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VOL. 12 NO. 249

PAYOFF MONEY

Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II shows the P30 million turned over by Associate Immigration Commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles. The two officials allegedly extorted the money from gaming tycoon Jack Lam in exchange for the release of illegal Chinese workers. . MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / PDI

Dismissed BI officials not yet off the hook

BY MARLON RAMOS Philippine Daily Inquirer

Angry Duterte to US: ‘Bye-bye America’

NOT SO fast. The dismissal from service of two senior officials of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) would not save them from facing possible criminal liabilities for receiving P50 million from casino operator Jack Lam, a Palace official said yesterday. In fact, Presidential Communications

Assistant Secretary Marie Banaag said the fate of sacked BI associate commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles would rest on the results of the investigation of the Department of Justice (DOJ). She stressed that President Duterte would not condone the unlawful acts of Argosino and Robles even if they were his “brods” at Lex Talionis fraternity. “Remember that they were fired after

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❱❱ PAGE 4 Dismissed BI

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

‘Premeditated murder’: Senate agrees with NBI on Espinosa killing BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer SEN. PANFILO Lacson has closed his committtee’s inquiry into the Nov.5 police killing of Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa Sr., saying he would have a conclusion similar to that of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI): The mayor was murdered by a team from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Region 8 (CIDG-8). Lacson said on Sunday that his commitee had new information pointing to “premeditated murder.” “There is only one finding,” he said. “But there would be a difference on how we arrived at our findings.” He said the findings of the NBI were “more exhaustive and complete” than those of the Committtee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, which he chairs. The NBI has charged over 20 CIDG men, including the CIDG-8 chief, Supt. Marvin Marcos, for the murder of Espinosa. The committee concluded that the killing was a rubout and not a shoot out as claimed by the raiding policemen. Last Nov.5, the CIDG team raided the cell of Espinosa at the Leyte Subprovincial Jail in Baybay, allegedly in search of drugs and firearms. During the Senate hearing, the team leader, Chief Insp. Leo Laraga, admitted that he was the one who shot Espinosa, because the mayor fought back. Lacson held an executive session last Wednesday with government officials and investigators, including Justice Sec-

retary Vitaliano Aguirre II, to discuss “classified matters” and to gather additional data from them to reinforce the findings and recommendations of his committee. He said that, during the executive session, they took up possible motives in the killing of Espinosa. He noted that confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, a son of the mayor, had testified that some of the CIDG-8 officers, led by Marcos, were on his payroll. Silencing the elder Espinosa could be among those motives, Lacson said. Lacson added that his committee had new information on the other possible motive but did not want to elaborate. But he also revealed a “twist’” that developed in the investigation after the NBI got hold of CCTV footage from a nearby office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH): The footage showed that the CIDG team entered the jail at 3:05 a.m. on Nov. 5. During the hearing, Marcos said the team entered the jail at 4:30 a.m. But Scene of the Crime Operatives said the CIDG called them to come to the jail at 3:49 a.m., prompting Lacson to say that the killing of Espinosa was premeditated because these operatives were called ahead of the raid itself. On Sunday, though, Lacson noted that Marcos had changed his earlier statement at the last hearing, saying that the CIDG men actually entered the jail at 3:05 a.m. “He has a malevolent reason why he changed the timeline,” Lacson said. “There is another motive why he deliberately said it was 4:30 a.m. earlier.” Lacson recalled that CCTV footage in-

Dismissed BI... they allegedly demanded money from Jack Lam. If and when the DOJ finds probable cause to indict the President’s brods, they (DOJ prosecutors) would file charges,” Banaag told government-owned radio DZRB. “He (the President) is very vocal that if his brods, friends and even family members would be engaged in corruption, (they) would not be spared,” she added. Mr. Duterte let the axe fall on Argosino and Robles, who both served as his election lawyers during the campaign, after the two admitted receiving the huge amount from Lam’s representative, retired police Senior Supt. Wally Sombero. Sombero claimed the grease money was intended for the release of someof the 1,316 Chinese nationals arrested by immigration personnel for illegally ❰❰ 1

working at Lam’s online gambling facility at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino in Clark, Pampanga. It was the biggest corruption scandal that hit the five-monthold Duterte administration. Argosino and Robles were appointed by President Duterte in August to complete the BI’s three-man board, headed by Jaime Morente as chair. Argosino graduated from San Beda College of Law and Robles, from San Sebastian College of Law. Robles also went to San Beda and obtained an economics degree before passing the bar in 2000. Argosino obtained a business management degree at San Beda as well before passing the bar in 1994. He was a private litigation lawyer before becoming an associate commissioner. ■

Senators Richard Gordon, Loren Legarda, Franklin Drilon (partly hidden), Antonio Trillanes IV and Juan Miguel Zubiri at the Senate Plenary Hall. AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

side the jail had gone missing on the day the CIDG team went there and ended up killing Espinosa. “Who will benefit from the missing CCTV?” he said. “Is it not those who will be incriminated? Because that could be put up as a defense by the CIDG team if they release the video.” He also said Aguirre vowed to speed

up the preliminary investigation of the DOJ into the NBI murder complaint against Marcos and his men. He added that the DOJ had set the hearing for Dec. 20. Lacson said he would report out his committee’s findings and recommendations next month when Congress resumes its session. ■

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Philippine News

DECEMBER 23, 2016

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FRIENDS TARGETS, TOO

Duterte says he won’t tolerate corruption BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer PHNOM PENH — President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday night that he would not tolerate corruption in the government even if his own friends were dragged into it. Even the superiors of those involved may have to go. Mr. Duterte made the assertion amid allegations that two Bureau of Immigration (BI) officials, who happen to be his fraternity brothers, received P50 million from Macau-based gambling tycoon Jack Lam in exchange for releasing his detained Chinese employees found to have violated immigration laws. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, whose department supervises the immigration bureau, has asked the President to relieve Associate Commissioners Al Argosino and Michael Robles from their posts. The two officials have denied that any extortion took place, saying they tried to entrap Lam who operated online gaming at Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino at Clark Freeport in Pampanga province. No mercy

Mr. Duterte did not refer to the controversy in his speech before the Filipino community in Cambodia, but he warned corrupt officials in government anew that he would show them no mercy. As of yesterday, Malacañang said it had not received Aguirre’s letter on the BI officials. “Corruption, it will stop. I will not forgive anyone, not even my friends. It will stop,” Mr. Duterte said before some 1,000 Filipinos in the Cambodian capital.

He indicated that the superiors of those who committed corruption might even have to go as well. “If something happens and it’s under you, I am sorry, maybe even you would have to resign because that is what I had promised,” he said. According to him, he is not the “very honest” type, but at 71 years old, this is his “last hurrah.” “After this, 77. I don’t know if I will be around until the end of my term,” he added. He said he just wanted Filipinos to get a respite from the corruption problem. The President also promised harsh punishment for government personnel who would be the subject of complaints through the 8888 hotline, threatening to kill them if they refused to leave their positions. Use complaint channel

He encouraged people to use the complaint channel. “You can name them. You don’t have to include your name and I will take it from there. I am like that. And for me, it has to be dismissal. I will not be content with suspension. Dismissal. If you do not want to leave your job. Then I will kill you. It’s like that,” he said. He also called on Filipinos to learn to be assertive when faced with unreasonable demands, such as when unscrupulous customs officials harass them. It’s not a trait common to Orientals, but is strong in the western world, he noted. On Mr. Duterte’s statement that even the superiors of those who commit corruption would have to go, the President’s spokesperson Ernesto Abella said he was not necessarily referring to Aguirre. ■

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Philippine News

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Filipinos OK with drug war, say gov’t is serious in solving DUI’s PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs continues to gain satisfaction from majority of Filipinos. Citing the latest findings from the Social Weather Stations (SWS), Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said the SWS 4th quarter survey found 85 percent of Filipinos is satisfied with the Duterte administration’s performance in its cam-

paign against illegal drugs. Likewise, the same report showed a sizeable 88 percent of Filipinos saying there has been a decrease in drug problem in their areas since President Duterte took office on June 30. “Clearly, the results of the survey showed that drug-related problems are becoming less among our people’s worries,” Andanar said. “If a portion of the SWS survey found that people are worried about becoming victims of EJK (extrajudicial killing), it is important to note that if

Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano presents the project overview for the establishment of a Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Center inside Camp Bagong Diwa. AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

you asked anyone if they were afraid they would be a victim of EJK... most of them, indeed,

would say yes,” the Presidential Communications chief clarified, adding that such question

was inherently lopsided as no one would say they were not afraid of becoming a victim. Andanar explained that the survey result showing a great majority of our people — 70 percent — said the Duterte administration is serious about solving the problem on death under investigation (dui) in the country supports this premise. “Extrajudicial killings are not state-sponsored. The Duterte administration respects the law and upholds the basic rights of our people,” Andanar underscored. ■

PH helpless vs China–Yasay BY JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE Philippine Daily Inquirer SINGAPORE — The Philippines remains practically helpless in stopping Chinese militarization of disputed reefs in the South China Sea, but is committed to a peaceful approach to the dispute, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said on Friday. Speaking to the press at Orchard Hotel here, Yasay said that a UN-backed arbitral tribunal ruled against China’s expansionist moves in July this year, even as enforcing the decision remains a problem. China has rejected the ruling and called it a “farce.” “We cannot stop China at this point in time and say do not put that up. We will continue to pursue peaceful means at which all of these can be prevented,” Yasay stressed. He said the Philippines “will move forward in the future insofar as pursuing the enforcement of the decision of the arbitral tribunal on the basis of their findings and conclusions.” He pointed out, however, that it was wiser to let other countries with “special concerns” on China’s activities take action, citing the United States and Japan, both of which had raised concern about freedom of navigation and overflight operations. “Let them take whatever ac-

tion is necessary in the pursuit of their national interest is concerned and we will leave it at that,” Yasay said. He said the Philippines has its own bilateral engagement with China to ensure no further actions would raise tension in the disputed region, particularly in the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal. “We feel that this is necessary also as part of a confidencebuilding measure so that we can later on go back to the issue of our dispute in the South China Sea, through peaceful resolution,” Yasay said. “In the meantime, we have placed it (the issues) at the back burner without compromising our rights as declared by the arbitral tribunal.” His statement contrastedwith that of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, who on Thursday said that if true, it raises “a big concern for us and the international community who uses the South China Sea lanes for trade.” “It would mean that the Chinese are militarizing the area, which is not good,” Lorenzana had said. Charles Jose, spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs, said on Friday that Manila was verifying the report. If proven, it would be a “cause for serious concern, because it tends to raise tension and undermine peace and stability in the region. “We, thus, renew our call on

all parties concerned to refrain from taking any action that would raise tension in the region and further complicate the situation. Concerned parties should instead work together to promote peace, security and stability in the South China Sea,” Jose told the Inquirer. Anti-aircraft weapons

Yasay was reacting to reports that China appears to have installed antiaircraft and antimissile weapons on all of its seven man-made islands in the region, according the US security think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). While White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said on Thursday that he could not confirm the report, Republican Sen. John McCain, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the imagery showed China was militarizing the South China Sea. He called for a “determined response” from the United States and its allies. “The United States must take immediate steps to underscore our unwavering commitment to freedom of the seas and to enforce a stable balance of power in the region,” McCain said in a statement. The outposts were built in recent years over objections by the United States and rival claimants by piling sand on top of coral reefs, followed by the construction of military-grade 3,000-meter (10,000-foot) airwww.canadianinquirer.net

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte meets with Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua at the Malacañan Palace. TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / PNA

strips, barracks, lighthouses, radar stations and other infrastructure. CSIS based its conclusions on satellite images taken in midtolate November and published on the website of its Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. But China’s defense ministry insisted that development on the islands was mainly for civilian purposes, but added that defensive measures were “appropriate and legal.” “For example, were someone to be threatening you with armed force outside your front door, would you not ready even a slingshot?” the ministry said in a statement. CSIS said the new weapons showed that Beijing was serious in building up its defense in the sea region. “Among other things, they would be the last line of defense against cruise missiles

launched by the United States or others against these soonto-be operational air bases,” the report said. Beijing said the islands are intended to boost maritime safety in the region while downplaying their military utility. They also marked China’s claim to ownership of practically the entire South China Sea. Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei also claim territory in the waterway through which an estimated $5 trillion in global trade passes each year, while the US Navy insists on its right to operate throughout the area, including in waters close to China’s new outposts. China has strongly criticized such missions, known as freedom of navigation operations. ■ With reports from Tarra Quismundo and DJ Yap

Philippine News

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Angry Duterte to US: ‘Bye-bye America’ Prepare to leave the Philippines, prepare for eventual repeal of the Visiting Forces Agreement BY LEILA SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Correspondents Jane Moraleda Cheng Ilagan Katherine Padilla Deby Mangabat Socorro Newland Bolet Arevalo Gerna Lane Sotana Administration Head Victoria Yong Graphic Designer Shanice Garcia Photographers Angelo Siglos Vic Vargas For photo submissions, please email editor@canadianinquirer.net For General Inquiries, please email info@canadianinquirer.net For Sales Inquiries, please email sales@ canadianinquirer.net PHILIPPINE PUBLISHING GROUP Editorial Assistant Christelle Tolisora Associate Publisher Lurisa Villanueva In cooperation with the Philippine Daily Inquirer digital edition Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at 11951 Hammersmith Way, Suite 108 Richmond, B.C. V7A 5H9 Canada Tel. No.: +1 (888) 668-6059, +1 (778) 889-3518 | Email: info@canadianinquirer.net, sales@ canadianinquirer.net Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly every Friday. Copies are distributed free throughout Metro Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Greater Toronto. The views and opinions expressed in the articles (including opinions expressed in ads herein) are those of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editorial Team. PCI reserves the right to reject any advertising which it considers to contain false or misleading information or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of error in any advertisement.

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PRESIDENT DUTERTE has threatened to terminate a pact that allows US troops to visit the Philippines, as he bid the country’s oldest military ally goodbye over an American agency’s decision to defer an aid package over human rights concerns. Mr. Duterte threatened to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) after the Millennium Challenge Corp. earlier decided to withhold funding for antipoverty programs. Signed in 1998, the VFA accorded legal status to thousands of US troops who rotate in the country for military exercises and humanitarian assistance operations. Mr. Duterte said he was putting the US “on notice” to pull out its troops from the country ahead of a possible abrogation of the VFA. “So bye-bye America,” Mr. Duterte said. But he said he might rethink his position in deference to US Presidentelect Donald Trump, whom he has described as courteous. President Duterte on Saturday threatened to terminate a pact that allows US troops to visit the Philippines, as he bid the country’s oldest military ally goodbye over an American agency’s decision to defer a major aid package over human rights concerns. Mr. Duterte threatened to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) after the Millennium Challenge Corp. earlier decided to withhold funding for antipoverty programs. Signed in 1998, the VFA accorded legal status to thousands of US troops who rotate in the country for military exercises and humanitarian assistance operations. His latest tirade against the United States comes months after he said he wanted all foreign troops to leave the Philippines in two years. “You know, America, you might also be put (on) notice. Prepare to leave the Philippines. Prepare for the eventual repeal or the abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement,” President Duterte said in Davao City upon arriving from state visits to Cambodia and Singapore. “So bye-bye America,” the 71-yearold self-confessed leftleaning politician stressed, adding that the country would now “work on the protocols that would eventually move you out of the Philippines.” Mr. Duterte insisted that the country did not need American money, especially since China had promised to provide for the country. He said he was glad to be free from proving anything to Washington, which had earlier expressed concern over his antidrug war that has left

ing of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni looks on as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen take a selfie before the start of the State Banquet. KING RODRIGUEZ / PPD / PNA

over 5,000 suspected drug addicts and dealers dead. But on Saturday night, President Duterte changed his tune, saying American troops could stay if the US government paid. “You want to come back here? You pay us. You want bases here? Pay us,” Mr. Duterte said in a speech at the birthday party of Sen. Manny Pacquiao. Mr. Duterte said the relationship between the allies can be purely business in nature. “Let it be all about money between us,” he said. The Millennium Challenge announced this week that it reached a decision to defer aid, after an initial five-year package worth more than $430 million expired in May. The US government set up the facility to promote economic growth and reduce poverty around the world. Countries can only qualify if they “demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, investments in its people, and economic freedom.” “Tit for tat. If you can do this, so can we. It ain’t one-way traffic,” President Duterte said. “I am putting them on notice. I will decide any day soon,” he stressed when asked when he would decide on the matter. He suggested that US troops “start packing” and leave “maybe in six months or so.” “We will not go hungry without the American aid. We are not that desperate,” he stressed, adding that funding shortfall could be covered if the country borrowed from China or Russia, Washington’s traditional rivals, which have embraced the tough-talking Filipino leader. A state department spokesperson, Justin Higgins, said officials had seen

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Mr. Duterte’s statements, but the United States had “not received any official requests from Philippine officials to alter any of our many issues of bilateral cooperation.” Mr. Duterte said he would have to take the cue from US President-elect Donald Trump, with whom he seemed to have hit it off, and not from outgoing President Barack Obama. He said Trump was very courteous when they spoke on the phone recently. “In deference, I’ll just wait. I will let Obama fade away. If he disappears, then I will begin to reassess,” he said. President Duterte seemed to suggest that relations could improve under Trump, and quoted the incoming US president as saying: “I like your mouth, it’s like mine, yes, Mr. President. We are similar and people with the same feathers flock together.” He said he believed Obama may just be trying to get back at him because he had cursed at his administration. President Duterte, a socialist who has said he admires the leadership styles of Russia’s Vladimir Putin and China’s Xi Jinping, has clearly signaled he would lead the country away from the United States, even with a friendly Trump at the helm. Hypocrites

