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VOL. 10 NO. 85
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OCTOBER 11, 2013
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US shutdown forces Obama to cancel PH trip
‘Pork barrel king’ tag irks P-Noy
Filipino couple gets to keep Metis child
Global Filipino: Hanz Florentino
Prosper!
PH, Peru share Apec limelight BYCHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA Philippine Daily Inquirer
j u a n tv.ca
‘Abad must take rap for DAP releases’ BY TJ BURGONIO Philippine Daily Inquirer IN AN unprecedented move, President Aquino invoked the Administrative Code to create the “patently illegal” Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP), and for that alone, Malacañang
Bigger, angrier antipork rally seen ❱❱ PAGE 12
❱❱ PAGE 12 PH, Peru
should hale itself to court, former Sen. Joker Arroyo said. But given the President’s immunity from suit, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad Jr. should take the rap for his boss, Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago said. Arroyo said the late President Corazon PHOTO BY RAFFY LERMA
❱❱ PAGE 8 ‘Abad must’
BALI, INDONESIA—Two leaders, two emerging economies, the same goal of achieving inclusive growth. President Aquino shared the spotlight with Peruvian President Ollanta Humala during the 21st Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) CEO Summit, “Why Inclusive Growth Matters,” at Bali International Convention Center here. The two leaders spoke about how their governments were seeking to translate economic growth into real development, with Mr. Aquino inviting top Asia-Pacific business leaders to “see for yourself that, indeed, ‘it’s more fun in the Philippines.’” The President used the country’s tourism slogan to drive home the idea that “on top of fostering stability, social
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 2
j u an t v.ca
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Philippine News
3 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Suspected double cross led to Juan TV signs distribution Luy detention Agreement with the Philippines’ TV5 International
BY NIÑA CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer JANET LIM-NAPOLES ordered the detention of her chief aide, Benhur Luy, after she learned that he was making deals with her contacts behind her back and feared losing control of her pork barrel racket, a prosecution witness testified. Merlina Suñas, the third witness to be called at the hearing on Napoles’ petition for bail in connection with serious illegal detention charges, said that Napoles was fuming when she learned about Luy’s activities that she felt had caused her to lose projects under the congressional Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). Suñas quoted Napoles as saying in Filipino: “That’s why the PDAF reaching me is smaller, Benhur has hidden transactions with the senators’ chiefs of staff,” Suñas said during cross-examination by Napoles’ lawyer, Lorna Kapunan, before Judge Elmo Alameda of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 150. Suñas said she, Napoles, Luy and other employees of the JLN Corp. met on Dec. 19 last year at 10:30 a.m. at Discovery Center in Ortigas when Napoles grabbed Luy’s iPhone and scrolled down his messages. “Madam Jenny saw text messages of Ma’am Maya and got really mad,” Suñas said. She referred to Maya Santos, a purported project coordinator working for Senators Loren Legarda and Bongbong Marcos. Suñas said that Napoles, in a telephone conversation the witness said she overheard, cursed Santos for being a traitor. She quoted Napoles as telling Santos, “You whom I trusted, my friend, would be the one betraying me?” She described Maya Santos as “the project coordinator managing the funds of the senators to be given to Madam Jenny.” (Legarda’s office said the senator had no staff member named Maya Santos.) Suñas said Napoles was so angry she was cursing both Santos and Luy. The witness, an employee of JLN Corp. for 12 years, said Napoles afterward talked over the
Benhur Luy (left) conferring with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. PHOTO FROM PHILNEWS.PH
phone with a certain Attorney Asoy, previously identified as Patricio Asoy, the then assistant vice president of Air Materiel Wing Savings and Loan Association INC. (AMWSLAI). “I just overheard (Napoles) ask Attorney Asoy, ‘Did Benhur take a loan from you?’ After that, the speaker in the phone was turned off.”
the steel cabinet of Luy. They took his bag containing two car keys and a wallet containing P40,000, she added. Suñas gave themoney to Napoles and the car keys to her nephew John Lim and brother Reynald Lim. The brother is a coaccused in the illegal detention case and is at large. No personal knowledge
Loans for advance rebates
Suñas told the court that Luy took out loans from AMWSLAI for the “advance rebates” of the senators and congressmen. She also said Napoles had learned through another JLN employee, Baby Sula, that Benhur had more or less P800,000 in his savings account in Metrobank. Napoles ordered Sula to transfer the money to JLN’s account. At the height of Napoles’ anger, she told the JLN employees during the Dec. 19 meeting, “Ikulong na ‘yan.” (Jail him), two to three times, referring to Luy. Luy was then taken to one of the five rooms of the 2501 unit, an adjacent unit to the office of JLN Corp. at Discovery Center. Suñas said she could see Napoles’ personal guard watching Luy. On the same day that Benhur was taken to a separate room, Suñas said the employees were ordered by Napoles to go over
Kapunan manifested to Judge Alameda that Suñas had no personal knowledge about Luy’s supposed detention from Dec. 20 to March 25 and had only learned about it from Luy’s account. According to Suñas, she got a call from Luy after his rescue by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation on March 25. “It was Good Friday or Maundy Thursday then, he called me. I was surprised. ‘ Tita, this is Ben, Nakalabas na ako (I’m free).’” “You said in your affidavit executed on April 2 that you never saw or talked to Benhur since Dec. 19? But you were telling us that you have spoken to him after the NBI raid? Were you lying in the affidavit, are you lying here, were you lying all the time?” Kapunan said. Suñas said seeing and talking to someone personally is different from just speaking on the phone. The hearing on the bail petition is set to continue. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
JUAN TV Inc. recently announced its partnership with Pilipinas Global Network Limited (PGNL)/TV5 International for the content distribution of its channels , Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International all over Canada. “Our entertainment business model is all about providing a wide selection of movie and television programs from the Philippines. The addition of Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International to our roster of channels definitely completes the variety of entertainment options that Juan TV offers “, says Juan TV Network President, Peter Cheung. PGNL President and CEO, Claro Carmelo “Ito” Ramirez has a good outlook on the partnership. “PGNL is in the forefront of new technologies allowing us to be available in all platforms: satellite, cable, IPTV, and OTT in many different countries around the world”. Juan TV Inc. is a Canadianbased Radio, Television, and Talent Management Company, focusing on Filipino demographics in Canada. Juan TV is the first to offer the largest selection of televsion and movies from the Philippines via its own IPTV global network covering 4 countries. Juan TV Inc. will be launching its own television channel called Channel Juan. The channel is a mixture of original productions to include, but not limited to, local news, commentaries/talk shows, as well as news and television programs from the country. Juan TV Inc. will also be offering “linear” programming from some of the Philippines’ entertainment giants and major players including Viva Communications, Solar TV, and others.
Juan TV, via its radio division (Juan Radio 96.1FM), launched Vancouver’s first and only Filipino radio program that airs six days a week for the Vancouver Filipino community bringing breaking news, talk shows, and interplay of Original Pilipino Music or OPM. Pilipinas Global Network Limited (PGNL) is a joint venture between Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), the largest and leading telecommunications company in the Philippines; and ABC Development Corporation (ABC5). PGNL is the exclusive distributor and licensee of the programs, shows, films, and channels of TV5 Kapatid TV5 is a 24-hour, general entertainment, Tagalog channel. Its programming includes drama, fantasy, comedy, variety, game, gag shows, reality, news and current affairs. Kapatid TV5 can capture the pulse of the Filipino people, and is wellknown for its innovative, and game-changing programming. Aksyon TV International is a 24-hour News ans Sports channel. It keeps Filipinos updated on the latest national and international news and current events, as well as the best of the local sports scene. It is also the home and the exclusive distributor of the Philippine Basketball Association or the PBA. Kapatid TV5 and Aksyon TV International are currently being viewed by Filipinos all over the world through DISH Network, DishWorld and MyGlobeTV in the United States, OSN in the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, DU Mobile and ZAIN in Dubai and Kuwait respectively, MCV in Guam and Pacific Islands, FetchTV in Australia, and Hitron in Papua New Guinea. ■
Alberto Espedido, Juan TV CEO Alan Yong, PGNL President and CEO, Claro Carmelo “Ito” Ramirez, Reena Garingan and Divine Yap.
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 4
US shutdown forces Obama to cancel PH trip BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer US PRESIDENT Barack Obama has scrapped a visit to Manila due to a US government shutdown, but he is still attending two regional summits in Asia. US Secretary of State John Kerry will visit Manila in Obama’s stead, Agence FrancePresse reported. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) last night said Obama “conveyed his regrets” to President Aquino that the long-planned visit would not push through because of the shutdown. “President Aquino understands the decision of President Obama. Philippine-US relations remain strong and forward looking,” said DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez. The US Embassy said Obama called President Aquino to inform him that “due to the government shutdown, he will not be able to go forward with his planned travel to the Philippines.” “The President reaf-
firmed our strong alliance with the Philippines, and committed to travel to the Philippines later in his term,” the embassy said in a statement. The embassy confirmed that Kerry will “travel to Manila” to take Obama’s place. In Malacañang, Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang said, “We fully understand the reason for President Obama’s cancellation and look forward to welcoming him to the Philippines at a more opportune time.” Obama has also canceled a visit to Malaysia due to the shutdown. No budget
The shutdown took effect after the US Congress, unable to break a deadlock on a health care law pushed by Obama, missed its deadline to fund the government. Obama is scheduled to leave Washington on Saturday night for what was originally a four nation tour of Asia. Talks with P-Noy
The White House said Obama
would still travel to Indonesia to attend the summit of the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) forum on Oct. 7-8 and to Brunei to attend an East Asian leaders’ meeting on Oct. 9-10. Obama was originally scheduled to make a first visit to the Philippines on Oct. 11-12 and meet with President Aquino for wide-ranging talks. Obama’s predecessor, President George W. Bush, visited the Philippines in 2003. Filipino and US officials are in the midst of negotiations for a framework agreement that will increase the rotations of US troops visiting the Philippines and allow the US warships expanded access to military bases here. The United States is the Philippines’ closest defense partner and one of the biggest providers of aid to the country. No Malaysia visit
Malaysian state news agency Bernama announced the cancellation of Obama’s visit to Kuala Lumpur.
The DFA said Obama “conveyed his regrets” to President Aquino that the longplanned visit would not push through because of the shutdown. PHOTO FROM WHITEHOUSE.GOV
Bernama quoted Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak as saying that Obama postponed his visit to Malaysia due to the US government shutdown. Kerry will also take Obama’s place in Malaysia, the White
House said. Obama twice canceled trips to Asia in 2010, once to stay in Washington for votes on his health care law, and once because of an oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. ■
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Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 6
Gov’t probers eye Mike Arroyo in scam BY NANCY C. CARVAJAL AND GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer FORMER PRESIDENTIAL spouse Mike Arroyo, who has so far evaded plunder charges, could be the recipient of hundreds of millions of pesos from the Malampaya Fund scam of Janet Lim-Napoles, officials indicated to the INQUIRER. Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and the National Bureau of Investigation Special Task Force yesterday filed plunder cases against 24 people including former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the alleged misuse of P900 million in revenues from the operation of gas fields off Palawan province. “Here we are again in another act of faith and courage. Let us all keep the faith,” De Lima said after a Mass at the NBI before the filing of the newest plunder charges involving abuse of state funds. “This leniency of control displayed by the President in the use of and access to an essen-
tially presidential discretionary fund made possible the plunder of such fund either intentionally or through gross inexcusable negligence,” she said, referring to Arroyo. One of those charged yesterday was Ruby Chan Tuason, whose husband is a cousin of Mike Arroyo. Tuason allegedly received P242 million in kickbacks from Napoles for a still “unidentified principal.” “The former case is made all more credible in light of the fact that the recipient of the major share in kickbacks amounting to almost P243 million coursed through Ruby Tuason remains unknown,” the NBI said. Tuason in earlier case
Tuason was also a respondent in the earlier plunder case in the P10-billion scam involving the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) engineered by Napoles. She was the alleged conduit of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. The two senators, along with Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., were among those charged with plunder.
“We are almost done with our investigation against the (Tuason) principal and would be charged with plunder later on,” De Lima told the INQUIRER. When asked about the identity of Tuason’s principal, De Lima hinted that the person is a relative of Tuason. “The keyword is Tuason,” De Lima said. Another INQUIRER source who is also privy to the investigation said “themoney was for FG (first gentleman) as payment for 2007 election expenses,” the source said. Based on the documents submitted by the NBI to the Ombudsman, Tuason received money from Napoles’ JLN Corp. eight times through withdrawals from the accounts of the businesswoman’s NGOs. Team Unity logistics officer
Tuason played a key role in the financial logistics of the Arroyo administration’s Team Unity senatorial slate in the 2007 elections. A member of the team, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal, said that Tuason was
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visible during high-level meetings of the administration coalition as she was known as the wife of the late former Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chair Butch Tuason, Arroyo’s first cousin. “She was assigned to handle the group’s ad placements,” said the source. Only two of Team Unity’s 12 candidates won— former Senators Edgardo Angara and Joker Arroyo— while a third, Juan Miguel Zubiri, resigned after serving the first half of the sixyear term of Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III who was declared the rightful winner of the 12th and final seat. In their separate affidavits, the pork barrel scam whistleblowers tagged Tuason as a close friend of Napoles and a regular visitor in her mansions. Benhur Luy, the principal whistle-blower in the P10-billion PDAF scam, said Tuason received the “rebates” from Napoles on behalf of Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Juan Ponce Enrile.
Close Napoles friend
In her affidavit, another whistle-blower, Marina Sula, said: “I often see her (Tuason) in our office at JLN Corp. at the Discovery Center. She also attends the events of Madam Janet Napoles. There were a few times I saw her receiving cash from Madam Janet Napoles. One time, I was asked by Madam Janet to bring money to her house where she herself received the money.” According to Nova Kay Macalintal, another whistle-blower, Tuason was likewise a regular visitor at Napoles’ home at 18-B North Pacific Plaza condominium in Fort Bonifacio, Global City. “I know Ruby Tusaon because she always goes there. At one time, I saw Ate Jenny handing her money before leaving. Some times, I escort her to the lobby of the condominium,” said Macalintal. Luy’s mother, Gertrudes, said she knew that Tuason was a close friend of Napoles. “I don’t know if she was an official orwhat her job was,” she said. ■
Philippine News
7 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Malampaya plunder: 20 face charges Former DAR and DBM execs named in NBI complaint BY NANCY C. CARVAJAL Philippine Daily Inquirer FORMER AGRARIAN Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, Janet LimNapoles and heads of bogus nongovernment organizations are among some 20 people recommended to be charged today with either plunder or malversation in the Office of the Ombudsman for their involvement in the P900-million Malampaya Fund scam, lawyer Levito Baligod said. Cecilio Zamora, spokesperson of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), said the bureau would file the plunder and malversation charges, and submit a “truckload of evidence” to the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City. Zamora said among those to be recommended for prosecution were former and current officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Besides Pangandaman, former Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Rafael Nieto and DAR finance officer Teresita Panlilio were among those to be charged. Baligod declined to name the two DBM officials, saying it was up to the Department of Justice to name them. But sources said former Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya and Budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos would also be charged. The P900-million fund was supposed to benefit victims of the backto-back Tropical Storms “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” that hit Luzon in 2009, but was remitted instead to Napoles, alleged mastermind of the P10-billion pork barrel scam, through 12 NGOs that she had set up. Last month, the NBI filed plunder and malversation charges against Napoles, three senators and 34 others in connection with the pork barrel scam. The 12 NGO presidents to be charged in the Malampaya Fund scam are John Lim of Ginintuang Alay sa Magsasaka Foundation, John Raymond de Asis of Kaupdanan para sa Mangunguma Foundation, Genevieve Uy of Kasaganahan para sa Magsasaka Foundation, Simplicio Gumafelix of Karangyaan Para sa Magbubukid Foundation, Jesus Castillo of Dalangpan Sang Amon Utod Foundation, Nova Kay Dulay of Tanglaw Para sa Magsasaka Foundation. Gertrudes Kilapkilap of Bukirin Tanglaw Foundation, Lilian Espanol of Saganang Buhay sa Atin Foundation, Lorna Ramires of Masaganang Buhay Foundation, Vanessa Eman of Abundant Harvest for People’s Foundation, Eulogio Rodriguez of Gintong Pangkabuhayan and Ronald Francisco Lim of Micro Agri Business Citizens Initiative.
MAIN CHARACTERS. Former secretaries and ex- and current undersecretaries of the agrarian reform, budget and finance departments, together with
Janet Lim-Napoles, are among those who will be charged Thursday with either plunder or malversation before the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the P900-million Malampaya Fund scam. PHOTO FROM INQUIRER.NET
Each of the NGOs received amounts ranging from P55 million to P82.5 million, according to the liquidation report. No mayor to be charged
Baligod, a lawyer of the whistle-blowers, said that no mayor would be charged in connection with the the Malampaya Fund scam. “The beneficiaries and signatures of the [90] mayors were all forged. There was no delivery of goods,” he said. Baligod said he would act as a private complainant in the Malampaya Fund scam and that the NBI complaint would be signed by its officer in charge, Assistant Deputy Director Medardo de Lemos. Merlina Suñas, a former Napoles employee and whistleblower in the pork scam, earlier said Napoles had assigned her as project coordinator with the DAR for the Malampaya Fund operation.
employee, said there were no deliveries for the DAR livelihood projects because the signatures of town mayors and the names of recipients on the list were forged. Advance info
Luy said Napoles had been tipped off of the plan of the Arroyo administration to release money from the multi billion peso Malampaya Fund, royalties from the gas project off the west coast of Palawan province. He said Napoles was given the information three months before Malacañang issued the directive releasing money from the Malampaya Fund. Luy said Napoles called for a meeting of her JLN Corp. staff in their office at the Discovery Suites in Pasig City in July
Signatures forged
In her affidavit, Suñas said the signatures of Nieto and the heads of the NGOs in the tripartite memorandum of agreement for the distribution of the P900 million were genuine, but those of the mayors were forged. She said the local government units (LGUs) were made the supposed beneficiaries of the fund without their knowledge. The Napoles NGOs were supposed to deliver agricultural kits to the LGUs. Suñas and Benhur Luy, another whistle-blower and a former Napoles www.canadianinquirer.net
2009 after she found the Malampaya Fund as a new source of their “racket.” It was on Oct. 13, 2009, when then Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita gave the go-signal to agencies to use the Malampaya Fund “in such amounts as may be necessary for relief operations, rehabilitation, reconstruction and other works and services to areas affected by natural calamities.” Nine days later, Nieto formally requested a P900-million budget “to provide directly to our farmer-beneficiaries the necessary inputs to help them recover from their losses” in a letter to Andaya. The Arroyo administration spent a total of P14 billion from the Malampaya Fund supposedly for areas devastated by Ondoy and Pepeng. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 8
‘Abad must’... C. Aquino and former Presidents Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo never invoked the Administrative Code, passed in 1987, to realign funds in the national budget. But the second Aquino administration is now invoking the code to justify the DAP and fund releases to pet projects of senators and representatives after the conviction of Chief Justice Renato Corona in May 2012 “without regard for guidelines,” said Arroyo, who was executive secretary in the first Aquino administration. “Twenty-four years after it was enacted, it’s now being used for a patently illegal program. Why is this administration so aggressive to use it without regard for guidelines, or standards? The four Presidents never used it,” the former senator said in an interview over dzBB. Arroyo insisted that the DAP was illegal because its creation was never authorized by Congress or by law. “There should be a law. No money shall be paid out of Treasury without congressional authority. Otherwise, we’re a dictatorship,” he said. “This is worse than the PDAF (Priority Development Assistance Fund) because there is no law.” Popularity, he added, doesn’t give anyone license to commit a crime. Malacañang said the releases were legal, citing provisions of the Constitution and the Administrative Code that authorized the President to realign savings. Constitutional law expert Fr. Joaquin Bernas and former Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Malacañang was not authorized under the law to transfer items in the General Appropriations Act from one department to another. Before filing charges against the next set of key players in the ❰❰ 1
P10-billion pork barrel scam allegedly orchestrated by Janet Lim-Napoles, Malacañang officials should think about filing charges against themselves, Arroyo said. “The problem with Malacañang is that it has no feelings. It doesn’t care whoever gets run over. That’s not good because each one of us has a reputation to protect. Now, they’ve been filing cases, but these have never been heard in court. They should file cases against themselves,” he said. Bid to ‘deodorize’ DAP
The former senator earlier cried foul over an attempt by the administration to “deodorize” the DAP by including him among the recipients. But in reality, he said he requested funds for projects from regular items in the General Appropriations Act, not from the DAP. Following Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s disclosure of the release of a P50-million “incentive” to senators, Abad confirmed that 20 senators received a total of P1.107 billion in additional pork after Corona’s trial. In May 2012, the senators voted 20-3 to convict Corona of dishonesty in declaring his assets, liabilities and net worth. Senators Santiago, Arroyo and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. voted against his conviction. After filing a flurry of charges against Napoles, senators, former President Arroyo and her Cabinet officials for the pork barrel scam and misuse of the Malampaya Fund, the Aquino administration has found itself fending off accusations that it is guilty too of political patronage by dangling DAP funds to lawmakers. Santiago, for her part, said the executive department’s claim that it was the lawmakers who requested DAP funds did not exclude it from charges. And since the President is
Even if the President is the brains behind the DAP ‘scam,’ Senator Miriam Santiago, a former trial court judge said, “it is the secretary who has to assume criminal liability because you cannot sue the President criminally until his term is over.” PHOTO FROM INQUIRER.NET
immune from suit, she said Abad should instead be charged with the illegal DAP and PDAF releases, which she said were unconstitutional and constituted bribery. “Absolutely, you could see the criminal mind of the one who thought of this,” she said of Abad when asked over dzBB whether the DAP releases were a bribe. “He didn’t think that this would be uncovered in the future … . The problem is, it was uncovered.” Criminally liable
Theoretically, Abad would have to face criminal liability “because this involves public funds, and it qualifies as a crime of malversation” under the Penal Code, Santiago said. If it reaches the threshold amount of P50 million, then it qualifies as plunder, she added. Even if the President is the brains behind the DAP “scam,” the former trial court judge said, “it is the secretary who has to assume criminal liability because you cannot sue the President criminally until his term is over.” Sought for comment, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the government
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should first determine if the DAP was misused. “What is important in this case is not just the fund, but if there is misuse,” she said over government-run dzRB. She said lawmakers’ nominations for projects to be funded under the DAP had been suspended, but DAP fund releases to agencies continued. Santiago also cautioned the public against using antipork street protests to call for the President’s resignation. She said the two were different matters. “Filipinos are against that. We don’t like illegal or unconstitutional mode of regime change in our country. We prefer to wait for the elections. So the power of the voice of these demonstrations will be diluted once these are used in politics,” she said. Still best for reforms
In a statement, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda ruled out any attempt to oust Mr. Aquino. “Any impeachment is dead on arrival,” he said. “He remains to me the best chance our nation has for reforms to take root and bear fruits for this generation, or at
least the next,” said Salceda, an economic adviser to the Arroyo administration. “In fact, there remain more reasons to support him in this period of uncertainty,” he said. Salceda said Mr. Aquino’s achievements in past three years included “quality expenditures on the universal health program, P46 billion in conditional cash transfers, bottoms up budgeting that increased the Economic Development Fund (EDF) of local governments across the country, the K to 12 program that puts the country’s basic education on international standards and disaster risk reduction and management program.” It is also on Mr. Aquino’s watch that major social policies have been implemented, he said, such as the higher sin tax law and the reproductive health law. However, Salceda said, the “Filipino public, especially the long-suffering masses, the vocal urban middle class and the intelligentsia, must engage him and his team to invest his political capital in accelerating infrastructure, especially for tourism connectivity and countryside and rural development.” ■
Philippine News
9 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
SC asked to declare DAP illegal BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO AND NORMAN BORDADORA Philippine Daily Inquirer A TAXPAYER asked the Supreme Court to declare unconstitutional the Discretionary Acceleration Program (DAP), a lump-sum fund controlled by Malacañang from which P50 million to P100 million was given to each senator who voted for the conviction in 2012 of then Chief Justice Renato Corona at his impeachment trial. Also, Sen. Miriam DefensorSantiago said the administration’s release of millions of pesos to senators and representatives after Corona’s conviction made President Aquino impeachable for bribery and culpable violation of the Constitution. Many members of the House of Representatives, which impeached Corona, got P10 million from the DAP following his conviction for culpable valuation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust because he did not declare his dollar accounts. Santiago said her colleagues who received such entitlements for their respective projects could also be held liable for plunder if the DAP funds they received amounted to at least P50 million. Gregor Belgica, a former senatorial candidate, told the high court that the DAP was “another prime example that the Chief Executive is given wide latitude and unbridled discretion in how discretionary funds such as ... Malampaya Fund and Presidential Social Fund are disbursed.” Belgica is also one of the petitioners in the high court questioning the constitutionality of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and the Presidential Social Funds, Mr. Aquino’s so-called pork barrel. In a reply to the comments made by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to the antipork barrel petitions, Belgica said these discretionary funds given to the President were unconstitutional.
The Supreme Court has scheduled for oral arguments on the petitions against the pork barrel system. PHOTO FROM EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
“The DAP directly violates this constitutional prohibition. The transfer of the DAP funds from the executive branch to the legislative branch is simply a prohibited transfer of appropriations,” he said. Belgica noted that if Congress could not pass a law transferring appropriations, then this also applied to the President who could not issue an executive order transferring appropriations. “What Congress cannot do directly, the President of the Philippines cannot do indirectly,” he said. Belgica also contended that the transfer of funds from the executive branch to the legislative branch could not qualify as an augmentation of an item. Sanchez v. COA
He noted the case of Sanchez v. COA in which the high court had provided requirements before funds may be realigned. Belgica said the transfer of the DAP funds to Congress failed to meet the requirements set in the Sanchez v. COA case because, for one, there was no proof that the DAP funds were declared as savings. Likewise, there was no showing that the transfer of funds was to augment an item of expenditure. “Third and more importantly, the President can only augment an item of expenditure in his respective office from items of his respective office’s appropriations. He cannot augment an item of expenditure in another political branch of government,” he said.
