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JULY 13, 2018

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VOL. 7 NO. 328

PRRD INTERACTS WITH CROWD

President Rodrigo R. Duterte interacts with his supporters during the National Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise Summit 2018 held at the ASEAN Convention Center ACC in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. KARL NORMAN ALONZO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Duterte: ‘I only apologize to God’ BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has apologized to his “all-forgiving” God but noted that he was not saying sorry to any Church or religious leader. Duterte made his apology in a closeddoor meeting with Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW) Founder and President Bro. Eduardo Villanueva at the

Malago Clubhouse in Malacañang Park on Tuesday. Also present during the meeting were Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher “Bong” Go, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, and lawyer Angelino Villanueva. Bro. Villanueva earlier urged the President to apologize for his statements about God and the Church but Duterte was firm in his stand that he would only

Wrong labor provisions in draft charter ‘an honest mistake’: ConCom

16 A Thai cave, an extraordinary tale and a captivated world

❱❱ PAGE 7 Duterte: ‘I only’

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❱❱ PAGE 19

Trudeau in Latvia prior to NATO summit; expected to extend Canadian mission

Philippine News

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

US-China trade war has ‘some effect’ on PH: Roque BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The ongoing trade war between the United States and China, which erupted last week, will affect the Philippine economy to some extent, Malacañang said Monday. Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, however, said that concerned government agencies including the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Finance (DOF) are studying the matter “thoroughly.” “I know that both DTI and DOF are studying the matter very thoroughly, identifying where we are vulnerable given the kind of export products that we have, assessing if some of our biggest exports to both the U.S. and China will be affected. Take note that the tariff will be for goods originating from China and the United States,” Roque said in a Palace briefing. “Now, there are some products that we export to China which in turn are further re-

exported to China. So in that sense there will be some effect on us but we are of course studying and preparing for eventualities,” he added. Not a knee-jerk reaction

Roque, meanwhile, expressed hope that the World Trade Organization (WTO), which operates a global system of trade rules, would be able to put a “settlement” on the ongoing trade war. “We’re hoping, of course, that the trade regime under the WTO will be made to prevail because all this tariff war ac-

Roque, meanwhile, said that discussions on the possible free trade agreement (FTA) between the Philippines and the U.S. were not “fast-tracked” as a response to the ongoing trade war between the We want to be in the position U.S. and China. equality. “I don’t think it’s really a directive to fast-track. It’s just that it’s something tually is subject to arbitration that has always been there. It’s before the WTO dispute settlesomething that we demanded,” ment procedure,” Roque said. Roque said. DOF Secretary Carlos “In fact, early on, if the U.S. Domingue earlier said that the was offering it to countries like government, under the Duterte Vietnam which at some point administration, is committed was their enemy, why couldn’t to promoting “open markets they offer the same to us given and free trade.” that we have always been their He said that the trade spat friend. It’s not a knee-jerk reac- between the two economic gition to the trade war,” he added. ants “would benefit the Philip-

pines only in the short term” but would “lead to negative repercussions felt by economies across the globe if the feud worsens.” PH-US free trade deal

Roque expressed hope that both the Philippines and the U.S. should be in the position of “equality” if a possible free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries takes place. of Roque made this remark following the DOF’s announcement that senior Philippine and United States officials have recently discussed the possibility of pursuing an FTA between the two allies. “We want to be in the position of equality. That we will not just be a market for US goods, that we will also be able to export our goods to the United States,” Roque said. Roque, however pointed out that he did not have any details

on the discussion between Philippine and US officials. “They haven’t discussed the free trade deal yet so it’s just a possible free trade deal. I know that there’s a possibility that there will be a free trade agreement but I don’t know the details yet,” Roque said in a briefing. According to the DOF, the discussions were led by Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III with Jeffrey Gerrish, the US Deputy Trade Representative for Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Industrial Competitiveness. The discussions centered on America’s interest in initiating “informal preparatory meetings” with the Philippines on the “scope, timing and process” leading to an FTA between Manila and Washington. This comes after an earlier dialogue between Duterte and President Donald Trump in November last year in Manila, where they discussed ways of further strengthening Philippine-U.S. bilateral trade ties. ■

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Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

Grace Poe still leads Pulse Asia 2019 senatorial survey BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer SENATOR GRACE Poe remained to be the front-runner in the 2019 senatorial elections, the latest survey by Pulse Asia revealed on Monday, July 9. In its survey done from June 16 to 21 this year, Pulse Asia said that if the May 2019 election were held during the survey period, among 58 individuals included in the survey’s senatorial probe, there are 13 of them would have a statistical chance of winning. “Practically, all of the probable winners are either incumbent or former members of Congress,” it said. The recent survey showed that 67.4 percent of respondents said they would vote Poe in the upcoming midterm elections. Poe was followed by Taguig City Representative Pia Cay-

etano, which has the support of 55.7 percent of Filipinos in her bid to return to the Senate. Senator Cynthia Villar, another re-electionist, placed third in the survey, garnering 50.1 percent, followed by presidential daughter and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio with a 46.2 percent level of support. Completing the top five was Senator Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, Jr., who was backed by 41.9 percent voters. Other probable winners in the Senate race, the Pulse Asia reported, were former Senator Jinggoy Estrada with 37.9 percent, followed by Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Chief Ronald dela Rosa and Senator Aquilino Martin “Koko” Pimentel III who both obtained 37.7 percent. All of whom were ranked fifth to 12th place. Senator Nancy Binay, who ranked sixth to 12th place, got 37.1 percent.

Those who have a statistical ranking of sixth to 13th place were former Senator Sergio “Serge” Osmeña with 36.6 percent, Senator Lito Lapid with 36.2 percent, and Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito with 35.6 percent. Moreover, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, who placed 10th to 16th in the survey, registered a voter preference of 32.1 percent. Other names who landed in the top 20 were Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos (29.9 percent), Quezon City Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista (28.5 percent), actor Robin Padilla (28.2 percent), and columnist Mon Tulfo (27.1 percent). “Only 4.8% of Filipinos are not inclined to support any of those listed in the senatorial probe,” the Pulse Asia noted. It added that 55 percent or a small majority of Filipinos already have a complete slate for the senatorial race, with only 11

Sen. Grace Poe.

months left before the midterm elections. The survey, which used faceto-face interviews, was conducted among 1,800 registered voters 18 years old and above nationwide, with a plus or minus two percent error margin at the 95 percent confidence level.

Error margins at 95 percent confidence level were plus or minus six percent for Metro Manila; plus or minus three percent for the rest of Luzon; and plus or minus five percent for each of Visayas and Mindanao. ■

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Philippine News

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Duterte approves Federal charter except transitory provisions BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Monday has approved “in toto” or as a whole the draft Federal Constitution and will endorse it to the Congress, except for the transitory provisions which he wants amended. Ding Generoso, spokesperson of the Consultative Committee (ConCom) tasked to draft the Federal Constitution, confirmed this a few hours after the President received the proposal allowing a shift to a federal system of government. “At the meeting of the President with ConCom members after receiving the draft Constitution, the President said he is approving and endorsing the draft constitution in toto,” Generoso told reporters through Viber. Generoso, however, said that the President announced in a Cabinet meeting in the evening that he wanted to amend the transitory provisions to provide an elected leader during transition after plebiscite. In a noontime Palace briefing the

same day, Roque said that Duterte was willing to lead the transition to federalism as long as it was within the end of his term in 2022. However, Roque said that Duterte apparently changed his mind and would rather “cut” his term as early as 2019 to be coterminous with the start of the transition period to erase all suspicions about his desire to stay in power beyond the end of his term in 2022. Earlier, the ConCom said that Duterte will lead the 10-member Transition Commission on Federalism which will “formulate and adopt a transition plan for the orderly shift to the new system of government, as provided for in the new Constitution.” However, the ConCom will review and revise the Transitory Provisions in accordance with the President’s instructions. Change of heart

In an ambush interview, Roque told reporters that the 73-year-old President wanted to step down before the end of his term because aside from wanting to remove the notion that he wanted to stay in power, he was also “tired.”

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

“Dati kasi sinasabi ni Presidente puwede siya manilbihan as transitional leader hanggang 2022 pero kanina inaunsyo niya na mas gusto niya na magkaroon ng probisyong ihahalal na ang transitional leader at handa na siya bumaba ng puwesto pag naaprubahan na ang bagong Saligang Batas (Previously, the President said that he could serve as transitional leader until 2022 but earlier he announced that he wanted a provision to elect a transitional leader because he is ready to step down once the new Constitution is approved),” Roque said. “Para mawala ang suspetsa na meron siyang ibang binabalak dito sa Charter Change at pangalawa dahil siya ay pagod na pagod na (So that he can remove suspicions that he has plans to stay in power with charter change and because he’s very tired),” he added. Roque said that according to Duterte,

MALACAÑANG PHOTO

electing a transitional leader would “enable a younger leader to take over.” He said that Cabinet members were surprised by Duterte’s announcement but were bound to honor the President’s wish. However, Roque also said that if the public “rejects” or does not ratify the new charter, Duterte will not be allowed to step down until he finishes his term. “If the people don’t want to get rid of him, they will reject the Federal constitution. But I think he means it when he said that he will take all steps necessary to convince the people to change to a federal form of government and as a way of assuring them na hindi sya kapit tuko sa pwesto (he’s not holding on to his position),” Roque said. Roque, meanwhile, pointed out that it was still up to the Congress to include the provision on the new transition leader in the draft Federal Constitution. ■

P9 jeepney fare now in effect BY AEROL JOHN PATENA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The provisional PHP1 fare hike for public utility jeepneys (PUJs) operating in the National Capital Region (NCR), Regions 3 (Central Luzon) and 4 (Calabarzon and Mimaropa) is now in full effect, said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). In an order released Friday, the LTFRB said the regular fare for jeepneys has been increased to PHP9 from PHP8 for the first four kilometers. The Board granted the fare hike petition filed by transport groups, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap), Land Transportation Organization of the Philippines (LTOP), Alliance of Transport Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines Inc. (Altodap), www.canadianinquirer.net

and Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburb Drivers Association Nationwide, Inc. (Pasang Masda), last May 29. The Board cited the recent increases in the prices of oil and basic commodities as basis for granting the fare hike. “The Board hereby resolves to partially grant the prayer for provisional increase for PUJ filed by Fejodap, Acto, Altodap, LTOP and Pasang Masda and issue this provisional authority for PUJs to adjust/increase fare rates,” the LTFRB said. The transport groups originally proposed to the LTFRB that a PHP2 fare hike be granted to PUJs operating in NCR, Regions 3 and 4. The LTFRB said students, senior citizens and persons with disabilities should be entitled to a fare discount of 20 percent. Jeepney operators must also post a Notice of Provisional Fare Increase inside their public utility vehicles that would be easily seen by the commuters. ■

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

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Philippine News

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Philippines wants rebels ‘encamped’ in fixed areas for talks BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine government will demand that peace talks with communist rebels shift from Europe to the Philippines and the insurgents are encamped in designated areas during the negotiations — conditions the guerrillas waging one of Asia’s longest-raging insurgencies quickly rejected. Presidential adviser Jesus Dureza said Thursday that New People’s Army guerrillas would also be asked to stop collecting so-called “revolutionary tax” from companies and demanding to be part of a future coalition government. President Rodrigo Duterte’s conditions were finalized in a meeting with top military and police officials late Wednesday. The guerrillas fear holding talks in Manila would expose them and their exiled leaders to military surveillance and harassment and that the other government conditions amount to a rebel surrender. “Duterte has killed the peace talks,” Netherlands-based rebel leader Jose Maria Sison told foreign correspondents in Manila via a video linkup, citing a presidential order in November that terminated the talks and has not been rescinded. The only way for the talks to proceed is for the government to honour past agreements, including those that set a foreign venue for the talks, Sison said. The rebel group “is ever willing to negotiate even with the monster” if past agreements are honoured, said Sison, who lashed out at Duterte’s policies, including his brutal crackdown against illegal drugs. With the impasse in holding talks, chief rebel negotiator Fidel Agcoili said the rebellion would rage on. The rebellion has raged in the Philip-

Presidential adviser Jesus Dureza.

pines’ impoverished countryside since 1969, causing about 40,000 combatant and civilians deaths and undermining security and development. The military estimates 3,900 Marxist insurgents still fight. “The doors for the resumption of peace talks ... are still open,” Dureza said in a statement. Dureza said the president still wishes Norway to continue brokering the broader talks, but added that “in the meantime, localized peace arrangements may be pursued by the local government units with the insurgents.” When he took power in 2016, Duterte resumed peace talks with the rebels but cancelled them last year to protest continued guerrilla attacks on troops. He also signed an order declaring the rebel group a terrorist organization, a label the insurgents have opposed. The United States has also designated the rebels as terrorists. After preliminary talks, both sides agreed to a new temporary cease-fire on June 21, with peace talks to resume a few days later in Norway. But Duterte delayed the resumption indefinitely to allow public consultations, antagonizing the guerrillas. Last week, Sison, who founded the Communist Party of the Philippines and is based in the Netherlands, said the insurgents can no longer hold peace talks with Duterte’s administration and that it is better to help oust him and negotiate with his successor. Other rebels, however, said Sison’s recommendation would still have to be approved by other guerrilla leaders. The volatile Philippine president shrugged off Sison’s threat and said he was ready to continue fighting the insurgents. “If they’re not willing to talk to me, that’s fine. I have no problem so we continue with the war. Anyway, we’ve been there for 50 years,” Duterte told reporters. ■

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

Manila Symphony Jr. Orchestra wins 1st place in Vienna fest BY JUZEL DANGANAN Philippine News Agency

Standard Insurance Group Chairman Ernesto Echauz, who had been supporting the group since 2017, is also part of the MSJO delegation along with 34 MANILA — The Manila Symphony Ju- chaperones. nior Orchestra (MSJO) bested over The group will continue their concert 30 youth orchestras from 14 different tour in Vienna, Venice, Florence and countries to claim the top spot in Aus- Rome until July 16 and will arrive back tria’s most prestigious youth music fes- in the Philippines on July 17. tival. MSJO members The young orchesinclude some of the tra won first place at most talented and the 12th Summa Cum accomplished young Laude International musicians from Youth Music Festival The group will across the country, at the Golden Hall of continue their with some members the Musikverein in concert tour in currently studyVienna. The PhilipVienna, Venice, ing as scholars from pines participated Florence and the Philippine High in the festival for the Rome until July School for the Arts. first time in 2017 and 16 and will arrive The youngest won second place in back in the member aged 10 was the same competiPhilippines on recently accepted as tion last year. July 17. a scholar in the presAfter the MSJO tigious Mozarteum performed their school of music in 25-minute presenSalzburg, Austria. tation, which they Several more of its played from memory, a member of the members also enjoy various forms of jury, Christoph Ehrenfellner from Aus- music scholarships in the country. tria, stood up and cited the warmth of In 2017, the MSJO expanded from its their sound, including their movements 36 members to 48 by including the best on stage evoking the waves of the sea, students from the Manila Symphony something he said he and his fellow Aus- Orchestra (MSO) Academy and its parttrians envy about the Philippines. ner institutions throughout the country. The concert group played “Dayo Dayo Most of the orchestra members startKupita” by Nilo Alcala, Handog by Flo- ed playing music at very young age. rante, Kruhay — a song based on an IlDespite their tender age, the MSJO oilo folktale, and pieces from composers is also tapped by the Manila Symphony Mozart and Dvorak. Orchestra in some of its concerts as adThe 47-member orchestra, led by conditional players, providing them even ductor Jeffrey Solares, violin and viola more opportunities to hone their talteacher Sara Maria Gonzales and cello ents. MSJO members are between 9 and teacher Arnold Josue, will perform again 21 years old. ■ on July 10 during the Gala Winners Concert at the Konzerthaus in Vienna. with reports from Raymond dela Cruz

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Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

SC affirms indictment of Legacy bank owners, cohorts for estafa BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) upheld the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicting the owners and depositors of Legacy Banks and a branch manager of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) for duping the government through fraudulent deposit insurance claims amounting to PHP97.73 million. In an 18-page decision dated June 20, penned by Associate Justice Presbitero Velasco Jr., the SC Third Division reinstated the resolution issued by then justice secretary Emmanuel Caparas dated June 3, 2016, which found probable cause to charge spouses Manu and Champa Gidwani, RCBC Bacolod Main branch manager Andrew A. Jereza and 86 others for estafa through falsification of documents, perjury, and money laundering. “The June 3, 2016 Resolution of the Department of Justice, through then Secretary of Justice Emmanuel L. Caparas, in NPS Docket No. XVI-INV-12K-00480 finding probable cause to charge respondent Manu Gidwani for estafa through falsification under Art. 315(2)(a) in relation to Art. 172(1) and 171(4) of the RPC in the amount of P97,733,690.21, and for money laundering as defined in Section 4(a) of RA 9160 is hereby reinstated,” read the High Court’s ruling and concurred by Associate Justices Marvic Leonen, Samuel Martires, and Alexander Ges-

mundo. In 2008, the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) ordered the closure of 13 rural banks controlled by the Legacy Group of Companies (Legacy Banks) and placed them under receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC). The Gidwanis, together with 86 other individuals, represented themselves to be owners of 471 deposit accounts with Legacy Banks and filed claims before the PDIC. The claims were processed and granted, resulting in the issuance of 683 Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) checks with a total face value of PHP98.73 million in favor of the 86 individuals. Despite the fact that the checks issued were “payable to the payee” account only, the said individuals did not deposit these in their respective bank accounts. Instead, the checks were credited to a single RCBC account owned by the Gidwanis, allegedly in connivance with Jereza. The PDIC discovered the anomaly when the checks were cleared and returned to it. Caparas ruled that had the depositors truthfully divulged to PDIC that the true and beneficial owner of the bank accounts was Manu, PDIC would not have been duped into treating the bank accounts individually and separately. He said the PDIC would have only paid the Gidwani spouses PHP250,000 as the maximum deposit coverage pursuant to Section 4 (g) of the PDIC Char-

ter, and not PHP98.73 million. Caparas ruled that the heavy influx of deposits to the Gidwani spouses’ account should have already prompted RCBC and Jereza to file a suspicious transaction report with the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC). In upholding Caparas’ resolution, the SC held that the former justice secretary “has the power and discretion” to assess the documents and pleadings submitted to him for review and come up with his own finding. “He is not bound by the rulings of his predecessors because there is yet to be a final resolution of the issue; the matter is still pending before his officer after all. To hold otherwise would render the filing of the motion a futile exercise, and the recourse, pointless,” read

the court ruling. “It was therefore plain error on the part of the CA to have ruled that SOJ (Secretary of Justice) Caparas virtually had no option but to affirm the findings of the DOJ Task Force and of SOJ Justiniano as to the alleged absence of probable cause to charge respondent,” it added. The High Tribunal set aside the Jan. 31, 2017 decision of the Court of Appeals (CA), which reversed Caparas’ resolution and ordered the dismissal of the complaint. In the decision, the appellate court did not give merit to the allegations of the petitioner, the PDIC, because of its failure to prove that Manu is the owner of all the accounts subject of the complaint. However, the SC ruled that the CA erred in holding that Caparas gravely abused his discre-

tion in reversing an earlier resolution issued by then justice undersecretary Jose Justiniano, which upheld the DOJ Task Force’s recommendation to dismiss the complaint against the respondents. It indicated that the CA prematurely ordered the dismissal of the complaint, considering that it is still in the stage of preliminary investigation and has yet to be heard in a full-blown trial. “Whether or not there indeed existed an agreement between respondent Manu and the individual depositors is a matter best left ventilated during trial proper, where evidence can be presented and appreciated fully. Suffice it to state for now that the Court herein finds probable cause to charge respondent for estafa and money laundering,” the SC declared. ■

then he would be happy to listen to my apology. Why? Because my God is all-forgiving. He does not remember past hurts. Why? Because God created me to be good, not bad,” he added. Duterte, meanwhile, reminded Villanueva and other religious leaders anew about the separation of Church and state, saying it is wrong to use God to personally attack him and his

administration. “Remember that there is a division between Church and state. You can criticize us anything at all — from the garbage collector to generals and even to Vice President and Senator,” Duterte said. “But never, never use the name of God as a front to attack government because that is not the proper way to do it. There is a separation of state

and church. Do not use God to attack me. That is not proper and I’m sure that is not what God wants,” he added. The President further stressed that people created a concept of God on their own and it was “human nature.” “If you feel that somebody is doing it wrong, you must be talking about the wrong God or it must be a God that is not my God,” Duterte said.