In an expletive laden rant, Mr. Duterte again criticized the US, accusing it of being hypocritical since it had colonized the Philippines for 50 years and took advantage of its resources. He said the Americans killed so many Filipinos during the pacification campaign and referenced the Balangiga massacre more than a century ago. He said Americans “massacred all the male above 10” in the central Philippine town. “Better shut up, you hypocrites,” he said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Witnesses in Morales: Dutertespeak Pasig teen’s slay unpresidential, not illegal heard gunman say: ‘It’s not him’ BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY JODEE A. AGONCILLO Philippine Daily Inquirer

studying here. He did not look like an addict and he was not a courier in school.” Lorica was one of the recipiTHE TEACHERS, classmates ents of the Bobby C. Eusebio and neighbors of Emmanuel (BCA) scholarship, a program Lorica cry for justice as they named after the incumbent Padispute what the police have sig mayor. said about the 17-year-old stuOn Dec. 12, his schoolmates dent who was shot dead by and teachers offered prayers unidentified gunmen at an for Lorica, whose remains were evacuation center in Pasig City brought to his hometown in the earlier this month. Bicol region. Lorica’s mother They have offered prayers for was in Dubai and his auntie the young man, who witnesses served as his guardian, Manubto the attack said was a victim of ag added. mistaken identity because his His girlfriend, a fellow EHS shooter was heard saying “Hin- student, remained inconsolable di ito (It’s not him),” right after and had missed class for days. putting a bullet “Isn’t it enough in his head. that we lost our The 10th gradhomes to the er, a city governfire? Why (Loriment scholar Just because ca)? We were not who belonged your asset told doing anything to a star section you he was the wrong. You were at Eusebio High target, you kill a good man; you School (EHS), him just like didn’t have enewas killed while that? He had mies. Why would asleep next to dreams. people kill somehis girlfriend one so defenseon Dec. 6 inside less? He was just one of the tents sleeping!” the girl sheltering 15 families displaced said in a Facebook post. by a fire in Barangay Rosario’s “You could have just kicked Tramo area. him to wake him up and asked In an interview with Inquirer him questions,” she said, in a on Monday, Lorica’s guidance message addressed to the killer. teacher Mildred Manubag said “What did you do to him? You the school community remains don’t know him. Just because in mourning as students talk your asset told you he was the about the incident on social target, you kill him just like media particularly to belie the that? He had dreams.” victim’s alleged links to the According to witnesses, about drug trade. eight unfamiliar men arrived at A report by the Pasig police the evacuation site, appearing said Lorica was included in the to be searching for someone. barangay watch list as user/ One of them, who would turn pusher. Barangay Rosario chair out to be the gunman, peered Aquilino dela Cruz said the into some tents before finding slain student was not on the lo- the one occupied by Loric cal drug watch list, but a sepaThe teenager was lying on his rate investigation he conducted back, with a towel covering his had the same findings about face, when he was shot in the Lorica being a “runner” for a head, one witness told the Indrug dealer. quirer. But Manubag maintained: When the shooter removed “He was a very bright and sweet the towel, he was heard saying: child. He was even part of the “Hindi ito.” city scholarship program. He The gunman and his seven was clean. He was not involved lookouts then pulled out of the in any trouble since he started area, fleeing on motorbikes. ■

“UNPRESIDENTIAL” but “not illegal.” That was how Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales described President Duterte’s notoriously foul language, which includes curses at world leaders, threats against criminals and catcalls at women, saying even his repeated threats to kill drug users and dealers were not illegal unless he makes it happen. “That’s very unpresidential, of course. Unless he modifies his style, that remains to be his style. I’m sure that’s not your style, neither anyone’s style here, neither my style,” Morales said at the Meet Inquirer Multimedia forum on Tuesday. “Of course, if you are a Christian and you hear those things, you’re of course alarmed because (of the words) ‘I will kill, I will kill.’ But that is mere intention. Whether or not he’ll carry it out, or he has carried it out, that’s a different story,” she said. Talking with Digong

Morales said she had not

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raised this matter with the President. “In the few times I’ve met with him, we never discussed this. We just exchanged pleasantries and all that. It would be presumptuous of me to raise that to him. If he opens up, then I will say what is my piece,” she said. “I’ll keep mum, not because I’m scared, but because I don’t think it’s proper for me to raise it,” she added. Could the President be held liable for extrajudicial killings for his war on drugs when his term ends? Morales did not give a direct response, saying the question was “hypothetical.” Morales, whose term would

have ended by then, said the Office of the Ombudsman is committed to apply due process and the rule of law. Appointed by former President Benigno Aquino III in 2011, Morales’ seven-year term ends in July 2018, ahead of Mr. Duterte who will remain in office until June 2022. Verbal threats

“If he steps down and we investigate the case and we find that he committed a crime, then he will already be stripped of immunity and we will have him indicted in court,” she said. The President’s verbal ❱❱ PAGE 24 Morales: Dutertespeak

Philippine News

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

BuCor chief orders Duterte asked: massive probe How healthy are you? following escape of Bilibid inmate BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer

PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

convicted and has completed serving his sentence on homicide and frustrated homicide, there are two other crimiMANILA — Bureau of Correc- nal cases pending before the tions (BuCor) Chief Benjamin Muntinlupa court. Delos Santos ordered a massive Because of the court’s ininvestigation after an inmate sistence that it no longer has escaped from the New Bilibid jurisdiction over Paril, the cusPrison (NBP) early Tuesday todial guards took him back to morning. the NBP for safekeeping while Santos identified the in- waiting action on their plea. mate as Manuel Maril escaped Santos said he has already around 12:30 a.m. by breaking created a recovery team coman access door to posed of seven the second floor custodial peradmin building. sonnels to search Paril was confor Paril. There is a victed of homiParil is conpossibility cide and frustratsidered second escapee Paril is ed homicide. He most wanted still within the was then released person in Queprison grounds. on parole but he zon Province. was brought back With this deto the NBP after velopment, the violating his paNBP is now on role. temporary shutAuthorities asked the down. Muntinlupa Court to allow the “NBP is on temporary shuttransfer of Paril to Gumaca in down pending completion of Quezon where he has pending search operations. There is a two counts of rape cases. possibility escapee Paril is still The Muntinlupa Regional within the prison grounds,” Trial Court Branch 207, how- Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) ever said it no longer has ju- Chief Benjamin Delos Santos risdiction over Paril after he said. completed serving his sentence “Appropriate investigation for homicide and frustrated ho- to determine administrative micide. and criminal liability of escort De Los Santos said they told guards are also being undertakthe court that while Paril was en,” he said. ■

HE HAS complained of fatigue and once cited jet lag as a reason for missing a once-a-year dinner among world leaders. But with his latest statement doubting if he would live to finish his six-year term, President Duterte should now publicly disclose his state of health, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said on Thursday. “He should, because what it appears like is that he is giving hints. All the more [that] the public should be informed what is the state of health of the President. If he is sick, then he should say what really is his ailment,” Lacson said of President Duterte, who at 71 is the oldest man to ever become Philippine leader. He said the President’s statements create “uncertainty” even while there is no danger of a “vacuum in leadership” given clear succession rules in the 1987 Constitution. Premonition?

“If he has made statements and it appears that he might be sick and can’t finish his term, what is that, a premonition? So, we should also be worried,” Lacson told reporters. Lacson said that while one’s state of health is “an individual responsibility,” the President’s is of “national concern.” Lacson said the disclosure should include the President’s medical record, and even a pe-

KING RODRIGUEZ / PPD / PNA

riodic “medical bulletin.” Speaking to the Filipino community in Cambodia earlier this week, Duterte, said he was “not sure if I will still be around by the end of my term.” President Duterte said he had belatedly realized that he didn’t need the presidential office even as he did not regret winning in May. Asked about the President’s brash and at times inappropriate manner of speaking, Lacson expressed doubts that Mr. Duterte may ever change. Adjust to Duterte’s style

Lacson, a former police chief who was raised in a tradition of deferring to the hierarchy of command, said Duterte had the right to have Filipinos adjust to him, instead of the other way around. “I am not defending him. Sometimes it irritates me (Mr.

Duterte’s manner of speaking). But it seems like that’s really how he is,” Lacson said. “And I don’t think he will ever metamorphose into a statesman. He said ‘ give me some time I will metamorphose,’ but as things are shaping up, that’s not happening. Perhaps at the end of his term, we would be all like that,” Lacson said. He said he was “slowly adapting” to the President’s style. “In due time, I think we’ll get used to it. When he says one thing, I say wait a minute. When he said he spoke to God and people reacted, he said we were all crazy for believing him,” Lacson said. “It so happens he is President… In due time, we’ll be able to adjust unless he is the one who adjusts. But we cannot tell him to adjust to all of us,” he added. ■

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Philippine News

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Mamasapano prober retires sans promotion BY JEROME ANING Philippine Daily Inquirer REGRETS HE’D had a few, but he did what he had to do, and stood tall because he did it his way. Like “Ol’ Blue Eyes” in “My Way,” that’s how Benjamin Magalong summed up 38 years of service during which he went against two sitting Presidents, getting jailed in the first incident and in the other regarded as resulting in being denied what could have been the crowning glory of a career as the best Philippine National Police chief the country never had. On Thursday, Magalong stepped aside upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56 as PNP director—a rank equivalent to a two-star general in the Armed Forces of the Philippines—and was given honors during a ceremony at Camp Crame. Contingents of forces he had led, including the Special Action Force (SAF) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), were among those that marched past the stand in a fitting tribute to their former commander. Echoing a feeling of some in the 160,000-strong organization, PNP Director General Ronald dela Rosa said in remarks to the troops he would have been glad to work under Magalong as his chief.

Dela Rosa was with President Duterte’s delegation in Cambodia. His address was read by Deputy Director General Francisco Uyami, who led retirement honors for Magalong. “It’s as if I lost my right wing,” Dela Rosa said. “I’ll no longer have a big brother who will support me when I’m being opposed by hardheaded upper class (officers).” “I [am] flattered,” Magalong responded. “But I can’t do anything about it now. What’s good is that I have lots of ups and downs. I was way, way down but I managed to rise again. At least now I feel good that I’m retiring on a high note.” Magalong was among SAF officers detained in 2006 following a supposed military-led uprising against then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who placed the country under a state of emergency amid mounting antigovernment protests. After the rebellion charge was dismissed, Magalong served at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Quezon City and Cordillera police. He was promoted successively as head of the PNP directorates for community relations, intelligence and detection management, and deputy chief of operations. As chief of the CIDG, Magalong led the board of inquiry that investigated the January 2015 clash between government forces and Moro guerrillas in Mamasapano, Maguin-

JUDGEFLORO / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

danao, which led to the deaths of 44 SAF commandos who were sent to the area to arrest suspected terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan. Aquino liable

Magalong’s report recommended the investigation for possible criminal and administrative liability of then President Benigno Aquino III, then PNP Chief Alan Purisima and the then SAF commander, Chief Supt. Getulio Napeñas. The report said Aquino allowed the participation of Purisima, who was then suspended on corruption charges, in what is now known as the “Mamasapano massacre,” bypassing in the process the chain of command. Napeñas was held accountable basically for incompetence, resulting in heavy losses for the SAF. In April, the Office of the Ombudsman found Purisima

and Napeñas criminally liable for graft and usurpation of authority for carrying out the Mamasapano raid without the approval of the then PNP officer in charge, Leonardo Espina. In July, the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption filed in the Ombudsman multiple murder charges against Aquino. No action has been taken so far against the former President, who called the case “absurd.” During a House of Representatives investigation in September, Magalong recounted how he planned an operation in 2014 at the maximum security compound of New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City following intelligence re-ports that the drug lords imprisoned there were running a multibillion-peso narcotics business. Magalong said he coordinated the raid, dubbed “Oplan Cronus,” with then Justice Secre-

tary Leila de Lima, but De Lima went ahead at the last minute with her own raid without the CIDG in December that year. The congressional inquiry heard testimony from convicted inmates that they helped raise money for De Lima’s senatorial campaign in May in exchange for protection in turning the national penitentiary into a “Little Las Vegas.” De Lima has denied wrongdoing. “I am proud to have humbly and loyally served in the PNP. It was an honor to serve you and a privilege to have served beside you,” Magalong said in his speech on Thursday. The PNP deputy chief for operations was given a plaque from the PNP command group, recognizing his “invaluable contributions in building a credible and reliable PNP.” Magalong advised the next PNP leaders to “make humility in the service the norm, not the exception” and to “be humble public servants.” He said that while he did not set out to be a leader, he “aspired to make a difference” when called to be one. The police official described “genuine leaders” as those ready to give up their perks and privileges for the sake of transparency and accountability; willing to give up their career, ambitions and aspirations in pursuit of truth; and know when to give up. ■

What is Duterte’s wish for Pacquiao on his birthday? BY LEILA SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer PRESIDENT DUTERTE on Saturday teased boxer and Sen. Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao that he might be President one day.

Speaking at Pacquiao’s 38th birthday celebration in General Santos City on Saturday night, Mr. Duterte called him “President to be.” “I think you will also be President, it’s true,” Mr. Duterte said, to cheers from the guests.

“Sundan mo lang yan linya mo (Just follow your path),” he added. Stay humble

He also said Pacquiao should stay humble. This was not the first time that Mr. Duterte floated the idea of

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Pacquiao becoming President. When the boxing superstar paid a courtesy call to him in Malacañang last month, Mr. Duterte reportedly raised Pacquiao’s hand and said, “For President na ‘to ha. (This one is for President).”

While keeping his international boxing career, Pacquiao also chose to dabble in politics. He served two terms as a member of the House of Representatives, and then successfully ran for the Senate in this year’s national elections. ■

Philippine News

DECEMBER 23, 2016

UN rights chief: Investigate Philippine leader for killings BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The U.N. human rights chief asked Philippine authorities Tuesday to investigate President Rodrigo Duterte for murder after he claimed to have killed people in the past and also to examine the “appalling epidemic of extra-judicial killings” committed during his anti-drug crackdown. Philippine judicial authorities “must demonstrate their commitment to upholding the rule of law and their independence from the executive by launching a murder investigation,” U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said, adding it’s “unthinkable for any functioning judicial system not to launch investigative and judicial proceedings when someone has openly admitted being a killer.” Since taking office in June, Duterte has obsessively overseen the crackdown on illegal drugs that has left more than 6,000 people dead. Philippine government officials have defended police actions during the crackdown, and the president has met past such calls with angry tirades. Zeid’s call, made in a statement issued in Geneva, was sparked by Duterte’s remarks in recent speeches that as a town mayor in southern Davao city in 1988, he killed three suspected kidnappers in a firefight where he was backed up by three police officers. He later clarified he was unsure whether the bullets from his M16 rifle killed the suspects. The brash-talking president has also suggested that he used to roam around his sprawling city as mayor on a big motorcy-

Partylist group slams proposal for higher contributions with looming SSS pension hike PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. U.S. MISSION PHOTO / ERIC BRIDIERS / FLICKR

cle to look for criminals to kill so policemen would emulate him. “In Davao, I used to do it personally. Just to show to the guys that, if I can do it, why can’t you?” Duterte said last week. “I go around in Davao with a motorcycle, with a big bike around and I would just patrol the streets and looking for trouble also. I was really looking for an encounter to be able to kill.” Duterte’s acts “directly contravene the rights” enshrined in the Philippine constitution and the killings recalled by the president “also violate international law,” Zeid said. The U.N. official also said Duterte’s encouragement of others may constitute incitement to violence and expressed concern about Duterte’s assurances that police officers who commit human rights violations would be immune from prosecution. “The perpetrators must be brought to justice, sending a

strong message that violence, killings and human rights violations will not be tolerated by the state and that no one is above the law,” he said. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II, however, has defended Duterte, saying the president often exaggerates killings of criminals to send a chilling warning to lawbreakers. Aguirre said Duterte may have been resorting to hyperbole in his description of roaming around Davao on his motorcycle. Duterte previously threatened to withdraw the Philippines from the United Nations for its criticism of his drug crackdown, describing the world body as inutile in the face of genocidal killings in other places. ■ Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.

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FRIDAY

MANILA — Bayan Muna Partylist Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate on Monday criticized the proposal to raise the Social Security System (SSS) member contributions to boost the firm’s fund life amid the looming implementation of the PHP2,000 monthly pension for SSS pensioners. “This is a Grinch-like proposal that only spoils the justness of providing the long-awaited pension hike of our SSS pensioners,” said Zarate, who was one of the principal authors of House Joint Resolution No. 10 granting the two-step, across-the-board increase of PHP2,000 in the SSS monthly pension. “During the House and Senate hearings, SSS Chairman Amado Valdez explicitly said that raising membership premium, is the least, even last, of their options. In fact, if at all, government subsidy for the pension fund as provided for by the SSS charter is even higher in their options,” Zarate added. The adjustment in member contribution was floated by the country’s economic managers, who have recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte that the PHP2,000 pension hike be made contingent on a corresponding adjustment in the contributions of employers, employees, selfemployed individuals and volunteer members to save the pension fund from bankruptcy. Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and Socioeconomic Planning Sec-

retary Ernesto Pernia claimed that without an accompanying premium hike, the proposed pension hike would supposedly unduly jack up the unfunded liabilities of the SSS from PHP3.5 trillion to PHP5.9 trillion. The three secretaries recommended an increase in the member contribution from the current 11 percent to 17 percent upon the implementation of the Congress-proposed SSS pension hike. Meanwhile, former Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares advised that the state-run fund firm improve its collection efficiency from the employers of its 31 million members; collect the billions in contributions, which delinquent employers failed to remit in the last ten years; cut down in bonuses and perks given to its board members; and collect the fines imposed by the courts against employers who violated the SSS law. “If this is not enough, then Congress can always provide for subsidies as provided under Section 20 of RA 8282 as amended. There is no way that the SSS will go bankrupt since under Section 21 of the said law, the Philippine government guarantees the benefits and solvency of the SSS,” Colmenares said. “Again, it is best for the members of the Cabinet to support the pension increase and together with the new SSS leadership and Congress to look for means in increasing its current fund life,” said Zarate. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Neither PSC nor City Hall can promise Rizal Memorial won’t be demolished BY CATHY CAÑARES YAMSUAN Philippine Daily Inquirer CHAIR WILLIAM “Butch” Ramirez of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) does not bother to hide his excitement about the planned transfer of his office, personnel and the athletes under his care to a spanking new sports complex that would rise in Clarkfield, Pampanga. “We need excellent facilities and dormitories for the athletes, as well as good coaches if we want to win medals in the Olympics and other competitions,” he explained. He believes the roughly 1,000 Filipino athletes under the PSC’s wing would have this chance if the PSC and moved to the proposed 100-hectare Philippine Sports City under the control of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA). Ramirez currently holds office at the fourth floor of the administration building, a forgotten Art Deco beauty inside the historic Rizal Memorial Sports Complex (RMSC). The property sits on an 8.4-hectare prime property in Manila’s fifth district adjacent to De La Salle University. RMSC has venues for boxing, gymnastics, taekwondo, badminton, bowling, baseball, track and field, tennis and other sports. Its famed football stadium (where The Beatles held its concert in the 1960s) can seat 30,000 guests. Trouble is, the facilities have seen better days and have hardly enjoyed any improvements since the complex opened in 1934. “Look at this place. Is it conducive for the training of athletes? The pollution, the environment. Paglabas ng athletes ang daming bars. Puwede pang masagasaan ng pedicab. Kapag nakita mo ang mga tulugan ng athletes, talagang maaawa ka. The plan is to provide housing for athletes, build a better sports complex na malayo (sa bars). Mahirap lumabas sa BCDA,” he noted. Ramirez and his athletes might be thrilled at the move, but heritage conservationists are worried about the future of RMSC. This following reports that businessman Ricky Razon and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada are deep in discussions about turning it into a mall/ commercial center boasting smart technology. Mall plans

