “incentive” for government employees “to strive to do more.” While this was not his first salary increase in his 20 years’ service, the police officer said this was the biggest as far as he knew. “The timing is just right. Our salary really needs to be increased, what with the rising cost of commodities,” he said. While the increase was long overdue, a Taguig City Hall employee who also refused to be identified, said it was still a welcome development for government employees and he’d rather not give it any political color. Not everyone was cheering on the executive order, however. Vice President Jejomar Binay, who had previously described the President as “heartless” for refusing to increase the Social Security pension, again criticized the government for the timing of the pay raise.

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Meant to court votes

The United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) standard-bearer let out a meaningful laugh when asked about the executive order signed barely three months before the May national elections. “Pampa-pogi, syempre (it’s meant to make government look good, of course),” Binay said, adding that the wage hike

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FEBRUARY 26, 2016

GMA Network offers intriguing and compelling drama in ‘Wish I May’ GMA NETWORK opens 2016 with the launch of its newest series, Wish I May, premiering January 18 on the Network’s flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. This fascinating soap opera stars the youngest love team of the Kapuso Network: Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali. Both have come a long way since their respective showbiz debuts with Miguel finishing as a runner-up in the kiddie edition of Starstruck in 2004, and Bianca as one of the hosts of the children’s show Tropang Potchi from 2009 to 2013. Armed with their natural acting skills and onscreen chemistry, Miguel and Bianca are all set to tackle mature roles in their latest series as they portray the characters of Tristan, the childhood best friend of Carina who grew up with a dysfunctional family, making him independent; and Carina, a charming, kind and sweet lady who works hard to gain the attention and affection of her parents. GMA Network is proud to present a stellar cast of the country’s most respected artists in film and television: Camille Prats, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Mark Herras, Alessandra de Rossi, Glydel Mercado, Rochelle Pangilinan, Neil Ryan Sese, Juan Rodrigo, Marni Lapuz, Ash Ortega, Sancho delas Alas, Prince Villanueva. In Wish I May, two teens find solace and eventually, fall in love with each other amid tumultuous circumstances surrounding their families brought

The cast: (clockwise) Camille Prats, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, and Mark Anthony Fernandez.

about by the disease called “chimerism”, a medical condition wherein an individual has two sets of DNA. Wish I May follows the story of Olivia (Camille) who lost her daughter, Carina (Bianca), because her father was against her relationship with Clark (Mark Anthony). After many years, she will search for her child but her sickness (chimerism) will prevent her from confirming and claiming maternal rights to her daughter. While Olivia is in the middle of fighting for her rights as Carina’s mother, she will bump into her true love, Clark. Can this help bring Olivia and Carina together? Can Clark and Olivia find their way back to each other’s arms? Or will Tristan and Carina be the ones to continue the interrupted

PA-GMAI-Wish I May-Philippine Canadian Inquirer.indd 1

love story of their parents? Will Olivia and Carina ever know the truth about their motherdaughter relationship? Wish I May will spark the curiosity of viewers about tales of great love finding evidence. It also dramatically narrates Olivia’s (Camille) pursuit of her maternal rights over her long-lost daughter, compounded by the rare condition of chimerism. Neal del Rosario and Mark Sicat Dela Cruz helm the series which premieres January 18 on GMA Pinoy TV. ■ To see your favourite Kapuso shows on GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV International, check the airing schedules in your territory through the website www.gmanetwork.com/international/ programguide.

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Eugene Domingo stars in Dear Uge, Philippine TVs first comedy anthology GMA NETWORK never fails to bring happier days to every Kapuso as it launches the first comedy anthology in the country with Dear Uge. It premieres internationally on February 15 via GMA’s flagship international channel GMA Pinoy TV. Dear Uge is hosted by no less than award-winning comedienne/actress and TV host Eugene Domingo, who is very thrilled about her latest show in the Kapuso Network. She is very happy and proud of the show’s concept which is one-ofa kind, amusing, and primed to bring “kilig” to TV viewers. “I believe it’s pioneering, this type of TV show. This time mas light ang topic and most definitely, funny side ng love ang ipapakita (I believe it’s pioneering, this type of TV show. This time, the topic is lighter and we’re most definitely showing the funny side of love),” says Eugene. In Dear Uge, the stories, characters and plot twists will be entertaining. Even Eugene’s hosting and narration will be comical and have an identity of its own. In the show, she is Urbana Genoveva Esperanza, a ‘variety store’ owner who hosts a web show called Dear Uge. She will also have a charming sidekick played by Divine Grace Aucina, a theatre actress from the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA). Making this show unique and exciting are Eugene’s cameo roles in each episode. Aside

from the talented cast in lead roles, she will play various interesting characters that will have home viewers laughing out loud with her comedic antics and hilarious performances. “Habang may binabasa akong sulat, lumalabas din ako sa kwento, taking up different roles every week. Ito rin yung unang unang nagustuhan ko sa concept, meron din akong iba’t ibang characters every episode, and I’ll be able to act with different actors na gustong-gusto ko, and also different directors in very light, nakakaaliw na episodes. Kaya I’m very, very excited (While I am reading a letter, I’ll also be appearing in the story, taking up different roles every week. This was also the first thing I liked about the concept – that I had different characters every episode, that I’ll be able to act with different actors that I really like, and also different directors in very light, entertaining episodes. So I’m very, very excited),” adds Eugene. Prepare to laugh and fall in love with the heart-warming and funny stories in Dear Uge beginning February 15 on GMA Pinoy TV. ■ Get the latest updates about Dear Uge from the GMA Network website www.GMANetwork.com, from its official facebook page www.facebook.com/ GMADearUge , and twitter account @GMADearUge.

16-02-22 1:54 PM

Philippine News

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

College degree waived for 300 long-time cops BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE NATIONAL Police Commission (Napolcom) has issued an order waiving the college degree requirement for permanent appointment in the Philippine National Police for more than 300 policemen without baccalaureate degrees.

Interior Secretary and Napolcom Chair Mel Senen Sarmiento said the agency issued four separate resolutions containing the names of the 319 noncommissioned officers (NCOs) whose ranks ranged from Police Officer 1 to Senior Police Officer 3. Sarmiento said the exemption granted to the policemen is provided for in Republic Act No. 9708, which allows police-

P-Noy home with ‘good news’ BY RONNEL W. DOMINGO Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESIDENT AQUINO arrived yesterday from a two-day summit between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in California, upbeat over the stronger backing the Philippines has received in its effort to resolve its maritime row with China. “The good news is, with regard to the talks over maritime concerns, the support of those we had a dialogue with has become clear. If there were only a few (Asean countries) who mentioned this issue before, the stand of the Asean and the United States is clear with the joint statement released after the meeting: we have to maintain the security, stability and freedom of navigation in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea, and any disagreements should be resolved through a peaceful process, following international law,” President Aquino said in Filipino. Adopt Code of Conduct

Philippine Airlines flight PR 001 carrying President Aquino touched down at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) at 7:05 a.m. The Asean-US Summit declaration avoided direct reference to China but it called for an easing of tensions and a “halt” in the reclamation and construction activities and “militarization” in the disputed areas in the South China Sea, a major international trade route. Throughout President Aqui-

no’s six-year term, he had always raised the maritime row in Asean summits, urging the regional bloc to finalize and adopt a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between Asean and China. It was not an easy campaign as other Asean members like Laos and Cambodia have close ties with China. As the special meeting winded down, China deployed two batteries of surface-to-air missile on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands, which Vietnam claims. On Wednesday, security expert Chester Cabalza said whatever takes place in the disputed areas in the South China Sea, whether on the Paracel or the Spratlys, would have a “domino effect” for the Philippines. Vulnerable situation

Cabalza said that while there are no reports that China has deployed missiles on any of the artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea, he sees an already “increasing militarization” in the South China Sea. “Given that you have the surface to missile on Paracel islands, it would impact on the other islands as well,” Cabalza said. Cabalza said the different policies on the West Philippine Sea issue given by the politicians running for president in the May 2016 elections, considering their diverse backgrounds, puts the country in a vulnerable situation. “We don’t have a unified and continuous policy regarding the West Philippine Sea issue,” Cabalza said. ■

men to be eligible for promotion despite pending complaints against them. Under the law, policemen in the government service for more than 15 years and with exemplary performance are no longer required to comply with the minimum educational requirement of a formal baccalaureate degree in order to be suitable for permanent appointment.

Over the years, policemen without college degrees have been at risk of being attrited or terminated from the service due to nonpromotion. A Napolcom inventory recorded 1,852 NCOs without college degrees but who had been in the government service for more than 15 years upon the effectivity of RA 9708 on Aug. 11, 2009. “The Napolcom continues to

evaluate the documents submitted by the remaining 1,533 NCOs to determine if they satisfy the requirements to be granted the exemption,” Escueta said. A policeman must have a minimum average adjectival rating of “very satisfactory” or its numerical equivalent in his performance evaluation rating for two years prior to the effectivity of RA 9708. ■

El Niño farm damage rises to P4B Agency says impact on production ‘minimal’ BY RONNEL W. DOMINGO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE DAMAGE caused by the strong El Niño on Philippine farms has risen to P4 billion, but the impact on overall domestic production was “minimal,” according to the Department of Agriculture. Christopher Morales, officer in charge of field operations at the DA, said in a briefing that damage to crops since the El Niño peaked in the latter part of 2015 was estimated at P576.2 million. “This relates to a total of 79,617 tons of produce that grew in 47,868 ha of farms tended by some 35,000 farmers,” Morales said. “Crops in more than half (55 percent) or 28,267 ha of the total affected area are considered to have a chance of recovery,” he added. Morales said the current occurrence of El Niño—which climate experts believe is among the three strongest on record— has affected a total of only 194,060 ha of farms. This represents P2.36 billion worth of corn and P1.62 billion worth of rice since the onset of El Niño was detected in early 2015. Morales said that the 19971998 occurrence, which was also considered strong, ravaged a total of 677,440 ha. “We have a lesser impact on farms despite a stronger El Niño because of advances in technology,” Morales said. He was referring to the development of high-yield seeds of rice and corn as well as droughtwww.canadianinquirer.net

Morales said the current occurrence of El Niño—which climate experts believe is among the three strongest on record—has affected a total of only 194,060 ha of farms.

tolerant varieties that were not yet available two decades ago. “Funding is also much better now as the national rice program alone has a budget of P7 billion while this was less than P1 billion during the previous strong El Niño,” Morales said. Morales also noted that close to three-fourths or P423.9 million of total damage value incurred during the current dry season involved rice. Aside from that, dry conditions caused by the El Niño claimed P150.2 million worth of corn and P2.1 million worth of high-value crops including various vegetables. Worst affected was Capiz, which lost to El Niño P268 million worth of crops, including P226.6 million in rice and P41.4 million in corn. Also bearing the brunt of the weather phenomenon was Maguindanao, which reported P96.8 million in losses, including P79.2 million worth of corn and P17.5 million worth of rice. “We expect that the effects of

El Niño would mean a minimal decline in agricultural production,” Morales said. “For rice alone, which is the most-affected crop, the phenomenon’s impact on output is 8 percent only.” He added that based on projections by the Philippine Statistics Authority, El Niño was forecast to cause a drop in production of 3.5 to 3.7 percent. According to Australian climate experts, the current El Niño continued its gradual decline over the past two weeks as sea surface temperatures in the Pacific were cooling and trade winds were getting stronger. “International climate models suggest neutral [no El Niño or La Niña, which has opposite effects] is most likely for the second half of the year,” the Australian Bureau of Meteorology said in a bulletin. The agency added that based on the 26 El Niño events observed since 1900, about half were followed by a neutral year and 40 percent by La Niña. ■

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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FRIDAY

2016-01-18 5:02 PM

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Philippine News

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Binay son formally charged with graft Army announces capture of BIFF camp in Maguindanao BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer

WHAT STARTED out as a flood of stinging allegations against Vice President Jejomar Binay and his family may have just become the country’s next most interesting courtroom drama. The Office of the Ombudsman yesterday formally brought criminal charges against Binay’s son, dismissed Makati Mayor Junjun Binay, and 20 former officials of the Makati government and two private individuals over the alleged irregularities in the construction of the P2.3-billion Makati City Hall Building II. Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales earlier recommended the indictment of the Vice President, but acknowledged that being an impeachable officer the elder Binay cannot be haled to court at this time. In six separate formal charges (information), the antigraft body held the younger Binay and the other accused liable for one count of graft and five counts of falsification of public documents for allegedly rigging the bidding for the construction of the car park building. The Ombudsman, represented by prosecution officer Anna Isabel Aurellano, recommended bail of P150,000 for each of the respondents. In filing the case for falsification of public documents, the Ombudsman said Junjun Binay et al. took advantage of their positions and conspired with each other to “unlawfully and feloniously commit falsification by fabricating or causing the fabrication” of the invitation for public bidding of the parking building in July to August 2011. It said the accused submitted bogus documents to make it appear that the invitation to bid came out in the tabloid Balita “when in truth and in fact ... no such (invitation) was published.” Besides Junjun Binay, named respondents in the case were Marjorie de Veyra, Gerardo San Gabriel, Pio Kenneth Dasal, Lorenza Amores and Manolito Uyaco, who composed the bids and awards committee at the time which granted the multibillion-peso contract to Hilmarc’s Construction Corp.

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Dismissed Makati Mayor Junjun Binay.

They were also accused of “circumventing” the Government Procurement Reform Act, or Republic Act No. 9184, by failing to conduct the mandated preprocurement conference and to post the invitation to bid in the city government’s website. The antigraft body said the respondents also prepared and signed the abstract of bids and prequalification report “despite knowing that absence of public bidding.” Indicted for graft were Junjun Binay, De Veyra, San Gabriel, Dasal, Amores, Uyaco, Mario Badillo, Nelia Barlis, Efren Canlas, Cecilio Lim III, Connie Consulta, Eleno Mendoza Jr. and Rodel Nayve. Included as private respondents were Orlando Mateo of Mana Architecture and Interior Design Co. and Efren Canlas of Hilmarc’s. Timing questioned

Junjun Binay’s lawyer questioned the timing of the indictment of his client. “The timing is suspicious because (it comes) at a time [when] the ratings of (Vice President Jejomar) Binay, who is running for President, are rising,” said lawyer Claro Certeza. Certeza noted that Junjun Binay’s lawyers had “long filed” a motion for reconsideration on the finding of probable cause for the graft and falsification of public documents charges, but the Ombudsman “merely sat” on it, he said. “Now, lo and behold,” a case is filed, the lawyer said. The filing of the case is “obviously” designed to “counteract the current rating position”

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of the Vice President, Certeza said. Bias and partiality

The elder Binay’s spokesperson, Rico Quicho, blamed politicking in the filing of the case against Junjun Binay, again accusing Morales of bias. “The bias and partiality of the Ombudsman is beyond dispute. It has played loose with the law and the Constitution in persecuting the Vice President and his family and those in the opposition,” Quicho said. He noted the timing of the Ombudsman’s release of its decisions pertaining to the Binays. “It is obvious by now that the release of the Ombudsman orders follows a pattern—from the time the Vice President filed his certificate of candicacy up until the release of the recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey where the Vice President retained the top slot in presidential preference,” he said. “These are politically calculated moves which are part of the demolition by perception efforts being waged by the Liberal Party against the Vice President,” he added. Joey Salgado, a spokesperson for the Binay family, said the Ombudsman’s office filed the case against the younger Binay because it was “aware” that it cannot file a case against the Vice President. “They filed the case even if they knew for a fact that (Jujun Binay) was not the mayor when the project started,” Salgado said. He claimed that when the younger Binay was elected ❱❱ PAGE 13 Binay son

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CAMP SIONGCO, MAGUINDANAO — After 24 days of military offensives, occasionally backed by air strikes, a major camp of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao fell to government hands, the Army here said today. But clearing operations are still continuing due to the presence of booby traps left by fleeing Moro bandits in a well-fortified stronghold in Barangay Tee, Datu Salibo municipality in Maguindanao. Sadly, the capture of BIFF camps cost the lives of three soldiers, including the latest fatality who was killed when improvised bomb went off, according to Maj. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan, 6th Infantry Division commander. Private First Class Jury Catalan of 57th Infantry Battalion was killed when an improvised bomb went off in Barangay Tee while soldiers were conducting clearing operations. Pangilinan described the surroundings of the BIFF bailiwick as “mine field” laden with undetermined number of ordnance left by armed men as they fled. The IEDs were obviously for government forces. “Bombs litter the village,” according to Lt. Colonel Ambrosio Rustia, 57th IB chief. He said the Philippine flag is not hoisted in Barangay Tee. The military believed the BIFF fighters fled deep into the marshland and toward the borders of Maguindanao and North Cotabato, leaving its former camp laden with bombs. Barangay Tee has about 300 households. “It is a very dangerous area as of now if civilians would return home, the bombs could not be seen by naked eye,” Pangilinan told reporters in Filipino. On Monday, Army bomb experts from the Philippine Army main headquarters have arrived to help locate the IEDs in Barangay Tee before civilians will be allowed to return home.

The military could not say how many BIFF fighters were killed in the 24 days law enforcement operations which started when the BIFF harassed a private construction company conducting dredging of Butilen river as flood control project. The military did not issue casualty figure on the side of the Moro armed men but admitted it lost three soldiers in the conflict. At least 18 others were slightly injured, mostly by roadside bombs. Pangilinan on Monday honored the wounded infantrymen, awarding them with medals for bravery. The BIFF bombings also killed five civilians, including the town treasurer of Datu Salibo, when a roadside bomb went off in Datu Saudi Ampatuan highway. Improvised bombs with the “signatures” of the BIFF were also set off in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Hofer and Shariff Aguak, all in Maguindanao and in Pikit and Aleosan in North Cotabato. BIFF spokesperson Abu Misri Mama said his comrades have lied low, trying to recover for more offensives against the military. He said only one BIFF member was killed and two wounded in the fighting with the Army. He boosted that 20 soldiers were killed and three military armored vehicle destroyed by BIFF. Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th ID spokesperson, laughed off Mama’s claim, saying it was clearly a defense mechanism statement by propagandist that refuses to accept defeat. She admitted though that armored personnel carriers were hit by bullets but not destroyed. Meanwhile, the 2,500 families displaced by armed conflict are being attended to by the provincial social welfare office and Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO). Dr. Tahir Sulaik, provincial health chief, has led Monday the distribution of relief items and medicine to affected families. He admitted some children have been suffering from waterborne diseases. ■

Philippine News

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Who really killed Marwan? Police asset got terrorist before SAF raid, says group Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Correspondents Jane Moraleda Socorro Newland Bolet Arevalo Katherine Padilla Community Editor Mary Ann Mandap maryann.mandap@canadianinquirer.net Graphic Designer Shanice Garcia Photographers Angelo Siglos Solon Licas Vic Vargas For photo submissions, please send to editor@canadianinquirer.net Operations and Marketing Head Laarni Liwanag (604) 551-3360 laarni.liwanag@canadianinquirer.net Advertising Sales Alice Yong (778) 889-3518 alice.yong@canadianinquirer.net Emy Rose Figueroa salesphilippines@canadianinquirer,net emy.figueroa@canadianinquirer.net Nelson Wu (1) 647-521-5155 salestoronto@canadianinquirer.net nelson.wu@canadianinquirer.net Amelia Insigne 1-416-574-5121 amelia.insigne@canadianinquirer.net PHILIPPINE PUBLISHING GROUP Editorial Assistant Phoebe Casin Associate Publisher Lurisa Villanueva In cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer digital edition Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at 11951 Hammersmith Way, Suite 108 Richmond, B.C. V7A 5H9 Canada Tel. No.: +1 (888) 668-6059, +1 (604) 484-9243 778-889-3518 | Email: info@canadianinquirer.net, sales@ canadianinquirer.net Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly every Friday. Copies are distributed free throughout Metro Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Toronto. The views and opinions expressed in the articles (including opinions expressed in ads herein) are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editorial Team. PCI reserves the right to reject any advertising which it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement.

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BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer A PLAN to kill Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, using a small of group police assets had been completed when Philippine National Police Special Action Force (SAF) commandos barged in with guns blazing, leading to the deaths of more than 60 people, according to the findings of a party-list group that investigated the Jan. 25, 2015, Mamasapano clash. The assets were recruited by Director General Alan Purisima, then the PNP chief, and Director Charles T. Calima Jr., then the head of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence. One of the assets, named Commander Kokoy, warned the police not to send forces to Mamasapano because hostile groups controlled the village. Despite the warning, the SAF went in, inviting a violent response from the hostile groups and “Oplan Exodus,” the SAF counterterrorism operation to take down Marwan, ended with 44 police commandos, 17 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters and three civilians dead. Oplan Exodus and the assets’ mission to kill Marwan appear to be parallel operations to get the terrorist, for whose capture dead or alive the US government had offered a reward of $5 million and the Philippine government P7 million. One of the police assets was Datukan Singgagao (not Sanggagao as reported earlier), an aide to Marwan who carried out the dirty job. Napeñas knew it

Anti-War Anti-Terrorism (Awat) Mindanao leader Jose “Peping” Agduma told the INQUIRER by phone that police Director Getulio Napeñas, the former SAF commander, knew about the plan to use assets in the operation. Agduma said Napeñas knew that Singgagao would be the one to kill Marwan and cut off the terrorist’s finger for DNA identification. “Yes, he is very much aware of the plan. It is in the action agents’ affidavits, which can be revealed only at a proper forum. Napeñas is crying for justice for his men but the truth is, he is liable. He also knows the truth,” Agduma said. Awat Mindanao, a party-list group with a vast network in Mindanao, is calling for a reopening of the Mamasapano investigation to look into the police assets’ mission and learn once and for all what really happened. Awat Mindanao had done a yearlong investigation of the Mamasapano clash and found that it was Singgagao and not

International terrorist and bomb-maker Zulkifi bin Hir, alias Marwan. FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

the SAF that killed Marwan. The narration of Commander Kokoy is part of Awat Mindanao’s investigation report, a copy of which the group had provided the media, including the INQUIRER. Agduma said his group had also sent copies of the report to Senators Grace Poe and Juan Ponce Enrile before the Senate reopened its Mamasapano investigation on Jan. 27. It was Commander Kokoy who recruited Singgagao, his childhood friend, for the operation. The assets were promised a P50-million reward by Purisima and Calima. Cotabato meeting

Commander Kokoy told the party-list group that in 2014, he and his fellow assets, called “action agents” by the police, met with Calima, a certain Colonel Espejo, a certain Major Arandia and a few other PNP personnel at Al Nour Hotel in Cotabato City. It was at this meeting where Commander Kokoy mapped out for the PNP officials the terrain where Marwan was located. It was agreed that only one person would execute Marwan. “At first, the PNP wanted to have the body delivered to them. I suggested, however, that a finger be taken from the body instead because one person could not possibly carry the body. So we agreed on this,” Commander Kokoy said

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in the Awat report. “We agreed that there was no need for a commando-type operation to enter the area where Marwan was located in order to prevent loss of lives because there were several different groups in the area,” he said. The operation carried out by the commandos, as planned by the SAF, was compromised after one of them tripped on a booby trap, which exploded and alerted Marwan, his bodyguards and other armed groups in the vicinity. An intense, hours-long firefight ensued, costing the SAF strike force, the 84th Special Action Company (SAC), nine of its members. Several kilometers away, the SAF’s 55th SAC also battled it out with armed men in the middle of a cornfield. Of the 35 members of the 55th SAC, only one survived. The deaths of the 44 SAF commandos ignited a public outcry that became President Aquino’s worst political crisis, during which his lowest public approval ratings fell to their lowest in five years. The Mamasapano debacle also led to the shelving of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), which would have completed a peace agreement signed by the government and the MILF in 2014. Palace: SAF killed Marwan

Malacañang yesterday stood by President Aquino’s statement that it was the SAF that killed Marwan. “The President is always very transparent about these things. He said there were reports like this [that] we could not just set aside and ignore, that is why we had to look into it, analyze and look at the evidence. But the President also said that after looking at the evidence and studying them, and this includes the independent study of the Senate, it appears the alternative theory has no basis,” Communications Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III said. PNP Investigation and Detective Management Director Benjamin Magalong, who headed the police board of inquiry that investigated the Mamasapano clash, also insisted that it was the SAF that killed Marwan. “Anybody can claim, ‘I killed Marwan.’ But where is their evidence?” Magalong said. “Why only now, and where is their evidence? That is all. As an investigating and fact-finding body, we look at the evidence,” he said. Magalong said the board of inquiry never received information such as disclosed by Awat Mindanao during its investigation in Tukanalipao village in Mamasapano last year. ❱❱ PAGE 13 Who really

Philippine News

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Palace vows to address fears of cheating in May 9 polls BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday promised to address the apprehension that cheating and manipulation might occur in the upcoming May 9 polls. Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Sec. Sonny Coloma made this assurance following a Pulse Asia survey which said 39 percent of Filipinos are expecting cheating in the elections. “We are one with the Com-

mission on Elections in its objective to assure an orderly, peaceful and clean election in May. We have to address the fears regarding the allegation that there might be cheating in the elections,” Coloma told Malacañang media. In 2010, Coloma said the government changed the election system from manual to automated to make sure that all the votes will be counted. “The people are expecting that the system will be improve to eliminate the actual or alleged ways to cheat the election,” he said.

Coloma said there is also a need to strengthen the education campaign for the public particularly the voters to get inform and understand fully the automated voting system and to eventually wipe away doubts on the integrity of the system. On the request by senatorial aspirant Richard Gordon to the Supreme Court to require Comelec to print ballot receipts, Coloma said the Comelec had previously explained that the printing of such receipts “present more disadvantages than advantages, in terms of possible

Pension system for military eyed BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer

As a result, President Aquino signed Executive Order No. 201 that allowed an increase in civilian government employees’ compensation in four tranches. EO NO. 201 does not provide for indexation, and states that the uniformed personnel like the military and police will not receive an increase in their basic salaries but will receive an increase in hazard pay, provisional allowance and officers’ allowance. Abad said increasing the pension of military retirees, based on the base pay of their counterparts in the active service, would entail a huge amount.

