Philippine Canadian Inquirer #325

m

info@canadianinquirer.net

sales@canadianinquirer.net A (888) 668-6059 facebook.com/ Philippine

CANADA’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONWIDE FILIPINO-CANADIAN NEWSPAPER

CanadianInquirer twitter: @PhilCanInquirer

JUNE 22, 2018

www.canadianinquirer.net

VOL. 6 NO. 325

PAYING TRIBUTE

Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairman Martin Delgra III (right) along with Department of Transportation Undersecretary Tim Orbos (2nd from right) and LTFRB Board Member Aileen Lizada (3rd from right) ride a modern jeepney during the launch of 15 modern jeepneys. The electric jeepneys of the Senate Employees Transport Cooperative will ply the Star CityCultural Center of the Philippines to Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange route. Story on page 6.

AVITO DALAN / PNA

SC upholds ouster of Sereno

BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld its decision granting the quo warranto petition which ousted Ma. Lourdes Sereno from the Chief Justice post.

This was announced by SC Spokesman Theodore Te in a press briefing after the High Court’s en banc session.

10

Te said the High Court denied with finality the motion for reconsideration filed by Sereno, who is the first top magistrate to be removed from office through quo warranto proceedings.

“The Supreme Court En Banc, during its session today, in the matter of G.R. No. 237428 (Republic of the Philippines, represented by Solicitor General Jose C. Calida v. Maria Lourdes P. A. Sereno), denied with finality respondent’s Mo-

Sotto asks Inquirer to remove stories on Pepsi Paloma rape

31 Tories win Quebec byelection in first test of Scheer’s appeal to nationalists

❱❱ PAGE 14 SC upholds

Get the latest news & updates www.canadianinquirer.net

❱❱ PAGE 15

NEDA: PH must reap labor gains from ‘Build, Build, Build’

2

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Mga newcomer, welcome sa savings na magugustuhan mo.

NO MONTHLY FEE BANKING for a year + FREE SIM CARD 1

and $50 TELUS‡ Prepaid Top-up2

Enjoy over $500 in value^ from RBC® and partner brands

Ask about the RBC Newcomer Advantage®.

Visit an RBC branch. rbc.com/filipino | 1-866-756-1107 Offers and savings value available only to newcomers. Visit rbc.com/welcome or any RBC branch for eligibility details. Offer may be amended or withdrawn at any time and is subject to change without notice. 1 Monthly fee will be waived for the first 12 months upon opening a RBC No Limit Banking account (monthly fee $10.95). Other account transaction fees may apply. 2 Offer only available from May 14 – October 31, 2018. TELUS is not responsible for determining eligibility for this offer. It may take up to 10 business days for clients to receive TELUS offer. TELUS $50 Prepaid Top-up offer valid for activation until Oct 31st, 2018 and once activated will be available for use for 60 days thereafter. Any unused portion of Top-up will expire after 60 days unless another Top-up or 30 day rate plan is purchased within 7 days of expiry date. Other conditions may apply. ^ $500 savings value is a combination of the 12-month monthly fee waiver offer (min. $131.40), the International Money Transfer transaction fee waiver offer (min. $162), Safety deposit box annual fee waiver offer (min. $88), RBC Rewards+ Visa card welcome RBC Rewards points offer ($50) and TELUS Pre-paid Top-up offer ($70) . For details, see rbc.com/welcome. ®/™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. ‡All other trademarks are the property of their respective owner(s).

www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

3

Duterte hopes to ‘strike peace’ with enemies of state

BY JELLY MUSICO Philippine News Agency MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday expressed hope to “strike peace” with enemies of the state as promised during the election campaign two years ago.

“We have to strike peace.

There is no other way to do it.

I cannot fight for Muslims. I cannot fight for Christians,” Duterte said in his speech during the 81st anniversary of the Government Insurance Service System (GSIS) in Pasay City.

Duterte said he believes the Filipino nation can finally see “the light at the end of the tunnel” if the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) will be enacted into law.

“I’m talking to the MI (Moro Islamic Liberation Front). The BBL is there. I’m just keeping my fingers crossed but hopefully if it will be passed, we can see

the light at the end of tunnel,” Duterte said.

The President said even Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari agreed to talk peace and end decades of conflict in Mindanao.

“Then, I’m talking to NM (Nur Misuari). Misuari said ‘Okay Rod’. We’re both from Mindanao. We share the same roof. Why do have to kill each other?,” said Duterte, who country’s first Mindanaoan president..

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said the leaderships of the Senate and the House of Representatives promised that the bicameral conference committee will come out with final version of the BBL to be signed by Duterte before his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) next month.

“Well, the leadership of both the Senate and Congress promised that they would really have

a final version that will be finalized by the bicameral conference committee,” Roque said in a press conference in Cotabato City on Tuesday.

Duterte said he is also talking with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison.

He reiterated his promise to guarantee Sison’s safety and security as the President insisted that peace talks between the Philippine government and the CPP’s National Democratic Front should be held in the country.

“Why should I talk outside?

We are talking about our country, my country, their country and they want to take over, overthrow government. Why should I go to other place? Let’s talk here,” Duterte said.

Duterte gave Sison a 60-day “small window” to talk peace in the Philippines.

“Let’s talk for 60 days and during the period you come

President Rodrigo Duterte welcomes MNLFChair Nur Misuari in Malacañan.

PCOO

home, I will pay for your expenses and then if after two months period, nothing will happened, I will see to it that you go out of the Philippines safely,” Duterte said.

The President, however, told the communist leader not to come back to the country “ever again”.

“I was chosen by the people with a task to find peace in my country. I will exactly do that,” he said.

Roque clarified that Norway can still be third party facilita-

tor even if the peace talks between the Philippine government and the CPP-NDF will be held in the country.

“I just want to emphasize the desire of the President to hold the peace talks in the Philippines but the third party facilitator does not have to be abroad to facilitate the peace talks,” Roque added.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza earlier said Norway will remain as a facilitator of the peace talks. ■

Mamuhay ng malaya sa utang!

It’s easy to fall into debt when you support so many people back home.

We can help reduce your debt by up to 70%, stop interest and harassing creditor calls. Since 1979 we’ve helped over 50,000 Canadians get out of debt.

Your family depends on you so don’t let debt affect your sleep, health and life.

Licensed Insolvency Trustee

.

.

.

.

Burnaby Coquitlam Kelowna Langley Vancouver

Sleep, dream, breathe, Live debt free.®

Book a FREE consultation.

1 (844) 909-0466

afarber.com

Farber is a registered trademark of A. Farber & Partners Ltd.

www.canadianinquirer.net

4

Philippine News

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Palace open to dialogue with CBCP

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Despite his tirades against the Catholic Church, President Rodrigo R. Duterte is open to hold a dialogue with the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), his spokesman said on Thursday.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque made this remark a day after Duterte hit Catholic priests anew, claiming that some of them had affairs with women, which prompted bishops to call him out for his attacks.

“Kung dayalogo ay talaga naman pong bukas ang Presidente, bukas ang Palasyo lalung-lalo na po ngayon na ang Secretary-General ng CBCP ay taga-Davao din (When it comes to holding a dialogue, our President is open to it, the Palace is open especially because the current Secretary-General of CBCP is also from Davao),” Roque said.

“In fact tingnan po natin talaga on how to institutionalize this dialogue (In fact, we are looking at how to institutionalize this dialogue),” he added.

Roque added that Duterte is in good terms with CBCP president and Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles.

“Wala naman pong sama ng loob ang

ating Presidente sa tumatayong Secretary-General ngayon ng CBCP (Duterte has no ill will towards the Secretary General of the CBCP),” he added.

According to Roque, it was “normal” for a person, including the President, to sometimes disagree with teachings of the Catholic Church.

“Mayroon po siyang sariling mga paninindigan na taliwas sa paninindigan ng Simbahang Katoliko, pero iyan po naman ay karapatan ng lahat, magkaroon ng pananampalataya o huwag magkaroon ng kahit anong pananampalataya (He has his own beliefs that are against the Catholic Church but that’s everyone’s right, to have exercised religion or not exercise religion),” Roque said.

However, he assured that the government will prioritize investigation on the killing of priests and will hold the perpetrators liable.

“Sa tingin ko po, personal na paninindigan ni Presidente iyan. Pero ang aming assurance po, ang gobyerno po ay gagawin ang kanyang katungkulan, para po pigilan, itigil itong kultura ng impunity (I think it is the personal stance of the President. But our assurance is that the government will do its job to stop this culture of impunity),” Roque said.

Roque reiterated that Duterte’s criticisms against the Catholic Church did

President Rodrigo Duterte waits for the summit to start with Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles, Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) President Fr. Joel Tabora SJ (left), and Environment Secretary Regina Paz Lopez (right) during the Environmental Summit.

SIMEON CELI / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS DIVISION

not mean that he allowed the killings of Catholic priests.

“At pagdating nga dito sa pagpatay ng pari – hinding-hindi naman po sasabihin ng Presidente na patayin ninyo ang mga kaparian (In terms of killing priests–the President will never tell anyone to kill priests),” he added.

On Wednesday, Roque said efforts of the Duterte administration to investigate the series of killings that have targeted priests, media practitioners, and prosecutors, are not merely “lip service.”

He made this remark after the killing of Nueva Ecija priest, Fr. Richmond Nilo

last Sunday. Nilo is the third Catholic priest killed in the country in the past seven months.

Roque said President Duterte himself has expressed concern on the rise in the number of killings.

“Nababahala talaga si Presidente dito sa pagtaas ng kriminalidad ‘no (The President is really concerned about the rise in criminality in the country),” Roque said.

He also emphasized that unlike the administration of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, the current administration is acting on these killings. ■

COA to conduct preaudit on all DOT contracts: Romulo-Puyat PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The Commission on Audit (COA) will now review all contracts of the Department of Tourism upon the request of Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat.

“We are in close contact with COA, in fact, the COA only does post-audit based on latest circular but when I approached Chairman Michael Aguinaldo, he agreed that all the projects, all the contracts go through their pre-audit,” Romulo-Puyat said during the Makati Business Club Annual Meeting in Makati Tuesday.

According to the tourism chief, COA is scheduled to send a team to the DOT to review all concerned contracts, which did not go through a proper bidding. She noted that pending a COA report, all projects she’s “not comfortable with” are suspended. www.canadianinquirer.net

The most controversial program Romulo-Puyat named was the PHP80million Buhay Carinderia…Redefined project of Marylindbert International and the Tourism Promotions Board.

Other projects subjected to review on the other hand were not revealed by the official.

“I will not move without the COA’s approval,” she stressed.

Part of the DoT’s partnership with COA is on latter strengthening the department’s internal control systems to make sure that the agency’s funds are “not wasted.”

“They will make sure it is effectively used,” she said.

When asked about the COA review’s timeline, Romulo-Puyat said she won’t rush the commission.

“All contracts I’m not comfortable with, I’m giving to COA, all we can do is follow up with them.” ■

5

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

www.canadianinquirer.net

6

Philippine News

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

DOT: No set date on Boracay reopening, task force hopes for Oct. 26 PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

mark the second month of the rehabilitation.

MANILA — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is deferring details on Boracay’s reopening to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), but shared hopes the inauguration of the rehabilitated island will push through on its expected opening day, October 26.

“The one that will officially say that Boracay will be reopened is Secretary Roy Cimatu because he is the head of the task force of the rehabilitation of Boracay,” she told reporters in Makati.

“Provided that we get his go signal and that all environmental laws are complied with, we are hoping that Boracay will be opened on October 26.”

The task force as it fixes the drainage system in the island has discovered “a lot of illegal pipes,” said Romulo-Puyat. “(Secretary Cimatu) has been enforcing that these illegal pipes be removed.”

To date, the interagency group is solving the island’s easement problem, and among others, the construction of roads.

“I’ve already talked to the DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways), they have been building the roads, so the infrastructure is there. It will be on time, again, provided that, of course, Secretary Cimatu would be the best person to say, environmental laws are complied with, Boracay will be opened.”

Boracay was closed last April 26 to fix its sewage and address numerous environment-related problems. June 26 will

Hoping for a change of mind

Boracay.

Last May, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines President Guenter Taus said the closure of the island made it “hard to sell” the Philippines as a tourism destination in Europe.

Romulo-Puyat, on the other hand, is hopeful that the Europeans will change their minds once the country’s top tourist draw concluded its rehabilitation.

“We hope that when, again I am hoping, when it is decided Boracay will be opened October 26, the Europeans will take a second look because we are now complying with all the environmental laws.”

Taus had said European tour operators are now hesitant to “touch the Philippines” after having a hard time refunding their canceled bookings. He said the tour operators are “scared” that similar move from the government would happen to any Philippine islands.

Meanwhile, Romulo-Puyat eased this concern saying the private sectors themselves are exerting effort to avoid similar instances on their respective island destinations, such as Cebu.

On the issues of the tour operators, she assured these will be discussed during consultations.

“We will be discussing that. I don’t want to say anything first, but we are in close contact with our private stakeholders.” ■

LTFRB sets P10 minimum fare for ‘modernized’ jeepneys

BY AEROL JOHN PATEÑA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Modern jeepneys that are compliant with the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) will charge a minimum fare of PHP10, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said.

A total of 15 out of 35 modern public utility jeepneys (PUJs) under the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative (SETSCO) started plying the routes of Star City-Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS)-Senate to Mall of Asia (MOA) to Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and back.

The LTFRB said the air-conditioned jeepneys will impose a fare of PHP10 for the first four kilometers and PHP2 for the succeeding kilometers.

Students, the elderly, and persons with disabilities are entitled to a 20-percent fare discount.

“The determination of the fare shall be set by the Board pursuant to its mandate. No fare adjustment shall be implemented without prior approval of the Board,” the LTFRB said in its order released to the media late Monday.

SETCO, which consists of 22 jeepney drivers and operators headed by its chairperson, Remedios Ventura, was among the three transport cooperatives that were allowed by the LTFRB to participate in the initial implementation of the PUVMP. The pre-selection was made by the Office of the Transport Cooperative, whose recommendation was based on the cooperative’s good standing, financial capability, and its established man-

www.canadianinquirer.net

agement structure.

The remaining 20 modern PUJs for the given Pasay routes are targeted to be out by July.

The DOTr and the LTFRB are also processing the applications of more than 1,000 new jeepneys. Around 100 to 200 more are expected to be on the road by the first half of July 2018.

The LTFRB has granted subsidies last year for an initial 250 units of the Senate Employees Transport Service Cooperative, Inc., plying the Senate-PICC route; the Taguig Transport Service Cooperative plying the Taguig City-Pasig City route; and the Pateros-Fort Bonifacio Transport Service Multi-Purpose Cooperative plying the Pateros-Fort Bonifacio route.

The DOTr is providing a subsidy of PHP80,000 for each driver and operator, who will comply with the PUVMP, covering the 5 percent equity of the loan from the Landbank of the Philippines payable within seven years at an interest rate of 6 percent.

The PUVMP seeks to entirely change the public land transportation industry and to provide a modern and environmentally-safe mode of transportation, wherein drivers and operators have sufficient livelihood while ensuring safe and comfortable commuter experience to the riding public.

The program will replace jeepney units that are 15 years old with Euro 4-compliant engines or electricallypowered engines with solar panels for roofs. These modern PUVs will also be equipped with closed-circuit television cameras, a GPS navigation system, an Automatic Fare Collection System, speed limiters, dashboard cameras, and Wi-Fi. ■ With reports from Coleen May Abante

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

7

No nationwide martial law amid anti-tambay drive, Palace assures PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday allayed fears that the anti-tambay (bystander) drive of the Philippine National Police (PNP) would be a prelude to nationwide martial law noting that President Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier said that it was not an option.

Roque said that martial law is currently imposed in Mindanao and that there was no need to expand its coverage to Luzon and Visayas.

“May martial law po sa Mindanao. So hindi na kailangang mag-prelude to martial law ang—sa Mindanao iyan ‘no (There’s martial law in Mindanao. So there’s no need to prelude to martial law — that’s in Mindanao),” Roque said.

Roque reiterated that Duterte himself said that it would be “complicated” to declare martial law in the entire Philippines.

“Malinaw po ang sinabi na ng Presidente (What the President said was clear), ‘Martial law in the entire Philippines will become very complicated,’” Roque said.

“He has absolutely no intentions right now unless there would be reasons to do so. Wala naman pong nakikita si Presidente sa ngayon (The President doesn’t see any reason at the moment),” he added.

Roque, meanwhile, stressed that police officers will only apprehend or arrest bystanders when they have legal basis to do so.

“Ang mga ina-accost naman diyan ay iyong mga lumalabag ng mga ordinansa ‘no at saka

iyong mga alam ng mga pulis na posibleng mayroong mga nilalabag na mga batas ‘no – iyong mga umiinom sa kalye, iyong mga nagsusugal sa kalye, iyong mga ganoon ‘no (Those who will be accosted are those that violate the ordinances and those who drink in the streets, those who gamble in the streets),” Roque said.

He also said that there were legal remedies available for those arrested without basis such as the writ of amparo which can be filed when “any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity.

Roque earlier described the PNP’s new anti-crime strategy as part of its efforts to en-

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque.

sure that the public feel safer through “police visibility.”

“Importante rin na bantayan ang mga tambay para maiwasan din ang paggawa ng krimen (It’s important to keep a close watch on the bystanders to prevent crime). So, in other words, it’s really police visibility and try-

PCOO

ing to take steps to ensure that the public knows that the police are present,” Roque said.

“If they are engaged in any conspiracy to commit crimes, nandiyan po ang ating kapulisan (our police are there). That’s really crime prevention through police visibility,” he added. ■

SC sets guidelines on same-sex marriage oral arguments PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The Supreme Court has issued guidelines on the oral arguments on June 19 regarding the petition challenging the validity of provisions of the Family Code limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.

The oral arguments will take up a petition originally filed by lawyer Jesus Nicardo Falcis III on May 18, 2015, seeking the lifting of the prohibitions on same-sex marriage for being unconstitutional.

Named as respondents in the case were the Civil Registrar General while the petitioners-inintervention were LGBTS Christian Church Inc., Rev. Crescencio “Ceejay” Agbayani Jr., Marlon Felipe, and Maria Arlyn “Sugar” Ibanez. Lawyer Fernando Perito is the intervenor.

Falcis filed the case shortly after some states in the US allowed the union of same-sex couples.

In the Philippines, a pending bill at the House of Representatives is considering the possibility of recognizing “civil unions,” regardless of sexual orientation.

In May 2016, the government, through then solicitor general Florin Hilbay, formally opposed Falcis’ petition, claiming that it is an “intrinsically flawed” and “ill-timed suit.”

In a three-page SC en banc advisory, the high court gave each of the parties 20 minutes to argue their case before the SC en banc.

After each presentation, the justices will be given the “privilege to ask any question on any relevant matter or require submission of any document necessary for an enlightened resolution of this case.”

The parties are directed to argue on the following issues: A. Whether or not the petition and/or the petition in intervention is properly the subject of the exercise of the Court’s power of judicial review; B. Whether or not the right to marry and the right to choose whom to marry are cognates of the right to life and liberty; C. Whether or not the limitation of civil marriage to opposite sex couples is a valid exercise of police power; D. Whether or not limiting civil marriages to opposite sex

couples violates the equal protection clause; E. Whether or not denying same sex couples the right to marry amounts to a denial of their right to life and/or liberty without due process of law; F. Whether or not sex-based conceptions of marriage violate religious freedom; G. Whether or not a determination that Articles 1 and 2 of the Family Code are unconstitutional must necessarily carry with it the conclusion that Articles 46(4) and 55(6) of the Family Code (re: homosexuality and lesbianism as grounds for annulment and legal separation) are also unconstitutional; and H. Whether or not the parties are entitled to the reliefs prayed for.

In his petition, Falcis sought to nullify Articles 1 and 2 of the Family Code as well as Articles 46 (4) and 55 (6) of the same law. Articles 1 and 2 limit marriages between man and woman while Articles 46 (4) and 55 (6) cite lesbianism or homosexuality as grounds for annulment and legal separation.

The Office of the Solicitor General argued Falcis’ petition fails to demonstrate an “injury www.canadianinquirer.net

in fact” from the implementation of the Family Code. Injury in fact is the litigant’s “personal and substantial interest in the case such that he has sustained, or will sustain, direct injury as a result of (the law’s) enforcement.”

