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VOL. 5 NO. 267
STATE GUEST
President Duterte and Brunei’s Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah troop the line during welcome ceremonies at Malacañang. Bolkiah arrived on Wednesday for a state visit. Story on page 6. JOAN BONDOC / PDI
Watchdog to Trump: Accountability not red carpet for Duterte BY MARI YAMAGUCHI The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — A U.S.-based human rights group says President Donald Trump should not roll out the White House red carpet for Philippine leader Rodrigo Duterte, whom it accused of being a “mastermind” of mass murder because of his anti-drug crackdown in
which thousands have died. Human Rights Watch and other critics reacted with alarm Monday at Trump’s invitation to Duterte to visit the White House. In a telephone call, Trump also affirmed America’s alliance and friendship with the Philippines and its president, who has maintained an antagonistic stance toward U.S. security policies.
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Volunteer lawyers seek endorsement of impeach rap vs Robredo
16 Duterte to critics: Stop meddling ❱❱ PAGE 8
❱❱ PAGE 7 Watchdog to
Trudeau rebuffs calls for Sajjan’s resignation amid charges of ‘stolen valour’
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MAY 5, 2017
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Philippine News
Philippines goes easy on China in final ASEAN statement BY JIM GOMEZ AND TERESA CEROJANO The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippines followed up a summit of Southeast Asian leaders by releasing a final communique Sunday that removed mention of international concerns over China’s “militarization” of newly built islands in the disputed South China Sea in a major concession to Beijing. The 25-page statement issued by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte following the daylong meeting of leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations he hosted in Manila also made no direct mention of his country’s landmark arbitration victory against China last year. A vague reference to the ruling was removed from a part of the communique that discussed the long-seething territorial conflicts and moved elsewhere in the document. The changes were apparent based on a previous draft of the communique seen by The Associated Press. A foreign diplomat based in Manila told the AP that the Philippines circulated a stronger draft statement to other ASEAN member states, which was backed by countries like Vietnam. Other governments made suggestions but Duterte, as ASEAN chairman this year, could decide how to shape the language of the regional bloc’s “chairman’s statement,” said the diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to discuss the issue publicly. China and ASEAN member states Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, along with Taiwan, have overlapping claims to territory in the South China Sea, a strategic waterway through which billions of dollars in world trade passes each year. The waters are also important fishing grounds and are believed to have undersea deposits of oil and gas. ASEAN, which makes decisions by consensus, has previously struggled to come up with statements on the issue, with Duterte’s predecessor often pushing for a tougher tone against China and getting pushback from members, like Beijing’s allies Cambodia and Laos, unwilling to upset their largest trading partner and most important economic benefactor. China has dismissed and ignored last July’s arbitration ruling, which invalidated most of its historic claims to almost all of the South China Sea. China
has long argued that the territorial disputes have nothing to do with its relationship with ASEAN and should be settled through bilateral talks. Since taking office last June, Duterte has taken a much softer stance on China and the disputes than his predecessor. That was reflected in Sunday’s watereddown communique, which threePhilippine officials told The AP came at the request of Chinese diplomats in Manila. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the issue with the press. Chinese Embassy officials in Manila were not immediately available for comment. Former Philippine officials who dealt with the disputes say Duterte’s concessions to China could weaken the ability of the Philippines and other ASEAN member states to seek Chinese compliance to the arbitration ruling and curb Beijing’s increasingly assertive behaviour in the disputed waters. “Our government, in its desire to fully and quickly accommodate our aggressive northern neighbour may have left itself negotiating a perilous road with little or no room to rely on brake power and a chance to shift gears if necessary,” former Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said. Del Rosario, then under President Benigno Aquino III, spearheaded the filing of the arbitration complaint against China in 2013. Duterte has said he prefers to warm once-frosty ties with and secure infrastructure funding from Beijing. Still he has said he will raise the ruling with China at some point during his six-year term. A draft of the ASEAN communique seen by the AP ahead of the summit mentioned concerns about China’s “land reclamation” or construction of new islands in the South China Sea and its “militarization” of the disputed region but did not mention China by name. That has been a standard policy in previous ASEAN statements. “Non-mention of The Hague ruling would be a diplomatic triumph for China,” said former Philippine national security adviser Roilo Golez, referring to the European tribunal that issued the landmark decision. “It might embolden them to advance some more in their South China Sea master plan,” said Golez, citing fears that China may also turn the disputed Scarborough Shoal off the northwestern Philippines into another island outpost. ■
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We Can’t Afford 4 More Years of Christy Clark and the BC Liberals! John Horgan and the BC NDP
Christy Clark and the BC Liberals
Will keep health care public and improve seniors care
Will promote health care privatization and contracting out
Will build new hospitals and health facilities in Surrey, Richmond and Burnaby
Have refused and stalled new hospitals
Will build schools to replace portables and reduce class sizes
Let kids sit in portables and expanded class sizes
Will increase the minimum wage to $15
Oppose a $15 minimum wage
Will expand affordable housing for families and support for renters
Allowed housing costs to get out of control and ignored renters’ needs
It’s time for a premier that works for you, not the people at the very top.
Elect John Horgan and the BC NDP.
Authorized by BCNDP, 604-430-8600
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Philippine News
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Volunteer lawyers seek endorsement of impeach rap vs Robredo BY FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Philippines News Agency MANILA — A group of volunteer lawyers and professors on Tuesday submitted an impeachment complaint against Vice President Leni Robredo to a congressman’s office for proper endorsement. In a press conference, lawyer Bruce Rivera, spokesperson of the so-called “Impeach Leni Movement” initially intended to file the impeachment complaint before the Secretary General of the House of Representatives at 1 p.m., but was later instructed to “send it to a congressman’s office”. A complaint filed by any citizen should get the endorsement of a sitting congressman before it will be referred to the House committee on justice for hearing. Rivera, however, refused to
divulge the identity of the lawmaker whom they requested for endorsement. “We actually filed an impeachment and it is with the congressman whom you will know in the future,” Rivera said. Rivera was the former lawyer and spokesperson of alleged pork barrel scam mastermind Janet Lim Napoles. According to Rivera, the grounds for impeachment against Robredo are betrayal of public trust, culpable violation of the Constitution, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. The “Impeach Leni Movement” sought the ouster of Robredo for her video message to the United Nations where she criticized the administration’s anti-drug campaign; her alleged “misdeclaration” of her Meralco shares stated only as “business interests” in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth; and her alleged
“sponsoring” of a national convention on empowerment, not housing, in the United States using Pag-IBIG funds. The group is composed of Rivera, lawyers Trixie Angeles, Tom Berenguer, and Prof. Antonio Contreras, among others. For his part, PBA Partylist Rep. Jericho Nograles cried foul over the group’s attempt to link his name into the impeachment complaint against Robredo, saying that “they used my name for a document that I did not approve.” Nograles, who happens to be President Rodrigo Duterte’s nephew, said a copy of an impeachment complaint was left in his office, but he denied that he will endorse it. “I’m actually shocked that my name is being dragged into this but I have nothing to do with any impeachment complaint,” Nograles said. “I will not endorse this complaint,” he added, stressing that
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he needs to maintain objectivity as a member of the House justice committee. Once the verified complaint has been filed it shall be included in the Order of Business within 10 session days, and referred to the House Justice committee within three session days for hearing.
The Justice panel, by a majority vote, submits its report to the House within 60 session days, and the House calendars it within 10 session days. A vote of at least one-third of all members of the House is needed before the complaint is transmitted to the Senate for trial. ■
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Philippine News
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
President threatens PH, Brunei to resolve sea to block franchise row peacefully of ABS-CBN BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer
BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer
an administration that did not have a problem with the media, including ABS-CBN.
PRESIDENT DUTERTE on Thursday stepped up his attack on the press, threatening to block the renewal of ABS-CBN television’s franchise when it expires in 2020. Mr. Duterte again accused the giant network of estafa for supposedly not providing him the airtime he had paid for. ABS-CBN is a listed company and operates TV channels, radio stations and a website.
‘Slanted’ stories?
Renewal
Mr. Duterte brought up the fact that the franchise was up for renewal after he was asked if he would take legal action against the network for supposed estafa. He said its franchise was fine as long as it adhered to journalistic standards. But he said he would block the franchise renewal when asked by reporters. “Yes. If you’re like that, you are engaged in swindling. For all you know, how many companies paid you and you did not air it?” he said. Tirades
If ABS-CBN would just swindle people, he would have to stop it, he added. ABS-CBN did not immediately return the Inquirer’s calls for comment. But ABS-CBN chair Eugenio “Gabby” Lopez earlier said the President’s tirades against the network were “part and parcel of our work being a media institution.” Lopez had also noted that the network had yet to encounter
Mr. Duterte earlier accused ABS-CBN and Inquirer of putting out slanted stories against him and castigated them for reporting on allegations made by Sen. Antonio Trillanes that he had P200 million in bank accounts. He did not spare the Inquirer in his rants on Thursday, and said he would go after the Prieto family over the leased Mile Long property in Makati. The Prietos are the majority owners of the Inquirer. The Mile Long property referred to by the President is the subject of a lease agreement entered into by the company with the government in 1980. Since the deal is subject to a court case, Mile Long has refrained from discussing its merits further. Mr. Duterte’s tirades were not limited to local media. NYT editorial
On Thursday, he also called The New York Times an “asshole” for coming up with an editorial critical of him and the killings that have taken place under his presidency. He said the newspaper must stop publishing, pointing out that it could not criticize America’s mistakes. “You cannot even criticize your own mistake. Invading a country, making up excuses before the world that is not true, then you have the gall to say stop. You better stop your publishing,” he said. ■
Front view of the ABS-CBN compound's main building. PATRICK ROQUE / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
meeting with Bolkiah. Collective interest
23,000 Filipino migrant workers in Brunei. Many of the Filipinos there work as teachers, health professionals and engineers. Bolkiah is the first head of state to come to the Philippines on a state visit during Mr. Duterte’s term, and the second to arrive in the country. Earlier this year, Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe came to the country on a twoday official visit. Mr. Duterte visited Brunei last year.
“This is a collective interTHE PHILIPPINES and Bru- est that must be upheld in the nei, which have rival claims in implementation of the Declarathe South China Sea, on Thurs- tion [on the Conduct of Parties] day agreed to work for the and greater progress on the peaceful resolution of disputes framework of code of conduct in the strategic waterway. in [the] South China Sea,” he President Duterte of the Phil- added. ippines and Sultan Hassanal Mr. Duterte said the memBolkiah of Brunei also empha- bers of the international comsized the importance of the full munity have duties that they and effective implementation must abide by as they seek of the Declaration on the Con- peace, stability and security in duct of Parties in the South Chi- the South China Sea. Good relations with China na Sea, signed in 2002 by the Commenting on Asean efAssociation of Southeast Asian Illegal drugs forts toward a peaceful resoNations (Asean) and China to Brunei and the Philippines lution of the South China Sea maintain peace and stability in will also continue their coop- disputes, Jose Concepcion III, the region despite the compet- eration in the campaign against chair of the Asean Business Ading territorial claims. terrorism, violent extremism visory Council (Abac), said the The two leaders also wel- and piracy at sea, he said. Philippines and other members comed the progress in the conThey will also work together of the bloc stood to benefit and sultations on the prosper from framework of a good relations proposed code with China. of conduct that Among the would prevent We will work together to ensure “tremendous” the disputes that the principled position for the benefits that from erupting peaceful resolution of disputes will be Asean countries into conflict. articulated fully. will get from China claims having good ties almost all of the with China is South China Sea, tourism, given including waters within the ex- for peace and development in China’s population of more clusive economic zones of Bru- Mindanao, he said. than 1 billion, Concepcion said nei, Malaysia, the Philippines Bolkiah said Brunei would on Thursday. and Vietnam. work with the Philippines in Speaking at a news conTaiwan also have claims in combating illegal drugs. ference, Concepcion said he the South China Sea. “We also look forward to our looked at Mr. Duterte’s bid to future collaboration in address- make Manila a partner rather Palace meeting ing issues on drugs. We believe than an adversary of Beijing as The South China Sea dis- that both sides will benefit from “the right step” toward rebuildputes were among the matters the exchanges of expertise and ing ties with China. Mr. Duterte and Bolkiah took best practices in this area,” Abac is holding a “Prosperity up during their bilateral meet- Bolkiah said. for All” meeting on Friday on ing in Malacañang on Thursday. Mr. Duterte and Bolkiah also the sidelines of the Asean sumThe two leaders, who af- witnessed the signing of an mit. firmed the strong ties between agreement on cultural coopMr. Duterte has deferred astheir countries, also discussed eration and a memorandum of sertion of an international arcooperation on trade and secu- understanding on the halal in- bitration tribunal in favor of rity issues. dustry and halal export devel- the Philippines in the South Bolkiah is in the Philippines opment and promotion. China Sea dispute and instead for a state visit and to attend the Bolkiah said Brunei was in- set about rebuilding relations 30th Asean summit in Manila. terested in developing a part- with China. The Philippines, which plays nership with the Philippines Concepcion conceded that host to the summit, is push- for investment and the produc- the Philippines has no military ing for the completion of the tion of halal products as part of power to challenge China, but framework for a code of con- their economic cooperation. said that the country has the duct between Asean and China On energy matters, oil-rich power to pursue good relations this year. Brunei will cooperate with the with its neighbors in the region “We will work together to Philippines in exploring “po- through the friendliness and ensure that the principled posi- tential downstream and up- hospitableness of its people. ■ tion for the peaceful resolution stream activities,” Bolkiah said. of disputes will be articulated He also expressed appre- With a report from Christine O. fully,” Mr. Duterte said after his ciation for the contributions of Avendaño www.canadianinquirer.net
Philippine News
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Watchdog to... The U.S. and other countries close to the Philippines ”have an obligation to urge accountability for the victims of Duterte’s abusive drug war, rather than offer to roll out the red carpet for official state visits with its mastermind,” said Phelim Kine, HRW’s deputy director for Asia. Kine said Trump may damage human rights by making overly friendly overtures to Duterte, who is facing a complaint for alleged mass murder before the International Criminal Court. Trump will cut a “bad deal” for the American and Filipino people if he fetes Duterte with a White House reception without assessing the implications “of hosting and toasting a foreign leader whose links to possible crimes against humanity for instigating and inciting extrajudicial killings has already prompted warnings from the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court,” Kine said in an email. Duterte has said his administration does not back extrajudicial killings, although he has repeatedly threatened drug suspects with death and violence in nationally televised speeches. Duterte’s spokesman, Ernie Abella, did not immediately reply to a request for comment Monday. Duterte said he has not accepted the
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invitation because of scheduled trips to Russia, Israel and other countries. “I’m tied up,” he told reporters Monday in southern Davao city. “I cannot make any definite promise.” U.S. and Philippine officials said Trump’s calls and invitations to several Asian allies including Duterte were aimed at discussing the crisis over North Korea’s nuclear threats. In his phone conversation with Trump, Duterte said he relayed the region’s alarm over the North Korean standoff. “I said Mr. President, I do not think that you can scare (North Korean leader) Kim Jung Un with fire power,” Duterte said. “Our greatest chance there of getting some dialogue with America and North Korea would be through the intercession of China.” Abella said in a statement that “the discussion that transpired between the presidents was warm, with President Trump expressing his understanding and appreciation of the challenges facing the Philippinepresident, especially on the matter of dangerous drugs.” A White House statement described the call as “very friendly” and said the U.S.-Philippine alliance “is now heading in a very positive direction.” Trump’s chief of staff, Reince Priebus,
President Rodrigo Duterte is welcomed on board the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) flagship destroyer ‘Chang Chun’ by Chinese PLAN Commander and Political Commissar Adm. Miao Hua, 'Chang Chun' Commander Rear Adm. Shen Hao and Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua. AVITO C. DALAN / PNA
said friendlier ties are needed, even with concerns about Duterte’s human rights record, citing the North Korean threat. “The purpose of this call is all about North Korea,” Priebus told ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday. “It doesn’t mean that human rights don’t matter.” The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, said Monday he hopes Trump will send a “very clear and undiluted message” to Duterte, but stopped short of calling for the meeting to be cancelled. “The Philippine president has gone on record claiming that he perpetrated homicide when in a previous capacity
Revenge, not Isis, behind Quiapo explosion, says Lorenzana BY PHILIP C. TUBEZA Philippine Daily Inquirer AUTHORITIES ON Sunday dismissed the claim of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) that it was behind Friday’s explosion in Quiapo, Manila, which left 14 people injured. According to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the incident was motivated by revenge after a teenager was mauled by three brothers in the area. “The ISIS can claim all they want but this was not their handiwork,” Lorenzana said. He added that the teenager’s parents had complained to the police which summoned the three suspects but they did not appear at the police station. “The [victim’s] father became mad and swore [revenge]. Shortly after, a grenade exploded,” Lorenzana said. The explosion happened as the capital was hosting the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit. Director Oscar Albayalde, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, said that there was still no evidence showing that the bombing inci-
dent was a terrorist attack. “Wewill not comment on the alleged ISIS claim on the Quiapo explosion until we confirm with certainty that such claim was really made by them. So much so, there are no confirmed reports on any presence of members of ISIS in the country,” Albayalde said in a statement. ISIS claimed responsibility for the bombing through its news agency, the Amaq News Agency. “It would also appear, that again, as in several instances of acts of violence or disruption of peace and order in other countries, ISIS is grabbing the opportunity to promote their cause and interest, and gain global recognition by claiming outright responsibility for the said explosion,” he added. The Manila Police District earlier said that the explosion at a peryahan (fair), caused by a homemade pipe bomb, was prompted by a teenager’s complaint against three brothers he had a feud with in Barangay 391. The brothers identified only as Bebot, Tangki and Komang Kahulugan were not among the victims in Friday’s incident. Most of those injured were passersby or workers at the fair. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
he launched a campaign against those involved allegedly in the drug trade,” he said to reporters in Geneva. “My hope is that the president of the United States will convey this deep sense of alarm about the apparent shirking of the obligations under the law _ to subject any alleged violator of the law to the normal process that should be undertaken,” Zeid said. “We will wait to see what comes out of that meeting, but I hope the message will be very clear and firm on this.” ■ Associated Press writer Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report.
Philippine News
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MAY 5, 2017
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Duterte to critics: Stop meddling BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer
Publisher Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Inc. Correspondents Jane Moraleda Cheng Ilagan Katherine Padilla Deby Mangabat Phoebe Balubar Socorro Newland Bolet Arevalo Gerna Lane Sotana News Anchor Manny Noel Abuel 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
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Member
PRESIDENT DUTERTE on Saturday stressed the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nation’s timehonored tradition of ‘noninterference’ in each other’s internal affairs, as he pushed for a peaceful resolution of disputes. In an oblique swipe at his critics from the West who have lashed out at his war on drugs, he asked them not to meddle in the affairs of Asean countries. President Duterte on Saturday stressed the importance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ (Asean) timehonored tradition of noninterference in each other’s internal affairs to foster fruitful relations, calling on the regional bloc to value the supremacy of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. He also urged the country’s neighbors to be more forthright in pushing for the region’s interests on the international stage, as the Asean held its 30th summit and marked its 50th year. Mr. Duterte, who has often bristled at comments and concerns from international groups and other countries about his bloody drug war, asked his regional neighbors to work together to fight the narcotics scourge and bring about a drugfree Asean. But in an oblique swipe at Western governments which have lashed out at his tough anticrime policy, Mr. Duterte asked them not to meddle in the affairs of countries in the region even as his speech was couched in a formal, diplomatic tone. He said ties could become stronger and more productive “if we learn to respect each other’s independence and treat each other as sovereign equals,” Mr. Duterte said. “Relations bear fruit when they are based on mutual respect and benefit.” Mr. Duterte also cited the need for the 10-nation bloc to address security issues, including terrorism and piracy, but made no mention of touchy South China Sea territorial rifts, which China did not want to be highlighted in the daylong talks. The long-simmering disputes, along with alarm over North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and intensifying standoff with the United States, have taken attention away from the more benign topics of regional economic integration. The summit is the first major international event Mr. Duterte has hosted since taking office 10 months ago. Drugs
Mr. Duterte again went back to his favorite topic, and warned that the drug problem threatens the gains of community-building and destroys lives, especially of the youth, he said.
LABOR DAY CELEBRATION. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte attends Labor Day assembly organized by
the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at the People's Park in Davao City.
PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
“The illegal drug trade apparatus is massive. But it is not impregnable. With political will and cooperation, it can be dismantled, it can be destroyed before it destroys our societies,” he said. In opening the summit, Mr. Duterte noted that the regional bloc was founded on the concepts of unity, solidarity and cooperation. “The cornerstones form part of timehonored principles of international law: Mutual respect for the independence, sovereignty, equality, territorial integrity, and national identity of all nations and noninterference in the internal affairs of one another,” he added. Asean’s relationship with its dialogue partners, which includes the United States and the European Union, could be stronger if they respected each other’s independence and treated each other as equals, he said. “Our engagement with dialogue partners allowed us to set the table for meaningful discussions on maintaining peace and stability, the pursuit of development goals, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the promotion of our peoples’ welfare,” he said. “Let me say again, relations bear fruit when they are based on mutual respect and benefit. Dialogue relations can be made more productive and constructive if the valued principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of Asean member-states is observed,” he added. Law should reign supreme
Mr. Duterte also said the law must reign supreme in the region and disputes must be resolved peacefully. He did not directly mention conflicting claims of China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan over the South China Sea. “Relations also remain solid if all stakeholders learn to respect and value the peaceful resolution of disputes. In
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an era where there can be much uncertainty, we must faithfully adhere to the supremacy of the law and rely on the primacy of rules as responsible members of the international community,” he said. He made the call even after earlier nixing a proposal to bring up during the summit the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration that had invalidated Beijing’s claim to nearly the whole of the South China Sea. The ruling, he had said, was a nonissue in the Asean and was just between China and the Philippines. Security issues
He said yesterday that both traditional and nontraditional security issues hinder efforts to promote peace, stability, security and prosperity in our the region. He also sought continued vigilance to address security threats, including piracy, armed robbery, terrorism and violent extremism. “Eternal vigilance is the price that we must pay to keep our citizens safe. We can only achieve this through advancing cooperation at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels,” he said. The Philippines’ priorities as it chairs the Asean this year include promoting the bloc as a model for regionalism and as a global player. It must be more forceful in pushing for its interests, Mr. Duterte said. “History will judge us on how we are able to help our people and our region become even better and stronger based on the values and heritage we hold dear. In this milestone year, the time is ripe— and indeed it is right—to make our decisions count. It is time for Asean to finally assert, with conviction, its position in the international arena,” he said. Under the Philippine chairmanship, ❱❱ PAGE 10 Duterte to
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Asean leaders urge Pyongyang to exercise restraint in missile tests BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer
Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to punish police officers involved int the “hidden cell” found at the Manila Police District Station 1 in Tondo. PNA
Senate inquiry into MPD’s ‘hidden cell’ sought BY AZER N. PARROCHA Philippines News Agency MANILA — A resolution was filed Tuesday seeking to look into the reported “hidden cell” which was discovered at the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 1 in Tondo after members of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) made a surprise inspection. Sen. Paolo Benigno Aquino IV filed Senate Resolution No. 348 seeking to investigate the operation of the cell and at the same time urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to clean up its ranks. Aquino, in filing the resolution, said the probe is aimed at ensuring that the rights of those under custodial investigation or detention by the PNP are protected. He also stressed that cleaning the police ranks must go handin-hand with the administration’s war against drugs to earn public trust. “As the government’s enforcement arm in its war against illegal drugs, the PNP should safeguard the public’s trust by ensuring that abusive policemen are investigated and punished accordingly,” Aquino said in his resolution. According to the CHR, the hidden cell was occupied by at least 12 persons who were detained for at least 10 days even without the filing of proper charges and without arrests being recorded. Families of the detainees also claimed that elements of the Drug Enforcement Unit asked for money in exchange for their freedom.
