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OCTOBER 19, 2018

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VOL. 8 NO. 342

PRRD JOINS SAP GO

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte accompanies Secretary Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President as the latter files his certificate of candidacy for his senatorial bid before the Commission on Elections. Story on page 11.

KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

‘Red October’ aborted due to increased public awareness: AFP chief

BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The supposed “Red October” ouster plot has been dissolved due to the government’s capability enhancement program, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez said on Tuesday.

“Yung isa sa batayan na nalusaw, at yung tinatawag nating (Our basis to say that it has already been dissolved is what we call the) capability enhancement program, (we saw an) indication of the ongoing awareness (of ) the different people and the public. The people now, including the parents, are aware of this sinister act. And through this awareness,

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Roque drops Senate bid; seeks House comeback

17 Passion play: Robert Afan and his risk to success

❱❱ PAGE 9 ‘Red October’

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❱❱ PAGE 21

Trudeau takes political gamble with legalized pot for Canadian adults

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Philippine News

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Andanar submits proposed EO reverting PCOO to OPS

BY JELLY MUSICO Philippine News Agency MANILA — Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Tuesday said he submitted a proposed executive order reverting back the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) to the Office of Press Secretary (OPS), similar to the 1986 structure where the press secretary was also the presidential spokesperson.

“Nag-submit ako ulit ng isang EO para ibalik na ito to the 1986 Office of the Press Secretary na porma, na ibig sabihin magkasama na rin pati ang Office of the Presidential Spokesperson, isang opisina na lang pati iyong Press Secretary (I submitted again an EO to revert it (PCOO) to the 1986 Office of the Press Secretary structure, which means the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson and Office of Press Secretary will be merged under one office),” Andanar said in an interview over radio dzFM on Tuesday.

Andanar said the proposed EO is now with Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea.

“So iyon ang gagawin natin, pag-iisahin natin ito at isinabmit ko na kay Executive Secretary iyong proposal and we are hoping na itong EO na ito ay mapirmahan na ni Presidente sa mas lalong madaling panahon, sapagkat meron nang mga pagbabago (So that’s what we will do, we will merge it and I already submitted the proposal to Executive Secretary and we are hoping that this EO will be signed by the President as soon as possible because there are already changes),” he said.

He said the OPS was created in 1986 to replace the Ministry of Information following the ouster of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

Two years later, former President Corazon ‘Cory’ Aquino split the OPS and created the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson.

In 2010, Cory’s son, former President Benigno Aquino III, signed EO No. 4 reorganizing the OPS into the PCOO, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO) and Office of the Presidential Spokesperson.

Duterte abolished the PCDSPO and transferred some of its functions to

Martin Andanar.

PCOO in 2016.

Andanar said he first submitted a proposed EO to revert PCOO to the OPS in 2016.

“Ngayon lang siya ulit nabuhay itong EO proposal na ito nang si Senate President Tito Sotto mismo ang nagpanukala na rin kay Presidente na kailangan ibalik na (It’s only now that the EO proposal has been revived when Senate President (Vicente) Tito Sotto himself proposed to President (Duterte) that it (OPS) should be revived),” Andanar said.

Duterte earlier asked former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque to lead the OPS but the latter opted to run under Luntian Pilipinas party-list in the

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2019 mid-term polls.

“Being a spokesperson can be different from being a Press Secretary because you would have to head all the state information infrastructure including an actual TV station, an actual news agency and actual news bureau and I never had any experience really as a journalist,” Roque said when he attended his last Palace press briefing on Monday.

“So to me it was a very good offer for which I am grateful but it’s really a post that I did not feel I had adequate training for, that’s the truth,” he added.

Duterte recently named Presidential Legal Counsel Secretary Salvador Panalo as new presidential spokesperson. ■

Richard Gomez, among the many celebrities who filed for COC

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer NUMEROUS CELEBRITIES are spotted filing for a certificate of candidacy (COC) during the filing period in anticipation of the upcoming 2019 midterm elections in the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

A couple of the most notable on the star-studded list of candidates are actor Richard Gomez and his wife Lucy Torres-Gomez. Richard is already the mayor of Ormoc City and aspires for another term. Lucy Torres-Gomez, currently the 4th District Representative of Leyte, states that she has not yet decided when to file her COC. The both are spotted in the office in Tacloban after their attendance at the 2 pm mass at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish within the city.

Gomez promises the people of Leyte www.canadianinquirer.net

that if re-elected, he will continue his campaign against drugs and the increase of businesses to help the economy of the city.

On the third day alone, Jolo Revilla, who is running for vice governor of Cavite, Gary Estrada, shooting for being the vice mayor of Cainta, Long Mejia, running for congressman of Camarines Sur, and Imelda Papin, who also is running in CamSur, but as governor, are also photographed with their applications. Other showbiz personalities joining them on the list are Roderick Paulate, Gian Sotto, Vilma Santos-Recto, Jaycee Parker, Isko Moreno, Willie Revillame, Camille Villar, Mocha Uson, Hero Bautista, Bonoy Gonzaga, and Lani Mercado.

The COC filing period began last Thursday, October 11, and will end on Wednesday, October 17. The elections will be happening within May 2019. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

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JunJun Binay files COC for Makati mayor

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer FORMER MAKATI Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, Jr. on Tuesday, October 16, filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for Makati City’s top post, launching an electoral battle against his sister, re-electionist Mayor Abigail “Abby” Binay, for the 2019 polls.

Senator Nancy Binay, who is also eyeing for another term in the Senate, accompanied her brother, who will run under the local party Una and Makati (UAM), in filing his COC. According to a News5 report, Junjun Binay’s running mate is Makati 1st District Representative Monsour Del Rosario.

The son of former Vice President Jejomar Binay made this move even after Abby Binay appealed to him not to seek the mayoral post in the upcoming midterm elections and asked him to give her a “chance.”

“This will divide our family even after the elections. You

know my brother, through all the joy and the sorrow I have been with him,” the incumbent Makati mayor told ABS-CBN’s Headstart on Monday.

“In all the crises that he has been through, personally and politically, I was with him… I was standing up for him, I was helping [him], ate ako ‘di ba?

Sana bigyan niya ako ng chance (I’m the older sister right? I hope he gives me a chance),” she added as she paused for a moment to hold back her tears.

Abby Binay, former Makati 2nd District Representative, also stressed that she would never even tell her father that she wants to run against her brother, who was then sitting as the mayor of the country’s financial hub.

“It’s inconceivable for us na magbanggaan (to become rivals). Kaya ‘di ko maintindihan bakit niya ‘ko binabangga (That is why I do not understand why he is waging battle against me),” the mayor said.

“I’m not fighting with my brother. I’m not in the business

Junjun Binay.

AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

of making our family miserable nor will I wash our dirty linen in public,” she continued.

In 2015, Ombudsman Con-

chita Carpio-Morales ordered the dismissal of the former Makati mayor after he was found guilty of serious dishon-

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esty and grave misconduct over irregularities in the construction of the Makati City Hall Parking Building II (MCHPB).

This decision, however, was reversed by the Court of Appeals (CA) in May 2018, stressing that the condonation doctrine that the Supreme Court (SC) struck down in November 2015 may still be applied in Junjun Binay’s case.

The former vice president, for his part, kept his hands off the mayoralty battle between his children.

“Nirerespeto ko ang desisyon nilang kumandidato bilang punong-lungsod ng Makati (I respect their decisions to run as mayor of Makati),” the elder Binay said.

“Hindi ako ang magpapasya kung sino sa kanila ang karapatdapat na maging punong-lungsod. Ang magpapasya nyan ay ang mga mamamayan ng Makati (I’m not the one to decide who is worthy to become mayor between them. It is the people of Makati City who will decide),” he added. ■

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Sotto warns DDB vs. plans to release narco-politicians list

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paign in the grassroots level involving both the DDB and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

“I would rather think that they should MANILA — Senate President Vicente do a different approach. Siguro, mas Sotto III on Tuesday cautioned the Dan- kampanya on the ground. Kung alam gerous Drugs Board (DDB) over its plan mong sa area na itoinvolved si ganito, into release to the public the list of narco- volved si ganun, let the people know that politicians, saying there could be a pos- (More campaign on the ground, I think. sibility some persons may have been If you know that this or that person is inwrongly included on the list. volved in this),” Sotto said.

In an interview at the Senate, Sotto He said the DILG should be able play said the DDB should also look into the a pivotal role in this approach by susperspective that the reputation of poli- pending officials involved in drugs that ticians could be unjustifiably tarnished already have cases filed against them. if the list is not care“That will be a mesfully validated before sage already to the it is released to the voters,” Sotto said. public.

The DDB on Mon“May ibang paraan day said it is in fana pwedeng gawin, It would be vor of releasing to huwag lang lock, advantageous the public the list of stock ang barrel ay and beneficial narco-politicians to bigla mong ilalabas for the voters guide the voters in sa nationwide na to know the the 2019 mid-term dyaryo o ia-announce background of elections. ang mga pangalan. the candidates “It would be advanUna baka ma-pollute in the area. tageous and benefiyung listahan, tapos cial for the voters to hindi validated. Baka know the background may mga madamay of the candidates in (There are other the area, especially if ways to do it, not only there are allegations just releasing — lock, stock and barrel - or reports of involvement in illegal drug the list in nationwide newspapers or an- activities,” DDB chair Catalino Cuy said nouncing the names. First, the list could in a press briefing. be polluted, and then not validated.

In the same media briefing, PhilipSomebody might be wrongly implicat- pine Drug Enforcement Agency Direced),” Sotto said. tor General Aaron Aquino said he is just Sotto, former DDB chair, believes waiting for guidance from President Rothat there are other approaches that the drigo Duterte if he will permit the agenboard may pursue to make the voters be- cy to disclose the list to the public. come aware of public officials involved He said there are supposedly 85 politiin illegal drugs, other than releasing the cians on the narco list, consisting of vice supposed list. mayors, mayors, vice governors, goverAmong them is a more focused cam- nors and congressmen. ■

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Duterte defends Cabinet appointment of ex-military men

BY JELLY MUSICO Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte defended his appointment of former military officials in his Cabinet as Philippine Army (PA) Chief Maj. Gen. Rolando Bautista retired on Monday from the military service.

Duterte earlier named Baustista as incoming secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Now let just make a clear to everybody. Many are questioning me even some ambassadors who are close to me: Why do you choose now most of them military or police — retired? Well, I choose them because they are honest and competent,” Duterte said during the Army Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City on Monday.

“What else? Sabi nila na (They said) you want to be ingratiate. Ako? (Me?) I was not elected by the military. I was not elected by the police. I was elected by the Filipino people. You have your mandate, I have mine. If we can agree on so many things, good. If not, then I’m sorry. I have to make decisions that are really very hard. Iyon lang (That’s all),” he added.

Major Gen. Macairog Alberto, chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), replaced Bautista who reached his mandatory retirement age of 56 on Oct. 15.

Bautista will take the DSWD post vacated by Judy Taguiwalo whose ad interim appointment was rejected by the Commission on Appointments in August last year.

After Taguiwalo, Duterte designated Undersecretary for General Adminis-

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trative and Support Services Group Emmanuel A. Leyco as officer-in-charge from August to May this year, and Undersecretary for Special Concerns Virginia Nazarrea Orogo as the acting secretary from May to October this year.

“Ang hinihingi ko lang naman (What I’m asking), I said is that you are competent and you are honest. So the DSWD is vacant. So we are now talking, I am looking for an honest and competent guy and I choose Rolly Bautista to be the next secretary of (DSWD),” Duterte said, drawing applause from the audience.

Some of the ex-military and police officials Duterte’s Cabinet are Secretaries Roy Cimatu (Environment); Eduardo Año (Interior Undersecretary-OIC); Eduardo del Rosario (chair of Housing and Bangon Marawi Task Force; Commissioner Isidro Lapeña (Customs); and Glorioso Miranda (Bases Conversion and Development Authority).

In his speech, Duterte commended Bautista for his valuable contributions to the liberation of Marawi from ISISinspired Maute group and Abu Sayyaf.

“General Bautista, you have fully dedicated your life in the service of our country and our people. And as you hang up your uniform, you can stand proud knowing that you leave military service with a positive example to those who will follow,” Duterte said.

Duterte urged the soldiers to support the leadership of Alberto to sustain the gains of the reforms his government has implemented in the Philippine Army.

“The Filipino people counts on the Philippine Army to remain steadfast in its mission of preserving the peace and defending the freedoms we enjoy today.

With your help, I am confident that we can realize our aspirations for a stronger armed forces and a safer and more secure nation,” he said. ■

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

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Philippine News

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Duterte orders uniformed men to ‘Balikbayan’ yields be ‘strictly neutral’ in 2019 polls fake credit, ATM cards

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer PRESIDENT RODRIGO Duterte on Monday, October 15, ordered the country’s military and police forces to become “strictly neutral” in the upcoming midterm elections.

“Let us make a deal here, promise, we make a commitment to the Filipino people.

This election, (we must be all) strictly neutral tayong lahat,” the Commander-in-Chief said.

“The Armed Forces [of the Philippines] (AFP), the police, and the uniformed personnel of government, I am asking you not to indulge in partisan politics. Wala tayong susuportahan (We will not support anyone),” he added.

Duterte made this remark in a speech at the change of command of the Philippine Army in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

While calling on the armed

forces not to support any candidate in the 2019 elections, Duterte, chairman of the ruling Partido Demokratiko PilipinoLakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) said he will campaign for his bets, stressing that it is a “political position.”

“Iyong mga kandidato ko, ako lang (I will support my candidates) because this is a political position. But I expect everybody to respect that constitutional prohibition,” he said.

In his speech, the President also reiterated his promise to the public that the next year’s elections will be clean and orderly.

“I’ll announce to the country now that we make a pledge: There will be an election and it will be an honest one,” he noted.

The Chief Executive stressed that no one, not even his allies including Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go, could use government funds for their campaign.

“Nobody but nobody can use government resources, not even Bong. I will not allow it,” the President uttered.

Before he witnessed the turnover of command between Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista and his successor as the commanding general of the army, Major General Macairog Alberto, Duterte accompanied Go at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Intramuros, Manila to file the latter’s certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator.

Several members of the Duterte cabinet who were also with Go at the Comelec were as follows: Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar, and outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Cayetano.

The Philippines is set to hold its midterm polls in May 2019. ■

BY BENJAMIN PULTA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Authorities urged the public anew to report incidents of credit card fraud following the arrest of a balikbayan engaged in making fake credit and ATM cards using stolen private information.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Cyber Crime Division chief, lawyer Victor T. Lorenzo on Tuesday presented the suspect, Gerard Joseph Liwag, who was arrested on Oct. 9 inside a condominium unit in Bonifacio Global City and yielded a number of fake debit, credit and ATM cards.

Lorenzo said a number of banks, both local and international, have sought NBI assistance on the proliferation of the fake cards.

Also seized during the search were two black matchbox sized devices described by the NBI as “skimmers.”

NBI spokesman, lawyer Ferdinand Lavin, said the devices have a card swiping slot which can record the data from legitimate credit cards.

The legitimate cards are swiped by co-conspirators in call centers and in establishments where the cards are used.

After recovering the devices, the saved data can be retrieved and then placed in other cards for use in other establishments.

Lorenzo said the fraudulent cards were then used to purchase premium brand products such as bags and clothing.

Aside from the skimming devices a search on the condo unit of Liwag resulted in the seizure of a Hi-Touch Imaging Technology Innovation (HITI) card printer, embossing machine, high definition printer, point of sale terminal, and blank cards.

Liwag was arrested following an arrest order issued by the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 160. ■

Guevarra slams Trillanes supporters’ ‘flowers’ ploy at Makati RTC

BY BENJAMIN PULTA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday cried foul over attempts by supporters of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to sway the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge handling the coup d’ etat charges against him.

Trillanes’ supporters sent rows of flowers and letters, left at the hallways of the 14th floor of the Makati City Hall of Justice in front of the office of RTC Branch 148 Judge Andres Soriano.

“That’s exactly the kind of pressure that has been exerted upon Judge Soriano. Some people have made it appear that any ruling against Sen. Trillanes will be a deathblow to democracy and the rule of law.

Even a first year student law student will tell you that such acts tending to influence the decision of the judge are a clear

and punishable case of contempt of court,” Guevarra told reporters.

On Sunday, Guevarra denied Magdalo party-list Rep. Gary Alejano’s claims of supposed government’s pressure on Soriano to rule against Trillanes.

The allegations, Guevarra said “tend to impede the orderly administration of justice, unfairly cast aspersion on the integrity and professionalism of the Department of Justice and its state prosecutors, and contumaciously influence Judge Soriano’s decision-making process.”

On Friday, Soriano said the government’s motion for the issuance of an arrest warrant and hold departure order against the lawmaker is “considered now submitted for resolution.”

In his resolution, the judge also “noted” the objections made by prosecutors on the documentary evidence submitted by Trillanes’ counsels “without prejudice to the deter-

mination of the probative value of said exhibits.”

The court ruled to deny outright the admission of two exhibits marked “9” and “12,” which are printouts of the Facebook page of the Department of National Defense and printouts of ‘throwback’ photographs of Trillanes.

Makati RTC Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda, who handles the rebellion charges against the lawmaker, gave Trillanes’ until this week to file a reply to the prosecution’s opposition to the motion for reconsideration filed by the defense on the issuance of the arrest warrant against the lawmaker in that case.

Two of these uprisings — the Oakwood mutiny in July 2003 and the Manila Peninsula siege in November 2007 — were led

by Trillanes, who was then a Navy lieutenant senior grade.

In 2011, the trial court dismissed the case against Trillanes and the other Magdawww.canadianinquirer.net

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra.

lo soldiers by virtue of the amnesty given by former president Benigno S. Aquino III through Proclamation 75 issued in November 2010.

State prosecutors said with the proclamation issued by President Rodrigo Duterte, the

TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

court’s order of dismissal issued seven years ago is considered void.

In President Duterte’s Proclamation 572 issued on Aug. 31, Trillanes’ amnesty was declared void ab initio (from the beginning). ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

7

Roque drops Senate bid; seeks House comeback

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Monday bared he is seeking for a comeback in the House of Representatives (HoR) in next year’s mid-term elections, saying he took the advice of President Rodrigo R. Duterte who earlier said his chances of winning a seat in the Senate are slim.

Roque said that instead of running for senator, he will run as party-list representative by filing a certification of nomination for environmental partylist — Luntian Pilipinas Partylist — on Tuesday, Oct. 16.

“I am taking the advice of the President. While it was always my intention to file a certificate of candidacy for the position of Senator, I will actually file tomorrow (Tuesday) a certification of nomination for party-list under Luntian Pilipinas Parylist, which is an environmental party-list group,” Roque said in a Palace briefing.

Roque said he will be the party-list’s first nominee while former actress Ciara Sotto, daughter of Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, will be second nominee.

He said his choice of running for an environmental partylist was influenced by landslides that happened in Itogon, Benguet during the onslaught of Typhoon “Ompong” last month, and the President’s “unrelenting” campaign to protect the environment.

“If you recall, the President has repeatedly said that he wants open pit mining closed and this will be the advocacy that we will be pushing in Congress,” Roque said.

Roque, a human rights lawyer, said environmental rights are also human rights saying that “without the environment, without ecology we would not have life that would enable the realization of all other rights.”

He said as former director of the Institute of International Legal Studies at the University of the Philippines, international environmental law was one issues he gave focus on.

Difficult climb

Roque said he took the President’s advice because of lim-

people the achievements as well as the goal of the Duterte administration,” Roque said.

“And yes, it was a pleasure also to defend the President against his detractors because it is my firm conviction that anyone who has been given a democratic mandate must not only be respected but must be supported so I have absolutely no regrets as far as that’s concerned,” he added.

Not fit for press secretary

Former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque.

ALBERT ALCAIN / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

ited resources and low ratings 16 months where he passed a Roque, however, added that in senatorial survey results, number of significant legisla- despite having different views among other reasons. tions. on some of the President’s “I took his advice that the best “I had almost all of the bills policies, such as going strongly option right now is to go back to of national significance passed. against the reimposition of Congress which was really was I’m very proud of my Univer- death penalty, Duterte recruitone of my options. Masikip tal- sal Health Care which I passed ed him as his spokesman beaga ang Senado (It’s cramped in as early as August of last year cause he respected him. the Senate). We have seven re- before I transferred to Malaca“From the very beginning, electionists and five comeback ñang. There’s the Free Irriga- even before I was recruited senators in addition to the new tion, there’s Free Lunch Pro- for spokesperson, I had to ask faces. And finance has always gram, and now the amendment the President, ‘You do know I been a hindrance,” Roque said. to the HIV/AIDS law including voted against death penalty?’

“I knew that it would be a the Free Tuition,” Roque said. and he said, ‘Yes’ so that was very difficult climb to the Senno problem. Because as a pro, ate if I were to persist. My prob- Old self I knew that my personal opinlem too was that we had three Roque, who described him- ions would not matter since I consecutive surveys and only self as “highly opinionated,” would have to be advocating the the awareness was increasing said by seeking a seat in the position only of the President,” not the conversion. So it was House of Representatives, he Roque said. really a hard reality to accept will be able to express his own “But even as my own perthat perhaps we son, I think the need to do more President has alto convince the ways respected people that we who I am and are worthy of It was my intention to serve the would respect the Senate,” he people by serving the President instances where added. and I think I was able to send and I may have critiRoque, howcommunicate to the people the cism because he ever, expressed achievements as well as the goal of knows I do not confidence that the Duterte administration. seek to overreturning to the throw him, I only House would want the best for allow him to this administracontinue serving the people views which he had to restrain tion because his success means through public service. from when he was Duterte’s the success for the entire Fili“It really does not matter if I spokesperson. pino people,” he added. go to the House or to the Sen“It was different when I was ate. It’s something I had proved a spokesperson because there No regrets that with determination and was no distinction between myRoque added that he had with dedication that we can in self and his personality so I had no regrets about accepting fact carry out our obligations to be very restrained,” Roque.

Duterte’s offer to be spokesand our functions as legislators “It’s time to be my own per- person, noting that he and the be it in Congress or in the Sen- son again. I knew that as a President are parting on “very ate,” Roque said. spokesperson I had no personal good terms.”

Prior to being appointed views, that period has ended.

“It was my intention to serve as presidential spokesperson I’m able now to freely advocate the people by serving the Presilast year, Roque was Kabayan for the many issues that are dent and I think I was able to party-list representative for close to my heart,” he added. send and communicate to the www.canadianinquirer.net

Roque, meanwhile, said he was “surprised” by the President’s previous offer to him to head the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) but rejected it, noting that he did not feel that he was fit for the job.

He explained that it was clear to both him and Duterte that he initially had his eyes set run for senator in next year’s polls.