Prohibited transfer
Belgica said the Constitution barred any law being passed authorizing the transfer of appropriation.
Oral arguments
The Supreme Court has scheduled for oral arguments on the petitions against the
pork barrel system. It has set three issues—PDAF, presidential pork barrel and the petition of the OSG for the partial lifting of the PDAF’s implementation—that it wants the petitioners and the OSG to present in their arguments. Last month, the high court indefinitely suspended the implementation of the remaining PDAF for the year. Impeachable in theory
On whether the release of the DAP was an impeachable offense on the part of Mr. Aquino, Santiago said it amounted to a culpable violation of the Constitution or bribery. “(I)n both cases he will become in theory impeachable.” Santiago, nonetheless, said the country couldn’t afford another impeachment process. “But [President Aquino] cannot be impeached in practice because he controls both the House and the Senate, and remember that people who want him impeached will have to get one-third vote in the House and two-thirds vote in the Senate,” she said. “So, that is not going to be practical. That will only be theoretical.” She said the President was immune from suit while in office. “After 2016 you can file a case against him for plunder,” she said on how Mr. Aquino could be held accountable. Santiago, a former Regional Trial Court judge, earlier said the DAP releases were unconstitutional because they weren’t provided for under the national budget passed by Congress. Bribery
She said the disbursements www.canadianinquirer.net
constituted bribery even if they happened after the senators convicted Corona—the outcome that the Aquino administration had been pining for. “Let us say the impeachment was in May or June and the allegation is that funds from the DAP were distributed in October, November and December. So, the argument is that the time interval between the crime of knowingly rendering unjust judgment was so long that you cannot connect the two,” Santiago said.
budget Congress passed the year before. She was one of three senators who voted to acquit Corona and who didn’t get any DAP funds for their respective projects. The others were Senators Joker Arroyo and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Arroyo was allotted P47 million under the DAP. He, however, said he didn’t know that the projects he identified supposedly under the 2013 General Appropriations Act were instead funded by the DAP funds.
Mere promise
Trivializing process
She said that was an erroneous reading of the Revised Penal Code. “The mere promise of a reward for the criminal action is already a ground for bribery under the code. So, it cannot be a reason. It is not acceptable to say that the money was given several months after the conviction of the impeachment trial.” Santiago said that if the Supreme Court ruled that the DAP releases were unconstitutional and the President were impeached, “all the cohorts, those that asked or received should also be sued for plunder.” “If all received P50 million, the others, P100 million, then all of them are guilty of plunder,” she said. Told that charging lawmakers with plunder could leave Congress without a quorum, Santiago said, “we’ll have a failed Congress.” Santiago, who voted to acquit Corona and who said she was not even informed of the DAP entitlements her colleagues received, earlier said that the DAP was unconstitutional because the fund releases weren’t provided for under the national
He called on those raising the possible impeachment of Mr. Aquino to stop trivializing the impeachment process. “When overused, it is drained of its cathartic value and it becomes terribly stale. I have always maintained that not every misstep of an impeachable officer is impeachable,” Arroyo said in a statement. Abolish DAP
To move on from the controversy, Arroyo said the DAP, which he described as an “unfortunate progeny of a misadventure at the [Department of Budget and Management]”, should simply be abolished. “It won’t need congressional action because it is not a creation of Congress. It has no father. All that has to be done is for the President to stop the releases under the DAP and proclaim the DAP window closed,” Arroyo said. “The country cannot afford to be rocked with endless conflicts and controversies. The Supreme Court is saddled with so many constitutional cases. So with the COA and the Ombudsman,” he added. ■
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 10
P-Noy eyes bounty for Misuari BY TJ BURGONIO Philippine Daily Inquirer
The Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve was recently formally unveiled as the latest Heritage Park of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in a ceremony at Makiling Botanic Gardens. PHOTO BY JOHN TEWELL / FLICKR.COM
Makiling now a heritage park BY DJ YAP Philippine Daily Inquirer LEGEND HAS it that a forest nymph named Maria protects the bounty of riches on the slopes of the “enchanted” Mount Makiling in Laguna province. There’s a wealth of stories about Mariang Makiling. She is a wisp of cloud that envelops the mountain, a guardian deity. She is a breathtakingly beautiful young woman, with skin the color of olives and hair as black as night. She is a spurned lover, a vengeful spirit that leads careless hikers astray. But beyond the myth and mystique of Mt. Makiling, a team of real men and women are working every day to preserve and protect the plants and animals on the mountain, and perhaps the legend that surrounds it as well. On Thursday, the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve was formally unveiled as the latest Heritage Park of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in a ceremony at Makiling Botanic Gardens. The designation is seen as a boost to efforts by the government, academic community, civil society and local communities to safeguard Makiling and its flora and fauna, according to Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) Director Theresa Mundita Lim. High biodiversity area
“What this title will do is
help us in the branding of Mt. Makiling as one of the high biodiversity areas not only in the Philippines but [also] in the Asean region,” Lim said. “It gives us more leverage to seek support not only at the national level but at the international level as well,” Lim said. Mt. Makiling is only the 33rd Asean Heritage Park and with its addition, the Philippines now has five. The others are the Mt. Apo Natural Park, Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park and Mt. Malindang Range Natural Park, all in Mindanao, and the Mounts Iglit-Baco National Park in Mindoro. The Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve has an elevation of 1,090 meters and covers an area of 4,244 hectares, straddling parts of Los Baños and Bay towns and Calamba City in Laguna, and Sto. Tomas town in Batangas province. The mountain’s odd slopes have sometimes been described as in the slope of a reclining woman. Stuff of legends
Besides its rich biodiversity, part of the reason Makiling was chosen as an Asean Heritage Park was its reputation as a legendary mountain, Lim said. “Mt. Makiling is the stuff of legends... It is an enigma. It’s already part of the folklore and culture not only of the people who live there but [also] of the entire Philippines,” she said. She said of Mariang Makiling: “She is an enchantress protect-
ing the mountain. In many ways, the stories about her help raise awareness among the people about the need to protect nature.” Only 10 forestry technicians– and foresters–are deployed to check possible unlawful activities on the mountain, including logging and pollution, said Nathaniel Bantayan, director of the Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems. “It’s not enough. We’re targeting the addition of 30 more in the next few years,” Bantayan said. The ideal ratio is one forester covering 100 hectares of forest. “Right now, we’re only at about 1:400,” Bantayan said. Meeting Maria
But while the work of forest rangers helps sustain and propagate the story of Mariang Makiling, conversely the myth also helps them perform their duty. One story goes that a group of foresters one day were transporting caged birds aboard a tractor as part of a failed project to put up a semi-captive sanctuary in the forest. “One early morning, they were confronted by a girl wearing a native skirt. She asked: ‘What are you doing here? Why are the birds in a cage?’” Stories like this abound in Makiling, he said. “In many ways, I think it helps because the more these stories are spread, the more people are prevented ❱❱ PAGE 13 Makiling now
www.canadianinquirer.net
PRESIDENT AQUINO said government lawyers were studying whether or not it was legal to raise a bounty for the arrest of Moro National Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari over the Zamboanga City siege even without a pending warrant of arrest. The President, talking to reporters after a forum in Pasay City, also said there was no need to declare a “humanitarian crisis” in Zamboanga City because international aid agencies were already working in the area to help the city of almost a million people get back on its feet. The President indicated that the government was inclined to put up a bounty for Misuari, who is suspected of having instigated the assault on the city to derail a peace agreement between the government and another rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The problem was, no case has been filed against him, and hence, no warrant has been issued. “Can we actually offer a reward? My legal counsels are studying the matter clearly sowe can be sure we are not violating any law,” he told reporters after speaking before the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals in Pasay City. Misuari and his chief commander, Habier Malik, eluded capture after the 20-day siege of Zamboanga City that began
on Sept. 9. The fighting left more than 100 rebels, soldiers, police and civilians dead and displaced up to 100,000 people. Over 10,000 houses were razed and up to 40 hectares of once populated villages were reduced to rubble. The President, who himself spent more than a week in the city to oversee the military operation, said there were still some stragglers but otherwise, Malik’s force had been crushed. He said the military had turned over to the police the job of clearing the stragglers, even as authorities continued to determine Malik’s status. “But the secretary of national defense yesterday emphasized that whether or not (Malik) is alive, whether he has escaped or not, the force that he managed to lead in Zamboanga City is a force that no longer exists,” he said. Mr. Aquino also said there was no reason to declare a “humanitarian crisis” in the city since foreign organizations have managed to bring aid into the city. The President was apparently responding to calls by city officials for the declaration of a humanitarian crisis to help them raise funds from international organizations to rehabilitate Zamboanga City. “There are already foreign organizations, and even domestic relief organizations, who have actually been helping from the start, and of course, the private citizenry. I don’t know if we should say ‘humanitarian crisis,’” he said. ■
President Aquino: “Can we actually offer a reward [for the caption of Misuari]? My legal counsels are studying the matter clearly so we can be sure we are not violating any law.” PHOTO FROM EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Philippine News
11 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
DBM bares solons’ letters Money also channeled to Napoles-run NGOS BY CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA Philippine Daily Inquirer DID TAXPAYER money made available to legislators through the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) also land in bogus foundations put up by alleged pork scam mastermind Janet LimNapoles? In 2011, the year the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the economic stimulus spending program, four senators sought the release of P100 million for each, which they later channeled to nongovernment organizations (NGOs) identified with Napoles, documents obtained by the INQUIRER showed. In separate letters, Senators Jinggoy Estrada, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vicente Sotto III initially asked that the amounts be released for projects to be implemented by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). Realingment sought
But they later told the DBM to “realign” the funds to the National Livelihood Development Corp. (NLDC), and then endorsed foundations linked to Napoles to “implement” the projects. There were noticeable similarities in form and content in the four senators’ letters, such as the description of the foundations as either “partners” or “conduits” in the implementation of the projects. The most strikingly similar were the senators’ letters to the DBM wherein they asked that the funds be moved “from” the DAR “to” the NLDC. They bore what appeared to be the signatures of the four senators. All the letters to the DBM were coursed through budget Undersecretary Mario Relampagos, who was included in a plunder complaint filed last Thursday by the Department of Justice for allegedly pocketing for himself part of the P900 million in Malampaya Fund intended for typhoon victims. Also charged were former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,
In 2011, the year the DBM announced the economic stimulus spending program, four senators sought the release of P100 million for each, which they later channeled to NGOs identified with Napoles. PHOTO FROM EDFORMKULITO.WORDPRESS.COM
three of her Cabinet members, and 20 others. “May I request that we include some nongovernment organizations as our partners in the implementation of the project subject to government accounting and auditing rules and regulations,” Revilla wrote NLDC president Gondelina Amata in a letter dated March 19, 2012. Revilla then identified three NGOs—the Ginintuang Alay sa Magsasaka Foundation Inc. (GASMFI), Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic Development Foundation Inc. (Cared), and the Kaupdanan Para sa Mangunguma Foundation Inc. (KPMI). The first two foundations were to receive P30 million each while KPMI was to get P40 million. Revilla’s P100-million request was covered by special allotment release order (Saro) No. E-11-01881 dated Dec. 6, 2011. Earlier on Nov. 22, 2011, Revilla had written then Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile seeking an “endorsement” to the DBM for the release of P100 million to the DAR. He said the amount was “chargeable against any available fund for the purpose.”
DAP announced
Just the month before, the DBM had announced that the Aquino administration would “implement P72.11 billion in additional projects,” using savings from 2010 and 2011, through a new mechanism called the DAP. The Aquino administration is now under fire for allegedly using funds released through the DAP to bribe the senators, who sat as judges in the impeachment trial of then Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad later admitted that 16 senators received between P30 million and P100 million after Corona was convicted in May last year. But like President Aquino, he insisted that the amounts were not intended as a bribe because they were released “after the fact.” Estrada, then the Senate President Pro Tempore, also wrote Enrile on Nov. 22, 2011, seeking a similar endorsement as that requested by Revilla. On Dec. 22, 2011, he wrote Abad to “rectify” the initial release of P100 million to the DAR so the funds could now be made available to the NLDC. The Estrada fund request was covered by Saro No. E-11-01882. Then on March 16, 2012, Estrada wrote Amata: “May I www.canadianinquirer.net
request for the release of the funds to the following nongovernment organizations as our partner in the implementation of the above undertakings, subject to government accounting and auditing rules and regulations?” NGOs identified
Estrada listed the Agri and Economic Program for Farmers Foundation Inc. (AEPFFI) and the Agricultura para sa Magbubukid Foundation Inc. (APMFI) which would each “implement” P35 million worth of projects. The remaining P30 million was to be implemented by the Social Development Program for Farmers Foundation Inc. (SDPFFI). Estrada designated his deputy chief of staff, Pauline Labayen, to “sign, follow up, supervise and act on my behalf to ensure the proper and timely implementation of the said projects.” On Nov. 23, 2011, Marcos and Sotto sent separate letters to Enrile and Sen. Franklin Drilon (then finance committee chair), respectively, requesting his endorsement for the release of P100 million worth of livelihood projects each. As had been done by Estrada and Revilla, Marcos and Sotto later asked the DBM to realign
their respective funds from the DAR to the NLDC. Marcos’ request was covered by Saro No. E-11-01883 with a notice of cash allocation (NCA) No. BMBE-11-0022390. In Marcos’ March 16, 2012, letter to Amata, he listed as “conduits” the following NGOs: AEPFF (P45 million), APMFI (P25 million), KPMI (P25 million), and GASMFI (P5 million). In Sotto’s case, he asked the DBM to move P70 million of his original P100-million fund release from the DAR to the NLDC. The amount he sought to transfer was covered by Saro No. E-11-01884 and NCA No. NCA-BMB-E-11-0022394. Sotto wrote Amata on March 21, 2012, saying that “our office has designated the following registered nongovernment organizations as your conduit in the implementation” of livelihood projects supposedly intended for “displaced families/ marginal farm family beneficiaries and other constituents (nationwide).” Included in the Sotto letter was the following breakdown: KPMI (P15 million), SDPFFI (P20 million), and Cared (P35 million). “Additionally, authority is hereby given to Maria Lourdes Estonilo, my Director V, to sign, follow up, supervise and act on my behalf to ensure its proper and timely implementation,” Sotto wrote. Vehement denials
Sotto last night vehemently denied requesting the DAR to transfer a huge amount of funds to the NLDC for distribution to NGOs identified with Napoles. “I don’t recall writing such kind ❱❱ PAGE 14 DBM bares
Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 12
Bigger, angrier antipork rally seen BY CHRISTIAN V. ESGUERRA AND NIÑA P. CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer DON’T TAKE us for fools. Groups calling for the abolition of the pork barrel are not convinced that it has been excised from next year’s P2.268trillion national budget. Thus, a bigger and “angrier”
crowd representing mostly professionals and ordinary taxpayers is expected to turn up at the Million People March on Ayala Avenue in Makati City on Friday. “They’re treating us like we’re all tanga (stupid). I’m referring to the senators, the congressmen and, most especially, the President,” Peachy Rallonza-Bretaña, one of the organizers who was also part of
the first Million People March at Manila’s Rizal Park in August, told the Inquirer by phone on Thursday. Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas will be closed to traffic to make way for the people’s protest march against pork, according to the Makati City government. The program is expected to start at 5:30 p.m. and end at 8 p.m. The #MillionPeopleMarch
@Ayala is part of the series of antipork barrel rallies set off by the misuse of the Priority Development Assistant Fund (PDAF) over the years. Outrage over the PDAF misuse led to the Million People March in Manila on Aug. 26 that attracted some 75,000 people. Similar protests were conducted that day across the country and overseas. Since then, more protests
against pork have been waged. In the P10-billion pork barrel scam allegedly masterminded by Janet Lim-Napoles, a lawmaker pocketed 50 percent of a ghost project funded by his PDAF, according to whistleblower Benhur Luy. Napoles got 40 percent and government “conduits,” the remaining 10 percent. ❱❱ PAGE 15 Bigger, angrier
PH, Peru... inclusiveness also empowers citizens to become bona fide economic actors [who] can productively contribute to nation building.” “It allows them to buy into the system, from which they can reap benefits,” Mr. Aquino, reading from a prepared speech that lasted nearly 10 minutes, told the audience. ❰❰ 1
Essence of growth
“The question of inclusiveness is one that strikes at the very essence of growth. Dowe define growth as the mere amassing of wealth, the mere swelling of the gross national product, regardless of who benefits? Or dowe abide by the principle that the strength of nations lies in the people—that the fair and just way forward, indeed the only way forward, is for the government to ensure that the system allows for equitability, where every citizen, regardless of status of birth or personal network, is allowed the opportunity to shape his destiny through his own ability and hardwork?” he said. “This is the crossroads that every economy—indeed, the entire global economy as a collective—has come to face, and I am confident that, collectively too, as humanity always has, we will rise to this challenge,” he added. Unlike Mr. Aquino, his Peruvian counterpart spoke extemporaneously, maintaining that “economic growth in itself is not going to generate development.” “Economic growth is money in your pocket, money in the bank,” Humala said in Spanish. “Economic development is quality of life.”
In sharing the Philippines’ drive toward inclusive and sustainable growth, Mr. Aquino paraded his administration’s conditional cash transfer program, a massive government financial effort to help the poor continued from the Arroyo administration, which adopted the idea from Brazil. He described the cash handouts as “our flagship program” that “now benefits close to 4 million families.” Its expansion to cover families with children in high school will cost P62.6 billion in next year’s national budget. Protection vs corruption
A major point in Mr. Aquino’s speech was the need to protect “the integrity of public finances and resources from which government intervention is sourced.” “The Philippines has had an unfortunate history of corruption and nontransparent governance that had stunted the influx of opportunities and stifled the government’s ability to execute antipoverty strategies,” Mr. Aquino said. “In the last three years, significant gains have been achieved in weeding out corrupt officials, instituting more open governance, and eliminating leakages in the system. In many ways, however, this task will continue to be a challenge in the years to come,” he said. The President said the anticorruption campaign—the centerpiece of his good government program—would require a “whole-of-society approach.” “We have already impressed our commitment on partners in the legislature, the judiciary, and the subnational or local governments. They now real-
APEC Leaders concluded their meeting in Bali on Tuesday by issuing a declaration under the theme: “Resilient AsiaPacific, engine of global growth.” PHOTO FROM APEC.ORG
ize that the people will settle for nothing less than honest, accountable, service-oriented governance—and that we in the executive branch are squarely on the side of the people,” he said. Two important laws passed in the last Congress also found a place in the President’s speech: the reproductive health law and the sin tax reform act. Along with the K to 12 basic education law and the overall reform in the public school system, the two legislative measures are “direct government interventions that we are pursuing as a proactive way of encouraging the equitable distribution of wealth—part of a concerted plan to ensure that all sectors take part in economic growth and partake in the prosperity it brings,” the President said. “Our task: To ensure that our people have the wherewithal to utilize, and indeed maximize, the opportunities opening up with the newfound revitalization of our economy,” he added. Budget for 2 summits
Mr. Aquino arrived together with an 84-member delegation. The government is spending P14.3 million for the entire group’s participation in the 21st Apec forum in Bali, and the East Asia Summit in Brunei, Execuwww.canadianinquirer.net
tive Secretary Paquito Ochoa said in Manila. Among those attending the two summits with the President are Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Management Staff head Julia Andrea Abad and presidential protocol chief Celia Anna Feria. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario and Communications Secretary Ramon Carandang arrived here ahead of the presidential group. In a statement issued by the Palace, Ochoa said the P14.3million budget would cover expenses for transportation, accommodation, food and equipment, among other things, for Mr. Aquino and the delegation. Ochoa said the President was expected to share the Philippines’ initiatives with other AsiaPacific leaders in both summits. “Some of these will be in the areas of environmental protection and climate change mitigation, food security, women and the economy, and infrastructure investment,” he said. Global CEOs
The President is expected to
press for the “need to strengthen cooperation in cross-border education and skills training to bolster development of human resources amid economic growth,” he added. At the CEO Summit, Mr. Aquino served as a panelist in the inclusive growth session with Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and Peru’s Humala. The summit gathers together global CEOs from the Asia-Pacific region. The President would also meet with members of the Apec Business Advisory Council (Abac) and leaders of the other 20 members of Apec for discussions of common concerns, such as the promotion of trade liberalization and facilitation, economic technical cooperation and people-to-people connectivity, Ochoa said, quoting foreign affairs officials. At the East Asia Summit in Brunei, Mr. Aquino will take part in at least nine meetings between the Asean and Japan, South Korea, China, the United States and the United Nations. He will attend the gala dinner to be hosted by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah onWednesday, aswell as the closing ceremony and the handover of the Asean chair of Brunei to Burma on Thursday. ■
Philippine News
13 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Makiling now... from doing illegal things,” Bantayan said. Although there are “pockets” of Makiling where illegal logging and poaching are happening, these are by and large isolated, he said. The geography of the mountain plays a part. “We can’t say there is large-scale denudation because you would be so exposed. You would have to go down to Sto. Tomas or Calamba so it’d be difficult to hide questionable activities,” Bantayan said. ❰❰ 10
Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario. PHOTO FROM SCMP.COM
Despite sea dispute, PH still bullish on China ties BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer AMID UNRESOLVED disputes over the West Philippine Sea ( South China Sea), the Philippines has expressed anew its hopes for China to serve as a “positive force” in the Asia Pacific as it continues its rise as an economic and military power in the world. Speaking before Philippine and US government and business leaders in New York over the weekend, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario also said the Philippines hopes to continue nurturing its relationship with Beijing outside of the current discord. “We acknowledge China’s role in world affairs and support its peaceful rise. As China becomes stronger and more powerful, it is our hope that China will become a more responsible state and a positive force in the region. To be viewed as a responsible state, China must adhere to and respect the rule of law,” said Del Rosario in remarks at the US- Philippine Society Dinner in New York. “We maintain that China must also treat all nations, including the Philippines, with respect for equality and sovereignty,” he said in his speech. Del Rosario touched on the maritime dispute in his speech saying “there has been no forum where I was not expected to tackle the West Philippine Sea issue.” The Philippines has brought a case before the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal against China’s incursions into the country exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Del Rosario also reiterated previous denunciations of China’s military buildup in disputed waters, as seen in the continuing presence of its vessels in territories within the Philippine EEZ. He said China’s nine- dash line claim to almost all territories in the West Philippine Sea ( South China Sea to the Chinese) was “expansive, excessive and in gross violation of international law,”
particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea ( Unclos). The Philippines has invoked this document in taking China to the UN tribunal. “China’s continuous overwhelming naval and maritime presence in the area is also contributing to the raising of regional tensions,” said Del Rosario. Del Rosario briefed his audience on the Philippine case in his remarks while reaffirming at the same time the Philippines’ resolve to observe the 2011 agreement between President Aquino and Chinese President Hu Jintao to treat the maritime dispute separately from the overall ties between Manila and Beijing. Officials have said that taking its case to the UN tribunal was a last- ditch effort by the government to clarify maritime boundaries in the West Philippine Sea, halt Chinese incursions into the established Philippine EEZ and nullify Beijing’s nine- dash line claim. China has rejected the legal proceedings, reiterating “indisputable sovereignty” over territories within its ninedash line map. While there remains questions on the enforcement of any outcome, the proceedings continue without Beijing, with the Philippines told to submit a comprehensive memorandum on the merits of the case by March 30, 2014. Del Rosario said Manila “endeavors to maintain a positive, peaceful and stable relationship with China.” “I wish to stress that the Philippines is committed to undertake all that is possible to cultivate constructive relations with China in spite of these issues in the West Philippine Sea. We maintain that our disputes in the West Philippine Sea are not the sum total of our relations,” he said. “The President Aquino) is firm in his conviction to uphold his agreement with Chinese President Hu Jintao in 2011 not to let the maritime disputes affect the broader picture of friendship and cooperation between the two countries,” said Del Rosario. ■
Approved by Asean
Environment ministers from the 10 Asean member states approved the nomination of Mt. Makiling as an Asean Heritage Park at the 14th Informal Asean Ministerial Meeting on the Environment in Surabaya, Indonesia. The declaration was first officially announced by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje in a keynote address delivered for him by Undersecretary Manuel Gerochi at the four-day 4th Asean Heritage Parks (AHP) Conference, which opened in Tagaytay City. In approving the nomination, the Asean environment ministers noted that Mt. Makiling “is a well-known destination for scientists and tourists alike because of the reserve’s prominence as an outdoor laboratory for forestry and its
mountain peaks, and boiling mud and hot springs.” The reserve is also recognized for its high conservation importance and is one of the Philippines’ 18 centers of plant diversity and 32 key ecotourism sites. Mt. Makiling “is known as a legendary mountain and habitat of many important plant and animal species. The reserve manages to protect and conserve its diverse species,” Bantayan said. Dr. John Pulhin, dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, noted that the reserve is home to internationally famous organizations of various concerns. It has become a “national and international center for higher education, the science, the arts, natural resources conservation and utilization, and tourism,” he added. Two worlds
The PAWB’s Lim said Mt. Makiling’s proximity to academic and scientific institutions added to its uniqueness. In that sense, unlike other famous Philippine peaks, Mt. Makiling straddles two worlds: one of research and discovery, and the other of mystery and legend, where Mariang Makiling lives and reigns. ■
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Philippine News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 14
DBM bares... of letter. And you can’t forget if it involves such a huge amount,” he said in a phone interview. “Most probably someone used my name or had my signature forged,” Sotto added. Sotto lamented that he was again being mentioned in a report on the alleged misuse of pork when the last time such a thing happened, local government officials backed him up to indicate there was nothing irregular with the projects that he had funded in their areas. “The last time this happened, it was found there was nothing irregular as far as I was concerned,” he said. As to the copies of letters fur❰❰ 11
nished the INQUIRER, Sotto said: “That was what my office was asked to verify a few weeks ago to check, if that letter came from me. I’m positive it’s not my signature. Even a nonhandwriting expert will notice (the difference).” He offered to send copies of his real signature, “ and you’ll see the difference.” Marcos said he had already denied any involvement with the release of P100 million of DAP funds. In a Sept. 9 press statement, Marcos said that after going through his office’s records following a COA inquiry, his staff’s investigation showed that his signature in the supposed letter
to Amata dated March 16, 2012, “was falsified.” Marcos added that the endorsement letter doesn’t appear in his “docket system,” something that was implemented in his office starting 2011. He said even the signatures of his chief of staff, Ramon Cardenas, that appeared in MOAs to four NGOs were forged. “I have always exerted due diligence to ensure every centavo set aside for projects will be used in relevant and beneficial projects for the public,” Marcos said in his Sept. 9 statement. Revilla’s lawyer Joel Bodegon said the senator would “want it [the letters ascribed to him] also examined by a document
expert.” “Most likely these are also fake,” Bodegon said over the phone. “The existence of those documents only shows that the syndicate including the whistle-continues to operate,” he added. Calls and text messages to Estrada were not immediately returned. Main conduit
The state-owned NLDC was allegedly the main conduit of the pork barrel funds of certain senators and representatives that illegally ended up in the Napoles-controlled NGOs. The agency, managed by the Land
Bank of the Philippines is the main source of funds for poor farmers in unserved, scarcely populated areas of the country. According to the whistleblowers in the P10-billion pork barrel fund scam allegedly run by Napoles that is now the subject of multiple plunder complaints in the Ombudsman, the NLDC was used as the conduit for about P1 billionworth of pork barrel funds of five senators between 2008 and 2010— Estrada, Revilla, Marcos and two other senators, Juan Ponce Enrile and Gregorio Honasan. Amata was tagged by whistleblower Benhur Luy as the contact person of Napoles in the NLDC. ■
‘Pork barrel king’ tag irks P-Noy BY TJ BURGONIO Philippine Daily Inquirer BRISTLING AT the tag “pork barrel king,” President Aquino accused his predecessor, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, of accumulating close to P1 trillion in discretionary fund to stay in power. The President, assailed over the release of P1.107 billion in pork barrel to senators after the Senate convicted Chief Justice Renato Corona in May 2012, shifted the spotlight on the Arroyo administration in the current saga of scams. The President himself wondered whether portions of the alleged Arroyo loot were being used in black propaganda against him. “It could have surpassed P1 trillion. How much was lost, stolen and played around with, or used in transactions to stay in power?” Mr. Aquino said at the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals’ Grand Breakfast at the SMX Convention in Pasay City. “Is it too much to suspect that this money is now being circulated to undermine your trust in daang matuwid (straight path)? To sow trouble and terror in many forms, and challenge those of us who had long been abused, and are now seeking justice to hold the violators accountable?” he added. Arroyo, now a Pampanga representative, is under house arrest on plunder charges.