Neophyte Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, urged PNP Director General Chief Ronald dela Rosa to immediately launch an intensive probe into allegations against police officers involved. Gatchalian, in a statement, also warned that the current administration’s campaign against illegal drugs would “nosedive” if the PNP fails to address reports of police abuses. “The endless string of public scandals concerning the questionable methods employed by police officers in waging the fight against illegal drugs is starting to take its toll on the credibility of the PNP,” Gatchalian said. “Public trust in the institution is fast declining, and the people are losing their faith in police officers,” he added. He also emphasized the importance of the public perception of PNP in the success or failure of the administration’s anti-illegal drug campaign. “The integrity of the PNP and its members must remain unsullied at all times. If the people lose trust in the police, we will lose the war on drugs,” he added. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, former PNP chief, also said that it was obvious that the hidden cell was a human rights violation. “You can see there’s a violation, that’s plain view. It is clear in the law that secret prison cells are prohibited. So there should have been action taken against the police officers concerned,” Lacson said in an interview. In a separate interview, Sen. Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III said that he had no objection on the call for a probe into the issue. ■
SOUTHEAST ASIAN leaders have expressed grave concern over North Korea’s provocative nuclear and ballistic missile tests and urged the pariah state to exercise restraint to ease tensions in the region. President Duterte, chair of this year’s Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) summit, told his fellow regional leaders at their annual meeting in Manila on Saturday that Beijing was key to reining in Pyongyang and asked them to prod China to talk to the North’s erratic leader, Kim Jong-un. “China holds the ace in solving the situation [on] the Korean Peninsula,” a diplomat, who was privy to the Asean leaders’ summit meetings, quoted Mr. Duterte as telling the Asean leaders. The diplomat, who did not want to be quoted for lack of authority to speak on the matter, said Mr. Duterte gave the remarks in an “honest and off-thecuff” manner and mentioned them in concluding the meeting.
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Possible US strike
By that time the Asean leaders had already presented their positions or “interventions” and that “almost all of them” had raised concerns over the tensions on the Korean Peninsula brought about by the possibility of the United States opting for a military strike against the North for conducting missile and nuclear tests in defiance of United Nations and unilateral sanctions. Before Asean leaders met on Saturday, Pyongyang test-fired a ballistic missile, but it blew up a few seconds into flight. This incident was pointed out by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the meeting of the Asean leaders, according to the diplomat. He said some Southeast Asian diplomats made a thumbs-up gesture when Mr. Duterte stated that China, an ally of North Korea, could help ease the tensions. After all, the diplomat said this was the “unspoken assessment” of the regional bloc. He said Asean viewed the Korean Peninsula crisis as the “immediate security threat” in the region. “We or individually could encourage China to directly talk to Kim Jong-un,” the diplomat
quoted Mr. Duterte as saying to the Asean leaders. Asked if other leaders of the bloc made the same suggestion, the diplomat said there were “some who spoke of Asean’s bridging role” while others commented that Asean engage North Korea since it was a member of the Asean Regional Forum and for the group to remind Pyongyang to abide by UN-resolutions. The diplomat also recalled Mr. Duterte as saying that he found Kim to be “always smiling” and appeared to be “jolly” but that the North Korean leader made him “nervous.” Mr. Duterte told a news conference on Saturday that he was expecting a call from US President Donald Trump and that he planned to ask the American leader to be more patient with Kim to avoid an escalation of the tensions into conflict. In their final statement after the summit, the Asean leaders expressed grave concern over recent developments in the Korean Peninsula, including the North’s two nuclear tests in 2016 and subsequent ballistic missile launches. They said these actions escalated tensions “that [could] affect peace and stability in the region.” ■
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Senate OKs 3 landmark bills including historic Mental Health Act of 2017 PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The Senate on Tuesday approved three measures on third and final reading including a historic bill which seeks to provide wider access to mental health care for all Filipinos. With 19 affirmative votes, zero negative votes and no abstentions, Senate Bill No. 1354 or the Mental Health Act of 2017 was passed. It seeks to establish a national mental health policy to enhance the delivery of integrated mental health services. It is also meant to promote and protect persons utilizing psychiatric, neurologic and psychosocial health services, appropriating funds therefor and for other purposes The bill was authored by Senate Majority Floor Leader Tito Sotto and Senators Risa Hontiveros, Juan Egardo Angara, Antonio Trillanes IV, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Loren Legarda and Joel Villanueva. In a speech, Hontiveros described the passage of the measure as “a historic day” for all of Filipinos as it has remained one of the few countries without a mental health policy. “…We are now closer to realizing a national mental health law to comprehensively address the Filipinos’ mental health needs and ensure that our rights as persons with mental health concerns are protected and secured,” Hontiveros said. Also passed was a bill which seeks to update the amounts prescribed under the 87-year old Revised Penal Code, to prevent the imposition of cruel and excessive punishment. Senate Bill No. 14 is meant to address the “outdated” penalties for certain crimes, which were based on the economic standards since the Revised Penal Code first took effect in 1930. It was approved with 21 affirmative votes, zero negative votes and no abstentions. It also seeks to “update the value of the damages used in determining the extent of li-
Mental health advocates Jerika Ejercito (left), actress Antoinette Taus (second from left) and Miss International 2016 Kylie Verzosa (right) pose with Senator Risa Hontiveros (second from right), one of the authors of the bill on mental health care, at the Senate Building. AVITO C. DALAN / PNA
ability and imprisonment; and adjust the amount of fines,” using a formula adopted from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The bill was authored and sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, coauthored by Sen. Leila de Lima and co-sponsored by Sen. Richard Gordon. “The only remedy is to call for the much-needed overhaul of an archaic law that was promulgated decades ago when the political, socio-economic, and cultural settings were very much different from today’s conditions,” Drilon said. “The application of the DOJ formula yields adjusted rates that are more appropriate for the objectives of the law — one, to avoid the imposition of cruel and excessive punishment, and two, to make imposable fines an effective deterrent to crimes,” he added. Another bill passed was Senate Bill No. 1355 or the Philippine Innovation Act, which sets the stage for the formulation of an ambitious innovation policy framework that will drive the country’s economic development and inclusive growth over the next few decades. There were 22 affirmative votes, 0 negative votes and no abstentions. The Innovation Act is meant to establish the National Innovation Council (NIC), an inter-agency body, chaired by the President of the Philippines and composed of 16 cabinet secretaries from key line agencies, as well as seven executive mem-
bers from the business sector, the academe, and the scientific community. The Council will be tasked to facilitate the adoption of a clear and inspiring long-term view of the country’s innovation vision, improve the governance framework for innovation, and mandate key reform areas toward building a thriving and inclusive national innovation ecosystem. The bill was sponsored by neophyte Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian. It was co-sponsored by Senators Loren Legarda, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Cynthia Villar, Joel Villanueva and Richard Gordon. The initial version of the Innovation Act originally referred to the Economic Affairs committee, Senate Bill No. 38, was one of the priority measures filed by Legarda at the start of the 17th Congress. “There is no better timing for the passage of this Act than now. The recent economic and development agenda on national, regional and international contexts all have parallel focus on innovation,” Gatchalian said. “The vision that has inspired the passage of this Act is to finally see our country putting innovation at the center of our national development policies, and making innovation a major driver of economic development that will build the foundation of a more inclusive future. This should compel us to finally develop a culture of innovation in all levels and all areas of national development,” he added. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
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Nobleza a spy? Bato scoffs BY PHILIP C. TUBEZA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE SENIOR police officer caught trying to help Abu Sayyaf members in Bohol had claimed she had been working as a spy for the government against the terror group, but her boss scoffed at her story, saying “we will not be fooled.” Director General Ronald dela Rosa, Philippine National Police chief, said he had talked with Supt. Ma. Cristina Nobleza and was told by the female officer that she had been working as a deep penetration agent, or spy, against Abu Sayyaf. Nobleza, according to Dela Rosa, was tapped by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission and helping bomb expert Renierlo P. Dongon, a suspected Abu Sayyaf member, regain the trust of other Abu Sayyaf leaders. Dela Rosa quoted Nobleza as saying she was married to Dongon in ceremonies officiated by Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, an international terrorist who was killed in the town of Mamasapano in Maguindanao in an operation that cost the lives of 44 elite policemen. Relaxed
Nobleza, according to Dela
Rosa, was “relaxed” when they talked. Dela Rosa quoted Nobleza as saying she had been helping an Abu Sayyaf member who was wounded in the clash with soldiers in Bohol province because it would help Dongon regain the trust of Abu Sayyaf. But “that is according to her,” said Dela Rosa, expressing disbelief at Nobleza’s story. Nobleza and Dongon had been arrested in Bohol on Saturday and are now undergoing tactical interrogation in Camp Crame in Quezon City. Dela Rosa said Nobleza admitted that she and Dongon had been trying to deliver medicine for a certain Saad, the Abu Sayyaf member wounded in the clash. According to Dela Rosa, Nobleza wanted Dongon to regain the trust of Abu Sayyaf so “Dongon could function again normally within the group.” Dela Rosa said he did not believe Nobleza. “We know something [which shows] otherwise,” he said. Dela Rosa said the PNP “will not be fooled” by Nobleza’s claims. “We will not be fooled by any attempt to fool us because we already learned something that she does not know,” Dela Rosa said, without elaborating. ■
Duterte to... the Asean will continue to work toward becoming a “proactive, relevant and transformative” bloc, he said. The other priorities of the group this year are building a people-oriented and peoplecentered Asean, maintaining a peaceful and stable region, cooperating in maritime security, advancing inclusive and innovative-led growth, and promoting the region’s resiliency. Mr. Duterte said citizens of Asean members have the same aspirations, which is that their rights and welfare as a people are protected and promoted. They also want a stable source of livelihood, shelter, quality education, affordable healthcare, a peaceful and stable government ❰❰ 8
and a dynamic economy. The Asean must do all it can to provide these for them, he said. Mr. Duterte kicked off the opening of the Asean summit after welcoming the bloc’s leaders and spouses at the Philippine International Convention Center. Among the guests at the event were former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former first lady and Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Marcos, Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno, United States Ambassador Sung Kim and Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua. Following a cultural presentation, Mr. Duterte posed for the traditional family photo with the Asean leaders. ■
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FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
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#RealNumbers: The truth behind the headlines PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Media hype over the so-called, “extra judicial killings” (EJK) has earned President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration a slew of criticism both locally and internationally. While most of the headlines center on the rising body count as a result of the government’s anti-illegal hard drugs campaign, it seems that no one is reporting on the real score and that the campaign is more than just about eliminating the problem but also about finding a lasting solution. With the illegal drug trade ballooning to a PHP120-billion industry, it was not until President Duterte put his foot down and declared an unprecedented, relentless campaign to go after the entire illegal drugs apparatus that the magnitude and severity of the drug menace was fully revealed. The fight against illegal drugs was the foundation for then Mayor Duterte’s presidential campaign and it was the first things on his to-do list when he assumed office almost a year ago. So daunting, the President’s campaign promise that soon after he was elected in May 2016, the killing spree of known drug dependents and pushers immediately begun. A few weeks after he assumed office, Duterte had revealed a list of names of top Philippine National Police (PNP) officials allegedly involved in illegal hard drugs. Soon after, followed what is now known as the “drug matrix” where allegedly, top ranking government officials, police, military, legislators, local and barangay officials were named, giving credence to his claim that the country has now become a “narco state.” Critics have frowned upon
DRUG TREATMENT AND REHAB CENTERS. Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Paulyn Jean Ubial (in rostrum)
gives an overview on DOH-accredited Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers in the country during the #RealNumbersPH forum. JOEY O. RAZON / PNA
and questioned the validity of the “drug matrix” and have since been vocal about their distaste for the seemingly limitless power the President has given the PNP to carry out antiillegal drugs operations. Though the PNP admits to incurring casualties on both sides, some media entities continue to report on figures that do not reflect what is truly happening on the ground. The war on illegal drugs is not all about the arrest, capture, prosecution and the breaking of the backbone of the industry. It is also about treatment, rehabilitation and re-integration of reformed addicts into society to prevent them from going back into hard drugs. It is also about providing adequate treatment facilities, teaching patients new and productive skills for livelihood. This is the aim of #RealNumbersPH forum — to present the facts and actual figures of not only the damage brought about by illegal drugs. Led by the Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO), the PNP, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of So-
cial Welfare and Development (DSWD), the forum gathered organizations in support of the anti-illegal drugs campaign as well as members of the media to present not only the numbers but what government and the private sector are doing to heal not only the users and pushers, but the entire country as well. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar declared, “The illegal drug trade has met its match, notably, the political will and unwavering resolve of our President and his relentless mission to divert our country from the dangerous trajectory of becoming a narco state.The concept of a narco-state is unacceptable to us and the next generation. In both economic and social terms, we cannot allow a menace to society to dictate our nation’s destiny.” As the lead agency in the antiillegal drugs campaign, PDEA chief, Director General Isidro Lapenas presented an overview of PDEA programs and operations. “The status quo is not acceptable. We need to do something now,” Lapenas said. Police Deputy Director Ramon Apolinario acknowledged that the illegal drug menace is a major concern and that a more
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determined implementation is needed. The forum also provides the perfect opportunity to present accurate information as far as the anti-illegal drugs campaign is concerned. Not all the presenters of the #RealNumbersPH are from the government. Rev. Fr. Carmelo Diola, Executive Director of the “LaBang” (Lahat Bangon) has been in the humane side of the anti-illegal drugs campaign since 2001. Fr. Diola and the Labang Foundation has been helping former drug dependents through a community-based, holistic and structured recovery program which is faith-impelled and evidence based. Fr. Diola believes the a sense of structure must be restored in an individual because that is the first thing that goes when a person gets hooked on illegal drugs. “I’m very grateful for ‘tokhang’ outside of some excesses because this opportunity may not come again in our lifetime. I know because I’ve been there for 16 years,” Fr. Diola acknowledged. PDir Camilo Pancratius Cascolan—Director for Operations reported that focus crimes like
robbery, physical injuries, carnapping, have decreased as a direct result of the anti-illegal drugs campaign. Rape has been reduced by as much as 45 percent from the period of July to December 2016. On the part of the DOH, Health Secretary Pauline G. Ubial, revealed that there are a total of 48 accredited drug abuse treatment facilities in the country of which 17 are government-run and 31 are private facilities. The total capacity of these 48 facilities amount to 12,000 beds. Ubial also mentioned that there is a process by which patients are admitted into a treatment facility. A patient will be assessed as to whether treatment may be done as an outpatient or eligible for admission. “We embark on this as a nation with great cost and that is why it is critical to move forward with a mindset of change. We must implement the necessary reforms to ensure the PNP is rid of scalawags and corrupt elements. We must work together to develop a world-class police force with the competence necessary to win the war on illegal drugs.” “It is time to implement reforms in our criminal justice system. The success of this war will depend on efficient and effective law enforcement that is balanced in the protection of human rights.” “Last but not the least, the Filipino must become a committed citizen engaged in discussions such as these and we must realize that we are not each other’s enemies but rather, we are partners in defeating one foe—the illegal hard drug trade and its apparatus. We need the media as our partners who will not only help us get the real numbers out there but also keep us in check, holding us accountable for our actions,” Andanar concluded. ■
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Duterte can’t commit to Trump invite
Catanduanes guv, 2 others face raps over killing of journalist
BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s invitation to President Duterte to visit Washington was a sign of “openness and understanding” between the two leaders, Malacañang said on Tuesday as a ranking member of the US Senate’s foreign relations committee demanded withdrawal of the invitation. Trump has drawn flak from American politicians, journalists and human rights groups for the invitation to Mr. Duterte, who is accused of backing extrajudicial killings for the deaths of thousands of people in his war on drugs. In a statement, US Sen. Ben Cardin, the most senior Democrat on the foreign relations committee, said he was “deeply disturbed” by Trump’s “cavalier” invitation to President Duterte to visit the White House. ‘Rescind invitation’
“This is a man who has boasted publicly about killing his own citizens,” Cardin said. “The United States is unique in the world because our values—respect for human rights, respect for the rule of law—are our interests. Ignoring human rights will not advance US interests in the Philippines or elsewhere.” Cardin said Trump should “immediately rescind” the invitation to Mr. Duterte. He said he would introduce legislation later this week “to make it clear to President Duterte that there will be consequences for his barbaric actions.” The proposal, he said, would include “preventing certain US weapons from being sold” to the Philippine National Police
BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN Philippines News Agency
PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
and “supporting human rights and civil society organizations in the Republic of the Philippines.” Mr. Duterte said on Monday that he could not commit to Trump because of a busy schedule that included a trip to Moscow. “I am tied up. I cannot make any definite promise. I am supposed to go to Russia, I am supposed to go to Israel,” he told reporters in Davao City when asked about Trump’s invitation made in a telephone call on Saturday night. Mr. Duterte expressed concerns about not being able to fit in a visit to Trump even though no firm date had been proposed for it. Nevertheless, Mr. Duterte said relations were improving now that Trump had taken over from Barack Obama, who criticized the Philippine leader’s handling of the campaign against narcotics. On good terms
On Tuesday, presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella said there would always be critics, when sought for comment
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on the uproar over Trump’s invitation to Mr. Duterte. Abella indicated the two leaders were apparently on good terms. Asked if he considered Trump’s invitation an honor, Abella replied: “I think it’s a sign of openness and understanding between the two leaders, definitely.” Abella also said Trump had expressed support and understanding for Mr. Duterte, amid calls for the American president to urge Mr. Duterte to take seriously the alleged human rights violations in the Philippines. “According to the conversation, the President of the United States has already acknowledged the fact that the President is doing a great job considering the weight and the enormity of the conditions in the Philippines,” he said. “So I’m sure he’s aware of all these considerations. However, from his point of view, it seems like the President of the Philippines is doing a sensible job,” he added. ■ With a report from AFP
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MANILA — The family of slain journalist Larry Que in Catanduanes on Tuesday filed a murder complaint before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against three persons including Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua. Que’s common-law wife, Edralyn Pangilinan, filed the murder complaint at the DOJ against Cua and two other respondents Prince Lim Subion and Vincent Masagca Tacorda. Pangilinan also filed a complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman last February against Cua, Virac Mayor Samuel Laynes, and Barangay Palta Small chairman Hilario Sarmiento all of whom she accused of graft, grave misconduct and nonfeasance for their failure to crack down on illegal drugs. Pangilinan noted in her complaint before the Ombudsman that Que investigated and exposed the issue in his newspaper before getting killed. “His exposés, unfortunately, went under the skin of one of his subjects, Joseph C. Cua, the governor of Catanduanes province, and were too much to handle for the latter,” read her complaint before the Ombudsman. Que, a columnist and publisher of a local paper in Catanduanes, was shot in the head by unidentified man wearing a bonnet and a raincoat last Dec. 19 in Virac. The gunman fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice, according to earlier reports. Que’s case, is the first case of
media killing under the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte. The DOJ Secretary assured that justice will be served on Que and other victims of media killings. In his column, Que blamed the negligence of local government leaders for the existence of the large shabu laboratory earlier seized in their province. He said the discovery of the shabu lab brought shame on the province. He also alleged in his column that the laboratory was set up by Chinese nationals to help the Chinese residents in the island province. The incident has reportedly caused fear among local journalists in the province who also reported on the said shabu laboratory, which is said to be the largest in the country. Meanwhile, the task force on media killings is composed of secretaries of the Department of Interior and Local Government and National Defense, the Solicitor-General, the executive director of the Presidential Human Rights Committee, the chiefs of the military and the police and the NBI director. Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said that the task force on media killing would not only focus on new cases, but will also handle unresolved ones from the previous administrations. According to Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, at least 152 media personalities have already been killed in the country since 1986. ■
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FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
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Pimentel on De Lima’s request to join senate sessions: Let the court decide BY AZER N. PARROCHA Philippines News Agency MANILA — Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III on Tuesday said that it us up to the court to decide on whether to allow detained Sen. Leila de Lima to participate in Senate sessions particularly in the deliberations of measures. “Nasa court na yung issue (The issue is already in the court), so let the court decide. Let her lawyers work,” Pimentel told reporters in an interview. “The court can ask, or the Senate President can initiate as an amicus curiae if the court would ask but I don’t think it’s the case so it is not important. It is only done if it is a difficult question of constitutional law,” he added. However, Pimentel said that
according to Senate rules, De Lima had to be present to be able to interpellate, debate and vote. On the other hand, she did not need to be present to file resolutions and bills. “Ang rules kasi namin (According to our rules), you must be present to be able to interpellate, to debate, and to vote, but you need not be present to file resolutions, to file bills,” he explained. “Yung mga need not be present na things (The things you need not to be present), we can still do, but those that need your presence, what can we do? You must be physically present,” he added. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, in a separate interview, said De Lima’s request has yet to be discussed. “Pag-uusapan namin sa majority (We at the majority will have to talk about that),” Lac-
DepEd reopens application for voucher program BY JOCELYN R. UY Philippine Daily Inquirer GRADE 10 graduates from private schools will get a chance at availing the senior high school (SHS) voucher for the new school year. The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that it was reopening the application for the SHS voucher program from May 1 to 15 for Grade 10 completers whowere not Educational Service Contracting grantees and who missed the deadline to enlist last February. In an advisory, the DepEd said all applications had to be strictly done online by accessing the voucher application portal at http://ovap.deped.gov.ph. It stressed that manual applications would not be processed. “Applications will be accepted only until May 15 and the deadline will not be extended. Results will be announced on
May 31,” it added. On its website, the DepEd also announced that results of the earlier application for the voucher program had already been released and could be accessed through the online portal. Online applicants should log in to their account to check if they have been accepted into the program while manual applicants may use the “check results” function found in the website. Qualified voucher recipients may also start downloading their respective voucher certificates, it added. The DepEd vouchers are given to Grade 10 completers who would like to pursue SHS in private schools, private universities and colleges or state colleges and universities. Under the program, all Grade 10 completers are eligible to apply for the vouchers, which entitles a beneficiary to a subsidy of up to P22,500 every school year. ■
son said, however, noted that he was in favor of maximizing the participation of all Senators. “Kung ako tatanungin, kasi ginawa namin kay Sen. (Antonio) Trillanes, but it entails additional facilities. Kasi kung teleconferencing, kailangan mag-install pa tayo rito (If you ask me, we did it before with Sen. Trillanes but it entails additional facilities. If it’s teleconferencing, we need to install facilities here),” he added. Lacson, however, said that De Lima could not be allowed to vote as the rules clearly state that she would have to be physically present. “Voting, she cannot. Kasi ang voting kailangan physically present ka. But kung if at all papayagan, participate in the deliberations. Pero sa voting, I don’t… kasi mag-violate kami ng rules (To vote, she would have to be physically present. She
SENATE PRESIDENT KOKO PIMENTEL / FACEBOOK
might be allowed to participate in deliberations but in voting, that would violate the rules),” he added. Asked if De Lima would be allowed to leave her detention cell to vote, Lacson said that it was not within the Senate’s authority to allow her that request.