“I was surprised that the offer came for press secretary. I did not think that I was the best person for that job because I really am not from the press,” Roque said.

“Being a spokesperson can be different from being press secretary because he would have to head all the state information, infrastructure including an actual TV station, an actual news agency, an actual news bureau and I never had any experience as a journalist so to me it was a very good offer for which I am grateful but it’s really a post I did not feel I had adequate training for,” he added.

Roque also said that being press chief would not be apt for him because he was “very candid” with responses.

Last Oct. 3, Sotto and other senators said they are looking into the possibility of reverting the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) back to the Office of the Press Secretary.

Sotto explained that some members of the Senate are considering this move noting that the PCOO was only created to “accommodate political friends of the previous administration.”

During the previous administration, the OPS was split into the PCOO and the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office (PCDSPO). The latter’s functions have already been transferred to the PCOO. ■

Philippine News

8

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

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BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it requested for additional budget to augment its security preparations for the 2019 midterm elections.

PNP Director General Oscar Albayalde said since the country holds general elections every three years, the PNP has considerably perfected the art of performing election duty as a deputized agency of the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

He said the added responsibility entails corresponding upgrade of resources to cope with the additional functions.

“This is partly the reason why we have PNP Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde.

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE / FACEBOOK requested a hike in the proposed PNP budget for 2019 which is 30 percent all these regular and supplemental ap- tial of being utilized as PAGs by some more than last year’s appropriation, propriations, the PNP has posted a high politicians,” he added. largely due to the increased salary and 98-percent absorptive capacity or utiliHe said that aggressive police opallowances of personnel which com- zation efficiency of appropriated funds. erations will continue without let-up prise 89 percent of our annual budget, With the able stewardship of the PNP against loose firearms and gun-for hire with only 8 percent allotted for Main- Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), we groups, some of which are known to tenance Operating and Other Expenses were able to save enough money to buy double as PAGs during election season.

(MOOE); and only 3 percent for Capital an additional 107 units of patrol vehicles “We have gained significant headway Outlay or acquisition of new facilities for our field units nationwide,” he added. in the investigation of 18 separate inciand equipment,” Albayalde told reportHe said this is an excellent manifesta- dents of politically-motivated attacks on ers in press briefing on Monday. tion of efficiency in managing govern- incumbent elective officials with arrests He said the current equipment inven- ment resources in line with the good made against suspects in 11 incidents tory represents only 46 percent of the governance and anti-corruption pro- and criminal charges filed against sustotal PNP requirements or 51 percent grams of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. pects in two other cases,” he said. fill-up in requirement for land vehicles, “We are committed to this kind of efAside from directly neutralizing these 19 percent fill-up in required aircraft, 31 ficiency for the best interest not only of PAGs, Albayalde said the PNP has initipercent fill-up in required watercraft, 93 the PNP but most importantly of all the ated proactive moves to paralyze these percent fill-up in required handguns, 62 Filipino taxpayers,” he added. groups, including criminal support syspercent fill-up of retems that sustain its quired long firearms, operations.

15 percent of crewThe PNP has earserved weapons, 27 lier implemented a percent of communiTo ensure ideal conditions for fair and reorganization and cation requirement, honest elections, the PNP assures judicious reassignment of per15 percent of antiand impartial application of rules in the sonnel, particularly terrorism equipimplementation of election laws. those related to canment, 61 percent of didates who are vying CDM equipment, for national and local and 22 percent of inelective posts. vestigative equipment.

Despite the lack of funds, Albayalde “To ensure ideal conditions for fair He said the supplemental President’s said, they are making the most of what and honest elections, the PNP assures Contingency Fund allows the PNP to they have in terms of implementation of judicious and impartial application of procure basic requirements and pro- election security measures. rules in the implementation of election gram expenditures that cannot be supSince August this year, he said the PNP laws, on the detail of security personnel ported by Capital Outlay and MOOE as neutralized 82 gun-for-hire syndicate to candidates, enforcement of the elecfrom regular appropriations. members and confiscated of 35 firearms tion gun-ban, and equal campaign op“As of April this year, we have already of assorted caliber. portunities,” Albayalde said. utilized PHP2.25-billion from the PresiHe said focused intelligence operaIn addition to its current functions, dent’s Contingency Fund for 7,700 basic tions are now being directed against Albayalde directed all Directors for Inassault rifles, 16,500 pistols, 205 light more or less 77 active PAGS with 2,071 tegrated Police Operations (DIPO) to machineguns, 18 units of forensic mi- members believed armed with an esti- monitor and take appropriate action croscope, and 12,622 units of anti-ter- mated 1,582 firearms. A large majority on all election-related incidents under rorism equipment; as well as for the an- of these active PAGs operate in the Au- their respective areas of responsibility nual MOOE of the newly acquired PNP tonomous Region in Muslim MIndanao. and facilitate better coordination of pohelicopter,” Albayalde said.

“We are also monitoring the activities lice operations across regional jurisdic“It should be worthy to note that with of 217 other groups that have the poten- tions. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

9

Baste’s political plan known Monday, Sara says PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY DAVAO CITY — Presidential son and celebrity Sebastian Duterte’s political plan will be announced on Monday, her elder sister and Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte said Friday.

Sara told reporters, on the sidelines of her elder brother Paolo’s filing of certificate of candidacy for the first congressional district here, that Sebastian’s decision would be known in time for the filing of COCs of the Hugpong ng Pagbabago slate in the city.

“Baste had decided already.

(You will know) on Monday,” she said.

But whether he was running and what position it would be, it is not for mayorship, Sara hinted, when she confirmed that she would be running for reelection.

“I already announced (a) few weeks ago that I intend to run for reelection as Mayor of Davao City,” she said.

Asked on the possibility she would change her mind and gun for a senate seat instead, Sara said: “There is no more (possibility) because I feel that this is where I should be.”

“I thank everyone for their rust and confidence but i feel that the administration of President Duterte needs support here in Davao city and Davao region and that’s why i will stay here,” she added.

Sara said remaining as mayor of the city “is where I can help the administration of Duterte.”

Sara added that her father, President Duterte, appeared to have supported her decision.

Asked if Sebastian would be her running mate once he firmed up his mind, Sara was unclear in her answer.

“There is really a vice mayor as early as March,” she said but did not elaborate on the identity of her running mate.

Sebastian is Duterte’s youngest of his three children with former wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman.

While he was quite popular

SEBASTIAN "BASTE" DUTERTE / FACEBOOK

because of his good looks and his being linked to some celebrities, Sebastian also made a name for himself with his surfing activities and his being a rock music vocalist.

He also hosted a travel program on a major TV network, which only aired once, and his

Del Castillo to head JBC search for next CJ

BY BENJAMIN PULTA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo will sit at the helm of the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) in screening aspirants for the vacancy in the Supreme Court (SC) following the retirement of Chief Justice Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, JBC ex-officio member and Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Tuesday.

“As a matter of practice, the most senior SC justice who did not apply for the chief justice post will preside over the deliberations on the Chief Justice position. Hence, Justice del Castillo will preside over the JBC when the chief justice post will be taken up,” Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Del Castillo, one of the five most senior magistrates of the High Court, earlier declined his automatic nomination for the top magistrate post as he will

Mariano Del Castillo.

also sit as chairman of the 2018 Bar Examinations.

Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio and Associate Justices Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin and Estela Perlas-Bernabe have accepted their automatic nomination to the top judiciary post.

A junior magistrate, Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., also accepted his nomination by retired Sandiganbayan Justice Raoul Victorino.

The JBC, a seven-member

SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES / WEBSITE

council tasked to vet nominees for judicial posts, earlier extended the Oct. 15 deadline for nominations for Chief Justice to October 26.

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to appoint more than 10 members of the High Court during his six-year term.

He has already appointed six justices so far — Ombudsman Samuel Martires, Noel Tijam, Andres Reyes Jr., Alexander Gesmundo, Jose Reyes Jr., and Ramon Paul Hernando. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Facebook page, @basteduterteofficial, page has 487,876 followers as of Sunday and liked by 486,612 people.

The 29-year old Sebastian’s plan for politics had been widely speculated about when he joined her sister’s regional party, Hugpong ng Pagbabago

in April.

It was not clear though if he was indeed running in the midterm elections and what position it would be.

At one point, he was rumored to be running for mayor of Danao City in Cebu, his grandfather Vicente’s origin.

The suspicion was raised when Sebastian reportedly bought a property there.

In August, Sebastian had hinted that he might eventually run.

He, however, said that his inclination is not really politics.

“I wanted to avoid it as much as possible because politics is troublesome.

This thought has kept him away from actual engagement in politics, he added.

“Of the three of us (Elizabeth’s children), I was the only one who had no experience in politics except during the campaign for my father. It was the only exposure I got and I went back to what I usually do after that because it was not my cup of tea,” Sebastian said. ■

‘Red October...’ ❰❰ 1

we were able to deter duty to ensure peace and order, any violent mobili- both for those participating in zation,” Galvez told these activities and those who reporters after the Joint Peace are not. and Security Coordinating Albayalde advised members Committee (JPSCC) meeting of the labor sector not to be with officials of the Philippine swayed by calls of left-leaning National Police groups to join (PNP) held in mass actions.

Camp Crame.

“Ang akala “Kung makikinila kapag nata natin, ang Albayalde paralyze yung target nila since advised production at nung (If we look members nagkaroon tayo at it, their target of the labor ng economic crisince) Sept. 21 is sector not to sis, ang turo dyan to have a critical be swayed sa Presidente na mass. But beby calls of naman.

Hindi cause of the posileft-leaning nila alam na tive response of groups to join nawawalan tayo our students and mass actions. ng trabaho, yung other agencies, ordinaryong Piliincluding parpino at saan naents, teachers, man kukuha ng we were able to pagkain ng ating dissuade them,” he said. mga pamilya (They think that if PNP Director General Oscar production is paralyzed and an Albayalde earlier assured that economic crisis happens, our measures are in place to secure President would be the one to protest actions set on October blame. They do not know that 17. we are the ones who will lose While recognizing that rallies jobs, especially the ordinary are part of the country’s democ- Filipinos. How will we feed our racy, he said the PNP has the families then?)” he added. ■

10

Philippine News

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Promotion, new assignment Imee files Senate awaits Espenido: PNP chief bid; vows to be ‘voice’ of provinces

BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD CALIWAN Philippine News Agency

MANILA — Ozamiz City Police head, Chief Insp. Jovie Espenido, is set to get a promotion and will be reassigned to the Bicol Region, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Oscar Albayalde said Monday.

“May order na siya (There is an order for him). He is reassigned to Region 5, in Catanduanes. Meron siyang (He has a) pending promotion. He should be promoted, that is part of his career. Ang pwesto na pupuntahan niya (The rank that he will be getting) is Superintendent, so (from) chief inspector siya, that is part of his promotion,” Albayalde told reporters in a press briefing when asked on the status of the controversial police officer.

Espenido led operations against suspected narco-politicians such as Albuera Mayor Rolando Espinosa and Ozamiz City Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog.

In July 2017, the Ozamiz police chief also led the anti-drug operations in the city which resulted in the death of Parojinog and 14 others.

The slain mayor’s children, Vice Mayor Nova Princess Parojinog-Echavez and Reynaldo Jr., were arrested during the raid and later charged with drug possession and illegal possession of firearms.

In a July 30, 2018 resolution, the Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Espenido, SPO4 Renato Martir Jr., and PO1 Sandra Nadayag for six counts of homicide under Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code based on the complaint of Carmelita Manzano.

The three policemen are be-

BY FERDINAND PATINIO Philippine News Agency

Jovie Espenido.

ing accused of killing the complainant’s husband Fancracio, her son Jerry, her daughter’s common-law spouse, Victorino Mira Jr.; her nephew Lito Manisan; her niece’s common law husband Romeo Libaton; and one Alvin Lapeña in the afternoon raid during a birthday celebration in her house.

The six were killed during a series of raids in Cabinti and Balintawak villages in Ozamis last June 1 where six other suspects were arrested.

Police recovered firearms, pieces of jewelry, and sachets of suspected shabu from the suspects during the raids.

Meanwhile, the DOJ dismissed charges of murder and arbitrary detention against the three policemen for “lack of probable cause” Espenido and company may post bail for each count of homicide following the filing of the criminal information in court.

The DOJ said the respondents’ claim that the first gunfire came from Manzano’s camp needs to be proven in court as a “justifying circumstance.”

In junking the arbitrary detention charge, the DOJ ex-

PTV

plained that an element of the crime — that the detention was without legal grounds — was lacking in the case of Mrs. Manzano, who claimed to have been taken by the policemen following the operation and detained at the Ozamiz City Police Station from June 1 to 7.

The DOJ said Manzano admitted that she was furnished a copy of an affidavit of arrest/ complaint/searcher, dated June 9, for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act. “Clearly, therefore, a case against her was filed; and there was indeed legal ground for [her] detention.

Another respondent, Chief Insp. Glyndo Pujanes, was cleared of charges as the DOJ noted that he had no hand in the killing of the fatalities and only arrived at the scene after the raids took place in barangays Cabinti and Balintawak.

The indictment can still be appealed.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said after a motion for reconsideration is resolved by prosecution panel, Espenido can still file a petition for review before his office. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

sa ay handa na na makarinig ng iba pang isipan at marinig rin ang aming side of the story, ika nga (As I said, I think the people MANILA — Ilocos Norte Gov- are ready to hear our thoughts ernor Maria Josefa Imelda and our side of the story),” she “Imee” Marcos vowed to repre- added. sent people from the provinces Marcos was accompanied as she filed her certificate of by her brother, former senator candidacy (COC) for senator on Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Tuesday.

Jr. and her three sons, Michael, “Kailangan rin ng pag-un- Matthew and Borgy. She is runawa, higit sa lahat, ng kina- ning under the Nacionalista tawan ng lokal at importante Party banner. kasi ‘yung mga taga-probinsya Marcos served as representa‘yung mambubukid at pati na tive of the 2nd District of Ilocos rin mga overseas Norte for three Filipino workconsecutive ers (OFWs) ay terms from 1998 may kinatawan to 2007. She was So I think sa Senado para elected Ilocos that the new marinig naman Norte governor generation, ng ibang boses thrice — in 2010, particularly (We should also 2013, and 2016. the millennial understand the Meanwhile, generation, locals, especially Taguig-Pateros so called, (is) those living in Rep. Pia Cayready to hear the provinces, etano is makour side of farmers and also ing a comeback the story.

OFWs. Someat the Senate body should as she also filed represent them her COC for the in the Senate.

May 2019 midA new voice),” term polls on the Marcos told reporters. fourth day of the filing period.

She said she is unfazed by the She vowed to continue what negative impression of many she has begun at the Upper Filipinos of her family.

Chamber.

“Kung worried ako, wala sana “When it comes to my acako dito. Pero palagay ko, may tions, I think my record speaks pagbabago na rin ng pag-unawa for itself. From the time I was ng nakalipas (If I am worried, I in the Senate, I fought for the won’t be here. But now, I think reproductive health bill,” she there has been a change in the added. understanding of what hap“Look at my track record. I pened in the past). So I think will continue to fight for womthat the new generation, par- en, for health care,” Cayetano ticularly the millennial genera- said. ■ tion, so called, (is) ready to hear our side of the story,” Marcos said.

“Sa palagay ko ang ating ban-

Philippine News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

11

Duterte joins SAP Go in filing COC for senator

BY JELLY MUSICO Philippine News Agency MANILA — Accompanied by no less than his boss, President Rodrigo Duterte, Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go on Monday filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for senator.

“First, this is my first time to join an election. Kinakabahan po ako. Syempre mapapalayo po ako sa Pangulo. Sisikapin ko in may private capacity, tutulong pa rin ako sa kanya at nasa tabi nya. (I’m nervous. Of course, I will be away from the President. In my private capacity, I will still help him),” the tearyeyed Go said in an interview with Palace reporters.

Before going to Comelec, Go dropped by San Miguel Church at Malacañang complex to seek divine guidance before proceeding to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) main office in Intramuros.

From San Miguel Church, Go met with President to thank and formally say goodbye to his boss for over two decades.

“Formally, magpapalam po ako ngayon at magpapasalamat sa binigay nyang opportunity to serve him, to serve the Filipino people. Siya po ang inspiration ko na makapagsilbi sa mga Filipino. (Formally, I will say goodbye and thank him for giving me the opportunity to serve him, to serve the Filipino people. He is my inspiration to serve the Fili-

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with Secretary Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go of the Office of the Special Assistant to the President as the latter files his certificate of candidacy for his senatorial bid before the Commission on Elections.

KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

pinos),” Go said.

Go added that like his mentor, he wants to “serve the people” and “put the nation and the people first.”

“Ako po ay nagpapasalamat sa Diyos dahil natutunan ko kay Pangulong Duterte kung ano ang tunay na malasakit at serbisyong publiko. Dalawampu’t tatlong taon akong nanilbihan sa kanya at ang karunungan ko ngayon ay utang ko rin sa kanya.

Dahil kay Mayor Rody, lalong naging malawak at malalim ang aking pang-unawa (I thank God because I learned genuine concern and public service from President Duterte. I served him

for 23 years, and I owe him the wisdom and understanding I’ve learned through the years),” Go said in a separate statement.

After filing his COC, Duterte raised the hands of his top aide to the delight of their supporters.

If he wins, Go said he wanted to focus on measures that will help provide better medical services for the Filipino people.

“Papalawakin ko po ang medical services kasi nakikita ko sa iba’t ibang hospital na maraming mga pasyente ang nasa koridor (I want to improve medical services because I have seen in different hospitals, many pa-

tients are at the hallways),” he said.

In a press conference in Comelec, Go said he wanted to increase the current 15 Malasakit Centers, a one-stop shop medical service provider particularly for the poor patients.

“The process of giving assistance too should be shortened. Kaya nga po meron tayong Malasakit Center. Alam mo ang pasyente dapat tutulungan at hindi dapat ipagpapasa-pasa (That’s why we have Malasakit Center. You know, we should help the patients and are not given the runaround),” Go said.

Duterte’s top aide said he will

also continue to “strengthen the fight against corruption, against crime and criminality, and against illegal drugs.”

Though he served as top aide for over 21 years and as assistant manager of Duterte in the 2016 presidential elections, Go admitted that running for senator would be a huge challenge for him.

“Mahirap maging kandidato lalo na po ako ay baguhan (It’s hard to be a candidate especially if you are a neophyte). I will be facing seasoned politicians. Hayaan na lang ang Filipino kung sino gusto nila ilagay at makakatulong (Let the Filipinos decide on who they will choose and who can help them),” Go said.

Go, meanwhile, said it would be premature to comment on different surveys being dominated by former and reelectionist senators.

“Hindi ko na po binibilang ang survey. Wait na lang final day of filing kung sino talaga ang tatakbo at hayaan ang Filipino kung sino talaga ang magsisilbi. (I no longer rely on surveys. Let’s wait for the final day of filing on who will run and let the Filipinos decide on who will serve (them),” he said.

The filing of COC for the May 2019 elections will end on Wednesday.

From Comelec, Go joined the President at the Philippine Army Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City. ■

EU to partner with PH, other nations on managing plastic use PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The European Union (EU) will launch a regional program in 2019 to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines, and select countries in east and southeast Asia towards “sustainable” consumption and production of plastic which had been contributing to problems posed by climate change.

The initiative called “Plastic Asia Regional Programme,” with a 10-million-euro budget, is a multi-donor action jointly

co-financed by EU and Germany.

It will be implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and Expertise France (EF).

The action will support bilateral and regional policy dialogues in targeted countries, namely China, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Singapore.

The EU Delegation in Manila on Sunday told the Philippine News Agency that the action is expected to be implemented in the first quarter of 2019.

The initiative was introduced

at a forum entitled “Plastic, Climate Change and Me” at the Asian Institute of Management on Friday, where EU Ambassador to the Philippines Franz Jessen highlighted Manila’s problem on proliferation of plastic waste.

According to the envoy, the problem is very widespread to the extent that “it is highly likely that when we eat fish without realizing we also ingest a certain amount of microscopic plastic particles.”

But more than its waste leakage into the environment, plastic aggravates climate change since plastic manufacturing is www.canadianinquirer.net

in fact a by-product of fossil fuels processes.

“Currently, 8 percent of global oil production is linked to the manufacturing of plastic. This is already a significant percentage. But at the current rates and with oil prices continuing to remain low it is estimated that manufacturing of plastic may account to about 20 percent of global oil production in 2050,” the envoy said.

“These are just two examples of how negative impacts of climate change can be reinforced and amplified by external agents, products and processes,” he added.

At present, the EU Delegation to the Philippines is closely working with the government on the development of a national strategy for improving plastic waste management and reducing leakages of plastic waste in the marine environment In Europe, the EU has already adopted a Circular Economy Action Plan to ensure that all plastic packaging in the European market would be recyclable by 2030, the consumption of single-use plastics significantly reduced, and the intentional use of micro plastics restricted. ■

12

Philippine News

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Palace dispels Joma remark on cancellation of talks

BY JELLY MUSICO Philippine News Agency MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday refuted Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chairman Jose Maria Sison’s statement blaming the government’s security cluster for the termination of peace talks.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte cancelled the peace negotiations due to the communists’ failure to show ‘sincerity and commitment.”

“Kaya napigilan iyon dahil hindi sila sumusunod sa usapan eh. Supposed to be walang barilan, walang patayan, walang ambush, eh nilabag nila iyon eh (The reason why it was cancelled was because they are not following the agreements.

There should be no attack, no killing, no ambush. They violated these),” Panelo said in a Palace press briefing.

“If you are in the President’s

New Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo.

shoes, why should you talk when they are not sincere in the objective?,” he added.

In an interview with Manila Times, Sison accused members of the government security council of opposing the signing of a peace talk document and for convincing Duterte to sus-

pend the negotiations.

Duterte had lived up to his election campaign promise to talk with the enemies of the state, including the CCP and its political arm, the National Democratic Front (NDF) and armed unit the New People’s Army (NPA).

SCREENSHOT FROM PCOO PRESS BRIEFING

The communists, however, failed to show sincerity to pursue genuine peace as they engaged “on acts of violence and hostilities, endangering the lives and properties of innocent people.”

This prompted Duterte to sign Proclamation No. 360 or-

dering the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and government negotiators to stop all peace talks with the communist group in November last year.

Duterte also cited Sison’s demand for coalition government as another reason for the termination of the peace talks.

Last April, Duterte provided Sison a ‘small window’ of 60 days to talk peace in the Philippines.

Sison, however, turned down the offer for fear of his life despite assurance from the President that he will not be arrested while in the country.

“But definitely the President, always — his mind is always open to reconciliation as he said, ’hindi pupuweding tayong mga Pilipino ang nagpapatayan’ (Filipinos should not kill each other),” Panelo said.