And while he’s become the target of criticisms over the large-scale misuse of the congressional Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), or pork barrel, the President vowed not to turn his back on reforms. “I just shake my head when I get called pork barrel king even if I have removed the discretion to commit graft; I have tightened spending, stopped budget reenactment and insertion, misuse of lump sum funds, and even the over-importation of rice. You be the judge of what runs in the minds of those saying this,” he said. When he assumed the presidency, Mr. Aquino said he was aware of the stumbling blocks and danger that lay ahead. “I’m not Superman; I can be hit by bullets, be poisoned, or even be attacked with a knife. But we have crossed over. We’ve made a choice. We can be cowed by fear, or fight for the right. We can turn a blind eye to or enforce the mandate given to me by the Boss. We will do what is right,” he said. “Let’s be clear on this: Neither the exposé of Mr. Benhur Luy, nor the arrest of Mrs. Napoles started our campaign against corruption,” said Mr. Aquino who accepted the surrender of Janet Lim-Napoles, dubbed the pork scam queen, on Aug. 28 and escorted her to Camp Crame for detention after she said she feared for her life.
Studies on Arroyo scams
The President said initial studies had shown that the Arroyo administration skimmed off P637.36 billion in savings from reenacted budgets; P23.33 billion from the Malampaya Fund, and a P177- billion loan for rice importation. “The fund that became discretionary and that could have been used to perpetuate the padrino system is estimated at P836 billion,” he said. These are on top of the P140.6 billion accruing from the “doctored” automatic outlays in the General Appropriations Act, he added. All the four items add up to P978.29 billion. These four mechanisms had been put to a stop, the President said. “If we put it side by side with this: Their average annual budget in close to 10 years was P1 trillion every year. Isn’t this very abhorrent? That they had at their disposal a budget equivalent to an annual national budget and used it as they pleased?” “We’re not done seeking answers to our questions: Who did it, what exactly did they do, where did the money go, who benefited? Who are the real culprits? We’re not doing this by chance. We’re gathering evidence directly from agencies, despite the traps,” he added. After the National Bureau of Investigation filed charges against Napoles, three senators and 34 others over the P10-billion pork barrel scam, the Aquino administration has found itself www.canadianinquirer.net
The President, assailed over the release of P1.107 billion in pork barrel to senators after the Senate convicted Chief Justice Renato Corona in May 2012, shifted the spotlight on the Arroyo administration in the current saga of scams. PHOTO FROM SOLARNEWS.PH
responding to criticisms about fund releases to senators after convicting Corona in May 2012. Clear abuse of PDAF
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, one of those charged in connection with the scam, divulged in a privilege speech the release of P50 million to senators’ projects following Corona’s conviction. In May 2012, the senators voted 20-3 to convict Corona for dishonesty in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth. Senators Miriam Defensor-Santiago, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Joker Arroyo voted against his conviction. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad confirmed 20 senators received additional pork barrel amounting to P1.107 billion months after Corona’s conviction. He denied the amount
released was a bribe for the Corona ouster. In his speech, the President said he had abolished the system of PDAF and cleared the filing of charges against key scam players to put a stop to the abuse of the discretionary fund. As more pieces of evidence are gathered, more charges will be filed against other personalities, he added. “It’s clear the abuse of PDAF was wrong. Many had been deprived of opportunities because of the misuse of this fund, especially if we factor in the multiplier effect of the program. It was wrong to use bogus NGOs. It’s estimated that P10 billion was diverted from this racket. That’s why, it’s time to reveal to you the product of bad governance that we inherited and we’re trying to fix,” he said. ■
Philippine News
15 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Bigger, angrier... ❰❰ 12
More infuriating
And more infuriating, Bretaña said, were revelations about how a version of the pork barrel—the little-known Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of the Department of Budget and Management—had allegedly been used to bribe senators and representatives in connection with the impeachment trial of then Chief Justice Renato Corona in 2012. Senators who voted for the conviction of Corona received from P50 million to P100 million while many House members were each given an additional P10 million. “My God! It’s pork under a different name!” she said, recalling the dominant reaction when she and her group learned about the DAP during a meeting in Tagaytay City. Organizers of the protest hope to bring the movement against pork to the next level at Ayala Avenue by inviting businessmen and employees to join. Tax holiday
Two groups participating in the protest, #ScrapThePork Alliance and BPO Industry Employees Network-Philippines, will launch a “Tax Holiday vs Pork Barrel” campaign in front of the Philippine Stock Exchange. Organizers said the campaign was aimed at calling on President Aquino to give employees and call center agents a break from paying income taxes for at least three months. The groups expressed alarm over the “widespread bureaucratic corruption” in the country through the pork barrel. Bretaña said her group didn’t like that Malacañang had been limiting the scope of the pork barrel system to the PDAF enjoyed by members of Congress.
A motley crowd of office workers, militant activists and plain citizens and taxpayers raise clenched fists during the second edition of the Million People March against pork barrel. PHOTO BY RAFFY LERMA
So far, she said Aquino and his allies were defining the pork barrel as it suited them. “They’re not addressing the issue— they’re just spinning their own web,” Bretaña said. PDAF scrapped, pork stays
In approving the 2014 budget on second reading, the Aquino-controlled House of Representatives deleted the item on PDAF, distributing a total of P25.4 billion among six government agencies. But as in the old PDAF system, House members were asked to “recommend” up to five projects for which the allocation for public works (P9.954 billion) would be spent. Members of the House also opted not to touch the President’s own pork barrel, the P450-billion Special Purpose Funds (SPF). Critics described the entire SPF item as presidential pork barrel because Aquino would ultimately decide where the money would go. “Everything that they’re doing makes us believe that they don’t want the pork barrel scrapped because that’s where they get their money,” Bretaña said.
Traffic rerouting
In an advisory issued by the Makati City Public Safety Department, starting 10 a.m. onward on Friday, the stretch of Paseo de Roxas from the corner of Ayala Avenue to Sedeño Street would be closed to traffic for the setting up of the staging area in front of the Ninoy Aquino statue. At 2 p.m. onward, both lanes of Ayala Avenue from Makati Avenue up to Herrera Street would also be closed to traffic for the people’s assembly, Makati’s traffic chief Hermenegildo San Miguel said. Passenger buses from Edsa must turn right to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue toward their destination or turn right to Ayala Avenue, right turn to Makati Avenue and left turn to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Presentation
During the rally, experts such as former National Treasurer Leonor Briones will come up with a “presentation” on what really constitutes pork barrel. Per their definition, pork covers “lump-sum appropriations” and allows the exercise of “discretion”—a description that also points to the much bigger lump-sum funds of President Aquino. “It’s time to define for the people what pork barrel really is,” Bretaña said. “The goal is to put everyone on the same page.” On the eve of the #MillionPeopleMarch@Ayala, Briones tweeted: “It’s like we’re being deliberately confused by complicated terms in budget when it should be something all of us should understand.” Having a clear understanding of the pork barrel system would keep the Palace and legislators from escaping the demand to scrap the entire “pork barrel system” and not just the PDAF, Bretaña argued.
Conversion, renewal
Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle challenged government leaders involved in the anomalies to undergo conversion and renewal. “There is corruption everywhere. If proven, there should be conversion from those who committed it,” Tagle said over Radio Veritas. The cardinal earlier said that the pork barrel scam was a form of injustice, saying that “instead of giving what is due to others and to the country, resources are being denied from them.” “We do not only lack love for others but we also lack a sense of justice,” he said during Caritas Manila’s Generosity Conference on Sunday. Tagle called on Filipinos to turn their back from greed by “letting the values of fairness and generosity reign in their lives.” He urged the faithful to be sensitive to the needs of the less fortunate. www.canadianinquirer.net
toward their destinations. All buses coming from SLEx, Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Pasay City shall take Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and turn left to Edsa toward their destinations. Meanwhile, public utility jeepneys and light vehicles from J.P. Rizal shall make a right turn to Makati Avenue, right turn to Paseo De Roxas, right turn to Villar Street, left turn to E. Leviste Street, left turn to V.A. Rufino Street then right turn at Ayala Avenue toward their destinations. Vehicles from Washington Street shall take a right turn to Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, right turn to Ayala Avenue, right turn to Salcedo Street, left turn to Benavidez Street toward Esperanza Street, right turn to Makati Avenue, right turn to Arnaiz Avenue, right turn to Paseo de Roxas, left turn to De la Rosa Street, right turn to Salcedo Street then left turn at Ayala Avenue. All vehicles from McKinley Road going toward the Central Business District and Legaspi Village shall take Arnaiz Avenue and a right turn to Paseo de Roxas toward destination, and vice versa. Motorists bound for Salcedo Village will be allowed to enter Ayala Avenue then make a right turn to Apartment Ridge, left turn to Sta. Potenciana then left turn to Paseo de Roxas toward their destinations. ■ With a report from Tina G. Santos
Opinion
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 16
THERE’S THE RUB
A bad time By Conrado De Quiros Philippine Daily Inquirer IT WAS the complaint of several speakers in last Friday’s rally in Ayala. That government was prosecuting Janet Lim-Napoles and the senators and congressmen who conspired with her to defraud the public of P10 billion was well and good. That none of them were current government officials and allies was unwell and bad. It spoke of selective perception. It spoke of selective morality. Come now Joker Arroyo and Miriam Defensor-Santiago bolstering that argument. There’s someone in government, they say, who should clearly be joining the ranks of the prosecutable. His transgression may not have to do with the Napoles scam, but it has to do with pork as well. His offense may not have to do with outright pillage but it has to do with abuse of power as well. That someone is Butch Abad, the budget secretary. He is the inventor of the DAP or Disbursement Acceleration Program, a lump sum given in a, well, accelerated way to legislators. The need for it arose from government’s, specifically the Department of Budget and Management’s, experience in its first year-and-a-half of being reticent about
public spending, causing the economy to contract. Freeing public spending, quite apart from other policies, almost immediately sent growth soaring. Right diagnosis, wrong prescription, critics now say. Sure, spend more, but spend wisely. The DAP is a rotten way to spend. Any way you call it, it is pork. Any way you slice it, it is ham. The very thing the country now derides. In fact, says Arroyo, the DAP is illegal. Its creation was never authorized by Congress or by law. It was only justified by the Administrative Code, a thing none of the last four presidents ever used. Joaquin Bernas and Ben Diokno agree. Malacañang, they say, has no authority to transfer items in the General Appropriations Act from one department to another. Santiago agrees with them too, and charges that the giving of DAP funds to the senators who voted to convict Renato Corona is bribery, its author deserving of prosecution. “You can see the criminal mind of the one who thought of this,” she said of Abad. What to make of all this? Well, first off, a sense of proportion. Arroyo and Santiago are not exactly the most credible persons to talk about law and morality and what needs to be done with public officials who flout them monstrously. Their
utter silence, if not blindness, to the doings of the second most corrupt despot in this country, including the theft not just of money but of the vote, not just of the Treasury but of the Palace, testifies to it. There’s something way, way off-key when you see people finding everything wrong with P-Noy and nothing wrong with Gloria. Proportion does matter. Scale does matter. Size does matter. But of course too when the pot calls the kettle black, the pot may be accused only of hypocrisy, not of defective eye-
But of course too when the pot calls the kettle black, the pot may be accused only of hypocrisy, not of defective eyesight. sight. Or, more properly in this case, when the Ampatuans call the Reyeses murderers, they may be accused only of myopia, not of total blindness. The people who call for Abad’s head have something going for them. The DAP may pale before Napoles’ scam, it may pale before the Malampaya scam, it may look like a molehill against the mountain of the past regime’s crookedness. But it looms large against the canvas of P-Noy’s anticorruption
campaign, it cuts a wide detour in PNoy’s daang matuwid. The problem won’t go away, whether the effort to make the public notice it comes from pure or impure motivations, from tainted or principled reasons. The least Abad can do is resign to spare his boss the embarrassment or loss of esteem in the public’s eyes. The most Abad can do is to appear before the Ombudsman for being a bad boy. Abigail Valte defends him by saying, “What is important in this case is not just the fund but if there is misuse.” Not really. The point is whether the fund itself has a right to exist, its use or misuse being just secondary. It’s like Edgardo Angara’s creation of his own NGO where he put part of his PDAF into. The point is that a senator putting up his own NGO, not to speak of putting his pork there, does wrong. Or indeed does crime. Whether he used his pork wisely or not—and the waywardness of the primordial act raises serious questions about it—is incidental. It merely constitutes possible additional ground for prosecution. You can always justify the most patently unethical, or wrong, thing. Abad has. His daughter currently heads the Presidential Management Staff, giving the country to see a father-anddaughter team holding gatekeeping
positions in government. Is his daughter qualified for the position? Maybe. Is she the only, or most, qualified person for the position? No. Greed takes many forms. This is one of them. Just as well, Abad has poured hundreds of millions of pesos into Batanes, a small place that storms like to visit. Is Batanes deserving of uplift as one of the country’s fairly depressed areas? Yes. Is Batanes the only, or most ravaged, area deserving this scale of uplift? No. Again, there’s greed and there’s greed. This is another one of them. The first doesn’t speak well of his character, the second of his ability to husband resources. And now this. What fate lies in store for him, however, remains a question mark. The PNoy administration is the only administration whose people do not ask to take a bullet for their president, they ask their president to take a bullet for them. One thing is clear, which is that the fate of the government’s prosecution of Napoles and the erring senators—no, more than that, of its daang matuwid itself—rests on how well it resolves its present crisis with the DAP and its uses. The best position from which to throw a stone, as the bishops like to preach but are loath to practice, is being reasonably sinless. A good thought for a bad time. ■
access to trained health workers.” (One problem with present-day implants is that the health system has to keep track of all the women who use the implants and monitor them so that they come back to health centers to have the implants removed when these lose their contraceptive effectiveness.) *** EVEN more exciting are multipurpose prevention technologies (or MPTs) that “can help address women’s overlapping health needs in a single product.” The authors cite women in areas with high rates of HIV who often have the greatest unmet need for family planning, “creating a double burden of risk.” (If awoman cannot even negotiate with her partner for the use of a condom for HIV protection, then it stands to reason that she cannot negotiate either for contraceptive use, much less abstinence!) The International Partnership for Microbicides, with support from USAID and other funders, is developing, for instance, a 60-day MPT “ring” (inserted into the vagina) that offers dual protection against HIV and unintended pregnancy. The ring is being designed to provide sustained release of an antiretroviral drug called dapivirine along with the contraceptive hormone levonorgestrel. In many parts of the world, sexually
transmitted infections (STIs) such as herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus and bacterial vaginosis are of greater public health concern than HIV. For such settings, an MPT is being developed that “combines the new onesize-fits-most SILCS diaphragm with tenofovir gel—the first antiretroviral drug shown to help prevent both HIV and herpes (still undergoing trial).” *** MPTs are among the most promising developments in reproductive health because they can result in significant health gains for women “by broadly addressing their sexual and reproductive health needs, and reducing the rates of maternal and newborn death associated with both unintended pregnancy as well as STIs.” The authors say MPTs may also provide another benefit: Combining two or more products into one may make protection more appealing and acceptable to women, and therefore increase their use. Still, the authors warn: “No single product will address every woman’s sexual and reproductive health needs, so it will take a portfolio of methods to ensure that women have options to choose from that are appropriate for their individual circumstances.” Two key words: “options” and “choice”. ■
AT LARGE
Options and choice By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer EVEN AS the Reproductive Health Law remains stuck in the labyrinth of the Supreme Court, falling in line behind a string of other lawsuits, with the issue of its “constitutionality” still hanging in the air, elsewhere reproductive health technology marches on. There is no denying the urgent need for reproductive health services and commodities. On the occasion of World Contraception Day last Sept. 26, the International Partnership for Microbicides declared that “a woman’s health and livelihood are threatened when modern family planning methods are out of her reach.” Authors Judy Manning and Zeda Rosenberg issued the reminder that “unintended pregnancy is a major contributor to maternal and infant death and disability around the world, and a recognized obstacle to global development.” Consider this statistic: “Forty percent of pregnancies worldwide are unintended,” with 222 million women facing an “unmet need for modern contraceptive methods.” “Unmet need” measures the number of women and their partners who say they no longer want to have children, or want to postpone or delay the next pregnancy, but
for one reason or another are unable to act on their desires. Access to modern contraceptive methods, say Manning and Rosenberg, “would enable women to plan and space their pregnancies, leading to improved health, educational and economic outcomes for themselves and their families.” Financial constraints are not all that stand between a woman’s reproductive goals and outcomes she may not have wanted or planned. The Guttmacher Institute has said fully 70 percent of unmet need “stems from method-related concerns.” These include “concerns about the safety and potential side effects of hormonal methods; appropriate options for women who have infrequent sex, or who are postpartum or breastfeeding; and opposition from their partners to specific approaches.” Where a woman lives (how long and how much will it take her to visit a health center?) and access to health services (can she afford even the nominal fees for a consultation and for commodities?) are also barriers to modern contraception, say the writers. *** BUT there is good news on the horizon, apart from new money that has been programmed for reproductive health services by international donors and international agencies. One such piece of good news is in
the form of new sexual and reproductive health innovations that, say Manning and Rosenberg, “have the potential to revolutionize women’s options by diversifying delivery forms, varying product duration, and targeting multiple health risks simultaneously.” There is no “magic bullet,” no onesize-fits-all solution to problems. But, the writers say, “when it comes to sexual and reproductive health, women face obstacles that are unique to their circumstances, but if women have a range of affordable and appropriate products
“Unintended pregnancy is a major contributor to maternal and infant death and disability around the world, and a recognized obstacle to global development.” - Authors Judy Manning and Zeda Rosenberg to pick from, they may use them more consistently, which in turn will allow them to better protect their health.” One such “cutting-edge technology” now in development is a biodegradable contraceptive implant that does not require removal. Funded by USAID, the product, say Manning and Rosenberg, “could fill a critical gap in low resource settings where women may not have
www.canadianinquirer.net
Opinion
17 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
PUBLIC LIVES
Between gridlock and greed By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer IT IS difficult to say which is preferable: a party-based politics that sometimes results in governmental gridlock, or a money-based politics that runs smoothly on pork barrel privileges. America today illustrates the deep-rooted dysfunctions of the former, while the Philippines showcases the perverse pragmatism of the latter. Many offices of the US federal government were forced to shut down because a divided Congress failed to pass a new federal budget. A Republican Party-dominated House of Representatives refused to fund the Obama administration’s healthcare program that compels all Americans to secure healthcare insurance. The offshoot of this is that the entire budget is held hostage. On the other hand, a Democratic Party-dominated Senate has staunchly refused to approve a budget bill that does not include funding for the healthcare law. The last time an event like this happened in America was in 1996 during the presidency of Bill Clinton. The Democrats exploited the political fallout created by the government shutdown and went on to win the next election. In this manner does
the modern political system check its dysfunctions—by penalizing political recklessness and irresponsibility through the ballot. Veterans of the Republican Party, like former presidential candidate John McCain, are keenly aware of the political costs of ignoring the public sentiment, and are deeply fearful that the party may again have to pay heavily for the stubbornness of its ultraconservative members. As controversial as the Obama-initiated healthcare law may have been, the reality is that it was passed by Congress after prolonged and acrimonious debate. The US Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of the law. But, more important, the American voters spoke for themselves at the polls. If they thought the program was a big mistake, they would not have given President Obama, who had vigorously pushed for it, a second term. Still, public opinion is never static. It’s possible that the Republicans think they can make a political capital out of this debacle. That’s how modern politics works. Contrast this with the cavalier way in which our own lawmakers tend to treat what is perhaps the most important bill that comes their way every year—the budget bill. The de-
bates are seldom ideological; they have little to do with disputes over the priorities and directions of government. Lawmakers like to use the budget deliberations as occasions to punish or humiliate heads of agencies that have displeased them. They have no qualms raising personal issues that have absolutely nothing to do with government performance. Officials of the executive branch learn to take these rituals of degradation as part and parcel of the
The last time a shutdown like this happened in America was in 1996 during the presidency of Bill Clinton. budgetary process. Indeed, often, they see lawmakers’ objections as no more than a form of leverage for congressional insertions, or as a prelude to thinly-veiled requests for personal favors. Seldom, if at all, do both chambers of Congress get to the point where a budget bill hangs on the balance of a substantive ideological disagreement. If worst comes to worst, and pork barrel politics fails to soften resistance to the new budget, the previous year’s budget is merely reenacted. The government is thus
never in danger of shutting down or failing to pay its debts. On the contrary, in previous years, the Arroyo administration notoriously turned reenacted budgets to its own advantage. A system like ours makes it easy for a president with a clear sense of purpose to implement his/her vision for the country. As we have seen, compared to that of the United States, our political system places such an enormous of resources in the hands of the president as to enable him/her to easily neutralize a recalcitrant Congress. By the same token, however, one can imagine how much damage a corrupt presidency can do if it can easily buy Congress. There is no real recourse available within this system to get rid of a president or, for that matter, lawmakers who have betrayed public trust. Money easily overrides the check and balance mechanisms built into the Constitution. I believe this explains the eagerness with which, after 1986, we turn to people power to fix the dysfunctions of our political system. The current government shutdown in the United States will likely not last more than a few days. It will compel the two political parties to forge a compromise if only to avert
serious damage to the economy. The next elections will then tell if the public looks upon this brinkmanship as an act of irresponsibility or welcomes it as the coming of age of Tea Party conservatism. Though prone to episodes of gridlock in a sharply bifurcated society, democratic politics ultimately finds its way through recurrent crises without having to step out of the available institutional mechanisms. In contrast, political crises in less modern societies like ours are seldom resolved through elections. Worse, they tend to engulf the rest of society’s key institutions—the mass media, the courts, the economy, the family, the Church, the educational system, etc. We have seen in the last two months how chronic greed has compromised the functioning of our legislature. If our democracy were mature, the pork barrel scandal could result in the jailing of easily half of the members of Congress. It would spell the downfall of the nation’s most powerful political families. But, we are not so sanguine that this will come to pass soon. The reason lies in the continuing power of money to shape judicial and electoral outcomes in our society. ■
education school enrollment and beneficiary households spending more on health and education of their children,” the Asian Development Bank’s independent evaluation department found. Both put their money where their mouths are. The World Bank released a $300-million development loan to support antipoverty programs and “to expand the CCT program.” ADB put in $400 million. The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) cautions that school enrollment in 4Ps families slump when they’re cut off from cash transfers: from 93 percent for children aged 13 to only a third (33 percent) when they reach 18. PIDS suggests providing longer assistance—from five to 10 years. The target would be to help until kids finish high school. They would earn at least 45 percent more. Government is seeking to curb leakage estimated at 28 percent and to expand coverage. Expanded coverage is in the works—it would take in indigenous people and children with various forms of disability. But planners can be lulled into the notion that CCTs are a cure-all. No such economic instrument exists. Latin America has the longest tradition of CCTs. Yet that continent increasingly sees cash transfers as a valuable complement to, not a substitute for, structural reforms.
