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JUNE 15, 2018

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VOL. 6 NO. 324

PAYING TRIBUTE

Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo makes a salute to the National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, during the 120th Independence Day celebration at the Luneta.

Envoy vows action vs. erring China Coast Guard personnel PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Amid concerns raised by Filipino fishermen that Chinese Coast Guards might forcibly take their catch the next time they fish in the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, a Chinese envoy assured that their government is investigating the matter and will punish erring personnel if necessary.

“There will be discipline in accordance with our own regulations,” Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua told reporters in an interview on Tuesday, Independence Day. Zhao further said that he is not yet sure about the details but investigation is currently being conducted by competent agencies.

AVITO DALAN / PNA

SWS: Majority of Filipinos satisfied with democracy

15 PH less peaceful in 2018 — int’l think-tank

❱❱ PAGE 4 Envoy vows

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❱❱ PAGE 8

How did it come to this? A look at the events leading up to Canada vs. US battle

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

From Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and your Liberal MPs Mula sa Punong Ministro Justin Trudeau at ang inyong mga Liberal na MPs

Happy Philippine Independence Day! Maligayang Araw ng Kalayaan! Mabuhay!

Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau Papineau

Omar Alghabra Mississauga Centre 905.848.8595

Gary Anandasangaree Scarborough–Rouge Park 416.283.1414

Hon. Navdeep Bains Mississauga–Malton 905.564.0228

Bill Blair Scarborough Southwest 416.261.8613

Randy Boissonnault Edmonton Centre 780.442.1888

Hon. Jim Carr Winnipeg South Centre 204.983.1355

Shaun Chen Scarborough North 416.321.2436

Sukh Dhaliwal Surrey-Newton 604.598.2200

Terry Duguid Winnipeg South 204.984.6787

Ali Ehsassi Willowdale 416.223.2858

Peter Fonseca Mississauga East–Cooksville 905.566.0009

Ken Hardie Fleetwood-Port Kells 604.501.5900

Hon. Ahmed Hussen York South–Weston 416.656.2526

Kevin Lamoureaux Winnipeg North 204.984.1767

Michael Levitt York Centre 416.638.3700

Hon. John McKay Scarborough–Guildwood 416.283.1226

Hon. MaryAnn Mihychuk Kildonan-St. Paul 204.984.6322

Marco Mendicino Eglinton–Lawrence 416.781.5583

Hon. Bill Morneau Toronto Centre 416.972.9749

Robert Oliphant Don Valley West 416.467.7275

Joe Peschisolido Steveston-Richmond East 604.257.2900

Yasmin Ratansi Don Valley East 416.443.0343

Hon. Harjit Sajjan Vancouver South 604.775.5323

Randeep S. Sarai Surrey Centre 604.589.2441

Sonia Sidhu Brampton South 905.846.0076

Gagan Sikand Mississauga–Streetsville 905.812.1811

Hon. Amarjeet Sohi Edmonton Mill Woods 780.497.3524

Jonathan Wilkinson North Vancouver 604.775.6333

Hon. Jody Wilson-Raybould Vancouver Granville 604.717.1140

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Salma Zahid Scarborough Centre 416.752.2358

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

Philippine police arrest nearly 500 in alleged online fraud PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Philippine police arrested nearly 500 people, including eight Israeli nationals, who they say were involved in an online investment fraud that victimized people overseas, including in Australia and South Africa, police said Thursday. In one of the Philippines’ biggest anti-cybercrime busts in years, police chief Oscar Albayalde said 474 Filipino employees and the Israelis were taken into custody following the raid on three buildings in Clark Freeport, a former U.S. Air Force base north of Manila, where the alleged online fraud was committed. The suspects lured victims into investing in foreign stocks in a purportedly flourishing London-based company then took their money through an online app after obtaining their bank account and credit card details, said Chief Superintendent Marni Marcos, who heads the national police Anti-Cybercrime Group. The Israeli men were arrested “while

in the act of managing, operating and manning the three target buildings” while the Filipinos were caught communicating and doing online transactions with foreign clients from Europe, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Russia, Albayalde said in a statement. Police video shows officers with assault rifles, backed by special forces units, barging into a vast office and repeatedly yelling “Hands up!” while ordering some of the suspects not to touch their computers. Some of the Israelis could be seen being led away in handcuffs. Police seized evidence from the computers showing they were “engaged in a fraudulent online trading activity that involves millions of U.S. dollars victimizing other foreign nationals all over the world,” Albayalde said. State prosecutors were assessing criminal complaints against the suspects. Some foreign victims travelled to the Philippines and reported to the police details of the alleged fraud after obtaining information from some disgruntled syndicate members, Marcos told reporters. ■

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Philippine News

JUNE 15, 2018

Ex-DND Secy urges PH to form contingency plan vs China BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer FORMER DEPARTMENT of National Defense (DND) Secretary Norberto Gonzales said that the Philippine government should start forming a “contingency plan” in case of a China invasion. “A Chinese invasion is not unthinkable,” Norberto Gonzales said in a statement sent to Rappler on June 9, Saturday. He advised the administration to recruit physically-abled Filipinos to begin the training immediately. “The armed forces should begin the rapid modernization and expansion of the national reserve to include the entire citizenry,” Gonzales said. “Within hours, the Chinese can destroy most of the country’s defense facilities and probably some of our cities,” he added. The former defense secretary said in the same item that “China does not have a history of invading other countries, but it is not averse to using military might to settle territorial conflicts.” According to Gonzales, some signs

that indicate China’s possible “invasion” are the building of “defense bases” within the Philippine territories. These moves are apparently some form of “internal propaganda” that makes the Philippines “its number one threat and enemy.” Furthermore, he also said that as soon as “the world formally intervenes, China then may agree even to a total withdrawal of occupying troops, but in exchange, the Philippines will be asked to yield jurisdiction over territories China chooses to keep.” Rappler’s report also cited that Gonzales is suspecting that China may be forced to use their “military option” since the presidential term of Rodrigo Roa Duterte could not be extended anymore. He further said that the only way to extend Duterte’s term is through a revolutionary government. Rappler also reported that “the only organization apparently qualified to earn China’s nod is the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).” Gonzales served as the defense secretary two times during the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA). ■

FRIDAY

Envoy vows... ❰❰ 1

The Chinese envoy was among those present during the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence Day held at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite which was led by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. He was briefly spotted chatting with Duterte inside the Aguinaldo Shrine moments before the flag-raising ceremony. A GMA News TV documentary earlier showed how Chinese Coast Guards appeared to forcibly take some of the Filipino fishermen’s catch from Panatag Shoal in exchange for noodles, cigarettes, and water. On Monday, the three fishermen — Rommel Sihuela, Delfin Igana and Jurie Drio — joined Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque in a press briefing at Malacañang where they narrated how the Chinese Coast Guards took their fish. Zhao said that if the reports are true, his government will make sure to regulate the “bad apples” in their coast guard. “If we have bad apples, you know what I’m going to do, I’m going to throw (them) into the South China Sea and feed the fish,” Zhao said.

“It should not reflect the whole picture of the bilateral relationship and should not reflect the whole arrangement with regard to the fishing in the waters around Huangyan or Scarborough,” Zhao said. Fishermen’s appeal

Filipino fishermen earlier appealed to the government to limit Chinese Coast Guards from taking their catch in exchange for water, noodles and cigarettes. “Okay nang nakakapangisda (kami) doon. Ang nakaka problema sa amin, ‘yun nga na humingi ng isda sa amin ang Chinese Coast Guard (We can fish there. Our problem is, Chinese Coast Guards ask for fish),” Romel Sihuela, a fisherman from Masinloc, Zambales said in a Palace briefing on Monday. “Ang gusto lang namin ipaabot sa ating gobyerno, limitahan sila na lalapit doon sila sa amin, ‘yung maghihingi ng isda (What we appeal to the government is to limit them from approaching us and asking for fish),” he added. Roque assured that the government will ask China to take disciplinary action against their coast guards who force FilPinoys can fish ipino fishermen to sell them their catch, Zhao, meanwhile, reiterated that noting that they “deserved better.” “friendly arrangements” between the “Hindi po natin tinatanggap ang ganiPhilippines and Chitong sitwasyon. Ipinana currently allow glalaban po natin ang Filipino fishermen karapatan ng ating to fish, noting that “it mangingisda dahil will not be changed.” We can fish meron na pong kasun“They can go back there. Our duan at inaasahan naand fish there freely problem is, tin na susunod sa kaso we will check and Chinese Coast sunduan ang bansang if there is any misGuards ask for Tsina. Hindi dapat sila conduct conducted fish. kinukuhanan ng maski by the Chinese Coast isang kilong isda (We Guards, those individdo not accept this situuals will be punished ation. We are fighting and the rules will be there,” Zhao said. for the rights of our fishermen because He further said that as a rule, their there is already an agreement and we exgovernment will not allow Chinese pect China to comply with this agreement. Coast Guards “to do anything that is They should not take even a kilo of fish harmful to the Filipino fishermen.” from our fishermen),” Roque said. Moreover, he emphasized that Filipi“We’re demanding that Chinese take no fishermen themselves have called the steps to stop the Coast Guard from doexchange of fish and noodles as “barter ing these acts. Kung may bugok na Coast trade” and not harassment as reported Guard sa Pilipinas, may bugok din na in the news. Coast Guard sa Tsina so ang kinakailan“I’m sure you have noted the Filipino gan disiplinahin siguro ng Tsina yung sides’ remarks about their investiga- mga bugok na nangunguha ng isda dahil tion conducted with your fishermen in- hindi po katanggap-tanggap talaga ‘yan volved. From the remarks, I can see that (If there are erring Coast Guards in the it’s primarily barter trade if you may call Philippines, there are also erring Coast it,” Zhao said. Guards in China so there is a need for Asked about what they discussed, China to discipline those taking fish beZhao said that it was “confidential” but cause that is unacceptable),” he added. noted that Duterte had raised the conPanatag Shoal, which is 124 nautical cerns of Filipino fishermen. miles from the coast of Zambales provZhao said he assured Duterte that ince, is within the country’s exclusive Chinese President Xi Jinping has held economic zone. on to his promise of keeping a friendly In 2016, The Hague declared that Chiarrangement. na had violated the Philippines’ soverHe also said that if the report is some- eign right to fish and explore by seizing what true, it should be viewed as “an iso- Panatag Shoal. China, however, ignored lated incident.” the ruling. ■

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Philippine News

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

Duterte said they ‘enjoyed’ controversial kiss; people are just envious BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer

only) smack. ’Yung ibang babae gusto talaga ng romance. Style ko ‘yan eh. Maghanap kayo ng ibang style ninyo (Other women they really want romance. That is my style. Find your own WHILE THE President recently topped style),” he further defended. headlines and trending topics because Duterte also mentioned resigning of his kiss gimmick on Sunday, June 3, from his post if there are enough prohe recently said that he and the overseas tests and complaints against the inciFilipino worker (OFW) enjoyed the kiss dent. and that others are just envious. “If there are enough women to… Well “There is nothing… a simple kiss, you I think if all women here would sign a cause an uproar. Inggit lang ‘yan sila. petition for me to resign, I will resign,” Sabihin mo sa kanila palitan nila pustiso he added nila (They are only envious. Tell them Earlier, Presidential Spokesperson to replace their dentures),” President Harry Roque, Jr. in a television interRodrigo Roa Duterte view already downsaid after arriving at played the incident the Ninoy Aquino Inas an “act of endearternational Airport ment.” He also said (NAIA) on Wednesthat no party was ofday, June 6. Well I think if fended, noting that “We enjoyed it all women here Bea Kim, the OFW [kissing],” he added. would sign a that was kissed by Duterte who repetition for me Duterte, expressed ceived many critito resign, I will that she was “honcisms from netizens resign. ored” by the act. and some solons “If she’s not comfor his kissing act in plaining, I don’t South Korea during think anyone else a visit to the Filipino should,” he added in community there defended that the a press briefing. community also “enjoyed” it. According to Duterte during the “It was showbiz and everybody en- event, the kiss was just a gimmick to joyed it. I do not do it in public if there make everyone happy. Kim, who is maris malice, I would pull the woman down ried to a Korean with two children, in somewhere along the empty hall there,” an interview also clarified that the kiss he stated. meant nothing. “I can only generate an emotion if I “Ginawa lang namin ‘yung kiss pamkiss a woman I love. Any other stranger pakilig ng audience. Walang ibig sabiis pure showbiz,” Duterte continued. hin ‘yun, promise. Sa akin at sa kanya, The President also recalled his years walang ibig sabihin ‘yun (We just kissed as mayor of Davao City, during which he for the audience. It has no meaning, “kissed every woman.” promise. To me or to him, there is not “Lips to lips… Hindi lang ‘yan (not meaning),” she said. ■

PCOO

DOJ ready to defend reinvestigation of drug raps vs Peter Lim BY KATHERINE PADILLA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Thursday, June 7, said that the DOJ is prepared to defend before the Supreme Court the reinvestigation of the drug charges filed against businessman Peter Lim. This statement came after Guevarra learned that Lim filed a petition before the SC, asking the High Court to nullify the reinvestigation ordered by then Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre III. “We were informed that his lawyers had filed a petition for certiorari citing grave abuse of discretion. The DOJ welcomes the filing of the petition and we are ready to defend our actions,” Guevarra said in a text message to reporters. “I trust in the good sense of the SC,” he added. The Cebu-based businessman asked the High Court to issue a temporary restraining order that would stop the DOJ’s reinvestigation into his alleged violation of the Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, which prohibits the sale, administration, dispensation, trading, delivery, and transportation of illegal drugs. In his petition, Lim argued that the reopening of the preliminary investigation violates his constitutional rights to life and liberty, due process, and speedy trial. He also accused the DOJ of grave abuse of discretion for issuing an “assailed order and resolution based solely on ‘pulse of the people’ and the perceived ‘public outrage.’” Lim said he skipped the filing of a petition before the Court of Appeals and went directly to the SC as his case cov-

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ered constitutional issues. His complaint came after the DOJ barred him from filing a counter-affidavit and other defenses against the drugrelated complaint filed against him by the Philippine National Police, due to his failure to attend the hearing. “Respondent Peter Go Lim’s failure to appear on the said date shall be considered a waiver of his right to present his defense and we shall consider the case submitted for resolution based on the evidence on record,” reads the order dated May 21, by the panel of prosecutors handling Lim’s case. His legal counsel, Magilyn Loha, said that Lim decided against attending the hearing due to concerns for his safety. It can be recalled that Lim earlier faced the same drug-related charges, together with his co-respondents selfconfessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, convicted drug lord Peter Co, and several others. However, a panel of prosecutors from the DOJ dismissed the drug raps due to “unreliable,” “uncorroborated,” and “inconsistent” testimonies attached to the complaint. The document dismissing the charges was signed on December 20, 2017, but was made public only on March 12, 2018. This drew criticisms from the public and was even believed to be one of the reasons behind Aguirre’s resignation from the DOJ. Aguirre, however, did not confirm the validity of this claim. The investigation was reopened on April 12, with the Solicitor General Jose Calida now serving as the complainant’s lead counsel. His office on March 15 said, “The OSG will be taking up the cudgels for PNP-CIDG in seeking to overturn the dismissal of the charges against Kerwin Espinosa and Peter Lim.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

DFA pursues ‘build, bridge, build’ independent foreign policy BY JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday vowed to advance the country’s image as it pursues an independent foreign policy by being a “friend to all and enemy to none”. In his 120th Philippine Independence Day message, Cayetano coined and tweaked the administration’s infrastructure program called “Build, Build, Build” to boost the country’s economy into “Build, Bridge, Build,” with a firm belief that this would protect the country’s interests and serve to bring peace in the region. Currently, the region is faced with challenges, particularly with the territorial disputes in the South China Sea, involving the Philippines, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei.

“We shall, ‘Build, Bridge, Build’ to protect the country’s interests and to achieve peace and prosperity, including the long-term security and stability in our region,” Cayetano said. He stressed that the DFA would remain guided by the three pillars of Philippine foreign policy — national security, economic diplomacy, and assistance to nationals. Cayetano in a speech delivered at the Independence Day celebration in Quirino Grandstand, said this year’s 12th of June stands as an auspicious day due to the historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. “The leader of the North Korea and the United States of America are also meeting with the prayers of the world for a solution of peace in the Korean Peninsula,” he said. “As we pray for the solution in our country, and in Mind-

anao; as we pray for the country and our soldiers and the Communist Party of the Philippines around the country that we will find a lasting peace; and as we pray for a zone of peace and cooperation in the West Philippine Sea, we ask Filipinos not only to have faith but to act upon their faith and put action to their faith,” he appealed, asking for unity and support to government efforts. Clarion call

Cayetano said this year’s theme “Independence 2018: Change We Fought For, An Offering To An Abundant Future,” should also serve as a “clarion call” for everyone to renew efforts toward nation building and social transformation. “It is not enough to just talk about freedom. We must not only believe in it but also work for it,” he said. He said the Duterte administration is working hard to continue a fight for independence,

Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.

albeit a different kind of independence: the freedom from crime, freedom from illegal drugs and freedom from corruption. In his speech, Cayetano claimed there is now a bigger chance of succeeding and attaining freedom from these ills

DFA

of the society. “Sa pamumuno ni Pangulong Duterte, malaki ang pagkakataon natin para magtagumpay at maging tunay na malaya,” he said. (Under the leadership of President Duterte, we have a better opportunity to succeed and be truly free.) ■

Police arrests ex-PDEA agent, 3 others tagged in carnapping, kidnapping of 2 Chinese BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer POLICE ARRESTED a former agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), a dismissed policeman, a traffic constable of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and a civilian for their alleged involvement in the recent carnapping and kidnapping of two Chinese nationals in Quezon City. During a press conference on Friday, June 8, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde identified the suspects as Mark Anthony Roque, a dismissed Police Officer 1 assigned at the PNP-Crime Laboratory; Arnold Camayang, a former Intelligence Agent 1 of PDEA; Alvin Jay Roque, a traffic constable of MMDA; and a certain Christian John Talaue. Albaylde said that on May 25,

the two suspects, Mark Anthony and Camayang, blocked the vehicle of the victims, Wu Shaowei and Wu Yaochui, in a gasoline station near a supermarket along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City and introduced themselves as policemen. The victims were on a white Toyota commuter van, while the two armed suspects were on board a gray Toyota commuter van. The suspects handcuffed the victims and transferred them to their vehicles, while the victim’s van was driven away by Camayang and later left parked at a gasoline station in Balintawak, Quezon City. Mark Anthony and Camayang initially demanded a P3 million ransom; however, the victims asked them to lower the demand to P300,000. Wu then asked the suspects to get the money from his home at Congressional Village in Project 8, Quezon City. Upon getting the money, the

suspects took Wu’s Toyota Fortuner and another Toyota commuter van both parked in his garage. The victim immediately reported the incident to the Talipapa Police Station for investigation. The report was later turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) and Anti-Carnapping Unit (ANCAR). On June 6, the PNP chief revealed that a confidential informant spotted the victim’s white and gray Toyota Hiace commuter vans parked along Bulusan Street, corner Amoranto Street in Quezon City. This prompted the authorities to conduct a stakeout that led to the arrest of Alvin Jay and Talaue. The two suspects were arrested on Thursday, June 7, at 5:30 a.m. while driving the victim’s white Toyota van. The police also recovered in the area the gray Toyota commuter van. Also on Thursday, Albayalde said that Wu, along with the www.canadianinquirer.net

police, went to Camp Crame to verify a report on the arrest of Mark Anthony. Mark Anthony on June 6 was arrested in an anti-carnapping operation by the PNP-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), along McArthur Highway near Our Lady of Fatima University in Valenzuela City. The police said the suspect arrogantly introduced himself as a police officer but was later arrested for driving a Toyota Hiace Grandia with no plate number and conduction sticker. The suspect, who was dismissed from police service on November 12, 2016 for serious neglect of duty, could not present any document to prove that he owns the vehicle. The victim positively identified Mark Anthony as the person who forcibly took away his vehicle along with Camayang. Camayang was also arrested at the parking lot of the PNPHPG in Camp Crame when he

was about to drive the victim’s Toyota Fortuner. The authorities recovered the victim’s vehicles and the PNP identification card of Mark Anthony. Mark Anthony and Camayang will be charged with kidnapping, robbery, and violation of Republic Act (RA) 4136 or Land Transportation and Traffic Code and usurpation of authority, while charges of carnapping and antifencing will be lodged against Alvin Jay and Talaue. The top cop urged other victims to come forward and report similar incidents to the authorities. “Whether foreigner or local, ’pag may mga insidente na ganyan dapat i-report talaga sa (if there are incidents like that, it must really be reported to the) PNP. Report immediately to the nearest police stations of any incidents or any crimes committed especially against sa kanila (them),” Albayalde said. ■