Philippines chief, is one retired soldier who receives three pensions, having turned 80 last year. THE AQUINO administration “Representative Biazon conmight just propose a legislative cedes this—he is retired, he gets measure creating a pension sysP80,000 monthly with the past tem for the military, such that indexation applied. If the intheir pensions would not be dexation is applied now (with taken from the national budget, EO 201), after four tranches he according to Budget Secretary would be receiving P195,000 a Butch Abad. month,” he said. Abad said military personAbad said that 67 percent of nel do not contribute to the the total pension being paid out Government Service Insurby the government to military ance System (GSIS), the penretirees were now actually givsion fund of civilian employees en to their survivors, “no longer of the government which pays the original pensioner.” their pensions on their retireThe position of the Department. ment of Budget “The decision and Manageof the President ment is that the and the Cabinet indexation prois, let us propose EO NO. 201 does not provide for vision would rea law so that they indexation, and states that the quire ballooning (soldiers) can uniformed personnel like the military and unsustainhave a pension and police will not receive an increase able fund allotsystem,” Abad in their basic salaries but will receive ments from the said in a phone an increase in hazard pay, provisional government. interview. allowance and officers’ allowance. Over the past The idea to pro13 years, the govpose a law came ernment has acabout after the iscumulated P18 sue of the “indexbillion in unpaid ation” of the pensions of retired “We cannot afford it,” he said. pension adjustments to milimilitary personnel resulted in Abad added that, in fact, a sol- tary officers based on a decree Congress failing to pass the Sal- dier may receive three pensions issued by the late dictator Ferary Standardization Law (SSL) to upon retirement: Their regular dinand Marcos mandating a increase the wages of 1.5 million pension; a pension received pension hike for retired miligovernment employees. once they reach 65 years and tary personnel at par with the The House had removed are considered veterans; and a pay hike of active soldiers. from the SSL the provision on temporary administrative staff The government did not al“indexation,” or the pegging of disability pension when they locate funds for the pension inpensions of retired uniformed reach 80 years. crease starting in 2002. The Compersonnel to current salaries, According to Abad, Muntin- mission on Audit issued a ruling resulting in Congress failing to lupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, a in May last year ordering the payapprove the bill. former Armed Forces of the ment of pension arrears. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

vote-buying and actual lengthening of voting hours.” “As an independent constitutional body, the Comelec is tasked with ensuring the integrity and credibility of elections. Now, it is up to the Supreme Court to act as final arbiter in disputes of this nature,” Coloma said. Coloma, meanwhile, said the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continued to monitor the election hotspots following series of attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels on the govern-

ment forces. “The government will not be shaken by any threat that armed groups might sow,” Coloma said. Based on the Pulse Asia survey held two weeks before the election campaign started last Feb. 10, four of 10 Filipinos believed that cheating might possibly happen. The survey also found out that 48 percent of Filipinos believe that the May 9 polls “will be clean and the results credible because the counting of votes is automated,” while 34 percent were undecided. ■

DOJ backs Senate bills banning hazing, making it a crime BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer THE DEPARTMENT of Justice (DOJ) has asserted that hazing should be banned as an initiation rite in all fraternities, sororities and other organizations in the country. In a legal position submitted to the Senate, Justice Undersecretary Zabedin Azis said the DOJ supported moves in Congress to strengthen the AntiHazing Law due to numerous deaths among neophytes. “We reiterate our suggestion to consider hazing... as including infliction of physical and psychological harm to neophytes [and] as a prohibited act,” Azis said. “The present law merely regulates hazing and does not make the act criminal,” he added. Several proposals in the Senate seek to regulate hazing and

other initiation rites. One is a bill by Sen. Tito Sotto, which imposes the maximum penalty of life imprisonment when hazing is committed under the influence of illegal drugs or liquor. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago’s bill penalizes any person present during a hazing but who fails to report it to authorities. Sen. Gregorio Honasan’s bill mandates school authorities to monitor fraternities and penalize hazing. Sen. Cynthia Villar’s bill provides that written parental consent must be obtained by a person aged 21 and below before he can be a member of a fraternity, that two advisers be present during the initiation, that a medical practitioner be on standby, and that neophytes must have a medical checkup before initiation. “Congress [has] the power to define crimes and provide for their punishment,” Azis said. ■

Department of Justice (DOJ) façade.

RAMON FVELASQUEZ / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Philippine News

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

LP: Pro-Poe P-Noy pal acting on his own BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer THE CAMP of Liberal Party (LP) standardbearer Mar Roxas is not daunted by the reported efforts of former Interior Undersecretary Rico E. Puno, one of President Aquino’s closest friends, to canvass support among his fellow Masons for the presidential bid of Sen. Grace Poe, amid persistent rumors that Mr. Aquino was secretly supporting Poe. “There is no reason to doubt the President’s commitment to the candidacies of Roxas and his running mate, Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo,” said Akbayan Rep. Barry Gutierrez, spokesperson for the LP-led Daang Matuwid coalition. Puno is obviously “acting purely on (his) own and in no way would this indicate that the President is supporting another candidate,” he said. Budget Secretary Butch Abad, a former LP president, said the President may not even be aware of what Puno was up to. “I’ve not been hearing about him (Puno) since he left the (government),” he said. Puno, the President’s shooting range buddy, resigned his undersecretary position at the Department of the Interior and Local Government in September 2012. Gutierrez said Mr. Aquino had in fact quelled such speculations during an interview with members of the Philippine media who covered his visit to the United States earlier this week. “The position of the President (on this issue) is very clear ... He has publicly endorsed (Roxas) several times as the successor of the ‘straight path’ (administration),” he told reporters yesterday. Gutierrez said he was tired of the issue being repeatedly revived. “(The President’s) statements are very, very clear and we all know the President. He is not the kind of person who will mince words. He talks straight,” he said. Gutierrez said such insinuations were the handiwork of individuals who just wanted to sow intrigue within the administration coalition. “There’s no truth to those rumors. Daang Matuwid coali-

tion is solid. It’s solidly behind (Roxas) and Congresswoman Leni Robredo,” he said. Gutierrez played down Puno’s reported attempts to recruit members of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines to organize political gatherings for Poe in the LP bailiwicks of Western Visayas and northern Mindanao. “Puno is no longer part of the straight path administration. Whatever he wants to do, he can do it,” Gutierrez said. “But he’s not speaking for the Liberal Party. He’s not speaking for (Roxas) and certainly, he’s not speaking for the President in this case,” he said. Two sources, both Masons, said Puno’s close aide, a certain Myro Lopez, had been recently calling up Masons in the Panay region and northern Mindanao, asking them to help Poe in the LP-controlled areas. One of the sources said he was “surprised” by Puno’s actions, as he thought the President’s friend would support Vice President Jejomar Binay just like he did in the 2010 elections. Puno is identified with the “Samar” faction in the President’s inner circle. The group, which also includes Executive Secretary Jojo Ochoa, got its name from one of its bases of operations on Samar Avenue in Quezon City. Roxas, on the other hand, is the acknowledged leader of the LP-dominated “Balay” faction whose office is in the Balay building owned by the Roxas family in Cubao, also in Quezon City. The Samar group is believed to be instrumental in Binay’s upset win after it dropped Roxas and supported Binay in the 2010 vice presidential race. “They’re free to support whoever they want. They’re free to try and convince others to jump ship, but we remain confident that our supporters, from our local leaders in different provinces to our national leaders affiliated with the administration, are solidly behind (Roxas),” Gutierrez said. He said talk about mass defections and resignations of LP members has been going on for several months, but none of the ruling political party’s prominent members have left to support rival candidates.

Cabinet also divided

Awell-placed source active in the LP campaign told the INQUIRER in a separate interview that not all Cabinet secretaries are supporting the presidential bid of Roxas. The source said some are for Poe while others are for Binay. Ochoa, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, Education Secretary Armin Luistro, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima were some of the the Cabinet secretaries who were not seen at Roxas’ big campaign kickoff last week. But Abad said that if there were indeed Cabinet secretaries who are not for Roxas, they are a minority. Obviously, Luistro and Gazmin, and even former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario who is serving the final week of his tenure, would be expected to be neutral because of the sensitivity of their posts, he said. Public school teachers, under the education department, administer the elections, while soldiers, serving under the defense department, secure the country throughout the election season. Aside from Abad, the other Cabinet members who joined Mr. Aquino in campaign rallies in Capiz, Iloilo and Bicol provinces last week were Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, Health Secretary Janette Garin, Public Works and Highways Secretary Rogelio Singson, Interior Secretary Mel Sarmiento and Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada. “The President wants to show a solid front (in the Roxas campaign) to send the message that the government intends to make sure that its programs would be continued. That is an obligation on the part of the President,” Abad explained. Abad said the President brings his Cabinet along in the campaign for as long as they have done their principal duties as agency heads. Singson and Monsada were with the President in his “governance activities” such as inaugurating government projects. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

PLCPD launched its voter education campaign as it sought to help voters make better choices in the coming national elections, stressing the need to elect leaders who prioritize development. WWW.PLCPD.COM

PLCPD launches voter education campaign; calls on candidates to prioritize human development BY FELINE MIKEE Z. CERVANTES Philippines News Agency MANILA — Advocacy group Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) stressed the need to elect leaders who will prioritize human development during the launch of its voter education campaign on Tuesday. The campaign, called “iChange: Vote for Change,” aims to empower voters with information that will help them make better choices on Election Day. “Elections provide the opportunity for the people to shape their future. Effective positive change starts with voters electing leaders who will address pressing issues that affect human development, and national development in the long run,” said Romeo C. Dongeto, PLCPD executive director. The launch of PLCPD’s voter education campaign coincides with the 30th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution, which overthrew the Marcos dictatorship and restored democratic rule in the country. “The promise of EDSA and democracy to empower every Filipino – especially the poor and vulnerable – is yet to be fully realized,” said Dongeto, noting how many Filipinos still suffer from poverty, hunger and malnutrition, violence and the ad-

verse effects of natural disasters. “The 2016 elections give us another chance to use the sovereign power vested on us by our Constitution towards building a more prosperous and sustainable future for all Filipinos,” he added. PLCPD’s iChange campaign aims to mainstream a progressive human development agenda, calling for policy reform and decisive action to address issues in reproductive health, food and nutrition security, children’s rights, and climate resilience, and adequate housing. As part of the campaign, PLCPD will host several candidates’ forums at the national and local levels to engage candidates and utilize social media to disseminate information on candidates’ positions and plans on the aforementioned issues. “It is critical that we arm the voters with information to guide them in choosing their next set of leaders. It is also important to hold dialogues with candidates to register our concerns and demand that they take all necessary measures to fully address our needs and protect our fundamental human rights,” Dongeto said. The first forum called “Senatorial Candidates’ Forum on Climate Resilience and Adequate Housing” will be held at the University of the Philippines Diliman’s Bahay ng Alumni in Quezon City on March 3. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Chiz: No campaign is ever the same BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer ON A RECENT trip up north, where the vote is known to be solid for his closest rival, independent vice presidential candidate Sen. Francis Escudero had to confront the inevitable question: “Why did you even come here?” It was Escudero’s third trip in two months to Ilocos Norte province, the bailiwick of Nacionalista Party’s Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. The Bicolano candidate still hoped to convert some loyalists of the late dictator’s namesake son. Luckily, the senator has a way with words: His battle-tested elocution came in as handy ammunition in “enemy” territory. “I regard you not as Ilocanos. I regard you as Filipinos,” said the campaign veteran in Filipino, responding to what could have been a deflating inquiry. “I said, ‘That’s why we wear white and have no party, because we want to change the system… Poverty, calamities and tragedy do not recognize party colors. We want to win so we could serve our countrymen, whether they voted for us or not, whether they like us or not,’” he told INQUIRER reporters and editors into the second week of the campaign period. “They all clapped, except for him (the one who asked the question),” Escudero said, laughing. The senator is running for Vice President for one reason: “to be remembered, for having done something, for having finished something.” At 46, Escudero is already thinking about the legacy he will leave behind. “I don’t know how to sing, I can’t leave a CD behind. I don’t know how to dance, I’m not like Heart (Evangelista, his actress

wife), I can’t act. My works of art won’t even be more expensive after I die unlike other artists. This (politics) is hopefully a field where I can do something and be remembered for it,” said Escudero, also an occasional abstract painter who learned the art through his wife. “No hifalutin things like wanting to serve because I can serve even outside of the government. No hifalutin things like making a difference, because I can also make a difference outside politics,” Escudero said. Campaign veteran

He may have gone through several campaigns, but they are never the same for Escudero. The son of the late Sorsogon 1st District Rep. Salvador Escudero III, the senator, better known for his high-recall nickname “Chiz,” has gone through the rungs of the campaign hierarchy: from mixing gawgaw (paste) for election posters and supervising logistics for his father’s bids, to serving as a presidential candidate’s campaign spokesperson and now campaigning for the doorstep to Malacañang. “Having run a lot of campaigns, you should know it’s not going to be a walk in the park,” said Escudero of his current campaign with independent presidential candidate Sen. Grace Poe. “[There are] growing pains, like with any campaign. If you are veteran you should know that there are growing pains in any campaign, that no campaign is perfect,” he said. Talents hired to entertain crowds in between candidates’ speeches would sometimes arrive late, some members of the team would go missing, someone would forget something, and so on, said Escudero. But he carries on, even with just three to four hours of sleep.

Vice presidential candidate Sen. Chiz Escudero.

He rises before dawn for early morning flights to provincial sorties and then hops right back on a plane to Manila for evening meetings and other engagements. As he said, “I’d rather be tired” in going around than have a full night’s sleep but miss out. Fondness for elections

Besides, elections have long been an interest for Escudero: “Mahilig ako sa eleksyon (I am fond of elections).” “Practically, I held every possible position in a campaign locally for congressman, before I finally ran for that position,” said the senator, who won his first attempt in 1998. Campaigning has been part of Escudero’s life since 1984, when he worked for his father’s bid as assemblyman, quite ironically under the administration of then President Marcos, the father of his vice presidential rival. “They called me ‘Gob.’ I don’t know why. Probably because I was into elections. I was assigned to post my father’s posters,” he said of the time he was just 14. In 1987, he took care of logistics for his father’s campaign. “I was the one who decided how many posters should be

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ESCUDERO’S FACEBOOK PAGE

distributed per municipality, per leader. When someone donated adidas (chicken feet) for the campaign, I was the one who decided how many should be given out to every leader,” he said. By 1992, he manned the house to entertain constituents seeking all kinds of assistance. He wanted to run for a local post as early as 1993, but his father wanted him to finish law first, and later his masters. It was only in 1998, when his father was out of Congress and busy as President Fidel Ramos’ agriculture secretary, that the younger Escudero got his break into politics. Then just 28 years old, Escudero won a Congressional seat, even while his father never actively campaigned for him. “He never once stood in any stage or spoke before any mic or lectern or podium to actually campaign for me. Neither was he interviewed in any radio station by any media outlet to campaign for me or say ‘vote for my son.’ In the beginning I felt bad,” he said. But he soon understood and became closer to his father— the only one he regards as his idol in politics. “He gave me enough space to commit some mistakes and learn from him as well,” said Es-

cudero of his father, who died of colon cancer in August 2012. Escudero has never lost an election since, and during the years when he was an incumbent, he was tapped to help out presidential bids. In 2004, he was spokesperson for presidential candidate Fernando Poe Jr., his current standard-bearer’s adoptive father. In 2010, he worked behind the scenes of President Aquino’s campaign. “I only handled Noynoy’s (President Aquino’s) sorties and media shepherding. I had no business in what was happening in the campaign because I can’t show my face during their campaign,” said Escudero, who had bolted his party, the Nationalist People’s Coalition, a year earlier. In the coming weeks, Escudero said he would make his presence felt more, despite what he described to be his team’s “meager resources.” “To hopefully match what they (other candidates) have been doing in terms of their ability to go around, their ability to advertise, their ability to get their message across,” said Escudero. He said he has no benefactors, except for friends, scoffing at the impression that “every young and poor politician has to have a rich businessman behind him.” Asked if his wife would make appearances on the trail, Escudero said such would be seldom, if at all, as she is also busy with work. Asked about the possible outcome of the May balloting, Escudero said: “When you run for an election, there are only two possibilities: You win or you lose.” “When I decided to run, I accepted both possibilities. If both are acceptable, then you have nothing to fear. And that’s why I ran,” he said. ■

Philippine News

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

EDSA People Power Monument near the EDSA highway representing millions of people participated to oust the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. MAKI R. / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / CC 3.0

Reminiscing the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution BY BEN CAL Philippines News Agency MANILA — The peaceful People Power Revolution 30 years ago could have been bloody and thrown the country into chaos were it not for three ranking military officials who defied orders to crush the uprising that would result in the killing of not only rebel soldiers holed up in Camp Crame, but also countless of innocent civilians barricading along E. Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) in Quezon City. Former Defense Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita, a retired Army lieutenant general and one of the heroes of EDSA People Power 1 revolt, lauded the heroic acts of his comrades-in-arms — Marine Brig. Gen. Artemio Tadiar; Army Brig. Gen. Braulio Balbas, and Air Force Col. Antonio Sotelo — who did not attack the military rebel forces led by then Defense Secretary Juan Ponce Enrile and Constabulary Chief and concurrent Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Fidel V. Ramos during the four-day civilian-backed military uprising on Feb. 22-25, 1986, defying orders by then AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Fabian C. Ver. Ermita made the revelation during an exclusive interview with this writer at the side-

line of the launching of former President Ramos’ latest book: “2030: ONE WORLD, ONE COMMUNTY, ONE FAMILY,” at the Kamuning Bakery Café’ in Quezon City last Friday. The millions of Filipino people who went to EDSA 1 believed that the hand of God prevented a bloodshed of unimaginable proportion had a gunshot was fired by either side. Incredible but there was none. Indeed it was a miracle! Tadiar was leading a column of Armored Landing Tank Vehicles (LTVs) and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) and Philippine Marine troopers proceeding towards Camp Crame when they were blocked by thousands of civilians on Ortigas Avenue. The tanks threatened to mow down the people blocking their way if the huge crowd would not clear the way, but the civilians stood path. Many of them lifted the rosaries and crucifixes they were carrying for the soldiers to see, then knelt on the middle of EDSA. Tadiar pleaded to let them pass but the people remained undaunted. A decorated Marine soldier, who fought many battles in Mindanao, Tadiar came to a painful decision when he ordered his troops to stand down. The expected blitzkrieg as-

sault on the rebel soldiers never took place as the Marines found themselves in a light brotherly embrace with the civilians who blocked their path and the troops returned to their barracks. Another act of heroism at EDSA ‘86 was shown by another Marine officer, then Col. Braulio Balbas, who was the commander of an artillery battery, who established his unit at the golf course of Camp Aguinaldo, just across Camp Crame. Balbas’ mission was to fire the deadly 105mm cannons at Camp Crame where the rebel soldiers were camped. When Balbas finally got an order to fire, he made an alibi that he was still positioning the howitzers. It was the only instance in his entire military career that he defied an order from his superior. Then he defected to the rebel camp and did not regret his decision. Balbas later confessed that his conscience would not allow him to annihilate his comradesin-arms and innocent civilians. On Feb. 24, the third day of the EDSA ‘86 uprising, another group of military officers and men, the famed 15th Strike Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), led by Col. Antonio Sotelo, instead of bombing Camp Crame as ordered, dewww.canadianinquirer.net

fected, tilting farther the balance of firepower to the side of the Enrile-Ramos camp. Sotelo and his men were aboard Sikorsky and UH1-H “Huey” helicopter gunships circling above Camp Crame when they defected by landing their choppers in Camp Crame. While circling above, the huge crowd at EDSA watched tensely in fear, whether the gunships would fire their airto-surface rockets and M60 machines. The crowd cheered as the gunships landed one by one, without firing their armaments. “We followed our conscience. I think I have not really done much in my life. For once, I wanted to make a decision for my country,” Sotelo said. Then two PAF F-5 fighter jets thundered overhead. The people craned their necks to get a glimpse of the supersonic planes. It also turned out that the F-5s were piloted by friendly forces siding with the military rebels to confirm that the entire 5th Fighter Wing of the Air Force had defected. Two other Sikorsky helicopter gunships proceeded to Malacaπang and attacked the Presidential Palace with airto-ground rockets. The first chopper fired a pair of rockets, followed by .50 caliber machine

gun fire. The second also did the same. Each time a rocket hit its target, the ground shook. This writer witnessed the helicopter attacks on Malacañang from the Philippines News Agency’s office at the National Press Club in Intramuros, Manila that day. Recalling that four-day EDSA uprising, Ermita said that definitely there was Divine intervention during the four-day historic event that freed the country from oppression when then President Ferdinand Marcos and family fled the country after 20 years of rule. Ermita also paid glowing tribute to the role of the alumni of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) of which he is a member of class 1957, in uniting the Armed Forces at the most crucial times of the country’s history, especially the coup attempts that followed, otherwise, the country would be in chaos and divided. He said the PMA alumni helped in foisting civilian supremacy during those crises the country had undergone. “We did not take advantage of the situation. This is because we were taught the value of respecting the Constitution taught at PMA,” Ermita said. “The AFP is the protector and savior of our people,” he said. ■

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Philippine News

Binay son...

Who really...

mayor of Makati, the project was nearing completion and “he merely performed his ministerial function.” “These points were raised by (Junjun) in his motion for reconsideration but were ignored by the Ombudsman,” Salgado said. Certeza said they would file a motion for determination of probable cause before the Sandiganbayan on Monday. He said this was because he believed there was “no probable cause” for the filing of charges against the former mayor and that the Sandiganbayan “should not issue a warrant of arrest” in the first place. But just in case, Junjun Binay will be posting bail on Monday, the lawyer said. Quicho said the filing of the charges would not hamper the elder Binay’s quest for the presidency. “No amount of political persecution and harassment will stop the Vice President from pushing his propoor agenda. He is not new to political harassment. The Vice President has stood up against oppression, tyranny and poverty, from the time he was an activist and human rights lawyer during martial lawand until today as presidential candidate of UNA [United Nationalist Alliance],” Quicho said. “We look forward to facing these frivolous charges in a fair and impartial court,” he said. ❰❰ 7

The formal filing of the cases against Junjun Binay et al. came two weeks after Morales affirmed her decision to impose a lifetime ban from working in the government against the younger Binay and his fellow accused. The cases stemmed from a complaint filed by Makati City Councilor Renato Bondal and Nicolas Enciso VI of the Save Makati Movement in the Ombudsman in 2014. The allegations paved the way for a record 25 hearings conducted by the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee for more than a year. In upholding the indictment of the younger Binay and the others, the Ombudsman said the former City Hall officials did not conduct a public bidding when the contract for the design of the multibillion-peso infrastructure project was awarded to Mana in November 2007. The Vice President was then then mayor of Makati, one of the country’s richest municipalities which hosts the country’s key financial district. According to the Ombudsman, the evidence presented “showed (that) the procurement process was manipulated to ensure the award of the contract to Mana.” It said the payment of P12 million to Mana was approved “despite the incomplete submission of deliverables such as design plans, working drawings and technical specifications.”

The respondents, it added, “colluded” with Hilmarc’s to “manipulate” five public biddings to ensure that the construction firm would win the lucrative project. “The construction projects were awarded to Hilmarc’s despite the lack of the required publication of the invitations to bid, with Hilmarc’s as the lone bidder in four phases of the project,” the Ombudsman said. It said the erring former public officials violated the law as the construction of the parking building started despite the failure of Hilmarc’s to present the approved design standards, contract plans, agency cost estimates and detailed engineering and programs of work. “No preprocurement conference was undertaken and bid documents were made available only for one day in violation of procurement rules and regulations,” the Ombudsman said. The antigraft body also questioned the “extraordinary speed” with which the negotiation and evaluation of bid proposals were conducted in November 2007. Said the Ombudsman: “For one hour only, the bids and awards committee completed the entire negotiation proceedings where bid proposals of seven architectural firms that allegedly participated in this project were opened and evaluated.” ■

❰❰ 8

“If we had, we would have checked it out,” he said.

Exhumation of Marwan

Awat Mindanao has offered to help the government exhume the body of Marwan, as it knows where the terrorist was buried, but Magalong said that was up to the group. “But why only know when the investigation’s already [finished]? They should have done that before. Why didn’t they come forward when we were investigating?” Magalong said. Asked if it could have anything to do with claimants to the reward, Magalong said: “As far as I know, the [P7 million] reward has been claimed, but I’m not sure about the [$5 million] reward.” Magalong confirmed that the SAF employed an informant who pointed out Marwan’s location. He said the informant was a civilian. Agduma challenged President Aquino to explain why he retracted the statement he made at the INQUIRER Multimedia Forum on Sept. 8 last year that there was an “alternative version of events” and that he was having it verified. “The President should explain again the alternative truth,” Agduma said. At a news conference on Friday, Awat Mindanao called for a reopening of the Mama-

sapano investigation but that it should only be done by an independent body, comprised of business, civic and religious leaders. Agduma said a new investigation would give Awat a proper venue to present the action agents that Purisima and Calima worked with, among them Commander Kokoy, one Arthur Uy, reportedly an MILF member and one Timtim, a brother of Kague Kadialen Dalimbang (also known as Mohiden Ananimbang), the chief of staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). Asset’s weapon

Agduma also said that the action agents could lead investigators to Marwan’s body for exhumation. Morever, Awat has in its possession Singgagao’s M203, which he used to kill Marwan. It was Commander Kokoy who recovered the weapon, as well as Singgagao’s body, which he found some 30 meters away from Marwan’s hut. It was Commander Kokoy, and not Singgagao as earlier reported, who built a hut some 500 meters away from Marwan’s hut, using money given by Purisima. He also purchased a solar panel. Living near Marwan enabled him to monitor the terrorist and inform the authorities. ■

Poe denies meeting with Garci in Cagayan de Oro PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Senator Grace Poe, the leading presidential candidate based on survey, is very certain she is not the one being sought out by former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, who was spotted at a hotel in Cagayan de Oro City where Poe was staying. In fact, she said she would be the last person the former elections official would wish to see. “Hindi ko siya nakita, pero apparently nandoon daw siya sa hotel namin. Nagtataka nga ako, kasi kung mayroon man siyang iiwasan, siguradong ako ‘yun (I did not see him, but

apparently he was staying in the same hotel. I am actually wondering about these rumors because if there is anyone he should be avoiding, it would be me),” Poe said at a press conference in Baguio City on Tuesday. Poe said she was unaware that Garcillano was there; even if she knew, there was no reason to speak to him. “Ang isang katulad niya, bakit ginagawang consultant ng kung sinuman (Of someone his power, why is he appointed consultant of just anybody)?” she said. Garcillano, who was appointed by former President Gloria Arroyo to the Comelec, has been blamed for orchestrating the alleged massive cheating that occurred in the 2004 presidential elections.