Conservationists are jittery about the possibility that the 82-year-old structures inside RMSC, particularly the administration building, would be demolished to give way to the planned mall. Perhaps Razon can take a look at the decrepit Harrison Plaza across the street for possible purchase and improvement if he is serious about his mall plans, sug-

JUN REYNALES / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

gested members of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS). In a statement, HCS insists that RMSC, “one of the last surviving prewar structures in the city,” should remain a sports complex dedicated to the people of Manila. “Although the proposed preservation of the facade is a necessary first step, it is merely a token gesture of conservation. Conservation requires understanding why the structure is important to the people, and how that importance can be communicated to future generations,” HCS said in a statement. HCS is not convinced that City Hall would not sell RMSC. It anchors hope on the plan of the National Museum to declare RMSC an “Important Cultural Property” along with three other stadia across the country “due to their exceptional cultural significance.” HSC’s Mark Richard Evidente, a lawyer and environment planning specialist, said Republic Act 10066, the National Cultural Heritage Act, creates a Philippine Registry of Cultural Property mandated to preserve historic buildings that are “over 50 years old.” Evidente said even if PSC does not own buildings inside the complex, the law is not clear whether a new owner can simply demolish or alter the 87-year old structures inside RMSC. “It would probably need to go through some kind of approval through the Office of the President or Congress. In either case, I think there might be an uphill climb for the people involved (in a possible purchase),” he warned.

rison Plaza which is aching for redevelopment but happens to belong to somebody else,” Villalon said. Ramirez said he is simply waiting for the go-signal from the Department of Justice, indicating the PSC would not be liable if it left RMSC to the City of Manila. Ramirez’s predecessor, Richie Garcia, was the one who had filed a query with DOJ. Once the Offices of the President and the Executive Secretary give him clearance, Ramirez will begin formal discus-

sions with BCDA president Vince Dizon— most likely by the first quarter of 2017. Ramirez said it was then justice secretary Leila de Lima who “green lighted” PSC’s move to Pampanga by issuing a “positive decision.” However, he did not provide reporters with a copy of the decision during a news conference last week. Ramirez told reporters repeatedly that while Republic Act 6847 creating the PSC in 1990 allows the commission administration and full control of the RMSC, the land where it stands belongs to the city government. City legal officer Jose Alberto Flaminiano was on hand to confirm this. He said the city government is in possession of several land titles with the registry of deeds. The papers prove that the city government owns the land where RMSC stands, he said. Flaminiano added however that there are no plans to sell the property. “Is Manila selling (RMSC)? We are not. (Former) Mayor (Alfredo) Lim intended to sell this before, but we are not (selling). Perhaps we can enter into a joint venture but definitely we are not selling,” Flaminiano told reporters. ■

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Architect and cultural heritage planner Augusto “Toti” Villalon lamented that the “misconception among developers and city authorities about heritage being anti-development” could be keeping Manila officials from taking a closer look at suggestions to preserve RMSC. “You can develop that place and still keep the heritage, all the green space and still make money out of it. Take a macro-look (by) combining it with Har-

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1114

Opinion

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Blanket of wet snow cut off power, caused commuter woes across Metro Vancouver THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — A blanket of heavy, wet snow cut off power to thousands in British Columbia and caused commuter chaos in Metro Vancouver on Monday. The snowfall caused trees or branches to come down over power lines and at its peak, about 18,000 people were without power, most of them on the Lower Mainland and the Sunshine Coast. Snow also caused a tree to topple over rail lines, stopping passengers on the West Coast Express from coming into the city. Commuters trying to move around southern B.C. had to deal with heavy slush and icy

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conditions that caused numerous traffic accidents and long traffic delays. The snow falling on Sunday had been forecast to shift to rain overnight, instead five centimetres of heavy snow covered

much of southwestern B.C. Weather warnings have been lifted for most of the province, but snowfall warnings remain up for the north, west and east Columbia regions, Shuswap and Kinbasket. ■

PUBLIC LIVES

Insulating higher education from politics By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer

THERE IS a medieval view of poli-

tics that unfortunately persists in societies like ours: that the winner takes all; that, following the election of a new president, all the key positions in government must be vacated to give way to the appointment of those most loyal to the president, irrespective of merit. Nothing does more violence to modern governance than this arrogance. Nothing would bring government to a more abrupt halt than this nonsense. I bring it up in the light of the recent resignation of Vice President Leni Robredo as chair of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), and of the requested courtesy resignation of Dr. Patricia Licuanan, chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd). Due supposedly to irreconcilable differences, they were ordered by President Duterte to “desist” from further attending Cabinet meetings. While Robredo took this as a cue to offer her resignation, Licuanan decided she would stay at her post until 2018, albeit as a nonmember of the Cabinet, citing her unfinished term as CHEd chair. We might usefully distinguish these two positions from one an-

other. While both are presidential under the current setup, the head to operate successfully in their reappointees, the head of the HUDCC of CHEd is the presiding officer of spective spheres. Equally crucial to indeed serves at the pleasure of the all the boards of state universities their operation is the differentiapresident; the head of CHEd does and colleges. tion between the strictly political not. The latter is protected by a Just as it is unimaginable for function and the administrative or fixed term of four years and a pos- the UP president to serve as civil service function. sible reappointment to another an alter ego of the occupant of Indeed, modernity is founded on term. Both are of Cabinet rank, but, Malacañang, so, too, would it be such differentiation. Just as modin fact, neither office is tradition- unacceptable for the overseer of ern societies do not change their ally a Cabinet position. Their occu- the nation’s institutions of higher constitutions every time they elect pants attend Cabinet meetings at learning to serve as no more than a a new government, so also do they the pleasure of the president. foot soldier of the president. High- not overhaul the entire bureaucraVP Robredo was right to resign er education institutions have a cy to suit the politics of a new set of from the HUDCC after being told delicate function in society, which elected leaders. not to attend Cabinet meetings. they perform best when their auThe ones who are installed with She should have done so as soon as tonomy is assured. They are nei- the new president are the core it became clear that she could not ther a mere adjunct of the market members of his or her executive support the Presifamily—mostly dent’s positions the appointed Modern state systems are not just characterized by the and pronounceheads of the key doctrine of separation of powers, which invests upon the ments on key quesdepartments of executive, legislative and judicial branches of government the tions. Her staying government. They autonomy they need to operate successfully in their respective on as a member of constitute his or spheres. Mr. Duterte’s offiher Cabinet. Withcial family became untenable from nor blind enforcers of state poli- in their respective departments, the moment she spoke publicly cies. That is the reason Republic however, they preside over a buagainst his actions. Act No. 7722 (The Higher Educa- reaucracy that keeps the engines Dr. Licuanan’s situation is quali- tion Act of 1994), the law that cre- of government softly whirring tatively different. She has kept ated CHEd, provided for a secure through many transitions. This is quiet on political issues. While term for its chair and members. where political vision intersects her office is not a career position, It is to insulate them from the de- with administration, where policy neither is it that of a department mands of partisan politics. decisions are translated into prosecretary, who, indeed, as an alter Modern state systems are not grams. ego of the President, serves at his just characterized by the doctrine A stable professional bureaucrapleasure. The CHEd chairmanship of separation of powers, which in- cy insulated from the vagaries of is perhaps more akin to the presi- vests upon the executive, legisla- politics ensures the continuity of dency of a public university like tive and judicial branches of gov- public service, even when the poUP, which has a fixed term. Indeed, ernment the autonomy they need litical process itself may undergo

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intense turbulence. In contrast, a politicized civil service is almost always paralyzed during periods of political transition. Our own Constitution, a modern document in its various iterations, recognizes this. That is why our laws admonish government employees not to engage in partisan politics, or express political preferences, in their capacity as civil servants. But, as citizens, they enjoy the right to vote like everyone else, and, at times, even to express their opinions on political issues. Only a thin line separates these two roles, a line that is preserved by restraint. It is what separates the civil servant from the politician. Strangely enough, within the Commission on Higher Education, it is the career civil servants, starting with its executive director Julito Vitriolo, who have been behaving like politicians. Seventeen of them recently issued a manifesto asking President Duterte to illegally fire Dr. Licuanan and to “designate or appoint a Chairperson of the Commission of your own choice or your ALTER EGO (sic) to represent the CHED in the Cabinet ….” They should read the law creating their office. In a rational society, it is power players like them who would immediately face sanctions for overstepping the line. ■

Opinion

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

AT LARGE

Hope and redemption By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer ONLY Fritz Ynfante could have pulled it off. “It” is the nearly impossible task of working with a group of people—ranging in age from adolescence to mature adulthood—who, with few exceptions, had no exposure to, let alone experience with, song and dance and theater, and getting them to come up with a show that not only entertained but also moved, enlightened and inspired. “It took all of two-and-a-half months of hard work,” Ynfante, a veteran stage director, said when congratulated on the final product. Asked how many of his cast had experience as singers and entertainers, the voluble Ynfante exclaimed: “None! We had to work almost from scratch!” The show was titled “A World of Pure Imagination,” taking the audience on a “tour” of a place called “La La Land,” which is described as “a place of solace, of peace, of sanctuary, of music and

the arts, of pure imagination.” performers lifting lights in the is an indication, there is indeed Though they were all clearly darkened interiors, pinpricks of hope for the residents struggling amateurs, even if a few exhibited a brighter tomorrow that all of against their demons and searchremarkable talent and verve, the them, I’m sure, are struggling to ing for their better selves. performers put on an impressive reach and achieve. *** show, professional and rising to “I find working with the resiOne thing I enjoyed immensely the demands of the art and the dents here in SELF particularly while viewing “Rogue One” was admittedly mercurial Ynfante. fulfilling,” said Ynfante. “There is how the film, described as a “preMore noteworthy was where something truly gratifying when quel” to “A New Hope,” the first the show was taking place—at you see them change before your of the “Star Wars” film franchise, the Sacred Heart Auditorium of very eyes. It’s as if you wave a melds almost seamlessly with the SELF, or Self Enhancement for magic wand, sprinkle some fairy rest of the story arc. Though it is Life Foundation, a “stand-alone” a private rehab production, center where chronologically, There is something truly gratifying when you see them residents seek, in “Rogue One” is change before your very eyes. the words of its set between “Redirector Martin venge of the Sith” Infante, “to heal the wounds of dust, chant the proper spell, and (2005) and “A New Hope” (1977), dependency,” whether this be to they metamorphose from gawky, bridging the disruptions created drugs, misbehavior, or destruc- plodding klutzes to dexterous by a disjointed storyline that was tive habits. creatures of light and grace.” 30 years in the making. Through songs ranging from Indeed, a favorite saying in “Rogue One” introduces us Broadway classics to pop stan- SELF is: “No matter how hard to a pair of young, attractive hedards, “A World of Pure Imagina- the past, you can always begin roes: Jyn Ersol (Felicity Jones), a tion” explores issues of heart and again.” For sure, the days, per- young woman seeking her misshunger, love and longing, hope haps months and even years, to ing scientist father, and Cassian and hopelessness. Truly mov- come will still be difficult. But Andor (Diego Luna), an intelliing was the finale, a medley of if mounting a show that is the gence officer with the Rebel AlChristmas standards with all the equal of any professional staging liance. Cassian is tasked with the

mission to find Jyn and use her to find her father, Galen Erso, who is working with the Empire to create a new weapon designed to annihilate entire planets. But Galen sends a message to the Rebel Alliance that he has implanted in the weapon a fatal flaw that will lead to its destruction. Thus, the mission of the pair and their companions shifts from targeting Galen to finding the plans for the “Death Star” that will lead to the defeat of the Empire. “Rogue One” even has a lovable mascot in the tradition of C3PO and R2D2—the enforcer droid K-2SO, who is sassier, more confrontational but just as loyal as the two other sidekicks. Also notable is Donnie Yen as Chirrut Imwe, a blind warrior who aspires to Jedi Knighthood and gives the audience a taste of true heroism. All in all, not a bad prequel as prequels go, and an excellent film worth its place in the “Star Wars” pantheon. ■

LOOKING BACK

Who are the young and inspiring PH generals? By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer WHEN A barber or masseur expertly takes your head to give it a stress-relieving twist, the audible crack of the neck should remind us of that split-second when the garrote broke the necks of Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora at a public execution in Bagumbayan in February 1872. Contrary to popular belief, the garrote did not kill slowly by strangulation; rather, the bolt was positioned tightly on the neck such that one or two quick twists of the handle by the executioner would dispatch the victim swiftly and, in principle, painlessly. Fear of the garrote was deemed a deterrent to crime and subversion. So significant was this event that O.D. Corpuz aptly described it as “The Terror of 1872” that was followed by a series of arrests, torture, imprisonment, exile, and executions that silenced a whole generation but planted the seeds of revolution in the next. “There

is no Philippine history before cember: Jacinto was born on Dec. pinkish brown skin, with some1872,” declared the nationalist 15, 1875, while Del Pilar met his what brown eyes, straight nose, historian Teodoro A. Agoncillo in end in Tirad Pass on Dec. 2, 1899, thin lips, slender body—he may the 1960s. And if we look further delaying the enemy in hot pur- be considered a handsome fellow back, our National Hero him- suit of Aguinaldo who was travel- to all intents and purposes.” self wrote: “If not for 1872 Rizal ing north to Palanan, Isabela. When the enemy stripped Del would have been a Jesuit and he It’s a pity that Jacinto and Del Pilar’s corpse of his weapons and would not have written the ‘Noli Pilar are mere footnotes in text- uniform, they took everything Me Tangere.’” He later dedicated book history. The Philippines as souvenirs, leaving him by the “El Filibusterismo,” his second is a young nation, populated by wayside in his underwear. From novel, to Gomburza. young people that should be in- the pockets of his blood-stained Of 1872, Corpuz made one very spired by Jacinto and Del Pilar uniform were fished out: a $20 important observation: Many of who both made their mark in gold coin, perfumed letters, a our 19th-century locket with a heroes were chillock of hair, and From the pockets of his blood-stained uniform were fished dren at the time. a handkerchief out: a $20 gold coin, perfumed letters, a locket with a lock of Rizal was 11 years embroidered hair, and a handkerchief embroidered with the name of a woman old; Andres Boniwith the name of who has since been mistaken for his sweetheart. facio 9, Apolinario a woman who has Mabini 8, Antonio since been misLuna 6, and Emilio Aguinaldo 3. history before turning 25. Based taken for his sweetheart. Such is Corpuz added, with a chuckle, on extant photographs, Del Pi- the short life worthy of a movie that in 1872 both Emilio Jacinto lar had the edge because of his by Jerrold Tarog who gave us the and Gregorio H. del Pilar were movie-star looks and the trail of phenomenal box-office hit “Hennot yet born. These two leading broken hearts in his wake. Teo- eral Luna.” generals—the first was involved doro M. Kalaw tries hard not to Jacinto’s life has been written in the Philippine Revolution gush in his biography describ- up by Epifanio de los Santos and against Spain, the second made ing Del Pilar: “He had agreeable Del Pilar’s by T.M. Kalaw. Both his name during the Philippine- and genial features. Hewas above biographies are standard but American War—are timely in De- the average in height, with clear they were written early in the last

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century. Surely a young historian using more materials can give us an update. Jacinto’s notebooks written in fading pencil are still extant and in a private collection; there must be something there worth writing about. There is unpublished correspondence between Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera and Del Pilar that has to be brought to light to provide new insights. In the “Philippine Insurgent Records,” returned to the Philippines by the United States and now housed in the National Library, are many unknown documents on Del Pilar waiting to be used, including a notebook of his love letters to a certain “Poleng,” on the cover of which the US military historian J.R.M. Taylor wrote: “No interest here.” A missing diary of Del Pilar has to be found, where on the day of his death he wrote: “I have a terrible premonition that the enemy will vanquish me and my valiant men, but I die happy fighting for my beloved country.” ■

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Canada News National design standards needed for temporary stages: Alberta fatality inquiry BY CHRIS PURDY The Canadian Press

B.C. offers five year, interest free down payment loans to first time buyers THE CANADIAN PRESS SURREY, B.C. — British Columbia’s government wants to help first-time homebuyers get into the market by offering interestfree and payment-free loans for the first five years. Premier Christy Clark says the government will provide first-time homebuyers with a 25-year loan for a down payment on a home to a maximum of $37,500, as long as the funds have been matched by buyers. The program applies to homes with a maximum value of $750,000 and the interest-free portion of the loan will last for the first five years, with the repayment schedule at current interest rates over the remaining 20 years. Clark said most people can remember how difficult it was to put together the money for

a down payment on their first home. “People need a partner in scraping together that first down payment,” she said Thursday. She said the program is aimed at helping middle-class workers own a home. “A home is a place where you live and raise your family and start your life,” she said. The program will start accepting applications online next month. To be eligible, first-time buyers must be pre-approved for an insured high-ratio mortgage for at least 80 per cent of the home’s purchase price. The announcement comes as housing costs in the province have ballooned, especially in Metro Vancouver where the average price on a single-family home in some neighbourhoods reached $2 million. ■

Productions, Global Production Co. and a numbered Alberta company, but the charges were stayed in 2012. The Crown EDMONTON — A fatality insaid there was no reasonable quiry into the death of a spectachance of conviction. tor at an Alberta country muDuring the inquiry last year, sic festival is recommending Andreassen heard there was no national design standards for engineer-approved design for temporary stages. the concert stage. No one had The inquiry report released applied for a stage permit, but Monday detailed how Donna the City of Camrose didn’t apMoore was crushed by heavy pear to require one. speakers when high winds The report said an orgacaused the stage to collapse nizer had been monitoring the at the Big Valley Jamboree in weather that afternoon and, Camrose on Aug. 1, 2009. about 20 minutes before the The 35-yearstage collapsed, old single mother there was talk of from Lloydminpossibly clearing ster, Alta., had the bleachers. been randomly I am concerned that municipalities About 10 minchosen with othand event promoters will become utes before the ers to sit on speor remain complacent about stage collapse, police cial bleachers on design and erection. notified a conthe main stage. cert producer of With news of a possible toran approaching nado about 75 storm and winds gusts of 100 The stage collapse was the kilometres away and suggested kilometres per hour, concert first of several around the world shutting down the concert. Ofstaff had started evacuating the that summer. ficers made another call a few stage. But it was too late. Six people died when a stage minutes later after learning An engineering study showed went down at a Sugarland con- winds were getting closer. the stage came down due to cert in Indianapolis; five died in Staff had started taking down worn ratchet straps. Belgium when a storm swept in parts of the stage, performer “Since this stage or ones like and toppled a stage at the Puk- Billy Currington was motioned it appear to be set up and used kelpop Festival; and several to wrap up his set and people on in various locations across Can- people were injured when a the bleachers were told to leave. ada (and elsewhere in North stage collapsed at Bluesfest in Although Moore’s friend was America) and there is a nation- Ottawa. among those evacuated from al body, the National Research The Alberta government laid the bleachers, Moore lingered Council, which recommends several charges against three behind and was killed moments building standards reflect- businesses involved with the ing a level of risk acceptable to Big Valley festival — Panhandle ❱❱ PAGE 22 National design

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Canadians, I recommend the National Research Council create a national standard for the design of temporary stages,” wrote provincial court Judge William Andreassen. “I am concerned that municipalities and event promoters will become or remain complacent about stage design and erection. As memory of this disaster fades, they may again simply defer to experienced stage providers who may again pay insufficient attention to detail in performing what [...] is a routine assembly project.”