Philippine News

JUNE 15, 2018

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PH less peaceful in 2018 — int’l think-tank BY KATHERINE PADILLA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

The country, however, contributed to the improvement of the ‘internal and external conflicts fought and relations with neighbouring countries’ in the Asia-Pacific region for calming tensions “in the South China Sea after President Duterte of the Philippines reached an understanding with China.” The GPI used three thematic domains to measure the state of peace: the level of Societal Safety and Security; the extent of Ongoing Domestic and International Conflict; and the degree of Militarisation, where the Philippines scored 3.131, 2.408, and 1.674, respectively. “Societal safety and security refer to internal aspects of violence, such as

the other hand, was the least peaceful and received a score of 3.910. Botswana was declared most peaceful in terms of ‘Ongoing domestic and international MANILA, PHILIPPINES — In a world conflict’ as it received a score of 1.000 where peacefulness has been consecuwhile Syria is the least peaceful with a tively deteriorating in the past four score of 3.828. years, the Philippines this year scored Overall, Iceland maintained its spot ‘low’ in an index of the global state of on the top of the index with a score of peace. 1.096. It has remained the most peaceThe Philippines, with a score of 2, ful nation in the world since 2008. Syria, 512, ranked 137th among the 163 counon the other hand, received a score of tries in global peacefulness, according to 3.6 and was tagged as the least peaceful the Global Peace Index (GPI) — an ancountry. It has held this position for the nual report that measures the degree of past five years. peacefulness of independent states and The study also found “that global territories. peacefulness has deteriorated by 2.38 The country per cent since 2008, dropped one place with 85 GPI counfrom last year. tries recording a deThis year’s GPI terioration, while 75 noted that the PhilThe index has deteriorated for eight of the improved.” ippines “showed last eleven years, with the last improvement in “The index has devery slight improvepeacefulness occurring in 2014 teriorated for eight of ments” in peacefulthe last eleven years, ness, similar to its with the last imneighbouring Asiaprovement in peacePacific countries like North Korea, homicide, incarceration or availability fulness occurring in 2014,” it added. Thailand, China, and Vietnam. of small arms, while ongoing conflict The GPI 2018 was published by InstiThe GPI linked the Philippines’s score and militarisation capture the extent tute for Economics & Peace (IEP), “an drop to “political terror.” of current violent conflicts and each independent, non-partisan, non-profit “The Philippines suffered particularly country’s military capacity,” the GPI think tank” that develops “new concepbadly as President Duterte continued 2018 read. tual frameworks to define peacefulness; his assault on alleged drug dealers and In terms of ‘Societal Safety and Secu- providing metrics for measuring peace; from the five-month battle between rity,’ Iceland was ranked the most peace- and uncovering the relationships begovernment forces and Islamic mili- ful with a score of 1.168 while Afghani- tween business, peace and prosperity as tants who took over the city of Marawi, stan was the least peaceful at 4.225. The well as promoting a better understandresulting in almost 1,200 militants, gov- Nordic country also topped the index ing of the cultural, economic and politiernment forces and civilians killed,” the of ‘Militarisation,’ making it the most cal factors that create peace.” ■ report read. peaceful with a score of 1.048. Israel, on www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

SWS: Majority of Filipinos satisfied with democracy BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MAJORITY OF Filipinos are satisfied with how democracy works in the Philippines, according to the latest survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) released on the 120th celebration of the country’s Independence Day, June 12. The First Quarter 2018 Social Weather Survey revealed that 78 percent of adult Filipinos are satisfied with the way democracy works in the country. This result is a two-point decrease from the 80 percent in June 2017, and a point lower than the 79% in June 2016. The pollster noted that public satisfaction with the way democracy works reached 70 percent in September 1992, 70 percent in July 1998, 68 percent in June 2010, and the recordhigh 86 percent last September 2016, following the “successful” presidential elections of 1992, 1998, 2010, and 2016, respectively. However, this satisfaction

with the way democracy works in the Philippines obtained a ‘disappointing’ 44 percent in June 2004, after the presidential election of that year. Respondents in the SWS’ latest survey were asked, “Sa pangkalahatan, kayo po ba ay… (Lubos na nasiyahan; medyo nasisiyahan; lubos na nasisiyahan) sa takbo ng demokrasya sa Pilipinas (On the whole, are you … (Very satisfied; Fairly satisfied; Not very satisfied; Not at all satisfied) with the way democracy works in the Philippines)?” “The question on ‘satisfaction in the way democracy works’ originated in the Eurobarometer surveys, and is also in standard use in Latin American and Asian barometer projects,” the SWS said. Democracy remains as ’best’ form of gov’t

For 60 percent of Filipino adults, democracy “is always preferable to any other kind of government,” the same survey revealed. This proportion, according to

SWS, barely moved from the 61 percent recorded in June 2017 to 60 percent in March 2018. Meanwhile, preference for authoritarian government has been steady at 19 percent from September 2016 to March 2018, below 20 percent for five consecutive quarters since December 2015. The pollster also noted that Filipino adults who said “for people like me, it does not matter whether we have a democratic or a non-democratic regime” hardly changed from 20 percent in June 2017 to 21 percent in March 2018. “It has been 20% and above in 6 out of 7 surveys since September 2013,” the SWS said. The respondents, on preference for democracy, were asked, “Alin sa mga sumusunod na pangungusap ang pinakamalapit sa inyong opinyon? [Ang demokrasya ay palaging mas kanais-nais kaysa sa ibang klase ng pamahalaan; sa mga ilang situwasyon, ang pamahalaang diktaturya ay mas kanais-nais kaysa sa isang demokratiko; para sa mga taong

The Philippine flag waved at "Isang Milyong Martsa" in Luneta in 2013. JAMES SARMIENTO / FLICKR

katulad ko, walang kabuluhan sa akin kung ang ating pamahalaan ay demokratiko o hindi demokratiko] (Which of the following statements comes closest to your own opinion? (Democracy is always preferable to any other kind of government; under some circumstances, an authoritarian government can be preferable to a democratic one; for people like me, it does not matter whether we have a

democratic or a non-democratic regime).” The SWS’ latest survey, conducted from March 23 to 27, used face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide, with sampling error margins of plus-minus three percent for national percentages and plus-minus six percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. ■

NEDA’s P10-K monthly Duterte says he did not know budget remark has about Ayungin incident basis: DOLE exec BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

BY FERDINAND PATINIO Philippine News Agency MANILA — An official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is convinced that the statement made by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), saying a family of five can live decently on a monthly budget of PHP10,000, has been properly studied. Undersecretary Jacinto Paras believed that the agency will not release such figure if they did not conduct the necessary research to back it up. “We, at DOLE, have not yet fully studied this analysis by NEDA but I am sure that it was properly deliberated,” he said

in a press briefing Wednesday. On the other hand, Paras added that such findings will be useful to regional wage boards that are currently deliberating on possible wage adjustments. “All of these components, especially findings by fellow government agencies, will definitely be used as an input with the tripartite wage boards,” he said. The Labor official, however, explained that wage boards do not just consider the standpoint of one sector, as they will also study the positions of the government, employers, and employees. “At the end of the day, the wage boards will come up with a decision that is reasonable and balanced,” Paras added. ■

CONTRARY TO the statement of his Foreign Affairs Secretary, President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, June 6, said he was unaware of the reported harassment of Filipino troops by Chinese coastguards in the Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. In a press briefing held upon his arrival from a three-day official trip to South Korea, the President said, “I don’t know about that incident, I was busy talking to Korean officials.” “Before I commit myself to answer the question, what kind of harassment was this?” he added. After a reporter explained to him about the incident that happened in the Ayungin Shoal, www.canadianinquirer.net

Duterte replied, “I have to have a more… Not even… This is the first time I’ve heard of it.” He added that it would be dangerous for him to respond to the questions without having any idea about the issue. The President’s latest statement is different from the previous remarks made by Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano, where he said Duterte gave him “strong instructions” after hearing about the Ayungin Shoal incident. “We filed a protest regarding that. We had a meeting. The President had strong instructions,” Cayetano told lawmakers in a congressional hearing last week. It can be recalled that on May 30, Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano disclosed that the Philippine Navy’s (PN’s) LS507 was “chal-

lenged and harassed” by the Coast Guard and the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) of China during a “reprovisioning mission” of Filipino troops at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on May 11. “When the Philippine Navy ship launched a rubber boat to resupply BRP Sierra Madre, a chopper of PLAN hovered in a close and dangerous distance. The PLAN chopper was so close that seawater splash entered the rubber boat,” Alejano said. He further revealed that the Chinese forces were aboard Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and PLAN ship with bow number 3368 and 549, respectively. The Ayungin Shoal is well within Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone and is also part of the continental shelf. It lies 105 nautical miles from Philippine island of Palawan. ■

Philippine News

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

SC affirms junking of De Lima Duterte appoints DOT plea vs. arrest on drug raps Usec Pompee La Viña to Agriculture department

BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) denied with finality Senator Leila de Lima’s petition to void the arrest warrant issued in connection with the illegal drugs complaint filed against her. “Acting on the Motion for Reconsideration (of the Decision dated October 10, 2017), dated November 3, 2017 filed by counsel for petitioner Leila M. de Lima, the Court Resolved, by the same vote with the exception of the Chief Justice who is on leave, to deny with finality the said motion for reconsideration as the basic issues raised therein have been passed upon by this Court and no substantial arguments were presented to warrant the reversal of the questioned Decision,” the high court said in a decision dated April 17 but was released to media on Wednesday. “No further pleadings or motions will be entertained,” it added. With the ruling, de Lima, who is facing charges on illegal drugs, will remain in detention at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame since Feb. 24, 2017. In her 24-page motion for consideration (MR), de Lima said that majority of the SC members cannot even agree on the nature and cause of the accusation against her. “The absence of a majority on the nature of the charges against Petitioner is the clearest possible indicator — coming from the Supreme Court itself — that the accusation is blatantly a pure invention and a fake charge to borrow from

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Sen. Leila de Lima.

Justice (Antonio) Carpio. This is an institutional admission of the gravest consequence,” de Lima’s motion read. “If the members of the majority could not even agree on the nature of the accusation reflected in the Information, such fact is an objective indicator that respondent judge could not possibly have had probable cause to issue the warrant of arrest against Petitioner,” she added. Last Oct.10, the SC, voting 9-6, junked de Lima’s petition to nullify the arrest warrant issued against her by Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 204 for illegal drug trade allegedly committed when she was justice secretary. Those who voted to junk de Lima’s petition were Associate Justices Presbitero Velasco Jr, Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Mariano Del Castillo, Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes and Alexander

AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

Gesmundo. Velasco wrote the decision which was concurred in by the majority of the justices. Separate cases for three counts of drug trafficking were filed against de Lima, which accused her of receiving millions from illegal drug trade in the NBP before the Muntinlupa RTC which were assigned to three different courts. The first count in Branch 204 also included de Lima’s former driver and alleged lover Ronnie Dayan, who is now detained at the Muntinlupa City Jail. On the other hand, de Lima is joined by her nephew Jose Adrian Dera in the second count in Branch 205. Lastly, the third count in Branch 206 included former Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Bucayu, his alleged bagman Wilfredo Elli, highprofile inmate Jaybee Sebastian, de Lima’s former bodyguard Jonel Sanchez, Dayan and Dera, also as accused. ■

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brokers could not meet the requirements.” He also cited La Viña’s alleged “vilification campaign” against four SSS officials TWO MONTHS after he was ap- “who crossed his path” as one of pointed to the Department of the reasons why he was sacked. Tourism (DOT), President RoDespite this, Duterte, who drigo Duterte now transferred said would not tolerate even a Tourism Undersecretary Jose ‘whiff of corruption’ during his Gabriel “Pompee” La Viña to the administration, gave La Viña Department of Agriculture (DA). another chance to serve the govLa Viña was appointed as un- ernment as he reappointed him dersecretary of the DA, taking to the Tourism department. over the place of Bernadette La Viña, for his part, earlier Romulo-Puyat, who is now the denied the allegations lodged new DOT chief after Wanda against him, maintaining that Tulfo-Teo resigned from her “there has never been and will post amid an alleged corruption never be a whiff of a whiff of a scandal. whiff of corruption in me.” His appointThe recently ment papers appointed DA were signed on undersecretary Wednesday, June graduated mag6, and released to There has na cum laude at media on Thursnever been the Ateneo de day, June 7. and will never Manila UniverLa Viña was be a whiff of a sity (ADMU) first appointed whiff of a whiff with a degree in as a member of of corruption Philosophy. He the Social Secuin me. holds a Master’s rity Commission degree in En(SSC) in Novemtrepreneurship ber 2016; howevfrom the Asian er, the President decided not to Institute of Management. renew his appointment to the When he was in college, La agency due to corruption alle- Viña became the Editor-ingations. Chief of Ateneo’s official stuPresidential Spokesperson dent publication, The Guidon, Harry Roque Jr. earlier said that and was also a member of the La Viña demanded a budget of P26 Student Council. million to fund his ‘social media’ As one of the Duterte’s supproject with himself as a TV host porters, La Viña served as the and that he also requested for a social media director of his budget of P1.6 million per month presidential campaign and was for a media advertising program. also a member of its Media However, both requests for budget Central and Communications allocations were denied. Group, according to his resumé Roque added that La Viña online. ■ also requested the accreditation of seven brokers to handle SSS investments, which was once again rejected as “these

Philippine News

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

Duterte’s SoKor visit yields USD4.9-B in investments PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s visit to South Korea has yielded USD4.9-billion worth of investments as part of the growing trade relations between the Philippines and the host country, his spokesman said Tuesday. “Ang mga nakuha naman natin dito sa trip na ito, isang bilyon na Official Development Assistance (ODA) para sa ating mga infrastructure projects para po sa ating ‘Build, Build’ at 4.9 billion in dollars na mga investment (What we got from this trip is USD1-billion worth of ODA for our infrastructure projects under ‘Build, Build, Build’ and USD 4.9-billion worth of investments), Harry Roque said in an interview over DWFM. These are the five government-to-government (G2G) agreements signed by the Philippines and South Korea: 1. Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea; 2. Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Trade, Industry

and Energy (MOTIE) on Trade and Economic Cooperation; 3. Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation on the Expansion of Renewable Energy Deployment between the Department of National Defense (DND) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) of Korea; 4. Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Transportation (DOTr) of the Philippines and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of Korea Concerning Cooperation in the Field of Transport; and 5. Loan Agreement on the New Cebu International Container Port Project between the Government of Republic of the Philippines and the Export-Import Bank of Korea. Roque said South Korea doubled its ODA to USD 1 billion for infrastructure projects under the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” program. Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez III explained that while South Korea earlier committed USD500 million from 2011 to 2013, they doubled it to USD1 billion available from 2017 to 2022. Dominguez said the first loan carved out from the ODA amounts to USD172.64 million, which will be used to finance the New Cebu International Container Port Project. This port project will in-

crease the operational capacity of the main cargo way in Cebu, help alleviate road congestion in the Cebu base port area, and provide a more efficient and reliable transport infrastructure to enhance the flow of goods and services in Visayas. He said three projects in the immediate pipeline under the ODA are the USD50-million project preparation facility for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA); USD100 million financing for the New Dumaguete Airport Development Project; and USD41 million for the implementation of Electronic Receipt Invoices and Sales Reporting System that will monitor all taxes paid by retailers in the Philippines. Meanwhile, Dominguez recommended that the remaining USD636 million will be allotted to two or three of the flagship infrastructure projects identified in the “Build, Build, Build” program. The finance chief said he will be submitting a list of the flagship projects for the South Korean government’s consideration. Roque also said that South Korea has promised to look for ways to allow the entry of Filipino products with lower tariffs. “Naririyan iyong pangako na hahanapan ng paraan para mas makapasok pa iyong mga produkto natin sa South Korea sa mas mababang taripa (There

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and South Korean Pres. Moon Jae-in.

is their promise that they will find a way to allow the entry of our products in South Korea with lower tariffs),” Roque said. In the same briefing, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said the government is looking to forge a trading agreement on improving the market access of Philippine agricultural products to Korea. “There are still products that we wish to improve market access on, like banana, pineapple, mangoes, coconut. We are the largest supplier of banana to South Korea but our market share is also challenged by other suppliers. This is because the tariff rates still have room for reduction,” Lopez said. He said that while tariff rates for agricultural products are

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still in the range of 25 to 30 percent, he will request South Korea to bring it down to the vicinity of 5 percent almost at the same rate that the Philippines is offering products from South Korea. “In other words, tayo po nagbaba ng ng taripa (we have decreased our tariff ) so we are basically asking for reciprocity as to the products that would enter South Korea,” Lopez said. Moreover, Lopez said that 23 business-to-business (B2B) deals amounting to USD4.8 billion will be signed late Tuesday, which are expected to generate some 50,000 jobs. These agreements are on top of the five G2G agreements that were earlier signed. ■

NCCA to present Dangal ng Haraya award to Whang-Od BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE NATIONAL Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is set to present Kalinga’s last and oldest mambabatok (traditional tattooist) Maria “Whang-Od” Oggay as a recipient of the Dangal ng Harayaaward for Intangible Cultural Heritage on June 25. Recognizing Whang-Od’s contribution through her practice of the ancient hand-tapped tattooing, the NCCA board

headed by National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario is set to award her at the Kalinga Capitol Plaza, Tabuk, Kalinga. “Apo Whang-Od’s continuing work as a manwhatokand her influence on the Filipino traditional arts scene leading to a heightened awareness about the culture of the Kalinga community – their worldview, traditions, and expressions – earned her the Dangal ng Haraya for Intangible Cultural Heritage,” the NCCA wrote in a special resolution on May 2 in Davao City. Receiving this recognition

will include the 101-year old traditional tattooist to previous cultural advocates like Senator Edgardo Angara, Architect Augusto Villalon, and Susan Calo Medina, as well as current cultural supporters Senator Loren Legarda and Dr. Jesus Peralta. The Dangal ng Haraya, according to the NCCA is “given to living Filipino artists, cultural workers, and historians; artistic or cultural groups, historical societies, institutions, foundations, and councils to recognize their outstanding achievements in relevant www.canadianinquirer.net

fields that have made an impact and significant contribution to Philippine culture and arts.” Along with the Gawad Alab ng Haraya that honors outstanding achievements in the performing arts, cultural conservation, arts management, library and information services program, theater production, cultural journalism and documentation, and other fields., through these awards, the Commission seeks to uphold excellence in all artistic and cultural endeavors. These also encourage initiative and

participation among groups and individuals and recognize exemplary cultural programs that can serve as valuable examples to others. In late February, the upper chamber nominated WhangOd for the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or the National Living Treasures Award. Senate Resolution No. 2 and Senate Resolution No. 538, introduced by Senators Nancy Binay and Sonny Angara respectively, wrote that WhangOd is the only surviving Kalinga ‘mambabatok’ or a master tattoo artist of ’batek.’ ■

Philippine News

JUNE 15, 2018

Independence Day rites heckler nabbed in Cavite

IBP files motion to overturn Sereno ouster

BY BENJAMIN PULTA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Cavite police arrested a 20-year-old man for interrupting President Rodrigo Duterte’s speech during the commemoration of the 120th Independence Day celebration at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. In a report sent to newsmen, the Kawit Municipal Police Station identified the suspect as Francis D. Couichie from Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Elements of the Cavite Police Mobile Force Company arrested Couichie for causing disturbance during the speech of the President by repeatedly shouting ”huwad na kalayaan” (fake freedom). Confiscated from his possession was a placard containing the words ”Kapayapaan para sa lahat at lahat para sa kapayapaan ng bayan”(Peace for all and all for the peace of the nation). He is being held under custody for possible charges of “tumultuous disturbance or interruption liable to cause disturbance” under the Revised Penal Code which is punishable by up to four months imprisonment and a PHP1,000 fine.