The legal team of detained Sen. De Lima is currently studying legal options for her to be allowed to attend sessions at the Senate. She is currently detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City on drug trafficking charges. ■
Robredo, kin raise P8M for protest fee BY NIKKO DIZON Philippine Daily Inquirer VOWING TO protect the will of the people in last year’s elections, Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday said she would never allow the son and namesake of dictator Ferdinand Marcos to grab the second highest office in the land and return to power. “Even if it’s difficult, even if we’re going through many challenges, we will not let the voice of the people be taken away,” Robredo said in a brief speech to her supporters outside the Supreme Court where she had paid an election protest fee of P8 million. That amount was the first installment of the P15.5 million cash deposit set by the Presidential Electoral Tribunal (PET) for her counterprotest against former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. “You know that this fight is not about me. This fight is about all of us,” Robredo said. She said the country suffered during the dictator’s brutal martial law regime, some of www.canadianinquirer.net
whose victims were among her supporters, including former Commission on Human Rights chair Etta Rosales. They were joined by activist priest Robert Reyes and members of the online group The Silent Majority. Martial law victims
Robredo said the martial law victims had inspired her to continue her fight against the return of the Marcoses to power. “Their fight was bigger, tougher than mine,” the Vice President said in Filipino. “They have suffered and they have struggled but until now, they’re still here, after many decades. They’re still fighting for their rights.” Robredo said she used her own money and borrowed from relatives of her late husband, Jesse Robredo—Vicente Hao Chin, Pablito Chua and Rafael Bundoc—to raise P8 million. Raising the P7.5 million balance by July would be her next challenge, according to Robredo’s legal adviser, Ibarra Gutierrez. Fund source
Gutierrez said he was still
studying if the Liberal Party could contribute, as it was unclear whether the political party could do so under the Omnibus Election Code. The Marcoses have vowed to check where their funds would come from, Robredo said. “My husband served in government for a long time. The Marcoses also served in government for a long time. It is true we don’t have the money to pay the deposit, which only shows everyone that even if we have served in government for a long time, we never stole from the people,” she said. Sometimes called the “second widow in yellow” to defeat a Marcos, Robredo challenged the former senator to declare that “his family did not steal from the nation’s coffers.” She said it was easy for Marcos to pay P36 million, the first installment of the P66.2 million cash deposit he was required to put up. The total amount would cover expenses for the examination of the election results from 132,446 polling precincts that he had questioned. ■
Opinion
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MAY 5, 2017
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NBI denies links to death threats vs Atong Ang BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN Philippines News Agency MANILA — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI Director Dante A. Gierran on Tuesday denied the allegations of controversial Filipino-Chinese businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang that the bureau is involved in the alleged harassment and death threats against the latter. “The NBI is a professional organization that adheres to high moral and ethical standards and its Officials and Agents will not be involved in highly unethical and illegal activities as alleged by Ang,” he said in a statement. Gierran stressed that the al-
leged death threats against Ang are baseless and without merit and are just a product of his own wild imaginations. “Baseless and unfounded allegations of Charlie “Atong” Ang may have something to do with the series of operations conducted by the NBI in Isabela Province,” he noted. On March 29, 2017, the NBI received a letter from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) seeking the assistance of the NBI in stopping illegal gambling and such other forms of illegal numbers game, including Jai Alai and such other forms of illegal gambling or numbers game using or based on jai alai in the province of Isabela. The letter also stated that the PCSO has gathered informa-
tion and received reports that illegal gambling, including jai alai and other illegal numbers games using jai alai results, are freely operating in the said province. Under the law, the PCSO is the only authorized agency to hold and conduct lotteries and similar games in the country and Small Town Lottery (STL) is the only legal and authorized numbers game nationwide. Promptly acting on the request, the NBI-Cagayan Valley Regional Office (NBI-CAVRO) conducted an operation on April 19, 2017 in Ilagan, Province of Isabela resulting in the arrest of forty (40) individuals and gambling paraphernalia of Meredian Gaming Corporation. Justice Secretary Vitaliano N.
Under the law, the PCSO is the only authorized agency to hold and conduct lotteries and similar games in the country. FOXLAD / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Aguirre II on Tuesday ordered the NBI to conduct a probe on Ang’s allegation pointing to him and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon as the ones behind the death threats. The DOJ chief the investigation seeks to identify Ang’s ‘friends’ at the NBI. “He pays government officials for protection and these officials include people from the NBI and the Immigration. I have already ordered an inves-
tigation to identify who these people are,” Aguirre said. Aguirre said Ang is simply afraid he could lose his source of income that brings him earnings of up to P50-million a day. Ang is the owner of Meridien Vista Gaming Corporation (MVGC). It operates a jai alain fronton in Sta. Ana, Cagayan and whose franchise was granted by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) during the Arroyo administration. ■
PUBLIC LIVES
Strongmen and the mass media By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer THERE’S a theory in sociology that sees society as a network of self-creating function systems, and human beings as entities lying outside these systems. Examples of these are law, politics, the economy, science, religion, art, the mass media, etc. Evolving as embodiments of specific rationalities and each operating by a distinctive medium, these communication systems serve society’s ends, while resisting attempts to turn them into anyone’s personal tools. That, in essence, is what modern society is about. Its opposite would be traditional society, where everything tends to be personal. Here, institutions have yet to develop the kind of autonomy that allows them to override the power of strongmen over public affairs. Philippine society is at the crossroad of modernity and tradition. Though not yet quite as independent as those in more mature societies, our institutions are no longer just the playthings of the rich and powerful. Our legal system may be hobbled by dysfunction, but the rule of law is not just a figment of our collective imagination. For all the ubiquity of political dynasties, our political system—at least at the national level—can no longer be
characterized as the monopoly of into what they are today; it is also payment. a political aristocracy. And, indeed, to be blind to the complexities of If running a media organization the Philippine economy today ac- today’s mass communication sys- were as simple as giving marching tively responds to multiple cues tems. orders to a pliant army of unthinkfrom a complex and global ecosysNo serious observer of Philippine ing trolls, the Inquirer and ABStem; it is not at the mercy of whoev- society would buy the paranoid CBN owners might not be facing er wields political power at home. claim that there is a media conspir- the kind of trouble they are facing Our mass media are not any dif- acy to put down Mr. Duterte. The today. Like the rest of the Filipino ferent. Though they are privately President would be well advised to business elite, they would be wary owned, it is a gross simplification separate his personal resentment of stepping on the toes of the new to imagine them as no more than over the bad press he believes he is President. If it were solely up to weapons in the service of their unfairly getting from the Inquirer them, they might be prompted to owners’ economic and political and the ABS-CBN from the legal is- advise their reporters and editors objectives. They may have “sacred sues that he seeks to bring against to avoid any negative reference to cows”—private this deeply perconcerns shielded sonalistic leader from critical comwho does not hesiment—but it would tate to publicly In no instance have I been told by the owners or their be a misrepresenvent his anger on representatives what to write or what not to write, what tation of the way anyone who distopic to discuss or avoid, or who I can invite or not invite to modern media oppleases him. But my program. erate to view them they would not, as merely enacting knowing that to do the biases of their proprietors. their owners. so would be an inexcusable breach As inconceivable as it may be to If he thinks the Prieto/Rufino of a sacred norm in journalism. No President Duterte, who has been family paid a measly sum for the self-respecting journalists would smarting from critical reports long-term lease of the government- silently abide by unwarranted diabout the conduct of his war on owned Mile Long and Creekside rectives from media owners. drugs by the Philippine Daily In- properties in Makati, he must let I speak from experience—and quirer and the ABSCBN, the op- the courts pass judgment on this from a conscious effort to treat erations of these two media firms claim. And, if he believes that the this issue without bias. I have been cannot be reduced to the economic ABS-CBN does not deserve to have writing for the Inquirer for the last and political interests of the Prieto its franchise renewed when it ex- 22 years, and I have worked in all and the Lopez families that respec- pires in 2020, let Congress, which the major broadcast networks as tively own them. To argue other- holds the power, decide that on the writer and host, and, lately, as a wise would be not only to mock the basis of fair criteria rather than on member of the ABSCBN’s board of professionalism of the countless the President’s complaint that the advisers. In no instance have I been journalists who have built these firm “swindled” him when it failed told by the owners or their repretwo reputable media companies to air his campaign ads after taking sentatives what to write or what
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not to write, what topic to discuss or avoid, or who I can invite or not invite to my program. This is not to say there are no mercenaries in the media. I’m sure there are, but they would be the exception. The mass media community is a small one. Its members know who are for sale and who are not, who hide their corruption behind a veil of cynicism, and who have integrity. It was sad and alarming to watch the President the other day coax reporters to say something that might validate his view that media outfits owned by “cronies” have no right to wage any crusade for human rights or good government since their owners have themselves benefited from a corrupt system. He misunderstands the nature and social function of the media. To their credit, the reporters politely declined to engage him. What is at issue here is more than just a president’s pique at being criticized by the mass media. The media have always had an adversarial relationship with political power. The more crucial issue is whether a nation can withstand the abuse of its institutions to settle the personal scores of strongmen. In other societies, whenever this has happened, the result has invariably been the descent to violence and the retreat to autocratic rule. ■
Opinion
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
15
AT LARGE
The ‘Tokhang Tour’ By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer THERE HAVE been a lot of social media posts offering our guests from the other Asean member-countries and dialogue partners tips on places to visit, things to do, people to see, even food to consume during their stay here. Inspired by such hospitable country folk, I’ve decided to jump onto the bandwagon and throw in my own two centavos’ worth to make sure that our visitors have the time of their lives while on our shores. Following these suggestions is strictly optional, of course, and taking sensible precautions is called for. Anyway, for what they’re worth, here are a few tours you can take during your down time. The “Tokhang Tour.” You’ll find out soon enough what “tokhang” means, and doubt-
less some of you may already have heard of it even before you boarded your planes. We start the tour in Tondo, in a police precinct that has gained no small amount of notoriety for its unique accommodations, purely bargain basement AirBnB! Entering it is a bit tricky, since you will first need to spot the bookcase that serves as its door, though the precinct commander says there was no attempt to disguise its existence. Perhaps he just didn’t want to ruin the decor of his office! For the visit to the cell, you will need a face mask (I’m told the air freshener in the place could curl your toenails), and lessons in keeping a stoic expression even if you’re sure to have nightmares for the next month or so. From Tondo, depending on the weather and the work assignments of our police and motorcycle-riding vigilantes,
we’ll visit the locale of an extrajudicial killing or two. Eyewitnesses can tell you all about the extraordinary marksmanship of our police and hired killers who, even as they’re chasing fleeing criminals, always end up shooting them in the forehead or the back of the skull. Weend our “Tokhang Tour” with a visit to any of a number of funeral parlors where, at the height of the killings, corpses were piled one on top of another like so much kindling. *** On a positive and personal note, we will visit Davao City, the beloved hometown of our President, to get a glimpse of his humble origins and breathe in the rarefied air exuded by the adoring multitudes. Our first stop in the “Digong Destinations” tour is no less than the President’s bedroom, where you can glimpse his bed with a mosquito net hanging
over it, proof of his continuing humble lifestyle which even a notable world leader like Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe couldn’t help but be impressed by. Then you can visit the early “killing fields,” actually an abandoned quarry, where, according to former hit men, certain people were buried after being executed. Other possible stops: the President’s favorite eatery in the Davao market where he claimed to talk to ordinary folk to feel the pulse of the people, and the crocodile farm where the President’s youngest son loves to hang out. A bonus tour is the “Casino Cavalcade.” While most of you may think a casino is a casino is a casino, this tour brings you to the site of many scandals. It includes the City of Dreams where two immigration officials, protégés of the justice secretary, managed to walk away with P20
million. Then there’s Fontana Leisure Resort where, until recently, the Chinese businessman Jack Lam ran a lucrative cyber-gaming operation and where his alleged partner, Atong Ang, was visited by officials seeking some comfort money. *** These are but a few places of interest, but be sure to take note of these guidelines: • Don’t wear yellow. This will immediately put you under suspicion, if not intense dislike, by your hosts. • Don’t ask too many embarrassing questions, especially having to do with the ICC, the UN, the EU, although it seems fine now to talk about Donald Trump. • And finally, it would do you well to learn some Chinese phrases, to acknowledge the special relationship between the Philippines and the regional superpower. ■
from the islands in 1768? After all, the second oldest university in Czechia is that founded by the Jesuits in Olomouc in 1573. Were these Filipiniana materials remnants of the Jesuit library in Manila that were dispersed after the expulsion? A significant part of the Jesuit books ended up in the Royal Library in Vienna; did some stray into Czechia? All these questions are worth a doctoral dissertation on bibliography or book history. Since historians practically live in libraries and archives, a visit to Strahov monastery in Prague was arranged for me because it is reputedly one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Leather-bound books and ancient globes set in gilt rooms ornamented with paintings and fancy baroque architecture are best described as a scholar’s idea of heaven on earth. Tourists catch a fleeting glimpse of the library and its sumptuous interior from an
open door, so it was a rare opportunity to be allowed inside with all the lights switched on by the library director. An additional treat was being shown two Philippine-related items: half (the Mindanao part) of a later edition of the Murillo Velarde map and an 18th-century imprint from the Franciscan press in Manila in 1783—”Dificultad imaginada,” a manual prepared for notaries taking down the last will and testament of the dying. There was little time to study the vellumbound book, but what caught my eye in its kilometric title was something about “diabolic temptations.” Two weeks traveling in the Czech Republic, which was more than a sightseeing tour, made me realize that if you look hard enough, you will see that there is more to the historical relations between Czechia and the Philippines than the friendship between Rizal and Blumentritt. ■
LOOKING BACK
Filipiniana in Czechia By Ambeth R. Ocampo Philippine Daily Inquirer STUDENTS OFTEN think that all religious in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period were Spanish. While most of the Augustinians, Dominicans, Franciscans and Jesuits at the time were Spanish or were shipped to the islands from Spanish dominions, there were missionaries of other nationalities like the Czech lay brother Georg Joseph Kamel, SJ (16611706), famous for the pharmacy he ran in the Jesuit college in Manila that provided treatment and medicine for various ailments to everyone, whether Spanish officials or natives. He is also remembered for documenting flowers, animals including reptiles, and even monsters in the Philippines; his reports were published or cited in Europe as early as 1699. Kamel was not alone. Another Czech priest was Lorenzo John, born in 1691 in Deštná
village north of Prague, who wrote a letter from Maribojoc, Bohol, in 1743 describing his way of life there. His letter gains relevance today as Maribojoc plans to reconstruct the ancient church that was completely reduced to rubble in the 2013 earthquake. Letters and reports from these obscure Czech missionaries in the Philippines are not well known to Filipino historians despite a recent publication on their lives and work simply because the material is inaccessible in Czech. I was informed that when they wrote official reports to their superiors they wrote in Latin, but other manuscripts were in Czech. This should make us imagine what other Filipiniana lie hidden in Czechia. Preserved in the archives of the Olomouc Research Library is a rare 1744 map of the Philippines separated from the history book written by the Jesuit Murillo Velarde. It
is one of the finest I have seen, having been mounted on cloth and rolled rather than folded. This map is significant, being one of the works of the early Filipino engraver Nicolas de la Cruz Bagay, but aside from its aesthetic and antiquarian value it was highlighted in the study by Supreme Court Associate Justice Antonio Carpio on China’s flawed historical claims in its ongoing territorial dispute with the Philippines. What is known to us as Panatag or Scarborough Shoal today is clearly seen on the map under the name Panacot (Threat). There are two other shoals nearby listed as Galit (Anger) and Lumbay (Sorrow), obvious warnings to ships that could get beached on them. How did this map and a handful of Philippine-related material end up in Czechia? Were they brought or sent there by Czech Jesuits who were in the Philippines from around 1680 to their expulsion www.canadianinquirer.net
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MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Canada News Trudeau rebuffs calls for Sajjan’s resignation amid charges of ‘stolen valour’ BY LEE BERTHIAUME The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his embattled defence minister endured a withering question-period offensive Monday as opposition MPs accused Harjit Sajjan of “stolen valour” for overstating his role in planning a 2006 battle in Afghanistan. Opposition parties trained their sights squarely on Sajjan, who apologized again in the House of Commons for having described himself as the architect of Operation Medusa, one of the bloodiest and most pivotal battles of the Afghan war. Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose went so far as to accuse Sajjan of stealing credit for the actions of others — a cardinal sin in military circles. “How much more does the prime minister need to hear before he understands why our men and women in uniform have lost confidence in the minister,” Ambrose said. “People in the military have a name for what he did: it’s called ‘stolen valour,’ when someone takes credit for the brave actions of another.” Trudeau, however, would not be moved from his talking points. “The minister made a mistake,” the prime minister said repeatedly. “He acknowledged his responsibility and apologized for it; that’s what Canadians expect when one makes a mistake.”