Falcis is also asking the SC to “prohibit the Civil RegistrarGeneral from enforcing the aforementioned portions of Articles 1 and 2 of the Family Code in processing applications for and in issuing marriage licenses against homosexual couples.”

The petitioner argued that such limitations imposed by the Family Code favoring only opposite-sex marriages effectively repealed the 1949 Civil Code, which did not make a distinction.

He argued that “Articles 1 and 2 of the Family Code violate his constitutionally protected right to due process and equal protection, right to decisional privacy and right to found a family in accordance with religious conviction.”

He said limiting marriage between a man and a woman is a grave abuse of discretion considering that the Constitution does not define marriage solely

as between a man and a woman and that even the Family Code does not require married individuals to procreate or have the ability to procreate.

He also argued that “heterosexuals are no better parents than homosexuals” just as “homosexuals are not necessarily worse parents than heterosexuals.”

“Homosexuals can raise children well in the same manner that heterosexual couples can.

While there is no assurance that gays will not be bad or incompetent parents, there is also no assurance that heterosexuals will not be bad or incompetent parents. This Honorable Court has itself stated that sexual preference or moral laxity alone does not prove parental neglect or incompetence,” he said.

Falcis added that homosexuals, like heterosexuals, can also fulfill marital obligations laid down by the Family Code, such as the obligation to live together, observe mutual love, respect and fidelity and render mutual help and support, fix the family domicile and support the family, and pay the expenses for such support and other conjugal obligations. ■

Philippine News

8

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Philippine Supreme Court upholds expulsion of chief justice

BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press

Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Correspondents Katherine Padilla Joanna Belle Z. Deala RO-Angelica T. Equio Bea Kirstein T. Manalaysay Socorro Newland Bolet Arevalo Administration Head Victoria Yong Graphic Designer Shanice Garcia Photographers Vic Vargas For photo submissions, please email editor@canadianinquirer.net For General Inquiries, please email info@canadianinquirer.net For Sales Inquiries, please email sales@canadianinquirer.net Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at 11951 Hammersmith Way, Suite 108 Richmond, B.C. V7A 5H9 Canada

Email: info@canadianinquirer.net, sales@ canadianinquirer.net Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly every Friday.

Copies are distributed free throughout Metro Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Greater Toronto.

The views and opinions expressed in the articles (including opinions expressed in ads herein) are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editorial Team.

PCI reserves the right to reject any advertising which it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement.

Member

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Supreme Court upheld the expulsion of its chief justice, the authoritarian president’s highest-ranking critic, in a final ruling Tuesday that critics warned is unconstitutional and threatens judicial independence and the country’s democracy.

Justices voted 8-6 to uphold their May 11 decision to oust Maria Lourdes Sereno from the 15-member high court and deny her appeal, said court spokesman Theodore Te. The government’s solicitor-general had asked the court to boot Ex. CJ Maria Lourdes Sereno.

CSIS Sereno out for allegedly failing to file some of her past assets disclosures in act ever, including some Duterte allies, has bank deposits and properties. he said damaged her integrity, a charge asked the Supreme Court to review its U.N. Rapporteur Diego Garcia-Sayan, she denies. decision, calling the ruling a “dangerous who looks into threats to the indepenPresident Rodrigo Duterte has 90 precedent” that infringed on the consti- dence of judges and lawyers worldwide, days to appoint a replacement. tutional power of Congress to impeach warned recently that Sereno’s expulsion Sereno blasted the government pe- senior officials. from the court is an attack on judicial tition that led to her removal as “an The 57-year-old former law profes- independence that could imperil Philipabominable perversion of the rules of sor angered Duterte after she disagreed pine democracy. court” and a “total violation of the con- with his efforts to take action against “If the chief justice can be easily exstitution.” judges linked to illegal drugs in 2016, pelled, everybody would have to dance It “has made our courts, and indeed saying the Supreme Court should be the with the same music and with that, the the entire civil service, constantly vul- one to punish erring judges. independence of the judiciary is finnerable to political intimidation, and Duterte, who is sensitive to criticisms, ished and that opens the route of abuse thus unable to properly dispense their has said he had avoided getting involved of power,” Garcia-Sayan told The Assoduties professionally and without fear,” in efforts to remove Sereno but got fed up. ciated Press in Manila. she said in a speech at a state university.

“So I’m putting you on notice that I am Duterte angrily reacted by asking GarDuterte’s allies said the ruling should now your enemy. And you have to be out cia-Sayan not to meddle in the country’s be respected, but opponents deplored of the Supreme Court,” Duterte said in a domestic affairs and told him “to go to it, with one opposition group, Tindig speech in April. hell.”

Pilipinas, labeling the tribunal as a “suThe House Justice Committee said in After her removal was made final, premely erroneous court” and threat- March that there was probable cause to Sereno vowed Tuesday she would be at ening to file impeachment complaints impeach Sereno, accusing her of corrup- the forefront to help lead a public moveagainst the justices, who approved the tion, breach of public trust and other se- ment that would seek government acgovernment petition. rious crimes. countability and defend civil liberties.

“Our constitution mandates the SuSereno has denied any wrongdoing, She blamed Duterte for weakening preme Court to be the final arbiter of le- but Duterte and his officials maintained the rule of law and checks and balances, gal and constitutionand questioned his al questions. Let us key policies, includrespect its decision, ing his outreach to no matter what our China, his handling persuasions are,” said If the chief justice can be easily expelled, of the South China Speaker Pantaleon everybody would have to dance with the same Sea territorial rifts Alvarez of the House music and with that, the independence of the and the government’s of Representatives, judiciary is finished and that opens the route of deadly crackdown which is dominated abuse of power. on illegal drugs. She

by Duterte’s allies. sought an accounting Sereno’s expulsion of how Duterte has cut short a separate spent a huge conficongressional impeachment attempt that she breached the law and should dential fund and expenses he incurred against her. She argues that the govern- not have been designated chief justice for foreign trips and weekly travel to his ment petition, known as violates the by Duterte’s predecessor in 2012. southern home city of Davao. constitution because it stipulates that Sereno was the first woman to head “This president and his supporters justices like her can be removed only by the Supreme Court and the first chief have attacked many who dared quescongressional impeachment. justice to be forced out through a gov- tion his actions. Yet we will stand firm Alvarez said the court ruling has “ren- ernment petition. Her predecessor, in our right, indeed our responsibility, dered moot and academic” the impeach- Renato Corona, was impeached by the to ask him the tough questions and take ment proceedings, which now have to House in 2011 and became the first chief him to account,” Sereno told more than be consigned to the archives. More than justice to be convicted in a 2012 Senate 150 supporters, who yelled, “Fight, fight, half of the 23-member Senate, how- trial for failing to accurately disclose his fight.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

9

Duterte on federalism: We’re just trying to perfect everything PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Ambassador Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez with Navy Under Secretary Thomas Modly.

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON DC, USA

US senator questions PH Embassy’s party at Trump Hotel

BY KATHERINE PADILLA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES — United States Senator Bob Menendez has requested that the Philippine Embassy in the U.S. provide information regarding a party the latter hosted in a hotel owned

by U.S. President Donald Trump.

In a letter dated June 14, 2018, Menendez asked Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel del Gallego Romualdez for information about the Philippine government’s transaction with the Trump Organization.

“The event I am requesting information about occurred at Trump International Hotel in Washington, D.C. on June 12, 2018, to commemorate the 120th of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence,” Menendez wrote.

The request for Trump emoluments information from five foreign governments — Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Malaysia, and the Philippines — came after the one he sent to the Trump Organization on March 1, 2018.

“The Trump Organization’s response to that letter contained extensive legal arguments regarding the emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution, but little detail regarding the revenues it earned from foreign governments,” a statement from the Committee read.

“As you know, President Trump has refused to completely divest from his business interests or place them in a blind trust, which creates the potential for conflicts of interest that may lead him to put his own financial interests above those of the U.S. government and the American people,” Menendez told Romualdez in a letter.

“Our founding fathers had this concern in mind when they wrote Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the United States Constitution, which prohibits federal officeholders from accepting emoluments from foreign states without first obtaining the affirmative consent of Congress,” he added.

The Committee asked if its usual procurement process for hosting events at hotels or other venues in Washington, D.C. was followed for its Independence Day celebration at the Trump Hotel.

It also inquired if other hotels or venue were considered and bid for the event.

The Committee also wanted to know if the Philippine government’s decision to hold an event at the Trump Hotel was influenced by any U.S. organization or individuals, including but not limited to lobbyists, government officials, and employees of the Trump Organization.

A detailed billing information, as well as the date when the invoice and payment were made, were also requested.

The Philippine Embassy’s Independence Day celebration was attended by 300 guests, including the Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas Modly, according to a Balitang America report.

Romualdez stated that holding the event at the Trump Hotel illustrates the relationship between the Philippines and the U.S. “Having it in a hotel that happens to have his name, is not necessarily the end-all be-all, it’s a statement, it’s a statement that we have a good relationship with this president,” Romualdez was quoted as saying in the said report.

The Ambassador was requested to provide the Committee with information no later than July 11, 2018. ■

MANILA — As President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s expert panel comes closer to finishing its draft Federal Constitution, the chief executive on Saturday night reiterated his commitment to step down once federalism is in place.

“We’re just trying to perfect everything and if you want a new leader during the transition you can provide it in the law itself…and I would be happy to step down,” Duterte said in his speech in Davao City speaking before Muslim leaders from various sectors.

“The time for federalism has come to our country. We have to move away from the style of unitary government,” he added.

Duterte said that the only reason he felt the need to remain as President was because he was trying to “fix everything” wrong with the current 1987 Constitution which he felt did not distribute power and resources to regions nationwide.

“The sole reason why I am holding out dito (this Presidency) is because I do not want trouble. The singular reason why I am trying to fix everything…” Duterte said,

describing remarks that he would use federalism for a term extension as “garbage.”

Duterte said that he also had no plans of leading the transition to federalism noting he was willing to give up his position for “anyone” who could make the Philippines better.

“Basta kung sino yung gusto at kaya niya gawin ang Pilipinas na maganda (As long as it is someone who can make the Philippines better). If there is somebody who is ambitious but has the talent and expertise of crafting a government or a master’s of governance e ‘di bigay natin (let’s give it to him). They can try anybody,” Duterte said.

The Consultative Committee (Concom) tasked to review the 1987 Constitution earlier said that it expects to complete its draft Federal Constitution this weekend.

The ConCom will kick off regional consultations in Dumaguete on June 18 then in Baguio City on June 25-27.

It is still on track in submitting its draft Federal Constitution to the President on July 9 or earlier, before he delivers his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23. ■

Made at Ashton Career ready education | Ashton College Ashton’s IMCD program, faculty, staff and successful alumni constitute a powerful network that helped me launch my immigration practice.

– Joe Wang, Immigration Consultant Diploma | IEM Consulting

INDUSTRY ACCREDITED PROGRAMS IN:

• Immigration • Business • Human Resources • Healthcare • Financial Services • Continuing Professional Programs

Vancouver | Abbotsford | LIVE Online AshtonCollege.ca

www.canadianinquirer.net

10

Philippine News

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Sotto asks Inquirer to remove stories on Pepsi Paloma rape

BY KATHERINE PADILLA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

To support this, he cited a bill he filed to amend Republic Act No. 53, a law that exempts print media journalists from disclosing the source of published news or information obtained in confidence.

Under Senate Bill No.1255, the coverage of the law was expanded to publishers, editors, and reporters of any publication.

Rodis, who made Sotto’s request public by posting it on his Facebook account, posited that “a dangerous precedent will be set” if Inquirer.net agrees to remove the articles Sotto cited.

“Duterte will demand that my articles denouncing him should also be removed by the Inquirer. Jinggoy, Bongbong, even China will also send their demand letters to Inquirer,” he said.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III had asked Inquirer.net to remove from its website stories “implicating” him to the alleged rape of the now deceased actress Pepsi Paloma.

In a letter dated May 29 but was made public only on Saturday, June 16, Sotto said: “I believe there was malicious imputation of a crime against me.”

He was referring to three articles that was published on Inquirer.net in 2014 and 2016, two of which were authored by U.S.-based columnist Rodel Rodis and one by Totel V. De Jesus.

Sen. Vicente Sotto III. Sotto said that Rodis’s ‘The Rape of Pepsi Paloma’ (March ous reasons.

5, 2014) and ‘Was Pepsi Paloma “We have acted on these reMurdered?’ (March 15, 2014) quests judiciously and made and de Jesus’s ‘Tito Sotto De- Well within his rights decisions based on our own nies Whitewashing Pepsi PaloIn a statement published on investigation and based on our ma Rape Case’ (March 3, 2016) Saturday, Inquirer.net’s Pub- journalistic values and princiare “unverified articles that lisher and Editor-in-Chief Abe- ples,” he said. have been negatively affecting lardo S. Ulanday recognized As for Sotto’s request, Ulanmy reputation for the longest Sotto’s right to make such re- day said: “INQUIRER.net has time.” quest, and confirmed that Sot- not made any decision.”

“My efforts to clarify my side to, through his staff, has earlier He further said that Rodis were somewhat ineffectual by raised the same request to the has been asked to comment on reason of the above-cited arti- news outlet. the request and the author has cles were shared responded by by your readers email. to the social meFurthermore, dia, and those Ulanday clarified readers who While we can understand the that Inquirer.net knew nothing senator’s discomfiture with these had nothing to about the issue articles, we feel he is overstepping do with Rodis’s took them as the his bounds by zeroing in on the act of posting on version of truth Inquirer.net articles… social media Sotconsidering that to’s petition. those reports came from a ‘Uphold freedom well-trusted company like InUlanday stated that Inquirer. of the press’ quirer.net,” Sotto added. net had and continues to reWhile Inquirer.net assumed The Senate President ceive requests of the same na- a diplomatic approach on the stressed that his request was ture from people and organiza- issue, The National Union of made “without the intention tions who petition that articles Journalists of the Philippines of trampling” the freedom of written about them be removed (NUJP), on the other hand, respeech and of the press. from their website due to vari- leased on Saturday a statement

www.canadianinquirer.net

SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES

denouncing Sotto’s “brazen attempt to suppress freedom of the press and expression.”

The NUJP, calling Sotto’s argument “ludicrous,” said: “While we can understand the senator’s discomfiture with these articles, we feel he is overstepping his bounds by zeroing in on the Inquirer.net articles…”

“We point out that all three articles Sotto wants taken down would not have been posted had they not gone through Inquirer. net’s stringent vetting and editing,” it added.

The union also pointed out that Inquirer.net was not the first media agency to release news on Paloma’s case and “those allegedly involved in her rape and the attempt to cover it up.”

“Why too, didn’t he raise hell when the articles were first uploaded in 2014? Or does he believe his status and authority as Senate president give him better chances of having the stories taken down?” NUJP asked.

It also took a swipe on Inquir-

er.net’s “equally disturbing” statement on Sotto’s request.

“We cannot understand why the outfit has to bring up Rodis’ posting and then wash its hands of it, like it were something dishonest or devious when the writer was well with his right to do so just as Inquirer.net editor in chief Abelardo Ulanday acknowledges that “it is within Sen. Sotto’s right” to request the takedowns even if he is not right at all to do so,” NUJP said.

Moreover, NUJP urged Inquirer.net to assert its independence and uphold freedom of the press and of expression, “which are increasingly under siege today.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

11

67% of Pinoy netizens Duterte denies “persecuting” view fake news priests, slams Villegas a serious concern

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer A SOCIAL Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 67 percent of adult Filipinos using the internet found fake news as a serious concern.

“Among adult Filipino Internet users, 67% said the fake news problem in the Internet is serious (40% very serious and 26% somewhat serious, correctly rounded), 20% were undecided, and 13% said it is not serious (9% somewhat not serious and 4% not serious at all),” the pollster reported on June 11, 2018, Monday.

SWS added that the perceived seriousness of fake news on the internet is directly related to the frequency of using it.

The survey results then revealed that for a majority of the respondents, fake news is also a serious problem in other media like television, radio, and newspapers.

“The survey found that 60% of adult Filipinos said the problem of fake news in the media was serious (29% very serious, 31% somewhat serious), 27% were undecided, and 13% said it was not serious (7% somewhat not serious, 6% not serious at

all), for a net score of +47,” SWS wrote.

With these perceptions of seriousness, a majority also thought that the administration is serious in solving this fake news problem.

According to the findings of SWS, 61 percent said the government was serious in solving the said problem, with 32 percent saying that they are very serious and 30 percent saying that they are somewhat serious.

A total of eight percent said the government was not serious, with four percent answering somewhat not serious, and the other four percent answering not serious at all. Thirty-one percent were undecided.

The same survey veiled that the number of adult Filipino internet users increased, reaching 42 percent, according to the latest results.

“This is a point higher than the 41% in June 2017,” SWS added.

The presented results were garnered from the surveys conducted from December 8 to 16 in 2017 and March 23 to 27 this year. SWS used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults aged 18 years old and above nationwide, with 300 from Metro Manila, from Balanced Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. ■

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer

THE PRESIDENT as a response to the statement of the Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan, denied “persecuting” priests in relation to the recent killings of three clergymen.

During the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-promoted uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on June 13, Wednesday, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte brought up the topic of priests.

“Sabi nung nabasa ko sa ano (What I read was), ‘Stop persecuting priests.’ Wala naman akong sinabi (I did not say anything) and I did not…” he said referring to Archbishop Socrates Villegas’s statement.

In Villegas’s lengthy statement regarding the recent slays of Catholic priests, he said that they “seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit that our leaders in government may arrest the further erosion of law and order in the country and restore respect for human life and human dignity, keeping in mind that they are ‘the king’s good servants but God’s first.’

“Let us implore the grace of God to touch the heart of the President of the Philippines to stop the verbal persecution of the Catholic Church because such attacks can unwittingly

Archbishop of Lingayen-Dagupan Socrates Villegas.

embolden more crimes against priests,” he further wrote.

Duterte then went on, saying that his ‘issue with women’ is the same with priests. Alam mo ‘yung pari (You know the priest) is no better than me. May mga pari d’yan tig-dalawa ang asawa (There are priests out there that have two wives),” he said.

He also said that he chose to suppress some police findings given to him.

“Eh babae eh. Pareha kami ng issue ng babae nung pari na ‘yun, babae. Eh pinigilan ko kasi hindi maganda kung mag-sige sila daldal, bitawan ko ‘yan.

Sabihin ko, ‘Kung ikaw, pari, kabitin mo ‘yung anak — asawa ng sundalo, kabitin mo ‘yung asawa ng mayor, mamamatay ka talaga.’ ‘Yun sinupress ko ‘yun, hindi ko pinalabas (It is about women. That priest and I have the same issue with women. I suppressed it since it

RAMON FVELASQUEZ / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

is not good for their image, but if they still talk, I will release it.

I will say “You are a priest, but you have affairs with the daughter — wife of a soldier, have an affair with the wife of a mayor, you will really die.’ I suppressed that and did not let it go public),” Duterte explained.

He also said that he sent a copy of the suppressed “matrix” to the chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

“Pero kung ‘yang si Soc karon gusto nila o ‘di ilabas ko. Si Soc Villegas o si… Parang san — ang problema nitong mga buang na ito? Santo lahat sila. Ibang mga gobyerno, mga sundalo o mga pulis, puro demonyo na (But if Soc Villegas wants to suppress…

Like what is their problem? It seems like they are saints, but other employees of the government, soldiers, police, are like demons),” Duterte added. ■

Carpio urges PH gov’t to sue China over destruction of coral reefs in Panatag Shoal

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

KC WONG / FLICKR

SUPREME COURT (SC) Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio on Tuesday, June 12, urged the Philippine government to lodge a new case against and demand www.canadianinquirer.net

damages from Beijing for the destruction of coral reefs in Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal.

In his statement, Carpio said the Philippines should sue China for violating its obligation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“The arbitral tribunal already ruled on 12 July 2016 that China violated its obligation to protect and preserve the marine environment when China did not prevent Chinese fishermen from harvesting giants clams ❱❱ PAGE 12 Carpio urges

12

Philippine News

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Fish-taking in Panatag an imperfect barter: Palace

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday echoed President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s statement that the practice of Chinese Coast Guard personnel taking catch from Filipino fishermen in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal is barter, albeit an imperfect one.