Poe’s father, Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ), was the most popular candidate in the said presidential race and was poised to beat Arroyo, an incumbent. When the counting was over, Arroyo won by 1.2 million votes. A recording of a phone conversation later surfaced where Arroyo was speaking with Garcillano and asking him if she could secure the one million votes in Mindanao needed to win the elections. In 2014, after she won as senator, Poe made a privilege speech about electoral reforms and cited the case of her father, who many believed was cheated of the presidency. “Siguradong hindi ako ‘yun (Surely, it is not me),” Poe said when asked if she could be the www.canadianinquirer.net

person for whom Garcillano was acting as consultant. “Hanapin niyo ang CCTV ng hotel. ‘Yun na lang ang masasabi ko, kung sino ang kanyang mga kinakausap. Pero maski na sino, basta election-related, sa tingin ko hindi nararapat (You can check the hotel’s CCTV. That is all I can say about the issue. But it is a faux pas for anyone to consult him about the elections),” she said. Vice President Jejomar Binay, the opposition’s presidential bet, was also staying at the same hotel as Poe. Garcillano did not say who his client was. Earlier in the campaign, Poe called on non-government organizations, election watchdog groups and media entities to be vigilant in the 2016 elections

to ensure that no repeat of the 2004 election fraud would happen. A Pulse Asia survey showed that 39 percent of voters expect cheating to occur in the polls through vote-buying, tampering of machines and the presence of flying voters. A higher number — 48 percent — believe the elections will be clean and credible. “May iba’t ibang paraan ng pandaraya. Siguraduhin natin na ‘wag tayong maging kampante o complacent tungkol dito. Kaya hindi nakapagtataka na aabot ng higit 30 percent ang mga patuloy pa rin na nagdududa (There are various ways to cheat. Let us not become calm or complacent. 30% of Filipinos are still skeptical),” Poe said. ■

Philippine News

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

PHL to raise South China Sea issues in ASEAN meet in Laos BY MICHAELA DEL CALLAR Philippines News Agency MANILA — The territorial disputes in the strategic South China Sea would likely steal the spotlight in this week’s Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) ministerial meeting that would be attended by the regional bloc’s 10 foreign ministers amid reports of China’s installation of anti-aircraft missiles on the disputed Woody Island. Manila, at odds with China over disputed territories in the resource-rich South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea to the Philippines, plans to tackle the issue at the ASEAN ministerial retreat — an informal and casual type of meeting where countries can speak on various issues of regional concern — to be held on Feb. 25 to 27 at the Laos capital of Vientiane. The Philippine delegation led by Foreign Undersecretary Laura del Rosario is expected to raise maritime security, including Chinese missiles on Woody Islands, which is also jointly disputed by Vietnam and Taiwan and located in a part of the South China Sea, called the Paracels. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario, who is stepping down as DFA Chief on March 7 due to health concerns, has appointed

Flags of ASEAN member nations.

ASEAN’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

Laura del Rosario to represent him in the meeting. Both officials are not related. China, which claims the sea nearly in its entirety including areas that overlap with Philippine territories, has objected to efforts to bring the sea disputes to any international arena, including in ASEAN. Although the Philippines has no claim over Woody Island, it has maintained the position that all claimants to the resource-rich waters should adhere to the rule of law, specifically the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), must not use force or intimidation and adhere to the principles of a non-binding and non-aggression pact on the South China Sea that was signed in 2002 by China and Southeast Asian states.

“In this meeting, we will continue to express our concern with the developments in the South China Sea,” said Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose in a press briefing on Monday. Of the 10 ASEAN members, four have rival claims with China and Taiwan to the waters — Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Other ASEAN members are Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. “We are expressing concern over these developments, including the reported missile on Woody Islands. Of course all these things raise our concern and its effect on freedom of navigation, overflight and unimpeded flow of commerce,” said Jose. Philippine officials will push for its maritime security advo-

cacy by calling for the full and effective implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea and the early conclusion of a legally-binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea between China and the ASEAN, he added. The long-simmering territorial rifts have alarmed the rival countries as well as other Asian and western nations which fear the conflicts could turn nasty and restrict free access to the vital waters, also coveted for their potential oil and gas deposits and abundant fish stocks. “It is also our priority to urge the international community to respect the rule of law by abiding by the decision of the arbitral tribunal at The Hague once it is released,” Jose said, referring to Manila’s case ques-

to push for a national minimum wage of P16,000 monthly which will bring our pay closer to the family living wage,” Gaite said.

2015, we can only allocate P45 million [for salaries],” Alcovendaz said in a phone interview. He added, however, that Manila City Hall’s budget for salaries currently stands at 47 percent of their total income. Despite that, the city administration decided to implement the fourth tranche of wage hikes in 2014. “We had to bite the bullet since we were also being pressured to raise employees’ wages,” Alcovendaz explained. “Besides, we had the funds needed to do so,” he added. The official noted that the Estrada administration was more compliant with DBM’s 45-percent rule compared to Lim’s, which had allocated 60 percent of its income then for person-

nel services. “That’s because we were able to raise the city’s income now,” Alcovendaz said. In a text message, Manila Police District director Chief Supt. Rolando Nana said the wage hike would “surely boost the morale of all uniformed personnel.”

tioning the legality of China’s vast sea claims that overlaps with its territories. A final decision, Philippine diplomats said, is expected on or before May. The Philippines, Jose said, will also reiterate the commitments made at the ASEAN-US summit that was hosted by US President Barack Obama in Sunnylands, California last week, where the leaders expressed commitment to rulesbased resolution to the South China Sea dispute and for the full respect for legal and diplomatic processes for the peaceful resolution of the maritime row. The ASEAN agenda in Vientiane, Jose said, would also include discussions on how to effectively implement the ASEAN community vision 2025 and the three blueprints adopted by the leaders at the 27th ASEAN summit held in Nov. 2015 in Malaysia. In addition, the meeting will discuss “external relations and its centrality in the evolving regional architecture, as well as exchange views in regional and international issues of common interest and concerns,” he added. Another priority for Manila, Jose said, is to push for the early ratification of the ASEAN Convention against Trafficking in persons and its accompanying action. ■

Gov’t workers... equitable,” and “abolishes Magna Carta benefits,” and the EO as a bid by the Liberal Party to gain “pogi (brownie) points” in the coming elections. “Only those already receiving higher salaries like government executives and officials are celebrating the EO,” said Courage national president Ferdinand Gaite. “(These highly paid executives) will benefit more with their windfall of pay adjustments, while low-salaried workers will receive a pittance in exchange for benefits that will be taken away from them and a four-year wage freeze,” he added. “...(G)overnment workers must persevere in the struggle ❰❰ 3

DBM memo

But government workers at Manila City Hall might not be entitled to the salary increase after all, no thanks to a circular memo issued by the DBM, city administrator Jojo Alcovendaz said on Friday. While the executive order raising the salary of government employees was “a welcome development,” the DBM memo limits a local government’s budget for personnel services to only 45 percent of its earnings, he said. “For example, if we generated an income of P100 million in

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Inflation

The last salary increase, Joint Resolution No. 4, was fully implemented in 2012 and mandated the review of compensation every three years. “From then until 2015, the purchasing power... had been eroded due to inflation,” Abad said. The approval of the SSL faced delay when the congres-

sional bicameral conference panel reached a deadlock over the pension indexation of military and uniformed personnel retirees, which would require an increase in the pension of retired police and military officials, along with a hike in the basic pay of those in active service. This would be untenable and would leave the government bankrupt, Abad said, adding that as early as 2007, the pension paid retirees have “surpassed the salaries of those who are in active service.” The SSL also faced controversy when scientists and social and health workers expressed fears that it would scrap their Magna Carta benefits, which Malacañang denied. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

PH candidates... bate, the first to be “All of these happened in a Another candidate, Sen. Miriorganized by the com- bedroom, not elsewhere, so am Defensor-Santiago, said she mission in 24 years, what’s the problem?” he said. would crack down on corrupaimed to shift the public’s foFormer Interior Secretary tion like she has done in her long cus toward policy talk and pro- Mar Roxas pledged to contin- government career, including as grams to confront social ills. ue the battle against poverty a feisty former trial court judge. Voters being swayed more by and corruption of Aquino, who “We are resource rich but one personalities, patronage poli- backs his candidacy. With the of the poorest in Southeast Asia tics and showbiz-like campaigns improving economy, more than because everybody wants to have long been a concern in the 2 million Filipinos have risen have the money of the governPhilippines, which continues to from poverty under Aquino, he ment in his own pocket,” she grapple with widespread poverty, said, promising to expand pro- said. Marxist and Muslim insurgen- poor projects like the use of a Asked why she was seeking cies, corruption and other major new radar technology that has the presidency after surviving problems three decades after helped fishermen find catch stage-4 lung cancer and other toppling a dictatorship through faster in one province. ailments that sidelined her a “people power” from the Senate revolt. for long stretchPresident Bees of time, Sannigno Aquino tiago growled. III, who won We are resource rich but one of the “That’s my right with a landslide poorest in Southeast Asia because under the conmargin on a everybody wants to have the money stitution,” she promise to battle of the government in his own pocket. said. “I was waitpoverty and coring to die, but my ruption in 2010, guardian angel ends his six-year did not kill me.” term in June. The elections The candidates were asked Roxas addressed allegations commission brought back the how they would fight the long- that he failed to adequately deal presidential debates, which pestering problems that have with transport and law and or- were last held in 1992, to allow blighted their Southeast Asian der problems in the years he Filipino voters to scrutinize country through several presi- was in government, including the main contenders and help dencies. his handling of the deadly dev- them “vote correctly,” Elec“If I become president, it astation inflicted by Typhoon tions Chairman Bautista said. would be bloody,” said May- Haiyan in 2013. After Sunday’s debate, held at or Rodrigo Duterte, who has Vice-President Jejomar Bi- a university in southern Cagaygained prominence for his nay said that if elected, he would an de Oro city, two more will tough anti-crime campaign in apply to the entire Philippines be staged in March and April southern Davao city, warning what he has done as a mayor to ahead of the election. he would take down criminals, Makati city, the country’s main Under President Aquino, drug traffickers and corrupt of- financial district and Manila’s the economy has been growing ficials in six months if elected. version of Wall Street. He re- steadily. His predecessor has He acknowledged he has killed peated his denial of allegations been detained on an elections an unspecified number of crimi- of massive corruption, which fraud charge and three senanals himself but did not provide came under a Senate commit- tors were separately detained details, including how he could tee investigation for months. on corruption charges under ease widespread crimes that Sen. Grace Poe, the adopted Aquino’s anti-graft fight. fast. He has said in the past that daughter of a popular movie But daunting challenges rehe would reimpose the death couple, showcased the bills she main, led by the poverty that penalty for heinous crimes and has pushed, including a larger grips about a fourth of the Philassured he would not resort budget to help poor farmers ippines’ 100 million people, to extrajudicial killings. Asked and a freedom of information forcing about a tenth of the about his romantic links to a bill that failed to pass. She said population to seek jobs and betnumber of women, Duterte said her being a political neophyte ter opportunities abroad. ■ he had girlfriends after separat- should not be an issue in a ing with his wife, adding that he country where longtime politidid not cause any scandals with cians have failed to ease basic his romantic flings. problems like hunger. ❰❰ 1

President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III takes a look at two FA 50 Golden Eagle jets that escort the Philippine Airlines PR 001 as it enters the Philippine area of responsibility. ASEAN’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

New escorts BY NIKKO DIZON AND JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer FROM HIS plane seat, President Aquino watches two jets escorting the presidential aircraft as it enters Philippine territory on his return from the United States on Friday. The two FA-50 trainer jets are among a dozen the country acquired from South Korea to modernize its air force. HAIL to the Chief. Two newly acquired FA-50 supersonic trainer fighter jets showed themselves off to President Aquino yesterday by escorting the presidential plane flying him back to Manila after he had attended summit talks in the United States. From the window of his plane, the Commander in Chief watched the fighter jets fly beside the Philippine Airlines Airbus 373 as the presidential aircraft flew over Polillo Island in the northeastern region. It was a sight no one thought they would see again and cheers broke inside the presidential plane. It has been more than 10 years since the Philippine Air Force decommissioned its last fighter jets. Mr. Aquino congratulated Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for being able to implement the Armed Forces modernization program.

Mr. Aquino arrived on Friday from the United States where he attended a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the United States on the security situation in the region in the face of China’s ag-gressive actions in the South China Sea. Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., who was with the President, said the FA-50 jets escorted PR 001 carrying Mr. Aquino “from the airspace above Polillo Island as (it) made its approach” before it landed at the airport. The two jets were delivered by Korea Aerospace Industries last November, the first of 12 fighter jets the PAF acquired as part of the military’s modernization program. The delivery of the rest of the full squadron, worth P18.9 billion, will be completed in 2017. The two brand-new supersonic fighter jets were piloted by airmen from the Air Defense Wing. Air Force spokesperson Col. Enrico Canaya said the traditional role of escorting heads of state traveling through the country’s airspace was previously done by the F-5 Tiger fighter jets. The F-5 jets were decommissioned in 2005. Canaya said the last time the Air Force escorted a Philippine head of state was in 2005 when its F-5 fighters were still operational. ■

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Opinion

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

ANALYSIS

Election opens new era of political leadership By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer EIGHT weeks and 17 days into the May 9 presidential election, the latest survey on voters’ preferred presidential candidates provides no clue about a redhot front-runner in a race marked by a mediocre field. In the next few weeks, the ratings are likely to change. It appears that the voters are not tremendously fired by expectations of a dramatic leadership change based on the alternatives offered by the political parties—their lineups and platforms. Not one of the five presidential candidates excites the electorate. No one is the incarnation of an inspired agent of change to succeed the lackluster administration of President Aquino. The May election is not just a routine presidential turnover of leadership. It’s more than that. It should mark the end of the Aquino dynasty’s domination of Philippine politics

from President Cory Aquino in 1986 for public works projects to ghost Duterte gained 4 percentage after the Edsa People Power Revo- projects of bogus nongovernment or- points and was tied in second place lution up to her son, the incumbent ganizations and for allegedly taking with Sen. Grace Poe, whose rating President who is retiring in June, kickbacks. stayed flat between the early part of thanks to the ban on reelection after January and the first week of Februa single six-year term under the 1987 Dismaying ary. This result is bad news for Poe. Constitution. The survey results are dismaying But Vice President Jejomar Binay The May presidential election, for those expecting that the contend- cannot find comfort in the results. therefore, opens a new era for politi- ers for the presidency can be vehicles While Binay was still ahead of the cal renewal and revitalization of top- for change and reforms in the suc- pack with 29 percent of the vote, he level leadership—not only with new ceeding administration. slipped 2 percentage points. faces, new policies Earlier surveys and new styles to showed that Binay’s Not one of the five presidential candidates excites the replace tired selfratings had been electorate. No one is the incarnation of an inspired agent of change righteous slogans battered by publicto succeed the lackluster administration of President Aquino. and vindictiveness. ity over investigaThe balloting also tions in the Senate opens new approaches and priorities According to the nationwide sur- of allegations of corruption in the to promote economic growth aimed vey conducted by Social Weather Sta- construction of projects of Makati at creating jobs and reducing pover- tions (SWS) just before the official City Hall during his term as mayor. ty, and eliminating economic advan- campaign began in February, the list tages enjoyed by oligarchic landed of presidential candidates has nar- Close race estates. rowed down to five. The survey results suggested that a Good governance is more than But the more important data in- close race among the three contendjust filing plunder charges against clude Davao City Mayor Rodrigo ers—Binay, Duterte and Poe—was lawmakers accused of diverting their Duterte gaining momentum, with 24 developing. pork barrel, the Priority Develop- percent of the voters preferring him It does not help Duterte to claim ment Assistance Fund, earmarked over other presidential candidates. that he remains unfazed by his drop

in the latest SWS survey from the 38 percent he got last November. “If God wants me to win, I will win,” he said. That’s a big if. For the first time, Duterte took a big swipe at Binay. He said, “I am the candidate who can confidently speak on everything, like corruption, peace and order and criminality … unlike Binay who is stymied by allegations of corruption.” The ruling Liberal Party (LP) remained unfazed by the third place garnered by its standardbearer, former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. Senate President Franklin Drilon told a forum in Kamuning, Quezon City, that the campaign season was just a week-old and asked the media to just wait a bit, as Roxas could spring a surprise. According to the LP camp, the survey results showed that the leading contenders for the presidency were in a “dead heat.” The LP claimed that Roxas was virtually tied in second place with Duterte and Poe because the margin of error was 3 percentage points. ■

PUBLIC LIVES

The moral factor in political transitions By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer YANGON—Nothing can better remind us of the significance of the 1986 Edsa people power uprising, whose 30th anniversary we are observing this week, than to view it in relation to what is happening today in Myanmar (Burma). By luck, I find myself in Yangon (Rangoon), its capital, where I have been attending a fascinating dialogue on civic engagement in periods of transition with past awardees of the Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation. Myanmar is on the cusp of a historic transition that is not unlike our Edsa 1. Indeed, it is not farfetched to think that Edsa 1 may have inspired both the student-led rebellion in 1988 that the military brutally suppressed, and the “Saffron Uprising” in 2007 that Buddhist monks in saffron-colored robes staged against the military dictatorship two decades later. As in Edsa, these Burmese uprisings found a moral symbol in a woman of steely grace—Aung San Suu Kyi. But unlike Edsa, the Burmese military seized upon the flux of events to impose its own brand of dictatorship. A junta of corrupt generals that initially went by the ominous name “State Law and Order Restoration

Council” (SLORC) ruled the country A pariah on the world stage, Myan- or children carried foreign passfrom 1988, promising general elec- mar’s military government sought ports—a provision expressly aimed tions and a new constitution in a what little affirmation and comfort against Aung San Suu Kyi, whose late bid to cloak its rule in some form of it could find among its fellow mem- husband and two sons carried British legitimacy. In 1990, two years after ber-countries in the Association passports. the coup against Gen. Ne Win’s one- of Southeast Asian Nations. Asean In 2010, the junta called for parparty state, the SLORC held general opted to pursue a policy of “construc- liamentary elections. The NLD, with elections. The people roundly repu- tive engagement” that was aimed at its leader still in detention, refused diated them by electing the opposi- gradually bringing Myanmar’s rulers to lend legitimacy to these moves tion candidates from Aung San Suu to the path of political and economic by staying away from the general Kyi’s party, the National League For normalization. elections. As expected, the militaryDemocracy (NLD). Totally embarIt took some time before the global backed Union Solidarity and Develrassed, the junta turned around and pressure on the regime started to opment Party won. But, six days afrefused to honor the results of the bear fruit. Finally, in 2008, in the ter, in a gesture of reconciliation, the elections. Instead government unconof allowing the NLD ditionally released to occupy the 392 Aung San Suu Kyi. Cory had to fend off seven coup attempts by disgruntled of the 485 parliaIn 2012, by-elecmilitary officers who thought that, because of their role in Edsa 1, mentary seats it had tions were held for they had as much right to run the government. won, the junta pro46 vacant parliaceeded to jail and mentary seats. This persecute its leaders. wake of widespread protests and time, the democracy icon, known The junta ruled with impunity, a devastating typhoon that killed simply among her compatriots as completely oblivious of the demo- 140,000 people, the junta signaled a “The Lady,” led her party in vying cratic transitions that were unfold- resolve to move toward civilian rule for these seats. The NLD won all ing in the rest of the world at about by promulgating a new constitution but two of the seats—a prelude to its this time. Enraged by its corruption that would form the basis for a new dramatic November 2015 landslide and chronic abuse of fundamental civilian government. The provisions victory, which gave Aung San Suu human rights—not the least of which of this basic document betrayed a Kyi’s party control over 70 percent of was the repeated arrest and deten- deep insecurity born of the military’s parliamentary seats. With this comes tion of Aung San Suu Kyi over a 15- legitimacy deficit. It gave them a lock the power to form the new governyear period—the international com- on 25 percent of the parliamentary ment when parliament convenes to munity sought to isolate Myanmar’s seats. It vested the president with full elect the country’s next president on regime by imposing stiff sanctions immunity from criminal prosecution March 17. that further crippled the country’s at the end of his term. It barred from Although the prospect of suspendalready impoverished economy. the presidency anyone whose spouse ing or amending the constitution to

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allow Aung San Suu Kyi to stand for president remains uncertain, there is no question that she is today Myanmar’s most powerful leader. She stands on the same spot where Cory Aquino found herself 30 years ago. As in Cory’s case, immense expectations attend her historic rise to power. The military remains a thorn in her side. Cory had to fend off seven coup attempts by disgruntled military officers who thought that, because of their role in Edsa 1, they had as much right to run the government. In contrast, despite the defeat of its candidates in the last elections, Myanmar’s military is technically undiminished in its powers. It holds a veto power on all constitutional amendments or revisions. By law, it also retains control over key government ministries under any administration. Most important of all, the generals can dictate whether the ongoing ceasefire agreements and peace negotiations with Myanmar’s ethnic rebel armies will bear fruit or not. But, lacking the moral affirmation of these powers, they can no longer govern. Despite our own disenchantment with what came after, Edsa 1 exemplifies this moral force and thus remains a model and a source of inspiration for nations that are still struggling to free themselves from the yoke of political tyranny. ■

Opinion

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

LOOKING BACK

Rizal and Josephine outside of marriage By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer THE REACTION to my Valentine’s Day column on Jose Rizal and Josephine Bracken was quite encouraging because people want to know more about their relationship. I often wish that Filipinos would be as interested in Rizal’s writings as they are in his love life, but that is probably demanding too much. Some people were shocked at the way Rizal described Josephine’s learning of domestic chores—like darning his socks, minding his nephews, or making bagoong— because these seem out of tune with the modern Filipino woman. After reading Rizal’s glowing description of Josephine’s talents, someone asked if he wanted a wife or a domestic helper. One must not forget that Rizal grew up in a house full of women. He was the seventh child in a brood of 11; he only had one elder brother, Paciano, and nine sisters: Saturnina, Narcisa, Olimpia, Lucia, Maria, Concepcion, Josefa, Trinidad and Soledad. Add to this mix a strong mother, Teodora Alonso, and equally strong-willed elder sisters he had to address politely as “ñora” (short for “señora”)— and it may explain why

the docile Josephine was a natural states her difficulty with Rizal’s fam- ashamed of me alright the same.” companion during his Dapitan exile. ily and says she is breaking off their Then, on Aug. 17, 1896, Josephine Their relationship was not easy relationship: writes: “My darling Love, “I received because Rizal’s mother did not ap“Ah; mydear, I am suffering a great your most kind and most welcomed prove of the fact that they were living deal with them in Trozo (house of letter dated the 10th Wednesday. I together outside of marriage. Jose- Teodora Alonso), it is quite true they am very much surprised not hearing phine tried to leave him once in 1895 ought to be ashamed of me as they say anything about if you have received and again in 1896. She wrote to him in my face & in the presence of Sra. the three tyrines of foie gras: well! while he was imprisoned on board Narcisa & their children because I am Perhaps you have not received any the ship Castilla moored on Manila not married to you. So if you hear that other letters that I have written to Bay shortly before the outbreak of I don’t go to Trozo any more don’t you. I went to the Governor General the Philippine Revolution against be surprised. If you like me to send today but unfortunately he is laid up Spain that would, in part, be blamed all your things on board of the man with a severe cold but his aide came on him. In the letter dated Aug. 13, of war I can do so. If you go to Spain [and] told me to go back in three days 1896, Josephine says: “My dear Joe, [and] you see any one of your fancy to receive an answer from him. “This morning at “Dear I would half past eight Sra. like very much to go I often wish that Filipinos would be as interested in Narcisa received a with your dear famRizal’s writings as they are in his love life, but that is probably letter from you, I ily, but; you know demanding too much. amvery sorry that what I have written I have made a misto you, I would like take of your [clothing,] not sending you better marry her, but dear, hear to go alone, so I can speak to you betyour pants and waistcoat, but as you me, better marry than to like what ter for in your family’s presence we said you are not in great need of it. I we have been doing. I am ashamed to [can’t] be very free to each other. only send you some more collars and let people know my life with you, but “I know my dear it breaks my heart cuffs. You ask in your letter for man- as [your] dear Sisters are ashamed, I to go and bid you good bye! But! Dear goes, cheese, tyrines and some lan- think you had better get married to what can I do; than to suffer until sones. I hope I can fulfill your wishes some one else. [Your] Sister Narcisa the Good God brings you back to me in sending the things, mangoes I am and your Father, they are very good again? Your sister Choling came to sure I can send to you, but the other and kind to me. Yours Affect. Jose- visit me yesterday and she wants to things I am not very sure. Yet we phine Bracken.” give me her daughter Maria Luisa... send Antonio to see if we can get the In a postscript she adds that she [S]he says she had great confidence cheese, lansones and tyrines.” will send foie gras, cheese and 100 in me, well I told her for my part I After the catalogue of requests, she sweet santol, saying: “If you are not am quite willing, and satisfied but I

have to communicate with [you] first if you are willing, I have also many pupils about fifteen three dollars each and I am also studying Piano 4$ a month in Sra. Maria’s house one of my pupil, Dear. I have to do something like that because I am always sorry thinking of you oh! Dear how I miss you. I will always be good & faithful to you, and also do good to my companions so that the good God will bring you back to me. I will try all my best to be good to your family especially to your dear old parents ‘the hands that we cannot cut lift it up and kiss it or adore the hand that gives the blow’ How it made the tears [flow] in my eyes when I read those few lines of you. Say darling say it makes me think of our dear old hut in Dapitan and the many sweet [hours] we have passed there. “Love I will love you ever, love I will leave thee never, ever precious to thee never to part heart bound to heart or never to say good bye. So my darling receive many warm Affection and love. From Your Ever faithful and True till death Josephine Bracken.” It’s a pity that we learn about Rizal only through textbooks and hearsay, because he left 25 volumes of writings for a nation that does not read him. ■

