Philippine Canadian Inquirer #237 by Philippine Canadian Inquirer

CANADA’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONWIDE FILIPINO-CANADIAN NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

VOL. 9 NO. 237

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Traffic ills? Just enforce rules, Poe tells admin

Senators smarter than a first grader – Trillanes

Monsef case highlights absurdity of unfair law

Trump, Clinton deny their own words in debate

Solidaridad Bookshop: The little shop of honors

Feds monitoring weak economy, could take action as early as fall: Morneau Militants, marking the 44th anniversary of the declaration of martial law with a protest march last Sept. 21, call on President Duterte to also address other serious concerns, such as poverty, corruption, lack of social services and the release of political prisoners. JOAN BONDOC / PDI

Up to 8 inmates fight in Philippine prison, 1 Chinese killed THE ASSOCIATED PRESS MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Up to eight inmates fought at the Philippine national penitentiary Wednesday, leaving a high-profile Chinese drug lord dead and four other inmates injured, officials

said. The melee occurred amid a congressional investigation into the drug trade within the facility. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said a riot broke out Wednesday after an inmate reprimanded three Chinese drug

Duterte: After tough talk, damage control prevails

THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Canada’s finance minister is hinting the federal government could take steps as early as this autumn’s economic update to help the economy at a time of slower-than-expected growth. When asked today about the fall update, Bill Morneau said the government would continue to look at Canada’s economic situation in order to determine what should be done — not only in November but also in next year’s budget. Government insiders say Ottawa is considering using the update as a vehicle to help boost the sluggish economy, including potentially fast-forwarding billions in planned infrastructure in-

❱❱ PAGE 11 ❱❱ PAGE 20 Up to 8

❱❱ PAGE 17 Feds monitoring

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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FRIDAY

Philippine News

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Filipino communities in US shown positive response to President Duterte — Palace BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency

Secretary Perfecto Yasay, who attended the recently-concluded United Nations (UN) General Assembly Meeting in New York. “They’re highly committed to the President and his plans. They’re very, very supportive. And that in spite of a little bit of noise, they continue to be very upbeat about what’s happening in the Philippines, and continue, like I said, to support the programs of the President,”

have a very firm grasp of the President.” “A firm understanding of where he (the President) is MANILA — Malacanang said coming from, where the Presion Tuesday that Filipino comdent’s statements came from,” munities in the United States he said. remain upbeat about what is Recently, President Duterte happening in the Philippines attacked the US, particularly despite President Rodrigo DuPresident Barack Obama, for tete’s attack on the US for inlecturing him on the spate of terfering on the intensified war killings of drug personalities in against drugs in the country. the Philippines. “I’d just like to be able to Asked about rumors of destatransmit to you bilization being the fact that on planned by the the ground, the group of FilipiFilipino comno-Americans munities in San And that in spite of a little bit of against PresiFrancisco, Washnoise, they continue to be very dent Duterte, ington and New upbeat about what’s happening in Abella said: York have shown the Philippines, and continue, like I “There were very positive resaid, to support the programs of the some noises, but sponses to the President. basically, they President,” Presare noises at this idential Spokesstage.” person Ernesto Abella said the Abella said in a press briefing. Abella informed the media. Palace takes those noises seriAbella accompanied DepartAbella said the Filipino com- ously “but we also learn to dement of Foreign Affairs (DFA) munities in the US “seem to lineate between the chaff and

President Rodrigo R. Duterte suits up for the ceremonial switch-on of the Filinvest Development Corporation's Misamis 3x135-MW Circulating Fluid Bed (CFB) Coal Thermal Plant in Villanueva, Misamis Oriental KING RODRIGUEZ / PPD / PNA

the grain.” President Duterte’s intensified anti-illegal drug campaign has left more than 1,200 drug pushers and users dead and almost 20,000 others arrested in

legitimate police operations. The country has 3.7 million drug dependents, including more than 700,000 who surrendered themselves to the authorities. ■

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The World Rises Here

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Philippine News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Lacson eyes passage of amendments to anti-wiretapping law before yearend BY AZER N. PARROCHA Philippines News Agency MANILA — Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Tuesday said he targets amendments to the anti-wiretapping law approved in the Senate before the end of the year. Lacson made the statement as he is set to meet with a technical working group (TWG) which will iron out proposed amendments to the said law. After this, he will report these amendments to the floor so that the Senate can deliberate on it on the plenary session. Senators have previously agreed to make amendments to the law to make it easy for law enforcers to catch suspected drug syndicates red-handed. “How can war on drugs be successful without these (amendments)? Without these, ika nga isang kamay lang ang pwedeng pansuntok (Without these, we only have one arm for we can use for punching),” Lacson said. The former Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, however, said that in his experience, authorities should rely more on technical intelligence versus

human intelligence. “Human intelligence…that’s half of the overall effort but tech intelligence, that’s very useful. The source of information you get from technical intelligence is almost unlimited,” he added. Lacson noted that he will incorporate allowing only the government to possess wiretapping equipment or devices and not private entities. “It should be illegal for private entities to purchase, produce and import (wiretapping equipment) so it will not fall into the wrong hands. Law enforcement agencies that can put into good use the equipment,” he added. Despite the PNP’s earlier denial of having any capability to wiretap, Lacson stood by his claim that it has been done as early as the 1990s. He said that it could be a borrowed capability meaning while they do not have their own equipment, their foreign counterparts could help them out. The senator further said that because amendments to the wiretapping law have yet to be passed, wiretapping remained an illegal activity and cannot be used as evidence against a suspected drug syndicate.

Philippines National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, says he will ask President Rodrigo R. Duterte to prioritize proposals including amendment to the anti-wiretapping law to help their anti-illegal drugs campaign during a media briefing JESS M. ESCAROS JR. / PNA

“(Wiretapping) is not yet covered in the Dangerous Drug Act and they cannot use it as evidence, they cannot submit it in the courts but if it is passed, it will strengthen the case,” He also assured that there will be safeguards in place as to protect right of privacy as authorities will not be allowed to conduct wiretap operations without a court order. “It’s still illegal to wiretap without court order and we should leave it to the wisdom of the judge to issue a court order or not,” Lacson said. He added that if authorities will conduct wiretap operations for activities

not related to the anti-illegal drug campaign, they will be held criminally liable. The grounds to get a court order, he said, will include a to witness rule, two affidavits, corroborative documents to show that the targets of the wiretap are indeed involved in some illegal activities among others. PNP Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, in a separate interview, welcomed this news which he said will make their all-out-war against illegal drugs much easier. “What is important is that we are given the authority to wiretap suspected drug lords, distributors and pushers,” Dela Rosa said. ■

Philippines suspends 20 mines for environmental violations PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Philippine officials on Tuesday recommended the suspension of 20 more mines, mostly nickel producers, for environmental violations, threatening to tighten supply from the world’s top nickel ore exporter. Environment Secretary Gina Lopez, a staunch environmentalist who has deplored the environmental degradation caused by open-pit mines, made the announcement with her undersecretary, Leo Jasareno. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources earlier suspended 10 other mines and declared a moratorium on new projects. Three of the 10 mines were included in the initial audit started shortly after President Rodrigo Duterte came to office on June 30. Seven other www.canadianinquirer.net

mines were suspended prior to the audit. Jasareno said companies named Tuesday will be provided a copy of the audit report and be asked to explain why they committed the violations. If they are eventually closed, the total number of mines shut would rise to 30. Out of 41 metallic mines audited, only 11 passed the rigorous review, Jasareno said. “Due to the government’s emphasis on responsible mining, social and environmental standards are becoming more stringent and compliance will remain a major challenge,” said Eufracia Taylor,Philippines analyst at global risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft. Investor concerns over nickel production are unlikely to abate, especially as Congress prepares to review mining laws and mulls the possibility of a nickel ore export ban, Taylor said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Groups seek Palace- Duterte allies press bill led war vs. waste on rehab centers BY CATHERINE J. TEVES Philippines News Agency MANILA — Environment groups are urging President Rodrigo Duterte to wage a war against waste nationwide to help protect public health and the environment. The groups raised urgency for such presidential action, noting studies show the country’s problem on waste will worsen if authorities fail to fully implement RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act). “This year, the country will already produce some 40,000 tons of waste daily - up from the estimated 37,000 tons of waste we produced daily in 2012,” EcoWaste Coalition national coordinator Aileen Lucero said Tuesday at a press conference held at Max’s Restaurant, Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City on Tuesday. Much of the waste produced so far hasn’t been disposed properly, she noted. Greenpeace detox campaigner Abigail Aguilar cited need to bolster the proposed war with prevention measures at source like industries’ pollution disclosure. “Manufacturers must take responsibility for respective waste generated,” she said. She also said government must be firm on returning to Canada the cargo of assorted waste shipped from that country to the Philippines earlier. Such waste was discovered in Manila three years ago this September, she noted.

According to Froilan Grate, Asia-Pacific coordinator of Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), LGUs must enforce basic measures RA 9003 cites for addressing waste. Among such measures were segregating and recycling waste, he said. Segregation would group waste that could still be re-used or recycled, he noted. “Almost half of waste generated can be recycled,” he also said. Such measures can be done even at the household level, he continued. EcoWaste, Greenpeace and GAIA are among groups comprising Green Thumb Coalition (GTC), an alliance of environmental NGOs in the Philippines. GTC earlier identified Duterte as the third most progressive presidential candidate based on this coalition’s environmental survey during the run-up to the 2016 national polls. Citing his response to the survey, GTC said Duterte committed starting a program of action for the environment if elected as president. He assured commencing such program within the first six months of his administration, GTC added. President Duterte launched an all-out attack against the country’s problem on illegal drugs. In previous speeches as president, however, he also ordered government to pursue environmental protection nationwide. ■

A fisherman uses a fishnet to catch more fish in shallow waters of Manila Bay near the Baywalk in Roxas Boulevard, Manila. AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

BY CATHY YAMSUAN Philippine Daily Inquirer AS PRESIDENT Duterte presses his war on drugs, lawmakers are urging the House of Representatives to hasten the approval of a bill that would establish drug rehabilitation centers in all regions of the Philippines to help reform drug dependents. “The immediate enactment into law of our House Bill No. 9 will start the comprehensive

process of changing lives and bringing the drug dependents back to their families and communities,” Deputy Speaker Raneo Abu said yesterday in a statement. House Bill No. 9, one of 25 similar measures waiting for action by the House dangerous drugs committee, would put up a drug rehabilitation center in every region of the country. The bill is coauthored by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, Minority Leader Danilo

Suarez and Representatives Rolando Andaya Jr., Karlo Alexei Nograles, Michael John Duavit, Carlos Cojuangco, Elisa Kho, Benhur Salimbagon and Rodel Batocabe. The committee chair, Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, said the rehabilitation aspect of the drug war was a priority of President Duterte’s administration, as shown by his allocation of P3 billion in the budget of the Office of the President for the construction of drug rehabilitation centers. ■

NBP riot due to fuss over 'pot session' of high-profile inmates — Aguirre BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN Philippines News Agency MANILA — The riot which erupted inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City on Wednesday occurred after an inmate caught three high-profile Chinese inmates in the act of engaging in a ‘pot session,’ Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II said. According to Aguirre, a fellow inmate named Clarence Dongail, who is also detained at Building 14, reprimanded the three Chinese inmates Peter Co, Tony Co and Vicente Sy after he caught them in the act of sniffing ‘methamphetamine hydrochloride’ or shabu. Aguirre said that the three apparently felt bad about what Dongail said. A few minutes later, Tony Co reportedly attacked Dongail, who happened to be inside the cell of convicted drug lord Jaybee Sebastian, with an ice pick. “Sinaway sila nitong si Dongail na ikinasama naman ng mga Intsik kaya sumugod itong si Tony Co at sinaksak itong si Major Dongail kaya nagkaroon ng riot dahil yung ibang nasa tabi nag-join dalawa pa sa ngayon ang report patay na si Tony Co, 50/50 si Peter Co at si Jaybee Sebastian ay stable,” he explained. Aguirre added that another www.canadianinquirer.net

inmate Edcar Singco was the one who informed Dongail about the shabu session. The DOJ Secretary confirmed the death of inmate Tony Co in the fracas that started at 7:45 a.m. Wednesday while Peter Co, Sebastian and Sy were also hurt in the incident. The three were brought to the Muntinlupa Medical Center for treatment, where Co was in serious condition while Sebastian was in stable condition, he noted. The four inmates were among the ‘Bilibid 19,’ a group of highprofile detainees transferred to the temporary custody of the National Bureau of Investigation after a raid spearheaded by then Justice Secretary Leila De Lima in December 2014 to curb illegal activities inside the national penitentiary. They were later brought back to the NBP and detained at Building 14 along with 50 other high-risk inmates. Aguirre said he had already ordered a thorough investigation on the incident as well as on how the inmates still managed to get their hands on illegal drugs despite the tight security imposed by the authorities. A contingent from the elite Special Action Force of the Philippine National Police has been deployed since July to secure the maximum security compound as part of the overall effort to eradicate the illegal drugs trade at the NBP.

“Yan din ang katanungan ko, yan nga sinasabi namin na 90 percent napigilan namin.May nakapasok ba or mga tinago nila yan but the fact is nagsa-shabu sila ngayong umaga,” the official said. He said he has also ordered further tightening of security measures inside the NBP, particularly at the maximum security compound. On Tuesday, authorities installed two South Korean-made signal jammers at the maximum security compound. “Hihigpitan pa namin at may kailangan sigurong ihiwalay na mga inmates pero mag-uusap pa ang BuCor at PNP-SAF,” he added. Aguirre also assured the public that there would be no whitewash in their probe and that there is no foul play behind the incident. “Hindi maganda para sa gobyerno na mamatay si Jaybee dahil siya ay inaasahan na magspill ng beans tungkol kay De Lima,” Aguirre added. Sebastian and Peter Co were both named in the drug matrix presented by President Rodrigo Duterte as among convicts inside the Maximum Security Compound of the NBP who still manage to continue illegal drug operations despite incarceration. The President earlier linked De Lima to these illegal activities inside the NBP, stressing that the latter allowed these during her term as DOJ chief. ■

Philippine News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Ex-pres. Estrada backs President Duterte’s call to UN, US not to interfere in PHL affairs BY LILY O. RAMOS Philippines News Agency BENEFITING FROM BUMPER-TO-BUMPER TRAFFIC. A street vendor takes advantage of the bumper-to-bumper traffic to sell

cold drinks and snacks to motorists along the C-5 Road in Pasig City.

JOEY O. RAZON / PNA

Traffic ills? Just enforce rules, Poe tells admin BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE GOVERNMENT can act on the crippling traffic congestion in Metro Manila and other urban centers even before Congress approves a bill seeking to grant President Duterte emergency powers to address the traffic crisis, Sen. Grace Poe yesterday said. “The implementation of traffic rules does not need emergency powers,” Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services, told reporters after a three-hour public hearing on emergency powers. She pointed this out as she scored the absence of several Metro Manila mayors at the committee’s final public hearing on emergency powers, where the panel was supposed to discuss the provision to establish a single traffic authority for Metro Manila. Poe cited, for instance, the need for stepped up road-clearing operations in Metro Manila’s thoroughfares, especially Gen. Kalentong Street in Mandaluyong City, a crowded route for motorists going from eastern Metro Manila to the cities of Makati and Manila, and vice versa. “In Kalentong, for instance, there are people who say the lanes are no longer enough because two lanes are being used by vendors and others for other things like that,” she said.

Early Christmas break

Poe also broached the idea of allowing schools to go on holiday break in December earlier than usual, as this would also help ease traffic congestion during the Christmas rush. “If we have the vacation earlier, (students) can make up for classes in the months when it’s not a busy season for the public,” she said. The senator said she would bring up the matter with Department of Education officials during a budget hearing on Monday. Poe noted that Metro Manila residents spent 1,000 hours a year in traffic, more than three times what people in other parts of the world had to endure. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is conducting a study to quantify the impact of 21 transport-related projects it has proposed before Poe’s committee to be covered by the proposed expanded powers. “We will study how much faster the commute will be when the infrastructure have been put in place, from point to point. We will be able to give that to the technical working group,” said Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade. Tugade said the infrastructure plans would take time to finish, and that these may even take “the entire term of President Duterte.” The proposed projects in-

clude: • Two integrated transport system terminals in southern Metro Manila • Improvement of national roads • Procurement of new train coaches; extension of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 to Cavite • Extension of LRT Line 2 to Masinag, Antipolo and to Pier 4 in Manila • Increasing the capacity of the Metro Rail Transit System • Construction of five more metro train lines to connect Metro Manila to nearby northern provinces • Extension of the Philippine National Railways north to Clark, Pampanga province, and south to Los Baños, Laguna province • Construction of rail systems in the Visayas and Mindanao For the air transport sector, the DOTr-proposed projects include the improvement of runway, taxiway and security facilities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other domestic airports, and the redistribution of air traffic to decongest the Manila hub. Permits for cell sites

Also during the proceedings, Poe said she would include in the emergency powers bill a provision that would obligate local governments to expedite ❱❱ PAGE 9 Traffic ills

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Estrada reiterated that Duterte is on the right track in fighting illegal drugs, criminality, and terrorism in the country. MANILA — Former president He pointed out that lawlessand incumbent Manila Mayor ness still reigns in Mindanao Joseph Estrada has expressed because of the decades-long support for President Rodrigo problem on insurgency, rebelDuterte’s call for the United lion, terrorism, and criminality Nations (UN) and the US gov- which he said Duterte is workernment not to meddle in the ing hard to address. internal issues of the Philip“Kaya nanatiling magulo sa pines. Mindanao, hindi umunlad ang Estrada, who met with Mindanao dahil tuloy-tuloy ang Duterte in Malacañang Palace barilan, ang kidnapping. SariMonday afternoon, pointed sari ang naging problema sa out that neither the UN nor Mindanao. Kaya humina ang the US has the right to say what turismo. Ayaw nang pumunta the President should do, par- rito ‘yung mga turista dahil naticularly on matters of national tatakot na (Mindanao’s progimportance, such as peace and ress has been slow due to the order and the shooting incianti-terror camdents and kidpaign in Mindnapping. It has anao. a range of prob“The Philip[...] lawlessness lems that have pines is an indestill reigns in scared off tourpendent nation. Mindanao ists),” Estrada They don’t know because of said, noting that our problems in the decadestourists have Mindanao but long problem instead gone to they want us to on insurgency, Malaysia, Singastop an all-out rebellion, pore and other war in Mindterrorism, and countries. anao,” Estrada criminality He further said said in an interwhich he said that peace and view with radio Duterte is order are vital station DZRH working hard in keeping the Tuesday mornto address. Philippines ecoing. nomically stable He added that because without the fight against these, “we will drugs and the not progress”. need for more rehabilitation Estrada said Duterte knows centers were among the issues what he is doing by focusing they discussed during their first on eliminating illegal drugs meeting. and criminality in the country. Estrada recalled that when he Noting their past experience was the country’s president, he as city mayors — Duterte was declared an all-out war against mayor of Davao City for more the Moro Islamic Liberation than two decades, and Estrada Front (MILF) but was asked by of San Juan for 17 years — the then US President Bill Clinton latter said they share the same to consider halting the military ideas and advocacy. operations against the Muslim “We agreed that for a nation secessionist rebels. or a city to progress and move “Let’s not go along with them. on, peace and order is a top priThis is our own internal prob- ority — a number one,” he said lem,” he pointed out. in the interview. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Financial experts remain optimistic on PHL economy BY JOANN S. VILLANUEVA Philippines News Agency MANILA — Officials of foreign investment, marketing and consulting firms remain confident of the Philippine economy despite some negative news about the government’s anti-drugs drive, saying fundamentals remain strong and the government’s economic program is solid. In a briefing at the sidelines of the Philippines Investment Conference 2016 in Makati City Tuesday, Andrew Stotz, chief executive officer of A.Stotz Investment Research, said valuation of Philippine equities remain among the highest in the region but what is important is the fact that there is no asset bubble in the country. “In that case it’s not an emergency to get out of this market,” he said. Stotz said the good demographic profile of the country along with the government’s push to put in more infrastructure will ensure the sustained growth of the economy. “If the Philippines continue to improve on infrastructure it has a chance to really continue the momentum… From market perspective, I can say

European Chamber of Commerce Philippines President Guenter Taus gives some highlights on the EU-Philippines Business Network call to EU companies to meet with potential Filipino partners during the EU-Philippines Business Summit 2016. OLIVER MARQUEZ / PNA

the Philippines is relatively attractive because growth and investments are keeping pace on the advancements,” he added. Manu Bhaskaran, Director of Centennial Group and chief executive of Centennial Asia Advisors Pte Ltd, said among the main factors foreign investors look for when choosing a place to put their funds is strong macrofundamentals.

He said fiscal stability is another major consideration and noted that the current government has vowed to continue what the previous administration has achieved on this aspect. “We are very positive about Philippines. We think that there’s an on-going structural increase in the investment share on GDP (gross domestic product). We think that will translate to higher GDP growth over-time,” he said.