“Ang sabi nga (ng) Presidente, barter, pero walang pagkakasundo sa valuation. So hindi po siya talagang perfected contract of barter (The President said it was barter but there was no agreement on valuation. So, it’s really not a perfected contract of barter),” Roque said in a briefing in Cotabato City.

He reiterated that it was Duterte himself who said that because there is no agreement on the valuation of Filipino fishermen’s catch, it means that there is no contract.

He also pointed out that a proper barter should involve

a contract where both parties agree on an exchange of goods and services without the use of money.

“Presidente na rin ang nagsabi walang agreement sa valuation, so wala talagang kontrata ng barter kasi bago ka magkaroon ng barter, kinakailangan magkasundo sa lahat, including ‘yung presyo (The President himself said that there’s no agreement on the valuation, so there’s no contract on barter because before there’s a barter, there’s a need to agree on all terms, including the price of the goods),” Roque explained.

He, meanwhile, denied that Duterte was preempting the investigation being conducted by the Chinese government in relation to its Coast Guard personnel forcibly taking fish from Filipino fishermen in the Panatag Shoal.

“Hindi naman po siguro (I don’t think so),” Roque said when asked by reporters.

Lost in translation

Duterte earlier blamed the

Carpio urges... ❰❰ 11

and destroying the coral reef in the process,” Carpio noted.

The Philippines, he said, was not awarded damages because it did not ask for it; however, this time, Manila should demand damages for the “economic losses” of its fishermen.

“We can also ask damages for the action of China in preventing our fishermen from fishing inside the lagoon of Scarborough Shoal in violation of the 13 July 2016 arbitral ruling,” Carpio said.

Carpio issued his statement after GMA News reported on Monday, June 11, that Chinese fishermen take giant clams and destroy coral reefs in the Panatag Shoal.

According to the report, Filipino fishermen from Masinloc in Zambales have witnessed what Chinese fishermen did with the giant clams and the corals.

“Pinaghuhukay nila e. ‘Yung nasira ang mga corals e. Dapat pangitlugan ng mga isda, wala na. Parang winasak lang (They dug it all up. The corals were destroyed. It is supposed to be the

place where fish lay their eggs, but now it is gone. It has been destroyed),” a fisherman told GMA. In the same report, National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, who chairs the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea, also confirmed that it was the Chinese fishermen who destroyed the corals in the resource-rich area and told GMA that the Philippine government already brought the issue up to the Chinese authorities.

“Ipaparating uli natin ‘yan (We will relay this concern again),” Esperon said.

Aside from this, Chinese fishermen were also reported to have been taking fishes from local fisherfolks in Panatag Shoal.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua on Tuesday told reporters that the Chinese government is now investigating the matter and will punish those erring individuals if the allegations are proven true. ■

Scarborough Shoal.

language barrier between Filipino fishermen and Chinese Coast Guard personnel for the

NASA

barter’s valuation problem.

“It was a barter in exchange for the — ‘yung isda (fish),”

Duterte said in a speech at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) during the agency’s 120th anniversary celebration on Monday night.

“Eh ang problema, ang valuation. Hindi tayo nagkakaintindihan dito (The problem is valuation. We don’t understand each other),” he added.

Duterte also refused to call the act of the Chinese Coast Guard taking catch as a “seizure.”

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua has assured that if the Panatag incident is proven, the Chinese government will discipline erring coast guards in accordance with their own regulations.

He said that as a rule, their government will not allow the Chinese Coast Guard “to do anything that is harmful to the Filipino fishermen.”

He added, “friendly arrangements” between the Philippines and China currently allow Filipino fishermen to fish and “that will not be changed.” ■

Australian who irked Duterte wins appeal, still faces ouster THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine justice secretary on Monday revoked an immigration expulsion order for an Australian nun who had irked the president by joining political rallies, but said she still faces possible deportation.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the Bureau of Immigration’s cancellation of Sister Patricia Fox’s missionary visa was “without legal basis” because the agency did not have that power. Guevarra, however, ordered the bureau to proceed with efforts to deport her for another alleged offence.

“What the Bureau of Immigration did in this case is beyond what the law provides, that is why it has to be struck down,” Guevarra said in a statement.

Until efforts to expel Fox end or her visa expires, she “may continue to perform her duties www.canadianinquirer.net

as a missionary in the Philippines,” he said.

A smiling Fox flashed the thumbs-up sign and told reporters outside a Manila church that she was relieved but added that she faces two more immigration complaints that could force her to leave the country.

“At least, for now, my visa, it’s OK,” she said. “I am walking around legally.”

Fox, 71, is a co-ordinator of a Roman Catholic order for nuns and has been working for the poor in the Philippines for almost 30 years. She has joined rallies against President Rodrigo Duterte and his government, which has been criticized for stifling dissent and for its brutal war on illegal drugs in which thousands of mostly poor suspects have died.

Duterte backed the immigration bureau’s effort to expel Fox. Duterte has been sensitive to criticism, especially about his drug crackdown. His adminis-

tration barred a critical Italian politician, Giacomo Filibeck, from entering the country in April.

Fox’s visa was revoked because she worked outside a village in suburban Quezon city in metropolitan Manila where she had said she would confine her work. Immigration spokeswoman Dana Sandoval has said her actions violated the terms of her missionary visa.

Sandoval said Fox faces a separate complaint of engaging in political activities, adding that if she is found guilty, she could face deportation and be included in a blacklist that would prohibit her from entering the Philippines even as a tourist.

Fox’s lawyers argue that she has not engaged in political activities as the government claims. She has said her religious mission brought her to poor communities fighting for land, justice and survival — destitute Filipinos who are supporting her now. ■

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

13

Nothing fishy on Chinese military plane landing in Davao: Cayetano PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

Sen. Koko Pimentel.

SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Delays in entry of 3rd telco send bad signal to public, business

BY JOSE CIELITO REGANIT Philippine News Agency MANILA – Senator Aquilino Pimentel III on Tuesday scored the delays in government efforts to bring in a third telecommunications player in the country, saying the delays “are sending a terrible signal to both the public and the business sector.”

The delay was reportedly caused by the failure of the Oversight Committee for the Entry of a New Major Player in the Public Telecommunications Market to approve the terms of reference (TOR) for the selection and assignment of radio frequencies for the new telco.

The oversight committee, composed of representatives from the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Finance, Office of the Executive Secretary and National Security Adviser, was created by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on April 6 through Administrative Order No. 11.

President Duterte had earlier emphasized that the entry of a third player in the telco industry “is a matter of paramount national interest” that had to be undertaken “in an integrated and transparent manner.”

“The failure of the Oversight Committee to finalize the TOR over two months after it was formed is extremely disappointing given the pressing need to break the telecommunications duopoly, encourage competition in the industry and improve services for the millions of Filipinos who use mobile phones,” Pimentel said.

“Go on social media or talk to the man on the street, the complaints are the same regardless of the telco provider:

weak signal, disappearing loads, and slow data speeds. Consumers are being held captive by the absence of alternatives,” he added.

The chair of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship also expressed concern that the business community might also get discouraged by the pace at which the agencies involved were proceeding with the drafting of the TOR. He said that this is more so especially in light of the government’s commitment to make it easier for investors to do business in the country as reflected in the passage of RA 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business law.

“What kind of message does it send to the business sector when the government agencies involved in an urgent initiative such as this cannot get on the same page? Our country is like a restaurant that has a sign that says it is open for business, but the chefs have yet to decide on what to serve,” Pimentel said.

The president of the ruling PDP party urged the DICT and other members of the oversight panel to “get their acts together” to hasten the entry of a third telco player.

“I understand that members of the Oversight Committee have different perspectives with regard to the issues involved in the TOR, but it is the DICT’s responsibility, as chair of the body, to reconcile these issues and work with its co-members to come up with guidelines that will incentivize the entry of a new telco player while protecting the interests of consumers,” he said.

“Two months to finalize a TOR is too long. The Oversight Committee should get things moving because the sooner a third telco player comes in, the better it will be for the consumer,” Pimentel said. ■

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday said there is nothing irregular with the Chinese military plane landing in Davao City last June 8, after it raised questions from the public and lawmakers.

“It’s nothing irregular, there’s nothing fishy about it, it’s something that countries do with each others,” Cayetano said in a CNN Philippines interview, referring to plane landings provided protocols are followed.

He pointed out there are more than a hundred similar requests coming from other countries to the Philippines every year.

“Hindi lang tayo sanay na mayroong Chinese plane na nagla-landing, 243 of this kind of applications from United States planes were granted, 33 from Korean planes, and marami pa sa iba, so far only two or three sa Chinese planes, but all of these dumaan sa proper channels including the military,” he said.

(We’re not just used that there’s a Chi-

nese plane landing (in the Philippines), 243 of this kind of applications from United States planes were granted, 33 from Korean planes, and there are a lot more from others, so far only two or three were Chinese planes, but all of these have gone through proper channels including the military.)

“Normal ito, may proseso at may clearances from the military (This is normal.

There is a procedure and clearances from the military),” he added.

Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go initially confirmed that a People’s Liberation Army Air Force Ilyushin-76 turbofan strategic airlifter landed in Davao City, but only for a technical stop.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier admitted he had no prior knowledge of the plane’s landing but later dismissed there was nothing unusual with it.

Cayetano, for his part, defended Lorenzana, saying the procedure is already a routine, and such requests now usually fall under the assistant secretaries or concerned generals. ■

HONOURABLE JODY WILSON-RAYBOULD, P.C., Q.C., M.P. MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT for VANCOUVER GRANVILLE

GREETINGS I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to the Filipino community in Vancouver Granville and across the country as you commemorate the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

Commemorations such as these are important linkages to the history and culture of those who have made Canada their adopted home. In many communities, Canadians of Filipino descent gather on this occasion to share and celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the Philippines. It reminds us that we live in a country that truly embraces the diversity of its people because we know we are a better country for it.

community and country.

Vancouver is a city that has benefitted greatly from that diversity, in part because of the Filipino Canadians who chose to call Canada their home many decades ago, and have since become formidable contributors to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our

To the families and friends in our riding of Vancouver Granville, I offer my best wishes for a memorable celebration.

Gilakas’la (Thank you).

Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould, P.C., Q.C., M.P. Member of Parliament for Vancouver Granville Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada June 12, 2018

www.canadianinquirer.net

14

Philippine News

JUNE 22, 2018

Legarda urges youth to emulate Rizal’s love for country, heritage PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — As the nation commemorates Jose Rizal’s 157th birth anniversary, Senator Loren Legarda on Tuesday called on the Filipino youth to emulate the national hero’s patriotism and unequivocal dedication to fight for the protection and preservation of the Filipino heritage.

“The values and principles of Jose Rizal as the country’s national hero has been instilled in all of us. I encourage the youth to emulate Rizal’s indisputable loyalty and love for the country and for our people’s heritage as the fate and future of our beloved Philippines rest upon them,” Legarda said.

She said the progress and freedom that Rizal fought for are still the very same challenges Filipinos face today as the country continues to strive for a strong independent nation.

“Instilling the love for country at an early age will inculcate the values of discipline and organization, and will impart common sense to the young generation of Filipinos’“ she said.

Legarda, who believes that learning is an everyday process, also noted Rizal’s enthusiasm to learn and educate himself with skills and expertise which not only benefitted his growth as an individual, but most importantly, also contributed to the betterment of the nation and his fellow Filipinos.

“Rizal never got tired of acquiring knowledge and new skills. He never stopped learning because he knew and believed that for a country to be socially and economically progressive, its people must not remain ignorant but instead be empowered through quality

Sen. Loren Legarda.

education,” she added.

“For our part, we should develop within ourselves the same fervor Rizal had. There is an inherent creative genius that lies within each and every Filipino.

Everyone has the potential to grow, excel and be the pride of the nation. All that is needed is to cultivate these and gain inspiration from the noteworthy contributions of other individuals, such as our national hero,” Legarda said.

Legarda also urged the Filipino youth to respect and preserve the nation’s heritage, stressing that Rizal himself had expressed the need to embrace one’s roots.

“While fluent in several foreign languages, Rizal had always expressed his love for his native tongue. He also recognized the exceptional artistry and craftsmanship of Filipinos and, perhaps not known too many, he was also fond of indigenous Philippine textiles. Many of his works also described the beauty of the Philippines and its people,” Legarda noted.

As an avid environmental advocate, Legarda also noted Rizal’s concern for the environment.

Citing historical accounts, she said that during his exile in

FACEBOOK

Dapitan, Rizal engaged in farming and showed the local people how to improve their agricultural productivity through enhanced methods like irrigation and other scientific practices.

She said that the Filipino youth should continue Rizal’s work of caring for the environment, especially in light of the biggest threat to humanity and development — climate change – as a tribute to the national hero.

“As the future of this country, I urge the youth to follow the footsteps and the advocacies of Dr. Jose Rizal, not just in the aspect of protecting our rights and sovereignty, but also with regard to preserving our environment,” she said.

“We should continue to honor the sacrifices of Rizal. On his birth anniversary, let us all look back at his life, work and his fight to ensure that the Filipinos preserve their national identity. Without his life and sacrifice, there would be no Republic of the Philippines,” Legarda said.

The senator is set to file a bill anew, seeking to declare June 19 of every year as a special nonworking holiday in the province of Laguna in honor of the birth anniversary of Rizal. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

SC upholds... ❰❰ 1

tion for Reconsid- which she submitted in her aperation of the Court’s plications for Associate Justice May 11, 2018 Deci- and Chief Justice, Sereno only sion,” Te told reporters. filed SALNs for the years 1998, According to Te, the voting 2002, and 2006 during her tenstayed at 8-6 in favor of the quo ure as law professor at the UP warranto case against Sereno College of Law from 1986 up to last May 11.

2006.

Those who voted to grant the quo warranto petition against Search for new Chief Justice Sereno were Associate Justices starts Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Te also announced that the Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersa- Judicial Bar and Council (JBC) min, Francis Jardeleza, Samuel can now begin the nomination Martires, Andres Reyes Jr., Al- process for a new Chief Justice. exander Gesmundo, and Noel “With for purposes of Article Tijam who penned the Court’s VIII, Section 4, paragraph 1, the decision.

90-day period Meanwhile, for filling the vathose who discancy in the Ofsented were Sefice of Chief Jusnior Associate tice commences Justice Antonio today, 19 June Carpio and AsAccording 2018,” Te added. sociate Justices to Te, the The JBC is Presbitero Velasvoting constitutionco, Mariano Del stayed at ally mandated Castillo, Estela 8-6 in favor to screen appliPerlas-Bernabe, of the quo cants to the JuMarvic Leonen warranto diciary and top and Alfredo Bencase against Ombudsman pojamin Caguioa.

Sereno last sitions.

In its decision, May 11.

It is currently the SC majorchaired by Seity ruled that nior Associate Sereno’s failure Justice, now actto submit her ing Chief Justice SALNs as law Antonio Carpio, professor at the with ex-officio University of the members Justice Philippines would mean “her Secretary Menardo Guevarra, integrity was not established Senator Richard Gordon, and at the time of her application,” Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reymaking her ineligible to hold naldo Umali. Its regular memher position. bers include retired Supreme In his quo warranto petiton, Court Associate Justice Jose Solicitor General Jose Calida Catral Mendoza, representing sought the nullification of the justices and chairperson of Sereno’s appointment as Chief the JBC Executive Committee, Justice over her alleged failure Atty. Jose Mejia, representing to file her Statements of As- the Academe, Atty. Milagros sets, Liabilities, and Net Worth Fernan-Cayosa, representing (SALNs) for several years from the Integrated Bar of the Phil1986 to 2006 when she was a ippines, and retired Judge Toprofessor at the UP College of ribio Ilao, representing the priLaw. vate sector.

It was found out that aside From the time of vacancy, the from her SALNs for the years President has 90 days to ap2006, 2009, 2010, and 2011, point the next Chief Justice. ■

15

Canada News Tories win Quebec byelection in first test of Scheer’s appeal to nationalists

BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The Conservatives have stolen a Quebec riding away from Justin Trudeau’s ruling Liberals, in the first test of Andrew Scheer’s effort to recreate the nationalist-conservative coalition that helped federal Tories dominate the province in the 1980s.

With 181 of 188 polls reporting, Conservative candidate Richard Martel had captured 53 per cent of the vote in a federal byelection held in ChicoutimiLe Fjord — more than 5,000 votes ahead of Liberal Lina Boivin, who took 29 per cent.

The NDP and Bloc Quebecois candidates were not in contention, capturing just 8.7 per cent and 5.7 per cent respectively, while the Green candidate brought up the rear with just 3.1 per cent of the vote.

The byelection was precipitated by the resignation of rookie Liberal MP Denis Lemieux.

He won the riding almost by fluke in the 2015 general election, with just 31 per cent of the vote. At that time, the contest was a four-way fight, with the NDP capturing 29.7 per cent of the vote, the Bloc taking 20.5 per cent and the Conservatives taking 16.6 per cent.

Boivin’s showing Monday was only marginally worse than Lemieux’s but there was no longer a split vote for her to benefit from. The Conservatives, who’ve been assiduously wooing former separatists and soft nationalists in the riding, benefited from the collapse in support for the Bloc and NDP, vaulting from fourth place to first.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer campaigned in the riding last week with former Bloc leader Michel Gauthier, who urged voters who used to support the separatist party — currently leaderless and in disarray after months of infighting — to switch their allegiance to

Richard Martel and Andrew Scheer.

FACEBOOK

the Conservatives. defend their interests,” Scheer guenay region, the heart of the Scheer has also endorsed a said in a written statement. province’s aluminum industry. number of Quebec-focused “Conservatives believe in reTrump has imposed a tarpolicies designed to appeal to sponsible spending and in low- iff of 10 per cent on aluminum erstwhile separatists and soft ering taxes to make life more imports and 25 per cent on nationalists — such as allowing affordable for all Canadians. I steel, using national security as Quebec to collect federal taxes look forward to working with the justification. Trudeau has on Ottawa’s behalf so that Que- Richard to spread our positive called that “insulting” to Canabecers would be able to file a Conservative vision for Cana- da and has vowed to slap dollarsingle federal-provincial tax re- da.” for-dollar tariffs on a range of turn each year, rather than the Chicoutimi-Le Fjord marks U.S. exports to Canada, starting two they’re currently required the Liberals’ first byelection July 1. to file. defeat in a held riding since Trudeau’s stance earned him As well, Scheer has said he’d Trudeau became Liberal leader an unprecedented, personal give Quebec attack from more power over Trump and his culture and imemissaries folmigration and lowing the G7 has promised to While opinion polls suggest summit in Quecrack down on Canadians have rallied behind bec earlier this the influx of irTrudeau, the issue evidently month. Trump regular refugee didn’t help Liberal fortunes in the called the prime claimants, which byelection. minister “weak” has become a and “dishonest” particular probwhile one of his lem at Quebec’s top aides said Lacolle border crossing. in 2013. For the Tories, Mon- there’s “a special place in hell” He made no mention of any day’s victory will help make up for Trudeau and others who of that Monday as he welcomed for the three ridings Trudeau’s negotiate in bad faith with the Martel’s byelection victory.

Liberals have stolen from them president.

“Quebecers and Canadians in byelections, in addition to While opinion polls suggest are tired of the prime minister’s one snagged from the NDP. Canadians have rallied behind big deficit and high tax agenda.

The byelection comes just Trudeau, the issue evidently More and more, they are disap- as Trudeau is mired in a nasty didn’t help Liberal fortunes in pointed by this Liberal govern- trade dispute with U.S. Presi- the byelection. ment and understand that only dent Donald Trump.

Canada’s supply managethe Conservative Party can The riding is in Quebec’s Sa- ment system for dairy, eggs www.canadianinquirer.net

and poultry has also been in Trump’s crosshairs of late.

While Trudeau has vowed to defend the system, his suggestion in a U.S. television interview that he’s willing to be “flexible” on the subject has concerned dairy farmers in Quebec, some of whom protested during a campaign stop the prime minister made in Chicoutimi-Le Fjord earlier this month.

Scheer had his own woes over supply management. Last week, he fired one-time leadership rival Maxime Bernier from his post in the Conservative shadow cabinet after Bernier posted on his website a controversial chapter from his forthcoming book.