The rebellion in the country started 50 years ago, making it one of the longest-running communist insurgencies in the world. ■

Iloilo City bags Galing Pook Award for cleaning Iloilo River PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY ILOILO CITY — Iloilo City, for the second time, has been conferred the Galing Pook Award, which recognizes best local government practices in the country worthy of replication by other local government units (LGUs).

Its entry, the Iloilo Batiano River Development Project, joined the rest of nine other LGU awardees conferred in a ceremony held in Quezon City, Thursday evening, coinciding with the 25th Year of the Galing Pook Awards.

Engr.

Noel Hechanova, head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and at the same time the Executive of the Iloilo Batiano River Development Council (IBRDC), said on Saturday that the city government “has been a model” in terms of bringing together private and public sectors for holistic intervention.

“We demonstrated that the complex process of coordination needs an LGU (local gov-

ernment unit). Because of that we are a model,” he said.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, during his visit to this city in May 2017, said that the river can serve as a model for other LGUs. He cited that the initiative brought together 18 major river basins in the country for a summit last year to see the river for themselves.

Hechanova said that the Iloilo River showcased a “holistic approach touching on the economic, environment and human transformation.”

Iloilo City Mayor Jose Espinosa, in his presentation before a panel prior to the awarding ceremony held October 10, described the project as a “joint collaboration among national agencies, non-government organizations, academe and civil society to address siltation, water pollution, encroachment, illegal cutting of mangroves, and informal settlements along the Iloilo River.”

“It benefited more than 50,000 residents from 35 barangays living along the Iloilo River in terms of improved health, ecological sustainabil-

ity, and sense of security and livability,” he said.

The initiative led to the relocation of informal settlers along the river banks, removal of fish pens, prevention of soil erosion and preservation of the mangrove’s high biodiversity index, he added.

The IBRDC started as Iloilo River Council (IRDC) that was organized way back in 2006 to look into the rehabilitation activities of Iloilo River spanning some 13.5 kilometers. Various activities went full swing in 2010.

Hechanova said investments coming from various government agencies reached almost PHP1.7 billion while the private sector contributed around PHP500 million for various projects.

It 2012, the IRDC was expanded to become Iloilo-Batiano River Development Council (IBRDC) to include the contiguous Batiano River, which is within the jurisdiction of the adjacent municipality of Oton.

Hechanova said that more has yet to be done for the river, including addressing water pollution and make the river as an www.canadianinquirer.net

eco-tourism destination.

Espinosa, now head of the IBRDC, led the Iloilo delegation in receiving the plaque together with the PHP100,000 cash award.

In 2012, Iloilo City got its first Galing Pook Award through its Dinagyang Festival serving as a venue to promote good governance and human capital.

Other Galing Pook Awardees this year are the Ridge to Reef (R2R) program of Bindoy, Negros Oriental; “No Vote, Ibot” No More: Ending the Political Bondage in Resettlement Areas

by Providing Security of Tenure of Cagayan de Oro City; Siargao It Up! Mangrove Management and Social Tourism Program of Del Carmen, Surigao del Norte; Reviving the Musical Tradition and Heritage by Empowering People through the Loboc Music Program of Loboc, Bohol; Barangay eSkwela and Barangay Literacy Worker Program of Naga City; ACHIEVE: Accessible, Holistic and Inclusive Education of Navotas City; The Importance of Cultural Heritage Conservation and the Role of the Education Sector by San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte; Tagump-

ay Works Program of Tagum, Davao del Norte and Tayo na Mapayapang Valenzuela: Tuloy-tuloy ang Asenso! The Valenzuela City Comprehensive Safety and Security Plan of Valenzuela City.

“The awards have cited some 319 programs from at least 200 LGUs over the years, including this year’s winners, judging them on their positive results and impact, their empowerment of the people, transferability and sustainability, innovation and efficiency of their program service delivery,” a Galing Pook press statement stated.

Meantime, the “Champion Farmers Program” of the town of Lambunao in Iloilo was among the 21 programs that were presented during the Galing Pook Governance Fair Youth in Innovative Governance.

It is holistic capacity building program for mostly poor farmers of the town. It was meant to uplift the economic status of farmers by way of providing value formation coupled with technical skills training. ■

13

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

LGUs urged to secure MMDA to deploy more than ECC prior to starting 2K traffic personnel for ‘Undas’ environmental projects

BY AEROL JOHN PATEÑA Philippine News Agency

PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY

kaapekto sa kalikasan (Let us not allow what happened to Boracay to happen again. Let us not short cut the processes for MANILA — In ensuring the the sake of business. We should protection of the people and en- ensure that the projects that vironment against man-made would have an impact on the disasters, the Department of environment have an ECC bethe Interior and Local Govern- fore starting them),” he said. ment (DILG) reminded all loPresidential Decree No. 1586 cal government units (LGUs) dated June 11, 1978 (Establishto secure an Environmental ing an Environmental Impact Compliance Certificate (ECC) Statement System including from the Department of the other Environmental ManageEnvironment and Natural Re- ment-Related Measures) states sources (DENR) before starting that “no person, partnership, or any environmental project. corporation shall undertake or In Memorandum Circu- operate any declared environlar 2018-152, DILG Officer-in mentally critical project or area Charge, Secrewithout securing tary Eduardo M. first an ECC.” Año, said projApplications ects that pose for ECCs are possible envireviewed and ronmental risk granted by the or impact are reSometimes DENR, through quired to secure there is a the EMB, as an ECC from the flip side to stated in MalacaDENR-Environdevelopment ñang’s Adminmental Manageas unchecked istrative Order ment Bureau. development 42 issued on NoAmong these takes its vember 2, 2002. projects are mintoll on the An ECC is ising, agriculture environment. sued after a posiprojects, and golf tive review of course constructhe project’s aption. plication by the “Sometimes DENR-EMB. It there is a flip side indicates that a to development proposed underas unchecked taking will not development takes its toll on cause a significant negative imthe environment. While we, pact on the environment. The therefore, encourage the influx project proponent must then of new businesses, local govern- fulfill the specific measures ments should always consider and conditions indicated in the the potential impact of new ECC before and during the opprojects on the environment eration of the project and even and to nearby residents,” Año after the project completion. said in a news release Monday.

An ECC also certifies that the He said the tragic environ- proponent has complied with mental degradation of Bora- all the requirements of the Encay Island is a classic example vironmental Impact Statement of how unregulated develop- (EIS) System and has commitment made the famous white- ted to implement its approved sand holiday destination into a environmental management “cesspool.” plan.

“Huwag na nating hayaang In cases where DENR-EMB mangyari pa ang nangyari sa finds that an ECC is not apBoracay. Huwag nating i-short plicable, a Certificate of Noncut ang mga proseso para lang Coverage (CNC) shall be issued sa negosyo. Kailangan nating confirming that the proposed siguruhin na mayroong ECC project is not part of the EIS bago magsimula ang anumang and poses no environmental proyekto na alam nating maka- threat. ■

MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be deploying more than 2,000 traffic personnel to ensure smooth flow of traffic along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, an official said Tuesday.

“We leave the responsibility of cleaning inside cemeteries to local government units. We are also calling on the public to keep cemeteries clean and tidy,” MMDA general manager Jojo Garcia said during a press briefing.

He also advised the public to be aware of the traffic rerouting schemes that local government units will implement in their respective localities.

The MMDA will also implement a “no day-off, no absent” policy for its traffic enforcers from October 27 to November 3 as part of its “Oplan Undas 2018.”

Members of the agency’s

MMDA / FACEBOOK

Special Task Force Operations will be clearing roads along the cemeteries while the Metro Parkway Clearing Group will be cleaning up the vicinity of major cemeteries in Metro Manila, Garcia said.

The Manila North Cemetery in Manila City, Manila South Cemetery in Makati City, Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina City, Bagbag Public Cemetery in Quezon City and Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City are among the major cemeteries being monitored

by the MMDA. The Road Emergency Group will install tents for Public Assistance Centers at these cemeteries and dispatch ambulances to provide emergency medical services to cemetery visitors.

The Metrobase Command Center will also keep track of the traffic situation as well as emergency operations during the observance of “Undas.”

The number coding scheme will be suspended on November 1 and 2 as these were declared special non-working holidays. ■

Use cash prize wisely, Balutan tells UltraLotto winners PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) General Manager Alexander Balutan advised the two winners of the PHP1.18-billion jackpot of the Ultra Lotto 6/58 to use the money wisely and productively.

“Like I always say, having a huge money, especially winning millions of pesos can change your outlook in life, lifestyle and priorities. Mind your priorities. Don’t lose yourself. Keep something for yourself and for your family. Don’t become oneday millionaires. Spend your money wisely,” Balutan said.

This is the second time this year that two people won the Ultra Lotto 6/58 prize. Last February 16, two winners shared the www.canadianinquirer.net

PHP331-million prize.

“I would like to congratulate our two lucky winners.

The winning combination was 40-50-37-25-01-45 and they were brought at the following outlets: Lucky Circle Corp., in SM City Tahao Road, Legazpi City, Albay. Bet type: Self pick, system 9, and Ma. Myra C. Locando, Limbauan St., Brgy. H, Borongan, Eastern Samar. Bet type: Self pick, standard,” Balutan announced.

Apart from the two jackpot winners, 100 bettors will each get PHP169,930 for hitting five winning combinations correctly.

Balutan reminded all lucky winners to keep their tickets, sign it, as whoever holds the winning ticket is the winner.

“That’s why we always tell our customers to keep their tickets.

You might now win the six winning combinations, you can still

get five to three winning numbers correctly,” he said.

He said the public may follow the official social media page of his office at www.facebook.com/ mandirigma83 for updates.

“When claiming your prize, bring two valid identifications cards. Show the winning ticket to the prize claim section of the Accounting and Budget Department. After the ticket has been validated, the Treasury department will issue a cheque indicating the amount won with the winner’s name. The winner can now go to the LandBank of the Philippines to encash the cheque or he/she can pen a bank account for safekeeping purposes,” he added.

The total prize of Ultra Lotto 6/58 draw on Sunday amounting to PHP1,180,622,508 is the biggest in the history of the numbers game in the country. ■

14

Canada News Canada now world’s largest legal marijuana marketplace

BY ROB GILLIES AND GENE JOHNSON The Canadian Press TORONTO — Ian Power was among the first to buy legal recreational marijuana in Canada but he has no plans to smoke it.

He plans to frame it.

Canada became the largest country with a legal national marijuana marketplace as sales began early Wednesday in Newfoundland. Power was first in line at a store in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

“I am going to frame it and hang it on my wall. I’m not even going to smoke it. I’m just going to save it forever,” Power said.

And there was more good news for pot aficionados: Hours before a handful of retail outlets opened in the country’s easternmost province a federal official told The Associated Press that Canada will pardon all those with convictions for possessing up to 30 grams of marijuana, the now-legal threshold.

A formal announcement was planned for later Wednesday.

The official, who was not authorized to speak public ahead of the announcement, said those who want to take advantage of the pardons will have to apply.

Canada has had legal medical marijuana since 2001 and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government has spent two years working toward expanding that to include recreational marijuana. The goal is to better reflect society’s changing opinion about marijuana and bring black market operators into a

regulated system.

Uruguay was first was the first country to legalize marijuana.

In St. John’s, Newfoundland, hundreds of customers were lined up around the block at the private store on Water Street, the main commercial drag in the provincial capital, by the time the clock struck midnight.

A festive atmosphere broke out, with some customers lighting up on the sidewalk and motorists honking their horns in support as they drove by the crowd.

“Prohibition has ended right now. We just made history,” said the 46-year-old Power, who bought a gram. “I can’t believe we did it. All the years of activism paid off. Cannabis is legal in Canada and everyone should come to Canada and enjoy our cannabis.”

Tom Clarke, an illegal pot dealer for three decades, was among the first to make a legal sale in Canada when his store opened at midnight local time in Portugal Cove, Newfoundland. He made the first sale to his dad. A crowd of 50 to 100 people waited outside and cheered him.

“This is awesome. I’ve been waiting my whole life for this,” Clarke said. “I am so happy to be living in Canada right now instead of south of the border.”

Clarke, whose middle name is Herb, has been called THC for years by his friends. His dad, Don, said he was thrilled he was among the first customers of legal pot.

“It’s been a long time coming.

We’ve only been discussing this for 50 years. It’s better late than

never,” he said.

The Newfoundland stores are among at least 111 legal pot shops expected to open across the nation of 37 million people on Wednesday, with many more to come, according to an Associated Press survey of the provinces.

Canadians also can order marijuana products through websites run by provinces or private retailers and have it delivered to their homes by mail.

Alberta and Quebec have set the minimum age for purchase at 18, while others have made it 19.

No stores will open in Ontario, which includes Toronto. The most populous province is working on its regulations and doesn’t expect stores until next spring.

Ryan Bose, 48, a Lyft driver in Toronto, said it’s about time.

“Alcohol took my grandfather and it took his youngest son, and weed has taken no one from me ever,” he said.

A patchwork of regulations has spread in Canada as each province takes its own approach within the framework set out by the federal government. Some are operating government-run stores, some are allowing private retailers, some both.

Canada’s national approach has allowed for unfettered industry banking, inter-province shipments of cannabis and billions of dollars in investment — a sharp contrast with national prohibition in the United States.

Nine U.S. states have legalized recreational use of pot, and more than 30 have approved medical marijuana. California, the largest legal market in the U.S., earlier this month became

www.canadianinquirer.net

the first state with a law mandating expungement of criminal convictions for marijuanarelated offences that no are longer illegal.

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon said it’s time for the U.S. government to follow Canada’s lead.

“Now that our neighbour to the north is opening its legal cannabis market, the longer we delay, the longer we miss out on potentially significant economic opportunities for Oregon and other states across the country,” he said in a statement.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection invited Canadian media to a conference call on Tuesday so officials could reiterate that marijuana remains illegal under U.S. federal law and that those who are caught at the border with pot are subject to arrest and prosecution.

As Canada welcomes legalization, supply shortages could develop, as happened in some U.S. states when legalization arrived.

Trevor Fencott, chief executive of Fire and Flower, said his company has 15 Alberta stores

staffed and ready to sell marijuana, but the province has supplied only enough product to open three of them Wednesday.

“We’re aware of some of the kinks or growing pains that come with creating an industry out of whole cloth in 24 months,” Fencott said.

Brenda Tobin and her son Trevor plan to open their pot shop in Labrador City in Newfoundland and Labrador at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday — 420 is slang for the consumption of cannabis. Tobin, a longtime convenience store owner, said they will be cutting a ribbon and cake.

“We are just ecstatic,” she said.

She doesn’t expect to make much money off the pot itself, noting Newfoundland’s 8 per cent cap on retail pot profits.

She hopes to make money from pipes, bongs and marijuana paraphernalia.

“There’s no money in the product itself,” she said. “You got to sell $250,000 worth of product in order to make $20,000. That’s not even paying someone’s salary.” ■

Canada News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

15

Ontario city to use ranked ballots in next week’s municipal election

BY NICOLE THOMPSON The Canadian Press

Icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland.

UNITED NATIONS PHOTO_FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

MPs debate climate change after UN report warns of dire consequences THE CANADIAN PRESS OTTAWA — MPs spent their first day back in Parliament after Thanksgiving break debating the perils of climate change.

The emergency debate was granted by House of Commons Speaker Geoffrey Regan just a week after the United Nations climate change arm dropped an explosive warning.

It bluntly said the world is on the precipice of major disasters if governments don’t step up with a firmer plan to stop spewing so many greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The world has already warmed up about 1 degree C compared to the mid-19th century and is experiencing the effects of that, including more violent storms, more frequent flooding, longer droughts and more forest fires.

Each 0.5 C degree of warming raises those risks significantly, with entire ecosystems possibly being eradicated, parts of the planet becoming too hot to sustain life and island nations getting drowned out entirely by rising sea levels.

The report says the world needs to aim to hold the warming to no more than 1.5 degrees C but that marker will be upon us by 2040 if drastic, global action isn’t taken.

Canada would need to cut its annual emissions almost in half from current levels within 12 years to meet that goal but currently aims to cut them by a little more than 25 per cent by 2030.

And the current climate plans — with carbon pricing, energy efficiencies, renewable power sources and technological innovations — don’t even get Canada to the existing goal.

Environment Minister Catherine McKenna said last week her plan is to implement the existing climate framework and reach the current targets before looking at more ambitious measures.

“We are the first generation to feel the impacts of climate change and we’re the last generation to be able to act,” she said during the emergency debate Monday.

“If you have a child who is 10 years old today, we’re talking about catastrophic impacts in 30 years, when they’re 40 years, if we don’t take action.”

McKenna argued that climate change should be a nonpartisan issue.

But while MPs from the NDP, Liberal and Green parties all asked Regan for the debate on the report of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ❱❱ PAGE 17 MPs debate

VOTERS IN London, Ont., will become the first in Canada to use ranked ballots in a municipal election when they head to the polls next week, with experts saying the city’s experience will be closely watched by communities across the country.

This is the first year the provincial government has given communities the option of using a ranked voting system in local elections, and the Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario said London is the only city implementing it during municipal elections on Oct. 22.

“We hope to have them present some of their insights (after the election),” said Craig Wellington, the association’s director of programs and services.

He noted that other cities in Ontario and provinces across the country will look at London’s experience in deciding whether to introduce the system for the next election cycle.

“They would be reaching out and asking if there are any best practices or anything they can learn from it,” Wellington said.

Two other Ontario cities — Cambridge and Kingston — have referendum questions on their ballots about whether to implement a ranked voting system for the 2022 municipal election.

The system, which was considered an option when the Trudeau government was plan-

ning to implement federal electoral reform, lets voters rank candidates instead of voting for a single person.

Voters rank their first, second and third choices, and if no candidate receives an absolute majority on the first ballot, the last-place candidate is eliminated and his or her supporters’ second-choice votes are counted. That continues until one candidate receives more than 50 per cent.

In the current widely used first-past-the-post voting system, the candidate who receives the most votes wins — regardless of whether they’re supported by more than 50 per cent of voters.

Cathy Saunders, London’s city clerk, said the municipality decided to implement the ranked voting system after consultations with the public last year.

“London is the first municipality in Canada to hold a ranked ballot election,” she said, noting that a bylaw approving a ranked ballot system was passed last May. Experts say Ontario is the only province that allows ranked voting for municipal elections, though Nova Scotia Premier Brian Gallant floated the idea of implementing such a system for provincial elections in 2015 and it’s used to pick the leaders of political parties.

Proponents of the system say it gives elected representatives more legitimacy.

“Oftentimes you see city councillors, mayors, for example, receive a large share of

the popular vote … but it’s not always more than 50 per cent,” said Gabriel Eidelman, director of the Urban Policy Lab at the University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy.

“Those candidates can’t legitimately say that they speak on behalf a majority of those residents.”

But he noted that implementing electoral reform can be tricky.

“It’s a difficult road,” Eidelman said. “The incentive for those within the system is low. If you’ve won office under the current system, why would you want to move to another system?”

Whether the ranked system will have a noticeable effect on the election results remains to be seen, said Aaron Moore, an associate professor at the University of Winnipeg’s department of political science.

“To vote in a ranked ballot system you have to have enough information to pick three candidates, and a lot of people have a hard time just picking one — particularly at the council level,” he noted.

Moore said the system works well when people have a lot of information about candidates, such as in big cities where elections get a lot of media coverage.

“I suspect a lot of the other municipalities in Ontario are going to be looking at what happens in London, and use that as a measure of whether it’s something worthwhile to implement in their own city,” he said. ■

B.C. man accused of swimming naked in Toronto shark tank arrested in Thunder Bay THE CANADIAN PRESS THUNDER BAY, Ont. — Police have arrested a B.C. man who is accused of swimming naked in a shark tank at a popular Toronto aquarium.

Const. Allyson Douglas-Cook of Toronto police says the man was arrested Tuesday afternoon by Ontario Provincial Police in the Thunwww.canadianinquirer.net

der Bay area during a vehicle stop.

She says Toronto police were working with OPP to have him returned to face charges.

A man stunned patrons and staff at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada on Friday night when police say he stripped naked, hopped a security barrier and jumped into a large shark tank.

Witnesses say the man spent several minutes swimming in

the tank with sand tiger sharks, sawfish and moray eels.

Police allege the same man is wanted in connection with an alleged assault at another location earlier Friday that seriously injured a man.

Police say David Weaver, 37, of Nelson, B.C., was wanted for assault causing bodily harm and mischief interfere with property. ■

16

Canada News

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Calgary mayor doesn’t want to spend more than province on 2026 Games

BY DONNA SPENCER The Canadian Press CALGARY — The mayor of Calgary says the city shouldn’t contribute more than the province of Alberta to host the 2026 Winter Games.

Alberta has committed $700 million if Calgary bids for and wins the right to host the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The federal government won’t provide more than $1.5 billion under a policy for hosting international sport events, and has yet to state how much money it would put in.

“I think if you’re looking at the city putting in $800 million, more than the province, that is not a good deal,” Nenshi said Monday.

By that rationale, the numbers don’t quite add up to the city and provincial and federal governments producing $3 billion in public investment the bid corporation Calgary 2026 asked for in the $5.2 billion total price tag.

There is a large moving part in Calgary’s sports landscape, however, that could inject wiggle room into the proposed 2026 budget.

Nenshi has questioned whether there is a need for a $100-million mid-size arena in Calgary 2026’s draft host plan if terms for a new NHL arena — which isn’t part of the host plan — are agreed upon.

Both Nenshi and Calgary 2026 board chair Scott Hutcheson say work is ongoing on finding cost savings.

“Every good idea from here to 2026 would be explored,” Hutcheson said.

“As with every other Olympics between the time of a bid and the time of putting on a games, you want to make sure you’ve looked at every idea, challenged it, challenged the costs and try to do a better job over seven years, between a bid awarded and a bid execution.”

Calgary city council could pull the plug on a bid at any time, but is unlikely to do so before a Nov. 13 plebiscite asking Calgarians if they want to host the Winter Games or not.

The International Olympic Committee will accept 2026 bids Jan. 11. The election of the host city is in June.

When arena talks broke down between the city and the NHL’s Calgary Flames last year, Nenshi went public with the

city’s proposal, which included a taxpayer contribution of $185 million to a $555-million arena.

City council voted last week to try to re-engage the Flames on arena talks.

How much money the federal government would contribute to Calgary hosting the games is expected to be announced within the week, Nenshi told council Monday.

“I made it clear to the federal government we have a plebiscite on Nov. 13th and people need the time to look at the numbers before they make their vote, as do I by the way,” the mayor said.