In the Philippines, these do not merely mean budget-juggling. Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago, for instance, calls on Congress to scrap, once and for all, the P25-billion congressional pork barrel from the P2.226-trillion national budget for 2014. In addition, she proposes integration into the money bill of off-budget sources of cash. That would include, among other things, the P130-billion Malampaya Fund; P12.5-billion motor vehicle users’ charge; the Pagcor Special Fund and the PCSO Charity Fund. Great. But what about “restitution”? Justice and law requires that the thief return what is not his. Those who looted the pork barrel and Malampaya Fund must repair the damage. It is not enough for Jinggoy Estrada to say others looted, too. The looters must adopt former tax collector Zacchaeus’ formula: “If I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Beyond that is the need to back the Ombudsman in prosecuting those charged. Justice is the bedrock of structural reforms. CCTs “are worth serious consideration as part of an integrated poverty alleviation strategy,” says the International Fund for Agricultural Development, “But they are not a magic bullet.” ■
VIEWPOINT
No magic bullet By Juan L. Mercado Philippine Daily Inquirer THE BAD news is the pork barrel scam, compounded by the Malampaya Fund scandal, squandered over P10 billion—and counting. The good news is that a P67-billion chunk, among others, eluded the ladrones. That fund is going to four million dirtpoor families in the form of monthly grants ranging from P500 to P1,400. These have strings stitched on: Parents must keep kids in school, get them immunized and dewormed. It provides impoverished pregnant mothers with prenatal and postnatal checkups. Health personnel attend to their deliveries. Meet the “conditional cash transfer program” (CCT), aka Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). And credit President Gloria Arroyo for launching 4Ps in 2008. But graft crippled her government and enmeshed her and 23 subordinates in plunder charges. Thus, the 4Ps never budged beyond a P4-billion token. President Aquino, however, ramped the 4Ps budget to P39 billion, then to P44 billion last year. In 2015, 4Ps could buffer 28 million beneficiaries. They would be a quarter of the population then. “No social protection program in our history ever reached this scale,”
notes Lila Ramos Shahani of Poverty Reduction Cabinet Cluster. Maybe so. But see that in context. The National Statistical Coordination Board estimates P180 billion is needed yearly for poverty alleviation. And population rises because birth rates still decline slowly. CCTs have been around for a couple of decades. We track successes notched up by Latin American countries. Like Colombia, the Philippines is bugged by insurgency. Colombia’s Familias en Acción found that CCTs helped increase enrollment even in conflict-marred regions. The University of Denver’s study “Conditional Cash Transfers and Civil Conflict: Experimental Evidence from the Philippines” asserts: “There was a sharper drop in conflicts in villages where the program was introduced in 2009 than in those where (it) was delayed until 2010.” Look at Mexico’s Oportunidades which helps five million poor folk in all 31 Mexican states. Bolsa Familia is the world’s largest CCT program, reaching more than 46 million Brazilians. Since 2011, Brazil lifted around 22 million of its people out of extreme poverty. The share of Brazil’s poorest 20 percent in the country’s wealth increased from 2.6 to 3.5 percent. Bangladesh has three million kids
unable to attend primary school. A CCT program targeted street kids and other hard-to-reach children. Primary school enrollment surged by 9 percent. In Cambodia, high school attendance rose to 43 percent, following CCT initiatives. Turkey reports a similar pattern. In Africa, however, supply constraints, shabby infrastructure, etc., hobbled CCT projects, notes Harvard University’s School of Public Health. Present African CCTs focus on food insecurity rather than human development.
The looters must adopt former tax collector Zacchaeus’ formula: “If I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will pay back four times as much.” Today, the Philippine program keeps young children (3-11 years old) in school, a 2012 evaluation found. As in Nicaragua, this whittled down severe stunting among young children (6-36 months old) and boosted rates of immunization. Impoverished pregnant mothers got prenatal and postnatal checkups. Health personnel attend to their deliveries. Significantly, “4Ps does not promote a culture of dependency,” reported the World Bank. The Philippines’ program showed “positive results on elementary
www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
18
Canada News
Retaining Metis child in Filipino couple’s care is in child’s best interest
NEWS BRIEFS
FROM THE CANADIAN PRESS
BY MELISSA REMULLABRIONES Philippine Canadian Inquirer A METIS child who was at the center of an adoption controversy that has brought to the fore issues of racism and reverse racism has been allowed to stay with his Filipino foster parents. For now. In answering the question, “What is in the child’s best interest?,” Adjudicator Jennifer A. Cooper, Q.C., stated, “The answer to this question is both exquisitely simple, and exceedingly complex. A-- loves his Foster Parents and they love him. That love should be given an opportunity to continue and blossom. At the same time, the Foster Parents lack an ability to furnish A-with an important part of his heritage, namely, a Metis home. “In the best possible world, the Foster Parents would welcome and embrace the understanding that A-is Metis, despite his European appearance. They would support the need of A-- to learn about and participate in his Metis culture. They would work with the agency to achieve this support and understanding. “The Foster Parents would proceed to seek and adoption of A--, as they have promised to do, and the Agency would provide their consent to this adoption because they would have seen the sincere efforts of the Foster Parents to assist A-- in understanding and honoring his cultural and racial heritage. “This mutual cooperation, in A--’s best interest, would have a permanent plan, with the least disruption, while respecting his cultural, linguistic, racial and religious heritage.” Forever family
A--’s birth father is Ukrainian, while his birth mother is Metis. He was placed in the Filipino couple’s care when he was six months old. Soon thereafter (at nine months), which stretched to the now (he is almost two and a half years old), the adoption agency sought his removal from the home of his Filipino foster parents so he can be placed with his “forever family”, a more “culturally
WYNNE DEFENDS BONUSES FOR PAN AM EXECS appropriate adoptive family”. In other words, Metis. A--’s foster parents resisted and filed an appeal from the removal order under Section 51 of The Child and Family Services Act. In September, the parties stood at an impasse—on one side, A--’s Filipino foster parents who were unwilling to let go of the little boy they nurtured and fell in love with and considered for all intents and purposes their child, and on the other, the adoption agency, which wanted him to be in a Metis home so he can be exposed to, learn about, and honour his cultural, linguistic, racial and religious heritage. Metis
It is to be remembered that Aboriginals suffered “cultural genocide”, that is, harm to children, parents and communities caused by the removal of children to residential schools, which contributed to dysfunctional families and communities, followed by the widespread removal of children by the child welfare system into non-aboriginal homes. Steps have been taken to redress these wrongs; some by repatriation, another by putting in place mechanisms to ensure the best interest of Aboriginal children. One of this is the establishment of the Aboriginal Child and Family Services Agencies which was mandated to protect the interests of children in their care. Thus, the adoption agency had the right to prevent A-- from being adopted into a non-Metis family by withholding consent to his adoption under Section 12 of The Adoption Act. Decision
The main concern by the adoption agency, as testified to by their expert
witness, was that A-- would be at risk if not permitted to be adopted by a Metis family. The expert witness testified to the risks of cross-cultural aboriginal adoption, which included loss of culture; high rate of adoption breakdown (aboriginal children often attempt to repatriate with their birth family and culture); interfamilial racism (where adoptive family may love their own child, they may be racist about other aboriginals); and, inability of the adoptive family to help with racial navigation (providing skills and supports necessary to live as an aboriginal person in a racist world). Under cross examination, the expert weakened her concerns somewhat, and later concluded that “on the balance of probabilities, the adoption of A-- by a non-aboriginal family could be problematic”. In the end, the Adjudicator found that the Filipino couple provided A-with a loving parent-child relationship. They were “sincere, honest and hardworking individuals who were deeply in love with A--” and was meeting his mental, emotional and physical needs. They spoke Filipino and English, exposed him to the Filipino culture and community, but were also willing to assist him in learning about his Metis culture, if that should prove to be his best interest. Thus, the Adjudicator allowed A-to remain situated with his foster parents, and laid out before the parties the path that they could take: one of cooperation, or one of further contested proceedings. She then posed a challenge to the adults who appeared to her as sincerely wishing to act in A--’s best interest: consider whether a path of cooperation can be achieved in the future. ■
TORONTO—Premier Kathleen Wynne is defending a $7-million bonus package for 63 executives organizing the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games. She says the compensation structure was put together as a way of being competitive with all the other cities that were bidding on the Games. HARPER SAYS HE’LL BOYCOTT COMMONWEALTH SUMMIT NUSA DUA, Indonesia—Prime Minister Stephen Harper has used the platform of one international leaders’ summit to fire a torpedo into the hull of another. Harper stepped to the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering on this idyllic Indonesian tourist island Monday to formally confirm he’ll boycott next month’s Commonwealth summit in Sri Lanka. STAFF CHANGES COMING AT NATIONAL DEFENCE OTTAWA—Up to 4,800 military and civilian staff at National Defence could find themselves doing other work, training for new positions or perhaps even out of a job over the next four years.It’s part of a so-called defence renewal strategy unveiled Monday by the Harper government that Defence Minister Rob Nicholson says could save as much as $1.2 billion between now and 2017. NDP SAYS 36 DAYS NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR B.C. VICTORIA— New Democrat Leader Adrian Dix says having politicians sit for only 36 days in British Columbia’s legislature this year isn’t good enough. Dix stood outside the legislature chambers today, on what would have been the opening of a fall legislative session, to chastise Premier Christy Clark’s government for taking the fall off while many residents are concerned about rising hydro rates and poor treatment of senior citizens.
Canada News
19 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
WASHINGTON—More children than ever got vaccinated against the flu last year, and health officials urged families Thursday to do even better this time around. Far too many young and middle-aged adults still forego the yearly protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned. And this year, Americans have an unprecedented number of vaccine options to choose from: The regular shot; the nasal spray; an egg-free shot for those allergic to eggs; a high-dose shot just for those 65 and older; and a tiny-needle shot for the squeamish. The bigger change: A small number of the regular flu shots, and all of the FluMist nasal vaccine, will protect against four strains of influenza rather than the traditional three. “There’s something for everyone this year,” said CDC’s Dr. Anne Schuchat.
A severe flu strain swept the country last winter, sparking a scramble for lastminute vaccinations. There’s no way to predict if this year will be as bad. But it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to take effect, so health officials say early fall—before flu begins spreading widely— is the best time to start immunizations. “Now is the time to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Paul Biddinger of Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.”Don’t wait until it’s in your community.” Boston declared a public health emergency last January when hospitals were filled with flu patients, and Biddinger said he treated many who openly regretted not having been vaccinated. January and February typically are the peak flu months in the U.S. But small numbers of flu cases circulate for much of the year, and Biddinger said a couple of people have been hospitalized already. “That first cough or fever is not the time to think about influenza vaccine,” Schuchat said.
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Flu vaccine is recommended for nearly everyone ages 6 months and older. Yet just 45 per cent of the population followed that advice last year. Flu is particularly risky for seniors, children, pregnant women and people of any age with asthma, heart disease and other chronic diseases. Two-thirds of adults 65 and older were vaccinated last year. So were nearly 57 per cent of children, an increase of 13 percentage points over the past two years. The number is even higher among babies and toddlers—77 per cent—and Schuchat said pediatricians get the credit for pushing flu vaccination in recent years. About half of pregnant women are vaccinated, a number also on the rise
since the 2009 flu pandemic illustrated that population’s vulnerability. But only 42 per cent of adults younger than 65 were vaccinated, Schuchat said, with rates even lower among 18- to 49-year-olds. It’s not clear why. But”there are no good reasons to skip the influenza vaccine,” said Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University and past president of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. The flu shot cannot give anyone the flu, he stressed. But while it’s estimated to cut by about 60 per cent the chances of getting the flu, Schaffner said it’s”a good vaccine, but it’s not a perfect vaccine.” ■
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World News
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 20
White House willing to consider short term increase in debt limit to avert US default The Associated Press WASHINGTON—The White House signalled on Monday that it would be open to a shortterm hike in the U.S. debt limit as the United States moved a step closer to its first-ever default while a separate impasse, a partial government shutdown, entered its second week. The shutdown, which centres on a fight over funding for President Barack Obama’s new health care law, has pushed hundreds of thousands of workers off the job, closed national parks and museums and stopped an array of government services. A default could have far bigger consequences. Economists say it could trigger a financial crisis and recession that would echo 2008—or worse. The 2008 financial crisis plunged the country into the worst recession since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Gene Sperling, a senior Obama economic adviser, reiterated a vow not to negotiate on the debt because it would sanction the threat of default as a bargaining chip and increase the chance of default in the future. Senate Democrats are drafting legislation to raise the nation’s debt limit without the type of unrelated conditions Republicans have said they intend to demand, officials said Monday.
A defiant John Boehner, the Republican leader of the House of Representatives, has insisted that Obama must negotiate on changes to his health care law and spending cuts if he wants to end the shutdown and avert a default. Boehner said Sunday that he lacks the votes to pass a straightforward temporary spending bill that would keep the government operating. The uncompromising talk rattled financial markets early Monday as stocks slumped. China, which holds $1.277 trillion in U.S. Treasury bonds and stands as the United States’ biggest foreign creditor, urged that all efforts are made to avoid a default. Sperling was pressed on whether he would rule out a two- or three-week extension on increasing the nation’s $16.7 trillion debt limit. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew has warned that on Oct. 17, he exhausts the bookkeeping manoeuvrs he has been using to keep borrowing. “There’s no question that the longer the debt limit is extended, the greater economic certainty there will be in our economy which would be better for jobs, growth and investment,” Sperling told a breakfast sponsored by the newspaper Politico. “That said, it is the responsibility of Congress to decide how long and how often they want to vote on doing that.” Seeking to maintain pressure on Republicans, Obama made a previously unannounced visit
to the Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters Monday to draw attention to a government agency that has had to furlough 86 per cent of its workforce as part of the partial shutdown. Obama thanked FEMA employees for their work preparing for Tropical Storm Karen, which dissipated Sunday after posing a threat to the Gulf Coast. The one bright spot on Monday is a significant chunk of the furloughed federal workforce is headed back to work. Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel ordered nearly 350,000 back on the job, basing his decision on a Pentagon interpretation of a law called the Pay Our Military Act. Those who remain at home or are working without paychecks are a step closer to getting back pay once the partial government shutdown ends. The Sen-
ate could act this week on the measure that passed the House unanimously on Saturday. Democrats insist that Republicans could easily open the government if Boehner simply allows a vote on the emergency spending bill. Democrats argue that their 200 members in the House plus close to two dozen pragmatic Republicans would back such a bill, but the Speaker remains hamstrung by conservatives. In a series of Sunday television appearances, Lew said that while Treasury expects to have $30 billion of cash on hand on Oct. 17, that money will be quickly exhausted in paying incoming bills given that the government’s payments can run up to $60 billion on a single day. Treasury issued a report on Thursday detailing in stark terms what could happen if the government actually defaulted on its obligations to service the
national debt. Private economists generally agree that a default on the U.S. debt would be extremely harmful, especially if the impasse was not resolved quickly. “If they don’t pay on the debt, that would cost us for generations to come,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics. He said a debt default would be a “cataclysmic” event that would roil financial markets in the United States and around the world. Zandi said that holders of U.S. Treasury bonds would demand higher interest rates which would cost the country hundreds of billions of dollars in higher interest payments in coming years on the national debt. ■ Associated Press writers Donna Cassatta, Martin Crutsinger and Jim Kuhnhenn contributed to this report.
Kenya intelligence report shows detailed information about expected planned attacks The Associated Press NAIROBI, KENYA—An internal report by Kenya’s National Intelligence Service shows that it believes al-Qaida-linked extremists pose multiple threats to the East African country and indicates a high level of penetration into their operations.
The report contains security briefings over the past year for Kenyan government and security officials. Authorities have been accused of bungling the operation to retake Nairobi’s upscale Westgate Mall from terrorists who stormed into it on Sept. 21, killing more than 60 people and holding parts of it for sev-
eral days. The Somali Islamic extremist group al-Shabab, which has collaborators in Kenya, claimed responsibility for the attack. Some excerpts from the report: SITUATION REPORT FOR SEPT. 21, 2012: “the follow❱❱ PAGE 27 Kenya intelligence
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Kenya’s counterterrorism police released this image from closed circuit television footage on Oct. 6, 2013 showing two men, one believed to be Adan Dheq (aka Hussen Abdi Ali), center, and the other, believed to be Abd Kadir Haret Muhamed (aka Mohamed Hussen), being searched by a guard, enter a Barclays Bank branch in Nairobi, Kenya.
World News
21 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Missing person cases rise in Rio A U T I S M S P E C T R U M SPECIAL NEEDS de Janeiro; Brazil police face Therapeutic Music Intervention suspicions amid security push BY BRADLEY BROOKS The Associated Press RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL—Anderson de Souza turned back after bounding down a dark maze of passageways in Rio de Janeiro’s sprawling Rocinha slum, incandescent light illuminating his face. It was right here, he said, pointing to a spot near his family’s shack, that the police led his father away to a brutal torture and death. And it was in the same place he said he lost all hope that Rio’s ambitious security program to pacify and permanently occupy slums ahead of the 2016 Olympics would make his city safer. “We’re not going to get my father back alive. All I want now is justice, that’s it,” Souza said. “Things have only gotten worse since the police came here. At least when the drug gangs had control, we knew the rules. Now, there is only fear. Police are snatching people up randomly, just like my dad.” Human rights activists and police watchdogs say the case of Amarildo de Souza, a 42-year-old construction worker who an internal police investigation found was tortured, killed and “disappeared” by officers in July, is emblematic of deeper problems with Rio’s plan to clear slums of gangs who have held sway over most of the city’s thousand shantytowns for decades. Homicides in Rio are down, but an Associated Press analysis of official police statistics shows that since 2007, a year before the security push into the city’s
slums, the number of missing person cases in the city and its impoverished outskirts has shot up 33 per cent, to 4,090 reports last year. It’s not clear who’s behind the increase, but heavy-handed police tactics raise suspicions among those living in slums that authorities are involved. During the investigation into Souza’s disappearance, more than 20 other Rocinha residents told authorities they were tortured during police interrogations. Watchdog groups say it’s reasonable to think police themselves are disappearing people as they struggle to tame slums, given the long track record of officers carrying out extrajudicial killings. Security experts, however, blame drug gangs for hiding the bodies of rival traffickers they’ve killed to avoid drawing police attention. Police declined numerous requests for an official comment. But Rio Gov. Sergio Cabral insisted Sunday that the Souza case “is not the trademark” of the police pacification units, known as UPPs. “The method used by these police was an abomination, but we have 8,600 police in UPPs and the overwhelming majority are beloved by the population,” he told reporters. Regardless of who is responsible, the disappearances are a blow to authorities trying to show the world that Rio is shedding its violent image ahead of the coming sporting events, which also include next year’s World Cup soccer tournament. “These are missing people who are never coming home,” said Antonio Car-
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los Costa, a pastor who has worked for years in Rio’s slums and runs the antiviolence group Rio de Paz. “We’re talking about numbers far higher than the number killed or disappeared under Brazil’s military dictatorship. These are the disappeared of democracy.” For years now, police throughout Brazil have come under withering criticism for extra-judicial “resistance” killings, or summary executions of suspects. In a 2009 report, the U.S.-based watchdog group Human Rights Watch estimated that some 11,000 people were killed by police between 2003 and 2009 in the country’s two largest metropolises, Rio and Sao Paulo. A 2008 United Nations report found that that Brazilian police were responsible for a significant portion of the country’s 48,000 slayings the year before. Costa said the worry is that police, in an effort to improve those grim statistics, have taken to disappearing the bodies of the people they kill, similar to what investigators say happened in the Souza case. Reports provided by the Rio state Public Security Institute show that the number of resistance killings by police in metropolitan Rio dropped by 71 per cent since 2007, while overall homicides are down 37 per cent. “These statistics are strange,” Costa said. “How can we have falling homicides and police resistance killings, presumably showing that the city is safer, yet have disappearances spiking? Something isn’t right. “So then, one has to ask the question: Could it be that some statistics are falling because the disappearances are rising? The suspicion is that they’re using the tactics seen in the Amarildo case to artificially lower those numbers.” He noted, however that he didn’t think police were behind all the recent disappearances. Paulo Storani, a Rio-based security consultant who was a captain in an elite unit that used to take on gangs, said it was wrong to presume officers are to blame for the increase in missing person cases. He said the responsibility lies with drug gangs and other criminals, and with residents being more comfortable to report cases as they see a stron-
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ger police presence. In Rocinha, residents said they didn’t think the pacification units will bring security anytime soon. “There was great hope for change when the UPP came, we thought the state was finally arriving, that its presence would improve lives,” said Carlos Eduardo Duda, a community leader in Rocinha who has filed a complaint with state officials about police torturing his 16-year-old brother while questioning him about gang activity. “But it’s turned out this is just the oppressive arm of the state apparatus, it feels like little else has been done to help us,” he said. That sentiment is a blow to Jose Beltrame, the top security official for Rio de Janeiro state, who oversees police and was the creator of the slum pacification program. He said the Souza case was in the hands of the justice system, and “what’s important now is to maintain the integrity of the Rocinha UPP.” He added: “I won’t peddle the illusion that that all the problems will be resolved soon. These areas have suffered from 30 years of (government) abandonment.” Last week, police investigators handed over their report on Souza to prosecutors and recommended that charges be brought against 10 officers from the slum’s unit for his abduction, torture, death and disappearance. The accused officers deny hurting or killing Souza. In interviews, Souza’s family said the still missing man had no involvement with gangs and said the police picked him up because he repeatedly complained about officers roughing up his sons. Some 20 members of the extended Souza family now live in a small house in Rocinha for fear of police reprisals against them for demanding justice. Souza’s sister, Maria Lacerda, 52, stood in her cramped kitchen and looked over her late brother’s six children. “When you’re poor, you’re easy to kill. It’s been like that forever in our Brazil and it’s going to happen to others if they stay quiet,” she said. “But by God, not this time! We won’t shut up. An animal doesn’t deserve the end my brother had, and the guilty will pay.” ■
Immigration
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 22
PANGARAP: SO, OUR JOURNEY BEGINS
So, How Much Baon Do You Need? BY BOLET AREVALO WHEREVER YOU are, the reality is that you always need to invest in your future. Migrating is better considered as an investment rather than as a gamble. I had a helper back home who, because of poverty, was not able to go to school as a kid. She may not have been able to read or write, but she could surely count her money accurately. After all, as the wife of a dictator once said, “You are not rich if you can count your money. Me, I am rich because I do not know how much money I have.” The desire to migrate is not a simple dream. It is expensive. It is not as easy as lining up for a job, getting the interview and expecting to earn a decent living for that job. In fact, it can be the opposite. When you mi-
grate, you start putting in your own money first, spend that to sustain yourself, and then hope to earn a living later when you get a job and save your money back. It is like each new immigrant has to invest his own money first for a future. I have read some blogs and went over some forum posts whose authors cannot accept that reality, expressing their own frustration, sometimes anger. They say that they have been lured, only to find out that it will not be easy to get that first pay check. But nobody can ever force anyone to a decision as big as migrating, or uprooting oneself or leaving country for good. The terms of engagement are pretty clear and fully laid out before our very own eyes. The decision to meet the financial requirements of the migration process is a free choice. To some, it could be the lifetime savings, the retirement
money, house and lot sold, an inheritance advanced, or blue chip stocks monetized. Whatever the source of your funding to migrate, the decision must have been conscious and your senses in control when it was made. Thus, it can be said that under the skilled professional category, Canada gets the cream of the crop. The educated, mostly middle class, the highly-motivated, strongly driven: That is the kind of stuff that skilled immigrant professionals
quired money, or bringing in more, you are bound to spend it and pray that you money does not run out before you get that first job. This aspect increases the worries, the anxieties, and perhaps the regrets, especially for those bringing in a whole family. The
are made of. Yet, coming and starting all over again is such a challenge to the pocket. Whether you are starting with the minimum re-
tension may even impact your relationships, with the grownup children or spouse who may not be prepared, may not fully understand, and may not be as
supportive. Migrating will cost you money. It is better to think of this ❱❱ PAGE 27 So, How Much
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Immigration
23 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
New federal web portal for freedom of info expanding with 16 new departments BY DEAN BEEBY The Canadian Press OTTAWA, ONT.—The federal government plans to expand its web portal for online information requests, with 16 new departments added over the next six months. A pilot project, launched April 9, enabled the online filing of access-to-information and privacy requests, and the electronic payment of fees. It offers citizens a digital alternative to a paper-based system dating from the early 1980s. The pilot currently includes just three departments—Treasury Board, Shared Services Canada, and Citizenship and Immigration—but the service will eventually be expanded to cover all of government over the next few years. In the first five months of the pilot, almost 11,000 information requests passed through the portal, virtually all of them for Citizenship and Immigra-
tion, some 7,800 of which were access-to-information requests. Citizenship and Immigration has long attracted the highest number of access and privacy requests of any federal department, as individuals and their legal counsel are required to use these laws to view their own immigration files. The department had already established an online payment option in January 2012, enabling requesters to pay their $5 application fees for accessto-information requests by credit card. (Privacy requests are free.) Forms could then be scanned and emailed. The pilot project this year built on Citizenship and Immigration’s existing online solutions, and after five months, more than 60 per cent of all information requests at the three institutions were arriving via the web. The pilot has so far cost at least $140,000 in technology upgrades. “For the first time, Canadians are able to exercise their right of
access with greater ease by requesting information online without having to print, complete and mail in paper forms and a cheque,” Kelly James, a Treasury Board spokesperson, said in an email. “Furthermore, there is substantial benefit to Canadians and to the government of Canada in terms of cost associated with the electronic processing of the administrative fee.” James did not indicate which departments will next be joining the web portal. But internal Treasury Board documents show that Health Canada, Human Resources and Skills Development Canada and the Correctional Service of Canada likely are among the digital newcomers. Treasury Board officials, who are spearheading the initiative, were initially fretful that the online ease of filing might swamp government, especially with “vexatious or frivolous” requests, say the internal documents, obtained through access-to-information. Officials consulted with the of-
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fice of the privacy commissioner, which had instituted its own web portal in August 2012 for the online filing of privacy complaints. The privacy office reported no “measurable” number of “vexatious or nuisance complaints” arriving because of the digital option, but noted the total number of complaints rose by about 10 per cent, many of them filed “in the heat of the moment.” Statistics in the first weeks of the pilot project suggested the new information-request portal was simply “a change in how Canadians submit requests and (there was) not a measurable increase in the numbers of requests submitted.” James, however, says there has indeed been an increase attributed to the web option, though did not provide numbers. The web portal for information requests is but one facet of the “Open Government” initiative touted by Treasury Board President Tony Clement, who has been more focused on making thousands of government
databases freely available online. Canada’s information commissioner, long an advocate for online options for access-to-information requests, says she welcomes the expansion of the pilot project to include more departments, including her own someday. But Suzanne Legault says the Conservative government also urgently needs to update the Access to Information Act, which has not had a major overhaul since coming into force in 1983, in the pre-digital age. “In terms of the bigger ‘Open Government’ picture ... I wrote to Minister Clement last month to urge the government to include the modernization of the Access to Information Act as a key commitment,” Legault said. “There cannot be a truly open government without a strong and effective Access to Information Act.” Critics have assailed the Conservative government’s record on access to information, noting that Canada now is considered a global laggard on transparency when once it was a leader. ■
Seen & Scenes
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 24
LAUNCH OF WINTER ESCAPADE TOUR A special tour organized by the Philippine Embassy and Consulates General in Canada was launched on October 1, 2013 at Max’s Restaurant in Burnaby. The Winter Escapade - It’s More Fun in the Philippines! tour takes place from January 18-24 in the Philippines. This special group tour is offered only to balikbayans all over Canada. The 7 day-6 night tour includes a two-night stay in beautiful Boracay, a preview of the Dinagyang Festival, a tourism and investment fair in Iloilo, the Ati-Atihan festival and Paeapak healing ritual in Kalibo, island hopping in Guimaras, and a planned courtesy call on President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Malacañang Palace in Manila. Interested parties may visit www.winterescapadeph.com.