In that chapter, Bernier, a staunch advocate for dismantling supply management, accuses Scheer of winning the leadership by mobilizing Quebec dairy farmers to ensure Bernier wasn’t victorious.

That controversy doesn’t appear to have hurt the Conservatives in Monday’s byelection.

They bolstered their chances in the riding by choosing Martel as their candidate, a well known junior hockey coach who was easily the highest profile contender in the race. A well known local candidate can be particularly influential in a byelection, when voters know their choice will make no difference to which party forms government.

Chicoutimi-Le Fjord was held by the Bloc from 2004 to 2011, when the NDP snagged the riding as part of the orange wave that swept the province.

Monday’s result is more dismal news for NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, whose efforts to reignite the party have shown no discernible results so far.

And it doesn’t bode well for the NDP in another imminent Quebec byelection once Singh’s predecessor, Tom Mulcair, resigns his Montreal seat of Outremont later this month. ■

16

Canada News

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Trudeau government to kick off talks towards national strategy on big data

BY ANDY BLATCHFORD The Canadian Press

has become a key concern.

The federal invitation, a copy of which was obtained by The Canadian Press, said the transformative power of artifiOTTAWA — The Trudeau government cial intelligence and big data will generwill take fresh steps Tuesday towards ate new opportunities for job creation equipping the country for the rapidly and economic growth. advancing era of big data.

It also acknowledged that the exploThe office of Economic Development sion of data generation is leading to new Minister Navdeep Bains has sent invi- questions around privacy and security. tations to a launch for what it describes “We know that we must continue to as “national digital and data consulta- support an innovation ecosystem which tions.” can evolve, adapt and respond,” the govFor months, business leaders and ernment said in the invitation, which academics have been urging Ottawa to also called for participants to join a create a national strategy to harness roundtable meeting Tuesday in Ottawa the expanding power of the data-driven that will coincide with the launch of the economy, which is widely expected to consultations. produce big economic gains.

The Council of Canadian Innovators, But while data holds vast possibilities which represents fast-growing technolthat can help all industries — there are ogy firms, is among the invitees to the also potential pitfalls. Privacy and even roundtable. democratic fears have grown alongside Benjamin Bergen, the group’s execubig data’s promise. tive director, has been pressing Ottawa The new frontier has forced policy- for a national data strategy. makers in different parts of the world1 to 2017-10-05 If the 3:45 country hopes to create jobs Joel_CanadianInquirer_print.pdf PM take careful approaches to ensure they and boost growth in the expanding field, shield private data from misuse. The then innovative firms will need policies development of tools to protect privacy that enable them to capture and pro-

Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains.

duce returns from Canadians’ data, Bergen said in a statement.

“Our members are hopeful the government will work with them to develop a national data strategy that will enable Canada to become a leader in the data-driven global economy,” said Bergen, whose group is chaired by former Research in Motion co-CEO Jim Balsillie.

A spokesman for Bains declined to comment on Tuesday’s event, which was described in a government news release as an “announcement on digital and data transformation.”

Technologies like AI depend on vast amounts of high-quality data as well as the expertise to properly analyze it and make use of it.

Big data has numerous applications — from enhancing industrial processes to improving the detection and treatment of disease. Experts say it also has far more uses that have yet to be discovered.

But the misuse of private data has become a big source of concern, particularly in recent months following a scandal that allegedly saw the personal information of some 87 million Facebook users — including more than 620,000 Canadians — improperly accessed for politicalcampaigning purposes ahead of U.K.’s Brexit vote and the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

The controversy has increased the scrutiny of data use by political parties, which depend heavily on access to quality information about voters to help them calibrate their campaign pitches.

The issue has also led policy-makers to carefully dissect how private data is collected, stored and used by corporate players.

www.canadianinquirer.net

MIKE GIFFORD / FLICKR

Last month, a committee of federal lawmakers delving into the Facebook controversy heard witnesses call for substantial regulatory upgrades to protect Canadians’ privacy.

At the hearing, Balsillie warned about democratic and economic risks posed by foreign, data-harvesting companies motivated by what he called “surveillance capitalism.”

Balsillie urged MPs on the ethics committee to protect citizens by introducing strict data-privacy rules that are — at a minimum — comparable to those implemented last month by the European Union. The rules are part of the E.U.’s General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR. He said giants like Facebook and Google are entirely driven by mass surveillance and follow business models that exploit gaps in Canada’s governance laws.

A Google Canada executive, who appeared before the committee at the same time as Balsillie, defended the company’s record when it comes to data protection for its users.

Colin McKay, head of public policy, also said Google had strengthened its privacy and data-control tools.

On Monday, McKay said in a statement that there’s “tremendous opportunity” for data-driven companies in Canada and that Google is looking forward to contributing to the government consultations.

“The government has an opportunity to create a nuanced strategy that helps Canada differentiate itself from the rest of the world, not just in the tech sector but in health, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing,” he said. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

17

Canada can end dairy trade dispute with U.S. by ending pricing irritant: Saputo

BY ROSS MAROWITS The Canadian Press MONTREAL — Canada can preserve its dairy supply management system and resolve its trade dispute with the United States over dairy subsidies by ending its domestic milk ingredient pricing system, the head of Canada’s largest dairy processor said Monday.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s tweets denouncing Canada’s supply management system, dairy farmers across the border aren’t petitioning to get rid of that system, said Lino Saputo Jr. “The milk supply management system has served the dairy industry well since the 1970s and we’ve been through a number of negotiations and a number of trade deals where the milk supply management system has remained in place,” said the Saputo Inc. CEO in an interview.

The irritant to U.S. farmers is

the Class 7 pricing agreement struck in 2016 that has effectively restricted U.S. exports of ultra-filtered milk used to make dairy products, he said.

The policy allows Canadian dairy processors to buy domestic milk at world market prices instead of higher prices controlled by the national supply management system. The U.S. dairy groups say that provides the processors with an incentive to cut milk imports.

U.S. farmers have argued that the policy was designed to intentionally block imports from the United States, which would make them in direct violation of Canada’s trade commitments.

“Ultimately that changed the rules of engagement, changed the rules of the game with respect to dairy trade north and south. So to me, I think the simple solution on the dairy file would be the elimination of Class 7. I think it would be the smartest thing that Canada could do,” Saputo said.

He said the powerful Cana-

Lino Saputo Jr.

MCGILL CANADA

dian dairy farmers group has its head in the sand by calling for the preservation of all facets of the protectionist system.

“It’s like they’re asking for their cake and wanting to eat it too. It doesn’t make sense to me.”

While the pricing system has neither been a hindrance or benefit to Saputo, it exacerbates a problem that more solids are available than global

demand.

“As an industry, I don’t think it makes a lot of logical sense to increase production when consumption isn’t there.”

Ending Class 7 is out of the question, said the Dairy Farmers of Canada.

“Although the comments took us by surprise, perhaps they are the product of the confusion around the notion of flexibility suggested by the fed-

eral government with respect to the NAFTA negotiations,” it wrote in an email.

“Notwithstanding, the association representing dairy processors across Canada continues to support both supply management and Class 7. Thus, the sector speaks with one voice.”

The introduction of Class 7 has strengthened the Canadian dairy system and resulted in more than $500 million in investments in the last two years from Dr. Oetker, Nestle, Coca-Cola and Gay Lea Foods, said Graham Lloyd, CEO of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario.

“I don’t think that it’s a valid irritant, remembering we don’t compete with them on the international market,” he said in an interview, calling Saputo’s suggestion not a solution.

“It does not make viable sense for how the Canadian marketplace is working. It priced domestic products, domestic ingredients at a competitive price, that’s all it did.” ■

2017 LANCER ANNIVERSARY EDITION

"Disclaimer: All prices plus applicable tax and $598 dealer documentation fee. $1700 Freight & destination charge is included in the price.

Promotion ends July 3rd, 2018. Please visit call us for details! 604-434-2488 DL:#7672 Metrotown Mitsubishi"

MSRP $23,398

METROTOWN MITSUBISHI 5965 Kingsway (5 mins away from Metrotown Mall)

Ezekiel: 778-320-2773

$4,000 OFF! Now Only

Phone: 604-434-2488

www.metrotownmitsubishi.ca

www.canadianinquirer.net

18

Canada News

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

UK government defeats pro EU lawmakers on Brexit, for now

BY JILL LAWLESS The Associated Press LONDON — British lawmakers rejected proposals by proEuropean Union politicians Wednesday that were intended to lock the U.K. into the bloc’s customs union and single market after Brexit.

The results were a victory for Prime Minister Theresa May’s Conservative government, which is determined to take the country out of the EU next year.

But May’s fragile minority administration faces more bumps ahead as it tries to forge an exit route while being buffeted by both sides of Britain’s debate about Europe.

The House of Commons voted by a wide margin against a call to join the European Economic Area — a club that includes the EU nations and Norway — after Conservative and opposition Labour leaderships opposed it.

Lawmakers also rejected, much more narrowly, calls

to keep the U.K. in a customs mean tariffs or other barriers “Partnership, love dance — union with the EU. for British goods in Europe. don’t care what you call it, that’s The votes came after two It also threatens the cur- what we will need to avoid any days of bruising debate on rently invisible border between border to Northern Ireland,” the government’s key piece of the U.K.’s Northern Ireland and she said.

Brexit legislation — the Euro- the Republic of Ireland, an EU The government was forced pean Union Withdrawal Bill, member. The withdrawal bill to give ground to pro-EU lawintended to disentangle Britain promises that the border will makers in one key area, promfrom the 28-nation bloc after stay open and there will be no ising that Parliament would four decades of membership. “physical infrastructure, in- get more say over the U.K.-EU In a series of votes the House cluding border posts, or checks divorce deal. of Commons largely reversed and controls.” But the British Many pro-EU lawmakers changes inserted want Parliament

by Parliament’s to be able to send upper House of the government Lords that would back to the nehave softened Partnership, love dance — don’t gotiating table the terms of care what you call it, that’s what we if they don’t like Brexit. will need to avoid any border to the terms of the But it is likely Northern Ireland. deal, or if talks only a temporary with the bloc reprieve. Many break down. lawmakers said Pro-Brexit it seemed likely that Britain government has not said how lawmakers worry Parliament would have to remain in a cus- that can be achieved if the U.K. could use that power to delay toms union with the EU, even and the EU have different cus- Britain’s departure, or stop it though the government insists toms rules. altogether. it will leave. The government Pro-EU Conservative Heidi May said the government says leaving the customs union Allen said it was inevitable “we would amend the bill to adwill free the country to strike will have to come to a customs dress legislators’ concerns, but trade deals around the world. union agreement,” even if it was warned that “I cannot counteBut many businesses fear it will given another label. nance Parliament being able to

www.canadianinquirer.net

overturn the will of the British people.”

“The British people voted to leave the European Union, and as prime minister I’m determined to deliver that,” she told lawmakers.

It has been two years since Britain voted by 52-48 per cent to exit the EU, and there are eight months until the U.K. is due to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019.

But Britain — and its government — remain divided over Brexit, and EU leaders are frustrated with what they see as a lack of firm proposals from the U.K about future relations.

May’s government is divided between Brexit-backing ministers such as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who support a clean break with the EU, and those such as Treasury chief Philip Hammond who want to keep closely aligned to the bloc, Britain’s biggest trading partner.

A paper laying out the U.K. ❱❱ PAGE 20 UK government

19

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

Ready ka ba for an extra $300?

Get more of what you want.

Get started by opening a TD Unlimited Chequing Account today.1

Visit a branch or td.com/offer$300 ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

Philippine Canadian Inquier Ad size: 10” (W) x 12” (H) Proof 1: June, 4 2018

www.canadianinquirer.net

Conditions apply.

Offer ends September 13, 2018.

1

20

World News

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Trump, GOP to huddle as outrage builds over border policy

BY DUSTIN WEAVER AND ALAN FRAM The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Republicans on Capitol Hill frantically searched on Tuesday for ways to end the administration’s policy of separating families after illegal border crossings, ahead of a visit from President Donald Trump to discuss broader immigration legislation.

Top conservatives, including key Trump allies, announced they were introducing bills to stop the practice amid a public outcry over the administration’s “zero tolerance” approach to illegal crossings.

Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas introduced legislation that the White House said it was reviewing, and Rep. Mark Meadows of North Carolina, a leader of the conservative Freedom Caucus, also introduced a measure.

Both bills were offered as alternatives in case broader GOP immigration legislation heading for a vote this week fails, as is likely. “This becomes a backup proposal,” Meadows told reporters at the White House.

Trump’s meeting late Tuesday with House Republicans comes as lawmakers in both parties are up in arms after days of news reports showing images of children being held at border facilities in cages and an audio recording of a young child pleading for his “Papa.”

The issue boiled over Tuesday at a House hearing on an unrelated subject when protesters with babies briefly shut down proceedings.

Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings, the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, teared up as he pleaded with Republicans on the panel to end what he called “internment

camps.”

“We need you, those children need you —and I am talking directly to my Republican colleagues— we need you to stand up to President Donald Trump,” he said.

Under the current policy, all unlawful crossings are referred for prosecution — a process that moves adults to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service and sends many children to facilities run by the Department of Health and Human Services.

Under the Obama administration, such families were usually referred for civil deportation proceedings, not requiring separation.

Nearly 2,000 children were separated from their families over a six-week period in April and May. The House is already embroiled in an election-year struggle over immigration legislation that threatens to hurt Republicans in November.

Democrats have seized on the family separation issue. And now, Republicans are increasingly joining them in their call to stop separating families.

“While cases are pending, families should stay together,” tweeted Cruz, who is in an unexpectedly tough re-election battle. He introduced his own bill to speed up court proceedings to no more than 14 days.

“Children belong with their families.”

Michigan Republican Rep. Fred Upton called for an immediate end to the “ugly and inhumane practice” of separation.

“It’s never acceptable to use kids as bargaining chips in political process.” Kansas GOP Sen. Pat Roberts said he was “against using parental separation as a deterrent to illegal immigration.”

“The time is now for the White House to end the cruel, tragic separations of families,”

said Sen. Lisa Murkowski, RAlaska.

From afar, ailing Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., tweeted, “The administration’s current family separation policy is an affront to the decency of the American people and contrary to principles and values upon which our nation was founded. The administration has the power to rescind this policy. It should do so now.”

The Trump administration insists the family separations are required under the law. But after signalling Monday that it would oppose any fix aimed solely at addressing that issue, the White House said Tuesday it was reviewing the emergency legislation being introduced by Cruz to keep migrant families together.

The senator’s bill would add more federal immigration judges, authorize new temporary shelters to house migrant families, speed the processing of asylum cases and require that families that cross the border illegally be kept together, absent criminal conduct or threats to the welfare of any children.

At a White House briefing Monday, Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen declared, “Congress alone can fix it.” That line has been echoed by others in the administration, including Trump, who has falsely blamed a law passed by Democrats for the “zero tolerance” approach to prosecutions of families crossing the border.

Two immigration bills under consideration in the House could address the separations, but the outlook for passage is dim. Conservatives say the compromise legislation that GOP leaders helped negotiate with moderates is inadequate.

Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a member of the Freedom Caucus, said he’s skeptical that even

a full-throated endorsement from Trump will be enough to get the compromise bill through the House.

The compromise bill shifts away from the nation’s longtime preference for family immigration to a new system that prioritizes entry based on merits and skills. It beefs up border security, clamps down on illegal entries and reinforces other immigration laws.

To address the rise of families being separated at the border, the measure proposes keeping children in detention with their parents, undoing 2-decade-old rules that limit the time minors can be held in custody.

Rep. Bob Goodlatte R-Va., chairman of the Judiciary Committee, is reworking the family separation provision in the compromise bill, a GOP aide said Tuesday.

Faced with the prospect of gridlock in the House, senators appear willing to take matters into their own hands.

John Cornyn of Texas, the No. 2 Republican leader, said Senate Republicans are working on language to address the family separations that could

receive a floor vote, potentially as part of a spending bill package.

“I don’t think the answer to family separation is to not enforce the law. I think the answer to family separation is: Don’t separate families while you’re enforcing the law,” Cornyn told reporters. “It’s all within our power, and people have to overcome their desire to preserve an issue to campaign on.”

GOP senators including Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Jeff Flake of Arizona and Susan Collins of Maine also said they’ve been discussing family separation legislation.

The administration, meanwhile, is hoping to force Democrats to vote for the bills or bear some of the political cost in November’s midterm elections.

Democrats brushed aside that pressure.

“As everyone who has looked at this agrees, this was done by the president, not Democrats.

He can fix it tomorrow if he wants to, and if he doesn’t want to, he should own up to the fact that he’s doing it,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York. ■

relations between the British government and Scotland, where a majority voted in 2016 to stay in the EU. Scottish National Party lawmakers walked out of the House of Commons Wednesday to protest the short

amount of time given to debate Scotland-related issues the day before — 20 minutes out of a six-hour session.

The pro-independence party accuses the British government of trying to seize powers that

will be handed back from Brussels after Brexit and which the SNP believes should go to Scotland’s Edinburgh-based parliament.

Ian Blackford, the SNP leader in Parliament, called the situa-

tion “a democratic outrage.”

“Scotland’s voice has not been heard,” said Blackford, who was expelled from the chamber for repeatedly challenging the Speaker on the issue, sparking a walkout by his colleagues. ■

EVAN EL-AMIN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

UK government... ❰❰ 18

government position on future relations, due to be published this month, has been delayed until July because the Cabinet cannot agree on a united stance.

Brexit has also complicated

www.canadianinquirer.net

21

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

Get the latest News & Updates

READ DAILY NEWS FROM PHILIPPINES, CANADA & THE WORLD

visit: www.canadianinquirer.net The one and only daily Filipino-Canadian live news

www.canadianinquirer.net

22

World News

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Merkel, allies avert collision for now in German migrant row

BY GEIR MOULSON The Associated Press BERLIN — Chancellor Angela Merkel’s allies in Bavaria averted an immediate collision Monday with the German leader, giving her two weeks to make deals on migrants with other European countries instead of turning them back unilaterally at Germany’s border.

In her fourth term at the helm of Europe’s largest economy, Merkel made it clear that she has no intention of being pushed around after an internal power struggle over immigration escalated into a threat to her government.

She said she would report back July 1 on the results of her negotiations, and that as far as she’s concerned it’s not yet clear what will happen if there’s no European deal on the divisive topic.

Her interior minister, Horst Seehofer, has been calling for

Germany to turn back migrants at the border who have previously applied for asylum or registered as asylum-seekers in other European countries.

Merkel opposes such unilateral action, arguing that it would increase pressure on Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece and weaken the entire 28-nation European Union.

Seehofer heads the Bavariaonly Christian Social Union, the sister party to Merkel’s Christian Democratic Union.

The CSU is determined to show that it’s tough on migration, arguing that this is the best way to cut support for the anti-migration, far-right Alternative for Germany party ahead of a challenging state election in Bavaria in October.

A CSU leadership meeting Monday in Munich unanimously backed Seehofer’s plan to give Merkel until the end of the month to find a solution with other EU countries. That

banished — if only for now — the spectre of Seehofer pushing through his proposal in defiance of the chancellor, which would risk bringing down her government.

Asked in Berlin whether her government can work well until the end of its term in 2021 and whether she is still in full control, Merkel replied: “Yes to both.”

Merkel emphasized the need for Germany’s conservative parties to stick together, but she and Seehofer may only have delayed a head-on collision.

“We think that turning people back without consultation at our borders, as a country at the heart of Europe, could lead to negative domino effects that could also hurt Germany and ultimately lead to the questioning of European unity,” Merkel said after her party’s leadership met.

Merkel said she would hold bilateral agreement talks dur-

www.canadianinquirer.net

German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

ing a June 28-29 EU summit.

Her party will consider the results on July 1 “and decide how to proceed in light of what has been achieved,” she said.

It wasn’t immediately clear what she might offer other countries in the talks. Merkel said she will have to discuss “what is important for others; I can’t say today what that is.”

Hours later, Merkel met in Berlin with Italian Premier

DROP OF LIGHT / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Giuseppe Conte, the head of a new, populist government whose interior minister has pledged to deport tens of thousands of migrants.