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

Despite the incident, Duterte told protesters that despite their differences, they had at least one common denominator. “We may not understand each other but at least there is a common denominator and that is love of country,” Duterte said in his speech where he led the flag-raising ceremony amid the pouring rains. Duterte said that he understood the reason why protesters staged their outcry, saying the

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1987 Constitution itself guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of assembly, and free expression. “It’s freedom of speech. You can have it. Okay lang. I will understand,” Duterte said. “Our Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, freedom of assembly and free expression. So I would just advise the law enforcement to just deal with them peacefully and the maximum tolerance,” he added. ■

THE INTEGRATED Bar of the Philippines (IBP) filed a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court (SC) on June 11, Monday, to overturn the High Court’s decision to oust Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. “In other words, the Honorable Court not only assumed the role of a trial court, it even became an advocate and assisted the petitioner in discharging its burden of proof,” the IBP wrote in the motion. “To be sure, this not only constitutes an overstepping of the bounds of the Honorable Court’s jurisdiction but likewise amounts to a derogation of respondent’s basic right to due process,” it added. According to the IBP, the SC “failed to maintain the cold neutrality of an impartial judge when it engaged in its own evidence gathering expedition and sought to supplement the evidence already on record.” The IBP, as the petitionerin-intervention in the motion, also wrote that “it behooves the Honorable Court to reconsider

its assailed decision and reverse its ruling that respondent is ineligible to hold the position of Chief Justice.” The IBP also stressed in its motion that Sereno can only be removed from her position through impeachment. “Guided by this basic principle, the Court will neither assume a power that belongs exclusively to the HRET (House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal) nor substitute its own judgment for that of the Tribunal,” the IBP cited the SC saying earlier. “That the Supreme Court is to give deference to the exercise of constitutional jurisdiction by other Tribunals, such as the Senate when sitting as an impeachment court, is likewise consistent with the essence of the Honorable Court as the Court of Last Resort by constitutional design,” it continued. However, eight versus six magistrates from the SC voted to oust Sereno on May 11, which makes it the High Court’s first ever unseating of the country’s top magistrate. This decision granted the quo warranto petition filed by Solicitor General Jose Calida, not an impeachment complaint. ■

Slovak PM vows justice for slain Pinoy BY KATHERINE PADILLA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Slovak Prime Minister assured that justice will be served in the case of a Filipino mauled to death in Slovakia. A 36-year-old Filipino financial analyst named Henry John Acorda on May 26 was beaten on the sidewalk of the Slovak capital of Bratislava after he defended his female friend from men who were harassing her. “It cannot be tolerated that murderers are allowed to freely walk down our streets,” said Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pelligrini. “These are very bad signals for our society,” Pelligrini said.

“We can show no mercy to this was charged with manslaugh- to pay her brother a visit last murderer. Justice must be im- ter. Acorda’s family, who flew month. mediately delivered,” he added. from the Philippines to Slova“Supposedly, December 2017 Acorda died from injuries he kia, was in attendance at the kami pupunta pero sabi niya, received from the beating. Me- hearing held on June 4. ‘Ate Mina, baka hindi matagadia reports said lan ni Mommy that his attacker ang winter dito. Juraj Hossu, a Springtime na 28-year-old Slolang kayo puvak citizen from It cannot be tolerated that munta,’ which the town of Dumurderers are allowed to freely is May talaga. najská Streda, walk down our streets. Nakapunta kami pushed Acorda nang May pero to the ground patay na siya and repeatedly (Supposedly, we kicked him in the head. According to The Slovak were to go in December 2017 Police rushed to the scene Spectator, Hossu told journal- but he said, ‘Sister Mina, Momand found an unconscious ist outside the court that he was my might not endure the winAcorda lying on the pavement. sorry for his actions. ter here. Come in springtime, He was brought to Bratislava’s In an interview with ABS- instead,’ which is really May. hospital in critical condition CBN news, Acorda’s elder sis- We were able to come in May and died five days later. ter, Mina Acorda Baylon, said but he is already dead),” Acorda Hossu has been arrested and that their family was supposed Baylon said. www.canadianinquirer.net

Yesterday, a gathering was organized in the city of Banská Bystrica to commemorate Acorda’s bravery. About 100 people joined the one-minute silence and candle-lighting ceremony for Acorda. Martina Strmeňová of Not in Our City, the organizer of the gathering, commended Acorda’s courage that led to his death. “Henry became a victim of human brutality, but also the atmosphere in our country. It’s inevitable for people to bravely stand up for humanity and tolerance,” she was quoted as saying in a TASR newswire. “There is no place for violence and extremism in democracy. It is our task to show that we won’t tolerate evil and violence,” she added. ■

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

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Philippine News

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

CA junks plea vs. FDA certification of 51 contraceptives BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency

Fr. Richmond Nilo.

ILSA REYES / CBCP NEWS

PNP eyes leads in killing of Nueva Ecija priest BY BENJAMIN PULTA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Police are following up on leads on possible suspects in the killing of Fr. Richmond Nilo in Nueva Ecija over the weekend. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police Director General Oscar Albayalde met with Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija policemen along with Police Regional Office 3 head Chief Supt. Amador Corpuz on Tuesday to follow up developments in the case. “So far, nakita natin (what we have seen) is a CCTV (footage). Mayroon na tayong (We now have a) follow up. The investigator and the regional director asked for two days. Mayroon silang (They already have) persons of interest. At least dalawa (two). Dahil nakita natin naka-motor (We have seen them riding motorcyles). Mayroon naman silang nakuha na sketch (They got a sketch). Di pa mailabas dahil ongoing ang operations (We cannot publish it now because operations are ongoing). After two days, we can publish their artist’s sketch,”

Albayalde told newsmen. The CCTV footage was obtained from a barangay hall on the road leading to the chapel at Barangay Mayamot, and was taken shortly before and after the priest was gunned down. Corpus, for his part, said they are looking at the possibility that complications arising from land disputes the priest was mediating in behalf of persons who sought his help could be a possible motive for the killing. “Alam natin si Fr. (Nilo) supportive sa mga agrabyado especially mga minors, at (We know that Fr. Nilo is supportive of those who are oppressed especially minors and those involved in) land dispute. Hindi actually siya mismo. May mga tinutulungan siya. Nagkaroon siya ng death threats doon (He was not the one directly involved. He was helping others. He received death threats because of that). We already have documented leads and we are gathering more evidence,” Corpus said. The PNP chief said the police are presently attempting to access the slain priest’s cellphone for clues with the help of relatives. ■

MANILA — The Court of Appeals (CA) junked the motion for reconsideration filed by pro-life group Alliance For the Family Foundation Philippines, Inc. (ALFI) seeking to stop the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from certifying 51 contraceptives as safe and non-abortifacient. “We deny the petitioner’s motion for reconsideration for failure to exhaust administrative remedies. The petitioner should have filed the appeal with the Office of the President to assail the 51 resolutions of the FDA,” read the five-page resolution penned by Associate Justice Nina Antonio Valenzuela, the CA’s Former Special Seventeenth Division. The CA did not give credence to the claim of ALFI that the doctrine of exhaustion of administrative remedies is not applicable considering that an appeal with the Office of the President would be futile considering the pronouncements of President Rodrigo Duterte to fully implement the Reproductive Health Law by distribution of modern contraception, including contraceptive drugs and devices. The appellate court explained that according to Section 32 of Republic Act 9711 (Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009) and Section 9 of Executive Order No. 247 (Prescribing Guidelines and Establishing A Regulatory Framework for the Prospecting Biological and Genetic Resources, their By-Products and Derivatives, for Scientific and Commercial Purposes, and For Other Purposes), the orders, rulings and decisions of FDA are appealable to the Sec-

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retary of Health and the latter’s decisions may be appealed to the Office of the President. Likewise, the CA noted the Supreme Court (SC) resolution dated on April 26, 2017 in the case of ALFI, et al, v. Garin, has ruled that FDA decisions need both be appealed to the Secretary of Health when the latter is a party to the case. Instead, the SC held that the proper recourse is appeal to be filed with the Office of the President. “Applying the Supreme Court pronouncement in the Garin case to this case, since the Executive Secretary is not a party in this case, the remedy to question the 51 FDA resolutions is to file the appeal with the Office of the President, and not via petition for review with this Court,” the CA pointed out. It can be recalled that the FDA issued resolutions in December last year re-certifying as safe and non-abortifacient a list of 51 contraceptives, paving the way for the implementation of one of the key measures of the Reproductive Health Law. Included in the list are implants like Implanon and Implanon NXT; injectables like Protec, intrauterine devices Mirena and Securit-T; and pills or oral contraceptives like Estrelle, Daphne, Yasmin, and Nordette, among others. The move effectively lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court in 2015 which nullified the certification and re-certification earlier issued by the agency FDA covering contraceptive drugs and implants due to the failure of the DOH to observe and comply with the basic requirements of due process. The Court held that the FDA certified, procured and administered contraceptive drugs and

devices, without the observance of the basic tenets of due process, without notice and without public hearing, despite the constant opposition from ALFI. The SC directed the FDA to formulate rules of procedure in the screening, evaluation, and approval of all contraceptive drugs and devices that will be used under Republic Act No.10354, otherwise known as the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012. It should contain, according to the Court, the minimum requirements of due process such as publication, notice and hearing; allowing interested parties to intervene; strictly following the standard laid down in the Constitution and RA 10354 as to what constitute allowable contraceptives should be followed, that is, those which do not harm or destroy life of the unborn from conception/fertilization; and in weighing evidence, all reasonable doubts should be resolved in favor of the protection and preservation of the right to life of the unborn from conception/fertilization. The Court also tasked the DOH in coordination with other concerned agencies to formulate the rules and regulations which will govern the purchase and distribution of contraceptives covered by the certification from the FDA that said product and supply will not be used as an abortifacient. The health department was also directed to come up with the complete and correct list of government reproductive health programs and services under RA 10354 which will serve as the template for the complete and correct information standard and to distribute the same to all health care service providers covered by the said law. ■

Canada News How did it come to this? A look at the events leading up to Canada vs. US battle BY ANDY BLATCHFORD The Canadian Press QUEBEC — The leaders of Canada and the United States are locked in an ugly, escalating public dispute over trade barriers, tariffs and how they think they world should resolve its problems. With U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the centre of the dispute, the back and forth has intensified since just before the start of the month — when the Americans imposed hefty steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada. The situation only got messier from there, particularly in the leadup to, during and right after the G7 leaders’ summit. The G7 meeting in La Malbaie, Que., which was hosted by Trudeau, marked Trump’s first

visit to Canada as president. Here’s a blow-by-blow rundown of recent public exchanges that have led to an unprecedented political clash between otherwise friendly neighbours: Trump, after announcing the tariffs, sends message to Trudeau about NAFTA talks on May 31 — “Earlier today, this message was conveyed to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada: The United State (sic) will agree to a fair deal, or there will be no deal at all.” Trudeau fires back on May 31 over the tariffs being applied on the premise Canada poses a national security threat to the U.S. — “Let’s be clear: These tariffs are totally unacceptable… That Canada could be considered a national security threat to the United States is inconceivable.” On June 1, Trump sends the first of several Twitter salvos against what he says are Can-

U.S. Pres. Donald Trump (left) with Canada PM Justin Trudeau (right) at the 2018 G7 Summit. PMO

ada’s unfair trade policies — “Canada has treated our Agricultural business and Farmers

very poorly for a very long period of time. Highly restrictive on Trade! They must open their

markets and take down their trade barriers! They report a really high surplus on trade with us. Do Timber & Lumber in U.S.?” Trudeau, on the June 3 episode of NBC’s “Meet the Press,” uses stronger words to characterize Trump’s tariffs — “The idea that Canadian steel that’s in military vehicles in the United States, that makes your fighter jets is somehow now a threat … the idea that we are somehow a national security threat to the United States is quite frankly insulting and unacceptable.” Trump mentions Canada again in a couple more tweets about trade on June 4 — “… Canada has all sorts of trade barriers on our Agricultural products. Not acceptable!” He also posted this tweet: “Farm❱❱ PAGE 16 How did

Chief military judge faces five more charges, case proceeding to court martial BY LEE BERTHIAUME The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Canada’s top military judge is facing five additional charges following an independent investigation, the Department of National Defence said Monday as it announced that his case is now proceeding to a formal court martial. The military justice system was rocked in January after Col. Mario Dutil was charged with one count of fraud under the National Defence Act, one count of wilfully making a false entry in an official document and one count of conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline. The new charges include one count of wilfully making a false statement in an official docu-

ment, one count of fraud under the Criminal Code and three counts of neglect to the prejudice of good order and discipline. The new charges include one count of wilfully making a false statement in an official document, one count of committing an act of a fraudulent nature under the National Defence Act and three counts of neglect to the prejudice of good order and discipline. All of the charges relate to allegations that Dutil engaged in a consensual but inappropriate relationship with a subordinate, and that he knowingly signed a travel claim containing false information in September 2015, according to the military. A charge sheet indicates that the claim was for $927.60. None of the charges have been

proven in court and a date has not been set for the court martial. Military police first started investigating Dutil in November 2015 after receiving a complaint that he had engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate. The alleged relationship is believed to have lasted from November 2014 to October 2015 and while consensual, was not permitted under military regulations. It was during the course of their investigation into that relationship that military police uncovered evidence to suggest Dutil knowingly signed a travel claim containing false information in September 2015. It’s believed Dutil is the first person to be charged while serving as the chief military judge, and the case will now www.canadianinquirer.net

proceed through the military justice system in which he serves as a prominent member. Only the federal cabinet can appoint or remove a chief military judge, and a military official confirmed that Dutil remains in his position but has not been hearing any cases since he was initially charged in January. Given the unprecedented nature of Dutil’s case, it remains unclear exactly how it will proceed, including whether one of the three other military judges over which he presided will end up hearing the case against him. However, the decision to bring in Poland as a special prosecutor was made to ensure that there was no perception of bias. This isn’t the first time that Dutil, who took over his current role in 2006, has been accused

of violating the military’s rules on personal relationships. But a special committee of three judges dismissed a complaint in April 2016 on the basis that it did not have any impact on Dutil’s conduct as a judge. Military police did not lay any charges at that time. Officials would not say whether the complaints related to the same alleged relationship. A conviction for committing an act of a fraudulent nature carries a maximum penalty of two years less a day in prison while wilfully making a false entry or statement in an official document carries a penalty of three years less a day. The maximum penalty for prejudicing good order and discipline is dismissal from the military with disgrace. ■

Canada News

JUNE 15, 2018

Vancouver’s conversion therapy ban more than symbolic for identity: experts BY DIRK MEISSNER The Canadian Press

what some young people have told her. Yule, who works with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirited youth, said the Vancouver bylaw is VICTORIA — A ban on the practice of hugely symbolic in its public support to so-called conversion therapy in Van- many people, but it’s also practical becouver sends a powerful message of re- cause it offers non-judgmental direction jection for controversial “pray the gay to those examining their sexuality. away” treatments, say advocates and “My professional opinion would be experts. having these pieces of legislation that The city’s unanimous support for a are either at a municipal level, at a probylaw prohibiting techniques that at- vincial level, ultimately at a federal level, tempt to persuade people to change would be very helpful,” she said. “I don’t their sexual orientation or gender iden- feel conversion therapy is a form of thertity gives people reinforcement to reject apy. I feel it is a harmful practice.” the therapy, said Coun. Tim Stevenson, She said conversion therapy is hapwho spearheaded the bylaw. pening in Canada, but is difficult to Registered psychologist Ashleigh Yule track because it is often linked to private said she has had young adults tell her events held by faith-based groups. stories of how as teenagers they were “Certainly, these groups exist,” she pushed into such programs. said. “It’s hard to find if you are doing “My youth pastor thought it would a web search or looking in the Yellow be important for me to go or my friend Pages. I know for certain it’s happened Joel_CanadianInquirer_print.pdf 1 2017-10-05 3:45 PM thought it would be good for me to go at the clinical level because I see people and see if I could pray the gay away,” she said in an interview from Calgary about ❱❱ PAGE 19 Vancouver’s conversion

FRIDAY

How did... ❰❰ 15

ers have not been doing well reciprocal Trade will happen!” for 15 years. Mexico, Canada, At his closing G7 news conference, China and others have treated Trudeau once again refers to the nathem unfairly. By the time I finish trade tional-security premise behind the talks, that will change. Big trade barriers tariffs as “kind of insulting” and then against U.S. farmers, and other business- explains Canada’s retaliation — “I have es, will finally be broken. Massive trade made it very clear to the president that deficits no longer!” it is not something we relish doing, but it Asked about the president’s Twitter is something that we absolutely will do blasts, Trudeau says June 7 that he won’t because Canadians are polite, we’re reasink to that level — “I’ve been firm, I’ve sonable, but we also will not be pushed been clear, but I don’t think descending around.” into insults is right for the way Canada In response to Trudeau’s news conferengages with the world.” ence, Trump shot back on June 9 — once On June 7 — the eve of Trudeau’s G7 again, he was likely aboard the presidensummit — Trump sends out another tial aircraft — “Based on Justin’s false missive — “Prime Minister Trudeau is statements at his news conference, and being so indignant, bringing up the re- the fact that Canada is charging massive lationship that the U.S. and Canada had Tariffs to our U.S. farmers, workers and over the many years and all sorts of oth- companies, I have instructed our U.S. er things … but he doesn’t bring up the Reps not to endorse the Communique as fact that they charge us up to 300% on we look at Tariffs on automobiles flooddairy — hurting our ing the U.S. Market!” Farmers, killing our That tweet was folAgriculture!” Earlowed a second meslier that day, Trump sage: “PM Justin also tweeted: “Please Trudeau of Canada tell Prime Minister I have made acted so meek and Trudeau and Presiit very clear to mild during our G7 dent Macron that the president meetings only to give they are charging that it is not a news conference afthe U.S. massive tarsomething ter I left saying that, iffs and create nonwe relish ‘US Tariffs were kind monetary barriers. doing, but it is of insulting’ and he The EU trade surplus something that ‘will not be pushed with the U.S. is $151 we absolutely around.’ Very dishonBillion, and Canada will do because est & weak. Our Tarkeeps our farmers Canadians are iffs are in response and others out. Look polite, we’re to his of 270% on forward to seeing reasonable, dairy!” them tomorrow.” but we also will Larry Kudlow, For good measure, not be pushed Trump’s top economTrump sent out more around. ic adviser, goes furtweets the morning ther Sunday than the of June 8 before his president in attackarrival in Quebec — ing Trudeau — “He “Canada charges the really kind of stabbed U.S. a 270% tariff on Dairy Products! us in the back… He did a great disservice They didn’t tell you that, did they? Not to the whole G7.” fair to our farmers!” Later Sunday, Trump’s trade adviser In a news conference June 9 short- Peter Navarro piles on — “There’s a spely before his departure from Quebec, cial place in hell for any foreign leader Trump brings up his problems with that engages in bad-faith diplomacy trading with his friends — “It’s going to with President Donald J. Trump and change, a hundred per cent. And tariffs then tries to stab him in the back on the are going to come way down, because way out the door.” people cannot continue to do that. We’re Following the remarks by Kudlow like the piggybank that everybody is rob- and Navarro, Foreign Affairs Minister bing. And that ends.” Chrystia Freeland is far less confrontaLater on June 9, after he left the G7 tional in an effort, perhaps, to dial things summit, Trump unleashed a barrage of down — “In terms of the approach that tweets, likely while he was aboard Air governments choose to take, Canada Force One on his way to Singapore for does not believe that ad-hominem athis summit with North Korean leader tacks are a particularly appropriate or Kim Jong Un — “Just left the ?G7 Sum- useful way to conduct our relations with mit in beautiful Canada. Great meetings other countries.” and relationships with the six Country Trump issues another Twitter salvo Leaders especially since they know I Sunday night, suggesting that Canada cannot allow them to apply large Tariffs is “bragging” in an unspecified release and strong barriers to… U.S.A. Trade. about benefiting from U.S. trade — “Fair They fully understand where I am com- Trade is now to be called Fool Trade if it ing from. After many decades, fair and is not Reciprocal.” ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

Canada News

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

Former PM Mulroney predicts Trump rage at Justin Trudeau a passing storm THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — Former prime minister Brian Mulroney predicts Donald Trump’s unprecedented diatribe against Justin Trudeau is a passing storm. Mulroney, who has a personal relationship with Trump and has been quietly advising the prime minister on how to deal with the mercurial U.S. president, likened Trump’s weekend tirade to “serious summer squalls.” “They come upon you abruptly and they dissipate just as quickly,” he said Monday. “I think it’s serious but because it’s serious doesn’t mean it’s lethal.” Trump unleashed a Twitter harangue about Trudeau after departing the G7 summit in Quebec on Saturday, miffed that the Canadian prime minister had reiterated during a closing news conference that Canada intends to impose counter-tariffs on some American goods in

retaliation for “insulting” tariffs imposed by Trump against Canadian steel and aluminum imports — which the president has justified on national security grounds. Trudeau had been saying the same thing for several weeks, but Trump apparently found it reprehensible to repeat the message on the eve of his historic summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. Trump called Trudeau “very dishonest and weak,” among other things. And on Sunday, two of his top aides took to the talk show circuit to pile on. Chief trade adviser Peter Navarro said there’s “a special place in hell” for Trudeau and anyone else who negotiates in “bad faith” with Trump. And chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow accused Trudeau of betrayal and stabbing Trump in the back. “I’ve never seen language like this, least of all from subordinates of the president directed at the prime minister of their

Former PM Brian Mulroney.

greatest friend and ally,” Mulroney said. “This I’ve never seen before. Nor has anybody else.”