Trudeau went on to insist In speech in Delhi on April that Sajjan had served his coun- 18, Sajjan told the Indian think try with distinction in a num- tank Observer Research Founber of capacities, including as dation that he had been the “ara police officer and as a soldier. chitect” of Operation Medusa, As a minister, he added, “he has which the minister has since my full confidence.” acknowledged was wrong. Sajjan, for his part, later rose “On my first deployment to and repeated his apology. Kandahar in 2006, I was kind “I would like to apologize of thrown in an unforeseen for my mistake in describing situation and became the army role, and retract that state- chitect of an operation called ment, and I’m truly sorry for it,” Operation Medusa, where we Sajjan said. removed about 1,500 fighters, “I in no way intended to di- Taliban fighters, off the battleminish the great work that our field,” Sajjan said in his speech. men and women in the CanaSajjan was a major with the dian Armed Forces have done Canadian Forces in Afghani.... and I’m truly sorry for it.” stan during Operation Medusa, What Sajjan didn’t do is ex- and received a special commen- Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan. plain his “mistake,” which Am- dation for “his understanding brose noted he’d made twice of counter-insurgency tactics,” chitect” of Operation Medusa, — once in 2015 and again two which helped the operation. the first being during an apweeks ago. As such, his apolBut the minister himself pearance on a podcast when he ogy did little to assuage the has acknowledged that then- was running as a Liberal candiopposition, with both the Con- major-general David Fraser date in July 2015. servatives and NDP calling on and his command team were “In 2006, Gen. (Jonathan) Trudeau to sack Vance, who is gohim. ing to be the chief “There’s no of defence staff, question that if I could quote Minister Sajjan He acknowledged his responsibility him, he said that is going to have and apologized for it; that’s what I was the archito resign,” NDP Canadians expect when one makes a tect of Operation Leader Tom mistake. Medusa,” Sajjan Mulcair said aftold host Stuart ter question peMcNish. riod. During a news “It’s not an erconference Friror when you keep repeating responsible for the operation’s day about military efforts to the same lie. He’s lost all cred- success, which saw hundreds of stamp out sexual misconduct, ibility with the military. And Taliban fighters killed or cap- Vance refused to discuss Sajfrankly, the behaviour today in tured over a two-week period. jan’s comments. the House — refusing to answer Twelve Canadians were also “I’m not really aware of this — is what convinces us that killed in the fighting. case, and, quite frankly, I’d like there’s no possible way for him It was the second time Sajjan us to keep our eye on the ball to stay.” claimed to have been the “ar- about sexual misconduct,” he
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said, refusing to entertain a followup question. Conservatives say Sajjan is guilty of a pattern of misleading statements, including his assertions about the urgent need for Super Hornet fighter jets and that allies didn’t object when Canada withdrew its CF-18s from Iraq. They have also asked Speaker Geoff Regan to rule on whether Sajjan misled members of Parliament when he blamed the previous government for cutting the tax benefits available for Canadian soldiers in Kuwait. They say documents tabled in the House of Commons show it was actually the Liberals who cut the tax benefits, which have since been extended. Regan has said he will wait for the government to respond before making a decision. ■
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Canada News
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Anti-capitalists take to the streets in Montreal to denounce ‘scheming’ rich BY GIUSEPPE VALIANTE The Canadian Press
national Workers’ Day, also known as May Day. Similar protests took place around the world. The slogan of this year’s protest was, “They are rich because we are poor and we are right to revolt,” according to the group’s literature. Aside from the initial tear gas incident, some protesters broke bank office windows and threw projectiles at cars along the march route, which was limited to the central core of the city. By 9 p.m. police said they had made one arrest. Protesters shouted obscenities at police, whom they ac-
Many protesters wore masks to hide their identity and most who were approached by The Canadian Press refused to be MONTREAL — Barely 30 mininterviewed. utes into the anti-capitalist Constance Markievicz, a protest march Monday in Monself-described communist, was treal, several in the crowd threw in the crowd and said commucanisters of pink gas at police, nism is “real democracy for the who responded with tear gas. working class.” Moments later, red flags, Cuba, a communist one-parblack masks and other clothing ty republic, “is the most demolittered a downtown square, becratic country in the world tolonging to a few protesters who day,” Markievicz said. “I would entered into the city’s undermuch rather live in Cuba than ground network to evade arrest. Canada at the moment as a Most of the anti-capitalworking-class person.” ist protesters stayed aboveAlongside Markievicz was ground, however, and marched Oliver Smith-Jones, also a comthrough downmunist. town to dis“I think Canturb what they ada should look claimed were the a lot more like corporate playThe slogan of this year’s protest was, the societies it grounds of the “They are rich because we are poor tried to bury and scheming rich. and we are right to revolt,” according destroy during For the 10th to the group’s literature. colonization,” he consecutive year, said, referring to a group calling the continent’s itself the “antiindigenous peocapitalist conples. vergence” organized a march cused of being the protectors of Protesters chose downtown in the city to celebrate Inter- the wealthy owners of capital. because it’s where “the rich
After the official Mayday March organized by labor unions in Montreal in 2014. CANCILLERÍA DEL ECUADOR / FLICKR
mingle and scheme,” according to a news release published Monday by the anticapitalist convergence group. The neighbourhood’s bank offices, luxury hotels, restaurants and private nightclubs are places “where this ‘elite’ of vultures decide how we should live our lives, while maintaining us in misery and precarity.” Capitalism is the cause of ecosystem destruction around the world, growing wealth inequality as well as “community
and ethnic marginalization,” the group said. Another peaceful protest of roughly 200 people was organized in the city by a coalition of unions demanding the minimum wage be increased to $15 from $11.25. Last year’s protest ended in 10 arrests and one minor injury after protesters — many of whom were wearing ski masks and other face-covering gear — allegedly threw projectiles at police. ■
Missing Canadian woman More than 230,000 and American boyfriend British Columbians found dead in Belize: reports cast ballots in advance polls THE CANADIAN PRESS
THE BODIES of a Canadian woman and her American boyfriend who went missing last week in Belize have been found. Francesca Matus, 52, was in Belize with her American boyfriend, 36-year-old Drew DeVoursney, when they disappeared last week. Local media in Belize says the bodies were found at about 5 p.m. local time on a road leading to a sugar cane field in the country’s Corozal district near the Mexican border. Breaking Belize News reported on its online site that the bodies were found in the area by a search party. A GoFundMe page set up for
DeVoursney by his friend Brandon Barfield also says their bodies were found on Monday. Barton wrote he received the call confirming the discovery just after 8:30 p.m. He also wrote that he met his “best friend” while they served in Iraq in 2004 with the U.S. Marines and that DeVoursney moved to Belize last fall. Jacqueline Logan of Toronto wrote on Facebook Mon-
day that she will remember her “dear friend” as someone who was larger than life who laughed when she walked into a room. Logan also offered “sincere, heartfelt thanks” to friends and family who supported the search for the missing couple. Earlier Monday, DeVoursney’s brother said police had found Matus’ truck on Sunday afternoon about 15 kilometres from the bar where the couple was last seen last Tuesday night. David DeVoursney says Matus was supposed to return to Canada the following day. He says a group of expats were searching each day for the missing couple, who had been dating for several months. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
THE CANADIAN PRESS VANCOUVER — Voting day is still a week away, but hundreds of thousands of British Columbians have already cast ballots in the provincial election. Elections B.C. opened advance polls last Saturday and Sunday, offering voters a chance to skip line-ups and vote early. The agency says 231,034 British Columbians took advantage of the opportunity ahead of election day on May 9. Liberal Leader Christy Clark was in the Vancouver area yesterday, pledging that her party will create jobs and defending
her government’s record on climate change after a prominent environmentalist endorsed the New Democrats. Tzeporah Berman sat on a climate-change panel tasked by the Liberal government with creating recommendations on climate change, but says the recommendations weren’t fully implemented so she’s supporting the NDP because of their commitment to act on the issue. The NDP’s John Horgan took aim at the Liberals on climate change during a town hall meeting while Green Leader Andrew Weaver took his campaign to the Okanagan. ■
World News
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
19
Venezuelans block roads to May Day in France protest Maduro constitution ploy overshadowed by
tense, unpredicted presidential race
BY HANNAH DREIER The Associated Press CARACAS, VENEZUELA — Caracas residents blocked streets with trash bags, broken concrete and twisted metal Tuesday to protest the socialist president’s bid to rewrite the constitution amid a deepening political crisis. Increasingly embattled President Nicolas Maduro signed a decree Monday to begin the process of rewriting the country’s charter. Opposition leaders immediately cried foul, calling the planned constitutional assembly a ploy to put off regional elections scheduled for this year and a presidential election that was to be held in 2018. Polling has suggested the socialists would lose both those elections badly at a time of widespread anger over tripledigit inflation and shortages of food and other goods. Speaking hours after yet another big anti-government march ended in rock throwing by some protesters and tear gas from police, Maduro said a new constitution is needed to restore peace and stop the opposition from trying to carry out a coup. “This will be a citizens’ assembly made up of workers,” the president said. “The day has come brothers. Don’t fail me now. Don’t fail (Hugo) Chavez and don’t fail your motherland.” “I am no Mussolini,” he added. The president was vague in a televised speech Monday evening about how members of the constitutional assembly would be chosen. He hinted some would selected by voters, but many observers expect the government to give itself the power to pick a majority of delegates. If the constitutional process goes forward, opposition leaders will need to focus on getting at least some sympathetic figures included in the assembly. That could distract them from organizing the near-daily street protests that have kept up for four weeks, political analyst Luis Vicente Leon said. “It’s a way of calling elections that uses up energy but does
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not carry risk, because it’s not a universal, direct and secret vote,” Leon said. “And it has the effect of pushing out the possibility of elections this year and probably next year as well.” Venezuela’s constitution was last rewritten in 1999, early in the 14-year presidency of the late Hugo Chavez, who began the socialist transformation of the oil-exporting nation. Chavez called his new constitution the best in the world, and predicted it would last centuries. He carried around a blue pocket-sized version of the document, and would often whip it out and say, “This is our Bible. After the Bible, this.” At the height of his popularity, people would mob him to ask that he sign their copies. The opposition immediately seized on Maduro’s proposal for a new charter as evidence that his mentor’s revolution lies in shambles. The president of the opposition-controlled National Assembly, Julio Borges, called a constitutional assembly a “giant fraud” by Maduro and his allies designed to keep them in power. Borges said it would deny Venezuelans the right to express their views at the ballot box, and he urged the military to prevent the “coup” by Maduro. “What the Venezuelan people want isn’t to change the constitution but to change Maduro through voting,” he said at a news conference in eastern Caracas, where anti-government protesters once again clashed with police Monday. Anti-government protests have been roiling Venezuela for a month, and Borges said more pressure is needed to restore
democracy. He called for a major demonstration Wednesday. On Monday, anti-Maduro protesters tried to march on government buildings in downtown Caracas, but police blocked their path, as authorities have done more than a dozen times the past four weeks. Officers launched tear gas and chased people away from main thoroughfares as the peaceful march dissolved into chaos. Some demonstrators then threw stones and gasoline bombs and dragged trash into the streets to make barricades. A separate governmentsponsored march celebrating May Day went off without incident. At least 29 people have died in the unrest of the past month and hundreds have been injured. Opposition lawmaker Jose Olivares was hit in the head with a tear gas canister Monday and was led away with blood streaming down his face. The unrest began in reaction to an attempt to nullify the opposition controlled-congress, but has become a vehicle for people to vent their fury at Venezuela’s economic problems and violent crime. Maduro blames the economy’s troubles on sabotage by his opponents and accuses them of conspiring to overthrow him. Sergio Hernandez, a computer technology worker who participated in Monday’s protest, said he would not return to his normal life until Maduro’s administration had been driven out. “We’re ready to take the streets for a month or however long is needed for this government to understand that it must go,” he said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
PARIS — Thousands of French people took to the streets in many cities to mark the traditional May Day, with some trade unions seeking to make the day a national mobilization to block the far-right National Front from taking power on May 7. The outcome of the first round of France’s most uncertain election on April 23 sent centrist novice Emmanuel Macron and anti-Europe and immigration candidate Marine Le Pen to a final round, a duel that rocked the country’s political mainstream and smashed the efforts to forge a Republican front against the extreme right. For this year’s May Day, French trade unions called for massive protests but with dispersed order. In Paris, CFDT and Unsa organized a rally calling for a “Republican vote” against Le Pen. “We refuse ambiguity. Abstention is a half voice for (Marine) Le Pen, we will vote (Emmanuel) Macron,” Laurent Begy, head of CFDT said. “We have to push back the FN and continue to build solidarity in France,” he added. Meanwhile, a second rally for “neither Le Pen, nor Macron” took place in Paris, with GCT, FO and Sud unions refusing to endorse any of the top two candidates. Across the country, 280,000 protestors took part in the rally, CGT union said, while police numbered 142,000. In Paris, 80,000 people joined unions call for massive turnout while officials’ figure stood at 30,000. However, the march turned violent after a group of hooded youth threw projectile and Molotov cocktails at riot police who replied by using tear gas. In a statement, Paris prefecture said six police officers were wounded, with two seriously burnt. Five individuals were arrested, with two of them being taken into
police custody on charges of having prohibited arms and violence against order forces, it added. Interior Minister Matthias Fekl firmly condemned the “intolerable violence against police officers,” pledging to do everything to identify and arrest those who threw projectile and firebombs at riot police. Frontrunners on offensive
Macron and Le Pen, the two frontrunners who enter the final straight in the race to the Elysee Palace, both used May Day to attack each other during meetings held in the French capital. Enjoying an unprecedented public support, the defiant farright leader Le Pen told a gathering in Villepinte, a northern suburb of Paris, “On May 7, I ask you all to stand tall against finance, arrogance and the rain of money.” “Today, the enemy of the French people is always the world of finance. But this time, it has a name. It has a face. It has a party, and it presented his candidacy. And all dream of seeing him elected. Its name is Emmanuel Macron,” she said. In her speech, Le Pen lashed out at her rival as the face of establishment who “is just (outgoing president) Francois Hollande who wants to stay and who is hanging on to power like a barnacle.” Firing back, Macron described the National Front, as “the anti-France, what this party defends, announces, proposes, is the inevitable collapse of what France has made France, the denial of our values.” Instead, he pledged “In face of insults and obscenity of the National Front, we will refound the country.” “I will fight up until the very last second not only against her program but also her idea of what constitutes democracy and the French Republic,” he told thousands of supporters. A daily Opinion-way poll on Monday showed Macon beating Le Pen on Sunday run-off with 61 percent of the vote against 39 percent. ■
World News
20
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Polish official suspended over China demands image of Tusk as SS officer immediate halt of THAAD deployment to S. Korea BY VANESSA GERA The Associated Press
WARSAW, POLAND — Poland’s Foreign Ministry has suspended one of its honorary consuls in the U.S. after the woman allegedly posted a digitally-altered image showing European Council President Donald Tusk dressed as a Nazi German SS officer. The image was posted on the Facebook page of Maria Szonert Binienda, recently named honorary consul in Akron, Ohio. The news agency PAP reported Sunday that she has been suspended from that position and that further action will be decided after Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski returns from a visit to Australia. Szonert Binienda told The Associated Press in an email that she never posted the altered image of Tusk and believes her account was hacked because she cannot access it anymore. “I did not make a photo of Donald Tusk as SS-man. I am against
promoting SS symbols and ideologies. I am against using the words like ‘fascism’ in the public political discourse today. I am against comparing our politicians to Hitler,” she wrote to the AP. On Friday, however, she wrote on Facebook that she was suspending her account because her “old private posts” were being presented in the media as statements in her official role. Szonert Binienda was named to her post by Poland’s conservative ruling Law and Justice party, whose leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski is a long-time political rival of Tusk’s. Kaczynski has faulted Tusk, Poland’s former prime minister, for how he handled the aftermath of the 2010 plane crash in Russia that killed President Lech Kaczynski and 95 other people. The two Kaczynskis were twin brothers. After winning the 2015 election, the Law and Justice party opened a new investigation into the crash, which was previously found to be an accident, believ-
ing that the original probe didn’t answer all questions. Some party leaders believe there could have been foul play by Russia. Szonert Binienda’s husband, Wieslaw Binienda, a scientist and engineer, is a member of the government commission that is again looking into the plane crash near Smolensk, Russia. “I am being subjected to media assassination over my involvement in the Smolensk matter,” Szonert Binienda told the AP. “However, I am also for the freedom of speech expressed in the responsible manner. Therefore, I am concerned that this media onslaught on me has a chilling effect to suppress the criticism of Donald Tusk as a politician who cares more about the interest of Germany than Poland.” One of Tusk’s grandfathers served briefly in the German Wehrmacht during World War II. The grandfather had also been forced into labour by the Germans and was in a concentration camp. ■
PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY BEIJING — China calls for immediately stopping the deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to South Korea, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Geng Shuang said on Tuesday. “China’s position on the THAAD issue has not changed,” he said. “We oppose the deployment of the US missile system to South Korea and call on all parties to immediately stop this process. We are ready to take necessary measures to protect our interests,” Geng Shuang added. Colonel Rob Manning, US Forces Korea Spokesman, told TASS earlier that “the Termi-
nal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system is operational and has the ability to intercept North Korean missiles and defend the Republic of the Korea.” The ground-based THAAD missile system is designed to intercept the warheads of ballistic missiles at the end of the mid-course phase and during the approach to the target, and also to protect cities and key facilities from ballistic missiles - both short-range and strategic ones. A nuclear missile threat from North Korea was named as the reason for the deployment of the THAAD system to South Korea. Seoul and Washington agreed on the deployment in July 2016. Russia, and China strongly opposed the implementation of this agreement. ■
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World News
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
21
Thousands in US ready to rally against Trump, for workers BY STEVE PEOPLES AND AMY TAXIN The Associated Press NEW YORK — Several hundred teachers picketed outside Philadelphia schools early Monday as thousands more immigrants and union members across the United States prepared a series of strikes, boycotts and marches to protest President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The demonstrations on May Day, celebrated as International Workers’ Day, follow similar actions worldwide in which protesters from the Philippines to Paris demanded better working conditions. There were violent clashes and mass arrests in some instances. In the United States, there were no reports of violence, but protesters vowed to participate in civil disruptions throughout the day to draw attention to the importance of immigrants in American communities. “On this day, we will not go to work. We will not go to school. We will not buy anything,” said Francisca Santiago, a farmworker from Homestead, Florida. In Philadelphia, about 1,000 school teachers, who’ve been
working without a contract for years, protested outside schools around the city. Supportive parents joined the teachers, many of whom took sick days to protest. Schools were open and the district said it was working with principals and substitute teachers to make sure classes would not be disrupted. In Washington, D.C., commercial construction company owner Salvador Zelaya paid his employees to take the day off to attend a march. The Salvadorian business leader said his 18 workers were spending the morning making banners to take to a rally that will end in front of the White House. Zalaya offered a simple message for the president: “All of us, we are immigrants. We came to this country. We work hard. We build up our own business. We employ people. We pay taxes and we make America great.” The White House had no immediate response to the May Day demonstrations. Much of the action was expected Monday afternoon and evening. Tens of thousands of immigrants and their allies planned to rally in major cities, including New York, Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles. Demonstrations
also were expected in dozens of smaller cities from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to Portland, Oregon. While union members traditionally march on May 1 for workers’ rights in countries around the world, the day has become a rallying point for immigrants in the U.S. since massive demonstrations were held on the date in 2006 against a proposed immigration enforcement bill. In recent years, immigrant rights protests shrank as groups diverged and shifted their focus on voter registration and lobbying. Larger crowds were expected to return this year as immigrant groups have joined with Muslim organizations, women’s advocates and others in their united opposition to Trump administration policies. “We have never seen such an outpouring of support since we have since the election of Donald Trump,” said Kica Matos, a spokeswoman for the Fair Immigration Reform Movement. In his first 100 days, Trump has aggressively pursued immigration enforcement, including executive orders for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and a ban on travellers from six predominantly Muslim countries. The government has arrested
A Minessota rally in support of immigrants and refugees. FIBONACCI BLUE / FLICKR
thousands of immigrants in the country illegally and threatened to withhold funding from jurisdictions that limit co-operation between local and federal immigration authorities. In response, local leaders have vowed to fight back and civic participation has seen a boost, including February’s “Day Without Immigrants.” The travel ban and sanctuary order were temporarily halted by legal challenges. In addition to rallies, immigrant rights activists in communities in Indiana, Massachusetts, Texas and elsewhere are calling for strikes to show Americans the demand for immigrant labour and immigrants’ purchasing power. Immigrant advocates said they hope their message will reach Trump, congressional lawmakers and the public, as well as pro-
vide a sense of unity and strength to those opposed to the administration’s policies. Despite Trump’s avowed crackdown on illegal immigration, many said, they hoped a show of strength would help persuade politicians to rethink their plans. Tom K. Wong, a professor of political science at University of California, San Diego, said the Trump administration’s focus on immigration is generating more support for immigrant rights advocates. “Every pivot back to the issue of immigration gives the immigrant rights movement another opportunity to make its best pitch to the public,” he said. ■ Taxin reported from Los Angeles. AP writers Jessica Gresko in Washington, D.C., and Kristen De Groot in Philadelphia contributed to this report.
Israel criticizes UN cultural agency resolution on Jerusalem THE ASSOCIATED PRESS JERUSALEM — Israel’s prime minister on Tuesday accused UNESCO of diminishing Jewish ties to Jerusalem after the U.N. cultural agency passed a resolution criticizing Israeli excavations in the city’s Israeliannexed eastern sector as a violation of international law. Israel considers the entire city to be its capital, including east Jerusalem, which it captured in the 1967 Mideast war. Most of the international community considers east Jerusalem to be occupied territory, a view reaffirmed in December by the U.N. Security Council. In Tuesday’s resolution, the U.N. agency calls on Israel to cease “persistent excavations, tunneling, works and projects”
in east Jerusalem, particularly the walled Old City, which is home to sites sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Such activities by an occupying power are illegal under international law, said the resolution, which had been tabled by several Arab countries. The resolution affirmed the importance of the Old City and its walls to the three monotheistic religions. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Jews have a special bond to the city. “There is no other people in the world for whom Jerusalem is as holy and important as for the Jewish people,” Netanyahu said in a speech at the International Bible Quiz in Jerusalem on Tuesday, Israel’s Independence Day. He said UNESCO is “trying to deny this simple truth.”
The Old City is home to the Temple Mount — the location of the biblical Jewish temples and Judaism’s holiest site. Muslims refer to the area, which now hosts two mosques, as the Noble Sanctuary, their third holiest site after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. The Old City also houses major Christian shrines. Israeli archaeological excavations and other infrastructure projects in the Old City have long stoked tensions. The UNESCO resolution said Israel had taken actions that have “altered, or purport to alter the character and status of the Holy City.” The resolution, submitted by Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Qatar and Sudan, was approved by 22 member states, with 10 voting against and 23 abstaining. www.canadianinquirer.net
The agency has frequently been used as a theatre for political disputes between Israel and Arab nations. Israel has long complained of bias at U.N. forums, feeling outnumbered by Arab nations and their supporters. Last year, UNESCO’s executive board approved a resolution that Israel said denies the deep historic Jewish connection to holy sites in Jerusalem. Netanyahu said Tuesday’s resolution marked an “improvement in the march of absurdity” as it mentions the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. “Well we’re making progress, but there is still a way to go,” he added. Elias Wadih Sanbar, the Palestinian ambassador to UNESCO, said Tuesday’s resolution was part of efforts to “stop giving a kind of blank check to an
occupier that is acting with total illegality and impunity.” Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano said he had instructed the country’s representative at UNESCO to vote against what he called “the latest politicized resolution on Jerusalem.” “Our opinion is very clear: UNESCO can’t become the headquarters of a permanent ideological clash in which questions are faced for which the solutions are supposed to be handled in other headquarters,” Alfano was quoted as saying by the Italian news agency ANSA. The fate of Jerusalem has been one of the thorniest issues in peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, which last broke down in 2014. The Palestinians hope to establish a future capital in east Jerusalem. ■
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Community News
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Naming announcement for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. New Adult Day centre in Richmond RICHMOND, BC — In recognition of a major gift from S.U.C.C.E.S.S. supporter, Jackson Lam’s Family, a new Adult Day Centre co-located at S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Austin Harris Residence in Richmond, will officially be named as S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Jackson Lam Adult Day Centre. With the support of Van-
couver Coastal Health, Richmond Health Services and the great assistance from the City of Richmond, S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society will operate a new Adult Day Centre in Richmond in July 2017. Media are cordially invited to attend the naming announcement for the new adult day cen-
tre. In attendance at the event will be our generous donor Mrs. Ping Mah & the Lam’s family, the representatives from Vancouver Coastal Health and all sponsors. A brief tour of Austin Harris and tea reception will be followed. Photo option and media opportunity will be available.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Multi-Level Care Society was incorporated in 1995 with the goal of providing a continuum of culturally appropriate care for seniors. Since 2005, the Society has been accredited by Accreditation Canada, with the highest award – “Accredited with Exemplary Standing” both in 2011 and 2015.
Event: Naming Announcement for S.U.C.C.E.S.S. New Adult Day Centre in Richmond Time: 11 am – 12 pm Date: Wednesday, May 3, 2017 Place: S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Austin Harris Residence, 5411 Moncton Street, Richmond, B.C.