AT LARGE

Talking about freedom By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer IT WAS called a “talakalayaan,” collapsing the words “talakayan” (discussion) and “kalayaan” (freedom) into a term meaning a discussion about freedom. More specifically, it referred to a way of sharing stories, opinions, views and insights on martial law, the 1986 Edsa Revolt, and the 30 years that ensued after that massive gathering on the highway. Following the “World Café” format of smallgroup discussions covering a specific issue instead of a huge symposium featuring a few or a single speaker, the “talakalayaan” was subtitled “Let’s Talk about People Power and Social Change.” It featured invited resource persons who had all lived through not just Edsa but even the years preceding it, talking and interacting with millennials, or young Filipinos who had had no personal experience with martial law and had been but babies, or indeed had not been born yet, during the four days of Edsa 1 (Feb. 22-25, 1986). For this Edsa “veteran,” it was also an eyeopener to the thoughts and views of young people that explained

why they seem so emotionally dis- media as we know it today.” The Mar- ter Edsa 1. tant to the events of 30 years ago, and coses would most probably have reTold of the atmosphere of prevawhy they might be willing to give the mained in power, and if the next gen- lent fear and suspicion during marbenefit of the doubt to the Marcoses eration chose not to step into power, tial law, when ordinary folks could and to the folks who benefited from then their friends and sympathizers not even talk openly inside taxicabs martial law. would have taken their place. or among strangers, the young people “Louie,” a Naval Academy caKM from De La Salle agreed, shud- frowned and shook their heads—but det, seemed to sum up the extent dering at the thought of losing access clearly couldn’t understand the emoof young people’s knowledge about to the Internet which, I pointed out, tional context of those times. those years. According to her parents was very much possible given the *** who are farmers, she said, “in those experience of China where access is AT another session, communicatimes, they benefited from agricul- strictly limited and use is monitored. tions students from the University tural inputs like fertilizer and irrigaAt one session (the young partici- of Makati seemed particularly intertion. There was also ested in the ways better peace and the media operated For this Edsa “veteran,” it was also an eyeopener to the order, people were during and in spite more disciplined; of martial law. thoughts and views of young people that explained why they nowadays, society is They listened in seem so emotionally distant to the events of 30 years ago, and so lax.” rapt attention to why they might be willing to give the benefit of the doubt to the She may have stories of surveilMarcoses and to the folks who benefited from martial law. been reflecting her lance of the media, parents’ opinions and the perils that and stories, but this may explain the pants were instructed to change ta- came as part and parcel of covering rosy recollections of the past, nostal- bles about three times, as the theme protest rallies and demonstrations, gia coloring the past with the mists of each discussion changed, but the like tear gas and police batons, as well of faulty memory. BUT the young “veterans” could stay put), Ariel, a as the threat of “salvaging.” people at our table were curious, too. young police officer, acknowledged Clearly, for them press freeThey gaped goggle-eyed when, that “discipline born of fear” was dom had become a given, and they asked to imagine a future if the not sustainable or long-lasting, couldn’t imagine a regime of curevents at Edsa 1 had not occurred, I while airing his own concerns about tailed information at this time when said one strong possibility was that how criminality and lawlessness information is so easily accessed that there would be no “Internet or social seem to have grown in the years af- with a click of a mouse, the entire

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world is available online. Their professors have told them of the history of the local press, they said, but perhaps in this case, context is all. It is difficult to appreciate stories of a repressive past unless the prevailing atmosphere of caution and guardedness is taken into account. To be fair, it’s not that millennials lack the interest or compassion to understand just what those who lived through martial law and Edsa went through. It’s just that their parents’ generation chose not to talk about these at length, or perhaps these were so colored by nostalgia that their recollections seemed distant and unreal to the next generation. *** PERHAPS more “talakalayaan” should be held to spread the word, keep the situation in context, and remind the youth that the freedoms we enjoy and cherish today came at great expense, of a generation who sacrificed freedom, leisure, even life, that the country would be free. At least that is my hope, on the eve of the Edsa celebrations, on yet another anniversary of our freedom. ■

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Canada News

Low income families struggle to feed their kids healthy foods as prices rise BY ALEKSANDRA SAGAN The Canadian Press

Research shows children living in such homes can suffer other inequalities, including getting fewer opportunities to learn to eat healthy foods. Another recent study has found that low-income parents are less likely than highincome parents to buy the healthier foods that their kids are likely to initially snub, like some green vegetables that may require several offerings before they’re embraced. “People won’t take economic risk when they’re not economically secure,” said Caitlin Daniel, a PhD candidate in sociology at Harvard University who wrote the report. “People won’t take food risks when they’re food insecure.”

continuing to cook foods their kids have previously refused. This means they often buy less healthy foods, like Hot Pockets TORONTO — Rising grocery or frozen chicken nuggets. prices in Canada have renewed Parents who don’t have to calls for a national food policy as budget every penny, on the othconcerns over the number of Caer hand, can better absorb the nadians living in so-called foodcost of wasted food, her study insecure households grows. found. Some four million CanadiSo in a low-income family, a ans, or about 12.7 per cent of baby steadfastly refusing avohouseholds, experience some cado may only get the chance to level of food insecurity, acdo so once or twice. In a highercording to PROOF, a research income family, however, that group studying policy options same infant may be offered avoto reduce the problem. More cado until she starts to enjoy it. than 850,000 Canadians rely on It typically takes between foodbanks monthly, according eight and 15 attempts for a to Food Banks Canada. child to acquire a taste for a In Nunavut, where Statistics new food, according to the paCanada data shows that food per. Thus, children from lowprices can be income families up to 3.1 times can have poormore expensive er-quality diets, than the averDaniel found, age cost in the People won’t take economic risk since their parrest of Canada, when they’re not economically ents can’t afford the problem is secure. People won’t take food risks to continuously even more prowhen they’re food insecure. expose their nounced. children’s taste One in three buds to healthy people living in options. Nunavut are considered food Daniel spent two years interLynn McIntyre, a University insecure each month, accord- viewing nearly 100 caregivers of Calgary adjunct professor ing to Feeding Nunavut, an in Boston about how they de- and one of PROOF’s investigaadvocacy group working to im- cide what to feed their kids. She tors, has studied food insecuprove the well-being of Cana- observed dozens of them while rity in Canada for more than a da’s Northern residents. they shopped for groceries. decade. Nearly 70 per cent of the terParents with limited finanA study she conducted in the ritory’s pre-school Inuit kids cial means try to eliminate early 2000s focused on low-inlive in food-insecure house- the risk of paying for food that come single mothers in Atlantic holds, the group says. It recent- will be wasted by buying what Canada dealing with food insely launched an awareness cam- their kids enjoy eating, Daniel curity. paign asking Canadians to skip found, rather than experiment“One of the early findings a meal for Nunavut. ing with new ingredients or there was: absolutely, you nev-

Some four million Canadians, or about 12.7 per cent of households, experience some level of food insecurity, according to PROOF, a research group studying policy options to reduce the problem.

er give your kid something that they might spit out,” she said. “You do not, you can not waste food.” This creates a social inequality where kids from food-insecure households may never learn to enjoy a variety of healthy fruits, vegetables and other foods, she said. Programs exist to help grapple with the inequity. Schools, for example, can expose children to new foods through breakfast and lunch programs, as well as various cultural celebrations. Daniel suggests schools and other organizations should receive adequate funding to expose children to an array of foods. Other possibilities for help include enlisting pediatricians and nutritionists to advise parents to buy healthy foods that last long and can be divided easily into small portions, like frozen vegetables, or providing

vouchers for specific foods, like Brussels sprouts, that people may otherwise not purchase. But McIntyre says solving the problem is obvious. “There’s only one solution for food insecurity,” she said, “and that’s sufficient income to buy food.” That can come in the form of a basic income plan, she said. “Income provides the opportunity for people to get the foods they like that are healthy, and to experiment, and to get rid of the stress.” Molly McCracken, Manitoba director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, echoes the need for fighting food insecurity with income in a commentary penned this month. In his mandate letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau instructed Minister Lawrence MacAulay to develop a food policy, but it made no mention of affordable food. ■

$37 million fine for Ponzi schemer who defrauded hundreds of investors THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — The British Columbia Securities Commission fined a woman $37 million and banned her from the provincial capital market over a Ponzi scheme that involved

hundreds of investors across North America. The commission says Doris Elizabeth Nelson promoted the Little Loan Shoppe to 121 investors in British Columbia who invested $19 million in what was actually a Ponzi scheme.

It has fined her $18.5 million for the money lost by investors and another $18.5 million in penalties. Nelson, who’s from Colbert, Wash., pleaded guilty in 2014 to 110 counts in a Washington court to fraud and international money laundering in the www.canadianinquirer.net

scheme that the Federal Bureau of Investigation says covered investors in Canada, the United States and Mexico. The FBI said that Nelson claimed her business was making so much profit that she could supply investors with a 40 to 60 per cent annual re-

turn. In 2014, U.S. District Court Judge Robert Whaley sentenced Nelson to nine years in prison for what he said was a scheme that funded a lavish lifestyle of shopping sprees, cruises, art purchases and gambling losses. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Goodale expresses ‘outrage’ at RCMP’s ‘toxic workplace’

Liberals shatter... just weeks before a budget — a sign, perhaps, that Finance Minister Bill Morneau wanted to give Canadians a chance to brace for impact next month. Morneau staged a campaignstyle town hall event Monday to deliver the bad news, even going to far as to reassure those who voted Liberal last October not to lose faith in the decision they made at the ballot box. “Given the economic situation in which we find ourselves today, Canadians made the right choice,” Morneau said. “I know the cries will get louder over the next few weeks, but I won’t have budget 2016 simply become a kneejerk reaction to recent economic shifts. We’ll be acting out of reason.” The federal Finance Department is also predicting a $15.5-billion deficit in 2017-18 — significantly higher than last fall’s $2.4-billion estimate. The Liberals are banking on some of their vows to help revive economic growth and create jobs in Canada’s struggling economy. The party’s election platform called for billions in “new investments” for 201617, a tally that doesn’t include numerous uncosted Liberal promises. “I’m talking about investments, not spending,” said Morneau, who, like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau himself, has dropped hints that the Liberal promise to balance the budget in four years may also be in jeopardy. “In a volatile economic situation,” the minister said, “it may take a little longer than we expected.” Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose wasted no time in portraying the Liberals as wanton spendthrifts who have no regard for the long-term consequences of their cavalier bookkeeping. “Today is a sad day for Canadians,” Ambrose said from the House of Commons foyer. “I don’t think the Liberals know that no matter how much money they actually borrow, they actually have to pay it back ... they cannot blame their broken promises and runaway spending on a slowing economy.” The Conservatives insist they left the Liberals with balanced books, a claim buttressed Monday by the latest fiscal moni-

❰❰ 1

THE CANADIAN PRESS

Finance Minister Bill Morneau won’t have the 2016 budget simply become a kneejerk reaction to recent economic shifts. MORNEAU’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

tor numbers, which showed a budgetary surplus of $3.2 billion over the first nine months of 2015-16 — from April to December 2015. Morneau’s department, however, says Canada is on track for a shortfall in the current fiscal year, though its updated projection is now $2.3 billion rather than the previous estimate of $3 billion. The fiscal downgrades for the next two years are largely due to lower oil prices and weakerthan-expected growth in the United States and world economies, Finance said. Morneau’s calculations are based on an average projected oil price of $40 for 2016, down from $54 in the government’s fall update, and projected growth of 1.4 per cent, down from two per cent in the fall. The Finance Department said the fiscal projections are also about $2 billion lower per year because recent developments have been accounted for, including the Liberals’ changes to the income-tax brackets and Canada’s operations in the Middle East. The government traditionally bases its fiscal predictions on the average forecasts of privatesector economists, whom Morneau met earlier this month. However, after crunching the numbers from the economists, Finance officials knocked about another $6 billion per year from the bottom lines in 2016-17 and 2017-18. The department described the accounting move as an adjustment for risks that could arise from factors such as further disappointment in the U.S. economy or oil prices that fail to rebound as quickly as expected. But the decision to show a bigger deficit forecast could

also make it easier for the Liberals to score political points by beating expectations. Monday’s release, less extensive than the government’s annual fall updates, comes amid numerous downgraded growth forecasts for Canada, which has been hit particularly hard by the steep slide in oil prices. “There’s no question the times are tough right now for many Canadians across the country, and in that situation a less-ambitious government might see these conditions as a reason to hide, to make cuts or to be overly cautious,” Morneau said. “Our government believes strongly that the economic downturn makes our plan to grow the economy even more relevant than it was a few short months ago.” To help revive the economy, the Liberal government is counting on increased infrastructure investments, the tax-bracket changes to provide relief on the middle-income bracket and adjustments to child benefits. His government has instead been emphasizing its other key promise to continue lowering Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio during its mandate. Experts have said Ottawa could run annual deficits as high as $25 billion and still shrink that ratio. However, even sticking to that “fiscal anchor” could be difficult for Morneau because the Finance numbers released Monday project debt-to-GDP to rise slightly next year to 31.8 per cent, from 31 per cent. The ratio is expected to decline to 31.1 in 2017-18. Morneau also announced Monday that Dominic Barton, a director from the consulting firm McKinsey & Company, will lead a new advisory council on economic growth. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

OTTAWA — The public safety minister says he has expressed outrage to the country’s top Mountie over the latest allegations of sexual harassment within the police force. Ralph Goodale says he told RCMP Commissioner Bob Paulson he expects a comprehensive, transparent investigation, strong discipline, support for victims and a plan to end what he calls “this toxic workplace behaviour.” The strong words come after CBC News reported allegations of unwanted sexual touching, bullying and rampant nudity in the workplace at the explosives training unit of the Canadian Police College in Ottawa. In a statement, Goodale notes the prime minister has given him a clear mandate to ensure that the RCMP is a healthy workplace free from harassment and sexual violence. In the House of Commons, the NDP accused the RCMP of having no respect for complainants. Goodale’s parliamentary secretary, Michel Picard, confirmed that two RCMP members had been suspended in relation to the police college allegations. Cst. Annie Delisle, an RCMP spokeswoman, had no additional comment. The national police force has been beset by numerous cases

MP Ralph Goodale.

of sexual harassment and bullying of both women and men. “This issue is very serious,” Goodale said in his statement. “All RCMP members, trainees and employees should feel safe and respected among their colleagues and superiors. Canadians expect professional and exemplary conduct from their national police service.” Three years ago, the watchdog over the RCMP said the force must take “swift and effective action” on complaints of workplace bullying and harassment to restore the shaken confidence of both members and the public. It called for a more independent process, strict timelines for responding to accusations and force-wide training on the issue. Since then, new legislation has revamped the way such cases are handled within the force. Training has also been stepped up. The watchdog said in 2013 its investigation did not point to a systemic problem of sexual harassment within the police force, despite intense publicity about difficulties and grievances. However, it said the simple perception of a pattern of poor treatment of employees was enough to rattle public confidence and tarnish the force’s reputation. In response, the force pledged “zero tolerance” for such behaviour. “Harassment has no place in the RCMP.” ■

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Canada News

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Premier reveals Carbon tax would ‘kneecap’ new protections for struggling economy: B.C. pets in wake of Saskatchewan Premier Wall animal abuse cases BY JENNIFER GRAHAM The Canadian Press

BY TAMSYN BURGMANN The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — Catherine King has encountered a few distressing situations among fellow dog breeders over the 14 years she has been raising standard poodles in North Vancouver. In one instance, she said a vendor held by many in high esteem didn’t leave any water out for her dogs. In another case, she came across a breeder whose dogs had feces and discharge in their eyes. “Disreputable breeders are just as damaging to reputable breeders as puppy mills,” said King. “In both instances, I tried to educate the breeder that this is what we need to do, this is how we need to change things. But, they had their way of doing it.” King said she has always felt her hands were tied, but she’s now hopeful that will change with prospective legislation announced Monday by British Columbia Premier Christy Clark. The provincial government is moving to tighten animal protection laws by crafting breeder licensing and inspection regulations, Clark told reporters outside the SPCA animal centre in Vancouver. The province will also adopt the codes of practice designed by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association for kennel and cattery operations. They include rules on housing, ventilation, food and water, care and supervision, and record keeping. “What we hope is that we will say to all of those people who are driven by pure naked greed that they are not welcome here in British Columbia,” said Clark, as a dog occasionally barked in the background. “If your desire comes at the expense of animal welfare, we don’t want you working in this province.” The announcement comes weeks after the SPCA announced two mass seizures of sick and neglected animals in

alleged animal cruelty cases. On Feb. 4, 66 dogs and puppies in Langley were taken into care in what the organization alleges was one of the largest puppy mills in B.C. history. Some animals were suffering from infections, broken limbs and missing eyes or ears. On Feb. 16, constables seized 82 cats and dogs from a breeding and boarding facility in Surrey. Two suffering cats had to be euthanized. Craig Daniell, CEO of the BC SPCA, said many of the rescued dogs were found in cramped cages in dark, unheated buildings with dangerously high ammonia levels. “These events have really reinforced the public’s desire for the licensing and inspection of dog and cat breeders, to prevent the kind of suffering we have witnessed in the last few weeks.” Daniell said the society conducts about 200 investigations of animal breeders each year, most prompted by complaints from members of the public. Christine Carey, an SPCA animal protection officer based in Abbotsford, said she’s hopeful the new rules will allow for more proactive investigations. “Before, when doing an inspection in a pet store, we could only assume where the puppy came from,” she said, explaining the benefits of provincially mandated licences. “This is a positive step forward, it makes the individual breeders more accountable.” Advocacy group Animal Justice also lauded the intention for clear new standards, and urged the government to include provisions for regular, unannounced inspections. It added the best way to shut down puppy mills is to end pet store sales and instead, encourage shops to offer up shelter animals for adoption. The government anticipates the legislation would not be introduced until sometime in 2017, with consultations taking place over the coming spring. ■

REGINA — Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall says bringing in a carbon tax would “kneecap” an already struggling Canadian economy. Wall was reacting to a report in the Globe and Mail that the federal government is eyeing a national carbon tax of $15 a tonne. The premier says the energy sector across Canada has already been hit hard by the falling price of oil and tens of thousands of jobs have been lost. “And the last thing we need right now is a tax increase or a new federal carbon tax or frankly a provincial carbon levy. Now’s not the right time for any of those things,” Wall said Friday at the legislature in Regina. The Saskatchewan government has talked in the past about a possible carbon levy for heavy emitters with the money going back into a technology fund to help find ways to reduce emissions. The premier says he thinks it would be a better idea to invest in technology to reduce emissions. He points to a carbon capture and sequestration project at a coal-fired power plant in southern Saskatchewan. “Let’s focus on technology that’ll actually clean up things like coal-fired generation that’s still happening around the world.” Wall said he hopes the issue can be discussed when the premiers meet with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau next month in Vancouver. He said he’ll also push for an economic impact analysis of any proposed national carbon tax, which he suggested would increase gas and power prices for consumers. Ontario Environment Minister Glen Murray said the main concern from his perspective is the federal government duplicating carbon-pricing efforts already taken by jurisdictions, including Ontario, Quebec and B.C. www.canadianinquirer.net

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.

Quebec is already in a cap-andtrade market with California, Ontario and Manitoba are set to join and discussions are ongoing with Mexico, said Murray. He argues the global move to carbon pricing will become a growing problem for jurisdictions outside the market, and he’s made that case directly to his Saskatchewan counterpart Herb Cox. “Carbon pricing is the reality of this century and people who don’t realize that aren’t dealing with the reality of it. On the other hand, we need the federal government to be supported, and not to be duplicating provincial efforts and allowing provinces the room who aren’t there yet the time to get there.” Murray also said delay is not a winning tactic. “The sooner you do it, the less expensive it is for businesses. And the bigger the carbon market you’re part of, the more stable and less expensive it is,” said Murray. “Manitoba’s figured that out. Newfoundland’s figured that out. B.C. has figured that out. Quebec’s figured that out. Eighty five or 90 per cent of the Canadian economy represented by those provincial

WALL’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

governments has figured it out. Waiting five or 10 years to start to deal with the inevitable price that’s going to be put on carbon is going to make it much more expensive.” Wall said “it’s really none of their business in the province of Ontario” as to what Saskatchewan does with its policies. “And No. 2, with respect to his suggestion that we introduce a carbon levy right now with the economy the way that it is, the answer’s ‘No,”‘ said Wall. The carbon debate also reared itself in the House of Commons where Conservative MPs, mostly from Saskatchewan, pressed Environment Minister Catherine McKenna not to move forward with what they called a “job-killing tax scheme.” McKenna said the federal government will work with the provinces. “We are well aware of the challenges faced by Saskatchewan and other provinces. That is why we are going to invest in green infrastructure, and how we are going to create clean jobs.” ■ With files from Bruce Cheadle and John Ward in Ottawa

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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World News

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

US official confirms China missile deployment on island BY MATTHEW PENNINGTON AND ROBERT BURNS The Associated Press WASHINGTON — A U.S. official confirmed Wednesday that China has placed a surface-to-air missile system on a disputed island in the South China Sea, in a move likely to exacerbate tensions with other claimants and the United States. Hours earlier, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said that China had positioned anti-aircraft missiles on Woody Island in the Paracel chain, which is occupied by China but also claimed by Taiwan and Vietnam. The U.S. official confirmed the missile system deployment on that island but said it is unclear whether the deployment is intended for the long-term. The official was not authorized to discuss the information publicly and so spoke on condition of anonymity. Asked about the reported deployment, Secretary of State John Kerry voiced serious concern over increasing militarization by Beijing in the South China Sea. He said that contradicted a public assurance from Chinese President Xi Jinping when he visited the White House last September. Kerry did not confirm the deployment in his brief comments, nor did the Defence Department. A Pentagon spokesman, Navy Cmdr. Bill Urban, said he could not comment on a matter of intelligence. The deployment follows China’s building of new islands by piling sand atop reefs and then adding airstrips and military installations. The buildup is seen as part of Beijing’s efforts to claim virtually the entire disputed sea and its resources, which has prompted some of its wary neighbours to draw closer to the U.S. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi accused the media of hyping the issue and saying more attention should be paid to the “public goods and services” provided by China’s development of its maritime claims. China’s actions in the South China Sea have becoming a source of tension with Washington. Kerry urged China to resolve disputes through diplomacy not unilateral actions and force. “When President Xi was here in Washington, he stood in the Rose Garden with President Obama and said China will not militarize the South China Sea. But there is every evidence every day that there has been an increase in militarization,” Kerry said before meeting with Poland’s foreign minister in Washington. “It’s a serious concern,” he said. U.S. network Fox News reported that

China had moved two batteries of the HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system, along with radar targeting arrays on Woody island. HIS Jane’s Intelligence Review agreed with that conclusion in its assessment of commercial satellite imagery of the island. The review’s deputy editor Neil Ashdown said that depending on the version of the HQ-9 deployed, the system has a range of between 125 kilometres (78 miles) and 230 kilometres (143 miles), and would be the most advanced surface-to-air missile system currently deployed on land in the South China Sea. He described that as a significant military escalation. Reports of the deployment came shortly after President Barack Obama wrapped up a summit in California on Tuesday with Southeast Asian leaders, who called for the peaceful resolution of the region’s maritime disputes through legal means. Obama said the leaders had discussed, “the need for tangible steps in the South China Sea to lower tensions, including a halt to further reclamation, new construction and militarization of disputed areas.” That has been a frequent appeal from Washington in the past two years, but to little effect. U.S. officials say China has reclaimed 3,200 acres (1,300 hectares) of land, mostly in the Spratly Island group and has recently conducted test flights to an island there with a newly built 10,000foot (3,050-meter) airstrip. The Paracels lie further north. Although not one of the six governments with territorial claims in the South China Sea, the U.S. says it has a national interest in the region’s stability and freedom of navigation and overflight in and above what are some of the world’s busiest sea lanes. Republican Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Wednesday that China’s actions demonstrated Beijing’s desire to resort to coercion and President Xi’s “cavalier disregard for his public commitments to the United States.” He said the U.S. should consider “raising the costs for Beijing.” Called Yongxingdao by China, Woody Island has an artificial harbour, an airport, roads, army posts and other buildings. Recent satellite imagery appears to show it is adding a helicopter base likely dedicated to anti-submarine warfare missions. China’s move is likely to rattle Vietnam the most because of its proximity to the Paracels and because of a history of maritime tensions with China that spiked in 2014 with a standoff after China moved a massive oil rig there. ■

Senator Ted Cruz.