In a letter to Nenshi and federal Sport Minister Kirsty Duncan, Alberta Finance Minister Joe Ceci said $700 million is the absolute limit and “we will not be providing any form of guarantee for additional costs arising from any source.”

“The province’s number was well within the range that we had discussed,” the mayor said.

The federal government’s policy for hosting international sports events allows for funding up to 50 per cent of public sector investment — $1.5 billion in this case — and states “at no time will the Government of

Naheed Nenshi.

Canada undertake to guarantee deficit funding of a bidding or hosting project.”

Nenshi doesn’t want the city in a position of games guarantor, but points to the $1.1 billion in contingency funds in Calgary 2026’s draft plan as insurance against deficits.

Venues from the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary such as the Olympic Oval, Canada Olympic Park at WinSport and the nor-

NAHEED NENSHI / FACEBOOK

dic centre in Canmore, Alta., are the foundation of Calgary’s potential bid.

“The real danger of cost overruns comes in construction,” the mayor said. “We’re not building much.

“You won’t see giant cost over-runs like you’ve seen in other Olympics where they’re basically building everything from scratch.” ■

Foreign affairs minister lay on floor of PM’s office after USMCA was inked

BY LINDA NGUYEN The Canadian Press TORONTO — After more than a year of leading intense trade negotiations with the United States and Mexico, the first thing Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland did when the new agreement was reached was lay on the floor of the prime minister’s office.

“I did. That is true,” she said Tuesday during a talk at the Fortune Global Forum in Toronto.

Freeland agreed that her reaction was due to exhaustion and just the thrill of the tumultuous 14-month process finally being over.

The new trilateral pact between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, commonly referred to as USMCA, was reached at the 11th hour on Sept. 30 and sets to modernize the North American Free Trade Agreement.

The negotiations were tense, with U.S. President Donald Trump threatening on a number of occasions that his country would withdraw from NAFTA altogether.

Freeland told a room of Canadian and foreign business leaders that the talks between the three countries had many “moments of drama,” which she had anticipated from the start.

“Trade negotiations are this odd thing. On the one hand, they can be incredibly tech-

nical about really, really specific technical issues,” she said.

“And on the other hand, they’re punctuated by these very dramatic moments ... drama is par for the course.”

When asked about Trump’s personal attack on her during the process, and dealing with his negotiation strategy, she and her team responded in the Canadian way.

“For us, our approach was to always be polite. We tried to always be friendly. That is always our national way. We believe strongly in using fact-based arguments and we did that, but to know what your bottom lines are and to stand firm in defence of the national interest,” said Freeland. www.canadianinquirer.net

“We were absolutely clear about that and ultimately that was understood.”

Despite efforts from U.S. negotiators, Canada fought hard to keep Chapter 19 — a key provision that gives independent panels the ability to resolve disputes involving companies and governments, as well as Chapter 20, the governmentto-government dispute settlement mechanism.

She said Canada did not waver during the talks, and that she felt supported by Canadians for staying steadfast.

Freeland recalled being stopped and hugged by a stranger at the grocery store and how at another time a fellow passenger tried give her a business

seat during a flight back from Washington.

“People were just so nice,” she said. “But what I would call Canadian nice: resolute and nice. And that was really important.”

Although it’s been reached, the USMCA deal still faces a number of hurdles before it’s officially finalized.

On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told Bloomberg News that U.S. Congress won’t approve the renegotiated deal this year.

“There’s no question this will be on the top of the agenda” next year, he told the news agency. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

17

MPs debate... ❰❰ 15

JUSTIN TRUDEAU / FACEBOOK

Trudeau takes political gamble with legalized pot for Canadian adults

BY KRISTY KIRKUP The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reassuring Canadians the country is indeed ready to become the first G7 member to greenlight legal recreational pot — a campaign pledge that will become reality in a matter of hours.

Canada has a system that is failing, Trudeau said Monday, adding it does not protect young people or communities from organized criminal involvement in the marijuana trade.

“This is why we’re in the process of legalizing it,” Trudeau said on Parliament Hill.

Come Wednesday, Canadians 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory, will be able to buy and use cannabis legally — a drug even Trudeau has admitted to enjoying while it was illegal.

But the dramatic legal and policy shift — and all changes set to flow from it at the federal, provincial and municipal levels — comes with political risks, says pollster David Coletto.

Coletto, CEO of research firm Abacus Data, said Monday his work has shown the majority of Canadians are supportive of pot’s legalization but he noted there are implicit political risks associated with shifts of this magnitude.

“For everyone’s entire life, this has been seen as something that is prohibited, that is illegal, that will get you in trouble if you consume it and get caught to now overnight going to be legal,” Coletto said in an interview. “I think (that) is risky.”

Canadians will be watching the execution of cannabis legalization, Coletto said, noting the federal Liberals are the “high-profile initiators” of change and may be blamed for anything that goes wrong.

“I think the real risk, beyond just peo-

ple becoming opposed to this over time is that because they’re the ones who initiated it, the federal government could become blamed for a problem that’s actually local.”

Canadians remain unsure about what will happen, Coletto added, noting people don’t have a clear sense of rules and regulations around cannabis in their own backyards.

For their part, police forces have also raised concerns about elements of the unknown including the effects of drugimpaired driving.

Organized Crime Reduction Minister Bill Blair, a former police chief himself, said Monday he understands “the anxiety” associated with the significant change.

But he said the government has provided tools to make roads and communities safe.

There is a consensus across the country that more needs to be done to protect children and to displace the illicit marijuana market, Blair added.

Conservative House leader Candice Bergen said Monday the federal government has rushed legalization, pointing to uncertainty at the Canada-U.S. border and provincial and municipal concerns as evidence that Canada isn’t ready.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said Monday he is supportive of legalization but his party wants the federal government to expunge Canadians’ criminal records for simple pot possession.

He said the lack of action will “weaken” an otherwise positive step taken by the government, suggesting it calls into question the progressive elements of the decision.

The government has said it will address the issue of criminal records for past pot infractions only after legalization. ■

Change, the Conservatives did New Democrats and Green Party not.

Leader Elizabeth May argued the LibConservative MP Gerard eral government hasn’t done enough to Deltell maintained his party agrees that meet its emission reduction targets, let action must be taken to reduce carbon alone meet the more stringent reducemissions. But he said Conservatives be- tions required to keep warming to no lieve that should be done through incen- more than 1.5 degrees C. They urged the tives and innovation, not through the government to take a new leadership Liberals’ carbon tax that will hit ordi- role at the UN climate change meeting nary Canadians on virtually everything in Poland in December by ramping up they buy. its efforts.

Moreover, Deltell “Preventing a argued that Canada’s single degree could role in reducing globmake a life or death al warming won’t difference,” said New We are the first make much differDemocrat MP Guy generation to feel ence if the biggest Caron. the impacts of polluters — China, May said the UN climate change India and the United report is telling huand we’re the last States — are not takmanity: “You’ve generation to be ing steps to slash got one chance to able to act. their emissions. protect your kids’ Toronto Liberal world, you’ve got one MP Nathaniel Erschance, and it’s exkine-Smith deplored piring in about 10-12 the “wilful blindyears, to hold global ness” of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, average temperature to no more than 1.5 other provincial Conservative leaders degrees and if you miss that … you end and federal Conservatives, who are ada- up in a situation where the worst case mantly opposed to imposing a carbon scenario 3:45 isn’tPMbad weather, it’s the colJoel_CanadianInquirer_print.pdf 1 2017-10-05 tax on greenhouse gas emissions. lapse of our civilization and the extincEvery Conservative MP “should be tion of millions of species, potentially ashamed of themselves,” he said. including us.” ■

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World News

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OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Cruz, O’Rourke debate may be last chance for big moment

BY PAUL J. WEBER The Associated Press HOUSTON — Frank Randazzo, a retiree near Houston, volunteers for his local GOP office knocking on doors of undecided voters amid the most expensive U.S. Senate race in the country.

He did a double take when a man with a Beto O’Rourke sign in his yard declared he was voting Republican.

“He told me to ignore the sign. It was his wife’s,” Randazzo said.

Tuesday night is the last televised debate in Texas between O’Rourke and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz, and from national polls to divided households in conservative suburbs, the indications are of a close race with just three weeks until Election Day. But what hasn’t been seen so far are major missteps or race-altering moments.

Neither side is betting on one down the stretch. For O’Rourke, who last week an-

nounced a record-shattering fundraising haul of $38 million from supporters nationwide, the debate in San Antonio presents his last best chance to give Cruz supporters any misgivings. The El Paso congressman has run against politics as usual and campaign mudslinging, but O’Rourke is also sharpening his tone amid new polls that suggest his rise may be hitting a ceiling for a Democrat in Texas.

Cruz, meanwhile, is out to not squander the built-in advantages of running in a deeply Republican state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to a statewide office in 24 years. And even Democrats are doubtful that Cruz — as unflappable a campaigner as anyone in the Senate — will make any disastrous late stumbles that would cause voters to peel off.

“Ted Cruz isn’t going to be a Mourdock or an Akin,” said John Anzalone, a Democratic pollster based in Alabama.

He was referring to Missouri Republican Todd Akin, whose

2012 Senate campaign imploded after he said women’s bodies could stop unwanted pregnancy in cases of “legitimate rape,” and Indiana Republican Senate candidate Richard Mourdock, who that same year said pregnancies resulting from rape were God’s intent. Both went on to lose races that were within their reach.

Continued Anzalone: “Is there always an ‘X’ variable you hope for at the end? Absolutely.

But I’m not ready to say that’s what is needed for an O’Rourke victory.”

Since launching his longshot bid last year, O’Rourke has insisted that what his campaign didn’t need were attack ads or money from political action committees. Up until now he had rarely even mentioned Cruz’s name during his packed and lively rallies.

But that has started changing with time running out and new polls showing O’Rourke within single digits but still trailing in Texas, which President Don-

ald Trump won by 9 points in 2016. While campaigning along the Texas-Mexico border last weekend, O’Rourke called Cruz reckless for helping instigate a 2013 government shutdown and accused him of undermining public schools.

“He put your lives and your communities on hold for his presidential ambition,” O’Rourke told an audience in McAllen, Texas.

Cruz, on the other hand, has hammered O’Rourke for months and made little appeal beyond his conservative base during their first debate in September. Hours after O’Rourke on Friday announced his blockbuster fundraising numbers that tripled what Cruz raised, Cruz chalked it up to anger on the left and continued casting O’Rourke as too liberal for Texas.

“Typically, in a general election, Democrats in Texas at least pretend to go to the middle. They pretend to be moderate. That’s not what Congress-

man O’Rourke is doing. He’s going hard, hard left,” Cruz said.

He was at a honky-tonk in Houston, where pairs of cowboy boots dangle from the ceiling and mingling underneath were Cruz supporters, whose own families illustrated O’Rourke’s surprising inroads in unexpected places. Angie White, 57, said her daughter has gone to O’Rourke events but that, like many young people, “I feel like she’s not going to go vote.” Next to her was Carolyn Knight, 65, who joked about wanting her grandkids to stay home on Election Day. Houston is one of Texas’ most liberal cities, but Democrats haven’t carried surrounding Harris County in a midterm election in a quarter-century.

“We also live in a very red state,” said Lillie Schechter, chairwoman of the Harris County Democratic Party.

“Obama lost it by 1.2 million votes. Hillary lost it by 600,000.

We’ve been cutting our margins, but it’s a really heavy lift.” ■

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World News

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

19

Koreas, US led UN Command Trump: Saudi king discuss disarming border area ‘firmly denies’ any role in Khashoggi mystery; Pompeo en route

BY KIM TONG-HYUNG The Associated Press SEOUL, KOREA, REPUBLIC OF — The rival Koreas and the U.S.-led United Nations Command met Tuesday to discuss efforts to disarm a military zone the rivals control within their shared border under a peace agreement between the Koreas.

The talks at the Panmunjom border village mark the first meeting between the Koreas and the U.N. Command to discuss ways to demilitarize the village’s Joint Security Area.

South Korea’s Defence Ministry said that the military officials, including U.S. Army Col. Burke Hamilton, the secretary of the U.N. Command’s military armistice committee, reviewed the ongoing demining operations at the Joint Security Area and further plans to demilitarize the zone.

The Korean militaries began been clearing mines from the area at the start of the month following a broad agreement meant to reduce military tensions that was forged between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in their summit in September. The Koreas plan to withdraw guard posts and firearms from the Joint Security Area once the demining is complete.

At the summit in Pyongyang, the Koreas also agreed to create buffer zones along their land and sea boundaries, a no-fly zone above the border and remove 11 front-line guard posts

by December. Moon and Kim also committed to reviving economic co-operation when possible, voicing optimism that international sanctions could end and allow such activity.

The Joint Security Area is overseen by the U.N. Command and by North Korea, with South Korean and North Korean border guards facing each other only meters (yards) apart. It is located inside the 4-kilometrewide (2 1/2-mile-wide) Demilitarized Zone, which is a heavilyfortified zone that has formed the de facto border between the Koreas since the 1950-53 Korean War.

BY JAMES MCCARTEN The Associated Press

Panmunjmom from DPRK side to the Republic of Korea.

CLAY GILLILAND / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

The Joint Security Area has been used for diplomatic engagements but was also a site of occasional bloodshed during the Cold War, including the killing of two American army officers by axe-wielding North Korean soldiers in 1976. It was also where a defecting North Korean soldier fled south last year in a hail of bullets fired by his former comrades.

Moon has said the military agreement is an important trust-building step that will reduce border tension and create diplomatic space. Some military experts say South Korea is at risk of conceding some of its conventional military strength before the North takes any material steps toward giving up its nuclear weapons program, the goal of global diplomatic efforts.

South Korea’s enthusiasm for engagement with its rival also appears to have created discomfort with the United States amid growing concerns that the North is lagging behind its supposed promise to denuclearize.

South Korea last week walked back on a proposal to lift some of its unilateral sanctions against the North following a blunt retort by U.S. President Donald Trump that Seoul could

“do nothing” without Washington’s approval. South Korea’s foreign minister has also said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed displeasure about the Koreas’ military agreement, fueling speculation that Washington wasn’t fully on board with the decision.

Trump has encouraged U.S. allies to maintain sanctions and pressure on North Korea until it denuclearizes. North Korea’s state media on Tuesday criticized Washington’s position, saying it threatens to erase the trust that has supposedly been created in high-level talks so far.

“It is difficult to advance the DPRK-U.S. negotiations even an inch with an obstacle called sanctions kept on the rail, however loudly the whistle is blown,” the Korean Central News Agency said in a commentary, referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

KCNA also made a rare jab directly at Trump — though not by name — saying that his recent comment that suggested Seoul can’t act without his approval, outraged Koreans in both the North and South. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump appeared to be taking Saudi Arabia at its word Monday as he described how King Salman “firmly” and “strongly” issued a “flat denial” that he or his crown prince had any knowledge of or role in the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi.

In describing his morning phone conversation with the king, the U.S. president repeatedly emphasized the strenuous nature of the ruler’s denials — even as he confirmed that Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was travelling to the Middle East to learn more about the fate of the Saudi national and Washington Post columnist, who vanished inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Khashoggi — a “Saudi Arabian citizen,” Trump noted, although he lived in the U.S. — was last seen entering the consulate two weeks ago. Turkish officials have said they have audio recordings that prove the journalist, a known critic of the Saudi regime, was killed inside, his body dismembered for easy disposal.

“The king firmly denied any knowledge of it,” Trump said.

“He didn’t really know — maybe, I don’t really want to get into his mind, but it sounded to me like maybe these could have been rogue killers, who knows.

We’re going to try getting to the bottom of it very soon. But his was a flat denial.”

Before day’s end, media reports citing anonymous sources began to appear saying Saudi officials were considering issuing a public statement that would indeed say that Khashoggi died in Saudi custody, a consequence of an interrogation gone wrong. But it was unclear Monday when — or even if — such a statement would be released, according to the reports.

Turkish and Saudi investigators began Monday what Turk-

ish officials call a joint “inspection” of the consulate — but not before a cleaning crew walked in armed with mops, trash bags and cartons of milk, said to be good for removing bloodstains.

American lawmakers have threatened tough punitive action against the Saudis, and Germany, France and Britain have jointly called for a “credible investigation” into Khashoggi’s disappearance.

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland tweeted a link to that statement Sunday, adding, “ Canada strongly supports our allies on this important issue.”

Freeland said she spoke Monday with Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir, and remains in close contact with her U.S., German and British counterparts as the global community awaits more answers.

“Canada and our government has a strong record of standing up for human rights around the world, very much including in Saudi Arabia, and we’re going to continue to do that,” she said outside the House of Commons.

“It’s important to establish clear facts about what has happened, and it’s important for the international community to be clear that those facts need to be established in a clear and transparent manner.”

Turkish officials allege a Saudi hit team that flew into and out of Turkey on Oct. 2 killed and dismembered Khashoggi, who had written Washington Post columns that were critical of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, also known as MBS. The kingdom has called such allegations “baseless” but has not offered any evidence Khashoggi ever left the consulate.

If the allegations prove true, experts fear it would be just one more example of autocratic rulers feeling emboldened by the slow disintegration of the international world order, thanks in large part to a White House that’s willing to look the other way. ❱❱ PAGE 22 Trump: Saudi

20

World News

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Mixing bravado and insults, Trump rallies delight supporters

BY ROBERT BURNS The Associated Press

Anwar Ibrahim.

ANWAR IBRAHIM / FACEBOOK

Malaysian PM in waiting Anwar takes oath as lawmaker

BY EILEEN NG The Associated Press KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA — Malaysian Prime Ministerin-waiting Anwar Ibrahim said he felt “vindicated” after taking his oath as a lawmaker Monday, marking his return to active politics three years after he was imprisoned for sodomy in a charge that critics said was politically motivated.

The swearing-in ceremony in parliament followed Anwar’s landslide win in a byelection Saturday in the southern coastal town of Port Dickson in which he defeated six other candidates. The seat was vacated after a lawmaker from his party quit, paving the way for Anwar’s political comeback.

Anwar, 71, joins his wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail — currently Malaysia’s deputy prime minister — and his eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, in parliament. He has said that his byelection victory is a “vote of confidence” in the new government.

“I have been deprived of my right from time to time and I have to go through a byelection to come back … I feel vindicated,” Anwar told reporters Monday. He reiterated support for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s leadership to ensure a stable government and pledged to focus on parliamentary reforms.

“Our parliament has in the past been considered or dubbed as a rubber stamp … we would like to ensure a new approach where parliament is more effective,” he said.

Once a high-flying member of the former ruling coalition, Anwar was convicted of homosexual sodomy and corruption after a power struggle with Mahathir, who was prime minister for 22 years until 2003. He was freed in 2004 but was once again convicted for sodomy in 2015, charges that he said were concocted to destroy his political career.

Angered by a massive corruption scandal at a state investment fund involving thenPrime Minister Najib Razak, Mahathir made a political comeback and formed an alliance with Anwar, with the two setting aside their bitter feud ahead of May’s general election.

Following their stunning election victory, Anwar was designated as Mahathir’s successor.

Anwar was freed from prison and received a royal pardon days after the polls. Mahathir, the world’s oldest leader at 93, has said he expects to step down in two years and will keep his promise to hand over power to Anwar.

“Of course I am happy he is back … we expected him to come back. We knew he was going to win,” Mahathir was quoted as saying by local media on Monday. ■

mainstream, complete with a new playlist featuring Rihanna, “Macho Man” by the Village People and Prince’s “Purple WASHINGTON — President Rain.”

Donald Trump gazes out over Trump’s campaign, which his rally crowd and lets loose a was notably stingy during his stream of insults with a theatriown election effort, has been cal flourish and playful grin. He investing heavily in his recent jabs at Cory Booker the “disastour, covering all the costs of ter” mayor, Elizabeth Warren organizing and paying for the the “Pocahontas” pretender rallies, including footing the Air and “sleepy” Joe Biden.

Force One bills, according to “I want to be careful,” Trump the campaign. tells the crowd, feigning a con“Of course, President fession. He doesn’t want to hit Trump’s favourite way to conhis potential challengers too nect with and charge up votbadly, he says, because then the ers is with rallies hosted by the Democrats may find “someTrump Campaign,” the cambody that’s actually good to run paign said in a statement. against me. That would not be And they believe the money good.” is well spent.

The venue may be Council Trump’s events often domiBluffs, Iowa, or Erie, Pennsylnate local news for days. vania, or Topeka, Kansas, but Trump’s rally in Johnson City, the formula is largely the same.

Tennessee, for instance, earned Start with a few derisive nickmore than $270,000 worth of names, mix in some dreamylocal television coverage that eyed reminiscences of Election night and the morning after, acNight 2016, spice cording to data things up with compiled by the an unexpected media tracking quip or zinger company TVout of left field Trump’s team believes his Eyes and shared and you’ve got appearances fire up his loyal base,

by GOP officials.

Trump’s recipe countering the wave of Democratic That’s not countfor a successful enthusiasm that polls suggest will ing front-page campaign rally. lead to significant Democratic stories in loTrump’s ralgains, especially in the House. cal papers and lies once were coverage when the cornerstone the rally was anof an unconvennounced. tional, star-powered presiden- the same signs, wear the same The Republican Party has tial campaign that eschewed hats, and chant the same “Build been sending cameras to the traditional organizing and de- that wall!” and “Lock her up!” rallies, so they can quickly post fied every expectation. Now refrains that they did during footage that can be spliced into they’re being deployed with the early days of Trump’s cam- ads. gusto as Trump and his team paign.

Officials say they’ve tracked work frantically to defy polls But the once insurgent can- notable polling bumps they atand precedent and save his Re- didate, who told his supporters tribute to Trump’s visits. publican majority in Congress the system was rigged against But while the rallies are in November’s midterm elec- them, is now president. And about boosting GOP canditions. he’s been delivering on many of dates, they’re also always about The rallies — more than two his campaign promises, in spite Trump, who has been using dozen so far to boost GOP can- of lacklustre approval ratings. them to test-drive messaging didates — never fail to delight Trump’s 2016 rallies had the for his 2020 campaign.

Trump’s supporters. feel of angry, raucous, grievAt rally after rally, Trump has “Look at this,” says Brenda ance sessions, as Trump’s “de- cycled through a short list of McDonald, 58, of Woodbury, plorables” gathered in the face buzzed-about potential rivals, Minnesota, gesturing to the of charges they were racist, big- labeling each with a derisive thousands of people standing oted and could never win. Gone nickname, just as he did when ahead of and behind her in a now is the darkness, the crack- he cleared the unwieldly Reline that wound around build- ling energy, the fear of poten- publican field in 2016. ings and snaked through alleys tial violence as supporters and The insults have been among for at least a mile when Trump’s protesters faced off, sometimes Trump’s biggest applause lines rally tour stopped in her state trading blows. The mood now is in recent days, along with his on Oct. 4. calmer, happier, more celebra“Have you ever seen rallies tory. Trump’s rallies have gone ❱❱ PAGE 22 Mixing bravado www.canadianinquirer.net

like this before?” she asked.

Trump has been aggressively campaigning across the county to try to boost vulnerable Republicans before the Nov. 6 elections, when the stakes couldn’t be higher. A Democratic takeover of Congress would stymie his agenda and mire his administration in endless investigations, including possible impeachment proceedings.

Trump’s team believes his appearances fire up his loyal base, countering the wave of Democratic enthusiasm that polls suggest will lead to significant Democratic gains, especially in the House.

But after more than 350 rallies since he first began his presidential run, some things have changed.

Trump’s supporters remain as enthusiastic as ever, standing for hours in hot sun or driving rain and exploding into thundering applause when he takes the stage. They wave

21

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS

Passion play: Robert Afan and his risk to success

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer WHEN DOES one bring the passion card to the game of life? Is timing everything? Is it a scenario-based kind of decision? Or perhaps the real deal is to just have the guts to bring out that card?

Saying that entering the international arena of business owners of different corporate industries in a foreign land is difficult, is a huge understatement.

The hardships one must face may be unimaginable yet unfathomable for those walking down the path.

However, a Filipino in his prime age of wit was able to penetrate the real estate industry and lead one of Canada’s 10 largest brokerage firms.

Here at Philippine Canadian Inquirer, Robert Afan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Managing Director of Clear Trust Mortgages Ltd., tells a story of how passion plays in taking a risk.

Starting cards

Before he reached where he is now, Robert’s humble beginnings unfolded in the homeland – the Philippines.

In his early years of schooling, he started as a green archer, but from grade four in elementary until high school, Robert graduated as a blue eagle. After high school though, he was already set to leave the country.

Having a physician father who travelled to Canada and the United States, perhaps, was one of the keys that opened Robert’s young world to the overseas. According to him, his father ended up practicing in both Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle, Washington.

“My family did not want to move to Canada. They did not want to give up the lifestyle in Manila and I did not blame them. But I wanted to explore North America. I was more the adventurous type.”

Just like how he described himself of being adventurous, in his very early teen years, he stayed with his uncle in Vancouver for a couple of years.

The year after, Robert went to Missouri to stay with his rel-

atives there for one more year.

“That experience, I think, has a lot to do with my being independent now. Because at that time, I learned to become independent because my parents were not there. My brothers and sisters were not there, so I had to fend for myself.”

Although Robert was with his relatives there, the presence of having his parents with him still cannot be compared especially at his age then. But because he wanted to explore North America, it was one of the experiences he had to go through.

The comparison of living in Manila versus living in Vancouver became more apparent when his family decided to move to Canada in the late 80s.

His family sold off everything to start their new lives in the Great White North.

The Philippine way of life and the Canadian way of life are two really different things and for him, “it is very true that it is more fun in the Philippines, but it balances out afterward.” After all, for Robert, Canada houses some of the friendliest people in the globe. Though if there is one thing that he is wishing for, it is to possibly have more Filipino restaurants in the country.

His sense of being Filipino did not really disappear despite his venture in Canada. In fact, he shared that as a family, he and his three sisters and brother would meet every Sunday night to have dinner at their parents’ place.

As a family man, Robert also said that having a daughter made his sense of being a Filipino parent quite different.

“I must admit, I was a bit stricter than most North American dad would be, so that became of an issue, being strict.

I’ve explained to my daughter and at some point I hope she would understand that it was all about looking after her more so than anything else.”

Shuffling to next round

Vancouver may be a city in Canada, but for Robert, it must be a whole new world.

Originally wanting to be a lawyer who grew up to be a shy kid, Robert said one thing.

“That was what I wanted to do and all that changed when I moved to Vancouver.”

Robert Afan.

Academically-wise in his life story, Robert pursued Real Estate in University of British Columbia – and it was something he got inspired to do because of his friends’ push.

“They thought there was a big upside for me to get into the business. I was a little nervous at that time. I never sold real estate before.”

Contrary to that ‘shy kid’ that he referred to himself to before, Robert learned that he actually liked meeting people, talking to people, and being with people.

“When I moved to Vancouver, I guess, my personality had changed. I became more of a people-person and I switched gears to doing the business that would deal with public. That has been a good fit for me since that has put me where I am now.”

More than this part of his story though, Robert said that in the 90s, the real estate industry in Vancouver was very active due to the move of people in Hong Kong to the Canadian city.

“I thought it was a good time for me to participate in the business and I ended up taking the course for real estate and got my license, worked as a realtor. ” On his second year in the real estate business, he was qualified as one of the top ten percent realtors in British Columbia.

“And in 1992, the bank of Scotia – one of the largest banks in Canada, contacted me and www.canadianinquirer.net

SUPPLIED

asked me if I would like to join them to become one of their Mortgage Specialists.”

This milestone, Robert considers it to be the start of more of his career progression. And indeed, it was only the beginning of something bigger to unfold.

Critical move

“Clear Trust Mortgages is near and dear to my heart.”

These were the words Robert first uttered when he was given the chance to talk about the company he founded – Clear Trust Mortgages.

As its founder, he gave PCI a glimpse of what a man in his late 40s is capable of doing: Robert found the answer through making one of the toughest decisions in his life.

He earlier said that he saw himself as someone who wanted to build things.

“I like to build things from the ground – up. And I take a lot of pleasure in doing so.”

But for someone who wanted to build, perhaps it can be a bit ironic to see him in a situation where he had the guts to throw away everything he has built through years of experience in the real estate industry.

But he learnt that to build things from scratch, you need to make that scratch first.

To have Clear Trust Mortgages, Robert had to leave TD (Toronto-Dominion) Bank – a

bank that has cared for him for almost 10 years, but this did not mean like just any resignation. It meant leaving a senior position in the said company.

It meant leaving a role that had the favors of the executives who have trusted him.

But why? Why would he leave such a stable and comfortable post for something surrounded with uncertainty? Even he knew the absurdity of the idea when he told himself that he did not have to do it, but…

“My heart told me to do it.”

All Robert knew was that there was something special in setting up a new and independent brokerage firm.

“If being an independent mortgage broker did not work, who would hire a 50-year old individual to get back into banking again when I’m competing with the younger millennials for that position?” This was the dilemma Robert was facing at the time.

“I drew a line on the sand and I never looked back.”

To make the decision even have more weight than it seems, Robert unveiled that he had to start with a blank slate “When my partners and I put this business together, I did not even have one broker with me because I could not even mention to any of my staff at that time that this was what I was doing because once the bank finds out that I was doing this, I would have been terminated.”

Yet he knew that he had to something to offer to the mortgage broker industry of Canada.

This man right here makes it a must to look back at his racial origins when it comes to going on about his path to success.

Despite having over 3,500 square foot office in a foreign country to walk on every single day, Robert does not forget the blood that runs in his veins and he honors this through the culture he has been building in his company.

“The biggest adventure for me was to be able to build a culture within the company so that we would be different from the rest of our competitors because I knew that if we could build a culture that was very attractive… a culture where people ❱❱ PAGE 33 Passion play

22

World News

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Trump: Saudi... ❰❰ 19

“I do think the norms have eroded and the guardrails (have) come down under Donald Trump,” said Colin Robertson, a former Canadian diplomat and foreign policy expert who serves as vice-president and fellow at the Calgary-based Canadian Global Affairs Institute.

Robertson cited the brazen poisoning in March of Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Julia, an attack attributed to but denied by the Russian government, as just one instance of international malfeasance that seems to be filling the breach left by a lack of strong U.S. foreign policy.

“Autocrats are taking liberties — Skripal, drug hit squads, poison gas, trolls and bots and fake news, prison without trial. They believe they can get away with it because for the new sheriff it’s ‘America First,’ full stop.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested Monday that Canada won’t shy away from taking up the cause.

“Canada will always be very firm … about standing up for human rights all around the world because Canadians expect it of our government,” Trudeau said in an interview as part of the Fortune Global Forum in Toronto.

“But the world also expects it of Canada — to be the clear voice saying, ‘You know what, this is right,’ or ‘This is wrong and you need to do better.’ And we don’t take kindly … to having people try (to) punish us for believing what we say.”

That appeared to be a direct reference to Saudi Arabia, which lashed out at Canada — recalling its ambassador, freezing trade, pulling students out of Canadian schools and even cancelling flights to Toronto — after a tweet from Freeland calling for the immediate release of detained activists, including Samar Badawi, a champion of women’s rights and the sister of detained blogger Raif Badawi.

The kingdom flexed its rhetorical muscles Sunday, saying that if it “receives any action, it will respond with greater action, and that the kingdom’s economy has an influential and vital role in the global economy.”

In the U.S., the Post has been publishing full-page ads in its front section in an effort to keep the pressure up.

“On Tuesday, Oct. 2 at 1:14 p.m. Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul,” reads the ad, which features an ominous-looking depiction of the consulate’s imposing double doors, adorned with the twin swords of the kingdom’s emblem.

“He has not been seen since. Demand answers.”

International business leaders have also been bailing en masse out of the kingdom’s glittering big-ticket investment forum, the Future Investment Initiative, including the CEO of Uber, billionaire Richard Branson, JPMorgan Chase & Co. CEO Jamie Dimon and Ford executive chairman Bill Ford. ■

Mixing bravado... ❰❰ 20

attacks on Democrats for their treatment of his Supreme Court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh, as the Senate investigated sexual assault allegations against Kavanaugh.

Trump’s crowds seem most entertained when he veers into offensive, “politically incorrect” territory. He’s bragged about how easily he could pummel Biden, the former vice-president, or Booker, the New Jersey senator and former Newark mayor, or Warren, the Massachusetts senator whom Trump denigrates for her claims of Native American heritage. And he’s mocked the Senate testimony of California professor Christine Blasey Ford, who accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her in high school.

Those moments add spontaneity and a tinge of sinister mischief that keep Trump’s speeches interesting, even as they grow increasingly formulaic.

Indeed, the rallies, at times, take on the feel of a high school reunion, with Trump taking the role of star football jock, reliving his glory days, play by play.

In laborious detail, Trump takes his audience through Election Night 2016, www.canadianinquirer.net

re-enacting cable news anchors calling state after state in his favour, adding dramatic commentary.

“Was that the most exciting evening of our lives?” Trump asked his crowd in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday.

“Was that the most exciting night? Was that the greatest?”

The risk, as he prepares for the 2020 campaign, is whether Trump’s supporters will tire of the shtick.

They say it won’t happen.

“I’m just totally, madly in love with him,” said Peggy Saar, 64, of Rochester, Minnesota, as she attended her first Trump rally earlier this month. She said Trump was galvanizing people like her to vote in the midterms.

“I was never this active,” she said. “I was never this involved.”

And person after person pointed to the crowd as evidence Trump was generating enthusiasm for GOP candidates even though he’s not on the ballot.

“I think the fact he’s still turning out these crowds of people, two years in, it’s absolutely amazing,” said Richard Eichhorn, 72, of Stockholm, Wisconsin. “I think it’s huge.” ■

23

Entertainment Hear her story: Nadine Lustre shares her struggles with depression

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer IF A person is asked to describe Nadine Lustre, the first thing that might come to his or her mind is an image of a beautiful young actress with back-to-back projects, often running from one filming location to the other.

But who would have thought that behind her success and beautiful smile that goes straight to anyone’s heart, there was a Nadine who once fell apart.

As the universe marked the commemoration of the World Mental Health Day yesterday, October 10, with many people raising awareness about the issue via social media sites, Nadine also did not let the day pass by without sharing her personal experience of depression.

Through a video uploaded in her makeup line’s Facebook page, Lustrous, Nadine said she first discovered that she has depression four or five years ago.

“I get anxiety from nothing.

Wala siyang (It does not have any) trigger at all which is hard because I don’t know how to solve it. Parang bigla na lang siyang darating (It will suddenly come to you),” the Chief Creative Designer of the brand said.

Recalling the feeling she had, Nadine shared that there are times that instead of talking to anyone at their house, she would rather choose to lock herself in her room and just be alone.

“I would have days na wala naman talaga akong (that I do not actually have) issues at all or problems or ’yung mga(those) things na (that) I stress out, wala (nothing), it just happens,” she said.

“All of a sudden kunwari (for example) it’s a good day tapos biglang nakaupo lang ako (I was just sitting), [I’m] not even doing anything not even thinking about anything, but parang bigla na lang siyang… parang it (it suddenly) starts creeping up on me na bigla na lang mararamdaman ko na nagpa-panic attack na ako (that I suddenly begin to have a panic attack) and I get a lot of ‘what ifs’,” she continues.

It is easy for others to advise someone to just share straightaway their problems or what has been bothering them to their friends or family members; however, for someone who has depression, this suggestion is much easier said than done.

“When I realized na (that) I get all these things, I’m actually depressed, I realized that I was

scared to tell my friends then,” Nadine confessed.

“Feeling ko there are times na iisipin ko na lang na ‘wala ‘yan, baka isipin nagda-drama’ lang ako (I feel that there are times that I would just think that ‘It’s nothing, maybe they will think that I was just being dramatic’),” she said.

“I think those were the reasons why people were scared to tell their friends or family about their feeling kasi baka isipin na ‘nababaliw ka na’ (maybe they will think that ‘You’re becoming insane’) stuff like that,” she added.

Nadine also recalled the day when she had a trip to Korea with her friends and that her depression during that time was “so bad” that she was even thinking of not coming back home again.

“I was thinking to myself ‘What if I just get lost and don’t go home anymore?’ Sobrang lunod na lunod na ako (I was totally drowning) and I can’t swim,” the actress said.

If a person would go to search on the internet the meaning of depression, it will appear that this is a medical illness that negatively affects how a person feels, thinks, and acts.

While this is Google’s definition of depression, Nadine

Nadine Lustre.

believes that no one can really define what it is.

“It is what it is. I can’t even explain it all I know is how it feels,” she said.

As time goes by, Nadine stopped keeping her struggles to herself when she finally learned to open up to other people.

“My friends taught me how to open up, especially James. Sa kanya ako nage-explode, sa kanya ako nagagalit or sa kanya ako nagiging masungit (I explode to him, I get mad at him, or I get irritable to him),” she shared.

Nadine said James, her on and off-screen partner taught her to start talking more about herself and her feelings.

“It’s nice to know na (that) when you talk to other people, you feel like you’re holding hands and you’re all like ’Kaya natin ‘to guys (We can do this)’,”

@NADINE / INSTAGRAM

she said.

As someone who has experienced depression and was able to battle it, the 24-year-old celebrity has this well-meaning advice to those who are struggling with the same thing: “If you are going through something, don’t try to hold for it for a really long time. Don’t try to be strong for a long time because it’s actually okay to be sad, it’s okay to be vulnerable, it’s okay to show weakness. But at the end of the day, the end of every challenge, at the end of every obstacle, you’re gonna be able to stand up and be a stronger person,” she noted.

Nadine is not only known for her exceptional acting prowess, but also for her advocacies such as mental health awareness, self-love, and women empowerment. ■

Director Erik Matti says goodbye to ‘Darna’ actress Liza Soberano in formal dinner

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer RENOWNED DIRECTOR Erik Matti gives Kapamilya actress Liza Soberano an official farewell after five years of working on superhero film “Darna” together.

In an Instagram post on Direk Erik’s Instagram, the two are seen at a dinner table joined

by Liza’s manager Ogie Diaz, captioned, “Thank you for this dinner. If there’s anyone who deserves a proper goodbye, it’s you Liza Soberano. Hoping to work with you in the future.

Now go fly and kick some villain’s butt!”

The 20-year-old actress soon posted the same photo on her account and also expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for everything Direk

Erik! This dinner really meant a lot to me. Still hoping for a future project with you.”

Matti, known for his films “Buy Bust” and “OTJ” has worked with Liza for the past five years on the modern adaptation of “Darna,” produced by Star Cinema.

He initially expressed to the public how important the superhero is for him, referencing his first project in the industry www.canadianinquirer.net

“as continuity supervisor for Peque Gallaga’s Darna with Anjanette Abayari.”

In Erik Matti’s words, “Doing this modern reboot of the classic superhero, I feel that I have come full circle in this industry.”

However, he announced on October 4 that he had to bow down from the job due to “creative differences.” He released a statement that read, “As it has been announced, I have of-

ficially resigned from the movie Darna. It’s been 5 years and how I wish I could have finished it after all the hard work that went into preparing and putting it together. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out ideally for both parties.”

A day after his resignation, it was announced that Director Jerrold Tarong will be taking over the job for the rest of the filming. ■

24

Entertainment

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

PH politics tackled at Busan International Film Festival

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer

believes “the country has hit rock bottom,” stating, “We have de facto become a dictatorship again, in everything but name.”

The most notable De Leon film that made the BIFF playlist, melodrama “Citizen Jake,” premiered on opening day.”

The award-winning director shared that the film is “an indictment of the unchanging nature of Philippine society that is almost irredeemably damaged.”

cently sparked controversy with his Netflix series on the war on drugs entitled “Amo,” which is a story of a young man A TOTAL of 19 Filipino films who gets involved in the trade were shown during the 10-day of narcotics amidst the Duterte event of Asia’s iconic Busan regime. Mendoza stated to International Film Festival journalists during the event (BIFF) in Korea that hapthat he believes, “Cinema is adpened last October 5, carrying dictive. It can change your life. the theme of “Cinema as a ReIt became clear to us that films sponse to the Nation. have a purpose. They can make Filipino actors Joel Torre, a difference.”

Christopher de Leon, and SanMost of Mendoza’s films dy Andolong tackle the Philaccompanied ippines’ history director Mike with crime and de Leon on the sex trafficking. red carpet. Torre Cinema is addictive. It can change The BIFF constated his supyour life. It became clear to us that cluded on Octoport of Philipfilms have a purpose. They can ber 14. Among pine cinema make a difference. the other Filisaying, “To unpino personaliderstand our ties who made an cinema you need appearance into understand what the PhilipOn the opposing side of de clude Asian Film Commissions pines is. We are a very mixed Leon is Duterte supporter Bril- Network Producer of the Year, culture.” lante Mendoza, who also ap- Bianca Balbuena-Liew, GMA Director de Leon premiered peared at the Busan celebra- star Max Collins, Cebuano star numerous films as he has been tion and is known for taking his Nats Sitoy, one of three Lakbayvery outspoken on his opinions work to the well-known Cannes an (Journey) directors Kidlat of the Duterte regime, recently Film Festival.

Tahimik, and Signal Rock star sharing on Facebook that he Director Mendoza has re- Christian Bables. ■

Celebrity stylist Kimi Yap ties the knot with longtime boyfriend

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer CELEBRITY STYLIST Kimi Yap married her long-time boyfriend Jarvis Sy at Santuario de San Jose Parish in Mandaluyong last Saturday, October 13.

The reception took place at the Marriott Grand Ballroom at Resorts World Manila in Pasay.

Kimi wore a beaded Michael Cinco gown and went with an apple green motif. Her sister, Boom Yap, was her matron of honor.

On her Instagram, Kimi posted a photo of herself and her noticeably long train walking down the aisle that captions, “My walk to my forever.” Designer Michael Cinco shared on his social media the details of Kimi’s dress as he posted, “The gorgeous bride Kimi Yap weds

in a couture 5-meter train Michael Cinco wedding gown with intricate embroideries with Swarovski crystals.”

Kimi’s entourage was indeed star-studded, with Kapamilya actresses Erich Gonzales and Kathryn Bernando being among the bridesmaids, host Kris Aquino a principal sponsor, and Dra. Victoria Belo’s three-year-old daughter Scarlet Snow Belo as one of the flower girls. Julia Barretto, Kaye Abad, Jeron Teng, and Alex Gonzaga were also among the guests.

The Voice Philippines’ Jason Dy performed during the reception.

Following an ethereal theme, Kimi and Jarvis’ wedding was decked out with a 12-foot-tall garden-inspired wedding cake, elegant flower arrangements, and a lot of pastels.

Gideon Hermosa, known to

provide flower arrangements for celebrity parties, was in charge of executing the earthy theme, while Pat Dy captured the wedding in photos.

Last October 3, Kimi celebrated her bridal shower in collaboration with cosmetics brand La Mer. In her post showing the beautiful shower arrangement embellished with candles prepared, she sent her gratitude saying “Thank you for throwing me such a memorable [shower] that I will never forget!”

Kimi and Jarvis first announced their engagement on social media on April 25, 2017 where Jarvis popped the question during their vacation in the private island Amanpulo located in Palawan. Prior to that, the couple has been together for almost ten years. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Kris Aquino.

@KRISAQUINO / INSTAGRAM

Kris Aquino files theft complaint vs. unnamed party

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer FOLLOWING HER revelation that she had suffered from financial abuse and betrayal by someone she once trusted, Kris Aquino now brought her complaint to the court.

Kris, on Friday, shared in her Instagram post that she personally went to the Quezon City Office of the City Prosecutor to file her qualified theft complaint against an unnamed party.

She added that her legal counsel, Fortun Narvasa, also filed the same complaint in six other cities — San Juan, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, and Manila.

According to the media personality, her legal team had “met” with the representatives of the unnamed person to try to settle the case amicably, but the other party just ”cumare bears (did not care).”

“My family had advocated for peace BUT the other party failed to even meet us halfway and instead chose to spread malicious lies & falsehoods,” Kris wrote.

“Kilala nyo na po ako – hindi ako ang nagsisimula ng away, pero hindi po ako pinalaki para urungan ang pakikipaglaban

para sa katotohanan (You know me — I do not start fights, but I was not raised to back down from fighting for the truth),” she added. ”‘Sinimulan nyo, kaya tatapusin ko (You started it, so I will finish it)’.”

To recall, Kris last month shared that she was under stress and not been able to eat nor sleep properly which made her lose so much weight.

This, she said, was because of the person who allegedly earned millions from running her production company, Kris Aquino Cojuangco Productions (KCAP).

Kris, however, still did not reveal to the public the name of the person who deceived her.

The “Queen of All Media,” who earlier went to Singapore for medical treatment, recently said she has been diagnosed with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU), an autoimmune disease.

According to healthcare company Novartis UK, CSU is “a distressing skin condition that causes red, swollen, itchy and sometimes painful hives or ‘wheals’ on the skin” that is difficult to diagnose and manage.

Despite her health woes, Kris continues to remain positive because she said, “being BRAVE is part of my DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).” ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

25

Annyeong: Ejay Falcon, Lauren Young appear in Korean drama

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer AS A Filipino fond of Korean dramas, the feeling of being excited is probably an understatement for you when you see your favorite Korean actor or actress in a new drama — but seeing a kababayan portraying a role in a Korean piece is a whole new level of hype.