Sen. Aquino has prerogative to investigate foreign policy direction of Duterte administration — DFA BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay said on Tuesday that Senator Paolo Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino has the prerogative to conduct Senate inquiry into foreign policy direction of President Rodrigo Duterte. “I’m sure as a senator of the Republic, that is well within the prerogative of any senator to inquire into — as a matter fact, the Senate is already inquiring into that,” Yasay said in a press briefing in Malacanang. Aquino, cousin of President Duterte’s predecessor President Benigno Aquino III, has filed Senate Resolution No. 158 asking the Senate to investigate what he claimed conflicting statements of President Duterte and his senior officials. “This is a matter that will probably be more a concern of the Senate Foreign Re-

lations Committee that we have, chaired by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. So, if he wants to air these concerns, then he brings it to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee so that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will be able to investigate this matter,” Yasay said. Yasay believed that there are no conflicting statements from President Duterte and his Cabinet officials with regards to the foreign policy direction of the government. “Our foreign policy must always be predicated upon the pursuit of the paramount national interest,” Yasay said. “The President has always been consistent in explaining that in carrying out an independent foreign policy, we should always pursue the paramount national interest. And then the President has also said that other nations must respect our right in so far as addressing our domestic challenges without any undue interference,” he added. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

He said the concern about the decline in the current account surplus of the country should be considered a small issue. “Developing countries should be running a current account deficit as long as they are funded well and are used productively,” he said. Mark Matthews, head of research for Asia of Julius Baer, said the Philippines has a highly educated, English-speaking population that is a major considering for foreign investors. He said there are other countries in Asia that have almost the same demographics but these countries are not as attractive as the Philippines because most of their people do not have the grasp of the English language. Another plus factor to the Philippines is the ability of the government to really put in place the necessary infrastructure that will boost several sectors such as tourism and manufacturing. “I’m pretty confident that the infrastructure will accelerate. That is a shortterm thing. And then the longer-term thing is the population growth. Putting the two together it (the Philippines) is one of the more attractive places in Asia in my opinion,” he told the Philippines News Agency in an interview. ■

Philippine News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

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Senator Richard J. Gordon (center), flanked by Senate Majority Leader Vicente C. Sotto III (left) and Senator Panfilo Lacson, questions confessed "Davao Death Squad" hitman Edgar Matobato (extreme left) during the resumption of the Senate inquiry into the alleged extrajudicial killings. JESS M. ESCAROS JR. / PNA

Senators smarter than a first grader – Trillanes BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer IN “BADGERING” the witness, senators who doubted the testimony of confessed hit man Edgar Matobato only showed that they were “smarter than a first grader,” Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said yesterday. The usually sharp-tongued senator said his colleagues “took advantage” of Matobato’s weakness in English in pointing out his conflicting testimonies at the resumption of the Senate inquiry into suspected extrajudicial killings in President Duterte’s all-out war on drugs. Several senators, most of them allies of Mr. Duterte, pointed out several inconsistencies in Matobato’s testimony, including his uncertainty about whether he had heard firsthand then Davao City Mayor Duterte ordering the killings he had earlier mentioned. The inquiry resumed on Thursday with Sen. Richard Gordon as the new chair of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, installed after Sen. Leila de Lima was ousted for her alleged bias in a lopsided vote on Monday. De Lima had severely criticized the Davao City mayor for his alleged links to the Davao Death Squad when she chaired the Commission on Human Rights. Trivial

In a statement, Trillanes said: “The inconsistencies, if any, were trivial as shown by the transcript. And, despite the badgering, Matobato was consistent about the events and other details he was sure about.” He added: “But I must admit, there was a language barrier and a few of my colleagues took advantage of that. They were able to show that they were smarter than (the witness who reached only)

Grade 1.” Trillanes on his own arranged for Matobato’s protective custody after Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, president Mr. Duterte’s party PDPLaban, rejected De Lima’s request when she was still committee chair. De Lima also asserted Matobato’s credibility, saying major details of his testimony remained unchanged despite the challenging questioning he underwent on Thursday. “Matobato is a very credible witness. No matter how many times he tells his story, the significant and major details of the facts as he remembers them remain consistent. That is the mark of a true witness,” she said. “I don’t think his credibility was destroyed during yesterday’s grilling. All those senators who tried to take him down were not able to, no matter their condescension to the witness,” De Lima added. Rehearsed

The senator said perfect witness narrations, like those by convicted criminals during the House of Representatives’ inquiry earlier this week, should be the ones doubted. “A witness who remembers everything perfectly without confusion or mistakes is most probably the coached and rehearsed witness, like those criminal convicts now testifying against me at the House,” De Lima said. “Compared to them, Matobato is candid and straightforward even under grueling and uninhibited cross-examination, at times with misleading questions that are not even allowed to be asked in a court of law,” she added. Other senators disagreed. “I’m not sure anymore which in his testimony is true or not. I’m sorry for him as well as for my two colleagues,” Sen. Panfilo Lacson said, adding that Matobato “would occasionally look to

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the direction” of Senators De Lima and Trillanes before responding to the questions by the other senators. ‘Splendid’

Lacson added: “(Matobato) could not make up his mind if he was indeed ordered by Mayor Duterte to kill several people or not.” He said the witness also changed his tune on “the manner of killing people,” and how several cases the witness had mentioned were readily denied by those involved. While he scored Matobato, Lacson complimented Sen. Manny Pacquiao for “a splendid interpellation.” Pacquiao had asked the witness if people should believe someone with flip-flopping statements, and elicited a “no” from Matobato. “(Pacquiao) exposed a lying witness— one who can’t remember the details of his previous testimony. Indeed, when one is stating the truth, there is no way he can forget. On the other hand, a coached or a lying witness forgets his narration of events and circumstances over a certain period of time,” Lacson said. Said Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, who was also doubtful of Matobato: “A witness who changed his statements while kept in custody, that’s the one who (has been) coached.” Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara cited the importance of testing Matobato’s credibility. “He made really grave accusations, but in my view, it looks like he had many inconsistencies that did not match his statements in the previous hearings,” Angara said in a statement after Thursday’s proceedings. “Still, let us allow the committee to make its decision on the course of action it would recommend. It is important that the public keeps watch and stays vigilant on this issue,” he added. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

De Lima says Jaybee was her asset BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer SEN. LEILA de Lima on Thursday said Jaybee Sebastian, a convicted car thief and a powerful gang leader, was her “asset” who provided information on the illegal drug trade at New Bilibid Prison (NBP) that as justice secretary in the Aquino administration she had attempted to crush. But, De Lima, at a news conference called to deny allegations she received protection money from NBP drug lords to fund her senatorial campaign in May, declined to elaborate. “The reason I’m saying he’s an asset is to dispel speculations, malicious insinuations that the reason why he was not transferred like the Bilibid 19 because he was favored, protected and the insinuation that he collects money for me,” De Lima said of Sebastian. The Bilibid 19 referred to the 19 drug lords transferred to the National Bureau of Investigation jail after a raid on the national penitentiary she led in December 2014.

Some inmates who testified Gathering info She said a former Philippine at the hearing conducted by the She also urged the House Drug Enforcement Agency justice committee of the House to invite former BuCor Chief (PDEA) official, Lt. Col. Ferof Representatives claimed that Franklin Bucayu to share oper- dinand Marcelino, was being they did not directly give to De ational details of the 2014 raid. pressured by some groups to Lima money but they either deDe Lima also said she was gath- speak against her after Marceliposited cash or asked their re- ering information on the wit- no was reported on Wednesday ferrals to make deposits to bank nesses who testified against her to be facing illegal drug charges accounts controlled by her lieu- because the initial information after the Department of Justice tenants, including Sebastian, was they did not want to do so. (DOJ) had reversed its earlier who emerged as the “king of She said she was getting in- dismissal order. drug lords” after centralizing formation on how they were A July 19 text had Marcelino drug operations at NBP follow- convinced to testify against her. revealing that some groups ing the 2014 raid. were “trying to De Lima said convince me to that if Sebastian speak against would testify in (De Lima).” But the House inquiI perceive him to be a professional he assured the ry, he could adofficial. person he was dress that mattexting he would ter but noted she not be used and would not also he “never doubtbe surprised if he would testify Psychological torture ed her integrity.” against her. She reiterated that some of A second text, on Sept. 9, said The senator said Sebastian the witnesses could have been Marcelino had complained was not immediately trans- pressured to do so, some had of “mounting” pressures and ferred to the NBI jail because “an ax to grind against her,” that his drug case would be rehe was giving the department some had “skeletons in the opened. information on the NBP drug closet” and were blackmailed trade. or paid. Aquino not involved But she said she eventually De Lima said she knew that “But rest assured that I will ordered Sebastian to be trans- one inmate was taken to Intel- never give in to them mistah. ferred to the NBI jail when ligence Service of the Armed Pls tell Sen L to keep faith and Rainier Cruz became the chief Forces of the Philippines and be strong,” Marcelino said in of the Bureau of Corrections was “psychologically tortured” his text message, which De (BuCor). to force him to speak against her. Lima shared to reporters.

Traffic ills... the issuance of permits for cell sites to help speed up access to the internet. Undersecretary Eliseo Rio Jr. of the Department of Information and Communication Technology said red tape was hindering the installation of more cell towers across the country— infrastructure critical in speeding up internet access that would ease online transactions for the public. Poe’s committee is expected to finalize its report for submission to the plenary by November following technical working group meetings. Poe hopes the measure would be passed by the chamber before the Christmas break. At the hearing, she noted the absence of several mayors, who could have given their comments on the proposal to place traffic enforcement under the DOTr’s authority. Currently, each local government unit exercises its own ❰❰ 6

traffic enforcement authority, while the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority also has an overlapping mandate. Seamless implementation

Tugade earlier said centralizing traffic enforcement would allow a seamless implementation of traffic rules from major roads to secondary thoroughfares. “We saw that different towns and cities have this problem. It’s sad that other mayors did not attend. So you’d really see if traffic is their priority or not,” Poe told reporters. Poe’s committee invited 14 mayors from Metro Manila and other key cities to yesterday’s proceedings. Only Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista and Calamba City Mayor Justin Chipeco attended, while seven sent representatives. The cities of Caloocan, Makati, Muntinlupa, Cagayan de Oro and Cebu did not send any representative. ■

Responding to Director Benjamin Magalong’s claim that the Philippine National Police was excluded in the December 2014 raid on NBP, De Lima explained that it was the DOJ that was on top of the operations but that they also used PNP units in the raid. De Lima said Magalong, the deputy PNP chief for operations and former Criminal Investigation and Detection Group head, could have been “frustrated” when he made those statements. She said Magalong admitted in the House inquiry that his office and the PDEA did not like what happened. “I have no problem with Magalong. I perceive him to be a professional official,” she said. De Lima took offense to statements that there was an official higher than she who was also linked to illegal drugs. She said “the only one higher than me” was President Aquino himself. “So are they saying my President is also a beneficiary of these things? Of course not, you know P-Noy,” she said adding these statements were “outlandish, very outrageous.” ■

Impeachment plans vs President Duterte won’t push through — DOJ chief BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN Philippines News Agency MANILA — Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Tuesday said impeachment plots against President Rodrigo Duterte will neither pursue nor succeed due to lack of credibility of his critics. In a television interview, Aguirre made the statement as criticism from various sectors, including human rights groups, has intensified against Duterte due to the anti-drug campaign of his administration which has already killed more than 3,000 suspected drug pushers and drug addicts in police operawww.canadianinquirer.net

tions and killings by vigilante groups or “extrajudicial killings” as well as the President’s controversial statements on policy issues. He noted that the impeachment move against the President allegedly perpetrated by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV lacks credibility to mount a case, much less an impeachment especially for a president that has a popularity rating of more than 90 percent. On Monday, Trillanes called for a Senate investigation on the alleged “direct involvement” of President Duterte in the killings in Davao City during his term as mayor. Trillanes also presented documents intended to dispute the statements of his colleagues

stressing that the testimony of Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed member of the so-called Davao Death Squad has a lot of inconsistencies. Aguirre said there is also nothing significant about Matobato’s testimony before the Senate’s justice and human rights committee. The DOJ Secretary said these inconsistencies make Matobato a dubious witness. Despite Matobato’s revelation, Aguirre said the President has no plans to sue him. President Duterte has already denied knowing Matobato personally. Aguirre said he also did not recommend to the President any legal action against the selfconfessed hitman. ■

Philippine News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Duterte allies grill hit man BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO AND TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer CONFESSED HIT man Edgar Matobato yesterday insisted that he and five other men killed alleged terrorist Sali Makdum on orders of SPO4 Arthur Lascaña, the leader of a liquidation squad linked to President Duterte when he was still mayor of Davao City. Matobato, 57, continued his testimony about the killing of about 1,000 criminals and opponents of Mr. Duterte in gangland-style assaults at the resumption of the inquiry into alleged extrajudicial killings in the President’s brutal war on drugs by the Senate committee on justice and human rights, now headed by Sen. Richard Gordon. Senators led by Alan Peter Cayetano and Panfilo Lacson as well as Gordon grilled Matobato on the consistency of the testimony he gave on Thursday in which he pictured Mr. Duterte as a coldblooded killer. Alliances became apparent during the proceedings, with the allies of Mr. Duterte who voted to oust Sen. Leila de Lima as committee chair on Monday leading the questioning. Gordon called much of Matobato’s testimony last week hearsay. Cayetano, Mr. Duterte’s defeated vice presidential running mate in May’s national elections, said the witness was “lying.” Sen. Manny Pacquiao, the Bible-quoting world boxing champion and Duterte ally,

asked why the public should believe a witness whom he described as inconsistent. De Lima and Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, who had both vouched for Matobato’s credibility, called out their colleagues on the tenor of their questioning, giving the witness a chance to clarify his statements when it was their time to ask. De Lima’s allies from the Liberal Party were absent from the hearing. Grilled for more than three hours mostly by Mr. Duterte’s allies, Matobato at one point made an emotional plea, saying his former companions in the so-called Davao Death Squad (DDS) were out to kill him. ‘I’m telling the truth’

“I came here even if I’m illiterate. I volunteered to come here. I did not kill for money, but because we won’t get caught because the police were with us,” Matobato said, wiping away tears. “Even if they hang me, I’m telling the truth. Just the truth. All I want is justice. I saw how the [New People’s Army] beheaded by father. Now I don’t know where to find justice, just like the people we killed are looking for justice,” he said. The test of Matobato’s credibility was interrupted by sometimes heated exchanges between some of the senators, including between Cayetano and De Lima as well as between Cayetano and Trillanes, as they sought clarification of confusing accounts of the former militiaman. One of the exchanges came after Matobato was asked about

the killing of Makdum, a suspected terrorist from Pakistan, in 2002. Cayetano presented at the hearing a CNN video interview in which Makdum’s relatives said Matobato knew Makdum, as the two men were discussing a land deal. In his testimony on Thursday, Matobato said he and five other members of the DDS kidnapped Makdum from Samal Island in 2002 and took him to the office of the former Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force. He said they garroted Makdum, quartered and buried him in a quarry. Confronted with the CNN video, Matobato admitted he knew Makdum, as the Pakistani’s Filipino wife was the cousin of his wife, and confirmed they were in discussion of a land deal. He also said he had known Makdum for three months. Makdum a terrorist

Matobato said he did not know Makdum was a terrorist until he was informed about it at the police heinous crime unit’s office. “I never knew he was a terrorist,” he said. But he told the unit that he knew the Pakistani. Asked who ordered him to kill Makdum, Matobato replied: “Arthur Lascaña.” But he said he did not know who ordered Lascaña to take down Makdum. Cayetano told Matobato that in his testimony last week, he said Mr. Duterte ordered the killing of Makdum. “So it was not Mayor Duterte who gave the order,” Cayetano

OPPOSITION. Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is interpellated by Senator Alan Peter

Cayetano (back to camera) after the former delivered a privilege speech urging the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

JESS M. ESCAROS JR. / PNA

said, and Matobato replied that he did not know. It was at this point that Trillanes jumped in, saying Cayetano was “giving wrong information” because Matobato did not say last week that Mr. Duterte ordered Makdum killed. “Let us not twist the story,” Trillanes said. Gordon told the senators to refer to the transcript. Cayetano explained that he was just testing Matobato and that the witness was free to say he never said Mr. Duterte gave the order to kill. Matobato later told Cayetano that he was getting confused, and admitted that he did not hear Mr. Duterte directly give orders to kill but had seen him talking to Lascaña, whom he identified as leader of the DDS. NBI agent killed

Cayetano also tested the credibility of Matobato’s account last week that it was Mr. Duterte who killed National Bureau of Investigation agent

Vicente Amisola in 2007. In his testimony last week, Matobato said Amisola’s vehicle impeded a DDS mission, which lead to an altercation that deteriorated into a shootout. The agent ran out of bullets and was wounded, he said. Mr. Duterte, he said, arrived and finished the agent off by emptying two Uzi magazines on him. Cayetano said he found “incredible” Matobato’s account that 30 men were unable to kill Amisola during the shoot-out. “This means you are all good killers,” Cayetano told the witness. Matobato denied saying 30 men shot it out with Amisola. He said the agent, who was armed with a Glock pistol with an extended magazine, used his vehicle as cover and fought back. “But (Amisola) ran out of ammunition and he was taken,” Matobato said, adding the agent was still alive when Mr. Duterte arrived carrying an Uzi submachine gun. “It was the mayor who ended (Amisola’s) life,” he said. ■

FDA raises warning vs designer drug BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE FOOD and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public to be on the lookout for a nonmedical prescription opioid which has been widely abused as a recreational drug in Europe and Canada. In an advisory, the FDA also ordered its field regulatory operations officers to continuous-

ly monitor the possible availability of the opioid W-18 in the Philippines. “All local government units and law enforcement agencies are requested to ensure that the above-mentioned substance is not sold or made available in their localities or areas of jurisdiction,” the agency said in advisory number 2016-107. The FDA issued the warning after being advised by the Dan-

gerous Drugs Board on Canada’s move on tighter controls on the recreational drug. Opioid W-18 is a recreational designer drug developed in the 1980s as a morphine-like painkiller and has been abused by users for its euphoric, painkilling and sedating effects. The FDA noted that nonmedical prescription opioid use is becoming a rapidly escalating public health problem, espewww.canadianinquirer.net

cially with unintentional overdose deaths from opioid pain relievers. This prompted Canada to enforce tighter control measures on the designer drug, adding it to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in a bid to keep it off the streets. The FDA added that in Canada, the drug was made to appear like legitimate prescription tablets such as oxycodone and has been used recreationally in

Canada in Europe. “More importantly, it was found to be 100 times stronger than Fentanyl and being a street-level opioid, it creates availability from which illegal markets arise,” the agency added. The FDA also urged the public to help monitor the market for the availability of opioid W-18, or any suspicious promotional or marketing of the recreational drug. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Duterte: After tough talk, damage control prevails BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The new Philippine president uses an expletive to warn key ally Barack Obama not to lecture him on human rights and, in another impromptu speech, declares a dramatic policy change in policy such as removing U.S. counterterrorism forces out of his country’s volatile south. His key officials walk back the remarks and say everything is normal. And the world wonders which pronouncement is the one that will stick. Impassioned speeches by Rodrigo Duterte about the United States, the European Union and the United Nations have repeatedly led his government to issue clarifications, though he has been on the job less than three months. Here’s a sampling of Duterte’s broadsides — and the ensuing clarifications by him or other Philippine officials. ‘SOB’ (but won’t cut umbilical cord)

The statement: “I do not have any master except the Filipino people, nobody but nobody. You must be respectful. Do not just throw questions. Putang ina, I will swear at you in that forum.” - Duterte in a Sept. 5 speech, using the Tagalog phrase for “son of a bitch” in answer to a reporter, who asked what he’ll do if President Barack Obama questions his deadly anti-drug fight when they meet in Laos during the annual summit of leaders of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The backtrack: Obama responded by cancelling a muchawaited meeting with Duterte, who expressed regret over his remarks. The two leaders, however, met informally in a holding room before a gala

President Rodrigo Duterte holds the Philippine flag which was his rallying symbol while campaigning in the last election during the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected officers of the Malacañang Press Corps, Malacañang Cameramen Association, and Presidential Photojournalists Association. REY BANIQUET / PPD / PNA

dinner in Laos, where Duterte said he told Obama the SOB remark wasn’t directed at him. The brash Duterte capped the tempestuous week in U.S.Philippine ties by discussing, in another Laos meeting with Obama and other world leaders, how U.S. colonial forces killed Muslims in his country’s south in the early 1900s. Back home, Duterte railed at the U.S. again in a speech but said he would not “cut our umbilical cord to countries we are allied with.” Migraine or principles?

The statement: “I purposely did not attend the bilateral talks between ASEAN countries and ... the president of the United States. I really skipped that ... Now, the reason is not I am anti-West. The reason is not, I do not like the Americans. It’s simply a matter of principle for me.” - Duterte in a Sept. 12 speech at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila. The backtrack: The remarks by Duterte, who has been critical of Obama and U.S. security policies, came four

days after his much-noticed absence from the summit of ASEAN leaders and the U.S. president in the Laotian capital of Vientiane. Duterte’s spokesman, Martin Andanar, and at least three Cabinet officials, however, told the media in Vientiane at the time that the Philippine leader couldn’t attend the annual ASEAN-U.S. summit because he had a migraine and wasn’t feeling well. Driving U.S. forces out of the south

The statement: “The special forces, they have to go. They have to go in Mindanao. There are many whites there, they have to go.” - Duterte in a Sept. 12 speech. He added that he was reorienting the Philippines’ foreign policy and that Americans were under threat of attack by Muslim militants. “I do not want a rift with America, but they have to go. It’ll become more heated. If they see an American, the latter will really be killed. Ransomed off, then killed.” The backtrack: Duterte’s

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key officials initially explained that his remarks were based on fears for the safety of the Americans. But his defence secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, later played down the safety issue: “The fears of the president that they might be subject to reprisal by the Muslims is a little bit, may not happen because they’re only in the camp and they don’t go out of the camp alone or unless they’re accompanied by our troops or they are also armed. ... (T)hese people are also combatants. They are not civilians that are subject to kidnapping by terrorists. Duterte later suggested he only made the remarks to pacify restive Muslims opposed to the U.S. presence in the south: “I didn’t say (they) have to leave immediately. I said, ‘There will be sometime in the future that I will ask the special forces to go’ ... I never said, ‘Get out of the Philippines,’ for after all, we need them there in the (South) China Sea.” Ratings outburst

The statement: “The issue here is not my mouth. And they

would say the ratings on business, on the economy, so be it, you get out of here. Then we will start on our own. I can go to China, I can go to Russia. I had a talk with them, they are waiting for me, so what the hell.” - Duterte, after U.S.-based firm Standard & Poor last week maintained its investmentgrade rating and stable outlook for the Philippines but added that a credit rating upgrade in the next two years under Duterte was unlikely. It also warned it may lower that rating if reforms stall. The backtrack: Presidential spokesman Martin Andanar took a more optimistic stance. “We welcome S&P’s decision as it gives government greater resolve to make our economy growth robust, sustainable, and inclusive. The fundamentals of the economy are solid and strong. ... Peace and order is a must for investors to invest more in the country.” On breaking off from the United Nations

The statement: “Maybe we’ll just have to decide to separate from the United Nations. If you’re that rude, son of a bitch, we’ll just leave you. So take us out of your organization, you have done nothing here anyway.” - Duterte at a news conference in August, reacting to concerns by U.N.-appointed human rights rapporteurs about drug-related killings. The backtrack: Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay later assured that the Philippines isn’t bolting out of the 193-nation world body and clarified the context of the president’s remarks: “I can assure you that he remains committed to the United Nations, of which the Philippines is one of the founding members, and to the purposes and objectives of which this august body stands for.” ■