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

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Canada News

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Provinces, territories refuse federal government’s offer on health care funding BY ANDY BLATCHFORD AND KRISTY KIRKUP The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The federal government pulled billions of dollars off the negotiating table Monday after failing to reach a long-term health-care funding agreement with frustrated provincial and territorial health and finance ministers. Ottawa attempted to sweeten its offer somewhat at midday in the face of withering criticism that it wasn’t bargaining in good faith, but the additional $3.5 billion over 10 years wasn’t enough to bridge the widening gap between the two sides. “We were working today to have partners with the provinces and territories,” Finance Minister Bill Morneau told a news conference. “We were unsuccessful in that effort.” Ottawa offered $11 billion over 10 years for home care and mental health, as well as $544 million over five years for prescription drug and “innovation” initiatives, on top of a 3.5 per cent annual increase in health transfers. That offer is now off the table. Heading into the talks, Morneau warned that if no deal could be reached that federal support would revert back to what the Liberals have long said they would do: limit the annual increase in health transfers to three per cent, or nominal economic growth, and provide $3

billion for home care. The annual transfer payment increase is poised to drop next April to three per cent a year — half the six per cent it has been since 2004. “We were disappointed that the provinces and territories did not feel that they could accept this offer,” said federal Health Minister Jane Philpott. Monday’s talks appeared doomed from the start, with the provinces accusing the Trudeau government of refusing to negotiate a new federal health-care funding framework, instead putting forward what they considered a lacklustre take-it-or-leave-it offer. Quebec Health Minister Gaetan Barrette had threatened to walk out if the federal government didn’t put more money on the table. In the end, it was Ottawa that was accused of shutting down the talks. “Let’s be clear, we did not walk away from this meeting ... It was the federal government that closed the meeting, ultimately,” said Ontario Finance Minister Charles Sousa. “We are here to negotiate at the directive of the first ministers; by the prime minister himself, who invited the ministers of health to attend as well to find a solution. We didn’t have the opportunity here today to have that discussion.” The federal government put forward a unilateral approach, Sousa added.

Earlier Monday, Philpott ducked questions about the concerns of the provinces, describing Ottawa’s earlier offer of mental health and home care cash as “historic” and “transformative.” “They can’t continue to make ultimatums, to make threats,” said Manitoba Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen, who added that the provinces have long been demanding health-funding negotiations with Ottawa. “For months, we’ve been begging for this.” It was clear the federal government wasn’t offering much wiggle room. Philpott appeared wilfully blind to the dissent, saying she was “absolutely delighted” with her government’s “substantial offers on the table” as she skated around questions about the provincial concerns. “This is a transformative, historic offer — we’re changing the face of health care in this country,” she said. “I am certainly optimistic that the provinces and territories would not walk away from something like this.” But walk away they did — although not before the meetings were over, which appeared a distinct possibility as the day began. P.E.I. Premier Wade MacLauchlan, speaking on behalf of the provincial and territorial interests, sounded a pragmatic and determined note as he acknowledged the failed talks and called for a first ministers meeting on health funding.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

“We do not — and we all want to be very clear about this — view the end of today as the end of a path,” MacLauchlan said. “We are on a path together, a path that we have travelled for 50 years, and on which we expect the federal government to be an active, supportive, engaged partner. “We do not believe that as of the end of the day today that we are at an impasse. We have work to do.” An analysis by provinces released Monday compared the potential outcomes of the status quo versus federal Morneau’s latest offer. The data said that the statusquo scenario of annual increases of three per cent, or the average rate of nominal economic growth, in addition to $3 billion in targeted funding, would mean a total of $445.2 billion in federal health-care cash over the next decade. It would also lower the feder-

US EMBASSY CANADA / FLICKR

al share of funding in provincial health budgets to 20.2 per cent in 2026-27 from 22.9 per cent next year. In comparison, the document said Morneau’s earlier $8-billion, 3.5 per cent offer would provide the provinces with total of $445.9 billion over the next decade. Under that scenario, the share of federal funding would fall to 19.8 per cent in 2026-27 from 23.1 per cent in next year, the data noted. Even with the 2015 Liberal platform’s pledge of $3 billion for home care, de Jong said he didn’t think his province would necessarily be better off. At the end of the day, he said it would essentially be “a wash.” “It’s just an example of a federal government that says, ‘Here’s the solution and if you don’t like that’s too bad — it’s take it or leave it,”’ he said. “For me, for an issue of this importance, it’s ridiculous.” ■

Calgary real estate developer shot, wounded outside home in morning attack BY IAN BICKIS The Canadian Press CALGARY — A prominent Calgary real estate developer was shot Monday morning outside his home in what police believe was a targeted attack. Riaz Mamdani, founder and chief executive of Strategic Group, was confirmed as the victim by a company spokeswoman who said he was in sta-

ble condition. “Strategic Group’s condolences are with the Mamdani family at this time,” said Lisa Maragh. Police were called to the wealthy Mount Royal neighbourhood a little after 8 a.m. and found Mamdani in critical condition inside his late model Mercedes. “By the nature of this attack it is believed to be targeted. But an exact motive is not known at this time,” said Staff Sgt. Travis

Baker. A short time later, a vehicle fire was reported a few blocks away. Baker said it isn’t known if the two incidents are related but, considering the timing, it’s likely. Mamdani was conscious and talking to police investigators Monday afternoon. Baker said police were looking for help from the public to locate a male suspect wearing an orange coat who was spotted in the area. www.canadianinquirer.net

“It’s a fairly quiet neighbourhood down there, so we would hope that people recognize their neighbours and know who should and should not be in the neighbourhood,” Baker said. “Obviously, this person appears to be someone who should not be in the neighbourhood.” Police said they were exploring potential motives for the shooting, including whether it was business related. Strategic Group has a range

of commercial and residential developments in Alberta, British Columbia, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Mamdani and the Strategic Group are listed as defendants as part of a class-action lawsuit against Platinum Equities Inc. that alleges thousands of people lost an estimated $200 million in real estate investments between 2002 and 2012. ■ With files from Bill Graveland

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

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Canada News

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

From the ashes: Fort McMurray people share stories seven months after the fire BY LAUREN KRUGEL The Canadian Press IT’S BEEN more than seven months since a massive wildfire swept through the northern Alberta city of Fort McMurray, displacing more than 80,000 people and destroying more than 2,400 homes and businesses. The fire has been selected by senior editors as Canada’s news story of the year for 2016. As part of its ongoing coverage of the disaster, The Canadian Press has checked back with several people who lived through the fire to see what life has been like since. Wearing down

When asked how he is doing, Farid El-Hayouni sighs. “The beast” consumed the house he shared with his wife, three sons and parents, as well as many other homes in Fort McMurray’s Stone Creek neighbourhood. “You know, you think to yourself you are strong,” says El-Hayouni, 34, who works as an engineer at the Syncrude oilsands mine north of the city. “You try your best to really not show it, but sometimes it does have a huge impact on you.” Since returning in September, El-Hayouni has rented a house about a two-minute drive from the charred pit where his family’s home used to stand. He, his wife, Ibtissam Saidi, and one-year-old son Wassim share one bedroom. His two older sons — Sohaib, 9, and Sofian, 7 — are in another. His mother and ailing father take up the third. A month-long vacation last summer to Morocco, where he was born and where many relatives still live, gave El-Hayouni a welcome respite. But now the responsibility of providing for his family weighs on him heavily. “I know there is a lot of help out there, but it does not come and look for you.” It’s been a struggle to make ends meet every month. He pays $3,200 in rent every month and still makes $2,400 mortgage payments on a house that’s no longer standing. The relentless back-and-forth with

his insurance provider has been draining. “Most of the time I don’t even want to have a talk about the house,” he says. “It hits that soft tissue in the heart and it bothers me.” El-Hayouni hopes to have his home rebuilt by this time next year, but he’s not sure whether he still wants to live at 367 Prospect Dr. or sell the property and find something in a different neighbourhood. “Life could rewind itself again.” Packing up

Henry Velasquez is preparing to say goodbye to a city that he loves. Fort McMurray is the only Canadian home he’s known since he moved from Colombia six years ago. “This is the place that gave me the best gift in my life,” says the 40-year-old chemical engineer. “That is my son. My son was born here. “We’ve always been really proud of that, of being in this place.” Velasquez, his wife, Olga, and four-year-old son Tomas have been living in a rented two-bedroom apartment not far from the rubble of the townhouse they called home. But life since their return in September has taken an emotional toll. Velasquez found himself driving by his destroyed home regularly to check on its rebuilding. “My wife told me, ‘Don’t do that. You’re killing yourself,”’ he says. “So I stopped doing that.” Relief from $2,500 monthly mortgage payments on his destroyed property is coming to an end, and the prospect of having to balance those with his monthly rent of $2,000 has been causing a lot of stress. The Velasquez family are planning to move in March to Sherwood Park, near Edmonton, where his employer has lined up a new job for him. It means more of a financial squeeze until he is able to sell his home in Fort McMurray. “But my family and their mental health is more important than anything.” Before the fire, Velasquez

The wildfire burning near Fort McMurray.

and his wife had been thinking about adding to their family, but the fire put those plans on hold. Now, there’s some renewed hope. “Once we have any certainty about what is going to happen, definitely we are going to try to have another child,” he says. “I don’t want another child with nothing in my hands.” Building again

Mark Stephenson has been spending a lot of time poring over blueprints. The 43-year-old firefighter watched helplessly as flames engulfed his house in Fort McMurray’s Abasand neighbourhood before he moved on to protecting others. While still in the thick of the battle, Stephenson vowed he would rebuild in the same spot. Seven months later he’s following through, trying to settle on a floor plan that fits his family’s budget. “That’s still my little piece of Fort McMurray up there,” he says. He’s optimistic that by the end of 2017, he and his wife and young kids will be back home. His daughter Marley, 3, is too young to understand what happened. Five-year-old Jake has gradually come to grips with it. “For the first little while, he was playing ‘fire.’ Playing with his dinosaurs or whatever, they all had to put out the fire. His Transformers were all firefighting Transformers.” Those games have subsided. “He’s a pretty tough little kid.” They family is renting a nice place in Timberlea, on the othwww.canadianinquirer.net

JASON WOODHEAD / FLICKR

er end of town from Abasand. “They’re decent townhomes, but they’re not our own homes,” he says. “They’re not what we built and paid for. They’re not our dreams.” Stephenson is off work for the time being. Trace elements from the fire are still showing up in his blood work. He’s off duty until he gets a clean bill of health. His energy level is low, but he’s trying his best to eat well, exercise regularly and keep stress away. He finds being outdoors — hunting and fishing — helps. “It’s hard for firefighters to deal with stuff like that, because we’re the helpers. We don’t look for help. “There’s this kind of frustration with us all, too, that we shouldn’t be feeling this way. And it’s all just a big farce because we’re men and women just like any other community and any other occupation.” Stronger ties

Jada Polem’s family was one of the lucky ones. Their home was left unscathed by fire and they have managed to ease back into normal life. Still, the 16-year-old notices differences in the people who returned to her city. “It feels a lot different,” she says. “Before, it was just people lived in Fort Mac. But now it’s like you see yourself as a community.” Jada’s flight from the flames was viewed by many around the world. As the wind-whipped fire encroached on her home, she

faced a dilemma. She had three horses to shuttle out of harm’s way and room for only two in her family’s trailer. While her father hauled two of the horses away, Jada hopped on Mya, the oldest of her mares, and got moving. It was so hot, the horse had to be hosed down along the way. It wasn’t long before photos of the teen riding the light brown horse alongside bumper-tobumper traffic went viral. After about three hours of riding, Jada got to a safe place off Highway 63. She and the horse were picked up in the middle of the night. Jada and her horses were separated over the summer — she was in Newfoundland and the animals remained outside Edmonton. The animals were a bit on edge after they returned in September. “They were just spooking if they heard a weird noise,” says Jada. “Or if they were out in the field, they were just more high strung than they usually were ... They’re settled in now and back into their normal routine.” Painting away pain

The reds, oranges and yellows that dominated artist Liana Wheeldon’s palette in the fire’s aftermath are giving way to cooler, calmer hues. The 48-year-old painter, who also runs Pawfessional Pet Sitting with her husband Ron Kirsch, returned to Fort McMurray in the summer, but not to their smoke-damaged condominium in the Abasand neighbourhood. They’ve been renting an apartment in the north-end neighbourhood of Timberlea and hope to be home by the end of the year. The blaze dubbed “the beast” inspired paintings that show animals, trees, water bombers and firefighters rendered in stark black against fiery backdrops. “They almost have that ‘50s advertisement kind of feel to it — very bold colours, simple lines,” says Wheeldon. The memories of her escape ❱❱ PAGE 30 From the

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

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World News

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Gunman kills Russian ambassador Bridge to to Turkey at photo exhibit S.U.C.C.E.S.S. gala

raffles back to town

BY BURHAN OZBILICI AND SUZAN FRASER The Associated Press ANKARA, TURKEY — Shouting “Don’t forget Aleppo! Don’t forget Syria!” a Turkish policeman in a suit and tie fatally shot Russia’s ambassador to Turkey in front of stunned onlookers at a photo exhibit. Police killed the assailant after a shootout. Ambassador Andrei Karlov, 62, was several minutes into a speech at the embassy-sponsored exhibition in the Turkish capital of Ankara when a man fired at least eight shots, according to an AP photographer in the audience. “Don’t forget Aleppo, don’t forget Syria!” the gunman shouted in Turkish, referring to the Syrian city where Russian bombardments have helped drive rebels from areas they had occupied for years during the war. He also shouted “Allahu akbar,” the Arabic phrase for “God is great” and continued in Arabic: “We are the descendants of those who supported the Prophet Muhammad, for jihad.” Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu identified the gunman as Mevlut Mert Altintas. He said Altintas, who was born in 1994, had been an officer with Ankara’s riot police squad for more than two years. Soylu did not give a motive for the attack. The gunman approached Karlov as he lay on the ground and shot him at least one more time at close range, the AP photographer said. The attacker also smashed several of the framed photos hung for the exhibition, as panicked people ran for cover. Three other people were wounded in the attack, Turkey’s NTV television said. After shooting the ambassador, the gunman climbed to the second floor of the same building and was killed after a 15-minute shootout with police, Turkey’s Anadolu news agency reported. The attack comes a day before a meeting of Russian, Turkish and Iranian foreign and defence ministers in Moscow to discuss Syria. Russia and Iran have backed Syrian President

Russia and Iran have backed Syrian President Bashar Assad throughout the nearly six-year conflict, while Turkey has supported Assad’s foes. Pictured are President Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin. KREMLIN.RU

Bashar Assad throughout the nearly six-year conflict, while Turkey has supported Assad’s foes. “It’s a tragic day in the history of our country and Russian diplomacy,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in televised comments. “Ambassador Karlov has made a lot of personal contributions to the development of ties with Turkey. He has done a lot to overcome a crisis in bilateral relations,” she said. “He was a man who put his heart and his soul into his job. It’s a terrible loss for us and also the world.” Karlov joined the diplomatic service in 1976. He served as Russia’s ambassador to Pyongyang in 2001-06, and later worked as the chief of the Foreign Ministry’s consular department. He had served as the ambassador to Turkey since 2013. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said U.S. officials were aware of reports about the shooting. “We condemn this act of violence, whatever its source,” Kirby said. The United Nations also condemned the attack. “There can be no justification for an attack on an ambassador ... and we very much hope that the perpetrators will be brought to justice,” U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. Melih Gokcek, the mayor for Ankara, told reporters outside the exhibition centre that

the “heinous” attack aimed to disrupt newly-re-established relations between Turkey and Russia. Relations between Russia and Turkey were badly strained by the downing of a Russian warplane at the Syrian border in November 2015, but Turkey’s apology earlier this year helped overcome the rift. The leaders of the two countries, Presidents Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have held several meetings in recent months and spoken frequently over the phone. Russia and Turkey have cosponsored the evacuation of civilians and rebels from Aleppo and also discussed the prospect of organizing a new round of peace talks in Kazakhstan’s capital, Astana. Turkey has struggled with multiple security threats in recent years, including Kurdish militants who claimed responsibility for a Dec. 10 bombing in Istanbul that killed 44 people, many of them police. The Islamic State group fighting in Syria and Iraq has also been blamed for attacks in Turkey, a NATO member and a partner in the U.S.-led campaign against the group. Additionally, Turkish security forces and courts remain preoccupied with purging state institutions of the supporters of an exiled Islamist cleric whom the government accuses of staging a failed coup attempt in July. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

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sored by MEGO. There are also many other amazing prizes, e.g. tour packages, hotel suite stay, and cash accounts. Raffle tickets are $2 each or $10 for a book of five. A total of 22 winning numbers will be drawn at the 2017 Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala set for Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Westin Bayshore, Vancouver. Bridge to S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala is one of Vancouver's most anticipated charity social events that welcomes more than 800 corporate and philanthropic leaders for an evening of fine dining and great entertainment. The 2017 Gala festivities will include a private VIP reception, silent and live auctions, and an exclusive seated banquet. Gala tickets are $238, $338, $558 and $838 per person respectively. VIP table of ten is also available at $8,380. More details will be announced in late January. ■ For raffle ticket sales and Gala ticket reservations, please call 604-408-7228 or visit www.successfoundation.ca.