MICHAEL VADON / FLICKR

Man contesting Cruz eligibility says there’s nothing wrong with being Canadian BY JENNIFER GRAHAM The Canadian Press A MAN challenging Ted Cruz’s eligibility to run for the U.S. presidency says there’s nothing wrong with being Canadian so long as you’re not running for president. Lawrence Joyce, a pharmacist and lawyer, has filed a lawsuit contesting the Canadian-born Cruz’s eligibility to be president. Similar suits have been filed in New York and Alabama. “I’ve only been to Canada a little, I like Canada,” Joyce told The Canadian Press in a phone interview from Illinois on Friday. “Heck, I don’t even live far from the border, here in northern Illinois. Being a Canadian is fine with me, it’s just that we have a constitutional dilemma here aside from the fact that he’s not my first choice for president,” he said. “Here is the possibility of the entire nation being thrown into turmoil in September if he’s the nominee of the party while court battles go on to try to determine whether he’s constitutionally qualified to begin with.” Fellow Republican candidate Donald Trump also has threatened to sue over

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the issue. Cruz, who’s denounced his Canadian citizenship, say he’s eligible because his mother was a U.S. citizen when he was born. Some constitutional experts agree. Joyce said he fears if Cruz becomes the Republican nominee, Democrats will get him kicked off the ballot in some states, or Cruz will be forced to drop out, and Republicans will replace him with a moderate candidate. He said he’s backing Ben Carson but is acting independently against Cruz’s candidacy, with no help from Carson’s campaign. A Cook County judge set a hearing for March 1 on a motion by Cruz’s lawyer to dismiss Joyce’s suit. By then, ballots for Illinois’ March 15 primary will be printed and early voting under way. Asked about his eligibility during a CNN town hall this week, Cruz said by law he’s been a U.S. citizen since the day he was born. The Indiana Election Commission on Friday rejected a challenge to whether Cruz may remain on the state’s May 3 primary ballot. Cruz won a similar ballot challenge in New Hampshire in November. ■

World News

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Efforts intensify to curtail child marriage in the US BY DAVID CRARY The Associated Press NEW YORK — Child marriage wasn’t an issue of note for Virginia state Sen. Jill Vogel until she heard the stories circulating in her district about a man in his early 50s marrying a girl in her mid-teens, warding off a police investigation of his relationship with her. Now Vogel is lead sponsor of a bill advancing in Virginia’s legislature that would sharply curtail child marriage. “Our marriage laws in Virginia are not protecting children,” she said. A similar measure has been introduced in Maryland, and a pending bill in New York goes even further — it would make the state the first to ban marriage altogether for anyone under 18. Worldwide, child marriage is a reality for millions of girls. Though the practice is most common in developing countries, critics who argue it exposes many girls to emotional and even physical harm say it poses a largely unseen threat in the United States as well. “We think we’re so sophisticated, so progressive and ahead of the times, and yet we still see this barbaric behaviour,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, sponsor of the bill in New York. Across the U.S., states laws generally set 18 as the minimum age for marriage, yet every state allows some exceptions. Most states let 16- and 17-year-olds marry if they have parental consent, and several states — including New York, Virginia and Maryland — allow children under 16 to marry if a court official gives approval. There are no nationwide statistics on child marriage in the U.S., but data from a few states suggests it is far from rare. Fraidy Reiss, who campaigns against coerced marriage as head of a non-profit called Unchained at Last, researched data from her home state of New Jersey, and determined that 3,499 minors — 90 per cent of them girls — were married in the state between 1995 and 2012, including 178 who were under 15. In New York State, according to Reiss, 3,853 minors were married between 2000 and

2010. Her figures are drawn from state health department data. In Virginia, state health statistics show that more than 4,500 minors were married between 2000 and 2013, including about 220 who were 15 or younger. Such data “should set off alarm bells, not wedding bells,” said Jeanne Smoot, senior counsel for policy with the Tahirih Justice Center in Falls Church, Virginia, which assists women at risk of domestic violence, trafficking and forced marriage. Reiss — who says she was forced into an abusive marriage by her Orthodox Jewish family when she was 19 — contends that cases of child marriage via parental consent often involve coercion, with a girl forced to marry against her will. She says states generally do not require any investigation of this possibility, and girls are often not asked if they are marrying voluntarily. Inspired by Reiss’ efforts, Paulin, the New York legislator, introduced a bill in January that would eliminate all exceptions in New York’s statutes and prohibit the marriage of anyone under 18. Paulin, a Democrat, believes her bill can get bipartisan support and become law. “Just because we’re not talking about millions of girls here in the U.S. doesn’t mean we shouldn’t protect the thousands of girls who are affected,” she said. Reiss has been in touch with lawmakers in New Jersey, hoping for similar legislation there. “Mostly the response is, ‘I can’t believe this is happening in my state. We have to stop it,”‘ Reiss said. Meanwhile, the Tahirih Justice Center is working with legislators in Virginia to enact a law barring all under-18 marriages except for cases where 16- or 17-year-olds acquire the rights of an adult via an emancipation order freeing them from the control of their parents or guardians. Vogel, the Virginia senator, said she chose to push for the legislation because of a case roiling the town of Middleburg in her North Virginia district. According to Vogel, it had become common knowledge in the community that a man in his early 50s was having a

Worldwide, child marriage is a reality for millions of girls. Though the practice is most common in developing countries, critics who argue it exposes many girls to emotional and even physical harm say it poses a largely unseen threat in the United States as well.

relationship with a girl in her mid-teens. To ward off further scrutiny by authorities, the man obtained the consent of the girl’s mother and married the girl last year, Vogel said. She declined to identify those involved, for privacy reasons. Under her bill, that type of marriage would no longer be an option — the girl would have to convince a judge that she should be legally emancipated and that the marriage was in her best interest. The measure, which would end Virginia’s practice of allowing girls under 16 to get married if they are pregnant, cleared the Senate on Feb. 9 by a 33-7 vote. One opponent, Sen. John Edwards, argued that parents should retain the right to decide if their children under the age of 18 should get married. The measure has now moved the Virginia’s House of Delegates. The lead sponsor in that chamber, Jennifer McClellan, said her grandmother got married at age 14 in rural Mississippi. “People didn’t understand back then that children aren’t ready to have children,” McClellan said. “Now we understand all the negative consequences.” She’s heard no objections to the bill from prominent immigrants hailing from countries where child marriage is a centuries-old tradition. Some families in those countries feel that marrying off their daughters will protect them from sexual assault; some poor families take the step to reduce child-raising expenses or to obtain a payment known as a “bride price.” In the United States, some www.canadianinquirer.net

immigrant families have retained those traditions of child marriage. In some cases, parents disapprove of someone their daughter is dating, and pressure her to marry someone they view as more suitable. However, child marriage in America extends far beyond immigrant communities; it’s been a longstanding practice in certain cases where a girl becomes pregnant and there’s a desire that the child have married parents. In Virginia, where girls under 16 can get married in cases of pregnancy, some of the age differences are striking. In 2010, a girl under 15 married a man in his 30s; another girl under 15 married a man in his 50s in 2006, state records say. The health department records give no further details — they do not identify the court officials who approved the marriages or give any indication whether there was an investigation into the circumstances of the girl’s pregnancy. “It’s haunting for us, looking at this data,” said Casey Carter Swegman, project manager of Tahirih’s Forced Marriage Initiative. “We want to reach out to those girls and at least find out if they’re OK, and who the judge was, and we’ve been told there’s no way to find out more.” Occasionally, details of child marriages emerge in news accounts. In 2005, there was widespread coverage of a Nebraska couple — Crystal and Matthew Koso — who married when she was 14 and he was 22. Because Crystal had become pregnant before the marriage, Matthew

served 15 months in prison and had to register as a sex offender. In 2011, 16-year-old Courtney Stodden, an aspiring singer and actress, married 51-yearold Doug Hutchinson, an actor known for his film role as a prison guard in “The Green Mile.” The couple’s subsequent ups and downs have been chronicled in celebrity-oriented media; Hutchinson told interviewers he had been denounced as a pedophile and targeted with death threats. For the most part, though, child marriage in the U.S. has escaped intensive scrutiny. Tahirih’s goal is to get legislation passed in every state that would virtually eliminate child marriage. Worldwide, according to UNICEF, there are more than 700 million women who were married before 18. Numerous studies have concluded that the practice is detrimental to girls’ health, education and economic opportunities, and increases their vulnerability to abuse and violence. Among those in the U.S. working to curtail child marriage is a 26-year-old New Yorker, Naila Amin, who had her own harrowing experience with the practice. Amin says her parents, who brought her to the U.S. as a 4-year-old, grew wary of her American-style social life when she entered her teens and the ensuing friction led to her being placed in foster care. When Amin ran away from foster care and returned to her family, they took to her to Pakistan as a 15-year-old and forced her to marry a 28-year-old cousin who beat and mistreated her. “For the next few months, I cooked, cleaned and slept with my husband — my enemy,” Amin wrote in an account of her ordeal. Thanks to the intervention of an uncle, and the fact that Amin was still technically a ward of the foster care system, she was able to get out of the marriage and return to the U.S. She’s now attending Nassau Community College on Long Island, with hopes of becoming a social worker and opening a group home for girls trying to avoid or recover from forced marriages. “I was alone when I faced my marriage,” she says. “I want to be there for other girls.” ■

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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World News

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FRIDAY

Cameron: Britain’s referendum on EU membership to be June 23 BY GREGORY KATZ The Associated Press LONDON — A historic referendum on whether Britain should stay in the European Union will be held on June 23, Prime Minister David Cameron announced Saturday, even as he declared his belief that the U.K. would be “safer and stronger” if it remained in the 28-nation bloc. Cameron spoke in front of his 10 Downing Street office after holding a rare Saturday Cabinet meeting and winning its agreement to recommend that Britain remain part of the EU rather than strike out on its own. Despite that support, some Cabinet figures will back the “leave” campaign that wants Britain to carve its own path outside of the EU bureaucracy in Brussels.

Cameron said if Britons decided to remain in the EU, he would seek continued reforms to address their concerns about job losses and benefit payments to EU migrants seeking work in Britain. “I don’t love Brussels, I love Britain,” he said, emphasizing that Britain can have “the best of both worlds” if it remains in the EU under a reform deal he reached Friday night with EU leaders. The June vote will come as the EU struggles to deal with a sustained immigration crisis that last year brought more than 1 million people fleeing war and poverty to its shores. Cameron is poised to lead the campaign for Britain to remain in the bloc in what is expected to be a closely fought referendum — yet still faces skepticism from within his own Conserva-

tive Party. Justice Secretary Michael Gove was the first to publicly oppose continued EU membership after Saturday’s meeting, saying Britain would be better off on its own. He said it pained him to break ranks with Cameron. Two strong future Conservative party leadership contenders, Home Secretary Theresa May and Treasury chief George Osborne, indicated support for staying within the EU, as did Scottish National Party leader Nicola Sturgeon. London Mayor Boris Johnson, another influential Conservative figure seen by some as a possible future party leader, has so far kept his intentions to himself. Opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said he will support Britain’s continued membership in the EU, though

Prime Minister David Cameron.

he said Cameron’s vaunted “renegotiation” of the terms of its relationship with the EU will have little impact. Much of the opposition to EU membership comes from the UK Independence Party led by Nigel Farage and from skeptical members of Cameron’s own party. The deal Cameron agreed

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upon Friday with 27 other EU leaders protects Britain from taking part in an “ever closer union” with European nations and makes clear that Britain will not adopt the euro currency shared by 19 EU nations. Cameron says it also protects British interests and restricts British welfare payments to migrants from other EU nations. ■

UN panel agrees to ban battery shipments on airliners BY JOAN LOWY The Associated Press WASHINGTON — A U.N. panel approved on Monday a temporary ban on cargo shipments of rechargeable lithium batteries on passenger planes because they can create intense fires capable of destroying an aircraft. The decision by the Montreal-based International Civil Aviation Organization’s toplevel governing council isn’t binding, but most countries follow the agency’s standards. The ban is effective on April 1. “This interim prohibition will continue to be in force as separate work continues through ICAO on a new lithium battery packaging performance standard, currently expected by 2018,” said Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, the ICAO council’s president. Namrata Kolachalam, a Transportation Department spokeswoman, called the ban “a necessary action to protect passengers, crews, and aircraft from the current risk to aviation safety.” Lithium-ion batteries are used in a vast array of products from cellphones and laptops to

some electric cars. About 5.4 billion lithium-ion cells were manufactured worldwide in 2014. A battery is made up of two or more cells. A majority of batteries are transported on cargo ships, but about 30 per cent are shipped by air. Airlines flying to and from the U.S. that accept lithium battery shipments carry 26 million passengers a year, the Federal Aviation Administration estimates. Aviation authorities have long known that the batteries can self-ignite, creating fires that are hotter than 1,100 degrees. That’s near the melting point of aluminum, which is used in aircraft construction. Safety concerns increased after FAA tests showed gases emitted by overheated batteries can build up in cargo containers, leading to explosions capable of disabling aircraft fire suppression systems and allowing fires to rage unchecked. As a result of the tests, an organization representing aircraft manufacturers — including the world’s two largest, Boeing and Airbus — said last year that airliners aren’t designed to withstand lithium battery fires and that continuing to accept bat-

tery shipments is “an unacceptable risk.” More than other types of batteries, li-ion batteries are susceptible to short-circuit if they are damaged, exposed to extreme temperatures, overcharged, packed too close to together or contain manufacturing defects. When they short-circuit, the batteries can experience uncontrolled temperature increases known as “thermal runaway.” That, in turn, can spread short-circuiting to nearby batteries until an entire shipment is overheating and emitting explosive gases. It’s not unusual for tens of thousands of batteries to be shipped in a single cargo container. Three cargo jets have been destroyed and four pilots killed in in-flight fires since 2006 that accident investigators say where either started by batteries or made more severe by their proximity. The International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations lobbied the ICAO council unsuccessfully to extend the ban to cargo carriers. “This has been a long time coming, and is justified by the risk these batteries pose in www.canadianinquirer.net

transportation,” said Mark Rogers of the Air Line Pilots Association in North America. “We now call on ICAO to recognize that the same risk is present on cargo aircraft and to extend the prohibition to all aircraft, until safe methods of transport can be implemented.” Besides the ban on shipments on passenger planes, the ICAO also approved a requirement that batteries shipped on cargo planes be no more than 30 per cent charged, and imposed new limits on small packages of batteries. Dozens of airlines have already voluntarily stopped accepting battery shipments, but others oppose a ban. KLM, the royal Dutch airline, made a presentation to a lower-level ICAO panel arguing against a ban, according to an aviation official familiar with the presentation. KLM and Air France are owned by a Franco-Dutch holding company. Representatives from the Netherlands and France on the dangerous goods panel voted last fall against a ban. The official wasn’t authorized to speak publicly and spoke on the condition that he not be named. KLM officials didn’t respond

to requests for comment. The battery industry and manufacturers of consumer electronics that rely on the batteries also opposed the ban. The ban doesn’t apply to batteries packaged inside equipment like a laptop with a battery inside, for example. Battery industry officials had no immediate comment. ICAO’s decision frees the Transportation Department to begin work on regulations to impose a ban. A law passed by Congress in 2012 at the behest of industry prohibits the department from issuing any regulations regarding air shipments of lithium batteries that are more stringent than ICAO standards unless there is a crash that can be shown to have been started by batteries. Since most evidence in crashes is destroyed by fire, that’s virtually impossible to do, critics of the provision say. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., who authored the provision, has said that since batteries are an international industry there should be a single, international standard because it would be too confusing for shippers to follow multiple rules. ■

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Travel Vancouver's trendy Gastown district, an historic neighborhood, is also known for its restaurant and of course, nightlife. CDRIN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cocktail capital of Canada? Vancouver raises the bar as a libation destination BY TAMSYN BURGMANN The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — On a rainy evening inside an illuminated geodesic dome that adds sparkle to Vancouver’s skyline, queues of gussied-up socialites are forming at 25 beverage stations manned by award-winning bartenders. Patrons of the Science World fundraiser are sipping Mai Tai vapour through straws at one station and shooting glow-inthe-dark gin and tonics at another. One particularly popular line is sampling a Powell Street Sour — essentially a twist on a whiskey sour topped with a vegan botanical foamer and bubbles of aromatized red wine. “That’s the thing about Vancouver — the culture demands more from bartenders,” says Tarquin Melnyk, who runs the bar for Bambudda restaurant, as he assembles the concoction. “Professionalism, exceptionalism, world-class talent and scientific technique. You have to be an absolute master of your craft.”

The inaugural Science of Cocktails charity, which ran in early February with proceeds providing underfunded schools free access to the landmark science centre, is a testament to Vancouver’s spirited drinking scene. The splashy event featured the city’s most acclaimed bartenders and was one of its largest cocktail-centred affairs on record. Organizers easily served up praise that Vancouver may very well be the cocktail capital of Canada. “There are some very creative, very brilliant, very scientific professionals behind the bar that are making some outstanding drinks,” said Jennifer Ingham, vice-president of development with Science World. “You wouldn’t necessarily think Vancouver has that kind of scene.” Ingham even believes its reputation for lame and cold nightlife is evaporating: “I think the city is becoming less ‘no fun.”’ The West Coast metropolis already boasts a renowned panoply of bars and restaurants clustered in distinct neighbourhoods from the swish Gastown

to hipster Main Street. But the city’s cocktail resurgence proper started in the mid-2000s, as a small community keen to move beyond pulling pints and slinging highballs began crystallizing, said Trevor Kallies, president of the Canadian Professional Bartenders Association. Its status as a libation destination was stamped when the world’s premier cocktail festival, Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans, brought its first road show to Vancouver in 2011 — and returned in 2012. “From there it’s just been steamrolling. You can’t have a chef open up a new restaurant without a bartender attached to it,” said Kallies, noting seats at the bar often fill up first. “No one asks me what I’m going to do when I grow up anymore. They know I’m still a bartender, they know I love what I do and they know it’s working. People are getting it.” Kallies said the average patron is far more educated about alcohol recipes than a decade ago, and their savvy has pushed Vancouver’s drink masters to keep raising the bar.

Kicking the scene up another notch has been a fleet of celebrity chefs who ensure sublime pairings and entrepreneurs who have opened micro-distilleries to produce unique spirits. “We have amazing ingredients to work with. We can really boast about locality. There’s farm-to-table, there’s grain-toglass,” Kallies said. Secrets to staying competitive include bartenders who share tips with each other over an internal Facebook group, he added. They also frequently lend a hand across venues when, say, somebody’s down a bottle of Campari or an ice machine has broken. Trends ebb and flow across the city, from cocktails on draft, to bottled, kegged or barrelaged booze. The city has even coined its own alcoholic beverage — dubbed the Vancouver Cocktail, of course — comprised of gin, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and orange bitters. It was created at the Sylvia Hotel in English Bay in the early 1950s, when the establishment was one of the tallest buildings in the area. Bartenders originally

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served the drink as a welcome cocktail during signature rooftop dinners in the summertime. A selection of Vancouver’s barkeeps have also won international competitions, which translates into “healthy competition” among each other, said Grant Sceney, head bartender at the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel. Sceney, who was named the Canadian Bartender of the Year in 2014, attributes his successes to the local industry’s collaborative dynamic. “Instead of keeping secrets, we were on the phone every day telling each other what we were doing,” he said of another colleague in the competition. Vancouver has traditionally looked to cities such as New York, London and Paris for inspiration, while pacing other Canadian locales as a point of pride. But Toronto has recently caught up, said Lauren Mote, who manages the Uva Wine & Cocktail Bar and won the top Canadian bartending honour in 2015. “This keeps Vancouver on its game,” said Mote. “We can’t rest on our laurels anymore.” ■

Travel

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Sayulita: Growth, tourism transform laid back Mexican beach BY MANUEL VALDES The Associated Press SAYULITA, MEXICO — Bookended by seaside rocks that protrude into warm Pacific Ocean waters, the relatively small Playa de los Muertos, or Beach of the Dead, features gentle waves, pelicans diving for fish and sunbathers lying on the sand. Vendors sell beer and grilled fish-on-a-stick, and two locals climb a palm tree to fetch coconuts. But just beyond the laidback beach is a peninsula that hosts a new and posh 62-property development, highlighting that Sayulita, once a tranquil fishing village, continues to grow into one of Mexico’s top tourism and retirement destinations. The town was even featured in an offshoot of ABC’s popular reality series “The Bachelor: Paradise,” though one local who watched the filming thought it was a telenovela. “Every time I’ve said it can’t get bigger, it does,” said Jody Meacham of New Jersey after finishing a surfing session on Sayulita’s main beach. Meacham has been visiting Sayulita for 25 years, back when there were “more burros than cars.” “I still love it. I come back every year,” he said. Located about 45 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta on Mexico’s Pacific coast, Sayulita presents an alternative to the towering all-inclusive resorts that line the beaches south of it. However, all types of destina-

tions in this part of Mexico are seeing bolstered tourist numbers. Direct flights from major U.S. cities have increased here. Passenger counts, both international and domestic, have risen as well. In December, the federal Mexican tourism department named Sayulita a “Pueblo Magico” or “Magic Town,” positioning the town as the crown jewel of the Nayarit Riviera, the coastline of its home state. The naming also comes with the promise of federal money for upgrades, which residents say are needed. The town has grown to about 5,000 residents, plus the scores of visitors that cycle through. Sewage and electricity services have had a hard time keeping up with the growth; “aguas negras,” or literally “black waters,” have spilled into the ocean. “Any additional tourism development would worsen this disastrous health situation,” said Indalecio Sanchez Rodriguez, an activist for the group Green Coast Alliance, which has criticized the area’s growth. The current main project is burying power lines under the town streets. “It’s bursting at the seams, the infrastructure,” said Richard Brassard, an architect, who first visited Sayulita around 1970 after a friend read about it in a surfing book. Sayulita’s attractions are plentiful: surfing, charter fishing, seasonal whale-watching, lush-green jungle hikes and horseback riding, baby sea tur-

Sunset in Sayulita, Mexico.

tle releases, among others. On the south end, its main beach still hosts small local fishing boats. Farther north, surfers ride waves as the town disappears into the jungle. Playa de los Muertos and Playa Carricitos provide quieter and more isolated alternatives within a few of miles. If it’s not raining, take a walk to those beaches on the dirt roads lined by the dense forest. Sayulita boasts chic restaurants to attract foodies and excellent street chow (Tacos El Ivan is top-notch and so is a cake stand named La Gorda, near the town square). Nightlife can be a dance party on the beach or the happy sounds of children playing at the central plaza. Accommodations range from camping spots (El Camaron, located by the beach, is cheap, but

reviews are mixed) to isolated luxury retreats (Teitiare, $400 a night). We stayed at Playa Escondida, where accommodations range from bungalows ($200 a night during the high season) to penthouses perched on the hillside over a beach ($495 a night during high season). It was built on land Brassard used to own, and being an architect, he has designed the hotel’s rooms and furniture. The hotel was used in a season of the “Bachelor Paradise.” The hotel was booked through the low season for the first time last year, Bassard said. Back in Playa de los Muertos, the sun sets and the town cemetery behind the beach is lit up by candles placed on tombs as my girlfriend and I walk back to town. Streets hum with activ-

ity. Motorbikes and cars buzz about while the sounds of live music, families, hawking vendors and even rowdy drunks fill the humid air. Many of the tourists transport themselves on golf carts. “Now it’s like Puerto Vallarta was back in the ‘60s. It’s developed to that point,” Bassard said. ■ If You Go...

SAYULITA: Direct flights are available to the Puerto Vallarta airport. From there, car service is available to Sayulita. Prices earlier this season ran about $130 round-trip. ZIKA: Mexico is on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of areas affected by the Zika virus. Sayulita is located in a sub-tropical climate, next to lush jungle, and mosquitoes are not uncommon.

Airbnb agrees to Ontario request to send email telling hosts to pay their taxes THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — Ontario has launched a pilot project with Airbnb that will see the homesharing service tell its 11,000 hosts in the province to pay their taxes.

Airbnb has agreed to email people who lists their homes or other spaces for rent on its site, telling them to report the income and to educate them about consumer protection rights such as cancellations and refunds. Finance Minister Charles Sousa says the “voluntary” goal

is to get Airbnb to be in compliance with Ontario’s laws and regulations. Sousa says Ontario wants to embrace the sharing economy, but he admits the changes enabled by technology are disrupting existing business models, such as traditional hotels www.canadianinquirer.net

who say they’re losing money to Airbnb. However, he couldn’t say when the government would introduce regulations to cover new services such as Uber, which has led to protests by taxi drivers across Canada. Sousa says the Liberal govern-

ment believes the sharing economy has “significant potential to create jobs and drive growth, productivity and innovation.” Airbnb was founded in 2008 by three friends with air mattresses for rent, and now lists two million properties for rent in 191 countries. ■

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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Downtown Eastside Women’s Memorial March held THE ANNUAL Women’s Memorial March was held last Feb. 14, to honour the memory of all women from the Downtown Eastside who have died due to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual violence. Now in its 26th year, the march brought courage and commitment to end the violence that vulnerable women in the Downtown Eastside face on a daily basis. “The government’s current plan for the national inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women should focus on three key issues: the overall status of Indigenous women in Canada, addressing systemic and male violence against In-

Seafood City branches.

KAGOIKUNAI / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Seafood City set to open in Canada THE LARGEST Asian grocery store chain catering to Filipinos in the United States is poised to set up shop in Canada and tap into the 800,000-strong Filipino-Canadian community. Seafood City Supermarket will open its first store in Heartland Town Centre, Mississauga, Ont. later this year, according to reports. The 36,000-sq. ft. Mississauga store will be located near other anchor shops like Loblaws and Walmart. “We’re determined to spread our flagship motto of “True Filipino Goodness” to more locations soon,” a company release said. Seafood City describes itself as the premier Filipino supermarket chain in North America. Founded in San Diego, CA in 1989, Seafood City served to provide a community-centric place for homesick Filipino immigrants who missed the flavours of their home country and to introduce Americans to the Filipino culture through food. From its humble beginnings, Seafood City now has over 23 locations in the U.S.