Philippine News

Doubling salaries of soldiers, policemen not possible this year — budget chief BY JELLY F. MUSICO Philippines News Agency MANILA — Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday that doubling the salaries of soldiers and policemen as promised by President Rodrigo Duterte will not happen this year. “I can almost say that that’s not possible by the end of the year, simply because there’s nothing there in the budget for that,” Diokno said in a press briefing in Malacañang. The Duterte administration is operating under the 2016 national budget prepared by the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III. “We cannot spend something which is not authorized by Congress,” he explained. Diokno however said the military and police uniformed personnel, like other public servants, received a pay hike and other benefits under the Salary Standardization program implemented this year through Executive Order No. 201 signed by Aquino last February. “The first tranche was given in 2016. There will be a second tranche in 2017, third in 2018, and the fourth. The other military and the uniformed personnel are included in those tranches,” he said. The budget official clarified that doubled salaries promised by President Duterte to the soldiers and policemen cover basic pay and allowances, including

combat pay. “It’s a combination of allowance and increase in pay. They are also entitled to rice allowance at 20 kilos per month,” he said. Diokno said he has already explained to President Duterte the peculiarity of granting special salary increase for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). “In the AFP, the pension of the armed forces, meaning the army, the navy, naka-index sa (are indexed in the) current salary ng (of the) military. Once you increase the pay of the military, automatically the pension of the retirees will also increase,” he explained. Diokno called it “the elephant in the room” that nobody wanted to touch, even during the past three administrations of former presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Aquino. “It is very sensitive. So, until we have addressed that problem, it is difficult to adjust the pay of the military,” he said. In the last development budget coordinating committee meeting at the House of Representatives, Diokno said a PHP39.5 billion budget has been allotted for the salary increase of police, military and other uniformed personnel for 2017. He said the amount included in the proposed PHP3.35 trillion national budget for next year was set aside to fulfill President Duterte’s promise to increase the budget of the soldiers, policemen and uniformed personnel. ■

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

PNP ready to present cops linked to DDS BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer THE PHILIPPINE National Police is prepared to present to the Senate justice committee the policemen identified as members of the vigilante group Davao Death Squad (DDS) by confessed hit man Edgar Matobato. “We will comply with what was ordered for the next hearing, [that] they be presented,” PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos told reporters yesterday, referring to the committee’s decision to summon the policemen in an executive session on Sept. 28. The names of the 23 former and active policemen were provided by Matobato to Sen. Leila de Lima, who mentioned them in her privilege speech last week. During a hearing on Thursday, the Senate committee on justice and human rights said it will summon the policemen to an executive session to give them a chance to refute Matobato’s claims. The policemen will be in civilian clothes with other people in a holding room, where Matobato will be asked to point them out. De Lima, quoting Matobato, identified the 19 policemen and four civilians as Senior Superintendents Rey Capote, Tony Rivera, Dionisio Abude and Isidero “Dick” Floribel/ Florobel; Chief Inspectors Jacy “Jay” Francia, Fulgencio Pavo and Ronald Lao; Senior Police Officers 4 Arthur Lascanas and Sanson “Sonny” Buenaventura; Senior Police Officers 3 Jim Tan, Jun Laresma, Donito “Pogi” Ubales; Senior Police Officers 2 Enrique “Jun” delos Reyes Ayao and Rizalino “Bobong” Aquino; Senior Police

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Police Chief Supt. Jose Erwin T. Villacorte (left), discusses the country's specific police training strategies and activities to address transnational crimes as these relate to the national interest. AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

Officers 1 Reynante Medina, Bienvenido Furog, Vivencio “Jun” Jumawan, Jun Bisnar, Gaston Aquino, Bienvenido Laud, Alvin Laud, Roly Engalia and Arnold Ochavez. Carlos said the PNP’s Directorate for Personnel and Records Management (DPRM) were verifying the names of the policemen as well as their status in the police service. According to the DPRM’s initial report, 10 remain in active service, with eight still assigned in Davao, and two assigned to the Presidential Security Group. Eight have retired while one is deceased. Carlos said the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) and the Directorate Investigation and Detection Management (DIDM) will determine whether there are pending complaints against the named policemen and look for the police reports they had submitted to national headquarters. Validation

“The IAS, on its own, is conducting validation while the DIDM will be looking at their case folders,” Carlos said. He said the DIDM will also search its records to determine

if the policemen had submitted records of the cases they handled in Davao. Lawyer Shella Castillo, IAS legal service chief, said the 19 policemen will not be placed in floating status since Matobato’s claims remained allegations until proven otherwise. Castillo also appealed for the public’s patience in the IAS’ administrative investigation of incidents involving suspects killed during legitimate police antidrug operations. She said the IAS so far has 461 pending investigations and had terminated or dropped 113 others. One case had prospered, with the respondent policeman subjected to summary dismissal proceedings. According to PNP statistics, 1,198 drug personalities had been killed in legitimate operations from the time President Duterte assumed his post, until Sept. 23. Another 2,140 had also been recorded killed as of Sept. 20, but the PNP said the deaths were not automatically extrajudicial, vigilante or summary killings. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

De Lima: I have no millions Says drug convicts now allies of drug-buster Rody BY TARRA QUISMUNDO AND GIL C. CABACUNGAN Philippine Daily Inquirer SEN. LEILA de Lima yesterday denied owning fat bank accounts that could purportedly link her to drug lords, describing her accusers as a “mafia” that cavorts with convicted criminals to bring her down. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Thursday said he had received documents from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) showing bank transactions that could link De Lima to drug syndicates operating from New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. Aguirre said the transactions were worth P500 million to more than P1 billion but the bank accounts were not in De Lima’s name “because she uses people to collect on her behalf.” Aguirre did not say exactly how much was transferred to De Lima’s purported bank accounts. That, he said, will be disclosed when the DOJ files charges against De Lima. The purported AMLC documents are expected to be used as evidence against De Lima. “I have no millions or billions in my bank accounts. And I have no dummy accounts. Any alleged accounts that would be linked to me and my alleged drug links can only be fictitious,” De Lima told the INQUIRER. Sleeping with convicts

“Secretary Aguirre and his operators are a mafia of lies and intrigues, who go to bed with criminal convicts just to get their perjured testimonies. In exchange, they give them immunity, immunity for drug lords and convicted criminals,” she said in a text message. De Lima’s 2014 financial disclosure, the latest submitted during her time as a member of former President Benigno Aquino III’s Cabinet, showed that her net worth was P4.88 million, slightly higher than the P4.59 million she declared in 2013. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is accusing De Lima, an outspoken critic of President Duterte’s scorched-earth policy on illegal drugs, of profit-

ing from narcotics operations run by convicted drug kingpins serving their sentences at NBP. Several convicted drug lords are serving as the DOJ’s chief witnesses in a House of Representatives’ inquiry into the illegal drug trade at NBP. Administration allies in the House launched the investigation earlier this week after De Lima opened an investigation in the Senate of alleged extrajudicial killings in Mr. Duterte’s bloody war on drugs. Mr. Duterte’s allies in the Senate also stripped De Lima of her post as chair of the committee on justice and human rights, which is investigating the extrajudicial killings, on Monday after she presented a confessed hit man who linked Mr. Duterte to the killings of about 1,000 criminals and political opponents by a liquidation squad when the President was still the mayor of Davao City. The President’s allies elected Sen. Richard Gordon to replace De Lima as head of the committee. De Lima has repeatedly denied links to the drug trade at NBP, saying the allegations were part of efforts to discredit her after she launched the inquiry into the extrajudicial killings of drug suspects.

Senator Leila De Lima.

and international human rights groups. The foul-mouthed Mr. Duterte cursed them all—calling the United Nations and the European Union “stupid” and US President Barack Obama a “son of a bitch”—before saying on Thursday that he would allow UN and EU investigations of his war on drugs provided their representatives answer his questions about Western countries’ track record in human rights. As justice secretary in the Aquino administration, De Lima led raids on NBP several time, uncovering luxury villas and a shocking haul of contraband, including drugs,

scribed as a “sham” inquiry in the administration-controlled House, said on Thursday that Sebastian was a government asset. De Lima noted the irony: the Duterte administration, while fiercely fighting illegal drugs, is now relying on drug convicts to malign her, the same drug lords the administration had earlier claimed were behind a plot to assassinate Mr. Duterte. “[T]he drug lords and criminals in Bilibid are [now] the allies of the President in his war on drugs. Aguirre doesn’t even notice how laughable their situation is now. The President has on his side the drug lords who, Congress warned according to them (the adminAfter winistration), had ning the presichipped in to dential elecraise P1 billion to tion in May, Mr. have him killed,” Duterte warned [T]he drug lords and criminals in De Lima said. Congress not Bilibid are [now] the allies of the In a news to investigate President in his war on drugs. Aguirre conference on a war on drugs doesn’t even notice how laughable Thursday, De that he planned their situation is now. Lima said some to launch after of the convicts taking office or could have been there would be pressured to tesa clash between him and law- cash and gadgets belonging to tify against her. She said she makers. high-profile inmates, several had learned that one NBP inDuring the campaign, Mr. of whom testified against her at mate was taken to the military Duterte promised to kill tens the House inquiry on Tuesday. intelligence service and was of thousands of criminals and Presented by Aguirre, the “psychologically tortured” to wipe out illegal drugs in six convicts attested to De Lima’s testify against her. months, a timetable that he re- involvement in the drug trade In a talk with reporters yesvised earlier this week, extend- at NBP, saying another drug terday, Aguirre said De Lima’s ing the campaign by another six lord, Jaybee Sebastian, even reasoning was “out of line.” months. imposed sale quotas to raise “This reminds me of a quote More than 3,000 drug sus- funds for her senatorial run in [that] says, ‘Whom the gods depects have been killed by po- May. stroy, they first make her mad,’” lice and vigilantes since Mr. he said, messing up the Greek Duterte took office on June 30, ‘Sham’ inquiry proverb, “Those whom the gods alarming the United Nations, De Lima, who has refused wish to destroy they first make United States, European Union to participate in what she de- mad.” www.canadianinquirer.net

JESS ESCAROS JR. / PNA

NBI to lead probe

Aguirre said the National Bureau of Investigation would lead the next stage of investigation of De Lima, which would follow the money trail, as indicated in the AMLC report, to the bank accounts of several private corporations. “The NBI will dig deep into the ownership of these corporations and establish their [links] to the drug lords,” he said. Although there is no direct link to De Lima, Aguirre said the AMLC report covered the accounts of more than 10 of her associates, friends and staff members. “For example, if we found P500 million [in] the account of Ronnie Dayan (De Lima’s former driver and bodyguard and alleged lover), we all know he has no income to justify having that much. So the conclusion of people, the judge, is that it came from his boss. It’s that simple,” he said. Aguirre said he believed the DOJ had enough evidence from the convicts and other resource persons who testified in the House inquiry to file charges against De Lima, but the department had requested more documents from the AMLC to make an airtight case against the senator. Aguirre said he would bring new witnesses from NBP to the House inquiry, which would resume next month. Sebastian has refused to testify against De Lima, but Aguirre said other people, including a retired state prosecutor, had volunteered to help the DOJ get evidence against her. ■

Opinion

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

LAPD cops to train Manila policemen in anti-drug education BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN Philippines News Agency MANILA — Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada announced Wednesday he will bring to the city next month a team of elite policemen-instructors from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) to train members of the Manila Police District (MPD) to become Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) instructors. DARE Philippines Association, Inc., a non-profit non-government organization, brought DARE from the US to Philippine schools in 1993 through Estrada's initiative when he was vice president and concurrent head of the Presidential Anti-Crime Commission (PACC). Estrada said they hope to train more DARE instructors as part of the city government’s plan to expand the coverage of

DARE, a classroom instruction program that taps active duty police officers to teach Grades 5 and 6 students good decisionmaking skills to keep them away from drugs and other vices. "We will be going full-blast so we need more DARE instructors who will give DARE lessons,” the mayor said. “This is my way of helping President Duterte in his fight against drugs, by teaching the young generation how to say ‘No’ to drugs at an early age.” “This (DARE) is our first line of defense against illegal drugs in our schools. We must save our children before drugs get them,” he added. As chairman of DARE Philippines, Estrada has made representations with the Los Angeles-based DARE International to send a team of veteran DARE instructors in the country to train selected MPD policemen to become certified DARE instructors. Thirty-seven MPD police-

President Rodrigo Duterte meets with former President and incumbent Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada in Malacañan. REY BANIQUET / PPD / PNA

men will undergo the basic 80hour DARE Officer Training (DOT) course to be handled by 14 DARE instructors from the LAPD, who will be arriving in Manila last week of October, according to Dr. Antonio Abacan, Jr., president of DARE Philippines. "After they have been trained and duly certified, these new

MPD DARE instructors will then train their fellow policemen,” Abacan said. The MPD, he said, only has 14 active DARE instructors since Estrada started implementing the program in Manila in 2013. Last week, 29 members the Philippine Army-Civil Military Operations Group graduated from a course making them the

first batch of military men to be trained as DARE instructors. “As of now, we will continue what we are doing, expand it as much as possible due to the numerous number of students needing instruction," Abacan said, adding that they are targeting 27,000 students this school year alone. DARE is part of Estrada’s multi-pronged approach to eliminate drugs in Manila. Aware of the increasing number of drug dependents who need rehabilitation, he has also asked the national government for a PHP100 million funding. He said the amount will be used to put up a specialized drug rehabilitation and treatment center at the city-owned Manila Boystown Complex in Marikina City. Estrada is also continuously boosting the capability of the 4,500-strong city police force to combat criminality, especially illegal drugs, by providing them logistical support. ■

AT LARGE

Understanding Hermano Puli By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer THERE IS a shot, at the end of the movie “Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli (The Agony and Fury of Brother Puli)” that yanks moviegoers back to present-day reality. Lest I be accused of giving the story away, suffice it to say that it is a rude awakening, referencing the painful bloody events we confront each day to events of yesteryears, to the times of struggle for independence, religious freedom and self-determination for Filipinos. As the movie tells it, Apolinario de la Cruz was an earnest young man who felt a calling for the priesthood but bumped heads against the racial discrimination of Catholic religious orders for men. At the time, the religious orders, such as the Franciscans and Dominicans, refused admittance to “indios” or those of native blood. Undaunted, De la Cruz pursued his calling, preaching and organizing folks in his native Tayabas (now Quezon province), and surrounding provinces like Batangas, Laguna, Camarines Sur, and even in Tondo, Manila. De la Cruz named the vehicle for his preaching and organizing the “Cofradia de San Jose” (Brotherhood of St. Joseph). And he was known to his followers as Hermano (Brother) Puli. Inspired by a dream,

De la Cruz entrusted his growing gle for religious freedom took place Film Academy “Luna” awards. The flock to a younger brother and trav- in the 1840s, by the time the Propa- public, it seemed, has been “primed” eled to Manila to pursue his desire ganda Movement and the Katipunan for historical epics. to be ordained a priest and, later, to took hold in the 1890s, Hermano Puli *** have the Cofradia recognized by both had faded into obscurity. I ENTERED the cinema filled with civil and religious authorities. But he Film director Gil Portes, who hails goodwill for the movie and anticiwas rebuffed by both, and contented from Quezon and grew up in Pagbilao, pating the thrill of another historical himself instead with working as an says he “discovered” the story of Her- epic, especially on such a romantic, orderly in the San Juan de Dios hos- mano Puli 21 years ago. At the time, enigmatic figure as Hermano Puli. pital, which still exists today. in the middle of shooting a movie Well, let’s just say my hopes were But the noose was closing in. in Lucban, an old man approached dashed. Everyone does his or her Alarmed by reports of the growing their group and handed him a sheaf level best in the film, and you can feel size and popularity of the Cofradia, of documents about the Cofradia de the good intentions shining through. and fearing its use by insurgents or San Jose and Hermano Puli. After But something fell short in the exrevolutionaries, reecution. I suspect ligious and colonial it had something to What drew his hundreds of followers to his preaching authorities began dowith the skimpy and his vision, enough for them to uproot themselves and harassing the memproduction budget, sacrifice their lives? bers of the brothwhich shows in the erhood. Hermano shabby half-hearted Puli returned to his native ground, reading the story of Hermano Puli’s period costumes and chintzy art digathering his flock and transplant- life, Portes told INQUIRER contrib- rection. (But I applaud the use of the ing them to the foothills of the mystic utor Brylle Tabora: “I found his life Pasyon or Holy Week incantations in mountain of Banahaw. so engrossing. Right there and then, the soundtrack.) The movie doesn’t say so explicitly, I wanted this story to be in my bucket And while I understand the inadbut it seems the years of adversity had list of films that I want to do before I equacy of material on Hermano Puli, turned Puli into a mystic, spewing leave this earth.” who left little by way of documents to Latinized prayers and incantations, But it would take Portes another 21 define himself and his life’s work, we motivated by visions and a belief in the years and countless frustrations be- are left with little more than sketchy invincibility of faith—symbolized by fore he could raise enough money to details. I suppose very little of his brass amulets or anting-anting worn begin production. Fortunately, “Her- epistolary relationship with his folby believers as protection against such mano Puli” the movie was preceded lowers survives. mundane material as bullets, cannon- last year by “Heneral Luna,” the bioBut questions remain. What exballs and swords. pic on the revolutionary general An- actly motivated him to establish the *** tonio Luna that became a “sleeper” Cofradia? What drew his hundreds of ALTHOUGH Hermano Puli’s strug- hit that just recently dominated the followers to his preaching and his vi-

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sion, enough for them to uproot themselves and sacrifice their lives? How did he feel after years of rejection and abnegation based solely on his race? *** HERMANO Puli, it seems, let such wounding, hurtful matters simply pass him by. Or, as portrayed by actor Aljur Abrenica, it barely left a trace of anger, insult, indignation or ire on him. In “Heneral Luna” or even “Ignacio de Loyola,” the Filipino-helmed movie on the life of the founder of the Jesuits, creativity substituted for a possible lack of source material. Both films showed, by way of voice-over, reimagined scenes, and creative staging, the inner struggles of their main characters. The moviegoer thus gets a well-rounded appreciation of the inner turmoil as well as the external events that defined an extraordinary person’s life and death. Hermano Puli and the Cofradia de San Jose, we are told, live on in numerous cults and semireligious groups especially in areas around the mystic mountain of Banahaw. Called “colorums,” the groups are a combination of religious cult and mutual aid societies, promising eternal salvation in the here and now. Indeed, Hermano Puli lives on, but he deserves a better movie to explain why this is so. ■

Opinion

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

PUBLIC LIVES

‘Hermano Puli’: religion, rebellion, and nation By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer SHOWING AT some local cinemas since last week—and I hope it’s not pulled out soon for lack of viewers— is the historical movie “Ang Hapis at Himagsik ni Hermano Puli.” Competently directed by Gil Portes and with Aljur Abrenica in the lead role, the film depicts the “agony and fury” of Apolinario de la Cruz (aka “Hermano Puli”) and tells the story of the Cofradia de San Jose, a religious movement he founded in the province of Tayabas (now Quezon) in Southern Tagalog. The movie is very much worth watching because it is another reminder that our people’s march to nationhood was not unilinear and did not happen overnight. Indeed, the Filipino nation has its beginnings in the early struggles of our ancestors for dignity in various domains of colonial society. We can say that the 1896 revolution harvested the energy of these early revolts, and imbued it with a national consciousness it had lacked. Just as the film “Heneral Luna,” which recently had a successful run in the theaters, depicts the complexity of the revolutionary process, “Hermano Puli” shows how the Christian religion that Spain had used to domesticate the will of the Filipinos

itself became the wellspring of their litical, religious, artistic or philo- priests Gomez, Burgos and Zamora. rebellion. In Hermano Puli’s case, as sophic—in short, ideological forms in Puli miraculously survived the in the countless others that came be- which men become conscious of this Nov. 1, 1841 massacre of the members fore and after him, the seeds of early conflict and fight it out.” of the Cofradia de San Jose in the hills grievances had to do with religion. Hermano Puli’s initial awakening to of Tayabas. Wounded, he was making The friars—the gatekeepers of the contradictions between the ideals his way to Sariaya when some barrio Hispanic Christianity—saw some of of Christian equality and the racism folks he thought were sympathetic the cofradias evolving into danger- of the religious orders is shown in the tied him up and surrendered him to ous cults that promoted beliefs and film in the innocent conversation be- the Spanish authorities in Tayabas. practices contrary to Christian doc- tween Puli as a young boy aspiring to There he was tortured and shot by a trine. The colonial authorities began be a priest and his mother who encour- firing squad on orders of the Spanish to view these religious movements as ages his vocation while warning him of commander. anything but harmless prayer groups. the difficulty of breaking through the Hermano Puli died at age 27. Yet, we can be sure that these cofra- racial barrier within the Church. It is He was, like many of the ordinary dias’ own selfunderpeople who joined standing was far the Katipunan half It remains alive until today, and is found almost from radical. Cona century later, everywhere in our country, thriving in the shadows of the trary to the Spanish steeped in Christiinstitutional Church and the State, and inhabiting the interstices authorities’ paraanity’s promise of of a superficial modernity. noid view, these a New Jerusalem, movements did not confident about the deliberately use religion as a cover in the pursuit of his religious vocation justness of their cause, and hopefor sinister political objectives. that Puli becomes aware of the contra- ful that their faith and their amulets How revolutionary conflict as- dictions inherent in Spanish colonial would protect them from harm. Had sumes religious forms is eloquently society. Even as his understanding of he lived longer, he would have been explained by Marx in his famous this conflict is tempered by his reli- the natural leader of a massive self“Preface to a Contribution to the gious piety, the struggle he and his fol- organized popular movement against Critique of Political Economy.” In lowers are later forced to wage is revo- all forms of oppression. studying the period of revolution, lutionary at its core. The spirit Hermano Puli embodied he writes, “it is always necessary Apolinario de la Cruz was a charis- reappears through various upheavals to distinguish between the mate- matic preacher. Had he been given the in our nation’s history. It remains rial transformation of the economic chance to study for the priesthood, the alive until today, and is found almost conditions of production, which can deteriorating conditions of Spanish everywhere in our country, thriving be determined with the precision colonial society would have radicalized in the shadows of the institutional of natural science, and the legal, po- him in the mold of the native Catholic Church and the State, and inhabit-

ing the interstices of a superficial modernity. The mountains are the natural habitat of this mystical energy. Mount Banahaw, with its beautiful streams, gulleys, waterfalls, and caves is probably the most famous of these sacred mountains. At various times, this enchanted place has sheltered and nurtured mystics, dissidents, cultists, and every Filipino rebel who has ever felt as an outsider to his own country’s conventions. In one of the closing scenes of “Hermano Puli,” the mangled body of the hero is shown beneath a sign that says, “Ito’y isang erehe, Huwag tularan (This is a heretic, Don’t copy).” I don’t know if the sign has historical basis, but it certainly has a contemporary resonance. If the movie wanted to establish relevance to our times, it didn’t have to go further than to show—to borrow from O.D. Corpuz’s account of that tragedy—the “slaughter of defenseless old people, women, and children who did not fight back because in their piety they believed they would come back to life.” (“The Roots of the Filipino Nation,” vol. I) More than anything else, the film prompted me to ask why it is the defenseless simple folk that usually bear the first blows of state violence during major turning points in our nation’s history. ■