UPSILON PARTY FOR CONGEN
The Upsilon Sigma Phi Fraternity held a despedida a General Jose A.P. Ampeso at the River Rock Buffet. C Duty on September 30, 2013.
FILIPINO COMMUNITY CENTER OPENING Metro Vancouver Philippine Arts & Culture Exposition Society (MV-PACES) held the formal blessing and inaugural opening on October 5 of the Filipino Community Center, a non-profit Growth and Productivity Resource Facility in North Vancouver which “hopes to develop the growing Filipino Canadian community to be an active and productive influence in the Canadian Multicultural Society”. It is located at 113 East 3rd Street, North Vancouver, B.C.. A Dinner-Dance-Show Fundraising Event followed at John Braithwaite Center.
PCI AT FRASER VALLEY FOOD SH
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The Fraser Valley Food Show 2013 showcased the m Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford, BC. There w local and international food, cooking competitions, s cheese and wine seminars, Bite of the Valley particip and Hops wine/beer/spirits tasting pavilion. PCI was annual Master Chef Competition and had a chance t tor Chef Froilan Alejo, a Filipino-Canadian chef.
Seen & Scenes
25 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
and thank you dinner for Consul ConGen Ampeso ended his Tour of
SAN LORENZO RUIZ CHOIR 25TH YEAR JUBILEE CONCERT The San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir celebrated their 25th Year Jubilee. The SLRC was founded by their Music Conductor Al Doloroso, with a number of singers in January 1988. Fr. Rodolfo Imperial, of Bl. John XXIII Church suggested to name the choir after the First Filipino Saint San Lorenzo Ruiz. On September 28, 2013, the SLRC Manager Jorge Isidro, together with SLRC conductor Al Doloroso performed a 2 hour—3 part spectacular concert, to celebrate “The Gift of Music” in the full packed hall of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. The narration was done by Alex Saroca. The main pianist was Emy Lumibao de Asis.
The SLRC singers include: Rettie Macariola, Opel Munsod, Cecille Dimabuyu, Carol Bondoc, Lind Llovit, Linda Corales, Ester Macabugao, Jeannette Legaspi, Janet Sarmiento, Adel Tigueros, Tezz Viloria, Susan Stanev, Vicky Abrazado, Salve Aquino, Leo Almonte, Pepita Verayo, Josie Aguinaldo, Lina Langit, Lumen Soliman, Cesar Soliman, Ernie Pardinas, Arnel Dimabuyu, Roe Duka, Franscis Sarmiento, Carlos de Asis, Rollie Bautista, Jorge Isidro, Dado Bondoc and musician Butch Abrazado.
conductor Al Doloroso
Above photo shows the San Lorenzo Ruiz Choir, during the first part of their Concert. During intermission, between concert parts, Alex Saroca presented a display of their various activities and fund raising photos during the past 25 years.
BLOCK ROSARY CRUSADE OF TORONTO 31ST ANNIVERSARY THANKGIVING MASS The Block Rosary Crusade of Toronto celebrated their 31st Anniversary on October 5, 2013, in propagating the praying of the Rosary, with the families in Greater Toronto. The main concentration of their families are in Scarborough and Markham where the movement started in 1982. Now, they are composed of 13 groups, with over 650 families, from Whitby in the East and to Newmarket and Stouffville in the North. A Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by Fr. Patrick Gnanapragasm, assisted by Deacon Terence Rebello at Prince of Peace Church The Block Rosary members served as Communion Ministers. The BR prayed the Rosary for peace in this world and their members. The majority of the member families proceeded to a restaurant in Scarborough and renewed their acquaintances. They had a joyous day celebrating this 31st Anniversary.
HOW 2013
magic of food and cooking at the were celebrity chef demonstrations, sausage making competitions, pating restaurants and the Grapes the media partner for the eleventh to chat with Master Chef competi-
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 26
GLOBAL FILIPINO: HANZ FLORENTINO
Rich, Radical, and Very Real
BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer BEING YOUNG and successful ain’t just for the yuppies behind Facebook or Google, one Filipino is not-so-slowly and surely making his mark in the field of financial management and entrepreneurship. Hanz Florentino, with internet marketer Janmck Hilado, published his first book in the Philippines entitled “Rick, Real, and Radical”–selling over 500 copies in 10 days. That may sound like nothing, but they sold those books before they even officially launched their work. Hanz may have been referred to as “Mr. Perfect” at some point in his life, but that’s exactly what inspired him to break through the perfect mold and start being radical–his radical self. “Mr. Perfect”
“I used to remember people calling me “Mr. Perfect”. Perfect quizzes, perfect attendance, perfect projects, also perfect smile and even, the perfect boyfriend!” Hanz laughed. “Modesty aside, I graduated Bachelor of Science in Psychology Magna Cum Laude last 2008. A few days after graduation, I got hired and became “the perfect employee”. I became a training officer of a big company and easily became the boss’s favorite. Delivered on time, arrived on time, and rendered hundreds of “offer” time. After a year, got promoted and became a Customer Service Manager trainee and was the youngest supervisor of the company,” he shared. Perfect as he may have appeared, Hanz did the unthinkable. “The perfect employee did
Hanz signing books
Hanz with Rep Teddy Casino
the impossible–I quit my job,” he beamed. It’s impossible to not ask why. “Why? One day, sitting in my desk, this question hit me: Is this what I want to do for the rest of my life?” Overcoming adversity
“Everything started to changed when I quit my job. I became an outcast! Imagine, the breadwinner cutting his supply of bread. I even stayed at Janmck’s place for about 3 months just to stay away from the negativity from my family,” he shared. “We used to be the ordinary [employment-scarcity] mindset family. I grew up waking up at night [with] a lot of yelling and stuff flying all over the place. [We even reached the point of almost losing each oth-
PHOTOS FROM HANZ FLORENTINO FACEBOOK PAGE
er] because of financial problems. Debts here and there. I remember I was still very young and felt very afraid [as I watched] people getting all our appliances–collateral damage. It was tough,” he recalled. But just like good times, hard times came and left. “Finally, I was able to take off and my family finally saw the results… I have done and achieved so [much]. I mean materially, but that which I would really be so proud of now is my very own family. That’s when they changed as well. “Currently my dad is running his flourishing construction business. I still can’t believe that as I go down stairs late at night to make tea and I would [see] him reading “Secrets of a Millionaire Mind” or watching John Maxwell DVDs or listen-
ing to Bo Sanchez,” Hanz happily shared. “My mom is now doing tremendously awesome–monetizing her talent of cooking thru Cebu Packed Lunch. More than these, we became really close to each other. From scarcity mentality of overly exaggerated frugality to parents who are so generous, not only to us, but most especially to dad’s employees and their fellowship with Couples for Christ (CFC),” he said. Hanz even shared that when it comes to weekend treats, his parents are more than on the top of their game. The making of a tycoon
When asked about his chief inspirations and motivators, Hanz answered without batting at eye:
“Myself!” And he’s not kidding. “My daily goal is to simply be better than who I am yesterday! I tell you, that’s enough motivation,” he shared. Hanz considers self-awareness as a key ingredient in being successful. “Self-Awareness basically [tells you] how well you know yourself. Who are you? What are your strengths? What are you good at? What are your goals? What are your [weaknesses]? And of course, what is your story? This can be developed through daily journaling, and meditation,” he suggests. As self-motivated as he is, Hanz admits that all his hard work wouldn’t be possible without external forces of good. He ❱❱ PAGE 44 Rich, Radical
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27 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Kenya intelligence... ing suspected Al Shabaab operatives are in Nairobi and are planning to mount suicide attacks on undisclosed date, targeting Westgate Mall and Holy Family Basilica; Sheikh Abdiwelli Mohamed, Sheikh Hussein and Sheikh Hassan. They are believed to be in possession of two suicide vests, twelve (12) hand grenades and two (2) AK 47 rifles, and have already surveyed the two targets. They are being assisted by Sheikh Hassan alias Blackie of Majengo and Omar Ahmed Ali alias Jerry who are currently staying near Mamba Petrol Station and Huruma Mosque along Juja Road. SITUATION REPORT FOR FEB. 1, 2013: “Other reports indicate that by late December 2012, Al- Shabaab was training female operatives to engage in hijacking of aircrafts and crashing them as well as suicide bombing. Upon completion they were to be sent to western countries and to countries which had contributed troops to AMISOM (the African Union peacekeeping mission to Somalia). “The envisaged modus operandi include, but is not exclusive to, Mumbaiattack style, where the operatives storm into a building with guns and grenades and probably hold hostages.” SITUATION REPORT FOR JUNE 25, 2013: Radicalization of Muslim youth ❰❰ 20
is also going on, especially in Mombasa and Nairobi. In Mombasa, Sheikh Ibrahim Ismael Amru has been giving lectures at Masjid Minaa in Kisauni, urging muslims to support Jihad.” (Gunmen killed the Muslim cleric and three others in Mombasa on Thursday. The cleric’s supporters alleged that the killing was a reprisal by Kenyan security forces for the attack on Nairobi’s Westgate Mall.) SITUATION REPORT FOR AUG. 26, 2013: “Some Al-Shabaab operatives whose identities are yet to be established are planning to attack Times Tower and Nyayo House buildings within Nairobi on an unspecified date. They intend to use fire engines loaded with explosives to carry out the attacks.” BRIEFS TO OTHER RELEVANT GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND OFFICIALS: “During the month of September 2013 following a noticeable rise in the level of threat, specific briefs on the threat were made to the following: ... Cabinet Secretary, National Treasury, Cabinet Secretary, Interior, Cabinet Secretary, Foreign Affairs, Cabinet Secretary, Defence, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) “Briefs were made to them informing them of increasing threat of terrorism and of plans to launch simultaneous attacks in Nairobi and Mombasa on 13th and 20th September, 2013.” ■
So, How Much... money as your investment for everyone in your family. Be prepared for the challenge that the money may run out fast and that first pay check may come only in the nick of time. ❰❰ 22
What about some financial baggage?
You will never know when you can get that first job, so reduce the financial burden by striving to start on a clean slate. Break free from debts. Wherever you are, in whatever stage of struggle you are in, there will always be a desire deep, deep down inside to come out clean of debts or financial obligation. I am sorry to say that, no matter how hard companies try to prettify credit card usage and maintenance, many people still ruin their lives by overextending their borrowings. It’s an oft-repeated cry for help—people wanting to be free from credit cards or debts, in general. But to some, that is only the tip of the iceberg. While immigrant hopefuls are always reminded not to declare borrowed money in order to meet financial requirements, some still do so. Although it should be noted that meeting such requirement is not necessarily the reason or only reason some have gotten into debts. The reason is the same as why they want to leave—economic issues
that could really be personal or societal. The financial problem had been there and so the decision to seek greener pasture. It is most ideal to start a new life on a clean slate. It will not be good to be haunted by your financial indiscretions in the past, much less hunted by creditors. Unless you have extra funds, it will be difficult to achieve freedom from debt. But you should try, and try hard. As soon as you have reckoned with all the necessary expenses in connection with your leaving, including the required show money, do not have second thoughts about cleaning up all your financial obligations. Start with those that charge interest the highest. Hopefully, no one is a victim of freelance loan sharks that charge exorbitant rates. My grandmother used to say that loan sharks are being burned in hell while still alive due to their heartless entrepreneurship. Abroad, chances are, the first bank you see will meet will offer you a credit card. You should get one, not only because you need it to build up your credit history, but also because you are now in a plastic card society. However, be wise in choosing the type of credit card to use. Choose the one that even pays you or rewards you for using it. Once you are settled in, it is not sur-
prising to discover how fast and easy those credit cards and high finance instruments are to come by. And as you are able to build up your reputation, you will be bombarded with offers for credit cards, personal loans, and all types of financial accommodations. This, matched with sales here and there, zero interest plans, and deferred payment offers. With that, you are surely on your way to the same financial problems. So, watch out or you will soon find yourself in the same personal economic quagmire as you were before you migrated. Cut clean, and cut cleanly. Coming to a new country, start clean. Do not allow any temptation to go back to the old debt-ridden life. If you can, rid yourself of all debts. Start with ridding yourself of those that charge interest highest. Looking for your first job will be rendered less burdensome if you do not have financial ghosts. ■ Postscript to last Column entitled, The Heart of a Filipino Longing to Return Home: It was an article requested by a FilAm friend who is in a quandary whether to go home for retirement in the Philippines in the midst of all the not-so-good news back home. My thoughts specifically for
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a decision I consider another major one similar to choosing to migrate. The bottomline is: every Filipino living abroad has that desire in his heart to return and be reunited with family, regardless of whether he failed or succeeded in his journey to another land. The one thing very important is how we have made out of our decision to commence and live out the journey we have chosen for as long as we have that assurance in our hearts that country will be there to welcome us back anytime. Nobody ever said that our journey, will be easy. But as I write and as you read, we share our strengths and we can hold to the promise that “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in the midst of them,” Matthew 18:20. Bolet is a marketing communications practitioner and dabbles in writing as a personal passion. She is author-publisher of the book: The Most Practical Immigrating and Job Hunting Survival Guide, proven simple steps to success without the fears and the doubts. The book is available in Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Chapters/Indigo, the Reading Room and other online bookshops worldwide, and in National Book Store and Power Books in the Philippines. Please check out https:// www.amazon.com/author/boletarevalo.
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
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Prosper
Winging it; just a little bit (or, how I learned to manage my money) BY ANGIE DUARTE Philippine Canadian Inquirer THERE COMES a time in everyone’s life when we all have to “wing it.” That school report for which you are a tad unprepared. The recipe you set out to cook before you realize you’re missing one ingredient. Perhaps the meeting your boss called a week ago, forgotten in the chaos of the daily grind, and now staring you in the face. Or, heaven forbid, the overlooked wedding anniversary or spouse’s birthday. Oh, what to do? You wing it. Anyone honest enough will admit to having winged it at least (the very least) once in their lifetime. The ability to wing it is an art, mind you, and not something to be looked at in the negative. While preparedness, knowledge (stock or newfound) and skill are irreplaceable, winging it can be life-saving. Tasked with writing a piece on finance, I sit here—winging it. I cannot feign expertise in the area, nor can I boast remarkable knowledge and skill. Truth be told, I chose my university course based on two things, primarily: 1) My love of Humanities and Literature; and 2) The absence of Accountancy subjects on the course flowchart. Even more truth to tell, my finances have been “winged” more than once. Yet somehow I have learned in the process of winging it, how to successfully
manage my money. I am not rich. Far from it. Yet I have never starved or gone without. I have now, in fact, managed to build up some savings. Albeit on the small side, this is something which I seemed unable to do in years prior. So I suppose there is some method to my madness, as far as finances go. These tips are practical in nature; having stumbled upon them in the course of winging in and (okay, okay) watching Oprah. They work for me, and may work for you, as well. My top personal financial management tips: 1. Do the math. Admittedly not one of my favorite subjects, doing the math is the first step to figuring your finances out. How much do you earn, compared with how much you spend? The answer may be a tad scary for some, and though reality may bite, this is key to improving your money management. If there always seems to be “too much month left at the end of your money,” then take a long, hard look and determine where cutting costs—espe-
cially unnecessary ones—can translate to savings. For example, I used to enjoy my twice a week Starbucks Tall Cappuccino with a shot of vanilla habit. Up until I found out how much it was actually costing me, and how much I could otherwise be saving. Doing the math, in this particular instance (and computing in Philippine currency, as I live in Manila), this indulgence worked out to roughly PHP 1,550 a month, or PHP 18,600 a year. And
this is assuming I didn’t have a snack to go with the coffee. Now to some, that amount may be a pittance. But to me, it is a rather big deal to be blowing on signature coffee. Having said that, do I still occasionally enjoy that fancy cup o’ Joe? Most definitely. But no longer twice a week, every week. 2. Make hay while the sun shines. I have a general policy as far as work goes, which I do my best to keep—barring sickness and unforeseen events: Never say no to work. Work is a blessing, especially for freelancers like me. I have tried doing the whole steady corporate 9-5 and though I can do it, I find I thrive best on an array of work that gets my creative juices going. As such, I am a woman with MANY jobs: Writer for several publications, rock band manager, party and events host. I seek out
work. And when work knocks on my door, I always answer. I am of the sound belief that the industrious shall never starve, and so far, this has proven itself many times over. 3. Set some hay aside. Store some of that precious hay for days when the sun doesn’t shine as brightly. Aside from having a savings account, I like to have not-so-secret stashes: Envelopes I designate for particular expenses at the start of each year. Things such as trips to the dentist, Christmas shopping, a new gadget, and some mad money. It really does work. The little that you put aside each day amounts to something, over time. I also have a penchant for shiny coins and crispy bills (yes, you may now wipe that befuddled look off your face), so these qualify as “instant” savings, as I do not like to spend them. 4. Be a smart shopper. Work out a budget of all your expenses. Compare prices of items at the grocery store. Compare prices between grocery stores. Use coupons, when you can. Keep an eye out for special deals and sales. 5. Just say no! Learn the immense power of that small, 2-letter word. Walk by that 3rd pair of red shoes. Put down that cute unnecessary knick-knack. And this goes for items on sale, too. Just because it’s a good deal, doesn’t make it necessary. Free yourself from the clutches of the dollar-eyed monster of consumerism. You’ll thank ❱❱ PAGE 31 Winging it
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29 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
The More, The Merrier! The invasion of group-buying sites BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer FILIPINOS HAVE enthusiastically embraced the burgeoning industry of group-buying sites. In the last few years, consumers have exponentially grown as more merchants offered their products and services to online patrons who chose to shop at a touch of their fingertips. Merchants vary from service providers to big-time producers and home-based business owners offering discounts of up to 80%. Aside from the huge price cut, the numerous payment methods make shopping more accessible to more people. Customers can opt to pay using their credit card, their PayPal account, or even through bank deposit or third-party enterprises like convenience stores and “bayad centers.” The wide array of choices in terms of goods and services also attract thousands of buyers from all over the country. From canned goods to gadgets
to travel packages, each website is a one-stop shop for all your shopping needs, especially this coming Christmas season! Speaking of Christmas, these sites will definitely make your usually taxing Christmas shopping into a delightful walk in the park. And by “walk in the park” we mean “a click of a button.” Most sites offer free delivery within Metro Manila and apply minimal shipping fees for provincial deliveries. With the rising popularity of online shopping, authorities remind shoppers to be careful especially when using their credit cards for purchasing their much beloved items. Online magazine ‘Business Insurance’ shares some ways to stay safe when shopping online. - Trust your gut. If at some point in your transaction, the site is asking for far too much personal information that you’re comfortable with, end the transaction. - Judge the site’s looks. If the site looks too old-fashioned (as if it was designed poorly or out-
dated) or if there are too many pop-up windows coming out of nowhere, consider it as a red flag. Legit websites really don’t need so many additional ads or pop-ups. - Be extra careful when you’re shopping using your mobile device. Most phones aren’t protected by anti-virus or anti-malware softwares, which makes phones more susceptible to hooligans who are looking to steal your personal information. - Don’t use public wi-fi to shop. Most public wi-fi hotspots don’t encrypt data, so any hacker can easily take your personal information by sharing the same connection with you. - Look for ‘https’ instead of ‘http.’ Sites that use HTTPS use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to make sure your personal data are encrypted and not stored. Think of it this way, the “S” in HTTPS stands for “secure.” - Check the site’s privacy and returns policy. Some companies may store and transmit your data to a third-party busi-
Eat All You Can Buffet
PHOTO FROM METRODEAL FACEBOOK PAGE
Mactan Deal
ness, so make sure that you pay attention to the fine print. It’s not exactly a thrilling read, but it’ll pay out in the end. Now that you know some ways to protect yourself and in-
PHOTO FROM DEALGROCER FACEBOOK PAGE
vestments and enjoy the most out of your online shopping experience, here are some group buying sites you can check out. ❱❱ PAGE 31 The More
Historical Fiction Evelyn - She is American! (Kanojo wa Amerika-jin desu!) Dedicated to World War II American and Filipino guerrillas. It is about American and Filipino guerrillas’ fight for freedom. (Most events are true and the historical dates accurate - First edition May 2013.)
Great gift to dad, grandpa and greatgrandpa! This novel is not all about atrocities of war, it is a story of love, of goodness in the hearts of individuals. It is a story of two peace-loving people caught by the web of war complexity. It is a story of espionage, survival, revenge, and greed -- most of all love and forgiveness.
One does not have to fight to show loyalty to his country; Ole grandpa and Ole grandma could not fight but they were heroes. The author worked as radio operator/clerk for 623rd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, USAF in 1945 to 1950. He is a holder of B.S. in Electrical Engineering degree - FEATI University graduate - Class 1958. He worked for DZBB-TV-7 (now GMA-TV-7) in the Philippines for twelve years and for Baton Broadcasting Inc. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada for sixteen years. He worked as field engineer for FF Cruz & Co. and was assigned to Project SECOR (Sequential Collation of Range) of the US Army Map Service which ended in 1970. The author is a Filipino-Canadian - a handicapped. With a desire to reinvent himself and maintain a peaceful and worthy retirement. He allocated part of his time writing.
Order at Chapers, Indigo, Coles or any National bookstore in Philippines. (Ebook available at Lybrary.com and eBookPie.com)
ORDER INSTORE: Title: Evelyn She is American!, Author: Angel Caguiat, Publisher: FriesenPress, ISBN: Hardcover: 978-1-4602-1358-2, Paperback: 978-1-4602-1359-9, E-book: 978-1-4602-1360-5
ORDER ONLINE: Friesenpress.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.com & Barnes&Noble.com
ON SEARCH BOX type: Evelyn She Is American! http://friesenpress-accounts.appspot.com/bookstore/title/119734000009808113
Thank you for your support! From the author, Angel Caguiat. www.canadianinquirer.net
Prosper
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 30
YAMANG PANGKINABUKASAN
The Terrible Three BY SURRINDER VARPAUL AND KUYA BOY Special to Philippine Canadian Inquirer CANCER, HEART Attack and Stroke... Doesn’t this make you shiver? No? Say it out loud this time. The truth is most of us believe we are in good health and that we are invincible and immune to such catastrophes. However the shocking news is that we are not. Recently, my uncle lost a dear friend of his to cancer. Unfortunately, for two years he suffered through the pain and treatment for cancer and his family was burdened with paying the enormous medical bill. This person was the main breadwinner in the family and since his diagnosis he was unable to work and thus his wife had to dip into their meager savings to run the household plus pay for his medications, etc. They ended up being heavily in the debt (due to borrowing from family and friends). My uncle’s friend had no protection for any critical illness; luckily he had a large life insurance policy that relieved all of the financial stress that the family had endured
due to the cancer. The situation is more dire than most Canadians would assume, below are some statistics that are public knowledge: “One in Three Canadians will develop a life threatening cancer”—Canadian Cancer Society “One in Two heart attack victims are under the age of 65”— Heart and Stroke Foundation “Each Year 50,000 Canadians suffer a stroke. Of all stroke victims, 75% will be left with a disability”—Heart and Stroke Foundation How many loved ones have we lost to one of these deadly diseases? In the last 5 years do you know anyone or of anyone who has passed away as a result of being diagnosed with either of the above mentioned diseases? How much longer will we let this diseases continue the murder of young and old Canadians, is there no protection from this? There is a critical need to do something in order to prevent such agony on your family’s finances. Once you have had a stroke, chances of having another is very likely. This would greatly affect your family’s finances and the added stress could be
PHOTO FROM HANNAMONIKA / SHUTTERSTOCK
detrimental to your recovery. Prevention is always better than cure. The peace of mind that comes with an insurance policy that gives you a lump sum payment to cover for your medical expenses is invaluable. The cushion that this money would provide for you is extremely underrated, being a survivor is expensive in our wonderful country. The only decision you can make and plan for is who should foot the bill to your recovery, the insurance company or your family?