Joint statement of Bayan Canada and Migrante Canada on International Workers’ Day 2017 BAYAN CANADA and Migrante Canada salute the working class everywhere as it courageously and with great determination continues to lead the fight against the systematic schemes, the deceit and the fascistic onslaught of the world's ruling capitalists and their minions in crony governments! We salute the Filipino working class, including the millions of Filipino migrant workers, who continue to struggle against anti-worker policies, the negligence and the exploitation by government authorities in their own land and in their host countries. The Filipino working class carries on the tradition of the first Labour Day celebration in the Philippines on May 1, 1903 when the Philippines was under American colonial rule. Led by the first labour federation in the country, the Union Obrera Democratica Filipina (Democratic Workers Union of the Philippines), 100,000 workers marched from the working-class district of Tondo to Malacañang, the presidential palace, to demand complete national independence, while they chanted “Death to imperialism!” and other antiAmerican capitalist slogans. We take inspiration from the origins of International Workers.Day which started in the 1886 American movement of workers which vigorously campaigned for the eight-hour workday. Led by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions, more than 300,000 workers across the United States walked off their jobs on
May 1, 1886. In its main centre in Chicago, Illinois, the police responded with violence, raids, arrests and imprisonment and several of the organizers were later hanged to death. In 1889, the International Socialist Conference declared that May 1 would be an international day for labour, now known as International Workers Day in many countries. The united struggle and sacrifices of these workers gave us the eight-hour workday law without cuts in wages. We enjoy these rights today because of the men and women workers who fought for these changes which are now part of labour standards. And because of this, we are also able to measure the exploitation and abuse still being foisted upon workers worldwide! Today, the capitalist controllers of the world's economy have found in labour contractualization another exploitative scheme to subvert workers' rights! Even as the crisis of capitalism continues and drives capitalists to exploit and abuse even more the rights of workers all over the world, and even as neo-liberal policies tear open other countries and betray the economic and political rights of their local workers, we must continue to stand together and fight with greater unity and strength! In the Philippines, labour groups and unions have refused the recent Labor Department
Order 174 signed by Labour Secretary Silvestre Bello III because the order merely regulated contractualization. President Duterte gave a campaign promise to workers that his government would put an end to "end of contract" schemes, infamously known as "ENDO" (i.e. end of contract). These schemes are used by companies to freeze workers in permanent contract work instead of having them advance to regular work. Filipino workers have suffered enough from contractualization schemes when employers ignore the terms of the contract or fire workers before they
could be eligible for permanent work. The most recent ploy is for employers to hire only those who belong to a third party like manpower agencies or labor cooperatives, or to require new hires to join these agencies. In this way, employers evade complying with direct-employer responsibilities and revert to abuse of workers. To derail union building or destroy unions, capitalists also use "labour cooperatives.” The attack against unions by past governments is also part of the anti-worker schemes of companies and the vast number of foreign corporations in the Philippines. With this collusion between government and www.canadianinquirer.net
corporations, the result can only be more work hours, less pay, less or no benefits, and an intensifying poverty in the country! Workers desperate to provide for their families are forced to leave their families and sell their labour abroad. In Canada and in other capitalist countries, workers experience the same onslaught against their rights and welfare because of the same neoliberal policies which are designed to protect the interests of corporations and their capital. Workers, particularly young workers, who need to work to contribute to family income and to get loans to further their education, are thrown into precarious jobs, even as contractualization schemes become rampant practices in many companies. In Canada, foreign migrant workers continue to get the worst end of the stick. The present Liberal government promised changes in the Temporary Foreign Workers' Program, but the changes made were more in the favour of employers, corporations and even small companies. Even the supposedly favourable retraction of the “four-in, four-out” rule lacked effectivity and implementation. The return to the twoyear-contracts for workers, who have periodically extended their stay but still without hope for permanent residency, continues to be a scheme for a "permanently temporary worker
program.” The same kind of change-making can also be expected from the review of the Family Reunification policies of Canada, judging from the slow and questionable review process, and from the scant and merely regulatory provisions from the recent TFWP review. As we mark International Workers’ Day, we remember that a hundred years ago in 1917, Russian workers, joined by peasants and soldiers rose in revolution to overthrow and seize power from the tsarist monarchy and the Russian big bourgeoisie and to build the first workers’ socialist state. For the first time, workers defended and consolidated a political order that ensured democracy truly for, by, and of the toiling people with an economy that guaranteed them the fruits of their labour. This historic event continues to inspire generations of anti-imperialists and democrats, and entire working-class and liberation movements to lead their own people in fighting for fundamental social change and in winning victories. On a note of hope, the Filipino working class looks forward to the positive results of the ongoing peace talks between the government of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the most important of which is the agreement on the comprehensive social and economic reforms that will address the needs of the toiling masses and the nation, and with the hope of ending the on-going civil war in the Philippines. ■
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FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
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MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Entertainment Fyre Fest fiasco: Bahamas party lives, dies on social media BY TAMARA LUSH The Associated Press
@ANDERSONGERALDJR / INSTAGRAM
Jake Cuenca reveals ‘bromance’ with Gerald Anderson BY MARINEL R. CRUZ Philippine Daily Inquirer WE HAVE this ‘bromance’ going on,” Jake Cuenca said, in describing his relationship with “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin” costar Gerald Anderson. “Our relationship extends farther than the set because we join triathlons together. We’re supportive of each other,” Jake explained. “We also attend duathlons with Kim (Chiu).” Jake said working with Gerald often brings out the best in him. This is their third TV project after “Sana Maulit Muli” and “Tayong Dalawa.” When asked what it was like to be reunited in the latest ABSCBN drama series with the popular Kimerald love team, Jake recalled a phone conversation with Gerald: “I told him that I wouldn’t have it any other way; that if I got offered something else, I will not consider ... There’s never a dull moment on the set with Kim and Gerald. I’m proud to have seen them evolve and mature as actors.” Asked what he learned from his recent bicycle accident, Jake said: “Always keep your eyes on the road, even if you’re very tired. I relaxed a bit, and that’s what happened to me.” He had five screws placed in his broken right wrist as a result of the accident. He denied the rumor that he
got hurt because he was taking a selfie. “While it’s true that I was really posting selfies, I didn’t get hurt because of that. A truck abruptly stopped in front of me, that’s why. I let the guy go. I didn’t even fight. I was also at fault because I was looking down, and when I looked up, it was too late.” He added: “Earlier, I joined a triathlon, and an accident happened. If I was afraid of getting hurt, then I should’ve just learned to do makeup, instead.” Jake said his doctor had already given him the go-signal to get back to racing. In fact, he will join a triathlon on Sunday, and a duathlon on May 14. He has also signed up for another duathlon race in late May. “My doctor said I could go back to swimming soon. I feel confident when I come from training, then go to the set. I feel that I’m already in character.” Jake was referring to triathlete Carlos dela Vega, his character in “Ikaw Lang ang Iibigin,” which airs starting May 1. “Carlos is supposed to be the No. 1 triathlete in the country. I had to learn to be one and not fake it. The show gave me an opportunity to make a lifestyle change. Before I agreed to do it, I didn’t know how to swim. I trained until I knew I was ready to assume the role. I like it when taping is at Marikina Sports Complex. Gerald and I would swim or run during lunch break,” he recalled. ■
IN THIS day and age, the young and beautiful live and die on social media. And it’s been a sudden and ugly death for the ill-fated Fyre Festival, a multiday music, art and culture party that promised “an invitation to let loose and unplug with the likeminded” on the Bahamian island of Exuma. The festival’s rise and fall has played out in real time on YouTube and filtered through Facebook, where would-be party goers are putting their anger on display. Instead of photos of boozy good times, people have posted pictures of rows of white tents that look like “Stormtrooper helmets,” blue port-a-potties near half-constructed plywood structures and limp, lifeless cheese sandwiches. Organizers cancelled the event at the last minute after poor planning, disorganization and lack of accommodations. Most of the A-list acts had pulled out days before, saying they hadn’t been paid. It was supposed to be a sunsoaked experience filled with yachts, gourmet food and models. Ticket prices ranged from $500 to $12,000. But by Saturday morning, the partygoers had decamped, many of them to hotels in Miami in hopes of salvaging a weekend. People decried the festival accommodations as being like a “disaster tent city” and a “refugee camp.” The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism says it’s deeply disappointed. “Hundreds of visitors to Exuma were met with total disorganization and chaos,” the tourism office wrote in a statement to the media. Fyre Festival co-organizer Billy McFarland promised full refunds on the festival’s website Saturday. “We will be working on refunds over the next few days and will be in touch directly with guests with more details. www.canadianinquirer.net
Also, all guests from this year will have free VIP passes to next year’s festival,” he wrote. The hype began months ago, marketed with slick videos on social media. “I saw it on Instagram and booked it before the lineup was announced,” said Mitch Purgason, a 25-year-old bespoke menswear designer in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Instagram ads looked especially “ridiculous” — parlance for amazing — what with models like Gigi Hadid and rapper Ja Rule. Blink-182 was supposed to perform. Photos of the impossibly blue water and the sugary sandy beach looked incredible. What’s more: Wild, docile pigs lived on the beach and swam in the warm water, perfect props for a killer Instagram selfie. Although the festival on the island chain east of Florida appeared to cater to the Millennial trust fund crowd, it was people like Purgason and 29-year-old Jake Strang of Pittsburgh who purchased early tickets — young professionals who wanted to spend a fun weekend in the tropics. Both men paid $500 for a flight from Miami to the island along with lodging and food. Strang and seven of his friends planned the trip to coincide with a birthday. They reserved a “lodge” for eight, with four king beds and a seating area in the middle. “Everything made it look amazing,” said Strang. The festival website promised a treasure hunt of “exceptional proportions,” with more than $1 million in riches to be found on a private island. Purgason said he was skeptical, but planned the vacation anyway. “Worst case scenario, I figured, we’re still in the Bahamas in a villa.” His first inkling something was amiss came on Thursday morning, after the first flight from Miami to Exuma. Organizers said the villas weren’t ready, so they whisked the planeload of partygoers to a restaurant at a nearby resort.
It wasn’t a private island at all, but food and drink were free and plenty. Cute pigs and bikini-clad girls roamed the beach. There was a DJ. “They actually treated us pretty well,” he said. “The first three hours was dope.” Jenna Conlin, 30, an advertising professional from Venice, California, said, “They were putting down bottles of tequila on every table in an attempt to make everybody happy.” Strang flew in later Thursday and wasn’t so lucky. “When we arrived, it essentially looked like a construction site. It looked like they were trying to sell lots for homes,” he said. A promoter told festival goers to find tents and waved his arm in a direction. But the tents had holes that had obviously allowed rain to come in, because the beds were wet. They were given a Styrofoam container of food: “two slices of ham, lettuce and one slice of cheese on soggy bread,” Strang said. A few lucky patrons had been relocated to resorts. Most had to find beds in the tents. Available rooms aren’t easy to grab on Exuma, a small island with a population of about 7,000 that lacks the well-developed tourist infrastructure of Nassau or Freeport. The island’s hotels were already booked months in advance for a well-known regatta, wrote Robert Carron, owner of the Bahamas Tribune newspaper. By daybreak, people were already lining up to complain, and buses began returning them to the airport. Soon, it was official: The festival was cancelled. Word got out via social media that organizers said “circumstances out of our control” prevented them from preparing the “physical infrastructure” necessary for the event on the largely undeveloped island. “I’m heartbroken at this moment,” Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, said on Twitter. “I wanted this to be an amazing event. It was not a scam as everyone is reporting. I truly apologize as this is NOT MY FAULT.” ■
Entertainment
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
25
‘Sally’ wins in Belgium BY BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR. Philippine Daily Inquirer AVID LIONGOREN’S “Saving Sally” won the Special Mention of the 7th Parallel Jury prize at the recent 35th Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival (BIFFF) in Belgium. The jury described the Filipino movie, which was commended for “mixing real shots and animation,” as “one of the best films” during the 12-day festival. “It was a very fun festival with great food and great people,” Liongoren told the Inquirer. Liongoren attended the screening on April 9, but was not able to grace the awarding
ceremony on April 16. “I feel bad that I had to go home for work. It would’ve been wonderful to join the closing ceremonies, if only for the massive zombie parade. BIFFF is one of the bigger genre festivals.” Liongoren turned reflective about the latest triumph of his movie, which previously won three citations at the Fantasporto Film Festival in Oporto, Portugal. “Awards are nice little trinkets, and they make me want to work harder and make the next film project much better,” he said. ‘Humayo’ in Sydney
Meanwhile, Lav Diaz’s “Ang
Babaeng Humayo” is one of the first 28 titles to be announced as part of the 64th Sydney Film Festival, to be held in Australia from June 7 to 18. The festival describes the Venice-winning Filipino film as a “humane meditation on forgiveness and a criticism of systemic inequality ... a testament to Diaz’s beguiling artistry.” The fest notes that Diaz, a “Filipino master,” “is “known for very long narrative films that reflect on Philippine history and its effect on the present.” The other films that comprise Sydney’s 200-plus program will be announced on May 10. Festival director Nashen
SAVING SALLY / FACEBOOK
Moodley summed up the lineup, thus: “These films bring together thousands of talents and perspectives from across the
globe, to create a lens—a way of looking at and experiencing aspects of the world and ourselves.” ■
‘13 Reasons’ sparks criticism of teen suicide depiction BY MARK KENNEDY The Associated Press NEW YORK — It’s a scene as painful to watch as it is graphic: A 17-year-old girl climbs into a full bathtub with a razor. We see her slice into her skin, we see the blood pour out, hear her cry and struggle to breathe. Then she is still. The suicide of the heroine in Netflix’s new popular series “13 Reasons Why” shouldn’t come as a shock, since it’s depicted in the final episode of a series built around the character’s death. But knowing that it is coming doesn’t make it any easier. That stomach-turning scene has triggered criticism that it romanticizes suicide and prompted many schools across the country to send warning letters to parents and guardians. The show’s creators are unapologetic, saying their frank depiction needs to be “unflinching and raw.” “Many people are accusing the show of glamorizing suicide and I feel strongly — and I think everyone who made the show — feel very strongly that we did the exact opposite,” said writer Brian Yorkey, who won a Tony Award and a Pulitzer Prize for the musical “Next to Normal,” which grappled with mental illness. “What we did was portray suicide and we portrayed it as very ugly and very damaging.” The 13-episode drama, co-
produced by actress and singer Selena Gomez, is based on Jay Asher’s young-adult 2007 bestseller about a high school student who kills herself and leaves behind 13 audiotapes detailing the events that led to her death, including sexual assault, substance abuse and bullying. Per usual, Netflix released all 13 hours of the series at once — on March 31 — leaving suicide prevention specialists worried teens might binge the entire series without a chance to fully absorb the issues and ask questions. They also say they wish the show would consistently flash the National Suicide Prevention hotline. “Graphic details about suicide we know historically are not recommended,” said Phyllis Alongi, the clinical director of The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide . “I understand what the producers are saying but it could really be unsafe and I think we need to be a little more responsible.” Netflix and the show creators point out that several mental health professionals were consulted and they offer a 30- minute show called “Beyond the Reasons” that delves deeper into the tougher topics portrayed, as well as links to a site with resources. The show is rated TV-MA, which means is may be unsuitable for children under 17, and three episodes that contain explicit material have “viewer dis-
cretion advised” warnings. But some mental health professionals are going further, with the National Association of School Psychologists declaring, “We do not recommend that vulnerable youth, especially those who have any degree of suicidal ideation, watch this series.” Critics of the show argue that depression and mental illness — keys to understanding suicide — are rarely mentioned and the fact that its heroine, Hannah, gets to tell her story after her death sends a potentially dangerous message. They’re also upset that the school guidance counsellor depicted on the show seems to blame the victim. The Jed Foundation and Suicide Awareness Voices of Education joined forces to create 13 talking points for young adults and guardians to discuss while watching the series, including warnings that the way the counsellor is portrayed is “not typical” and that “leaving messages from beyond the grave is a dramatization produced in Hollywood.” School systems across the country are alerting parents, making them aware that their teens may be streaming the series, urging them to watch it with them, and providing information to help them talk about it. In the upstate New York community of Grand Island, school administrators warned that www.canadianinquirer.net
the series “sensationalizes suicide.” Indiana’s largest school district warned in an email that the series “does not accurately model what we would want or hope individuals do if they are struggling or in crisis.” In Maryland, principals in the Montgomery County public school system noticed teens talking about the series and wanted to make sure parents had resources to handle tough questions. A warning letter and links to resources eventually went out to all 35,000 middle schoolers. “There’s a lot to take in and digest. If you’re a young, growing mind being informed by what you see, this could have an impact,” said Derek Turner, spokesman for the district. “So we’re giving them tips and tools.” According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the second leading cause of death for children and young adults ages 10 to 24 in 2014. Dr. Helen Hsu, a clinical psychologist in Fremont, California, whose work involves suicide prevention in schools, helped shape some of the “13 Reasons Why” scripts. She said not showing Hannah’s suicide would be almost “coy and avoidant” and that medical studies aren’t definitive about the risks of suicide contagion. Plus, there are already graphic how-to guides online. “If you think your child can’t
find this in one second on the internet already in the past 10 years, you are sadly mistaken,” she said. “To say this is going to trigger that is sort of naive. What I really emphasized in the script writing was I said. ‘It has to focus on that it’s not glamorous, that it’s ugly, it’s painful and I really want you to focus on the pain of her parents and the people left.”‘ While suicide has been depicted on TV shows, the youth of the roles in “13 Reasons Why” is pioneering. It has clearly struck a nerve: The show has 340,000 Twitter followers and 2.4 million likes on Facebook. Gomez, who has talked openly about her own mental-health struggles, said she was braced for a backlash: “It’s going to come no matter what. It’s not an easy subject to talk about. But I’m very fortunate with how it’s doing.” Yorkey said creators wanted to tell a young adult story in “a more honest way that it has ever been told on television.” “I understand it’s hard to watch,” he said. “It was supposed to be hard to watch because these things are incredibly hard to endure and we wanted to say, ‘These things are happening in kids’ lives. You can keep quiet about them. You can keep kids from watching shows about them. It’s not going to stop them from happening in kids’ lives and you should be talking about that.’” ■
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Lifestyle The Mother’s Day debate: Stay in or go out? BY LEANNE ITALIE The Associated Press NEW YORK — Leslie Young is the California mom of three kids 9 and younger. For her, Mother’s Day is far from serene. “Just because it’s Mother’s Day doesn’t mean the nurse, chauffer, chef, janitor, hair stylist or activity co-ordinator get the day off,” she said of all the hats she wears. In fact, her Mother’s Day will begin the Saturday before, when she’ll organize a gathering for her own mom, then a Sunday, after-church affair for her mother-in-law, typically in a fancy restaurant around Carlsbad, north of San Diego, where she lives — and the 36-year-old Young considers a fancy restaurant “nothing short of a circus.” “I would love to spend Mother’s Day at home, where my kids can run amok and it doesn’t matter because no one else is there to judge me,” she said. Sorry, Leslie, but do know that you’re not alone. Staying home for Mother’s Day versus going out for a special meal is befuddling for others as well, and especially families with small children. On the one hand, yay! Fancy outing. On the other hand, yikes! Who’s got the energy and wants to spend it chasing little ones around a restaurant? And it’s not always just about little kids around white tablecloths and spillable drinks. Denise Wilson, 47, has two teens, 13 and 15, and still wants out of the restaurant outing for Mother’s Day. In New York, where she lives, that usually
means a hectic chase for a reservation, long lines and huge crowds. This year, they’ll head to their weekend house in East Hampton on Long Island for relaxing, family fun. “Life is super hectic and not being beholden to a clock or having to make a decision, and enjoying simple and relaxed moments, feels almost a luxury,” she said. “It’s essentially a weekend of no obligations. My husband will cook.” Another New Yorker, cooki e baking entrepreneur Zenobia Dewely, builds her family’s collective sweet tooth into her Mother’s Day. For six years, the 44-yearold mom of three — ages 18, 16 and 12 — has been on the opposite end of the M o t h e r ’s Day spectrum. “I look forward to going out with my family every year,” she said. “We have an Outback and Dylan’s Candy store tradition. We usually get ice
cream and then we dip strawberries, bananas and rice crispy treats in the chocolate fountain.” According to National Restaurant Association research last year, the latest available from the trade group, 35 per cent of Americans said they planned to dine out on Mother’s Day, with 13 per cent choosing buffet style restaurants. About 13 per cent said they would opt for breakfast, 26 per cent brunch and 46 per cent dinner, with some planning multiple restaurant or order-in options. Casual d i n -
Heaven!” In Alexandria, Virginia, Amanda Ponzar is still mired in the debate. She has two boys, 5 and 9, and nephews who are 3 and 5. Her sister-in-law and her own mom know one thing — they don’t want to cook come the May 14 holiday. “A restaurant with four very busy boys is a mess and hassle. We’ve tried buffets, Chinese restaurants and others before. The boys can’t sit still, or if they do, gobble their food and half of it ends up on the floor,” said Ponzar, also 40. “They eat too much dessert and then after 10 minutes are itchy and want to run around.” As for a fancy restaurant, well, “I can’t remember what that’s like,” Ponzar said. They’ve discussed letting the men grill, but that doesn’t solve the entire problem, she A real treat is just letting me sleep in, said. waking up to my favourite Starbucks “The ladies and giving me as much time as I want still get left with for a shower with no interruptions. sides, dessert, etcetera, and handling the kids on Mother’s Day, plus who is ing prevailed and eating grapes, cheese and washing the dishes and cleanamong 69 per bread. ing up the mess? Now we’re cent of Mother’s “It’s one of my fondest mem- talking about getting pizza or Day diners surveyed, ories,” she said. “Better than some other easy takeout food. while 21 per cent went any restaurant.” This is what it’s come to!” for fine dining. Fewer Kari Catuogno, 40, shares the So what does she really want? than half — 45 per cent feeling. She has two boys, 5 and “For them to bring me a Star— were eating out with 3, and describes the in-or-out bucks venti mocha light Frapchildren under 18. debate this way: “It’s like fly- puccino and call it a day. Of Liz Vaccariello, mom ing first class or on the wing of course, it’s nice when the kids of twin girls and edi- plane! A real treat is just letting make a card,” she added, “as tor in chief of Parents me sleep in, waking up to my long as it says, ‘You’re the best magazine, hears a lot favourite Starbucks and giving mom in the world,’ not ‘Mom I from readers on the me as much time as I want for hate you.’ I have cards that say stay home versus go out a shower with no interruptions. both.” ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
Mother’s Day front these days. “I often hear that Mother’s Day is more stressful for mothers than you would think,” she said. “Often, they are caught between celebrating their own mother, their mother-in-law and some big shindig that their husband might have planned. I’ve had readers tell me that they’d enjoy a pass on the day, just stay at home and be with their children for some quiet time. It’s rather counterintuitive, but I’m hearing this more and more.” Personally, Vaccariello said, her favourite Mother’s Day was several years ago, when her girls were 5. Her husband packed a surprise picnic and they passed the day in a park near their suburban New York home in New Jersey, just hanging out
Lifestyle
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
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Rei Kawakubo, visionary of fashion, honoured at new Met show BY JOCELYN NOVECK The Associated Press NEW YORK — If you’re someone who likes a lot of guidance and explanation at the museum, you might want to dramatically recalibrate your expectations before heading into “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art of the In-Between,” the lavishly presented new show at the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute. Arriving in a brilliant white space containing a series of geometric structures, you’ll find no one pointing you in the right direction, and no explanatory text next to the garments. That’s because for Kawakubo, the revered Japanese designer who’s been reinventing her clothes for nearly a half-century — to the point that she no longer calls them clothes, but “objects for the body” — there is no right answer. “I don’t like to explain the clothes,” the Comme des Garcons founder, now 74, was quoted as saying in 2013. “The clothes are just as you see them and feel them.” There is a bit of guidance available. Andrew Bolton, star curator of this and other blockbuster Met fashion exhibits, has provided paper brochures with maps and
context, though he cheerfully welcomes you to ditch them. And even this much explanation for the visitor was a hard-fought compromise with Kawakubo. “It was a battle,” Kawakubo says in an interview with Bolton. “Are you going to write that we fought?” They seem to have fought over various things. Showing a reporter around the exhibit a few days before opening, Bolton noted that although Kawakubo approached him 18 months ago saying she was ready for a show, she was resolutely opposed to a retrospective. She hates focusing on the past, because she has moved on. “She finds it physically painful to look at her work. So, that took months of negotiation,” he said. Fans of “Comme,” as fashionlovers call it, would have been “screaming in my ears,” Bolton added, if he hadn’t included collections like “Broken Bride,” where Kawakubo explored the concept of marriage, and “Ballerina Motorbike,” in which she juxtaposed the very feminine — a filmy pink tutu — with the tough, muscular look of a black motorcycle jacket. Kawakubo actually wanted to focus exclusively on the last few years of designs — following her second “rupture” in 2014, when
Products designed for The Met by Comme des Garçons. THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART, NEW YORK / FACEBOOK
she said she was no longer making “clothing” in the sense of wearable garments. (Her first rupture, in 1979, is known as the moment she decided to ditch her early, folklore-inflected designs and “start from zero.”) “This was where her mind was at,” Bolton said. He convinced her otherwise, and sprinkled through the show are juxtapositions of the older, more functional clothes, and the new. Pointing out a 2009 dress, he noted: “This still has arms, still has legs, still has openings.” Then, pointing to a post-2014 version: “Now you see the priority of form over function.” An example of her later work is three jackets, fused into one — with two of the jackets forming sleeves of the central jacket. It is rare that the Costume Institute focuses on a single
living designer — the last was Yves Saint Laurent in 1983. But Bolton had long wanted to work with Kawakubo. “For me Rei is not only the most important and influential designer of the last 40 years, but the most inspirational at the same time,” he says. “Her influence is enormous — especially on the vocabulary of fashion that we now take for granted, like asymmetry, like the unfinished, like black as a fashionable colour.” “She summarizes the last 50 years of fashion. She’s that important.” The exhibit, which launches with the glittery Met gala Monday night, is divided into nine themes, all of them dualities in Kawakubo’s work: Fashion/Anti-Fashion, High/Low, Design/ Not Design, and Clothes/Not Clothes are a few.