The German leader noted that both Italy and Germany have been disproportionately affected by recent mass migration to Europe, where Italy is often the point of entry for new ❱❱ PAGE 36 Merkel, allies

23

Entertainment Warner Bros. crackdown puts Dark Mark over Potter festivals

BY KRISTEN DE GROOT The Associated Press

including in Aurora, Illinois, and Ithaca, New York, were also told the new guidelines would prohibit much of the Potterthemed activities.

It’s all about protecting the trademark.

“Warner Bros. is always pleased to learn of the enthusiasm of Harry Potter fans, but we are concerned, and do object, when fan gatherings become a vehicle for unauthorized commercial activity,” the company said.

Fans of the Philadelphia festival took to Twitter to try to get J.K. Rowling to help save the festival. A spokeswoman for the author said she has no comment.

Ithaca’s “Wizarding Weekend” grew from a small celebration in an alleyway in 2015 to a full-fledged Potter-fest hosting over 20,000 fans last year, said Darlynne Overbaugh, the festival’s director. Warner Bros. sent her a letter in February.

party she planned, with a guest list around 30.

And a Los Angeles bookstore called “Whimsic Alley” was sued PHILADELPHIA — Warner by the company over its overtly Bros. is cracking down on loHogwarts-ian wares, from choccal Harry Potter fan festivals olate frogs to Gryffindor scarves. around the country, saying it’s They settled but the store ended necessary to halt unauthorized up closing last year. The opening commercial activity. Fans, howof Wizarding World at Universal ever, liken the move to Death Studios Hollywood worked as a Eaters sucking the joy out of killing curse for the mom-andhomegrown fun, while festival pop shop. directors say they’ll transmogPhiladelphia Potter fan Sarah rify the events into generic celMcIntyre thinks it’s ridiculous ebrations of magic. for Warner Bros. to target the “It’s almost as if Warner Bros. festivals. has been taken over by Volde“They are acting like the mort, trying to use dark magic Dursleys,” said the 34-year-old to destroy the light of a little yoga teacher and bookkeeper. town,” said Sarah Jo Tucker, She said they should be encoura 21-year-old junior at Chestaging communities to bring nut Hill College, which hosts a Harry Potter to life. “Creating Quidditch tournament that cointerest in the franchise would incides with the annual suburincrease revenue,” she said. ban Philadelphia festival.

Companies are always conPhilip Dawson, Chestnut cerned about protecting their Hill’s business trademarks, said district direcGregory Mandel, tor, said Warner professor of inBros. reached out tellectual propto his group in Magic existed before Harry Potter, erty law at TemMay, letting them and you can’t put a trademark on ple University. know new guideenthusiasm and creativity.

Warner Bros. has lines prohibit fesmade a business tivals’ use of any decision to prenames, places vent these festior objects from the series. That She said she understands the vals from having any apparent ruled out everything from meet- company’s need to protect the association with them, and to and-greet with Dumbledore and franchise, but she felt like her prevent any possible profiting Harry to Defence Against the festival was helping to build it. off the series, he said.

Dark Arts classes.

“I have a lot of disappointed “Obviously one could argue “It was very quickly apparent people because there are cer- that is the wrong business deweren’t going to be able to hold tain aspects of festival I’m no cision and that by having these festival like years past,” he said. longer able to do,” she said, like informal pop-up festivals, it The late October festival drew Sorting Hat demonstrations. makes all the Harry Potter fans about 45,000 fans last year to the Her group is committed to still more enthusiastic and more historic neighbourhood’s cobble- providing a magical experience, likely to go to the movies and stone streets. This year, they will she said, even if it is one-that- theme parks,” he said. instead have a “wands and wiz- shall-not-be-named.

Lorrie Kim is a member of ards” family night and pub crawl “Magic existed before Har- the Potterdelphia club and and other magic-themed events ry Potter, and you can’t put a huge Snape fan, and said she — and people can still dress as trademark on enthusiasm and feels “disappointed and grim” their favourite characters. creativity,” she said. to lose the festival.

“We want to make the best of The festival crackdown is “Seeing the throngs of famiit,” he said. hardly the first time Warner lies of all ages enjoying the fesChestnut Hill isn’t the only Bros. has put the Avada Ke- tival together, all agreeing to community to receive cease- davra on Potter-themed fun. A suspend their skepticism for and-desist letters from the en- woman in the U.K. was sent a the day and believe in magic, tertainment company. Festival cease-and-desist letter over a is an experience that can’t be directors around the country, 2003 Hogwarts-themed dinner manufactured,” she said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo & Dusty Rose Levine.

JAGUAR PS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Adam Levine, Behati Prinsloo share baby photo THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine spent his first Father’s Day as a dad of two.

Supermodel Behati Prinsloo shared a photo on Instagram of the 39-year-old holding their second daughter, Gio

Grace, who was born in February. Their first daughter, Dusty Rose, is nearly 2 years old.

Prinsloo wrote the “girls are so lucky to call you dad and I’m so lucky to have you as a husband.”

The 29-year-old also saluted her father.

The couple married in July 2014. ■

Tributes paid to 3 London graffiti artists killed by a train THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON — Members of London’s street art scene on Tuesday mourned three graffiti artists who died after being hit by a train.

Flowers and cans of spray paint were left outside Loughborough Junction station in south London, near the site of the accident. On social media, friends paid tribute to the trio, who used the tags Kbag, Lover and Trip.

Police say the bodies of three men were found on the rail line Monday morning. They may have been hit during the night,

when freight trains use the tracks.

One of the victims was identified by his family as 23-yearold Harrison Scott-Hood, from north London. His parents called him “a beautiful artist” and “the love of our life.”

The family of 19-year-old Alberto Fresneda Carrasco said his death had “left a deep hole.”

The family said the teen, who had U.S. and Spanish nationalities, had been due to start studying graphic design at the London College of Communication in September.

The third victim was named by his family as Jack Gilbert, 23. ■

24

Entertainment

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Authorities: Rapper XXXTentacion shot dead in Florida

BY KELLI KENNEDY The Associated Press DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — Troubled rapper-singer XXXTentacion was shot and killed Monday in Florida in what police called an apparent robbery attempt.

The 20-year-old rising star, whose real name is Jahseh Dwayne Onfroy, was pronounced dead Monday evening at a Fort Lauderdale-area hospital, the Broward Sheriff’s Office said. He was shot earlier outside a Deerfield Beach motorcycle dealership.

XXXTentacion had been at RIVA Motorsports checking out inventory, sheriff’s public information officer Keyla Concepcion said. He was in a black BMW i8 and preparing to leave before 4 p.m. when two armed suspects approached him. At least one of them fired, and then both suspects fled the scene in a dark SUV, Concepcion said. Investigators don’t have a motive, and no arrests have been made.

Stephanie Martinez, a 29-year-old mother who lives in the neighbourhood, was just coming back from the pool with her kids when she heard three shots. She

drove to the end of the street and saw the rapper’s body in the car.

“He has his mouth open and his hand out. Two people went over and checked his pulse,” said Martinez, who also saw blood. “It’s just weird because he should’ve had security and stuff with him.”

On Twitter, his peers expressed shock and sadness.

Kanye West said: “rest in peace ... I never told you how much you inspired me when you were here thank you for existing.” Producer Diplo posted a photo of the two together and said, “Thanks for inspiring me.” Travis Barker tweeted: “I’m at a loss for words... speechless #RIPXXXTentacion Loved collaborating with you. You were a true artist ...”

And J. Cole said, in part: “RIP X. Enormous talent and limitless potential and a strong desire to be a better person. God bless his family, friends and fans.”

The entertainer, who sported dreadlocks and a number of facial tattoos, was a rising star and notched a No. 1 album in March with his sophomore effort “?” and had a top 10 hit with “Sad!” but was facing trial on charges that he beat up his pregnant girlfriend.

2016 mugshot of rapper XXXTentacion.

XXXTentacion racked up huge streaming numbers — on Spotify, his “Sad!” had more than 270 million streams and was on its Top 50 chart this week in the United States and globally.

He also has several songs that have been declared platinum, including “Changes,” “Roll in Peace” with fellow rapper Kodak Black and “Look at Me!” In interview with XXL magazine, which named him an up-and-coming artist last year, the rapper cited Nirvana, the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur among his musical influences.

“Obviously, I’m one of the greatest of this generation, the upcoming generation, as far as artistry. ... And I say that humbly,” he said in a video interview with the outlet last year.

But much of his brief career had been mired in controversy. In 2016, he was arrested on charges including home invasion for a 2015 incident, and less than a month later was arrested on charges that he attacked his girlfriend, who was pregnant at the time. He later faced more charges including witness tampering.

Regarding a June 2017 attack at a San Diego concert, the following messages were posted on XXXTentacion’s Twitter account: “security and venue set me up, I got sucker punched and knocked out, it is what it is.”

A subsequent tweet said,” “next time make sure you kill me so I can’t talk (expletive).”

He was released from jail on house arrest late last year and was released from house arrest earlier this year to allow him to tour.

Fan Wyatt Rubin, 21, jumped in his car and headed to the scene shooting Monday as soon as he heard, playing the rapper’s songs like “Jocelyn Flores” and “King” on the drive over.

www.canadianinquirer.net

FLORIDA DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS

“He was just maturing as a person and as an artist ... it couldn’t have come at a worse time,” Rubin said. “A lot of it was really beautiful music, progressive music.”‘ In an interview earlier this month with the Miami New Times, XXXTentacion described his upbringing, which included seeing his mother infrequently and being raised by friends, other family and babysitters. His mother would buy him clothes, phones and other gifts. He told the paper he used violence so she would engage with him.

“I used to beat kids at school just to get her to talk to me, yell at me,” he said.

XXXTentacion was initially one of two artists Spotify removed from its promoted playlists in May in accordance with its new policy on hateful music and conduct. But after a backlash in the music industry, Spotify backpedaled and said it would no longer attempt to police conduct and restored XXXTentacion to its playlists (although they did not do the same for R. Kelly).

While he made headlines for his legal woes, he connected to millions of fans musically. Among the topics he spoke about was depression and addressed it in his music.

In one video posted to social media, he said: “If worse things come to worse, I (expletive) die a tragic death or some (expletive), and I’m not able to see out my dreams, I at least want to know that the kids perceive my message and were able to make something of themselves.”

He continued later: “I appreciate and love all of you and I believe in you all; do not let your depression make you, do not let your body define your soul, let your soul define your body. Your mind is limitless ....you are worth more than you can believe.” ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

25

Paulo Avelino leads Kalayaan parade for Independence Day

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer WEARING THE full garments of a military general in the historical days of Gregorio “Goyo” del Pilar, Paulo Avelino sported and channeled the inner hero in him this Independence Day. In celebration of the Philippines’ 120th year of independence, the cast of “Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” led the Kalayaan parade at the Rizal Park in Manila.

In spite of the weather welcoming and showering the stars and crew with rain and clouds, they continued the parade with pride, by ‘projecting’ their characters and presenting their full costumes for the first time

to the public.

“Yes, first time in public and very excited kasi na-imbitahan kami ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan (because we were invited this Independence Day),” Paulo said in an interview with ABSCBN. The 30-year-old actor brings upon himself the task of “introducing” Goyo to the younger generation – considering it as his biggest movie break in his career.

“Gusto ko ipakilala hindi lang si Goyo kundi pati ibang bayani natin na tao lang sila tulad natin na nagkakamali din at hindi perpekto (I want to introduce Goyo and our other heroes as people like us who commit mistakes and are not perfect),” Paulo stated.

Paulo, who was riding a horse for the parade as part of his act

as Goyo for the big screen, said that he seemed to be “overtrained” for the scenes.

“Overtrained dahil ang teacher namin, si Teacher Violet, medyo advanced na masyado ang tinuturo niya sa amin (Overtrained because our teacher, Teacher Violet, is teaching us really advanced tricks),” he said.

He also added that the wardrobe details from his cap, to his military attire, to the horse, and everything else that was part of his character-playing were born from deep and wide research.

“Properly-researched at may mga pinag-basehan din naman pero ‘di natin masasabi kung ano ang exact na itsura niya [Goyo] in person (The details were properly-researched and

Paulo Avelino (second from left).

had basis, but we cannot say for sure how exactly Goyo looks in person),” Paulo noted.

Other stars who were in their costumes were Mon Confiado, Rafa Seguion-Reyna, Art Acuna, and Gwen Zamora.

GOYO: ANG BATANG HENERAL

“Goyo: Ang Batang Heneral” will be hitting the theater screens on September 5. It is the sequel to the 2015 hit historical film “Heneral Luna” starring John Arcilla and directed by Jerrold Tarog. ■

On a big night for ‘Panther,’ Boseman honours real life hero

BY PABLO ARAUZ PENA The Canadian Press SANTA MONICA, CALIF. — The MTV Movie & TV Awards gave “Black Panther” its first taste of awards glory, with Marvel’s blockbuster taking home four honours including two awards for its star, Chadwick Boseman.

Boseman quickly handed off his best hero award to James Shaw Jr., who wrestled an assault-style rifle away from a gunman in a Tennessee Waffle House in April. “This is going to live at your house,” Boseman told Shaw, giving him the show’s golden popcorn award.

The actor said while it was an honour to be recognized for playing a superhero, it was more important to “acknowledge the heroes we have in real life.”

Boseman, who starred as T’Challa in “Black Panther,” also won the award for best performance in a movie. Michael B. Jordan, who played the villain Erik Killmonger, won best villain.

“Stranger Things” was the top television honoree, winning four awards including a repeat win for best show.

The awards were handed out

Saturday and were broadcast Monday night.

The show is known for bringing fresh talent to light, as well as acknowledging established celebrities in more quirky categories like best kiss and most frightened performance. Host Tiffany Haddish donned a variety of costumes throughout the ceremony, including nods to classic film and TV roles such as Holly Golightly from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” and Starlet from “The Carol Burnett Show.”

She kicked off the show with a “Black Panther” skit, foreshadowing the film’s big night, noting in her opening monologue that is it the first AfricanAmerican film to earn more than $1 billion at the box office.

Throughout the night, Haddish also parodied other hit films such as “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “A Quiet Place.”

“Black Panther,” about a king and virtuous superhero of the technologically-advanced nation of Wakanda, broke barriers earlier this year as the first Marvel film to feature a black lead. Its massive popularity overshadowed competing films like “Wonder Woman” and “Avengers: Infinity War.” Haddish, who also won an award for her breakthrough

Chadwick Boseman.

FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

role in “Girls Trip,” noted that she is the first black woman to host the awards show, which is in its 27th year.

The gay teen comedy “Love, Simon” won for best kiss for a scene between Nick Robinson and Keiynan Lonsdale.

While Robinson wasn’t there to accept the award, Lonsdale gave some encouraging words to LGBTQ youth.

“I just want to say to every kid,” he said. “You can live your dreams and kiss the one that you love no matter what gender.”

In addition to winning best www.canadianinquirer.net

show, kids of “Stranger Things” also won awards for most frightened performance, best musical moment and best performance for Millie Bobby Brown. The actress, who plays Eleven in the series, couldn’t make the event because of a broken kneecap.

Brown accepted the award for best performance via satellite.

Other winners included Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom in “Riverdale” for scene stealer, Gal Gadot for best fight as Wonder Woman and the young cast of “It” for best onscreen team.

“Gaga: Fight Foot Two” won

the award for best documentary. The Netflix feature followed Lady Gaga during the production of her fifth studio album “Joanne.”

Common presented Lena Waithe with the trailblazer award for her activism, writing and “deeply honest art.”

During her acceptance speech, Waithe paid tribute to “Paris is Burning,” the 1990 documentary released about the drag scene in New York during the late ‘80s. She called those documented, many who aren’t alive anymore, “the bravest human beings that ever lived” “I’m doing what we as a society should have done a long time ago and give them the glory and shine that they deserve,” she said.

Chris Pratt mixed humour and religious messages while accepting the show’s generation award, telling the crowd to “breathe. If you don’t, you’ll suffocate.”

He also urged fans to “learn to pray” and accept that they are imperfect.

The show also featured musical performances by Nick Jonas and Mustard, as well as rising stars and Beyonce proteges Chloe x Halle. ■

26

Lifestyle Meat 2.0? Clean meat? Spat shows the power of food wording

BY CANDICE CHOI The Associated Press NEW YORK — If meat is grown in a lab without slaughtering animals, what should it be called?

That question has yet to be decided by regulators, but for the moment it’s pitting animal rights advocates and others against cattle ranchers in a war of words.

Supporters of the science are embracing “clean meat” to describe meat grown by replicating animal cells. Many in the conventional meat industry are irritated by the term and want to stamp it out before it takes hold.

“It implies that traditional beef is dirty,” says Danielle Beck, director of government affairs for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

The spat shows the power of language as a new industry attempts to reshape eating habits. It’s why the $49.5 billion U.S. beef, poultry, pork and lamb industry is mobilizing to claim ownership of the term “meat.”

Squabbles over language are erupting across the food business as established definitions for mayonnaise and milk are also challenged by the likes of vegan spreads and almond drinks.

What gets to be considered “meat” is a particularly touchy subject as new companies come up with substitutes they say are just like the real thing.

Impossible Burger’s plantbased patty “bleeds” like beef.

Companies such as Memphis Meats are growing meat by culturing animal cells, though it could be years before products are on shelves. Big meat producers like Tyson Foods and Cargill Inc. are among Memphis Meats’ investors.

There’s some confusion over how meat grown by culturing animal cells will be regulated.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture oversees meat inspections, while the Food and Drug Administration oversees other aspects of food safety, including the “standards of identity” that spell out what ingredients can go into products with specific Beef Association is fighting to ditional manner.” names. defend what it sees as its linAnd in October, the former The FDA — which in the past guistic turf. head of the U.S. Farmers & Ranchhas called out Kraft’s use of “Our marching orders were ers Alliance considered a way to the term “pasteurized process to protect beef nomenclature,” possibly halt the use of “clean cheese food” — plans to hold a says Beck. meat” after hearing the term. public meeting to discuss “culThe cattlemen’s group pre“You will see that we left the tured” meat next month. fers less appetizing terms such conference and immediately In the meantime, all sides are as “in vitro meat,” “synthetic investigated the term ‘Clean scrambling to frame the issue meat” or even “meat byprod- Meat’ from a trademark perin their own words. uct” for meat grown through spective,” wrote Randy Krotz, The Good Food Institute, an cultured cells. then-CEO of the group, acadvocacy and lobbying group For meat alternatives more cording to an email obtained for meat alternatives, is em- broadly, it likes “fake meat.” through a public records rebracing “clean quest by Propermeat,” which ty of the People, channels the which advocates positive connofor government tations of “clean It is smart branding to try to keep transparency. energy.” Other the product from being associated Krotz noted options it tested: with ‘frankenfood.’ that another “Meat 2.0,” “Safe party had alMeat” and “Pure ready applied for Meat.” the trademark, “Green Meat” was dismissed The U.S. Cattlemen’s Associa- but said the alliance was able early on. “Nobody wants to eat tion, a smaller group, also peti- to claim the Twitter handle “@ green meat,” said Bruce Fried- tioned the USDA in February to clean_meat.” That account does rich, co-founder of the Good enforce that “beef” and “meat” not show any activity.

Food Institute. only be used for animals “born, Anne Curzan, a professor The National Cattlemen’s raised and harvested in the tra- of English at the University of

www.canadianinquirer.net

Michigan, says the term “clean meat” highlights the positive and pushes into the background aspects that may make people uncomfortable.

“It is smart branding to try to keep the product from being associated with ‘frankenfood’,” Curzan says.

It’s just the latest front in the war of words in food.

Last year, the dairy industry revived its quest to abolish terms like “soy milk” and “almond milk,” saying that milk is defined as being obtained from a cow. That came after a vegan spread provoked the ire of the Association for Dressings and Sauces, of which Hellmann’s is a member, by calling itself “Just Mayo.”

Even grains aren’t immune from controversy. With cauliflower “rice” becoming popular with low-carb eaters, the rice industry is punching back with its own term for chopped-up vegetable substitutes: “rice pretenders .” ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

27

New Deal art experts say painting New doc trails chef over mural was vandalism Ducasse on global quest for new flavours

BY KAREN MATTHEWS The Associated Press

NEW YORK — A mural of constellations in the night sky adorned a third-floor ceiling at DeWitt Clinton High School for more than 75 years, one of thousands of artworks in New York City and around the country supported by New Deal programs to employ artists and beautify public spaces.