But the supermarket’s vision went beyond providing authentic Filipino specialties at affordable prices. Soon, the place became a “town hall” where Filipinos could gather, hang out and exchange stories. Seafood City has become a community. It has become a cultural icon where one can find a small town’s worth of stores and services catering to overseas Filipinos. At the heart of it is the supermarket where Pinoys get fresh seafood and meat, a wide selection of fresh produce, a bakery, and a health and beauty section. Around it you’ll find some of the best loved Filipino restaurants such as Jollibee and Chowking and services such as shipping and remittance. Seafood City likewise offers other Asian products and North American staples. Like its locations in the U.S., it has a hot food section called Grill City where you can savour Filipino favorites like grilled squid, fish, chicken and pork barbeque, pinakbet, pancit, adobo, bicol express and more. ■ MRM

digenous women, and safe and respectful participation of families and loved ones including families of the heart, frontline workers and Indigenous feminist organizations,” said Fay Blaney, co-chair of the Women’s Memorial March Committee. The Women’s Memorial March Committee was founded in 1991, when a woman was found murdered on Powell Street. For 26 years, the Committee has been a leading voice on the issue and has raised local, national, and international attention on violence against women. According to the Women’s Memorial March Committee

“Increasing deaths of many vulnerable women from the Downtown Eastside still leaves family, friends, loved ones, and community members with an overwhelming sense of grief and loss. Indigenous women disproportionately continue to go missing or be murdered with minimal action to address these tragedies or the systemic nature of gendered violence, poverty, racism, or colonialism.” In Vancouver, friends and family members led by indigenous women move through the DTES and stop at sites where women died or were last seen to offer prayers, medicines, and roses in remembrance. ■

PCCF delivers over half a million pesos to charities in the Philippines THE PHILIPPINE Canadian Charitable Foundation delivered over half a million pesos to charities in the Philippines. Photo shows the PCCF delegation led by Rosemer Enverga and organization ambassadors

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Miss Philippines Canada 2015 Nathalie Ramos, Miss Teen Phils. Canada 2015 Ansha Joy Hipolito, Little Miss Phil. 2015 Angeli Lachica, Mrs. Phils. Canada 2015 Ning Talantado, and others shared their generos-

ity with the Missionary Sisters of Charity of Mother Teresa in Manila and Aklan, Bahay na Walang Hagdan, Elsie Gaches Village, Don Bosco Program for the Youths and Poor, ANGKOP and Kapuso Foundation. ■

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Entertainment

Lav’s 8-hr epic bags silver in Berlin BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer APART FROM bagging the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize at the 66th Berlinale, the Filipino cast and crew of Lav Diaz’s “Hele sa Hiwagang Hapis” brought home snapshots with A-list Hollywood stars and a trunk full of glitzy memories. “We are so happy. This award is for the country. We are carrying the nation’s flag in Germany,” Diaz told the INQUIRER. After scoring a selfie with Oscar winning actress and jury president Meryl Streep, actress Cherie Gil said, “I’m in heaven.” Gil, who played a mythical tikbalang (half-horse/half-human) in “Hele,” told the INQUIRER via Facebook that Streep and other jury members went out of their way to speak with the Filipino contingent. “Meryl is the warmest and most gracious goddess I’ve ever met in my life. She said she was grateful that she had the opportunity to see our film,” Gil said. True and humble artist

“Meryl said she was cozy

throughout the screening. I adore her. Her true essence always remains beneath the varied characters she plays. She is a true and humble artist,” she added. Bernardo Bernardo, who also played a tikbalang in the film, got a kiss from jury member, Oscarnominated actor Clive Owen. “Mr. Owen was so cool,” Bernardo said. “He enjoyed the ‘Hele’ team so much that he invited us to join the after-party party.” Producer Bianca Balbuena said Streep also talked with cast members Hazel Orencio and Susan Africa at the dinner after the awards ceremony on Saturday night (in Berlin). “Meryl told Susan and Hazel: ‘It’s an honor to see you live and in color. You are so beautiful,’” Balbuena said.

time Oscar winner. “We talked about the film and how it literally took her a whole day to watch it.” The two-part premiere on Feb. 18 began at 9:30 a.m. and ended at 6 p.m., with a onehour lunch break. Soriano said he considered “Hele” his apprenticeship under a film master. He also attended a master class under Streep held a few days before the awards show. According to the Berlinale website, the Silver Bear Alfred Bauer Prize is awarded to a feature film “that opens new perspectives.” Some observers said such a protracted film may be a “tough sell” for audiences, distributors and theater owners. Length no longer an issue

Shot in black and white

Diaz’s expansive epic on the Philippine revolution was shot in stunning black and white by cinematographer Larry Manda. Executive producer Paul Soriano said that meeting Streep was “surreal.” “She was so nice and welcoming,” Soriano said of the three-

Soriano begged to disagree, insisting that length is no longer an issue in the age of binge-watching, video-on-demand and mobile phone/tablet viewing. He expressed the hope that “Hele,” which will be distributed locally by Star Cinema, will find an audience in the Philippines.

TEN17P.COM

The film features box office stars John Lloyd Cruz and Piolo Pascual. Diaz earlier told the INQUIRER that it could be released in two fourhour parts in local theaters. In his acceptance speech, Diaz dedicated the award to “filmmakers who want to change” the world. Gianfranco Rosi’s “Fire at Sea” (Italy), a documentary on

Europe’s refugee crisis, won the Golden Bear. Danis Tanovic’s Bosnian drama “Death in Sarajevo” won the Silver Bear Grand Jury. Best Director went to Mia Hansen-Love’s “Things to Come” (France); Best Actress to Trine Dyrholm for Thomas Vinterberg’s “The Commune” (Denmark) and Best Actor to Majd Mastoura for Mohamed Ben Attia’s “Hedi” (Tunisia). ■

Newlywed Kean more inspired than ever BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer “IT’S HEAVEN.” That was how singer-actor Kean Cipriano described his marriage to actress Chynna Hortaleza, with whom he tied the knot in December last year. “I still can’t believe I’m married. The feeling is indescribable,” Kean told the INQUIRER. “It’s everyone’s dream to find peace deep within, and with someone.” He said he has had a lot of personal discoveries since he got married. “I’m inspired, more than ever. I’m now on a writing spree. I write songs and scripts. I just keep doing things.” His film “Love is Blind” is

still being screened in theaters nationwide. On the rumor circulating on the web that Chynna is already pregnant, Kean neither confirmed nor denied it. However, he said he was open to the idea of having a baby soon. “A baby is a concrete example of a miracle—we all are God’s miracles. Like getting married to the love of my life, having a baby would be another dream come true. Life is short. We should live it to the fullest,” said the Callalily frontman. He continued: “We all have our insights. Because of the Internet, we can all post comments. As to how I am handling it, I’m okay with it. I respect every single comment. Chynna and I post pictures, too. We

Kean Cipriano with bandmate Tatsi Jamnague.

knew that these photos were bound to be judged.” Kean said that keeping quiet about details of his wedding to Chynna, as well as his relationships with past girlfriends, was “a personal decision.” “I respect every individual www.canadianinquirer.net

@KEANEDWARD / INSTAGRAM

whom I’ve encountered in my life, especially the ladies,” he pointed out. “This was why when asked about my past relationships, I don’t talk. To me that’s private, although I know that it’s hard to be private in a public arena like show business,” he

said, adding: “Chynna and I have decided to keep our personal lives to ourselves. They’re that sacred to us. We thank everyone for respecting that.” As to whether he preferred acting to singing, Kean replied: “That’s the question I always get. My first love is music but I’m very blessed with a good talent management company (Cornerstone) because they are able to fix my schedule and allow me to do everything. I want to be as creative as possible. I enjoy singing, acting and filmmaking.” On the possibility of doing a project with his wife, Kean said: “That would be lovely. Chynna is also part of ‘Love is Blind,’ although we didn’t get to do any scenes.” ■

Entertainment

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Memo to Pacman: Respect begets respect BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer CELEBRITIES WEIGH in on the statements of boxerturned-politician Manny Pacquiao, who denounced samesex marriage and claimed in a TV interview that members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community are “worse than animals.” On Thursday, Pacquiao, who is running for senator, lost a clothing sponsorship deal with sportswear giant Nike as a result of the ensuing controversy. He has since apologized for his pronouncements—his second time to get embroiled in a word war with gender-equality advocates. Aiza Seguerra, singer: I am happy that you were able to find your peace. I respect your religion, beliefs and the things that you stand for. I even respect that you are not for same-sex marriage. But for you to disrespect our humanity and belittle our capacity to love and our right to choose the people we want to spend the rest of our lives with because it is against your faith… that is something I cannot accept. Not from you, not from anyone. Jose Javier Reyes, filmmaker: We must respect every one’s opinion, more so other people’s beliefs. But with this comes the sensitivity in expressing one’s stand so as not to cross the line between assertion and derision. When a remark becomes derogatory and demeaning, it ceases to be a declaration of a principle, but palpable proof of discrimination. As a public figure whose popularity crosses time zones, his words are given much weight and importance— that is why he is paid millions of dollars in endorsement deals. Thus, it is the choice of words rather than the stand that is abhorred and condemned. I do not think the God I know and love, who is all-encompassing and teaches us to look out for one another regardless of our differences, would tolerate Mr. Pacquiao’s statement. Monique Wilson, actress-activist: I find it ironic that a man, who spends his life and makes billions (and has made a po-

Kesha goes to court in NYC over clash with producer Dr. Luke BY JENNIFER PELTZ The Associated Press

Manny Pacquiao.

litical career) out of beating up other men and bloodying their faces, would call us, members of the LGBT community, worse than animals. This kind of bigotry and hatred is exactly what we are “rising” against. Is this man the true “hero” or “champion” we hold him to be? I prefer to support champions of all human rights. Now, he is not just punching people in their faces; he is punching them in their hearts. Apologies are not enough. He has to revolutionize his mindset and actions. To discriminate is an act of violence. Epy Quizon, actor: I am for same-sex marriage and, at first, I myself was offended by Manny’s statements. But we really have to watch the full interview. His statement, “I am not condemning them,” was edited out. He has said sorry already. Let’s learn to forgive. Alvin Anson, actor: One thing is for sure, this mistake is a big lesson learned for Manny. I’m sure he is still being molded to become an even better servant of God and of our people. I believe the message he wanted to convey was: “Love the sinner, dislike the sin.” Wrong choice of words… but he’s humble enough to apologize. Jun Jun Quintana, actor: He really needs someone to give him advice before he grants interviews. Even if you are not part of the LGBT community, you can get offended by his statements. He needs to be

MARCELLO CASAL JR. / ABR / CC 3.0

more careful in expressing his ideas—especially since it’s election time. Mimi Juareza, actress: Of course, I was hurt that we were compared to animals. It’s disappointing, because I idolize him as a boxer and respect him for bringing honor to our country. The anger of the LGBT community cannot be avoided, though. This controversy only proves that there is no room in the Senate for someone who lacks knowledge and compassion. Can wealth really blind people… that some forget to look at themselves in the mirror? Nora Aunor, internationally acclaimed actress: Sira pala ang ulo niya. Palibhasa, sumobra ang kayabangan niya. Isa pa, wala naman siyang naiintindihan sa mga sinasabi niya. Sa kanya, may masabi lang. Siya kaya, ano kaya siya? Womanizer? Sugarol? Ipokrito? Mas masahol pa sa hayop? Isa pa, nasa gobyerno siya. ’Yong personal na opinyon niya, dapat itago na lang niya sa sarili niya. (He must be crazy. He has become too arrogant. Also, he doesn’t understand what he is saying. He’s just talking for the sake of talking. [If members of the LGBT community are compared to animals,] what do you call him? A womanizer? A gambler? A hypocrite? Worse than an animal? Moreover, he is in government and should keep his personal opinions to himself ). ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

NEW YORK — Watching tearfully from a courtroom audience, pop star Kesha lost a bid Friday to be freed from her contract with a top record producer she says drugged, sexually abused and psychologically tormented her. But the ruling doesn’t end the platinum-selling singer’s clash with hitmaker Dr. Luke, who denies her claims and says she’s smearing him to try to shirk her contract. Friday’s decision wasn’t the final word on their court fight in New York, to say nothing of related lawsuits in California and Tennessee. Kesha declined to comment as she left court and hugged some of the scores of fans gathered to support her, many of them dusted with the “Tik Tok” singer’s trademark glitter. The dispute is a strikingly personal fight in an industry with a long history of strife between artists and those who work with them. “I cannot work with this monster,” Kesha said in a sworn statement in August that accused Dr. Luke of raping her a decade ago after giving her a pill that knocked her out, browbeating her to lose weight to the point where she didn’t eat solid food for eight days, and holding her career hostage because she spoke up. His abuse led her to develop an eating disorder and suicidal thoughts that prompted two months in a rehabilitation clinic in 2014, her lawyers say. But Dr. Luke and his attorneys say the singer and her camp are trying to pressure him into letting her out of her contract. “All of their horrific allegations of abuse, threats and other purported misconduct by me against Kesha are completely untrue and deeply hurtful,” he said in a sworn statement in December. He has not been charged with any crime, and his lawyer, Christine Lepera, says

“he wants his name restored.” Dr. Luke’s attorneys note that Kesha herself said he “never made sexual advances at me” during sworn questioning in another lawsuit in 2011. Her lawyers say she was too frightened of him for years to disclose what happened. Dr. Luke, born Lukasz Gottwald, has produced hits by artists including Katy Perry, Rihanna, Pitbull and Miley Cyrus. Kesha Rose Sebert was an 18-year-old unknown from Nashville when she signed a contract with one of his companies in 2005, according to court papers. Five years later, “Tik Tok” was the No. 1 song in the country. She’s released two albums, most recently in 2012. Kesha continues to play some shows, but her lawyers say the contract has essentially stalled her career because she can’t stand working with her accused rapist. Lawyers for Dr. Luke and Sony Music Entertainment — his partner in Kesha’s record label, Kemosabe Records — say she’s violating the five-album agreement by not recording. They say she doesn’t have to work with him personally, though he has rights to produce at least six songs on each of her albums and could pursue damages if he doesn’t. Kesha’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, asked a judge Friday to bar enforcement of the contract while the case plays out. While the companies said they’re eager to see Kesha make and sell records, Geragos suggested they wouldn’t promote anything Kesha might record without Dr. Luke. Manhattan state Supreme Court Justice Shirley Kornreich turned down the request, saying Kesha “is being given the opportunity to record.” Meanwhile, Dr. Luke and Sony have asked the judge to throw out many of Kesha’s claims. Kornreich hasn’t ruled. Both sides are seeking unspecified damages. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Parents of film worker killed on set spread safety message BY ANTHONY MCCARTNEY The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Richard and Elizabeth Jones stood on a crowded film set, looking out on a sea of actors and workers ready to shoot a scene. Every one of them reminded them of their daughter Sarah, who died two years ago on a Georgia railroad track shooting a film scene. The past two years have turned the South Carolina couple into advocates for the safety of set workers. In a city in which crews move at a frenetic pace to stay on schedule and get the perfect shot, the Joneses have gotten some of them to slow down and reflect. That was the case Thursday when the Joneses visited an indie film shoot in an industrial building near downtown Los Angeles and led the crew in a moment of silence to remember their daughter, a camera assistant who was killed on Feb. 20, 2014, during an unauthorized shoot on the train tracks. For two weeks, the pair has been crisscrossing Hollywood, meeting with everyone from executives to set workers to urge a safety-first mentality during

film and television production. They were accompanied Thursday by a reporter for The Associated Press and a filmmaker planning a documentary on their daughter and her impact on film safety. Before addressing the crew, the pair met with Mark Pellington, a veteran television and film director. “All of us are in deep, deep respect for Sarah,” Pellington told them before taking the couple to the set — a room transformed to look like a smoky radio station office with walls plastered with bumper stickers. Richard Jones, wearing a pin that says “We are Sarah Jones,” asked to say a few words. His speech was brief, and his message simple — remember who his daughter was and how she died. “No movie or TV short is worth a life,” he said. “Please look out for each other.” Everyone in the room bowed their heads and a space that just moments before was bustling with activity fell silent. Richard Jones held his wife’s hand until the moment was over and the room burst into applause. There was no rushing the couple off the set. Pellington

hugged and kissed the Joneses before calling for the slate — a clapboard used to identify scenes — to be dedicated to Sarah Jones. (Since her death, more than 31,000 film slates have been dedicated to her, Richard Jones said.) Then people approached the couple, some offering condolences, others thanks, and a few recounting their own near-misses on shoots. Away from the cameras, one woman’s conversation with the Joneses brought the three of them to tears. “It truly amazes us — they relate to what happened to Sarah in different ways,” Richard Jones said. “It’s as if Sarah has established a personal relationship with thousands of people she’s never met.” For Elizabeth Jones, the crew inevitably reminds her of her daughter. “I look at every person, every one of them could be Sarah Jones,” she said. The couple said they hope their efforts and the work of their non-profit, The Sarah Jones Film Foundation, will help create a safety-first mentality on sets. Part of their effort includes getting films that employ good safety practices to

Candle light vigil in Los Angeles, CA for Sarah Jones. SLATES FOR SARAH / FACEBOOK

include a logo, “Safety for Sarah, at the end of the credits. The logo was included on “Furious 7,” a film Sarah Jones worked on, as well as some TV series. They are also working with filmmaker Eric S. Smith on a documentary about their daughter that can be used in film schools to instruct students on safe practices. “We tell stories that involve a lot of different elements of danger,” Smith said, noting that it is impossible to prevent all set accidents. “What we want to address is carelessness and negligence. Sarah Jones was killed on the first day of filming for “Midnight Rider” when a train plowed into Miller’s crew on

a railroad bridge over the Altamaha River, about 60 miles southwest of Savannah. Evidence showed the film crew climbed onto the bridge after being denied permission by the railroad. The film’s director, Randall Miller, is serving a two-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter and trespassing. The Joneses said they never expected to be vocal safety advocates, but they feel their voices are needed. “Since Sarah’s gone, this is what we need to do,” Richard Jones said. “It’s more about the people in the industry who are living. We want to keep them living.” ■

Harper Lee leaves behind questions about her life and work BY HILLEL ITALIE The Associated Press NEW YORK — Harper Lee has died, but the conversation about her life and work has only begun. “I think the retrospective will be more useful than what was said during her lifetime, because there are a lot of things we can get down to that were impossible before,” Lee’s friend Wayne Flynt, an Alabamabased historian, told The Associated Press. Lee’s death Friday at age 89 comes almost exactly a year after her publisher, HarperCollins, stunned the world by announcing that a second novel by

the author of “To Kill a Mockingbird” would be released, ending what many believed was a permanent and much-desired literary silence. With Lee confined to a nursing home in her native Monroeville, Alabama, and communicating only through press releases that many wondered if she even knew about, the debate about her state of mind and about the second book, “Go Set a Watchman,” took off without her. It will likely grow as those close to her finally speak up and more is learned about what, if any, other writings she left behind. “Everybody from the newspaper boy to the checkout girl to the local minister will be re-

membering Harper Lee with fondness or with an axe to grind, depending on how they were treated,” said Lee biographer Charles Shields, whose “Mockingbird: A Portrait of Harper Lee” was published in 2006 and will be reissued this year. Flynt, who delivered the eulogy at Lee’s private memorial service Saturday in Monroeville, is among those thinking about a memoir. Lee’s retreat from public life over the past half-century created one kind of mystery; last summer’s publication of “Go Set a Watchman” started another. Millions who thought they “knew” Atticus Finch, who named their children for www.canadianinquirer.net

Lee being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2007 ERIC DRAPER / WHITE HOUSE

him and became lawyers because of him were faced with a seemingly different man in the new book, which took

place 20 years later but actually had been written before ❱❱ PAGE 37 Harper Lee

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Lifestyle

SELECTED WORKS FROM ART FAIR PHILIPPINES 2016. From left: Allegoria from Mark Justiniani‘s

Infinity series, Josephine Turalba‘s Scandals, Raffy Napay‘s Family, Pamela Yan-Santos‘ installation. SHANICE GARCIA / PCI

Art Fair Philippines 2016: Why people are coming, and talking about it BY ERIC S. CARUNCHO Philippine Daily Inquirer PURISTS MAY rant against the commodification of art and the hegemony of the culture industry, but if you really want to get schooled on the contemporary Philippine art scene, you could do worse than immerse yourself in the annual four-day Art Fair Philippines, which runs until today. Billing itself as “the best in contemporary Philippine art,” Art Fair Philippines has grown from its relatively modest beginnings in 2013 to become one of the biggest events in the local cultural calendar. Last year’s fair drew 16,000 attendees. Anticipating a bigger crowd this year, the fair has expanded to two cavernous floors of The Link in the Ayala Center in Makati, plus a sizeable Lecture Lounge on another floor. There are 40 participating galleries this year, including some from Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan and Spain. Global phenomenon

“Art fairs are a big global phenomenon,” says Lisa Periquet

of Philippine Art Events Inc., Art Fair Philippines’ organizers. “Most art is sold in art fairs rather than galleries now. That’s the trend because everything is in one place, and it’s a nice, unintimidating atmosphere.” “Unintimidating” is the key. In an art fair, art descends from its exalted high temple and enters the marketplace where mere mortals dwell. Chinstroking art snobbery gives way to unabashed but informed appreciation. In some cases, the artist himself/herself may be present at his/her exhibit, allowing for a bit of interaction with his/her public. With so much art on display, and so little time, brain fatigue inevitably sets in after a while. Luckily, the fair provides other diversions. Apart from the gallery spaces, there are two cafés, a wine bar, and bookstores selling art books and souvenir items at the fair. There are also daily museum tours from the venue to the National Museum, the Ayala Museum, the Lopez Museum, the Ateneo Art Gallery, the UP Vargas Museum and the Pinto Art Museum, as well as daily lectures on a variety of subjects, from installation art to art insurance.

“When we started, we wanted to widen the audience locally,” adds Periquet. “But we also got some regional exposure: People from institutions in Hong Kong and Singapore fly in. There are always people looking to buy art for their collections.” Gallery participation is by invitation only. Selection is made by Periquet and her partners, Dindin Araneta and Trickie Lopa, who form the organizing committee. “We try to set certain standards,” she continues. “You can’t just pay for a space and come in here. We look for galleries with a track record of regular and consistent programming through the years, galleries that look after their artists. Those are the ones who tend to have quality output.” Gamut of styles

Participants this year include established galleries such as the West Gallery, the Crucible Gallery, Finale Art File and Pinto Art Gallery, as well as younger, hipper art venues such as Secret Fresh and Vinyl on Vinyl. Apart from works in the traditional media, i.e. painting, sculpture, graphic arts, there are photographs, installations, www.canadianinquirer.net

video art, works in fabric and mixed media. Naturally, the artworks run the whole gamut of contemporary styles, from abstract, surrealist, expressionist and social realist to conceptual, pop and lowbrow. The artists on exhibit are also an interesting mix of established names such as Brenda Fajardo, Arturo Luz, Gabby Barredo, José Tence Ruiz, Charlie Co, Fernando Zobel, Ronald Ventura, Emmanuel Garibay; and young, up-andcoming artists. A highlight of this year’s fair are the eight special exhibits especially commissioned for this year’s fair by artists Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan, Martha Atienza, Nona Garcia, Mark Justiniani, At Maculangan, Raffy Napay, Pamela Yan Santos and Mac Valdezco. But there’s more to the fair than just art for art’s sake. It’s a balancing act between art and commerce, says Periquet. Sponsors are a necessary element in the equation: Without their money, the fair could not go on. In turn, they get some say on which artists’ works are showcased, apart from the usual me-

dia values. For instance, multimedia artist Mark Salvatus’ exhibit was supported by Globe Platinum, while the eight special exhibits are presented by Bench. The fair is also a venue for the business end of the art scene. Collectors and art brokers come early to snap up the most desirable pieces. “There’s a lot of networking going on between artists and galleries, and people who come in from abroad looking for artists to showcase,” says Periquet. “There’s a lot of commerce going on here. But this is a market encounter amongst all kinds of elements, not just buyers and sellers.” Also, she hastens to add, Art Events Inc. has no part in and gets no commissions from whatever transactions take place between the aforementioned elements. Meanwhile, they’ve set their sights on the wider global art market. “We hope that when people want to know what’s happening in Philippine art, this event is what they will look at. For four days, once a year, we have the best contemporary art happening now.” ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Ontario students Report: Hawaii leads nation developing app to in getting too little sleep aid skills dev't of people with autism BY MIKE STOBBE The Associated Press

BY LAUREN LA ROSE The Canadian Press BRAMPTON, ONT. — With her younger brother Christopher on the autism spectrum, Shauna Jones saw firsthand the need for digital tools to help him and others in their progression towards adulthood. “He had a knack for technology, he had a knack for learning. The problem Christopher struggled with was interacting with others and really understanding social cues,” Jones said of her 20-year-old sibling, a first-year student at Sheridan College. “What I found was when he was going through middle school all the way to high school, we were getting a lot of support.... But when he was going into that transition to university-college it was kind of a haze.” After finding a scarcity of autism-focused tech tools, Jones and fellow Sheridan student Keisha Alcott set out to bridge the gap themselves. The software development and networking engineering students teamed with peers Michael Macdonald and Paul Pham on a final-year digital project called Motify, which they hope to eventually offer to the public. The app — a fusion of the words “motivate” and “simplify” — includes a number of tools to help in skills development for people with autism. Autism spectrum disorder and autism are part of a group of complex disorders of brain development characterized by challenges with social

interaction, communication and repetitive behaviours. An interview preparation tool was of key interest to the developers. In an introductory video, they cite studies revealing that relatively low percentages of people on the spectrum complete post-secondary education and work full-time. Using a webcam, a user’s facial features and vocal intonation are recorded, followed by analysis and feedback on how they’ve performed, said Alcott, 28. “It will also store your recorded interview so you can see how you did and have been improving over time.” A calendar tool seeks to ease challenges related to organization and anxiety around balancing time, noted Jones. And Motify also includes game-play, which emphasizes social interaction, planning and strategizing skills. “When you play a game and you fail one time, you look at what you did and you adapt to it. You say: ‘OK, I did badly this time, let me change what I did.’ And that is an amazing skill that sometimes people with autism have trouble with — adapting to change,” said Alcott. “And yet, studies have shown that games help improve these things.” Both Jones and Alcott see the potential for Motify to make an impact. “To somebody who has a brother ... on the spectrum, who has friends on the spectrum, who has seen some of the struggles ... I really wanted to bring awareness,” said Jones. ■

NEW YORK — Tired of hearing that more than a third of U.S. adults don’t get enough sleep? Here’s something new: a government report about which states get the most sack time. It says South Dakota has the largest proportion of residents who get at least seven hours of sleep each night. Hawaii — often thought of as a peaceful vacation spot — has the lowest proportion. Here’s the lowdown: The problem

For adults, the recommended amount of sleep is seven to nine hours each night. Past studies have found that more than onethird of U.S. adults get less. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Thursday released a new round of nation-

al survey data that found the same thing. Some of those people — nearly 10 per cent of Americans, by some estimates — suffer chronic insomnia and may seek a physician’s help. Inadequate sleep has been tied to the start and worsening of a range of diseases and conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, obesity and depression.