Passing by one display, Bolton notes that the collection is one of Kawakubo’s favourites — and then stops himself. “Well, she wouldn’t say favourite — she would say ‘least dissatisfying.”‘ That 1997 collection was called “Body Meets Dress — Dress Meets Body.” Garments in gingham-like fabric are stretched over bizarre protrusions on the body, coming out from the stomach or the back or the hip. “I didn’t expect them to be easy garments to be worn every day,” Kawakubo has said about that collection. “It is more important... to translate thoughts into action rather than to worry about if one’s clothes are worn in the end.” (Of course, she has made more commercial collections that end up in stores, if not the runway.) Scurrying around the exhibit the other day, Bolton described a classic anxiety dream he’d had two nights earlier: The exhibit opened, but it was in a huge airplane hangar — and nobody came. No one at all. And Kawakubo, too, has not been immune to anxiety about the show. “Do you think the space is disorienting?” she asks him during the interview. “Do you think people will get lost?” Getting lost, he assures her, is rather the point. ■
Get set to garden Plant and rake without the ache GARDENING IS a great way to stay active and have fun in the sun. But many Canadians sustain injuries that can be easily prevented with a little know-how. The right moves
Use the right moves to lighten the load on your back. Kneel, don’t bend, to plant. Change your body position often. Take frequent breaks. Alternate between light and heavy chores. Drink lots of water. And most importantly, loosen-up before you start out. Warm up
Before you begin any physical activity, warming up is a key factor in preventing injury.
Take a walk, even on the spot. Ten to 15 minutes should do it. Don’t forget to lift your knees and gently swing your arms. Stretch before you start To plant and rake without the ache, do each of these stretches five times. Don’t bounce, jerk or strain. Stretches should be gentle and should not cause pain.
1. Hug yourself snugly. 2. Slowly rotate at the waist as far as is comfortable to the left, then to the right. YOUR BACK 1. In a seated position, bend forward from the hips, keeping your head down. 2. Reach for the ground. Lower Body
Upper Body
YOUR SIDES 1. Extend your right arm over your head. 2. Bend to the left from the waist. 3. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on the other side. YOUR ARMS AND SHOULDERS
YOUR THIGHS 1. Face a wall or tree and support yourself against it with one arm. 2. Bend your right knee and grasp your ankle or pant leg with your left hand. 3. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on the other side. YOUR HAMSTRINGS www.canadianinquirer.net
1. Stand. 2. Reach your hands to the sky. 3. Then bend at the waist and reach toward your toes. 4. Hold for 15 seconds. ■ For more information on health and safety please visit www. toyourhealth.com and the Ontario Chiropractic Association
web site at www.chiropractic. on.ca or call 1877-327-2273. Dr. George I. Traitses of Infinite Health practices traditional chiropractic, advanced nutrition and anti aging therapy and has been serving the Toronto and Markham communities since 1981. You can reach him at 416-499-5656 or www.infinitehealth.com
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Lifestyle
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Cool man on a hot seat Lawyer, prosecutor and now US Ambassador to the Philippines, Sung Kim gets to know Filipinos through their love for basketball, their language, food and President Duterte BY CATHY CAÑARES YAMSUAN Philippine Daily Inquirer SUNG Y. Kim remembers being “very” embarrassed after then US Secretary of State John Kerry called him the “George Clooney of the Foreign Service” during the ceremony for his swearing-in as the United States’ ambassador to the Philippines last November. “I think Secretary Kerry just wanted to have some fun at my expense. Or maybe his speech writers thought it might be a funny line. The audience seemed to enjoy it,” Kim said. He noted the “huge contingent of Filipino-Americans” during the event held in Washington, a detail that he said made it “even more special.”
Mr. Duterte in an exclusive interview at the ambassador’s residence in Forbes Park, Makati City. “I’ve had very good meetings with President Duterte-substantive meetings, wideranging meetings. He’s been very generous with his time,” Kim said. He had met Mr. Duterte thrice so far—twice in Davao City and once in Manila when he presented his credentials to the President in Malacañang. “We had a long meeting [then]. I think the President appreciates the relationship between the US and the Philippines. I think both the White House and Malacañang are strongly committed to maintaining this alliance. In fact, not just maintaining, but strengthening and deepening aspects of [this] relationship,” he said. Kim said he was excited about coming to the Philippines, a feeling shared by his wife, Jae, and daughters Erin and Erica. “Obviously, we have a long [and] deep history with the Philippines—our oldest alliance country in the region and there are many important facets to the relationship, not the least of which is the deep people-to-people ties,” he said. He added: “People, I think, are becoming increasingly aware of the strong economic ties between our two countries
States) [and] contributing to [its economy]. We also have over 300,000 American citizens living, working [and] traveling to the Philippines at any given time.” Kim’s goodwill missions and social activities around the Philippines are well documented on his Twitter account. Sports fan
One of his earliest outings was at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) where the confessed basketball fan watched the first game between Ateneo and La Salle men’s team. “I was impressed by the level of play, really very good. But [I was] even more impressed by the intensity and competition between the two schools. We have some big rivalries in the US—Duke vs North Carolina, UCLA vs USC, but I think the ‘Charmer’ rivalry between Ateneo and La Standing 1.8 meters tall, the Salle is even more intense. So suave and slender 56-year-old that made the game even more diplomat of Korean descent has exciting,” he said. been described by colleagues as Kim credited the “terrific and a charmer with “outstanding really smart” embassy staff for managerial skills, open intersecuring him a seat in the MOA personal style and [the] ability Arena that positioned him right to work well with numerous US in the middle of the two opposgovernment agencies on sensiing schools. He was also advised tive issues and priorities.” not to wear either blue or green Colleagues also note that his lest he offend some fans. solid career background and “So I was completely neutral, focus on the Asia-Pacific reI would not want to be accused gion—including stints in Seoul, of bias so early in my tenure as Tokyo, Kuala ambassador,” he Lumpur and said. Hong Kong— Kim plans to make him a perwatch the womfect fit for the Being the first Korean-American en’s volleyball Manila posting. ambassador to Korea, my home finals where the (Kim also had ascountry, was of course very, very rival schools go signments that special. And now being able to head to head involved cruserve as US ambassador to this again. cial discussions great country and to this important “My staff is about North Korelationship is a tremendous honor. working very rea and Chinese hard to get me a affairs.) seat in the midKim’s undisdle,” he said. puted cool was The sports fan evident when he remained calm and I often cite the fact that the expressed his preference for at an event where President largest private employer in the the Golden State Warriors (“I Duterte slammed the United Philippines is a US company; hope they’d be champions this States for its decision to with- the largest exporter from the year”), particularly players Stehold $400 million in antipov- Philippines is a US company phen Curry, Klay Thompson erty aid from the Millennium [and] one of the biggest taxpay- and Kevin Durant. Challenge Corp. over human ers in the Philippines is a US He, however, described the rights concerns. company.” Golden State Warriors’ rival, Kim showed the same graKim cited as well the 4 mil- the Cleveland Cavaliers, as “an cious demeanor when Inquirer lion Filipino-Americans “liv- exciting team.” asked about his meetings with ing, working (in the United His fondness for basketball www.canadianinquirer.net
U.S. EMBASSY, MANILA PHILIPPINES / FACEBOOK
began when he, at 13, moved to Los Angeles (LA), where his father, also a diplomat, was assigned after a posting in Tokyo. The teener who spent his first 10 years in South Korea grew up watching Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar of the LA Lakers while working through junior high school. Law school
Kim later earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and went back to Los Angeles to study at Loyola University Law School. He later got a master’s degree in law from the London School of Economics and Political Science, after which he returned to Los Angeles to become a prosecutor. At one point, Kim took the diplomatic service exam and thought he might try diplomacy. “A few things appealed to me,” he said. “The idea of representing the US overseas, being able to work on important policy issues and important relationships between countries, and living overseas.” Being young and single then, he thought he would try for a couple of years and go back to the prosecutor’s office because he was enjoying work as a prosecutor. “But as it turned out, I stayed with the foreign service and it’s been about 28 years now. I have absolutely no regrets about having made the switch from law to diplomacy,” he said. Kim mentioned his stint as US ambassador to South Korea as his most memorable before coming to the Philippines.
“Being the first KoreanAmerican ambassador to Korea, my home country, was of course very, very special. And now being able to serve as US ambassador to this great country and to this important relationship is a tremendous honor … I just feel that I was incredibly lucky to have found two professions that I actually enjoyed. More broadly, I’ve always been interested in public service, even when I was in law school,” Kim said. Filipinos, he said, should consider a career in foreign service, as there is great pride in representing one’s country abroad. “There is tremendous potential in the Philippines—a young population, a hardworking population [and] tremendous resources so I think there’s a lot that young Filipino diplomats would be able to do in diplomacy,” the US ambassador said. The ride in Manila has been great so far. Aside from Davao, he has been to Zamboanga City once and to Baguio City “for a couple of short visits.” “Almost every place I visited, I received a warm reception. One of the first trips I took to Baguio, I had a chance to meet a lot of people, prominent people in that area. [I cannot point to] a specific instance but it’s the feeling you get when you meet the people [who] seem genuinely welcoming and friendly. I feel grateful for that,” he said. “I think I’ve lived long enough and I’ve been in diplomacy long enough to know when something is genuine and when something is not,” he added. ❱❱ PAGE 33 Cool man
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FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
Sports If Hercules were a girl World junior powerlifting record-holder Joan Masangkay shows that strength comes even in pint-sized packages
Kobe Paras leaves Creighton
BY JASMINE W. PAYO Philippine Daily Inquirer
BY IVAN SALDAJENO Philippines News Agency
JOAN MASANGKAY’S petite frame makes it easy to picture her as a gymnast springing into cartwheels and flips. Or even getting tossed as a star flyer in the similarly pretty but rigorous sport of cheerdancing. But she laughs at the thought: “Matigas ang katawan ko (I’m not flexible).” For sure, though, there’s more brawn in this 18-year-old. Growing up in a testosterone-charged family business—a weights gym set up right below the Masangkays’ Quezon City home—it may be no surprise how this young girl has turned into a world-class powerlifter. Still, it’s incredible how a 4-foot-10 teenager tipping the scales at just 90 pounds (40.9 kilograms) can pump iron three times her weight. “Every time I go down our house, the weights are just there,” Masangkay says in Filipino. “When I was eight, I was already helping my papa watch over the gym and pack up the equipment. That’s when he saw my potential. I can lift some of the weights and he said I’m strong for my age.” That early start, and a very accessible gym, certainly gave her the edge. By the time she turned 17, she shattered the world subjunior record in the deadlift category of the 2016 World Powerlifting Classic Championships in Killeen, Texas. Masangkay lifted 110.5 kg— much like carrying two full sacks of rice all in one go—to set a new record in the 43-kg weight class. So how can this dainty-looking girl bear all that load? “I know I don’t look like someone who lifts weights,” says Masangkay. “I’m not muscular, so it’s just pure strength.” Just last month, however, the International Powerlifting Federation reported that Russian lifter Rassamahina Alina broke Masangkay’s mark by half a kilo
CALAMBA — After only one year, Kobe Paras is leaving Creighton. Paras announced on Sunday (Philippine Time) his intent to transfer to another US NCAA school. “You welcomed me into your world, into your thoughts & made me a better person. This is goodbye. Thank you coaches & Creighton Bluejay fans!” the six-foot-six high-flying wingman said via Twitter. The announcement capped a whirlwind freshman season for the son of PBA legend Benjie
INTERNATIONAL POWERLIFTING FEDERATION
in the 2017 European Women’s Classic Championships in Denmark. That kind of challenge only pumps up Masangkay more. As she moves up to the junior division this year, she looks to set another world record even as she braces for tougher contests against older opponents. “In powerlifting, the program gets harder and harder,” she says. “There are times when I really get tired. But if you really love what you’re doing, you won’t give up.” But then there’s the lure of crossing over to Olympic weightlifting with no less than Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s latest sports darling, asking her to give it a shot. “I already tried it,” Masangkay reveals. And who wouldn’t be enticed? Ever since she bagged a silver medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, Diaz has been swamped with incentives, totalling about P10 million, both from the government and private sector. But switching sports isn’t easy. “Weightlifting is very different from powerlifting,” Masangkay explains. “Weightlifting is more on technique. You make a mistake and it’s possible you won’t be able to lift the weight. In powerlifting, it’s all strength.” Weightlifting features the snatch and the clean and jerk, both with the iron raised over the head. Powerlifting has the deadlift, squat and bench press, none lifted directly overhead.
Although Masangkay isn’t closing her doors on a new sport—even swimming, which she also enjoys—powerlifting is just too close to her heart. “I grew up in this sport,” she says. “And I think I have an advantage in this sport.” One of her coaches, Rodolfo Manalang, agrees: “Her arms are long for her height. It gives her an advantage. The distance of her pull (from the ground) is shorter. So deadlift is her forte. Being small gives her better leverage.” That advantage came in full show during last year’s worldrecord run where Masangkay surprised even herself. “I was so happy and I was jumping and crying,” she shares. “I’ve never lifted that weight (110.5 kg) before, even in training. I just pushed myself.” Masangkay admits there’s more pressure now. When she competes in the 2017 Asian Powerlifting Championships this week in Indonesia, she looks to duplicate her four-gold medal feat last year. “I feel the pressure because I already set a world record,” says Masangkay, a Grade 10 distance learning student. “If I don’t get a gold, it will be embarrassing. But my parents just remind me to train and do my best.” That full family support— from her parents Cirilo and Judy, and siblings Mia, Cirilo III and Jose—means a lot to Masangkay. And perhaps, that is all the strength she needs to keep going. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
Paras. Once a highly touted prospect following showcasing his hops in the FIBA U18 3x3 Championship and strutting his wares at Middlebrooks Academy, the former La Salle-Greenhills and Batang Gilas star made a commitment to play for UCLA. However, reported academic issues forced him to transfer to Creighton just before the start of the season. The younger Paras only played in 15 games for the Bluejay, averaging only 1.3 points and 1.0 rebound in less than five minutes of play per night. Paras has yet to announce where he will transfer. ■
Supporting role Fajardo willing to assume backup chores for Philippine 5’s sake BY ROY LUARCA Philippine Daily Inquirer FOR JUNE Mar Fajardo, the country’s glory comes first. The three-time PBA Most Valuable Player is willing to take the back seat and let others chart the route in the Philippines’ drive toward the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) championship and, hopefully, the Fiba Asia Cup title. “Whatever coach (Chot Reyes) wants me to do I’ll do it,” said Fajardo, San Miguel Beer’s 6-foot-10 prized center whose point production is expected to dip under the dribble drive system of the national mentor. “I am not after visible numbers, especially the scores,” added Fajardo on Sunday, hours before Gilas Pilipinas 5.0 takes on the Visayas All-Stars at Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City. “Whatever is required of me to help the team, I’ll do it.” The Seaba tournament is set May 12 to 18 at Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Fiba Asia Cup
on Aug. 10 to 20 in Lebanon. Fajardo will be joined by Calvin Abueva, Japeth Aguilar, Raymond Almazan, Jio Jalalon, Allein Maliksi, Troy Rosario, Roger Pogoy, Jason Castro, Matthew Wright and Terrence Romeo in Gilas Pilipinas’ first game as a team since the final roster was announced by Reyes in Lucena last Friday. Naturalized Filipino Andray Blatche completes the Final 12, but the 6-11 slotman, who also likes to shoot outside, will be arriving fromthe US only onMonday. With Blatche around, Reyes will have the luxury of fielding a twin tower combination that’s certain to terrorize the smaller players of the region. Fajardo, the fulcrum of the Beermen’s offense that have yielded them the last three Philippine Cup crowns, will have to take a new role as defensive stopper as well. Gilas Pilipinas assistant coach Jong Uichico said Fajardo’s 260-pound frame will always be an advantage. ■
30
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Business Good fiscal management, not tax perks key to success of cooperatives PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY MANILA — One of the key supporters in the Congress of the Duterte administration’s Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) has advised cooperatives opposing the measure to focus on sound fiscal management, rather than relying on continued tax incentives, to ensure the success of their economic endeavors. Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, a senior vice chairperson of the House ways and means committee, said lifting the valueadded tax (VAT) exemptions of cooperatives aims to plug the massive leakages under our current tax system. He claimed in a recent tax forum that although the benefits enjoyed by cooperatives amount to Php 6 billion, the leakages arising from the VAT exemptions given to them reach around Php 25 billion because the system had already been abused by some enterprises that have sought to shield themselves from taxes by forming cooperatives and taking advantage of the tax perks such organizations enjoy. Salceda pointed out that in his province, the Albay Capitol Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, which had an initial capital of Php 3 million, was able to grow this amount to Php 103 million, not because of the tax incentives given to it, but because of sound financial management. “I gave them Php 3 million (when I was governor), now they made it Php 103 million. It didn’t come from the tax measure. They went very high because of good management-good fiscal and financial management,” Salceda said. He said in Legazpi City, another cooperative with an initial capital of Php 3 million was
able to multiply this amount to Php 130 million. “That did not come from tax incentives,” Salceda said. Salceda’s statements were in response to the opposition by certain cooperatives to the CTRP-proposed removal of the VAT exemptions they now enjoy under the Tax Code. Under the first package of the CTRP that aims to lower personal income tax rates, the accompanying revenueenhancing measures include The information drives being conducted across the country to educate the people of the merits and advantages of these the expansion of the VAT base, tax reform measures have been dubbed the “TARA na sa TRAIN” workshops. which will be done by removing over 100 exemptions found in 91 percent of the cooperative the Congress, the Cua-chaired 2022,” he said at the same tax special laws, except those en- sector, will mostly be exempted House committee already forum. joyed by seniors and persons from the VAT because under agreed in principle to tackle The CTRP has gained the with disabilities. the CTRP, the VAT threshold the CTRP bill as a package, put- support of 14 former DepartVAT-exempt privileges will for gross sales would be in- ting to rest concerns that the ment of Finance secretaries be limited only to raw food, ed- creased from Php 1.9 million to Congress might abandon the and undersecretaries plus five ucation and health. In the case Php 3 million, Chua noted. revenue-generating measures former National Economic Deof cooperatives, those selling The cooperatives sector itself of the proposal and only pass velopment Authority (NEDA) agricultural produce will con- has pointed out that 91 percent the revenue-eroding portion, directors-general, who retinue to enjoy VAT exemptions. of coops in the country are mi- particularly the lowering of in- leased last January a joint Finance Undersecretary cro- and small- organizations come tax rates. manifesto stating that the tax Karl Kendrick Chua said at the while only 9 percent are mediAlso called the “Tax Reform reform plan would “correct same tax forum that the gov- um- and large-sized. for Acceleration and Inclusion the structural weaknesses” of ernment’s goal was not to take Although micro and small Act or TRAIN, the measure is the country’s system and serve away benefits enjoyed by the coops make up the vast major- complemented by Salceda’s HB as a tool to decisively attack poor, who are members of co- ity, they control only 13 percent 4888—the Tax Administration poverty and achieve inclusive operatives, but to Reform Act or growth. directly provide TARA. The inSigning the joint manifesto them these benformation drives were ex-DOF Secretaries Ceefits and ensure being conducted sar Virata, Jose Isidro Camathat these reachIn other words, we are converting across the coun- cho, Jesus Estanislao, Roberto es them by way the producer subsidy to a consumer try to educate De Ocampo, Jose Pardo, Cesar of direct transfer subsidy, and this is something we’re the people of Purisima, and Juanita Amaprograms such very keen on doing. the merits and tong; ex-NEDA chiefs Arsenio as cash transfers advantages of Balisacan, Emmanuel Esguerra, and other forms these tax reform Cielito Habito, Felipe Medalla, of subsidies. measures have and Romulo Neri; and former “We are probeen dubbed the finance undersecretaries Roposing to convert that benefit of the aggregate assets in the “TARA na sa TRAIN” work- meo Bernardo, Cornelio Gison, from a tax subsidy by [exemp- cooperatives sector, while me- shops. Lily Gruba, Milwida Guevara, tion] to a more targeted ap- dium and large coops control 87 According to Finance Sec- Jose Emmanuel Reverente, and proach wherein we give the percent, according to data from retary Carlos Dominguez III, Florencia Tarriela. benefits directly to those who the COOP-NATCCO partylist the CTRP “will enable us to reDominguez noted that the are in need through the budget. website. shape our economic growth to CTRP has been endorsed by In other words, we are convertThe first package of the make it more inclusive.” multilateral institutions such ing the producer subsidy to a CTRP was introduced in the “It is the tax reform pack- as the World Bank, the Internaconsumer subsidy, and this is Congress as House Bill 4774 by age that will bring us to the ir- tional Monetary Fund, and the something we’re very keen on Quirino Rep. Dakila Carlo Cua, reversible path towards being Asian Development Bank, by doing,” Chua said. who chairs the House ways and a high-income economy in one various business associations, Moreover, micro and small means committee. generation and bring down our foreign chambers of commerce, cooperatives, which comprise Before the Lenten break of poverty rate to a mere 14% by and civil society groups. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
Business
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
31
5 reasons Amazon is experimenting with physical stores BY ANICK JESDANUN The Associated Press NEW YORK — Is the online giant of retail also looking to conquer physical stores? Amazon has been dabbling in physical retail since 2015, during which time it’s opened a half-dozen bookstores that double as gadget emporia, a score of campus bookstores that don’t sell books and a convenience store without cashiers. For now, its efforts seem largely experimental, though that may not be true for long. Although the company already dominates e-commerce, 90 per cent of worldwide retail spending is still in brickand-mortar stores, according to eMarketer. Amazon has the chance to change retail with automation and data-mining technologies borrowed from ecommerce. “It seems counterintuitive they are investing in any physical stores when they are blamed for the demise of so many of them, but no cow is sacred,” says Sucharita Mulpuru, a retail analyst in Charlotte, North Carolina. Amazon’s offline ambitions could even boost Amazon’s online operations further, even though they seem to be doing just fine for now. In the first three months of the year, the Seattle company earned $724 million, or $1.48 per share, a 41 per cent increase from a year
earlier. Amazon soundly beat Wall Street’s expectations of $1.08 per share, according to FactSet. Revenue increased 23 per cent to $35.7 billion, above expectations of $35.3 billion. Amazon doesn’t break out numbers for its retail-store operations. Chief Financial Officer Brian T. Olsavsky said in February that “we’re still in that phase where we’re testing and learning and getting better.” Exactly what it’s learning, and what it plans to do with that knowledge, is the next big question. Here are five ways physical stores could help Amazon. A showcase for gadgets
At Amazon’s six physical bookstores — six more are on the way — books are arranged on shelves face out, even though that takes more space. Amazon isn’t trying to cram its entire inventory into these stores; Amazon figures you can just order everything else from your phone. Amazon also devotes a lot of space to its Kindle e-readers, streaming TV devices and other gadgets, so you can try them out before buying. Tutorials are also offered on weekends. Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter says physical bookstores are good places to win Kindle converts, as “the only people who don’t have Kindles who should have Kindles are luddites who also read.”
Serendipity
Amazon opened its third bookstore in October, near Portland, Oregon. Miriam Sontz, CEO of Powell’s Books in Portland, calls Amazon’s entry “an acknowledgement of the inability of the internet to provide a certain retail experience that book buyers enjoy.” That includes spontaneous conversations with fellow shoppers on what they’re reading, and having a book cover or blurb grab you as you walk down the aisle. Robert Hutu, a retail analyst at Gartner, says online customers tend to go to a website knowing what they want to buy. By contrast, customers visiting a physical store often make impulse purchases, even if they go in with something specific in mind. Amazon could learn more about that serendipity from its stores, and perhaps find better ways to increase impulse buying online, Hutu says. Make customers do the work
Amazon is scheduled to open its 20th book-less campus bookstore next week in Cleveland. Students order textbooks and dorm furnishings online and come to these stores to pick them up. The centralized pickup location reduces shipping expenses. The company is also testing a grocery pickup service at two locations in Seattle. Once it launches, Prime members will be able to order groceries online and visit one of these stores
Woman leaving Amazon locker orange delivery package locker at dusk Amazon Locker is a self-service parcel delivery service offered by online retailer Amazon.com. HADRIAN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
for pickup, skipping the aisles. Crews will even bring orders to the car. It’s cheaper than doorto-door deliveries. Retail technology
Amazon already makes heavy use of robots at warehouses to fulfil online orders. Now Amazon is trying to bring automation to retail. The Amazon Go convenience store in Seattle uses sensors to track items as shoppers put them into baskets or return them to the shelf. The shopper’s Amazon account gets automatically charged. The store is expected to open to the public soon, after a test with Amazon employees. Amazon not only saves money on cashiers but also could use the data to manage inventory better and even assess when to discount items, says Mulpuru, the retail analyst. Hutu suggests that Amazon might even license its technology to other retailers, the way it rents out its data centres to businesses and groups to power
their websites and other digital needs. That business, known as cloud computing, made up 10 per cent of Amazon’s revenue in the first quarter, as sales grew 43 per cent to nearly $3.7 billion. Building loyalty
Amazon can use its campus locations to promote its Prime loyalty program (students get 50 per cent off the normal $99 annual fee). The strategy is simple: Get students hooked, and they’ll be customers for life. As for the regular bookstores, Prime members get the same prices available online. For everyone else, only Amazon gadgets match the online prices; books and other items are sold at an often-higher list price. Of course, you can sign up for Prime on the spot. Hutu said Amazon could use these experiences to deepen loyalty — though they can also damage Amazon’s reputation if it can’t deliver an experience Prime members are already used to. ■
Over 34,000 job seekers registered at the 17 Labor Day job fairs nationwide BY FERDINAND G. PATINIO Philippines News Agency MANILA — More than 34,000 jobseekers have registered in job fairs simultaneously held nationwide in line with the celebration of the 115th Labor Day in the country on Monday, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said. Based on DOLE data, as of 3 p.m., a total of 34,605 individu-
als trooped to the different job fairs in 17 regions of country. The National Capital Region (NCR) posted the highest number of applicants with 4,504; followed by Region 3 (Central Luzon), 5,683. Of the number, a total of 17,783 applicants are qualified, with 14,600 applied for local jobs while 3,183 for employment overseas. On the other hand, a total of 1,658 or 9.3 percent of the total
number of qualified applicants were hired on the spot (HOTS), with a total 1,529 were hired for local jobs while 64 people were accepted for jobs overseas. Meanwhile, DOLE NCR Director Johnson Cañete believed that the different job fairs that were held in the several cities in Metro Manila were beneficial to jobseekers since there was no need for them to go to other areas to apply for local or overseas jobs since their cities have www.canadianinquirer.net
hosted their respective employment activities. The following cities in the NCR that hosted job fairs are: Quezon City – Quezon City Hall and Fisher Mall, Quezon Avenue; Manila – Bonifacio Monument, Padre Burgos, Manila; Muntinlupa – Ayala Mall; Paranaque – basketball court behind Paranaque City Hall; Taguig – Vista Mall; Las Pinas – Robinsons Mall; Valenzuela – Valenzuela Astrodome; and Pasay – Pasay City Hall.
A total of 34,145 local and overseas jobs were offered by 170 participating employers. Of the total number of vacancies, 14,145 were local jobs being offered by 145 participating companies; while 20,000 are overseas jobs from 25 accredited agencies. The 2017 Araw ng Paggawa was observed with the theme ‘Matatag na Kabuhayan at Trabaho tungo sa Progresibong Pagbabago.’ ■
32
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Technology YouTube ad boycott could spell trouble for Alphabet’s Google BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — YouTube’s inability to keep big-brand ads off unsavoury videos is threatening to transform a rising star in Google’s digital family into a problem child. It’s not yet clear whether a recent ad boycott of YouTube will be short-lived or the start of a long-term shift away from the video service — one that could undercut Google’s growth and that of its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc. Alphabet’s first-quarter results, released Thursday, provided few clues. Major advertisers didn’t start pulling their money from YouTube until the three-month period was nearly over. The company’s earnings rose 29 per cent to $5.4 billion while revenue climbed 22 per cent to $24.8 billion. Shares surged nearly 5 per cent, to $933, in Thursday’s extended trading. Cloud over YouTube
But the fallout from the YouTube boycott is likely to be felt through the rest of this year. Skittish advertisers have curtailed their spending until they are convinced Google can prevent their brands from appearing next to extremist clips promoting hate and violence. “There is no entity in the world that is more risk averse than a senior marketing person,” says Larry Chiagouris, a marketing professor at Pace University in New York. “They
don’t want to go with a media Before the boycott began, choice that presents problems YouTube’s ad revenue after for a brand, and they don’t have subtracting commissions was to because they have many oth- expected to rise 26 per cent this er choices.” year to $7 billion, based on esGoogle CEO Sundar Pichai timates from the research firm told analysts during a Thursday eMarketer. Alphabet doesn’t review of the first quarter that disclose YouTube’s finances. the company has had “thouAdvertisers began to flee sands and thousands” of con- YouTube last month, after The versations with advertisers as Times in London and other meYouTube takes steps to protect dia outlets turned up evidence their brands. “We are evolving that their brands were appearoverall to a better place,” Pichai ing alongside clips promoting said. terrorism and racism. JAKRAPHONG PHOTOGRAPHY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM At another point, he assured The findings alerted adveranalysts that YouTube is still tisers that YouTube didn’t have outside websites.) The list inEven if advertisers return, experiencing “extraordinary” adequate technology or staffing cluded big-spending market- Kargman predicted they are growth without providing spe- to shield brands from some of ers such as PepsiCo, Wal-Mart unlikely to spend as much as cifics. the appalling material that gets Stores, Starbucks, AT&T, Ve- they once did. “It’s going to be Even if YouTube continues posted on a site that receives rizon, Johnson & Johnson, and a slow burn as brands quietly to lose advertisers, it won’t 400 hours of video per minute. Volkswagen. shift their spending away,” he leave a huge dent in Alpha“This is an ostrich situation It’s unclear how many, if said. “There are now questions bet’s earnings. any, of those about the quality of video on That’s because have returned to YouTube in the long term.” marketers are YouTube since Investors, however, apparexpected to keep Google promised ently aren’t too worried so far. feeding the comThey don’t want to go with a media to hire more hu- YouTube’s financial contribupany’s golden choice that presents problems for man reviewers tions remain a fairly small part goose — Google’s a brand, and they don’t have to and upgrade its of a company expected to gendominant search because they have many other technology to erate $87 billion in revenue this engine. Ads apchoices. keep ads away year, after subtracting ad compearing alongfrom repugnant missions. side the billions videos. RBC Capital Markets analyst of search results Both Verizon Mark Mahaney estimates the Google churns out each day still where the ostrich just pulled and AT&T, two companies that reduced spending on YouTube generate most of Alphabet’s its head out of the sand,” says are trying to expand their own and Google’s ad network for revenue even as it expands into Harry Kargman, CEO of Kargo, digital ad networks to compete video on third-party sites could other fields. which helps manage ad cam- with Google, told The Associat- reduce Alphabet’s net revenue But ad spending has been paigns on mobile devices. ed Press that they are still boy- by $300 million, to $1.5 billion, accelerating at a rapid pace cotting YouTube. FX Networks this year. on YouTube over the past two Flight of the brands confirmed that it isn’t advertisSome of that spending could years as brands sought to conAt one point, about 250 ad- ing on YouTube either. Several shift to Facebook, Mahaney nect with its audience of more vertisers were boycotting other boycotting marketers said, although the social netthan 1 billion people. Now it YouTube. (Some also stepped contacted by AP didn’t respond. work is facing its own challenglooks like things might taper back from a related system es trying to block live videos off. that Google operates to place Temporary hit or permanent of violence that appall viewers Taking the gloss off commercials next to videos on scar? and advertisers alike. ■
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Technology
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
33
Microsoft takes aim at Google Apple ceases with laptop, slim Windows iPhone payments to Qualcomm, escalating feud BY BARBARA ORTUTAY The Associated Press
NEW YORK — Microsoft is taking aim at Google as it introduced a Surface device for students and slimmed down Windows for the classroom. The new Surface Laptop is the first Surface device without a detachable keyboard. Microsoft says the new laptop will have up to 14.5 hours of battery life, compared with 12 hours for the MacBook Air. The Surface Laptop will come out on June 15. The laptop runs Windows 10 S, a streamlined version of the ubiquitous operating system. It will run only software downloaded from the Windows Store, a limitation that Microsoft touts as a security benefit. Microsoft’s previous effort at a slimmed-down Windows, Windows RT, wasn’t popular because it wouldn’t run older programs unavailable in the Windows Store. The laptop comes at a rough time for the Surface line, which Microsoft blamed for the small revenue shortfall in its latest quarterly report. And it’s a clear effort by Microsoft to step up competition with Google and
BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press
BLAZAR SLU / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
its inexpensive Chromebooks in the classroom, where the latter has made major inroads. Microsoft said new education PCs running Windows 10 S will start at $189, a bit more than the cheapest Chromebooks. The Surface Laptop, though, will start at $999, the same as the MacBook Air. Among Microsoft’s other education announcements: Microsoft is adding a coding feature to Minecraft Education, the offshoot of its wildly popular creator game. Called “Code Builder,” the feature combines Minecraft with learn-to-code tools such as Tynker and a
new one from Microsoft called MakeCode. A classroom version of Microsoft Teams will let students (supervised by their teacher) chat and work together online. In classroom group chats, students can listen to guest speakers, interact and even send emojis and GIF images. If it gets too rowdy, teachers can mute individual students or the whole class, or delete individual comments. Microsoft hopes the tool will serve as a digital hub for classrooms, where teachers can personalize learning and communicate with students and their parents. ■
“You know, I’ve started taking lessons but my schedule is pretty hectic so I’ve missed many lessons and I apologize to my teacher for this. But that’s probably a less serious problem than the fact that at my age, my brainpower, at least to learn languages, has diminished greatly. I’ve learned phrases but the question is how long I can actually retain those — salamat po, magandang umaga is good morning; [magandang] tanghali is good afternoon. I know a few phrases but need to study much harder.”
not unique but it does have very heavy traffic. I’m getting used to working a lot in the car and spend a lot of time [on] my BlackBerry, checking my e-mails and text messages,” he said. He reads a stack of newspapers he brings along in the morning or uses the lull inside the vehicle to unwind during the evening rush hour, he said. “I think it’s encouraging that policymakers in Manila are trying to address the issue. Everybody agrees there is bad traffic in Manila. The important thing is what do you do about it? My sense is that senior officials in the Philippine government are quite focused on finding a way to deal with this challenge. I hope they find a solution,” he said. ■
Cool man... ❰❰ 28
Going places
And now, some inevitable questions. Had he been to Boracay yet? “I would like to. Yes, I heard about the beautiful white sand. I haven’t been to Cebu yet, either,” he said. Palawan perhaps? “I hope to go … [Manila] is a really busy place so it’s hard to find [time],” he said. Kim said he was “not sure” whether he was “that adventurous” when asked whether he had tried “balut.” Adobo, however, is “fast becoming one of my favorite dishes and surprisingly, I didn’t think I would like lechon very much but I actually [did],” he said. Kim smiled sheepishly when asked about Filipino words or phrases he had learned so far.
Manila traffic
The George Clooney charm emerged anew when Kim was asked about the horrendous Manila traffic. “Many large cities in Asia have traffic issues. Manila is
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SAN FRANCISCO — Apple is refusing to pay any royalties owed to mobile chip maker Qualcomm for some of the features in the iPhone, escalating a patent feud that has turned the former business partners into bitter adversaries. The latest twist in the dispute represents a major blow for Qualcomm, which depends on licensing fees for a large portion of its revenue. Apple’s decision to withhold royalties will cost Qualcomm up to $500 million in the current quarter alone, based on revised revenue estimates that Qualcomm released Friday. “This is getting ugly, the level of hostility just went up another notch,” said technology analyst Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights and Strategy. As retaliation, Qualcomm could seek a court order halting iPhone sales until Apple pays the royalties that Qualcomm contends it’s owed, Moorhead said. Qualcomm hasn’t threatened to go to that extreme yet, but its top lawyer made it clear on Friday that the San Diego company is girding for a fierce fight with its Cupertino, Californiabased Apple, the world’s most valuable company. “We will continue vigorously to defend our business model, and pursue our right to protect and receive fair value for our technological contributions to the industry,” said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm’s general counsel. Apple concedes it and its suppliers owe Qualcomm some licensing fees on iPhone sales. But Apple believes Qualcomm has been abusing its power in the mobile chip market to charge for royalties on features that aren’t covered by its patents. Qualcomm, in turn, has accused Apple of breaking con-
tracts in an attempt to lower its licensing fees and also interfering in deals negotiated with iPhone suppliers. The stalemate prompted Apple to sue Qualcomm in January in a federal complaint. Qualcomm denied the allegations and fired back with its own lawsuit against Apple earlier this month. In a Friday statement, Apple said it won’t pay Qualcomm any further royalties until the courts determine the amount, a process that could take several years. “As we’ve said before, Qualcomm’s demands are unreasonable and they have been charging higher rates based on our innovation, not their own,” Apple said. Rosenberg reiterated that Qualcomm holds “valid and enforceable” licensing agreements on various features in iPhones. Apple’s suspension of royalty payments marks “the latest step in Apple’s global attack on Qualcomm,” said Don Rosenberg, Qualcomm’s general counsel. Apple isn’t alone in its accusations against Qualcomm. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission also has filed a lawsuit alleging that Qualcomm has been imposing unfair licensing terms on manufacturers. With the loss of iPhone royalty payments, Qualcomm now expects its revenue for its April-June quarter to range from $4.8 billion and $5.6 billion, down from its previous forecast of $5.3 billion to $6.1 billion. Qualcomm now expects its earnings for the period to range from 75 to 85 cents per share. That’s down from an earlier projection of 90 cents to $1.15 per share. Investors shook off the shock of Qualcomm’s lowered guidance after initially driving down the company’s stock. Its stock rose 53 cents, or 1 per cent, to $53.74 on Friday. The stock has fallen by about 15 per cent since Apple filed its lawsuit. ■
MAY 5, 2017
34
CANADA
HIRING GENERAL HELPER Company name : IDEAL STAIRS FULL TIME OR PART TIME (Great Salary for Full Time with benefits) Schedule : Monday to Saturday Send resumes to: info@idealstairs.ca or call 416-830-3932 4800 Sheppard Avenue East, Unit 123, Scarborough ON M1S 4N5
Wanted: PERSONAL ASSISTANT - HOME CARE Permanent – Full time $14.00/hour - for 40 hours per week Anticipated start date: As soon as possible Location: Scarborough, Canada (1 vacancy) Wanted homecare personal assitant to provide care to an 85 years old elderly female suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Duty includes administer bedside and personal care to client such as aid in ambulation, bathing, personal hygiene and administration of medication. Prepare and serve nutritious meals. Perform routine housekeeping duties such as laundry and ironing clothes and linens, washing dishes, making beds and house cleaning. Taking the designated individual for walks, park, malls and doctors appointments and any other duties deemed necessary to assist the designated individual with day to day living. Preferably with 1 year to less than 2 years of work experience in elderly care. Must speak and write English. Completion of highschool graduate equivalent in Canada.Optional accomodation available at no charge on a live-in basis. (This is not a condition of employment)
email resume to: eymard.lumbre@yahoo.com
St. Louis Bar and Grill (Bolton Location) 301 Queen St. S
Now Hiring Line Cooks - Cook menu items in cooperation with the rest of the Kitchen staff - Clean up kitchen and stock inventory - Proven cooking experience - Accuracy and speed in executing assigned tasks We have an amazing group of people working here and we are currently growing very quickly! We are looking for the right team member(s) to join our fabulous team!
Please reply to our email and you will be contacted promptly.
Email at stlouisbolton@gmail.com
HIRING
COOK (Short Order Cook) Restaurant Name : GABBY’S GRILL AND TAPS FULL TIME OR PART TIME (Great Salary for Full Time) Schedule : To be discussed with Manager Send resumes to: flores63@yahoo.ca or call 416-902-2336 2899 Bloor Street West
Wanted: Real Estate Secretary
Wanted:
IN HOME CAREGIVER NANNY - ONTARIO
Permanent – Full time $26.50 hourly for 40 hours/week Work Setting: Property and Real Estate Law Employer: Event Tours Realty Location: Scarborough
Sudduf/Aaraz #2584 Valley Ridge Road Oakville ON L6M 5H5.6479962273 email:ahraaz.wyne@gmail.com
Dhona Ursua #05 Bay St. Blvd.Scarborough ON M1T3P4 647.937.2884 dhonarizaursua@yahoo.ca
Chirstopher/ Jennifer #08 Columbine Ave. Toronto ON M4L1P3 Email: jennifer.posnikoff@bell.ca
Jillian Tishman #226 Arlington Ave.York ON M6C2Z5 ph:416.277.8043 email:supremeccc@yahoo.com
Mark Polanco#77 Winter Ave.Scarborough ON M1K4M2.Ph.647.686.6341.email:polancomark@yahoo .com
Julie Mcewen #32 Leuty Ave Toronto ON M4E2R3 ph:4168011276 e: julieannemcewen@yahoo.ca
Caryl Morante @Toronto ON e:supremeccc@yahoo.com.6479962273
Knowledge of English language is a must; College graduate or other non-university certificate or diploma; work experience at least 2 years to less than 3 years; area of work experience –Statistics, Reports and records, Invoices, Financial statements, Correspondence, Contracts, Charts, tables, graphs and diagrams; knowledge of Business Equipment and Computer Applications - MS Excel; MS PowerPoint; MS Word; Electronic mail; MS Outlook is essential
Liza Sotto#51 Hawkview Blvd.Woodbridge ON L4H2E2 Email:lizavillanueva173@yahoo.ca.Ph.905.553.0681
Marlyn Fabros#201-12 Donora Dr Toronto ON M4B1B4 647.701.1392 e:supremeccc@yahoo.com Mayra Cosico #550 Steddick Crt Unit 37 Mississauga ON L5R3S8 Ph:647.998.8042 e:supremeccc@yahoo.com
Pays $11.54/ hour. Care for a Child/children. Permanent. Full time. 8hrs/day.40h/wk. Benf:OHIP.WSIB Req:Completion of Canadian High Sch.At least have experience in 1-2 years as a Nanny or FT Caregiving Training Sch. JOB TASK: Look after child/children, meal preparation, inddor / outdoor companionship, light housekeeping.