LOOKING BACK

A sense of ‘deja vu’ By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer I WAS surprised by the big turnout for my lecture on Ferdinand Marcos a few weeks ago. It was the first time we had to turn people away. The Makati Fire Department had classified me as a fire hazard and warned the Ayala Museum not to fill up the hall as we used to, with over 700 people being the highest on record. People must be tired of Rizal and the late 19th century and want to know more contemporary history to help them make sense of the present. I have yet to read the recent Time magazine cover story titled “Night falls on the Philippines.” As a historian, I wonder if Time did similar coverage during the martial law period, but then at that time censorship was rigid and we got our news from banned issues of Time and Newsweek that were quietly passed from hand to hand, very much like Filipinos did with Rizal’s novels in the Spanish colonial era. The internet has made most everything accessible, but then this, too, can be censored or at least filtered by some algorithm, such that we get what our Search His-

tory says we like. Not many people know that I started writing at the tail-end of the Marcos years, and that I was a staffer at the Philippines Daily Express weekend magazine who also wrote for the alternative press, like Veritas and Mr&Ms under a different name. History in those censored years was considered safe, but then as now perceptive readers can see that I comment on the present using the past. Working on the Marcos diaries at the moment gives one a sense of deja vu because the situations seem quite similar. Some people say the recent (Sept. 2) bombing in Davao City that led to a declaration of a state of lawlessness echoes the Plaza Miranda bombing on Aug. 21, 1971, and it is quite uncanny that Ninoy Aquino, who was not present at the time of the bombing, was assassinated on Aug. 21, 1983. The bogeyman for the Marcos period was the communists, and for the Duterte period, drug users and pushers. President Duterte’s threat to declare martial law or a revolutionary government that would give him full powers without the check and balance we enjoy in a democracy was also around before the

declaration of martial law in 1972. Although they have to be read with caution, being self-referential and biased accounts, the Marcos diaries provide historians with a ringside seat to those dark years. Then as now, one of the few institutions that we look up to is the Supreme Court, and in 1972 some justices wanted to clarify the constitutionality of martial law. Writing at 1:25 a.m. in Malacañang on Sept. 25, 1972, Marcos recounted the events of the day: “[Pepe] Diokno, Chino Roces, Max Soliven etc. [who were arrested and jailed together with others deemed in opposition to Marcos] have filed a petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus before the Supreme Court. “I asked Justice[s] Claudio Teehankee, Antonio Barredo, Felix Makasiar and Felix Antonio to see me. They insisted that the government should submit to the Supreme Court for the Court to review the constitutionality of the Proclamation of Martial Law, Proclamation No. 1081. “So I told them in the presence of [Secretaries Juan] Ponce Enrile and Vicente Abad Santos as well as {Solicitor General] Estelito Mendoza

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that if necessary I would formally declare the establishment of a revolutionary government so that I can formally disregard the actions of the Supreme Court. “They insisted that we retain a color of constitutionality for everything that we do. But I feel that they are still image building and do not understand that a new day has dawned. While they claim to be for a reformed society, they are not too motivated but are too bound by technical legalism. “I have amended both {General] Orders [Numbers] 1 and 3 to assume all powers of government including legislation and judicial and clearly excluded cases involving the constitutionality of my acts from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court… I signed the decree (No. 1) to promulgate the Law on the Reorganization of the Government. “Tomorrow I will sign the decrees promulgating the new Civil Service Rules, the Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Law, the Land Reform Funding and dismiss some judges, the CIR Judges, Public Service Commission…” The next day, Marcos wrote: “Met Justices Fred Ruiz Castro and Salvador Esguerra on a con-

sulta. I told them frankly that I needed their help and counsel because we must keep all the actuations within constitutional limits. “Justice Castro asked permission to ask a blunt question, ‘Is this a coup d’etat?’ And I told him that is is not but it is the exercise of an extraordinary power by the president for a situation anticipated by the constitution. Justice Esguerra said immediately that he feels that it is a legitimate exercise of martial law. And apparently reading my mind, he said, in the Merryman case, Justice Taney had issued a Writ of Habeas Corpus for a man who was detained on orders of President Lincoln. And President Lincoln just disregarded the judicial order. And Justice Taney said, ‘What can we do, we are confronted by superior authority?’ “I then concluded that there must be no conflict between the two separate departments of Justice and Executive for it would be embarrassing to both.” One could say that the Supreme Court then blinked on this one, but again the Supreme Court does not have the police and military to enforce its decisions. ■

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Canada News Monsef case highlights absurdity of unfair law, BCCLA, refugee lawyers say BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Maryam Monsef could be stripped of her citizenship without a hearing under a law the Liberals denounced while in opposition but which they’ve been enforcing aggressively since taking power, civil liberties and refugee lawyers say. The democratic institutions minister revealed last week that she was born in Iran, not Afghanistan as she’d long believed. She said her mother, who fled Afghanistan with her daughters when Monsef was 11, didn’t think it mattered where the minister was born since she was still legally considered an Afghan citizen. Monsef has said she will have to correct her birthplace information on her passport. If Monsef’s birthplace was misrepresented on her refugee claim and was relevant to the ruling on her case, her citizenship could be revoked, regardless of whether it was an innocent mistake or the fault of her mother, said immigration lawyer Lorne Waldman. She could even be deported, said Waldman, part of a group that launched a constitutional challenge of the law Monday. The minister’s office did not respond to a question about the place of birth recorded on Monsef’s citizenship, permanent

residency and refugee applications, saying in a statement only that the minister “is committed to addressing this matter and has stated she will work to resolve it.” The Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers and the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association argue that the citizenship revocation law, known as Bill C-24, is procedurally unfair and a violation of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Josh Paterson, the BCCLA’s executive director, said Monsef’s case demonstrates the absurdity of the law, which was passed by the previous Conservative government. “The minister’s situation ... is exactly the kind of situation that many other Canadians are facing right now because of this unjust process,” Paterson told a news conference. “When we get a parking ticket, we have a right to a court hearing ... You leave your garbage in the wrong place and you get a ticket, you have the right to a hearing and yet for citizens to lose their entitlement to membership in Canada based on allegations of something they may or may not have said 20 years ago, they have no hearing? It just doesn’t make any sense.” When he was in opposition, John McCallum denounced the law as “dictatorial” and since becoming immigration minister, he’s promised to amend it

to create an appeal process, Paterson said. Nevertheless, repeated requests that the government stop enforcing the law until it can be changed have been ignored. As recently as two weeks ago, Paterson said Justice Department lawyers informed his group that the law would continue to be enforced. Indeed, he said the Liberal government has been enforcing the law “aggressively,” setting targets to strip 40 to 60 Canadians each month of their citizenship. McCallum said Monday that the government is “certainly considering options for changes” in the law. He did not say why the government is enforcing it with such zeal in the meantime. His department, meanwhile, denied that it imposes a target for the number of revocations each month. But it does have “performance standards targets” to ensure it has the resources to efficiently review and resolve cases. According to the department, 206 individuals have been stripped of their citizenship since May 2015 — about 18 per month. Waldman said he’ll be in court next month on a case similar to Monsef’s, in which “the government is seeking to revoke the citizenship of two children who came to Canada at a very young age, not because of

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If Monsef’s birthplace was misrepresented on her refugee claim and was relevant to the ruling on her case, her citizenship could be revoked. MMONSEF.LIBERAL.CA

anything they said but because their father allegedly misrepresented on his application for permanent residence.” “So even though the children are completely innocent ... the government is still going after the children, saying that because their father lied on his application, they should lose their citizenship and their permanent residence as well,” Waldman said. Under the law, a single government official acts as investigator, prosecutor and decisionmaker, Waldman said. A person who receives a notice of citizenship revocation has no right to a hearing or an appeal and has no chance to argue that he or she ought to retain citizenship on humanitarian grounds. The Federal Court issued a temporary stay of proceedings in a number of revocation cases earlier this year, but Waldman

said that relief is available only to those who can afford a lawyer. The purpose of Monday’s legal challenge is to win a stay for all Canadians who face the loss of their citizenship. Earlier Monday at an electoral reform event, Monsef shrugged off a suggestion from Conservative leadership contender Tony Clement that she should step down as minister pending an investigation into her citizenship application process. The confusion over her birthplace is “a very big deal for me personally and for my family,” she said. “But who I am has not changed and this is something that my family and I will work out together. However, my commitment to PeterboroughKawartha, my commitment to this file, they’ve not changed.” ■

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Federal decision is at hand for proposed LNG plant in northern B.C. BY BRUCE CHEADLE The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Environment Minister Catherine McKenna has a final environmental assessment of the Pacific NorthWest LNG project in hand, with the federal Liberal cabinet set to meet Tuesday in the national capital. A decision from the Liberal government on the proposed $36-billion project in northern British Columbia must be made no later than next Monday. When it happens, it will mark the first true litmus test of how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau navigates competing interests between environmentalists and First Nations concerned about climate change and salmon habitat and pro-development advocates, including the B.C. government of Christy Clark. The liquefied natural gas processing plant on Lelu Island near Prince Rupert would ship 19 million tonnes a year of frozen, liquefied gas to markets in Asia while pumping more than five million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually into the atmosphere. The government’s acceptance or rejection of the project will set the table for an autumn of crucial decisions on a national climate change plan and energy sector infrastructure. McKenna is to sit down with her provincial and territorial counterparts next Monday in Montreal to begin hammering out a pan-Canadian strategy for meeting Canada’s international commitments on reducing greenhouse gas

emissions. A draft assessment of the LNG project, whose major partner is Malaysia’s stateowned Petronas, was released in February by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency. The agency found that the project was “likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects,” although it said mitigation measures would result in no serious harm to fish habitat. Carbon dioxide emissions will reach 5.3 million tonnes a year from the LNG plant, according to the draft report, not including another 6.5 million to 8.7 million tonnes produced from natural gas collection and transportation. “This will increase the B.C. and national emission totals by 8.5 per cent and 0.75 per cent respectively, based on 2011 levels,” said an early project assessment. “To date, clear guidance on how Canada and B.C. will address this issue has not been communicated.” The Liberals added an additional three-month assessment period last spring to gather more information, and the final CEAA report was delivered last week. Caitlin Workman, a spokeswoman for the federal environment and climate change minister, said the environmental assessment “is one part of what the final decision-making will take into account.” “The final decision will include the best available facts and science and evidence at hand needed to make a decision that does the best to protect the ❱❱ PAGE 24 Federal decision

Feds monitoring... vestments. Morneau declined to share details about the contents of the fall update, nor would he provide a precise date for its release. He says existing measures announced in the government’s spring budget, such as tax-bracket changes and infrastructure spending, have begun to help the economy. Morneau also confirmed plans to meet with a group of private-sector economists on Oct. 13 in Toronto to seek their input as well as their latest economic projections. The finance minister launched the government’s pre-budget consultations today in Ottawa, saying the ideas he receives through the process will help him craft his next budget, expected in the ❰❰ 1

spring. “We’ll remain vigilant in looking at economic realities to see what more we can do to make a difference for Canadians and for Canadian families,” Morneau said. “We will look at the economic situation in order to figure out what we should be doing, not only in November but in our upcoming budget.” Morneau also said that with growth a “little lower” than forecast, he believes the government made the right decision last spring when it added a layer of prudence to its fiscal outlook. In the March budget, the government included a larger-than-usual risk adjustment of $6-billion per year to an outlook that predicted a $29.4-billion deficit this year. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Canada News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Tory MP says $1,300 per person for food, drink on PM’s plane is ‘outrageous’ BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Passengers who accompanied Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on his first two international trips were apparently well fed. The government has revealed, in response to a written question by the Conservatives, that the cost of food and beverages supplied aboard a government Airbus used for the trips amounted to just over $1,300 per person. Conservative MP Blaine Calkins calls the price tag “outrageous.” But a spokesman for National Defence, which is responsible for the government’s fleet of air craft, says the total includes the actual cost of catering and delivering multiple meals on each round trip, as well as related costs such as disposable cutlery, napkins, dish washing, airport administrative fees and security charges and local taxes. Daniel Lebouthillier said the

defence department “tries to keep costs to a minimum” when choosing items from a catering company’s menu. But the department’s options are “sometimes quite limited” when dealing with caterers at overseas airports. The total also includes the cost of feeding and watering journalists who covered the trip, which would have been wholly or partially recovered since media outlets pay hefty fees for a seat on the prime minister’s plane. Given the number of legs in each of the lengthy trips and the number of meals served, the Prime Minister’s Office said the cost actually works out to $54 per person for each meal — which compares favourably to the $41.70 per person the previous Conservative government acknowledged spending in 2009 on meals during trips on Challenger jets, smaller air craft which are used only for short-haul flights within Canada and occasionally the United States.

The government has revealed that the cost of food and beverages supplied aboard a government Airbus used for the trips amounted to just over $1,300 per person. MEUNIERD / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Calkins was not mollified by the explanation. More than $1,000 for food and beverages per passenger per trip “is more than the average Canadian earns in two weeks,” he said. “Again, I’m just not sure anybody’s minding the store when it comes to remembering that it’s taxpayers who are on the

hook for all these things.” Calkins said the meal tab is part of a “pattern” of excessive spending by the Trudeau government, which has been plagued for weeks by the disclosure of generous expenses claimed by political staffers, including the prime minister’s top two aides, for relocating to Ottawa and by ministers for

limousine and photographers’ services. Some of those expenses, including a portion of the Trudeau aides’ moving expenses, have been reimbursed. The latest disclosure shows that $72,040 was spent on food and beverages for 55 passengers — including almost two dozen journalists — aboard the prime ministerial plane during a trip to Turkey and the Philippines last November for a G20 summit and an APEC leaders’ summit. Another $81,383 was spent on food and drink for 62 passengers — including more than a dozen journalists — aboard the prime minister’s plane for a trip later the same month to London, where Trudeau met the Queen, Malta, where he attended a Commonwealth summit, and Paris, where he participated in a United Nations climate change conference. For security reasons, the prime minister is required to fly only on a government plane, even for purely personal trips. ■

Former notary apologizes in court for $100 million plus Ponzi scheme BY CAMILLE BAINS The Canadian Press VANCOUVER — A disgraced notary who masterminded a $100-million Ponzi scheme involving more than 200 investors in British Columbia apologized Tuesday, saying her actions haunt her day and night. “The clocks cannot be turned back,” Rashida Samji told provincial court, saying she deeply regrets the plan she pulled off between 2003 and 2012. “It might sound futile but I am truly sorry for the loss, pain and grief endured by investors.” Samji told judge Gregory Rideout that she prays she will be forgiven for the “the sad and unfortunate situation.” Rideout, who is scheduled to sentence Samji on Wednesday, said the tremors of the Ponzi scheme go beyond the victims

and the Society of Notaries Public of B.C. “The waters do run deeper and they do spread out spherelike across all sorts of areas in society, which does potentially impact the capital markets in Canada.” Samji was convicted in May of 28 counts of fraud and theft, but the theft charges were stayed and Tuesday’s sentencing hearing moved forward with the remaining 14 fraud counts. Crown lawyer Kevin Marks called for a seven- to eight-year sentence, while defence lawyer Richard Peck said a four- to five-year sentence would be appropriate. The B.C. Securities Commission found in July 2014 that Samji and two companies she controlled committed over $100 million in fraud. Marks said Samji’s victims included a cousin, a friend she’d

known for 40 years, and she even falsely solicited money on behalf of a company that had hired her as a notary, telling investors the Mark Anthony Group was expanding its operations to a winery in South Africa. “She jeopardized the reputation of the Mark Anthony Group,” he said of the woman who was paying investors with their own money instead of up to 12 per cent a year in interest. “There’s no question that this fraud was humongous,” Marks said, adding Samji collected investments ranging from $50,000 to $12 million. Investors lost between $44,000 and $8 million and have suffered physical, emotional and financial hardships, he said. He said Samji’s lies came to light in 2012 when Coast Capital Savings issued an alert saying that a financial planner was www.canadianinquirer.net

promoting a Ponzi scheme involving Samji. “At some point the merry-goround will end because it’s just a house of cards,” Marks said. “In order for the Ponzi scheme to work, more money needs to come in and once that stops, so does the Ponzi scheme.” The RCMP launched an investigation, and last year the B.C. Securities Commission fined Samji $33 million. Marks read from 11 victim impact statements, in which bilked investors wrote about the shame they feel for having trusted Samji. “At this age and stage of my life it’s financially impossible to recover,” said retired teacher Amrit Dhaliwal, who invested $460,000 and lost $424,000. Andreas Manning, who met Samji through a business colleague, lost $8 million of the $12-million-investment he made.

“I feel ashamed and embarrassed for allowing myself to be so gullible,” he said. Marks said that while the defence maintains Samji should not be imprisoned because she has declared bankruptcy and her 90-year-old father is dependent on her, her sentence should reflect the losses suffered by her victims. He said Samji’s breast cancer and depression before the fraud, as outlined by her lawyer, should not factor into the sentencing decision. “At the end of the day, how did this have any connection to the crime committed by Ms. Samji?” While Samji’s lawyer said his client did not profit from the scheme nor live a lavish lifestyle, Marks characterized her lifestyle as affluent, saying people only start Ponzi schemes to benefit from them. ■

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

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World News

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

UN agency expected to approve Income splitting global aviation emissions and tax-saving with deal at general assembly an estate freeze BY ROSS MAROWITS The Canadian Press MONTREAL — The world’s first climate deal governing the aviation sector is on the cusp of being ratified, as a United Nations agency gathering got underway in Montreal on Tuesday amid criticism from environmental groups that a proposal doesn’t go far enough. Delegates to the UN International Civil Aviation Organization general assembly are being asked to approve, within the next two weeks, a program for the industry to become carbon neutral after 2020 and to halve net emissions by 2050 compared to 2005. Canadian Transportation Minister Marc Garneau said strong approval by the 191 countries participating in ICAO will be a significant achievement and send a strong signal to other sectors examining their environmental footprints. International aviation was excluded from the Paris climate change agreement reached last year by nearly 200 countries, including Canada. With Monday’s support from Australia, 59 ICAO countries representing about 80 per cent of international flights have agreed to provide their support to a proposal that has been wa-

tered down to a voluntary system between 2021 and 2026. However, several large developing countries, including India, Russia and Brazil have voiced concerns. Even before debate begins on Wednesday, ICAO council president Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu predicted the proposal will be adopted. The effort to tackle carbon emissions joins other green initiatives to improve aircraft technology, operational measures at airports and expand the use of sustainable alternative fuels. Aviation accounts for two per cent of harmful greenhouse gas carbon emissions. However, pressure is mounting, with the amount of travel by air forecasted to double by 2030 with more than six-billion passengers. An association representing the international airline industry expects a deal could be approved within days or early next week. “There is a serious momentum behind that,” said Alexandre de Juniac, CEO of the International Air Transportation Association. While it would have preferred a mandatory system, IATA said a phased-in system with a voluntary component was the price to pay in a political approval process. Carbon offsets are expected to cost the airline industry between about US$9 billion and US$25

billion by 2035, largely depending on the cost of carbon. In the worst-case scenario, the costs represent about one per cent of airline revenues. Each airline will determine, based on its cost structure, how much of this will be passed on to passengers. Environmental groups protesting outside the meeting said the ICAO proposal doesn’t go far in helping the world achieve the goal of limiting global warming. “What they are proposing right now is lacking of ambition and will come way too late in the game,” said Patrick Bonin of Greenpeace Canada. He decried the system that allows airlines to use forest and soil carbon offsets to mitigate their emissions. Unless all countries join the ICAO system, Bonin said the ICAO proposal will ensure there is a patchwork of systems that will make it very difficult for the aviation sector to respect the Paris accord. Meanwhile, another group of protesters complained that Taiwan was not invited to participate as observers and that Taiwanese journalists were not accredited to attend the meeting. The exclusions are believed to be the result of pressure from China to isolate the island country from the international community. ■

Up to 8... convicts who were using methamphetamine. He identified the dead as Tony Co. He said Co and two other injured Chinese convicts are among the biggest drug traders in the country. Also injured was Jaybee Sebastian, a prison leader being asked by officials to testify in the congressional investigation against Senator Leila de Lima. De Lima, a former justice secretary, has said Sebastian was a tipster who gave her department information that led to a 2014 raid of the penitentiary. The raid exposed how high-profile convicts lived in ❰❰ 1

air-conditioned villas equipped with hot tubs and disco lights. Guns, counting machines, cellphones and other gadgets were confiscated. As former head of the Commission on Human Rights, De Lima earned Duterte’s ire for investigating his alleged links to death squads in southern Davao City, where was mayor. She also recently led a Senate investigation into Duterte’s anti-drug war that has left more than 3,000 suspected drug pushers and users dead. Duterte has accused De Lima of collecting money from the illegal drugs trade operated by drug lords from the peniten-

tiary — a charge de Lima calls “lies.” Bureau of Corrections director Rolando Asuncion says the seven to eight inmates involved in the riot are from two rival gangs. The violence ended quickly and occurred in a contained area separate from the larger inmate population. He said it’s not clear what kind of injuries the victims sustained but an ice pick and other materials were confiscated. De Lima expressed doubts Wednesday that what happened was a real riot, saying the prisoners involved were those who refused to testify against her. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

BY SAMANTHA PRASAD, LL.B. Fundata Canada Inc. FOR HIGH net worth individuals and families, taxes resulting from the disposition of an estate can be onerous and can impede a smooth transition of a business to the next generation. So-called “estate freezes” can be an effective way to enhance succession planning and reduce or avoid capital gains tax. But estate freezing offers a number of other key tax-saving strategies as well, including income splitting, multiplying the capital gains exemption, and creditor protection. Income splitting

The upside to diverting the future growth of your business to your kids is that any dividend income or capital gains arising from the shares in the main operating business (“Opco”) will be taxed in your kids’ hands. And chances are that your kids will be subject to a lower marginal tax rate than you, which results in tax savings. Although there are a number of income tax rules (e.g., the “attribution rules” and “kiddie tax”) that are designed to thwart this objective when your children are minors, it is quite possible to implement successful income-splitting strategies within the context of a freeze, notwithstanding these rules. Because each situation is different, it’s important to get proper tax advice when implementing an estate freeze to ensure you avoid the attribution-rule trap. Multiplying the capital gains exemption

Another upside to an estate freeze is the ability to multiply the $800,000 lifetime capital gains exemption on the sale of certain shares of a corporation. If an estate freeze is not implemented, and you are the sole shareholder at the time of a sale (and assuming your shares qualify), any proceeds over

$800,000 will be subject to tax. However, if you implement an estate freeze and introduce your kids as shareholders (or, a family trust on behalf of your kids), this $800,000 tax-free amount can be multiplied by the number of kids to whom you give shares (either directly or through a family trust). This can add up to a lot of tax savings. Keep in mind, however, that before you can take advantage of the $800,000 exemption, there are a number of conditions that need to be met, including a 24-month holding period. Therefore, if you think an eventual sale of your business in on the horizon, consider implementing an estate freeze now, in order to meet the 24-month holding period while allowing time for enough value to accrue to the shares of the company. Creditor protection

If you’re concerned that you could potentially be subject to claims by creditors as a result of personal guarantees, judgment creditors, or the like, then you may be able to take some comfort in having shares held by your kids, or better yet, a discretionary family trust that holds the shares for them. The uses of a family trust

Of course, the main objective of an estate freeze is to be able to introduce your children into the family business on a taxfree basis. If you were to simply gift shares to your children, you would be taxed on such a transfer. However, an estate freeze is a legitimate tax planning structure that allows you to introduce your children as equity owners without triggering any tax. And the use of a family trust to hold the new growth shares for your children gives you the benefit of being able to control those shares (i.e., you would do so by acting as a trustee of the trust), giving you more time and flexibility in deciding when and how to distribute those growth shares among your children. ■

World News

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Trump, Clinton deny their own words in debate BY CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER AND JEFF HORWITZ The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Donald Trump’s habit of peddling hype and fabrication emerged unabated in the first presidential debate while Hillary Clinton played it cautiously in her statements, though not without error. They both denied making statements that they are on the record as saying. A look at some of the claims in the debate and how they compare with the facts: Trump, denying Clinton’s accusation that he supported the Iraq war: “Wrong. Wrong.” Later: “That is a mainstream media nonsense put out by her. I was against the war in Iraq.” The Facts: There is no evidence Trump expressed public opposition to the war before the U.S. invaded, despite his repeated insistence that he did. Rather, he offered lukewarm support. He only began to voice doubts about the conflict well after it began in March 2003. His first known public comment on the topic came on Sept. 11, 2002, when he was asked whether he supported a potential Iraq invasion in an interview with radio host Howard Stern. “Yeah, I guess so,” Trump responded. On March 21, 2003, just days after the invasion began, Trump said it “looks like a tremendous success from a military standpoint.” Later that year he began voicing doubts. Clinton, denying Trump’s accusation that she called the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal the “gold standard” of trade agreements: “I did say I hoped it would be a good deal.” The Facts: Trump is correct. On a 2012 trip to Australia as secretary of state, Clinton called the deal that was taking shape the “gold standard” of trade agreements. She championed it in other venues around the world. She did not merely express the hope it would turn out well. Clinton flip-flopped into opposing the trade deal in the Democratic primary when facing Bernie Sanders, who was

at about $100 billion. The U.S. didn’t give Iran $150 billion.