Duterte earlier formed a four-man panel with the Catholic Church and other religious leaders to push for “healing” amid their spat. Members of the panel include Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Ernesto Abella, EDSA People Power Commission commissioner Pastor “Boy” Saycon and Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco. ■

Supreme Court of the Philippines.

MANOLITO TIUSECO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Duterte: ‘I only...’ ❰❰ 1

apologize to God and nobody else. “Sorry, God. I said sorry, God. If God is taken in a generic term by everybody listening then that’s well and good,” Duterte said in a video posted on the official Facebook page of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO). “I only apologize to God and nobody else. If I wronged God,

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Philippine News

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

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PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

Duterte wants an elected leader to head federal transition gov’t BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte wants to hold general elections to determine the transitional leader who will head the proposed shift to a federal system of government, Malacañang said on Tuesday. “General elections ang iniisip ng ating Pangulo para doon sa magiging transition leader natin (Our President is thinking of general elections to determine the transition leader),” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing in Indang, Cavite. Roque made this remark a day after Duterte received the draft federal Constitution from the Consultative Committee (ConCom) he formed to draft the proposal. He explained that under the proposed federal Constitution, the new government will take effect June 30, 2022, the last day of Duterte’s term. However, Duterte said that he could leave his post as early as 2019 if the people will ratify the federal Charter. The 73-year-old President has repeatedly said that he was “tired” and wanted someone “younger” to take his place. “Kung maaprubahan nga po ‘tong Saligang Batas na ito, ang sabi ng Presidente bababa siya sa kaniyang posisyon ng 2019 (If this new Constitution is approved, the President said that he will step down in 2019),” he added. Earlier, the ConCom bared that Duterte will lead the 10-member Transition Commission on Federalism which will “formulate and adopt a transition

plan for the orderly shift to the new system of government, as provided for in the new Constitution.” Following the President’s instructions to cut his term short to erase suspicions of plans to stay in power beyond 2022, the ConCom said it will review and revise the transitory provisions. Roque explained that Duterte’s decision to step down early will be pursuant to the transitory provisions of the proposed federal Constitution which the people may ratify. It may be recalled that Roque earlier said that Duterte is willing to serve as transitional leader as long as he will serve within his term or until mid-2022. However, Duterte apparently changed his mind and wanted to step down as early as possible. “Kaya nga pinabago niya yung transitory provision para i-recognize na (That is why he asked the ConCom to change the transitory provision to recognize that) the transition leader will have to be elected,” Roque said. “In other words, yung bagong Saligang Batas kung ira-ratify ng taumbayan (the new Constitution, if ratified by the people) will be the instrument that will cut short the term of the President,” he added. On Monday, Roque pointed out that if the public “rejects” or does not ratify the new charter, Duterte will not be allowed to step down until he finishes his term. Leader’s qualifications

The ConCom has yet to release the qualifications of who may run for the position of transitional leader but according to Roque, any qualified Presidential candidate may run for transi-

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tional leader. “Dahil ‘yan ay (Because that is) intended originally for the President, anyone who is qualified to run for the position of President can also run for the post of transition leader,” Roque said. Roque, however, said it is best to wait for the ConCom’s declaration. “Antayin po natin dahil ang naging deklarasyon naman ng (Let’s wait for the declaration of the) Consultative Committee. They will comply with the wish of the President and they will redraft it to provide for the specific provision na hinihingi po ng Presidente sa (being asked by the President in the) transitory provisions,” he added. Simultaneous

Roque pointed out that the holding of referendum on the new charter may occur simultaneous with the 2019 midterm elections. “Ang inaasahan nga po natin ay kasabay ‘yan ng 2019 elections so kasama na po sa budget ng 2019 elections siguro po ‘yun (We are expecting it to be held at the same time as 2019 elections so it will be part of the budget of the 2019 elections),” Roque said. Roque also said that the government had enough funds for the possible transition to a federal system of government noting that a supplemental budget could always be sought for from Congress. “Hindi naman po problema ‘yun dahil kung hindi sapat o kung walang appropriation, puwede naman magkaroon ng supplemental budget (That’s not a problem because if we don’t have enough appropriation, we can have a supplemental budget),” he added. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

Bishops call for 3 day fasting after Duterte says God stupid BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press

important saints in the Catholic faith. The statement was read in a news conference after more than 100 active and retired Filipino bishops and other MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Philippine church officials concluded three days Catholic bishops on Monday called for of meetings in Manila that focused on fasting and prayers after President Ro- Duterte’s recent tirades against the drigo Duterte called God “stupid” and Catholic faith and the killings of three questioned God’s existence in profane priests in brazen gun attacks in recent remarks that set the foul-mouthed lead- months. er on a collision course with Asia’s largAmid the animosity, Duterte’s office est Catholic church. invited Valles for a dialogue with the Archbishop Romulo Valles and the as- president, Valles said. Presidential aides sociation of bishops that he heads called later announced that the two met for 30 for a day of prayers on July 16 to invoke minutes at the presidential palace, with “God’s mercy and Duterte agreeing justice on those who “to a moratorium on have blasphemed statements about the God’s holy name, church.” those who slander Duterte was and bear false witslammed, including ness and those who Duterte was by some of his politicommit murder or slammed, cal allies, two weeks justify murder as a including by ago for calling God means for fighting some of his “stupid” in a speech, criminality.” political allies, with one bishop callStarting July 17, two weeks ago ing him a “psychothe bishops asked for calling God path.” Filipino Catholics to “stupid” in a Duterte lamented join bishops in three speech, with in that speech that more days of prayers one bishop Adam and Eve’s sin with fasting and calling him a in Christian theolalmsgiving without “psychopath.” ogy resulted in all the giving other details. faithful falling from Duterte has had a divine grace. “Who thorny relationship is this stupid God? with Catholic bishThis son of a bitch is ops, who have critithen really stupid,” cized his bloody antihe said. On Friday, he drug crackdown and vulgar language said he would resign if even one witness and expressed alarm over the killings of can prove that God exists. three priests in brazen gun attacks in reIn response, the bishops cited Saint cent months. In televised speeches, the Paul’s teaching that “when we are per73-year-old leader has often lashed out secuted, we bear it patiently; when slanat Catholic bishops, recalling reports of dered, we respond gently.” But they addsexual abuses by members of the clergy, ed that God’s “peace is never the peace of including a foreign Jesuit priest, who, he compromise or capitulation to evil.” said, fondled him and other fellow stuThe bishops denied accusations that dents in a Catholic university. they were involved in moves to destabiThe Catholic Bishops Conference of lize the government and said the church the Philippines did not name Duterte respects elected officials “as long as they in a carefully worded but highly critical do not contradict the basic spiritual and “pastoral exhortation,” but the allusion moral principles we hold dear, such as to the president and his tough anti- respect for the sacredness of life.” crime crackdowns, which have alarmed Catholic church leaders played key human rights groups, was clear. roles in the Philippines’ 1986 “people To “those who arrogantly regard power” revolt that ousted dictator Ferthemselves as wise in their own estima- dinand Marcos and in the massive protion and the Christian faith as nonsense, tests in 2001 that forced President Jothose who blaspheme our God as stupid, seph Estrada from power after being Saint Paul’s words are to the point: ‘For accused of corruption. Duterte, howevthe stupidity of God is wiser than hu- er, has remained popular based on surman wisdom, and the weakness of God veys and has repeatedly vowed to step is stronger than human strength,’” the down if allegations of corruption against bishops said, referring to one of the most him and his family can be proven. ■

Slain mayor Antonio Halili of Tanauan City laid to rest BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer TANAUAN CITY mayor Antonio Halili, who was shot dead in broad light while attending a flag-raising ceremony at his town’s city hall, was buried on Sunday afternoon, July 8. Halili’s family, friends, and supporters gathered at the St. John The Evangelist Parish Church to bid a final farewell to the slain mayor. The crowd was wearing yellow t-shirts with an image of Halili imprinted on it and words calling for justice for his death. After the funeral mass presided by Father Toti Mandanas, Halili’s remains were brought to the Tanauan City Hall for necrological service and for the last public viewing. He was then laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Gardens, near the city hall. Halili was known for his “walk of shame” campaign in Tanauan, where law offenders paraded the town while carrying “Wag tularan (Do not emulate)” slogan. Despite this campaign, Halili was among the local executives who were

stripped of police powers due to their alleged involvement in illegal drugs or abuse of authority. President Rodrigo Duterte earlier claimed that the slain mayor had ties to the drug trade, and that Halili got what he deserved. “Kanina, si Halili sa Batangas. Kunwari ipa-procession ang mga addicts, siya pala, siya ‘yun (Earlier, Halili in Batangas. He pretended to shame addicts by parading them, but he was involved in illegal drugs himself, it was him),” Duterte said in a speech during the anniversary of Maasin City, Southern Leyte last July 2, hours before Halili was assassinated. “I suspect he was into drugs. I just suspect,” he added. However, Halili’s second child, Angeline, came to her father’s defense, saying drug allegations thrown against the mayor are not true as it has not been proven. She added that the Chief Executive was fed with false information about her father. Just a few days after Halili’s murder, two local officials — General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote and Trece Martires City Vice Mayor Alex Lubigan — were also killed in an ambush. ■

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Philippine News

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Bicam panel omits anti-dynasty provision in BBL proposal BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Vice President Leni Robredo.

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I will not resign because it will make Robredo president: Duterte BY JELLY MUSICO Philippine News Agency MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday said he will not step down because it will make Vice President Leni Robredo the next president of the country. “Look, I will not resign because it will make her president,” Duterte said an media interview after gracing the National MSME Summit 2018 at the ASEAN Convention Center in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga. Duterte said he preferred to hold general elections to determine the transition leader, who will head the proposed shift to a federal system of government. “My resignation is addressed to the people so that they can choose whoever they want,” Duterte said. “I would like the Filipino to choose a new leader, specially if

it is a new structure and I have been an official of the structure of type of government which, since time immemorial, (is) unitary,” he added. He said people might want to elect an experienced individual who would have the competence or enterprise to form the federal type of government. Duterte said his suggestion to the Consultative Committee (ConCom) and to Congress as well is to revise the transitory provisions of the ConCom-proposed federal Constitution to prove his critics wrong that he wanted to stay in power beyond 2022. “They can amend and make it a provision there that I will be co-terminus with the effectivity of the federal Constitution. Once it is implemented, they can, I said, provide a provision there that the Office of the President shall be declared vacant but you have to call for an election,” Duterte said.

“I’m willing to step down, call for an election, get a new leader and go on with the transition. That’s really fine with me,” he added. The President believes his critics are the ones who are hungry for power and wanted to be a dictator. “They are the one who will become dictator. That’s what they want. They are doing nothing but to invent malice in their minds. Or better still I will invite them to resign with me. Or not really resign but to agree to being, not really dismissed but to cease from being president and vice president,” Duterte said. When asked to comment on Robredo’s plan to unite and lead the opposition, Duterte said: “She? I don’t think she can ever be ready to govern a country. Reason? Incompetence. She’s not capable of running a country like (the) Philippines.” ■

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plained, adding that he already signed a committee report regulating it. On the other hand, Escudero said that the provision was THE BICAMERAL conference omitted because it was seleccommittee set to consolidate tive. and settle the differences of “It applies only to party-list the upper chamber and lower representatives and not to chamber bill versions of the the other members of parliaBangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) ment or other officials of the omitted the anti-political dy- Bangsamoro. It is, therefore, nasty provision. selective, discriminatory, and This was confirmed by Senate ineffective per the Bicam,” he Minority Leader Franklin Dril- said in a separate text message on and Senator to the media. Francis Joseph The deleted “Chiz” Escudero provision of Senon Monday, July ate Bill 1717 Sec9. What we tion 15, Article “The adoption need is VII states that of the supposed a strong “no party repreanti-dynasty regulation sentative should provision in the of dynasties be related within Senate version applicable the second civil was strongly opto all public degree of conposed by some officers. sanguinity or afmembers of finity to a district the panel. As a representative form of protest or another party I did not argue representative in and push for its adoption any- the same parliament.” more because the provision, as Earlier in February this year, crafted, is useless,” Drilon, who Drilon pushed for the anti-dyinitially proposed the inclusion nasty provision saying that it of the now-deleted provision in is an “issue that must be conthe Senate version, said in a text fronted.” message to reporters. “In the Committee Report, I “It is a much weaker provi- will push for the inclusion of a sion than that provided in the prohibition on political dynasSK (Sangguniang Kabataan) ties. I am open to discuss the law,” he added. extent of the prohibition, but According to Drilon, the said the anti-dynasty principle must provision will “not really curb be embodied in the BBL,” he dynastic behaviors.” said in a statement then. “It is a hypocritical provision, Drilon is the author of Senate toothless to address the ill ef- Bill 230 or the “Anti-Political fects of dynasties. We might Dynasty Act.” ■ as well do away with it. What we need is a strong regulation of dynasties applicable to all public officers,” he further ex-

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

PRRD agrees to halt remarks about church: Palace BY JELLY MUSICO Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed not to talk about the Catholic Church after his one-on-one meeting with Catholic Bishop Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Romulo Valles on Monday, according to Palace Spokesperson Harry Roque. “PRRD agreed to a moratorium on statements about the church after the meeting. It was a one-on-one meeting,” Roque said in a text message to Palace reporters. Roque said the closed door meeting between Duterte and Valles took place at 4 p.m. before the President presided over the Cabinet meeting. “At the beginning of the Cabinet meeting, he (the President) said he told Archbishop Valles, Archbishop Valles is his friend,and he said ’bahala ka na Archbishop’ (It’s now up to you Archbishop),” Roque said in a media interview.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte witnesses the program proper during the 117th anniversary of the Office of the Solicitor General. KARL NORMAN ALONZO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Pressed for clarification on “bahala ka na”, Roque replied: “He just said he will no longer talk about the church after that

one-on-one”. Meanwhile, Roque described as “very tame” the pastoral letter that CBCP has issued about

a number of issues plaguing the country. “I thought it was very tame. I was expecting the worst, it was a very tame pastoral letter, I thought,” Roque said. Roque believes the Church is avoiding “outright confrontation” when it issued the pastoral letter on Monday through the CBCP. “So, it’s nothing new. There was no outright condemnation. So I thought the Church was avoiding an outright confrontation with this pastoral letter,” he said. Roque said he expected a better relationship, not only between the Duterte administration and the Church but with everyone after Duterte made it clear that he will step down once the Federal Constitution is adopted by 2019. “I expect better relationship with everyone now that the President has made it clear that he wants to step down in 2019 after adoption of the Federal Constitution,” Roque said. “It includes the Church be-

cause the Church knows that as soon as there is a transition to a federal government, he will not stay up to 2022,” he added. Roque said the President has instructed the Consultative Committee (ConCom) to include in the new Constitution a provision that a transitory leader would be elected by the people. “Because before the President said he can serve as transition leader up to 2022, but a while ago he announced that he wanted to have a provision that would elect transition leader and that he is ready to step down if the new Constitution will be approved,” Roque told the media. He said Duterte wanted to erase suspicion that he has hidden agenda for pushing Charter change that would give way to a shift of government to federalism. “Secondly, he said he was very tired. He is old and perhaps this electing a transition leader would enable a young leader to take over,” Roque said. ■

TELUS International Philippines leads the way for Corporate Social Responsibility ITINATAGUYOD ng TELUS ang halaga ng pagiging mapagbigay at serbisyo sa kapwa. Kamakailan lang, pinagkalooban ng Asia CEO Awards 2017 ang TELUS International Philippines ng Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Company of the Year award para sa kontribusyon nito sa Filipino community. The annual ceremony awards the most accomplished leadership teams at individuals operating sa Philippines at sa South East Asian region. Sa ngayon, higit 10 years nang bahagi ang TELUS ng Philippine Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry, creating jobs, providing digitally-enabled customer experiences and high-quality outsourcing solutions. With five sites in the Philippines at higit sa 13,500 Filipino team members, TELUS is not just making an impact in the industry, it’s uplifting the community as well. Kamakailan lang, TELUS International Philippines extended its leadership and support to Brigada Eskwela sa pamamagitan ng TELUS Days of Giving noong May 12, 2018. Brigada Eskwela is an annual Department of Education initiative para mabigyan ang bawat Pilipinong estudyante ng inspiring at inclusive na learning environment. Sa ngayon, nasa fifth year na na magkasama ang Brigada Eskwela at TELUS International Philippines, inspiring more than 2,800 volunteers while spending 16,800 hours para ma-rehabilitate ang Kamuning Elementary School at Quezon City High School noong one-day volunteer event. This year’s TELUS Days of Giving is one of the biggest to date, with team members renovating and refurbishing 11 school buildings, 66 classrooms, and more than 3,250 chairs. “During these five years of giving of our team members’

hearts and hands to Brigada Eskwela, we have provided 54,000 volunteer hours to six schools, where we have meaningfully impacted more than 41,000 students, including the 6,000 students who attend Kamuning Elementary School and Quezon City High School,” sabi ni Jeffrey Puritt, President at CEO ng TELUS International.

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Tuloy-tuloy ang pagtulong ng TELUS sa libo-libong mga pamilya, underprivileged children and students sa pamamagitan ng partnerships with non-government organizations gaya ng Gawad Kalinga, Bantay Bata, Bantay Kalikasan, Virlanie Foundation, at Hands on Manila – bringing its unique caring culture outside the organization to the communities where its team members live, work, and serve. The company also supports the community when in need, mobilizing thousands para makaabot ang food at relief goods sa iba’t-ibang bahagi ng bansa. As testament to the deeply ingrained culture of caring and giving back, nakapag-donate ang mga TELUS volunteers ng 116,000 hours of volunteerism activities at Php35,600,000 mula 2007 hanggang September 2017. To learn more about TELUS’ commitment to the community and its Give Where We Live philosophy, please visit telus.com/community.

Philippine News

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

DOJ: Initial probe shows no link between killings of 3 local execs BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday said initial findings of the probe on the recent killings of local officials show that these were unrelated to each other. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has failed to establish interrelation between the murders of Tanauan City, Mayor Antonio Halili, General Tinio, Nueva Ecija Mayor Ferdinand Bote and Trece Martires City, Cavite Vice Mayor Alex Lubigan last week.

“So far (the) initial findings of the NBI show that the incidents seem to be unrelated,” Guevarra said in a text message sent to reporters. Guevarra said he has tasked the NBI to specifically determine if the three cases could be part of the reported destabilization plot against the Duterte administration. “Yes, (destabilization plot is) among the possible angles,” the justice chief said. Lubigan is the third local government official killed this month, after Halili and Bote. Both killings are still under investigation. Halili, who was in the government’s narco-list, was shot dead

while attending a flag-raising ceremony on July 2. On July 3, Bote was killed in an ambush in Cabanatuan City. Reports showed that Lubigan, his driver Romulo Guillemer and security aide Romeo Edrinal were onboard a black Toyota Hilux traversing Trece Martires-Indang Road in Barangay Luciano, Trece Martires City when unidentified gunmen fired at them around 2:53 p.m. on Saturday. Lubigan and Guillemer died on the spot while Edrinal was rushed to General Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Hospital and is still in critical condition. Malacañang, meanwhile, condemned the killing of Lubi-

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

gan. Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, meanwhile, urged the leadership of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct “a fair and through inves-

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

tigation” and get to the bottom of the crime. He also called for cooperation to stop the rising number of killings involving local government officials. ■

Roque says Duterte wants ‘younger’ transition leader

2 abducted Pinays in Iraq rescued: DFA

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer

BY JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA Philippine News Agency

FOLLOWING HIS announcement of stepping down by 2019, refusing to lead the federal transition of the country, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, 73, said that he wants the people to choose a “younger” leader. “‘Yung transition leader ay ihahalal ng taumbayan dahil siya daw ay bibitaw na kapag naaprubahan ang Saligang Batas at hahayaan niyang ang taumbayan na magpili ng mas bata (The transition leader will be elected by the people because he will step down [from Presidency] once the Constitution is approved and he will let the people decide on electing someone younger),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. said in an interview with DZMM on Tuesday, July 10. “At parang nang in-announce niya iyan sa Cabinet, eh para ngang nagpaalam na eh dahil sabi niya ‘Tapos na ako’ ‘no ‘by 2019’ (And when he announced it to the Cabinet, it seemed that he was saying farewell because he said ‘I am done by 2019,’” Roque said, quoting Duterte.