But Scorpio, Taurus and the rest are now hidden under bright blue paint, slathered on during a repair project, and preservationists say the painting-over of the mural “Constellations” by German-born artist Alfred Floegel was a travesty.

“That was an amazing act of vandalism that they had no right to do,” said Gray Brechin, the founder of a project called the Living New Deal that catalogues public works funded by the Franklin Delano Roosevelt administration.

The mural coverup was first reported in the Daily News, which said it happened last November. Doug Cohen, a spokesman for the New York City Department of Education, said the mural was painted over during roof repairs at the 89-year-old Bronx school. He said officials are “exploring ways to restore this historic artwork.”

One art restorer said it would be possible, though expensive, to remove the blue paint from “Constellations.”

“I would think that it could be done not only safely, it could look perfect,” said Scott Haskins of Santa Barbara, California-based Fine Art Conservation Laboratories.

Haskins said “Constellations” is not the first historic school mural to be painted over.

“Every once in a while you get a dingbat principal that gets a roller out and tells maintenance to give it a fresh coat of paint,” he said. “I’ve seen it happen all over the country.”

There have been several cases of New Deal murals that were painted over and later restored.

Seven murals at New Mexico Highlands University depicting different fields of knowledge were covered with white paint sometime in the 1960s.

BY JOCELYN NOVECK The Associated Press

The Constellations.

They were restored in 2011 after the New Mexico New Deal Preservation Association hired an art conservator to uncover them.

The Cedar Rapids murals were painted over in the 1950s amid controversy over images depicting justice in what was then a federal courthouse. The murals were restored, then covered up again in the 1960s, then restored again between 2011 and 2013.

Brechin and others at the Living New Deal project say the loss of the DeWitt Clinton mural, whether temporary or permanent, shows how the legacy of the Works Progress Administration and other New Deal public art initiatives has been forgotten.

“It was a renaissance the likes of which we haven’t seen before or since,” said Brechin, a visiting scholar the University of California, Berkeley’s department of geography. “Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt and the people around them believed that all Americans deserved the right to art.”

The Living New Deal database includes hundreds of murals at schools, post offices and other government buildings painted between 1934 and 1943, many illustrating scenes from U.S. or world history.

There are a number of New Deal murals at New York City

FRANK DA CRUZ / THE LIVING NEW DEAL

public schools, where few people besides students and staff ever see them.

Ernest Fiene’s monumental “History of the Needlecraft Industry” at the High School of Fashion Industries in Chelsea memorializes the Triangle Shirtwaist fire that killed 146 workers in 1911.

The Brooklyn High School of the Arts houses Monty Lewis’ double fresco “The Cotton Industry in Contemporary America.”

“Constellations” isn’t or wasn’t the only mural at DeWitt Clinton. “The History of the World,” also by Floegel, depicts scenes from the Ice Age through the 1930s in 194 feet of wall panels.

The DeWitt Clinton photos on the Living New Deal website were shot by researcher Frank da Cruz, who also maintains his own website documenting the New Deal’s legacy in New York.

Da Cruz said Floegel, who died in 1976, took care to get all the stars in the right place in “Constellations.” The mural “must have been just amazing” when it was new but had been damaged by leaks when he photographed it in 2015, he said.

“It was in bad condition but obviously they didn’t realize that it had a great deal of historical significance,” da Cruz said.

“What it needed was to be repaired and not painted over.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

NEW YORK — In the new documentary “The Quest of Alain Ducasse,” the esteemed French chef steps off a small plane in the middle of the Gobi desert in Mongolia. As he stands pondering the vast emptiness, a motorcycle suddenly appears, as if out of nowhere, carrying two men. The bemused chef chuckles: “There are customers everywhere.”

For Ducasse, 61, that seems to be a fundamental truth — and a driving force. The man oversees a veritable empire, with 27 restaurants across the globe, and 19 Michelin stars among them. From his first three-star triumph as a young upstart at the Louis XV in Monaco, to his haute-healthy, no-meat Paris eatery at the Plaza Athenee, to his recently opened restaurant at the opulent Versailles palace, where a special royal dinner costs 1,000 euros, he seems on a nonstop mission to expand.

In September, he’ll open a new restaurant on an electric boat floating along the Seine.

There was a time when Ducasse, who grew up on a farm in southwestern France, spent most of his hours behind the stove. Now, he seems to spend most of them in the air, crisscrossing the globe, tasting new menus, seeking new flavours.

In an interview at a New York gathering marking the release of the film, he politely deflected a question about how many frequent flyer miles he’s amassed.

But he did remark that he’d recently travelled for 20 hours to the mountains of Peru, just to taste a cup of coffee.

“It was very good coffee,” he noted, with typically deadpan delivery.

His constant travels, as portrayed by director Gilles de Maistre, have a very different goal than, say, those of the late Anthony Bourdain, who sought to explain cultures to his viewers through food. For Ducasse, the goal is to gain inspiration for his restaurants. He gets much of it from Japan. “It’s

my only quest,” he says in the film, sampling a heavenly slice of fresh tuna in Kyoto, “tasting things that I haven’t tried yet.”

Foodies — especially those with an affinity for haute cuisine with a healthy twist — will no doubt find much to enjoy in the documentary, which follows Ducasse around the world for about two years leading up to the opening of Ore, his Versailles eatery (it’s in select theatres and also on video on demand).

Director de Maistre says it took him quite some time to convince Ducasse to do the film. “After a while, he got used to me,” he says. His goal, he adds, was simple: “I wanted to see the world through his eyes, his vision of gastronomy.”

Critics have noted that the film does suffer, though, from narration that occasionally sounds adoring — even worshipful. Some viewers might also have wanted more of a look at Ducasse the man, away from his work. We never see his family, or what he does in his spare time — if he has any. There is, however, one poignant personal scene when the chef reflects upon the most harrowing moment of his life, a 1984 small plane crash in the Alps that killed several colleagues. Only Ducasse survived. “It wasn’t my time,” he says.

The film illustrates Ducasse’s exalted position in France — we see him hobnobbing with more than one French president — but we also see him in jeans in the garden, picking raspberries or tasting a raw zucchini.

Despite his poker face, he can be funny: A good meal, he tells a gardener, depends on who you’re with. “If you’re not in good company, it’s better to be alone with a good vegetable.”

We see a man who can lose his patience, for example when he sees a staffer serve prepoured champagne, rather than pouring in front of the guest — he admits that sends him “into hysterics.” And we see someone who’s clearly competitive: after inaugurating a high-end cream ❱❱ PAGE 28 New doc

28

Lifestyle

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Five things you need to know about polyamory

BY MICHAEL MACDONALD The Canadian Press THIS WEEK, a court in Newfoundland and Labrador recognized three unmarried adults as the legal parents of a child born within their “polyamorous” family. It was believed to be a legal first in Canada. However, many Canadians were left with one big question: What does polyamorous mean? Here’s five things you need to know: There is no definitive definition, but there are a few basic principles

The term appears to have emerged in the early 1990s, but there is no single definition that has universal acceptance.

John-Paul Boyd, executive director of the Calgary-based Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family, says

people who consider themselves polyamorous prefer to have intimate relationships that involve more than two people, where marriage is not considered necessary.

And there’s an added dimension that typically involves a high degree of openness and trust about the voluntary arrangement.

“Polyamorous relationships have been in the open since the late 1960s, but it has really picked up steam in the last 10 years,” Boyd says.

Those who describe themselves at polyamorous typically reject the notion that exclusivity is required for long-term, loving relationships.

Polyamorous relationships have nothing to do with bigamy or polygamy

Under Section 293 of the Criminal Code, it is illegal to

be married to more than one person. Polyamorous relationships do not violate that provision of the law.

However, it would be wrong to assume that is the only difference between polygamy and polyamory.

Last July, two men in British Columbia were found guilty of polygamy. Winston Blackmore, 62, was married to two dozen women, while James Oler, 54, was found to have married five women. Both are leaders of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bountiful, B.C. Boyd said these arranged marriages were part of a patriarchal structure that led to “serious, negative social effects within that community.”

“They were mandated by God and there’s no pretence of equality,” he said. “And it’s mandatory.”

By contrast, polyamorous relationships are voluntary.

“The key is that whatever (polyamorous) relationships look like, they are consensual,” he said. “Everybody k n o w s what’s going on.

Honesty and transparency are at the core of it all.”

B o y d said his research has found that among

those who consider themselves polyamorous, there’s a heavy emphasis on equality, regardless of gender, sexual identity and parenting status.

pines. Perhaps the most entertaining behind-the-scenes food moment comes at the sturgeon farm near Shanghai where Ducasse gets his caviar. If you’ve never seen a sturgeon the size of a minivan being sliced open to display its glistening eggs, it’s worth your while.

With his elevated status in

French cuisine, you’d think Ducasse might look down on the celebrity chef phenomenon, with reality shows and TV cooking competitions. He says he doesn’t. “It’s good for our industry,” he said at the recent New York gathering.

Standing next to him, one can’t help but pose that ques-

We really have no idea how many people are polyamorous, but there has been some fascinating research

There’s no way of knowing how many Canadians consider themselves polyamorous. Statistics Canada doesn’t collect that kind of data.

However, a 2009 American study suggested that one in 614 Americans lived in openly polyamorous relationships.

Another U.S. study the following year suggested about one in 500 Americans described themselves as polyamorous.

In 2016, Boyd used social media to ask polyamorous Canadians to take part in an online survey. More than 500 people responded.

“That’s a huge number,” he says. “Getting people to fill out surveys is like pulling teeth.”

Of the 480 responses that were analyzed, 82 per cent agreed that the number of people who identify as polyamorous in Canada is increasing.

Meanwhile, the website for the Canadian Polyamory Advocacy Association includes more than 100 links to sites for advocacy, support and dating.

Polyamory is not just another term for what “swingers” do

According to the Electronic Journal of Human Sexuality, there’s a big difference between swingers and those who are polyamorous.

Swinging is non-monogamous sexual activity “treated much like any other social activity,” says an October 2000 paper published in the journal, titled “Today’s Alternative Marriage Styles: The Case of

Swingers.”

“Emotional monogamy, or commitment to the love relationship with one’s marital partner, remains the primary focus.”

By contrast, those who are polyamorous may not be interested in sex: “It’s just consensual non-monogamy,” says Boyd.

Polyamorous relationships emphasize emotional and egalitarian aspects, while swingers focus on sexual non-monogamy and emotional monogamy.

That said, a polyamorous person may engage in swinging, while swingers sometimes develop emotional bonds with their sexual partners.

Children are frequently part of polyamorous families

The data compiled from Boyd’s 2016 survey showed that 40 per cent of respondents said there were children living in their homes full- or part-time.

“What that shows is that it is hardly uncommon for people to have children in their polyamorous relationships,” Boyd says.

Still, the recent case in Newfoundland and Labrador drew attention to the fact that the law hasn’t kept up with the evolution of Canadian families.

In that case, released Thursday, the St. John’s family included two men in a relationship with the mother of a child born in 2017. The adults had been together for three years, but the biological father of the child was unknown.

In his decision, Justice Robert Fowler of the provincial supreme court said: “Society is continuously changing and family structures are changing along with it. This must be recognized as a reality and not as a detriment to the best interests of the child.” ■

New doc... ❰❰ 27

puff kiosk at a Tokyo rail station, he buys a competitor’s cream puff elsewhere for comparison, tasting it back in his hotel room.

According to the film, Ducasse “is said to have a perfect palate, as others have perfect pitch.” Ducasse himself is much more prosaic about his gifts.

Being a great chef is, he says, “95 per cent hard work and five per cent talent.”

We also see a socially conscious side of Ducasse, cooking a meal for locals in Brazil from unused leftovers at the Olympic village, and visiting the cooking school he’s created for underprivileged youth in the Philip-

www.canadianinquirer.net

tion you’d want to ask any celebrated chef: what he eats at home.

“Maybe vegetables from the garden,” he replied. “Low protein, low sugar. No wine.” It fits in with his all-around philosophy, he said: “We must eat better, and less.” ■

29

Sports Russia’s World Cup headache: 1st eSports Keeping it safe, keeping it fun franchise league to be launched in PH

BY ANGELA CHARLTON The Associated Press

MOSCOW — When a taxi driver suddenly rammed into pedestrians near Red Square, despite intense security measures around Russian cities for the World Cup, fans and other visitors asked themselves: Are we safe?

Moscow authorities insist Saturday’s taxi crash was an accident, after the driver apparently fell asleep. And car accidents can happen just about anywhere.

Vehicles can also be used as weapons, though. Cities from New York to Barcelona can attest to that.

Overall, Russia has rolled out exceptionally high security measures for its first-ever World Cup, co-ordinating with law enforcement from around the world. The measures can seem heavy-handed — fans forced to walk nearly a kilometre (half a mile) to enter a stadium, Cossacks roaming on horseback, riot police watching over night club parties. Officials say they’re just trying to ensure that fans can safely have fun.

What fans face

The last thing Russian President Vladimir Putin wants is for an attack to spoil this party.

He wants the world to walk away from this tournament in awe, not in fear.

So Russia has closed sea ports to dangerous cargo, halted factory production that might pose chemical risks, and positioned fighter jets, just in case.

In the city centre of Kazan, police and military patrols are posted about every 500 metres (yards). To enter the stadium territory, an Associated Press journalist was made to open all his cigarette packs and test out his lighters, among other security measures.

A similar scene greets fans in Nizhny Novgorod. Fans must walk several hundred meters through double security checkpoints, with X-ray machines and body frisks, plastic police barriers and metal fences —

just to reach the “Fan Fest” site where matches are shown on giant screens.

In the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg, uniformed police stand guard near bars downtown, and sealed off all roads around the arena several hours ahead of the first match Friday. The traffic lights continued functioning, ignored.

In Sochi on the Black Sea, which hosted the 2014 Olympics, the stadium is surrounded on three sides by the well-secured Olympic Park. That creates a natural buffer and leaves only one well-protected road that fans can funnel through to enter the stadium.

Watch out for cars

Saturday’s taxi crash in Moscow revived a long-standing concern: that attackers could use cars to attack soft targets like shopping areas or crowded sidewalks.

Moscow police said Sunday this risk was already built into World Cup security measures, and the crash was purely accidental. FIFA and Russia’s World Cup organizing committee wouldn’t comment on whether any extra measures were put in place after the crash.

But AP reporters discovered the security perimeter for cars was expanded around Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium for Sunday’s Germany-Mexico match — even beyond the broad limit drawn for Thursday’s opening game.

In Saransk, a six-lane bridge over the Insar River is shut to all traffic to keep cars away from the stadium crowds on match days. Traffic is blocked not only on the territory of the Mordovia Arena but also from a perimeter stretching another 250 metres (yards) from the property’s edge.

Why the worry

The threats to Russia, and the danger inherent in the world’s most-watched sporting event, are real.

First and worst is terrorism.

Moscow, St. Petersburg and Volgograd have suffered sui-

cide bombings by Islamic extremists in recent years — and count among the 11 cities hosting World Cup matches over the next month.

While security measures are similar at other major sporting events, this one is especially challenging because it lasts so long and is so spread out.

The U.S. State Department even sent a travel warning Friday titled “Russia, Level 3: Reconsider Travel.” In addition to terrorism, the warning said Americans “are often victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by law enforcement and other officials.”

The dramatically worded message may be in part politically driven. Security co-operation has shrunk as Russia-West ties have suffered in recent years over the wars in Syria and Ukraine, alleged Russian election meddling, and the poisoning of an ex-spy in Britain. U.S. government staff in Russia has shrunk after tit-for-tat diplomatic expulsions.

Hooliganism is the other big problem. Russia is working with FIFA and authorities in Britain and other countries to identify threats, and threatens to deport anyone unruly.

BY IVAN STEWART SALDAJENO Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Philippines is making a huge step in the electronic sports or eSports scene through the launch of The Nationals.

For the first time ever, a club eSports league similar to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Philippine SuperLiga (PSL), Premier Volleyball League, and the Philippine Football League will take place starting next year.

In The Nationals, teams will bring in representatives in four eSports titles — one PC, one mobile, one console, and a wildcard game.

Just like the PBA and the PSL,

The Nationals will be nationally televised through ESPN 5.

“We have been pioneers in putting up eSports tournaments on free TV, so it makes perfect sense for us to air the first ever franchise-based league in the Philippines,” TV5 president and CEO Chot Reyes said.

The buildup to the new league begins with The Road to Nationals starting in August and will culminate at the Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit 2018 on Oct. 26-28.

The tournament series will serve as a basis for the gamers who will take part in The Nationals, which in turn will be the basis of the national teams that will take part in the SEA Games, the Asian Games, and the Olympics. ■

Killing the fun?

At times, the security threatens to extinguish the tournament’s festive spirit.

As crowds streamed into Moscow’s Spartak stadium Saturday, a police van rumbled through slowly, keeping watch and separating the throngs.

Cheerful chants fell silent.

At Bar 11 in Kazan, a newlyopened small club with a DJ playing records, heavily armed OMON police officers came in twice overnight Saturday for routine checks.

For fans, the security presence is both a reminder of the risk and a relief, said Jan Petersen of Denmark, heading into Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium. “I feel pretty secure,” he said, but at the same time, “I feel the excitement.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

NCAA to go allFilipino starting 2020

BY IVAN STEWART SALDAJENO Philippine News Agency MANILA — The era of foreign players making waves in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is set to end.

Frank Gusi said on Tuesday

that beginning 2020, or the 96th season, the league will not anymore let the foreign student-athletes to play in the league.

“The NCAA has decided this year to allow all foreign athletes to see action only until Season ❱❱ PAGE 35 NCAA to

30

Business Grab gives fare subsidies to TNVS drivers

BY AEROL JOHN PATEÑA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Ridesharing firm Grab Philippines has rolled out its subsidies to drivers Monday to help them mitigate the impact of the suspension of the PHP2-per-minute travel charge by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

This as Grab said that the earnings of its drivers have declined since the per-minute charge was suspended last April.

Grab is expected to spend more than PHP100 million a month for the fare subsidy as it ensures to provide proper income to drivers of transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) for them to earn a decent living while assuring that

trips are still affordable to passengers.

“Based on our computations, a TNVS driver needs to make at least PHP330 per hour to be able to properly provide for his family’s needs and to cope with the traffic, high fuel and vehicle maintenance costs,” Grab country head Brian Cu said in a statement Tuesday.

“Since PHP2-per-minute component was suspended, we received a lot of painful complaints from our partners that their earnings are not sufficient anymore to make a decent living. That’s why we decided to step in,” he added.

Ideally, TNVS drivers should be earning at least PHP5.50 per minute or PHP330 per hour, according to the ride-hailing firm.

The fare subsidy will be based on the duration of riding hours of passengers and will ensure

BIGTUNAONLINE / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

that drivers will get the ideal fare rate as computed by Grab’s system.

“For example, if a ride from Makati to BGC (Bonifacio Global City) takes an hour because of heavy traffic despite

short distance and fare is computed at PHP120 only. Grab will return to the driver the PHP210 difference to make sure he made PHP330 for that one hour trip. The subsidy will run as long as it’s needed and for as

long as we have resources to do so,” Cu said.

Grab is making an average of 600,000 bookings that increases up to 800,000 during peak hours while TNVS supply in its platform remains at 33,000.

The firm has earlier said that it is seeking for the migration of about 6,000 drivers to its platform, who were displaced following the halt of Uber’s operations last April.

The operating cost of Grab Philippines has increased to PHP4.57 billion last year from PHP2.45 billion in 2016 while its net losses amounted to PHP2.92 billion in 2017 compared to PHP1.56 billion in 2016.

The increase in Grab’s operating costs was attributed to revenues from the 20 percent commission from rides that are being used for driver incentives. ■

PH gov’t woos Japanese investors

BY KRIS CRISMUNDO Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Duterte administration’s top economic managers are vigorously courting Japanese businessmen to take part in the country’s massive infrastructure push as well as in its vibrant manufacturing sector amid an economy that is growing by leaps and bounds.

In his speech during the Philippine Economic Briefing at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo Tuesday, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III made his pitch before some 600 potential investors and ranking Japanese government officials in attendance.

Japanese companies can look into participating in the “Build, Build, Build” program of the government, following Japan International Cooperation Agency’s (JICA) confidence to fund infrastructure projects in Luzon through loan agreements, Dominguez said.