Humorous effigies of Donald Trump kneeling at Hillary Clinton's feet as she holds a moneybag. J. BICKING / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

strongly opposed to it. Trump, when Clinton accused him of calling climate change a hoax invented by the Chinese: “I did not say that.” The Facts: Yes he did, in the form of a 2012 tweet: “The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive.” He later claimed he was kidding, but he’s also repeated the claim that climate change is a hoax, and one that benefits China. He tweeted in January 2014: “Snowing in Texas and Louisiana, record setting freezing temperatures throughout the country and beyond. Global warming is an expensive hoax!” Clinton, as part of a list of economy-building moves, called for “making college debt free so more young people can get their education.” The Facts: Clinton has proposed making college tuition free for in-state students who go to a public college or university. But tuition free doesn’t equate to debt free. Under her plan, the government would pay for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities for students from families earning less than $125,000 a year. That would leave students still bearing the cost of room and board, which makes up more than half of the average $18,943 sticker price at a four-year public university, according to the College Board. Experts worry about other effects: Will colleges raise tuition once the government starts paying, increasing the cost to

taxpayers? Will more students flock to public colleges because of the subsidy, also raising costs? Trump to Clinton: “You’ve been fighting ISIS your entire adult life.” The Facts: Hillary Clinton was born in 1947 and is 68 years old. She reached adulthood in 1965. The Islamic State group grew out of an al-Qaida spinoff, al-Qaida in Iraq in 2013, the year Clinton left the State Department. Trump: “Our jobs are fleeing the country. They’re going to Mexico. They’re going to many other countries. ... Ford is leaving, thousands of jobs leaving Michigan, leaving Ohio.” He added, “They’re leaving, and they’re leaving in bigger numbers than ever.” The Facts: There are no official data on job flows between countries. However, the U.S. economy has added nearly 14.9 million jobs since 2010, when the economy bottomed out after the recession. Since GM and Chrysler declared bankruptcy, the auto industry in particular has recovered and resumed hiring. The industry has added 300,000 jobs since June 2009, when the recession ended. Ford has announced it is moving production of small autos to Mexico, but the company maintains that it won’t cut any U.S. jobs because it will make other vehicles at the affected plant. Trump: “Had we taken the oil (in Iraq) — and we should have taken the oil — ISIS would not www.canadianinquirer.net

have been able to form.” The Facts: Donald Trump’s assertion that the U.S. should have seized Iraq’s natural resources would have required that it also seize control of the country and at no point was the U.S. in a position to do so. To achieve Trump’s stated goal of destroying Islamic State militants’ revenue stream, the U.S. has bombed oil facilities in Iraq. The bombing was designed to render the oil facilities inoperable, but not destroy them, so Iraq could rebuild its economy with its oil when the conflict ended. Clinton on nuclear deal: “It’s been very successful in giving us access to facilities we’ve never been to before.” Trump: “We gave them $150 billion back.” The Facts: Both are playing loose with the facts. The U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency had been present in Iran’s declared nuclear facilities like Natanz and Fordo long before the July 2015 agreement that eased economic sanctions on the country in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program. The agency’s inspectors had also visited previously the Parchin military base, where nuclear weapons testing was suspected to have taken place. When the agency sought answers on Parchin in September 2015, the Iranians were permitted to take their own soil samples. As to Trump’s claim about the $150 billion, the deal allowed Iran to get access to its own money that was frozen in foreign bank accounts, estimated

Trump said a 1970s racial discrimination case against his real estate business was settled “with no admission of guilt” and that the case was “brought against many real estate developers.” The Facts: The first claim is technically correct; the second is false. Trump and his father fiercely fought a 1973 discrimination lawsuit brought by the Justice Department for their alleged refusal to rent apartments in predominantly white buildings to black tenants. Testimony showed that the applications filed by black apartment seekers were marked with a “C” for “colored.” A settlement that ended the lawsuit did not require the Trumps to acknowledge that discrimination had occurred. The government’s description of the settlement said Trump and his father had “failed and neglected” to comply with the Fair Housing Act. Trump was wrong to say the suit was brought against many real estate developers — it was specific to buildings rented by his father and him. Trump: “Stop-and-frisk had a tremendous impact on the safety of New York City. Tremendous beyond belief.” The Facts: Trump is correct that the murder rate has plummeted in New York in the last two decades. But the same could be said for many other large American cities during the same period, and there’s certainly no way to credit stopand-frisk for the decline. Stop-and-frisk was a popular tactic for much of the last 15 years in the city. But even as it’s fallen out of favour under the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio the murder rate remains a long way off from where it was in the 1990s, when it topped 2,000 a year. City police department statistics show there were 352 murders and non-negligent homicides in 2015, compared with 673 in 2000 and 539 in 2005. ■ Associated Press writers Bradley Klapper, Eric Tucker, Stephen Braun, Jeff Horwitz, Jim Drinkard, Matthew Lee and Cal Woodward contributed to this report.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Migrant farmworkers: FilCan educators group ‘Exploitation must sets annual conference for taste so good. internationally-trained teachers Enough is enough’ BY TONY A. SAN JUAN, OCT

BY ARTEMIO BORBA MIGRANT RIGHTS activists gathered at the Ontario Food Terminal in Etobicoke to call for status for migrant workers Sunday morning September 25. “We came with the dream of making a better life for ourselves and our family. But the reality is that we are being exploited. If we don’t complete certain amount of work for the day, which seems to me impossible, then we are punished by being sent home,” says Carlous Burell. “We are also exploited in the sense that we have to sacrifice our health just to be able to earn money for our family.” Together with Justice for Migrant Workers or Justica, Carlous is part of a caravan of migrant farm workers who have begun their month-long march from Leamington, Ontario, home to the largest concentration of agricultural greenhouses in North America. The campaign called Harvesting Freedom takes off from the experience of the Pilgrimage to Freedom march in 2010 partly led by Filipino and Thai farmworkers . The rally at the Ontario Food Terminal, located beside a strip mall near the mouth of the Humber River in the west end of Toronto, is the first stop in the 1,500km journey. “In Canada, if you have no status you have no rights. And if

you have no rights it means that you are vulnerable. And because we are vulnerable, we have been exploited,” says Gabriel Allahdua, farmworker organizer originally from St. Lucia. According to Justicia, over 30,000 workers come to Canada under Federal Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program, which marks its 50th anniversary this year. Guest workers are predominantly coming from Central and South America, the Carribean and the Philippines. Due to their lack of permanent immigration status, Carlous, like other migrants workers face difficult conditions with limited (or no) protections. “We are treated like disposable garbage. We are used, abused, and when they cannot find any more use for us, we are discarded. When we are sick, we are not allowed to be sick. We have to work 7 days a week. We have to work like a computer and if we don’t and fall behind, their policy is the last two, no matter what speed you are going at, even if it’s your best, once you are in the last two, you are going home. That’s exploitation. And enough is enough.” After a few more stops, the caravan reaches Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the capital of Canada’s federal government, and their final stop, on October 1. ■

THE PHILIPPINE Teachers Association of Canada (PTAC) slates its 10th Annual Conference of Filipino Canadian teachers and education professionals on October 15, 2016, Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Finch - Bathurst Hub , # 549 Finch Avenue West, North York, Toronto, Ontario. PTAC, organized in May 2006, is composed of certified -and- practicing Filipino Canadian teachers in public, Catholic and private educational in-

stitutions in Ontario. The only samahan ng mga guro is holding the yearly gathering in joint sponsorship with Kababayan Multicultural Centre (KMC), a 35-year old community service provider in immigrants settlement and adjustment. This year’s theme is: “Commitment to Teaching and Learning Beyond the Classroom.” The conference topics include, among others, are Filipino Families Alongside Migration Issues & Educational Challenges; New Policies and Procedures in Ontario Teacher Certification; Alternative Ca-

reer Building for Teachers. Noted Canadian academic leaders and exemplary Filipino education professionals are invited to participate and make presentations. The Conference is free and complimentary meals & snacks will be served. “Certificates of Participation” will be issued to Attendees. Interested teachers, PTAC members and community members are encouraged to attend by registering, ASAP via: www. philippineteachers. ca or contacting Perly LaganasTel. 416-763-8724 or Maricon Bernasor- Tel. 905-795-2617. ■

Senate could fix practice of citizenship revocations without hearings THE CANADIAN PRESS

but lawyers say they’ve been aggressively enforcing it since forming government. The British Columbia Civil Liberties Association and the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers on Monday launched a constitutional challenge of the law, which they argue violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Liberal government chose not to deal with the issue in Bill C-6, which repeals other aspects

OTTAWA — The Senate could come to the rescue of Canadians who are being stripped of their citizenship without a hearing. Independent Sen. Ratna Omidvar, who is sponsoring another citizenship-related bill in the upper house, says she’s hopeful the Senate will amend the bill to do away with a law that allows the government to revoke the citizenship of anyone deemed to have It’s a law that could potentially misrepresented ensnare Democratic Institutions themselves. Minister Maryam Monsef [...]. It’s a law that could potentially ensnare Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam of the Conservatives’ citizenship Monsef, who revealed last week regime, including a provision that she was born in Iran, not empowering the government to Afghanistan as she’d always be- revoke the citizenship of dual nalieved. tionals who are convicted of high The law, part of a citizen- treason or terrorism. ship bill passed by the previDuring study of C-6 at a ous Conservative government, House of Commons committee, was denounced by the Liberals the NDP attempted to amend when they were in opposition the bill to repeal the power to www.canadianinquirer.net

revoke citizenship without a hearing. But that was ruled by the committee chair to be outside the scope of the bill. Omidvar, who moved second reading of C-6 on Tuesday in the upper chamber, said Senate procedural rules are different and she’s hopeful the upper house will be able to do what the Commons could not. “I would like to see this question addressed,” said Omidvar, a longtime advocate for immigrant and refugee rights. “I think it’s a very important question because, as BCCLA has pointed out, even if you get a traffic ticket, you get a hearing or an appeal and here your citizenship is being revoked and you have no avenue for a hearing and appeal.” Omidvar said she’s spoken about the matter with Immigration Minister John McCallum and “he’s open to an amendment” from the Senate. “He understands that this was an oversight.” ■

Community News

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Maalaala Mo Kaya 25th Anniversary Celebration in Toronto BY ARTEMIO BORBA ON SATURDAY September 17th Charo Santos celebrated the 25th anniversary of her popular TV drama anthology Maalaala Mo Kaya in Toronto with a live show titled Kwentuhang Kapamilya at St. Michael’s College School Centre for the Arts. Charo was very much the warm charismatic soft-spoken host you see on TV as she was in person when she invited fans to share their stories about their lives here in Canada including their struggles adjusting to a new culture, homesickness, heartbreaks and triumphs. As the audience reacted to the guests who shared their stories, the event felt more like an intimate get together with friends. Hosted by comedians Cheena Crab and Domz Sabanal along with the inimitable Joey Albert who serenaded the crowd with her hit songs, it was a heartwarming evening full of touching personal stories, laughter and inspiration. ■

A guest shares his story of his struggles to support his family when he first moved here.

Comedienne host Cheena Crab and Charo Santos.

It was a sweet reunion for Charo Santos and Beverly Vergel. The cast of award-winning film Living Instead directed by Beverly Vergel support MMK’s 25th anniversary. L-R: Emily Bolanos, Michelle Chermaine, Charo Santos,

Joey Albert sang the MMK theme song along with her favorites.

Joey Abrenilla and Beverly Vergel. Living Instead by BE Rogue Productions recently won awards for Best Actress and Best Woman Filmmaker along with nominations for Best Actor, Best Director and Best Narrative Feature Film at the Barcelona Planet Film Festival.

Senator Enverga thanks Jason Kenney for his service to Canada OTTAWA — Today, the Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Ontario senator, issued the following statement on the resignation of the Honourable Jason Kenney, Member of Parliament of Calgary Midnapore: “Today marks the end of a chapter in Canadian politics as my good friend Jason Kenney bids farewell to federal politics to embark on a new chapter of his stellar political career. His unquestionable commitment to Canada and his profound understanding of what makes Canada a unique and successful country is going to be missed in Ottawa. “During his tenure as a Member of Parliament, Mr. Kenney has always been astutely aware of Canada’s distinctive character as a multicultural nation of immigrants. As reflected in his official cabinet roles since the Conservative Party of Canada

gained power in 2006, he always maintained the overall responsibility of multiculturalism and protecting that aspect of Canadian governance by ensuring that we celebrate the continuing positive contribution of immigrants, of which I am one, and streamlining the immigration process to further the interest of Canada and Canadians. He also maintained the integrity of those from around the world who show a desire and an honest commitment to become a Canadian citizen with all the rights and responsibilities that this entails. “I have met few, if any, persons who have done as much as Jason Kenney for my own community of Filipino-Canadians. He sees the value of, and has attempted to safeguard, the continued increase of immigrants arriving from the Philippines. This has been in part as a result

Senator Enverga, Jason Kenney and former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

of the need that Canada has for qualified dependable workers to close a labour market shortfall, and in part as a result of the positive contributions that Filipino immigrants have made to our society. “It was under the stewardship of Jason Kenney that the Philippines became the largest source country of permanent residents to Canada that www.canadianinquirer.net

reached its peak last year with over 50,000 permanent residence permits being granted to citizens of the Philippines. It was also under his watch as Minister of Employment and Social Development, in cooperation with then Minister of Immigration Chris Alexander, that we saw an important reform of the caregiver programme, that would significantly reduce the

processing times for permanent resident applications. I will personally miss my dear friend when he leaves Ottawa, but I wish him all the best in his new endeavours and I am sure that he will be successful in rebuilding the Conservative ethos in Alberta. I want to thank him for his role in making Canada the best country in the world.” ■

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Entertainment Heart Evangelista-Escudero renews exclusive contract with GMA Network

Jennylyn Mercado goes back to her first love

PHILIPPINE TV’S Sweetheart Heart Evangelista-Escudero remains a loyal Kapuso as she renewed last September 19 her exclusive contract with GMA Network, Inc. Present in the contract signing were GMA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr., GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, GMA Entertainment TV’s Senior Vice President Lilybeth G. Rasonable, GMA Senior Assistant Vice President for Alternative Productions Gigi Santiago-Lara, Senior Program Manager for ETV Charles Koo and Heart’s manager Arnold Mendoza. Heart is very happy to renew her ties with the Kapuso Network. “To GMA, thank you so much. You gave me a second chance in everything. When I started with them, sobrang hirap ng mga pinagdaanan ko and binigyan nila ako ng pagkakataon. I really became the person I never thought I would be with their help,” she said. Heart considers being a Kapuso the turning point of her career. “GMA really was a huge help for me. I don’t know what would have happened to me if I

PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER

didn’t move [to GMA]. It was a good decision,” Heart said. Heart recently headlined the top-rating GMA Pinoy TV series Juan Happy Love Story with Dennis Trillo. Doing the series, she said, reignited her passion and enthusiasm in her craft. “After Juan Happy Love Story, sobrang na in love ako ulit sa ginagawa ko, na-excite ako. Sobrang na-enjoy ko yung soap kasi very refreshing siya,” she explained. Duavit has nothing but praises for Heart and he is very grateful with the actress’ renewal of contract, “We are proud to have Heart as a Kapuso talent and nagpapasalamat tayo sa patuloy niyang pagtitiwala sa GMA at sa patuloy niyang pagiging Kapuso. Heart is a versatile and professional artist, hindi

lamang sa kanyang mga pagganap kundi maski sa kanyang pagpinta. Malaki ang nadadala niyang karangalan sa atin. So we’re very happy and proud,” said Duavit. Rasonable said the Network will continue to provide quality projects for Heart since she is one of the Network’s versatile artists. “We’re very happy with the turnout of Juan Happy Love Story kasi we’ve seen Heart as the dramatic actress. It’s just exciting for us that we saw a different side of her so it opens a lot of possibilities for the writers. Hopefully she does something different, not necessarily drama. So we’re expecting na mas marami pang project na ganun para mas maipakita pa natin ang range ni Heart,” Rasonable said. ■

Amy Schumer most dangerous celebrity online THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES — Amy Schumer is the most dangerous celebrity on the internet — and not just because of her no-holdsbarred personality. Intel Security announced Wednesday that the actress-

comedian topped its 10th annual list of the most dangerous celebrities online. A search for the “Trainwreck” and “Inside Amy Schumer” star carries over a 16 per cent chance of connecting with a site that carries viruses or malware. Schumer was followed on Intel’s list by Justin Bieber, Will

Smith, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. Schumer wasn’t the only funny person to make the cut. Other comedians included Chris Hardwick (No. 7), Daniel Tosh (No. 8), Nikki Glaser (No. 15), Kevin Hart (No. 25), Mindy Kaling (No. 30) and Kristen Wig (No. 52). Intel used its own site ratings to compile the celebrity list. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

MANILA — Kapuso actresssinger Jennylyn Mercado gave another chance to her first love. “Sa music po kasi ako talaga nagsimula, e… Eto talaga ‘yung first love ko (I started [my career] in the music industry… This really is my first love),” she said in a report by the Manila Bulletin. Unknown to some, Mercado entered the entertainment industry as a singer prior to emerging as the winner of GMA’s now-defunct reality competition ‘StarStruck’ Season 1. “[Pagkanta] talaga ang no.1 para sa akin (Singing truly is no.1 for me),” she added. “Music ang nagbibigay ng inspiration sa akin… Napapaganda niya ‘yung mood ko, nagiging maayos ang pakiramdam ko, lalo na kapag maganda ‘yung mensahe nu’ng [songs] na napapakinggan ko.” (Music gives me inspiration… It lightens my mood, my feelings, especially when the songs

I listen to carry beautiful messages.) The 29-year-old actresssinger has already released five solo albums under GMA Records and Viva Records a few years back. Now, she has recently released her sixth album titled “Ultimate, Jennylyn Mercado” under Ivory Music and Video. The track list included seven singles: “Hagdan,” “Huling Paalam,” “Lampara,” “Magkaibang Mundo,” “Nakaw Tingin,” a remake with Christian Bautista on “Suddenly,” and a collaboration with Silent Sanctuary on “Bulalakaw.” “Gusto namin ng something different… Gusto kong sumubok ng iba,” she shared. “Hindi naman ako sumasayaw. Ayoko rin nu’ng danceable na kanta… Pero gusto ko ‘yung may beat.” “We wanted something different… I wanted to try something else. I don’t dance. I’m also not into danceable songs… But I like songs with beat.) With her album’s high ranking on iTunes, Mercado hoped to hold a solo concert soon. ■

Federal decision... environment while considering our country’s economy,” Workman said. A spokesman for Pacific NorthWest LNG said the decision to begin construction — should the project receive a federal green light — must still go to the company’s shareholders. “At this time, we are still awaiting the finalization of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency’s extended review of the project,” Spencer Sproule said in an email. “Once a decision by the government of Canada is made, Pacific NorthWest LNG will conduct a total review of the proposed LNG ❰❰ 17

facility prior to tabling it to the project’s shareholders for a Final Investment Decision (FID).” Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr, meanwhile, faces a mid-December deadline for a federal decision on the proposed expansion of the Trans Mountain oil pipeline from Alberta to the Pacific port in Burnaby, B.C. And sometime this fall, as negotiations over climate change plans and resource projects continue, the Liberal government says it will formally ratify the international Paris Accord, under which Canada committed to cut its greenhouse gas emissions 30 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 30, 30, 2016 2016 FRIDAY

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Brad Pitt allegations relate to treatment of son BY ANTHONY MCCARTNEY The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Allegations Brad Pitt was abusive on a private plane last week relate to the actor’s treatment toward his 15-year-old son, sources said Friday, as the FBI continued to gather information before determining whether to open an investigation. FBI Spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said the agency hasn’t made a decision on a formal investigation into what occurred on a plane ferrying Pitt, his wife Angelina Jolie Pitt and their six children. Several news outlets have reported that a child welfare agency in Los Angeles is investigating the well-being of the children, who range in ages from 8 to 15. Sources familiar with the allegations, but not authorized

to speak publicly, say the child welfare investigation centres on Pitt’s treatment of his son Maddox, 15, during an argument during the Sept. 14 flight. No law enforcement agency responded to the plane when it landed in Minnesota after the incident. Amara Suarez, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, said the agency could not confirm whether it was investigating Pitt or the well-being of the former couple’s children. Calls to the offices of Pitt’s attorney, Lance Spiegel, and Jolie Pitt’s lawyer, Laura Wasser, were forwarded to recorded messages stating their firms do not comment on clients. Jolie Pitt filed for divorce Monday and her lawyer released a statement the following day saying she came to the decision “for the health of the

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INTRODUCING

family.” She listed their separation date as Sept. 15, the day after the alleged plane incident, and the actress is seeking sole custody of all six of the children. Koochiching County, Minnesota, Sheriff Perryn Hedlund told The Associated Press on Thursday that Brad Pitt was on a plane that landed at the International Falls, Minnesota, airport near the Canadian border

S N A L P D E T I M I L N U LK & T E X T A T , A T A D WI T H

Associated Press Writer Amy Forliti in Minneapolis contributed to this report.