MANILA — Local authorities have successfully rescued the two Filipinos reportedly abducted in Iraq, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Monday. Citing reports from the Philipine Embassy in Baghdad, the two were rescued in Diyala province north of the Iraqi capital on Saturday and are now in police custody. “We thank God for the successful rescue of our two kababayans,” DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement issued shortly after he was informed of the development. “Their safe recovery would not have been possible without the swift response of our Iraqi friends and for that we are very grateful,” he added. In his report to Cayetano, Chargé D’affaires Julius Torres said the two were rescued from a criminal group that forcibly took them on Friday, adding that several members of the group were also arrested during the police operation. Meanwhile, the Embassy al-

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.

According to the spokesman, Duterte’s “mission” was only to transcend the Philippine government to a federal one, so he asked the Constitutional Commission (Con-Com) and the lawmakers to add a provision that would ban him from leading the transition. “Sabi nga niya, ito nga ay para maalis lahat ng suspetsa na may ibang balakid pagdating sa Charter Change (Cha-cha) at pangalawa nga eh ay pagod na [siya] (He said that this is to remove all speculations that he has other motives with the Charter Change and second is that he is already tired),” Roque explained in the same interview. Roque then went on by en-

PRESIDENTIAL PHOTOS

couraging the people to exercise their democracy by speaking out, as legislators finalize the draft of the federal Constitution, adding that this will affect everyone’s lives. “Importante na tayo’y magdiskurso, lahat ng tao ay magsabi kung kontra o [sang-ayon] (It is important for us to have a discourse, everyone should say whether they are against or agreeing),” he further said. A shift to federalism has been part of Duterte’s platform when he was still running for the Presidential post, believing that it is a solution to many of the country’s problems. He has also repeatedly emphasized in his speeches the need for a federal form of government. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

ready requested access to the two rescued women and the two other Filipinos who were earlier taken into custody after escaping from the same armed men. According to the Embassy, the rescued victims came from Erbil in the northern Kurdistan Region and were on their way to Baghdad when they encountered the armed men along the highway in Uzem District between Kirkuk and Diyala. The women were reportedly taken by the armed men after their driver abandoned the vehicle, but the two of the four were able to escape. Torres said the Embassy will request custody of the four Filipinos as soon as the police investigation is completed and will immediately process their repatriation. To date, the DFA said there are an estimated 4,000 Filipinos working in Iraq, with around 3,000 based in Kurdistan. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

Wrong labor provisions in draft charter ‘an honest mistake’: ConCom BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Consultative Committee (ConCom) tasked to draft a Federal Constitution on Tuesday apologized for the inclusion of the “wrong labor provisions” in its proposal, saying it was “an honest mistake.” ConCom senior technical assistant and spokesperson Ding Generoso said ConCom chairman and former Chief Justice Reynato Puno gave him instructions to apologize to labor groups and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III for the inclusion of these wrong labor provisions. The matter was brought before the Committee in its meeting on Monday before the panel took up the changes in the Transitory Provisions to consider the President’s suggestion for a provision to elect a transition president and bar him from running in 2022. Generoso said the 1987 Constitution’s Article XVI on Social Justice provisions were supposed to have been retained, along with two additional provisions. These provisions include the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the promotion of employment opportunities for all. However, in consolidating the articles, wrong paragraphs were placed instead. He explained that he had noted the difference on Thursday (July 5) while proofreading the draft prior to the printing of the copy to be handed over to the President, and called the attention of Committee Secretary Gideon Mortel, who directed a review of the committee proceedings when the matter was taken up. It was determined that although there were some proposals for changes in the labor provisions, the decision was to retain the 1987 Constitution’s Article XVI and the addition of the two new provisions. “We had to go back to the record, we found out that there should not have been revisions [in the provisions] in the 1987 Constitution,” Generoso told reporters in an interview. Advised of the discrepancy, Puno told the Technical Working Group on Sunday that the correct provisions will be re-

stored in the draft but the committee will have to be informed about it first. The TWG went ahead on Friday with the printing and binding in book form of the copy for the handover ceremonies on Monday, with a view to submitting a corrected version after the committee members are informed. “Actually, when we were proofreading it, we already noticed it… So we informed CJ (Puno) about it and sabi niya since nandiyan na ‘yan pagusapan na lang ulit natin sa (he said that if that’s the case, we can talk about it again in the) Committee at saka ayusin (and then fix it),” Generoso said. So during the meeting on Tuesday, the members were informed and they affirmed the change to be made in the revised draft to be submitted, which will also incorporate the changes in the Transitory Provisions, Generoso said. “It was an honest mistake. There has never been any intent to change those provisions. There was also a time in the discussions when some of the provisions were being transferred to the Bill of Rights so mukhang nagkaroon lang ng konting (it looks like there was a) mix up in the files so that ang nailagay na file ay hindi yung (the file that was placed was not the) actual 1987 provision,” Generoso said. Corrections made On Monday, a newspaper report quoted labor group Federation of Free Workers (FFW) which described the draft Federal Constitution as “antilabor”, claiming that some of the provisions were “removed or categorically omitted” and could expose workers to abuses from erring employers. To correct this mistake, Generoso said the ConCom will be restoring every word in the 1987 Constitution concerning labor plus the two additional provisions. “We will be changing that section and we will be restoring the entire labor provision under the 1987 Constitution,” Generoso said. Generoso said there was no intention to omit any provisions protecting the rights of workers in its proposed Federal charter. “Apparently, there were some proposed changes made

but it turns out that when we reviewed the three-column material when it was being discussed, mukhang wala namang binago doon sa (it seemed like there were no changes in the) 1987 provisions and nagdagdag lang ng dalawang (and we only added two) sections which is one, the protection of OFWs and the other is on the promotion of employment opportunities with the goal of have being able to provide full employment in all enterprises and industries,” Generoso said. Following is the full correct labor provision: SECTION 3. (a) The Federal Republic shall afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all. No person shall be denied employment by reason of age, gender, political or religious belief, ethnicity, status, physical appearance or disability, and other conditions that amount to discrimination. (b) It shall guarantee the rights of all workers to selforganization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful concerted activities, including the right to strike in accordance with law. They

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REY BORLAZA / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, a just and living wage, and redress of grievances. They shall also participate in policy and decision-making processes affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by law. (c) The Federal Republic shall promote the principle of shared responsibility between workers and employers and the preferential use of voluntary modes in settling disputes, including conciliation, and shall enforce their mutual compliance therewith to foster industrial peace. (d) The Federal Republic shall regulate the relations between workers and employers, recognizing the right of labor to its just share in the fruits of production and the right of enterprises to reasonable returns to investments, and to expan-

sion and growth. (e) The Federal Republic shall protect citizens of the Philippines working overseas against inhumane treatment by their employers. Those under investigation, or trial for commission of a crime shall be provided legal representation to ensure the protection of their rights. (f ) The Federal Republic shall promote employment opportunities, and pursue the economic goal of full employment. In all enterprises, industries, and work opportunities, citizens of the Philippines shall be given employment preference when they possess the necessary qualifications. Further, persons with disability shall be provided opportunities for gainful employment and the private sector shall be given incentives to employ them. ■

Philippine News

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

SC affirms House contempt order vs. ‘Ilocos 6’ BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency

Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III.

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Solon calls for probe on human trafficking try BY FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Philippine News Agency MANILA — A partylist lawmaker representing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on Tuesday called for a congressional inquiry into the illegal recruitment of more than a hundred Filipinos on board a cruise ship bound for Micronesia. ACTS-OFW Rep. Aniceto Bertiz III said Congress should look into the complicity of MV Forever Lucky and its owner, Fahrenheit Company Limited, in the human smuggling attempt. “We intend to ascertain whether MV Forever Lucky managed to sneak Filipino job recruits out of the country in the past, before it was caught red-handed,” Bertiz said. Last week, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives rescued 139 individuals from a human smuggling

attempt on board a cruise ship bound for Micronesia. Some of the victims were tattoo artists, massage attendants, entertainers, bartenders, food attendants, and “maglilitson” (roasters). Gerald Geralde, head of NBI’s special task force, said the victims came from various provinces and have no proper visa for Micronesia, carrying only passports. Bertiz said the cruise ship should be red-flagged by the authorities and be subjected to stricter boarding and inspection. He cited the law stating that illegal recruitment refers to any act of canvassing, enlisting, contracting, transporting, utilizing, hiring, or procuring workers for employment abroad, whether for profit or not, when undertaken by a non-licensee. Depending on the gravity of the offense, he said those found guilty could face 12 years to life in prison plus a fine of up to PHP5 million. ■

amparo against the House committee “to protect the actual and threatened violations and infringement of their constitutionally-guaranteed rights to liberty MANILA — The Supreme Court and security of person.” (SC) dismissed the petition filed The committee on good govby Ilocos Norte Governor Imee ernment and public accountMarcos and six provincial ofability has been conducting an ficials, known as the “Ilocos 6”, investigation into the provincial assailing the legality of the congovernment’s alleged misuse of tempt order issued by the House tobacco excise funds amounting of Representatives that led to to PHP66.45 million. their detention over their refusal The six provincial governto answer questions during the ment officials have been in congressional probe on the alHouse detention last May 2017 leged misuse of PHP66.45 milafter they were held in contempt lion in tobacco excise tax funds. for giving “evasive answers.” In a media briefer released on They elevated the case to the Tuesday, the High Court, during High Tribunal after the House its en banc session, dismissed repeatedly and deliberately dethe omnibus pefied the order of tition for habeas the CA special corpus, prohifourth division bition, injuncfor their release. tive relief, and [...] the Court found that the habeas The mode used amparo against corpus aspect was rendered moot in the purchase the show cause and academic by the release of of vehicles was order issued by petitioners. through cash adthe House comvances, using the mittee on good province’s share government and from excise taxes public accountability. panel approved the motion of derived from locally produced “In so ruling, the Court found Fariñas to lift the contempt cigarettes or the special support that the habeas corpus aspect order issued to the six Ilocos fund under Republic Act No. 7171. was rendered moot and academ- Norte officials, who finally reUnder RA 7171, the 15-percent ic by the release of petitioners; sponded to the questions asked share of Virginia tobacco-prothe prohibition aspect finds no by lawmakers regarding the ducing provinces shall be allotjustification as the Court found anomalous purchase of motor ted for livelihood projects and no grave abuse of discretion on vehicles using excise taxes. infrastructure projects as a spethe part of respondents; and the In their 67-page omnibus pe- cial support for tobacco farmers. writ of Amparo will not lie as tition, the petitioners asked the The purchased vehicles of there is no legal or factual justi- high court to issue a temporary the provincial government confication therefor in the absence restraining order (TRO) stop- sisted of 40 units of minicabs, of an extralegal killing or an en- ping the investigation of the five units of buses, and 70 units forced disappearance, or threats House committee. They also of Foton Mini Trucks, totaling thereof,” read the SC ruling. asked the SC to order their re- PHP66.4 million. The petition named as release and assume jurisdiction The first check was issued on spondents House majority on the writ of habeas corpus Dec. 1, 2011 in the amount of leader and Ilocos Norte 1st Dis- case pending before the Court PHP18.6 million. Then on May 25, trict Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas, Su- of Appeals (CA), which earlier 2012, another check was issued rigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. ordered their release but was amounting to PHP15.3 million, Johnny Pimentel, committee ignored by the House body. which was followed by another chair, and House sergeant-atAside from this, the petitioners check issued on Sept. 12, 2012 in arms Roland Detabal. asked the Court to issue a writ of the amount of PHP32.5 million. ■

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Marcos was joined by petitioners Pedro Agcaoili, Provincial Planning and Development Office chairperson; Josephine Calajate, provincial treasurer; Eden Battulayan, Provincial Treasurer’s Office staff; Encarnacion Gaor, Provincial Treasurer’s Office staff; Genedine Jambaro, Provincial Treasurer’s Office staff; and Evangeline Tabulog, provincial budget officer, in questioning the conduct of the House probe. In July 2017, the House committee on good government and public accountability ordered the release of the “Ilocos 6”, who were detained at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City. This came after the House

Canada News Federal immigration minister criticizes Ont. Tories’ language on asylum seekers BY MICHAEL TUTTON The Canadian Press HALIFAX — The federal minister of immigration objected Monday to the new Ontario Tory government’s references to people claiming refugee status as “illegal border crossers.” Last week, a spokesman for Premier Doug Ford used the term in a statement sent to the media, saying the recent influx of asylum seekers has resulted in a housing crisis in Toronto and “threats to services that Ontario families depend on.” On Monday, an emailed statement sent to The Canadian Press from Ford’s office repeated the “illegal border crossers” terminology. Ahmed Hussen, the federal minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, told a news conference Monday he believes Ford’s vocabulary is inaccurate. “I’m very concerned by Premier Ford and (provincial) minister (Lisa) MacLeod really making statements that are difficult to understand when it comes to how they’re describing asylum seekers,” Hussen told reporters in Halifax. “These are people who we have a legal obligation to give a fair hearing to, and so we’re applying Canadian law, we’re applying international law and that requires all levels of government to work together.”

The act of crossing the border at a point other than an official port of entry is illegal. However, according to the federal Customs Act, those seeking asylum in Canada have that right to do so under the United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention. Hussen addressed the issue of language as he took questions from reporters about Ontario’s call for additional financial help from Ottawa to deal with asylum seekers in Toronto. Between the beginning of January and the end of May 2018, the Canada Border Services Agency and Immigration and Refugees and Citizenship Canada have processed more than 20,000 asylum claimants, according to federal data. There were 3,304 refugee claimants in the Toronto shelter system as of late June, accounting for close to half of its users. Fifty-four bedroom dormitories at Centennial College in Toronto are being used as temporary homes for 344 asylum seekers, and hundreds more are being housed at another student residence. The asylum seekers are expected to be out of the residences by Aug. 9, as the colleges prepare for the return of the student population. Simon Jefferies, a spokesman for Ford’s office, sent an email Monday saying, “this mess was created by the federal government, and the federal govern-

Ahmed Hussen.

ment should foot 100 per cent of the bills.” Hussen said he was “perplexed” by the request for more money at a time when the province isn’t co-operating with efforts to redirect people to temporary shelters outside of large centres. He noted that Ottawa has allocated $50 million, $11 million of which is earmarked for Ontario, to assist with temporary housing for the asylum seekers. “What we’re saying is to relieve the pressure from Toronto and Montreal, we need the provinces to be on board to put together a triage plan that takes asylum seekers away from those major cities,” he said. Hussen used the phrase “irregular border crossing between ports of entry” to describe the asylum seekers.

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“When someone crosses our border, it’s an illegal act. But once they’re on Canadian soil and they claim asylum, the charge of crossing irregularly is stayed pending the determination of their asylum claim,” he said. Still, Jefferies said the federal government is the one distorting the English language. “It is disturbing that the federal government is deliberately confusing legitimate refugees with illegal border crossers. Frankly, they know better,” he wrote. Several Ontario service providers who assist refugee claimants also objected to Ford’s language, saying they’re fearful about the impact it may have on Ontarians’ opinions towards immigrants. “We know from experience

that whenever any population is demonized or belittled, it affects public opinion,” said Debbie Douglas, executive director of the Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants. Debbie Hill-Corrigan, executive director of Sojourn House in Toronto, said the notion that all refugees are illegal and use up public services, “pits (Canadians) against refugees.” She said the shelter takes in refugees, mostly youth, from Syria, Saudi Arabia and multiple African countries who are part of the LGBTQ community and fear for their safety. Hill-Corrigan said she’s concerned the shelter might lose funding from the province’s Newcomer Settlement program in light of Ford’s comments, as well as Toronto Mayor John Tory’s statement that the city would have to close community centres and cancel public programs because of the refugees. “We hope that Ontarians will continue to be pro-immigration and continue to extend an helping hand in terms of our humanitarian obligations,” said Douglas. Federal Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer weighed in with his own statement Monday, blaming Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s #WelcomeToCanada tweet in January 2017 for encouraging border crossings. ■ With files from Gabriele Roy and Alanna Rizza in Toronto.

Canada has less than half the number of cops needed to spot high drivers: chiefs BY MIA RABSON The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police says it is unlikely to reach its goal of having 2,000 officers

trained to spot drug-impaired drivers when marijuana becomes legal later this year. Last fall, the agency representing about 90 per cent of police agencies in Canada warned the government that before pot becomes legal, its members

need more time to train officers in the new laws as well as to recognized drug-impaired drivers in a roadside stop. Natalie Wright, a spokeswoman for the chiefs of police, tells The Canadian Press that only 733 officers had completwww.canadianinquirer.net

ed the specialized training as of May, up from 665 in February. In March 2017, about 600 officers had the training. “While it is unlikely that we will attain our target number of 2,000 Drug Recognition Experts by October 17th, we

are confident in our present processes, knowing that they will continually improve with time as we build capacity,” said Wright in a written statement. At current rates of training, ❱❱ PAGE 18 Canada has

Canada News

JULY 13, 2018

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Trudeau in Latvia prior to NATO summit; expected to extend Canadian mission BY TERESA WRIGHT The Canadian Press

jan has asserted numerous times that Canada remains committed to leading the mission for the foreseeable future. The Canadian-led battle group is one OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin of four in the region, and includes troops Trudeau is expected to commit Canada from Albania, the Czech Republic, Italy, to spend several more years leading a Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. NATO battle group in Latvia — news Germany leads a similar force in Lithuthat will come Tuesday on the eve of ania, Britain leads one in Estonia and the alliance’s summit in Brussels, where the U.S. leads in Poland. leaders will be braced for a showdown “We’re not here trying to take an agwith U.S. President Donald Trump over gressive posture. This is about determilitary spending. rence. We would like Russia to get back Trudeau arrived in Latvia late Mon- to normality,” Sajjan told The Canadian day, one day before he’ll visit the ap- Press in January during a joint interproximately 450 Canadian troops lead- view with Latvian Defence Minister Raiing the multinational force that was first monds Bergmanis. announced in 2016 as a check against “This will take some time. And CanaRussian aggression in eastern Europe. da is committed for the long term.” That will serve as the backdrop for the The prime minister is expected to use news that Canada is renewing the mis- the extension to defend Canada from sion, the current three-year mandate for criticism from Trump that America’s which is currently run out on March 31, northern neighbour is not spending 2019, sources told The Canadian Press, enough on defence. speaking on condition of anonymity in Canada and other countries have orderJoel_CanadianInquirer_print.pdf to discuss details not yet made faced U.S.3:45 pressure to meet the alliance’s 1 2017-10-05 PM public. target of spending two per cent of GDP Such an extension has been widely on defence and 20 per cent of defence expected. Defence Minister Harjit Saj- budgets on equipment — a target mem-

PM Justin Trudeau (left) and Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis (right).

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ber states agreed to in 2014 at a NATO France, meanwhile, is expected to summit in Wales. pledge this week that it will meet the two Trump has sent letters to the leaders per cent spending target within the next of several NATO allies, including Can- seven years, while Germany says it will ada, expressing “growing frustration” reach 1.5 per cent of GDP by 2024. over the fact the targets are still not beGerman newspaper Bild am Sonntag ing met by the majority of alliance na- quoted Stoltenberg as saying, “One and tions. a half per cent is not two per cent.” The Liberal government has repeatAny extension in Latvia will nonetheedly argued that has Canada consistent- less be welcomed by the country’s govly contributed to NATO operations and ernment, which has turned to Canada efforts — as evidenced by its role in Lat- and NATO for support and reassurance via — and committed to grow funding for in the face of Russia’s recent attempts defence by 70 per cent over the coming to flex its muscle and exert its influence decade. across eastern EuBut critics have rope. noted that even with “This Latvian enthe increase, Canahanced forward presdian defence spendThis will take ence mission altoing will top out at 1.4 some time. gether in the Baltics per cent of GDP, and And Canada is and Poland is one of it’s unclear to what committed for the most successful degree extending an the long term. missions of NATO,” existing mission will said Karlis Eihensatisfy Trump’s debaums, the Latvian mands for Canada ambassador to Canand others to put up ada. more cash. “We feel much more stable as a people And while Canada’s role in the Latvian and also the NATO eastern flank is much mission is positive, it is a relatively small more stable. You can ask our neighbourone compared to ongoing NATO mis- ing countries which are not NATO memsions in Afghanistan and Kosovo — two bers, like Sweden or Finland, what they operations that are highlighted in annu- think, they are very much for this presal reports from NATO secretary general ence ... they are very happy that CanadiJans Stoltenberg, said David Perry, a se- ans are there.” nior defence analyst with the Canadian Eihenbaums said security is also a Global Affairs Institute. concern when it comes to trade — Lat“We’re doing good things in Latvia, via has been trying to grow its exports we’re one of four countries that are to Canada under the Canada-EU trade leading the battle groups ... but the two agreement. that the secretary general tracks in his “In order to trade we have to have report, we have five out of about 18,000 safety,” he said. “We should not stop (the troops.” Latvian mission), probably we should go The Liberal government last year re- further because we have to think about buffed requests from the Trump admin- the air, we have to think about the water, istration and NATO for allies to redouble we have to think about the seas.” ■ their efforts in Afghanistan, including a specific appeal for Canadian police to With files from Lee Berthiaume in Othelp train Afghan security forces. tawa

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Weinstein pleads not guilty, released on bail BY MICHAEL SISAK The Associated Press NEW YORK — Harvey Weinstein, who was previously indicted on charges involving two women, was released on bail on Monday while fighting sex crime accusations that now include a third woman. “We fight these battles one day at a time, and today we won this round,” defence attorney Ben Brafman said outside court. Brafman said during an arraignment that he expects more charges. Weinstein pleaded not guilty after he was brought into the courtroom while handcuffed from behind, then uncuffed for the proceeding. An updated indictment unveiled last week alleges the movie mogul-turned-#MeToo villain performed a forcible sex act on a woman in 2006. The new charges include two counts of

predatory sexual assault, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison upon conviction. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. said the 66-year-old Weinstein is charged with “some of the most serious sexual offences” that exist under state law. “Mr. Weinstein maintains that all of these allegations are false and he expects to be fully vindicated,” Brafman said. More than 75 women have accused Weinstein, who was one of the most powerful men in Hollywood, of wrongdoing as allegations detailed in Pulitzer Prizewinning stories last October in The New York Times and The New Yorker magazine swelled into the #MeToo movement. Weinstein, who produced movies including “Pulp Fiction” and “Shakespeare in Love,” has denied all allegations of nonconsensual sex, with his attorney challenging the credibility of his accusers. ■

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Canada has... ❰❰ 15

it will take more than five years before Canada hits 2,000 trained

officers. The International Drug Evaluation and Classification Program, which includes looking at things such as vital signs, eyes, balance and co-ordination for signs of impairment, began in Los Angeles in the 1970s. In most cases, Canadian officers must travel to the United States for the training, although French-language training is provided in Quebec. At a House of Commons committee hearing last fall, police chiefs said it would be better if Canada could have training at home because the U.S. courses are in high demand with priority given to American police forces. Staff in Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale’s office did not respond Sunday to a request for comment. Previously his officials have pointed to $161 million in funding for police training and drug-testing equipment over the next five years, as well as a public aware-

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ness campaign about the perils of driving while high. Legislation that passed Parliament in June allows for the use of roadside saliva tests to detect the presence of drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana, but no such test has actually been approved yet for use in Canada. In May federal officials indicated they didn’t know when the government would make a decision about which particular test will get the green light. Six weeks ago the western premiers jointly asked the federal government to address the issue provinces face with drugimpaired driving enforcement, including expediting the approval of saliva-based screening tests before pot becomes legal. Manitoba Justice Minister Heather Stefanson said Sunday her government remains concerned about the readiness of law enforcement to handle legalized marijuana, and the province wants the October implementation date delayed until police are more prepared.

“Our government has expressed our concern from the very beginning about the federal government’s decision to rush ahead with the legalization of cannabis without having the appropriate safety mechanisms in place,” Stefanson said. “The CACP has now confirmed that they will not have enough officers trained in time.” Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports while only four per cent of impaired driving cases in the justice system involve drug impairment, in 2014 testing found the presence of drugs in blood tests taken of drivers killed in accidents. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction argues in a policy on the use of roadside drug evaluations that “it would appear that a substantial proportion of drugimpaired drivers are going undetected.” It cites the fact that more drivers killed in accidents tested positive for drugs than alcohol, but only four per cent of impaired driving cases involve drug-impairment. ■

World News

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

A Thai cave, an extraordinary tale and a captivated world BY TED ANTHONY The Associated Press IN THE darkness, down the twisting stone tunnels and through the murky water, they awaited an uncertain future. Outside, under the skies of a modern planet, cameras and bystanders and a rapt global audience of many millions looked toward the remote hills of northern Thailand, connected by cables and satellites and wireless signals and gadgets in their pockets. For two weeks and more this went on. We have barely a hint of what the past 18 days were like for the 12 young Thai soccer players and their coach. But for the rest of us, watching from afar as an uneasy planet’s media juggernaut beamed us live shots and the unknowable was revealed drip by tantalizing drip, we knew one thing: It was hard to look away. Particularly when these two words were splattered across the world’s websites and mobile apps in impactful typefaces: “WATCH LIVE.” Were they even alive at all in there after so many days? Probably not. And yet they were. Could we get a glimpse? There they were, captured on video, waving tentatively to what had fast become their public. Could they be pulled out, through water that rose and fell and threatened to rise again? That question, drawn out for so many days as the clock ticked menacingly, found its answer Tuesday with a resounding yes. “We really needed something to cheer for right now. We needed some positivity. We needed a good headline that could carry the day,” says Daryl Van Tongeren, an associate professor of psychology at Hope College in Michigan who studies how humans build meaning in their lives. “People started believing, like a snowball rolling down a hill: ‘Maybe they WILL get out,”‘ he said. First, the obvious. These were children who did nothing wrong, and we love tales of innocents. Plus, it was easy to conclude for several days that they’d met their end prema-

turely and unfairly. When they did not — when children not unlike those in our own lives had a fighting chance at being OK — many eyes locked in on the story. At that point, the saga was also fueled by hope, and by a possibility of a good outcome — both elements of any memorable human tale. There are other reasons this particular story was so captivating, though. They cast light on some things about ourselves and about the strange forces — sometimes wonderful and sometimes destructive — that shape our lives in a modern media society. The storyline couldn’t have been more Hollywood

It’s become cliche to compare the real world to showbiz (“It was like something out of a movie,” so many witnesses to disaster say). But even bearing that in mind, it would have been impossible to craft a Hollywood treatment that felt more cinematic. For several decades in the American film industry during the 20th century, a production code made sure that the bad guys couldn’t win and that bad things couldn’t be shown. What’s less known is that the code discouraged ambiguity and subtly encouraged sharp, distinctive resolutions to plotlines — something that came to be known as the “Hollywood ending” and endures to this day. That’s what we got Tuesday out of northern Thailand — a satisfying, all-tied-up-in-a-bow Hollywood ending, the kind that would make a reality-TV producer salivate. “This sets the framework for what we expect from a great story,” says Roscoe Scarborough, a sociologist at Franklin & Marshall College in Pennsylvania who studies first responders and reality television. “Any action movie follows this script. Thinking they’re dead but they’re alive. A race against time and the odds to get them out,” says Scarborough, who is also a firefighter. “It’s a cultural product that we understand. But this is a real-life version.”

Rescue of the Thai soccer players.

Technology helped save them

Our world today is utterly consumed with technology — witness the ability to witness a lot of this event on television and mobile devices — but also increasingly uneasy with the way it affects our lives and landscapes. So to look at such a remote area and watch a good outcome unfold because of smart uses of technology, from the pumping effort that drained water out of the cave to the carefully calibrated oxygen tanks used in extracting the kids, illuminated the ways technology can encourage our humanity rather than whittle away at it. Someone sacrificed everything

In any epic narrative, something precious is lost. In this case, that was 38-year-old Saman Gunan, the Thai Navy SEAL who died in the cave late last week during rescue efforts. This happens often in rescue efforts: People who die heroically trying to help others become martyrs who are seen as the best of us. The highestprofile example in recent years: the firefighters and police officers who died helping people on Sept. 11, 2001. “They become symbols of our shared humanity, representative of our collective values,” Scarborough says. www.canadianinquirer.net

THAI NAVYSEAL

Politics were nowhere to be found

It’s pretty obvious that our media-consuming world needs some news that couldn’t possibly be contentious or political. This story deftly managed that. The enemies were diffuse — nature and the ticking clock. There was no backstory of refugees or immigration or gun control or economic disparity. There were, to most of the world watching, no politics whatsoever. Additionally, their 2014 military coup notwithstanding, Thais are generally quiet participants in the global community for the most part. Thus, not much to argue about. It unfolded gradually, and time was of the essence

Serial narratives have been around for a while after their ascent in print form during the 1800s and as “cliffhangers” like “The Perils of Pauline” or “Flash Gordon” during cinema’s early days. Their calculus: They give you some of the story but leave you anticipating more. Serial podcasts and TV season finales carry on that tradition today. In the case of the cave saga, a series of inflection points kept turning attention back to northern Thailand. The effect, said one observer, felt like the

tiny rush you get when people, one after another, like your Facebook post or Instagram photo. And over it all hung a ticking clock. Would the waters rise again? Would oxygen run out? Would rescuers beat the countdown? In the end, this strange summer saga in Thailand was the kind of story that a modern, media-consuming human is literally conditioned through life to consume. It takes its place among similar underground sagas that entranced the planet — the trapped Copiapo miners (Chile, 2010); the Quecreek mining disaster (Pennsylvania, 2002), 18-month-old Jessica McClure trapped in a well (Texas, 1987); and the first such event covered by modern media, the trapping and subsequent cave death of Floyd Collins (Kentucky, 1925), where coverage featured radio bulletins and, in the spirit of the age, a popular ballad recorded on acetate disc. Sounds antique and distant, right? But in the end it’s the same. No matter how much the decades pass or the technology progresses, we do the same thing: We watch, we wonder, and we hope for a happy ending. And then we move on. This time, though, in this contentious season of humanity, we can do it with a smile. ■

JULY 13, 2018

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FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

Erdogan names Cabinet for Turkish presidency with new powers BY ZEYNEP BILGINSOY The Associated Press ISTANBUL — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan named the members of his new Cabinet after he was sworn in Monday under a new governing system that grants him sweeping executive powers and which critics think gives him far too much control. Mevlut Cavusoglu will remain as Turkey's foreign minister and Suleyman Soylu as the country's interior minister. The revamped 16-ministry Cabinet also includes Erdogan's sonin-law, Berat Albayrak, who will head treasury and finance as the Turkish economy shows signs of instability. The executive system of government that began with Erdogan's swearing-in scraps Turkey's parliamentary governance structure and boosts the powers of the formerly ceremonial presidency.

“One of the most important democratic transformations of our country in its history has been successfully completed today,” Erdogan said. Under the new system, the president forms government, appoints ministers, vice-presidents and high-level bureaucrats. Previously, the prime minister — now a defunct post— formed the government by making elected members of parliament ministers. The process began in a contentious referendum last year when the executive presidency was voted in and last month's snap elections solidified Erdogan's power, which he won with 52.6 per cent of the vote. The president can issue decrees, prepare the budget and has the power to impose a state of emergency. Parliament legislates, can ratify or reject his budget and the president needs parliamentary approval for emergency rule and decrees passed during that time. “Turkey is among the few

countries in the world that has changed its governing system in democratic means,” he said Monday. Erdogan unveiled the rebranded presidency during his inauguration at the sprawling presidential compound, saying it would bring strength, stability and efficiency to the country. He said it did away with a “system that heavily cost our country through political, social and economic chaos.” Erdogan's son-in-law, who previously served as energy minister, assumes responsibility for Turkey's finances at a precarious time. The economy is experiencing high inflation, a declining currency and twin current account and budget deficits even as Erdogan insists on low interest rates. Crowds cheered Erdogan along his convoy's route as he made his way to the inauguration ceremony. The presidency tweeted with the hashtag #NewEraWithErdogan. A special one

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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

lira coin (less than 25 U.S. cents) was minted for guests with the image of the presidential palace, dated July 9, 2018. Some 50 countries were represented at the ceremony, among them controversial figures like Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, according to official Anadolu news agency. Major Western leaders were not in attendance. Erdogan will not only run the executive branch but also lead

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his Justice and Development Party in parliament where he is short of a majority and therefore allied with a nationalist party. Critics say the new system undermines impartiality and could lead to one-man rule with limited checks and balances, especially with a weakened judiciary and parliament. A former Istanbul mayor, Erdogan has been at the helm of Turkey since 2003 as prime minister and then the first directly elected president since 2014.

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JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Myanmar court rules Reuters reporters can face full trial BY FABIOLA SANCHEZ The Associated Press

The reporters contended they were framed by police, a claim that was supported by testimony from a whistleblower in the police department, Moe Yan Naing. After giving his surprise testimony, he was jailed for violating the Police Disciplinary Act and his family was forced to vacate their police housing unit. “We did not commit any crimes,” Wa Lone said to journalists outside the courtroom. He said his response to the judge’s decision was: “We won’t ever give up. Today’s court decision does not mean that we are guilty. We still have the right to a defence.” Reuters urged the authorities to release the two. “We are deeply disappointed that the court declined to end

YANGON, MYANMAR — A court in Myanmar on Monday formally charged two Reuters journalists accused of illegally possessing official information, allowing their case to go to a full trial. The case of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo went through several months of hearings to determine if there was enough evidence to support the charge, which the reporters denied. The two reporters were charged with violating the Official Secrets Act, a law dating from British colonial times, and if convicted, could get up to 14 years in prison. They were arrested in December and have been detained since then because the court denied their request to be reToday’s court decision does not leased on bail. that we are guilty. They apparently were targeted by the authorities because their work concerned this protracted and baseless the brutal crackdown by security proceeding against Wa Lone and forces against minority Rohing- Kyaw Soe Oo. These Reuters ya Muslims in Myanmar’s Ra- journalists were doing their jobs khine state. About 700,000 Ro- in an independent and impartial hingya have fled to neighbouring way, and there are no facts or Bangladesh since the crackdown evidence to suggest that they’ve began last August. done anything wrong or broken The two journalists had any law,” Stephen J. Adler, Reworked on an investigation of uters’ president and editor-inthe killing of 10 Rohingya villag- chief, said in a statement. ers in Inn Din village, for which “Today’s decision casts serithe government said seven sol- ous doubt on Myanmar’s comdiers were sentenced to up 10 mitment to press freedom and years in prison with hard labour. the rule of law,” it said.

The Myanmar military’s actions against the Rohingya have come under harsh criticism internationally, including charges that it was carrying out ethnic cleansing. The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, called the court’s action “a major setback for press freedom.” “A free press is fundamental to democracy,” she said in a statement. “We call on the Burmese government to allow these journalists to return to their families and continue their work.” Human rights groups and freedom of expression organizations also decried Monday’s court decision. “This is a black day for press freedom in Myanmar,” said Tirana Hassan, Amnesty International’s director of crisis response. “The court’s decision to proceed mean with this farcical, politically motivated case has deeply troubling and far-reaching implications for independent journalism in the country.” The free expression group ARTICLE 19 said that the court’s decision “perpetuates a grave injustice and casts doubt on the independence of Myanmar’s judiciary.” “The government must act decisively to protect journalists, promote accountability for human rights violations, and end the politicization of Myanmar’s criminal justice system,” the group said in a statement. ■

UK lawmaker says fine imposed on Facebook over user privacy THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LONDON — The chairman of the U.K. Parliament’s media committee says the government office that investigated the Cambridge Analytica scandal has fined Facebook 500,000 pounds ($663,000) for failing to safeguard users’ data. Damian Collins said the In-

formation Commissioner’s Office concluded that Facebook “contravened the law by failing to safeguard people’s information.” Collins said Wednesday that the company “should now make the results of their internal investigations known to the ICO, our committee and other relevant investigatory authorities.” Facebook has been under scru-

tiny since allegations surfaced that London-based political consultancy Cambridge Analytica used data from tens of millions of Facebook accounts to help U.S. President Donald Trump’s 2016 election campaign. The alleged offences took place before the roll out of new European Union data protection laws that allow for much larger fines. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG 65) sails in the Philippine Sea. MC2 SARAH MYERS / NAVY

China paper denounces US Navy ships' Taiwan Strait passage THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING — A ruling Chinese Communist Party newspaper on Monday denounced the passage of a pair of U.S. Navy ships through the Taiwan Strait as a “psychological game,” as the two sides square off over trade and relations with self-governing Taiwan. The Global Times said in an editorial that the U.S. was adding to tensions by sailing the Japan-based guided missile destroyers USS Mustin and USS Benfold through the 160-kilometre-wide (100-mile-wide) strait that divides Taiwan from mainland China. Though such missions are not uncommon, both Taiwan and the U.S. made unusual public confirmations of the ships' passage over the weekend. Washington is “sending political signals by sending warships through the Taiwan Strait,” said the Global Times editorial, headline “U.S. psychological game in Taiwan Strait.” At a daily briefing Monday, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said China had “played close attention to” the passage of the ships, but declined to connect the incident to other issues affecting relations between Beijing and Washington. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory to be conquered by force if necessary, has criticized recent U.S. moves to strengthen relations with the

administration of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen. Those include the opening of a new office complex for the American Institute in Taiwan, which operates as Washington's de facto embassy on the island in the absence of formal diplomatic ties that were cut when the U.S. switched recognition to China in 1949. The U.S. Congress recently passed a law encouraging higher-level government contacts between the sides and closer co-operation between their militaries is also being emphasized. Such developments come amid rising frictions over what the U.S. considers unfair trading practices by China, the world's second-largest economy. The administration of President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tax on $34 billion worth of Chinese imports on Friday. China is retaliating with taxes on an equal amount of U.S. products, including soybeans, electric cars and pork. A former Japanese colony, Taiwan split from China amid civil war in 1949 and China cut off relations with Tsai's government after her 2016 inauguration because she refuses to recognize the island as a part of China. Despite the lack of diplomatic relations, the U.S. remains Taiwan's chief international ally and American law requires the government to respond to threats to the island. ■

Entertainment Hanging on the lifeline: Gary V’s silent battle BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer IMAGINE SETTLING on a hospital bed, inside the comforts of white blankets met by silence day by day, except with the knocking of your heart’s beating along with the electrocardiogram monitor’s beeping. Away from the cheers of the crowd, the blinding lights of the stage, the ear-flooding beats of the speakers, Gary V spent these past months in solitude to take care of his health but not many know what life-threatening hurdles he had to not just dodge but conquer. In an interview with ABSCBN’s Rated K, Gary finally shared everything that he went through. It is no secret that the 53-year-old all-out-performer is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, which requires him to be injected with shots of insulin for life. But Gary continues to inspire and advocate for a healthy and disciplined lifestyle, after being a continuous fighter of his illness for years. That was why, two weeks after celebrating his 35 years in the showbiz industry, when he revealed that he was going to undergo an open-heart surgery just before the said surgery, people were surprised especially since he was still attending to his performance and work

commitments. Similar to his statement on May 6, the evening of his surgery, Gary recalled the “painful sensation” he felt during his performance number in ASAP. “Umpisa pa lang ng number naramdaman ko na parang sumisikip ang dibdib ko at parang may masakit na nararamdaman dito sa gitna habang nag-p-perform ako, lalong sumasakit (As my number started I already felt my chest tighten and I felt pain at the middle, it becomes more painful as I perform),” he said. After his performance, he hugged his son Gab, who was also part of the number, and whispered, “Pray for me.” Gary, however, did not stop from his activities due to his packed schedule for that week. But he decided to seek medical help, in which doctors found that there was a blockage in his main artery – which prompted him to undergo an operation. As he recovered after the surgery’s success, Gary revealed that just to satisfy his curiosity, he asked his doctor how near he was from death. “Sabi niya siguro isang talon na lang sa pagsayaw ko sa ASAP maaaring sumabog o pumutok ‘yung block na ‘yun at sabi niya kung sakaling pumutok man ‘yun, ‘di na raw ako aabot sa kung anumang ospital na malapit sa ABS-CBN (He said that just one leap in my dancing in ASAP, the block could have ex-

Gary Valenciano.

ploded and if it did, I would die even before I get to any hospital near ABS-CBN). That could have been enough [to kill me],” he narrated. Feeling grateful the Lord, Mr. Pure Energy said that it really was the grace of God that saved him. In fact, despite suffering from diabetes that slows the healing of any injuries on his body, his surgical wounds were completely healed – to his doctors’ surprise. What seemed like a miracle that called for a celebration seemed momentary when he had a muscle strain on his side,

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which made it hard for him to breathe. Examining the muscle strain led to the doctors finding another battle for Gary to fight. “Gary, mukhang meron kang (it looks like you have) cancer of the kidney,” he recalled his doctor’s words, adding that it was “malignant.” He sought another medical advice which required him to take different tests. “Napatunayan na ‘di nagspread ‘yung cancer na nandun lang talaga sa kidney, pero malaki (They found out that the cancer did not spread and it was only in the kidney, but it was

big),” Gary continued. According to him, there were no symptoms because the cancer was at a really early stage and it was only discovered by accident. He said that 30 percent of the kidney was removed to ensure that no cancer cells will remain. “Nakatanggap ako ng message sa doktor ka na cancer-free [ako]. Tsaka hindi na ko kailangan mag-therapy, chemotherapy, radio therapy, wala na (I received a message from my doctor that I was cancer-free. And that I did not need any therapy, like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, none),” Gary went on, smiling. Gary’s spouse, Angeli Pangilinan, was positive that they would get through all these obstacles after she witnessed and addressed some seizures and other attacks for years. “Para sa’kin ‘di ako natakot, alam kong kaya namin ‘to(For me, I was not scared, I know that we could get through this),” she said. A lifeline draws itself up and down to signify life but settles as a flat line when it ends. Similarly, for Gary, a person has to go through these ups and downs in life. “Minsan kailangan talagang dumaan sa ganyang pagsubok ang tao para malaman ng tao na andyan lang ang Lord (Sometimes a person really has to go through these struggles for this person to realize that the Lord is just here),” he said. ■

Rhian Ramos confirms parting ways with Jason Choachuy BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer AFTER THREE years of being together, Kapuso actress Rhian Ramos and her non-showbiz boyfriend, Filipino-Chinese businessman Jason Choachuy has parted ways. This was confirmed by Rhian herself in an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) during The Eddys

2018 Awards held at The Theatre at Solaire, Parañaque City on Monday night, July 9. “That’s true… okay, how do I explain? Here’s the thing, he’s a wonderful guy, nothing’s gone wrong. I don’t want people to make conclusions or make stories or anything. I loved him very much. I still do, in fact,” the Taste Buddies host said, describing the relationship she had with Jason as “wonderful years” of her life.

Rhian, however, said she is undergoing “transitional phase” this year and there are a lot of changes going on with her life right now. She added that she wants to focus on herself more after the break-up. “I think that it’s time for me to focus on me as of the moment. Because, you know, if you don’t focus on yourself and you don’t really, really love yourself, it’s hard to treat other people right,” the 27-year-old actress www.canadianinquirer.net

said. Rhian refused to give more details about the break-up, but assured that nothing “awful and scandalous” happened between her and Jason. “It’s just growing pains of regular people. I’m okay, and that’s the point — to be okay,” she ended. The actress first revealed this news in an exclusive interview with GMA last July 6 at the Manila Polo Club.

“Love life? Actually, I don’t have one right now. That’s the first time I said it. You know, it’s kind of not my biggest focus at the moment. I feel very lucky to have lots of different kinds of love in my life,” she told GMA. Rhian said she has been focusing on a lot of movies lately, especially on her upcoming action film “The Trigonal: Fight for Justice” which will be shown in August. ■

Entertainment

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Christian Bautista’s wife-to-be unaware of his popularity when they first met BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer RECALLING THEIR first meeting in Manila last 2016, Kat Ramnani said she has no idea that her husband-to-be, Christian Bautista, is a popular local artist. Christian and Kat was sharing this in a joint interview with Metro.Style for its Metro Wedding’s digital edition on Wednesday, July 4. When she first met the 36-year-old singer, Kat said she was clueless that Christian is a celebrity as she was living in the United States (US) since 2002. “When we were introduced, I was told he was a singer. So I thought, he’s an upand-coming singer, I had no idea who he was. It was my first time to hear about him, because when Christian’s career was starting, I was in California,” Kat said. “I just came back to the Philippines in 2012. So those were the years when his career was built,” she added. Kat revealed that when they were going out, Christian would take her to “really obscure restaurants” which made her think that she was indeed dating an

up-and-coming singer. Kat only came to know that she was dating the “Asia’s premier romantic balladeer,” with several best-selling albums under his belt, after she told her friends Christian’s name. “So I told my friends, I am dating this guy, and he is a singer. And they would ask, what’s the name. And I would say, you won’t know him, he is up and coming. But he is cute, in fairness,” she said. “And I showed them a picture and they were like, ‘Girl, ano ba! That’s Christian Bautista!’ So I Googled him for an hour, and then I texted him, ‘Hey… I Googled you.’ And then he replied with just a smiley face and I was like, ‘Why didn’t you tell me?’“ she continued. Christian, for his part, said he found it a bit awkward to introduce himself to Kat and tell her that he was a famous showbiz personality. “Of course, I couldn’t introduce myself naman na (like), ‘Hi, I’m this guy’,” he explained. In the same interview, the couple also said that they both shared a love for food and running. “Her taste is really impeccable because I’d discover new restaurants from

Christian Bautista and Kat Ramnani (left).

her. She just knows where to eat and what to eat,” Christian said. Kat, on the other hand, said she loved that her partner also loves to run. “What we loved doing when we were just starting out was running. I am a runner, I love to run. So he used to tell me, ‘Oh, I’m a runner too.’ So I thought, ‘This is great, I’d have a running buddy.’ Two years later, I found out he was not a runner, he just said that for me. And I re-

@KATRAMNANI / INSTAGRAM

ally appreciated that,” Kat narrated. Christian then replied, “Yes, because I was trying to chase you!” It was in 2017 when Christian decided to ask for Kat’s hand after they dated for a year. The couple is now preparing for their wedding day which will be held abroad but added that they will also have a ceremony in Manila to celebrate with their friends. ■

Hashtag’s Jameson Blake issues apology for requesting graphic design in exchange for a ‘shout out’ BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer HASHTAG’S JAMESON Blake issued an apology on Thursday, June 5, after he drawing mixed reactions from netizens when he asked graphic designers for their service in exchange for a “shout out.” “Any graphic designers here? who’s willing to make me a cover photo/banner for (ex. Youtube, twitch). I need a banner with the username ‘LucidExpress.’ Best one gets a shout out from me,” Jameson wrote in his now-deleted tweet on Wednesday. Some netizens were outraged by the former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate’s request, saying he should just pay for the service he was asking because exposure would not help an artist with his or her bills. Responding to the criticism, Jameson apologized to all graphic designers who were thinking that he was degrading their craft “for something as little as a shout out.” www.canadianinquirer.net

“I know graphic designing isn’t an easy job and it requires a lot of work. I dd not expect this would become a big issue,” the young actor wrote in an Instagram post. He then clarified that he was not obligating anyone to make him a banner, instead, he was actually looking for volunteers. “It was just a favor. Probably a shout out would have done nothing but I could have returned the favor by promoting the art work,” he said. “Promoting in ways for the art work to be known and exposed and you never know, people would actually like it. But if that’s the case, just simply ignore by tweet. Once again, I’m sorry and I have no intention to look down on graphic designers and their art work,” he continued. After issuing this remark, several netizens still have different opinions about it, with some saying they understand Jameson’s side and that people should move on from the issue, while others felt that he was unapologetic. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

Ask Netizens: When will “Ang Probinsyano” end?

Lawyer confirms Ellen Adarna gave birth last June 27

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer ONCE AGAIN, online loiterers get creative with one of the biggest questions that science cannot explain and continue to tickle people’s minds to date – when will “Ang Probinsyano” end? The Kapamilya network’s primetime drama that will enter its third year this September has been a subject of online jokes as its star Coco Martin in the shoes of his character Cardo Dalisay continues to enter different story arcs, meet different characters, and encounter more obstacles (almost inhumanly). A simple search on social media sites will bring one to a plethora of meme results pertaining to the show’s “road to forever.” Just like @Benggadora08 who tweeted, “Nakakatakot lang isipin na baka mauna pa magtapos ang relasyon niyo kesa sa (It is just frightening to think that your relationship may end before the end of ) Ang Probinsyano.” Twitter user @juhsstn then pointed out “A cat has 9 lives but Ang Probinsyano has 718 episodes and counting and Cardo’s still alive.” With shows coming and going in the ABS-CBN’s evening timeslots, Ang Probinsyano continues to conquer the throne, but @IiRaymundo has a bright proposal. “I’m excited for a twist. Cardo will be promoted as general. Then magiging anak niya si (his daughter will be) Ms. Angel Locsin. Ang (The) next series ng (of ) Ang Probinsyano is The General’s Daughter,” he tweeted, referring to Angel’s upcoming show. Meanwhile, some users choose to go futuristic with broader concepts. “You wake up in a 10-year coma. You switch the TV on. Ang Probinsyano; huling dalawang lingo (the last two weeks),” @Poteytooo wrote. @josephimperial also tweeted, “Soon we’ll have time period in the Philippines called BCD and ACD: Before and After the

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Coco Martin.

death of Cardo Dalisay.” As of writing, more tweets, comments, and statuses still keep surfacing online. In fact, the July 9 episode of the drama had hearts raising (and maybe hearts relieving) on the possibility of the show’s upcoming conclusion, after showcasing action-packed sequences that seemed to be “finale-like.” But the intense scenes, especially of Cardo’s “death,” actually ended up as just a dream of his wife, Alyanna, played by Yassi Pressman. Some viewers just want the show to end after so many happenings in Cardo’s life, often funnily mocking that he must be an immortal. He already lost some of the closest figures in his life, saved so many people, killed antagonists, and went undercover several times. However, the show’s star himself – also its director, confirmed that Cardo’s story is far from over. “Napakahaba pa ng tatakbuhin ng kuwento (The story will run longer),” Coco said in a report by PUSH. “Kapag naramdaman namin na wala na kaming kuwentong maibibigay, kailangan na naming tapusin. Pero hangga’t tinatangkilik pa siya ng mga tao, hanggga’t may maibiigay pa kaming kwento, hangga’t nakaka-inspire pa kami ng mga tao, nandiyan pa din ang Ang Probinsyano (When we feel that we have no more stories to de-

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liver, we have to end it. But until people are still supporting it, while we still have stories to tell, while we are still able to inspire people, Ang Probinsyano will remain),” he further uttered. Coco’s answer came after rumors surfaced that his show will be ending soon, especially that more characters are going to be introduced. Even ABS-CBN issued a statement to debunk the hearsays afloat. “There is no truth to the rumor that FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano is scheduled to end soon. Coco Martin and the show’s writers are enjoying the process of coming up with creative ideas to make the story more compelling, as well as collaborating with the cast and the production team,” it said. Ang Probinsyano was based on late Fernando Poe Jr.’s 1997 movie of the same title. Coco’s Ang Probinsyano followed the premise of the Da King’s film of having one of the twin characters dying to be replaced by the other twin, but is continuously extending and branching out to different arcs which keeps the show airing up to date. While netizens poke fun on the show’s seemingly endless production, Ang Probinsyano still continues to air on televisions still garnering not only views but also nominations and awards – maintaining its stand on the network. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

“Actually after the hearing, sinabi namin, nanganak na siya (we said it already that she gave birth), two days after,” the lawFOLLOWING MONTHS of yer told reporters as seen in a speculation, the legal counsel of video posted on YouTube and Kapamilya actress Ellen Adar- Twitter by News 5 entertainna finally confirmed that the ment reporter MJ Marfori. latter gave birth last June 27. “So talaga pong wala kaming Lawyer Rene “Rebo” Sagu- dahilan (we have no excuses). isag made this announcement Sinasabi nila (They say we), ‘deat the Pasig Prosecutor’s Of- lay.’ Maybe ‘delay,’ for her to be fice on Monday, July 9, as their able to have a safe delivery. And camp submitted a in due time, macounter-affidavit hirap i-biyahe eh on the child abuse (it is hard to travand cybercrime el). It’s a matter complaint lodged Actually of days pa lang against Adarna after the eh,” he added. by the parent of a hearing, Saguisag de17-year-old teen sinabi clined to give whom she acnamin, further details cused of being a nanganak about the actress paparazo. na siya giving birth. Adarna was (we said Earlier, acsued after she reit already tor John Lloyd fused to respond that she Cruz, Adarna’s to the request of gave birth), boyfriend, adthe teenager’s two days dressed rumors family for a puafter. as he took to Insbic apology. tagram, showing Myra Santos, a screencap of the complainant, an article saying earlier expressed her dismay on that the actress’ son has been Adarna’s absence on the prelim- baptized. inary investigation, which has Cruz mentioned the media been rescheduled a few times al- outlet that published the story ready, claiming that the actress in his caption, and wrote, “F— was just delaying the case. FAKE NEWS.” Saguisag, however, explained The next hearing is scheduled that Adarna was due to give on July 16, but Adarna would birth during that time that is still not attend as she is in Cebu why she failed to appear in the and currently recovering from hearing. childbirth. ■

Gary Valenciano.

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Lifestyle Plus size women reshape fashion market with calls for inclusive, innovative clothes BY CASSANDRA SZKLARSKI The Canadian Press TORONTO — Former reality show star Roxy Earle didn’t have a formal fashion education to rely on for her new plussize fashion line with collaborator Le Chateau. Instead, she turned to the real-life experiences that many established designers don’t seem to have a clue about: the ways plus-size clothes are failing the women who wear them. Earle says she took heed of the constant frustrations expressed by her army of Instagram followers, many of whom rallied around her hashtag #MySizeRox and its message of body positivity. She says she’s on a mission to reinvigorate plus-size clothing with Roxy Earle by Le Chateau for sizes 0 to 22W. “So much of fashion leaves people out, makes people feel miserable — you look at fashion ads and they’re not inclusive,” she says. “They make a girl feel bad about herself.” Earle says she deferred to Le Chateau’s experts for technical details like construction, but she had final say on colours, patterns and how plus-size clothes should fit. Despite her bold and brash reputation, the former star of Slice’s “The Real Housewives of Toronto,” says she wasn’t always as confident as she is today: “I’ve cried in many fitting rooms like many women have because it’s demoralizing. And

then I decided the time is up, I’ve had enough. I’m going to change this.” It’s a slow movement, but things do appear to be evolving as brands consider the input of average customers, suggests plus-size model and blogger Ruby Roxx. The Vancouver resident says it’s shocking to see how badly an established brand can botch the fit of clothing when they simply enlarge it for bigger sizes. There are many different shapes within the plus-size category, she adds. “There needs to be adjustments other than just a bigger size,” says Roxx, pointing out the countless experiences she’s had returning items, like a recent dress she purchased. “It fits my hips perfectly, it fits my boobs perfectly but it won’t do up at the waist. My husband said, ‘Why the hell would they make a dress that would fit those hips and those boobs and not do up at the smallest part of you, the waist? It doesn’t make any sense.”‘ She knew the reason: “It’s because they made it for straightsize models and people.” One of Roxx’s favourite designers is Diane Kennedy, owner of Cherry Velvet, a retroinspired Vancouver brand that offers sizes XS through 4X. Kennedy says her goal is to fit the widest array of people, and despite more than 30 years in the business, she believes there’s still more to learn from customers about how designs can be improved. “If somebody comes in to try

Roxy Earle by Le Chateau.

dresses on and they can’t find something that fits, I feel like I’ve not done my job well,” she says. Ryerson School of Fashion professor Ben Barry says vocal customers are forcing brands to respond to their demands. Social media, especially, has handed plus-size women a megaphone to shift ideas and attitudes. And with that, the notion that a designer’s vision should be sacrosanct is eroding. “The really savvy designers and brands are realizing they not only need to listen but really engage consumers in the process if they want to succeed,” says Barry, who specializes in diversity issues. The professor tries to instill this philosophy in a new gen-

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eration of creators, believing that while a designer plays a critical role in creating clothes, everyday wearers also have “essential expertise.” “Part of the problem has also been embedded in the design process — the fact that fashion has operated so much on this hierarchical design process where this one creative director is the source of knowledge and consumers are not part of the process,” he says. “You put a lot of pressure on one person or one small team to come up with a lot of ideas, without actually understanding how are people wearing clothes in everyday life.” And then there’s the fact so much of the fashion industry revolves around “this idea of thinness.”

“Even selling to plus-size women… brands have been worried that this might harm” them, says Barry. Of course, the professor would like to see more brands embrace the plus-size market, but he also calls on them to acknowledge their role in creating a “negative view of fatness” and do their part to undo harmful stereotypes. Fashion blogger and designer Jessica Biffi says part of the change is coming from plussize women taking the reins to launch their own fashion lines. “It wasn’t always the case,” says Biffi, a former contestant on “Project Runway Canada” who now runs the blog justbiffi. com. “I’ve worked with (plus-size) brands and been the only plussize person in the office.” Earle, too, takes issue with a business that purports to embrace diversity but remains predominantly male, white and skinny. The needs of plus-size women have been misunderstood for too long, says Earle, as she bemoans a preponderance of dark colours, loose silhouettes and simply unfashionable patterns. Her line includes blush floral pinks, linen suits and bold reds. “There’s so many misconceptions about who a woman is, what kind of income she has, what kind of clothes she wants to wear,” she says. “I don’t know what people were thinking — but glamorous, incredible women who are willing to invest in beautiful clothes come in all shapes and sizes.” ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

Manila Bay rehab a shared responsibility: MWSS BY BEN CAL Philippine News Agency MANILA – The rehabilitation of Manila Bay is long overdue. Reynaldo Velasco, administrator of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), said he believes cleaning the natural harbor, which is famous worldwide for its beautiful sunset, is a shared responsibility involving not only the government, but all concerned sectors of society as well. Velasco made the statement in the wake of the forthcoming Senate inquiry into the waste water treatment and sewerage system in Metro Manila, to be led by Senator Cynthia Villar. In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Friday, Velasco, a retired military and police general, cited the need for teamwork and adherence to the concept of shared responsibility to restore Manila Bay to Class B seawater fit for swimming, bathing and skin diving, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under Administrative Order No. 34. Manila Bay is polluted due to

unabated garbage disposal by various sectors for decades. “For the Manila Bay waters to be rehabilitated, restored and maintained to a level fit for swimming, skin diving and other contact forms of recreation, teamwork from all sectors is necessary,” Velasco said. “The concept of shared responsibility must be put into practice that will include responsible citizenship in disposing of garbage,” he added. Poor and inefficient solid waste management, as well as inadequate proper wastewater facilities contribute to the worsening state of Manila Bay’s waters. While MWSS and its concessionaires, Manila Waters and Maynilad, are constantly working to improve their services, they face major challenges in implementing their programs. These include the availability of lots for wastewater treatment plants; bureaucratic red tape in getting permits; rightof-way problems that at times include the presence of illegal settlers; limited construction on streets; and unavailability of an updated drainage master plan. Velasco also said that the

Manila Bay.

work to rehabilitate Manila Bay needs more than the construction of wastewater facilities and the collective efforts of the government agencies named in the Supreme Court Writ. Cooperation and collaboration from every citizen is needed to solve operational challenges, such as excessive debris and garbage, theft, and de-clogging problems, he said. Velasco noted that the Supreme Court issued a Writ of Continuing Mandamus on Dec. 18, 2008 directing 13 government agencies to clean up, re-

habilitate and preserve Manila Bay in their different capacities. He said since MWSS was one of the agencies tagged, he directed to provide, install, operate, and maintain the necessary adequate waste water treatment facilities in Metro Manila, Rizal, and Cavite. Among the other agencies are the DENR, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the departments of education, health, agriculture, public works, budget, and interior and local government, Philip-

pine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police Maritime Group. Under the court order, the MWSS shall submit to the Supreme Court the list of areas in Metro Manila, Rizal and Cavite that do not have the necessary wastewater treatment facilities. Velasco said concessionaires of the MWSS were also asked to submit their plans and projects for the construction of wastewater treatment facilities and their completion period, which shall not go beyond 2037, the end of the concession agreements. Manila Water and Maynilad have their respective wastewater treatment facilities and sanitation programs. Manila Water has 40 such facilities with a total capacity of 310,267 cubic meters daily while Maynilad has 20 with a total capacity of 541,417 cubic meters daily. Seven additional wastewater facilities for Maynilad are under construction and one for Manila Water. Maynilad has planned 25 facilities for construction in the future, while Manila Water has 11. ■

In embattled Venezuela, beauty offers ladder out of poverty BY FABIOLA SANCHEZ The Associated Press CARACAS, VENEZUELA — At a small home with a leaking tin roof near Venezuela’s capital, Johandrys Colls proudly shows off two metal crowns with plastic gemstones and nine satin sashes won in local beauty pageants. The 16-year-old daughter of a butcher and a teacher is pinning her hopes for a future free of poverty on a single goal: rising through the world of pageants and becoming an international beauty queen. “These sashes represent a huge accomplishment for me,” says the skinny teen with dark brown eyes as she pushes her long black hair from one side to another. “I accomplished what I set out to achieve.” While growing concern about sexism and the rise of the

#MeToo movement recently for gowns and surgeries in ex- bad might come her way, she led the Miss America contest change for sex. knows how to ward it off.” to drop swimsuit competitions But even alarming charges After oil, beauty queens may and emphasize personal ac- like those have done little to be Venezuela’s biggest export: complishment, in Latin Amer- deter young women like Colls, Women from the South Ameriica young women continue to whose parents have enrolled can nation have captured seven flock to competitions where her in one of Venezuela’s top Miss Universe titles and crown good looks are unabashedly modeling schools despite their holders have gone on to notable championed above all else. modest income in hopes of careers as actresses, journalists In Venezuand even presiela, competing dential candicomes at a high dates. price: Elaborate When the sequined gowns I hope the values and education I am annual Miss and pricey cosinstilling in my daughter serve her Venezuela pagmetic surgeries well. So that in the future if anything eant is aired on are out of reach bad might come her way, she knows television, milfor most in a how to ward it off. lions tune in, country where paralyzed in inflation is runsuspense as conning in the five testants parade digits and state workers earn transforming their daughter on stage in neon-colored bikiabout $3 a month. Earlier this into a beauty queen. nis while their measurements year the Miss Venezuela pag“I hope the values and educa- are read aloud and they answer eant was rocked by accusations tion I am instilling in my daugh- questions like how they would that some contenders finance ter serve her well,” said Lisbeth draw people back to the waning their journey to the crown by Linarez, the teen’s mother. “So Roman Catholic church. finding wealthy men to pay that in the future if anything As the nation plummets www.canadianinquirer.net

into economic ruin, even more young women are holding fast to dreams of becoming beauty queens. At a recent casting for the Nuestra Belleza Venezuela contest, a pack of teens and 20-something women donned towering heels and coated their lips in glossy pink hues before strutting in front of judges. Among them was Oxlaniela Oropeza, a law student, who said the recent Miss Venezuela scandal hadn’t quashed her ambitions. “My values are intact and no one can take that away from me,” she said. “From the time I was 6 years old, my goal has been to become Miss Venezuela.” In Venezuela, one man has ruled as king in transforming fledgling ingenues into flawless beauty queens: Osmel Sousa. ❱❱ PAGE 28 In embattled

Lifestyle

In embattled... ❰❰ 27

The so-called “Czar of Beauty” led the Miss Venezuela pageant for nearly four decades before leaving the organization in February as accusations spread on social media that organizers had arranged for some contestants to work as escorts for high-ranking government officials in exchange for glimmering jewels, elegant gowns and cosmetic surgeries. The Miss Venezuela contest suspended operations amid the outcry. Sousa has denied any claims suggesting he played a role in helping contestants find socalled “sponsors” and several candidates have spoken out in his defence. Still, multiple women have come forward to say that finding a well-off man to back their pageant aspirations has long been a common practice. Patricia Velasquez, a contestant in the 1989 Miss Venezuela pageant, wrote in her memoir about feeling obliged to enter a relationship with an older man who found her an apartment in Caracas and paid for breast implants. “I quickly learned that getting into the Miss Venezuela contest meant I would have to start prostituting myself in order to find a sponsor,” she wrote. “Not everyone needed to go to such lengths, but that was my reality.” In a recent interview with The Associated Press, Sousa said that if any wrongdoing was committed, those responsible should be held accountable. He recently launched a new pageant called “The Contest” that

will still feature a swimsuit segment, which he defended as an important demonstration of style, physique and health. “Watching the swimsuit competition is practically the most important part,” Sousa said from the lobby of a posh Arabic restaurant in Caracas. Some like Esther Pineda, an expert in women’s studies, believe the continued popularity of beauty pageants in Venezuela is also an indication of how deeply sexist the country remains. Even as more women occupy seats in Congress and become business leaders throughout Latin America, a culture where looks are prized above intellect remains prevalent. The #MeToo movement that has toppled the careers of Hollywood luminaries and political heavyweights has registered little more than a ripple in Venezuela. Few believe that Venezuelan pageants are likely to emulate the recent decision by the Miss America pageant to nix the swimsuit segment. “Physical beauty is seen as a value,” Pineda said. “And it’s given more importance than any other attribute.” Colls still remembers watching the Miss Venezuela pageant with her family at 6-years-old and then stealing her mom’s high heels to imitate the beauty queens on screen. “It’s inspiring,” she said, her lips curling into a smile at the memory. “It’s something beautiful to see them compete and share their talent with the world.” ■

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Alhambra, museum directors take arts, history outside walls BY ZIRCONIA ALLEYNE The Associated Press HOPKINSVILLE, KY. — Instead of going dark while their buildings are being remodeled, the directors of the Pennyroyal Arts Council and the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County are taking the arts and history outside the walls. Both the Alhambra Theatre and the Pennyroyal Area Museum are closed for months due to construction. The Alhambra reopens this fall and the museum is projected to reopen in next spring. Museum director Alissa Keller is coming off the heels of Motown at the Museum, the building’s last hoorah, as it is now empty and ready for contracting bids, she said. Construction should start in August. “When we started talking about closing the museum, one of my priorities was to make sure people didn’t think we were closing forever and to stay relevant,” Keller said. “I wanted to make sure local history stayed at the forefront of the conversation community-wide. It really pushed me and our staff to think of ways to do that and to not rely on a building.” History on Tap is one of the programs they created. The monthly event is hosted at Hopkinsville Brewing Co., featuring local people reciting historical monologues, short biographies and poems about local history. “That was something I read about in another community and I thought it would be a great partnership (with the brewery),” Keller said, noting that a lot of the craft beers at Hopkinsville Brewing are named after historical nuggets. The first History on Tap was in February and highlighted local African-American writers. Keller said they’ve had the event five times now and are developing a following. “Some nights are better attended than others, but I think we’re doing a good thing,” she said. Keller is also using Facebook, the newspaper and the radio stations to drop knowledge on the community. www.canadianinquirer.net

“Social media has been really great when we are focusing on it,” Keller said. “In February and March, we posted something every day that connected to our actual collection, and we had a lot of great interaction through that. It can be a marketing tool, but it’s also a great way to make our history accessible and share more of it.” Arts council director Margaret Prim said she and her staff are thinking outside the Alhambra’s walls in many ways. “We’re going to do a big endof-the-summer event at Cayce Jones Distillery with Willie Sugarcapps. We’re also partnering with the city on a couple of events for Fridays at 5 and to kick off the Summer Salute Festival,” Prim said. Although the Alhambra will reopen Nov. 9, it is closed during months of the arts council’s biggest fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars, which is usually in September, and the Big Read, which is usually the month of October. This year, the Big Read will start in January with community activities about the book, “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien, going on through the end of February. Dancing with Our Stars will also return in 2019, Prim noted, and this year’s live season shows will be announced later this month. “We really want to provide year-round programs and not just a season,” Prim said. “I think it’s important not to just do things in the same place. We have wonderful parks and beautiful churches, and I think people are thinking outside the box in general.” For example, “Bach and the Blues” was the inaugural event of a classical music series that the arts council is hosting at Grace Episcopal. The next Grace Classical show will feature an organ concert with the Nashville Symphony’s Andrew Risinger on Sept. 14 and a group of classical performers, including local violinist Rachel Crick, in concert in October. Prim has also pulled inspiration for more ideas from other cities. “In New York City, they have pianos all around the city

where you can just sit down and play,” she said, noting that the Alhambra has a Steinway grand piano she wants to use. “I’m really hoping to do a pilot program here.” Keller has more ideas on pilot as well. She plans to kick off some downtown walking tours in the fall. “It would just be a 30-minute tour at lunchtime where you can learn some stuff, get a bite to eat and go back to work,” she said. “Or, we could even do that in the evening where we’d end at a bar downtown.” Keller said the key is partnering with local businesses and even the schools. She hopes to foster a closer relationship with the public and private schools to do more outreach programs and field trips once the museum reopens. “Working with the state curriculum, our exhibit designers are making sure the new exhibits hit some math and science standards,” she said. “You can learn a lot about math and science through history too.” “If kids are coming downtown for a show at the Alhambra, they could take a walking tour to the museum and then the library to get a library card,” Keller said. “I think being able to connect with these other places downtown would make it worthwhile.” Prim said there were many emotions around closing the Alhambra because “we’re not only closing, but we’re trying to restore and bring this place back to life,” she said. “We needed to survive and still produce some revenue, so that was a good reason for us to do some activities outside the walls.” With or without a building, both ladies know the show must go on. “The theatre had to go dark,” Prim said, “but that didn’t mean we had to.” ■

Sports PH captures 3 more bronze medals in SEA Swimming Championships PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY LOS BANOS, LAGUNA — The Philippines collected three more bronze medals in the 42nd Southeast Asia Swimming Championships at the Trace Aquatic Center here on Sunday. Xiandi Chua, Kirsten Robyn Tan and Lady Samantha Corpuz delivered the medals for the Philippines, which ended its campaign in the nine-nation tournament with four golds, 11 silvers and 14 bronzes. Chua, who topped the 200-meter individual medley (IM) and 200-meter backstroke events in the girls’ 16-18 years old category, clocked 58.75 seconds in the 100-meter freestyle to finish third behind Vietnam’s Nguyen Diep Tram (57.75 seconds) and Indonesia’s Adinda Larrasati Dewi (58.02 seconds). Tan registered 1:02.41 in the 100-meter freestyle event of the girls’ 13 years and under category which was dominated by Thailand’s Napatsawan Jaritkla (1:0040). Vietnam’s Pham Thi Van was second in 1:01.90. Corpuz submitted 9:44.88 to take the bronze in the 800-meter freestyle event of the girls’ 13

years and under category. Thailand’s Kamonchanok Kwanmuang won the gold (9:04.04) while Vietnam’s Vo Thi My Tien (9:30.56) got the silver. Six national junior records were set during the three-day tournament, which saw Vietnam pocketing 58 golds, 39 silver and 21 bronzes. Those who registered new records were Jonathan Cook, Arbeen Miguel Thrulen, Liaa Margarette Amoguis, Rafael Barreto, Juan Marco Daos and Mishka Sy. Cook won two silvers in the 100-meter breaststroke (1:03.22) and the 200-meter IM (2:07.95) events in the boys’ 1618 years old category. “This is my first time to join the tournament and I am happy with the results,” said 18-yearold Cook, who erased Gerard Bordado’s 12-year-old record of 1:05.47 in the 100-meter breaststroke event. “I’m glad to have been given the opportunity to represent the Philippines,” said 6-foot-0 Cook, who joined the Singapore Open, his first tournament as a Filipino, last week. His mother is from Sta. Ana, Manila. Cook, who began swimming at the age of seven, was born in

New Jersey but is now based in Seattle, Washington. He is the youngest among three siblings. “I am proud to compete for the Philippines and I hope to join more tournaments,” said Cook, who attended Henry Jackson High School and is set to start college at the Stanford University. This is the second time that Cook visited the Philippines since he was five years old. Thrulen clocked 27.75 seconds in the boys 13-under butterfly event to erase the 11-year-old record of Gabriel Castelo (28.17 seconds) while Amoguis posted 5:19.62 in the girls 13-under 400-meter IM event to improve the 5:26.26 mark set by Raven Faith Alcoseba three years ago. The other record holders are Barreto (25.54) in the 16-18 boys 50-meter butterfly event, Daos (2:05.96) in the boys 13-under boys 200-meter freestyle event and Sy (2:27.34) in the girls 13-under 200-meter backstroke event. Meanwhile, Palarong Pambansa standout Jalil Sephraim Taguinod of Isabela province also had a pair of silvers coming from the boys’ 100-meter (1:10.19) and 50-meter (32.27) breaststroke events in the boys’

Mishka Sy in the 42nd SEA Age Group Swimming Championships. PHILIPPINE SWIMMING INC.

13 years old and under category. Both times are his personal best. “I’m not so happy with the two silvers. I need to train harder to improve my performance,” said 5-foot-8 Taguinod, an incoming Grade 7 student at the La Salle-Greenhills. He finished grade school at the Infant Jesus Montessori School in his hometown Santiago. During the Palarong Pambansa in April this year, the 12-year-old Taguinod ruled the 50-meter and 100-meter breaststroke, 50-meter freestyle, 50-meter backstroke and 200-meter IM events. He set new meet records in the 50-meter breaststroke (32.31 seconds) and the 100-me-

ter breaststroke (1:12.92). Philippine Swimming Inc. president Lani Velasco has expressed her gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission for its all-out support to the young swimmers. “We would like to thank the PSC for giving our swimmers the opportunity to train in the US,” Velasco said. She also praised University of Arizona coach Sam Busch, who was hired as foreign coach of the national juniors team last month. “Sam’s work with our children gave them the motivation and the knowledge to perform well in this competition,” said Velasco, who also cited the skills of local coaches. ■

Daniel Kickert on PH Arena brawl: ‘It is a regrettable situation’ BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer AUSTRALIAN BOOMERS’ Daniel Kickert expressed his regret on being caught up in the brawl that sparked between his team and Gilas Pilipinas during the Fédération Internationale de Basket-ball (FIBA) World Cup Qualifiers at the Philippine Arena on Monday night. In a video posted on ESPN 5 on Wednesday, July 4, Kickert said, “I think I overstepped a little bit with my response to the escalation in the game.”

“I regret those things,” he added. Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes earlier blamed Kickert for triggering the fracas, claiming that the latter had been ‘hitting’ some players of the Philippine team — including Carl Bryan Cruz, Matthew Wright, Roger Pogoy, and Calvin Abueva — during warm-ups. Kickert said that he was put in a position where he obviously made an action that is “regrettable and unfortunate.” “It’s not good to put a stain on anything as a good trip for the boys and would have been

a good win. I think [it] ended poorly with a controversial issue obviously,” he stressed. Kickert, however, did not give any comment on the actions done by the Philippine team, saying that he would just leave everything up to FIBA. “I’m gonna let FIBA do everything that they need to do to take the time, go through the process and come to the answers that they see fit and bring down the sanctions that they bring down.” “I’m gonna step back and let FIBA do what they wanna do.” Basketball Australia and Sawww.canadianinquirer.net

mahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) earlier issued their respective apologies for the incident. Basketball Australia chief executive Anthony Moore, in a statement, said that they deeply regret their role in the benchclearing brawl. “This is not the spirit in which sport should be played and certainly not in the spirit in which we aim to play basketball,” Moore said. As hosts of the game, SBP president Al Panlilio likewise said they regret “having breached the bounds of tradi-

tional Filipino hospitality.” Both parties will wait for the official FIBA ruling following its disciplinary proceedings on the incident. The Australian Boomers won the game by default, 89-53, as there was only one player from Gilas, Baser Amer, left to go up against the Boomers. Pogoy, Cruz, Wright, Abueva, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, and Andray Blatche were ejected for disqualifying fouls, while June Mar Fajardo and Game Norwood fouled out of the game. ■

Business US-China trade war elevates the risks to the global economy BY PAUL WISEMAN AND JOSH BOAK The Associated Press WASHINGTON — The trade war that erupted Friday between the U.S. and China carries a major risk of escalation that could weaken investment, depress spending, unsettle financial markets and slow the global economy. The opening shots were fired just after midnight, when the Trump administration imposed a 25 per cent tariff on $34 billion of imports from China, and Beijing promptly retaliated with duties on an equal amount of American products. It accused the U.S. of igniting “the biggest trade war in economic history.” Because of this first round of hostilities, American businesses and, ultimately, consumers could end up paying more for such Chinese-made products as construction equipment and other machinery. And American suppliers of soybeans, pork and whiskey could lose their competitive edge in China. These initial tariffs are unlikely to inflict serious harm to the world’s two biggest economies. Gregory Daco, head of U.S. economics at Oxford Economics, has calculated that they would pare growth in both countries by no more than 0.2 per cent through 2020. But the conflict could soon escalate. President Donald Trump, who has boasted that winning a trade war is easy, has said he is prepared to impose tariffs on up to $550 billion in Chinese imports — a figure that exceeds the $506 billion in goods that China shipped to the U.S. last year. Escalating tariffs are likely to slow business investment as companies wait to see whether the administration can reach a truce with Beijing. Some employers will probably put hiring on hold until the picture becomes clearer. The damage

could risk undoing some of the economic benefits of last year’s tax cuts. “Trade disruption is the greatest threat to global growth,” said Dec Mullarkey, managing director of investment strategies at Sun Life Investment Management. “The direct effects will be amplified as business confidence drops and investment decisions are delayed. Markets are still hoping that the key players return to the negotiation table.” The root of the conflict is the Trump administration’s assertion that China has long used “These tariffs could mean the ternational Finance, a banking predatory tactics in a drive to difference between a profit and trade group. supplant America’s technologi- a loss for an entire year’s worth The Trump administration cal supremacy. Those tactics of work out in the field, and sought to limit the impact of include cyber-theft as well as that’s only in the near term.” the tariffs on U.S. households forcing companies to hand over Christine LoCascio, an ex- by targeting Chinese industrial technology in exchange for ac- ecutive at the Distilled Spirits goods, not consumer products, cess to China’s market. Trump’s Council, said she fears China’s for the first round of tariffs. tariffs are meant to press Bei- tariffs on U.S. whiskey will “put But that step raises costs jing to change its ways. the brakes on an American suc- for U.S. companies that rely The rift with China is the cess story” of rising exports of on Chinese-made machinery most consequential trade con- U.S. spirits. or components. And it could flict the adminisforce them to tration has propass those highvoked. But it’s er costs on to hardly the only their business one. These tariffs could mean the customers and, Trump is also difference between a profit and a loss eventually, to sparring with the for an entire year’s worth of work out consumers. European Union in the field, and that’s only in the near If you like over his threat to term. Chick-fil-A sandtax auto imports wiches, for inand with Canada stance, you may and Mexico over feel the effects. his push to rewrite the North Even before the first shots, Charlie Souhrada of the North American trade pact. And he the prospect of a trade war was American Food Equipment has subjected most of America’s worrying investors. The Dow Manufacturers said the tariffs trading partners to tariffs on Jones industrial average has could raise the cost of a kind steel and aluminum. shed hundreds of points since of pressure cooker Chick-fil-A Many caught in the initial June 11. But the risks are now uses. line of fire — U.S. farmers ab- priced into the market, and the The administration has placed sorbing tariffs on their exports Dow actually rose nearly 100 “these import taxes squarely on to China, for instance — are points Friday to 24,456.48. the shoulders of manufacturers fearful. The price of soybeans China’s currency, the yuan, and, by extension, consumers,” has plunged 13 per cent over the has dropped 3.5 per cent Souhrada said. past month on fears that Chi- against the dollar over the past One way the tariffs will nese tariffs will cut off Ameri- month, giving Chinese compa- squeeze farmers, landscapers can farmers from China, which nies a price edge over their U.S. and construction firms is by buys about 60 per cent of their competition. The drop might raising the price of excavators soybean exports. reflect a deliberate devalua- and loaders made by Bobcat, “For soybean producers like tion by Beijing to signal its “dis- which uses attachments imme, this is a direct financial hit,” pleasure over the state of trade ported from China. U.S. supplisaid Brent Bible, a soy and corn negotiations,” according to a ers rarely make these attachproducer in Romney, Indiana. report from the Institute of In- ments, so the company must www.canadianinquirer.net

import them. Jason Mayberry, Bobcat’s assistant general counsel, said in a filing submitted to the U.S. Trade Representative’s office that the company would have to raise prices to offset the tariff. Bobcat’s raw material costs have also risen because of the administration’s steel and aluminum tariffs. The Federal Reserve is picking up signs that the trade war is causing businesses to rethink investment plans. In the minutes from its June meeting, the Fed noted that some companies have delayed or reduced plans to buy or upgrade equipment. And if Trump extends the tariffs to up to $550 billion in Chinese imports, consumers won’t be able to avoid getting caught in the crossfire: The taxes would hit products like televisions and cellphones. That’s what happened to imported washing machines, which were hit by separate Trump tariffs in January. Over the past year, their price has surged more than 8 per cent. American trade groups are urging the two countries to resume talks. “Tariffs will bring retaliation and possibly more tariffs,” said Jay Timmons, president of the National Association of Manufacturers. “No one wins in a trade war.” ■ AP Economics Writer Martin Crutsinger contributed to this report.

Business

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

DICT to slap fees vs TRAIN law beneficial to PH: telcos inefficiently Pernia using frequencies BY LESLIE GATPOLINTAN Philippine News Agency

BY AEROL JOHN PATENA Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is eyeing to impose punitive fees against telcos that are not efficiently using the frequency spectrums awarded to them. DICT Secretary Eliseo Rio Jr. said a spectrum users fee (SUF) will be charged to inefficient telco firms to make them pay more for the use of frequencies. “Using the SUF, we plan to punish telcos who are not efficiently using the spectrum awarded to them, by making them pay more than those who are more efficient. This will force the inefficient ones to return frequencies, as it would no longer be economical to retain them,” Rio said in a statement posted on his Facebook page Sunday. The secretary also reiterated his opposition to the proposed auction of frequency spectrums that will be used as basis for the selection of the new telco player, which is being favored by the Department of Finance. “There are those who contend that the frequencies are owned by the Filipino people, but these frequencies are totally useless without telcos who have to invest tens of billions of pesos for their infrastructure. Yes, some telcos who sold their frequencies to the duopoly earned billions of pesos. But why punish a new player who has not earned any single centavo yet, for the sins of these incumbent telcos?,” Rio said. “By proposing an auction for the new player to recover what is due the Filipino people from failures of past administrations is not only illogical but really unfair. The government can still run after the beneficiary of the sale of frequencies if proper taxes were not paid, and it is not the task of DICT to get it from a new player whom we are trying so hard to attract to give better and less expensive ICT services,” he said. The DICT has opposed the auction mode as it will force

a new player to put up a huge amount to qualify for the bidding process, which is not related to setting up telecommunication facilities and improve services. Telco industry stakeholders have expressed their preference to the draft terms of reference (TOR) of the DICT, which uses the highest committed level of service (HCLoS) as criterion for the selection of a new major telco player, over the use of auction as a mode for the selection during a public consultation conducted by the department last Friday. Under the HCLos formula, which is being favored by the DICT, the new telco will be selected on the following criteria: 40 percent for national population coverage, 20 percent for minimum average broadband speed and 40 percent for annual capital and operating expenditure over a five-year commitment period. On the other hand, the guidelines using the auction mode stipulates that a bidder that will offer the highest annual capital and operating expenditure for a five-year commitment period shall be selected as the new major telco player. The new telco player shall be subject to the applicable spectrum user fees pursuant to prevailing rules and regulations after the said period. Last June, the DICT has directed the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to conduct a review on spectrum user fees being paid by telecommunication firms in a bid to improve the state of mobile services in the country. Department Order No. 0032018 directs the NTC to review and make appropriate adjustment on spectrum user fees for 610-790 MHz, 790-960 MHz and 1710-2025 MHz radio frequency bands to ensure efficient spectrum use, amid the rapid growth of new technologies and preparations for the entry of a new major player in the local telco industry. The DICT is eyeing to pick the new telco player as early as September this year. ■

MANILA — The proposed suspension of the tax reform law could hamper the implementation of the administration’s massive infrastructure and social programs that would benefit millions of Filipinos, the country’s chief economic planner said Friday. Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the implementation of the first package of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law “has been very beneficial” for the country. Pernia said the law has improved fiscal space for the government to fund the “Build, Build, Build” program and various social programs, including the conditional cash transfer (CCT), unconditional cash transfer (UCT), free tuition in state universities and colleges (SUCs), free irrigation for farmers, and ‘Pantawid Pasada’ cash grants. “We are spending a lot so people should know that it’s not a good idea to just suspend or abolish the TRAIN law because many of these spendings on social programs like CCT, UCT, SUC free tuition cannot be implemented. And of course, the Build, Build, Build program will be hampered,” he said in an interview in his office.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia. PRESIDENTIAL COMMUNICATIONS

The Duterte administration intends to spend PHP9 trillion on its massive infrastructure program which is expected to generate about 1.1 million new jobs every year. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) also estimated the “Build, Build, Build” program contributes as much as PHP31.2 trillion to the economy over the next five years. Implemented last January 1, TRAIN is the first package of the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP) which reduces personal income taxes and adjusts excise taxes on fuel and automobiles. “We hope the TRAIN 2 will be passed before the end of the year because that’s also a critical package of CTRP. The CTRP is a very sound program, well studied (law), and it is the outcome of so many consultations,” Pernia added. The second package of the tax

reform program seeks to lower corporate income tax rates and rationalize fiscal investment incentives. Some lawmakers have reiterated their call for the suspension of the TRAIN law amid increasing inflation rate, while others suggested postponing the collection of additional excise tax under the law. The country’s inflation rate rose to 5.2 percent in June 2018 due to faster price increases in major commodities like food, fuel and transport. Such increases were caused by various factors, including global oil prices, peso depreciation and rice prices. “While we recognize the public sentiment on rising prices, let us remind ourselves that the TRAIN law increased the takehome pay of 99 percent of income taxpayers. And this should help in coping with the rising prices of goods,” Pernia said. ■

In blow to May, UK’s top Brexit official quits government BY JILL LAWLESS The Associated Press LONDON — Britain’s most senior official in charge of negotiating the country’s exit from the European Union resigned Sunday, accusing Prime Minister Theresa May of undermining Brexit with her plan to keep close trade ties with the bloc. Brexit Secretary David Davis quit just two days after May announced she had finally united her quarrelsome government behind a plan for a divorce deal www.canadianinquirer.net

with the EU. In a blow to the beleaguered prime minister, Davis told May in a letter that the government’s proposals for close trade and customs ties “will leave us in at best a weak negotiating position, and possibly an inescapable one.” Davis’s late-night resignation undermined May’s already fragile government, which has lost several ministers in the past year over sexual misconduct allegations and other scandals. Davis was a strong pro-Brexit voice in a Cabinet divided between supporters of a clean break with the

bloc and those who want to keep close ties with Britain’s biggest trading partner. May’s office said a replacement for Davis would be announced Monday. His departure could embolden Brexit-supporting Conservative lawmakers — who have long considered May too prone to compromise with the EU — to challenge her leadership. The staunchly pro-Brexit Conservative lawmaker Andrea Jenkyns tweeted: “Fantastic ❱❱ PAGE 37 In blow

Technology YouTube aims to crack down on fake news, support journalism BY BARBARA ORTUTAY The Associated Press

JHVEPHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Bell, Rogers slash regional internet prices to woo customers to faster networks BY DAVID PADDON The Canadian Press TORONTO — Two of Canada’s biggest internet providers have slashed prices by about 45 per cent in the Toronto area for their most advanced offerings, but industry observers say such skirmishes are usually very local and short-lived. Bell Canada is offering a gigabit-per-second home internet package with unlimited data for $79.95 in parts of Toronto, down from $149.95, until the end of July. Rogers, for its part, has a limited time promotional offer on its gigabit-per-second service that drops the monthly fee to $79.99 for 12 months, from $152.99, throughout its service

areas in Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Market analyst Emily Taylor of IDC Canada says such local, short-term price wars are part of a long-term battle for market share among the country’s major internet providers, including Bell, Rogers, Videotron, Telus and Shaw. Taylor says that Canadian adoption of gigabit-speed home internet has been relatively slow, in part because it’s only available in some places, but consumers are definitely choosing faster services than they did a few years ago. She says the special promotions are a way for carriers to show what the faster networks can do with the expectation that consumers will come to see them as essential service in the future. ■

feeds without being searched. He said it would be preferable if Google used people instead of algorithms to vet fake news. NEW YORK — Google’s You“Facebook was reluctant to Tube says it is taking several go down that path two and half steps to ensure the veracity of years ago and then they did,” he news on its service by cracking said. down on misinformation and YouTube also said it will supporting news organizations. commit $25 million over the The company said Monday it next several years to improving will make “authoritative” news news on YouTube and tackling sources more prominent, espe“emerging challenges” such cially in the wake of breaking as misinformation. That sum news events when misinformaincludes funding to help news tion can spread quickly. organizations around the world At such times, YouTube will build “sustainable video opbegin showing users short text erations,” such as by training previews of news stories in staff and improving production video search refacilities. The sults, as well as money would warnings that not fund video the stories can creation. change. The goal [...] 10,000 human reviewers at Google The company is to counter the — so-called search quality raters who is also testing fake videos that monitor search results around the ways to councan proliferate world — are helping determine what ter conspiracy immediately afwill count as authoritative sources and videos with genter shootings, news stories. erally trusted natural disasters sources such and other major as Wikipedia happenings. For and Encyclopeexample, YouTube search re- world — are helping determine dia Britannica. For common sults prominently showed vid- what will count as authoritative conspiracy subjects — what eos purporting to “prove” that sources and news stories. YouTube delicately calls “wellmass shootings like the one Alexios Mantzarlis, a Poyn- established historical and scithat killed at least 59 in Las Ve- ter Institute faculty member entific topics that have often gas were fake, acted out by “cri- who helped Facebook team up been subject to misinformasis actors.” with fact-checkers (including tion,” such as the moon landing In these urgent cases, tradi- The Associated Press), said the and the 1995 Oklahoma City tional video won’t do, since it text story snippet at the top of bombing — Google will add intakes time for news outlets to search results was “cautiously a formation from such third parproduce and verify high-qual- good step forward.” ties for users who search on ity clips. So YouTube aims to But he worried what would these topics. ■ short-circuit the misinforma- happen to fake news videos that tion loop with text stories that were simply recommended by AP Technology Writer Ryan can quickly provide more accu- YouTube’s recommendation Nakashima contributed to this rate information. Company ex- engine and would appear in story from San Francisco.

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ecutives announced the effort at YouTube’s New York offices. Those officials, however, offered only vague descriptions of which sources YouTube will consider authoritative. Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan said the company isn’t just compiling a simple list of trusted news outlets, noted that the definition of authoritative is “fluid” and then added the caveat that it won’t simply boil down to sources that are popular on YouTube. He added that 10,000 human reviewers at Google — so-called search quality raters who monitor search results around the

Technology

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

How Apple’s app store changed our world BY MICHAEL LIEDTKE The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO — A decade ago, Apple opened a store peddling iPhone apps, unlocking the creativity of software developers and letting users truly make their mobile devices their own. The resulting explosion of phone apps — there are now more than 2 million for the iPhone alone — has changed daily life for billions of people around the world. It has unleashed new ways for us to work and play — and to become so distracted that we sometimes forget to look up from our screens. It has created new industries — think ride-hailing services like Uber, which would be unimaginable without mobile apps — and pumped up demand for software developers and coding schools. But it has also opened the door to an age of technology

anxiety, rife with concerns that apps are serving us a little too well and holding our attention whether we want them to or not.

The app store is now the fastest growing part of Apple’s business. Together with other Apple services, the app store generated $33 billion in revenue over the year that ended in March. The company says it has paid out more than $100 billion to developers during the past decade.

In the beginning

None of that was going on when Apple’s app store debuted 10 years ago Tuesday. At the time, mobile phones were largely a take-it-or-leave it proposition, with features programmed by their manufacturers and customization mostly limited to a choice between tinny electronic ringtones. The iPhone itself was still in its infancy, with only 6 million devices sold during the device’s first year. Then came the App Store, which offered 500 programs users could take or leave themselves. During its first weekend, people downloaded 10 million apps — many of them games. Apple competitors Google, Amazon and Microsoft soon launched their own app stores. Together, these companies now

The other side of apps

Apple App Store.

offer roughly 7 million apps. Apple, meanwhile, has now sold more than a billion iPhones. The app economy

That app tsunami, and the riches it generated, spawned new economic opportunities. Billions of dollars flowed into startups dependent on their apps, from Uber to Snapchat to Spotify to game makers like

Angry Birds creator Rovio. Opportunities for software developers blossomed as well. Apple perhaps benefited most of all. Its “free” apps usually display advertising or make money from subscriptions or other in-app purchases, while others charge users to download. Apple takes a cut of this action, sometimes as much as 30 per cent.

For all the possibilities apps have allowed, there’s also a dark side. The Center for Humane Technology, an advocacy group formed by early employees of Google and Facebook, charges that many apps are engineered specifically to capture our attention, often to our detriment. That makes them “part of a system designed to addict us,” the group says. Apple says it shares similar concerns. To help, the company is adding new tools to the iPhone to track and control the usage of the most time-consuming apps. ■

India asks WhatsApp to prevent misuse after mob killings BY AIJAZ HUSSAIN The Associated Press NEW DELHI — India’s government says it has asked WhatsApp to take “immediate action” to prevent the social media platform from being misused to spread rumours and irresponsible statements like those blamed for recent deadly mob attacks in the country. At least 20 people have been killed in mostly rural villages in several Indian states in attacks by mobs that had been inflamed by social media. Victims were accused in the viral messages of belonging to gangs trying to abduct children. The brutal attacks, which began in early May, have also left dozens of people injured. Although Indian authorities have clarified that there was no truth to the rumours and that the targeted people were innocent, the deadly and brutal attacks, often captured on cellphones and shared on social

media, have spread across the country. India’s ministry of electronics and information technology said in a statement late Tuesday that the lynchings were tied to “irresponsible and explosive messages” circulated on WhatsApp. It wasn’t specific on the preventative measures it expected to be taken by WhatsApp, which is owned by Facebook. “While the law and order machinery is taking steps to apprehend the culprits, the abuse of platforms like WhatsApp for repeated circulation of such provocative content are equally a matter of deep concern,” the ministry said. It said WhatsApp “cannot evade accountability and responsibility.” “The government has also conveyed in no uncertain terms that WhatsApp must take immediate action to end this menace and ensure that their platform is not used for such malafide activities,” the state-

ment said. “Deep disapproval of such developments has been conveyed to the senior management of the WhatsApp and they have been advised that necessary remedial measures should be taken to prevent proliferation of these fake and at times motivated/sensational messages.” WhatsApp said in a blog post that it would institute awards for research on “spread of misinformation” on its platform. “We will seriously consider proposals from any social science and technological perspective that propose projects that enrich our understanding of the problem of misinformation on WhatsApp,” the post said. The Indian Express, an English-language daily newspaper, quoted a WhatsApp official as saying, “The situation is a public health problem which will require solutions from outside the company as well, including the government.” The official said that the “rewww.canadianinquirer.net

WhatsApp.

sponsibility is beyond any one technology company” and “requires partners,” according to the paper. “I think it’s up to the Indian government to decide what is the right mechanism to address the spate of killing that is occurring. It is going to have to be a collaboration,” the official said. Internet policy experts say WhatsApp doesn’t have legal accountability and cannot be held liable for the way people use it. “But the platform is responsible for enabling anony-

mous sending forwards,” said Nikhil Pahwa, a digital rights activist and founder of a portal that covers technology and social media policy in India. Pahwa said it’s impossible for WhatsApp to track and assess billions of messages being sent each day using its platform. Pavan Duggal, a cyber expert and an attorney, said WhatsApp needs to comply with Indian laws and also adopt a “more sensitive and customized approach” for the country to reap the benefits of the vast Indian market. ■

JULY 13, 2018

CANADA

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LOCATION: BRAMPTON Employer: Romelo Perez for 2 children (15 & 11 y.o.), Mon-Fri, $14/hr for 40 hrs/wk. 3 year-contract Requirements: LanguageEnglish. Education- Completion of secondary school (min.) Experience- 1-2 yrs. child care/babysitting exp; criminal record check, in good health. Duties: Supervise and care for children, prepare and serve meals, assist with feeding, grooming, hygiene, homework and school projects. Perform light housekeeping & cleaning duties including wash/iron clothes and household linens. Take children to and from school and appointments, travel with family if needed.

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Travel Monument filled, tourist empty Extremadura is a Spanish gem BY GIOVANNA DELL’ORTO The Associated Press CACERES, SPAIN — The flamenco strains were so haunting I asked the quintet of 20-somethings playing guitars on the doorstep of a massive, whitewashed centuries-old church if I could listen for a spell. “Sure. Want a sip?” one replied, offering the litrona — a quarter-gallon bottle of beer — they were sharing. Then they went back to jamming, their notes echoing up the steep, narrow lane in one of the most monument-filled, tourist-empty cities in the Iberian peninsula. Caceres is a highlight of Extremadura, a Spanish region of vast sun-parched landscapes and untouched historical jewels exactly halfway between the ever-more-crowded capitals of Madrid and Lisbon, Portugal. I spent a weekend there last October exploring Roman ruins, climbing up medieval towers and scarfing down plates of the famed local ham without seeing one tour group. I travelled mostly on comfortable public buses that rolled through olive and oak tree-studded hills, past fortified towns and palm-fringed farms, stopping to pick up schoolchildren returning home and elderly couples going to market. Every stop appealed — especially Trujillo with its castle — but I focused on three mustsees: Merida, Caceres and Guadalupe. Imperial power

This small city played a role in two of the world’s great empires, Rome’s and Spain’s. As their provincial capital, Romans filled Merida with public and private showpieces. Centuries later, many of the conquistadores that led Spain’s dominion in the Americas came from this region (and returned to fill it with palaces). Just across the two-millen-

Royal Monastery of Guadalupe.

about U.S. presidential politics through a convent turnstile with the Kenyan sister selling Roman Casa del Mitreo. TAKASHI IMAGES / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM me almond cookies. Places to visit include the nia-old, half-mile river bridge, In the pedestrianized streets Santa Maria cathedral, full of stand a couple of monuments of the workaday downtown, I conquistador tombs, around dedicated to Merida by Rome found the Augustus-era Temple the corner from the Toledoand by its namesake city in Yu- of Diana, its huge colonnade Moctezuma palace built by a catan, Mexico. framing a porticoed Renais- mixed local-Aztec family, and Next to the monuments, sance palace — two empires lit- the Casa de las Veletas musein a fortress built by a ninth- erally fused. um, with an arch-lined Arabic century emir, I descended the aljibe (cistern). steps of a water cistern deco- Gold treasure But I found it hard to stop rated with Roman and Visigoth Caceres’ strawberry-gold making laps up and down the marble panels and carvings of walled monumental core hugs entire town, following the sun leaves and grapes. Just past the a hilltop, with hardly a single as it marched across stern yet bright-red bullfighting arena, modern element among slen- sumptuous facades, revealin the Roman Casa del Mitreo, der medieval towers and Re- ing sculpted stone details like I marveled at the grimacing garbright turquoise goyles, lions sea depicted in holding an esa 2,000-yearcutcheon, and a old floor mosaic Caceres is a highlight of Extremadura, puffy-cheeked representing the a Spanish region of vast sun-parched sun itself. cosmos, includlandscapes and untouched historical Fortified by ing a sun figure jewels exactly halfway between wild boar tapas with a crown of the ever-more-crowded capitals of and shots of lorays exactly like Madrid and Lisbon, Portugal. cal bellota liquor the Statue of Lib— made from the erty. same acorns eatThere is a en by pigs that Circus Maximus so gigantic naissance palaces covered in end up as Iberia’s best hams — I you can imagine thousands of coats of arms. kept wandering into the night. spectators roaring as chariots It looks perfect enough for a My steps and those flamenco sped down the straight. But movie set, but still feels real — I melodies were the only sounds what took my breath away was watched a nun in a white habit in floodlit cobblestone alleys. the Roman Theater, its stage and a briefcase hurry under a wall decorated with exquisitely stone arch, not a selfie stick in Spiritual escape detailed floral elements and sight. The enormous swirling rose veined marble columns that In Plaza de San Mateo, where window of the Royal Monasglowed blue in the afternoon a crested tower and a bell tow- tery of Guadalupe towers over sun. er jostle for height, I chatted this tiny, remote mountain vilwww.canadianinquirer.net

lage where pilgrims have come for seven centuries to honour the Virgin Mary. Columbus was among them and the conquistadores brought the devotion to Latin America, where the Virgen de Guadalupe remains widely revered. The fortress-like complex is filled with whimsical decorations, such as the cloister shrine and turrets covered in green and white tiles, and treasures, including jewel-encrusted reliquaries and paintings by Zurbaran. I had my last dinner in Extremadura — wild mushrooms, venison stew and homemade custard — in the little square facing the main monastery entrance, where a few locals chatted and water trickled from a medieval fountain. The bells tolled. Then, unbroken silence. If You Go...

MERIDA: http://turismomerida.org/home/ CACERES: https://www.ayto-caceres.es/turismo/ GUADALUPE: http://www. monasterioguadalupe.com/ GETTING THERE: Fly to Madrid or Lisbon; buses connect them, stopping at Merida, http://www.avanzabus.com. Trains/buses link Merida with Caceres; from Caceres, bus to Guadalupe. TIPS: Summers are Arizonahot; visit in spring/fall. ■

Travel

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Ottawa’s iconic Centre Block is a draw for tourists, but changes are coming BY JORDAN PRESS The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The lineup to tour one of the most iconic buildings in the country forms early in Ottawa summers and stretches down the block before the start of the business day. The face of the Peace Tower rises high above Parliament Hill, staring back at visitors on the shaded sidewalk. With ticket in hand, they walk up the hill and into the halls of the Centre Block flanked by the green-carpeted House of Commons on one end and the red-adorned Senate on the other. But soon the tours of the Centre Block will end, paused for a decade while the aging building undergoes a historic makeover. The Centre Block will close in January for as part of a sweeping rehabilitation project of the buildings on and around Parliament Hill that was launched in 2002 with work on the Library of Parliament. The building has aging water, electrical and mechanical systems that are in as much need of repair as the mortar on the structure, and it can’t meet modern technological and security demands. The Centre Block was born from the ashes of a fire in 1916 that left the original structure in ruins, claimed seven lives, but spared the Library of Parliament thanks to iron fire

doors. The unfinished replacement opened four years later in 1920. The Peace Tower and building itself were officially dedicated in 1927. Each year, more than 350,000 visitors take guided tours of the building and the largest cohort arrive between Canada Day and Labour Day. During the twomonth stretch when school is out for summer — and so too are parliamentarians — about 100,000 people explore the building. The tours take about 50 minutes in the summer, but can be as short at 20 minutes when politicians are debating policy in the fall, winter and spring. Guides talk about the history of the building, and the people who work in it, as groups wander through the Gothic Revival architecture of the Hall of Honour, stare at the vaulted stained glass ceiling in the foyer of the House of Commons, look at the historical sculptures outside the entrance to the Senate, and see the chambers of Parliament. But as the renovations on the old building take shape the tours will undergo changes as well. Political offices inside the Centre Block are slowly being moved to neighbouring buildings so construction workers can peer behind walls on upper levels to assess the work that’s required. The Library of Parliament,

the Centre Block — and the next one may not arrive until 2029. If you go...

The Center Block and the Peace Tower in Parliament Hill, Ottawa.

which oversees tours, says the office moves and pre-construction work won’t affect Centre Block tour times and routes. A big difference visitors might notice closer to Christmas is fewer pieces of art, which will be moved out to prepare for work. Guides will talk about renovations when more visible preconstruction work launches, a Library spokeswoman says. The House of Commons will move into a temporary home in the West Block building, while the Senate will settle into Ottawa’s former downtown railway station near the base of the Rideau Canal. Instead of touring one building, visitors will be able to book tickets for guided tours of each of these temporary abodes for parliamentarians over the next 10 years. The Library of Parliament says it plans to launch

a new online reservation and ticketing system that allows for advance booking of guided tours at each location. Tickets will still be available for anyone who wants to sit in the public viewing galleries and watch daily debates in the House of Commons or Senate. An annual summer sound and light show, projected on the facade of the Centre Block will also be affected by work. The department of Canadian Heritage, which oversees the show, says the nightly exhibition will continue to be projected on the building until the fall of 2019 — but won’t say what happens to the show after that. Much of what the post-2018 parliamentary tour looks like will be unveiled in the fall. But this much is known: At the end of January 2019, the last tour group will move through

Groups of 10 or more need to book tickets online through visit.parl.ca. Smaller groups can nab same-day tickets in person on a first-come, first-served basis. The visitors centre at 90 Wellington Street opens at 9 a.m., and there is usually a line already formed before the doors swing open. Bank between an hour-and-ahalf to two hours, which includes time needed to get through airport-style security at the Centre Block’s visitors entrance. Travel light and don’t bring anything that won’t make it through security. Visitors are each allowed to bring in one small bag to store all loose items. In the summer, there is a free bag check at the visitors centre at 90 Wellington St. A free yoga class takes place each Wednesday until Aug. 29 on the lawn of Parliament Hill, weather permitting. More details can be found on the Parliament Hill Yoga Facebook page: www.facebook.com/parliamenthillyoga. Every night between July 9 and Sept. 3, the facade of the Centre Block is the backdrop for a free, 30-minute sound and light show. Bring a chair or blanket. More details are available at www.canada.ca/en/ canadian-heritage/campaigns/ sound-light-show.html. ■

Franciscan museum in Jerusalem shows life in Jesus’ time BY ILAN BEN ZION The Associated Press JERUSALEM’S FRANCISCAN friars have opened a new museum filled with artifacts related to daily life in Jesus’ time. The Terra Sancta Museum’s new wing, built into the ruined remains of Crusader and Mamluk buildings along the Via Dolorosa in the Old City, showcases objects discovered in excavations at biblical sites over the past century. The Custody of the Holy Land — the Franciscan Order’s

organ in Israel, the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Lebanon and Cyprus — has carried out several archaeological excavations around the region, focusing on sites with connections to the Bible. Many of the items going on display in the new exhibit, titled “The House of Herod: Life and Power in the Age of the New Testament,” have never been shown to the public. Coins, ceramic fragments, ossuaries and stone slabs bear inscriptions in Hebrew, Greek, Latin and Samaritan, illustrating the kaleidoscopic variety of cultures

present in the Holy Land during the first centuries. The artifacts include everything from elegant Corinthian columns from Herod’s palace to humble wares from Galilean homes. Father Eugenio Alliata, the museum director, said it was important to “present something of the real life of people at the time,” given that the teachings of Jesus “are so much intersected with the common life of the people.” Among the highlights of the exhibit are one of two known silver half-shekel coins minted by Jewish rebels in the first www.canadianinquirer.net

year of the revolt against Rome in A.D. 66. A potsherd with the word Herod, the notorious king from the Gospels, was found during excavations at the Judean monarch’s monumental tomb south of Jerusalem. Shimon Gibson, a University of North Carolina archaeologist excavating Roman-era Jerusalem, said the Franciscans’ contribution to the field of archaeology in the Holy Land was “pivotal,” and that their collections were “a treasure trove of information.” “The treasures they’ve accumulated over time relating to

their work, their mark on the study of the Holy Land, is reflected in the displays there,” he said. Mundane objects — weights and scales, fishhooks, playing dice, lamps and cookware — bring the verses of the New Testament to life. A small silver coin bearing the face of Augustus is the same kind that prompts Jesus to say “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s” in Matthew 22. Like contemporary rabbis, Alliata said, Jesus “was teaching daily life, how to manage in the daily life,” and spoke in terms familiar to the common folk. ■

Food Eggs and half and half help make fluffy strawberry shortcake AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN THE HEART of any great strawberry shortcake is the topping of lightly sugared, juicy, rubyred strawberries. Our Strawberry Topping was perfect here; it had clean, pronounced berry flavour and a thick, chunky texture that didn’t slip off our tender biscuits. For fluffy, not dense, biscuits, we called on our food processor for streamlined, foolproof mixing. While eggs are not traditional in biscuits, we added a single egg to give our biscuits a lighter, more tender texture. A bit of half-and-half contributed richness, while a modest amount of sugar yielded slightly sweet, dessert-friendly biscuits. A cloud of whipped cream, nestled between the berries and the biscuit, provided the classic finishing touch. For the best results, chill the mixer bowl and the whisk in the freezer for 20 minutes before whipping the cream. You will need a 2 3/4-inch biscuit cutter for this recipe. Strawberry shortcakes

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

Shortcakes: • 2 cups (10 ounces) all-purpose flour • 5 tablespoons (2 1/4 ounces) sugar • 1 tablespoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch pieces and chilled • 2/3 cup half-and-half • 1 large egg plus 1 large white Whipped Cream: • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • Pinch salt • Strawberry Topping: • Makes about 4 1/2 cups • 2 1/2 pounds strawberries,

hulled (8 cups) • 6 tablespoons sugar For the shortcakes: Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 425 F. Pulse flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, baking powder, and salt in food processor until combined, about 5 pulses. Scatter butter pieces over top and pulse until mixture resembles coarse cornmeal, about 15 pulses; transfer to large bowl. In separate bowl, whisk halfand-half and whole egg together. Add half-and-half mixture to flour mixture and stir with rubber spatula until large clumps form. Turn mixture onto lightly floured counter and knead lightly until dough comes together. Using your fingertips, pat dough into 9 by 6-inch rectangle about 1 inch thick. Cut out 6 biscuits using floured 2 3/4inch biscuit cutter. Pat remaining dough into 1-inch-thick pieces and cut out 2 more biscuits. Place biscuits on parchment paper-lined baking sheet, spaced 1 inch apart. (Raw biscuits can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before baking.) Brush top of biscuits with lightly beaten egg white and sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake biscuits until

golden brown, 12 to 14 minutes, rotating sheet halfway through baking. Let biscuits cool on sheet for at least 10 minutes. (Baked biscuits can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.) For strawberry topping: Crush 3 cups strawberries with potato masher in bowl. Slice remaining strawberries and, along with sugar, stir into crushed strawberries. Let sit at room temperature until sugar has dissolved and strawberries are juicy, at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. Serve immediately. For the whipped cream: Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip all ingredients on medium-low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase speed to high and whip until soft peaks form, 1 to 3 minutes. Split each biscuit in half and place bottoms on individual serving plates. Spoon portion of topping over each bottom, then top with dollop of whipped cream. Cap with biscuit tops and serve immediately. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 448 calories; 232 calories from fat; 26 g fat (16 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 106 mg cholesterol; 402 mg sodium; 49 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 23 g sugar; 6 g protein. www.canadianinquirer.net

In blow... ❰❰ 31

news. Well done David Davis for having the principal and guts to resign.” Jenkyns said Steve Baker, a junior minister in the Brexit department, had also quit. There was no immediate comment from Baker. Less than nine months remain until Britain leaves the bloc on March 29, 2019, and the EU has warned Britain repeatedly that time is running out to seal a divorce deal. On Friday, Davis and the rest of May’s fractious Cabinet finally agreed on a plan for future trade ties with the EU. May is due to brief lawmakers Monday on the plan hammered out during a 12-hour meeting at Chequers, the prime minister’s country retreat. It seeks to keep the U.K. and the EU in a freetrade zone for goods, and commits Britain to maintaining the same rules as the bloc for goods and agricultural products. Some Brexit-supporting lawmakers are angry at the proposals, saying they will keep Britain tethered to the bloc and unable to change its rules to strike new trade deals around the world. In his resignation letter, Davis said the “‘common rule book’ policy hands control of large swathes of our economy to the EU and is certainly not returning control of our laws in any real sense.”

He said he was worried the government’s negotiating approach would “lead to further demands for concessions” from Brussels. In a letter to Davis, May disagreed with his characterization of her plans, saying the deal she seeks “will undoubtedly mean the returning of powers from Brussels to the United Kingdom.” Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, a leader of the party’s “hard Brexit” faction, compared May’s plan to an egg so softly boiled that it “isn’t boiled at all.” “A very soft Brexit means that we haven’t left, we are simply a rule-taker,” he said. Some Brexiteers dream of replacing May with a staunch Brexiteer, such as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who in the past has disagreed publicly with his boss. Johnson has not commented publicly since Friday. But some senior pro-Brexit ministers have backed May’s plan. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said Sunday that it did not contain everything he wanted but “I’m a realist.” “All those of us who believe that we want to execute a proper Brexit, and one that is the best deal for Britain, have an opportunity now to get behind the prime minister in order to negotiate that deal,” he told the BBC. ■

Food

JULY 13, 2018

FRIDAY

Use the grill to roast a prime rib for flavour and texture AMERICA'S TEST KITCHEN IF YOU’RE going to grill a prime rib, the last thing you want is an overcooked grey ring surrounding the rosy interior. We decided to forgo searing the flat cut sides, which meant the roast spent less time over high heat. The reduced amount of searing time was enough to create a browned crust, but not enough to start overcooking the meat. The other problem we encountered was persistent flare-ups from the fat that dripped down through the grate. To minimize this, we had the butcher trim the fat to a mere 1/8-inch thickness. Although we liked the idea of a boneless roast for easy carving, we knew that the bones would protect the underside of the meat from overbrowning. We bought our prime rib bone-in, removed the bones ourselves and then secured the detached bones onto the roast just for the grill. Using a grill to roast a prime rib gave us the advantage of being able to create both flavour and texture contrast between the exterior and interior. A garlic-rosemary paste, brushed on after

browning, gave the crunchy crust extra flavour. Wood chips, though a nontraditional addition, gave the outer 1/2 inch of the roast a subtly smoky flavour, further heightening the contrast between layers. Usually, when we think of grilling, we think of steaks and ribs. In this recipe, we wanted to harness the smoky environment of the grill for a different purpose: to cook prime rib. But to ensure that this premium cut got the treatment it deserved, we needed to perfect the method. Grill-roasted prime rib

Servings: 6-8 Start to finish: 6 1/2 hours First-cut beef rib roast is also known as prime rib, loin end, or small end. If your butcher doesn’t trim excess fat from the roast and remove the bones (which you need for this recipe), see below for information on removing the bones. If all you have is a boneless roast, see our tip at right for making a false bone. If you’d like to use wood chunks instead of wood chips when using a charcoal grill, substitute 2 medium wood chunks, soaked in water for 1 hour, for the wood chip packet.

• 1 (7-pound) first-cut beef standing rib roast (3 or 4 bones), meat removed from bones, bones reserved, exterior fat trimmed to 1/8 inch • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • Kosher salt and pepper • 2 cups wood chips • 1 (16 by 12-inch) disposable aluminum roasting pan (if using charcoal) Cutting the meat off the bone with prime rib: If your butcher doesn’t remove the bones from the prime rib for you, here’s how you can do it yourself: Holding meaty lobe in one hand and sharp boning or chef’s knife in your other hand, run knife down length of first bone, following contours as closely as possible, to separate it from meat. Flip roast so uncut portion faces you. Holding bones back with your hand, cut meat from remaining ribs. Once meat is removed, proceed with seasoning and tying as directed in recipe. Pat roast dry with paper towels, rub with oil, and season with pepper. Spread 1/4 cup salt on rimmed baking sheet and press roast into salt to coat evenly on all sides. Place meat back on ribs so bones fit exactly where they were cut; tie meat to bones with 2 lengths of kitchen twine. Refrigerate roast, uncovered, for 1 hour, then let sit at room temperature for 2 hours. Just before grilling, soak wood chips in water for 15 minutes, then drain. Using large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, wrap soaked chips in foil packet and cut several vent holes in top. For a charcoal grill: Open bottom vent halfway and place disposable pan on 1 side of grill. Light large chimney start-

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er two-thirds filled with charcoal briquettes (4 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over other half of grill (opposite disposable pan). Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent halfway. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes. For a gas grill: Turn all burners to high, cover, and heat grill until hot, about 15 minutes. Turn primary burner to medium and turn off other burner(s). (Adjust primary burner as needed to maintain grill temperature of about 325 F.) Clean and oil cooking grate. Place roast on hotter side of grill and cook (covered if using gas) until well browned on all sides, 10 to 15 minutes, turning as needed. (If flare-ups occur, move roast to cooler side of grill until flames die down.) Transfer roast to second rimmed baking sheet. If using charcoal, remove cooking grate and place wood chip packet on pile of coals; set cooking grate in place. If using gas, place wood chip packet directly on primary burner. Place roast on cooler side of grill, bone side down, with tips of bones pointed away from fire. Cover (position lid vent over meat if using charcoal) and cook until meat registers 115 F to 120 F (for rare) or 120 F to 125 F (for medium-rare), 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Transfer roast to carving board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 20 minutes. Remove twine and bones, slice meat into 1/2-inch-thick slices, and serve. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 619 calories; 276 calories from fat; 31 g fat (11 g saturated; 2 g trans fats); 242 mg cholesterol; 415 mg sodium; 0 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 85 g protein.

FRIDAY JULY 13, 2018

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