Apply by email to: hr@eventtoursrealty.com
Wanted:
IN HOME CAREGIVER - ONTARIO Irene Kukuk #28 Grandriver Crt. Brampton ON L6S2J8 647.537.9844. Supremeccc@yahoo.com ph:6479962273
Marilyn Uniana #784 Arthur Park Ave.Woodstock ON N4T9G7 email:supremeccc@yahoo.com ph:6479962273
Aurora Bonaldi#67 Strathburn Blvd North York ON M9M2K8 dbonaldi@sympatico.ca Ph:6479962273
Supriya Gupta #68 Truman Rd Willowdale ON M2L2L6 Ph:6479962273 E:supriyagupta27@yahoo.ca
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FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
35
Travel Simple is best and other lessons from a road trip with kids BY JONATHAN ELDERFIELD The Associated Press
Quebecois dish of French fries, cheese curds and gravy, in Canada. But most area restaurants we saw GETTYSBURG, PA. — Road trip season were chains, which I try is around the corner. Does that fill you to avoid. On the spur of with memories of painful car trips stuck the moment we drove to between siblings in the backseat? Or do Niagara-on-the-Lake, a you relish the idea of hitting the road, picturesque town filled maybe with your own kids? with coffee shops, galI took a 10-day road trip last summer leries and real restauwith my sons Max and Henry, then 14 rants, for a stroll and and 10. There were ups and downs as we genuine meal. headed from the Philadelphia suburbs Some of our stops through Western New York to the Ca- were planned, includnadian side of Niagara Falls, then back ing tickets for a Columhome through Ohio. Overall we had fun bus Crew soccer match, but some stops were more enjoyable but I also relied on serthan others. Here are some takeaways. endipity and web searches for things to do on the fly. Sometimes simple is best Sophia’s, in Buffalo, New York, was an The highlight of the trip might just impromptu find for a hearty breakfast have been one of our first stops: the Cir- on the day of our longest drive from cle Drive-In movie theatre in Scranton, Canada to Ohio. Pennsylvania, where we watched a douI limited the kids’ screen time on each ble feature from the station wagon while leg to encourage sightseeing out the eating candy and drinking soda. window, but I also had some meditaFrom there, we had a rainy visit to a tive driving time to myself with music state park in Watkins Glen, New York, cranked as Max and Henry kept their and lunch in nearby heads bowed to Ithaca with a friend. the almighty small Next was a biggie: screen. Niagara Falls. But it As sole driver, turned out to be a bit Simple things though, I didn’t of a letdown. The falls were often want to spend evimpressed, but the the best, like ery minute behind street photographer the drive-in or the wheel. This was in me cared more the Pittsburgh my vacation, too. So about the crowds incline rather I built in a respite oohing and aahing at than museums from the road at an the sights. My kids or touristy Airbnb cottage in just weren’t that inNiagara Falls. Vermillion, Ohio, on terested. I guess vidthe south shore of eo games can take the Lake Erie. We swam, wow out of the natuexplored small lakeral world. shore towns, and Later in the trip, we visited Pittsburgh, checked off some classic pastimes: softwhere I’d gone to college. The Duquesne serve ice cream from a roadside stand, Incline, an old-fashioned riverfront fu- flattening pennies on freight train nicular, and the sandwiches at Primanti tracks and a barbecue. Bros., which have French fries and coleDriving through farmland and fields, slaw between the bread, were bigger hits we stopped for lunch in Oberlin, Ohio, with the boys than the Carnegie Muse- and ended up in Columbus for two um of Natural History. nights with a friend and his family. The Takeaways: Don’t feel obliged to see planned soccer game, a few meals out touristy places and museums if the kids and a trip to the amazing and immense don’t care. Look for unique sites and Book Loft book store in German Village shorter excursions. and we were ready to head back to Pennsylvania. Food, lodging and serendipity I love Gettysburg. The history of the I had my first taste of poutine, the battlefields and the majestic landscape is
something I can’t get enough of. One kid helped me re-enact a famous Civil War photograph at Devil’s Den; the photograph itself was a set-up by Alexander Gardner so it was only fitting that I did the same. We drove and walked at sunset and dawn, enjoying the best light and avoiding midday heat before starting for home. Takeaways: Don’t eat every meal in a restaurant and don’t spend every night in a hotel. Find opportunities for fresh food, whether picnics or home cooking. Aim for a few nights in a vacation rental or with friends or family along the way. But bring a blow-up mattress and bedding in case fold-out beds or other makeshift accommodations aren’t up to snuff. The balancing act
We had our ups and downs on the trip, the boys and me.
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I felt like I was constantly asking them to pay attention to the world around them and get off their screens. On the other hand, I was also glad they had a distraction when I lacked plans for dinner. Simple things were often the best, like the drive-in or the Pittsburgh incline rather than museums or touristy Niagara Falls. Another big hit: the motel pool. It’s a great way to refresh after hours of driving, and you won’t have to drag your children off their devices if there’s a pool to play in. A few other pointers: Bring some balls or games. We kicked the soccer ball during a few highway stops. And break up the trip. Instead of highways, take smaller roads, like the one where we saw a covered bridge. Buy tickets and plan for important events, but be spontaneous too. Everyone in the car will be happier if they feel their opinion is being heard. ■
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Travel
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Street dancers entertain crowd Dive tourism in the Festivals of the North creates jobs in PHILIPPINES NEWS AGENCY DAGUPAN CITY — Street dancers from the Pandan Festival of Mapandan, Pangasinan bagged the grand prize of PHP400,000 late Friday night in the Festivals of the North (FON). FON is part of the ongoing 2017 Dagupan Bangus Festival witnessed by thousands of people who patiently lined up the streets and packed the city plaza till late Friday night. The Pandan Festival dancers were also easily the crowd favorites. People lined up by the thousands along the streets leading to the city plaza. The victors also bagged all three major prizes:”Best in Costume”, “Best in Props” and “Best in Street dancing” to wrest the crown from perennial winner and host Dagupan Ban-
gus Festival. It was a big come back for the Pandan Festival dancers who won in the first edition of the FON in 2008 but begged off to participate in 2009 and 2010 due to various commitments locally and in the national scene and even when FON was revived in 2014 till 2016. The host Bangus Festival street dancers, who last April 21 won the “Gilon-Gilon ed Bahley” street dancing contest among the locals in Dagupan, received first runner-up honors and bagged a cash prize of PHP200,000. Second runner-up were the Tinugbo Festival street dancers of Pugo, La Union who went home with PHP80,000 while the Basi Festival group, also of San Fernando, La Union was named third runner-up with a prize of PHP60,000. The fourth runner-up were the street dancers from the Dinamulag Mango
Festival of Masinloc, Zambales who pocketed PHP50,000. Declared co-fifth placers were the street dancers from the Pamulinawen Festival of Laoag, Ilocos Nortte, the Halamanan Festival of Guiguinto, Bulacan; and Talong Festival of Villasis, Pangasinan. The FON gathered many of the festival champions in Pangasinan as well as different parts of Ilocos Region and Central Luzon in spectacular competitions in Dagupan City to spice up the Dagupan Bangus Festival and enable the spectators to have a glimpse of culture of people north of Manila. . Mayor Belen Fernandez, the brains behind FON since she was vice mayor of Dagupan, and City Councilor Maybelyn de la Cruz Fernandez,announced the winners based on a list submitted and validated by a panel of judges from Manila. ■
Guimaras offers 9-day ‘all-youcan-eat’ mangoes this May BY MARICYN A. DE LOS SANTOS Philippines News Agency JORDAN, GUIMARAS — Visitors to the scenic island-province of Guimaras this May 11 to 22 in time for Manggahan Festival will get to enjoy nine days of “all-you-can-eat” Guimaras mangoes! The mango feast will start in the opening day of “Manggahan Fest” on May 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Capitol grounds, Brgy. San Miguel here, said Liberty Ferrer, provincial tourism office officer-incharge. The Guimaras mango festival will continue until May 22. Within the prescribed time, visitors can choose whether they want to eat ripe or green mangoes. They can also pair the ripe mangoes with “ibus” or sticky rice, or eat the green mangoes with “bagoong” or shrimp paste. The event has been part of the festival for 15 years now, ac-
Imagine this for breakfast!
cording to the Provincial Agricultural Services Office (PASO). In last year’s festival,PASO recorded a total of 4,429 “mango eaters” in a period of nine days. Guimaras mango is distinct for its sweet-sour taste, less fibrous pulp, and thinner skin or epicarp. It is also certified wee-
vil-free. For this year’s mango allyou-can eat event, the Guimaras Mango Growers & Producers Development Cooperative (GMGPDC) is readying to supply the PASO a total of 10.4 tons or 10,400 kilos of fresh mangoes. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net
Negros Oriental BY AZER N. PARROCHA Philippines News Agency
Laurent Martin welcomed this development, noting that “there was still hope” for promising deep-sea divers like MenMANILA — The rich marine dez. life of Negros Oriental was the “Hope floats for these promkey that opened doors to sev- ising young deep-sea divers eral jobs in the tourism indus- who honed not only the nittytry. Among these, were under- gritty of scuba diving but also water guides and emergency deepened their appreciation of responders. marine life,” Martin said. Just recently, 12 boys and Plongeurs founding member, four girls completed courses Roger Gugliemi said that the for dive master (DM), advanced program is also meant to raise open water (OPW) and emer- the young divers’ awareness for gency first response (EFR), the protection of the environwhich brought them a step ment and attain economic freecloser to becoming profession- dom by gaining a professional ally trained divers, the Depart- skill in diving. ment of Tourism The 16 Apo (DOT) said. kids join some Upon secur300 young “ploing their certiogners” certified fication from master divers in the Professional countries such as Association of Our country Sri Lanka, VietDiving Instrucand our seas nam, Morocco, tors (PADI), the are so rich. Oman, and Tanyoung divers can There is no zania, Dominica. start catering to reason for Tourism Unforeign and FiliFilipinos to dersecretary pino underwastay poor. and Philippine ter enthusiasts Commission hopping to Apo on Sport Scuba Island from othDiving (PCSSD) er dive sites in chair Kat de CasSiquijor Island, tro welcomed Oslob, Cebu and the efforts of the Panglao, Bohol. French diver group noting that Among the young divers was they have helped contribute to 20-year-old Mark Cyrel Men- a meaningful inclusive tourism dez who signed up for scuba program. diving training offered by a volThe Plongeurs program, De unteer group of French divers, Castro said, was set to train Plongeurs de Monde, when he more young divers in Southern was only 13. The French diver Leyte and Siargao, Surigao del group visited his native Apo Is- Norte. land in Negros Oriental back in Meanwhile, local marine ad2011. vocate, diving instructor and Before he signed up, Men- former barangay captain Madez could only dream of get- rio Pascobello, who hosted the ting through high school. Now, Plongeurs de Monde during the Mendez has graduated to pro- summer training over seven fessional scuba diving after sev- years, said that the program en years of training. also helped keep the youth He said that he would con- from illegal drugs by providing tinue professional scuba diving them with opportunities for cawhile pursuing his civil engi- reer advancement. neering course at a Dumaguete Plongeurs de Monde (Divers City college. of the World) began when div“Our country and our seas are ers from France, Switzerland so rich. There is no reason for and Belgium got together to Filipinos to stay poor,” Mendez train poor kids from families said. devastated by the tsunami in Plongeurs Philippines head Sri Lanka in 2005. ■
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
37
Food Reuben Pizza is quick & inexpensive for a graduation party BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press WITH THE end of the school year looming, the proud parents of any number of soon-to-beminted graduates are wondering how to pull off a celebratory party without spending a ton of time or money. Reuben Pizza is the answer. It’s quick, easy to make, inexpensive and completely scrumptious. Even better, it’s not a typical pizza. Essentially it’s a Reuben sandwich that swaps out rye bread for pizza dough. All the other elements of the great deli favourite are present and accounted for: corned beef, Swiss cheese (in this case gruyere), sauerkraut and Russian dressing. “Sounds great,” you say, “but making pizza dough at home is way too complicated for me.” Not so. You’ll spend five minutes assembling the ingredients, three minutes mixing the dough in a food processor, an hour waiting and 45 minutes hands off, while the dough rises. “Wait a minute,” you object. “What about rolling out the dough? I tried it once and no matter which way I rolled it, the thing shrank back in my direction.” That can be a problem, but here’s a solution: Instead of rolling out the dough on a counter sprinkled with flour,
brush the counter with a little bit of oil. The oil glues down the dough, allowing you to roll it out quickly and efficiently, with very little shrinkage. This recipe guides you through the making of four medium-sized pizzas rather than two large ones. The smaller ones are easier and quicker to make than the bigger ones. And don’t worry about having to bake them in shifts; the first two pies will stay warm while the second two are baking. As a fan of crispy crusts, I’ve been very particular about the amount of topping meant for these pizzas. I know it’s tempting to pile on the toppings, but overdoing makes the finished product soggy. Still, don’t be shy about pouring on a generous drizzle of the dressing as a finishing touch. It’s key to making a Reuben a Reuben. Reuben pizza
Start to finish: 2 hours (1 hour if using store-bought dough) Servings: 6 to 8
• Speedy Pizza Dough (see below) or 14 ounces prepared pizza dough • Olive oil for rolling out the dough • 2/3 cup mayonnaise • 2 tablespoons ketchup • 1 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce • Kosher salt • 3 ounces coarsely grated Gruyere cheese (about 3/4 cup) • 1 cup sauerkraut, rinsed in a strainer and pressed to remove excess moisture • 8 ounces thinly sliced corned beef, cut crosswise into 1/2inch thick strips • 1/2 cup thinly sliced dill pickle Prepare the Basic Pizza Dough. While it’s rising, place a rack in the bottom third of the oven; preheat the oven to 500 F. Line two baking sheets with parchment. In a bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, lime juice, hot sauce and salt to taste; set aside. Divide the dough into 4 balls; working with 2 balls, roll out each ball on a lightly oiled surface into a round 8-inches wide and 1/8-inch thick. Transfer the rounds to one of the baking sheets. Sprinkle one-fourth of the cheese evenly onto each round, spreading it to 1/4-inch of the edge and top with 1/4 of the sauerkraut, followed by 1/4 of the corned beef and pickle slices. Bake the pizzas on the bottom rack of the oven for 7 to 8 minutes until the crust is golden and crisp on the bottom. While the first two pizzas are baking, roll out and top the second two
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pizzas. Remove the first two from the oven and cover loosely to keep the pizzas warm until the second two are baked. Drizzle the slices with some of the mayonnaise dressing. Speedy Pizza Dough
• 2 to 2 1/2 cups unbleached allpurpose flour for the dough • One 1/4-ounce envelope quick-rising yeast • 1 teaspoon sugar • 1 teaspoon table salt • 3/4 cup very warm water (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F) • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil plus extra for rolling out the dough In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade, pulse 1 3/4 cups flour,
the yeast, sugar and salt until the mixture is combined. Add the water and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Process the mixture until it forms a ball, adding more flour, as needed, to make a soft, slightly sticky dough. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled medium bowl. Turn the dough to make sure all sides are very lightly coated with oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside in a warm place until the dough is double in size, 40 to 45 minutes. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 360 calories; 244 calories from fat; 27 g fat (7 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 46 mg cholesterol; 1015 mg sodium; 13 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 2 g sugar; 15 g protein.
Green garlic butter with parsley brings spring to oysters BY ELIZABETH KARMEL The Associated Press MY GRILLED oysters with green garlic butter dish looks as green and springy as your backyard at this time of year. You may be familiar with the flavours in this butter from the classic french escargots a la bourguignonne. And, if I was a betting woman, I’d be willing to bet that 90 per cent of folks who
love snails love this dish because of the rich green garlicky butter. That’s definitely my fascination with it. But this butter isn’t just for escargots — it makes amazing grilled oysters and the ultimate garlic bread. If you are digging your own oysters, you may still want to heed the no “R” months advice of not eating oysters during the months of May through August, those months without an “R” in the name.
But if you are buying oysters from a fish store or the grocery store, you can feel free to eat oysters all year long as they are more than likely being commercially raised and they are safe. In fact, my favourite time of year to eat grilled oysters is spring and early summer. I like to grill oysters on the half shell which makes for both a pretty presentation and failsafe cooking. The tough shell protects the delicate oysters
from the hot fire, tempering the heat and transferring it through the shell. The oyster simmers in its own juices mixed with the cooking liquid from a marinade, sauce or compound butter. This is just the right temperature, and will not result in overcooked, rubbery oysters unless you leave them on the grill too long. Grilled oysters with green garlic butter
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Servings: 4 appetizer-sized portions Start to finish: 15 minutes • 1 dozen shucked oysters • Green Garlicky Butter (see recipe below) • Hot Sauce for serving • Lemon wedges for serving Prepare a gas or charcoal grill for medium direct heat. ❱❱ PAGE 38 Green garlic
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Food
MAY 5, 2017
FRIDAY
Mushroom & cheese burritos are perfect for Meatless Mondays BY SARA MOULTON The Associated Press MUSHROOM AND Cheese Burritos are a delicious vegetarian dish hearty enough to satisfy even the most die-hard carnivore in your family: a burrito stuffed with portobello mushrooms, chiles and cheese. It’s perfect for Meatless Mondays and — bonus! — all the ingredients are cooked together in a single rimmed sheet pan, which means cleanup is a snap. Those steaklike portobellos are the ingredient around which this recipe is built. Prepping them is a two-step process. First, clean the caps by wiping them with a wet paper towel. Second, use a spoon (a grapefruit spoon is best, if you have one) to scrape out the gills on the underside of the caps. (You want to lose the gills because they become soggy when cooked and stain everything black.) Watery as they are, mushrooms nonetheless soak up additional liquid like a sponge. In this case, the flavourings are lime juice, minced garlic and cumin, all of which are absorbed by the portobellos while the rest of the vegetables are being broiled. First in the sheet pan is the poblano. You want to brown it lightly on all sides, which makes it easy to peel off its tough skin. (If you can’t find a poblano, you can replace it with a 1/2 small can of green chiles.) Then the onion, garlic and cherry toma-
toes are broiled until slightly charred and tender. I chose cherry tomatoes because they may be small, but they boast the most tomato-y flavour when the big guys aren’t yet in season. All of these supporting vegetables are quickly chopped in a food processor while the mushrooms take their turn in the oven. The last step is to stir together all the veggies and wrap them in the tortillas. You’re welcome to make the vegetable mixture a day or two ahead of time and keep it covered and chilled until you’re ready to wrap it in the tortillas. I like to add sharp cheddar cheese to this recipe, but if your crowd is vegan, leave it out. Mushroom and cheese burritos
Start to finish: 1 hour 20 minutes Servings: 6
• 1 1/2 pounds Portobello mushrooms (about 6 medium to large) • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, plus lime wedges for garnish • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 3 garlic cloves, 2 left unpeeled and 1 minced • Kosher salt • 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil plus extra for oiling the poblano • 1 large poblano (3 1/2-4 ounces) or half a 4 1/2-ounce can green chiles • 3/4 pound large cherry tomatoes • 1 medium onion, sliced 1/2-
inch thick, and the slices separated • 6 ounces coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese • Six 8-inch flour tortillas • 1 firm ripe avocado, cut into cubes • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves • 1/2 cup sour cream whisked together with 3 tablespoons water • Hot sauce Place an oven rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the broiler. Clean the mushrooms; remove and discard the stems (or save them for another use such as vegetable stock); scrape out the gills with a spoon and discard them. Slice the caps in half and then slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch strips. In a large shallow bowl whisk together the lime juice, cumin, minced garlic and 1/4 teaspoon salt until the salt is dissolved; whisk in 1/4 cup of the vegetable oil. Add the mushrooms and stir well, making sure the marinade is well distributed. Set the mushrooms aside, stirring occasionally. On a rimmed sheet lined with foil place the poblano, rubbed with oil, and broil it on the shelf in the top third of the oven, turning it often, until it is lightly browned on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer it to a bowl, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside while you broil the other vegetables. On the sheet pan toss the tomatoes, onion slices and 2 unpeeled garlic cloves with the
remaining tablespoon oil and a hefty pinch of salt. Spread the vegetables out in one layer. Set the pan on the shelf in the top third of the oven and broil the vegetables, turning them often, until the garlic is tender and the vegetables are browned around the edges, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer the tomatoes and onion to a food processor. Peel the garlic and add it to the processor. Add the mushrooms to the sheet pan and spread them out in one layer. Broil them, turning several times, until they are golden and tender, about 8 to 10 minutes. While the mushrooms are cooking, peel and seed the poblano and coarsely chop it. Add it to the processor and pulse the vegetables in the processor until they are medium-chopped. When the mushrooms are cooked add the chopped vegetables to the mushrooms and stir well (Note: if you are using the canned chiles in place of the poblano, add them at this point. Add salt to taste. Reduce the oven to 350 F.
Arrange the tortillas on a cutting board, and working with one at a time sprinkle one-sixth of the cheese in a line from one edge of the tortilla to the other just below the centre of the tortilla, spoon one-sixth of the filling on top of the cheese, spreading it evenly and roll up the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining tortillas, cheese and filling. Arrange the filled tortillas, seam side down on the rimmed sheet pan, lined with a fresh piece of foil and bake them on the middle shelf of the oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until heated through. Cut the tortillas in half crosswise and transfer 2 halves to each of 6 plates. Serve with the avocado, cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, and hot sauce for garnish. ■
salt. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated. Taste for seasoning. Add more salt if needed. On a piece of parchment or plastic wrap, drop butter in spoonsful to form a log. Roll butter in plastic wrap and smooth out to form a round log about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Refrigerate until firm and easy to cut into pieces. Can be made in advance and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Chef’s note: When I make this for the grilled oyster recipe above, I drop generous and equal
spoonsful of the soft butter on a piece of parchment paper and place it in the freezer to harden. This way, the butter is already portioned out for each oyster. You can do this in advance and place the individual butter patties in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. ■
Nutrition information per serving: 483 calories; 290 calories from fat; 32 g fat (10 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 42 mg cholesterol; 382 mg sodium; 37 g carbohydrates; 6 g fiber; 8 g sugar; 15 g protein.
Green garlic... Line a sheet pan with the bottom oyster shells from the shucked oysters. Top each oyster with a generous spoonful of the oyster liquor (liquid that the oysters are packed in) and the green garlic butter. Place oysters directly on the cooking grates. Cover the grill and cook until butter is melted and liquid is bubbling, about 2-3 minutes. You can tell if the oysters are cooked if they are opaque and puffed up. The edges will also stand out slightly. Transfer to a serving platter ❰❰ 37
lined with kosher salt and serve immediately with lemon wedges and favourite hot sauce, if desired. Green garlic butter (a.k.a. escargot butter)
Grating garlic with a microplane provides a garlic paste that is more easily mixed into the butter.
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened at room temperature • 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley • 3 cloves of garlic, peeled and grated
• 1 small shallot, grated • 1/2 teaspoon granulated or dehydrated garlic • 2-4 teaspoons dry white wine, such as a French Burgundy or French-style Chardonnay, depending on taste • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste) Mash or stir butter until it is smooth and slightly fluffy. Add parsley, garlic, shallot and dehydrated garlic. Mix together, mashing with the back of a fork to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated. Add wine and www.canadianinquirer.net
Nutrition information per serving: 284 calories; 183 calories from fat; 21 g fat (12 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 121 mg cholesterol; 415 mg sodium; 9 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 15 g protein.
Food
FRIDAY MAY 5, 2017
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