56 per cent of respondents got the recommended amount of sleep. The report also found that while two-thirds of white people nationally got enough sleep, only about half of blacks, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders did. The recommendation

The latest CDC report, based on surveys of more 444,000 adults in 2014, for the first time offers a look at findings in all 50 states. The Great Plains states led the nation in healthy sleep, buoyed by South Dakota, where 72 per cent of those surveyed said they averaged at least 7 hours nightly. The South and Appalachian states got the least sleep as a region. But Hawaii was the worst individual state, where

The report didn’t dig into why certain states or racial groups got less sleep than others. Experts believe several factors could be involved. For example, people with steady jobs and normal work hours tend to get more sleep than others. Smoking and health problems also can rob people of sleep, said the CDC’s Anne Wheaton, one of the report’s authors. Doctors offer tips for good sleeping that include sticking to a regular bedtime schedule, getting exercise each day and avoiding caffeine and nicotine at night. ■

In an email to The Associated Press, award-winning historian Isabel Wilkerson said that Lee had created two equally worthy legacies. “Harper Lee has left us a great gift: a beloved vision of our better selves in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and a thornier reflection of what lies beneath in her earlier manuscript, ‘Go Set a Watchman,”‘ wrote Wilkerson, best known for “The Warmth of Other Suns,” which traced black migration from the South in the 20th century. “In both, she has bravely given us versions of our country for us to ponder for generations.” James McBride, winner of the National Book Award in 2013 for the novel “Good Lord Bird” and author of the upcoming nonfiction “Kill ‘em and Leave” about James Brown, said reading “To Kill a Mockingbird” as a child made him want to become a writer and that it “crystallized” for him an awareness of racism that had been “floating around him.” Nobel laureate Toni Morrison and others have labeled the book a “white

saviour” novel, but McBride believes that “Mockingbird” is the best story that Lee could have told. “Yes, I would have liked to see the black characters displayed with a lot more dimension,” he said. “But Harper Lee gave it all she had. She left nothing behind, and that’s all you can ask for.” McBride has re-read “Mockingbird” a few times, catching new and important details with each reading, and has given the book to his kids, too. He has not read “Go Set a Watchman.” “I prefer to remember ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ and Atticus Finch and all those characters as Harper Lee wanted us to remember them. I believe she wasn’t strong enough at the end of her life to make any informed decisions about her work,” he said. “There is no question in my mind that Harper Lee is a great American writer with the best of intentions. You have to start the conversation about race somewhere, and Harper Lee is a great place to start it.” ■

The states

Harper Lee... Lee turned to what became “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The bold attorney who in the 1930s defended a black man accused of rape in “Mockingbird” had aged into a spiteful reactionary condemning the Supreme Court’s 1954 decision to outlaw segregation in public schools. Was the Atticus of “Mockingbird” a romanticized figure and the Atticus of “Watchman” closer to the truth? Did Atticus, based closely on Lee’s father, really change or was he simply a patrician more comfortable with the old rules, when all the powers belong to whites? Ralph Eubanks, a former editor of the Virginia Quarterly Review and currently a visiting professor of Southern studies at Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, said that the brilliance of “Mockingbird” was in how it could make anyone from the North or South identify with the issues and with the characters. “For ‘Go Set a Watchman,” there was no one you were cheering for,” he said. “That for me changed the dynamic.” ❰❰ 33

www.canadianinquirer.net

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Business

PPP seen key to sustaining growth

The why’s and how’s of investing BY LAARNI LIWANAG Philippine Canadian Inquirer WHETHER YOU are looking to save for retirement (long term goal) or to save for a down payment to buy a house (short term goal), or saving for your kid’s education, you want a plan that will help your money grow. In all instances, discipline is the key to achieving your goal. Are you able to give up a $4.00 coffee a day and start investing? $4.00 a day tantamount to $120.00 a month in savings. Or better yet, are you able to set aside one hour of your daily wage? $12.00/hour x 20 hours equals to $240.00 a month in savings. The question is – Are you ready to start saving? If you have not started, the time is NOW. Here are five investing principles worthy to be considered:

P108.6B in annual construction activity BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer

Scenario 2: 40 Year old woman (started late) with the same amount of initial deposit; same principle of compounding interest applied. Age

1. Know yourself

Ask yourself: am I a conservative investor, or an aggressive investor? How much loss am I willing to take in case of market downturn? Whatever it is, there is always an available portfolio for you. Check out the performance of funds/portfolios online for guidance. 2. Start Early

What is your time horizon? In investing, the earlier you invest, the more growth you will see in your money. This is called the power of compounding interest. To illustrate: Scenario 1: 20-year-old woman with $10,000 initial deposit at an assumed interest rate of 12% per annum. Using the rule of 72, every 6 years, your money doubles. Age

$10,000

20,000

40,000

80,000

160,000

Difference between scenario 1 and 2 is $1,120,000, huge difference! 3. Contribute money regularly to avail of the dollar-cost averaging.

Investing in smaller amounts regularly will generate more income than investing in lump sum. To me this is force saving. To illustrate this principle, assume you invest $100.00 a month over one year. Under the dollar cost averaging principle, you get to buy more units when the market is down. Alternatively, when the market is up, your $100 is able to buy lesser units. Month

$ invested

Price / share

Units bought

$10,000

20,000

100

40,000

100

80,000

100

160,000

100

320,000

100

640,000

100

1,280,000

100

Invested

1200

Total after

170

year

Should you decide to sell after year 1, your 170 units @ $9/ unit would give you $1,530 or an income of $330. This illustrates that with regular contributions, the risk (loss) is minimized when you keep the money in your investment over a longer period of time. 4. Diversify.

Do not put your eggs in one basket, as they say. Spreading your assets across a wide range of investments is an effective way to reduce risk and over time will increase your potential returns. Diversification of your investments will help cushion your portfolio from market downturns. Others may perform, others may not, hence, one offset the other. 5. Monitor your investment.

Every year when you get a statement of your investment, try to review which investment made money. Should you need to change your portfolio, talk to your advisor. ■ Laarni Liwanag is a life licensed agent since 2004, dealing with life insurance and segregated funds. www.canadianinquirer.net

ticket infrastructure projects, if crowding out of other spending needs or fiscal deterioration is to be avoided,” the research said, noting that the outgoing THE NEXT president could Aquino administration had add 1.7 percentage points to an- jump-started the PPP program nual growth rate over the me- with 13 projects totaling P313 dium term, thus hastening the billion awarded so far. country’s economic takeoff, if In estimating that the ecothe public-private partnership nomic potential of the PPP (PPP) agenda on infrastructure- agenda would augment GDP building would be continued, growth by 1.7 percentage points economists from American annually, Citigroup calculated banking giant Citigroup said. potential output gain assumA Feb. 18 research titled “Sur- ing that P108.6 billion in annual veying Asean’s Infrastructure construction activity would Gap” authored by Wei Zheng arise from PPP project impleKit, Jun Trinidad and Helmi mentation and positively shock Arman warned, however, that the system. “This can easily offfurther progress in tackling cor- set the P2.4-billion daily losses ruption could not be guaranteed due to traffic congestion and in a post-Aquino government. pollution,” the research said. “Weak gover“Construction nance, should will be an obvious it recur postbeneficiary, alAquino, could though manufacdiscourage priWeak turing and other vate sector pargovernance, sectors stand to ticipation in PPP should it gain as well.” projects,” the rerecur postAverage GDP search said. Aquino, could growth rate unThe research discourage der the Aquino noted that the private sector administration abolished “pork participation in averaged 6.2 perbarrel” system, PPP projects. cent, improving which funded from 4.8 percent discretionary under Gloria projects of lawMacapagal-Armakers, along royo, 2.3 percent with other corruption cases had under Joseph Estrada, 3.1 perweakened the government’s ef- cent under Fidel Ramos and 3.4 fort to widen the base for tax percent under Corazon Aquino. compliance and collections, A potential 1.7-percentage undermining its ability to fund annual boost from infrastrucinfrastructure spending. ture spending is thus seen Yet for an an archipelagic bringing GDP growth to an country like the Philippines, even higher trajectory, creatCiti said the infrastructure chal- ing more jobs and lifting more lenges and associated budgetary people out of poverty. and investment costs might be PPP funding for big-ticket significant and multifaceted— items has enabled the Philipranging from transport/logis- pine government to pursue tics inadequacies, to basic sani- public investment projects tation/electricity supply. without causing government “With a relatively low tax-to- debt to escalate, Citigroup GDP (gross domestic product) said, adding this strategy had ratio of 14 percent, PPP fund- reversed the declining debt-toing would be needed to fund big GDP trend. ■

Business

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

How big will it be?

Finance minister to give Canadians sense of federal deficit BY LISA WALLACE The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The federal finance minister is poised to provide Canadians a better sense of the size of the budgetary deficit for the coming year. A government official says Bill Morneau will deliver a presentation Monday to update the country on the government’s fiscal and economic situation. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity because

the details were not yet public, says Morneau will avoid providing a hard number on the shortfall because the upcoming budget has yet to be completed. Morneau recently heard downgraded forecasts from privatesector economists whose projections are averaged to create a fiscal baseline for Ottawa’s budget, expected late next month. Morneau’s announcement will come as the new Liberal government tries to find ways to fulfil big-ticket spending election promises amid tough

economic conditions that are slashing billions from its bottom line. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently acknowledged that his government would no longer live up to its pledge to keep the 2016-17 deficit under $10 billion. Trudeau also raised doubts whether the Liberals would fulfil its vow balance the books within four years — a central pledge in their election platform. The government has instead been emphasizing its other

promise to continue lowering Canada’s debt-to-GDP ratio during its mandate. Experts have said Ottawa could run annual deficits as high as $25 billion and still shrink that ratio. Conservative finance critic Lisa Raitt has accused the Liberals of breaking election promises. Raitt asked Morneau on Thursday in the House of Commons if a $30-billion shortfall would remain within his fiscal plan. “We aim to get to a balanced budget over time, recognizing

that our economy makes that more challenging,” Morneau said in response to Raitt. “That remains a very important goal for this government.” Morneau has also reiterated the Liberals’ intention to prioritize spending measures to boost the economy and create jobs. To generate growth, the government is banking on increased infrastructure investments, tax-bracket changes to provide relief on the middleincome bracket and changes to child benefits. ■

Growth in Canadian oil output Stocks seen to rise could come to ‘complete standstill,’ report says BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY LISA WALLACE The Canadian Press

are causing companies to slow development,” it said. “As such, we are likely to see continued capacity increases (in) the near term, with growth slowing considerably, if not coming to a complete standstill, after the projects under construction are completed.” A number of new developments in Canada recently commissioned or nearing completion will drive growth over the next five years, the IEA said. They include Imperial Oil’s

duction is expected this year. Jackie Forrest, vice-president of energy research at Arc Financial, agreed that oilsands CALGARY — Growth in Canadevelopment will slow down dian oil production is likely to as companies look to smaller slow down or grind to a halt five investments and faster returns. years from now once projects “There is a lot of uncertainty now under construction are about future growth and a lot built, the International Energy of headwinds coming at the Agency warns in a report reoilsands,” said Forrest. “Even leased Monday. if you assume a price recovThe Paris-based organizaery, there’s more of a favour tion said it projects Canada for shorter cycle-type projects, to add 800,000 barrels a day unlike the oilsands which are of production megaproject inby 2021, which vestments.” would bring toA decline in tal output to 5.2 the number of million barrels a There is a lot of uncertainty about new projects day. Most of that future growth and a lot of headwinds would signifigrowth is expectcoming at the oilsands. Even if you cantly change ed to come from assume a price recovery, there’s more the dynamics of Alberta’s oilof a favour for shorter cycle-type the oil sector’s sands, with bituprojects, unlike the oilsands which are workforce from men production megaproject investments. growth to mainexpected to hit tenance, the 3.4 million barindustry-funded rels a day. Enform organiBut a number zation said last of factors including the ex- Kearl expansion project in Al- week. pense of producing crude from berta, which was completed in It projects that the number of the oilsands threaten to curtail June 2015, and the Hebron off- construction jobs will drop by or put a stop to such growth, the shore oil site off Newfoundland 84 per cent, or about 10,300 poIEA said. set to begin production in 2018. sitions, by 2020, while the num“Heightened environmental The IEA report, which ex- ber of operations and mainteconcerns, a lack of pipeline ac- amined global oil production nance jobs would grow by 9,870. cess to new markets and the forecasts up to 2021, said there Since mid-2014, crude prices unknown impact of the victory was a 24 per cent cut in oil in- have plunged by 70 per cent. On by the New Democratic Party vestment around the world last Monday, oil was trading above in Alberta’s elections last year year and another 17 per cent re- US$33 a barrel. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

LOCAL STOCKS are seen trading with an upside bias this week as positive offshore developments are seen encouraging bargainhunting. Last week, the main-share Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) gained 2.07 percent to close on Friday at 6,792.06. Joseph Roxas, president of Eagle Equities Inc., said the local market was drawing strength from the relative resilience of Wall Street, expectations that the US Federal Reserve would not rush to raise interest rates further, the rebound in oil prices and signal from China that the yuan would not be sharply devalued further. “At the same time, the market has gone down far enough, so there are a lot of bargains,” Roxas said, adding that the PSEi might gain another 100 basis

points this week. Roxas said he doubted whether the local stock barometer would go back to the all-time high level anytime soon, adding that the surge to such level was due to investors’ excesses. The PSEi closed at an all-time high of 8,127 in April last year. “I actually think there must be a correction first, but because everyone is waiting for a correction, it’s not happening. Every time there’s a dip, investors immediately come in,” he said. Jonathan Ravelas, chief strategist at Banco de Oro Unibank, said investor sentiment improved last week due to rising oil prices and a strong recovery in Wall Street stocks, causing the PSEi to hit an intra-week high of 6,848.87 before some profit-taking at the end of the week. “Chartwise, the week’s close at 6792.06 encourages further tests toward the 7,000 levels in the near-term,” Ravelas said. ■

Philippine Stock Exchange Plaza in Makati. PATRICK ROQUE / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS / CC 3.0

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Sports

Blatter era ends as scandal hit FIFA set to elect new leader BY GRAHAM DUNBAR The Associated Press GENEVA — The Sepp Blatter era at FIFA is set to finally end Friday when soccer’s scandal-scarred world body picks a new president after nine months of crisis. An election meeting designed to give FIFA a fresh start with a new leader could yet be overshadowed by its criminally corrupt past. Voters return to Zurich this week unsure who is the next target of federal law enforcement agencies in the United States and Switzerland, who have sent FIFA into meltdown with waves of arrests, extraditions and guilty pleas. Swiss prosecutors could decide this week is best to meet key witnesses in their widening case. Many soccer officials are making possibly their last working trip to Switzerland until May 2019, when the next scheduled FIFA election should be held in Zurich. At the last election in May, Blatter won a fifth presidential term two days after FIFA’s favoured five-star hotel in Zurich and its own headquarters were raided. The pressure of criminal investigations soon forced Blatter from his beloved FIFA in his 41st year on the payroll. Now, leaders of FIFA’s 209 member federations visit the tiny Swiss city again to elect a successor for the now-banned 79-year-old who has been president since 1998. The winner will be just the fourth elected FIFA chief in more than 50 years. Two front-runners have emerged in a five-candidate

contest: Asia’s soccer leader, Sheikh Salman of Bahrain, and Gianni Infantino, the Swiss general secretary of European governing body UEFA. The other candidates are: Former FIFA vice-president Prince Ali of Jordan, who lost to Blatter in May; former FIFA official Jerome Champagne of France; and South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale, once an inmate of Robben Island prison with Nelson Mandela. Infantino acknowledged that police could hit FIFA for the fourth time in nine months. “They know what is best for their work to be done in the most efficient way,” Infantino told The Associated Press in a recent interview. “If I’m elected president of FIFA, what they can count on (is) not 100 but 200 per cent with me to clean and to put anyone in jail who has done anything bad for football.” The three previous strikes — arresting seven men, including two FIFA vice-presidents, on May 27; interrogating Blatter and former protege Michel Platini on Sept. 25; arresting two more FIFA vice-presidents on Dec. 3 — were on days that FIFA’s discredited executive committee met. It meets again Wednesday. Sheikh Salman suggests government agencies have tried to influence FIFA politics. That view is shared by Blatter and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed the U.S. wants the 2018 World Cup taken from his country. “Choosing the time and place during an election or an (executive committee) meeting,” Sheikh Salman told the AP this month of previous po-

Sepp Blatter.

lice raids, “I think this raises a lot of doubts on why, and leave people a bit suspicious on the intentions.” The Bahraini royal was “absolutely” sure FIFA did enough since May to deserve being left in peace this week. FIFA also hopes so, and aims to persuade the U.S. Department of Justice that it is a victim of systemic corruption and should not be indicted. So, on Friday, the 209 members can also vote through wideranging reforms to restructure FIFA. These would dilute the president’s authority, empower FIFA’s staff and increase oversight by independent experts. If FIFA was indicted, it would join 41 soccer and marketing officials, plus marketing agencies, who have been charged or pleaded guilty so far in the sprawling U.S. case. Blatter, who cannot be extradited from Switzerland, is a confirmed target. American investigators have focused on bribery in North and South America valued at $200 million for awarding commercial rights for continental competitions. They also alleged

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MARCELLO CASAL JR. / ABR / CC 3.0

cash-for-votes paid through a FIFA account linked to 2010 World Cup host South Africa. Swiss prosecutors began by searching for money laundering in the 2018-2022 World Cup bid contests won by Russia and Qatar. Liaising with American counterparts, they went far beyond that brief to target all FIFA business. Last September, a Swiss criminal case was opened against Blatter for mismanagement of FIFA money. It led FIFA’s ethics committee to ban both Blatter and Platini for eight years. Verdicts in their appeals are expected Monday. Even if barred from the election hall, Blatter has been an election factor taking calls from voters seeking advice, he told a French radio station this week. “Vote with your conscience. Vote for who you find good,” said Blatter, who has criticized Infantino in interviews. They were born in neighbouring villages in the Valais region. Infantino’s campaign has tempted voters with more: Expanding the World Cup from 32 to 40 teams to increase FIFA’s $5

billion tournament income; bigger annual grants to national and continental bodies; new money for small regional groups. Salman’s manifesto is closer to Blatter’s thinking though he promises a hands-off leadership style. Still, there is genuine warmth between the favourites. “I get along very well with him,” Sheikh Salman said of Infantino. “He’s a great guy.” Infantino has not directly criticized the sheikh, who led Bahrain’s soccer federation during Arab Spring protests in 2011. Prince Ali did attack, saying Sheikh Salman cannot gain respect because he failed to protect Bahrain national team players who were detained for attending pro-democracy events. They later alleged torture by security forces. In a potentially tight race, one theory has Prince Ali’s voters holding the balance of power. A plausible scenario sees Sheikh Salman and Infantino with significant support in the first-round ballot, yet short of up to 140 votes needed for outright victory, and maybe fewer than the 105-plus tally which could persuade rivals to concede ahead of a second vote. A late campaigning opportunity was in Manhattan on Sunday, at the draw for Copa America Centenario. That 16-nation tournament is central to bribery allegations in the DoJ indictment. By Wednesday, the election show is in downtown Zurich where FIFA will also open its $200 million museum this week. Perhaps police and Blatter will join them. ■

Sports

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Ateneo keeps rolling; UST pulls off shocker

Players not surprised by Toronto Maple Leafs’ brisk trade activity

BY JASMINE W. PAYO Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY JONAS SIEGEL The Canadian Press

ATENEO STAR Alyssa Valdez delivered the numbers—and the praises to her teammates— as the Lady Eagles streaked to their fifth straight victory in the UAAP women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at Mall of Asia Arena. With Valdez at the forefront of the Lady Eagles’ torrid attacks, the defending champions turned back Adamson in straight sets, 25-19, 25-23, 25-16, to stay unbeaten and strengthen its hold of the No. 1 spot. “Everyone contributed today,” said Valdez, who unloaded a game-high 23 points. “Teams live with their setter and Jia (Morado) is doing a really good job. She distributed the ball, had good plays.” Morado dished out 16 excellent sets as the Lady Eagles also peppered the Lady Falcons with attacks, 43-29. University of Santo Tomas nearly stole the thunder from yesterday’s women’s schedule when it spoiled National University’s bid for solo second with a gruelling 25-14, 25-18, 17-25, 19-25, 15-12 decision in

the second match. Just when the Tigresses looked headed for a meltdown, Cherry Rondina fueled a fifthset comeback to tow UST to their second win in five outings. Rondina pumped in 21 points, including consecutive smashes that helped the Tigresses climb out of a five-point deficit, 6-11, in the deciding frame. The Lady Bulldogs, who had hoped to stretch their winning run to four, slipped to third place with a 3-2 record. Rondina, the diminutive but fiery sophomore hitter, fired four of the team’s six aces and also teamed up with skipper EJ Laure in scoring 34 of the Tigresses’ 49 kills. The Lady Eagles, who extended their winning streak to 23 since 2014, also had Amy Ahomiro and Maddie Madayag stepping up to help clip the Lady Falcons’ comeback efforts in the second set. “It wasn’t easy,” said Valdez. “Adamson wasn’t giving up until the end.” The Lady Falcons, behind Jessica Galanza, forged a deadlock at 23 in the second frame, but blew their chance to turn the game around with consecutive errors that handed the set to the Lady Eagles. ■

TORONTO — P.A. Parenteau received a text message from his agent Monday morning with news of a trade. Parenteau hadn’t been dealt — not yet anyway. Instead, the 32-year-old was receiving word on the Toronto Maple Leafs latest transaction, which sent defenceman Roman Polak (who shares the same agent as Parenteau) and forward Nick Spaling to San Jose for two draft picks and forward Raffi Torres. Parenteau knows the next message from his agent could be regarding his own future. “I think we’re all aware that if we weren’t going to be in the playoff run things like that were a possibility, even a guarantee,” said Parenteau, a pending unrestricted free agent who is tied for second on the Leafs with 15 goals. “For me, it doesn’t change anything. “I go about my business like I did all year and try not to think about it either.” Parenteau and his teammates are well aware of what Toronto is doing in purging its roster of current assets for those that might help in the fu-

ture. That hasn’t made the past few weeks, nor the week ahead of the Feb. 29 trade deadline, any easier. “Obviously we know what the organization is trying to do,” said Michael Grabner, another Leaf likely to be dealt soon. Grabner is trying as best as he can to ignore all the speculation but that’s not easy with the rise of social media. It’s not even just his own accounts that he has to ignore but the whispering of friends and family who want to know what’s what right from the source. Grabner says the rink offers the best possible refuge. Hop on the ice for practice or a game and questions about the future melt away. “It’s a little unnerving, but at the same time you can’t worry about things you can’t control,” said Mark Arcobello, who played for four NHL teams last year through one trade and two waiver claims. “What fans may not realize is a lot of guys have families and they’ve got roots and places here where they kind of settled.” That, Arcobello’s teammates agree, is what makes this time of year extra challenging, especially when playing for a rebuilding team like

the Leafs in a hockey-mad Toronto market. Anxious partners want answers to questions about the future, something players just don’t have. Trades, too, can be difficult to explain to young kids. “It’s just a thing that when they get older you can tell them what happened and why they lived in four different places in one year,” said Grabner, who was dealt to Toronto on the eve of training camp and is also due to be a free agent at season’s end. “My wife is definitely thinking about it. “It’s a tough situation when you have to move your life everywhere.” Grabner says it’s unlikely his two kids would join him if he were to change teams. If Grabner is moved somewhere close to Toronto, his son might be able to visit during March break. Parenteau, married with two kids himself, says his family won’t be joining him if, and more likely, when he’s traded. “It is kind of hard, but at the same time it’s a good thing,” Parenteau said of the prospect of trades. “If I wasn’t having a good season we wouldn’t be talking about (it).” ■

Phaneuf scores his first with Ottawa, Sens beat Wings for third straight victory BY LISA WALLACE The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Kyle Turris had the shootout winner and Dion Phaneuf scored his first goal in an Ottawa uniform as the Senators defeated the Detroit Red Wings 3-2 on Saturday. Zack Smith also scored for the Senators (28-26-6), who have won three straight games for the first time since Nov. 19-24. Craig Anderson turned away 29-of-31 shots. Andreas Athanasiou and Brad Richards scored for the Red Wings (29-21-9) as Petr Mrazek made 25 saves. The Senators have struggled

when giving up the first goal this season (11-23-6), but were able to change its fortune on this night thanks to its newest player. Trailing 2-1 with just under four minutes remaining in regulation Phaneuf ripped a shot through traffic and beat Mrazek far side to force overtime. Anderson got the 18,930 on hand at Canadian Tire Centre in the game with a double-stack pad save on Justin Abdelkader early in the first period. The Red Wings then opened the scoring at 10:46 of the second as Erik Karlsson made a brutal giveaway, putting the puck right on the stick of Athanasiou, who quickly beat Anderson. Ottawa tied the game exactly

SPORTSLOGOS.NET

one minute later when JeanGabriel Pageau found Smith skating through the slot and he redirected the puck through Mrazek’s legs. Smith tied a career high for goals with his 14th of the season. www.canadianinquirer.net

Detroit regained the lead late in the second on an unlucky play for Karlsson, who attempted to bat the puck out of the air but sent it right past Anderson instead. Richards was given credit for the goal.