It is not new for Filipino viewers to see actor Ejay Falcon and actress Lauren Young appearing on national television, but being able to get a peek of them even in a short period of time in an episode of a Korean drama already makes a Filipino be proud of their racial roots.

On Facebook, Viu Philippines posted an excerpt of the drama, Where Stars Land or Fox Bride Star, where Han Yeoreum (played by Chae Soo Bin) was seen talking to Lee Soo-yeon (played by Lee Je Hoon) as they discuss the situation of Ejay and Lauren, a couple who is having a serious problem at the airport.

A few seconds later, Ejay, who plays the role of Ian, was then seen on screen, washing his face and later on looking

at his mobile phone where a photo of a preggy Lauren can be seen.

Lauren, playing the role of Mari, then appeared on the screen as she was giving birth to her child.

Ejay’s role was not given an entry permit by Korea’s immigration office just as Lauren’s character is about to bear their child.

A different vibe is probably felt among the Filipino audience as seeing Pinoy celebrities in a Korean style color graded videos is unusual.

One has also probably seen the difference between the style of acting that Koreans and Filipinos want to achieve in front of the camera.

For example, some Philippine dramas portray giving birth by the woman screaming on top of her lungs. But this was not how Lauren delivered her role when she was on labor in the Korean drama.

Other clips of their screentime circulated among the netizens also melted the hearts of the viewers as the couple reunited at the airport but they were only allowed to talk to each other with a glass wall between them.

Lauren Young, Ejay Falcon with "Where Stars Land" leads.

It was in September when Ejay and Lauren announced that they will be guest-starring in Where Stars Land, a television series that revolves around the story of employees at the Incheon International Airport.

The duo recently posted photos of their behind-the-scenes along with the actors and actresses, including Soo Bin,

Justin Bieber hometown exhibit extended for another year after breaking records

BY HINA ALAM The Canadian Press TORONTO — An exhibit dedicated to Justin Bieber in his Stratford, Ont., hometown will be sticking around for at least another year.

Organizers at the Stratford Perth Museum say that Steps to Stardom, a collection of mementoes from the pop singer’s hugely successful music career, will be extended until October 2019 before it undergoes another review.

The display opened in February and was originally slated to close at the end of this month.

But John Kastner, general manager of the museum, says an influx of visitors from across the world easily smashed attendance records set by the Anne Frank House exhibit three years ago.

With roughly 10 weeks left to account for this year, the museum says it’s already seen 18,000 people come through the doors. The Frank exhibit helped draw 11,000 visitors in 2015.

Steps to Stardom features an array of Bieber goodies, including a Grammy Award, microphones he’s used and a professional drum kit he owned as a youngster.

Kastner expects to refresh some of those items next year with new memorabilia, including a minor hockey jacket that briefly went on display a few months ago before it was pulled from the exhibit.

“So many people tried to put it on that we took it out,” he said in an interview.

The jersey will be re-introduced into the collection next year encased in glass.

Other items that will be added include a basketball jersey Bieber wore during the 2018 NBA all-star celebrity game, Tshirts from his road crew and an array of fan art that’s been collected by the museum from around the world.

Bieber himself has stopped by the museum for a few surprise visits this year, Kastner said, sometimes bringing friends, his partner Hailey Baldwin and recently showing up alone for a few minutes.

His mother Pattie Mallette and Bieber’s grandparents have also shown up. ■

@LO_YOUNG / INSTAGRAM

who is known for her role Aji 3 in her previous drama I’m not a Robot, and Je Hoon, who is known for his role Yoo So joon in Tomorrow, With You. Ejay, of course, did not forget to take a photo with the drama’s director, Shin Woo Chul.

Where Stars Land is a 40-episode series that premiered last October 1. ■

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26

Lifestyle Millennials wake up coffee-shop fad

BY LIZA AGOOT Philippine News Agency BAGUIO CITY — Coffee consumption in the country has surged, with the millennials willing to shell out a hundred pesos just for a cup.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for HighValue Crops Evelyn Laviña shared this observation at the opening of a four-day coffee exposition here this week.

“Our millennials are willing to shell out PHP100 or more in whatever innovative concoctions they prefer to have their coffee–traditional, plain, brewed, espresso, or blended, such as cappuccino, latte, macchiato,” Laviña said in a message read by DA-Cordillera Regional Executive Director Cameron Odsey.

“They are populating our coffee-scape and they know how coffee smells, tastes, and looks like, and we need to take notice,” Laviña said.

Raul Paz, deputy director of the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) had the same observation.

“There is a growing market for the ground and roasted coffee, especially for the millennials, who have developed the ‘love for coffee,’” he said on the sidelines of the event, organized by the DA and PhilMech.

“There are lots of coffee shops in the country. There is a growing demand for the roasted and ground coffee and the value is higher than the green beans.”

He echoed Laviña’s remark that the coffee shops that mushroomed all over the coun-

try are frequented mainly by the young people.

Filling up the demand

Laviña also noted that popular American coffee brands have become a favorite among the millennials, and the public in general. Recently, a Vietnamese coffee chain has opened in the country.

“Ironically, and this is where the problem and opportunity lie,” she pointed out. “They (coffee shops) source out 95 percent of their arabica from Brazil, Indonesia, Kenya, Colombia, Vietnam, and others.”

Amid the high demand for coffee, the country is unable to produce and fill this up.

Helen Martinez, PhilMech’s supervising science research specialist, cited a study made two years ago, saying 70 percent of the coffee consumed in the country are imported.

“The coffee that we consume in the Philippines is more than what we produce,” she said.

“The Philippine Coffee Inc. said we are importing 5,000

metric tons of coffee annually to meet the growing demand of coffee drinkers.”

Experts said if local growers could not fill up the rising demand for coffee, they could at least make up in terms of quality.

Martinez said local coffee growers “can produce for local coffee shops.”

“It may not be enough, but we can compete in terms of taste and quality using technology,” she said.

Martinez said the country’s coffee industry must at least gear to capture the local market, especially the emerging millennial consumer sector and the foreign tourists, who are coffee drinkers.

“Kahit nasa Pilipinas lang tayo, global na tayo. Marami tayong in and out na foreigners. They want to taste our coffee, not their coffee. Magiging palatable tayo sa market (Even if local coffee is just in the country, we are already global, as many tourists come in and out of the country. They want

www.canadianinquirer.net

to taste the locally produced coffee and not the coffee that comes from their own countries),” she added.

Martinez’s expertise is in rural development and development of business models for community-based coffee processing enterprise.

She said 60 to 70 percent of coffee production in the Philippines comes from the small farmers, who just practically use their backyards to grow the commodity.

This, she said, is where PhilMech comes into the picture.

“PHilMech comes in because we want to preserve our harvest na hindi sana matatapon dahil poor ang quality na kahit konti hindi siyamawawalan ng silbi dahil kaya natin i-improve ang quality using technology (Even if our harvest is small, this won’t go into waste because we can improve its quality with the use of technology),” she said. ”Quality is the name of the game now, as it has always been,” Laviña further stressed.

“Only now, we just need to

pay attention to it because the stakes are much higher, especially with the activation of the ASEAN and free trade.”

Martinez said PHilMech organizes small farmers and backyard growers into organizations. The small farmers bring their little produce for consolidation to the organization or cooperative’s total production, which are sold together.

Through this scheme, she said, small farmers are enticed to sell their minimal produce to the organization, rather than simply stock this in their homes.

“A farmer would not invest much in mechanization and processing. They cannot afford it. But one way to do it is consolidation of the production through community-based production and processing of coffee,” she explained Cordillera coffee

For its part, the coffee industry in Cordillera is pushing for its arabica type of coffee. ”Ang gusto talaga natin I-push is arabica kasi meron talaga tayong advantage doon. Ang sinasabi nila arabica is best quality from Cordillera because of elevation and other factors (We are pushing for the production of the arabica type because we really have an advantage there. They say we produce the best quality because of our elevation and other factors),” DA-Cordillera’s Odsey said.

According to experts, Arabica tastes better if planted on high elevation, specifically, 800 meters above sea level. Most of the arabica production in Cordil❱❱ PAGE 33 Millennials wake

Lifestyle

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

27

High romance:

Cannabis compatibility looks to reshape dating scene, experts say

BY HINA ALAM The Canadian Press FOR STEVEN Bisson, an ideal date night consists of a quiet night at home, a bag of Doritos and some cannabis to set the mood.

Bisson, a 50-year-old medical marijuana user in Toronto, said his partner had little exposure to cannabis when they first met two years ago. His romantic interest seemed keen to experiment, but initially harboured hesitations about dabbling in drugs.

It was an issue that had doomed several of Bisson’s past relationships. He said he had broken up with partners, and been dumped himself, over what he perceived to be a lack of tolerance regarding his cannabis use — a quality he deems essential in a potential mate.

“I’m going to smoke regardless,” he said. “If my partner has a problem with it, then that won’t be my partner.”

In his current relationship, however, Bisson said sparking up with his significant other on weekends brought them closer together — in more ways than one.

“You can be a little bit more open, and that could lead to a better relationship,” said Bisson. “The sex, he loves. Without going into any detail, he says sex is so much better on marijuana than without it.”

As legalization looms on Oct. 17, experts say cannabis compatibility may take on a larger role in the world of romance, as singles navigate the hazy rules of a marijuana-infused courtship and couples consider shaking up their routine with a new substance.

Florida-based cannabisfriendly social networking app High There!, which has been touted as the “Tinder for tokers,” is looking to expand its digital footprint in Canada to cater to what founder and CEO Darren Roberts sees as an underserved cohort of eligible 4-20 enthusiasts.

On traditional dating sites, said Roberts, cannabis use is often considered a romantic non-

starter — much like how some singles swear off dating cigarette smokers, but compounded by the stigma of decades of prohibition.

High There! offers cannabis users a judgment-free platform where they can make all kinds of connections, be it finding a smoke buddy, that special someone or even a spouse, said Roberts. (Illegal transactions between dealers and buyers, however, are strictly prohibited, he said.)

The app also ensures a “comfort level” among cannabis users by immediately establishing a common interest, he said, as bud buffs trade notes on their consumption habits.

Charlottetown-based couple Vanessa-Lyn Mercier, 28, and Sean Berrigan, 29, credit their shared passion for cannabis with allowing their partnership to flourish in both love and business.

In addition to working together as wedding photographers, Mercier and Berrigan also co-curate the ?Highloveclub Instagram account, which largely features gauzy glamour shots of the pair smoking up on the rust-stained beaches of P.E.I. Their relationship wasn’t always so picturesque, the couple admits. When they first met four years ago, Mercier said she frowned on Berrigan’s use of medicinal cannabis. But about a year into dating, she began facing her own health issues, which were taking a toll on their relationship, so she took her first puff.

Mercier said she went from being couch-ridden with pain to dancing around her living room, and soon got her own medical marijuana prescription. The plant also stoked her creative passions, she said, and she decided to abandon her career in the pharmaceutical industry to follow Berrigan in pursuing photography.

“We both kind of bonded over our love of photography and cannabis. It kind of helped pave the way to where we are now,” said Berrigan. “If cannabis wasn’t there … I don’t know if we’d even be together.”

There can also be benefits of bringing bud into the bedroom, said Antuanette Gomez, the Toronto-based founder and CEO of Pleasure Peaks, which offers cannabis products aimed at improving women’s sexual health.

The potency of cannabis as an aphrodisiac traces back to the millenia-old practice of tantric sex, said Gomez, and she hopes that more Canadian couples discover its pleasures on both a physical and emotional level.

“We all react to cannabis very differently, but when we’re sharing that together, it really does heighten your sense of arousal … and also compassion and closeness, so you can really feel that with your partner,” she said. “I think that mind and body connection is the beautiful part that cannabis really touches.”

But bringing any substance into a relationship comes with romantic risks and benefits, said University of Alberta sociology professor Geraint Osborne, and the potential impacts of cannabis largely overlap with those posed by alcohol.

In a 2005-2006 survey of 41 Canadian cannabis users, Osborne found that bud can lead to mixed success in the bedroom, particularly when appetites turn towards the fridge, sending stoners to sleep with a full stomach. In some cases, said Osborne, it has even been known to cause “performance anxiety,” and studies have linked excessive cannabis use to lower levels of testosterone.

If used responsibly, cannabis can lead to better understanding among couples by helping each partner put themselves in the other’s shoes, said Osborne.

But when it comes to cannabis abuse, he said the consequences for a relationship can be severe.

“If they are spending all of their time just getting high, and thinking about how to get cannabis to get high, then they’re just not focusing on the important parts of their life, including relationships.” ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

THE ROYAL FAMILY / FACEBOOK

A prince or princess?: Facts about Harry and Meghan’s baby

BY GREGORY KATZ The Associated Press LONDON — Kensington Palace said Monday that Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, duchess of Sussex, are expecting their first child to be born in the spring of 2019. Here are answers to some questions about the baby-to-be.

Will the baby ever be king or queen?

It is very unlikely. Harry and Meghan’s first child will be seventh in the line of succession for the throne when it is born next spring. The baby will be behind its grandfather, Prince Charles; its uncle, Prince William; its cousins, William’s three children: George, Charlotte and five-month-old Prince Louis; and the baby’s father, Prince Harry.

Will the baby be a prince or princess?

The baby will not automatically become a prince or princess, although it is possible that could happen if Queen Elizabeth II chooses to intervene.

Titles were limited by King George V in 1917 in a way that would exclude Harry’s children unless the queen takes action.

The baby will also not be entitled to the HRH designation, meaning “His royal highness” or “Her royal highness.”

The children and grandchildren of the queen are made princes and princesses — that’s why Harry has that title — but this doesn’t apply to greatgrandchildren.

The only exception, as expressed by the king in 1917, is for “the eldest living son of the eldest son of the Prince of Wales” — in this case, that would be Prince George, the first child born to William and Kate, the duchess of Cambridge.

The queen can intervene if she chooses to, as she did in the case of William’s other children, but it is unclear if she will do so in Harry’s case because his children will be farther from the line of succession.

What would the baby’s title be? ❱❱ PAGE 28 A prince

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Lifestyle

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Couple sells belongings to travel for love and cosplay

BY RYAN WILUSZ The Associated Press KNOXVILLE, TENN. — Justin Webb moved to Knoxville five years ago with nothing more than a Spider-Man suit and a car payment. He soon went from being homeless to owning multiple vehicles modeled after movies, including a “ScoobyDoo” Mystery Machine and a “Jurassic Park” Jeep.

But Justin, now 29, has given up nearly all he’s acquired for a simpler life in search of personal happiness with his wife, Megan.

The Knoxville couple has hit the road in a Volkswagen van, which they will live in for a year as they travel the country attending cosplay conventions and documenting their journey online.

“The good times are what fuels it,” Justin said. “At the end of the day, it’s not the destination. It’s about the journey to that destination. It’s about the discoveries you make about the world and yourself along the way.”

Megan, 26, always wanted to go to a cosplay convention but never really had anyone to go with.

“It’s a whole world on its own,” she said. “It’s being accepted now but, normally, being a nerd and being a geek and liking a video game wasn’t cool.”

Justin disagrees with those who think that way.

When Justin walked into a friend’s apartment to crash on the couch his first weekend in Knoxville, he was taken back when he saw Megan for the first time, sitting on the floor playing video games.

“That’s a cool girl,” he recalls saying to himself.

Justin soon opened her eyes

to the world of cosplay, both at stories to tell and not things to conventions and locally. Knox- show.” ville residents may remember Justin had the idea, with the him as the Spider-Man in Mar- growing trend of van life, to give ket Square. up most of their possessions.

“There’s something special They could travel together and when that little kid comes up to live in a van, but Megan wasn’t you,” Justin said. “They see you immediately convinced. as not someone cosplaying at But following their honeythis point. You become the em- moon — at Universal Studios, bodiment of their hero.” of course — she had a change of Justin remembers being heart. somewhat of a kid, himself, “Just that brief time of being when he first began cosplaying. on the honeymoon and just the “It started out that my par- freedom we had — it was amazents were really kind of con- ing,” she said. servative and I wasn’t allowed Going back to school could to go to prom,” Justin said. “I be pushed back a year, Megan decided to go to my first anime decided. And with no children, convention, instead. I made my this could be their only chance. costume, and I had a blast. I “The best feeling for us was didn’t miss prom at all.” when we bought the van,” JusDressing as characters has tin said. “We flew out to Boise, now become an outlet of per- Idaho, to pick it up. I remember Justin and Megan Webb. sonal expression for both Jus- our first night staying in the van tin and Megan. we stayed in a state park.” cles from movies, he upgraded “You can go and be that charPerhaps it wasn’t what they the 1984 Volkswagen Camper acter and be yourself and be envisioned. The couple was Van with wood flooring, a solar proud of it without people judg- cramped inside, and Megan ad- shower, solar panels, and large ing you,” Megan said. “People mits it was a bit scary at first. boxes on top. can show their hard work, and “But when we woke up the The van also has been paintit’s a safe place to be.” next morning, we were greeted ed blue to go with the magnetic Justin studied physical ther- with mountain views,” Justin decals they’ll apply at convenapy in communitions to make ty college, while it look like the Megan studied evacuation van wildlife manfrom the video agement at UT It’s the life experiences you get game “Fallout.” before they both through the journey of life is what They hit the dropped out and we want. We want stories to tell road Sept. 30 and began working at and not things to show. plan to travel for Elliott’s Boots. about one year.

They worked The couple will hard and saved visit cosplay contheir money to build their said. “We had a hawk fly inches ventions on their journey to sell “Scooby-Doo” and “Jurassic from our window and just soar. their handmade items, which Park” vehicles, but something To be able to open up that front include leather bracelets. was missing. door and have the whole world People can keep up with Jus“Society is built around mak- as your playground was amaz- tin and Megan as they docuing money and buying things, ing.” ment their travels on youtube. and things aren’t necessarily The van was in great condi- com/expeditioncosplay. what bring us happiness,” Jus- tion, with only 89,000 miles on “We want to share it with evtin said. “It’s the life experienc- the original engine, Justin said. eryone, too, and show them you es you get through the journey Using his background in don’t have to fit that mould if of life is what we want. We want transforming cars into vehi- you don’t want to,” Megan said.

MEGAN WEBB / FACEBOOK

“We want to be real with people. It’s not just all those Pinterest posts you see.”

Megan is most excited to see as many museums as she can.

Justin said they plan to visit all 50 states, Canada and Peru.

“It’s partially recreating that family road trip, too, because I was too young to really appreciate it,” Justin said. “I was too caught up in, ‘I want a whip, I want a cowboy hat, I want spurs.’”

When the couple gets back from travelling, they plan to start a family of their own.

“There was a lot to give up,” Justin said. “It was difficult.

But we know, in the end, we’ll gain more. We get to start fresh and reinvent ourselves.” ■ To help fund their journey, people can visit patreon.com/expcosplay. In exchange for donations, people can receive handmade items, access to behind-thescenes footage or a chance to be included in the series.

A prince... ❰❰ 27

If it’s a boy, he would likely be known as the earl of Dumbarton. A girl would likely be known as Lady Mountbatten-Windsor, with her first name inserted after lady. Since the baby is unlikely to become monarch, Har-

ry and Meghan will have a fair amount of leeway when choosing the child’s first name without having to worry too much about royal tradition.

What citizenship will the baby have?

The baby will have British citizenship due to its father. Harry and Meghan would also be able to apply for U.S. citizenship for the baby because Meghan is an American who lived in the U.S. long enough for her child to qualify. It will be up to them to www.canadianinquirer.net

decide if they want to do so.

It might be awkward for a British royal to also seek a U.S. passport, but the two countries are close allies and there is so much goodwill for Meghan that such a move might not be controversial.

Meghan herself is in the process of obtaining British citizenship. She has not said if she plans to give up her U.S. passport when she becomes British, but British law does not require her to do so. ■

29

Sports Filipino-Norwegian UST begins round 2 of UAAP athlete wins PH’s eliminations by defeating FEU 1st Youth Olympic Games medal

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer KITEBOARDER CHRISTIAN Tio won the first medal for the country in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games that happened at Club Nautica San Isidro in Buenos Aires, Argentina last Sunday, October 14.

Tio, who grew up in Boracay, initially thought that his last run would be cancelled due to the weather conditions on the day of competition. If that had happened, he would have settled for fourth place. But, overall, he didn’t mind the placing and said his “mindset was just to go for it and enjoy.”

After the race, he stated, “I’m speechless. I’m just really happy, I don’t know how to celebrate yet,” adding a thank you to “everyone who supported him and gave him all the love.”

A lot of preparation went into Christian’s participation in the Youth Olympic Games. After passing the Asian Qualifiers in March, he spent four weeks in the Dominican Republic and

Christian Tio.

four weeks in Buenos Aires to train. This, he said, reduced his jetlag and allowed him to be “fully rested” for the competition.

Christian’s parents Chris Mohn and Liezl Tio are professional kiteboarders, which encouraged him to work to spread the value of the sport in the Philippines.

He told BusinessWorld, “We have a lot of nice beaches and a lot of wind, there is a lot of potential for the sport, we just need more riders,” adding, “The kiteboarding scene [in the Philippines] is still quite small but it’s quickly growing.”

The 16-year old placed second on the podium for men’s kiteboarding alongside Toni Vodisek from Slovenia. First place for the event was obtained by Dominican Republic’s Deury Corniel. Christian shared, “It’s been a tough week.

We really had light winds and I’m really happy to get the silver. I thought it was bronze or something, but when I checked, we were both silver.”

The 2018 Youth Olympic Games will end on October 19. ■

NTERNATIONAL OLYMPIC COMMITTEE

THE UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers received their latest win against the Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws during the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball games that occurred last Sunday, October 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena. The score ended 78-70, with the Tigers now standing with a 4-4 record and the Tamaraws at 5-3.

Zach Wang was UST’s highest pointer, scoring a total of 20, while he was followed by Marvin Lee at 17 points and Renzo Subido at 14 points. FEU was led by Richard Escoto, who had a total of 12 points and

UST vs FEU round 2.

Arvin Tolentino, with 11 points.

Rookie CJ Cansino also contributed five points and twelve rebounds.

In the words of UST head

AUDREY VICENCIO / FEU ADVOCATE

coach Aldin Ayo, “We played well again. The game of the kids came out in this one and we’re ❱❱ PAGE 30 UST begins

Amer hits winner as Meralco pulls comeback win over NLEX

BY IVAN STEWART SALDAJENO Philippine News Agency MANILA — Baser Amer was just 1-of-7 from beyond the arc entering the final minute of Meralco’s PBA Governors’ Cup match against NLEX at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Despite that, Chris Newsome put his trust on Amer as he found him wide open from the left wing.

Amer did not disappoint.

“The Hammer” dropped the game-winning shot from downtown as the Bolts fought back to nose out the Road Warriors, 108-105, on Sunday night.

Amer shot the go-ahead triple with 13 seconds left as Meralco fought back from 16 points down earlier in the fourth to keep its flickering playoff hopes alive.

Banking on a 41-point third www.canadianinquirer.net

quarter outburst, NLEX opened an 82-66 lead with 11:42 to play in the game and was holding a 14-point cushion with 7:09 left.

But behind Allen Durham, the Bolts clawed to within four, 89-93, with 5:05 to go, scoring all but three points in their 10-0 run. The other three came from Amer with his first triple of the game.

The Road Warriors still kept afloat and held on to a 105-99 cushion with one hundred seconds left.

But a Reynel Hugnatan triple sparked Meralco’s game-ending 9-0 burst highlighted by Amer’s endgame heroics.

Amer drove through the middle and scored a teardrop while forcing Aaron Fuller’s sixth foul. Amer made the bonus free throw to tie the game at 105-all.

Hugnatan then missed in his first shot at giving the Bolts the lead, but Amer skied high for the loose ball to preserve pos-

session.

Amer then drained the gamewinner after their solid ball movement.

Newsome subsequently stole the ball from Juami Tiongson, giving Durham an opportunity to seal the win.

However, Durham failed to sink both his free throws off a Larry Fonacier, giving NLEX one last crack to force overtime.

Durham made up for his botched charities by his gamesaving block on Tiongson’s three-point attempt before the buzzer sounded.

Durham finished with 36 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and two blocks for Meralco, which moved up to 2-6.

Amer added 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and four steals.

Fuller finished 31 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks for NLEX, which fell to 4-5. ■

30

Business DA eyes support price for some agri products

BY LESLIE GATPOLINTAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) mulls the setting of farm support prices for some agricultural products like rice, chicken and pork, to protect producers from a sudden decline in the prices of these commodities as supply continues to recover.

Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said poultry raisers lament the plummeting farmgate prices of chicken now at below PHP80 per kilo.

“They are now also suggesting that if there is an SRP (suggested retail price) in selling dressed chicken in the market, they are also asking if there should be a farm support price for chicken so they will be protected,” he told reporters Monday on the sidelines of the opening of World Food Day. Piñol said poultry industry stakeholders are asking that farmgate price for live chicken should not be below PHP80 per kilo.

On pork, the agriculture chief said he will still discuss with in-

dustry stakeholders on the level of price support. “For rice, it should decline PHP18 per kilo for fresh palay. NFA (National Food Authority) is now starting to buy at PHP20.70. Farmers get PHP3 (buffer stock) incentive regardless of the moisture content,” he added.

Piñol said the NFA is now prioritizing the procurement of local palay. “My feeling is, if we could buy at a price, then why import?,” he said. “We are now determined to buy more.

With PHP3 buffer stocking incentives, farmers are excited.

In fact, we are expecting a huge volume to be procured before the end of the year, this harvest season because the procurement has started.”

Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (ProPork) president Edwin Chen welcomed the government’s plan to adopt farm support prices for some agricultural products.

“Malaking tulong yan kung magawa ng government natin na magkaroon ng farm support price kasi sa panahon na may oversupply, bumaba talaga yung farmgate price. Kawawa naman ang producer kung malulugi so

isang uri ng pagtulong sa producer ay magkaroon ng farm support price (That’s a big help if the government can provide farm support price because in time of overuspply, farmgate prices are declining. Producers are pitiful when they incur losses so having farm support price is an assistance from producer,” he told reporters in a separate event.

Chen said the mechanics and acceptable range of farm support pricing should be discussed considering the changing prices of feed inputs and production cost.

Farmgate prices of pork range PHP120 to PHP130 per kilo and even lower than PHP120 in some other areas amid softening demand, he added.

He added that prices normally decline in October to November due to low demand as consumers prioritize education expenses for the second semester.

Chen said he is optimistic that pork demand will recover as consumption is expected to increase with the holiday season approaching. ■

37-all, but UST fired back with a 7-0 blast. At the end of the third quarter, anticipation built as the score finished at 49-all.

The most notable performance came during the fourth quarter, with veteran guard Marvin Lee giving his alma mater UST a 55-51 lead with a minute and a half left coming into the fourth. That encouraged teammates Renzo Subido and Germy Mahinay to level up the score to 63-54 for the last five minutes of the game. That then turned to 65-54 in the last four minutes and the UST growling tigers just held on to eventually catch the win.

With 15.9 seconds left in the game, the Tamaraws ended on a

low note as Arvin Tolentino got ejected for hitting Zach Huang in the face. Due to the disqualifying foul, the forward will not be able to play during FEU’s next game against Ateneo de Manila.

Coach Ayo expressed his appreciation for his players “lack of resistance” during the game, sharing, “It’s so easy to coach these guys because they’re so connected, whatever you tell them to do they will.” However, he is convicted in keeping in mind that “there is still a long way to go,” stating, “We are not going to be satisfied with these wins” referring to their winning streak. ■

UST begins... ❰❰ 29

happy with the win.

There is still a long way to go. We are not going to be satisfied with these wins.”

Growling Tiger Renzo Subido was the star of the first quarter, as the two teams went back and forth until his late charge ended the ten minutes with a 23-19 lead for UST. They continued that performance until the second quarter, outscoring the Tamaraws 6-0. Before the halftime mark, Alex Stockton tried to answer back with four points, ending the first half at 37-33 in favor of UST. Immediately as the third quarter began, Tamaraw Richard Escoto tied up the score at

www.canadianinquirer.net

Non-infra programs face cancellation if oil excise tax suspended

BY JOANN VILLANUEVA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Some of the Duterte administration’s noninfrastructure expenditures scheduled for 2019 face possible cancellation if the implementation the oil excise tax’s second tranch is put on hold due to soaring world crude prices, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III said.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, which took effect last January 1, the oil excise tax hike may be suspended next year if the price of oil in the international market averages USD80 per barrel in the last quarter of this year.

In an interview by journalists Monday, Dominguez said global oil prices have risen over to USD80 per barrel in the first have of October.

“So the market is telling us it’s going to be over USD80 dollars so we might as well announce the suspension so that people will not speculate anymore,” he said.

He, however, clarified that any suspension of the oil excise tax increase will be made by the Office of the President (OP), adding that Finance officials, among others, continue to monitor developments.

Economic managers have

recommended to President Rodrigo R. Duterte the suspension of the oil excise tax hike next year since global oil prices have touched the USD80 per barrel level and are projected to increase further in coming months.

Dominguez said suspension of the oil excise tax increase next year will result to foregone revenues amounting to some PHP41 billion.

He said this issue will be among the topics that will be discussed during the meeting of the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on Tuesday.

He added that social expenditures are considered part of the infrastructure spending. He, however, did not indicate what non-infrastructure program might be cancelled.

“In fact, 30 percent of all collections under TRAIN 1 go to social infrastructure expenditures so if you want to cancel everything we will have to cancel a lot of infrastructure programs,” he said.

Dominguez, meanwhile, said value added tax (VAT) collections are expected to go up if pump prices remain on its current direction.

He, however, did not give any estimate as to how much VAT collections will increase due to rising prices of petroleum products. ■

Business

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

31

No Brexit deal could snarl major ports, hitting exports

BY MIKE CORDER The Associated Press HOOK OF HOLLAND, NETHERLANDS — Traffic moves quickly and smoothly at the Hook of Holland ferry terminal on the western edge of Europe’s biggest port, with hundreds of trucks streaming onto ships regularly setting off for the English port of Harwich.

But that clockwork efficiency, which ensures the timely supplies of fresh produce and other goods on both sides of the North Sea, could jam up overnight if Britain leaves the European Union without a trade deal and border controls and food safety checks are introduced.

Just one truck driver showing up at the docks without the proper paperwork and being forced to turn around in the cramped dockside “could throw it all into chaos,” says Gert Mulder of the Dutch Fresh Produce Center. His organization represents some 350 traders and growers’ associations who export hundreds of millions of euros (dollars) worth of produce to Britain every year.

“Fruit and vegetables are quite easy at the moment,” Mulder says. “But if there’s one truck that’s not well documented, everything blocks.”

As EU and British negotiators hold frantic talks to seal a deal, fears are growing in the Netherlands, a major exporter to Britain and gateway to and from Europe through its ports, about

the potential consequences of the lack of a Brexit deal.

British and Dutch authorities have warned there could be huge traffic jams approaching ports on both sides of the North Sea as truck drivers and customs officials adapt to Britain’s life outside the EU’s single market and customs union after March 29.

Roel van ‘t Veld, Brexit coordinator with the Netherlands Customs Authority, says that the number of completed forms drivers need to leave the EU and enter Britain could rise from one or two now to nine.

Mark Dijk of the Port of Rotterdam says that many drivers who arrive without the correct papers should be able to straighten out the problem within minutes. But he added: “Two-to-five minutes ... where 400-800 trucks are being loaded within an hour can be a lot of time.” Dijk says the port is looking for extra space to park trucks as the Brexit date looms.

Dutch ports handle shipments to Britain from the rest of the EU and further afield, and a report by the Netherlands Institute for Transport Policy Analysis estimates that cargo leaving the Port of Rotterdam could drop by 4.5 per cent if there is no Brexit deal.

Dutch authorities say they are hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. The customs service is hiring some 900 new staff, the food and animal welfare authority is scouring southern and eastern Europe

for qualified vets to carry out checks on live imports.

The government has set up an online Brexit counter and checklist for companies doing business with Britain, but a report this year warned that only 18 per cent of Dutch companies were prepared. Some 35,000 Dutch companies that do business with Britain have no experience of dealing with countries outside the EU single market.

There is plenty at stake for the Dutch, whose economy relies on exports and which has close links to Britain. A hard Brexit will not only mean delays at the border, but trade tariffs that would raise the price of European products.

“Exports will go down and that will translate into lower prices and lower production of Dutch agriculture,” said Siemen van Berkum, an economist at Wageningen University who wrote a Dutch governmentcommissioned report on the possible economic fallout. “We estimate about 2 per cent of the production value will be foregone and that means about 500 million euros on a yearly basis.”

If there is a hard Brexit, Van Berkum says, “everybody loses.”

Just a few miles from Hook of Holland, the family-run Lans tomato business is one of the Dutch companies whose products end up in British stores.

It is a model of efficiency.

Staff use bicycles to get around a greenhouse the size of about 10 soccer fields, while auto-

mated carts tow trollies stacked high with boxes between carefully manicured rows of vines heavy with tomatoes ranging in colour from bright red to light green.

From the greenhouse, the tomatoes are sent to traders who take orders and organize exports. From the Lans greenhouse in Maasdijk, it’s only a 10-minute drive to Hook of Holland. The tomatoes wind up in stores and restaurants including British supermarkets.

Wilko Wesse, a staffer at Lans, says the company’s larger tomatoes are ideal for one of Britain’s signature meals - the full English breakfast with its bacon, sausages, fried eggs, mushrooms and roasted or fried tomatoes.

For years, the Dutch agriculture, horticulture and logistics

industries have been refined so that if a supermarket in London suddenly wants more tomatoes it can get them from the greenhouse to the store shelf in a matter of hours.

The seamless customs union and single market within the European Union made it easy by eradicating customs checks and minimizing waiting at borders. That enabled producers of fresh produce like tomatoes and cucumbers to transport their products at the very last minute, cutting down on costly storage.

Those days could soon be over if there is no Brexit deal.

“If there are a lot more checks, the time between harvest and laying in the supermarket will be longer and that is not good for your fresh product,” says Wesse. ■

Peso stays afloat but PSEi weighed down by trade concerns

BY JOANN VILLANUEVA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Stronger inflows from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as of end-August 2018 buoyed the peso Monday but the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) fell on jitters created by US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose additional tariff on Chinese goods.

The local unit ended the day at 54.08, better than its 54.13

close Friday last week.

A trader cited this development partly to anticipations for a positive remittances report during the day.

Late in the afternoon, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported that personal remittances by Filipino workers overseas grew 2.4 percent year-on-year as of end-August this year to USD21.2 billion.

This was traced to the 2.1 percent jump of total transfers from land-based workers with contracts of one year or more

and the 3.8 percent growth of those sent by land-based workers with short-term contracts and by sea-based workers.

However, personal remittances declined by 1.4 percent in August alone to USD 2.76 billion.

For the day, the local currency opened at 54.12, little changed from the 54.1 start in the previous session.

It traded between 54.19 and 54.05, resulting to an average of 54.13.

Volume reached USD528.9 www.canadianinquirer.net

million, lower than the USD776.1 million at the end of last week.

The currency pair is seen to trade between 54.00 and 54.20 Tuesday.

On the other hand, PSEi dropped 1.12 percent, or 78.26 points, to 6,926.51 points.

Most of the other counters mirrored the main index, with the broader All Shares down by 0.59 percent, or 25.22 points, to 4,276.58 points.

Five of the six sectoral indices also ended on the red, led by

the Industrial, 1.71 percent; and followed by the Services, 1.09 percent; Holding Firms, 0.92 percent; Property, 0.54 percent; and Financials, 0.33 percent.

Only the Mining and Oil finished with gains after it improved by 0.24 percent.

Volume reached 542.16 million stocks amounting to PHP4.4 billion.

Advancers led decliners at 106 to 84 while 41 shares were unchanged. ■

32

Technology Paul Allen, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist, dies

BY PHUONG LE The Associated Press SEATTLE — Paul G. Allen, who co-founded Microsoft with his childhood friend Bill Gates before becoming a billionaire philanthropist, technology investor and owner of several professional sports teams, has died. He was 65.

He died Monday in Seattle, according to his company Vulcan Inc. Earlier this month Allen announced that the non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that he was treated for in 2009 had returned and he planned to fight it aggressively.

Gates said he was heartbroken about the loss of one of his “oldest and dearest friends.”

“Personal computing would not have existed without him,” Gates said in a statement, adding that Allen’s “second act” as a philanthropist was “focused on improving people’s lives and strengthening communities in Seattle and around the world.”

Allen and Gates met while attending a private school in north Seattle. The two friends would later drop out of college to pursue the future they envisioned: A world with a computer in every home.

Gates so strongly believed in their dream that he left Harvard University in his junior year to devote himself full-time to his and Allen’s startup, which Allendubbed Micro-Soft, short for microprocessors and software. Allen spent two years at Washington State University before dropping out as well.

They founded the company

in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and their first product was a computer language for the Altair hobby-kit personal computer, giving hobbyists a basic way to program and operate the machine.

After Gates and Allen found some success selling their programming language, MS-Basic, the Seattle natives moved their business in 1979 to Bellevue, Washington, not far from its eventual home in Redmond.

Microsoft’s big break came in 1980, when IBM Corp. decided to move into personal computers and asked Microsoft to provide the operating system.

Gates and company didn’t invent the operating system. To meet IBM’s needs, they spent $50,000 to buy one known as QDOS from another programmer, Tim Paterson. Eventually the product refined by Microsoft — and renamed DOS, for Disk Operating System — became the core of IBM PCs and their clones, catapulting Microsoft into its dominant position in the PC industry.

The first versions of two classic Microsoft products, Microsoft Word and the Windows operating system, were released in 1983. By 1991, Microsoft’s operating systems were used by 93 per cent of the world’s personal computers.

The Windows operating system is now used on most of the world’s desktop computers, and Word is the cornerstone of the company’s prevalent Office products.

Allen, however, departed the company just eight years after

its founding in 1975. He served as Microsoft’s executive vicepresident of research and new product development until 1983, when he resigned after being diagnosed with cancer.

“To be 30 years old and have that kind of shock — to face your mortality — really makes you feel like you should do some of the things that you haven’t done yet,” Allen said in a 2000 book, “Inside Out: Microsoft in Our Own Words.”

Two weeks ago, Allen announced that a different cancer — non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which he was treated for in 2009 — had returned.

Over the course of several decades, Allen gave more than $2 billion to a wide range of interests, including ocean health, homelessness and advancing scientific research. With his sister Jody Allen in 1986, Paul Allen founded Vulcan, the investment firm that oversees his business and philanthropic efforts.

“Millions of people were touched by his generosity, his persistence in pursuit of a better world, and his drive to accomplish as much as he could with the time and resources at his disposal,” Vulcan CEO Bill Hilf said in a statement.

Allen was on the list of America’s wealthiest people who pledged to give away the bulk of their fortunes to charity. “Those fortunate to achieve great wealth should put it to work for the good of humanity,” he said.

His influence is firmly imprinted on the cultural landscape of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, from the bright me-

www.canadianinquirer.net

BEATRICE DE GEA / VULCAN INC. VIA @MICROSOFT / TWITTER

tallic Museum of Pop Culture designed by architect Frank Gehry to the computer science centre at the University of Washington that bears his name.

He founded the Allen Institute for Brain Science and the aerospace firm Stratolaunch, which has built a colossal airplane designed to launch satellites into orbit. He has also backed research into nuclearfusion power.

“My brother was a remarkable individual on every level,” his sister Jody Allen said in a statement. “Paul’s family and friends were blessed to experience his wit, warmth, his generosity and deep concern.”

Allen also funded maverick aerospace designer Burt Rutan’s SpaceShipOne, which in 2004 became the first privately developed manned spacecraft to reach space.

The SpaceShipOne technology was licensed by Sir Richard Branson for Virgin Galactic, which is testing a successor design to carry tourists on brief hops into lower regions of space.

Branson tweeted Monday:

“So sad to hear about the passing of Paul Allen. Among many other things he was a pioneer of commercial space travel. We shared a belief that by exploring space in new ways we can improve life on Earth.”

Allen was also an avid sports fan and used some of his fortune to buy several professional teams.

In 1988 at 35, he bought the Portland Trail Blazers and told The Associated Press that “for a true fan of the game, this is a dream come true.”

He also was a part owner of the Seattle Sounders FC, a major league soccer team, and bought the Seattle Seahawks.

Allen could sometimes be seen at games or chatting in the locker room with players.

When he released his 2011 memoir, “Idea Man,” he allowed 60 Minutes inside his home on Lake Washington, across the water from Seattle, revealing collections that ranged from the guitar Jimi Hendrix played at Woodstock to vintage war planes and a 300-foot yacht with its own submarine. ■

Technology

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

New technology, housekeeping among concerns in hotel strikes

BY PHILIP MARCELO The Associated Press

The union’s proposals vary between cities, but generally workers are seeking better compensation to keep up with soaring housing and living costs, said D. Taylor, international president of Unite Here.

Unions agreed to forgo pay raises during the lean recession years to preserve jobs, but now that the industry is reaping record profits in some cities, they want to share in the windfall, he said.

In August, Marriott reported second quarter profits increased 25 per cent from the previous year to $610 million.

“We think the largest, most profitable hotel company in the world can afford it,” Taylor said.

“Our members are working two or three jobs just to make ends meet.”

On other fronts, the union wants Marriott to address the impact its “Make a Green Choice” program has had on housekeepers.

any new technology is rolled out. They want members have a chance to be trained on the technology and “fair severBOSTON — Robots delivering ance” if they’re ultimately laid room service, check-in kiosks off, said Taylor, the national with facial recognition technolunion president. ogy and “smart” speakers that Casino giants MGM and Caeserve as an in-room concierge. sars in Las Vegas agreed to simThe hotel of the not-so-disilar concessions on technology tant future sounds like somewith their unions earlier this thing out of a sci-fi novel, but it’s year, but Unite Here officials drawing real world anxiety for declined say how the tech or ensome of the thousands of Marvironmental program concerns riott hotel workers on strike were resolved in the recently across the U.S. this month. concluded Chicago negotia“I’m not against technology,” tions. said Juan Eusebio, a 32-yearHow many hotel workers are old doorman at the W Hotel in already being impacted by new Boston and a member of the lotechnologies also isn’t clear. cal union’s negotiating team. “I Some hotels in San Francisco just want any technology that have eliminated room service comes in to help us do a better units entirely because of the job, not take our jobs away.” popularity of meal delivery serHow much input workers vices like Grubhub and Uber have as these and other technolEats, according to Anand Singh, ogies are introduced is among president of Unite Here’s San the core issues Francisco local for the nearly chapter.

8,000 workers And rideshares that have walked like Uber and off their jobs at Our members are working two or Lyft have also hit Marriott hotels three jobs just to make ends meet. hotel workers’ from Boston to livelihoods, said Honolulu since Eusebio, a Boslast week, union ton doorman. officials say.

The Chelsea, Workers are also seeking The almost decade-old pro- Massachusetts resident said he’s changes to housekeeper work- gram, which is similar to those seen his earnings drop 40 per loads, particularly as “green” offered by other hotel compa- cent over the last three years in programs allowing guests to opt nies, allows guests to earn re- large part because he’s not earnout of cleaning services become ward points or other perks for ing the tips he used to for hailing more popular. They’re also declining housekeeping ser- taxicabs or loading luggage for pushing for job protections for vices. The union, in a report last guests now that many are using restaurant and bar staff as more month, said the program reduc- rideshares. hotels shutter those facilities. es housekeeper hours and leads Eusebio said he wants the Marriott, the world’s larg- to more injuries because rooms company to boost doormen est hotel operator, declined to take more effort to clean once wages from $10 an hour to $18 comment for this story, but has guests depart. an hour to account for the new said it’s “disappointed” workers Marriott declined to say how reality. have decided to strike. much the green program has In Honolulu, Boram Shin is Marriott workers walked out saved the company, but said in concerned about her future as of hotels across Boston last a 2017 report its environmental a front desk agent at the Sheraweek, followed by workers in and sustainability efforts have, ton Waikiki as the Hawaiian San Francisco, San Diego, Oak- overall, lowered energy use by 13 resort prepares to roll out new land, San Jose, Detroit and Ho- per cent and water use by nearly check-in technology. nolulu. Some 6,000 workers at 8 per cent from 2007 levels.

The 29-year-old said staff is 26 hotels in Chicago also went “This is a labour reduction being trained on “Mobile Key,” on strike last month, though program masquerading as an an app that lets guests use their most have returned to work af- environmental program,” said smartphones to check-in and, ter reaching new contracts with Brian Lang, head of the union’s at some locations, gain access Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt and local chapter in Boston, where to their rooms without ever other operators. he says union housekeepers have having to use a key card — or Marriott has 5,000 hotels in seen their hours reduced 15 to 20 visit a front desk. the U.S. and Canada, of which per cent because of the program.

“It puts us in a difficult posiabout 40 are impacted by the On the introduction of new tion,” Shin said. “If most of us current labour union negotia- technology, workers want at lose our jobs, we don’t have a tions. least 180 days notice before ton of choices on the island.” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

33

Passion play... ❰❰ 21

join and felt that they were part of the family, they would never

leave us.”

And true to his word, according to Robert, in the seven and a half years of Clear Trust Mortgages, not one broker has left the company.

“Our people, our brokers, our staff… They’re my family. I love walking in my office every morning. And when I walk into my office every morning, I make sure that I say good morning to every single one of them and it’s a long hall.”

Robert must thank his being a Filipino for it.

“It was the family culture… you don’t leave any man behind.

It was if you’re a part of us, we will look after you, we will take care of you. If you’re part of our team, we’ve got your back. And that is a Filipino trait, no question about it.”

Secret move

Somehow, the good cards laid themselves out for Robert. It was not an easy journey, but his viewpoint may have affected the turn of fate. Unlike other stories that were filled with pain and struggles, Robert considers that his was more of an opportunity pool.

“I always viewed struggles as opportunities. It was something that would encourage me to become even better. It encouraged me to come up with a solution because not having

a solution was not even an option.”

Apart from this, Robert also thinks that he has been so blessed, through the support he receives from his partners and the team.

Perhaps his dream of “being the most successful Filipinoowned mortgage brokerage firm in Canada” also fuels him to not be downed by anything.

He added, his job is not really a job, but it is a hobby that he enjoys and that he is good at.

For aspirants, Robert bares the secret move – not a shortcut – but an essential advice.

“It’s very simple. Once you decide what you want to do, be very passionate about it. Because without passion, there won’t be any success. Surround yourself with good people and good things will happen.”

“I have 120 brokers right now – all of whom – are good people and every single one of them make up the success of Clear Trust Mortgages. Without one of them, we wouldn’t be where we are.”

For someone like Robert who pursued an adventure in a foreign country, though there were a lot of things to be grateful for, it was “absolutely” him being a Filipino that had a huge impact on where he is currently standing.

“I knew then that if I could prove my capabilities, I would get to where I am, regardless of the color of my skin.” ■

Millennials wake... ❰❰ 26

lera comes from Benguet province, Mountain Province, and parts of Ifugao. A little comes from the highland villages in Kalinga and Abra provinces. ”The premium quality comes from us,” Odsey said. But the problem is the limited production of the region.

“Ang problema, kulang ang production kasi wala naman tayong malalaking plantation areas if meron, pailan ilan lang, mostly backyard (our problem is the limited production because we do not have big plantation areas. There are few, but most are backyard farms),” he said.

Odsey said on the average, a coffee tree produces a third of a kilo per year. But if the production is raised to one kilogram,

which is possible through technology, he said, it would be a big boost to the region’s production.

He said DA-Cordillera is now encouraging farmers to plant more coffee trees, together with their other major crops.

“We give quality seedlings to the groups we form,” Odsey said. “We distribute these and we teach them how to rejuvenate old trees, which are no longer productive, with the use of technology,” Odsey said.

For post harvest, the DA also provides equipment to cooperatives and organizations that consolidate their backyard produce, so they could process the beans–from the removal of the skin, drying, roasting, grinding, down to the packaging. ■

OCTOBER 19, 2018

34

CANADA

AMP PROMATIC IS LOOKING FOR PRODUCTION WORKERS Sheet metal manufacturing company is looking to hire workers with some experience on metal cutting machines, plus general labor.

If you don’t have experience but are hard worker we will train and will oer you good wages.

This can be a full-time or part-time position and we are located in Vaughan, Hwy 7 and Weston Rd.

Contact: Walter at 416-991-1007 or send e-mail ampincwf@gmail.com

HIRING

NANNY/BABYSITTER

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.

LUCKY SUPERMARKET 10628 King George Blvd, Surrey B.C is hiring all positions such as: store manager, grocery manager, produce manager, office administration, file maintenance clerk, head cashier, cook, BBQ chef, meat cutter, baker, bakery clerk, grocery clerk, frozen clerk, meat clerk, produce clerk, cashier, truck driver and kitchen helper.

APPLY BY EMAIL: melo.perez@outlook.com

Please email resume to: hrsurrey@luckysupermarket.ca

Electronic Technicians Needed Experience in Low Voltage Electrical System installation and Servicing Computers with Networking Email resume to suda@alarmboss.com Call 416-432-1902

www.canadianinquirer.net

35

Travel Cebu: Finding home away from home

BY ARLNIE COLLEENE TALAIN SINGCA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

dark blue shade of the middle part of the sea, to the lighter blue, to the clear color of the seashore — these were soothing to the eyes of anyone.

The white sand from the sandbar also compliments the different shades of blue of the sea, which makes it more majestic than ever. No one would say no to the charm of Bluewater Sumilon Island.

Oslob Whale Shark Watching and Bluewater Sumilon Island were mesmerizing enough for us to forget about our stomachs.

After drowning ourselves from our experience in the two islands, we stopped by this restaurant by the beach called ‘Cruz Phillips Beach Resort.’ It’s an outdoor restaurant with a good view of the sea at the edge of the place. Customers can also go down the beach to sunbathe or play with the waves as they wait for their orders. Also, there’s a bar where you can order your favorite cocktail or

BEING A homebody that I have always been, I’d really prefer a whole weekend escapade of sleeping and bumming in my room, watching Netflix while having a box of my favorite pizza. I used to hate spending my little time on the weekend outside the house, thinking it’d only tire me. So when I say that ‘I enjoyed my weekend in Cebu,’ that means I enjoyedmy weekend in Cebu.

Yup! I just spent my weekend in Cebu — which is 570 kilometers away from home. And as much as I want to regret it for sacrificing a whole day of rest, I Blue Water Sumilon Island.

ARLNIE COLLEENE TALAIN SINGCA / PHILIPPINE CANADIAN INQUIRER just couldn’t because the moment I got there, everything didn’t matter anyOn the boat, we were joined by Korean, ute drive from the Oslob Whale Shark more.

Chinese, and Japanese tourists who were Watching to get to the boat that will After (almost) four hours of travel evidently excited and even jumped off the bring us to the paradise of Bluewater from the city, we finally reached our des- boat first, seeing those adorable whale Sumilon Island. The clear turquoise coltination — Oslob. It was a very long ride sharks. The whale shark watchingfrom or of the water from the mainland, to the but nevertheless, the view outside your the boat was already exciting, but going window is just breathtaking. And just down the water and swimming with them imagine the sun rising before the allur- and getting much closer to them was a lot ing sea. Just spectacular! What seemed more thrilling. The guides were comfortto be an unending road between land ing and encouraging enough to dismiss and sea, and an edge of a mountain was the hidden fear inside you so you could in fact already the edge of Cebu. enjoy watching with the whale sharks Considering how more. With the snormuch of a homekel provided to each body I am, when we participant, you can reached Oslob Whale swim underwater and Shark Watching, it And as much as see the whale sharks actually surprised me I want to regret as if you’re playing that majority of the it for sacrificing with them. tourists visiting the a whole day On my first minplace were foreignof rest, I utes under water, ers, mostly Koreans, just couldn’t I couldn’t spot any Japanese, and Chibecause the sharks nearby. One nese. moment I of the guides told On arrival, you’d got there, me to go deeper so I have to register youreverything could see other waself or your group on didn’t matter ter animals if not the the front desk first. anymore. whale sharks — only Before proceeding to find one peacefulto the activities, the ly swimming under organization gives me. Fear was there, a short orientation but the beauty of the first. Considering the wide-range vis- creature underneath me was too calmits from different foreigners, they have ing. Also, aside from the whale sharks, people discussing the rules and pointers there were also other fishes swimming in different languages as well. around. It felt like just watching the DisThere are two variations of the ac- ney movie ‘Finding Nemo’ except in 4D. tivities you can choose from: one is just The whale shark experience only lasts whale shark watching, where you’ll just thirty minutes. Also, it is only open from stay on the boat and watch the sharks, 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. — which I think and the other one is snorkeling with is good for the whale sharks to have the whale shark where you’ll swim with the whole sea on their own and without the whale sharks. Both activities are provid- visitors. #179-8138 128 Street ed with life vests On our next stop, we took a few-minwww.canadianinquirer.net

❱❱ PAGE 36 Cebu: Finding

S u r r e y, B C

36

Travel

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

Up close and personal with Churchill’s whimsical beluga whales

BY KELLY GERALDINE MALONE The Associated Press CHURCHILL, MAN. — All it takes is a quick paddle from the western shore of Hudson Bay and the smiling, curious face of a beluga whale peeks out of the water to greet kayakers floating by.

The northern Manitoba community of Churchill is known as the polar bear capital of the world, but the largest population of beluga whales also calls its Hudson Bay coastline home.

Dressed in a wetsuit, with the cool air of the bay at your back, you can kayak just past the community’s port and meet the inquisitive stares of dozens of the greyish-white whale. It’s an up-close and personal experience that you can’t get many other places in the world when a beluga whale swims around your kayak, giving it a playful nudge.

As the ice melts in the spring, more than 57,000 whales — one-third of the world’s population — head into the warm waters of the estuaries formed by the Seal, Nelson and Churchill rivers to breed, feed and molt.

The playful mammals swim in pods, diving deep into the water before coming up to the surface and shooting air out of their blowholes, to the delight of people nearby. The whales can be watched from the shore, but a handful of tourism companies run professionally guided adventures into the water by boat, kayak or paddleboard.

Wally Daudrich, owner of Lazy Bear Expeditions and president of the Churchill Beluga Whale Tour Operator Association, said there is a certain whimsy when you are in the

presence of beluga whales.

“They have this permanent smile on their face that you just can’t wipe off, and just the antic that they play when they are under water looking up at the boat you see them spinning around,” he said.

Belugas are unique physiologically because, unlike most other whales, their neck vertebrae are not fused. That is why they look like they are articulating with their necks, Daudrich explained.

“They look like they are using a chin and agreeing with you Beluga whale sighting at sunset in Hudson Bay in Churchill, Manitoba. by moving their heads up and down,” he said. sea canaries. A high-pitched a hub for trade in the 1700s, For the tourists willing to whistling, clicking and chirping whale continued to be a source slip into a wetsuit, the whales rings out of a Bluetooth speaker of food but it never became a come right up to their kayak on the boat. main resource. or paddleboard, appearing to The whales’ song makes the Over the years there were nod their approval that you’ve perfect atmosphere for watch- some attempts at a commerjoined them for a chilly swim. ing them dive and dance around cial whaling operation — one You’ll be surrounded by a hand- the boats, but it also has an im- factory made whales into dog ful of whales almost immedi- portant purpose for their sur- food— but most were unsucately after entering the water. vival. The clicking bounces off cessful and ceased operation “It’s the interaction that peo- fish and other things in the wa- half a century ago. ple are really thrilled with... an- ter so belugas can navigate and Now beluga whales are an other intelligent animal that is hunt. important part of the commulooking at me and is cognisant The beluga whale always nity’s ecotourism. In 2016, beof my presence as I am of their played an important role for luga-related tourism was estipresence,” Daudrich said. the Inuit communities along mated at $5.6 million annually The cool between June 15 weather may and Aug. 30, with keep most of the expectations it tourists inside would continue their inflatable It’s the interaction that people to grow. boat, which alare really thrilled with... another But Daudrich lows for close intelligent animal that is looking said there are proximity but at me and is cognisant of my serious concerns keeps people dry. presence as I am of their presence. about new rules Daudrich imposed by Fishsaid guides neveries and Oceans er pursue the Canada, which whales and keep says there needs a distance from pods. But when the bay — whale fat is made into to be a 50-metre clearance the boat motor is turned off the oil and the skin and blubber is for boats to approach beluga whales surround them. made into muktuk, which pro- whales. He said because there Guides drop a special micro- vides essential nutrients like are so many whales in the bay, phone called a hydrophone into vitamin C and vitamin D. Cree just putting a boat in the water the water and suddenly its clear and Dene hunted belugas, too. could constitute breaking the why the belugas are nicknamed As the Churchill area became rules.

However, he is hopeful there will be a way to keep the extraordinary experience with the whales accessible.

“We are treating them respectfully,” he said.

“I always jokingly tell my clients we are partners in whale watching because (the whales) participate so well with us. Why would we mistreat the animals that are the core of our business?”

If You Go...

— There are no roads to Churchill but a flight from Winnipeg is about two hours long.

The rail line to the community was washed out in 2017 but it is expected to be repaired and running in the coming months.

— The best time to see the pods of beluga whales is July and August.

— Churchill offers several other attractions. Special vehicles take tourist on excursions to see polar bears; northern lights adventures showcase the stunning skies; bird watchers gather to see more than 200 nesting or migrating bird species; and there’s also a walking tour of the historic Prince of Wales Fort. ■

Cebu: Finding... ❰❰ 35

alcohol drink.

The next and final stop, which was the Kawasan Falls, was perfect after the heavy lunch. The walk from the entrance of the place to the actual falls was enough to burn all the foods you’ve stuffed in your tummy

The Kawasan Falls also offers a package of activities you can do with your friends — which is called the ‘Canyoneering.’ It is a combination of the different extreme water sports you could do in Kawasan Falls.

But for me, I don’t think I was brave enough to do these

things so I just enjoyed the beauty of the falls in my life vest as the waves bring me to different parts of the area. The water from the falls was cold, but not cold enough to freeze you as you swim. There was also a balsa at the end of the river, where tourists can go down to www.canadianinquirer.net

take pictures with the dripping water as the background.

Soon, the sun was setting and we had to call it a day. We had to go back to the city.

I am extremely saddened that I only had a weekend to enjoy those gems down the South. I was really teary-eyed

as the plane took off from the land of the Queen City of South.

And as it landed to Manila, I almost didn’t want to get out of the plane. But I had to go back to the metro, not to become a homebody again, but to save up for next time. ■

37

Food Our turkey meatloaf offers a lighter take on the classic AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN DON’T OVERLOOK the benefits of a good meatloaf; though humble, it can be just the thing for a comforting meal, and leftovers make great sandwiches.

Turkey meatloaf offers a lighter take on the classic, but because store-bought ground turkey is fine and pasty, it often comes out dense and mushy. To fix this, we exchanged the usual bread panade for quick oats, which added some chew and opened up the loaf’s texture.

Cornstarch, Parmesan, butter, and egg yolks enriched the turkey’s thin juices and added more body. Because turkey’s mild flavour is easily overwhelmed, we kept the other add-ins modest. Instead, we gave our meatloaf a double coat of glaze, letting the first dry in the oven so the second would adhere.

Baking our loaf free-form permitted more space for glazing. Do not use 99 per cent lean ground turkey. The pinch of baking soda helps the onions soften quickly. Three table-

spoons of rolled oats, chopped fine, can be substituted for the quick oats; do not use steel-cut oats.

Turkey meatloaf

Servings: 4-6 Start to finish: 2 hours

Meatloaf: • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter • Pinch baking soda • 1/2 onion, chopped fine • Salt and pepper • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce • 3 tablespoons quick oats • 2 teaspoons cornstarch • 2 large egg yolks • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard • 2 pounds of 85 per cent or 93 per cent lean ground turkey • 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup) • 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley Glaze: • 1 cup ketchup • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar • 21/2 teaspoons cider vinegar • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

MICHAEL VERHOEF / FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Adjust oven rack to uppermiddle position and heat oven to 350 F. Line wire rack with aluminum foil and set in rimmed baking sheet. Melt butter in 10 inch skillet over low heat. Stir baking soda into melted butter.

Add onion and 1/4 teaspoon salt, increase heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until onion is softened and beginning to brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and thyme and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in Worcestershire and continue to cook until slightly reduced, about 1 minute longer. Transfer onion mixture to large bowl and set aside. Combine oats, corn-

starch, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in second bowl.

Whisk all ingredients in small saucepan until sugar dissolves.

Bring mixture to simmer over medium heat and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes; set aside.

Stir egg yolks and mustard into cooled onion mixture until well combined. Add turkey, Parmesan, parsley, and oat mixture and, using your hands, mix until well combined. Transfer turkey mixture to centre of prepared rack. Using your wet hands, shape into 9-by-5-inch loaf. Using pastry brush, spread

half of glaze evenly over top and sides of meatloaf. Bake meatloaf for 40 minutes.

Brush remaining glaze onto top and sides of meatloaf and continue to bake until thermometer inserted into meatloaf registers 160 F, 35 to 40 minutes longer. Let meatloaf cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 341 calories; 157 calories from fat; 18 g fat (6 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 172 mg cholesterol; 793 mg sodium; 20 g carbohydrate; 1 g fiber; 15 g sugar; 26 g protein.

A meaty bistro classic tart that is as refined as it is rich AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN THIS BISTRO classic is as refined as it is rich. We kept the filling onion-forward by cooking the strands in rendered bacon fat and stirring them into a light custard. Use yellow or white onions here; sweet onions will make the tart too sweet. Use a 9-inch tinned-steel tart pan.

French onion and bacon tart

Servings: 6-8 Start to finish: 2 hours, 15 minutes

Crust: • 1 1/4 cups (6 1/4 ounces) allpurpose flour • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch cubes and chilled • 2-3 tablespoons ice water Filling: • 4 slices bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces • Vegetable oil • 1 1/2 pounds onions, halved through root end and cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices • 3/4 teaspoon salt • 1 sprig fresh thyme • 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup half-and-half • 1/4 teaspoon pepper Spray 9 inch tart pan with removable bottom with vegetable oil spray. Pulse flour, sugar, and salt in food processor until combined, about 4 pulses. Scatter butter over top and pulse until mixture resembles coarse sand, about 15 pulses. Add 2 tablespoons ice water and process until clumps form and no powdery bits remain, about 5 seconds, adding up to 1 tablespoon more ice water if dough will not form clumps.

Tear dough into walnut-size pieces and sprinkle evenly in pan. Working outward from www.canadianinquirer.net

centre, press dough into even layer, sealing any cracks. Working around edge, press dough firmly into corners, up sides of pan, and into fluted ridges. Use your thumb to level off top edge of dough. Use excess dough to patch any holes. Lay plastic wrap over dough and smooth out any bumps or shallow areas.

Place dough-lined pan on plate and freeze for 30 minutes.

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 F. Place frozen tart shell on baking sheet. Spray piece of extra-wide heavy-duty aluminum foil with vegetable oil spray and gently press against dough, covering edges to prevent burning. Fill

with pie weights and bake until top edge of dough just starts to colour and surface no longer looks wet, about 30 minutes.

Remove foil and weights. Return sheet to oven and continue to bake until tart shell is golden brown, 5 to 10 minutes longer.

Set sheet with tart shell on wire rack. Do not turn off oven.

Meanwhile, cook bacon in 12 inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until crispy, 5 to 7 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towellined plate. Pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet (if you do not have 2 tablespoons ❱❱ PAGE 38 A meaty

38

Food

OCTOBER 19, 2018

FRIDAY

COOKING ON DEADLINE:

Spicy Brussels sprouts, kimchi dressing

BY KATIE WORKMAN The Associated Press A COUPLE of years ago a neighbour of mine noticed that I called for gochujang, a Korean hot paste, in a recipe on my blog. She was excited that an ingredient she had grown up with was making its way into recipes in more mainstream American outlets, getting its deserved recognition in the spicy-ingredient pantheon. She even delivered a big jar of gochujang to my door so I could continue playing with it.

And I have. A lot.

Gochujang is traditionally made with chili peppers, fermented soybeans, brown sugar, glutinous rice and salt – but that may not make your mouth water. Think of spicy, a hint of sweetness, and a bit of umami (thanks to the fermentation) smooched up together.

Umami is commonly talked about as the fifth taste, in conjunction with salty, sour, sweet and bitter. Its simplest definition is “savory,” and to think about what that means, think about how your taste buds respond when you are eating foods such as mushrooms, Parmesan

cheese, soy sauce, anchovies, miso, meat or a rich soup.

Sometimes the taste of umami is actually described as meaty or brothy. The word umami is derived from the Japanese word “umai” meaning “deliciousness.”

The fish sauce, made with fermented anchovies, adds to the whole umami thing as well. Both gochujang and fish sauce are available in Asian markets and well-stocked supermarkets, and both are readily available online. If you don’t have gochujang, you can substitute other hot sauces and add a hefty pinch of brown sugar. And if you don’t have fish sauce, soy sauce will do in a pinch (different, but still delicious).

Hey, listen, I’m aware that many people reading all of this might think, “Whaaaaat?” For many Western cooks, words like “fermented anchovies” don’t spark joy in our hearts. But boy, if you like foods like a great Caesar salad or a spicy ramen soup, then take a little chance and give this dish and these ingredients a go. And by all means, let me know what you think – my neighbour and I want to know.

KIRK K / FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Spicy Brussels sprouts, kimchi dressing

Servings: 6 Start to finish: 30 minutes

• 2 pounds Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/4 cup fish sauce • 2 tablespoons sugar • 3 cloves garlic, chopped • 2 tablespoons peeled, chopped fresh ginger • 2 tablespoons gochujang paste (spicy Korean paste) • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (use Korean chili flakes, gochugaru, if you can find them) • 6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced (white and green parts) • 1/2 cup minced red onion Preheat the oven to 400 F. Spray a

rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. Place the Brussels sprouts together on the baking sheet, drizzle the olive oil over them, sprinkle with salt and toss. Spread the Brussels sprouts out on the sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, until they are just tender and browned in spots.

Meanwhile, place the fish sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger and gochujang paste in a food processor and process to combine. Turn the mixture into a large bowl and stir in the chili flakes, scallions and red onion.

Add the cooked Brussels sprouts to the bowl and toss so they are well-coated with the dressing. Serve warm. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 158 calories; 46 calories from fat; 5 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 1,182 mg sodium; 26 g carbohydrate; 7 g fiber; 11 g sugar; 7 g protein.

A meaty... ❰❰ 37

fat, add vegetable oil as needed to make this amount).

Add onions, salt, and thyme sprig to skillet. Cover and cook until onions release liquid and start to wilt, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook, covered, until onions are very soft, about 20 minutes longer, stirring once or twice (if after 15 minutes onions look wet, uncover and continue to cook 5 minutes longer). Remove pan from heat and let onions cool for 5 minutes.

Whisk eggs, half-and-half, and pepper together in large bowl. Discard thyme sprig. Stir onions into egg mixture until just incorporated. Spread onion mixture over tart shell and sprinkle bacon evenly over top. Bake tart on sheet until centre www.canadianinquirer.net

feels firm to touch, 20 to 25 minutes, rotating pan halfway through baking.

Transfer sheet to wire rack and let tart cool for at least 10 minutes. Remove outer metal ring of tart pan, slide thin metal spatula between tart and pan bottom, and carefully slide tart onto platter.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

To make ahead: Cooled tart can be refrigerated wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Reheat on baking sheet in 325 F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 283 calories; 163 calories from fat; 18 g fat (10 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 92 mg cholesterol; 418 mg sodium; 25 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 6 g protein.

39

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19, 2018

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OCTOBER 19, 2018

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