What is Coverage?
Critical
Illness
Critical Illness is an insurance product, where the insurer is contracted to typically make a lump sum cash payment if the policyholder is diagnosed with one of the critical illnesses listed in the insurance policy. The mistake most Canadians make is thinking that the government will take care of them and are sadly disappointed to find out it’s the exact opposite. From retirement to medical coverage, the maximum they give is barely a minimum to live.
MSP DOES NOT cover the total cost of medication or treatment for any serious disease or illness. For more detailed information feel free to visit the BC healthcare website http://www. health.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare/ policy.html ■ For more information about this topic and other valuable financial information listen to our weekly radio program— ”YAMANG PANGKINABUKASAN” every Saturday from 1:30pm to 2pm on JUAN Radio 96.1 FM, hosted by Surrinder Varpaul and Kuya Boy.
Four retirement challenges facing baby boomers Valuable insight and opinion on financial, investment, and retirement planning from an experienced industry expert. BY BRUCE LOEPPKY AS MORE Baby Boomers retire, some of their biggest worries are starting to crystallize. I’ve observed four themes that regularly crop up when discussing financial planning with those who are ready to retire: muted investment returns; living longer; medical costs; and debt. Here’s a look at how each of these can impact retirement plans. Muted investment returns
A decade ago, investment professionals were looking at returns of 7%-9% with equity mutual funds and 4%-6% for fixed-income funds. As interest rates dropped and show every indication of staying low, we
have been forced to reevaluate our expectations. Now, most investment professionals would be looking for returns of 5%-7% for equities and 3%-5% for most fixed-income. Guaranteed investment certifticates (GICs) and other forms of guaranteed vehicles offer even lower returns, which makes managing retired clients’ portfolios even more of a challenge. There is no quick or easy solution here. If you move too heavily towards the safe and guaranteed streams of income, you will be looking at 3%-4% returns, which means you need a large nest egg or a defined benefit pension plan to give you a substantial income stream into retirement. My feeling is that you still re-
quire equities well into retirement. This might be an allocation anywhere between 25% and 75%, depending on your personal situation. After a good equity return, you could shift a portion to the fixed-income side. Once funds are on the fixed-income side, they stay there and are used to fund retirement through monthly redemptions. Living longer
Longer lifespans is one of the great advances of modern medical science. It can give you many more years of a happy retirement, but it comes at a cost. You have to fund many more years in a low interest rate/low return environment, which is tricky. Keep an eye on budgets, and don’t get into debt while in www.canadianinquirer.net
retirement, because your income is fixed. Use credit as little as possible. Another tip: Pay off automobile loans as quickly as possible, before costly interest is added on. There was once a belief that life expectancy had plateaued because of better medical care and other advances. But life expectancy has continued to increase in the past 20 years and shows no signs of stopping. This change has it pros and cons, like everything. For that increased lifespan, you have to fund living costs for a commensurately longer period, accounting as well for increasing medical, long-term care, and critical care costs as you age.
The amount we pay for province healthcare rises slowly, and it’s largely invisible through higher tax rates, so primary care is not a big concern for most people. Other costs that we pay out of pocket (unless we have a defined benefit pension plan) are increasing much faster. These include, for example, prescription drugs, and costs to see various specialists who aren’t always covered by government plans (such as physiotherapists, podiatrists, dentists, and so on). In addition, the number of dementia cases is increasing quickly with the aging population, and costs to shelter and feed such patients in a longterm care facility are not cheap. And those costs could continue
Medical costs
Medical costs keep going up.
❱❱ PAGE 44 Four retirement
Prosper
31 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Why ‘bargain shopping’ for stocks can be a costly mistake
PHOTO FROM ZHUANG MU / SHUTTERSTOCK
For those looking for the best travel and tour package, check out Cash Cash Pinoy (www. cashcashpinoy.com). They offer domestic and international packages, usually including airfare, hotel accommodations, and even a day tour of scenic spots. Perhaps the odd thing to note is that international travel packages may be cheaper than domestic travel packages. Aside from affordable and complete travel packages, you can also find more than a dozen deals on goods and services that will definitely tickle your fancy. Their site is also very organized and easy to navigate. Each tab is a department store section just a click away. If you’re looking for affordable goods and restaurant deals, head on to MetroDeal (www.metrodeal.com). Scrolling through their home page may take more than half an hour because of the dozens of items to choose from. Deals can be as low as 80% and most deals are good enough from groups, so it’s perfect for friends and families. They also offer overthe-counter payment methods, as well as bank deposit and ATM payment. Living Social (formerly known as Ensogo, www.ensogo. com.ph) is probably one of the first group-buying sites that started out the frenzy. Known for exclusive deals for BPI credit card holders as well as deals from major manufacturers like PureFoods and Johnson & Johnson, patrons flock to Living Social to stock up on goods more than services.
lanche of interest and massive debt. The day I paid off the last of my credit card debt, it was as though a weight was lifted from off my shoulders. I turned the last of my cards in, despite resistance from the account manager, and I have not looked back since. I am now much better able to stay within my budget, and live within my means. With the occasional over-spending slip-up. Are there pitfalls? A few. It is difficult to buy things online (I generally ask a friend), I still have to figure out an alternate route to opening a PayPal account (OF COURSE a credit
card is needed), and I do fret now and then about the “whatif…” emergency situation. But in all, getting rid of the plastic has been more advantageous to me than not. 7. Learn the art of giving. No matter the religion or faith to which you adhere, or the absence thereof, it holds true: “Give and it shall be given back to you.” I do not know how it works—cosmic law, karmic cycle, faith principle, all of the above—it just does. I like to give to the most random of people, in the most random of situations—cabbies, street
Market wisdom from one of Canada’s most respected professional investment managers BY PATRICK MCKEOUGH FOR A number of investors, there are two steps to buying a stock. First they decide which ones to buy, and then they decide what price they want to pay. Many investors aim to buy a stock at, say, 5% to 10% below current prices. But you can’t negotiate a favourable purchase price for stocks. Investors who “bargain shop” for stocks explain that they are simply looking to buy stocks
The More...
like a smart consumer would buy a car. But they overlook one key difference. Car prices do vary, and some buyers do pay less than others, because they have better bargaining skills and more time to spend shopping around. However, the stock market is more efficient than the car market, as an economist would put it. You can’t negotiate a favourable price for a stock. To get a lower price, you have to wait for ❱❱ PAGE 44 Why ‘bargain shopping’
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Justin’s PHOTO FROM TASTECENTRAL FACEBOOK PAGE
Interested in something a little bit more luxurious and high-end? Sign up for free at Deal Grocer (www.dealgrocer.com), a membership-only group buying site where you can find products and services that are aimed at the (slightly) upper class. If you’re looking for something more snazzy and fancy, head on to its equally posh sister site Taste Central (www.tastecentral.com). Words of wisdom about shopping at group-buying sites: - Most travel package rates are on a ‘per person’ basis unless noted otherwise. - Always check the validity date/s of the voucher or deal you’re going to buy. That includes reservation and claiming dates.
- Check the fine print at the bottom of the deal/package description. It usually includes important details like weekend surcharges for travel deals or minimum number of vouchers to be bought to avail of the discount. - Conduct some research on the merchant. Most group-buying sites only get goods and services from legit merchants, but read reviews of their products and services before you pay for their offers. - If you can pay via third-party entities, do so. Most sites offer payment methods via bank deposit or over-the-counter payment at convenience stores (ex. 7-11), which doesn’t require you to share your personal bank account details. ■
urchins, the person who looks like they could use a little help in line next to me at the grocery store checkout, etcetera. Of course, I do live in a developing nation, so opportunities for random giving abound. Giving does not necessarily mean money, either. You can give of your time and talent, as a volunteer in a hospice, children’s hospital, home for the elderly, school center. I also like giving in kind; like ice cream, treats, food items, a bundle of clothes to the street urchins I see. Be creative with your giving, and it will come back to you in the
most creative of ways. Remember that hands that are open to give are also open to receive. 8. Make your money work for you. I must admit that I am still figuring this one out. Winging it a bit, with some tutelage from my Dad. Once you have saved some money, look into ways to put your money to work. Stocks and bonds, investments, maybe a small business. You might need to ask for some advice from someone with more experience in these financial fields, but this may prove well-worth the time and effort. ■
Winging it... yourself for it later. 6. Plastic isn’t all that fantastic. WARNING! This next tip is NOT for the faint of heart! I gave up all my credit cards. Yes, I did. Wasn’t my idea, mind you. It was Oprah’s. Or at least one of her guests. Much as I tried to convince myself that the plastic was “only for emergencies”, many times, a cute top qualified as an emergency. Break out the sirens, that shirt is in my colour and size! Well, bills snowball when you’re not looking, and could potentially turn into a credit-threatening ava❰❰ 28
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FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
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Entertainment
What a Tony winner learned from ‘The Voice PH’ champ BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer TONY AWARD-WINNING singer-actress Lea Salonga said she learned a thing or two from “The Voice of the Philippines” grand winner Michael “Mitoy” Yonting, whom she mentored for the 16week Kapamilya talent search. “Mitoy is a showman. That was something for me to learn—that I can have a little bit of Vegas, of panache, of flash,” Coach Lea told the Inquirer shortly after the finale on Sunday night at Newport Performing Arts Theater in Resorts World Manila (RWM). “I hope I got to do a little bit of that in my number with him and (comedian) Vice Ganda, which was so fun to do,” she added. Mitoy performed three songs that night, first of which was a comedic take on Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” with Lea and Vice. The 43-year-old rocker from Pangasinan, whose victory was spurred by viewers’ votes, bested three other finalists—Klarisse de Guzman, Janice Javier and Myk Perez. It was also a triumph for Lea, who beat fellow coaches Sarah Geronimo, Allan “apl.de.ap.” Pineda and Bamboo Mañalac. Heart first
Lea said she kept telling Mitoy, “Lead with your heart, and things will all be right.” She elaborated, “He had gotten so used to performing in bars, where technique, rather than the heart, is the focus. I
told Mitoy that this contest was different—that he didn’t conform to the audience; they conformed to him.” Mitoy, front man for The Draybers, joined other talent searches in his youth. To raise his family, he then went to Japan to work as a band singer. “Coach Lea’s advice was to enjoy what I was doing,” Mitoy shared with the Inquirer. “We didn’t discuss techniques too much. My guess was, she felt embarrassed about giving me advice since I am older. But I’m not stubborn; I do what I’m told.” Different ball game
Of all her duties on the show, Lea said she enjoyed mentoring the most. “I became more confident as a coach. What I had to say actually had an effect on how another person performed. I had done mentoring before but this was a whole different ball game,” she pointed out. “Mitoy wasn’t hard to coach at all. He listened, followed instructions and was very respectful. He never gloated.” Mitoy said, on the other hand, that the contest was the perfect opportunity to get to know his idol. “My whole family became close to Lea. We even got to visit her home. She and my wife are now ‘text mates.’ We got to know each other really well when choosing my songs.” (Mitoy picked “Leaving on a Jet Plane” for the Top 4’s final performance.) Lea said it was the production team that suggested Vice Ganda to be Mitoy’s guest performer. “Of course I said ‘Yes’ because Mr. M (Johnny Mana-
plished something. It was like one of my children won.” Mitoy said he was still undecided about what to do with his P2-million cash prize. He also bagged a four-year recording contract from MCA Universal, among others. “I will keep the money [in the bank] for a while,” Mitoy said. “People have no idea how hard I worked to earn it. I’ll make sure it is spent on something really worthwhile.” AND THE WINNER is … Mitoy, sharing the moment with wife Merly PHOTO COURTESY OF ABS-CBN
han) said he wanted the show to be fun,” Lea related. “However, I said I still wanted the singing to be straight and clean. When we were rehearsing (‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’), I realized that Vice was really good, too. Ang linis pala niya kumanta.” Mitoy said he got the shock of his life when the popular gay comedian gave him a smack on the lips during their live performance. “We didn’t rehearse that! I was proud that he did; I just hoped I wouldn’t get in trouble with the wife,” he quipped. Best number
Arguably, the best production number that night featured apl.de.ap, Janice and Lolita Carbon of the 1980’s iconic folk rock group Asin. Lolita and Janice started off with a duet of “Himig ng Pag-ibig,” then surprised the audience by joining apl.de.ap. sing the Black Eyed Peas’ version of “The Time of Your Life.” Team Sarah invited theater actor-singer Robert Seña to
perform with them the Elton John ballad “Your Song.” Myk did a duet with his mentor Bamboo of the latter’s original composition, “Morning Rose.” Lea recounted: “Mitoy and I talked during the final minutes about how thankful we were for making it to the Top 2. We were no longer nervous because what would happen after that point was beyond us.” Voting lines were once again opened for the Top 2 finalists. The previous scores of Mitoy and Klarisse were erased and the two performed a new song number each—Mitoy interpreted The Beatles’ “Help” and Klarisse did her take on the Leo Valdez signature song, “Magsimula Ka.” “I was happy that Mitoy chose [‘Help’], something he was very comfortable with and didn’t have to learn,” Lea pointed out. “I’m happy now that the competition is over. Mitoy’s career can only get better from here. With his victory, I guess I felt what my mom felt whenever I accom-
Thankful
Mitoy was also convinced that the years he spent performing in bars had prepared him for the championship battle. “I’d like to believe that I was able to entertain enough people to make me win. I’m very thankful to those who spent their hardearned cash on text votes.” He clarified the rumor that RWM, where his band performs regularly, was one of his biggest benefactors. “I may be connected to the establishment because of my band, but they gave me no financing. More than my friends at Resorts World, I’d like to think that the viewers voted for me because they thought I deserved to win.” Tough contender
Mitoy considered Klarisse a tough contender. “I really wanted to compete with a female contestant. Filipinos naturally favor belters—kung bumibirit ang babae kaya kong tapatan.” Added the guy, a unique rock tenor, “Those who got to the Top 4 all deserved to win. Lahat dumaan sa butas ng karayom.” ■
Entertainment
33 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Defending Megan Young Beauties rally behind Miss World 2013 against online bashers who question her nationality and Pinay credentials BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer A FACEBOOK user who uses the profile name “Devina DeDiva” incurred the ire of netizens over racist remarks made after Philippine bet Megan Young won the Miss World crown. The Facebook user tagged the Philippines as a country of domestic helpers. The online rants made it to the websites of several news outfits, including Channel News Asia’s “Your News” segment. CNA is based in Singapore, where DeDiva supposedly lives, according to her site. (The INQUIRER sought the Facebook user for comment but had not received a response at press time.) DeDiva became the target of a hate page that peaked with over 20,000 likes before it disappeared from cyberspace. At least four more hate pages sprung up after the page vanished. Filipino celebrities, including fellow beauty queens, rushed to Young’s defense. Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss International 2005, suspects the Facebook user only wanted attention. “I read her Facebook page… [Perhaps] she did that because she knew that Filipinos supported each other and… maybe thought she’d gain followers and/or haters by attacking Megan. We should just dismiss her and not give her the fame that she craves.” Quigaman praised Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs): “We are a country of beautiful, smart and loving maids, nurses, teachers, doctors and beauty queens… No one can take that away from us.” Ruffa Gutierrez, Miss World 1993 Second Princess, agreed: “Haters are always going to hate. It’s not because of what’s around them; it’s what’s within them. Simply ignore [them]. I laud our OFWs who work hard to give their families a better life, a brighter future. Let’s spread peace, love and positivity instead.” Evangeline Pascual, Miss World 1973 first runner-up, remarked: “Anyone who puts down other people is already [down in the dumps].”
Talks on the Hollywood remake of “OTJ” ongoing BY KATHERINE MARFALTEVES Philippine Canadian Inquirer
MEGAN Young helped the country score a rare feat. PHOTO FROM AFP FILE PHOTO / INQUIRER.NET
Arnold Vegafria, vice president of Miss World Philippines, said: “Our OFWs are regarded as heroes by their families and are treated with respect by their employers because of their loyalty and admirable work ethic. They have always been strong contributors to the country’s growing economy, and a source of pride.” Meanwhile, questions concerning Young’s nationality arose after CNN and E! Online reported that she was a “US native [and] hails from the United States.” A false report circulated online alleging that the United States had protested Young’s victory and that US citizens had petitioned Miss World organizers, saying she should also represent them since her father was American. Cory Quirino, chair of Miss World Philippines, told the INQUIRER: “That’s silly. There is no such protest. The US had its [own] candidate. Megan joined Miss World and entered Indonesia (where the pageant was held) using her Philippine passport, which was duly registered in the Miss World office. Everything was legally and officially done.” Former Balenciaga model and Miss Visayas-RP 1976 Bessie Badilla related, “Megan was born in the US and moved
back to the Philippines at age 10. She’s a global young lady, so perfect for the title of Miss World.” Margie Moran, Miss Universe 1973, explained that, due to information technology, globalization and multiculturalism, “[Our world] has become a borderless society. I assume Megan holds dual citizenship. In any case, Miss World is not a political competition.” As for the online bashers, Quirino said: “People are entitled to their own views. But the truth is, the Miss World crown is on Megan’s head and it was won fair and square by the Philippines, so it rightfully belongs to our country. Dissenters, especially those from the Philippines, should just be supportive and appreciative of this historic victory.” Young is the first Filipino candidate to win in the 63-year-old UK-based pageant. With this triumph, the country scored a rare feat—winning in five major beauty contests: World (once), Universe (twice), International (four times), Earth (once) and Supranational (once). According to reports, this achievement belongs solely to the Philippines. Brazil and Venezuela have yet to win Miss Supranational, which Filipino Mutya Johanna Datul won last month. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
MANILA, PHILIPPINES—AS Erik Matti’s award-winning film “On The Job” (OTJ) continues to wow moviegoers around the world, one reliable source from the Cannes International Film Festival announced that a talk of a possible Hollywood remake of the Filipino film has been ongoing since April 2013. In a movie review, Canadian film critic Chris Bumbray said that the remake is “already on the books.” Bumbray also shared his thoughts as to who would be the best actor who could give justice to the role of the hardcore hitman “Tatang”, originally portrayed by seasoned actor Joel Torre. And he is no less than 3-time Emmy-winner Bryan Cranston of the recently concluded Emmy-winning show “Breaking Bad.” Reports added that the story
rights of “OTJ” had already been bought by the Los Angeles-based production company XYZ Films. Film director Baltasar Kormakur of Iceland (“Contraband,” “2 Guns”) was also designated to direct the remake. “OTJ”, which tackles corruption, conspiracy and murder, also stars Piolo Pascual, Gerald Anderson and Joey Marquez. Hollywood has already made a few Asian remakes in the recent years. Included in the prominent list was Martin Scorsese’s “The Departed”, based on the crime thriller “Infernal Affairs” by Andrew Lau and Alan Mak. Just recently, Matti criticized the decision of the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) to choose Hannah Espia’s “Transit” as the country’s entry to Hollywood’s Academy Awards in the Foreign-Language Film Category. “OTJ” has been recently featured at the Directors Fortnight of the 66th Cannes International Film Festival. ■
PHOTO FROM WIKIPEDIA.ORG
Entertainment
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 34
Vhong denies his TF is higher than Robin’s BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer
Matt Evans with wife Katrina Fariñas.
PHOTO FROM THE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT OF MATT EVANS.
Matt Evans marries girlfriend Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA—Kapamilya actor Matt Evans, who was once accused of hurting his previous girlfriend, has finally tied the knot with girlfriend, Katrina Fariñas. Evans shared the good news via his Instagram account on Thursday by posting some photos of the private civil wedding ceremony attended by their family and friends. One photo shows what seemed to be Evans’ and Farinas’ hands wearing wedding rings and bears a caption, “Just married.” While the other photo showing Evans and Fariñas holding hands as they faced
the camera, has a caption, “My wife.” The remaining photos show Evans and Fariñas along with their family, and another photo shows the couple kissing in the wedding reception. Evans had a first taste of the limelight when he became part of the 2006 “Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition.” He also starred in some TV series such as “Pedro Penduko”, “Kambal sa Uma”, “Rosalka” and “Angelito: Ang Batang Ama.” It will be recalled that the 26-yearold actor was imprisoned for one day for allegedly hurting his then girlfirend Johnelline Hickins. Evans, in a phone interview with ABSCBN, dispelled rumors that Fariñas is already pregnant. ■
ACTOR-TV HOST Vhong Navarro belied the rumor that “Toda Max” costar Robin Padilla left the gag show because he was receiving a talent fee lower than his. “Robin doesn’t seem to be the type who cares about money; In fact, he gives it away to the needy,” Vhong told the Inquirer during a recent set visit to the ABS-CBN studios in Quezon City. He added: “I’ve been with ABS-CBN for 17 years. What I’m receiving is enough for me to take care of my two sons, but I don’t think it’s more than what Robin [is getting] for the show.” He clarified reports that Robin was asking for a love interest on “Toda Max.” Vhong has a successful screen partnership with Angel Locsin on the show. Disappointed
“The production team was really looking for the perfect leading lady for Robin,” he explained. “Cristine (Reyes) was supposed to be it, but she was pulled out because of her current soap series. Valerie (Concepcion) was considered but this didn’t push through, either. However, his character, Tol, is really a family man. Tol never needed a love angle.” He said he was disappointed that Robin had to quit the show, saying he (Robin) wanted to focus on his other priorities. Robin is currently working on the biopic “10,000 Hours,” an entry in the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival. Shooting the film took Robin to Amsterdam where most of the film’s important scenes were shot. The action star is also working on a film based on the story of the notorious Kuratong Baleleng Gang. “Robin also said he wanted to concentrate on drama for now, and take a break from comedy,” Vhong reported. “It’s sad; the show began with the two of us.” “Toda Max” will celebrate its second
VHONG Navarro regrets costar’s departure.
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anniversary in November. “Honestly, nakakapagtampo. We had a really good working relationship,” Vhong said. “He didn’t talk to any of the cast members about his decision. He just sent word that he was no longer coming back and that he hoped we understood. He said he needed to prioritize some things.” Vhong, however, said he and Robin were keeping in touch. “We communicate via our Instagram accounts. He sometimes asks how I’m doing. I’m flattered by that gesture. Getting a personal message from someone of his stature is really something.” What he liked most about working on “Toda Max,” Vhong said, was that actors were allowed to participate in the creative process. “I always suggest ideas. Those that the production team liked, they incorporated on the show. We help each other. We’re always looking for stories that keep viewers interested. We also make sure our antics on the show are suitable for young viewers.” Elaborate experiment
He admitted that it was hard to maintain a top-rating sitcom. “Shows like ours aren’t like the old sitcoms that featured slapstick comedy. We create funny situations based on our characters’ personalities. We don’t get too physical, unlike in the old sitcoms. Times have changed drastically for situational comedy.” He considers the show one big and elaborate experiment. “It marked the successful return of the sitcom on local television. I’m just happy that viewers have supported us up until now. I’m glad that although some characters left and new ones came along, our viewers remained loyal.” Vhong is also proud that “Toda Max” was able to feature comedians identified with rival network GMA 7, like Anjo Yllana, Keempee de Leon and Ruby Rodriguez. ■
Entertainment
35 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Claudine-Raymart court battle heats up BY KATHERINE MARFALTEVES Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE COURT battle between estranged spouses Claudine Barretto and Raymart Santiago continues. It will be recalled that Santiago filed a counter-affidavit, stating that Claudine is a drug addict, but Barretto, through her lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, strongly denied Santiago’s accusations. “It was very clear that nilabas nila yung video para pahiyain yung kliyente ko (they presented the video to humiliate my client) but there’s no truth to the rumors na pinopropogate nila na (that they’re propagating that) my client is a drug addict,” Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said. Topacio explained that the youngest among the Barretto siblings is taking injections to fight allergy and to combat aging. He elaborated that what was seen on the video that was circulating was Claudine, taking
the Gerovital H3, which she used to maintain her beauty and good health. In a separate interview, the versatile Kapamilya actress answered Santiago’s accusations against her. “Kung totoong mentally ill ako or drug addict ako, bakit mo pababayaan sa akin ang mga bata ng ilang buwan? Hindi ba dapat iyon ang unang binitbit mo, hindi ‘yung mga Louis Vuitton luggage, hindi relo at hindi pera. Kung hindi pa siya na-TPO (temporary protection order), wala siyang pakialam sa mga anak niya.” (If it is true that I am mentally ill or I am a drug addict, why are you allowing my children to stay with me for a few months? Isn’t it that you should have brought them first with you, instead of bringing the Louis Vuitton luggages, the watch and the money? If he was not given a TPO (temporary protection order), he will not even care about his children). Negative results for Claudine
Meanwhile, Miguel Barretto, the Barretto patriarch, came to
Claudine’s defense by showing a copy of the negative result of his daughter’s drug test. Claudine passed drug tests for Phencyclidine, Barbiturates, Benzodiazepines, Cocaine, Ecstacy, Methadone, Methamphetamine, Morphine, Opium and Thetrahydrocannabinol. Miguel then challenged Raymart to undergo a drug test also, adding that he will be the one to pay for it. Claudine has also filed a criminal case against her estranged husband for violation of RA 4200, also known as the Anti Wire-Tapping Law, against Raymart. “Inside my own house, without my knowledge, kahit sa loob ng banyo namin merong mga video cameras (even inside our comfort room, there are video cameras),” Claudine said. On the other hand, Raymart’s lawyer Ruth Castelo said that they will just leave it to the court to decide as they’ve already submitted their evidence. In a separate interview, Gretchen Barretto, revealed that her youngest sister is really
Ser Chief is now a recording artist BY KATHERINE MARFALTEVES Philippine Canadian Inquirer DON’T BE surprised if you hear Ser Chief’s voice on radio stations as he is already a recording artist. Richard Yap in real life, Ser Chief has just released his selftitled album, which has a carrier single “Don’t Know What to Do, Don’t Know What to Say.” During his album launch recently, he said, “My ambition before was to just be a lounge singer. Para sa akin, okay na iyon (For me, that’s already okay) because I didn’t think I could make it in the recording industry because I had no background with acting and singing.” Yap looked up to country singer Kenny Rogers, who started his singing career at the age of 50. Before he was tapped to star in the consistent top-rating show “Please Be Careful with my Heart”, he really couldn’t
Claudine with some of her friends. The photo caption reads: “Enjoying life.” PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK PAGE OF CLAUDINE BARRETTO
a drug addict and has a mental condition. She further said that their father is also aware of this. Meanwhile, Raymart Santiago appealed to the parents of Claudine to expose the truth about their daughter. He said: “Mommy, Daddy, alam n’yo kung ano ang totoo. Alam n’yo kung anong pinagusapan natin noon at sana panindigan n’yo yun.” ( Mommy, Daddy, you know what’s the truth. You know what we’re talking about then and I hope you stand by it).