The Red Wings had a scare early in the game as Mrazek appeared shaken after taking a Patrick Wiercioch shot early in the period, but he remained in the game. The Senators now head out for a three-game western road trip, while Detroit will wrap up its four-game road trip Sunday against the New York Rangers. Notes: Senators C Shane Prince and D Chris Wideman were healthy scratches for the Senators. Detroit’s leading scorer C Dylan Larkin was unable to play due to illness and D Jonathan Ericsson missed his fourth straight game due to a lower-body injury. D Jakub Kindl was a healthy scratch. ■

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

Technology

Big tech companies belatedly join Apple in encryption fight BY BRANDON BAILEY AND MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Leading tech companies are rallying behind Apple — some belatedly — in its fight against a court order requiring the company to help investigators break into an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino mass shooters. A U.S. magistrate ordered Apple to produce software that would give investigators access to the iPhone at issue. Apple has until next Tuesday to challenge that ruling, setting the stage for a legal clash that could determine whether techcompanies or government authorities get the final say on just how secure devices like smartphones can be. CEO Tim Cook decried the order on Tuesday, saying it would degrade iPhone security and make users more vulnerable to spies and cyber thieves. “We stand with @tim_cook and Apple (and thank him for his leadership)!” Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey wrote in a tweet Thursday afternoon. In a statement late Thursday, Facebook said it condemns terrorism and also appreciates the essential work of law enforcement in keeping people safe. But it said it will “fight aggressively” against requirements for companies to weaken the security of their systems. “These demands would create a chilling precedent and obstruct companies’ efforts to secure their products,” the statement said. Google CEO Sundar Pichai also voiced support for Apple in a series of earlier tweets. “Forcing companies to enable hacking could compromise users’ privacy,” Pichai wrote on Wednesday, adding that the case “could be a troubling precedent.” The government isn’t asking Apple to help break the iPhone’s encryption directly, but to disable other security measures

that prevent attempts to guess the phone’s passcode. Cook argues that once such a tool is available, “the technique could be used over and over again, on any number of devices,” even as law enforcement insists that safeguards could be employed to limit its use to that particular phone. On Tuesday, he posted a 1,117-word open letter that contended the FBI’s request might have implications “far beyond the legal case at hand.” For months, Cook has engaged in a sharp, public debate with government officials over his company’s decision to shield the data of iPhone users with strong encryption — essentially locking up people’s photos, text messages and other data so securely that even Apple can’t get Apple has until next Tuesday to challenge that ruling, setting the stage for a legal clash that could determine whether at it. Law-enforcement officials techcompanies or government authorities get the final say on just how secure devices like smartphones can be. from FBI Director James ComANDREY BAYDA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM ey on down have complained that terrorists and criminals panies could face similar orders private assistance with law en- Facebook that sell advertising may use that encryption as a in the future. forcement efforts. Apple has based on customers’ online beshield. Others said a government also challenged a federal search haviour. While tech companies have victory could encourage re- warrant based on the same law Apple “can’t be seen now as spoken against broad govern- gimes in China and other coun- in a Brooklyn drug case. Apple doing something that would ment surveillance in the past, tries to make similar requests has complied with previous or- make their products less safe,” the Obama administration has for access to smartphone data. ders invoking that law — the All said Wendy Patrick, who lectures recently sought to enlist the Apple sells millions of iPhones Writs Act of 1789 — although it about business ethics at San Ditech industry’s help in fighting in China, which has become the has argued the circumstances ego State University. “I think terrorism. Several companies company’s second-largest mar- were different. everyone saw this issue coming have recently heeded the ad- ket. Cook may have no choice but down the pike and Apple always ministration’s to mount a legal knew it was going to push back request for volchallenge, given when the moment came.” untary efforts his very public In doing so, Apple risks alienaimed at councommitment to ating consumers who put a tering terrorist The government isn’t asking Apple protecting cus- higher value on national security postings on soto help break the iPhone’s encryption tomer data. Two than privacy. A recent survey by cial media. directly, but to disable other security fellows at the the Pew Research Center found Civil liberties measures that prevent attempts to Brookings Insti- 82 per cent of U.S. adults deemed groups warned guess the phone’s passcode. tution — one of government surveillance of susthe fallout from them a former pected terrorists to be acceptthe San Berlawyer for the able. Apple’s stance drew fire nardino dispute National Se- Wednesday from GOP presidencould extend becurity Agency tial candidate Donald Trump yond Apple. “This case is going to affect — criticized that stance Thurs- and commentators on Fox News. “This is asking a company to everyone’s privacy and secu- day, writing that Apple’s “selfOnly 40 per cent of the Pew rebuild a digital defect, a design rity around the world,” said presentation as crusading on spondents said it’s acceptable for flaw, into their products,” said Lee Tien, a staff attorney for behalf of the privacy of its cus- the government to monitor U.S. Nuala O’Connor of the Center the Electronic Frontier Foun- tomers is largely self-congratu- citizens, however. The survey for Democracy and Technology, dation, a digital rights group in latory nonsense.” also found nearly three-fourths a Washington-based group that San Francisco. Cook has made privacy proof U.S. adults consider it “very has criticized government surThe case turns on an 18th- tection a part of Apple’s market- important” to be in control over veillance. In a statement, the century law that the governing strategy, drawing a contrast who can retrieve personal inforcentre warned that other comment has invoked to require with companies like Google and mation about them. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Technology

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

China requires approval for foreign firms to publish online BY GERRY SHIH The Associated Press BEIJING — A new Chinese regulation announced this week will require foreign companies and foreign-Chinese joint ventures to acquire approval before publishing content online, in the government’s latest move to tighten control of the digital realm. In an apparent countervailing trend born of the need to shore up slowing growth and flagging foreign investment, the government on Friday also announced plans to make it easier for foreigners to live and work in the country under new rules for obtaining permanent residency. Under the new regulations going into effect March 10, firms with at least part-foreign ownership will be banned from publishing on the mainland text, pictures, maps, games, animation and sound “of informational or thoughtful nature” without approval from the State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television. Chinese law has long required Internet service providers to hold an operating license that can only be obtained in part-

The country’s top Internet regulator has repeatedly warned that an untamed cyberspace would pose a risk to domestic security and the government should decide who to allow into “its house.” Baidu is the number 1 search engine in China. GIL C / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

nership with a Chinese firm, and the new regulations do not represent a wholesale revision of existing rules or practices, experts say. But the new policies underscore the increasingly restrictive political climate in China, where the leadership has sought to rein in public speech and thought, with an emphatic focus on the country’s fastgrowing Internet industry. The explosive rise of new media, ranging from social media messaging services to streaming TV shows, for instance, has prompted Chinese censors to

introduce a slate of new regulations so it could police digital and social media as closely as it did traditional publications. The country’s top Internet regulator has repeatedly warned that an untamed cyberspace would pose a risk to domestic security and the government should decide who to allow into “its house.” “China is still focused more on maintaining the social stability and national security interests when it comes to making policies on the Internet industry, while caring less about the commercial and individual interests,” said Zhang Zhian, the

director of the school of communication and design at Sun Yat-sen University. As part of the new regulations, online publishers must store their content on servers in the mainland, a stipulation that gives the government expanded legal powers regarding data access and control. Beijing has made similar data storage requirements for technology firms as part of new cybersecurity and national security laws passed in the past year. Paul Gillis, a visiting professor at Peking University’s Guanghua School of Manage-

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ment who studies Chinese-foreign joint ventures, said China has introduced regulations in recent months that explicitly give authorities censorship powers under the law that they have long had in practice. “From a practical standpoint it’s not much different,” he said. “There was tough regulation of anything online before and they shut down anything they thought disrupts social order. But a lot of what might have been common practices before are being put into legislation so China can argue it’s operating under the rule of law.” Meanwhile, the new guidelines issued by China’s Cabinet aim to expand the categories of foreigners in China eligible to obtain the Chinese equivalent of a U.S. green card. Procedures will be simplified and restrictions relaxed on foreign students seeking jobs in the country. China’s economy posted its slowest growth in a quarter century last year, expanding 6.9 per cent. Officials expect growth this year of between 6.5 and 7 per cent, while once-robust interest among foreign investors is falling amid complaints over excessive government interference. ■

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Events

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Generative Journalism Training with Peter Pula - Axiom News Founder By Calgary's Generative Journalism News Co-op WHEN/WHERE: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 26, at United Way of Calgary - 105 12 Avenue Southeast #600, Calgary, AB.

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CANADA EVENTS

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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

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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 1 to 6 p.m.

Tagalog Class By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre NEWFOUNDLAND Toronto, Toronto

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NOVA SCOTIA Conversational English Class By Multicultural Helping House Society and Welcome BC WHEN/WHERE: 3 to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays up to Mar. 5, at Rm. 203 MHHS 4802 Fraser St., Vancouver, B.C.or sanzidah@helpinghouse.org MORE INFO: Call Sanzida 604-879-3277 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 778322-2839 or email: tfw.divorce@gmail.com English Now: No Cost Language Training for Jobs in Administration or Retail By ISS of BC MORE INFO: Contact 604-684-2325 or englishnow@issbc.org Skills Now: Project-based Training for Immigrants in Retail and Administration By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: Call or email at 604-684-2581 (ext 2193 Nanki) skillsnow@issbc.org MORE INFO: Receive a certificate or skills training in retail or administration; job search workshops; and strong employment opportunities. 10 Weeks of English Conversation By South Vancouver Neighbourhood House

WHEN/WHERE: Feb. 1 to Apr. 9, 18 locations in Metro Vancouver, MORE INFO: Call Amie to register – 604-324-6212 ext 142

Seniors ESL Conversation Circle By Vancouver Public Library WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 2:30 p.m., Thursdays up to Apr. 7, Champlain Hts. Br., 7110 Kerr St., Vancouver, B.C.

Mentoring Programme for Immigrant High School Students: Breakfast & Baon 101 By Mentorship & Leadership for Youth Programme WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 12 nn at Corpus Christi College (near UBC) 5935 Iona Dr. Vancouver BC. Free pick up and drop off service. MORE INFO: Meet young professionals plus learn to cook. Call/text Kyle Andrews at (778)896-0661

UST Alumni Association of BC 2016 Meet and Greet By USTAABC WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Feb. 27, Old Navy Room, Metrotown Mall, Burnaby B.C. MORE INFO: Refreshments will be served

I Belong Support Group By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 5:30 to7:30 p.m., every Monday of the month, Mosaic Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Darae 604-254-9626 Free Counselling Support Group By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., every last Monday of the month at Mosaic Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Darae (604)254-9626 ESL Book Club By Vancouver Public Library WHEN/WHERE: 3 to 4:30 p.m., Mar. 19, Apr. 16 and May 28, Champlain Hts. Branch 7110 Kerr St., Vancouver, B.C. www.canadianinquirer.net

Music for the People By Vancouver Island Chamber Choir WHEN/WHERE: 7:30 p.m., Mar. 2, at Oak Bay United Church Hall, 1355 Mitchell St., Victoria, B.C. MORE INFO: Tickets available at the door. $15 – adults; $10 – students. Sharing Cultures Community Dinner: The Philippines By North Burnaby Neighborhood House WHEN/WHERE: 6 to 8 p.m., Mar. 11, at Stoney Creek Community School, 2740 Beaverbrook Cres., Burnaby B.C. MORE INFO: Tickets: Adult - $5; Children - $3; Under 3- free Migrante BC Fundraiser Gala for Migrant Workers By Migrante WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., Mar. 18, at Holiday Inn, West Broadway, 711 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Special guest speaker: Atty. Fay Faraday

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

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Food RECIPES FROM PRAIRIE GIRL BAKERY:

Red velvet and banana caramel cupcakes THE CANADIAN PRESS PRAIRIE GIRL Bakery owner Jean Blacklock is adamant her confections be baked from scratch using fresh eggs, good-quality chocolate and salted butter, not shortening. “Shortening is very much cheaper, but it has a really different texture and cheaper baked goods use it, but I think it’s a real trade-away. It gives you an odd mouth feel and not the same flavour as butter,” she says. “Either way it’s going to be the same calories, that’s what I always think.... I’d rather have something that tastes great.” In her new book, “The Prairie Girl Cupcake Cookbook,” she offers 50 recipes for cupcakes and icings, along with tips and tricks to get the best results. “On a real practical basis, one of the keys to success that I find in terms of baking is to try to bring your ingredients to room temperature especially something like butter,” says Blacklock. “I find even eggs, out of the fridge an hour just to help the whole batter come together and incorporate, is a little tip.” Blacklock’s recipes can be used to make three different cupcake sizes. You can make 36 minis, just enough for a sweet indulgence, 18 regular size cupcakes or 12 large Prairie Girl-size treats. The first two sizes require two pans if baking the entire batch at the same time, while the Prairie Girl-size cupcakes are made in crown muffin pans, available at specialty kitchen and restaurant supply stores or online. For icing, a piping bag and star tip are used at the bakery, but at home a table knife and offset spatula will work.

utes for regular size or 18 to 19 minutes for Prairie Girl-size cupcakes. When done, cupcakes will be rounded and the tops will spring back when lightly touched. If there is a raw circle in centre, the cupcakes likely need a minute or two of additional baking time. Let cupcakes cool in pan(s) for 10 minutes until they can easily be removed to a rack. Let cupcakes cool completely on rack before icing. Makes 36 minis, 18 regulars or 12 Prairie Girl-size cupcakes. BANANA CARAMEL CUPCAKES

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Here are some recipes from “The Prairie Girl Cupcake Cookbook” to try at home: RED VELVET CUPCAKES

This is one of the most popular cupcakes on offer at Prairie Girl Bakery. Gel-paste food colouring is different than the liquid variety in that it gives a beautiful, deep colour without thinning the batter. It blends really well too. You can find it at specialty food and kitchenware stores. • 500 ml (2 cups) cake flour • 50 ml (1/4 cup) Dutch-process cocoa • 5 ml (1 tsp) baking soda • 2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt • 250 ml (1 cup) vegetable oil • 50 ml (1/4 cup) salted butter, room temperature • 300 ml (1 1/4 cups) plus 30 ml (2 tbsp) white sugar • 2 eggs

• 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract • 2 ml (1/2 tsp) red soft gel-paste food colouring • 125 ml (1/2 cup) plus 30 ml (2 tbsp) 3.5 per cent buttermilk • 6 ml (1 1/4 tsp) white vinegar Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F). In a medium bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt and whisk together. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment and set on medium-high speed, cream oil, butter and sugar until smooth, about 8 minutes. Stop mixer twice during that time to scrape down sides of bowl. One at a time, add eggs and beat for an additional minute on medium speed. Turn mixer to low speed and carefully add vanilla and food colouring. Stop mixer after food colouring is mostly blended and scrape down bowl again, just to be sure colouring is distributed evenly. Remove bowl from mixer and, using a wooden spoon, alternately add in flour mixture and buttermilk. Begin and end with flour mixture. Once combined, add vinegar and whisk once more. Make sure vinegar is completely incorporated, but don’t overbeat batter. Place cupcake liners in cupcake pan(s). Using a large spoon, divide batter equally among liners. If making mini or regular cupcakes, fill each liner three-quarters full. If making Prairie Girl-size cupcakes, you can fill each liner to the top (the “crown” in the pan allows the cupcakes to rise and not overflow). Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 13 minutes for mini cupcakes, 15 to 17 min-

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To make Banana Caramel Cupcakes, prepare one batch of Banana Cupcakes and frost with one batch of Caramel Icing. Banana cupcakes • 500 ml (2 cups) all-purpose flour • 10 ml (2 tsp) baking powder • 5 ml (1 tsp) baking soda • 2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt • 6 ml (1 1/4 tsp) ground cinnamon • 2 ml (1/2 tsp) ground nutmeg • 175 ml (3/4 cup) white sugar • 125 ml (1/2 cup) salted butter, room temperature • 5 ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract • 2 eggs • 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) ripe mashed bananas (about 4 large) • 250 ml (1 cup) 3.5 per cent buttermilk Preheat oven to 180 C (350 F). In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices and whisk together. Set aside. Using a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment and set on medium-high speed, cream sugar, butter and vanilla until fluffy, about 8 minutes. Stop mixer twice during that time to scrape down sides of bowl. One at a time while mixer is on medium speed, add eggs. Beat for an additional minute or until fully blended. Stop mixer and add mashed bananas. Mix on low speed for 1 minute, scraping down sides of bowl once. The mixture will look curdled. Remove bowl from mixer and, using a wooden spoon, alternately add in flour mixture and buttermilk. Begin and end with flour mixture, and make sure not to overbeat batter. Place cupcake liners in cupcake pan(s). Using a large spoon, divide batter equally among the liners. If making ❱❱ PAGE 47 Red velvet

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

DON BOSCO The Don Bosco Philippines Alumni of Calgary, AB celebrated the feast day of St. John Bosco on Jan. 30, at the residence of Rene and Josephine Echavez.

CLOSER THAN EVER

BATANGAS CLUB OF BC The executive officers and directors of Batangas Club of British Columbia led by Buena Kilala Chua with Member of Parliament for Vancouver-Kingsway Don Davies, Deputy Consul General Anthony Mandap and wife, during the induction and gala night held Jan. 20, at St. Patrick’s gym in Vancouver, B.C. MP Davies said the event was probably the biggest indoor gathering of Filipinos he had attended (Photos by Buena Kilala Chua).

Closer than Ever, originally produced Off-Broadway by Janet Brenner, Michael Gill and Daryl Roth with lyrics by Richard Maltby Jr. and music by David Shire had a two-week run at the Gateway Theatre. The exhilarating musical featured Kevin Aichele, Danny Balkwill (on bass), Caitriona Murhy, Chris King (on piano) and FilCan pride Ma-Anne Dionisio. Ma-Anne is best known for her role as “Kim” in the Toronto production of Miss Saigon. Some of her other credits include, “Eponine” in Les Miserables; “Bertrande” in London’s West End production of Martin Guerre and “Maria” in West Side Story. An appreciative Deputy Consul General Anton Mandap presented a bouquet of flowers to Ma-Anne after her successful performance (Photos by Christian Cunanan).

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Seen and Scenes

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

GERPHIL IN WINNIPEG Asia’s Got Talent 2015 second runner-up Gerphil Flores recently brought her “Dreams” Canada Concert tour in Winnipeg. Tenor Nazer Degayo Salcedo directed the show, which was produced by Cee Belg of Tribu Productions. Canada’s Got Talent Finalist Paul Ong was guest performer (Photos by Henry Balanial of HB Photography)

ANAK TI ABRA Scenes from the 6th Annual Awards Night of the Most Beautiful Filipinos in Canada held at Elizabeth Bader Theatre in Toronto on Feb. 20. The event was organized by the International Professional Entertainment Network. Some of the recipients are Annabelle Migalbin, Teresa Toralba and Anak ti Abra Association (Photos by Amelia Insigne).

OPEN FORUM Pictures from the Open Forum with Michael Levitt, MP of York Central, held at Antibes Community Centre on Feb. 21 (Photos by Amelia Insigne).

For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net. www.canadianinquirer.net

Food

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2016

Pulled pork made with just 6 ingredients BY KATIE WORKMAN The Associated Press ONCE UPON a time (like, yesterday) I had a hefty hunk of pork, no time and no specific thing I wanted to make. But even with so little going for me, and so little inspiration (see, it happens to all of us), I did know one thing: A container of homemade shredded pork in the refrigerator means that there will be dinner later in the week and that my future frazzled self will look back on my current frazzled self and be grateful. So I seared the pork, tossed in some garlic and chicken broth, and tossed the whole thing into the slow cooker for a while. For very little hands on effort, I was richly rewarded. A delicious, tender, falling apart pork bathed in an equally delicious sauce. And it took just six ingredients — a number that includes the salt and pepper! If you want a bit more flavour, you can throw in some branches of fresh oregano or other herbs when you add the

chicken broth. A diced onion or can of diced tomatoes would be delightful, too. But hardly essential. Now, what to do with this pork? Pile it high on buns for a pulled pork sandwich (and if you need more flavour, a squirt of any kind of barbecue sauce — Texas-style, Memphis-style, North-Carolina style, your choice — will tie it all together). Or go Asian by mixing in a bit of hoisin sauce and serve in lettuce wraps with some fresh ginger, mint and shredded carrot. It also would be great added to a stir-fry. Or do the taco or enchilada thing, or add it to a lasagna or some manicotti. The options last as long as the pork does. 6-INGREDIENT SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK

Start to finish: 6 1/2 hours (30 minutes active) Servings: 10 • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 5- to 6-pound bone-in pork picnic shoulder, skin re-

A container of homemade shredded pork in the refrigerator means that there will be dinner later in the week.

moved • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper • 10 garlic cloves, skin on • 3 to 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock, plus more for drizzling In a large skillet over high, heat the oil. Season the pork with the salt and pepper, then add the pork to the skillet and sear on all sides until very well browned, with a nice outer crust, about 15 minutes in all.

After 10 minutes, add the garlic cloves, turning them every once in a while so that they brown on all sides as well. Transfer the pork, fatty side up, to a 7- to 8-quart slow cooker. Return the skillet to high heat. Add 1 cup of broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any stuck bits. When the skillet bottom looks clean, pour the liquid over the pork, then add another 2 cups of broth to the slow cooker.

Cook for 5 1/2 to 6 hours on high or 9 to 10 hours on low, or until the pork starts to fall apart when prodded with a fork. It should reach at least 170 F. Let the pork rest for 20 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the garlic cloves, then squeeze them out of the papers into the liquid. Transfer the pork to a large bowl or large cutting board, then use 2 forks to pull apart the meat intro shreds. Moisten the meat with the juices in the slow cooker (use as much or as little as you like). Mix well to moisten and flavour the meat with the juices. Nutrition information per serving: 260 calories; 90 calories from fat (35 per cent of total calories); 10 g fat (3 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 110 mg cholesterol; 420 mg sodium; 2 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 38 g protein. Katie Workman has written two cookbooks focused on easy, family-friendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mom 100 Cookbook.”

Red velvet... mini or regular cupcakes, fill each liner three-quarters full. If making Prairie Girl-size cupcakes, you can fill each liner to the top (the “crown” in the pan allows the cupcakes to rise and not overflow). Bake in preheated oven for 11 to 12 minutes for mini cupcakes, 15 to 16 minutes for the regular size or 18 to 19 minutes for Prairie Girl-size cupcakes. When done, cupcakes will be rounded and tops will spring back when lightly touched. If there is a raw circle in the centre, the cupcakes likely need a minute or two of additional baking time. Let cupcakes cool in pan(s) for 10 minutes until they can be easily removed to a rack. Let cupcakes cool completely on the rack before icing. Makes 36 minis, 18 regulars or 12 Prairie Girl-size cupcakes ❰❰ 44

Caramel icing Do not use a dulce de leche or caramel sauce that is “liquidy.” If the sauce is really thick, microwave it for a few minutes to

loosen it, without heating it. • 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) salted butter, room temperature • 6 oz brick-style cream cheese, room temperature (3/4 of a 250-g package) • 10 ml (2 tsp) natural caramel extract • 1.5 l (6 cups) icing sugar • 125 ml (1/2 cup) good-quality dulce de leche or thick caramel sauce In bowl of a stand mixer, place butter, cream cheese, caramel extract and 750 ml (3 cups) of the icing sugar. Using the whisk attachment, beat on low speed until ingredients are combined, about 3 minutes. Stop mixer twice to scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber scraper. With mixer on medium speed, add remaining icing sugar 250 ml (1 cup) at a time. Stop mixer twice to scrape down sides of bowl, folding from bottom until everything is blended. This should take about 5 minutes in total. With mixer off, add dulce de leche. Return mixer to medium-high speed and beat icing for an additional 4 minutes,

stopping once to scrape down sides of bowl to ensure everything is blended. Strawberry icing Blacklock says she did plenty of testing of this recipe before hitting on the idea of using freeze-dried strawberries, which provide a lovely hue and smooth texture. Dried fruits have too much moisture for icing and she says they may break yourfood processor if you try to pulverize them. She says this icing is one of the more popular flavours among bakery customers. • 1 batch of your favourite cupcakes • 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) salted butter, room temperature • 175 g (6 oz) brick-style cream cheese, room temperature (3/4 of a 250-g package) • 75 ml (1/3 cup) powdered freeze-dried strawberries • 30 ml (2 tbsp) whipping cream (35 per cent fat) • 10 ml (2 tsp) vanilla extract • 1.5 l (6 cups) icing sugar In bowl of a stand mixer, place butter, cream cheese, www.canadianinquirer.net

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strawberries, cream, vanilla and 750 ml (3 cups) of the icing sugar. Using whisk attachment, beat on low speed until all ingredients are combined, about 3 minutes. Stop mixer twice to scrape down sides of bowl with a rubber scraper. With mixer on medium speed, add remaining icing sugar 250 ml (1 cup) at a time. Stop mixer twice to scrape down sides of bowl, folding from bottom until everything is blended. This should take about 5

minutes in total. Increase speed to mediumhigh and beat icing for an additional 4 minutes. Frost or pipe icing onto cupcakes. Makes about 1.5 l (6 cups), enough to generously frost 36 minis cupcakes, 18 regulars or 12 Prairie Girl-size cupcakes. Source: “The Prairie Girl Cupcake Cookbook by Jean Blacklock (Appetite by Random House, 2016).

FEBRUARY 26, 2016

FRIDAY

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and more than 120 countries including the US3 ■ Secure: RBC Online Banking Security Guarantee stands behind every transfer4

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*Savings calculation based on reimbursement (a refund) of three $13.50CDN transaction fees for a total of $40.50 CDN. 1 To be eligible for this offer, you must be an RBC Royal Bank client who has not sent an RBC International Money Transfer (“IMT”) during the past 12 months. If you complete one IMT between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2016 (the “Promotional Period”), we will refund the service fee ($13.50 CDN) and offer you one refunded IMT per month in the two consecutive months that follow. Example: If you send an IMT in February, you may send 2 additional refunded IMTs, one in March and the other in April. Totals are not cumulative, and if not used, may not be carried over to the next month. All refunds will be credited to the bank account in which the IMT originated 8 weeks after the IMT was completed. Only one offer (one IMT per month for 3 consecutive months) per client. Excess debit transaction fee may also apply depending on the account. Additional service fees by any intermediary and receiving bank may apply. Currency conversion fees may also apply. The financial institution on the receiving end of the transaction may have other requirements. The IMT service is not available to recipients in Canada and in restricted countries. Maximum of $2,500 Canadian or Canadian equivalent dollars per transaction per calendar day. 2 Must be enrolled in RBC Online Banking® and have either a Canadian RBC Royal Bank® chequing or savings account. Some restrictions may apply. Cannot remit funds from a US dollar account, or the RBC High Interest eSavings® account. 3 Not available to recipients in Canada and restricted countries. 4 If an unauthorized transaction is conducted through your RBC Online Banking service, you will be reimbursed 100% for any resulting losses to those accounts. For a definition of an unauthorized transaction and for full details regarding the protections and limitations of the RBC Online Banking Security Guarantee, please see your Electronic Access Agreement. This guarantee is given by Royal Bank of Canada in connection with its Online Banking service. ®/™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. www.canadianinquirer.net