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Mulroney said he thought Trudeau’s closing remarks were “fairly benign and certainly didn’t warrant any attack.”

“All Mr. Trudeau was doing, in a rather gentle way, was articulating the position of his government, which would be the position of any Canadian government in these circumstances,” he said, adding that the counter-tariffs make sense. “In this business, somebody puts a tariff on your products, you put a tariff on theirs. Now, how it’s received on the other side is something else, but that’s life.” Trudeau has so far not commented on Trump’s tirade. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland was measured Sunday, saying only that “Canada does not believe that ad hominem attacks are a particularly appropriate or useful way to conduct our relations with other countries.” Mulroney said the government is right not to trade insults with Trump. “We shouldn’t engage with these things. You can’t win that kind of a contest.” ■

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World News

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

Facebook says privacy setting bug affected as many as 14M BY BARBARA ORTUTAY The Associated Press NEW YORK — Facebook said a software bug led some users to post publicly by default regardless of their previous settings. The bug affected as many as 14 million users over several days in May. The problem, which Facebook said it has fixed, is the latest privacy scandal for the world’s largest social media company. It said the bug automatically suggested that users make new posts public, even if they had previously restricted posts to “friends only” or another private setting. If users did not notice the new default suggestion, they unwittingly sent their post to a broader audience than they had intended. Erin Egan, Facebook’s chief privacy officer, said the bug did not affect past posts. Facebook is notifying users who were affected and posted publicly during the time the bug was active, advising them to review their posts. The news follows recent furor over Facebook’s sharing of user data with device makers, including China’s Huawei. The company is also still recovering from the Cambridge Analytica scan-

dal, in which a Trump-affiliated datamining firm got access to the personal data of as many as 87 million Facebook users. Jonathan Mayer, a professor of computer science and public affairs at Princeton University, said on Twitter that this latest privacy gaffe “looks like a viable Federal Trade Commission/state attorney general deception case.” That’s because the company had promised that the setting users set in their most recent privacy preferences would be maintained for future posts. In this case, this did not happen for several days. Facebook’s 2011 consent decree with the FTC calls for the company to get “express consent”f rom users before sharing their information beyond what they established in their privacy settings. Even if the bug was an accident on Facebook’s part, Mayer said in an email that the FTC can bring enforcement action for privacy mistakes. Facebook, which has 2.2 billion users, says the bug was active from May 18 until May 27. While the company says it stopped the error on May 22, it was not able to change all the posts back to their original privacy parameters until later. The mistake happened when the company built a new way for people to share

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“featured items” on their profiles. These items, which include posts and photo albums, are automatically public. In the process of creating this feature, Facebook said it accidentally made the suggested audience for all new posts public. When people post to Facebook, the service suggests a default distribution

Vancouver’s conversion... ❰❰ 16

who have survived that.” Stevenson, 73, said he expects the bylaw to offer hope to many people facing dark times in their lives. He said he struggled with his sexual identity until he was 30, and knowing there was a law offering support during his time of inner turmoil would likely have provided some comfort. “I think it’s more significant than you might think at first blush because it really does show an attitudinal change within society,” said Stevenson, a former New Democrat member of the B.C. legislature and United Church minister. “Can you imagine 20 years ago this coming forward?” Prof. Elizabeth Saewyc, director of the school of nursing at the University of B.C. and an expert on vulnerable youth, said Vancouver’s city council has shed light on an often hidden issue. “It’s more than symbolic,” she said. “By doing this, they actually make visible, make public for people that this isn’t accepted practice.” Saewyc said in the past she has had parents approach her about issues with their children’s sexuality, but she always steers them away from conversion therapy.

“This is not an evidence-based approach,” she said. “In fact there is evidence it can cause harm. The better strategy would be to better support and nurture the child, with whatever orientation they have.” The Vancouver bylaw, passed June 5, highlighted other bans on conversion therapy by Ontario and Manitoba in 2015, and included this year’s vote by the European Union to prohibit the practice on the grounds that it is harmful. It also cited opposition to the therapy by the World Health Organization, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association and the Canadian Psychological Association. The Canadian association says in a policy statement that it is against any therapy that has a goal of repairing or rejecting an individual’s sexual orientation, regardless of age. “Scientific research does not support the efficacy of conversion or reparative therapy,” the association says in its statement. “Conversion or reparative therapy can result in negative outcomes such as distress, anxiety, depression, negative self-image, a feeling of personal failure, difficulty sustaining relationships, and sexual dysfunction.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

for their posts based on past privacy settings. If someone made all posts “friends only”in the past, it will set their next post to “friends only” as well. People can still manually change the privacy level of the posts — anywhere from “public”to “only me”- and this was the case while the bug was active as well. ■

World News

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

Trump, Kim shake hands, commit to ‘complete denuclearization’ BY ZEKE MILLER, CATHERINE LUCEY, JOSH LEDERMAN AND FOSTER KLUG The Associated Press SINGAPORE — Clasping hands and forecasting future peace, President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un committed Tuesday to “complete denuclearization” of the Korean Peninsula during the first meeting in history between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader. Yet as Trump toasted the summit’s results, he faced mounting questions about whether he got too little and gave away too much — including an agreement to halt U.S. military exercises with treaty ally South Korea. Meeting with staged ceremony on a Singapore island, Trump and Kim came together for a summit that seemed unthinkable months ago when the two nations traded nuclear threats. The gathering of the two unpredictable leaders marked a striking gamble by the American president to grant Kim long-sought recognition on the world stage in hopes of ending the North’s nuclear program. Both leaders expressed optimism throughout roughly five hours of talks, with Trump thanking Kim afterward “for taking the first bold step toward a bright new future for his people.” Kim, for his part, said the leaders had “decided to leave the past behind” and promised: “The world will see a major change.” Light on specifics, the document signed by the two leaders largely amounted to an agreement to continue discussions, as it echoed previous public statements and past commitments. It did not include an agreement to take steps toward ending the technical state of warfare between the U.S. and North Korea. Trump, holding forth at a free-flowing news conference after Kim departed, said the North Korean leader had before him “an opportunity like no other” to bring his country back into the community of nations if he follows through on

pledges to give up his nuclear program. Trump announced that he would be freezing U.S. military “war games” with its ally South Korea while negotiations between the two countries continue. He cast the decision as a cost-saving measure, but North Korea has long objected to the drills as a security threat. Trump acknowledged that the timetable for denuclearization is long, but said, “once you start the process it means it’s pretty much over.” The president acknowledged that U.S. intelligence on the North Korean nuclear stockpile is limited, “probably less there than any other country,” he said. “But we have enough intelligence to know that what they have is very substantial.” Trump brushed off questions about his public praise for an autocrat whose people have been oppressed for decades. He added that Otto Warmbier, an American once detained in North Korea, “did not die in vain” because his death brought about the nuclear talks. And he said Kim has accepted an invitation to visit the White House — at the “appropriate” time. The two leaders promised in their joint document to “build a lasting and stable peace regime” on the Korean Peninsula and to repatriate remains of prisoners of war and those missing in action from the Korean War. Language on North Korea’s bombs was similar to what the leaders of North and South Korea came up with at their own summit in April. At the time, the Koreans faced criticism for essentially kicking the issue of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal down the road to Tuesday’s Trump-Kim summit. Trump and Kim even directly referenced the so-called Panmunjom Declaration, which contained a weak commitment to denuclearization and no specifics on how to achieve it. The formal document-signing followed a series of meetings at a luxury Singapore resort. After the signing, Trump said he expected to “meet many times” in the future with Kim and, in response to questions,

said he “absolutely” would invite Kim to the White House. For his part, Kim hailed the “historic meeting” and said they “decided to leave the past behind.” In a moment that would never happen in North Korea, reporters began yelling questions to Trump and Kim after they signed the document, including whether they had discussed the case of Warmbier, the American college student who suffered brain damage while in North Korean custody and died in June 2017, days after he was returned home to Ohio. In the run-up to the meeting, Trump had predicted the two men might strike a nuclear deal or forge a formal end to the Korean War in the course of a single meeting or over several days. But in the hours before the summit, the White House unexpectedly announced Trump would depart Singapore earlier than expected — Tuesday evening — raising questions about whether his aspirations for an ambitious outcome had been scaled back. Aware that the eyes of the world were on a moment many people never expected to see, Kim said many of those watching would think it was a scene from a “science fiction movie.” After meeting privately and then with aides, Trump and Kim moved into a luncheon at a long flower-bedecked table. As they entered, Trump injected some levity to the day’s extraordinary events, saying: “Getting a good picture everybody? So we look nice and handsome and thin? Perfect.” Then they dined on beef short rib confit along with sweet and sour crispy pork. And as they emerged from the meal for a brief stroll together, Trump appeared to delight in showing his North Korean counterpart the interior of “The Beast,” the famed U.S. presidential limousine known for its high-tech fortifications. Critics of the summit leapt at the leaders’ handshake and the moonlight stroll Kim took Monday night along the glittering Singapore waterfront, saying it was further evidence that Trump was helping legitimize Kim on the world stage. Kim has been accused of horwww.canadianinquirer.net

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un (left) and Us Pres. Donald Trump (right) meet in Singapore. THE WHITE HOUSE

rific rights abuses against his people. “It’s a huge win for Kim Jong Un, who now — if nothing else — has the prestige and propaganda coup of meeting one on one with the president, while armed with a nuclear deterrent,” said Michael Kovrig, a northeast Asia specialist at the International Crisis Group in Washington. Trump responded to such commentary on Twitter, saying: “The fact that I am having a meeting is a major loss for the U.S., say the haters & losers.” But he added “our hostages” are back home and testing, research and launches have stopped. Giving voice to the anticipation felt around the world as the meeting opened, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Tuesday he “hardly slept” before the summit. Moon and other officials watched the live broadcast of the summit before a South Korean Cabinet meeting in his presidential office The summit capped a dizzying few days of foreign policy activity for Trump, who shocked U.S. allies over the weekend by using a meeting in Canada of the Group of Seven industrialized economies to alienate America’s closest friends in the West. Lashing out over trade practices, Trump lobbed insults at his G-7 host, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump left that summit early and, as he flew to Singapore, tweeted that he was yanking the U.S. out of the group’s traditional closing statement.

The optimistic summit was a remarkable change in dynamics from less than a year ago, when Trump was threatening “fire and fury” against Kim, who in turn scorned the American president as a “mentally deranged U.S. dotard.” Beyond the impact on both leaders’ political fortunes, the summit could shape the fate of countless people — the citizens of impoverished North Korea, the tens of millions living in the shadow of the North’s nuclear threat, and millions more worldwide. Alluding to the North’s concerns that giving up its nuclear weapons could surrender its primary deterrent to forced regime change, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters that the U.S. was prepared to take action to provide North Korea with “sufficient certainty” that denuclearization “is not something that ends badly for them.” He would not say whether that included the possibility of withdrawing U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula, but said the U.S. was “prepared to take what will be security assurances that are different, unique, than America’s been willing to provide previously.” The North has faced crippling diplomatic and economic sanctions as it has advanced development of its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Pompeo held firm to Trump’s position that sanctions will remain in place until North Korea denuclearizes — and said they would even increase if diplomatic discussions did not progress positively. ■

World News

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

Sweden charges man at centre of Nobel scandal BY JAN M. OLSEN The Associated Press COPENHAGEN — The man at the centre of a sex-abuse and financial crimes scandal that is tarnishing the academy which awards the Nobel Prize in Literature, was Tuesday charged with two counts of rape of a woman in 2011. Swedish prosecutor Christina Voigt said the evidence “is robust and sufficient for prosecution.” Jean-Claude Arnault, a wellknown figure in Sweden who ran a cultural centre, is married to poet and member of the Swedish Academy, Katarina Frostenson. He has denied this and other sex abuse allegations. In April, the Swedish Academy said an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations found that “unacceptable behaviour in the form of unwanted intimacy” has taken place within the ranks of the prestigious institution.

Violence was used in one case and in the second incident the victim was asleep, Voight told The Associated Press, adding seven people back the victim’s claim. “We are talking about the same woman and the rapes took place in October and December 2011,” said Voight who didn’t name the victim as is the customary in Sweden. The secretive 18-member board has in recent months been embroiled in a sex-abuse scandal that investigators concluded was “not generally known.” It has led to the departure of seven members of the Academy, including Frostenson who stepped down in April at the same time as another woman — the academy’s permanent secretary Sara Danius. Many in the Scandinavian nation, known for promoting gender equality, have expressed concerns over the case that has exposed bitter divisions within the academy, whose members are appointed for life, and given

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rise to accusations of patriarchal leanings among some members. Last month, the academy announced that no prize will be awarded this year. The protest has grown out of what began as Sweden’s own #MeToo moment in November when the country saw thousands of sexual misconduct allegations surfacing from all walks of life. It hit the academy when 18 women came forward

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in a Swedish newspaper with accusations against Arnault. He was banned in December by the academy from attending a Nobel banquet after Dagens Nyheter, one of Sweden’s largest, published the allegations. The academy then commissioned lawyers to investigate sexual misconduct claims. Arnault has also been suspected of violating century-old Nobel rules by leaking names of

winners of the prestigious award. He has allegedly leaked winners’ names seven times, starting in 1996. It was not clear who the names were disclosed to. The academy said that following what it called “a serious crisis,” it had decided to hand over the report to relevant judicial authorities. The Swedish Economic Crime Authority said it had received the academy report but declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation. Last year after the first allegations surfaced, annual funding of 126,000 kronor ($12,000) to Arnault’s centre was immediately stopped. The Academy then stressed it had not been paid to Arnault personally. The probe found no evidence that Arnault “had any direct or indirect influence on” the handing out of funds since it first got it in 2010 but “the decision-making process” was in violation” with its rules because an unnamed person had a share in Arnault’s institution. ■

World News

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

Italy sends 2 ships to help bring migrants to Spain BY TRISHA THOMAS, ARITZ PARRA AND COLLEEN BARRY The Associated Press CATANIA, ITALY — Italy dispatched two ships Tuesday to help take 629 migrants stuck off its shores on the days-long voyage to Spain in what is forecast to be bad weather, after the new populist government refused them safe port in a dramatic bid to force Europe to share the burden of unrelenting arrivals. The rescue ship Aquarius has been stuck since Saturday in international waters off the coast of Italy and Malta, both of which have refused it entry. The ship has 629 migrants including 123 unaccompanied minors, 11 children and six pregnant women. The aid group Doctors Without Borders, which operates the Aquarius with SOS Mediterranee, urged both Italy and Malta to reconsider their refusal to allow the stranded migrants landfall and then safe passage by other means to Spain, which

has responded to the plight with “These are all foreign ships Meanwhile, hundreds of mian offer of safe harbour. The aid flying foreign flags that bring grants aboard the Aquarius group warned of severe health this human cargo to Italy,” Sal- were being transferred Tuesrisks to a significant number of vini told private television La7 day afternoon to ships operthe passengers. on Monday. “We have hosted ated by the Italian navy and Italy’s new anti-migrant, 650,000 migrants in recent coast guard, which are then right-wing interior minister, years alone, all of whom pass by to accompany the aid ship to Matteo Salvini, is making good Malta, an EU country, and the the Spanish port of Valencia. on a campaign pledge to close government says, ‘Ciao, Ciao, Many remained on the deck of Italian ports to the overcrowded non-governmenrescue ship and tal organizations were their safety that pick up miwas at risk for grants at sea, the longer voywhich he has likSpain has made a gesture that aims age given the ened to taxi serto trigger a European dynamic to forecast of bad vices for migrant stop looking away, allowing one weather, said smugglers. (EU member) to cope with the SOS MediterSalvini, whose problem while the rest of us pass ranee spokesLeague is part the buck. woman Mathilde of the populist Auvillain coalition that The Italian took office this Coast Guard month, promsaid fresh proviised voters that other European go to Italy. ... I am happy to have sions had been delivered to the countries would be made to given a small, first response.” Aquarius on Tuesday. share the burden of caring for While Salvini turned away Officials in Valencia said they asylum-seekers arriving in Ita- the Aquarius, an Italian Coast expected the ship to arrive in ly on unseaworthy boats mostly Guard vessel with more than three to four days, dependfrom lawless Libya, while tak- 900 migrants rescued in seven ing on when they depart and ing particular aim at the aid operations is expected to reach weather conditions. vessels. Italy’s shores on Wednesday. The new Spanish foreign

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minister said that Spain’s decision in accepting the migrant ship is also meant to push European Union leaders to address the bloc’s migration policies later this month at an EU summit. “Spain has made a gesture that aims to trigger a European dynamic to stop looking away, allowing one (EU member) to cope with the problem while the rest of us pass the buck,” the new Spanish foreign minister Josep Borrell told Ser radio late on Monday. The decision to offer a docking port in the eastern city of Valencia had been a personal and direct move by the country’s new prime minister, the Socialist Pedro Sanchez. Many Spanish regions and cities have offered to provide long-term support to the migrants, said Valencia’s regional vice-president, Monica Oltra. The Red Cross was preparing shelter and medical assistance to meet immediate needs on their arrival. ■

Entertainment Queen’s honours for Emma Thompson, Tom Hardy, Keira Knightley BY GREGORY KATZ The Associated Press LONDON — British film stars Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley and Tom Hardy and Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro are among those receiving honours in the name of Britain’s monarch. The list published late Friday by Britain’s Cabinet Office includes many receiving honours for merit, service and bravery. The awards will be given out by Queen Elizabeth II or a senior royal acting in her place during investitures at Buckingham Palace. The list often includes prominent figures — like Thompson, the Oscar-winning actress who has been in the public eye for decades — as well as people who have laboured behind the scenes or in academic or charity positions. The 59-year-old Thompson will become Dame Emma, a high honour that is the fe-

male equivalent of becoming a knight. The citation calls her one of Britain’s “most versatile and celebrated actresses.” Her long list of film roles includes favourites like “The Remains of the Day” — which was written by Ishiguro — “Love Actually” and “Nanny McPhee.” She received the Academy Award for Best Actress for “Howards End” and — as a writer — the Oscar for the best adapted screenplay for “Sense and Sensibility.” The Queen’s Birthday List — Elizabeth’s official birthday is Saturday and will be marked with the Trooping the Color parade — bestows a knighthood on Mark Rowley for his service while heading the Metropolitan Police counter-terrorism squad during a series of lethal attacks last year. When he retired in March after more than three decades on the force, Prime Minister Theresa May praised Rowley’s dedication to protecting the public. Ishiguro, who was born in

Japan, received a knighthood for his services to literature. He said he was “deeply touched to receive this honour from the nation that welcomed me as a small foreign boy.” Former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish, 67, was also knighted for his services to soccer, charity and the city of Liverpool. The youngest winner was 20-year-old visually-impaired alpine skier Menna Fitzpatrick, who was Britain’s most successful competitor in the 2018 Winter Paralympics. The oldest winner was former World War II nurse Rosemary Powell, 103, who was honoured for 97 years of charity work. Both received MBE awards, making them members of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Rapper and singer Ms. Dynamite also received the same honour under her real name, Niomi McLean-Daley. Knightley, known for “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Pride and Prejudice,” and other mov-

Actress Emma Thompson at the 70th Festival de Cannes in 2017. FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ies, received an OBE award, so she will become an “officer” of the British empire, a slightly higher ranking. Hardy, star of “Inception” and other movies, received a CBE award, designating him a “commander” of the empire, a still higher designation.

The list also honours the queen’s eye surgeon, Jonathan Jagger, who was made a commander of the Royal Victorian Order. He is a specialist in cataract surgery, but officials have not said if he performed the cataract surgery the queen had done in May. ■

Heart, Chiz bid goodbye to second twin BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer HEART EVANGELISTA was serious when she said that she planned to share every step of her motherhood journey to her followers, but with a heavy heart, she also had to share the end of it as she suffered from a miscarriage. “At this week’s doctor appointment, just as we hit the three-month mark, we found out that her heart stopped beating,” she shared. “The Doctor told me that there really wasn’t anything we could’ve done, that this happens to a higher percentage of first-time moms,” Heart added. It can be remembered that in

the middle of May, just a week after announcing how happy she and her husband Francis “Chiz” Escudero was that they will be welcoming new twin members to their family, she also had to announce that she lost of one of the to-be-born Escuderos. This time though, she and her husband had to say goodbye to the other one as well. “For what it’s worth, I already had a name for you. My Mira, funnily enough, I already loved your smile. I know you’ll find your way back to me,” she wrote. Despite the pain of losing not just one but both of the twins, Heart gathers her remaining strength to think of this as not the end but another chapter for her motherhood journey.

Actress Heart Evangelista and Sen. Chiz Escudero.

“I take comfort knowing that you’re up there with your twin. I don’t question God about this www.canadianinquirer.net

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sad time, I trust in His timing and plan,” the GMA star added to her Instagram post.

She also shared that she is really grateful to everyone there who supported her by sharing their own pregnancy stories. Their “kindness and positivity” in hearing other miscarriage stories reminded her to be strong. “For some, it might be early on but for us, we were so ready to meet you, little one. Carrying you made me feel like a completely new person. Just the thought of you taught me what unconditional love feels like,” her message to Mira included. However, despite the heartbreak and challenging time, Heart said that she chooses to not look for answers but only to find peace. This was the actress’s first pregnancy upon marrying Chiz in 2015. ■

Entertainment

JUNE 15, 2018

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Mocha Uson won’t apologize to Kris Aquino over Ninoy kiss video BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer DESPITE THE President’s top aide telling the media that she would later issue an apology, Communications Assistant Secretary Margaux “Mocha” Uson insisted she would not say sorry to Kris Aquino for uploading a video that ‘disrespected’ the TV host’s father, the late Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino III. “With all due respect to everyone involved, I decline to apologize for the truth,” Uson wrote in a Facebook post on Wednesday afternoon, June 6, in response to the tirade made by Kris against her. The former sexy actress even posted a 23-second video, stressing that the issue was not actually about the influential media personality. “Ito po ang aking (This is my) response sa (to the) live video ni (of ) Ms. Kris Aquino. This is not about Kris Aquino,” Uson said. “Tungkol ito sa paglagay ng malisya sa isang halik. Itinumbas lang sa gawain ng ibang lider tulad ng tatay niya (This is about putting malice on a kiss. It was just compared to the actions of other

leaders like her father),” she added. On her Facebook account on June 4, Uson uploaded a video where she compared an old footage of the slain senator getting kissed by two female fans to a recent video clip of President Rodrigo Duterte kissing a Filipina worker in South Korea. Uson made this post to defend the President from critics over his controversial kissing gimmick last June 3. The Presidential Communications Assistant Secretary made her latest remarks several hours after Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go held a press conference to announce that Uson will apologize to Kris as she agreed to put an end to the issue “out of respect to all our fellow Filipinos.” Duterte and Go had already apologized to the youngest daughter of Ninoy and former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino for the incident. The top aide said it was the President who instructed him to send his apologies to Kris. Mocha wins

In a 17-minute live video on Facebook and Instagram on Wednesday night, Kris, who wants to put the public spat between her and the official to rest, raised the

PCOO Asec Mocha Uson with SAP Bong Go.

white flag as she declared Uson’s victory. “Mocha, you win because you hurt me and I think that’s what you wanted to do. Nanalo ka dahil patuloy mong inapak-apakan ang pagkatao, ang alaala ng dalawang tao na pinakamamahal ko (You won because you keep stepping on the character and memories of the two persons I love the most).” The TV host said Uson has made a point that the issue was not about her but her father; however, the assistant secretary should know that she has the right to speak up for her father as she is Ninoy’s flesh and blood. “‘Yung sinasabihan mo na ako na (When you are telling me that) it’s not about me, I’m sorry. When it is about my mother and when it is about my father, it will always be about me,” the actress said. The then-presidential daughter noted that what hurt her the most was that Uson picked the video clip of her father that was taken a few moments before he was defenselessly assassinated. Kris said it was tiring for her how she just has to “accept and swallow” all the bashing she receives from her family’s critics all the time. “Tatanugin mo sarili mo, nagnakaw ba ako sa inyo? May masama ba akong nagawa sa inyo? May masama bang nagawa si Ninoy at Cory Aquino kay Pangulong Duterte (You will ask yourself, did I steal anything from you? Did I do something bad to you? Did Ninoy and Cory do anything bad to President Duterte)?” she added. Stressing that she has already done

MOCHA USON BLOG

her part on reaching Uson, the TV host finished her video by saying, “Mocha, I’ll end this, this was not about Kris Aquino. This was a reminder that Filipinos still love and respect Cory and Ninoy Aquino.” Kris earlier dared Uson to face her “anytime, anywhere,” even saying that she is willing to reenact a scene from a film Four Sisters and a Wedding, where actress Angel Locsin grabbed Mocha’s hair and dragged her on the street. “I just want to say that I am ready for you. And this is a direct challenge to you. Face me. Face me anywhere. Text me, you can find my number, it’s so easy. Name the place, name the location, let’s carry it live. Bring all your followers… I can stand alone,” she told Uson. Trust and confidence

Despite her refusal to apologize to Kris, Uson still enjoys the President’s trust and confidence, according to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. In a press briefing held on Thursday, June 7, Roque said, “She hasn’t been fired. For as long as she has not been fired, she enjoys the trust and confidence [of Duterte] because all presidential appointees serve at the pleasure of the president.” Asked to comment on Uson’s defiant move, the Palace official stressed, “I defer to SAP Bong Go completely on this matter kasi siya ang sumagot (because he was the one who answered). So he’s privy to information on this and I’m not. So please ask Secretary Bong Go.” ■

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years ago. But there’s always been a dream to get her back in the sky, and Daks Over Normandy has afforded that chance. Her connections to the military, to smokejumpers, to 1944 and to Montana shouldn’t be ignored. “It’s the right thing to do,” said Mike Anderson, who jumped out of planes with an Army Airborne unit in the 1970s

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and owned Gull Sky in Missoula for more than 40 years. Like many, Anderson is drawn by the spirit, honour and memory of those who fought on the beaches and in the fields and towns of France all those years ago. “Those guys did the heavy lifting,” he said. “Without them, none of us would be sitting here today having this conversation in English.” ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

Editors resign over A theme of tolerance, inclusion decision to retain at this year’s Tony Awards author Junot Diaz BY JOCELYN NOVECK The Associated Press

BY PHILIP MARCELO The Associated Press BOSTON -- Three editors at the Boston Review are resigning over the political and literary magazine’s decision to retain author Junot Diaz despite allegations of sexual misconduct. Poetry editors Timothy Donnelly, Barbara Fischer and Stefania Heim said on Twitter last week they’re “dismayed” at the logic behind keeping Diaz as fiction editor and felt compelled to step down, effective July 1. “It was painful to leave but we couldn’t possibly stay,” Donnelly said by email Monday. “Their position, especially as expressed in their statement, was deeply at odds with our own and with the work we do.” Editors-in-chief Deborah Chasman and Joshua Cohen announced on the magazine’s website last week that they had concluded the accusations against Diaz didn’t suggest a pattern of abuse that would merit letting him go. “The objectionable conduct described in the public reports does not have the kind of severity that animated the #MeToo movement,” the two editors said, referring to the international movement against sexual harassment and assault that took off last year. Author Zinzi Clemmons and other female writers have recently shared stories of Diaz’s behaviour. Clemmons said Diaz forcibly kissed her several years ago; others cited instances when they felt he had verbally

Author Junot Diaz.

attacked them. Diaz, who didn’t immediately comment on the Boston Review controversy, has said he takes responsibility for his past actions. Chasman and Cohen said Monday they listened carefully to the concerns of the three poetry editors and others before arriving at their decision. They said their departure was saddening but wouldn’t impact the magazine’s operations as no other editors have resigned. “We had to make a practical decision about a relationship with an editor,” they said via email. “We think we made the right decision and stand fully by the reasons we presented in support of it.” In their statement last week, the two editors said there had been no complaints about Diaz’s conduct in his 15 years at the magazine, which publishes quarterly. They’d also asked other female fiction writers about Diaz and didn’t hear anything troubling. “We heard about a supportive editor and mentor who had opened doors for people,” Chasman and Cohen wrote. “Because of his efforts, we have been able to launch some amazing writers, and publish fantastic literary fiction and political essays.” Donnelly, who has worked at the magazine for more than 20 years, said the three editors otherwise leave the magazine on “good terms” and are grateful for the opportunity it provided. “We see eye to eye with the editors when it comes to many things,” he said. “But not this.” ■

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NEW YORK — A small-scale, intimate musical about hardwon cultural understanding was an altogether apt Tony winner on a night where tolerance and inclusion were constant themes. “The Band’s Visit,” about an Egyptian police band that gets stranded in a remote Israeli desert town, forcing both sides to get to know each other, triumphed over much flashier shows to win best musical Sunday night — and a total of 10 awards. The closest runner-up, with six, was the blockbuster London import “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” which won best play. One by one, the winners of “The Band’s Visit” referenced the show’s themes of acceptance and finding a common humanity. Tony Shalhoub, named best actor in a musical, spoke of his father’s arrival at Ellis Island from Lebanon in 1920. “May we, their descendants, never lose sight of what they taught us,” he said. Ari’el Stachel, who won for best featured actor, praised the show for “telling a small story about Arabs and Israelis getting along, at a time that we need that more than ever.” Addressing his parents in the audience, Stachel, whose father was born in Israel, confessed that “for so many years of my life I pretended I was not a Middle Eastern person.” The show also won awards for its luminous lead actress, Katrina Lenk, and its director, book and score, among others. Producer Orin Wolf said the message was one of unity, in a world that “more and more seems bent on amplifying our differences.” Composer David Yazbek, speaking later at the Tony after-party, said the show had special resonance amid “the climate of divisiveness that we’re seeing.” The show isn’t just about Jews and Arabs, he said, “It’s about any tribes that have figured out reasons to be at odds with each other.” The Middle East conflict, immigration, LGBT equality, gun control — many social iswww.canadianinquirer.net

sues came up, explicitly or implicitly, during the ceremony, which was hosted with a light (and musical) touch by Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban. The night’s first big winner, Andrew Garfield, best actor in a play for “Angels in America,” earned hearty cheers when he declared, “Let’s just bake a cake for everyone who wants a cake to be baked.” He was referring to last week’s Supreme Court decision in favour of a Colorado baker who refused to bake a wedding cake for a same-sex couple because of religious objections. Garfield dedicated the award, his first Tony, to the LGBTQ community, for a “spirit that says no to oppression. It is a spirit that says no to bigotry, no to shame, no to exclusion. It is a spirit that says we are all made perfectly.” Lindsay Mendez of “Carousel,” named best featured actress in a musical, tearfully recalled that early in her career, “I was told to change my last name from ‘Mendez’ to ‘Matthews,’ or I wouldn’t work.” She went on to say: “To all of you artists out there, just be your true self and the world will take note.” In other acting awards, Nathan Lane won his third Tony — his first in a dramatic role — for playing Roy Cohn in “Angels in America.” Glenda Jackson, 82, won best actress in a play for her fiery portrayal of an elderly woman in “Three Tall Women,” and her co-star, Laurie Metcalf, won featured actress. While there was clearly an undercurrent of resistance to the current administration in Washington, winners did not overtly attack President Donald Trump. Then came Robert De Niro, who arrived to present the most anticipated moment of the night — a performance by Bruce Springsteen — and began by launching an expletive at the president, pumping his arms for emphasis. And then he did it again. Many in the audience stood and cheered, while TV censors quickly bleeped out the offending words. “That was the best part of the whole evening!” commented actor John Leguizamo later that night at the Plaza Hotel after-party. “I jumped to my

feet.” He added that “the Tonys have never been this political.” Leguizamo himself, accepting a special Tony, brought up the fate of immigrant children in detention centres and the deaths of thousands of Puerto Ricans in Hurricane Maria. He also declared, “I’m an immigrant, and I’m not an animal” — referring to Trump’s recent remarks that some people living in a country illegally or without legal permission are “animals.” Several winners noted that elections are coming in November — among them playwright Tony Kushner, who wrote “Angels in America,” which won best revival of a play. He told viewers they have “21 weeks to save our democracy and heal our planet.” (On a lighter note, he also gave a shout-out to Judy Garland’s birthday.) Best musical revival went to “Once on This Island,” in a surprise win over “My Fair Lady” and “Carousel.” By far the most emotional moment of the evening evoked the nation’s divisions over gun reform, when Melody Herzfeld, drama teacher at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was honoured from the Tony stage. Herzfeld, the one-woman drama department at the school, has been credited with saving lives by barricading students into a classroom closet during the Valentine’s Day mass shooting that killed 17 people. She later encouraged many of her pupils to lead the nationwide movement for gun reform. Herzfeld spoke during the pre-show. But later, students in her drama department surprised the audience by appearing onstage to sing “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent.” They got the biggest ovation of the night. ■ AP writer Mark Kennedy contributed to this report.

Lifestyle 150 years on, ‘Little Women’ and its author still resonate BY SARAH BETANCOURT The Associated Press

others, and so we have almost been groomed to fight for what’s right and to not let others take advantage of us.” Alcott drew heavily from her experiences living in poverty with progressive parents Bronson and Abigail Alcott and three sisters in Concord, Massachusetts. Although her transcendentalist father led his family through 30 homes, one stands out as the place where “Little Women” was written: Orchard House. Alcott was 26 when her family moved into the then-dilapidated house in 1858. The enterprising family turned the tenant farmhouse, once slated for destruction, into a place where Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau and other literary neighbours would drop by for intellectual discussions. Bronson encouraged his wife and daughters to join and built Louisa a desk at a time when writing was considered by scientists to be injurious to the female psyche.

humans have agency,” she says. She tells of how Louisa May Alcott was the first woman to register to vote in Concord in CONCORD, MASS. — A century 1879, when Massachusetts gave and a half before the #MeToo women the right to vote in town movement gave women a bold, elections on education and new collective voice, Louisa children issues. May Alcott was lending them In 1880, Alcott and 19 other her own. women attended the Concord Society had far different extown meeting and cast their pectations of women in 1867, ballots. In a letter to periodiwhen publisher Thomas Niles cal Woman’s Journal, Alcott asked Alcott to write a “girls’ wrote of voting: “No bolt fell on story.” At a time when women our audacious heads, no earthwere expected to marry, often quake shook the town.” did not hold employment and Alcott did other unconcould not vote, Alcott had her ventional things. At 30, she doubts about the success of served as a nurse in the Civil “Little Women.” War. She travelled alone when Since then, the coming-ofmost women could not. And age book has been translated she wrote stories that are the into more than 50 languages equivalent of a modern-day and made into films, a musical James Patterson thriller at a and a recently aired PBS “Mastime when female authors were terpiece” miniseries. The novel not popular. constantly finds new audiences Although there’s no evidence as women worldwide confront Alcott was ever sexually assexual misconduct, misogyny saulted, she was harassed and and pay inequity. had to endure misogyny as an Mayela Boeder, 34, of Appleambitious, unmarried woman. ton, WisconAfter writing sin, read “Little the first part of Women” as a girl “Little Women” and thinks it’s in 1868, Alcott still relevant. We grew up with Buffy, Hermione, received a flood “You could Katnis, Jo, Lizzie Bennet, Sara of letters asking say that strong Crewe, among others, and so we if the main charfemales in lithave almost been groomed to fight acter, Jo March, erature, TV and for what’s right and to not let others would marry every other metake advantage of us. neighbour boy dium have slowLaurie. Pulitzer ly shaped the Prize-winning minds of modern Alcott historian strong women,” she says. Looking back, says Orchard John Matteson says, “Her pub“We grew up with Buffy, House Executive Director Jan lisher said, ‘You have to marry Hermione, Katnis, Jo, Lizzie Turnquist, the Alcotts were her off,’ and wanted the characBennet, Sara Crewe, among feminists. “They believed all ter to marry Laurie.”

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The Orchard House, historic home of Louisa May Alcott. LEE SNIDER PHOTO IMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Alcott was mortified that her mother had to scrape to keep the family going financially. “She knew what a trap marriage could be,” Matteson says. “She very much intended not to marry Jo off at all.” Alcott appeased Niles, the publisher, by writing in Professor Friedrich Bhaer, a homely German professor, as a husband. One of Alcott’s goals was to lift her family out of poverty. She took jobs as a teacher, seamstress, writer and, in one instance, a live-in companion for the sick sister of a man named James Richardson. Instead of having her tend to his sister, Richardson had 18-year-old Alcott do housekeeping and spend evenings listening to him reading romantic poetry. He started slipping suggestive notes beneath her bedroom door and added backbreaking work to her chores as

she rejected his advances. She quit, making only $4 for the seven-week stay. While she hesitates to call that a #MeToo encounter, Turnquist says it was “sleazy and not appropriate,” and bordered on sexual harassment. Alcott wrote an essay on the experience, which friend James Field, editor of The Atlantic, assessed and said: “Stick to your teaching. You can’t write.” Nevertheless, she persisted. “She would be so supportive of the #MeToo Movement and equal pay for equal work,” Turnquist says. To celebrate the sesquicentennial, Orchard House will host many events, including a conversational series to discuss the book’s modern-day relevance. On the actual 150th anniversary, Sept. 30, it will be read sequentially in parts and videotaped worldwide. ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

What to do if your beloved pet needs a new home BY LINDA LOMBARDI The Associated Press YOU MAY be sure you’d never give up a beloved pet. But sometimes life happens, like it happened to Katrina Glover. She and her cats were living the good life in the Bronx, New York, when someone found a cat outside in the harsh winter weather. “A friend said she wanted the cat, so I took it in,” says Glover. “She never came and got him.” Busy with work and school, she waited a bit too long to neuter the young male, and he got her females pregnant. Eight well-loved, well-cared-for cats had become nine with four litters of kittens. Then she lost her job, her mother died of cancer, and she fell into depression. “My cats at some point became the only reason I got up every day,” she says. “Every bit of money I got went to take care of the animals. I wasn’t taking care of myself mentally, emotionally or anything.” She was overwhelmed and at risk of losing her apartment when someone suggested that the ASPCA could help. They provided vet care and helped her through the process of surrendering some of the cats. But it wasn’t easy. “When I called ASPCA for the first time, I cried the whole phone call,” she says. There are more cases like Glover’s than you probably think. “The vast majority of people who are looking to relinquish or re-home their pets really don’t want to, but they feel like they have no other alternative,” says Matthew Bershadker, president and CEO of the ASPCA. The stereotype of someone whose impulse-purchase puppy no longer matches their designer handbag is not the reality, says Sharon Harmon, president and CEO of the Oregon Humane Society. “I hear those frivolous reasons less and less. They stand out, but they are uncommon,” she says. “For us, the No. 1 reason is cost of care, when we ask people why can’t they keep their pet.” The ASPCA finds that of people surrendering pets, 46

per cent cite the pet’s health or behaviour problems as the reason, 27 per cent says it’s family and human health issues, and 18 per cent cite housing issues. “What’s quite heartbreaking about this is that when we talk about health issues, we’re not talking about chronic disease or major surgery,” Bershadker says. Rather, it’s often lack of access to affordable basic treatment. Shelters working to keep pets and families together are doing more now than just lowcost spay and neuter. They may offer pet food to get owners through a hard patch, provide veterinary care and advice on behaviour problems, and sometimes even assist with housing issues. With this help, many pet owners decide to keep their animals. One joint program that ASPCA established with two Los Angeles County animal shelters — Baldwin Park Animal Care Center and Downey Animal Care Center — has helped over 7,500 pets stay in their homes since 2014. That’s good for families, for pets and for shelters. “Not only does it keep that family together and keep that pet in that home, it frees up limited resources for other animals that really cannot stay in the home or are victims of cruelty or natural disaster,” says Bershadker. There will still be situations, though, where an animal will be best off with a loving new owner. These might include family changes — the owner dies or goes into a nursing home, a new baby has allergies — or if two pets are truly not getting along despite good training advice. “I think it’s a very personal, individual decision, but if one animal’s quality of life is so diminished because the other one won’t let it relax and enjoy life, I think that’s a situation where the owner might want to think long and hard about whether one of those animals might do better elsewhere,” says Bershadker. If you do decide that re-homing is the best solution, both directors, perhaps surprisingly, agree: Don’t go to the shelter first. “Try to re-home it on your

own first, using your own network,” says Bershadker. “You know this animal better than anyone else. You know what kind of home he or she is going to thrive in better than anyone else.” And even the best shelter can be stressful for animals — cats, especially, easily get sick, and dogs may not show their best qualities to potential adopters. There are now websites where you can post your pet’s profile and meet adopters directly, much like a dating site. Private rescues where animals are kept in foster homes are another possibility, but, Harmon says, do your research carefully. Many of these are great; others have been the subject of cruelty and hoarding investigations. Don’t just trust what they post online — “anyone can do a great social media site,” she says. Look deeper. But do remember that your local shelter may be able to do more for you than you realized. “We’re so much more than an adoption agency,” says Harmon. And while you may never expect to need that help, neither did Glover. In fact, in better times, she donated to the ASPCA herself. So next time you’re looking to adopt a new pet, don’t assume that animal was thoughtlessly discarded. “I think about Tuna, and I think about Dragon and Ladybug,” says Glover. “When you have to make the choice of who’s staying and who’s going — you think about the fact that these animals have grown up with you, you’ve watched them from when they were born till the moment they took their first steps till they started running around. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make.” ■

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Katipunan (KKK) Monument in Manila, Philippines. PHUONG D. NGUYEN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Katipunan Tree: Mute witness to history BY SEVERINO SAMONTE Philippine News Agency MANILA — A heritage duhat tree renamed “Katipunan Tree” 38 years ago, to perpetuate the memory of the revolutionary organization put up by Gat Andres Bonifacio in July 1892, will serve as a mute witness to the celebration of the 120th anniversary of Philippine Independence in Novaliches, Quezon City on Tuesday. The commemorative rites will be under the joint auspices of the Knights of Columbus-St. Maximilian Ma. Kolbe Assembly ACN 2993 and Novaliches District Assembly ACN 2360 and Metro Manila College (MMC), formerly the Novaliches Academy, in Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches. Mario Malacad, past grand knight of the K of C-Immaculate Conception Parish in neighboring Barangay San Agustin, Novaliches, said the celebration will include a simple civic parade and program; and floral offerings at the foot of the ancient tree situated at the compound of the MMC. The guest speaker will be Knights of Columbus Sir Knight Marlon Manaol, according to K of C Faithful Navigator Sir Knight William James Pierce. The theme of this year’s cel-

ebration is ”Kalayaan 2018: Pagbabagong Ipinaglaban, Alay sa Masaganang Kinabukasan” (Freedom 2018: Achieving Changes for Tomorrow’s Progress). The old duhat tree, estimated to be over 180 years old, was renamed Katipunan Tree in April 1980 by the then National Historical Institute and the Tree Preservation Foundation of the Philippines Inc. (TPFPI) in cooperation with the MMC. Its renaming was designed to preserve the memory of the revolutionary society called KKK or ”Kataas-taasang, Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan” (Highest and Most Venerable Society of the Sons of the Country). Despite its old age, the duhat tree continues to bear fruits, but these are becoming smaller every year and not as succulent or full of juice as before. Its shade and height also have been reduced as detached old branches and twigs have not been replaced. Dr. Mamerto Miranda, founder and president of the MMC, said during the marking of the tree in 1980 that the revolutionary heroine Melchora Aquino, better known as Tandang Sora, used to treat the sick and wounded Katipuneros under the shade of the particular duhat tree during the early days of the 1896 Revolution. ■

Lifestyle

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

Museum preparing to take historic plane to Normandy in 2019 BY KIM BRIGGEMAN The Associated Press MISSOULA, MONT. — It seems preposterous. Take an historic, over-thehills smokejumper plane that was last airborne in 2001, fix it up to federal standards, and fly it to Europe next year for the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Maybe even drop jumpers into France, pulling ripcords of old-fashioned round parachutes and wearing suits their grandfathers used during the Normandy invasion in France on June 6, 1944. And while you’re there, hit Germany to take part in the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Berlin Airlift (194849). That’s the dream of the Museum of Mountain Flying at the Missoula airport, where the historic Johnson Flying Services C-47, known by many as the Mann Gulch plane, sits as the centerpiece. In just a few weeks the dream, bolstered by devotees of old planes, smoke jumping and World War II, among others, has assumed a tangible air of reality. “It’s not a once-in-a-generation opportunity. It’s not a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s a one-time opportunity,” said Bryan Douglass, a local pilot and engineer who’s heading up logistics for the Miss Montana to Normandy project. D-Day is commemorated every year on the French coast, an annual event that touches all who take part. Because June 6 falls on a Wednesday this year, many of the parades and historic marches, sightseeing tours, military fairs, camp reconstructions, parachute drops and exhibitions are taking place on the weekend. But the 75th anniversary in 2019 promises to be unique. “This will probably be the last major D-Day anniversary where veterans are alive to attend, so it just won’t ever happen again,” Douglass said. “We’ve got this remarkable airplane here. It’s just got to be there.” “There” will first be Duxford Field in England, where Doug-

las C-47 Skytrains, or Dakotas, from around the world will meet and practice for “Daks Over Normandy.” The workhorse transport planes dropped most of the 24,000 Allied troops who landed by parachute or glider in German-held territory in Normandy on those fateful nights and days in 1944. It’s been called the boldest and most successful large-scale invasion in military history and resulted, after months of intense fighting, in the liberation of France. The final domino to fall was Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Germany the following spring. The formal launching of the Miss Montana to Normandy campaign isn’t until June 15-16 at the regional Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) fly-in, the largest gathering of aircraft Missoula has ever seen. But already support from around and outside Montana is pouring in. “It’s unbelievable,” said Eric Komberec, a pilot and trainer of pilots for Neptune Aviation of Missoula, who’s the project chairman. “Everybody you talk to and mention it to is on board and very interested in it.” In aviation circles, Montana’s prize C-47 is referred to as N24320. She’s been redubbed “Miss Montana” and will wear that name on her nose to Normandy. “It reflects really the representation of the whole state,” Douglass said. “It’s the only one in the state, as far as I know of, and it’s historic to the state, Mann Gulch and to Johnson Flying Service.” Komberec and Douglass head a 10-person committee that includes Missoula businesswoman Kathy Ogren, a longtime aviation enthusiast; Travis Booher, graphic, website and social media designer; Randy Schonemann, director of maintenance; Michael Anderson, marketing and logistics; and Katy Anderson and Crystal Schonemann, fundraising and public outreach. Dick and Barb Komberec are directors of operations. Katy Anderson said a website and Facebook page with the brands “Miss Montana to Normandy” will go up over the

weekend. Many others have expressed interest in helping out in what will be a yearlong process to make Miss Montana airworthy. “All these people that we know have said, ‘Count me in, I’ll move to Missoula to work on the airplane,’ “ Dick Komberec said. “That’s how they feel about it.” “With everyone’s help and support we will be managing this project with very structured and organized trained professionals with Part 121 airline expertise and safety culture backgrounds,” Eric Komberec said. Empire Airlines in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, has agreed to take on the role of aircraft airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Neptune Aviation is lending full support. A number of banks and local businesses are on board or have promised they will be. Come mid-June, after the AOPA fly-in, Miss Montana’s propellers will be removed and sent away to be overhauled. An expert in Grangeville, Idaho, will tear into and rebuild what needs to be rebuilt of the engines, one of which has only 30 hours on it. “We’re going to do this right,” Eric Komberec said. “It’s going to be first class. Then we’ll be able to fly the airplane for years to come.” Still there’ll be room for interested volunteers, who can help streamline operations under the watch of seasoned mechanics. The committee is on the lookout for Normandy survivors, several of whom lived in western Montana until passing away in recent years. Dick Komberec said the flight can be a way of honouring the likes of Dennis O’Loughlin, who as a “pathfinder” was among the first to parachute into Normandy and later wrote about his experiences. O’Loughlin died in 2008. (asterisk)(asterisk)(asterisk) Miss Montana came off the assembly line in Long Beach, California, on May 3, 1944, a month before D-Day. A military plane, she wasn’t part of the invasion, and the war was over before she could be deployed www.canadianinquirer.net

The Museum of Mountain Flying.

overseas. “She was commissioned to fight and she didn’t have the opportunity to fight, and so we’re taking her back to Normandy,” said Katy Anderson. “She gets to finish her mission.” N24320 was one of four C47s — the military versions of DC-3s — that Bob Johnson bought as military surplus after the war. Johnson Flying put three of them into service until the company was sold in 1975. Dick Komberec said one was eventually totalled by a hotshot pilot in Texas. Another is at the bottom of the ocean off the coast of Florida, after it was forced down while running drugs. “This is the survivor of the three,” said Komberec, who flew all three for Johnson from 1969-1975 and later became a commercial airline pilot. Miss Montana famously flew 12 smokejumpers from Hale Field in Missoula to their deaths on the Mann Gulch fire north of Helena in 1949. The tragedy was immortalized in Norman Maclean’s “Young Men and Fire.” At least one of the victims, 24-year-old David Navon of California, was at Normandy in ‘44. Almost forgotten in the airplane’s history was a December 1954 crash landing into the Monongahela River near Pittsburgh. Miss Montana was transporting American servicemen home from Germany for Christmas when she ran out of fuel. The plane emerged relatively unscathed after Capt. Harold Poe made a smooth

WWW.MUSEUMOFMOUNTAINFLYING.ORG

night-time landing close to shore. Passengers and crew scrambled onto the wing but several didn’t make it to land before the plane floated into the channel and sank. Poe made several rescue forays into the icy river but didn’t return from the last one. A Johnson employee from Seattle, he was one of 10 men who lost their lives that night. “This airplane survived for a reason, is the way I see it,” Dick Komberec said. One of the founders of the Museum of Mountain Flying, Komberec flew N24320 dozens of times for Johnson. He was at the helm on her last trip out of Missoula in 1975 after Johnson sold the company to Oregonbased Evergreen International. The plane resurfaced in the 1990s when Komberec, flying a 767 for Delta, spotted her among three DC-3s at McNeely Charter Service in West Memphis, Arkansas. With help from Missoula air enthusiasts and businesses, the museum bought the aircraft for $125,000 in 2001. Komberec piloted her home, taking a detour on the way to circle Mann Gulch, “just for the hell of it,” he said. Miss Montana assumed her place of honour when the flying museum opened in an airport hangar in 2006. She’s well-maintained and fired up several times, but the aircraft that’s nearly 65 feet long and 17 feet high with a wingspan of 95 1/2 feet, hasn’t left the ground since she arrived in Missoula 17 ❱❱ PAGE 24 Museum preparing

Sports PH team paddles to victory in Beijing dragon boat tourney BY GREGGY EUGENIO Philippine News Agency BEIJING, CHINA — The Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat National Team bagged both the grand prize and the third place in the 2018 Beijing International Dragon Boat Invitational Tournament on June 9. The 28-man Filipino dragon boat team was divided into two groups to compete for a small boat 500 meter mixed team category. The Philippine Team A won the first place with a total time of 2 minutes and 13 seconds. Host country, China, secured the second place with 2 min-

utes and 18 seconds, while the Philippine Team B earned the third place with 2 minutes and 22 seconds. According to Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat team leader Hermie Macaranas, this is the first time that the national team joined the Beijing International Dragon Boat Tournament. Macaranas said they never imagined winning the tournament, especially with various strong dragon boat teams from China, Russia, Taiwan and Ukraine. “We were really nervous especially that it was a close fight in the elimination and semifinals. We didn’t expect that both our teams would qualify

for the finals, what more about winning and dominating all 11 countries in the competition,” Macaranas said in Filipino. The competition is also the team’s preparation for the upcoming competition of the national team in Dragon Boat Asian Games in Indonesia this coming August. “Actually, the competition was also our preparation for the upcoming games in Palembang, Indonesia. That’s dubbed as the Asian Games of the Dragon boat. This serves as our exposure and training as well,” he added. The Philippine team will head to Shenzhen for another dragon boat tournament on Tuesday, June 12. ■

Manny Ott suffers facial fracture after collision with Kozawa BY IVAN STEWART SALDAJENO Philippine News Agency

inadvertent elbow from Ryuki Kozawa while jocking for position to get the ball late into the second half of their showdown at the Biñan Football Stadium in Biñan. Ott was stretchered out of the game to the surprise of most of the spectators, who were looking at the live action at the other end.

MANILA — Ceres Negros’ key player Manny Ott could be spending some time on the sideline for both his club and the Philippine Azkals as he suffered a facial fracture during the PFL match against JPV Marikina on Saturday. “Guess it Please protect your players didn’t work out [because] they are playing for well. Have a fracnational team also. ture under my eye that needs to be surgically fixed!” the midfielder said on “Nobody cares about the his Instagram page. players” With a surgery set later this Right after the 1-1 draw was week, Ott is likely to miss Ne- formalized, Negros coach Risto gros’ PFL and AFC Cup cam- Vidakovic hit out at the referees paigns and will be questionable for just letting go of the said infor the Azkals’ upcoming games cident, in which he thought Kolater this year. zawa should have been booked. The injury was a result of an “We are talking about the im-

portance of the players--how important it is to protect them-and I think there is no sense anymore. Nobody cares about the players,” the Serbian mentor said. He then reiterated his claim on Twitter, saying, “[The] elbow is not [called a] red card, not even yellow, and [for] many times, [it] is not even [a] foul here in our league. Please protect your players [because] they are your playing for your national team also.” Negros has flown back to its home at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod as the club hosts Davao at 7 p.m. Wednesday. On the other hand, Marikina, once again the designated home team, returns to the Biñan Football Stadium to face Laguna earlier in the night at 4 p.m. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

The Brazil national football team.

NEYMAR JR. / TWITTER

Brazil right at home at World Cup base in sunny Sochi BY TALES AZZONI The Associated Press SOCHI, RUSSIA — It didn’t take long before Neymar and his Brazil teammates started heading to the beach after the team arrived at its World Cup base in Sochi. The five-time world champions are feeling quite at home at the Black Sea resort city, enjoying warm temperatures and a private beach. Players were so comfortable, in fact, that the team’s first practice session ended Tuesday with Neymar and others throwing eggs and flour at playmaker Philippe Coutinho and defender Fagner, who were celebrating their birthdays. Just two (Neymar and Coutinho) of the world’s three priciest players having a laugh ahead of a tournament where they’ll be carrying heavy expectations. Brazil has near-ideal conditions for its World Cup preparations in Sochi, with possibly the closest setting to what the team had back home before travelling to Russia. “It was a positive first impression, the beauty of the city, its beaches,” goalkeeper Alisson said. “We are having lunch and breakfast with a view of the sea.

That’s a plus for us.” The private beach at the team’s luxury hotel was a hit with the players from the start. Neymar was one of the first to take a shirtless walk by the sand on the team’s day off on Monday. He and other players posted photos taking time off by the beach. Brazil practiced for the first time in Sochi on Tuesday and allowed local fans to attend the training session. Nearly 4,000 people were handed tickets to watch the team’s first activity on Russian soil. “It’s important to have contact with the local fans,” Alisson said. “We are happy that it happened. We’ll try to get to know more of their city in the coming days.” Fans loudly chanted Neymar’s name during the session, and the squad was at ease throughout. One young fan invaded the pitch to try to get closer to the players, taking a selfie with midfielder Casemiro before being escorted out. Sochi, which hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics, was always Brazil’s first choice for its base. The country’s soccer federation went out of its way to secure the coveted location even before it knew where the team would be ❱❱ PAGE 33 Brazil right

Business How big is gig economy? Gov’t study shows how little we know BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Look around, and it seems more Americans are working outside traditional full-time jobs — whether as freelance graphic designers or independent contractors or Uber drivers. Or maybe not. A government report this week suggested that the proportion of such jobs hasn’t budged in the past decade. Yet the data carries limitations that indicate there’s still plenty we don’t know about the evolving U.S. job market. The Labor Department’s report concluded that more than 15 million Americans were working as independent contractors, on-call workers, temporary workers and for contract companies as of May 2017. That’s equal to about 10.1 per cent of the American workforce, down slightly from 10.8 per cent when the government last conducted the survey, in 2005. That conclusion contradicts a body of academic research that has found a significant increase in what economists call “alternative work arrangements.” Two leading economists, Lawrence Katz and Alan Krueger, found in a 2016 study that the number of people in alternative work had risen by more than 50 per cent in 2015 from a decade earlier, to 23.6 million. And the Federal Reserve released a report last month that said nearly one-third of Americans rely on side jobs or so-called “gig” work to supplement their incomes. So what might explain the disparities between the government’s report and other research? Here are areas where economists agree with the report’s conclusions, where they found it lacking and why it all matters: Gig economy hype is overdone

You may be able to grab an

Uber in every big city. But that doesn’t mean the nation as a whole is engulfed by people finding work through mobile apps. The government’s report appears to put the “gig economy” in proper perspective: Such jobs hardly seem to represent the future of work in America. Katz and Kruger’s study found that just 0.5 per cent of workers engaged in online gig work in 2015. The growth they found had occurred mostly among independent contractors and workers for companies that provide contract services, such as cleaning services or security guards. A separate study by JPMorgan Chase Institute estimated that gig workers were levelling off at about 1 per cent of the workforce in 2016. Still, Katz said he was surprised by the government report’s overall conclusions. The improving economy — and an unemployment rate at an 18year low of 3.8 per cent — could have pulled some people into traditional full-time jobs in the 2 1/2 years since their report, Katz said.

over the same period, probably because of the housing bust, Puente said. Drive for Uber part time? You weren’t counted

Puentes and some other analysts said the government’s report probably undercounted the number of people in alternative jobs. In considering whether to include someone as part of the alternative workforce, it considered only a worker’s primary job. So anyone who worked at a retailer for, say, 20 hours a week and drove for Uber 10 hours a week wasn’t counted in the government’s calculation of alternative workers. In most surveys, the Labor Department focuses on primary jobs and collects little information on secondary work. Yet roughly one-third of the contractors on Thumbtack use it only for secondary sources of income, Puentes said. And for some gig economy apps, that figure can reach 80 per cent. In addition, the government asked people only whether they’d worked independently in the past week. Given the erratic work schedules of many

proportion of Americans filing Schedule C forms, used for business income, has risen steadily in the past decade, even while the Labor Department’s surveys have found that selfemployment has declined. “It looks like it is increasingly difficult to measure self-employment,” Katz said. Contracted out? You might not have been counted either

Katz and Krueger’s 2016 study found a sizable increase in Americans working for conMore drivers, fewer tracting firms — companies construction that provide, for workers example, janitoThere are rial or security more indepenservices. dent workers Successful companies typically pay Many econoin some induseven their lower-skilled employees mists regard tries, but they above-average wages; they’re that as a bigger were offset in much less likely to do so for concern than gig the government contractors. workers: When data by declines a company conelsewhere, says tracts out its serLucas Puente, vices, it typically chief economist at Thumbtack, gig workers — most prize the does so to cut costs through an online marketplace for pho- flexibility it affords — that nar- lower wages or skimpier bentographers, plumbers and other rowly phrased question might efits. Successful companies contractors. also have contributed to an un- typically pay even their lowerThe number of indepen- dercount. skilled employees above-averdent contractors rose by about age wages; they’re much less 200,000 in transportation from Tax records point to more likely to do so for contractors. 2005 to 2017, the government’s independent work Yet the government counted report found. That likely reAnother puzzle is that tax only a subset of contract workflects the growth of ride-hailing data suggests that more Amer- ers — those who work for just services. But the number of in- icans are self-employed as one customer, like security dependent contractors in con- freelancers or independent guards at a specific building. It struction fell by about 225,000 contractors, Katz said. The didn’t include people who work www.canadianinquirer.net

for multiple customers, such as employees at a commercial laundry cleaning linen for a hotel that once did it in-house. The government wanted to avoid also counting higher-end consultants and others who serve multiple companies. “A much more important phenomenon (than gig workers) is this domestic outsourcing, and we don’t measure that very well,” Eileen Appelbaum, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. “They show up in the data as standard employees.” So what does it matter?

The government’s report was the subject of intense interest in part because of the impact it might have on the policy debates surrounding independent work. Freelance advocates say their ranks are growing steadily. Many say policymakers should consider ways to help them, such as by making health and retirement benefits more portable from job to job. But if independent work isn’t growing much, than such changes aren’t as urgent. “If we don’t understand the labour market in the United States, we won’t have policies that reflect how it works,” said Stephane Kasriel, CEO of Upwork, an online freelance marketplace. ■

Business

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

LTFRB to set, regulate fares of TNCs BY AEROL JOHN PATEÑA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has released an order that will grant authority to the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to regulate the operations of transportation network companies (TNCs) and transportation network vehicle services (TNVS) units nationwide. The Department Order, signed by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade Monday, will allow the LTFRB to determine the fare, rates and other charges of TNCs after undergoing public hearings and consultations to ensure that they are just and reasonable. This will ensure that the TNCs and TNVS will comply with policies, laws, and regulations as the DOTr recognizes their role in providing trans-

port services to the public. “We acknowledge the value of TNCs into our land transport system. Bago ito at maraming bansa ang nangangapa pa sa kung papaano ito i-handle. But, since it is convenient and efficient, and our people need them, nararapat lamang na bigyan natin ito ng puwang (This is new and many countries are still trying to grasp on how to handle this transport service. But, since it is convenient and efficient, and our people need them, it is proper that we let them operate),” Tugade said in a statement. “If you engage in public transport, you have responsibilities. It is important to have regulations so we can monitor and ensure that nobody will be disadvantaged. Do you want that you are legally operating but others are not? Of course we want to ensure a level playing field and equal competition,” he added. For his part, Undersecretary

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.

for Road Transport and Infrastructure Tim Orbos said the order will uphold the safety and protection of the riding public. “With an operations imbued with public interest, state regulation is necessary in order to ensure that the interests of all parties, most especially the riding public, are protected,” Or-

PCOO

bos said. The LTFRB is in charge of issuing franchises, setting of routes, setting of operating conditions, and imposing fines, suspensions, and cancellations when necessary for all public utility vehicles. Meanwhile, ridesharing company Grab said it will comply

with the order of the DOTr and assures the riding public that it is committed to provide safer and reliable transportation services. “We have yet to receive a copy of the Department Order but rest assured Grab will comply, as always, to follow the orders set forth by the DOTr. We also recognize and reiterate our deference to the authority of the LTFRB and we will continue to abide by the regulations issued by the Board,” it said in a statement. “Grab will continue to support the DOTr and the LTFRB in their mandate to ensure the safety and protection of commuters,” it added. The new order will supersede Department Order No. 2015011 which allows TNCs to set their own fares and rates. The 2015 order has been cited by Grab as legal basis for imposing rates such as a PHP2-perminute travel charge and the PHP80 to PHP125 minimum base fares. ■

DOF reviews HSBC: PH to benefit from carriers’ tax on int’l China’s ‘new world order’ air, sea cargo vessels BY KRIS CRISMUNDO Philippine News Agency

PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The Department of Finance (DOF) is reviewing the implementation of a law imposing a common carriers tax on international air and sea cargo vessels doing business in the Philippines to ensure a level playing field. According to a statement issued Monday, finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III gave this assurance during a recent meeting with Danish officials including Danish Ambassador Jan Top Christensen and Denmark’s Minister of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs Brian Mikkelsen. Dominguez said his department is currently studying the legislation, particularly the revenue regulations, to improve the country’s competitiveness in the global shipping and air cargo sectors. “We are seriously reviewing this and again the goal is to

make it fair to everyone and to make it a level playing field for all participating in the business. We are going to review the BIR (Bureau of Internal Revenue) issuances,” Dominguez said. Republic Act 10378, or an “Act Recognizing the Reciprocity Among Nations as Basis for Granting Income Tax Exemption to International Ships”, exempts international carriers from paying the 3-percent common carriers tax imposed on passengers but not on cargo. The DOF said international carriers that want to be granted Philippine income tax exemption on the basis of reciprocity, may file for a confirmatory ruling for its exemption with the BIR’s International Tax Affairs Division. Under RA 10378, reciprocity refers to “an applicable tax treaty or international agreement to which the Philippines is a signatory” or when the home country of an international carrier grants income tax exemption to Philippine carriers. ■

MANILA — The Philippines stands to benefit from China’s new world order, as the Asia’s economic giant is bullish in opening its market in response to external headwinds due to trade protectionism. HSBC Private Banking Managing Director and Head of Investment Strategy and Advisory for Asia Fan Cheuk Wan said in a media roundtable here Wednesday that China’s economy is expected to be more engaging and will strengthen its economic collaboration with regional partners, particularly ASEAN member states. Fan highlighted investment opportunities in the region arising from China’s industrial policy. As part of its new world order, China aims to bring investments in 10 key strategic sectors such as new information technology, numerical control tools, aerospace equipment, high-tech ships, railway equipment, energy saving, new www.canadianinquirer.net

materials, medical devices, agricultural machinery, and power equipment. “We expect China in this new world order would become even more engaging with the regional economy, through the Belt and Road Initiative. Enhanced economic collaboration with Asian trade partners including ASEAN, we would expect intra-regional trade to expand,” said Fan. HSBC Private Banking Chief Market Strategist Williem Sels noted that the industrial policy direction of China points to sourcing more products in the upper value chain. “China is going up in terms of trade. So the things that China will want from the Philippines, as well if you got offered, is more and more going up [the value chain],” said Sels. Moreover, Fan mentioned that as China focus on development strategy on industrial and consumption in the next five years, the country will be seeking other markets with lower production cost. “When China is upgrading

its technological standards for manufacturing sector, on one hand, they are also seeking for alternative production base. They have been increasing outward direct investments. This is going to be a sustainable trend,” Fan pointed out. With this, competitive production cost offered by ASEAN countries will be attractive to Chinese enterprises, Fan said. She noted that the Philippines’ competitive advantage among its ASEAN peers is its robust domestic economy, which expanded by 6.8 percent in the first quarter of 2018. She added that the improvement in bilateral relations between the governments of the Philippines and China would provide favorable environment to take advantage of the rising outward direct investments from China. “When you look at the data in 2017, Chinese investments in the Philippines has sustained really strong growth and this is likely to be an ongoing trend in 2018,” Fan said. ■

Technology Canada to hold key 5G spectrum auction in 2020, says Innovation Minister Bains BY DAVID PADDON The Associated Press TORONTO — Canada’s government will auction key wireless spectrum for fifth-generation mobile networks in 2020, Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said Wednesday. “We believe this puts us in a relatively strong position relative to our international peers,” Bains said prior to his speech at the Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto. “We will still be ahead of Australia and Germany and will be (among) the top five countries when it comes to making spectrum available for 5G.” Industry players — particularly Telus — have called for the auction of 3,500 megahertz spectrum in 2019 to keep up with other countries as smartphone makers bring out devices capable of using 5G networks. Mobile 5G wireless technology is up to 100 times faster than the 4G system, promising better internet on smartphones well as potential applications for self-driving cars and other new technology. On Monday, the chief technology officer for Telus Corp. told the conference that Canadian consumers will be at a disadvantage if the government delays holding the auction of the 3,500 MHz spectrum that will help support 5G technology until 2020. “You will not be able, as a Canadian, to use the latest Samsung phone, or the latest LG, or the latest Huawei, or even the

Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains at the Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto.

latest iPhone, till 2021,” Telus CTO Ibrahim Gedeon predicted in an interview after his Monday speech. But Bains said Wednesday that his ministry believes 2020 will be soon enough to hold the spectrum auction. He also noted that his department has already announced an auction of 600 MHz spectrum in 2019 — which Bains says has 5G potential — and that it will hold a 2021 auction of 5Gfriendly millimetre-wave spectrum. The government’s timetable will ensure the 5G friendly spectrum will be available to meet consumer demand for the ultra-fast mobile networks that Canada’s major carriers are already putting in place, he said. “What we want to do is have a proper plan when it comes to

the deployment of spectrum,” Bains told reporters after his speech. “That’s why we’ve presented a five-year outlook, to provide the predictability for businesses.” Businesses will be responsible for making strategic decisions about how they bring out 5G technology, and what adjustments they need to make, he said. “The guiding principle for us is more competition…we fundamentally believe that more competition will drive down prices.” Bains acknowledged that Canada has some of the world’s most expensive telecom prices, but said there’s evidence that wireless prices are generally lower in regions that have competition between multiple carriers.

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The timing and conditions of wireless spectrum auctions are among the government’s tools to stimulate competition, he said. Bains also announced that many of Canada’s internet service providers have agreed to provide eligible families with at least 100 gigabytes of landline data service for $10 per month, at a target speed of 10 megabits per second. A similar approach for lowcost basic wireless data plans is being pursued by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission, an arms-length body within the department that Bains heads. “I can assure you that as a government we will … look at every tool in our tool box to drive home the message around affordability.”

Conference co-organizer Mark Goldberg, an independent telecom consultant, said he was glad that Bains had used his influence as minister to get internet providers across the country to join the industry-funded Connecting Families program. Goldberg said he and co-organizer Michael Son had begun to call in 2008 for government and industry to bridge the “digital divide” between families that can afford internet service at home and those who can’t. He said Rogers Communications Inc. was the first industry player in 2013 to announce a program for people in Toronto community housing, which has grown, and Telus followed a few years later with a similar program in B.C. and Alberta. “Now we have (seven) service providers that cover virtually the entire country,” Goldberg said. He said the government isn’t providing funding for the lowcost internet service but it will help internet service providers select up to 220,000 eligible households that receive the Canadian Child Benefit for lowincome families. The Connecting Families initiative currently includes BCE’s Bell, Cogeco, Rogers, SaskTel, Shaw, Telus, and Quebecor’s Videotron. According to Innovation, Science and Economic Development documents, Eastlink isn’t participating due to cost concerns. Internet resellers and satellite companies are also not participating, the department said. ■

Technology

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

China’s Huawei says it hasn’t Amazon unveils collected Facebook user data nearly hands free streaming TV device

BY GERRY SHIH The Associated Press BEIJING — Chinese phone maker Huawei said Wednesday it has never collected or stored Facebook user data, after the social media giant acknowledged it shared such data with Huawei and other manufacturers. Huawei, a company flagged by U.S. intelligence officials as a national security threat, was the latest device maker at the centre of a fresh wave of allegations over Facebook’s handling of private data. Chinese firms Huawei, Lenovo, Oppo and TCL were among numerous handset makers that were given access to Facebook data in a “controlled” way approved by Facebook, according to a statement Tuesday from Francisco Varela, Facebook’s vice-president of mobile partnerships. The development marked the latest privacy gaffe for Facebook since allegations emerged in March that political consultant Cambridge Analytica had improperly harvested data from tens of millions of Facebook users in an effort to influence elections. On Wednesday, the former CEO of the now-defunct firm, Alexander Nix, clashed with British lawmakers as he denied his firm was unethical. Nix said he’s embarrassed at having been caught on camera boasting that he could entrap political figures by compromising them with bribes and Ukrainian women. But he insisted he was entrapped by unscrupulous, undercover journalists. Channel 4 News rejected Nix’s claim. As for Facebook’s partnerships with phone makers, The New York Times has detailed how Facebook has given device makers deep access to data, including work history, relationship status and likes on device users and their friends. In a follow-up report, the Times said the recipients of Facebook data included Huawei and other Chinese firms that have long been labeled a national security threat by Congress. Facebook said it would end its data partnership

BY JOSEPH PISANI The Associated Press

Facebook app on a HUAWEI P10.

with Huawei by the end of this week. While Facebook is banned in China, the government could have had access to user profiles elsewhere, including those of Americans with Huawei phones. However, there’s no evidence that happened. Facebook said it helped design and approved Huawei’s app, so it knows the data remained on users’ phones and wasn’t transferred to Huawei. Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the news raises legitimate concerns and wanted to know how Facebook ensured data was not transferred to Chinese servers. Huawei spokesman Joe Kelly said in a text message Wednesday that the arrangement was about making Facebook services more convenient for users. Facebook said it granted smartphone access to users’ data before mobile apps became popular, as a way of making its service work on a broad range of devices. Device makers could then build their own software that incorporated Facebook functions, for things like messaging or posting photos. User would log into their Facebook accounts, allowing the phone software to pull in data from Facebook itself. The partnerships were used for older phones to make Facebook work or at least work better, according to the company. Newer phones are more powerful and don’t need such data sharing. Nonetheless, Facebook didn’t get around to reviewing

NATEE MEEPIAN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

these partnerships until after the Cambridge Analytica scandal developed. Apple said it has worked with Facebook for years to let users share things on Facebook through iPhone and Mac apps. Apple said it used data pulled in from Facebook to let people post photos and other items on Facebook without opening the Facebook app. It ended that practice on the iPhone last September, although similar features persist on Mac computers. Hua Chunying, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, declined to comment on the issue but said: “We hope the U.S. can provide a fair, transparent, open and friendly environment for Chinese companies’ operation and investment.” The company, founded by former Chinese military officer Ren Zhengfei, has long denied that its products pose security risks even as it grew into the world’s largest telecom equipment provider and a leading phone manufacturer — behind only Apple and Samsung. Huawei and its Shenzhenbased rival ZTE have been the subject of security misgivings in the U.S. for years, but they have come under particular scrutiny since the start of the Trump administration amid rising U.S.-China tensions on a range of subjects. The Pentagon in May banned the sale of Huawei and ZTE phones on military bases, four months after AT&T dropped a deal to sell a new Huawei smartphone. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

NEW YORK — Alexa for couch potatoes is coming: Amazon’s new streaming TV device will let users shout out when they want to turn on the TV, flip channels or search for sitcoms — all without pushing any buttons. The Fire TV Cube is not entirely hands-free yet, however. Some apps or streaming services may require viewers to pick up the included remote to rewind or stop a show. Amazon says it’s working with those services to integrate voice commands. Amazon’s other voice-controlled Fire TV devices require a push of the remote’s mic button or a separate Echo device with Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant. Unlike the other devices, the Cube will let viewers switch between streaming services like Netflix and regular cable channels with such voice

commands as “Alexa, turn on ESPN.” The new device can also do typical Alexa tasks, such as playing “Jeopardy!” or fetching the weather, even when the TV is off. Amazon sees Alexa as a major part of its future. It has struck deals to put the voice assistant in cars, refrigerators and alarm clocks. Getting people to use Alexa keeps them tied to Amazon’s services and ultimately buying more from the online retailer. The Cube will be available later this month for $120. Nvidia’s Shield also offers hands-free streaming using Google’s digital assistant. Other devices, including Apple TV, require activation with the remote’s mic. The unveiling of the Fire TV Cube came as Amazon became the first internet streaming service to buy rights to Premiere League soccer matches, though they will be available only to Prime members in Britain under a three-year deal. ■

Brazil right... ❰❰ 29

playing its matches. The Austrian federation initially picked the five-star hotel where Brazil is staying, but luckily for the Brazilians the Europeans did not end up qualifying for the World Cup. Brazil will not play any matches in Sochi and will travel more than 4,300 miles (7,000 kilometres) for its group-stage games in Rostov-on-Don, St. Petersburg and Moscow. The federation said it wanted players at a place where they felt comfortable between matches and Sochi was the perfect site with “great infrastructure and a pleasant environment.” Brazil has its own hotel wing and meetings rooms have been transformed into areas where players can meet with family members and friends on days off. In addition to the “Family Room” and the “Friends Room,” which are visibly marked with signs on the wall, an area for the

players’ kids also was created. “Family means everything to us,” Alisson said. “They are the ones who are by our side in the good moments and in the bad moments. Having them near us makes our stay easier.” The hotel’s presidential suite, on the terrace overviewing the Black Sea, won’t have any guests as it was turned into a fitness area to aid with the players’ rehabilitation after matches. Brazil has been limiting fans’ access to players since its chaotic World Cup preparations in 2006, when the usually calm lakeside resort city of Weggis in Switzerland turned into what looked like a state fair as thousands of people flocked to town to watch Brazil’s open practice sessions under coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. Brazil was heavily favoured to win the title in Germany with a team that included Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaka and Adriano, but it was eliminated by France in the quarterfinals. ■

JUNE 15, 2018

CANADA

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Travel Living with a monster: Tourism at a Guatemala volcano BY MARK STEVENSON The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO DE SALES, GUATEMALA — Tourists reached out to feel the heat from the still-smouldering lava, tossed sticks to see them burst into flames or watched a guide toast marshmallows on hot rocks as they hiked on Guatemala’s Pacaya volcano, which days earlier had spewed lava. From the peak of Pacaya they had a clear view of the nearby Volcano of Fire, which erupted June 3, emitting a fast-moving avalanche of super-heated muck that killed at least 110 people and left about 200 missing. “I would encourage people to come and see the beauty of the place; there’s nothing necessarily to fear,” said Maximilian Penn, a chef from New York gazing at the breathtaking view. “It’s just important to have an understanding of what’s going on here. It’s a dangerous place, so you should have respect.” Volcano tourism is the life blood of villages like San Francisco de Sales, perched near Pacaya’s peak, and for locals it is a question of learning to live with a generous monster. Pacaya is the main tourist draw as it is more accessible while also offering a clear view of the Volcano of Fire. Silvia Sazo, one of the few

female tour guides at Pacaya, saw her own home destroyed by a 2010 eruption. Her family rebuilt in the same place, and there are still spots on the ground near her house where vapour and heat stream from the ground. “You can put eggs, corn and chayotes in the ground, and they cook,” she said. “We don’t have anywhere else to live. ... This is our way of life.” The Pacaya volcano began having effusive eruptions in 2006 while the deadly blast of ash and rock from the Volcano of Fire was an explosive eruption. Although locals don’t use the scientific terms, they know the difference: Explosive eruptions of ash, gas and rock can easily kill, while effusive eruptions — lava flows — can be interesting for tourists to look at. Some volcanos have both types, and Pacaya had an explosive blast in 2010 that killed a reporter and two locals. But there is always danger with both types, including the emission of toxic gases, notes John Stix, a professor at the earth and planetary sciences department at McGill University in Canada. “I think anyone who visits an active volcano needs to appreciate that there is some risk involved, and the risk increases as one gets closer to the active vent or crater,” Styx wrote.

Which, in far less scientific terms, is what locals say. “We don’t worry about the lava, we worry about the crater” from which explosive eruptions come, said Sazo. Residents who depend on Pacaya for their livelihood have learned to respect and read the volcano, like park maintenance worker Juan Francisco Alfaro, who lives in the nearby hamlet of Patrocinio. “We are always alert. You don’t wait, you go” if there is an explosive eruption, Alfaro said. Many carefully watch the colour of the plumes coming from the crater: White is OK, but black means danger. “We have a lot of respect for it,” Alfaro said. “One sees what happened to San Miguel Los Lotes,” which was destroyed by the Volcano of Fire eruption. Jose Quezada, who has guided tours for 18 years, estimates half the people in San Francisco de Sales earn a living from volcano tourism. “Over time, we have learned to live with the volcano,” he said. “You don’t fool around with the volcano.” Each day, Quezada gets reports from residents who have hiked up the mountain earlier in the day about where it is safe to take tour groups. Going to the summit and peering into the crater is no longer allowed.

Guatemala’s Pacaya volcano.

“If there is a change in the volcano, a change in its activity, we return immediately,” he said. Tourists come to Pacaya for the altitude, cool weather, stunning views and singular experience of seeing the force of nature. The altitude — the volcanos are the only geographic features rising off the steamy plains — is one reason why many people live in villages like San Francisco de Sales. It is perfect for growing coffee, but after a plant disease wiped out coffee trees, people recently began planting avocados. “Coffee is no longer profitable after we got coffee rust,” said farmer Roberto Mijango. “We’re only getting paid $18 for a 100-pound sack (46 kilograms) of coffee berries. The fertilizer costs more than that.” But the three- and four-yearold avocado trees won’t bear enough fruit to support the farmers for another few years.

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So without the tourism income, the villages around Pacaya would be impoverished. Samuel Dandoy, a tourist from a town in Belgium near the French border, stood near the top of Pacaya on Friday looking at the lava flow. “I really came for the volcanos in Guatemala,” said Dandoy. “I feel amazed. It’s really impressive.” Dandoy and his travelling companion, Camille Bourbeau of Montreal, lived through the ash that fell on Antigua from the Volcano of Fire. The two joined relief efforts, making sandwiches and distributing them to victims and rescuers. “I couldn’t just sit there, I had to do something” said Bourbeau. “I volunteered a bit. I made sandwiches for them. I went to give the supplies that were donated, so I felt I tried to help.” ■

Expensive Hawaii hotel stays could soon cost even more THE ASSOCIATED PRESS HONOLULU — Hawaii visitors already pay the highest rate in the nation for a hotel room, according to a recent report. That rate could soon increase after state lawmakers passed a bill that could apply transient accommodations tax to virtually any lodging business transaction, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.

Visitors paid an average of nearly $293 per night to stay in a Hawaii hotel through March of this year, the most in the country, according to a Hawaii Hotel Performance Report released last month by the Hawaii Tourism Authority. Based on that figure, they also paid roughly $30.45 a night for the transient accommodations tax, currently 10.25 per cent of the room charge. The transient accommodation tax historically has been levied

solely on hotel, resort and timeshare industry rooms. It hasn’t applied to daily resort fees, which might include a variety of bundled offerings from fitness centre use to bottled water, WiFi, phone calls and the like. If the bill becomes law, hotel, resort and timeshare visitors would automatically pay at least another $2 to $8 per night to cover transient accommodations tax on resort fees and parking alone, according to a study conwww.canadianinquirer.net

ducted last month by Travel Hawaii. Factor in conference events and wedding banquets, and costs could quickly add up. Supporters say the bill would beef up resources by adding a minimum of $11 million in revenue to the state budget. Eric Gill, secretary-treasurer for Unite Here Local 5, which represents about 12,000 union members, said the union does not support the final version of the bill because it believes it could have

unintended consequences. “Nickel-and-diming undermines guest satisfaction,” Gill said. “It affects tipping, and it could impact banquet bookings and other business.” Gov. David Ige has until June 25 to veto the bill. Bill opponents are circulating a petition, which already has 1,750 signatures, to present to Ige, Hawaii Lodging and Tourism Association President and CEO Mufi Hannemann said. ■

Travel

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

Explore an abandoned Tourists can now experience Chinese village now the ancient sport of falconry engulfed by nature BY LISA RATHKE The Associated Press

BY SAM MCNEIL AND FU TING The Associated Press HOUTOUWAN, CHINA — Blanketed with greenery, the ghost town is perched atop cliffs looking west into sea mists obscuring the horizon. Abandoned homes ravaged by weather and creeping vines stand silent but for the surf, the whine of mosquitos, and birdsong. This is Houtouwan — “Back Bay” in Mandarin — an abandoned fishing village engulfed by nature on the far eastern island of Shengshan, 90 kilometres off the coast of Shanghai. Small groups of tourists on a recent weekend braved muddy footpaths through overgrown lawns to chase foggy photographs and answers to the question: What happened to the village? The story of the Wang family may provide one answer. Wang Yi left the village at the age of 5 when his family moved to the island’s main town to access its better services. When he returns to Houtouwan, the 27-year-old college graduate gathers honeysuckles for a fragrant tea that reminds him of his birthplace. Memories of village festivals draw infectious laughter from his mother Zhu Mandi, who still dreams about her childhood among the mist-shrouded mountains next to the sea. “I dream of playing here, and it looked like it did when we played here when I was young,” Zhu

said, pointing at her former family home. Vines have since wound through the three-story house and ivy has crept through the now broken wooden front door. The island draws tourists from the mainland intrigued by the village’s unique devastation. Ivy cloaks some buildings completely but on many Houtouwan houses, beautiful roof tiles still gleam and broken verandas offer majestic views of the stormy sea. Visitors must take a boat to Shengshan then a taxi up a hill to a cemetery overlooking the village, and then descend down perilous footpaths into the mist and ivy. Huang Dan, a 22-year-old student, was among the visitors on a recent weekend who said she wanted to photograph the beauty of human structures subsumed by roots, rain, vines and wind. “It feels like this place belonged to nature from the very beginning, and the old invaders finally left, and nature finally made it back,” she said. The village isn’t entirely abandoned. Five people still reside here with a relaxed pack of dogs that roam the empty homes. Sun Ayue lives in a small home just off the main path through the old village. The 62-year old former fisherman remembers the village’s boom times — and the bust. China is the world’s largest fishing nation. But poor en-

The abandoned fishing village of Houtouwan.

❱❱ PAGE 38 Explore an

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WOODSTOCK, VT. — Falconry is an old tradition in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom and the Middle East. But now it’s starting to be offered as an activity for tourists at hotels, vineyards and other sites around the U.S., from Vermont to Colorado to California. The ancient sport of using birds of prey to hunt wild animals has existed for at least 4,000 years. Experiences designed for tourists typically show off the birds’ flight and faithful return to their handlers, though in these programs, birds don’t usually bring back creatures they’ve caught. During a 45-minute session at the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock, Vermont, a professional falconer flies a trained bird and provides a history of falconry and information about raptors. Then guests can try it themselves, handling and free-flying a Harris’s hawk, or they can just observe the sport. In a longer 90-minute session, a second raptor is flown. Bouchaine Vineyards in the Carneros region of California’s Napa Valley started using falconers in 2016 to keep other birds — like starlings and migratory species— from eating their grapes. Visitors were so intrigued to see the peregrine falcons fly and work with their trainer that the vineyard decided to offer experience to its guests, along with wine-tasting and lunch. “It’s wonderful to showcase the site. It’s amazing to showcase the birds, and to be able to actually hold a glove out and have a falcon land on your hand is really an incredible experience,” said Chris Kajani, Bouchaine winemaker and general manager. At New England Falconry in Vermont last month, a young Harris’s hawk was eager to do what’s he’s trained to do. He launched from a high wooden platform soaring through the swirling winds over a grassy field and landed squarely on the falconer’s gloved hand where he was rewarded with a piece of www.canadianinquirer.net

A Peregrine falcon.

meat. The Harris’s hawk — the most social raptor because it hunts in groups— had rich brown and tawny feathers, sturdy yellow legs with long black talons, and intense eyes that allow him to spot prey while soaring high in the sky. “He has fun out here,” falconer Jessica Snyder says of the 1-year-old hawk named Audubon. “He can catch himself meadow voles, anything from even a worm. He likes to eat worms. He has about 10 times the sight ability of an average human.” Next Snyder brought out a screeching female barn owl, its flat white face appearing a little sleepy in the broad daylight. The nocturnal owl with its golden spotted feathers perked up and took flight, flying slower and lower than the hawk, its wings silent in the wind. Snyder called her with a whistle and a “pshhht” sound because as an owl she’s very sound-oriented. The birds have a bell and an antenna attached to their leg so they can be heard or tracked if they fly off. And each bird has a unique personality, she said. The ancient sport of using birds to hunt rabbits, squirrels, ducks, even foxes declined with the introduction of guns. Falconry only arrived in the U.S. in the early 1900s and tended to be a sport for the elite, according to Sheldon Nicolle, president of the North American Falconers Association. A recent bestselling memoir, “H is for Hawk,” helped intro-

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duce falconry to contemporary readers through the story of a woman training a northern goshawk in England while grieving for her father. Nicolle estimates there are likely 20 or 30 opportunities for falconry experiences around the country in addition to the Woodstock Inn and Bouchaine Vineyards, including in southern Vermont at the Equinox resort, and the Broadmoor resort in Colorado Springs, Colorado. “As a falconer, I always tell people essentially all we are is extreme bird-watchers because we’re getting to watch this up close and personal,” he said. If You Go...

NEW ENGLAND FALCONRY: Open year-round, by appointment only. Located at 4148 Hartland Hill Rd., Woodstock, Vermont. 802-457-6621. http://www.falconryatwoodstockvt.com/ . Rates: introductory session: $95, $30 for participant who doesn’t handle hawks. Extended session: $180 per participant, $50 for participant who doesn’t handle hawks. Located about 260 miles (418 kilometres) from New York City and 140 miles (225 kilometres) from Boston. BOUCHAINE VINEYARDS: Falconry vineyard experiences are offered in spring, summer and fall by reservation, (800) 654-WINE or 707-252-9065. Located at 1075 Buchli Station Road, Napa, California. The cost is $200 per person, including wine tasting and lunch in the Bouchaine gardens. ■

Food COOKING ON DEADLINE:

Israeli Couscous, Swiss Chard, Peppers BY LISA RATHKE The Associated Press ISRAELI OR Mediterranean couscous are tiny balls of toasted semolina pasta that plump up when cooked into toothsome, chewy, slightly less tiny balls of pasta. They are delicious and satisfying and make a great base for a hearty side or salad. You can make the couscous according to the directions on the package, or use this method if you prefer. Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a medium pot over medium high heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 1/2 cups Israeli couscous, and stir it occasionally for about 3 minutes, until it starts to colour. Add 2 1/3 cups broth or water, cover the pot, and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat and continue to simmer for about 12 minutes, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Then turn off the heat and let sit covered for another 2 minutes. This is a beautiful side dish. I love using rainbow chard but you can use other varieties of chard, and play around and swap in different types of greens. This is very nice served warm, but it’s also a great room temperature salad, perfect for a picnic or a potluck barbecue party. It can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. Israeli couscous, Swiss chard and peppers

Serves: 6 to 8 Start to finish: 45 minutes

• 1 red bell pepper • 1 yellow bell pepper • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste • 1 large bunch Swiss chard • 1 red onion, halved and sliced • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• 3 cups cooked Israeli or Mediterranean Couscous • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Seed, core, and cut the peppers into 1-inch pieces. On a rimmed baking sheet toss the

peppers with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spread them out. Roast the peppers for 10 to 12 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Meanwhile, chop the chard by slicing off the stems and roughly chopping the greens.

Rinse well in a colander, then shake the colander to get rid of excess moisture. Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then add the onions and saute for 4 minutes. Then add the garlic, and stir for another minute. Add the chard, season with salt and pepper and saute for about 5 minutes, until the chard is tender. Place the couscous in a mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the lemon juice, and toss to combine. Add the cooked peppers and chard, toss to combine everything well, and check for seasonings. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 183 calories; 57 calories from fat; 6 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 327 mg sodium; 27 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 3 g sugar; 5 g protein.

Turn yellow squash or zucchini into ribbons for a fun side AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN QUICK-COOKING AND delicately flavoured, yellow summer squash and zucchini are favourites in Mediterranean cuisines and perfect for a light side dish. To create a fresh, simple recipe, we started with very thinly sliced squash, using a peeler to make even “ribbons” and discarding the waterlogged seeds. The ultrathin ribbons browned and cooked so quickly that they didn’t have time to break down and release their liquid, eliminating the need to salt them before cooking. The cooked squash needed little embellishment; a quick, tangy vinaigrette of extra-virgin olive oil, garlic, and lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley rounded out the flavours. We like a mix of yellow sum-

mer squash and zucchini, but you can use just one or the other. The thickness of the squash ribbons may vary depending on the peeler used; we developed this recipe with a peeler that produces ribbons that are 1/32 inch thick. Steeping the minced garlic in lemon juice mellows the garlic’s bite; do not skip this step. To avoid overcooking the squash, start checking for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time. Sauteed zucchini ribbons

Servings: 4-6 Start to finish: 20 minutes

• 1 small garlic clove, minced • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon juice • 4 (6- to 8-ounce) zucchini or yellow summer squash, trimmed • 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper • 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

and gently toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve. ■

Combine garlic and lemon juice in large bowl and set aside for at least 10 minutes. Using vegetable peeler, shave off 3 ribbons from 1 side of summer squash, then turn squash 90 degrees and shave off 3 more ribbons. Continue to turn and shave ribbons until you reach seeds; discard core. Repeat with remaining squash. Whisk 2 tablespoons oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, and lemon zest into garlic-lemon juice mixture. Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just smoking. Add summer squash and cook, tossing occasionally with tongs, until squash has softened and is translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer squash to bowl with dressing, add parsley,

Nutrition information per serv-

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ing: 132 calories; 83 calories from fat; 9 g fat ( 1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 318 mg sodium; 11 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 4 g protein.

Food

JUNE 15, 2018

FRIDAY

The secret to an ultra chill sorbet is all in the pectin AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN RASPBERRY SORBET is refreshing-but it’s often too icy to be worth eating. For smooth scoops, we froze a small portion of the base separately, adding it back to the rest before churning. Because this small amount froze so rapidly, there wasn’t enough time for large ice crystals to grow; mixing this super-chilled mixture into the larger base encouraged the growth of similarly small crystals, for a fine-textured result. We also added pectin in addition to the berries’ natural amount to give the sorbet stability in and out of the freezer. If using a canister-style ice cream machine, be sure to freeze the empty canister for at least 24 hours and preferably 48 hours before churning. For self-refrigerating machines, prechill the canister by running the machine for 5 to 10 minutes before pouring in the sorbet mixture. Let the sorbet sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to soften before serving. Fresh or frozen berries may be used. If using frozen berries, thaw them before proceeding.

Raspberry sorbet

Servings: 8 Start to finish: 6 1/2 hours

• 1 cup water • 1 teaspoon powdered pectin such as sugar-less Sure-Jell • 1/8 teaspoon salt • 1 1/4 pounds (4 cups) raspberries • 1/2 cup (3 1/2 ounces) plus 2 tablespoons organic sugar • 1/4 cup light corn syrup Heat water, pectin, and salt in medium saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until pectin is fully dissolved, about 5 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and let cool slightly, about 10 minutes. Process raspberries, sugar, corn syrup, and cooled water mixture in food processor until smooth, about 30 seconds. Strain puree through fine-mesh strainer into bowl, pressing on solids to remove seeds and pulp (you should have about 3 cups puree); discard solids. Transfer 1 cup puree to small bowl and place remaining puree in large bowl; cover both bowls with plastic wrap. Place large bowl

in refrigerator and small bowl in freezer and chill for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours. (Small bowl will freeze solid.) Remove puree from refrigerator and freezer. Using tines of fork, scrape frozen puree into large bowl with chilled puree. Stir occasionally until frozen puree has fully dissolved. Transfer mixture to ice cream machine and churn until mixture resem-

bles thick milkshake and lightens in colour, 15 to 25 minutes. Transfer to airtight container and freeze until firm, at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. Serve. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 108 calories; 4 calories from fat; 0 g fat ( 0g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 49 mg sodium; 28 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 23 g sugar; 1 g protein.

Explore an... ❰❰ 36

forcement of fishing regulations has led to a rapid decline in fish stocks. Wang Yi, the college graduate, said fishermen returned from the sea with emptier and emptier nets before China imposed seasonal moratoriums on fishing operations in the late 1990s to protect fish stocks from further depletion. Yet Sun says most of the village’s 600 families ultimately left Houtouwan because it lacked proper roads and a school. “Transportation was inconvenient,” he said, making it difficult for teachers to get to Houtouwan from the main town Shengshan. “It was too far away. They arrived in the dark and left in the dark,” he said. Houtouwan is “a microcosm of the entire Chinese society,” said Zhao Yeqin, an associate sociology professor at the East China Normal University in Shanghai. The village reflects a broader migration trend that has seen countless Chinese move from rural areas to urban megacities like Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. In Houtouwan’s heyday, Lin Fazhen ran a small store in 1984 catering to fishermen. He sold cigarettes, alcohol, fishing supplies, canned food, biscuits and fruit that he imported on boats from the www.canadianinquirer.net

mainland. “They went to the sea when the boats were sailing, and they came back when it got windy. They played mahjong,” Lin said while taking a drag from a cigarette. When the people left, he began planting cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, celery and basil. He says he now farms more than 1,300 square meters (a third of an acre) of various plots scattered across abandoned lawns, gardens and terraces. He chuckled when asked if the village was haunted. “People got scared and said ghosts were living here, so it was called ghost village,” Lin said. “I’ve lived in this world for such a long time, and have never met one.” If You Go

To reach Houtouwan from Shanghai, take a bus from the Nanpu Bridge bus station or taxi to the Shenjiawan Dock, about 90 minutes’ travel time, and purchase ferry tickets to Shengshan. Weather often grounds boats, so check ahead. The fast ferry takes 90 minutes, while the slower boat takes four hours to traverse the Shengsi Islands on its way to Shengshan. Hotels line both ports and offer rides up to the entrance to Houtouwan. It is a 2-hour rigorous hike through the village. ■

FRIDAY JUNE 15, 2018

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