Coco Martin will not forget Gretchen Barretto BY KATHERINE MARFALTEVES Philippine Canadian Inquirer
PHOTO FROM THE FACEBOOK PAGE OF RICHARD YAP
imagine himself acting in front of cameras,” he added, “Mas gusto ko talagang kumanta dati (I really liked to sing) even before I got into acting.” Proving himself
As soon as he entered show business, he has already prepared himself to face controversies. And now, some are saying that he should have just remained as an actor. These were his thoughts on
this: “Yes. Everyone has their own opinion. Meron talagang ayaw, meron talagang gusto (There will be people who will like it, while there are some who will not). They can say what they want but let’s all be decent people.” At present, he is simply thankful for all the blessings that are coming his way. He revealed that he wants to work with Anne Curtis and Dawn Zulueta in the future. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
On behalf of Santiago, Atty. Castelo wrote: “…instead of denying Claudine’s drug abuse and closing their eyes to the problem, they should put their foot down as parents and compel Claudine to submit herself to rehabilitation.” Raymart pleads: “Huwag na nilang kunsintihin. Ipagamot na nila agad dahil kailangan na kailangan na.” (They should not tolerate her. They should have her checked immediately because it is extremely necessary). ■
IN AN interview with ABS-CBN News, Coco Martin expressed his gratitude to his fans who supported “Juan Dela Cruz” since it started airing 4 years ago. Martin’s show is about to air its finale episode on Oct. 25 and he was just all thanks to the people who were instrumental
to its success. One question that the press didn’t forget to ask him was, “among the celebrities who was a guest in “Juan Dela Cruz”, who will he never forget?” Martin answered with a smile, saying, “Si Ms. Gretchen Barretto. In-love na yata ako sa kanya eh. Napakaganda kasi niya at napakabait.” (Ms. Gretchen Barretto. I think I am already in love with her. She’s so beautiful and very kind). ■
Entertainment
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 36
Cameron Mackintosh spent two years finding the right Toronto ‘Les Mis’ cast BY VICTORIA AHEARN The Canadian Press TORONTO—Mega musical producer Cameron Mackintosh is boasting a “cracking cast” for the new Toronto run of “Les Miserables”—one that’s been a couple of years in the making. The famed British theatre impresario says he initially wanted to bring his hit 25th anniversary production of the beloved musical to the city with local producer David Mirvish two years ago, but “there were difficulties finding certain roles” and he “pulled it.” “I went, ‘No, it isn’t good enough,”’ Mackintosh, who first mounted “Les Miserables” in Toronto to much success in 1989, said in a recent interview. “I came over here. It was the last time I was here. I came and auditioned and it was quite tight, the audition period, it was like nine months before we were going to do it.” Mackintosh said they’d “done all the preliminary stuff” to develop the project here, but due to the schedules of some talent, they didn’t have enough time to secure the key members of the cast he wanted. “When I saw it, I went, ‘You know, these people aren’t just going to erase the memory of the original cast production I did, and I don’t want to do it in Toronto until I know I can get a cast that is a fantastic modern cast and just makes you think of the show now,’ and that’s why I pulled it. “I said to David, ‘I’m not going to do it now. I can’t.’ We had dates of the theatre, we had all of that, but we hadn’t signed any contracts, because I wouldn’t have signed the contracts until I knew I had the cast.” If a recent sneak peek at rehearsals is any indication, Mackintosh has secured a top-tier group of performers— who are nearly all-Canadian, at that—for the new Toronto mounting at the Princess of Wales Theatre, which started preview performances Sept. 27 and opens on Wednesday. Among them is Ontario-
raised Ramin Karimloo, who is making a theatrical homecoming from a triumphant stage career in London to star as Jean Valjean, the oppressed ex-con in the story that’s based on Victor Hugo’s epic novel. Amid a brewing revolution in 19th century France, Valjean tries to redeem himself as he’s relentlessly pursued by policeman Javert, played by British “Les Mis” veteran Earl Carpenter. Genevieve Leclerc of Gatineau, Que., plays downtrodden grisette Fantine, a role she also played on the U.S. tour of the same 25th anniversary production. Her daughter, Cosette, is played by Winnipeg’s Samantha Hill, who was recently in the Broadway production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Other cast members include “Canadian Idol” season 3 winner Melissa O’Neil as Eponine, lovelorn daughter of weaselly innkeepers the Thenardiers, played by Cliff Saunders and Lisa Horner. They follow in the footsteps of some musical superstars who’ve taken on “Les Mis” over the years, including Torontobased Colm Wilkinson, who originated the role of Jean Valjean in the West End and Broadway. “I think one of the reasons I’ve been blessed with great casts through the life of this show is, I think more than any other show that’s ever been written, every part is important,” said Mackintosh. “It’s a true ensemble.” Mackintosh embarked on this latest production four years ago as a way to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the show that has a book and lyrics by Alain Boublil and music by Claude-Michel Schonberg. “I felt the best way to do that was do a completely new version—completely new staging, new orchestration, a new design, everything,” said the award-winning owner of several theatres, who was knighted by the Queen in 1996. The new staging veers away from the original rotating,
black-box setting and includes projections of Hugo’s paintings. It also has fresh orchestrations from James Dodgson and new direction from Laurence Connor and James Powell. The anniversary production has been storming box offices internationally and comes “as part of a wonderful reawakening that happened with Susan Boyle, in a way,” said Mackintosh. When the dowdy “Britain’s Got Talent” contestant belted out the musical’s hit tune “I Dreamed a Dream” in her mezzo-soprano and her Sunday best on camera in April 2009, “she lit the touchpaper of what has become a fantastic renaissance of a show that was still doing well but has gone phenomenally well since then,” he added. “Because when that great recording ‘I Dreamed a Dream’ went viral around the world, suddenly a young audience picked up on the fact that this song they knew actually came from a musical.” And a smash musical at that. “Les Miserables” has played in 42 countries, won over 100 major theatre awards, and is billed as the world’s longest running musical. The original Toronto run at the Royal Alexandra Theatre lasted a year and then went on a national tour. “When ‘Les Mis’ first came to the Royal Alex, it was an extraordinary event and made a lot of stars and it was something exceptional,” said Mackintosh, whose other musicals have included “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Cats” and “Miss Saigon.” “And for me to come back and do a sit-down with the new production, I knew I needed to make it exceptional. I didn’t want it to be a stop on the tour, and the tour was a wonderful cast. “I just needed the city to possess it again, and that’s been the biggest thrill for me.” Mackintosh also produced last year’s three-time Oscarwinning “Les Miserables” film, which was inspired by www.canadianinquirer.net
Cameron Mackintosh and Frances Ruffelle arriving for the premiere of ‘Les Miserables’ at Leicester Square, London. PHOTO BY ALEXANDRA GLEN | SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
this 25th anniversary stage incarnation. While he “met marvellous people” and thought director Tom Hooper “did a terrific job,” “it was far more work” for him than he thought it would be. “I thought I could just agree to it and poke my nose in on the side, and I ended up, with Claude-Michel and Alain and Tom, reinventing the piece completely for the film, which was what Tom asked us to do,” said the 67-year-old. “We thought, from our little knowledge of films, that he would say, ‘Great guys,’ and then go off and do it, but actually he said that ‘it will only work if you rework it.’ And so we did it all just like we were doing the musical, but then I found during the rehearsal and filming process that I ended up being there 95 per cent of the day.” Mackintosh said he also did the editing, had co-final cut with Hooper and went on a 4 1/2-week, round-the-world twice press junket with the stars. “I was buggered by the end of it and in fact I had to have a back operation, it was so exhausting, so it really took it out of me. “I mean, it’s been a marvellous success, a wonderful ex-
perience and the talent I met in the film industry was amazing, and I would love to work with him again. But for 18 months of my life, at my age, it’s a huge slug out of my life when it’s not my real job. “My job is putting on musicals, and I could put on five or six major productions in the time I could make one movie.” Speaking of which, Mackintosh also has several other projects on the go, including new productions of “Mary Poppins,” “Miss Saigon,” “Oliver!” and “Barnum,” which he’s long been hoping a certain TV star will join when he has time. “I wanted Neil Patrick Harris to do ‘Barnum.’ I still want Neil Patrick,” said Mackintosh. “Neil, do ‘Barnum’ in America as soon as you finish with ‘Hedwig,”’ he added, pretending to address the “How I Met Your Mother” star directly. Mackintosh said he keeps returning to “Les Miserables” because it’s always been topical, has timeless characters, and he’s “always liked stories about people triumphing over adversity.” “I’m not interested in the problems of people living in expensive apartments in Manhattan. It just doesn’t interest me.” ■
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
37
Lifestyle
Mouthwatering soup and side dishes round out the Thanksgiving feast
The Canadian Press SPICED SQUASH SOUP This beautiful squash soup can be heated up in a slow cooker to save space when the stovetop is occupied with other items being prepared for the Thanksgiving feast. Look for a squash that’s heavy for its size for the best flavour and texture. Ingredients
• 1 small butternut squash (about 1 kg/2 lb) • 15 ml (1 tbsp) canola oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 10 ml (2 tsp) dried oregano
leaves • 5 ml (1 tsp) paprika • 1 ml (1/4 tsp) ground cinnamon • 1.25 l (5 cups) vegetable broth • 30 ml (2 tbsp) chopped fresh coriander Steps
Cut squash in half crosswise and peel using a vegetable peeler. Remove seeds and chop squash to yield about 1.25 l (5 cups). In a soup pot, heat oil over medium heat and cook onion and garlic for 3 minutes. Add squash, oregano, paprika and cinnamon and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
PROFESSIONAL HOME economist Emily Richards of Guelph, Ont., has developed the following recipes, which often are served at her Thanksgiving table. ■ Add broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 25 minutes or until squash is very tender. Using an immersion blender, puree soup until smooth. Alternatively, ladle into blender or food processor in batches and puree until smooth. Return to soup pot, stir in coriander and warm through. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
Be the Love; be the Miracle BY JOYCE M. ROSS FIVE YEARS ago, rightfully discouraged by the news that he had prostate cancer and fearful of the treatment, my father expressed that he felt like giving up. I nodded my understanding before tenderly telling him, “Dad, you need to seek treatment and strive to stay alive for as long as you can. Each of our lives has a purpose and you don’t know which day you will be the miracle. Maybe it will be something you say or do, maybe it will be something someone else does or says because of you; whatever, you are here to be the love and to be the miracle.” Dad’s prostate cancer was successfully treated and he lived until April of this year when he passed away from lung cancer at age 86. Luckily, I was able to
care for him during his last four months on earth and was by his side when God called him home. Throughout his illnesses, D a d stayed t r u e to his nature, telling jokes and doling out wisdom. At his celebration of life, many shared stories of times when his caring and sage advice helped them. One young woman recounted the numerous
times Dad had encouraged her when all seemed lost. “Just three weeks ago,” she said, “Frank was so weak he was propped up with
pillows and staring out
CORN AND SAGE BREAD Corn is sweet and creamy and fills every pocket of this bread. Any leftovers will make a delicious cornbread stuffing to enjoy with turkey.
melted (divided) • 1 onion, chopped • 1 stalk celery, chopped • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped • 15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh sage or 5 ml (1 tsp) dried sage leaves • 4 cobs corn, shucked
Ingredients
• 75 ml (1/3 cup) butter,
❱❱ PAGE 39 Mouthwatering soup
WAS SOMEONE KIND TO YOU TODAY? DO YOU WANT TO TELL THE WORLD? Send us your story (a paragraph will do) via editor@canadianinquirer.net and get a chance to win a copy of the book, Heartmind Wisdom—An Anthology of Inspiring Wisdom From Those Who Have Been There. This promo is for Canadian residents only. the window. I asked him if he knew the name of a pretty orange and black bird that landed on the balcony railing. He said he didn’t and asked for his book on birds. He then spent the next half hour glancing through dozens of pages, trying to find the answer to my question.” Tearfully, she finished with, “Frank always wanted to help.” Though I miss him wholeheartedly, I know that the miracle of Dad echoes forward in the lives he brightened and the
example he set for others. Dad wasn’t a ‘perfect’ person and his life wasn’t always harmoniously aligned. Due to a bad back, there were years when he suffered financially, physically and emotionally. Though he sometimes felt like running from his troubles, he would instead face them with hope. He always did his best to help another and to share the lessons life unfolded. For many people, Dad was the love and the miracle. For more true inspirational stories, please visit http://www. heartmindwisdom.com. Joyce Ross and her mission partner, Patricia Connor, can be contacted at kindnessiskey@hotmail.com. ■
Lifestyle
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 38
Way for hands-on cooking clinics across the country BY VANGIE BAGA-REYES Philippine Daily Inquirer “WE WANT to prove that everybody can cook,” says Czarina Manalo, Knorr brand manager. “And you don’t have to be an expert in the kitchen to be able to cook.” Bring out the cook in everyone—that’s an interesting, albeit ambitious goal. And a food institution like Knorr is out to do this as it marks its 175th year. For 175 years now, it has supported and encouraged women the world over to create flavorful dishes through its various sauces, mixes and cubes, which jazz up just about any dish— sinigang, menudo, kare-kare, kaldereta, tinola, paella, etc. The Knorr Kitchen hood Clinics, which is part of Knorr’s 175th anniversary celebration, will offer hands-on cooking lessons in different parts of the country, with each participant having his or her own station to work in. “We’ve noticed that more and more people are into dining out or having just the house help prepare the family food,” says Manalo. “Through Knorr clinics, we will equip Filipino homemakers with the culinary skills to dish out easy-to-do, delicious food, and give them more confidence in the kitchen.” “There are a lot of cooking shows on television, but nothing beats the actual cooking
experience that will boost your self-esteem,” adds Seanta Pasic-Reyes, Knorr senior brand manager. The clinics will start in the National Capital Region, then travel to key cities Cebu and Davao. Noted chefs will give the demos. Check out the Facebook account www.facebook.com/ knorrphilip pines for information on how to join and where the clinics will be held. World Food Program
Also as part of the 175th anniversary celebration, Knorr is partnering with the World Food Program (WFP) to present “Food for Change,” a food festival on Oct. 19 at Mercato Centrale, Fort Bonifacio Global City. Foodies and cooking aficionados can taste dishes prepared using Knorr, by 50 concessionaires. The festival aims to help increase awareness about global hunger. Proceeds from ticket sales will be matched by Knorr and donated to WFP. Below are easy-to-do recipes prepared by noted chef Sari Jorge using Knorr Sinigang Original Mix as substitute for any recipe that calls for tamarind, like Tom Yum Soup. For Paella Valenciana, instead of saffron and chicken stock, one may use the Knorr Menudo Complete Recipe Mix. And for beef tenderloin, Knorr Beef Cube enhances the meaty flavor of the beef. ■
GRILLED BEEF TENDERLOIN WITH MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE Ingredients
Tenderloin Beef Fillet • 4 1-inch slice tenderloin of beef • Knorr Liquid Seasoning • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper • Olive oil and butter for grilling the beef
Gorgonzola and Porcini Mushroom Sauce • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp butter • ½ c dried porcini mushrooms, soaked and strained • 2 tbsp chopped shallots • pinch of dried thyme leaves • 1/3 c red wine • 1/3 c soaking liquid from the mushrooms VIETNAMESE POMELO AND PRAWN SALAD WITH TAMARIND CORIANDER DRESSING Ingredients
• 4 lettuce leaves • 1 c pomelo (suha), cut into chunks • ¼ c thinly sliced cucumber • ¼ c thinly sliced carrots • ½ ckani (crabmeat) • 2 tbsp shallots or red onions, sliced and fried • 6 pcs prawns (peeled and deveined) • ½ tsp 5 spice powder salt and pepper • 2 tbsp chopped peanuts
• 1 c cream (add more if needed) • 1 Knorr Beef Cube • 1 tbsp gorgonzola cheese or blue cheese (optional) Steps
For the beef: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Drizzle both sides of the beef with Knorr Liquid Seasoning and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in an ovensafe medium skillet or grill pan over high heat. When hot, carefully place the fillet in the pan. Cook until browned on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes a side. Transfer the steak to the oven and bake to medium rare, • Fresh lime
about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the beef from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. For the sauce: Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and shallots and cook until mushrooms are tender, about 3 minutes. Add thyme, red wine and soaking liquid from the mushrooms, and simmer to reduce the liquid. Add Knorr Beef Cube, continue to cook for 2 minutes. Add gorgonzola cheese and cream and combine until smooth. Place beef on a plate and serve topped with gorgonzola sauce. Serve with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus.
Peel the prawns, leaving the tail; slice a slit in the middle and remove the vein. Season with 5 spice powder, salt and pepper. Cook the prawns in a frying pan with a little oil. Set aside. In a salad bowl or individual bowls, arrange salad in the following order: lettuce, pomelo, cucumber, crabmeat, prawns, fried shallots and chopped
peanuts. Serve with dressing. Tamarind Coriander Dressing 1½ tsp Knorr Sinigang Original Mix ¼ cwater 1 tsp Thai fish sauce 1 tsp chopped garlic 1 tbsp chopped coriander (wansoy) 2 tbsp sugar In a saucepan, mix together Knorr Sinigang Original Mix, water, Thai fish sauce. Boil the mixture and let it cool. Add the honey, garlic and chopped coriander. Mix until well-combined. Use as dressing for Pomelo Salad.
sauté again for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and rock salt and sauté for 2 minutes. Add rice and sauté for 2minutes. Then, add Knorr Menudo Complete Recipe Mix plus 2¾ c water. Bring the mixture to a boil and cover with aluminum foil. When rice is halfway cooked (after 15 minutes), re-
move aluminum foil and add prawns, clams and mussels. Drizzle with olive oil, then cover with foil again and continue cooking for another 10 minutes. Once rice is cooked, mix in green peas and garnish with prawns, shellfish and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Steps
• 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 prawns, peeled and tails removed • 100 g clams (halaan) • 100 g mussels (tahong) • green peas, thawed • 1 hard-boiled egg, sliced (boil eggs for 9 minutes only) PAELLA VALENCIANA Ingredients
• Olive oil for sautéing, plus more for drizzling • 1 pc chorizo de Bilbao, sliced • ¼ c green bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ c red bell pepper, chopped • 1 tbsp onion, chopped • 1 tbsp garlic, chopped • ¼ c fresh tomatoes • 1 tsp rock salt • 1¼ c Japanese rice • 4 tbsp Knorr Menudo Complete Recipe Mix + 2¾ c water
Steps
Using a 24-cm paellera pan, heat olive oil in a paellera or sauté pan. Add chorizo and cook until fat is rendered. Remove from pan and set aside. Add chopped green and red bell peppers and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic and www.canadianinquirer.net
Lifestyle
39 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
Ethical questions abound as babies pioneer research into benefits of gene mapping BY LAURAN NEERGAARD The Associated Press WASHINGTON—Little Amelia Sloan became a pioneer shortly after her birth. The healthy baby is part of a large research project outside the nation’s capital that is decoding the DNA of hundreds of infants. New parents in a few other cities soon can start signing up for smaller studies to explore what’s called genome sequencing—fully mapping someone’s genes to look for health risks—should become a part of newborn care. It’s full of ethical challenges. Should parents be told only about childhood threats? Or would they also want to learn if their babies carried a key gene for, say, breast cancer after they’re grown? Could knowing about future risks alter how a family treats an otherwise healthy youngster? And how accurate is this technology— could it raise too many false alarms? This is the newest frontier in the genetic revolution: how early to peek into someone’s DNA, and how to make use of this health forecast without causing needless worry. “This was something that was looming over the horizon,”
PHOTO BY THORSTEN SCHMITT / SHUTTERSTOCK
said Dr. Alan Guttmacher, a pediatrician and geneticist who heads the National Institutes of Health’s child health division. Last month, NIH announced a $25 million, five-year pilot project in four cities—Boston, San Francisco, Chapel Hill, N.C., and Kansas City, Mo.—to start answering some of the questions before the technology is widely offered for babies. Today, the 4 million U.S. babies born annually have a heel pricked in the hospital, providing a spot of blood to be tested for signs of at least 30 rare diseases. This newborn screening catches several thousand affected babies each year in time
Mouthwatering soups... • 500 ml (2 cups) all-purpose flour • 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) cornmeal • 20 ml (4 tsp) baking powder • 7 ml (1 1/2 tsp) salt • 375 ml (1 1/2 cups) milk • 2 eggs
❰❰ 37
Steps
To a non-stick skillet, add 15 ml (1 tbsp) of the butter with onion, celery, jalapeno and sage and cook over medium heat for about 7 minutes or until softened. Set aside to cool. Using a chef’s knife, cut kernels off corn cobs and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. In another
bowl, whisk together milk, eggs and remaining melted butter. Add milk mixture to flour mixture along with cooked onion mixture and stir to combine. Stir in corn kernels until well combined. Scrape batter into six 15-by-8cm (5 3/4-by-3 1/4-inch) parchment paper-lined loaf pans and smooth top. Bake in a 190 C (375 F) oven for about 30 minutes or until cake tester inserted in centre comes out clean. Makes 6 loaves. Cheese Option: Sprinkle 175 ml (3/4 cup) shredded cheddar, dividing evenly, over top of cornbread before baking. Cornbread Muffins: Divide batter among 12 greased muffin tins and bake for about 20 minutes.
for early treatment to prevent death, brain damage or other disabilities. It’s considered one of the nation’s most successful public health programs. A complete genetic blueprint would go well beyond what that newborn blood spot currently tells doctors and parents—allowing a search for potentially hundreds of other conditions, some that arise in childhood and some later, some preventable and some not. “If I truly believed that knowing one’s genome was going to be transformative to medicine over the next decade or more, then wouldn’t I want to start generating that information
around the time of birth?” asked Dr. John Niederhuber, former director of the National Cancer Institute who now oversees one of the largest baby-sequencing research projects to date. At Niederhuber’s Inova Translational Medicine Institute in Falls Church, Va., researchers are mapping the genomes of newborns, along with their parents and other relatives for comparison. The long-term goal of the privately funded study is to uncover genetic patterns that predict complex health problems, from prematurity to developmental disorders. But the experimental tests will turn up some gene muta-
tions already well-known to cause serious ailments, and participating parents must choose upfront whether to be told. They don’t get a full report card of their baby’s genes. Only ones that cause treatable or preventable conditions— so-called medically actionable findings— are revealed, to the family’s doctor. That means in addition to pediatric diseases, parents also could learn whether a baby carries a particular breast-cancer-causing gene, information useful once she reaches young adulthood. Nurse Holly Sloan was eager to enrol daughter Amelia, although she thought hard about how she’d handle any bad news. “If it was something that we could hopefully prevent through diet or exercise or some kind of lifestyle change, we could start with that as early as possible,” said Sloan, of Warrenton, Va. “I guess I’m just the type of person, I would rather know and address it.” Five months after Amelia’s birth, she hasn’t gotten any worrisome results. Until now, genome sequencing has been used mostly in research involving curious adults or to help diagnose children or families plagued by mysterious ❱❱ PAGE 44 Ethical questions
ROASTED VEGETABLE MEDLEY Seasonal vegetables are so tasty when their sweetness and texture is showcased. A mixture of vegetables will give you slightly different textures. Ingredients
• 2 small red onions • 4 parsnips, peeled and cut into 2.5-cm (1-inch) cubes • Half rutabaga, peeled and cut into 2.5-cm (1-inch) cubes • 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 2.5-cm (1-inch) cubes • 45 ml (3 tbsp) canola oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 30 ml (2 tbsp) each chopped fresh oregano and thyme • 2 ml (1/2 tsp) each salt and pepper • 30 ml (2 tbsp) pure maple www.canadianinquirer.net
syrup • 15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh Italian parsley Steps
Cut each onion into 8 wedges and place in a large bowl. Add parsnips, rutabaga and sweet potato. Drizzle with oil and add garlic, oregano, thyme, salt and pepper and toss to combine. Scrape vegetables onto
parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast in a 425 F (220 C) oven for about 45 minutes, stirring twice or until golden brown and tender. Remove to a large bowl and drizzle with maple syrup and sprinkle with parsley before serving. Makes 8 servings. Spicy Sweet Vegetable Option: Add 5 ml (1 tsp) hot pepper sauce with maple syrup.