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Xavier Dolan’s ‘It’s Only the End of the World’ is Canada’s foreign language Oscar pick BY MORGAN LOWRIE The Canadian Press

on Sept. 14. Hedlund said his sheriff’s deputies were not called to the airport, and International Falls police were also not called. “There’s no incident whatsoever reported to law enforcement,” Hedlund said. He said he didn’t know why the plane landed in International Falls, but said it’s not uncommon for hockey players or

other celebrities to stop at the airport. Pitt and Jolie Pitt — known as “Brangelina” — were together for 12 years but only wed in August 2014. They married privately at their French chateau in the Provence hamlet of Correns with their children serving as ring bearers and throwing flower petals. They announced the ceremony days later. Their six children include 15-year-old Maddox, 12-yearold Pax, 11-year-old Zahara, 10-year-old Shiloh, and 8-yearold twins Knox and Vivienne. This is the second marriage for Pitt, 52, who previously wed Jennifer Aniston. It’s the third for Jolie Pitt, 41, who was previously married to Billy Bob Thornton and Jonny Lee Miller. ■

Gaspard Ulliel, Nathalie Baye, Although the film was honMarion Cotillard, Lea Seydoux oured with the second-place and Vincent Cassel. Grand Prix at the Cannes Film The team behind “It’s Only Festival earlier this year, Dolan MONTREAL — When it comes the End of the World” will now said he didn’t see Friday’s anto earning his first-ever Oscar begin a promotional campaign nouncement as a continuation FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM nomination, the third time could aimed at raising the film’s vis- of that journey. ibility, Dolan said. He pointed out that the Osbe the charm for Xavier Dolan. The 27-year-old director said car audience is vastly different The Montreal filmmaker’s “It’s Only the End of the World” was the promotional tour that fol- than the one in Europe and chosen Friday as Canada’s choice lowed the selection of “Mom- many American audiences have for best-foreign language film at my” has prepared him for what not yet been exposed to his film. “I see this an opportunity the Oscars, making it the third is to come. “It was a great opportunity to to introduce the film to a new Dolan effort to earn the nod. *From 1 GB at 3G speed up to 3Mbps. The French-language drama see what this is about and what market and a new public who about a writer who returns home is the actual constitution of have not seen the film, not the to tell his estranged family he’s such a journey,” he told a Mon- public who have,” he said. “This is about what’s next.” dying was announced by Telefilm treal news conference. THE CANADIAN PRESS up for Best Live Act. “We’re ready to embark on Canada has had four movies Canada as the country’s choice. The pair go head to head for They also previously chose this again with optimism and chosen as finalists in the catBiggest Fans and both artists Dolan’s acclaimed films “I faith in the film we’ve crafted egory in the past six years. LONDON — MTV has an- will fight it out in the male and The last Canadian film to nounced the contenders for this female categories respectively, Killed My Mother” in 2009 and and produced, and we’ll see.” Canada’s selection was made earn a foreign-language Oscar year’s Europe Music Awards, where Bieber will compete “Mommy” in 2014, but both failed to be nominated as final- by a 23-member committee nomination was Kim Nguyen’s with Beyonce and Justin Bieber against Calvin Harris, Drake, made up of government and “Rebelle” in 2013. ists for the prize. coming out on top with five Shawn Mendes and The WeekNo Canadian film has won nods each for the music awards. nd and Beyonce will face Lady “It’s Only the End of the film industry representatives. since Arcand’s “The World” When is usage adapted from The willbutfirst up an for Bestdata Song for Gaga, andusage. Adele. reaches the plan’s 3Gthe speed allotment, usageAcademy will remain unlimited speedsvote will be reduced until theDenys next anniversary date. Plan features must originateBieber and be usediswithin unlimited zone. Pay-per-use chargesRihanna apply to out-of-zone play “Juste la fin du monde” by on a shortlist of best-foreign Barbarian Invasions” took the “Sorry,” while Beyonce is in the Adele and Coldplay both have late French playwright Jean- language films before deciding prize in 2004. Best Video category for “For- four nominations. The 89th Academy Awards mation.” Bieber also takes on Luc Lagarce and stars some of on the final list of nominated This year’s EMAs will take will be held on Feb. 26, 2017. ■ France’s most famous actors: films in January. Best Pop Act, while Beyonce is place in Rotterdam on Nov. 6. ■

Beyonce and Bieber lead MTV CHATRMOBILE.COM VMA nominations

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Lifestyle How grammar rules are shaped by our voices BY ARTEMIO BORBA FOR FORMAL communication, conventions are quite difficult to follow and for that, many people fret about the rules of grammar. In Tagalog, most typical elements in a sentence are arranged in the basic verb-subject-object (VSO) word order. “Nagluto ang lalaki ng adobo (The man cooked adobo).” There are many languages that switch the word order with different constructions. In English and many other Germanic languages, sentences can be found to have the subject first. Consider the following sentence. “It seems like French is hard.” Given that example, one would wonder what reason “it” is used or what meaning does “it” have? Every situation in which language is used has its own conventions. And it becomes more complex in languages that have no word order imposed by their grammar. But what determines these rules and why do languages differ? In his newly published book, The Contiguity Theory, linguist Norvin Richards of Massachusetts Institute of Technology explains how the sounds we make help shape how we arrange words in order in a sentence. Richards asserts that there is a need to carefully study phonology — the study of sound in language. Richards believes, this suggests for all languages, the patterns of sound is integral to the syntax—the processes

Statcan studies highlight importance of physical activity for children: experts BY MICHELLE MCQUIGGE The Canadian Press

and principles that govern the structure of sentences. Then there could be a better understanding of why various languages have their specific rules. “We’ve been missing the deepest level of explanation by insisting that we not pay attention to morphology and phonology,” Richards says. In general, there is a wordorder difference between English and Tagalog, but the latter is like Spanish case for a different reason, Richards observes. In English verbs do not have a similar sensitivity to tense: English verbs like “contain” and “contained” both have stress on the second syllable. In Spanish, the verb “cantáis” meaning “you [second-person plural present tense] sing,” the stress appears on the second syllable,but in the future tense it becomes “cantereis,” with stress on the third syllable. So in English one can use a subject before the verb, which speakers can put stress on in

the sentence, “It seems like French is hard.” But the subject pronoun “it” is omitted in Spanish and Tagalog “Tila mahirap ang Pranses.” The position of verbs in sentences can be accounted in this way, he details in the book. Colleagues have praised “The Contiguity Theory.” Dr. Ileana Paul, Canada research chair for linguistics at University of Western Ontario, describes Richards’ theory as “very convincing.” Paul and Richards worked in the past in Tagalog language as case studies. Richards notes he would like “to apply the theory of this book to other languages and see if it survives, or which parts do.” He is interested in testing his ideas in other Philippine languages, many of which are closely related to Tagalog and differ from it grammatically. For now, though, Richards’ idea is sound. “I’m trying to add another level of explanation.” ■

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TORONTO — A pair of new studies from Statistics Canada highlight the importance of incorporating physical activity throughout the day for children of all ages, experts said Wednesday. The national statistical agency released two reports based on the Canadian Health Measure Survey, which between them examined various physical activity benchmarks for children from ages three to 14. The first study, which documented activity levels among the youngest age groups between 2009 and 2013, concluded that nearly three quarters of three and four-year-olds were meeting their recommended activity targets while less than a third of five-year-olds were reaching their quotas. But researchers on the studies concede the devil is in the details, saying the targets are radically different between the two age groups and are not easily compared. Three and four-year-olds are encouraged to engage in 180 minutes of physical activity of any intensity throughout the day with the goal of gradually gearing up to longer periods of sustained moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

The minimum for five-yearolds is simply listed as at least one hour of MVPA, with no reference to activity completed at a lower intensity. In a separate study analyzing the effect of spending time outdoors on kids aged seven to 14, StatCan reported that every hour spent outside led to an additional seven minutes of MVPA, as well as higher scores for peer relationships and psychosocial health. Data was collected over two years between 2012 and 2013. Study co-author Dr. Mark Tremblay of Ottawa’s Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario said the various sets of data all suggest that researchers need to start looking at children’s health in a different way. “The fundamental flaw that we’ve been practicing for years ... is that we’re taking physical activity in isolation,” Tremblay said in a Skype interview from Kenya. “For health benefits, this is what you need to live like. Yeah, you need some moderate to vigorous physical activity, but you’ve also got to reduce sedentary time, you’ve also got to get a good night’s sleep, and you should get a whole bunch of stuff that falls in between these things.” The holistic approach to child health research also appeals ❱❱ PAGE 28 Statcan studies

Lifestyle

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Marcos was the most brilliant president we’ve ever had.” Solidaridad had become such a hotbed of political discourse that it was bugged during martial law, José reveals. Several writers who had frequented the place were imprisoned by Marcos. Curious story

Solidaridad Bookshop: The little shop of honors BY CONSTANTINO C. TEJERO Philippine Daily Inquirer THAT LITTLE bookstore on Padre Faura Street in Ermita, Manila, owned by National Artist for Literature Francisco Sionil José and opened in June 1965, just turned 51 years old, making it a presumed cultural-heritage property. Republic Act No. 10066 (or the 2009 National Cultural Heritage Act), created in response to the demolition of the Manila Jai Alai Building in 2000, aims to preserve structures of significant cultural importance and historic buildings over 50 years old. In both cases, Solidaridad Bookshop can already pass as an institution. “During the Liberation, all buildings in this area were burned down,” recalls José, who will turn 92 in December. “This was built in 1946, right after the war. It was owned by my in-laws.” Unlike many heritage structures with elaborate designs that we’re used to, the building has a simple architectural layout. It is primarily functional with a no-nonsense aesthetic, an upgraded version of the typical American-period accesoria. It is one of the few postwar row houses remaining in the ErmitaMalate area. Historic table

On the ground floor is the bookshop that has become famous throughout Asia for its variety of A-list books both classic and contemporary—some hardto-find and limited-edition titles, many by Asian writers, and probably the widest selection of Filipiniana in the country. “We have more Filipino books than all other bookstores in the country,” asserts José. He says their pricing is competitive although some titles are a few pesos higher than those in big bookstores. “Ay

naku! If we didn’t own the building, we would have closed down long ago.” The second level, which would be the entresuelo or mezzanine of the traditional bahay-na-bato, is the office. The third level, which would be the loft in Western houses, is the family space with an antechamber. This reception area, with a narra round table and a Julie Lluch terra-cotta bust of José pedestaled on a corner, is occasionally turned into a social hall or conference room that’s now historic for the prominent political and literary personages that had congregated around its table. It was here one afternoon in late 1983 where we first met José along with fellow National Artist Nick Joaquin and University of the Philippines president and essayist Salvador P. Lopez. With dramatic flourishes in his stentorian voice while gulping San Miguel Pilsen, Joaquin was then telling us his memories of Christmas during the war. Famous visitors

The bookstore was named after the Propaganda Movement organization and its namesake biweekly newspaper, which was at one time edited by José’s idol, national hero José Rizal. The year it opened, the Philippine Center of International PEN (Poets, Essayists, Novelists), which José founded in 1957, made the place its headquarters. José talks fondly of those sessions of boozing and loud argument with Joaquin. “We agreed on two things—‘Don Quixote’ and Rizal. We disagreed on [James Joyce’s] ‘Ulysses’ and [José Garcia] Villa.” Nobel laureates Wole Soyinka, Günter Grass and Mario Vargas Llosa were here. And so was perennial Nobel nominee Norman Mailer. Notable personalities from left, right and center visited the little shop: José W. Diokno, Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, President Diosdado Macapagal, Luis

Taruc, Francisco Nemenzo Jr., the Lava brothers Jesus and José. “Even the crown princess of Thailand came here, during martial law,” says José. “[President Ferdinand] Marcos sent his men to get books here, like [Tourism Secretary José] Aspiras. At this table, Ninoy expounded on revolution. Ninoy was a very receptive reader.

A curious story is the 16 ghosts inhabiting the building, which José relates in full detail though rather dismissively. “Most of the houses here are haunted,” he says. “One that usually appears in the building is chinita, a girl with pigtails wearing a red blouse and a black skirt. She’s maganda, but not ravishing; naughty, but not malevolent. Nasanay na kami sa mamaw na ’yan, e. If Nick Joaquin were here, he would tell you. He experienced it four times.” Apparently Joaquin felt the ghostly presence once in the flushing of the toilet bowl, at another time vinyl records crashing down the floor, with no one there. In the ’70s, a big fire hit the area. Solidaridad’s top floor was burned. Extensive renovations, alterations or modifications of the original structure may diminish the building’s architectural-heritage value; still, Solidaridad Bookshop can certainly be declared a cultural or historical site. And that word-of-mouth reputation as “the best little bookstore in Asia” it will truly deserve. ■

LBC is looking for a Sales and Marketing Specialist for West Canada covering the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. Job Responsibilities

 Manage the brand development process to meet the volume and revenue targets of all access points.  Responsible in analyzing business requirements of customers within the territory;  Act as Brand Business Partner within the assigned territory. Duties and Responsibilities revolve around pricing strategies, promotional and sales strategies, brand communication, project and financial management.

Job Requirements

 Graduate of Marketing Management, Project Management or any related field  Good interpersonal, written and communication skills  Strong analytical and problem solving skills.  Has the ability to maintain composure and performance in an extremely high stress environment.  Organized and can work independently.  Knowledge of underlying marketing principles.

Interested applicants may send their letter of intent and resume to tricia@lbcusa.net or call 1-800-338-5424 at extension 7007.

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Lifestyle

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Luxury stores add more amenities in a tougher market BY ANNE D’INNOCENZIO The Associated Press NEW YORK — Buying some suits at Ralph Lauren might mean being offered a chauffeured ride home in a BMW. New clothes from Saks could lead to a Mercedes-Benz van carrying a customized wardrobe pulling up to a home, hotel or office. With designer goods available online anytime, luxury retailers are adding more amenities and personal touches for in-person shopping. Stores overall are facing slower sales amid more restrained luxury spending, and some brands’ flagship locations in major cities have seen a drop in shopping by international tourists because of the stronger U.S. dollar. That makes it even more important for retailers to keep the customers they have feeling valued and pampered. Robert Burke, president of his namesake New York-based luxury consulting business, said he was surprised when the Ralph Lauren sales staff sent him back to his office with a uniformed driver after he came in to buy two suits. He was offered the same chauffeured treatment for the fitting. And he was

so pleased with the service he bought a coat and blazer on the visit to do the alterations, and penned a note to the founder’s chief of staff with thanks. “It made you feel they really appreciated my business, and it made me want to shop. It was a nice perk to have a driver come and pick you up,” he said. What Burke hadn’t realized was that the Ralph Lauren store in Manhattan earlier this year began picking up and dropping off customers in a BMW sporting a small company logo. It’s expected to serve as a model for the kind of service the company wants to offer customers at its top stores. At the soon-to-open Beverly Hills store, a full-time concierge will offer services beyond shopping, like making dinner reservations or recommending art galleries. Lafayette 148 New York, a clothing brand that sells to Saks, Neiman Marcus and other upscale retailers, also offers a pick-up and drop-off service for customers at two Manhattan stores. Neiman Marcus Group’s Bergdorf Goodman has expanded the number of translators at its New York store for international shoppers. Credit card holders for both retailers can access a 24-hour concierge service to book travel or theatre

tickets. And the Americana Manhasset Mall on Long Island, which offers a free personal shopping service for the open-air centre that includes stores such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel, is working to provide more service. The personal shoppers, who used to work just with the stores at the mall, now go for training at the corporate offices or meet with the brand’s corporate staff at the shopping mall so they can better serve the customer. Saks Fifth Avenue, under new President Marc Metrick, is offering what he calls “more high-touch” experiences. At the lower Manhattan store, that can be “power lunch” packages for wardrobe styling and makeup application in less than 60 minutes. A “Saks Save Me” service lets shoppers call a dedicated number to resolve fashion emergencies within 24 hours. And in 15 U.S. markets it can send the wardrobe van. Metrick says it’s about building a better relationship. “Saks is transforming because the customer is changing,” he said. “If people want to buy and transact, they can do it in so many ways.” In the most recent quarter, Saks Fifth Avenue, whose par-

With world class retail stores, Fifth Avenue in New York was ranked the world's most expensive retail spaces by Forbes in 1998. SONGQUAN DENG / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ent is Hudson’s Bay Co., saw sales at stores opened at least a year slip 1.3 per cent. Overall, global luxury buying is expected to be flat to up 2 per cent this year to 253 billion euros to 258 billion euros ($282 billion to $288 billion), with a dip of up to 2 per cent expected in the Americas region, according to Bain & Co.’s luxury study. But with the average income for the top 1 per cent of U.S. households soaring 7.7 per cent to $1.36 million last year, retailers still see potential growth. Income for the richest slice rose twice as fast as it did for the remaining 99 per cent, according to an analysis of tax data

by economics professor Emmanuel Saez, at the University of California, Berkeley. Faith Hope Consolo, chairman of Prudential Douglas Elliman’s retail group and who has brought such luxury names as Giorgio Armani and Jimmy Choo to the U.S., says luxury stores are taking a page from small tony boutiques but will need to keep offering more. “Saks is taking the most aggressive lead, and I think that everyone else will have to follow,” she said. “The thing that changed is that luxury became accessible to everyone, everywhere in the world because of the internet.” ■

devices. kids. diatrician and researcher with Data showed that MVPA lev“These guidelines are mini- Toronto’s Sick Kids Hospital, els remained low across the mum. They’re not optimal ... said the trends are particularly board for younger children. they’re minimum. And still, alarming when socio-economic While 73 per cent of three and large proportions are falling background and gender are takfour-year-olds were meeting short.... So I think it still calls en into account. the target of 180 The first study minutes of genshowed that chileral activity, with dren of loweronly 24 per cent income families of them registerYeah, you need some moderate to were significanting an hour of vigorous physical activity, but you’ve ly less likely to MVPA. also got to reduce sedentary time, meet the activity That number you’ve also got to get a good night’s targets for their climbed to 30 sleep, and you should get a whole age group, while per cent among bunch of stuff that falls in between five-year-old five-year-olds, these things. boys were shown suggesting less to be more likely than a third of than five-yearthem were meetold girls to get ing recommended minimums. into question the habitual life- the requisite amount of exerLooking at MVPA levels side style behaviours of contempo- cise. by side, Tremblay said, shows rary living kids in Canada.” Such trends have surfaced in a clear trend among Canadian Dr. Catherine Birken, a pe- other studies, Birken said, add-

ing the socio-economic disparities in particular are “concerning.” “We seem to just accept that there are differences in physical activity by income, but I personally think that’s not acceptable,” Birken said, adding that starting to research children’s health habits at even earlier ages may help to turn things around. The first study also gauged screen time among participants, but did not account for the use of smartphones or tablets in the research. The study said 22 per cent of three to four-year-olds were meeting the recommended screen-time target of an hour or less, while 76 per cent of fiveyear-olds were meeting the target of no more than two hours. ■

Statcan studies... to Allana LeBlanc, knowledge manager with ParticipAction. Evaluating MVPA alone, she said, is both unrealistic and unlikely to capture the full spectrum of activities that can impact health for kids and adults alike. “You’re not going to get a five-year-old who’s going to go on a treadmill for 60 minutes, and then check that box, and it’s over with,” she said. “It’s really important to do the sporadic nature, which is how kids should play and how kids should be active. It’s the same with adults.” Data from the two studies were compiled by having participants wear accelerometers for several days, then analyzing activity levels recorded on the ❰❰ 26

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Sports Sports leader Easy does it for Nietes Escandor honored to serve country BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer

PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Davao business tycoon Glenn Escandor has been involved in sports for many years and it is not surprising that he has been chosen to become the sports ambassador of President Rodrigo R. Duterte. “My marching order is to assist him on matters of sports knowing fully well the dynamics currently existing in the sports landscape,” said the 47-year-old Escandor, who was appointed Presidential Assistant for Sports last Aug. 30, 2016. He said he only received his appointment papers last week. Escandor, a long-time sports consultant of Duterte during his term as Davao City mayor, said he is honored to serve under the Duterte administration. “It’s service to the country. I hope I can contribute my part to help the President in his sports program,” said Escandor, who will not receive any remuneration while serving on consultative capacity for the country’s sports development programs.

He also downplayed his role as not in conflict with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) which is under the Office of the President. “No conflict here. We will all be complementing to the agenda of the President. We know for a fact that he is against drugs and sports is one vehicle to combat illegal drugs,” said Escandor, whose sponsored basketball teams have been represented in the past by PBA players, San Beda College, De La Salle University and Far Eastern University. Escandor is the concurrent area director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP). He was elected to the board during the elections held last August, replacing Regino “Boy” Cua who passed away last June. A graduate of Ateneo de Davao University, Escandor is the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Escandor Group of Companies, the conglomerate which owns one of the country’s biggest security agencies, Davao Allied Security and Investigation Agency (DASIA), the Royal Mandaya Hotel, and the Matina Enclaves. ■

MINDANAOTIMES.NET

DONNIE “AHAS” Nietes made an instant impact in the flyweight division with a unanimousdecision over former world champion Edgar Sosa Saturday night in the headliner of Pinoy Pride 38 at StubHub Center in Carson, California. Proving that the extra four pounds in his fighting weight is no hindrance, Nietes completely dominated Sosa to win the World Boxing Organization (WBO) International crown, with all three judges scoring it 120-108. Filipino fighters swept their matches with Mexican opponents. Mark “Magnifico” Magsayo stretched his unbeaten run to 15-0 (11 knockouts) with a similarly lopsided decision over late replacement Ramiro Robles to retain the WBO International featherweight crown. Magsayo dropped Robles (13-

BOXING360.COM

6-1) twice in the second round and again in the seventh. The judges saw it, 118-108, 119-107, 120106, all for Magsayo. Even more impressive was “King” Arthur Villanueva (2211, 15 KOs), who knocked out Juan Jimenez (30-1, 15 KOs) in 2:20 of the second round to keep the WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight title. Nietes, who held the mini-

mum (105 pounds) and light flyweight (108) crowns for an unprecedented eight years, proved that he belonged in the 112-lb class, staggering Sosa twice in the fight. The search for a worthy foe will have to wait, though, as flyweight superstars Roman Gonzalez and Juan Francisco Estrada have both decided to climb to the super flyweight division. ■

Perlas clinches SEABA title after surviving Malaysia’s last gasp PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Perlas Pilipinas clinched the SEABA Women’s Championship with a 77-73 win against Malaysia for its fifth straight win in the tournament at the Bukit Sendirit Stadium in Malacca on Saturday night. The Filipinas opened a 20-point cushion which was enough to hold off Malaysia’s last hurrah and assuring the team the best record in the tournament, which is the only criteria for a team to become the champion. Perlas slowly pulled away from Malaysia, opening a 15-point lead, 64-49, after three quarters before going on a 7-0 run after conceding the first basket of the fourth to go up, 7151, with 8:01 left in the game. www.canadianinquirer.net

Malaysia tried to pull a comeback, going on an 11-2 run to cut the lead to 11, 73-62, with 4:24 remaining. Allana Lim scored four straight points to once again extend the lead to 15, 77-62, with 3:34 to go in the match. But Chong Yin Yin and Pang Hui Pin led Malaysia’s 11-0 run that trimmed the gap to just four with 50 seconds left. Raiza Dy left the door open for Malaysia as she missed a crucial jumper, but Pang lost the ball and Perlas milked the remaining 28 seconds of the game to escape with the win. Lim led Perlas, which last won the SEABA title in 2010 when the Philippines hosted the event, with 16 points, two rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while Analyn Almazan tallied a double-double of 10

points and 12 rebounds. Yap Fook Yee had 23 markers, three boards, two assists, and one steal for Malaysia, which can actually fall to a three-way tie for second depending on how Thailand, which walloped Laos, 89-46, earlier Saturday, Singapore, which whipped Vietnam, 92-32, also earlier in the night, and Indonesia, which took the day off, fare in their last games. Thailand will next face Perlas, which is gunning for the full sweep of the meet, on Sunday night at the said venue before taking on Malaysia in the final night of the tourney on Monday. Meanwhile, Indonesia is expected to pounce Vietnam also on Sunday, implying that only one of Indonesia and Singapore will go up to 4-2 when they meet on Monday night. ■

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Business PHL cargo output for first 7 months of 2016 up by 11 percent PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The country’s cargo volume reached 141.770 million metric tons (mt) in the first seven months this year, 11 percent more than the 128.217 million mt posted in the same period last year, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) data show. Foreign cargo volume inchup 12 percent to 86.302 million mt while domestic traffic recorded a 9 percent rise. Similarly, passenger volume registered an 11 percent hike to 42.492 million mt from 38.213 million last year. Foreign passengers dominated the increase in traffic after posting a 69 percent increase to 71,514 passengers while domestic passenger volume posted an 11 percent hike to 42.420 million passengers. “The strong performance of the cargo segment underscores the country’s economic resilience,” PPA general manager

Jay Daniel R. Santiago said. “The strong numbers in the passage sector also suggests the continuing vibrancy of both the local and international travel industries and more people are now considering traveling using ships,” he said. “Nonetheless, despite the surging numbers, we guarantee that our ports remain cloggedfree and can accommodate the increasing cargo, passenger and shipcall volumes,” Santiago said. The PPA chief said that the ports of Agusan, Mindoro, Panay/Guimaras, NCR North, and Negros Oriental/Siquijor posted the biggest growth percentage in local and foreign cargo while North Harbor remained as the top performer in terms of domestic cargo volume. Containerized cargo traffic, meanwhile, soared 9 percent for the period in review to 3.676 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from 3.368 million TEUs last year wherein both foreign and domestic box-

es registered a 9 percent hike to 2.203 million TEUs and 1.473 million TEUs, respectively. The Manila International Container Terminal Services, Inc. remains as the country’s top handler of foreign boxes, processing 1.241 million TEUs for the period in review followed by the Manila South Harbor handling 584,598 TEUs. As expected, the North Harbor topped the domestic boxes handled with 696,495 TEUs. Shipcalls for the period, on the other hand, went up by 9 percent or from 234,468 in 2015 to 255,037 this year. Domestic and foreign shipcalls grew by 8.45 percent and 21.91 percent respectively. So far, combined yard utilization at the two Manila ports is at 40 percent or about 32,600 TEUs are inside the terminals while yard productivity remains high ranging from 20-30 moves an hour. The efficient yard management for both terminals is attributed partly to the truck

Foreign passengers dominated the increase in traffic after posting a 69 percent increase to 71,514 passengers while domestic passenger volume posted an 11 percent hike to 42.420 million passengers.

Terminal Appointment Booking System (TABS) imposed recently that catapulted port efficiency by at least 96 percent. Prior to the TABS, the average daily gateouts at the Manila ports was at 4,500 to 5,000 TEUs as compared to the post-

TABS imposition of 7,000 to 7,500 TEUs daily gateouts. “With this kind of yard utilization, we can say that Philippine ports are ready to handle the expected increase in the volume of cargo due to the run-up to Christmas,” Santiago said. ■

DTI gears for opening of PH economy to foreign investors BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be pushing for a further liberalized Philippine economy to allow the entry of more players in local industries where foreign ownership or participation is currently restricted. “We would like to push for further liberalization, which will include the amendment of some of the laws we have. The timing is just right as the Duterte administration is now looking at some Constitutional amendments because of a possible change in government structure,” Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said on Friday. This forms part of the agen-

cy’s investments promotion but has long been expressing has made significant strides in plan, anchored on the belief his support for “calibrated lib- opening up the local economy that a more open economy will eralization” by trimming the as seen in retail trade, the libhelp create a more conducive Foreign Investment Negative eralization in banking, the pasbusiness environment and at- List (FINL) in order to open sage of the Competition Act, tract more foreign direct in- activities where foreign equity and amendments to the Cabovestments in the country. was limited. The target was to tage Law. “We would Also part of the like to include agency’s invest[in those amendments promoments] some tion plans is the economic proviWe would like to push for further modernization sions that will liberalization, which will include the of the country’s have to be modamendment of some of the laws we fiscal incentive ernized as well as have. regime. The DTI some of the eqis hoping to subuity restrictions. mit within the Laws will have to year a proposal be amended,” he added on the open up industries that could together with the Department sidelines of the Economic Jour- create high quality jobs and in- of Finance. nalists Association of the Phil- come without affecting domesUnder the proposed “modippines’ (Ejap) Awards Night. tic production. ernized” regime, the DTI is Lopez did not identify speThe Philippine government, targeting to add new kinds cific provisions or industries since the last administration, of incentives and make these www.canadianinquirer.net

time-bound and performancebased, as what has been done with the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) Program. These new incentives include tax deductibility on certain activities such as research and development and inclusive business, accelerated depreciation, and net operating loss carry over (Nolco). The said incentives could then be tapped by companies registered with the Board of Incentives (BOI) once the effectivity of the income tax holiday lapses, Lopez earlier explained. The DTI was also hoping the DOF would consider extending the income tax holiday to make the Philippines as competitive as its peers in the region. ■

Business

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

ASK BRIANNA:

Will I ever be able to afford a house? BY BRIANNA MCGURRAN The Associated Press “ASK BRIANNA” is a Q&A column from NerdWallet for 20-somethings or anyone else starting out. I’m here to help you manage your money, find a job and pay off student loans — all the real-world stuff no one taught us how to do in college. Send your questions about postgrad life to askbrianna@ nerdwallet.com. Q: Affording a house seems out of reach. Will I ever be able to buy a home of my own? A: I’ve asked myself this question too many times to count, maybe because I know homeownership wasn’t always so hard to achieve. My parents bought their three-bedroom house on Long Island in 1978 for $46,000, or $169,782 in today’s dollars. My dad was a truck driver, and my mom was an artist, both in their late 20s. Now, nearly 40 years later, I’m also in my late 20s, but I drop off a rent check each month instead of making a mortgage payment. First-time homebuyers are four years older than they were in the late 1970s and rent longer before buying, according to research by real estate website Zillow . Median

incomes for first-time buyers didn’t change much between 1978 and 2013, but the median home price for that group went up more than $40,000. So here we are, fellow 20and 30-somethings, eager to buy homes but unable to afford them. It’s not your imagination. The most recent data for median existing home prices shows they reached a new high of $244,100 in July, according to the National Association of Realtors. Low interest rates have kept monthly mortgage payments affordable by historical standards, says Jonathan Spader, senior research associate at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, but higher home prices make it tougher to cobble together a down payment. That’s especially true when student loan payments and high rents drain our bank accounts. A record 21.3 million renter households allocated more than 30 per cent of their pretax incomes toward housing in 2014, reports the Joint Center for Housing Studies, a 44 per cent increase from 2001. While you don’t need to own a house to be happy, many of us still want a place we can be proud of. It’ll take some creativity, but it is possible to buy a

house someday. Here’s how. Save longer

If you want to settle in an expensive area long term, you’ll have to save diligently and feel comfortable waiting longer to buy, which is what I’m doing. A down payment averages 24 per cent of the home’s purchase price in high-priced locations, according to real estate data firm RealtyTrac. That makes the down payment one of the biggest hurdles to overcome if you’re angling to live in a competitive market, where mortgage lenders look for more money down as an indication that you’re an attractive buyer. Sock away a portion of your annual bonus from work, or increase the amount you save whenever you get a raise or quit subscription services you don’t use. Set up an automatic transfer into a savings account designated for your down payment so it grows without much effort. Look into first-time homebuyer programs

Those strategies might not be enough to reach your down payment goal. If you’re eager to buy a house soon, governmentsanctioned companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will let you make a down payment of just 3 per cent of the home’s

price. The Federal Housing Administration also offers mortgages that require down payments of 3.5 per cent. Local housing counselling agencies can tell you what programs you qualify for and whether down payment assistance is available in your area, Spader says. You’ll need to weigh the trade-offs of a smaller down payment. You’ll pay mortgage insurance if you put less than 20 per cent down, for instance, which increases your monthly mortgage payment. A mortgage calculator can help you figure out what monthly payment you can afford. Search in affordable locations

You might be able to have your long-awaited housewarming party sooner than us coastal dwellers — without stretching your budget to its limit — if you live in or move to a region known for its affordability. A September 2015 report by real estate website Trulia found that eight of the 10 most affordable cities for homeowners were in the Midwest, for in-

stance, while seven of the 10 least affordable cities were in California. The median home price in t h e Midwest was $194,000 in July, according to the National Association of Realtors, about $50,000 less than the national median. Lower prices mean lower down payments and a mortgage that won’t take a huge chunk of your income. Living in a lower-cost area isn’t the right choice for everyone, but it’s an option if you’re ready to put down roots sooner than a higher-priced city will allow. ■

When a Relationship Just Ain’t Working Out BY MYLENE LIM, AMP Mortgage Specialist THERE ARE endless reasons why a relationship — be it a marriage, common law, or partnership — fail. While no one ever wants this to happen, sometimes it is inevitable. With the break-up comes a lot of negotiating and settling of affairs. But one of the factors that would need to be immediately addressed is the home mortgage. In this instance, the dissolution of the home mortgage is considered a sale rather than a refinance. What this means is that the existing mortgage

would have to be paid out or one partner would have to assume the mortgage. In most cases, one partner will buyout the ownership share of the property from the selling partner and in so doing take out the selling partner from the mortgage commitment as well as in the property land title. Whereas in other refinance situations the maximum amount a borrower can get is 80% of the property value, in a divorce the maximum amount is 95%. Therefore theoretically, both parties may have access to more funds. Access to this extra fund would definitely be a big help, as two lives now separated would mean two sets of financial obligations and expenses.

Another consideration the partners should consider is that the property value may have increased over time. Again, that increase in equity, along with a bigger loanable percentage of the property value to pay off common debts, can make the transition to separate living a little easier. When ironing out the terms of the divorce (or dissolution of the relationship), the parties would have to consider child and spousal support (if any). For many lenders, they will determine what mortgage amount the “buyer” could support with the income when child and spousal support are factored in. Ideally, one way around child support is joint custody where it is shared 50/50 and no liabiliwww.canadianinquirer.net

ty is imposed on either partner, therefore allowing both parties to maximize their purchasing capabilities as they move on with their lives. Not all lenders would treat at a child and spousal support in the same way — some may allow the reduction of the support annually, while some would factor this monthly. This may seem one and the same but when bonuses, commissions, tax deductions, etc. are taken into consideration, the reduction may allow you for a bigger mortgage. It is really a matter of knowing which lenders work the system in which way and having a mortgage professional to determine how best to package your application for your maximum benefit.

What you would also need to consider is that all these agreements you have with your ex have to be legally recorded. Legal separation documents tell the lenders what you and your ex’s responsibilities are in a divorce. Although some lenders would allow a statutory declaration citing what your responsibilities are (especially in cases of common law separations), most lenders would be more comfortable where legalities are observed when qualifying you for a mortgage. ■ For more information, please feel free to contact me 604 783 9097 | mylene. mortgage@gmail.com | www.BestOptionMortgages.ca | FB: Mylene Lim, AMP

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Technology Big email hack doesn’t exactly send the message Yahoo needed BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — Yahoo has been struggling for years to keep people coming back to its digital services such as email. That challenge just got more daunting after hackers stole sensitive information from at least 500 million accounts. The startling breach disclosed Thursday is believed to be the largest to hit a single email provider. The security breakdown risks magnifying Yahoo’s preexisting problems — specifically, that it is losing users, traffic and the advertising revenue that follows both, to rivals such as Google and Facebook. Some snarky online commentators quipped that the hack would have been far more devastating if people actually still used the company’s services. While there’s some truth to that observation, millions around the world still rely on Yahoo mail and other services, and are now potentially at risk of identity theft or worse. Losing users

And if these people give up on Yahoo as a result, the consequences for the company itself — now scheduled to become part of Verizon as soon as its $4.8 billion deal closes — could also be dire. “Yahoo may very well be facing an existential crisis,” said Corey Williams, senior director of products and marketing at the computer security firm Centrify.

Yahoo was already facing a steep decline in email traffic, despite CEO Marissa Mayer’s efforts to upgrade the service in order to foster more user loyalty. In July, 161 million people worldwide used Yahoo email on personal computers, a 30 per cent decline from the same time in 2014, when the breach first occurred. That’s according to the latest data from the research firm comScore. By contrast, Google’s rival Gmail service saw desktop users rise 9 per cent to nearly 429 million over the same period. The email breach raises questions about Yahoo’s ability to maintain secure and effective services, particularly since it’s been laying off staff and trimming expenses to counter a steep drop in revenue over the past eight years. At the time of the break-in, Yahoo’s security team was led by Alex Stamos, a respected industry executive who left last year to take a similar job at Facebook. Once more unto the breach

Yahoo didn’t explain what took so long to uncover a heist that it blamed on a “state-sponsored actor” — parlance for a hacker working on behalf of a foreign government. The Sunnyvale, California, company declined to explain how it reached its conclusions about the attack for security reasons, but said it is working with the FBI and other law enforcement. Yahoo began investigating a possible breach in July, around the time the tech

site Motherboard reported that a hacker who uses the name “Peace” was trying to sell account information belonging to 200 million Yahoo users. Yahoo didn’t find evidence of that reported hack, but additional digging later uncovered a far larger, allegedly state-sponsored attack. “We take these types of breaches very seriously and will determine how this occurred and who is responsible,” the FBI said in a Thursday statement. Most accounts ever stolen

The Yahoo theft represents the most accounts ever stolen from a single email provider, according to computer security analyst Avivah Litan with the technology research firm Gartner Inc. “It’s a shocking number,” Litan said. “This is a pretty big deal that is probably going to cost them tens of millions of dollars. Regulators and lawyers are going to have a field day with this one.” Yahoo says it has more than 1 billion monthly users, although it hasn’t disclosed how many of those people have email accounts. The data stolen from Yahoo includes users’ names, email addresses, telephone numbers, birth dates, scrambled passwords, and the security questions — and answers — used to verify an accountholder’s identity. The company said the attacker didn’t get any information about its users’ bank accounts or credit and debit cards.

www.canadianinquirer.net

CLAUDIO DIVIZIA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Security experts say the Yahoo theft could hurt the affected users if their personal information is mined to break into other online services or used for identity theft. All affected users will be notified about the theft and advised how to protect themselves, according to the company. Yahoo also is recommending that all users change their passwords if they haven’t done so since 2014. If the same password is used to access other sites, it should be changed too, as should any security questions similar to those used on Yahoo. The Verizon impact

News of the security lapse could cause some people to have second thoughts about relying on Yahoo’s services, raising a prickly issue for the company as it tries to sell its digital operations to Verizon. That deal, announced two months ago, isn’t supposed to close until early next year. That leaves Verizon with wiggle room to renegotiate the purchase price or even back out if

it believes the security breach will harm Yahoo’s business. That could happen if users shun Yahoo or file lawsuits because they’re incensed by the theft of their personal information. Verizon said it still doesn’t know enough about the Yahoo break-in to assess the potential consequences. “We will evaluate as the investigation continues through the lens of overall Verizon interests, including consumers, customers, shareholders and related communities,” the company said in a statement. Delay of sale?

At the very least, Verizon is going to need more time to assess what it will be getting into if it proceeds with its plans to take over Yahoo, said Scott Vernick, an attorney specializing in data security for the law firm Fox Rothschild. “This is going to slow things down. There is going to be a lot of blood, sweat and tears shed on this” Vernick said. “A buyer needs to understand the cybersecurity strengths and weaknesses of its target these days.” ■

Technology

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Advanced computing could Scientists identify doom current online security gene behind “sixth protections: spy chief sense” in humans BY JIM BRONSKILL The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The day is coming when hackers will be able to crack the encryption people rely on for secure online banking and shopping, the head of Canada’s cyberspy agency says. Experts estimate that quantum computing could be realized within 10 years, opening the door to breaking trusted Internet protections, said Greta Bossenmaier, chief of the Communications Security Establishment. “So the clock has started to tick,” she said Friday in an address to the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies. “The challenge of protecting systems is about to get a lot harder, thanks to quantum computing.” The immense processing power of quantum computing — designed to crunch data much faster than today’s machines — will bring tremendous opportunities for science, medicine and engineering, Bossenmaier said. But it could also hobble encryption that shields sensitive data from prying eyes, meaning “potentially every Canadian citizen could be vulnerable.” “And one can argue it’s not really a question of if, it’s a question of when.” Bossenmaier’s words of warning come as the Liberal government consults Canadians on creating a new cybersecurity policy. State-sponsored hackers, sophisticated criminals, causemotivated hacktivists and people out to make mischief online all pose a threat, officials say. “Cyberthreats used to be the exclusive domain of nation states, and that’s certainly not the case anymore,” she said. “Cyberthreats come at companies, governments and other organizations from any number of sources and for any number of motivations.” For instance, federal officials have quietly warned operators of electrical grids, transpor-

tation hubs and other key infrastructure about the danger posed by insiders who could unleash devastating viruses and cripple systems, internal government notes reveal. Crucial networks that Canadians rely on for everyday needs face a “substantial threat” from rogue employees out to wreak digital havoc, warn the Public Safety Canada briefing notes. “The insider threat is difficult to detect and can cause real damage.” No special hacking skills are required, just a portable thumb drive loaded with malicious code. As a result, it is important that organizations have the right security protocols and procedures, “for example by limiting access to systems only to those who genuinely need it.” A federal briefing on the insider threat was delivered last December to leaders of the 10 most crucial infrastructure sectors, say the notes, obtained by The Canadian Press under the Access to Information Act. The notes point out that more than 90 per cent of critical infrastructure — key to delivering everything from food and clean water to banking and health services — is controlled by the private sector and all of it is dependent in one way or another on information technology to operate. Many critical infrastructure sectors are interdependent, meaning a problem in one could have a “cascading impact” in others. There are two kinds of insider threats — those

from people who intend to do harm and others from people who inadvertently damage vital systems, said Melissa Hathaway of the Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs at Harvard University in Massachusetts. Many companies and government agencies are banning thumb drives outright to avoid the accidental risk of infection, she told the conference. “The bad guy who knows better and is doing it on purpose is much more concerning, and that’s what’s happening more and more.” Public Safety is already working with critical infrastructure operators to prepare for the possibility of a major cyberattack on the Canadian electrical grid and telecommunications systems, the internal notes say. Security officials call such an occurrence a “black swan” — a rare but devastating event that requires special attention due to the potential for massive losses should it happen. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

could not guess the direction their joints were being moved as well as the control subjects could. The patients were also less WASHINGTON — US govern- sensitive to certain forms of ment researchers said they touch. They could not feel vibrahave found a gene that controls tions from a buzzing tuning fork what could be our “sixth sense” as well as the control subjects beyond the basic five ones could. Nor could they tell the known as taste, smell, touch, difference between one or two sight and hearing. small ends of a caliper pressed It’s called PIEZO2, which af- firmly against their palms. fects proprioception, or how our Brain scans of one patient brain understands where our showed no response when the body is in space, according to re- palm of her hand was brushed. searchers from the US National Nevertheless, the patients Institutes of Health (NIH). could feel other forms of touch, The discovery, published this such as the brushing of hairy week in the New England Jour- skin. Stroking or brushing hairy nal of Medicine, was made with skin is normally perceived as the help of two young patients pleasant, but one of the pawith PIEZO2 tients claimed it mutations that felt prickly. caused them to Despite these have movement differences, the and balance Our study patients’ nerproblems and highlights vous systems the loss of some the critical appeared to be forms of touch. importance of developing norActually, the PIEZO2 and mally. They were gene involved the senses it able to feel pain, was not a new controls in our itch, and temdiscovery. Previdaily lives. perature norously, scientists mally; the nerves have found it in their limbs generates elecconducted electrical nerve sigtricity rapidly; nals in response to changes in and their brains and cognitive cell shape, such as when skin abilities were similar to the cells and neurons of the hand control subjects of their age. are pressed against a table. These findings caused the In this study, the two pa- researchers to believe that tients, one nine and the other PIEZO2 is linked to propriocep19 years old, are unrelated and tion and that when it is mutated have difficulties walking; hip, people lose their “sixth sense.” finger and foot deformities; and They also concluded that the abnormally curved spines diag- patients’ scoliosis and joint nosed as progressive scoliosis. problems suggest that the A series of examinations sug- Piezo2 proteins are required for gested the young patients lack the normal growth and alignbody awareness. Blindfolding ment of the skeletal system. them made walking extremely “Our study highlights the difficult, causing them to stag- critical importance of PIEZO2 ger and stumble from side to and the senses it controls in our side while assistants prevented daily lives,” study leader Carsten them from falling. Bonnemann, senior investigator When the researchers com- at the NIH’s National Institute pared the two with unaffected of Neurological Disorders and volunteers, they found that Stroke, said in a statement. blindfolding the young patients “The results establish that made it harder for them to reli- PIEZO2 is a touch and proprioably reach for an object in front ception gene in humans. Underof their faces than it was for the standing its role in these senses volunteers. may provide clues to a variety of Without looking, the patients neurological disorders.” ■

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Travel Finding the right credit card Part of Prague’s for a free vacation iconic Dancing House BY SCOTT MAYEROWITZ The Associated Press NEW YORK — Many frequent fliers are buzzing about the latest travel rewards credit card — one that comes with a hefty $450 annual fee but offers a juicy 100,000 point bonus at sign-up. Rewards cards lure us in with dreams of a free trip to some warm tropical beach. You’re going to spend money — why not get a vacation out of it. The truth is, these cards make sense only for those who spend lots of money, and quickly. The better value for most travellers — especially those flying domestic coach — is a cash back credit card. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a credit card. First, a major caveat: None of these cards — rewards or cash back — make sense unless you pay your bill in full each month. If you don’t, any rewards earned will be washed away by interest payments.

have to spend about $25,000 on a credit card to get a free ticket. That same $25,000 spent on a cash-back card would earn you $500. The average domestic roundtrip ticket last year cost $363.98 If you charge less than $25,000 a year, cash back makes even more sense. You might only earn $150 or $200 in rewards a year. But you can stash that money away to pay for part of your next flight instead of hoping to eventually have enough miles for that trip. Annual fees

There are cards with higher cash back rates in certain categories as well as many travel cards but they come with

Signup bonuses

Cash vs. points

The beauty of cash is that there are no restrictions. Forget desperately hoping that the airline opens up enough mileage seats on the flight you want. Or worse, locking yourself into one airline — just because you have miles — that requires a connection when there is a cheap, nonstop flight on another carrier. The Citi Double Cash card and the Fidelity Rewards Visa Signature Card both offer 2 per cent cash back on all spending. Why is this better than frequent flier miles? A typical domestic roundtrip ticket costs 25,000 miles on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines. Having a credit card with one of those airlines earns you one mile for every dollar spent — more for purchases with the airline. That means you would

annual fee. Most of the major airline credit cards offer free checked bags for the primary cardholder and some of the people travelling with them — as long as everybody is on the same reservation. Since checking a bag typically costs $25 — each way — that $95 annual fee could pay for itself if three bags are checked roundtrip a year. You don’t even have to make other charges on the card, sticking to your cash-back card for everyday spending. Amtrak’s credit card, with a $79 fee, comes with a free companion ticket, potentially making it worthwhile for frequent train riders. A roundtrip ticket from Boston to New York could easily top $200. And the IHG Rewards Club comes with a free night at any InterContinental hotel in the world for its $49 annual fee. That’s anything from the fanciest InterContinental down to a Holiday Inn Express next to the highway.

sometimes steep annual fees. For many families, that fee can wipe away any savings. Let’s compare a no-fee, 2-per cent cash-back card with a card that has a $95 annual fee. It takes $4,750 in charges on that 2-per cent cash-back credit card just to earn $95 in rebates. If you are earning miles or some other currency with that annual fee card, your first $5,000 in charges basically cover the fee. For somebody who charges $80,000 a year, that might not be an issue. But for somebody charging $10,000, they are paying a fee and won’t even get enough miles for a free trip. But don’t necessarily dismiss a card just because it carries an

Finally, there are those eye-popping signup bonuses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card made headlines recently for its 100,000 point signup bonus after spending $4,000. Those points can be worth up to $1,500 in travel rewards. It carries a $450 annual fee but $300 of that is refunded for spending on travel. Other cards routinely offer anywhere between 30,000 to 50,000 miles in signup bonuses. So, if you have good credit and can meet the minimum spend within the short time period, you can quickly pad your frequent flier balances. In other words: get the card for the signup bonus and then cancel it before the next annual fee hits. Just be warned, credit card companies are starting to cap the number of cards you can have and are putting lifetime limits on signup bonuses. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

turns into hotel BY KAREL JANICEK The Associated Press PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC — For many of the millions of tourists who flood the Czech capital every year, taking a selfie in front of the Dancing House has become as important as walking across the medieval Charles Bridge. The unusual building, which resembles a pair of dancers, is a rare example of contemporary architecture in Prague, which otherwise abounds with picturesque historical buildings, churches and monuments. Originally designed as an office building, access for visitors has been limited. But now a part of it has been turned into a hotel, offering visitors the chance to stay in rooms with magnificent views over the city. Here are some details about the architectural landmark and its new function: History

The Dancing House is located on the bank of the Vltava river, next to the building where the late President Vaclav Havel lived most of his life. It was built on a plot of land that earlier housed a 19th-century neo-Renaissance building that was destroyed in a World War II air bombardment. Havel is said to have been the first who approached Czech-Croatian architect Vlado Milunic with a request to make an architectural study of a possible arts centre. In 1992, the Dutch company Nationale Nederlanden acquired the land with the aim of construction an office building and Milunic approached famed architect Frank Gehry to participate. Their nine-story project was completed in 1996. Ginger & Fred

Due to its shape, the Dancing House has become a widely

used nickname for the building, but it is also known as Ginger and Fred after famed dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It’s formed by two central towers; the one known as Ginger is made of glass and steel, while Fred has a concrete body and a metal head. The unusual architecture initially caused some controversy, with critics saying it doesn’t fit its historical surroundings, but such arguments gradually disappeared as it drew the attention of an increasing number of tourists. The Czech National Bank issued a gold coin in 2005 with the Dancing House on it as the final piece of its “10 Centuries of Architecture” series. So far, a restaurant, a bar and a gallery have provided visitors a chance to look inside. Hotel

Apart from staying in an architectural masterpiece, the 21 rooms offer breathtaking views of the city and of Prague Castle in particular. They can be seen from the beds, and in some of the rooms even from the bathtub and the toilet. Some rooms in the Ginger tower have walls made of glass and breakfast is served in the restaurant at the top of the building. First night

Five investors rented two stories in both towers for 10 years to operate the hotel. One of them was the former international soccer star, Vladimir Smicer, who was also the first person to test the new facility. The soccer player, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, said it was a surprise present for his wife to mark the 20th anniversary of their wedding. “It was a perfect sleep,” Smicer said. “I think the Dancing House is an incredible place. It is a beautiful building, a world renowned building, and I think the views from our hotel give an incredible experience to our guests.” ■

Travel

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

Undersea canyons with multicoloured coral off N.S. getting special protection BY MICHAEL MACDONALD The Canadian Press HALIFAX — In a dark corner of the Atlantic Ocean, amid a pair of steep-sided canyons far off the southwest coast of Nova Scotia, there’s a welcoming home for schools of fish decorated with coral so colourful its official name is bubblegum. Before the end of this year, the two canyons — Georges and Corsair — will be declared off limits to fishermen who use gear that is dragged or dumped on seabed, the federal Fisheries Department announced Monday. “These are globally known as sensitive and important areas,” federal oceans planner Derek Fenton told a news conference at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. The so-called bottom-contact gear is deadly to corals, which are among the largest invertebrate creatures on the planet. In total, more than 9,000 square kilometres of ocean bottom will be protected under the Fisheries Act, effectively banning the use of otter trawls, lobster and crab traps, and anchored gill nets and long lines. “What we’re trying to protect is the homes ... that these fish live in,” said acting regional manager Carl MacDonald. “We try to draw the areas as small as we can, but we want to protect the key feature, which is the corals.” The new restrictions will also apply to a 49-square-kilometre area called the Jordan Basin, about 100 kilometres west of Yarmouth. The area is also known as “the rock garden,” where multicoloured seacorn coral flourishes.

Chester, Nova Scotia.

JVIENNEAU / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The basin also features a large assortment of anemones and sponges, creating a multi-hued carpet that stands in contrast to the grey, barren depths that represent much of the ocean floor. And, yes, both seacorn and bubblegum coral look strangely like their namesakes. “Many people don’t even know that we have cold-water coral off of Nova Scotia — and this is something we’ve been working on for two decades,” said Susanna Fuller, marine conservation coordinator with the Halifax-based Ecology Action Centre.” “It’s exciting progress toward recognizing that cold-water corals are an important part of our biodiversity. When I used to interview fisherman about why they’re so important, they would say, ‘It’s just like a moose needs trees.’ That structure on the sea floor is very important.”

Despite the new restrictions, Fenton said the number of fishermen affected by the closure is small and the level of economic impact will be minimal. In all, only seven lobster fishermen will be affected in an area of Nova Scotia where there are about 1,000 lobster licences. Federal officials say that from 2011 to 2015 the value of commercial landings by bottom-contact fisheries within the two sensitive areas was below $300,000 annually, which was less than 0.1 per cent of the total annual value of all commercial fisheries in the Maritimes region. “We worked out what would be the best boundaries to have minimal economic impact but still protect what we need to protect, and that’s the habitat and the corals,” MacDonald said. “We’re protecting homes for the future.” Other types of fishing will be allowed to continue, including the swordfish and

tuna fisheries. More than two dozen species of corals are found in the waters off Nova Scotia. Deep-water varieties that reach a metre in length can be more than 100 years old. Aside from providing shelter for fish, these animals help create diverse ecosystems that offer food for a large variety of species. The two newly protected conservation areas were explored in 2014 by U.S. and Canadian researchers using a remotely operated submersible that would dive up to two kilometres beneath the surface. Stunning video images recorded by the submersible show a school of pollock darting in and out of the colourful corals while a nearly translucent octopus looks on. Fenton said neither area is likely to see any oil and gas exploration or development. The canyons lie southwest of Georges Bank, a rich fishing ground that spans the Canada-U.S. border and has long been protected by a moratorium on offshore drilling. That moratorium remains in effect until 2022. As well, Fenton said the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board has been made aware of the sensitive nature of these areas, among six now found in the Atlantic region. “Long before there would be any actual oil and gas activities, they would be flagged as having great importance,” he said. In 1992, Canada committed under the Convention on Biological Diversity to protect 10 per cent of its marine areas by 2020. So far, the list of protected areas has reached about one per cent or about 50,000 square kilometres, Fenton said. ■

Three East Coast lighthouses receive federal heritage designation THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Three East Coast lighthouses have received heritage designation from the federal government. The St. Peters Harbour Lighthouse on Prince Edward Island, the Cape St. Marys Lighthouse near Yarmouth, N.S., and the Woody Point Lighthouse surrounded by Gros Morne National Park, N.L., were designated under the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act. A total of 90 lighthouses in eight provinces have now been protected under the act, with more to follow, Parks Canada said in a statement. The legislation requires a designated

lighthouse to be “reasonably maintained,” even if it is sold by the federal government. Of the 90 heritage lighthouses, more than half are to be managed by new, non-federal owners, the agency said. Community-based organizations and other levels of government are working with Fisheries and Oceans Canada to take over responsibility for some lighthouses. The federal government is committed to protecting the country’s heritage lighthouses, said Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, describing them as “cultural treasures” and important tourist attractions that contribute to local economies. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Food

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

FRIDAY

Make a Chicken Tikka Masala that’s easy and full of flavour BY MELISSA D’ARABIAN The Associated Press I’M A big fan of saving takeout and delivery food for true cravings, not convenience. Even the healthiest of eaters has a few culinary vices — for us, it’s Indian and Thai food and pizza delivery. The key to fending off the temptation to order in takeout as a convenience on a busy weeknight is to have a few easy recipes in your toolkit that you can whip out at a moment’s notice. And, it has to be easy enough to execute, even if I don’t think of it until 5 p.m. Today’s recipe, Weeknight Chicken Masala, is a bit of a recipe hack; not fully authentic, I’ll admit. But the spices are easy to keep on hand (and truth: if you are missing one of them, make the recipe anyway and the world will continue to spin), the recipe is fast to prepare since it uses boneless, skinless chicken breast, and it can be made totally non-spicy or loaded up with whatever spice I have on hand, from sriracha to fresh serranos,

or even just cayenne pepper. Frozen chicken breasts won’t slow you down either: microwave for a minute or two until the meat is thawed enough to cut into cubes small enough to thaw quickly. I indulge in a small amount of cream added at the end, which brings a lushness that is worth the few extra grams of fat, but feel free to sub plain Greek yogurt if you wish. This dish hits all the marks — full of flavour, easy, inexpensive, healthy and quick. Serve it over brown rice, zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice or just plain raw baby spinach leaves for extra nutrition. Weeknight chicken tikka masala

Start to finish: 1 hour Servings: 4 Marinade: • 1/4 cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular) • 1 tablespoon lime juice • 1 teaspoon lime zest • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger

• 3 chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes • 3/4 cup chopped onion • 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil, divided • 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 2 teaspoons paprika • 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or cinnamon) • 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional) (or dash cayenne) • 1/4 cup tomato paste

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• 1 14-ounce can crushed tomatoes • 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt) • Chopped cilantro, for garnish • Lime wedges, for garnish In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients, and stir in the chicken cubes to coat. Let sit for at least 10 minutes or refrigerate up to a few hours. In a large heavy sauce pan, cook the onion in half the oil over medium high heat until onion begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the ginger and

garlic and stir. Add in the dry spices and stir with a wooden spoon until very fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sriracha and tomato paste and cook until tomato paste has deep colour and aroma, stirring, about 2 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick saute pan, heat the remaining oil over medium high heat and brown the chicken (remove any excess marinade). Cook the chicken on all sides until golden — it will not be fully cooked in centre. Pour the chicken cubes into the bubbling sauce, add between 1/3-3/4 cup water and let it all cook together for 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, stir in the heavy cream or Greek yogurt and serve with chopped cilantro and lime for garnish. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 261 calories; 98 calories from fat; 11 g fat (4 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 81 mg cholesterol; 436 mg sodium; 18 g carbohydrate; 5 g fiber; 9 g sugar; 24 g protein.

Food

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

What your chop or steak really needs is an easy, warm salad BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press

COOKING ON DEADLINE:

Mexican Tortilla Chicken Soup BY KATIE WORKMAN The Associated Press

fore serving!). Mexican tortilla chicken soup

I FIND it a source of great comfort that pretty much every culture, every cuisine has its own interpretation of chicken soup. The Mexican version in particular speaks to me, scented with chilies and spices like cumin and coriander, riddled with slightly softened tortilla chips. In Mexico, whole chilies may be used, often toasted and the crumbled into the soup. I rely on dried chili powder, pure ancho if you can find it, but in this recipe, regular blended chili powder also works just fine. Cooking the chicken breasts in the broth enriches both broth and chicken, but if you are in a rush, go ahead and use about 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken, maybe from a rotisserie chicken. Need one more shortcut? Skip the frying of the tortillas; grab a bag of tortilla chips, lightly crush a few handfuls and use those instead. The garnishes are what make this soup so special. Do not be timid with the offerings: An assortment of shredded cheese, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, salsa and lime wedges will turn a comforting soup into a feast. You can make the soup ahead — stopping after adding the chicken — and keep it refrigerated for up to four days. Reheat, adding the lime juice when you are ready to serve (and, of course, don’t fry the tortillas or prep the toppings until just be-

Start to finish: 45 minutes Servings: 4 to 6 For the soup: • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 2 medium-size onions, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin • 1 teaspoon ground coriander • 1 teaspoon pure ancho chili powder • 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes • 6 cups chicken broth, preferably low-sodium • Kosher or coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds) • Canola or vegetable oil, for pan-frying • 6 corn tortillas, halved and cut crosswise into thin strips • Juice of 1 lime To serve (optional, pick and choose): • 1 or 2 avocados, peeled and diced • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves • Salsa or Pico de Gallo • 1 lime, cut into wedges Heat the olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and saute until tender and golden,

5 minutes. Stir in the cumin, coriander, and chili powder and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer over high heat. Add the chicken breasts and lower the heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered (don’t let the soup come to a boil), stirring occasionally, until the chicken is just barely cooked through, about 12 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and let sit until cool enough to handle. Keep the soup gently simmering over medium-low heat. Meanwhile, pour the oil to a depth of 1 inch into a mediumsize skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Line a plate with a couple of paper towels. When the oil is hot, add the tortilla strips in batches and fry, stirring often, until they are crisp and lightly colored, about 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon to the plate, and sprinkle lightly with salt while they are still hot. Shred the slightly cooled chicken, and stir it and the lime juice into the soup. Ladle the soup into soup bowls and top with the fried tortilla strips, along with your choice of diced avocado, cheese, cilantro, salsa and lime wedges. Nutrition information per serving: 291 calories; 95 calories from fat; 11 g fat (2 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 65 mg cholesterol; 362 mg sodium; 23 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 26 g protein. www.canadianinquirer.net

THIS RECIPE is a template for topping sauteed steaks or chops of most any kind with a wilted salad, a splendid dish for an early fall dinner. Mostly, I’m taking my cues here from the Italians. In Florence, they like to pep up their grilled steaks with a drizzle of olive oil and a spritz of lemon, which cuts through the meat’s fattiness. Then there’s veal Milanese, a breaded chop with a salad on top. But the latter dish doesn’t marry the salad dressing to the chops, as I do here, and my chop isn’t breaded. Also, Caesar dressing is rooted in Mexico, not Italy. All of which is to say I guess my inspirations were pretty diverse. How to marry the meat to the salad? By taking advantage of the concentrated bits of reduced meat juices at the bottom of the pan, as well as the juices from the resting chops after they have been cooked. It’s then that the salad’s flavours — anchovies, garlic and shallots — are added to the skillet, followed by chicken broth, lemon juice and olive oil. If the very thought of anchovies sends you screaming for the exit, steel yourself and add them to the recipe as called for. Try it that way just once. You assume that the little devils are going to overwhelm the dish, adding nothing but fishiness. Not true. In this context, the anchovies are surprisingly modest; they provide salt and depth of flavour, but no obvious fishiness. I have called for lamb shoulder chops because they’re more affordable than rib or loin chops. They’re every bit as tasty as the pricier chops, even if they’re also marginally chewier. Of course, if you feel like splurging, reach for the more expensive cuts. And know that this recipe works just as well with steak, pork chops and chicken on the bone as it does with lamb chops. Lamb chops with warm caesar salad

Start to finish: 35 minutes (15 minutes active) Servings: 4 • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided • Four 1/2-inch-thick lamb shoulder or round bone chops • Kosher salt and ground black pepper • 4 anchovy fillets, chopped • 2 tablespoons minced shallots • 1 teaspoon minced garlic • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 4 cups chopped escarole, dandelion greens (tough stems removed) or romaine • 1 ounce shaved Parmesan cheese In a large skillet over medium-high, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil. Reduce the heat to medium and add 2 of the lamb chops, sprinkled with salt and pepper. Cook until lightly browned on both sides, 5 to 6 minutes total for medium-rare. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Repeat with the remaining 2 chops in the oil remaining in the pan. Return the skillet to the heat and reduce to medium-low. Add 1 tablespoon of the remaining oil, the anchovies, shallots and garlic, then cook, stirring, for 1 1/2 minutes. Add the broth and lemon juice and cook, scraping up the brown bits on the bottom, for 1 minute. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, the greens, and a hefty pinch each of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring until the greens are slightly wilted, about 2 minutes. Add the juices from the resting lamb and remove from the heat. To serve, transfer the chops to each of 4 plates and top each chop with a quarter of the dressed wilted greens and the cheese. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 500 calories; 380 calories from fat (76 per cent of total calories); 43 g fat (15 g saturated; 1.5 g trans fats); 90 mg cholesterol; 620 mg sodium; 5 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 1 g sugar; 26 g protein.

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

CANADA

Retail Assistant Manager for Cascade Gift Store - Banff, AB.

Responsibilities: Plan, direct and evaluation the operations of the store; manage staff & assign duties; study market & determine consumer needs; determine merchandise & services to be sold; develop & implement marketing strategies; assist in planning budget & expenditures; resolve customer(s) complaints; determine staffing requirements & hiring, etc. High School graduate, with 3 yrs of related retail experience at increasing levels of responsibility required. F/T Permanent: $26.50/hour; 40 hours/week. Subsidized staff accommodation & Extended health benefits.

Send resume to: Cascade Gifts, P.O. Box 2428, Banff, AB T1L 1C2

elaine@cascadegifts.com

General Manual Labourers ($12/hr) Physically fit Male or Female needed in our Delta plant. Day Shift and Night Shifts are available. Starting rate is $12/hour. Day Shift: Tuesday 10am-8pm Thursday 10am-4:30pm

Night Shift: Tuesday 8pm-7am Wednesday 5:30pm-5:30am Thursday 4:30 pm-12:30am

CALL 778-728-6956

RETAIL SALES SUPERVISOR for Cascade Gift Store - Banff, AB.

Responsibilities: Supervise and Coordinate sales staff and cashiers, Assign duties, Authorize merchandise return, Sell Merchandise, Resolve customer complaints and supply shortages, Maintain specified inventory, Prepare reports on sales volumes,merchandising, personnel. High School graduate, with 2 yrs Retail Supervisory experience. F/T Permanent: $18.25/ hour. 40 hours/week. Subsidized staff accommodation and Extended health benefits.

Send resume to: Cascade Gifts, P.O. Box 2428, Banff, AB T1L 1C2 info@cascadegifts.com

F ill Unused Capacity C ash Savings B ill More Hours E xtra Income If you want new customers, more sales and are looking for ways to save cash, call First Canadian Barter Exchange. 604.759.3223 / info@barterfirst.com

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