These big-ticket infrastruc-

ture projects funded by JICA include the Cavite Industrial Area Flood Risk Management Project for flood mitigation in several areas in Cavite, where most of the economic zones are located; Arterial Road Bypass Project Phase III that will ease traffic congestion in Bulacan and spur economic growth in provinces north of Metro Manila; and Metro Manila Subway Project Phase I, the first underground rail system in the country.

“As we modernize our infrastructure and accelerate our growth, we look forward to increased investment flows from Japanese companies,” Dominguez said.

Japanese firms can also take advantage of the strengthening of the country’s manufacturing sector, which is one of the biggest contributors to the gross domestic product (GDP) expansion.

The finance chief said the 8-percent growth of the manufacturing sector in the first quarter of 2018 has backed the 6.8-percent GDP growth in the same period.

He likewise cited various reforms that the administration is undertaking to make the local business environment more favorable to investors.

“We are reviewing our foreign investments negative list to open more areas for joint ventures and direct investments.

We are constantly reviewing our procedures to reduce red tape and shorten approval time for business start-ups,” Dominguez added.

Just last month, the country has enacted into law the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018 that will streamline and fast-track transactions for business operations in the government both in national and local levels.

“On our part, we commit to further improve the ease of doing business, respect the sanctity of contracts, and promote a more conducive climate for investments,” he said.

Moreover, Dominguez said the government plans to issue a USD1-billion Samurai bonds www.canadianinquirer.net

this year to support The yen-denominated bonds is expected to be offered in the second half of the year.

Earlier, Deputy National Treasurer Erwin Sta. Ana said the Monetary Board has already approved the issuance of the Samurai bonds, and the Bureau of Treasury is waiting for the Special Authority from President Rodrigo Duterte.

For this year alone, the government has issued USD2billion 10-year global bonds in January and 1.46-billion renminbi Panda bonds in March.

Meanwhile, this issuance of government bonds is in line with the administration’s financing program for this year that intends to increase its borrowings from foreign sources.

In the same event, Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno said 2018 will be the year that the Duterte administration will hike the share of foreign borrowings.

Diokno said the share of borrowings from foreign sources this year will be at 35 percent,

from last year’s 19 percent, before it will be slowed down to 25 percent from 2019 until the end of the Duterte administration in 2022.

A Philippine delegation is in Japan for a no-deal roadshow to pitch the Samurai bonds offering and invite Japanese firms to participate in the infrastructure projects in the country.

The government delegation is composed of Dominguez, Diokno, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Nestor Espenilla Jr., Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Vivencio Dizon, and Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar.

Filipino tycoons who took part in the Japan roadshow include Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Manny Villar, Metrobank’s Alfred Ty, and Megaworld’s Kevin Tan. ■

Business

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

31

Expert urges NEDA: PH must reap labor enhanced transparency gains from ‘Build, Build, Build’ in investments PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

BY LESLIE GATPOLINTAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — There is a need to improve the information content of the country’s foreign investment negative list (FINL) in order to provide potential investors with a clearer perspective of the local business climate, which in-turn, is expected to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), a development consultant said.

In a policy note, Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) consultant Glenda Reyes noted that while the FINL already provides some level of transparency, it still falls short of rendering a full picture of the country’s investment regime.

Reyes said such list does not capture other regulatory measures that restrict engagement in an investment activity, such as the limitations on the number of suppliers or divestment requirements.

It also leaves out other relevant information to foreign investors, such as where foreign participation may be allowed in specific cases or circumstances, she added.

To address this, Reyes encouraged the executive department to call upon its depart-

ments and agencies to come up with a transparency list to supplement and improve the country’s FINL. She said the Philippines can refer to the general template on the negative list as used in trade agreements for guidance and basis.

Reyes added that trade agreements include annexes on reservation lists of member-countries that reveal the variety of regulatory measures imposed on foreign participation going far beyond equity limitation.

“The demand for improved transparency in free trade negotiations shows that enhancing the country’s transparency regime on policies affecting investment is critical for attracting and promoting foreign investment as this helps potential investors make informed decisions,” she noted.

The FINL, a guide to foreign investors, contains all activities where foreign investment is either prohibited or limited.

When the activities are not on the list, it means these are open to 100-percent foreign ownership.

“This makes the FINL a transparency tool that keeps things simple and clear to those intending to invest in the Philippines,” added Reyes. ■

MANILA — With the expected effect of the government’s unprecedented “Build, Build, Build” program on the country’s labor demand, the government must ensure that laborers’ skills and competencies match industry needs, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said.

“To fully maximize gains from Build, Build, Build, the Philippine labor market should be ready to meet the infrastructure program’s requirements. Bodies governing the education and labor sectors have a crucial role in this,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said.

Pernia said key government agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority should coordinate with industries to identify appropriate skills for construction-related activities.

NEDA projects that the infrastructure campaign of the Duterte administration will create an average of 1.1 million jobs annually, mostly from the construction sector.

For 2018, NEDA expects

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.

around 820,000 jobs to be generated with a number of infrastructure projects breaking ground.

Citing data from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Labor Force Survey, 2017 saw around 420,000 new jobs in construction, a 13.2 percent increase from the previous year’s figure.

Pernia noted that the labor demand can be best met if education programs like the K to 12, which added two years to the country’s basic education cycle, will produce a more appropriately-trained and skilled workforce.

“The K to 12 program requires a strong academe-industry linkage to prepare students after graduation. Build, Build, Build presents real opportunities for those in search of work,”

PCOO

Pernia said.

Similarly, Pernia stressed that attention should also be given to returning overseas Filipino workers who are skilled or need re-training to be absorbed in the construction industry.

NEDA likewise proposed that all job requirements of the Build, Build, Build program be posted on www.PhilJobsNet.gov.ph, the Philippine government’s official online job site so that returning OFWs are kept abreast of new opportunities in the country.

“Apart from closing the country’s infrastructure gap, our aim is to create many employment opportunities and assist Filipino families in achieving the kind of life that they desire,” Pernia said. ■

MPIC logistics unit to spend P8-B on warehouse space, equipment

BY LESLIE GATPOLINTAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — Logistics firm Metropac Movers Inc. (MMI) will spend over PHP8 billion to develop a property it is acquiring in General Trias, Cavite into a massive warehousing facility in a bid to enhance efficiency in transportation of goods in the country.

The wholly-owned subsidiary of infrastructure conglomerate Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) said it signed on Monday a deal with The Property Company of www.canadianinquirer.net

Friends, Inc. (ProFriends) to purchase several adjacent parcels of land with an aggregate size of 202,000 square meters.

“The property, with a total cost of PHP1.2 billion, will be used by MMI to develop and manage distribution centers for its existing and potential clients in the fast moving consumer goods, consumer durables, automotive and e-commerce spaces,” MPIC said in a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

MPIC said its subsidiary will develop the property into a 141,000-square-meter covered warehouse space and will also

purchase the equipment to service its clients.

The acquisition complements the 522 brand new trucks acquired

by MMI last year and existing leased warehouse spaces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The company also plans to buy land in Bulacan, which it would utilize to build a logistics firm in the country.

“It will fulfill a much needed function in today’s fragmented logistics market where resources to efficiently track and deliver goods to all parts of the Philippine archipelago are still lacking,” it said. ■

32

Technology Not just credit cards: More apps offer ways to get cash back

BY JOSEPH PISANI The Canadian Press

SUNDRY PHOTOGRAPHY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Microsoft follows Amazon in pursuit of cashier-less stores

BY MATT O’BRIEN The Canadian Press MICROSOFT IS working on automated checkout technology that could help retailers compete with Amazon’s new cashier-less stores.

One firm building automated checkout systems, Ava Retail, said Thursday it is working with Microsoft on the technology for physical stores. Both companies have headquarters in Redmond, Washington.

Ava Retail CEO Atul Hirpara said Microsoft could become a leader in the field because it has a strong cloud computing platform.

That technology would power the retail system by pulling in data from in-store cameras or sensors.

Microsoft declined comment Thursday.

Amazon opened its first cashier-less Amazon Go store in Seattle this year and plans more locations in Chicago and San

Francisco. Overhead cameras and other technology help keep track of customers and what they’re buying.

Microsoft’s interest in working with retailers on similar technology was reported earlier by Reuters. It remains unclear how far along Microsoft is in the project. The report of its involvement didn’t surprise others in the fast-growing automated checkout industry.

Michael Suswal, co-founder of San Francisco-based startup Standard Cognition, said Microsoft has the teams capable of developing the software and the infrastructure needed to deploy it broadly.

Suswal said his firm is also working with retailers — but not currently with Microsoft — on its own automated checkout system using overhead cameras.

“Within five years, everyone in the country will have visited an autonomous checkout store,” Suswal said. ■

NEW YORK — Cash back is not just for credit cards. More apps and websites are offering ways to earn money on the stuff you buy — as long as you’re willing to sign up and make a few taps or clicks.

Groupon, RetailMeNot and others work with restaurants and retailers to offer cash back for their users. In return, they get a cut of the sales made.

But shoppers have to do some work for the money. You may need to link a credit or debit card, or visit the app before you shop to unlock the deal.

And then there’s the fine print to read: Some will offer money back, but only up to a certain amount. And in most cases, debit card purchases need to be processed at the register as a credit card; typing in a personal identification number won’t earn you the cash back.

It’s not a way to make a quick buck: It can take days or even weeks for a purchase to be verified before the money is added to an account. But the money can add up over time. Here’s a look at some cash back apps: Restaurants

Deal site Groupon launched its cash back offering last fall for local restaurants and chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Panda Express and Starbucks. Called Groupon+, a credit or debit card needs to be linked and then a deal for a specific store has to be claimed. When the card is used

www.canadianinquirer.net

MICHAELJAYBERLIN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

at that restaurant, the cash back amount is refunded to the card’s account. Groupon+ is available in 25 metro areas, and the company plans to expand it.

Major retailers

Both Ebates and RetailMeNot offer cash back for instore and online purchases at Amazon.com, Sephora and many other well-known retailers. For in-store purchases, link your credit or debit card and choose the store’s offer before you shop. For online purchases, go to Ebates or RetailMeNot first, tap a link to the store and then shop. But an easier way is to install Ebates or RetailMeNot buttons to your web browser. The buttons will alert you if the online store you’re shopping at has a cash back offer.

Grocery stores and more

Ibotta’s focus is offering money back on specific prod-

ucts, like 25 cents on apples, 50 cents on Cottonelle toilet paper or $1 back on Totino’s frozen pizza rolls. You’ll need to buy from stores it partners with, including Albertsons, Walmart and Target. But remember to save the receipt: it needs to be scanned through the Ibotta app to prove you made the purchase. The cash earned is put into an Ibotta account and then can be withdrawn to a PayPal or Venmo account when it reaches $20. Ibotta’s deals go beyond the supermarket at Amazon. com, Jet.com and for ride-hailing app Uber.

Another app, called Drop, lets you earn points that can be turned into store gift cards. The app asks you to pick five brands that you want to earn points for; among the options are Trader Joe’s, Macy’s and McDonald’s.

A credit or debit card needs to be linked, and points are earned automatically when the card is used. ■

Technology

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

33

Statistics Canada to launch survey to collect data about digital economy

BY DAVID PADDON The Canadian Press TORONTO — Statistics Canada has started mailing out 12,000 survey invitations to households to ask how they are participating in the digital economy, either through their purchases or by earning money on platforms such as Uber or Airbnb.

The department is working on determining the size and nature of Canada’s digital economy, how fast it’s growing and how it’s affecting established industries, said Jim Tebrake, a senior manager responsible for the survey.

Statistics Canada already collects a lot of relevant information from businesses but “it’s all in pieces and it’s . . . a little bit disjointed” so the agency is aiming to put together a comprehensive analysis before the end of this year, Tebrake said.

“Before Uber, if we wanted to know the size of the taxi industry, we would just survey

taxi companies,” Tebrake said Friday in an interview from Ottawa.

“Now, to get the true picture of the taxi industry, we can no longer just rely on business surveys. We have to ask households ‘How much taxi service did you produce? How much income did you make from that?’ “ Similarly, he said, renting rooms through Airbnb means “traditional measures that survey the hotel industry are no longer sufficient if we want to understand the total production of accommodation services in Canada.”

Tebrake said the survey would be similar to what has already been done in the United States.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis has estimated that digital goods and services were worth US$1.2 trillion in 2016, or 6.5 per cent of the overall gross domestic product.

The BEA also estimated that the digital economy had an average annual growth of 5.6 per cent from 2006 to 2016, out-

pacing the overall U.S. growth rate of 1.5 per cent.

The digital economy survey is also similar to a Statistics Canada study of the cannabis industry, a new economic force since the Canadian government began to relax restrictions on what has been an illegal substance for decades.

It is intended to be a onetime event, unlike the quarterly national cannabis survey and will ask 15 questions that will be done online by people who have received an invitation with logon information.

One type of question relates to the use and purchase of various digital products, including music and video streaming services, e-books, mobile apps, and online gaming subscriptions.

Another type of question is about digital payment options such as reward points, gift cards, and cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin.

A third area of interest is how money is earned from digital platforms and apps, not only

BIGTUNAONLINE / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ride sharing or accommodation services like Uber and Airbnb but also from cultural products like music or video.

“There’s quite a few people who are starting to earn some income through the development of cultural content that they put online — through subscription-type revenue or other things like that,” Tebrake said.

“We don’t have a way of collecting that type of information right now. This gives us an opportunity to get an idea of what’s going on.”

Details of how to access the survey are currently being mailed to 12,000 Canadian households. The feedback period closes July 12.

The survey is voluntary but Tebrake said historically there are responses from about half of those invited to participate.

He added that Statistics Canada must, by law, protect identities and other personal information gathered and is prohibited from sharing it with other organizations, including Canada Revenue Agency. ■

Nintendo of America top executive says E3 doesn’t hold monopoly on gaming

BY CURTIS WITHERS The Canadian Press WHILE INFORMATION from the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo is still voraciously consumed by gamers hungry for bombshell announcements or updates on anticipated upcoming releases, the ensuing social media talk is as much about what was missing as what was revealed.

If the decrease in sexy news out of E3 is vexing to gamers, they may have to get used to it.

One leading industry executive says the premier trade event doesn’t have the monopoly on video game buzz that it once did.

“In our view, E3 has changed,” Nintendo of America president and chief operating officer Reggie Fils-Aime said in an interview with The Canadian Press.

“In the world before the internet, it really was the only

opportunity to capture the at- own preferred schedule. mate,” a brawler featuring the tention of media and fans, and “We would much rather share stars of the Nintendo universe so you tended to talk about all information closer to launch,” as well as major characters your projects that were in de- he said. “We would much rath- from other publishers. velopment, even the ones that er surprise the consumer once Two years ago, Nintendo might be two or three years out. versus constantly repeating based its presentation around Today, certainly the Nintendo information over many occa- the long-awaited game “The philosophy, is to talk about sions, even over many years. It Legend of Zelda: Breath of the projects that are closer in.” causes us to behave differently Wild.” Last year it made noise Nintendo with a demo of hasn’t held a live “Super Mario press conferOdyssey.” ence at E3 since But some re2012, instead airToday, certainly the Nintendo cent major Nining a pre-taped philosophy, is to talk about projects tendo products “Nintendo Dithat are closer in. did not make rect” segment. their big debut at Nintendo reE3. The Switch leases these segwas not revealed ments, usually ranging from than the way we did in the past.” alongside “Breath of the Wild” 20 to 50 minutes, several times Still, publishers and devel- at the 2016 expo, but was instead throughout the year to high- opers continue to make some officially announced with a traillight upcoming content. of their most impactful an- er in October of that year, closer Fils-Aime said advances in nouncements at E3, Nintendo to the system’s March 2017 revideo streaming and social me- included. This year’s digital lease. Two new “Pokemon” titles dia have allowed Nintendo to presentation was anchored by were announced for the Switch release announcements on up- an update on the anticipated on May 30, less than two weeks coming games according their game “Super Smash Bros. Ulti- before this year’s E3 kicked off. www.canadianinquirer.net

Despite Nintendo’s preference to make meaningful announcements on its own schedule, Fils-Aime said he is aware of the social media fallout when the company is perceived to have missed its mark in its digital presentations.

Sometimes the disappointment can be predictable, such as a lack new information on an anticipated upcoming game.

But sometimes the social media angst comes from seemingly out of nowhere. Online outrage at the omission of Waluigi, a fringe Mario universe character, from the Smash Bros. roster was so palpable it was reported on in The Washington Post.

“That’s one I was surprised by,” Fils-Aime said, “I think it highlights the way our content connects with fans. So when in their view there’s some sort of seeming slight, they take it personally.

“I take it as a signal of the passion of the community.” ■

JUNE 22, 2018

34

CANADA

HIRING LUCKY SUPERMARKET 10628 King George Blvd, Surrey B.C is hiring all positions such as: store manager, grocery manager, produce manager, office administration, file maintenance clerk, head cashier, cook, BBQ chef, meat cutter, baker, bakery clerk, grocery clerk, frozen clerk, meat clerk, produce clerk, cashier, truck driver and kitchen helper.

Please email resume to: hrsurrey@luckysupermarket.ca

Electronic Technicians Needed Experience in Low Voltage Electrical System installation and Servicing Computers with Networking Email resume to suda@alarmboss.com Call 416-432-1902

NANNY/BABYSITTER

LOCATION: BRAMPTON Employer: Romelo Perez for 2 children (15 & 11 y.o.), Mon-Fri, $14/hr for 40 hrs/wk. 3 year-contract Requirements: LanguageEnglish. Education- Completion of secondary school (min.)

Experience- 1-2 yrs. child care/babysitting exp; criminal record check, in good health. Duties: Supervise and care for children, prepare and serve meals, assist with feeding, grooming, hygiene, homework and school projects. Perform light housekeeping & cleaning duties including wash/iron clothes and household linens.

Take children to and from school and appointments, travel with family if needed.

APPLY BY EMAIL: melo.perez@outlook.com

www.canadianinquirer.net

35

Travel How Germany is turning wasteland into vast lakeside resorts

BY FRANK JORDANS The Associated Press GROSSRAESCHEN, GERMANY — As the sun beats down on a small vineyard by the rippling waters of Grossraeschen Lake, there’s little sign of the vast wound that lies beneath.

Meuro, the brown-black mine that once dominated the landscape, providing jobs to thousands of workers who toiled in clouds of lignite coal dust, has vanished. Only a floating excavator plucking sunken trees out of the water hints at the effort that’s gone into reshaping this corner of eastern Germany over the past decades.

It’s part of a massive environmental cleanup in Lusatia, a region that provided much of the coal that heated German homes and powered the country’s industrial rise.

Unlike its darker variety, lignite seams — also known as brown coal — often lie close to the surface, meaning it is easiest to just remove layer upon layer from above rather than dig underground shafts.

“This is a region that was shaped by strip mining for hundreds of years,” said Kathrin Winkler, a native of Lusatia.

“No grain of dirt was left on top of the other.”

As a young woman growing up in communist East Germany, Winkler worked in the Meuro mine for a year. Now it’s her job to promote Lusatia’s lakes as the next big tourist destination, a tranquil retreat for weary city dwellers from nearby Berlin and Dresden.

The idea would have seemed

outlandish to anyone looking at the alien, lifeless landscape not so long ago.

But over the past two decades the man-made craters have been slowly re-sculpted to create 26 lakes connected by 13 canals and hundreds of miles of cycle track. Instead of coal-fired power plants, the horizons are now dotted with wind turbines and fields full of solar panels. While about 22 per cent of Germany’s electricity still comes from burning lignite — and a further 12 per cent from hard coal — some 33 per cent is now generated using renewable energy.

At its peak three decades ago, Lusatia’s coal industry provided more than 90,000 jobs. Now, the region only has a few thousand workers at four mines operated by a private company, including the Welzow-South pit that supplies the ‘Black Pump’ power station about 20 kilometres (15 miles) east of Grossraeschen.

Helmut Franz, who used to work in the Welzow-South pit, said miners support the work that’s being done to restore the sites.

“People have been trying to figure out for generations how to heal the wounds,” said Franz, who now chairs the Senftenberg mining heritage association. “We think it’s a positive thing that the countryside is being reshaped after the end of mining.”