Business
FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013 40
PH secures 3rd investment grade rating It’s about time, says gov’t exec as Moody’s recognizes Asia’s bright spot BY PAOLO G. MONTECILLO AND MICHELLE V. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINES obtained its third investment grade rating for the year—this time from Moody’s Investor Service—securing its place as Asia’s fastest growing economy. “It’s about time,” National Treasurer Rosalia de Leon said in a text message, reacting to the news. Moody’s is the last major credit rating firm to upgrade the Philippines to investment grade. Fitch Ratings was the first to recognize the Philippines’ improved economic standing in March, followed by Standard& Poor’s in May. Tokyo-based Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) also upgraded the Philippines to investment grade last May. The Philippines is now rated “Baa3” by Moody’s—a notch higher than the previous “Ba1,” which was considered “speculative.”
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima echoed the National Treasurer’s statement when he described the upgrade as long overdue. He said the upgrade was due to sound economic policies and the public sector’s push toward good governance. “Good governance is truly good economics,” Purisima said in a statement he posted in his Facebook account. Purisima said that despite the investment rating from Moody’s, the Philippines actually remains one of the most underrated countries in the world. He cited the interest rates on Philippine bonds, which are about the same as interest rates on bond from countries with higher credit ratings. The higher credit rating should give the government more access to cheaper credit because investors may now consider the country’s debt to be less risky. “The upgrade by Moody’s completes the investment grades we aspired for. We can
expect improvements in terms of foreign investments and tourism,” Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said in a press conference. Lower borrowing costs for the government may mean more resources for it to spend on basic services for the people. Yields on government debt paper are also used by local banks to price their loans to the public. This means that households can expect lower interest rates for housing and car loans, among others. Businesses will also have access to cheaper credit, allowing them to expand their businesses more easily, leading to the creation of more jobs. Abad said that, because of the investment rating upgrade, interest payments should be lower than what was originally programmed for 2014. “We expect the ability of our country to borrow from abroad to improve even further as the country’s risk profile also has improved,” Abad said. In a statement, Bangko Sen-
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tral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said Moody’s upgrade should spur investments, which would lead to the creation of more jobs. “Greater investments should strengthen the base for sustained and inclusive economic growth and usher in a transformative period for the Philippine economy,” Tetangco said. In a statement, Moody’s also revised its outlook for the Philippines’ government debt rating to positive, indicating the possibility of another upgrade in the next 12 to 18 months. “The Philippines’ economic performance has entered a structural shift to higher growth, accompanied by low inflation,” it said. Moody’s cited the country’s gross domestic product growth in 2012, which clocked in at 6.8 percent. The country’s growth accelerated to 7.6 percent in the first half of the year, outpacing the rest of the Asia-Pacific region. Moody’s assessment on the Philippines’ growth prospects
for the year mirrors the forecast of other international analysts on the country, now seen as one of the few bright spots amid bleak global economic conditions. The International Monetary Fund expects the economy to grow by 6.75 percent this year. Also, Asian Development Bank sees the economy growing by 7 percent this year, faster than any other country in Southeast Asia. Fitch announced that it too had revised its growth outlook for the Philippines this year to 6.2 percent from the previous 5.5 percent. “These levels are among the fastest rates of growth in AsiaPacific and across emerging markets globally. At the same time, inflation remains wellanchored and is currently below the central bank’s target range,” it said. The BSP expects consumer prices to rise within its target range of 3 to 5 percent for 2013 and 2014, and 2 to 4 percent for 2015. ■
Sports/Horoscope
41 FRIDAY OCTOBER 11, 2013
NBA stars promise great show in Manila BY JASMINE W. PAYO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE BIGGEST basketball spectacle for this hoop-crazy nation has begun. Two star-studded teams, along with an array of the sport’s living legends, arrived in Manila as the National Basketball Association (NBA) stages a preseason game for the first time in Southeast Asia. The Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers clash at Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City, where an overflow crowd is expected, as over 16,000 tickets have already been sold. NBA superstar center Dwight Howard flew in via a chartered flight together with his Rockets teammates, led by TaiwaneseAmerican sensation Jeremy Lin and James Harden. Bannered by rising stars Paul George and Roy Hibbert, the
Pacers arrived also via a chartered flight. The Pacers, the Eastern Conference finalists last season, came with one of basketball’s all-time greatest, Larry Bird, the Boston Celtics icon who’s now the president of the Pacer franchise. Blockbuster show
Ron Harper, the five-time NBA champion who won titles with Michael Jordan in Chicago and Kobe Bryant in Los Angeles, arrived last weekend as one of the NBA Global Games ambassadors. “We’re just excited to come over to play the game and give Filipinos a great show,” Harden said. Other greats drumming up the blockbuster event are hardcourt legends Robert Horry, Clyde Drexler and Jalen Rose. They also arrived yesterday with a big delegation of league
personnel and officials, led by NBA vice president for basketball operations Ernest Maurice “Kiki” Vandeweghe. The NBA has said many times over that the Philippines tops the list of countries outside the United States that follows the NBA on various platforms, including its website and social media like Facebook and Twitter. High-caliber match
“It’s a pleasure to have the NBA in Manila. When you put the two together, it spells a great time,” said Drexler, who starred for the Rockets and the Portland Trailblazers in the 1980s and ‘90s. The Global Games ambassadors said the Filipinos should brace for a high-caliber match. “This is the first preseason game we’re having here and we have two good, young and exciting teams,” Harper said. “We expect a lot from them this year.”
“These are two great teams who can eventually be foes in the NBA Finals,” Drexler added. “That’s how good I think these teams are. They are on their way to become among the best NBA franchises.” Global schedule
The game is part of the NBA’s comprehensive global schedule that will have eight teams play in eight cities in six countries this October. After Manila, the Rockets and Pacers will play in Taipei. In the Global Games series, there’ll be 12 teams playing outside the United States and Canada, the most ever, and the league will play regular season games in two countries beyond those for the first time. There are stops in old standbys and first-time trips to cities in Brazil and Spain that will be hosting major international competitions in the
next few years. Worth the pricey tickets
The Philippines tops the list of countries following the NBA on Facebook and Twitter outside the United States, organizers said. Additionally, the NBA conducts each year local events in the Philippines, including the Jr. NBA program, which has reached more than 60,000 students, parents and coaches over the past five years, and NBA 3X, the league’s global fan event. NBA Asia country manager Carlo Singson said Filipino fans should expect a “real NBA experience” that’s worth the pricey tickets. “The atmosphere in an NBA game is different from anything you’ve experienced before, if you haven’t been into one,” Singson said in an earlier interview. “It’s nonstop entertainment and action.” ■
HOROSCOPE ARIES
CANCER
LIBRA
CAPRICORN
(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)
(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)
(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)
(DEC 22 - JAN 19)
You may feel like you’re driving on a highway and suddenly all the lanes merge. This bottleneck should cause you tension and difficulty. Your first reaction may be to let all the other people go by. Keep in mind that on a day like this, you’ll never get where you need to be unless you’re more aggressive.
TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20) You’ll be at an advantage if you can learn to distance yourself from the emotional crux of the matter. Maintain a neutral viewpoint. It will be important in order for you to conduct yourself in the way you need to in order to be successful. Great flashes of inspiration result as long as you can keep your mental processes running smoothly.
Your emotions receive a boost of support from those around you. Be careful that you don’t let this energy go to your head. This is a good day to sit back and gain perspective on things instead of assuming you have all the answers. Opportunities will come to you when you join a team of progressive thinkers who aren’t afraid to push beyond current boundaries.
People may be bearing down hard on you. They will have some facts to back themselves up. Your brain is like a computer storing bits of information to use at times like this. No one is safe against a mental and emotional arsenal like yours. If you’ve done your homework and prepared well, the challenges should prove to be no problem for you.
LEO
SCORPIO
(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)
(OCT 23 - NOV 21)
Add a bit of spice in your life by engaging in spontaneous activities. It’s time to get out and enjoy more of the world. Explore those things that are inherently different from what you’d expect to find. Pick the closed door instead of the open one through which you can see to the other side.
This is a great day for you. You may feel like you can exercise more of your freedom. Break any shackles that seem to be holding you back. There’s no reason to feel hindered. Your adventuresome attitude is brave, and there’s a great deal of territory to conquer. Get focused and go. You have the green light.
Friendships go surprisingly well for you now, so look to them for the support you seek. Future plans may be uncertain, so don’t worry about them now. It’s important to bask in each moment and give thanks for every breath. You should feel good, so take aggressive action.
AQUARIUS (JAN 20 - FEB 18) Lessons may come in odd shapes and sizes today, so don’t feel like you need to make immediate sense of every little thing. Instead of overanalyzing everything and becoming paralyzed by the emotions you feel, take decisive action and make mistakes. This is where the lessons come in. Let them teach you what you need to know.
GEMINI
VIRGO
SAGITTARIUS
PISCES
(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)
(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)
(NOV 22 - DEC 21)
(FEB 19 - MAR 20)
You may feel like a mouse trying to get the cheese in the middle of the kitchen floor. From your corner, you can see the cheese in the distance. Yet you know a cat lurks nearby. As soon as you step into the open and out of your protected spot, the cat will react quickly and with great force. You might just want to wait until another day before grabbing the cheese.
There may be some emotional strain and tension in your world, but this can be remedied when you look at things in perspective. Don’t get weighed down by passing moods that cripple your productivity. Focus on the things that are working well in your life and concentrate your energy on those. Your communication skills and humanitarianism will pull you out of your rut today.
You’re in a sticky emotional battle in which someone is trying to twist your words to make you look like the bad guy. As soon as you try to get a project started, someone moves counter to your aims. Perhaps this is all due to a misunderstanding. Take the time to clear the air in all your relationships.
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You’re in for some unexpected surprises, but don’t worry, because most of them will be exciting and welcome. Prepare yourself by being open and accepting of other people and the new situations they bring. The path of least resistance will take you exactly where you need to go. Move toward people who radiate loving, positive energy.
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Travel
Discover the best Bacolod has to offer Celebrate MassKara festival BY KATHERINE MARFALTEVES Philippine Canadian Inquirer AS WE near the last quarter of the year, have you already dreamed about your destination (destinations!) for the remaining months of 2013? And you know what? A trip to Bacolod should be included in your list, as the colorful and upbeat MassKara festival is inarguably—a must-experience. But not only that, visiting Bacolod and its neighboring cities would make you go down memory lane, to that not-so-distant past, as these cities are made more colorful and historical with ancient structures, most prominent of which is “The Ruins” in Talisay City. MassKara
The MassKara festival has officially opened on October 1, with some students competing in the upbeat street dance competition. Festival director Rhoderick Samonte promises “20 days of non-stop fun in the Philippines only happening in the City of Smiles.” With this year’s theme, “Rediscover and Celebrate Bacolod”, tourists from all over the world are expected to troop to Bacolod. The fun will continue until October 20, so you still have two weeks to catch up with one of the country’s most colorful festivals. Apart from the Masskara Festival, Bacolod is also filled with numerous tourist attractions that can bring smile to everyone’s faces. Going around is not a problem because buses can be found everywhere to bring you to neighboring cities, and their prices are very affordable. Here are some of PCI’s mustvisit places in the City of Smiles:
Start with the Provincial Capitol of Negros Occidental, a well-preserved American-era building. An attraction adjacent to the Provincial Capitol is the Capitol Park—ideal for those who want to jog and sweat it out in the morning. In the middle of the park, you can find a man-made lagoon, where two iconic sculptures stand. The sculpture of Woman and Water Buffalo by the Italian sculptor Francesco Riccardo Monti stands at the north of the lagoon, while the Man and the Beast by the Negrense artist Felix Garzon stands at the south. Then move up to north Bacolod and you will reach Silay City. In here, you will be welcomed with more than 30 wellpreserved ancestral houses. The Maria Ledesma Golez Ancestral Houses, the Bernardino-Ysabel Jalandoni House, the Balay Negrense, the Jose Gamboa Ancestral House, and the Dr. Jose C. Locsin Ancestral House are some of the best ancestral houses to visit in Silay. The Ruins in Talisay City
Your trip to Negros Occidental would not be complete without visiting “The Ruins.” This popular tourist attraction is located in Talisay City, the neighboring city of Bacolod to the north. For the past years, this historical structure has turned to be an icon of the province of Negros Occidental. The mansion was built in the 1900’s by the barón del azúcar (sugar baron) Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson for his wife, but was later burnt during World War II. Just recently, it became even popular as one of its tourist guides was featured on various TV shows because of his unique way of narrating “The Ruin’s”’ history to tourists. It has also
PHOTO FROM ITSMEGRACE.BLOGSPOT.COM
been a favorite venue for prenuptial photo shoots and wedding receptions. Perchance, to eat
When you’re in Bacolod, please don’t miss to savour their Chicken Inasal—because of its tenderness, juiciness and freshness—it is indeed a musttry. You will never find it’s equivalent in Manila and anywhere in the Philippines. The locals were united in saying that the best place where you can enjoy Chicken Inasal is at the Manokan Country located along Father M. Ferrero Street, near SM City Bacolod. Desserts at Calea After savoring Bacolod’s finest Chicken Inasal, surely a sumptuous dessert can still find its way to your stomach? Calea is a cake shop, popular for serving the most number of cake variants. It is literally a cake haven! During the MassKara festival, you have to be early so you’ll not be at the end of the long line. Many food bloggers commented, “It tasted gourmet but it didn’t cost gourmet.” Here’s a tip to sample many of their cakes: Go there as a group, order different cakes and share.
Night Parties
When nighttime comes, a long stretch of Lacson Street (which is filled with establishments) hosts street parties. If festive is what you want, festive is what you will get here. There’s upbeat music, beer drinking, sumptuous food. The Electric Masskara Parade is actually one of the highlights of the three-day weekend of the MassKara festival. It usually starts when dusk covers the city, between 6pm-7pm, and it is a perfect prelude to a night party. Don’t miss it. Pasalubongs
You’ve had your way with Bacolod and Negros Occidental, but don’t forget the ones you’ve left behind. There are several pasalubongs you can satisfy them with (so they are not too jealous), that is, piaya, biscocho, pinasugbo, napoleones and barquillos, among others. Merci Pasalubong Treats was reviewed by many travel sites as the best pasalubong center in Bacolod. It is located in nine centers, including a branch in Bacolod-Silay Airport, SM Supermarket and Robinson’s Supermarket.
Some fast facts (to further whet your appetite): • MassKara came from the two words, “Mass” which means a multitude of people, and “Kara” which means face. When combined, MassKara means “a multitude of faces.” • Do you know that Masskara Festival’s birth came at a time when Bacolod City was mourning for the lost lives of many Negrenses after the sinking of the passenger vessel Don Juan? Thus, artists, civic groups, and the local government of Bacolod got together and thus was born the colorful, fun, festive MassKara Festival. • You can take daily flights to Bacolod City via the BacolodSilay Airport. Another option is to fly to Iloilo City and take the fastest craft to Bacolod City. • It is best to check-in at a hotel near Araneta Avenue and the Public Plaza as the street dance competition is being held there. • Bring your camera with you. • Wear comfy clothes. Bring an umbrella or a hat (or two). Lastly, leave all your worries in Manila. After all, Bacolod is “The City of Smiles.” Bawal ang nakasimangot (can’t, can’t frown)! ■
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Ethical questions... illnesses. But many specialists say it’s almost inevitable that DNA mapping eventually will be used for healthy young children, too, maybe as an addition to traditional newborn screening for at least some tots. It takes a few drops of blood or a cheek swab. And while it’s still too costly for routine use, the price is dropping rapidly. Whole genome sequencing is expected to soon come down to $1,000, what it now costs for a more targeted “exome” sequencing that maps only certain genes and may be enough. The NIH decided this was a window of opportunity to explore different ways this technology might be used. One of the four teams—at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City—will test rapid gene-mapping to speed diagnosis of sick babies in intensive care. Another will look for narrow sets of genes important in childhood, such as those involved with immune disorders not detected by today’s newborn screening or that alter how a child processes medication. “It’s not going to be some sort of fishing expedition throughout the genome,” said Dr. Robert Nussbaum of the University of California, San Francisco. The two other projects—at Brigham ❰❰ 39
supports
and Women’s Hospital in Boston and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill—will go a step further by enrolling healthy infants as they explore what kind of information parents want about their babies’ future. “We aren’t even sure that genomescale sequencing in newborns is really a good idea,” cautioned UNC lead researcher Dr. Jonathan Berg in a recent Facebook chat to alert the community about the study. Rather than a one-time mapping, it’s possible that “we will use targeted sequencing at certain times in a person’s life, when that specific information will actually be medically useful.” For those pioneering babies whose DNA is being mapped already, researchers are “trying to figure out what is legal, versus ethical, versus good medicine” in revealing results, said geneticist Joe Vockley, Inova Translational Medicine Institute’s chief science officer. Mom and Dad may be told something their child, once grown, wishes hadn’t been revealed. Other findings may be withheld now that would be good to know years later, as new treatments are developed. “This is a living, breathing problem,” Vockley said, “not a static decision that’s made, and it lasts for all time.” ■
PHOTO BY STUART MILES / SHUTTERSTOCK
Four retirement... for 15 years or more after a patient is admitted. Paying out $35,000 a year for 10 to 15 years could take a serious toll on a family’s finances. If, for example, two children are helping to pay for their parents’ care and they have different financial situations, this can cause problems and stress for the children too. ❰❰ 30
Debt in retirement
Most people 20 years ago retired free and clear of debt, which is the optimal plan. Now, it is not uncommon to see seniors with $200,000 plus in mortgage and credit card debt. This could create all kinds of problems down the road.
When you are younger (in the 30 to 50 age bracket) and get into debt, you can work harder, get a raise or promotion, or perhaps an inheritance to help you clean up your fiscal imbalance. Once you are retired, those same options usually don’t exist. The silver lining, if there is one, is that interest rates are currently low, but this won’t last forever. I strongly urge all my clients to pay down debt before retirement. It takes discipline and a plan, but it can be done. ■ Bruce Loeppky is a financial advisor based in Surrey, B.C., and a regular contributor to the Fund Library. He can be reached at sloeppky-1@shaw.ca.
Why ‘bargain shopping’... the stock’s price to come down. Shopping for price leaves investors open to a double risk Two-part investing exposes you to a double risk. Seemingly attractive stocks can drop for months, or even years, before a hidden flaw comes to the surface and explains their weakness. For that matter, little-noticed stocks sometimes rise for months before the reason for their strength becomes apparent. In a lifetime of investing, you’ll choose both kinds of stocks. If you always try to buy below the market, you’ll always get a “fill” on stocks with hidden flaws. They’ll always come down into your buying range…and they’ll keep on falling. But you’ll never get to buy the other kind of stock—the kind that keeps going up. These stocks will always seem too expensive, and they’ll go on to get even more expensive. But you need a few of these ever-more expensive stocks to offset the losses from those that get cheap❰❰ 31
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er and cheaper. There’s no easy answer to the buynow-or-wait dilemma. At times it may pay to hold off—for instance, a company’s stock will often rise when it announces a stock split, then fall after the split. In the end, if a stock is truly worth investing in, you should be willing to buy it at current prices, even if that means you run the risk of having to sit through a 5% to 10% setback. Before it slips into its next 5% to 10% setback, after all, it may first go up 50% to 100%. ■ Patrick McKeough, host of the TSINetwork.ca investment website, has been a professional investment analyst for more than three decades. He is also a portfolio manager and the editor and publisher of four investment advisories: The Successful Investor, Wall Street Stock Forecaster, Stock Pickers Digest, and Canadian Wealth Advisor. Follow Pat on Twitter and Facebook.
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Vancouver Committee for Domestic Workers and Caregivers Rights (CDWCR) What is the CDWCR and Why This Fundraiser PASKO NA Naman! (It’s Christmas Again!) is a Philippine Christmas celebration in music and dance. Scheduled for November 23 at the Asian Centre Auditorium at UBC, from 7 to 9 pm, it is a fundraiser for the Vancouver Committee for Domestic Workers and Caregivers Rights (CDWCR). It is sponsored by the Centre for Southeast Asian Research (CSEAR) of the Institute of Asian Research at UBC. CDWCR is a non-profit organization of volunteer caregivers and domestic workers (CDWs) that assist newly arrived caregivers find a better life in Canada. It was set up in 1992 and now has more than 500 active members in Vancouver alone, 94% of whom are from the Philippines. For the past 20 years, CDWCR has been conducting educational and training programs to enhance the knowledge and skills of CDWs and facilitate their adjustment to life in Canada. However, because of limited resources, it has been able to assist only about 450 individuals per year. Its programs are mainly funded by membership fees ($5/year), fund raising events, private donations, and
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the voluntary contributions of CDWCR leaders and community supporters. Proceeds from this Pasko na Naman! Christmas Fundraiser will support an expanded new series of educational and training programs for newly arrived CDWs. These include: • New skills such as childcare and elderly care as practiced in Canada, • Information on the legal rights and responsibilities of CDWs, • Personal financial management, • Preparation for permanent residence status and citizenship in Canada. • In particular, the funds will upgrade the caregivers’ skills with a Red Cross certified Training Course in First Aid and Cardiac and Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) methods and the use of Automated External Defibrillator machines ($100/person/course). In addition, the CDWCR would like to take this opportunity to solicit dona-
Editor Melissa Remulla-Briones editor@canadianinquirer.net Associate Editor Laarni de Paula Correspondents Gigi Astudillo Angie Duarte Maria Ramona Ledesma Katherine Marfal Frances Grace Quiddaoen Agnes Tecson Ching Dee Socorro Newland Graphic Designer Victoria Yong Jennifer Yen
tions of any amount in cash or checks, payable to CDWCR. Donors will be listed and acknowledged in the Pasko na Naman souvenir program. Donation must be received by October 30 to be included in the souvenir program. Receipts will be provided, however, the CDWCR is not registered for tax deductible donations. ■
Rich, Radical... constantly imbibes inspiration from the works of Bo Sanchez, Robin Sharma, John Maxwell, Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Seth Godin, Brendon Burchard, Gary Zuckav, Debbie Ford, Deepak Chopra, and Wayne Dyer. “Then, of course, my family and extended families: Radical Millionaire, Creative Hanz Team, Feast Cebu Family, and my new Wellness-Yoga-Kalimasada Family,” he said. With such a rich group of people to draw inner strength from, there’s no wondering why Hanz defines his own success. “Success is about love. Too cliché, right? Actually, it’s pretty simple: Success is doing what you love, making money doing what you love, doing these with people you love, overflow yourself with love, and teaching to people your story of love,” he explained. ❰❰ 26
Rich, Real, Radical
Apparently, he wanted something far more than an impeccable employment record. So, after quitting his job, he started forging his own path. The idea for his first book came from a drawing he did while in a boot camp. “Actually, it started with a drawing. This is part of what I drew last Decem-
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ber when I attended the Firewalk Boot Camp. We were asked to draw the life we wanted and is called the Genius Creation System. Then last January, an idea just of a book of stories came to me. I then called up Janmck, and the rest was history,” Hanz explained. “I recently launched my first book, coauthored by one of Philippines top internet marketer Janmck Hilado, ‘RICH REAL RADICAL: 40 Lessons from a Magna Cum Laude and a College Dropout’… We wrote “Rich Real Radical” with the idea saying, “Hey, you, yes you! There’s no reason why you cannot do it!”” he cheered. The book features the stories of Hanz and Janmck and how two seemingly ordinary guys got fed up with their current situation and started working on their dreams. Now, these guys are living that dream. With the success of “Rich Real Radical” came another project for the dynamic duo. “We (Hanz and Janmck) both founded the Radical Millionaires, a success support system that is geared to empowerment thru entrepreneurship. On the personal end, I am a creative marketing consultant that offers design projects and video productions. Of course, I con-
tinue to give my training and workshops on leadership and abundance,” he said with an air of satisfaction.
Editorial Assistant Phoebe Casin Graphic Designer Shanice Garcia
What’s next for the radical millionaire?
Hanz jokingly answers, “My main goal actually is to do yoga headstand by December.” But kidding aside, Hanz shared his goal with us and on his website, hanzflorentino.com. “To inspire 10,000 Lives before I reach 30,” he smiled. “I have 5 more years to go, and I believe I can really do this. “We are now setting up the Radical Millionaires Academy where the [degree] is BSM–Bachelor of Science in Millionaire-ing–and [you can take courses in] Entrepreneurship 101, Art of Sales, Stocks Investment, Magnetic Persuasion, Hypnotic Marketing, and the like. 10k lives is way too short!” he explained. With great dreams and even greater talents ahead of Hanz, we’re sure he’ll reach his goal and even outdo himself. Oh, and to answer his question: “Is this what I wanted to do for the rest of my life? Never been better!” ■
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Interview conducted by Alpha Miguel-Sanford.
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