Total value of prizes for 2017 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. raffle sale is doubled thanks to sponsors and supporters.

National design... later, said the report. Many others were injured. Among a dozen other recommendations, Andreassen said seating should not be permitted on stages within two hours of the predicted arrival of strong winds. ❰❰ 16

The judge said festival promoters should also hire professional meteorologists to provide routine and updated weather predictions. Panhandle has retained a professional meteorologist since the collapse, said the report. ■

Community News

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

PCCF, AFCM, OLA hold Christmas Party BY FE PACA TADURAN TORONTO, CANADA — For the fourth consecutive year, a Christmas Party which is a joint initiative of the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation (PCCF), Archdiocesan Filipino Catholic Mission (AFCM), and the Our Lady of Assumption Church, was held in Toronto on December 10th, 2016. The event was organized by Rosemer Enverga, AFCM Chair of Temporalities, Zeny Uy, AFCM Chair of Workship Ministry, Jeanette Rosales, AFCM Chair of Social Ministry, Knights of Columbus Council 12582, and the Our Lady of Assumption Parish, led by Lita and Tim Sinclair,and Cynthia Vergara. In attendance were 400 guests, which included: Rev. Fr.Ben Ebcas, Jr., Pastor of Our Lady of Assumption Church, OLA Parishioners, Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation Officers and Members, led by President Romy Rafael, Ricky Cuenca, President of ANCOP Canada. Dignitaries

present were: Canadian Senator Tobias (Jun) Enverga, Jr., MPP Patrick Brown, leader of the Ontario Official Opposition, former Consul General

Pedro O. Chan, former Canada Ambassador to the Philippines Neil Reeder and his wife, Irene. Ambassador Reeder's huge contribution and effort during

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the Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda efforts in the Philippines during his term was recognized during the event. During the night, the Philippine Canadian Charitable Foundation donated $5,700.00 to OLA/AFCM for the Orphanage in Tacloban; and $11,500.00 to ANCOP for the PCCF Tala/ ANCOP Village. PCCF Officers and Pageants will be heading to the Philippines in January 2017 to do more charity work. AFCM and ANCOP are beneficiaries of PCCF’s yearly summer event, the Pinoy Fiesta and Trade Show sa Toronto. Everyone enjoyed the program emceed by Lita Leano, PCCF Executive Secretary,

and the sumptuous spread of food, raffle prizes, line dancing and Santa’s gift giving for the children and adults. Gifts were given by GMA Pinoy TV. Entertainment numbers included numbers from the Little Miss Philippines Canada 2016's Angeline Siao, Amber Rinker, Ranielle Lucero, Monique & Princess Dador, and LittleMr Philippines Canada 2015 Edward Jones and his brother Quiency Jones. Also amongst those present were: Miss Philippines Canada 2016 Krista Bella, Miss Teen Philippines Canada 2016 Chiara Silo and Mrs Philippines Canada 2016 Amelia Arcilla. Major sponsor for the Christmas event was GMA Pinoy. ■

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Entertainment Bea Alonzo on Gerald’s first meeting with her mom BY CHENG ILAGAN Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES — At the backstage during ABS-CBN Christmas Special, actress Bea Alonzo shared the story about the meeting of Gerald Anderson and her mother last Sunday. “Graduation kasi ng kapatid ko nung Friday. Since may work nun, nung Sunday lang ako nagkaroon ng time na makapag pa-party sa kanya. Ayun naginvite siya ng mga friends niya, nag-invite din ako ng sa akin, (It was my brother’s graduation last Friday. Since I had work that day, we got to celebrate his party last Sunday. He invited

his friends and I also invited mine),” Bea was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with Pushmobile.abs-cbn.com. She was then asked about the meeting of his special friend Gerald Anderson and her mom. “Okay naman siya. Si Mama naman hindi naman siya nakikialam kung ano ang ginagawa ko basta alam niya na okay ako, but she’s always there to support me. She never said na ‘hindi mo pwede i-date ang taong ito.’ Hindi siya ganon, (She’s fine. My mom doesn’t meddle with what I’m doing as long as she knows that I’m okay, but she’s always there to support me. She never said ‘you can’t date this guy.’ She’s not like that).”

On the other hand, Gerald Anderson said that he was so happy and privileged to meet Bea’s family. Gerald said that they enjoyed making time for each other and added that they are not on a rush to make their relationship official. “Ako naman, nagte-take advantage lang ako sa bawat pagsasama namin, kasi siyempre busy kami pareho. (I’m taking advantage every time we meet because of course, we are both busy),” Gerald was quoted as saying in an exclusive interview with PEP.ph and Cinema News. “Di rin naman ako nagmamadali (I’m not on a rush after all),” he added. ■

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Morales: Dutertespeak... threats that he will kill drug dealers and users were not against the law per se, according to Morales. “It’s not illegal to say I will kill you. No, it’s not,” Morales said. “That’s a mere statement. In the context in which it is said, we have to look for the circumstances surrounding that. ‘I’ll kill you’ [is] probably just a statement, unless there is probably an overt act showing that you intend to kill (someone).” Morales did not comment when asked whether the President’s threats could encourage law enforcers to terminate targets of their Commander in Chief. “That is in relation to what he also said that he is going to protect the policemen, and the analysis is that it will only em❰❰ 9

bolden policemen in killing. But as I said, cases might reach us, and I will be saying that I’m prejudging the cases,” Morales said. “[I’m] not going to answer that because cases might reach us, albeit I am not going to participate because I am going to inhibit,” she added. Sara’s aunt-in-law

Morales had declared earlier this week that she would personally keep off cases filed with her office involving the President, being an aunt-in-law of his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte Carpio. The death toll in the war on drugs has topped 5,000, including more than 2,000 killed in police antidrug operations and over 3,000 other killings carried out by suspected vigilantes or rival drug syndicates. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Canadian entertainer Gordie Tapp of ‘Hee Haw’ and CBC fame dead at 94 THE CANADIAN PRESS

from 1956 to 1965. Tapp eventually took his act south of the border to the popular American variety series “Hee Haw,” inspiring other Canadian performers to follow his lead. Earlier this year, comedian Colin Mochrie visited the Lasalle Park Retirement Living Community facility, where Tapp

was influenced in part by “Hee Haw.” “For me, it was the first show BURLINGTON, ONT. — Canawhere I realized that Canadians dian entertainer Gordie Tapp, could make it big in America,” a comedian, musician, script Mochrie said. “It was sort of an writer and pitchman, died inspiration.” Sunday from complications of Despite his successes with pneumonia at age 94. “Hee Haw,” Tapp was resolute Born in London, Ont., the about staying in Canada, said member of the Order of Canada his daughter Kate Tapp Mock. and Canadian “We were all Country Music up here and Dad Hall of Fame indidn’t really ductee kicked off think of himself his career in raFor me, it was the first show where I as American. He dio before movrealized that Canadians could make was very proudly ing into TV. it big in America. It was sort of an Canadian and he During the inspiration. had enough work 1950s, he was a here,” she said. founding mem“He was a good ber of “Main family man.” Street Jamboree,” a radio and and his wife Helen lived, to pay Tapp also had an undercover TV show out of Hamilton, and tribute to the entertainer. role that brought much joy to hosted the CBC music-variety During an onstage chat with radio listeners: playing Santa program “Country Hoedown” Tapp, Mochrie said his career for Hamilton radio station

ALCHETRON.COM

CHML. “We kids used to have to stay out of my parents’ bedroom because he would use that phone and they would make it sound like he was calling from the North Pole. And for hours he would have to sit there and listen to all the kids and what they wanted for Christmas,” Tapp Mock said.

In more recent years, Tapp was also known for appearing in TV commercials for Ultramatic beds, and was a committed philanthropist, raising funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the Easter Seals Society. He is survived by his wife and his children Kate, Jeff and Barbara. ■

Fifth Harmony becomes quartet Canadian music after Camila Cabello quits duo Tegan and Sara

launch foundation in support of LGBTQ rights

THE CANADIAN PRESS CAMILA CABELLO has left Fifth Harmony to pursue a solo career but said the girl group shouldn’t be surprised by her departure. Cabello wrote in a statement posted on several on social media sites that she has repeatedly talked with the other group members about her plans to focus on a solo career. Her post came hours after other Fifth Harmony group members released a statement on Twitter early Monday saying they were just informed of her plans. They said the group will continue as a quartet. “We are four strong, committed women who will continue with Fifth Harmony as well as our solo endeavours,” the group wrote in a statement. Both sides wished the other well. Cabello’s statement reflected on private moments the group shared, and thanked fans for their support. “New chapters are scary, but

THE CANADIAN PRESS

HELGA ESTEB / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

conforming to what’s safe and looking back with regret would be even scarier,” she wrote. Fifth Harmony was formed on the second season of the “The X Factor” in 2012 and scored its biggest hit last year with “Worth It.”

Cabello has been branching out on her own with collaborations with Shawn Mendes on “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and a duet with Machine Gun Kelly, “Bad Things,” that reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

TORONTO — Canadian music duo Tegan and Sara have created a new foundation aimed at empowering LGBTQ girls and women. In an open letter posted on their website, the twin sisters spoke of the support they’ve received from LGBTQ fans throughout their careers as they navigated sexism and homophobia in the music industry. The Calgary-raised siblings says those actions have inspired them to speak out about the struggles of the community. The mission of the Tegan and Sara Foundation is to “fight for economic justice, health, and representation for LGBTQ girls

and women.” This will involve supporting the work of other groups who have been championing the cause of LGBTQ and women’s rights by raising funds and awareness for their initiatives. The duo says they will also fight against the “repressive legislation” of the incoming administration of U.S. presidentelect Donald Trump. “We will fight against regressive homophobic, transphobic, and misogynistic legislation. We will fight for economic, racial and gender justice,” a portion of the letter reads. “We started the foundation to dismantle the systems of inequity that prevent LGBTQ girls and women from reaching their full potential. Together, we can make a difference.” ■

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Lifestyle New Year’s Eve on a budget means... sticking to your budget BY LEANNE ITALIE The Associated Press NEW YORK — It’s the party of the year, for those who like to party, but what happens when your New Year’s Eve dreams are too big for your bank? There are lots of ways to cut corners and still have loads of fun. You need a little imagination, possibly some elbow grease and the willingness to compromise. Among the first things to consider is budget. Have one and stick to it, said personal finance expert Rachel Cruze. Without a bottom line, she said, it’s too easy to hop from shop to shop dropping $10 here and $20 there. And pay with cash to stay on track. If the goal is to go out, look for places that aren’t charging extra for special New Year’s packages. Some venues may be hosting a big-ticket party in one spot and opening another area on the cheap. In Temecula, California, for instance, the Pechanga Resort & Casino offers party packages for a set price but opens its Round Bar area for no cover and free valet parking. Drinks aren’t free but there’s a balloon and confetti drop at midnight. As for fancy duds, party attire can be rented and trendy pieces are plentiful at lower prices. Or throw a no-pressure pajama party at home. The key, overall, when trying to save your New Year’s Eve bucks is to forget about the Joneses, Cruze said.

“Comparing yourself, and your New Year’s plans, to others not only steals your joy but also your paycheque,” she said. For families, lots of towns host inexpensive “first night” gatherings. West of Boston in MetroWest, for example, there’s an outdoor event along a local rail trail. Families sponsor and tend to bonfires along the route, supplying marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers for s’mores. A railway tunnel along the trail is strung with lights and local Boy Scout troops provide hot cocoa and hot dogs as people of all ages walk, some draped in strings of Christmas lights. Brad Nierenberg, who lives near Scranton, Pennsylvania, said he helped throw a bash at his church last year, ordering inexpensive party favours online and using as centerpieces wine bottles he spray painted gold and silver to hold similarly painted branches he collected in his backyard. They skipped Champagne and went for ginger ale instead. On the subject of spirits, not all less expensive Champagnes are swill. And there’s always the prosecco or cava options. If you can’t give up the idea of Champagne altogether and are hosting a party, do a punch instead of serving glassfuls. Depending on your style, hosting doesn’t have to cost a lot. Do “sweets and treats” rather than a full meal, go for a pot

luck or get crafty with decorations you already own, said Sara Skirboll, a shopping and trends expert for the deals site RetailMeNot. “Repurpose your Christmas tinsel and string lights,” she said. “Tack up some tinsel and twinkly lights around main doorways within the party area or gift wrap a wall for a festive photo opp.” Andrea Woroch, a consumer and money-saving expert, said don’t be afraid to ask guests to BYOB. Most of your friends ask what they can bring, anyway, so why not say bring your favourite drink, whether it’s beer, wine or liquor with a mixer, she said. “If you prefer to provide the booze, as many do, don’t stock a full bar,” Woroch suggests. “That will become incredibly pricey, especially since you can’t predict what everyone will

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want to drink and how much of it they will consume.” Pick a signature cocktail to serve instead, along with beer and wine. For food, make it a dessert party or go with a burger bar rather than multiple dishes or passed trays. Try doing finger foods and a cookie swap to help save money. Looking for a destination getaway to keep the party going? Gregg Steiner in Sherman Oaks, California, and a bunch of friends rent a house in Northern California on Airbnb every year and save a fortune. The cost for a three-night stay amounts to about $100 per couple, he said. They share food, liquor and other costs among 10 to 20 people. With the drive north and other expenses, costs amount to about $250 per couple, he said. “It allows us all to be together in one big house instead of sev-

eral expensive hotel rooms,” Steiner said. “It’s fun to be together.” Maria Velasquez gets together with friends and their families every year in Ringwood, New Jersey, to rent their local clubhouse or hall. Everybody brings a dessert or an appetizer. They collect $20 or $30 per family to cover the rental. They had enough for a DJ once but otherwise rely on bluetooth speakers and someone’s phone playlist for music. On decorations and bubbly, the goal is to spend less than $100, she said. The Champagne is enough for a midnight toast. They usually have 15 to 25 people, including kids of all ages. “No one shoulders the financial burden of hosting the party in their home,” Velasquez said. “Everyone pitches in to clean up at the end of the night and we all have a blast.” ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Elf on a Shelf and Mensch on a Bench sit side by side at Chrismukkah

Happy Falalala llamakkah: Holidays have a new face

BY CASSANDRA SZKLARSKI The Canadian Press

BY LEANNE ITALIE The Associated Press

ERICA MARK grew up Jewish but that hasn’t stopped her from loving everything about Christmas. The tinsel-loving mom happily embraces the seasonal traditions of shopping for gifts, decorating the tree and chatting about Santa with her toddler. And she expects to do all of those things while lighting the menorah when the eight-day CFSHOPS.COM Jewish holiday of Hanukkah kicks off Dec. 24. These are holidays. These are gather at home every night and “It’s easy to get swept away about giving children joy and we’ll light the candles in our in the whole Christmas hoop- warmth.” own home. Then maybe once or la,” says Mark, whose husband There’s certainly no short- twice throughout the eight days comes from a Protestant family. age of Chrismukkah products we’ll have a big dinner with my “I happily got sucked into the to ring in blended holidays. A parents ... where it’s latkes.” machine.” quick scan of online sites and Her home is decked out with This year’s perfect calendar retailers including Amazon, both an Elf on the Shelf for overlap — in which Hanukkah Etsy and Pinterest turns up an Christmas and a Mensch on will begin on Christmas Eve array of tree ornaments shaped the Bench for Hanukkah, with and end on New Year’s Day — like dreidels and menorahs, the busy mom noting she feels is the epitome of what’s come a wealth of ugly “Hanukkah pressure to ramp up Hanukkah to be known by some as Chris- sweaters,” and plenty of blue- celebrations. mukkah. and-white candy canes, wreaths “If you ask my son he’d say he Made famous by the defunct and stockings. prefers Christmas, so it’s really teen soap “The O.C.”, the hybrid There’s even a six-foot “Me- up to me to try to really make holiday has grown to become a norah Tree,” a massive version Hanukkah extra special,” says full-fledged fesFitzpatrick, who tivity in its own refuses to put up right, say its cela Christmas tree ebrants, who disin her home. miss critics who These are holidays. These are about If anything, fear it promotes giving children joy and warmth. Chrismukkah Christian theolactually allows ogy. people to enFor inter-faith hance their Jufamilies, it’s a genuine way to of the candle-holder with pine daism, argues Alan Masarsky, a acknowledge both faiths with garlands wrapped around each California resident who says he equal measure while teach- of its nine vertical branches. came up with the “Yamaclaus” ing children about inclusivity, There’s no wrong way to cel- — a mashup of a yarmulke and diversity and tolerance, says ebrate Chrismukkah, says To- Santa Claus hat — as a gift for Morri Chowaiki. ronto mom Maya Fitzpatrick, his young nieces and nephews “This is about tolerance, we’re who is raising her three boys to help them better connect all one people here,” says Chow- Jewish but makes sure they with their Jewish background. aiki, a California entrepreneur also experience her in-laws’ Masarsky hopes Chrismukwho tapped into a ripe market Xmas celebrations. kah can be an antidote to diviby developing and patenting a “My kids see it as a special sive sentiments that seem to Star of David tree-topper. thing, like you’re not just cel- have flourished since the U.S. “There are so many (Jewish) ebrating one, you’re celebrating election. people that celebrate Christ- two,” she says. “You get the best “A lot of families are not your mas and Easter. You tell me: of both worlds.” traditional families anymore,” What is looking for Easter eggs Fitzpatrick, author of the says Masarsky, whose Russian have to do with the resurrec- parenting blog Mayahood, says immigrant parents embraced tion of Jesus Christ? What does they enjoy a big turkey dinner, Christmas traditions when presents under a tree and a fat eggnog and a gift exchange with they arrived in North America. jolly man with a red hat have the grandparents. “It’s not just about your one to do with the birth of Christ? “And then with my family, we way of doing things.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

NEW YORK — Happy Falalalallamakkah, one and all. With Hanukkah and Christmas bumping together this year, a holiday theme for the ages is ready to go — llamas. What do we mean? We mean cute and funky sweaters, Tshirts, holiday cards, wrapping paper and more showing off the cud-chewing pack animal for Christmas and Hanukkah, which begins the night of Dec. 24 this time around. Oddly, the long-necked beast lends itself to holiday catch phrases for both: “Happy Llamadays” on a Christmas tree ornament with a little white one in a Santa cap, for instance, or “Fa-La-La Llama” on cards. Looking to keep this quirky celebrant simple? Jews can enjoy “Happy Llamakah!” instead on paper products and sweaters. How about the Hanukkah-blue sweater with a brown llama in black hat, ear holes included. Also, he’s sporting Hasidic sidelocks. These festive outfits are definitely of the “ugly sweater” ilk, with a side order of hipster. And lest you wonder the difference between a llama and an alpaca, look no further than the Christmas T-shirt with tree and a beast apparently named Larry declaring “Not a llama (alpaca).” Dude, you’re both camelids. Just sayin’. Online sellers from Amazon to Zazzle are awash in holiday llamas ho-ho-ho-ing it up with antlers and Christmas lights, wreaths around their necks and wearing ugly sweaters of their own. For Hanukkah, they’re also in yarmulke, urging fans to belt “Llamakah, oh Llamakah,” like the holiday classic. The Paper Source is selling blue-andwhite Llamakah gift wrap with the animals in scarves toting menorahs and wrapped presents. So where does all this lead? Well, directly to Barry Sellers in

Manchester, England, for one. He’s a 34-year-old artist who used to do street graffiti under the tag “llamaphish” using llamas or a goldfish in an Army helmet, depending on his mood. Now, he’s selling a T-shirt of his own design in — count ‘em — 40 different colours with a goofy, bug-eyed llama as a Christmas tree itself, a topper star on his head, lights and garland wrapped around him, wishing all: “Fa lla lla lla llama.” Why, Barry, why? “To be honest I have no idea. I’ve always drawn llamas,” he said by phone Tuesday. “I think it’s their facial expression. They’ve got a really funny face, almost condescending, like they’re laughing at you.” He’s selling through the DIY site Teepublic at the moment, where designers upload their images for use on all sorts of stuff, including shirts, mugs, baby onesies and phone cases. He’s got plenty of company from others doing llamas. “They’re just a funny animal,” Sellers said. “Even the name. It’s one of those words that’s just nice to say. It makes you laugh.” Yasmeen Eldahan, 29, is a school teacher by day, a New Yorker living in Cairo, and a seller of all things llama at Zazzle on her own time. Why? Because they sell, she said via email. “I suppose it has something to do with the quirky nature of llamas themselves,” Eldahan said. “They’re not traditionally cute, nor are they particularly cool. They’re unusual and humorous. And I think that appeals to people.” She said she hasn’t branched out into Llamakkah items yet, “but I might consider it for future llamas!” Andrew Sutton, head of operations for the site TipsyElves, where the sidelocked-llama sweater is sold, said one characteristic sets the animals apart: indifference. “People absolutely love llamas because they live a carefree lifestyle,” he said. “They don’t desire any love in the first place.” ■

Lifestyle

DECEMBER 23, 2016

How to spot lies, ‘fake news’ and propaganda BY BARBARA ORTUTAY The Associated Press

addresses, or URLs, that end in “com.co,” writes Melissa Zimdars, a communications professor at Merrimack College whose own list of “fake news” sites went viral. (She has since taken it down and published a more general guide.) You can also check the website’s “about” page, its list of contacts, and other stories and photos on it. Poke around a little; if things look less-than-official, you’re probably on a spoof site.

printed on actual paper? Let’s put it this way: If the pope actually endorsed Trump, you’d see it everywhere.

NEW YORK — The Pope has endorsed Donald Trump for Sources, sources, sources president. Anonymous sources can apA Washington, DC, pizzeria pear in legit as well as madeis a front for a child sex abuse up news stories. But Googling ring. the people who are named in George Soros will “bring a story is a good way to check down” the U.S. by funding whether the story itself is real. “black hate groups.” They might have a LinkedIn These are just some examprofile, or appear in other news ples of viral stories circulated stories, for example. Someone on social media recently that Grammar and emotions says they are a university proare completely untrue. FaceRandom use of ALL CAPS? fessor? Google the name of the book on Thursday announced Lots of exclamation points? university. Is it a health study some steps it’s taking to stop Does it make sense when you on a new cure for cancer? Look the spread of such “fake news” read it out loud? Can you imag- it up. on its huge social network. On Facebook This includes Facebook usworking with ers often share outside factBut there are basic things news articles without checking orgareaders can do themselves to spot reading them. nizations and fake news. And if you want, you can Don’t be that drying up finanreport them to Facebook, which person. cial incentives can flag stories for fact-checkers to Instead, click to what it calls evaluate. on the link and the “worst of the read the story worst” spambefore hitting mers that traffic the “share” butin made-up stories. But there ine a TV newscaster reading it ton. If you believe a story someare basic things news read- out loud? Is there something one shared is fake, you can post ers can do themselves to spot just off about it? Does it sound a comment, or report it to Facefake news. And if you want, you very angry, inflammatory, emo- book for outside fact-checking can report them to Facebook, tional? None of these are good by clicking on the grey arrow on which can flag stories for fact- signs. the upper right corner and secheckers to evaluate. lecting “report this post.” You’ll Poke around for other get an option for “It’s a fake Check the source coverage news story.” ■ Some hoax sites, designed to If a story is real and really draw you in for advertising rev- big, you will likely (though enue, feature designs that re- not always) see some version semble legitimate, well-known of it from multiple sources. websites. Such “spoofing” can Is it on sites like ABC News, be quite effective — but there The Associated Press, the are often telltale signs to indi- New York Times, or other cate their true nature. places you have heard of? For example, you should be Is it featured in your local vary of articles on sites whose newspaper, the one

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FRIDAY

Want a hippo for Christmas? The story of a girl who got one BY JOHN ROGERS The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — All a cute, curly haired 10-year-old girl named Gayla Peevey wanted for Christmas in 1953 was a hippopotamus. And amazingly enough, after “I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas” became the biggest hit song of that holiday season, she actually got one, a 700-pound baby named Matilda. She promptly donated it to the Oklahoma City Zoo, where it lived to be nearly 50, a ripe old age for hippos. As for Peevey’s song, it may never die. “That one just really took off, and it’s still going strong, stronger than ever. Sixty-three years later! Hard to believe,” Peevey, an ebullient woman of 73, says during a recent phone interview from her San Diego-area home. So much so that it’s used as a cellphone ringtone these days, included on holiday ornaments and Christmas cards, available for download on iTunes. It’s even featured in a U.S. Postal Service commercial in which the post office boasts it ships more online gifts, hippopotamuses included, than anybody. Some people will tell you it’s an annoying ear worm, a tune with such silly lyrics and a melody so maddeningly memorable that it will play endlessly in your head every holiday season until New Year’s Day. But that’s part of its charm, says Tim Moore, iHeart Radio’s New Hampshire programming director who over the decades has played it plenty of times. “It’s got the sound of an oldtime recording,” Moore says. “It sounds dated. It sounds a little corny. But that’s the thing about it. Also, not to be discounted is its effect on children.” Yes, definitely don’t discount that. For years, Peevey has been hearing from schoolteachers around the world who tell her their students perform the song and can’t get enough of it. “Over 15 years now we’ve done it, and I don’t think we’re

stopping,” laughs Dana Caro, who directs the second-grade Christmas music program at a suburban Southern California school. Other songs come and go, says Caro, but “Hippo” stays in the mix every year at Arcadia’s Longley Way Elementary School. “Even in class today, we weren’t in rehearsal yet when one kid started singing it, and then they were all singing it,” added the teacher, who says it has a bounce and a cheeriness that kids love. And who knows, singing it may actually get a kid a hippo. Unlikely, perhaps, but it did get one for Peevey. Her hometown zoo, hippoless at the time, teamed with the local newspaper to encourage people to send in enough money to buy her one after she debuted the song on television’s “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Three thousand dollars later, Matilda arrived on Christmas Eve, a fitting gift for someone who would so enthusiastically declare, “No crocodiles, no rhinoceroses. I only like hippopotamuses. And hippopotamuses like me too.” Soon after, however, Peevey left her hippopotamus behind, moving to California. She had been singing professionally for two years before recording “Hippo,” moving up from local watermelon festivals to radio shows and then a spot on television’s “Saturday Night Revue” hosted by Hoagy Carmichael. But her hippo fame caught her off guard, and for months afterward she couldn’t move around Oklahoma City without being mobbed by fans. Her parents figured she’d blend in as just another “normal kid” in California while recording a few more songs. None would have the impact of that first one, written by John Rox and personally selected for Peevey by Columbia Records’ legendary producer and A&R man Mitch Miller, who backed her with his orchestra. ❱❱ PAGE 36 Want a

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Sports Canadian Milos Raonic names former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek new coach THE CANADIAN PRESS CANADIAN MILOS Raonic officially made Richard Krajicek his new coach on Monday. Raonic, from Thornhill, Ont., was looking for a new coach after parting ways with Spain’s Carlos Moya earlier in Decem-

ber. Krajicek, who won his only Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 1996, played a very similar style to Raonic, relying on his big serve throughout his career. “Today was my first practice with Richard Krajicek. It’s great to have Richard, alongside my team, for the upcoming season in my attempt to reach new

and higher goals in 2017,” said Raonic in a post on his verified Instagram account. “I worked with Richard for a few days already last year before Australian Open and I am sure Richard with his experience and being a Wimbledon champion can help me reach my goals. I look forward to doing great

things together.” Raonic finished the ATP season ranked third worldwide, the highest a Canadian singles tennis player has ever been rated. That career-best year included a semifinal appearance at the season-ending ATP World Tour Finals, where he fell to eventual champion Andy Murray. Raon-

ic also reached his first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon. Krajicek previously worked with reigning US Open champion Stan Wawrinka for this year’s grass-court season. Raonic will open his 2017 campaign by defending his Brisbane International title on Jan. 1. ■

Lee shines over Wang rules chess challenge Yap as Star downs for 2nd straight title ROS in first game since huge swap BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer

BY IVAN SALDAJENO Philippines News Agency MANILA — Paul Lee outscored James Yap in their first StarRain Or Shine meeting since their blockbuster trade, and Star walked away with a 99-91 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night. Lee waxed hot in the second half, while Aldrech Ramos came alive in the fourth quarter as the Hotshots scored their third straight win in come-from-behind fashion that gave them a huge boost ahead of their showdown with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel next Sunday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue. A 15-5 run put ROS up, 65-55, in the third quarter, but Star answered with its own 15-5 run to tie the game 70-all later in the period, setting up a wild fourth quarter. The Elasto Painters got the lead back, 88-84, in the fourth canto, but the Hotshots went on the game-turning 12-0 run capped by triples from Lee and Ramos to put them up, 96-88. Jay Washington kept ROS in the game with a trey, but Ramos

got the three points back with his own jumper that turned out to be the dagger. Lee scored 10 of his 14 points in the second half, while the back-to-back crucial triples made up Ramos’ fourth quarter burst. PJ Simon led Star’s early game attack with nine points in the first quarter before settling for 16 points overall. Raymond Almazan tallied 19 markers, 13 boards, and one steal for ROS, which failed to tie San Miguel at the top of the standings as the team joined its tormentor at 3-2. Yap struggled in his first game against the Purefoods franchise, only tallying nine points. Box Scores

Star 99-Simon 16, Jalalon 14, Lee 14, Ramos 12, Maliksi 11, Pingris 11, Melton 6, Sangalang 6, Dela Rosa 5, Barroca 4, Reavis 0 Rain Or Shine 91-Almazan 19, Washington 14, Tolomia 11, Norwood 10, Yap 9, Ponferada 8, Ahanmisi 7, Belga 6, Cruz 5, Chan 2 Quarter scores: 23-23, 42-41, 74-75, 99-91 ■

CHINESE GRANDMASTER Wang Hao asserted his superiority last night, beating United Statesbased GM Mark Paragua and ruling the 2016 PSC-Puregold International Chess Challenge at Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel in Olongapo, Zambales. The top-seeded Wang wound up with 7.0 points to claim his second straight crown, duplicating his Philippine International Chess Challenge win last week at the same venue. Georgian GM Levan Pantsulaia also prevailed over Belarusian GM Vladislav Kovalev to place second with 6.5 points. Kovalev stayed at 6.0 points and settled for a share of third to fifth places with No. 2 seed GM Anton Demchenko of Russia and Georgian GM Merab Gagunashvili. Despite the loss, Paragua, who entertained hopes of stealing the crown following his victory over Chinese Woman GM le Tingjie in the eighth round Saturday night, emerged the best Filipino performer with 5.5 points, good for seventh spot in the 34-player field. Also with the same total were Belarusian GM Kirill Stupak, Gagushnavili and Russian GM Boris Savchenko, who split the point with Georgian GM www.canadianinquirer.net

Mikheil Mchedlishvili. Fide Master Roel Abelgas shared the limelight when he drew with tenth placer IM Jan Emmanuel Garcia and earned his third and final IM result. The 36-year-old Abelgas, coach of La Salle-Dasmariñas and Perpetual Help in the NCAA, finished with 5.0 points like Garcia and took 11th spot via higher tiebreak over Armenian GM Tigran Kotanjan, who subdued Indian Harshit Raja. Abelgas needs only to raise his Elo rating of 2291 to 2400 to

be conferred the IM title. Five Filipinos, led by IMelect Haridas Pascua amassed 4.5 points to land in the money race of the nine-round Swiss event organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines headed by Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay. Tied with Pascua were GM Eugene Torre and GM Rogelio Antonio Jr., among others. Hao pocketed $7,000 (about P350,000) in the Philippine Sports Commission-supported tournament. ■

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Business Canadian ski resorts bank optimism based on early snowfall and cheap currency BY DAN HEALING The Canadian Press CALGARY — Early, deep snow and a cheap currency are boosting hopes for a blizzard of profits at ski destinations across Canada this year. Matt Mosteller, senior vicepresident for Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, says hotel and skiing packages booked by U.S. customers at its four Alberta and B.C. resorts are up 80 per cent over the same time last year. “It comes down to three things right now that are really at play: snow, value and real experience,” he said. “With the deep snow and the Canadian ‘peso,’ it’s an unbelievable recipe for success with the U.S. market.” He said the company’s Kicking Horse Mountain Resort at Golden, B.C., for instance, has experienced an early season record 3.35 metres of snow. Packages being snapped up by American guests are typically four to seven days in length, Mosteller said, and the price

for hotel rooms, lift tickets and equipment rentals typically adds up to between $500 and $1,000 per person. He wouldn’t give specific numbers but said the advance bookings by Americans are in the thousands at the four resorts. The Canadian loonie, at par with the American greenback four years ago, is worth about 75 cents US, slightly higher than 12 months ago. The early snow in Western Canada allowed Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort near Banff, Alta., to open on Nov. 3, its earliest opening in over 30 years. Christopher Nicolson, president of the Canada West Ski Areas Association, said members representing about 130 large and small ski areas from B.C. to Manitoba are reporting increases in early bookings of 15 per cent or more. “There’s a high level of optimism for a really good winter,” he said. He added major resorts in Western Canada last year recorded 8.4 million skier visits,

From the... remain vibrant in her mind: The wall of flames devouring the south end of Abasand, the sky’s transformation from grey to orange and the melted lipstick she found in her purse when she arrived safe in Edmonton after an 18-hour drive. Wheeldon says painting is helping her work through the trauma and vivid dreams about the evacuation. “I’m not one to talk about my feelings, but to express it through my art makes sense to me, is helpful to me.” Now, she says, her work is focusing more on images of renewal and hope. Wheeldon, who works with Arts Council Wood Buffalo, ❰❰ 20

says she’s fortunate she still has a workspace and that her artwork survived the fire, which was not the case for other Fort McMurray artists. Wheeldon is preparing for a bittersweet return to her neighbourhood, which sits on a hill in a singed forest overlooking downtown. “I’m looking forward to returning home to Abasand even though it’s hard to see just wide-open spaces where my friends, neighbours and clients were,” she says. “The rebuilding, renewal and regrowth will happen, and Fort McMurray always has kind of a pioneer spirit, so adapting to change isn’t going to break the community, for sure.” ■

Sunshine Ski Resort in Banff National Park.

the highest number since nine million in 2007-08. The Weather Network has predicted abundant snowfall this winter in the Rockies and normal snowfall on the Prairies. Southern Ontario and Quebec are expected to have more snow storms after a dry winter last year. Blue Mountain ski resort in Collingwood, Ont., north of Toronto, couldn’t open last year until Dec. 30, the latest start on

record. This year, it started welcoming guests on Dec. 11. “We’re happy to see that winter is here,” said spokeswoman Tara Lovell. “We’ve had a drop in temperatures that has been pretty consistent so that’s favourable for snowmaking which a lot of Ontario resorts rely on ... (and) we’ve had quite a bit of natural snowfall.” She said the resort is seeing more interest from Ameri-

can skiers this year and is fully booked over the Christmas period. Mont-Tremblant, north of Montreal, opened Nov. 24 this year thanks to snowmaking as well as fresh snow. At Christmas last year it had yet to see any accumulation of natural snow. In a recent study based on airline ticket sales by U.S. travel agencies, Airlines Reporting Corp. said it expects a 10 per cent increase in American air travel for ski vacations through Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal during the November-toMarch ski season. Sheila Rivers, spokeswoman for Mount Washington Ski Resort on Vancouver Island, said fewer than two per cent of its guests are from the U.S. because of its location, but local skiers have driven sales of season passes this year up by 20 per cent to about 4,800. The resort was forced by warm weather to close early in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, but a full season with good snow conditions last year has encouraged more interest from local skiers, she said. ■

Top PH firms pledge Php 3-B investments for Sulu development BY LESLIE D. VENZON Philippines News Agency MANILA — Close to 20 top businesses have committed to invest Php3 billion in the development of Sulu province over the next few years, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said on Tuesday. “This is remarkable. This is the first time actually in the peace effort of the government that the private sector www.canadianinquirer.net

participated,” he told reporters. Piñol cited San Miguel Corp. President Ramon Ang, who has pledged to construct school buildings and a 50-megawatt coal-fired power plant over the next three years. He said Ang also planned to start a poultry production project in Sulu wherein the conglomerate will process chicken into ready-to-eat food for export to nearby Sabah.

The agriculture chief said the group of tycoon Lucio Tan would also resume Philippine Airlines (PAL) flights to and from Sulu. Likewise, businessman Manny Pangilinan committed to rehabilitate telecommunication facilities and provide hospital equipment. The newly launched “Save Sulu project” aims to reduce poverty incidence in the island province of Sulu by 25 percent in three years. ■

Business

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

B.C. says insurance rates to go up by 4.9 per cent as affordability is reviewed THE CANADIAN PRESS VICTORIA — Those who insure their vehicles in British Columbia will see a rate increase for basic insurance of 4.9 per cent. The provincial government has directed the B.C. Utilities Commission to approve the rate for next year for the public auto insurer, but it wants to make sure that in the long term, the rates are in line with inflation. Transport Minister Todd Stone told reporters in a conference call that he acknowledges an increase of nearly 5 possible for reducing cost pres- early next summer to be able to per cent year-over-year is not sures. effect the insurance provider’s affordable for most families. “We can’t keep doing things next round of rate filing that is “I’ve heard the message loud the same way and expect a dif- due in August. and clear that people are wor- ferent outcome, so we’re preThe third-party review ried about the increasing cost pared to change,” Stone said. comes as the frequency and seof living,” he said. The minister said the govern- verity of injury claims jumped, The minister announced the ment does not intend to move while the average cost of vegovernment has launched a to a privatized model of insur- hicle claims increased by 17 per third-party review to make rec- ance through this review. cent between 2014 and 2015. ommendations The province that will keep announced earauto insurance lier this year rates affordable that it would be in the long term. We can’t keep doing things the same doubling basic Stone said the way and expect a different outcome, premiums for goal is to put Britso we’re prepared to change. high-priced luxish Columbia ury vehicles and drivers first and clamping down for the Insurance on fraud with a Corp. of B.C. to manage its cost The insurance provider has new detection tool. pressures and bring rate increas- already begun the process to ICBC is the province’s pubes closer to the inflation rate. prepare for the review, and the lic auto insurer and almost all He said the review will look third party is expected to be se- drivers in the province must at the entire spectrum of the lected in the new year. purchase basic auto insurance insurer’s operations to come Stone said the aim is to have for their vehicle through the up with as many solutions as results of the review ready by corporation. ■

Decline in coconutbased exports worsens BY RONNEL W. DOMINGO Philippine Daily Inquirer THE RATE of decrease in the volume of major coconut-based exports in the 10 months to October doubled to 17 percent yearon-year due to both a dry spell and a strong typhoon that ravaged trees across the country. Preliminary figures from the United Coconut Association of the Philippines (Ucap) also showed that outbound shipment volume for the first 10 months of 2016 fell to 1.06 million tons from 1.3 million tons in the same period of 2015. From January to October this year, shipments of top agricultural export coconut oil (CNO) dropped by 20 percent to settle at 586,957 tons. At the same time, the volume of copra meal fell by 27 percent to 232,063 tons and of copra by 88 percent at 59 tons. On the other hand, shipments of desiccated coconut rose by 14 percent to reach 65,947 tons while those of oleochemicals jumped by 20 percent to 30,402 tons. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the dry spell due to the El Niño weather phenomenon hindered nut production and—for trees that did bear nuts—the extreme heat resulted in smaller nuts produced. The PSA said this was observed mainly in Mindanao provinces but also in Quezon and Mindoro. Also, the agency blamed Typhoon “Nona” that plowed

through the Visayas in December 2015 for the decrease in the number of nut-bearing trees. In October alone, the volume of all major coconut-based exports rose by 5 percent year-onyear to a total of 146,647 tons. “All export products but copra meal registered increases over last year though against the monthly average, only coconut oil and desiccated coconut reflected increments,” the industry group added. October exports of CNO inched up by one percent to 82,499 tons. Also, the volume was the highest so far for this year, exceeding the monthly average of 56,051 tons by 47 percent. The United States was the biggest buyer CNO shipments, cornering 45,599 tons or 55 percent of the total CNO volume. Europe came at close second with 35 percent of exports while Malaysia and Japan shared the remaining 10 percent. For October, shipments of copra meal fell by 36 percent to 21,736 tons, which went to Vietnam and South Korea. Exports of desiccated coconut jumped 70 percent to 8,309 tons, showing year-on-year monthly growth for the fifth straight month. Cargos of oleochemicals leaped by 9 percent to 2,850 tons in copra terms, but the volume was 7 percent lower than the monthly average of 3,061 tons. There was no shipment of copra in October this year, the same as last year. ■

5 simple tips to prepare for tax season WHEN IT comes to taxes, a little preparation now will go a long way to helping you during tax season. It will help make filing easier and help you get the biggest possible return. Here are the top five tips from tax experts H&R Block, to help you prepare for the upcoming tax season. Keep a calendar with key dates

Because timing is everything, keep a calendar with key tax filing dates. The deadline for filing

your 2016 personal tax return is May 1, 2017, but June 15, 2017 for the self-employed. You can begin preparing your return once your T4s and other slips arrive. Ask questions

To make sure you claim all the tax credits you qualify for, find out how major life events you may have had over the year can affect your tax situation. Did you have a child, suffer from an illness, or contribute to

charity? These are all questions that help determine if you are eligible for additional benefits. Stay organized

It is never too early to begin preparing for tax season so make sure you stay organized as you gather all your slips and receipts. Try to sort and label your income slips separately then bring together supporting documents like bills, tuition and education receipts and othwww.canadianinquirer.net

er major expenses. Decide on your filing method

When it comes to filing, there are numerous tax preparation firms across the country that can offer support, with more than 1,200 H&R Block offices alone. There is also online DIY tax filing, including H&R Block Personal Tax Software. Know who should file

If you are a newcomer to Can-

ada, know that all Canadian residents are required to file their taxes regardless of their citizenship. So if you have arrived here under a refugee status, you are also required to file your taxes. Also, if you are a Canadian resident with little or no income, not filing a tax return means you will be missing out on some benefits that you may be entitled to, like the quarterly GST/HST credit or the Canada Child Tax Benefit. So get filing! ■

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Technology House report urges clearer guidance on cellphone technology BY ERIC TUCKER The Associated Press

“While law enforcement agencies should be able to utilize technology as a tool to help officers be safe and accomplish their missions, absent proper oversight and safeguards, the domestic use of cell-site simulators may well infringe upon the constitutional rights of citizens to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, as well as the right to free association,” the report states. The Justice Department has 310 devices across its component agencies, including the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service, and spent more than $71

applied only to federal agencies within the Justice Department and not, as some privacy advocates had hoped, to state and local WASHINGTON — Clearer law enforcement whose own use guidelines are needed for law of cell-site simulators have drawn enforcement’s use of secretive scrutiny from judges. The Homeand intrusive cellphone trackland Security Department issued ing technology, and police and its own, similar policy. federal agents should be upBut the House committee front with a judge about their said there should be more condeployment, a House commitsistent standards covering local tee said in a report Monday. agencies as well. The report from the House The House committee made Oversight and Government several recommendations, inReform Committee examines cluding calling on state and local the use of cell-site simulators agencies to adopt policies that by federal, state are on par with and local law enthose in use by forcement agenthe Justice and cies. The techHomeland Secunology works The data can help police determine rity departments. by mimicking a the location of a targeted phone The report also cellphone tower, without the user even making a call criticized the use allowing law or sending a text message. of non-disclosure enforcement agreements that to collect basic state and local data — such as a law enforcement unique subscriber number — million between fiscal years agencies sign with the FBI and from cellphones in a particular 2010 and 2014 to acquire the use the manufacturer selling the dearea or neighbourhood. The of the technology. The Depart- vice. Those agreements, which data can help police determine ment of Homeland Security has prohibit local authorities from the location of a targeted phone 124 cell-site simulation devices, discussing the technology’s use without the user even making a according to the report. Local in court, “should be replaced call or sending a text message. police departments across the with agreements that require The surveillance devices have country have used them repeat- clarity and candour to the court been broadly adopted by police edly, and the Internal Revenue whenever a cell-site simulator departments and federal agen- Service says it’s deployed the has been used by law enforcecies, which see them as vital in technology to pursue investiga- ment in a criminal investigation,” helping track the location of crim- tions into money laundering, according to the House report. inal suspects. But the technology identity theft and other crimes. And it said the federal govhas raised Fourth Amendment The Justice Department issued ernment should make funding concerns among privacy advo- new policies last year aimed at to local agencies for cell-site cates for its ability to collect data ensuring that federal law enforce- simulators contingent on a not only about the targets of an in- ment officials obtain a search requirement that they adopt vestigation but also innocent by- warrant before using the tech- “new and enhanced” guidelines standers who happen to be within nology, excluding certain emer- of the Justice and Homeland range of the simulator device. gency circumstances. The policy Security departments. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

Woman has ‘miracle’ baby using ovary frozen when she was nine PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MOSCOW — A 24-year-old woman is believed to be the first in the world to give birth after having had her fertility restored with tissue that was removed and frozen before she hit puberty. At nine years old, Moaza Al Matrooshi of Dubai needed chemotherapy to treat a very dangerous blood disorder, the BBC reports. Chemotherapy can damage reproductive organs, and though frozen ovarian tissue had not yet been successfully used to conceive, her family made the decision to remove and freeze her right ovary. Last year, with her left ovary having failed, Al Matrooshi was in the midst of menopause. Surgeons in Denmark transplanted slivers of her ovarian tissue back into her body, onto the side of her uterus and onto her nonworking left ovary. The

transplant reversed the process: her hormone levels returned to normal and she began ovulating. Eight eggs were collected and fertilized via in vitro fertilization, and this week in London she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, according to the BBC. This new leap in assisted fertility is “enormously valuable” information for the parents of girls facing medical treatments that can affect fertility, said the doctor leading the team that froze Al Matrooshi’s ovary more than a decade ago. Helen Picton, head of the division of reproduction and early development at the University of Leeds in England, told the Washington Post that Al Matrooshi provide’s evidence that fertility can be restored even with ovarian tissue taken at a very young age. “She and her family really are ❱❱ PAGE 36 Woman has

Technology

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

PLDT to spend PHP2-B for rollout of high-speed broadband Internet on regular phone lines PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — PLDT will invest around PHP 2 billion for its rollout of the latest advanced hybrid technologies that will deliver faster broadband Internet through regular phone lines in buildings and residences for the next three years. The deployment comes after the successful trials of two advanced hybrid fiber technologies GiGa Wire by KT Corporation (formerly known as Korea Telecom) and G.fast by Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. which are capable of providing data speeds per user of up to 600-700 megabits per second (Mbps) per user depending on the length of the copper loop. PLDT Chief Revenue Officer Ernesto R. Alberto disclosed that the company will deploy Giga Wire and G. Fast solutions

in more than 500 buildings split between residential and office buildings next year. Likewise, an additional 1,600 buildings are in the pipeline for 2018 and 2019. “This new initiative is part of our broad effort to make fiberpowered, high-speed connectivity more widely available to the public. It’s part and parcel of building the ‘Gigabit Society’ – where high-bandwidth, low-latency digital services in homes, businesses, healthcare services, utilities and schools become an integral part of daily life,” PLDT Chairman and CEO Manuel V. Pangilinan said. PLDT believes that hybrid technologies can deliver highspeed broadband Internet access through utilizing its extensive telephone network. Majority of office and residential buildings are currently wired with copper, thus, it is difficult and costly to re-wire these structures with fiber.

CHRISVILLARIN.COM

Furthermore, majority of homes are still connected by regular phone lines. In the case of PLDT — the number of “homes passed” – i.e., the

number of homes that can be reached by PLDT’s regular phone lines – is 6 million. “Hybrid fiber technologies break down barriers to fiber

deployment. These enable us to extend more quickly super-fast broadband services to areas where fiber deployment is difficult. We side step the challenge of having to re-wire buildings,” said PLDT Chief Technology and Information Adviser Joachim W. Horn. The deployment of hybrid fiber solutions complements very well the ongoing roll-out of fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) connections which will enable to deliver simultaneously voice, video and data services at much higher speeds and larger capacities than DSL or cable technologies. Currently, the number of “homes passed” by PLDT’s FTTH network is 2.5 million. “With these two parallel and complementary roll-outs, PLDT is well-positioned to bring high-speed broadband to more areas of the country more quickly and efficiently than anyone else,” Horn said. ■

‘Super Mario Run’: Price, connectivity missteps for Nintendo BY BARBARA ORTUTAY The Associated Press NEW YORK — Super Mario might be running, but a hefty price tag for a mobile game just won’t fly with the masses. The world so far is underwhelmed by “Super Mario Run,” which Nintendo released for the iPhone last week. This is no “Pokemon Go,” which captivated millions of players in their quest to collect digital monsters at real-world locations. Nintendo’s stock price has fallen 7 per cent on the Tokyo Stock Exchange since the game’s Dec. 15 launch, and the game is rated just 2.5 stars out of 5 on the iPhone app store. The problem, it seems, is not with the quality or design of “Super Mario Run.” Both are top notch, with enough elements of classic Mario to satisfy old-school Nintendo fans, alongside mobile-friendly features such as the ability to play with one hand. Rather, Nintendo’s overly optimistic $10 price tag, as well

as an inexplicable requirement for players to be constantly connected to the internet while playing, could be enough to turn off all but the most hardcore fans. As of Monday, “Mario Run” was the top free app on iTunes. This, of course, is misleading, as the app isn’t free if you want to play beyond a few minutes.

Jordan Edelson, CEO of Appetizer Mobile, a mobile app development agency in New York. Oh, and once the price is cut, it would be a good idea to make the game available on Android, too. After all, most people in the world have Android phones. Android users tend to be less willing than iPhone users to pay for apps, so a price cut is essential.

Audacious price tag

Ten dollars is too much for a latte and too much for a mobile game, even if it comes with truffle shavings in the case of the latte and the world’s best known video game character in the case of “Super Mario Run.” Players can download the game for free and play three of the 24 available “worlds.” This takes only a few minutes and leaves one extremely unsatisfied. It’s like dining at a pricey restaurant knowing you can only afford the appetizer. The fix: Nintendo should slash the price in half and offer more content for free, says

Staying connected

The game requires a constant internet connection. It’s understandable with “Pokemon Go,” which uses your physical location as part of game play. There is no obvious reason need for it with “Mario,” and that just leads to frustrations. Why can’t one play on the subway? Or in airplane mode on the airplane as holiday travel season heats up? What if someone is away from Wi-Fi and has a limited cellular data plan? Sorry! In a statement, Nintendo said connectivity “allows us to offer a variety of features and services that enhance the play experiwww.canadianinquirer.net

ence. ‘Super Mario Run’ is not a static experience, but rather one that players can continue to return to again and again to enjoy something new and unexpected.” The features Nintendo cites include the ability to play across multiple devices, limited-time rewards and access to player data and scores for challenges with other players. None of these sound essential to an enjoyable playing experience. The fix: Drop the connectivity requirement. “If you are trying to position it as a casual game (that can be played) with one hand, you want people to be able to play it wherever they are,” Edelson says. What Nintendo got right

If “Super Mario Run” gets over these two big hurdles, there is still a chance the game could be a success. After all, Nintendo fans have been waiting for a mobile Mario for nearly a decade, pretty much ever since mobile games have existed, so they are likely to give the

Japanese gaming giant a second chance. With this much waiting, expectations have understandably been high. Critics, who judge the game based on what it’s like to play it, have given it an average of 78 out of 100 on the game reviews aggregator Metacritic. This counts as “generally favourable.” And they are right. Nintendo has done a good job translating Mario’s classic, side-scrolling world to a mobile screen. Mario runs without players needing to do anything, so they can focus on collecting coins and knocking out bigger enemies (usually by jumping on them). The music is music to the ears of any ‘80s and ‘90s Nintendo fan, and yes, you can play with one hand. Users, though, have rated it 5.6 out of 10 on Metacritic. Many are angry about the price and the inability to play while commuting. And since it’s users and not critics who will go out and buy the game — or not — Nintendo may have a problem on its hands. ■

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Travel Antique’s Binirayan festival gets underway BY LEAH MARLIE PAGUNSANTAMBANILLO Philippines News Agency

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

Canada has a lot to offer travellers during sesquicentennial year BY KEVIN BISSETT The Canadian Press FREDERICTON — Canada already has a lot to offer travellers, but as the country celebrates its 150th birthday in 2017 with a year full of sesquicentennial celebrations, there’s even more to see and do. “Because of the celebrations happening around the country, a normal festival event will be that more special because of the 150th anniversary. We see a lot of interest by Canadians to travel within Canada,” said Gary Howard of the Canadian Automobile Association. Howard said he’s hearing from people interested in exploring areas of the country they haven’t been to, or visiting favourite places again. “I think you will see a lot of movement with people from Eastern Canada going to the West, and vice versa,” he said. Howard said he expects most of the travel will be during the summer months, with the peak around Canada Day, July 1. He said there are many great places to enjoy and take part in the birthday celebrations. “Charlottetown and Ottawa are the obvious ones, but I think that we will see each and every city and community is going to have its own celebration. You think about the Calgary Stampede — it’s going to be much better in 2017 because they’ll use that event to get more excited about the 150th. There’s going to be lots of options right across the country.” Travel media company Lonely Planet has named Canada as the No. 1 country to visit in 2017. “Bolstered by the wave of positivity un-

leashed by its energetic new leader Justin Trudeau, and with dynamic cities that dominate global livability indices and a reputation for inclusiveness and impeccable politeness, the world’s second-largest country will usher in its sesquicentennial in 2017 in rollicking good health,” their “Best in Travel 2017” guide says. “You add that to the perennial favourites such as Vancouver’s great food scene, the great outdoors in the Canadian Rockies and beautiful fall colours in Nova Scotia. It’s a great destination whatever year it is, but 2017 has a lot to offer,” Lonely Planet spokesman Alex Howard said from his home in Nashville, Tenn. And he said with the weak Canadian dollar, Canada offers a great value. “International travellers, especially those from the United States, are going to have a lot to spend their money on,” he said. Gary Howard said train travel is an interesting way to get across the country and see cities, towns and everything in between. “What we see for Western Canada is rail companies that go from Vancouver to Banff, or Vancouver to Calgary. They do that whole tour through the valley and the Rockies. That’s five to seven days, so it’s a lot shorter, but you have dining onboard, and those companies stop at night so that you’re not missing any of the scenery. They’ll stop at the evening, you stay at a hotel, and get back on in the morning,” he said. He said the cruise ship companies are also adding more ships to routes that make stops on Canada’s east and west coasts. He said it’s a great way to tour Atlantic Canada or British Columbia without having to drive. ■

since the festival was launched in 1974. Many of those who had joined the pageant had lived up to the image that a ‘lin-ay’ is a lady who comes from a good lineage or “buena familia.” SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, ANThis year, one’s guess is as good as any TIQUE — The weather was cool and on who among these ladies deserve to there was a promise of rain when 14 win the crown: Irish Joy Erispe for the lovely ladies representing their respec- municipality of Anini-y; Joana Marie tive municipalities climbed their floats, Acuna (Belison); Kathleen Kates Deloso donned their most disarming smile (Bugasong); Ericka Ianne Yap (Culasi); and waved their “Miss Universe” wave Stephanie Jane Abiera (Hamtic); Maria as the grand parade Alona Prado (Liberwinded around the tad); Marianne Peralpoblacion. Dancers ta (Pandan); Tarilaye in their ‘ati-ati’ cosJohn Berte (Patnontume weaved in time gon); Maia Alocilla to the drumbeats Every year, (San Jose); Zendi that filled the streets the Binirayan Abraham (Sebaste); of San Jose, makFestival is Pearl Joy Bardoling bystanders stop staged to los (Sibalom); Eillen whatever it was they commemorate Ogatis (Tibiao); Ycewere doing to watch the greatness bella Bugay (Tobias in delight! of the Fornier); and Aileen On Saturday, the Antiqueño Marie Pon-an (ValBinirayan Festival race. derarma). 2016 opened with On the other hand, great salvo! Bannerthe Malay-Ati coming the theme, “Celpetition, through ebrating Culture street dancing, feaand Greatness”, the festival depicts the tures dancers whose bodies are painted” true culture of an Antique that is brave, with black soot. They represent the ‘atis’ peace- and freedom-loving, dignified or the aborigines of the place, the first and resilient, qualities that could spell settlers before they were driven into greatness. the hinterlands by the Borneans who Every year, the Binirayan Festival is bought their land with a golden ‘salakot’ staged to commemorate the greatness and a long gold necklace. of the Antiqueño race. Two of the crowd Non-Antiqueños are very much weldrawer events are the “Search for Lin-ay come to join the celebration, experience kang Antique” and the Malay-Ati com- the Antiqueño hospitality and dance to petition. the “Binirayan beat.” Kruhaay, BinirayThe Search for Lin-ay has been held an! ■

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Travel

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Where to go in 2017: Best destinations around the world BY BETH J. HARPAZ The Associated Press WHERE SHOULD you travel in 2017? Maybe you want to witness the U.S. solar eclipse, take advantage of great exchange rates abroad or get in on the hoopla for big anniversaries in places like Alaska, Germany, Canada or Finland. Perhaps you’re looking for a Zika-free beach or a destination unscathed by terrorism. The Associated Press looked at events, trends and recommendations from travel agents, magazines, publishers and others, to compile this list of where to go in 2017. Events and anniversaries

On Aug. 21, a total eclipse of the sun lasting for more than 2 minutes will darken afternoon skies across a narrow strip of the United States stretching from South Carolina to Oregon. Nashville is one of the cities that will experience the phenomenon along with a number of national parks. Hotels in many eclipse destinations are sold out. All eyes on Washington, D.C., for Donald Trump’s Jan. 20 inauguration. An anti-Trump protest billed as a Women’s March is scheduled for Jan. 21. Another D.C. draw: the new National Museum of African American History and Culture. Timed passes for the museum are essential. Houston hosts the Super Bowl in February. In June, Bermuda hosts the America’s Cup sailing race. Just don’t think of Bermuda as the Caribbean. It’s nearly 1,000 miles north of Puerto Rico and too chilly for ocean swimming

in January. On the plus side, Bermuda is Zika-free, and its famous Hamilton Princess hotel — aka the Pink Palace — is newly renovated. Alaska celebrates the 150th anniversary of its transfer from Russia to the U.S. in 2017 along with the centennial of Denali National Park. Alaska cruises, which provide an easy introduction to the 49th state, got a shout-out from Travel Leaders travel agents. Canada celebrates 150 years since its colonies were united under the Canadian Confederation, and Montreal marks its 375th anniversary. Don’t forget the country’s national parks and wild places. Frommer’s singled out the British Columbia archipelago Haida Gwaii, recently visited by Prince William and Kate. With exhibits, tours and more, Germany marks 500 years since Martin Luther’s “95 Theses” critique of the Catholic Church, which launched the Protestant Reformation. Finland marks 100 years since independence from Russia in 2017. Go for the Northern Lights, design innovation in cool Helsinki, folk culture and saunas. In Russia, 2017 marks 100 years since the revolution that toppled the czar and led to the rise of communism. The date was once a major state holiday but today it’s a divisive subject, no longer glorified as it once was. With Vladimir Putin’s connections to Trump making headlines, some Americans may want to see Putinland firsthand. But visas for Russia can be complicated without help from a travel agency, though there’s talk of simplifying the process.

Want a... She did resurface briefly in 1959 with “My Little Marine,” an aching teen ballad she’d written about her first crush. She recorded it under the name Jamie Horton, her manager not wanting people to dismiss it as another hippo song. It peaked at No. 84 on Billboard’s Hot 100. “A hit but not a big hit,” she says now. “Certainly not a hit as ❰❰ 28

being recommended by Fodor’s, Travel + Leisure and Lonely Planet, with a spotlight on the opening of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa in September. Exchange rates make it a bargain right now. Artsy Asheville, in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, landed in top spots for both Lonely Planet and Afar magazine, despite a state law limiting LGBT rights that led some entities to boycott the state. Theme parks

With Rust Belt states getting attention in politics, maybe it’s time for travellers to land in “flyover country.” Indianapolis and Cincinnati turned up on Travel + Leisure’s list. Other great Midwest destinations for art and food include Detroit — don’t miss the Motown Museum — and Milwaukee, where the Harley-Davidson Museum draws visitors from around the world. Mexico remains a top destination for Americans, from cheap spring breaks in Cancun to cultural attractions in places like Oaxaca. But if you’re avoiding Latin America and the Caribbean because of Zika, consider Hawaii or Greece. Tourism to Japan is booming but it’s not just Tokyo. Hokkaido, an island known for skiing, turned up on Afar and Lonely Planet lists. Cape Town, South Africa, is

Guests visiting Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida can now meet Moana, star of the new Disney film. But the biggest 2017 news from Disney parks is the summer opening of a new land at Animal Kingdom in Florida called Pandora - The World of AVATAR, inspired by the movie “Avatar.” Pandora will include a multisensory ride called Flight of Passage and a water ride. Fans of the classic Twilight Zone Tower of Terror attraction at Disney California Adventure park can stop mourning its Jan. 2 closing. It will be replaced next summer by Guardians of the Galaxy — Mission: BREAKOUT! with freefall and other ride experiences. Universal Orlando Resort opens Volcano Bay water park early next summer, featuring an innovative water ride called the Krakatau Aqua Coaster. Volcano Bay visitors will also use new wearable technology that allows them to wait in line virtually. In the spring, Universal opens a hilarious new ride themed on a wild race through New York City against Jimmy Fallon. ■

Washington Post. “You really only have one chance to do this, and you have got to get it right.” Al Matrooshi’s doctor, Sara Matthews, told the BBC, “This is a huge step forward. We know that ovarian tissue transplantation works for older women, but we’ve never known if we could take tissue from a child, freeze it and make it work again.” Human Egg Freezing No Longer ‘Experimental,’ Fertility Group

Says Al Matrooshi is also the first woman to give birth after being treated for the blood disorder beta thalassemia, according to Picton. The new mother calls her child simply “like a miracle.” “I always believed that I would be a mum and that I would have a baby,” Al Matrooshi told the BBC. “I didn’t stop hoping and now I have this baby — it is a perfect feeling.” ■

The Fairmont Hamilton Princess in Bermuda. RITU MANOJ JETHANI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Destination darlings

As concerns about terrorism cast shadows on destinations like France and Turkey, other destinations are coming into the spotlight. Portugal is having a moment, turning up on lots of go-to lists. It’s safe and affordable with great food, wine and soulful fado music. The pope visits in May to mark the centennial of a miracle in the town of Fatima, where three children had a vision of the Virgin Mary in 1917. The value of the British pound has weakened in the wake of Brexit (Britain’s vote to leave the European Union), making the United Kingdom more affordable for many international travellers. Last tango in Cuba? Some folks want to go now, afraid Trump will restrict travel there. Others are postponing booking, waiting to see what happens.

Woman has... big as the hippopotamus song.” Soon after, she was off to college, then marriage and motherhood. Eventually she founded her own advertising agency, keeping her hand in music writing commercial jingles. Retired and married for 53 years now, she still sings regularly in church. “But not the hippo song,” Peevey says, laughing. “It’s not really a church song.” ■

courageous — and pioneers — to have done this,” Picton said. “It’s tremendously hopeful technology because you’re investing in the future fertility life of your daughter.” Picton said she was confident the treatment would work, but, “there were a lot of unknowns.” “The difference is the tissue is much smaller, the girl is much smaller,” she told the ❰❰ 32

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

Food For a hassle-less bite during The secret to a the holidays, consider canape better pasta? WHEN IT comes to planning party menus, we often think the most special dishes are the most complicated ones, with exotic and expensive ingredients. But often, it’s the classic recipes that rely on familiar flavours that your guests will remember. Food trends are cyclical, and right now, to the benefit of party hosts and chefs, diners are craving unfussy recipes that rely on the quality of its ingredients. This party classic for prosciutto and melon canapes are a quick-and-easy small bite that will shine on your holiday table. A canape is a small, one-ortwo bite hors d’oeuvre, usually consisting of a piece of bread or cracker topped with, well, anything. They are great for parties, since they are not too filling and easy to eat when one hand is occupied by a glass of champagne. And for the host, they are a breeze to make during the busy holiday season. You can make toppings ahead of time, like chutneys or caramelized onions, or even rely on prepared ingredients with great flavour combinations. Brie and fig jam on crackers, for example, needs no preparation. Prosciutto, a salty cured ham from Italy, and melon are a classic combination. Thanks to our global food market, sweet cantaloupe and honey dew melons can be found year-round, and their brightness reminds us that there is some warm sunshine following the cold winter. A slice of prosciutto adds a savory twist and a satisfying texture. We like to spread our soft white bread canape base with a little bit of mascarpone cheese before topping it, but you could even use a soft goat cheese or an herbed spreadable fresh cheese. This canape relies on flavour from the melon. Look for melons with no stem attached, since that means it was picked mature. Also, search for ones with a thick, pronounced net-

Bake it, don’t cook it BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press

ting on the exterior of the skin, and it should be tan. Green skin means the melon was picked too early. If you like a theme party, you can make canapes to match any idea, without spending all week in the kitchen. Host a wine tasting evening, with canapes to match different wine regions. Or a brunch party, with little French toast canapes topped with bacon jam. Whatever your party, remember that you don’t have to break a sweat — or the budget — to make it great. Though, now that you mention it, caviar is awfully nice on a canape. Prosciutto and Melon Canape

Start to finish: 25 minutes Servings: 30

• 8 very thin slices prosciutto (about 5 ounces) • 30 (1 1/2-inch-diamater) round white bread canape bases, toasted • 5 ounces mascarpone cheese, or as needed • 30 pieces cantaloupe, cut into medium dice, or scooped into 1/2-inch balls • Garnish: 30 mint leaves

Fold the prosciutto to fit the canape bases. To assemble the canapes, spread the canape with some of the mascarpone cheese and top with a piece of prosciutto. Pipe a small mound of mascarpone in the centre of each canape and top with cut melon. Top each canape with a mint leaf. Chef’s note: You can be very flexible with this recipe and easily change the look of the canape by simply cutting the melon into different shapes like slices, rings, and diamonds. Use a different base in place of the bread: Your favourite chip or a curled sweet potato chip can make a festive presentation.

IF THERE’S anything more comforting than boiled pasta in a sauce, it’s got to be baked pasta in a sauce. The baking adds a crispy crust that is such a delicious contrast to the tender goodness of the dish. The challenge is how to get the pasta to turn out just right. Most baked pasta recipes instruct you to boil the noodles until cooked halfway before baking them. This allows the pasta to finish cooking in the oven as it bathes in the sauce. But this method has challenges. If you boil the noodles more than halfway, they’ll be overcooked by the time you pull the finished dish out of the oven. I find it hard to get the precooking time right. And precooking the pasta, even halfway, takes work and dirties a large pot and colander. Then again, if you don’t precook the pasta and instead add it dry to the sauce for baking, it will take much longer to become tender in the oven, even as it absorbs all the liquid in the sauce. Dry pasta needs to hydrate.

Nutrition information per serving: 59 calories; 26 calories from fat; 3 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 9 mg cholesterol; 152 mg sodium; 6 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 2 g protein. This article was provided to The Associated Press by The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York.

Add brocolli for a healthy twist!

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So what’s a home cook to do? Use my simple no-cook method of precooking the pasta. Just soak the pasta in warm salted water before adding it to the other ingredients and sliding the mixture into the oven. Presoaking is a way to begin hydrating the pasta and washing away some of its starch, even as the salt in the water pre-seasons the pasta. Yes, you’ll dirty a bowl, but given that that’s the same vessel in which you’ll combine all the dish’s ingredients, it’s the only bowl you’ll need. The soak requires 45 minutes, but it’s hands-off time, freeing you to prep the rest of the ingredients. Then it takes no time at all to assemble the dish and pop it into the oven. Just 20 or so minutes later you can collect your reward: deeply flavoured baked pasta, creamy on the bottom and crispy on top. Add a salad and some crusty bread and be happy. Baked penne with prosciutto and fontina

Start to finish: 1 hour 15 minutes (20 minutes active) ❱❱ PAGE 38 The secret

Food

DECEMBER 23, 2016

FRIDAY

Montreal’s great debate: how much control should government have on restaurants? BY GIUSEPPE VALIANTE The Canadian Press MONTREAL — David McMillan, co-owner of Montreal’s renowned Joe Beef restaurant, laments that virtually anyone, regardless of experience, can open an eatery in the gastronomical city. “I can’t decide tomorrow to practise plumbing, to practise amateur electricity,” he muses in an interview with The Canadian Press. “In Montreal you can apply for a restaurant permit and get it immediately that’s a problem for me.” McMillan’s view is by no means the consensus in the industry but it reflects part of the debate in Quebec among chefs, restaurant owners, citizens and politicians. With competition so fierce and profit margins so small — roughly 2.7 per cent on average — the role Quebec’s highly interventionist government should play in one of the province’s most dynamic industries remains a source of contention. The debate is not new and was rekindled earlier this year when Carlos Ferreira, owner of a well-known eatery, said Montreal should impose quotas in neighbourhoods to limit competition and help struggling legacy restaurants stay in business. “I don’t believe in the free market anymore,” Ferreira said at the time. “We have to protect the good restaurants.” Celebrity chef Daniel Vezina said recently the fact so many restaurants close a few months after opening shows there are too many places to eat in Que-

Popular St Paul street in the Old Port in Montreal.

BAKERJARVIS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

bec City and Montreal. law. some and healthful meal,” he “Everyone wants to open a If all the commercial spots on said. restaurant, to become a chef — a street are filled with restau“The opportunity to introthat has to change,” Vezina told rants, he says, then there is no duce raw food and animal proreporters. foot traffic before 6 p.m., which tein into people’s bodies is not Montreal has one of the high- he believes kills the vitality of to be taken lightly. At a miniest per-capita ratios in North the neighbourhood. mum, there should be some America with regard to restauHis main complaint, how- kind of certification.” rants, and the proliferation of ever, is that people with little But that would risk turning places to eat is worrying local culinary knowledge or skill the city’s restaurant scene into politicians. can endanger people’s health. a heavily bureaucratized nightThe main commare like the mercial artery in province’s conthe borough of struction indusSaint-Henri betry, says Francois came so popular The opportunity to introduce raw Meunier of Quewith restaurafood and animal protein into people’s bec’s restaurateurs that counbodies is not to be taken lightly. At a teur lobby. cillors decided minimum, there should be some kind While chefs to pass a bylaw of certification. and owners can’t to create what agree on issues they called a such as restau“better balance” rant quotas and between retail, services and Moreover, McMillan says high chef certification, Meunier says restaurants. turnover rates makes insurance most of his members’ profits The law bans all new restau- more expensive and bank loans are threatened by road conrants on Notre-Dame Street harder to get for the more seri- struction, high property and — where Joe Beef is located — ous players. licensing taxes, as well as the within 25 metres of an existing “I’m going to serve 100 meals potential for a $15 hourly minione. tonight and I pray and I work so mum wage. McMillan agrees with the by- hard that everyone has a whole“It’s only restaurateurs com-

plaining there are too many restaurants,” he said. “Ask people, citizens, they have full choice, great price for quality compared to other cities. “The role of the government is to offer conditions that are adequate for us to operate and not to strangle us with taxes.” But Meunier’s position is nuanced and flirts with contradiction. When it comes to food trucks, Meunier and his lobby don’t have a problem with regulations to limit entrants. Montreal ended its ban on food trucks in 2013 but only allows restaurants with physical locations to operate them — cutting out anyone with modest means from starting a small street-food business. “If we allowed anyone to do it we would have 500 hot dog trucks,” Meunier said. “And it wasn’t what the citizens wanted, it wasn’t what the city wanted.” And while calls for restaurant quotas get a lot of attention, politicians have been lukewarm to the idea so as not to meddle with a recipe that is making Montreal, despite its poor infrastructure and sluggish economy, a destinationof-choice for discerning food tourists. McMillan says bring on the competition. “I worked in the top 10 restaurants in Montreal 25 years ago — none of them are here today,” he said. “All of the top 10 restaurants in Montreal right now — none of them will exist in 20 years. That’s history. That’s cyclical. Who says you’re good? You’re good and then you’re not.” ■

The secret... ❰❰ 37

Servings: 6

• 1 pound penne pasta • Kosher salt • Butter, for coating the baking pan • 2 teaspoons minced garlic • 1 cup heavy cream • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth • 1 cup crushed tomatoes

• 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, to taste (optional) • 1 1/2 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese • 4 ounces coarsely grated fontina cheese • 4 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto, chopped In a large bowl, combine the pasta with enough lukewarm,

well-salted water to cover. Let stand for 45 minutes. Heat the oven to 450 F. Lightly butter a shallow baking dish (12-cup capacity with 2 to 2 1/2inch sides). Drain the pasta and set aside. In the same bowl, combine all remaining ingredients, stirring well. Add the pasta, toss to combine, then season with a pinch of salt. Transfer the mixture www.canadianinquirer.net

to the prepared baking dish, pressing it down evenly. Bake on the oven’s middle shelf until bubbly and browned, 20 to 22 minutes. Nutrition information per serving: 590 calories; 240 calories from fat (41 per cent of total calories); 27 g fat (15 g saturated; 0.5 g trans fats); 100 mg cholesterol; 1060 mg sodium;

63 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 5 g sugar; 24 g protein. Sara Moulton is host of public television’s “Sara’s Weeknight Meals.” She was executive chef at Gourmet magazine for nearly 25 years and spent a decade hosting several Food Network shows, including “Cooking Live.” Her latest cookbook is “Home Cooking 101.”

FRIDAY DECEMBER 23, 2016

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DECEMBER 23, 2016

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FRIDAY