Much of the task of turning brownfield sites into the kind of “blooming landscapes” promised shortly before reunification to East Germans by West Germany’s late chancellor, Helmut Kohl, has now fallen to

a state-owned company, LMBV. So far it has spent 10.6 billion euros ($12.5 billion) removing the legacy of industry and creating 25,000 hectares (61,775 acres) of lakes.

“You could say that it’s the biggest landscape reconstruction in Europe that we’re operating,” said Uwe Steinhuber, the public face of LMBV. “There’s no script for this job.”

While countries such as the United States also require companies to restore mines and Spain’s biggest lake is currently being created in a former lignite pit, LMBV’s effort to develop an entire new lake district clean enough for tourism is one of the most ambitious projects yet — attracting attention from as far afield as the U.S., China and South Africa.

One of the challenges is ensuring that the lakes, which start out having the acidity of vinegar due to minerals churned up by mining, are made safe for animals and people. This is done by flushing the lakes with river water or by pouring in limestone to raise the pH-level.

Another problem is the risk of subsidence. Because the earth hauled out of the pits over decades was simply dumped elsewhere, it is very loose. A dramatic and unexpected landslide in 2010 prompted LMBV to re-examine the entire region.

“Many areas that had been considered safe until then were re-classed as unsafe,” said engineer Soeren Albinus.

Creating a string of new lakes has an added benefit — allowing authorities to plan for the potential impacts of climate

rant inside Farmer’s Market in Quezon City.

This basically means that the last year that the foreign players will see action in the country’s oldest collegiate league

will be in 2019 even if some of them, like San Beda’s Eugene Toba, CSB’s Clement Leutcheu, and EAC’s Hamadou Laminou, will still be eligible to play by Season 96.

Grossraeschen Lake.

change on water levels in this part of Germany. Cities such as Berlin depend on water that flows through Lusatia and the lakes are being designed to act as buffer — storing water in times of plenty and releasing it when there’s a drought.

The region has become a giant laboratory for geologists, economist and biologists.

Wary of the artificial landscape created for tourism, environmental groups have purchased some stretches of land and let nature take its course.

Animals and plants that have been driven from much of Europe’s intensively farmed landscapes, including wolves, the Eurasian hoopoe bird and a plant called great horsetail, are reclaiming areas that were considered dead just a few years ago.

Back in Grossraeschen, tourism chief Winkler shows off the new marina awaiting its first sailboats. If all goes to plan, the water will rise by another foot (30 centimetres) in the coming months so the lake can be officially opened for business.

Authorities hope to increase the number of overnight stays

from the current 600,000 annually to some 1.5 million in the coming years, boosting employment in Lusatia. Young people in particular are benefiting already: the region has the lowest youth unemployment rate in all of Germany.

“It’s not just the landscape that’s changing, there’s also been a big, big change in people’s heads,” said Winkler. “We are moving away from being a former industrial region to one that’s part of the service economy.”

Some locals, she acknowledged, have yet to embrace the hospitality and openness seen, for example, in Bavaria, where tourism has long been an important part of the economy.

And there’s little chance it will replace all the jobs lost in the mining industry. “It will be one important foundation, but not the only one,” she said.

Still, for a region which had areas resembling the moon and a stretch of barren sand widely referred to as “the Sahara,” Lusatia has come a long way.

“The nice thing is that the pride people had for this region is returning,” said Winkler. ■

Curiously, the trend of recruiting foreign players for the men’s basketball contests in the college ranks started in the NCAA, when the Red Lions brought in Sam Ekwe.

Since then, even Cebu’s top college cagefest CESAFI and lower-tier Metro Manila-based leagues like the UCBL and the NAASCU now have teams with a foreign recruit with them. ■

NCAA to... ❰❰ 29

95 or next year,” the Perpetual Help official, who is the chairman of the NCAA ManCom for Season 94, said during the PSA Forum at the Tapa King restau-

www.canadianinquirer.net

36

Travel

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

Marking Tabasco’s 150th birthday with a tour of Avery Island

BY BETH J. HARPAZ The Associated Press AVERY ISLAND, LA. — One of the world’s most famous condiments, Tabasco, celebrates its 150th birthday this year.

Edmund McIlhenny created the famous pepper sauce in 1868 on Avery Island, Louisiana. The company is still headquartered there, and it is still run by McIlhenny’s descendants.

But whether or not you’re one of those pepper fiends who shakes Tabasco on everything from eggs to burgers, Avery Island is a fun destination with a neat history. Tour the Tabasco museum and factory, try free samples of Tabasco-infused goodies, dine on Cajun food and consider trying a bloody mary (spiked with Tabasco, of course).

There’s also a unique nature preserve called Jungle Gardens where you’ll learn the story of how Avery Island helped save an entire species of bird from disappearing in the U.S. Despite its name, though, Avery Island is not an island. It’s a salt dome, a geological phenomenon in which an underground bed of salt pushes up the terrain. That salt is used to flavour Tabasco.

Tabasco history

As the story goes, McIlhenny planted some pepper seeds

he’d been given and liked the peppers they grew. He mashed them up with Avery Island salt, let the mixture age, then added vinegar and packaged the result in bottles designed for cologne.

The spicy sauce was a hit.

Museum exhibits include vintage bottles along with the wooden barrels still used to age the sauce. A greenhouse displays some pepper plants, though the peppers are now mostly grown outside the U.S. The sauce is bottled here, though, and you’ll get a good look at the factory where a stream of bright red bottles flies past. The factory can produce up to 700,000 bottles a day, and you’ll see the day’s tally on a digital ticker.

By the way, the seeds have no connection to the state of Tabasco in Mexico, but the word tabasco is derived from an Aztec term that means “humid land” and the seeds McIlhenny planted are said to have originated in Latin America.

Across the decades Tabasco has become a cultural phenomenon as well as a culinary staple. One video in the museum shows Tabasco turning up in everything from Bugs Bunny cartoons to James Bond movies.

Tabasco was used as a wartime code word and was included as a condiment in prepackaged meals for U.S. soldiers. And it’s sold in 195 countries and territories worldwide.

Tabasco’s current CEO, Tony Simmons, is McIlhenny’s greatgreat-grandson. He says only 2 to 4 per cent of family businesses make it to the fourth generation, but Tabasco is already in the hands of the fifth generation.

“My family is very tied to Avery Island,” Simmons told the AP Travel podcast “Get Outta Here!” in an interview. “Avery Island is part of the reason we’ve been able to hold onto our business for 150 years.”

Italy’s situation, Conte reiterated his view that EU accords that link asylum-seekers to the first country they reach should be replaced.

The Italian government is proposing so-called “hotspots” in migrants’ countries of origin or transit to prescreen asylum candidates before they set out for Europe.

Such an approach, Conte said, would reflect more of a shared view of the challenge and less of what he said was the prevailing attitude now that “he who sets foot in Italy sets foot in Europe.”

In Munich, Seehofer said his party would be happy to see Eu-

ROB HAINER / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A short drive from the Tabasco complex, you’ll find Jungle Gardens. A driving route offers a dozen numbered stops for attractions including a palm garden, live oaks and a 900-year-old Buddha statue.

Watch where you step: alligators abound.

But the highlight of Jungle

Gardens is Bird City, where on a June day about 1,000 egrets could be seen chattering and calling to one another from raised platforms around a lagoon. Some swooped overhead as an alligator floated by.

The story of how the colony was established is remarkable.

In the 1890s, snowy egrets had “almost been wiped out to extinction in the U.S.,” according to Erik Johnson, director of bird conservation for Audubon Louisiana. The birds were hunted for their feathers, which were used in ladies’ hats.

E.A. McIlhenny, son of Tabasco’s founder, managed to acquire eight snowy egrets, built an aviary for them and handraised them. Then he set them free. When they returned on their seasonal migration, they brought more birds with them and the numbers grew. By the time former U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt, a champion of environmental conservation, visited Avery Island in 1915, he said

40,000 birds were nesting there.

Snowy egrets have rebounded nationwide since then, and these days several thousand nesting pairs of snowy and great egrets typically arrive on Avery Island in late winter and stay through summer. But McIlhenny’s “legacy goes well beyond egrets,” Johnson said.

McIlhenny also helped secure passage of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which was signed into law in 1918.

That means Tabasco’s 150th birthday isn’t the only milestone being marked this year.

The Migratory Bird Act, credited with saving many bird species from extinction, marks its centennial this year, too.

ropean or bilateral solutions this month that “achieve the same that we can achieve by turning people back at the border.”

“We wish the chancellor success in this,” he said. “But we stand by our position that, if this does not succeed, turning people back immediately at the border must be possible.”

Seehofer said he told fellow leaders that “we’re not out of the woods yet.”

He said he would go ahead with preparations to block some asylum-seekers at the border in case Merkel’s negotiations on getting other countries to take back migrants don’t bear fruit.

The spat over immigration has laid bare the deep tensions in a fractious German government that took office only in March, after nearly six months of postelection haggling. The two conservative parties govern Germany in a coalition with the centre-left Social Democrats.

Seehofer and Merkel have long had an awkward relationship. In his previous job as Bavarian governor, Seehofer was one of the leading critics of Merkel’s decision in 2015 to leave Germany’s borders open as migrants streamed across the Balkans.

Most first arrived in Bavaria, which borders Austria. More

than 1 million migrants came to Germany in 2015 and 2016, though the number of new arrivals has since dropped sharply.

In Brussels, the EU asylum office said Monday the number of people applying for international protection in Europe plunged last year but remains higher than before 2015, when more than 1 million migrants entered, many fleeing the war in Syria.

The office said 728,470 application requests were made for international protection in 2017, compared to almost 1.3 million applications the previous year. Around 30 per cent came from conflict-torn countries such as Syria and Iraq. ■

Food and drink

At the onsite country store, you can try free samples of Tabasco-infused edibles ranging from soft ice cream to soda to pickles. Souvenirs for sale include men’s underwear decorated with little red peppers.

Next door at the 1868 Restaurant, yummy Cajun food like gumbo, crawfish etouffee and boudin sausage is dished out cafeteria-style. And as long as someone else is doing the driving, go ahead and treat yourself to a bloody mary.

Jungle gardens

If You Go...

www.tabasco.com/visit-avery-island/. Located about 140 miles (225 kilometres) west of New Orleans. Tabasco self-guided tour, $5.50. Jungle Gardens, $8. Combined ticket, $12.50.

Open 9 a.m. - 4p.m. daily. ■

Merkel, allies... ❰❰ 22

arrivals and Germany the hoped-for destination.

Merkel said European nations needed to work harder to help Libya and other points of departure to provide for refugees so they don’t attempt the perilous trip across the Mediterranean Sea. She also called for doing more to stop human smugglers.

“We want to support Italy’s desire for solidarity, and also hope that Germany receives understanding when it comes to the question of European solidarity on the question of migration,” she said.

Saying he appreciated Merkel’s acknowledgment of

www.canadianinquirer.net

37

Food Asparagus sings with a red pepper, almond and tomato sauce

BY ELIZABETH KARMEL The Associated Press IT’S TIME to revisit grilled vegetables! I was recently tagged in a post where the author said that she was taught to grill vegetables dry and then season them when they come off the grill.

I don’t know what she was grilling and she seemed very happy with that method but it made me think about all the people who were now going to try to grill their summer vegetables without oiling them first.

And anyone who has read one of my books, articles or grilled with me knows, my mantra is ``oil the food, not the grates.’’

It makes sense that you would oil the vegetables to keep all the juices inside and prevent them from drying out. After all, dried fruit and vegetables are made by slowly dehydrating (the juices out of ) them. A little bit of oil creates a barrier that prevents the natural juices from evaporating as the vegetables cook and the oil promotes caramelization, a.k.a. those great grill marks. This is important because grill marks equal flavour, and a juicy vegetable is much tastier than a dried-out one.

Grilled vegetables are good all on their own, but they are even better with a great Romesco sauce to drizzle over them or dip them into. Romesco sauce is a red pepper, almond and tomato sauce that hails from the Catalonia part Spain where it was originally served with seafood and charred onions.

Romesco is gaining popularity in the states and I have seen it served with just about everything. It is my favourite summer condiment and I use it to dress up grilled shrimp, fish, poultry, meat and all manner of vegetables. My version calls for fireroasted tomatoes and one large roasted red pepper, so it is more tomatoe-y than pepper-y which is my preference. If you

prefer the taste of red peppers to tomatoes, switch the ratios and use 1/2 the amount of tomato that I call for and double the red peppers. I don’t not use the bread which is in the classic recipe to thicken the sauce because I don’t want to muddle the pure vegetable and roasted garlic flavour, and I like a looser texture.

Grilled asparagus and Romesco is my favourite combination. And, this time of year, asparagus abounds. So, the recipe that I am featuring is for Grilled Asparagus with Fire-Roasted Romesco Sauce but you can use the same basic principle for any quick-cooking vegetable. Just remember to place the vegetables horizontally across the cooking grates so you get maximum grill marks and they won’t fall through the grates. If you place them parallel to the grates, it will be easy for them to slip through and fall through the grates, and that would be a pity!

Grilled asparagus with fireroasted romesco sauce

Serves: 4 Start to finish: 1 hour Grilling Method: Direct/medium Heat Grilled asparagus is my favourite, but don’t stop there.

Charred whole scallions, zucchini, yellow squash, roasted cauliflower, potatoes and mushrooms are all better for a bit of Romesco sauce. It’s all good. Throw in some grilled bread and it’s great!

• 1 pound fresh asparagus (Look for large stalks with firm deep green or purplish tips and moist ends) • Olive oil • Kosher salt, about 1 teaspoon • Romesco Sauce (recipe below) Rinse asparagus and snap or cut off bottom. Place asparagus in a re-sealable plastic bag and drizzle just enough oil in the bag to coat all the spears.

Seal bag and turn spears to coat evenly in the bag. Sprinkle with salt, reseal bag and turn again to evenly distribute the salt.

Place asparagus on the cooking grate over direct heat for 3-5 minutes or until marked and caramelized. Turn spears occasionally to grill each side.

Asparagus should begin to brown in spots (this indicates that the natural sugars are caramelizing) but should not char.

Remove from grill and serve immediately with Romesco sauce.

Fire-roasted Romesco Sauce

Servings: 32, or about 4 cups Grilling Method: Indirect/ medium high heat • 2 pounds of ripe plum tomatoes or 2 cans Fire-Roasted Tomatoes • 1 roasted red pepper (see recipe below) • 1 head garlic, roasted (see recipe below) • 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar, more if needed • 1/2 cup blanched or Marcona almonds • 1 tablespoon freshly ground ancho chili • 1 tablespoon smoked Spanish paprika • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, preferably Spanish • 1-2 teaspoons kosher salt or sea salt; more to taste • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Wash and dry tomatoes. Cut out the core and drizzle the centre of each tomato with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place in a disposable aluminum tray and place in the centre of the cooking grate. Grill-roast for 30-45 minutes or until tomatoes are caramelized and soft.

(Note, this is also a good time to roast the pepper and the garlic the pepper will take about 15 minutes and the garlic will take about 45 minutes.) Remove from grill and let cool in the pan, making sure to keep any of the juices that escaped. www.canadianinquirer.net

Peel and seed peppers and remove garlic from skin and set aside. Using a food processor or a blender, place tomatoes, their juice, roasted pepper and roasted garlic together and puree.

Add vinegar and almonds and puree until smooth and uniformly chunky. Add ancho chili and smoked paprika and pulse to combine. Slowly add olive oil until you like the consistency of the sauce. Add salt and pepper and pulse to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with salt and pepper. Use immediately or store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1

week. (I store the sauce in glass mason jars_this recipe fills 2 pint jars, you can keep one and give one away!)

Roasted Red Pepper

Rinse and dry pepper. Grill over high direct heat, turning until skin blackens and blisters all over. Remove from grill and immediately put in a paper bag or sealed plastic container until cool. Note: the steam will loosen the skin from the flesh of the pepper. Skin and seed the pepper (the skin will slip off easily). ❱❱ PAGE 38 Asparagus sings

38

Food

JUNE 22, 2018

FRIDAY

How to make Mexican pulled pork without the hassle of frying AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN TRADITIONAL CARNITAS, Mexico’s version of pulled pork, is fried in gallons of lard or oil. The results are tasty, but who wants to deal with all that hot fat? We wanted restaurant-style carnitas--tender chunks of lightly crisped, caramelized pork, subtly accented with oregano and citrus--without the hassle of frying.

Our initial recipe for carnitas started by simmering the meat (taste tests proved boneless pork butt had the best flavour) in a seasoned broth in the oven and then sauteing it in some of the rendered fat. The flavour was OK, but too much of the pork flavour was lost when we discarded the cooking liquid.

So we reduced the liquid on the stovetop (after the meat had been removed) to the consistency of a thick, syrupy glaze that was perfect for coating the meat. Broiled on a rack set over a baking sheet, the glazed meat developed a wonderfully rich flavour, and the rack allowed the excess fat to drip off.

We emulated the flavour of the Mexican sour oranges used in authentic carnitas with a mixture of fresh lime and

orange juices. Bay leaves and oregano provided aromatic notes, and cumin brought an earthiness that complemented the other flavours.

Mexican pulled pork

Servings: 6 Start to finish: 2 hours and 30 minutes We like serving carnitas spooned into tacos, but you can also use it as a filling for tamales, enchiladas, and burritos.

Pork: • 1 (3 1/2- to 4-pound) boneless pork butt, fat cap trimmed to 4/5 inch thick, cut into 2-inch chunks • 1 small onion, peeled and halved • 2 bay leaves • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • Table salt and ground black pepper • 2 cups water • 2 tablespoons juice from 1 lime • 1 medium orange, halved Tortillas and Garnishes: • 18 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed • Lime wedges • Minced white or red onion • Fresh cilantro leaves

• Thinly sliced radishes • Sour cream Adjust an oven rack to the lower-middle position and heat the oven to 300 F. Combine the pork, onion, bay leaves, oregano, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, water, and lime juice in a large Dutch oven (the liquid should just barely cover the meat). Juice the orange into a medium bowl and remove any seeds (you should have about 1/3 cup juice). Add the juice and spent orange halves to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cover the pot and transfer it to the oven; cook until the meat is soft and falls apart when prodded with a fork, about 2 hours, flipping the pieces of meat once during cooking.

Remove the pot from the oven and turn the oven to broil. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pork to a bowl; remove the orange halves, onion, and bay leaves from the cooking liquid and discard (do not skim the fat from the liquid). Place the pot over high heat (use caution, as the handles will be very hot) and simmer the liquid, stirring frequently, until thick and syrupy (a heatproof spatula should leave a wide trail

when dragged through the glaze), 8 to 12 minutes. You should have about 1 cup reduced liquid.

Using two forks, pull each piece of pork in half. Fold in the reduced liquid; season with salt and pepper to taste. Spread the pork in an even layer on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet or on a broiler pan (the meat should cover almost the entire surface of the rack or broiler pan). Place the baking sheet on the lower-middle oven rack and broil until the top of the meat is well browned (but not charred) and the edges are slightly crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Using a wide metal spatula, flip the pieces of meat and continue to broil until the top is well browned and the edges are slightly crisp, 5 to 8 minutes longer.

Serve immediately with the warm tortillas and garnishes.

To warm tortillas, place them on a plate, cover with a damp dish towel, and microwave for 60 to 90 seconds. Keep tortillas covered and serve immediately. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 339 calories; 127 calories from fat; 14 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 147 mg cholesterol; 549 mg sodium; 3 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 46 g protein.

Asparagus sings... ❰❰ 37

Use as directed in recipe.

Roasted Garlic

• 1 head garlic • 2 teaspoons olive oil • Pinch of kosher salt

Remove first layer of papery skin from garlic. Slice off top 1/2-inch from pointy top. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Wrap in foil and cook on grill www.canadianinquirer.net

over medium-high indirect for 40 minutes or until cloves are golden-brown and soft. Alternatively, place in a 350 F oven. Remove from grill or oven and let cool. Follow recipe instructions. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 52 calories; 40 calories from fat; 4 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 122 mg sodium; 3 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 1 g protein.

39

FRIDAY JUNE 22, 2018

Get the latest News & Updates

read daily news from Philippines, Canada & the World www.canadianinquirer.net The one and only daily Filipino-Canadian live news

www.canadianinquirer.net

40

JUNE 22, 2018

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY