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APRIL 5, 2019

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VOL. 4 NO. 365

President Rodrigo R. Duterte presides over the 36th Cabinet Meeting at the Malacañan Palace on April 1, 2019.

TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

PRRD in a hurry to correct PH woes

BY EJ ROQUE Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday said he is in a hurry to correct the country’s problems as he has only three years left before his term ends in 2022.

“I am in a hurry because there is only about three years left for me to correct the things that I wanted to do,” he said during his speech at the campaign rally

of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino– Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) in Malabon.

Duterte said he needs the help of the legislative branch to pursue reforms, as he endorsed PDP-Laban senatorial bets and the slate’s guest candidates.

“Alam naman ninyo ang laro sa politika (You know how the game in politics goes). ’Pag may programa ako, kayo lalo na kayo ‘yung walang lupa, hihingiin ko

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PRRD orders review of all gov’t contracts with private firms

28 Fil-Can in Focus: Brian Vidal: Crossing the path of the unknown

❱❱ PAGE 4 PRRD in

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When parents play favourites, what happens to the kids?

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FRIDAY

Proposed task force seeks to end hunger in PH by 2030

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has approved a proposal to draft an executive or-

der (EO) creating a task force that seeks to eradicate hunger in the country by 2030, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the creation of the Zero Hunger Inter-

Agency Task Force (IATF) was among the agendas tackled during the Cabinet meeting in Malacañan Palace on Monday night.

“In a bid to fast-track the government’s campaign to

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fight hunger, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles presented the proposed EO on the creation of an Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger,” Panelo said in a statement.

Nograles said the new task force will formulate a national food policy to ensure the attainment of zero hunger and poverty eradication, consistent with the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan.

“It is apparent that current efforts aren’t enough, and that at this point, an inter-agency task force that can focus and align the different work being done to address the different aspects of hunger is needed,” he said in a separate statement.

Nograles emphasized that the plan is to reduce hunger by 25 percent two-and-a-half years after the EO is issued.

Eventually, the EO plans to cut hunger incidence by half in five years after the issuance of the EO, and by 75 percent within seven-and-a-half years.

According to Nograles, the task force will rationalize existing domestic laws, decrees, policies and issuances pertinent to the alleviation of hunger and poverty, consistent with international laws and treaty obligations; identify and ensure the institutional responsibilities of concerned government agencies.

It will also coordinate with concerned government agen-

cies and local government units, in consultation with civil society organizations, for the conduct of objective impact assessments on relevant programs of action among other tasks.

Nograles will chair the task force with the Department of Social Development and Welfare and Department of Agriculture designated as vice chairs.

It will be composed of 36 officials --the Executive Secretary and the heads of national agencies, plus the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor, Office of Civil Defense administrator, Commission on Higher Education chairperson, Philippine Commission on Urban Poor chairperson, Philippine Commission on Women chairperson, Food and Drug Administration director general, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority director general, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples executive director, National Nutrition Council executive director, National Anti-Poverty Commission lead convenor, and Food and Nutrition Research Institute director.

Citing data from the DSWD, Nograles said 2.4 million families experienced moderate to extreme hunger in 2018, 13.7 million Filipino children are undernourished, and a fifth of Filipinos children until the age of five are underweight. ■

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‘yung authority pati ‘yung pera me when I become president. It was galing sa Kongreso (If I have a only when that I went there and talked program, especially those of to them pati sa (and) Russia,” he said. you without land, I will have to ask the Duterte’s non-confrontational apauthorization and funding from Con- proach has led to the revival of the Philgress). Kung wala akong senador diyan ippines-China relations. He said China na akin, wala talagdid not ask for anyang pera na makuha thing in return. ko pahirapan ‘yan eh He added that he (If I do not have senwould never engage ators in favor of me, in a war with China I will really have a Duterte’s nonbecause it will cost confrontational hard time getting the many policemen and approach has funds),” he said. soldiers’ lives. led to the The President “Bakit ako makiprevival of the credited China for ag-away? Bakit ko Philippineshis administration’s ipaubos ang pulis ko China relations.

“Build, Build, Build” pati sundalo ko, buHe said China infrastructure prohay ‘yan (Why would did not ask for gram in addition to I engage in a fight? anything in his major campaign Why would I let my return. promises of battling policemen and solillegal drugs, crime diers be killed? Those and corruption. are human lives),” he “Sinabi ko lang said. na ‘pag nanalo ako Under Duterte’s (I promised that if I administration, the will win) I would like to deal with ’yung prevalence of crimes has gone down itong problema sa (the problem of ) with the Philippine National Police drugs and then itong crime and ’yung reporting a 21.48 percent drop or a toproject talaga matatapos (for projects tal of 1,040,987 crimes recorded from to be finished). But I never mentioned July 2016 to June 2018, lower than the itong (the) ‘Build, Build, Build’ because 1,325,789 cases reported during the I was not sure if China would deal with same period in 2014 to 2016. ■

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Albayalde sacks 4 highest police officials in Negros Oriental

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE FOUR highest police officials in Negros Oriental were sacked by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday, April 2.

The officials relieved from their posts were Negros Oriental provincial police director, Colonel Raul Tacaca, Canlaon City police chief, Colonel Patricio Degay, Manjuyod Municipal police chief, Lieutenant Kevin Roy Mamaraldo, and Sta. Catalina police chief, Captain Michael Rubia.

According to Albayalde, their removal will “pave the way for an impartial investigation” into the deaths of 14 people in the province — eight in Canlaon City, four in Manjuyod, and two in Sta. Catalina — during separate police operations last Saturday.

These people, the police earlier said, were believed to be members and supporters of the New People’s Army (NPA) who resisted arrest when the cops issued search warrants for alleged illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

The Kabataan Party-list earlier identified some of the victims as Ismael Avelino, 53; Edgardo Avelino, 59; Melchor Pañares, 67; Mario Pañares, 46; Rogelio Ricomuno, 52; Ricky Ricomuno, 28; Gonzalo Rosales, 47; Genes Palmares, 54.

Kabataan Party-list Representative Sarah Elago has said those victims were farmers who were the target of “joint military and police operations” against “members of peasant and plantation

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workers’ groups in the guise of ‘anticriminality.’”

“This horrendous massacre brings the death toll of farmers killed under the Duterte administration to 197. I am enraged, extremely heartbroken! We, in Kabataan, STRONGLY condemn this murderous rampage! We call for an independent probe into this grave matter,” she said.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), however, said that there was “no massacre” that occurred and that the operations conducted by the Negros Oriental Police Office were “legitimate and covered by search warrants issued by the court.”

The Palace also defended the “legitimate police operation” and denied claims that the government is targeting farmers who have links with the communist rebels.

“You know, that is the usual statement issued by those who are linked with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP). But the fact remains that the people subject of a search warrant have been identified as suspects in certain ambushes, assassinations, assassination attempts,” Panelo stressed.

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), for its part, said the regional sub-office of CHR-Region VII has already been instructed to investigate the incident.

“At this point, our interest is finding out the truth behind a police operation, which authorities claim to be meant to serve warrants of arrest, but resulted to 14 deaths of farmers and a cop said to be injured,” it said. ■

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Philippine News

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APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

China won’t condone nationals working illegally in PH

BY EJ ROQUE Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Chinese government would not condone its nationals working illegally in the Philippines or any other foreign country, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said on Monday.

Zhao made this assurance following concerns raised by critics of the Duterte administration that Chinese workers were allowed to work in the country even without complying with immigration laws.

“China has persistent policy that we do not encourage and do not allow Chinese working in a foreign country illegally,” Zhao said in an interview with Palace reporters.

Zhao said it is up to the Philippine government to deal with Chinese nationals working illegally in the country.

“The policy is very clear. If they are working illegally here, it’s up to you to deal with the issue in accordance with your law,” Zhao said.

He assured that Chinese government is strict in enforcing its own laws and

procedures in relation to Filipinos and other foreign nationals working in their country.

“There’s a problem of Chinese working illegally here but also there are Filipinos working illegally in China,” Zhao said.

“We are handling this in accordance with our respective laws and regulations. We are handling it professionally in the spirit of our friendship and cooperation,” he added.

However, Zhao appealed to the Philippine government to consider the humanitarian needs of illegal Chinese workers in the Philippines the same way it deals with illegal Filipino workers in China.

“We would also call on the law enforcement agencies here to deal with this issue professionally. You have to take into consideration the humanitarian needs of those Chinese nationals as we are doing exactly when it comes to Filipinos working illegally in China,” Zhao said.

The Chinese envoy was in Malacañang on Monday afternoon to meet Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a

LENINERS / FLICKR, CC BY-NC 2.0

courtesy call.

During their 50-minute meeting, Panelo and Zhao discussed areas of mutual concern and agreed to promote better understanding between the two countries.

“Ambassador Zhao gave assurances that his government does not consent to any illegal entry or employment of its citizens in the country,” Panelo said.

In February, Panelo said government will apply immigration laws with “full force” against illegal Chinese workers in the Philippines.

Panelo, meanwhile, said Zhao also called for cooperation in monitoring the possible exploitation of Chinese citizens in illegal gambling operations in the country and the swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible. ■

DOTr on heightened alert for Holy Week exodus

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MANILA — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies will be on heightened alert status in preparation for the great volume of passengers going to the provinces during the Holy Week break.

This as the DOTr is set to implement its Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2019 from April 8 to 25 to ensure a safe and convenient commuting experience for passengers who will troop to the ports, terminals and airports across the country.

In a statement on Tuesday, Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade said the initiative aims to provide security to commuters as they spend their vacation.

“It is important for the DOTr to ensure the safety and welfare of the riding public.

That is why I have instructed all attached agencies to exert all efforts to assure safe and comfortable travel to our countrymen as they go to the provinces or vacation spots during the Holy Week,” Tugade said.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued special permits to buses that will travel to

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the provinces during the Holy Week.

As of April 1, the LTFRB has received 484 special permit petitions for 1,133 bus units that will travel in Northern and Southern Luzon, Bicol, Visayas and Mindanao from April 14 to 22.

The Board will also conduct random inspections of units and franchise documents beginning April 10 with the InterAgency Council on Traffic (i-ACT), as part of ensuring the safety of the passengers in areas where i-ACT operates, and with the Land Transportation Office, Highway Patrol Group, and Armed Forces of the Philippines in other parts of the country.

It will also intensify its operations against illegal or “colorum” public utility vehicles and taxicabs with franchise violations.

Passenger assistance desks that will be operating on a 24/7 basis will likewise be installed in major ports, terminals, and airports in the country to address queries and complaints.

The help desks will provide various services, such as emergency medical assistance, food and free calls to landline and mobile phones of passengers who might be stranded, and booking rides from taxis and transportation network vehicle service units. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

Water shortage may affect food security: Piñol

BY LILYBETH ISON Philippine News Agency MANILA — Unless mitigating measures to address the current water supply problem triggered by the El Niño phenomenon are implemented, the Philippines could face a shortage of food in the years to come, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol said on Thursday.

Piñol attributed the drying up of creeks and rivers to massive deforestation that affected farm lands in the country.

He said the occurrence of the drought-inducing El Niño or prolonged dry spell and the delay in the implementation of irrigation systems are among the reasons why water supply for agriculture keeps on decreasing.

“There is also (the) absence of water conservation programs, water catchments and small impounding dams and the reliance of agriculture on traditional irrigation systems instead of embracing modern irrigation technology using solar power,” he noted.

In the last high level meeting of Cabinet secretaries on water, Piñol said he made a presentation, which emphasized the threat of a looming water crisis especially for agriculture.

He said there are three key elements in agricultural productivity — land, sunlight and water.

“Land and sunlight could be substituted with aquaponics technology and artificial light but there could never be agriculture without water,” he said.

The DA chief submitted longterm measures to address the water shortage concerns, especially in agriculture.

These include instituting a national program to locate and protect the country’s headwaters.

He said this must be implemented as soon as possible and when this is done, all of these areas should be declared as highly-protected areas where no human intrusion should be allowed.

Reforestation of denuded

mountains must also be a multi-agency task to include local government units (LGUs), and not just the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Piñol said there is also a need for a legislation to be enacted with the necessary funding support that would require all LGUs, with the support of national government agencies, to establish water catchments, small water impounding and mini-dams.

Dredging of the country’s major river systems must also be undertaken immediately to increase their water-holding capacity and ensure that there will be enough water for the dams and impounding systems.

The agriculture chief said the government must also invest in the construction of more dams, not only for irrigation purposes but as reserve reservoir, for water supply of urban areas during droughts.

There is also a need to provide funding for alternative and sustainable small irrigation projects like the solar-powered irrigation so that rice farms, especially in Central Luzon, will not be dependent on the huge dams for water, freeing the supply for the use of Metro Manila and other big urban centers.

“This task will not be easy and the results will not be quick. Trees will not grow and cover the mountains in just two to three years. In fact, the effect of this advocacy, which I know that President Rody Duterte has already embraced, may not even be felt during his Presidency,” Piñol said.

“But this is not about today but the future and the next generation of Filipinos. We must act now or else many more springs will dry up and disappear and they will never be brought back to life,” he said. ■

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Independent body should study alleged damage on WPS

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday said an independent body should conduct a study to confirm whether there is indeed “destruction of the environment” due to China’s buildup in the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea. Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark despite the 2016 ruling of the Hague-based Permanent Court Arbitration (PCA) ruling which detailed environmental damage caused by Chinese land-reclamation activities.

“I think mas maganda kung (it’s better if an) independent body ang tumingin doon (conducts a study there),” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“You have to have a scientific finding for that,” he added.

His statement came a day after Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua described the case filed by two former Philippine government officials against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a “fabrication.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario and former Ombudsman Conchita CarpioMorales filed a complaint before the ICC on March 13 this

Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo.

year insisting Chinese officials be held accountable for crimes against humanity and damage to environment over China’s activities in the disputed waters.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte has clarified that his administration has no participation in the said activity.

The PCA ruling reads: “The tribunal found that China’s recent large-scale land reclamations and construction of artificial islands at seven features in the Spratlys Island has caused severe harm to the coral reef environment and that China has violated its obligation of the convention to preserve and protect.”

“The tribunal also found that Chinese fishermen have engaged in the harvesting of endangered sea turtles, coral and

YANCY LIM / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

giant clamps on a substantial scale,” it added.

According to Panelo, the government has the option to implement its arbitration win against China before the United Nations (UN) General Assembly.

Moreover, he said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has already filed a diplomatic protest against China.

Panelo, meanwhile, blamed Del Rosario and the previous administration for their inaction when China started reclamation activity in the South China Sea. “Lahat ng problema ngayon kaya nandito because of you — pinaalala ninyo eh (All the problems we have now are because of you — you made it worse),” Panelo said, addressing Del Rosario. ■

3 kilos of cocaine concealed in kids’ books seized

BY BENJAMIN PULTA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Authorities cautioned Filipino travelers to be wary of recruiters targeting victims to become drug mules on international flights.

In a press briefing, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) presented three suspects who were arrested in operations in Pasay City and Pasig City for attempting to ship out 3.297 kilos of cocaine in cover pages of children’s books destined for Bangkok, Thailand .

The suspects were identified www.canadianinquirer.net

as Ma. Clara Bedico, Alvin Avila and Antonette Mendiola.

Bedico and Avila, who were recruited by Mendiola, were arrested last March 28 at a fastfood restaurant at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) with five sealed children’s books in their luggage.

Cursory inspection showed that powdery substance later confirmed to be cocaine were stuffed on the inner portion of the hardbound covers of the books.

The books were in Spanish and seemed to be published for small children.

The NBI said members of the Western African Drug Syndicate

(WADS) ,through their Filipina partners, recruit women to be couriers through work abroad schemes posted on Facebook.

Emeterio Dongallo Jr., chief NBI Special Action Unit (SAU), said the modus operandi of the drug smugglers seems to be to take advantage of the country’s visa-free entry to Thailand.

Donggalo placed the estimated street value of the contraband at around PHP30 to 45 million.

Government figures, however, have placed the street value of cocaine at a little over PHP5,000 per gram or just over PHP15 million for three kilos. ■

Philippine News

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FRIDAY

Jobs in Thailand for PH teachers soon: DOLE

BY FERDINAND PATINIO Philippine News Agency

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MANILA — Job opportunities for Filipinos, particularly English teachers in Thailand, will be available soon.

This after Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III revealed on Tuesday that the government is set to sign an agreement with the host country this month.

But he noted that hiring of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is only for teachers.

“Meron naman (There are) (other countries we’re negotiating for employment). Pero (But it is) on a limited scale.

I think within the next two weeks of April, we will have a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand,” the DOLE chief said in an interview. “(This is for) English teachers. Meron silang (They have a) need for English

teachers,” he added.

Asked on the number of teachers to be employed, Bello said he cannot give a figure yet as they will talk about it.

Meanwhile, the DOLE and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration launched a hotline that will attend to client calls requesting assistance on various OWWA programs, services, and benefits including issues on employment contracts, repatriation assistance, and other OFW-related queries and concerns.

The Hotline 1348 is available 24/7, Monday to Sunday, including holidays.

Clients will simply dial 1348 using landline or mobile phone.

For clients outside Metro Manila, they may dial (02) 1348 while international clients may dial 0632-1348.

“With the Hotline 1348, clients can easily reach the OWWA 24/7Operations Center that is responsible for monitoring and endorsing OFW-related concerns to appropriate OWWA offices or

government agencies for immediate action. This is our way of adhering to President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s mandate to improve government programs and services for our OFWs and their families,” said Bello, who is also the chair of OWWA Board of Trustees in a statement.

For his part, OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac noted that OFWs will be assisted by trained personnel.

“We want the OFWs, their families, and the public to be able to connect with OWWA with as much ease as possible. Thus, our Hotline 1348 is staffed by dedicated live agents trained to respond to calls, provide information, and gather requests for assistance from our clients,” he added.

The project is in partnership with ePLDT Inc. Also, Smart, which is under PLDT, will be providing free 30-minute Wi-Fi services to OFWs visiting or transacting business within the OWWA building. ■

Higher contributions, better benefits for members: SSS

BY MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR Philippine News Agency MANILA — The Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday stressed that hike in the members’ contributions would be used to provide better benefits.

In a radio interview, SSS Acting Media Affairs Head May Rose Francisco said the contribution increase is key in ensuring the agency’s fund is stable for all its members.

“It ensures that the fund is more stable and that we may be able to be prepared for the future benefit of the members.

That means we will have higher amount when we give out benefits to them in the near future,” she said.

Francisco added the primary source of SSS’s funds are the contributions but the agency is looking for other ways to grow their funds.

“So, we really need to collect contributions from our members and our partners are the employers so we reach out to them and make sure that they pay out the contributions of their employees. With the kind of management SSS has had in the past years, we’re able to make assets grow and give benefits to our members at present and also in the future,” she said.

On March 19, SSS announced that the increase in contribution rates from 11 percent to 12 percent will be implemented starting April 1.

SSS Hatid Tulong.

“The increase in contribution rates is based on the new law that has been passed as for the additional PHP1,000 that is one thing the SSS is working on as to the time, I don’t have the timeframe when the additional benefit will be given surely we will inform our members through media when the fund will be stable enough for another round of additional benefits for our members,” Francisco said.

She added there would be another 1 percent increase in the members’ contributions in two years, or rate will be 13 percent in 2021.

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PHILIPPINE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM / FACEBOOK

She also urged the members not to take the contributions they need to pay as a burden because “SSS contributions are a form of savings.”

“Because all of this will be coming back to them in the form of benefits.

Remember there are fixed benefits we give to members not only pension and another new benefit incorporated in the new law which is the unemployment insurance so with all these, we hope the members will understand, the members will be helping us out to make sure the fund is more stable,” she said. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

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Reds’ organizations disguising as relief groups: Parlade

BY PRIAM NEPOMUCENO Philippine News Agency MANILA — To gather funds to be used in their efforts to bring down the government, some front groups of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) are masquerading as relief organizations.

This was bared by Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief-of-staff for civil-military operations, in a message to the Philippine News Agency Monday.

He cited as example “Panday Bolig” as part of groups allied with the communist movement, which used such tactics during the aftermath of typhoons “Yolanda” and “Pablo.”

“These front organizations appeal to the kind-hearted especially in Canada and US, Europe, Australia etc., but only a portion are spent for the actual rehabilitation. According to revelations of former rebels and organizers, a good 60 percent of the solicited funds go to the CPP. Only 40 percent are spent for (rehabilitation), if at all. Reports from California Filipino Communities last November 2018 said that their donations went unaccounted during the onslaught of ‘Yolanda’ for instance,” Parlade added.

“In the Visayas, they use CERNET (Community Empowerment Resource Network) as the CPP clearing house of

all these fake advocacies. We saw this pattern earlier in the past but it’s only now that we had solid evidence after the series of engagements we had with EU and some European governments.

In the days to come we will expose the other ‘miracles’ the CPP have been doing. This is just the tip of the iceberg,” the military official said.

With these developments, Parlade said these front groups are in panic mode, prompting them to highlight and even distort issues like “massacre” in the case of the legitimate police operations in Negros Oriental, killing of IPs (indigenous peoples) by CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) even if CAFGUs (are) not involved, and hype those killed in the drug war for two reasons.

He said these reasons include the establishment of a “consistent pattern of gross, flagrant, or mass violations of HR” so CPP founder Jose Maria “Joma” Sison can invoke Article 8, Paragraph 2 of UN General Assembly Resolution 47/133 and non-refoulement (he can’t be extradited if there is still danger of state persecution because of these “alleged” conditions in Philippines) and to justify foreign funding and support for Human Rights Watch, fact-finding missions etc.

“The SOS (Save Our Schools), Bakwit, EJK, bombing threat to Salugpungan, killing of lawyers, all based on fabricated reports and lies, are all designed to keep money from EU (European Union) com-

Maj. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr.

ing. We will continue to expose their deception strategy with the truth we are equipped with now. Are we not wondering none of them is taking the challenge?” the military official added.

Parlade said these funds from NGOs are what they use in recovering lost ground, even without their armed groups.

NEDA, DBM sign IRR for rice tariff law: Palace

BY EJ ROQUE Philippine News Agency MANILA — Malacañang said Tuesday the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the rice tariffication law has already been signed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

“The IRR is already signed by the NEDA and the DBM while it is still pending with the legal department of the Department of Agriculture (DA),” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

Panelo said the IRR for the Rice Tariffication Act (Republic Act 11203) which President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed last February 15, was discussed during Monday

night’s Cabinet meeting in Malacañang.

“The IRR is expected to formulate a rice industry roadmap for the development of this sector,” Panelo said.

Rice tariffication will result in a switch from the previous quota system in importing rice to a tariff system, where rice can be imported more freely.

The law allows unlimited rice importation, but investors must first secure a phytosanitary permit from the Bureau of Plant Industry and pay the 35-percent tariff for shipments from Southeast Asia.

This is expected to result in a decline of as much as PHP7 per kg. in the domestic retail price of rice.

Various government agencies cited the gains of the law, such as giving farmers additional resources, reducing the price of rice, avoiding rice smuggling, and significantly reducing inflation. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

SOUTHERN LUZON COMMAND, AFP / FACEBOOK

“These funds were used to organize their mass base, with livelihood projects that promote the CPP and highlight the neglect of government, rather partner with government to develop the countryside,” he added.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. ■

10

Philippine News

APRIL 5, 2019

ICC case vs. Xi Jinping ‘fabrication’: Chinese envoy

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua described the case filed by two former Philippine government officials against Chinese President Xi Jinping before the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a “fabrication.”

Zhao said he believed the case filed by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales and former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario against Xi would not prosper because it was only “a political action viciously targeting the Chinese leadership.”

“We don’t think it is a proper action that is based on fact. It’s a fabrication and also a misuse of the mandate of the ICC,” Zhao said in a media interview before his meeting with Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in Malacañang on Monday.

The Chinese envoy, however, said he appreciated the effort of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to clarify that the administration has no participation in the said activity.

“First and foremost, President Duterte and the department concerned has expressed clearly to the Chinese side the Philippine government has no role in it, it is an action by individuals,” Zhao said.

In a statement after his meeting with Zhao, Panelo described their discussion as “productive and fruitful” as both officials agreed on the importance of respect for the sovereignty of nations.

“Ambassador Zhao shares the official position of the Philippines on the possible weaponisation of the ICC as a political tool, in stark contrast to the supposed spirit of the Rome

‘Salvo of notes verbales’ issued over Chinese presence in Pag-asa

BY JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA Philippine News Agency

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua.

EMBASSY OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES / WEBSITE

Statute,” Panelo said.

On March 27, Duterte welcomed International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC) Central Committee Minister Song Tao, together with other Chinese delegates through a courtesy call at the Matina Enclaves in Davao City.

During their meeting, Duterte explained that although it took no part in the filing of case against the Chinese President, he could not stop Morales and del Rosario from filing cases stressing that the Philippines is a democratic country.

They have also discussed matters of mutual interest including the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Earlier, Panelo said while the Palace respected del Rosario and Morales’ decision to file a complaint against Xi at the ICC, he believes the case will be “a futile exercise.”

Panelo, who is also Chief Presidential Legal Counsel,

pointed out that the case could easily be dismissed because both the Philippines and China are not members of the ICC and has no jurisdiction over both countries.

Moreover, he said Del Rosario and Morales are not authorized to lodge a complaint against China at the ICC on behalf of the Philippines.

Chargé d’ Affaires Tan Qingsheng of the Chinese Embassy in Manila said China will just ignore the case filed against Xi as it did not represent the view of the Philippines.

On March 13 this year, Morales and Del Rosario filed a 17-page complaint before ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda insisting Chinese officials be held accountable for crimes against humanity over China’s activities in the disputed waters which deprived Filipino fishermen of food and livelihood.

Tan, meanwhile, said the Chinese government has no plans of answering the complaint. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

counterpart.

“I sent notes verbales versus swarming before my China trip.

You have my word on it and that is all you all get,” he said.

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Locsin stressed that the docSecretary Tedoro Locsin Jr. on ument will not be made public.

Tuesday said the Philippine In a recent television intergovernment has served a “salvo view, Presidential Spokesperof diplomatic notes” to China son Salvador Panelo said the over the presence of Chinese diplomatic note would ask the vessels near the Pag-asa Is- Chinese government “what are land in the West Philippine Sea they (vessels) doing there and (South China Sea). why are those fishermen sta“Before going to (a) success- tionary.” ful China visit, I fired off salvo Panelo, who met with Chiof diplomatic nese Ambassanotes so I would dor to Manila not be accused of Zhao Jinhua on insincerity if, as Monday, said the suggested, I fired I sent notes envoy recomverbales them off after mended raising versus the visit, which is the issue during swarming sioki (cowardly). the two states’ before my Instructed shot Bilateral ConChina trip. over massing of sultation MechaYou have my moving vessels nism meetings word on it because circling instead. and that is all establishes noth“Sabi niya (he you all get. ing,” he said in a said), we have tweet. the mechanisms, The statement so hayaan na nacomes after he tin iyong mechawas tagged and nism (let the asked on Twitter to confirm if mechanism), iyong (the) bilatthe country filed a diplomatic eral mechanism to thresh that protest against China after issue,” he said. ■ more than a hundred vessels suspected to be Chinese militia With reports from Azer Parrocha were sighted near the Philippine-occupied feature in Kalayaan Island Group.

In a follow-up tweet, Locsin reiterated that he sent the notes verbales on the Chinese activity before his four-day official visit to China last month where he met with State Counselor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, his

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

11

PRRD orders review of all gov’t contracts with private firms

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte has ordered the Office of the Solicitor General, the Department of Justice, and all legal departments to review all contracts entered into by the government with private corporations and/or countries, Malacañang said on Tuesday.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said this review will determine whether there are “onerous provisions” in the contract that would put the Philippines in a disadvantage or would violate the Constitution.

“All contracts, existing contracts. They will have to be subjected to scrutiny,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing but did not determine which particular contracts or how many of them will be up for review.

Panelo assured that the controversial Chinese loan agreements will be covered by the review.

However, he maintained that the PHP3.69-billion Chico River Pump Irrigation Project and

the PHP4.2 billion Kaliwa Dam are aboveboard.

“With respect to Chico and Kaliwa it has passed through many agencies — Commission on Audit, Department of Finance,” Panelo said.

Panelo allayed fears that the review of all government contracts would have an impact on potential investors saying that it will only “forewarn” them not to engage in onerous transactions.

“It will forewarn them that they cannot enter into any agreement that is in violation of the Constitution or a public policy,” Panelo said.

“The President has alerted whoever will be entering into an agreement that they should be very careful in agreeing with whoever they are contracting with, with respect to existing laws and the Constitution,” he added.

Panelo also assured that government will not incur potential penalty from canceling agreements noting that if an agreement was made in violation of the law, then it is considered void ab initio or invalid.

Meanwhile, Panelo main-

tained that all government contracts were reviewed “thoroughly” despite the call to review them again.

“We can always go back to it; but as far as the Department of Finance is concerned, it’s above board and they have explained it extensively at that,” Panelo said.

According to Panelo, the review “won’t take long” since legal departments could already be reviewing contracts.

Gov’t vs. Maynilad

Duterte’s call to review all government contracts with private firms stemmed after he learned that government had to pay at least PHP3.4 billion to water concessionaire Maynilad after losing an arbitration case in 2018.

Maynilad won over the government at the High Court of Singapore for revenue losses in relation to the unimplemented water rate adjustment. However, the Philippine government opted not to appeal its decision.

“He (Duterte) found out that during the Ramos administration, there was a contract between Maynilad and Republic

SIMEON CELI JR. / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

of the Philippines and in that contract, the government, the Republic of the Philippines was prohibited into interfering, intruding into the terms of the contract,” Panelo explained.

“That’s why we lost in the arbitration tribunal and I think we were made to pay PHP3 billion something because according to the ruling the government intervened and by reason of the intervention Maynilad suffered damages,” he added.

Panelo said the President could not believe how such a contract would impose a ban on the government to take government action with respect to water supply and distribution.

“There could be collusion between lawyers of government and lawyers of the private company (Maynilad). We cannot do that, we have to prosecute them,” Panelo said.

Panelo said the reason for review is to ensure that the fate suffered by government in the case versus Maynilad would not happen again.

“Kaya mo ire-review yung kontrata ng iba kasi baka merong ganun ding provision (That’s why we’re calling for a review on all contracts because there might be a similar provision as the one in the Maynilad case),” Panelo told reporters in an interview after the briefing. ■

Philippine Supreme Court orders release of drug war reports

BY JIM GOMEZ The Associated Press MANILA, PHILIPPINES — The Philippine Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered the release of police documents on thousands of killings of suspects in the president’s anti-drug crackdown, in a ruling that human rights groups said could shed light on allegations of extrajudicial killings.

Supreme Court spokesman Brian Keith Hosaka said the court ordered the government solicitor-general to provide the police reports to two rights groups which had sought them. The 15-member court, whose justices are meeting in northern Baguio city, has yet to rule on a separate petition to declare President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign unconstitutional.

Solicitor-General Jose Calida had earlier agreed to release the voluminous police documents to the court but rejected the requests of the two groups, the Free Legal Assistance Group and the Center for International Law, arguing that such a move would undermine law enforcement and national security.

The two groups welcomed the court order.

“It’s a big step forward for transparency and accountability,” said Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno, who heads the Free Legal Assistance Group.

He said the documents will help the group of human rights lawyers scrutinize the police-led crackdown that was launched when Duterte came to office in mid-2016, and the massive number of killings that the president and police say occurred when suspects fought

AEROUS – OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0

back and endangered law enforcers, Diokno said.

“This is an emphatic statement by the highest court of the land that it will not allow the rule of law to be trampled upon in the war on drugs. It is a very important decision,” said Joel Butuyan, president of the Cenwww.canadianinquirer.net

ter for International Law. “These documents are the first step toward the long road to justice for the petitioners and for thousands of victims of the ‘war on drugs’ and their families,” Butuyan said.

More than 5,000 mostly poor drug suspects have died in

purported gunbattles with the police, alarming Western governments, U.N. rights experts and human rights watchdogs.

Duterte has denied ordering illegal killings, although he has publicly threatened drug suspects with death.

The thousands of killings have sparked the submission of two complaints of mass murder to the International Criminal Court. Duterte has withdrawn the Philippines from the court.

After holding public deliberations on the two groups’ petitions in 2017, the Supreme Court ordered the solicitorgeneral to submit documents on the anti-drug campaign, including the list of people killed in police drug raids from July 1, 2016, to Nov. 30, 2017, and documents on many other suspected drug-linked deaths in the same period which were being investigated by police. ■

12

Philippine News

APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

BFAR tells Pinoy fishermen to stay away from Panatag shoal ‘for the meantime’

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE BUREAU of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on Saturday, March 30, told Filipino fishermen to stay away from the Scarborough (Panatag) shoal “for the meantime.”

“Refrain muna natin na pumunta doon (Refrain from going there), for the meantime, and concentrate on our municipal waters kasi ‘yun nga ang pinangingisdaan natin (because those are our fishing ground),” BFAR National Director Eduardo Gongona told Super Radyo dzBB. “Just be careful at may mga dapat tayong pang-ilagan (because there is something we need to avoid) for the meantime,” he added.

Gongona’s remarks came after the camp of senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares released a Facebook video where some Filipino fishermen from Masinloc town in Zambales narrated how Chinese Coast Guard have been seizing their catch and driving them away in the area.

“May bangka din po na inano nila ng water cannon, nasira po, lumubog (There was also a boat

which was lobbed with water cannons. It was destroyed and it sank),” one fisherman said.

Due to this, the fishermen were stuck fishing at the nearby waters which affected their income.

“Nag-a-agaw-agawan na lang dun sa kakaunting nahuhuli dito sa baybayin (They were scrambling over a small amount of fish that can be catched in the shore),” one fisherman said.

“Napakalaki po ng epekto nun kasi gawa nga po na dati makakapag-ulam kami ng masarap ngayon po hirap na (It has greatly affected [our livelihood] because we used to provide good food for our family, but it is hard now),”another fisherman added.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Northern Luzon commander, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Salamat earlier said the military already coordinated with BFAR and that there were “no reports” of harassment by the Chinese personnel against Filipino fishers.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo had said the Philippine government will protest against China over the alleged harassment of local

fishermen but only if it is proven.

“They have to show proof that that’s being done now again. Because if that’s being done then we will protest. We will now allow our countrymen to be subjected to that kind of harassment,” he said in a press briefing on Monday.

The Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA), a fisherfolk group, however, slammed the Palace official’s remarks, saying that the government does not seem to believe what the Filipino fishermen were telling.

“Why can’t the government trust its own fisherfolk and help them get back to their fishing waters peacefully?” It said.

“Our question to Mr. Panelo is, whose side is the Duterte government on? Because we don’t feel any sympathy or concern from our government in the midst of this ongoing aggressive invasion of China that put the livelihood of thousands of Filipino fisherfolk, as well as our local food security, at stake,” it added. ■

PRRD names Abuel as DBM acting secretary

BY EJ ROQUE Philippine News Agency MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte named Janet Abuel as acting secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, however, said Abuel’s designation is not a formal appointment.

He added that the move is not in violation of the ban on appointments since no official papers have been signed yet.

“Wala naman siyang formal

appointment, parang sinabi lang (There is no formal appointment, it’s just verbal),” he said in an interview with reporters.

Abuel was previously named DBM officer-in-charge, replacing Benjamin Diokno who was appointed as governor of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

Abuel, a certified public accountant, finished law at the University of the Cordilleras and topped the bar in 1998.

She also holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Lee Kuan Yew School

of Public Policy in Singapore, and a Master of Laws degree from the University of Sydney in Australia.

Abuel is a career official at the DBM, starting as a budget and management analyst in 1996 and rising from the ranks to become undersecretary.

Prior to her appointment as the acting DBM chief, she headed the local government and regional operations group, overseeing policy formulation and concerns of local governments, as well as supervising regional offices as an undersecretary. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

No gov’t funds used in pro-Duterte Facebook accounts: Palace

BY AZER PARROCHA Philippine News Agency MANILA — Malacañang on Monday assured the public that no government funds were used to pay for the creation of Facebook accounts, groups, and pages which supported President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark after around 200 proDuterte accounts, groups, and pages operating in a network built by communications strategist Nicanor Gabunada Jr. were taken down for involvement in a “coordinated and inauthentic behavior.”

“I don’t think the President has anything to do with those Facebook accounts which were initiated during the campaign or even during the assumption of his presidency. He doesn’t know anything about it,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“The President has nothing to do with that and we’ll not allow that,” he added.

Gabunada, Social Media Director of the Duterte Campaign, claimed he was being “singled out” for having his account/s taken down while accounts which belonged to those who supported the opposition were not.

Facebook head of cybersecurity policy Nathaniel Gleicher, however, said that Gabunada’s network was removed for misleading people using a network of fake accounts.

Panelo emphasized that other candidates including the opposition have utilized social media to win the election.

Moreover, he said even without the strong social media influence which may have helped boost his chances of winning the presidential seat, the overwhelming majority voted him into office.

“Both sides were very active during the campaign. It’s still the people who decided and most of them are not in social media.

The overwhelming majority that voted him into office — I don’t think they have Facebook accounts of whatever. These are the masses,” Panelo said.

Panelo further said Duterte was elected into office because his campaign promises as a candidate resonated with the masses.

“His time was just right. The Filipino people needed somebody like him and his entry was just the appropriate time,” Panelo said.

Duterte, who promised to fight drugs, crime, and corruption, won the elections by a landslide 16.6 million votes. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

13

Duterte gov’t considers forming Department of Water

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer PRESIDENTIAL SPOKESPERSON Salvador Panelo on Tuesday, April 2, said the Duterte administration is considering to form a Department of Water.

This was brought up during a “fruitful” 36th Cabinet meeting on Monday, as the Cabinet officials discussed how the government will mitigate the effects of El Niño and water shortage in the country.

“A roadmap was presented, which included immediate, medium and long-term interventions, such as making an intensive campaign for the conservation of water and energy, creating a Department of Water and a Department of Disaster Resilience, dredging of waterways, replacing tunnels and aqueducts, installing water tank

systems in all Department of Health hospitals and providing funding for the establishment of water treatment plants,” Panelo said.

He added that a proposed executive order (EO) on “transforming and strengthening the National Water Resources Board (NWRB)” was also presented by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Adoracion Navarro during the meeting.

The EO, according to the Palace official, will merge the NWRB and the River Basic Control Office into the National Water Management Council (NWMC) to “streamline and consolidate planning and regulation of all water and river basins in the country” and “draft a National Water Management Framework Plan.

The idea of creating a Water Department was first floated by

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia in March, following the water crisis experienced in some parts of Metro Manila and Rizal province.

“It’s a real shame we have a Dept. of Energy, which is important, but we utterly lack an apex body–a Dept of Water–to ensure water supply and distribution–an indispensable vital need,” he wrote in a tweet, adding, “‘Water is life.’ As the ageold saying goes, ‘ok lang kung walang ilaw, basta lang may tubig (It is okay if we do not have lights, as long as we have water)!”

But Panelo had thumbed down Pernia’s suggestion, saying that there is ‘no need’ for such department as the water shortage in those areas was already addressed.

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson, who is currently the president of

Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), earlier expressed his support to the formation of a Department of Water, saying that it will be a “game changer to address disasters caused by flooding, landslides, siltation, potable water shortages.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had declared the official start of the dry season in the country last month, saying that El Niño phenomenon might be experienced until August. ■

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Canada News Trudeau says Wilson Raybould, Philpott no longer Liberal caucus members

BY JOAN BRYDEN The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Liberals are hoping to cauterize the SNC-Lavalin affair with the expulsions of Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott from the governing party’s fold.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced late Tuesday at a hastily called caucus meeting that he had informed the two former cabinet ministers he was kicking them out of the Liberal caucus and will not allow them to run as Liberal candidates in this fall’s election.

“The trust that previously existed between these two individuals and our team has been broken,” he told Liberal MPs. “Whether it’s taping conversations without consent or repeatedly expressing a lack of confidence in our government and in me personally as leader, it’s become clear that Ms. Wilson-Raybould and Dr. Philpott can no longer remain part of our Liberal team.”

The SNC-Lavalin affair has engulfed the government for nearly two months and cost Trudeau his lead in public opinion polls; his most trusted adviser, Gerald Butts; and the country’s top public servant, Michael Wernick — in addition to the two former ministers who had symbolized his commitment to gender equality and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.

Liberals are now hoping the worst is over and they can finally move on to the agenda they hope will get them re-elected.

Trudeau said the Liberals won the 2015 election “because we stood together as a team,” whereas “the old Liberal party was notorious for infighting.”

“Civil wars within parties are incredibly damaging because they signal to Canadians that we care more about ourselves than about them. That’s why I made the difficult decision to remove Ms. Wilson-Raybould and Dr. Philpott from the Liberal caucus.”

Trudeau’s announcement followed a day of meetings with the chairs of the various Liberal regional caucuses and discussions with MPs. The party’s largest group, the Ontario caucus, met for 90 minutes earlier in the day to discuss the fates of the two former ministers.

Philpott, who represents a Toronto-area riding, showed up for that meeting but left after less than 10 minutes. Wilson-Raybould, meanwhile, sent a letter to all Liberal MPs making an 11thhour pitch for staying in caucus but making no apologies for going public with her contention that she was improperly pressured last fall to stop the criminal prosecution of Montreal engineering giant SNC-Lavalin.

The company faces criminal charges over allegedly corrupt dealings in Libya. WilsonRaybould had the authority as attorney general to divert the proceedings with a remediation agreement, a sort of plea-bargain that could spare the company the worst consequences of a conviction; that authority is new in Canadian law, it has never been used, and WilsonRaybould has said she saw no

reason to overrule a decision by the director of public prosecutions against seeking such an agreement.

“There was a tone of the letter that had an exclusivity to it, that she had a monopoly on truth and that there was not a conversation to be had,” said Toronto MP Rob Oliphant. “It was a strong first-person letter and politics is not about first person ... it’s about ‘we,’ not about ‘I.’” National caucus chair Francis Scarpaleggia, from Quebec, said there was “an overwhelming consensus” that the two had to go.

Not all Liberals were happy with the decision. Toronto MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith and New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, who had hoped for a way to accommodate the former ministers, said they were disappointed but respected the consensus view of caucus and the prime minister’s decision.

In a Facebook post, Philpott said her decision to resign from cabinet in early March, citing a lack of confidence in the government’s handling of the SNC-Lavalin file, was not about “a lack of loyalty.” Rather, she insisted both she and Wilson-Raybould were attempting to “protect” Trudeau from the consequences of “attempts to interfere with prosecutorial independence.”

Philpott said she will continue to serve her constituents in Markham-Stouffville “for the remainder of this term” — which suggests she does not intend to run for re-election as an independent or candidate for another party.

www.canadianinquirer.net

Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott.

Wilson-Raybould tweeted that she will take time to reflect on her next steps.

“What I can say is that I hold my head high & that I can look myself in the mirror knowing I did what I was required to do and what needed to be done based on principles & values that must always transcend party. I have no regrets. I spoke the truth as I will continue to do,” she said.

Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer wasted no time issuing what amounted to an invitation to the two former ministers and their supporters to join his party.

“If you believe that speaking truth to power should be rewarded, not punished, there is a place for you in the Conservative Party of Canada,” he said in a statement.

“The message (the Liberals) have sent today is clear: If you tell the truth, there is no room for you in the Liberal Party of Canada.”

Trudeau said he’d tried to be patient and understanding but nothing would satisfy the two ex-ministers.

“We’ve taken every effort to

@PUGLAAS / TWITTER

address their concerns, and ultimately, if they can’t honestly say that they have confidence in this team ... then they cannot be part of this team,” Trudeau said. “Our political opponents win when Liberals are divided. We can’t afford to make that mistake — Canadians are counting on us.”

He concluded his speech with a campaign-style recitation of his government’s accomplishments, including the assertion that: “We have always, always fought to create and protect jobs. We will never apologize for doing so.”

Trudeau and his staff have maintained throughout the SNC-Lavalin affair that they never improperly pressured Wilson-Raybould; they only wanted to ensure she had considered every lawful tool to avoid a criminal conviction that could cripple the company and potentially put thousands of employees out of work. ❱❱ PAGE 19 Trudeau says

Canada News

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

15

Canada warming twice as fast as rest of the world, scientific report shows

BY MIA RABSON The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Canada is warming up twice as fast as the rest of the world and it’s “effectively irreversible,” a new scientific report from Environment and Climate Change Canada says.

At stake is just how bad that warming gets, said several scientists presenting the Canada’s Changing Climate Report in Ottawa Monday.

The report is the first in a series of scientific assessments the department is producing and the first that zeros in on the changes Canada is seeing as a result of global warming.

Based on the work of 43 federal and university-based scientists who reviewed published scientific literature over the last two years, the report is stark in its findings, says Elizabeth Bush, a climate-science adviser at Environment Canada.

“We are already seeing the effects of widespread warming in Canada,” said Bush. “It’s clear, the science supports the fact that adapting to climate change is an imperative. Urgent action

is needed to reduce emissions.”

The report says the average temperature in Canada is 1.7 C higher today than it was 70 years ago, while the average global temperature is up 0.8 C. The Canadian Arctic has been hit even harder, with a 2.3 C increase, creating a risk that by the middle of this century most marine regions in the Canadian North will be ice-free for at least a month at a time.

Warming is happening even faster in winter, with a 3.3 C average temperature increase between December and February, leaving southern Canadians with more winter rain and northern Canadians with melting permafrost and less sea ice.

More rain and less snow could have a significant impact on the availability of fresh water in parts of the country, particularly in the summer, the report notes.

Snow that accumulates but doesn’t melt until later in the year is effectively banked water.

Warmer winters also mean certain species that can’t survive our winters now will start to do so, bringing pests and diseases to Canada we aren’t used to seeing.

The report was conceived of four years ago, when the department’s in-house scientists wanted the information to go along with Canada’s annual reporting on its climate-changing emissions. But it is coming out the week the federal Liberals are rolling out the signature piece of their climate-change plan: a carbon tax in four provinces that have no equivalent policies of their own. It applies in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and New Brunswick.

Canada is aiming to cut its carbon-dioxide emissions by about 200 million tonnes by 2030 with policies like the carbon tax, phasing out coal power, and investing in public transit, green energy and building energy efficiencies. But the United Nations suggests Canada needs to cut emissions even more to prevent the worst climate-change impacts.

The scientists briefing journalists on the new report acknowledged the emissions cuts need to be global but also said cuts anywhere can have an impact on climate everywhere.

The report makes clear that the climate impacts we’re al-

DUNCAN C / FLICKR, CC BY-NC 2.0

ready seeing are going to stay with us for “centuries to millennia” even if we hit the emissions cuts believed necessary to slow warming to a more manageable pace.

Bush said, however, there are two vastly different pictures for Canada depending on whether the world makes significant progress towards cutting net greenhouse-gas emissions to zero by 2050.

The report shows if the world can do that, the average temperature increases in Canada by the end of the century will be less than 3 C even in the hard-

est-hit parts of the country.

But if the world keeps emitting at the same rate, most parts of Canada will see increases of between 7 C and 9 C, with the far reaches of the Arctic seeing temperature changes in excess of 11 C. “We are kind of at this fork in the road,” said Chris Derksen, an Environment Canada research scientist specializing in ice cover.

In the worse scenario, Canada will see 10 times as many deadly heat waves and twice as many extreme rainstorms, the report says. ■

B.C. receives two money laundering reports after reviews of real estate, cars THE CANADIAN PRESS VICTORIA — The British Columbia government is examining two reports on money laundering that it hopes will help stop the flow of dirty money through real estate, luxury cars and horse racing.

The province commissioned two reviews in September amid “widespread concern about B.C.’s reputation as a haven for money laundering,” it said in a news release.

The first report is by an expert panel on money laundering and it recommends rule changes that would close loopholes in the real estate market and increase transparency on who owns property in B.C. The other report is by former

RCMP deputy commissioner Peter German and focuses on potential links between criminal enterprises and the real estate, horse racing and luxury car industries. He was asked to look at these sectors after he concluded a review last June on money laundering in Lower Mainland casinos.

The government said it will review both reports before making them public later this spring.

Finance Minister Carole James said money laundering is a serious problem in B.C.’s real estate market.

“Our real estate market should be used for housing people, not for laundering the proceeds of crime. That’s why we asked our expert panel to review our rules and regulations, and to offer concrete actions

that we can take to clean up our real estate sector,” she said in a statement.

The Finance Ministry appointed the expert panel after two independent reports revealed the B.C. real estate market’s vulnerability to criminal activity and market manipulation, the government said in a release.

The panel, chaired by former deputy attorney general Maureen Maloney, reviewed public submissions, existing legislative frameworks, best practices in other jurisdictions and work that is underway by government.

German submitted his latest report to Attorney General David Eby. His review looked at potential links between real estate www.canadianinquirer.net

activity and criminal enterprises, the use of lawyers’ trust accounts to mask sources of funds in real estate transactions and money laundering in the construction industry, including abuse of builders’ liens, the government said.

German also looked at connections between organized crime and money laundering in the horse racing and luxury car industries, it said.

The province said work continues on addressing all remaining recommendations from German’s first report, including analyzing options to create dedicated policing resources for gambling and money laundering, creating a model for an independent regulator and clarifying the roles of the regulator and the BC Lottery Corp.

The government has already implemented 11 recommendations and new policies and procedures have significantly reduced large cash transactions in B.C. casinos, it said.

Eby told reporters in Victoria on Monday that he hopes to release German’s new report as soon as possible.

“We have to go through and make sure that we’re not inadvertently disclosing information that could compromise a law enforcement investigation, that we’re not inadvertently defaming someone,” he said.

“We’re doing that as quickly and as responsibly as we can, because one of the reasons we commissioned this report was so that the public would know what’s been happening in British Columbia.” ■

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Canada News

APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

Trudeau says sorry for sarcastic thank you comment to Indigenous protester

BY MIA RABSON The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who typically takes a more deferential, let’stalk approach when protesters get in his face, found himself delivering a rare and rapid apology Thursday for his sarcastic retort to an Indigenous heckler who interrupted his remarks during a high-end fundraising event.

Trudeau said he’s sorry for how he responded to the pre-

vious night’s protester, who unfurled a banner at the foot of the stage during a $1,500-aticket fundraiser in Toronto in an effort to draw attention to the impact of mercury poisoning in the northern Ontario community of Grassy Narrows First Nation.

“Thank you for your donation,” Trudeau told the woman as she was escorted out by security. “I really appreciate your donation to the Liberal Party of Canada.”

Others in the audience cheered the prime minister’s

dismissive remark, which was captured by cellphone cameras and quickly circulated on social media Wednesday night.

Less than 24 hours later, Trudeau sounded considerably more contrite.

“As I think you all know, from time to time I’m in situations where people are expressing concerns or protesting a particular thing, and I always try to be respectful and always try to engage with them in a positive way,” he said following an announcement in Halifax.

“That’s how I believe de-

mocracy should function, and I didn’t do that last night. Last night I lacked respect towards them and I apologize for that.”

Any funds that the protesters contributed in order to gain access to the event will be refunded, he added.

“They wanted to express their concerns about an issue and I do take that seriously and I apologize to them.”

Afterward, Trudeau bypassed his motorcade and walked directly into the midst of a fresh group of protesters gathered outside the venue in Halifax,

acknowledging their complaints and thanking them for sharing their concerns.

Indigenous people in Grassy Narrows, about 90 kilometres north of Kenora, Ont., have been contending for decades with chemical-waste mercury dumped into the English-Wabigoon river system throughout the 1960s and 1970s, poisoning fish and locals who rely on the river as a source of water and food.

The community hopes to ❱❱ PAGE 33 Trudeau says

Canada marks fifth anniversary of end of Afghanistan mission

BY TERESA WRIGHT The Canadian Press OTTAWA — When the Sept.

11 terror attacks hit the World Trade Centre towers in 2001, Anita Cenerini says her son, Thomas Welsh, knew right away he would likely be shipped off to war.

He had joined the Canadian Forces just one month prior, so his mother tried to reassure him.

“I was afraid for him and I said, ‘You don’t have to go. You just joined. You can back out,”‘ she recalled.

“He came up to me and he put his arms around me and he said, ‘Mom, they’re going to need me now more than ever.”‘ Welsh was trained and deployed as part of Operation Athena in August 2003, where he served as a C9 gunner. Less than three months after he returned to Canada, he took his own life.

His death on May 8, 2004, was the first death by suicide of a Canadian soldier after serving in the Afghan war.

Cenerini was named the 2018 National Silver Cross Mother and was in Ottawa on Sunday for a special ceremony at the National War Memorial marking the fifth anniversary of the end of Canada’s mission in Afghanistan.

Her voice was quiet as she tried to talk about her son without breaking into tears. Her eyes reflected the heavy heart of a newly grieving mother, despite the decade and a half that have passed since her son died.

Cenerini fought for years to have Welsh’s death recognized as being caused by his military service.

On Sunday, the invisible wounds of war were openly acknowledged by government and military officials who shared solemn words of remembrance.

Canada’s Chief of the Defence

Staff, General Jonathan Vance, said the country is still trying to learn how best to care for those who were wounded — physically and emotionally — during the war in Afghanistan.

“We cannot ever forget that warfare takes its toll and always will,” he said.

“This war took a physical toll on the dead and wounded and took a mental toll on many people left behind that may not appear wounded, but they are.”

Stephane Lauzon, parliamentary secretary to Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay, also acknowledged the toll the conflict continues to have for many.

A total of 158 Canadian Armed Forces and seven Canadian civilians were killed in the conflict and more than 40,000 Canadians in uniform served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014.

“They cannot and will not be forgotten, nor can the thousands who left with physical

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DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL DEFENCE / FACEBOOK

and psychological injuries. For those who returned home with injury and for those who continue to struggle with those injuries, we will continue to improve our support and services for you,” Lauzon said.

“Whether the injury be physical or mental, we will be there for you.”

Cenerini said she feels humbled by the sacrifices of so many families who lost loved ones

and is grateful to have their lives honoured at the National War Memorial — a physical place where she says remembering them is profound.

Her son’s courage brings her strength, she said, even when it comes with deep sadness.

“That’s the most important story, that when Thomas could have said no, he didn’t. He said yes. And I think that’s all that really matters,” she said. ■

Canada News

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

Feds promise $2.5 billion to N.L. over 38 years with reviewed Atlantic Accord

BY HOLLY MCKENZIE-SUTTER The Canadian Press ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Newfoundland and Labrador will receive $2.5 billion from Ottawa over 38 years from the newly reviewed Atlantic Accord, a crucial federal-provincial agreement on offshore resource revenues.

Premier Dwight Ball and federal cabinet minister Seamus O’Regan were in St. John’s on Monday to announce the deal that will direct funds from Ottawa’s share in the Hibernia offshore oil field to the province.

About 60 per cent of the money will come in the first decade.

The review was to assess the extent to which Newfoundland and Labrador has reaped majority benefit from its offshore resources — a lucrative industry for the cash-strapped province.

The announcement comes days after Ball said he will call a provincial election before summer. The second-term hopeful presented the deal on Monday as an historic achievement, announced on the 70th anniversary of Newfoundland and Labrador’s confederation with Canada.

“I would also give anything to see the look on the faces of those who championed confederation in the 1940s. If they could only see … the significant benefits that would be coming our way to our province 70 years later,” Ball said.

“The agreement we have achieved makes me just as proud to be a Canadian as I am proud to be a Newfoundlander and Labradorian.”

The province has received about $23 billion in royalty revenues since the first version of the Atlantic Accord was signed in 1985.

Ball has called the Atlantic Accord a top priority for his government, saying it was a focus of discussions with Ottawa this winter as the 2005 agreement had to be reviewed by April 2019.

Also wrapped into the deal is a formal agreement for the two governments to discuss financially restructuring the vastly over-budget Muskrat Falls hydroelectric project in order to minimize its impact on ratepayers’ power bills.

Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau will meet Ball in St. John’s on Friday to discuss Muskrat Falls, but Ball and O’Regan offered few details on the federal government’s possible role in mitigating the impact of the expensive Labrador dam.

O’Regan echoed Ball’s comments that the deal speaks to the strength of a confederation that works together, but he also cautioned that the “guaranteed stream of revenue” will not solve all the province’s financial woes.

“This agreement is a solid step in the right direction but I’ll be frank, the Hibernia dividend on its own does not solve the economic realities facing our province. It’s not a cure-all,” O’Regan said.

The revised accord also includes an agreement to “strengthen joint management” of offshore resources and marine conservation, and to conclude discussions on worker safety and regulatory efficiency within two years.

It also establishes a mechanism of arbitration for disputes between the two governments related to the agreement.

Ball announced last year that he plans to double the province’s offshore oil production by 2030.

In the provincial legislature on Monday, Ball presented the revised Atlantic Accord as a better deal for the province than the federal loan guarantee negotiated by the former Tory government, which gave the Muskrat Falls project a green light.

The now-infamous Labrador dam is currently the subject of a provincial inquiry into its multi-billion dollar cost overruns.

Ball was grilled in question period on the secretive nature of the negotiations, with Progressive Conservative Leader Ches Crosbie asking whether Ball would disclose the analyses behind the final revisions.

Ball asserted “the agreement will speak for itself.”

Stephen Tomblin, a retired professor of political science at Memorial University of Newfoundland, said Ball’s framing of the announcement smacks of rhetoric of premiers past, like former Tory leader Danny Williams — suggesting little has changed since the Muskrat Falls project, with discussions happening behind closed doors with no public input.

“This kind of, ‘Trust me, we got a good deal, we did the very best we could for the province,’ that may be the case. But obviously there’s a very clear interest, and a political interest and there hasn’t been an opportunity for anybody to raise other questions,” Tomblin said.

“The premier has not gone out of his way in order to go beyond or learn from the problems of the Muskrat Falls project to open this up.” ■

17

Pope defends decision to keep French cardinal after coverup

BY NICOLE WINFIELD The Associated Press POPE FRANCIS defended his decision to reject French Cardinal Philippe Barbarin’s resignation after he was convicted of covering up for a predator priest, saying Sunday the appeals process must run its course before a final decision is made.

Francis also explained why he rejected proposals by U.S. bishops to respond to the sex abuse scandal there, saying they neglected the spiritual dimension required for a true reform.

The pope referred to both cases during an in-flight news conference en route home Sunday from Morocco.

Francis’ papacy has been thrown into turmoil by the eruption of the scandal on multiple continents and his own handling of cases at the Vatican. Currently, two of his cardinals — Barbarin and Australian Cardinal George Pell — have criminal abuse-related convictions hanging over them, though both are appealing.

Asked Sunday about Barbarin, Francis said the archbishop of Lyon was entitled

to the presumption of innocence as long as the case remained open.

“He has appealed, so the case is open.

After the second tribunal decides, we’ll see what happens,” he said.

Francis said that presumption of innocence was necessary to guard against a “superficial media condemnation.”

Barbarin offered his resignation to Francis last month after a court in Lyon gave him a six-month suspended sentence for failing to report the Rev. Bernard Preynat to civil authorities when he learned of his abuse. Preynat, who is scheduled to be tried on sexual violence charges next year, confessed to abusing Boy Scouts in the 1970s and 1980s. His victims accuse Barbarin and other church authorities of covering up for him for years.

After Francis declined to accept the resignation, Barbarin decided to take a leave and turned over the day-to-day management of the archdiocese to his deputy.

In the news conference, Francis also defended his tendency to blame the devil for the abuse scandal, saying the crisis ❱❱ PAGE 19 Pope defends

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World News

18

APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

Government pushes China for canola evidence, mulling aid for farmers

BY MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Canadian Press OTTAWA – The federal government says it is considering subsidizing farmers hit by China’s $2-billion ban on Canadian canola imports, and is pushing the People’s Republic to prove recent shipments were in fact contaminated.

Two federal cabinet ministers and a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday the government is looking at financial options to help farmers.

“I am doing a review of the different tools we have in terms of financing support for our farmers,” Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau told The Canadian Press in Saskatchewan, where she joined International Trade Minister Jim Carr in meetings with canola industry representatives.

Bibeau also said the Canadian Food Inspection Agency is hav-

ing “ongoing conversations” with Chinese customs officials that are “based on science” in order to validate China’s claim it found hazardous organisms in the recent shipments of two major canola exporters, Richardson International Ltd. and Viterra, Inc. “We are asking them to show us evidence of the pests that they said they have found in our shipments,” Bibeau said, adding that a second Canadian analysis of the returned samples came up empty.

“We still haven’t found any irregularities in these shipments, so we are asking for evidence.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said the federal cabinet is seized with helping canola farmers, and she’s had conversations with Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale of Saskatchewan, where half of Canada’s canola is produced.

Bibeau and Carr are leading the effort, she said, and “they have the very strong support

Pandit Mahadeva

403 909 6993 W h i tef ield D r N E , Ca lg a r y

of all of the cabinet in this, and are working on a broader plan to support our canola farmers.”

Earlier Friday, Conservative MPs on the House of Commons agriculture committee failed in their attempt to persuade the Liberal majority to compel Carr, Bibeau and Freeland to testify. The Conservatives wanted the ministers to address what they say is a broader political crisis with China that’s affecting the livelihoods of Canadian farmers.

The Liberal majority rejected the motion, angering the Conservatives, who also directed plenty towards China.

NDP agriculture critic Alistair MacGregor said the Liberals should have allowed the ministers to speak at the committee so Canadians could learn about the government’s contingency plan.

“Our canola producers should not pay the price for Liberals mishandling the dispute with China,” he said.

China’s decision to ban $2 billion worth of Canadian exports is widely seen as retaliation for Canada’s arrest of Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the founder of telecom giant Huawei, at the behest of the United States.

“To claim the canola sent to China didn’t meet quality standards is completely absurd,” said Tory MP Luc Berthold.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce said China’s decision has no basis in scientific fact.

Mark Agnew, senior director of international policy for the www.canadianinquirer.net

chamber, said he trusts the assessments by Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency that Canada’s crop is safe.

Agnew stopped short of linking the arrest with the canola issue.

“When you look at the numbers the canola industry has put out, there’s a massive market here that looks like it’s being shut off for Canadian canola exporters,” Agnew said Friday in an interview.

“We trust what Health Canada and CFIA say about the safety of Canadian exports. It’s quite easy to see there’s not a science-based justification for what China is doing to Canadian canola exports.”

China was infuriated by Meng’s Dec. 1 arrest on a U.S. extradition warrant alleging fraud.

Nine days after Meng’s arrest, China imprisoned two Canadians – ex-diplomat Michael Kovrig and the entrepreneur Michael Spavor – and accused them of violating China’s national security.

China is the recipient of about 40 per cent of Canada’s exports of canola seed and the only country to raise a technical issue with the product.

The Canadian canola industry is urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to press China for solutions.

Canadian farmers say China’s ban has created uncertainty ahead of the spring planting season. Along with the Canola Council of Canada, they are calling on the government to

send a delegation to China to address the issue.

Earlier this week, Trudeau mentioned the possibility of sending a delegation to China, as he defended the quality control of the product as “topnotch and world-class.”

Asked Friday, if subsidizing farmers was a possibility, Trudeau’s spokeswoman Chantal Gagnon said: “We are working with farmers, companies, and various levels of government to support the industry through a difficult time, and we are looking at all options.”

Saskatchewan Conservative MP Randy Hoback said the cabinet ministers need to provide “comfort” to farmers that they will have a market to sell to this fall.

Hoback warned that unless the government can repair the damaged relationship with China, other sectors could be vulnerable to retaliation, including maple syrup or seafood.

Earlier this week, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said China’s actions on canola were “scientific and reasonable.”

Without mentioning Huawei directly, Geng said China hopes Canada can “get along with us to ensure the sound and steady development of China-Canada relations.”

Geng said Canada should “take practical measures to correct the mistakes it made earlier” in the bilateral relationship. ■ with files from Stephanie Taylor is Saskatchewan

World News

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

Trudeau says... ❰❰ 14

Wilson-Raybould maintains she was moved out of the justice portfolio in a mid-January cabinet shuffle as punishment for refusing to comply.

Last week, she released a surreptitiously recorded audio of a phone conversation with Privy Council clerk Wernick, the country’s top bureaucrat, as part of additional evidence to bolster her claim of improper pressure. But that too seemed to backfire, galvanizing Liberal MPs in the belief that she could no longer be trusted.

“If a politician secretly records a conversation with anyone, it’s wrong,” Trudeau said in explaining Wilson-Raybould’s expulsion. “When that politician is a cabinet minister secretly recording a public servant, it’s wrong. And when that cabinet minister is the attorney general of Canada, secretly recording the clerk of the Privy Council, it’s unconscionable.”

In the call, Wernick repeatedly asked Wilson-Raybould why she was not using all the tools at her disposal on the SNC-Laval-

19

Pope defends... in case. She pushed back, saying she would not override the decision of the director of public prosecutions.

Wernick told her Trudeau was “quite determined” on the matter and would likely “find a way to get it done one way or another.”

NDP MP Jenny Kwan said Trudeau’s move Tuesday was an extension of that attitude — he’d decided he was going to get his way and threw two unco-operative women under the bus, she said.

In her appeal to her caucusmates, Wilson-Raybould did not mention the secret recording.

She argued that she rejected the prime minister’s pressure on SNC-Lavalin because she was standing up for Liberal values.

“I know many of you are angry, hurt, and frustrated. And frankly so am I, and I can only speak for myself,” Wilson-Raybould wrote. “I am angry, hurt, and frustrated because I feel and believe I was upholding the values that we all committed to. In giving the advice I did, and taking the steps I did, I was trying to help protect the prime

minister and the government from a horrible mess.

“I am not the one who tried to interfere in sensitive proceedings, I am not the one who made it public, and I am not the one who publicly denied what happened. But I am not going to go over all of the details here again. Enough has been said.”

Liberal MPs dismissed the letter as “too little, too late,” as Toronto MP Judy Sgro put it.

Oliphant acknowledged that ejecting two prominent former cabinet ministers — both women, one a prominent Indigenous leader before she ran for Parliament — will mean the party has to work on public perceptions of its commitments to equality and reconciliation.

Trudeau will have to begin that immediately. His schedule Wednesday includes a speech before Daughters of the Vote, which takes 338 young women to Ottawa to promote their involvement in politics. It's followed by an appearance at a meeting of a committee of leaders working on Inuit-Crown relations. ■

❰❰ 17

is of such magnitude and scale of filth that it cannot be understood without referencing the “mystery of evil.”

“It’s not washing your hands (of the problem) to say the devil did it,” Francis said. “We have to do battle with the devil. Just as we have to battle human things.”

Francis explained that it was precisely the spiritual dimension of the scandal that he asked U.S. bishops to reflect on when he sent them on spiritual retreats at the beginning of the year. The U.S. church hierarchy has suffered a credibility crisis over its repeated failures to protect children from predator priests, as evidenced by the Pennsylvania grand jury report and the scandal over ex-Cardinal Theodore McCarrick, found guilty by the Vatican of sexually abusing minors and adults.

At their November general meeting, the U.S. bishops had planned to vote on proposals to hold themselves accountable for sexual misconduct or negligence in handling abuse cases. But the Vatican blocked them from taking

up the measures, which included a third-party confidential reporting system and a code of conduct.

“The proposals were too much about organization, about methodology,” Francis said Sunday. “But they had neglected this second, spiritual dimension.”

The head of the U.S. bishops’ conference, Houston Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, stunned the bishops when he opened the assembly Nov. 12 by announcing that “at the insistence of the Holy See” the bishops wouldn’t be voting on the measures after all. He said the Vatican wanted them to delay a vote until after Francis’ February abuse summit.

The Associated Press later reported that the Vatican had demanded the delay because the U.S. conference had waited until four days before the meeting began to share the legally problematic proposals with the Holy See. A letter from the head of the Vatican’s bishops’ office said the proposals required further consultation before they could be approved.

The U.S. bishops are expected to take up the revised proposals at their June meeting. ■

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So why not level this up by bringing it on the road too? After all, the 2019 Ford Escape is designed to make life easier. This five-seater is one smart sport utility vehicle (SUV), armed with an Intelligent Access with a push-button start system. No need to find that keyhole, for all you need is to have your key inside your vehicle to activate this system. But this is only one of the features that assists drivers when they get behind the wheel. An easier drive is not all about convenience, it also means a safe driving experience.

This is why the 2019 Ford Escape comes with the Safe & Smart Package. It includes the SYNC® 3, SYNC® Connect with a Wi-Fi Hotspot, powered by FordPass™, BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert, Lane-Keeping System, Adaptive Cruise.

Control and Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support and Enhanced Active Park Assist are great features to have. Controls are also part of the convenience pack that this car offers. Handling control comes with AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™, Curve Control, and Torque Vectoring Control. When it comes to added tractions, this car is equipped with the intelligent fourwheel drive, two Class II Trailer Tow Packages (one with the 1.5L EcoBoost® engine that provides a max tow rating of 2,000 lbs. (907 kg) and a 2.0L EcoBoost® engine with a max tow rating of up to 3,500 lbs.

(1,587 kg). More than this package, Escape also gives its drivers some add-ons for an enhanced driving experience. It’s Panoramic Vista Roof® allows passengers to enjoy natural light and the heated steering wheel keeps your hands warm on the coldest days. The Voice-Activated Touchscreen Navigation System not only aids in navigation but also for your entertainment choices. This four-wheeler not only has all that matters for drivers to take the road the smart way, but also offers great convenience on cargo capacity. Just by folding both rear back seats, a total of 68 cu. ft. can make more room for luggage, perfect for that much-awaited trip, or perhaps one more passenger.

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20

World News

APRIL 5, 2019

US struggling with growing number of asylum seekers

BY COLLEEN LONG The Associated Press WASHINGTON – Border officials are aiming to more than quadruple the number of asylum seekers sent back over the southern border each day, a major expansion of a top government effort to address the swelling number of Central Americans arriving in the country, a Trump administration official said Saturday.

It was the latest attempt to ease a straining immigration system that officials say is at the breaking point. Hundreds of officers who usually screen cargo and vehicles at ports of entry were reassigned to help manage migrants. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen asked for volunteers from nonimmigration agencies within her department, sent a letter to Congress late this past week requesting resources and broader authority to deport families faster, and she met with Central American and Mexican officials.

The efforts are being made while President Donald Trump is doubling down on threats to shutter the U.S.-Mexico border entirely, a move that would have serious economic repercussions for both the U.S. and Mexico but wouldn’t stop migrants from crossing between ports. His administration also announced it was cutting aid to the Central American countries home to most of the migrants.

Right now, about 60 asylum seekers a day are returned to Mexico at the San Ysidro, Calexico and El Paso ports to wait out their cases, the official said. They are allowed to return to the U.S. for court dates. The plan was announced Jan. 29, partially to deter false claimants from coming across the border. With a backlog of more than 700,000 immigration cases, asylum seekers can wait years for their cases to progress, and officials say some people game the system in order to live in the U.S. Officials hope to have as many as 300 people returned per day by the end of the week, focusing particularly on those who come in between ports of entry, said

Barnier says chaotic Brexit becomes ever more likely

BY ZEYNEP BILGINSOY AND SUZAN FRASER The Associated Press

THOMAS HAWK / FLICKR, CC BY-NC 2.0

the official, who had knowledge of the plans but was unauthorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.

But the process so far has been slow-going, and such a sizeable increase may be difficult to achieve. The plan has already been marred by confusion, scheduling glitches and an inability by some attorneys to reach their clients. In San Ysidro alone, Mexico had been prepared to accept up to 120 asylum seekers per week, but for the first six weeks only 40 people per week were returned.

Plus, U.S. officials must check if asylum seekers have any felony convictions and notify Mexico at least 12 hours before they are returned. Those who cross illegally must have come as single adults, though the administration is in talks with the Mexican government to include families. Children are not returned.

Homeland Security officials have been grappling with an ever-growing number of Central American children and families coming over the border. Arrests soared in February to a 12-year-high and more than half of those stopped arrived as families, many of them asylum seekers who generally turn themselves in instead of trying to elude capture. Guatemala and Honduras have replaced Mexico as the top countries, a remarkable shift from only a few years ago. Migrants from Central America cannot be easily deported, unlike people crossing from Mexico.

Mexico has been treading lightly on the subject. After Trump lashed out, saying Mexico and the Central American nations were “doing nothing” about illegal immigration, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said his country would do everything it could to help to maintain a “very respectful relationship” with the U.S. government and Trump.

Meanwhile, Nielsen sent a letter to the heads of other agencies within her sprawling, 240,000-person department, asking for volunteers to help with border duties. And she wrote to Congress asking for more temporary facilities to process people, more detention space, and the ability to detain families indefinitely and to deport unaccompanied minors from Central America. While children from Mexico can be returned over the border, laws prohibit deportation to other countries.

Democratic congressional leaders expressed deep concern, saying the administration wanted to revive “horrific” and “immoral” plans, noting its failed hardline border policies have created “senseless heartbreak and horror.”

“Democrats reject any effort to let the administration deport little children, and we reject all anti-immigrant and anti-family attacks from this President,” House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a statement. ■ Associated Press Writer Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report. www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

BRUSSELS — EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier warned Tuesday that Britain’s disorderly exit from the European Union is becoming more likely by the day unless the U.K. drastically changes its spiraling course toward a no-deal Brexit.

“As things stand now, the nodeal option looks likely, I have to tell you the truth,” Barnier told European legislators.

Despite the downbeat assessment, Barnier said “we can still hope to avoid it” through intensive work in London ahead of an April 10 EU summit. A nodeal Brexit could come as soon two days after that.

“We still have a little bit of patience,” Barnier said, but urged British legislators and the government to take a more realistic approach as soon as possible.

Exiting without a deal in place would jeopardize trade and travel overnight, with new checks on borders and new regulations on dealings between Britain and the 27 remaining EU nations.

He warned that though the EU is prepared for a chaotic exit, challenges remain. “Being prepared for no deal does not mean that there will be no disruption,” he said.

“Not everything will be smooth, there will be problems.

Being prepared means that all unforeseen problems should be manageable on the EU side,” Barnier said.

The EU had negotiated a long transition period with British Prime Minister Theresa May, but it was linked to the overall agreement that the U.K. parliament has rejected up to now.

“There is no transition if there is no deal,” Barnier warned.

Barnier insisted the EU would not renegotiate the 585page withdrawal agreement but said he was willing to open up the political declaration that came with the legal text.

“If the U.K. so wishes, we are ready to rework the political

declaration as long as the fundamental principles of the EU are respected,” he said.

In Britain, political chaos continued to reign.

With just 11 days until the U.K. must come up with a new plan or crash out of the bloc in chaos, the House of Commons on Monday threw out four options designed to replace May’s thrice-rejected Brexit deal — though in some cases it was close.

That vote result left May’s Conservative government facing difficult and risky choices. It can gamble on a fourth attempt to push the deal through Parliament, let Britain tumble out of the bloc without a deal, or roll the dice by seeking a snap election to shake up Parliament.

May has summoned her Cabinet for a marathon session as the government tries to find a way out of the crisis. The Cabinet is scheduled to meet for five hours Tuesday amid calls for compromise to prevent a potentially devastating no-deal exit.

The government is pushing for a fourth vote on May’s deal, with Education Secretary Damian Hinds saying the agreement already represents a compromise in the Brexit debate.

“The deal is a deal which can appeal both to people who voted leave and to people who voted remain,” he told the BBC. The alternative plan that got the most support in Parliament on Monday was a proposal for a customs union, which failed by just three votes. That rejection may be seen positively by May’s camp, which will discuss bringing the matter back to Parliament in the Cabinet session, said Anand Menon, a political analyst.

“The mood will be relatively upbeat at that because the government will still think it’s in with a chance of winning it’s meaningful vote,” Menon told The Associated Press. “Now I think they might be able to hold it together because actually Parliament isn’t threatening them with something that might divide them.” ■

World News

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

21

Air is so dirty in northern Thailand, leader flies to see it

BY KAWEEWIT KAEWJINDA AND TASSANEE VEJPONGSA The Associated Press BANGKOK — The air hanging over Thailand’s far north has become so polluted, the prime minister went Tuesday to see in person what’s been called a severe health crisis.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha arrived by helicopter at an army base in Chiang Mai, a city that’s a popular tourist destination where seasonal haze has been unusually bad and prolonged this year.

Usually the pollution has been blamed on the burning of forests in neighbouring Myanmar. Adding to the problem this year are wildfires caused by a drier-than-usual dry season as well as Thai farmers and hunters clearing land.

Prayuth handed out firefighting supplies like hoes and told local military personnel and firefighters that he travelled to Chiang Mai because he wanted

to show his support. He’ll later meet with local officials to discuss budgets and other issues related to combatting the smog.

Standard measurements of Chiang Mai’s air quality have soared way in the danger zone and remained there for many weeks. Once such measurement, PM2.5, refers to airborne fine particulates 2.5 microns or less in diameter that are small enough to be sucked deep into the lungs and enter the bloodstream. High PM2.5 levels indicate pollution that is severe enough to cause respiratory problems and that over time may raise risks of cardiovascular disease and cancers.

Thailand’s official safety limit is 50 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter of air, higher than that suggested by the United Nations.

In recent weeks in the north, the levels have regularly been reaching four to six times the Thai safety limit, and in one case peaked at 700 mcg.

Local news reports have described efforts to get face masks

to Chiang Mai residents that are capable of filtering out PM2.5 matter. A school posted photos of air cleaners installed in the building. Broadcaster Thai PBS reported Monday that officials expect foreign tourists to continue travelling there but worry domestic tourists may avoid the north during Thailand’s new year holidays in mid-April.

Khuanchai Supparatpinyo, director of the Research Institute of Health Sciences at Chiang Mai University, told The Associated Press that Chiang Mai province has for over a decade has endured an annual phenomenon its locals dub “dust season.”

The city, popular with tourists, is especially vulnerable because it is surrounded by mountains that trap the pollution.

The smog that usually hits from February to March accumulates due to Chiang Mai city’s vehicular traffic, agricultural burning and forest fires.

Khuanchai said in recent years, “dust season” can last up to five months due to worsen-

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha. ประยุทธ์ จันทร์โอชา PRAYUT CHAN-O-CHA / FACEBOOK

ing conditions such as drier air and industrial farming.

In January, more than 400 schools in the capital, Bangkok, were shut for a week when the PM2.5 level was around 70 to 120 mcg. Bangkok’s governor responded by declaring the city a “pollution control zone,” allowing measures such as road

closings and limits on diesel exhaust, outdoor burning and construction activities.

Air quality in Bangkok, Thailand’s largest city, has been mostly measured at moderate levels since then, a concern mainly for people with sensitivities such as existing lung conditions. ■

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APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS

Brian Vidal: Crossing the path of the unknown

BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. MANALAYSAY Philippine Canadian Inquirer SOME PEOPLE say that one must have a clear vision of the path they want to walk on; with ideas and aspirations neatly aligned as guide. However, this was not exactly how life welcomed Brian Vidal when he started his multi-step journey to the unknown.

A lawyer by choice and profession – one might think that he has everything in his life assembled right in front of him, filled with law readings and practice – just for him to walk through. That, however, spells ‘wrong’ as he shares his story to Philippine Canadian Inquirer (PCI).

“I am the most atypical lawyer you would speak to. If you find a lawyer, you wouldn’t think they went through the same things I did.”

Let us take a recess from all these legalities to stop briefly and appreciate life’s bump, turns, and vagueness through Brian’s story.

Brought the Canadian road

Unlike Filipinos who took a risk by relaying their lives’ opportunities to a plane ticket to Canada, Brian’s life started in the country. Literally.

He considers himself as a “second-generation Filipino” being born in Canada; currently residing in Montreal, Quebec.

As early as 1977, his mom already made her way to Canada all the way from Iloilo.

“But my mom when she was 18, on the unusual setup she was at home and went to Manila to study Nursing. At a young age she was more adventurous I guess than the rest of the siblings in that sense and came to Canada on her own. Back then the world was very different; like in the 70s.”

Just like what happens for all the places that time touch, life in Canada back in the 70s compared to today were poles apart. Apparently ‘hitchhiking’ was a thing in the 70s – a passed down story from Brian’s mom who enjoyed the luxury of free rides from strangers on the way to work back then.

As for his dad who was also

from Iloilo, the older Vidal found himself stepping in Canada a few years after his then girlfriend migrated. This was in 1982.

For a few years, Brian said his parents had a long distance relationship, which he considered a feat for an age where only delayed hand-written letters connected people from opposite sides of the world.

However, apart from the struggles of maintaining such relationship, he said that more than that, his parents, particularly his father, experienced difficulty in landing a job that was related to what he practiced.

“My mom was lucky enough because back then especially with the standards of nursing – being what they are in the Philippines, she was able to find a nursing job. [There was] no problem. It was my dad who had more of difficulty. He studied Philosophy and he was working for the government for a bit when he was in the Philippines. But here (in Canada), typical story of being a factory worker; being a manual laborer until he retired.”

The 33-year old cited that Canada often does not recognize the fixed set of education one has attained in the sense that, he knew a bunch of lawyers and doctors in other countries who had to start from scratch.

“You have lawyers who are mopping floors, which isn’t something bad in itself but I mean that’s not what you studied, right? [But] that’s a difficulty.”

Back in mid-90s in the middle of globalization, Brian said Montreal was offering a lot of manufacturing jobs. At the same time, he talked about how his dad lost jobs a couple of times amidst this.

“My dad had a difficult time of having to jump from job to job and that affected him mentally. You could tell he went through a couple bouts of being depressed. Like how are you gonna provide for your family?”

Brian said that as more Filipinas became nurses all over the globe, most Filipino men were given different kinds of jobs, but were not being paid as much. Just to add more salt to the wound, culturally speaking,

society still deems men to provide for the family.

“For better or for worse, that’s how they feel. So my dad, when he lost his job a couple of times, we also had hard times too because of a single-parent income. You have expenses to pay, a mortgage to pay, you have school supplies and stuff to pay, and you need clothes.”

While thankful that their stomachs were never empty, Brian said that there came a time that they had to eat sardines everyday. And though not a “crazy rich Asian,” he is also thankful for the lifestyle as this is what honed him into who he is now.

As a “second-generation Filipino,” Brian spent most of his life in Canada, but that did not hinder him from getting to know the land where his Filipino blood came from.

Way back to Philippines

If two words could describe how a visit to the Philippines welcomed Brian, it would be “culturally shocking.”

“Back in 2001, that’s when I was old enough to really understand. I was 16 around that age.

That was the first time I really had a big cultural shock … being in a third world country to be that close to poverty.”

Brian dug his memories of the urban jungle of Manila – riding the jeepney amid the fare-passing of unknown hands and observing the passengers you are with as you stay seated.

“You see this… maybe she’s 14 maybe she’s 16 years old. She’s pregnant and she’s trying to sell rice with a basket on top of her head. That’s not a scene you usually see back here in Canada. So it hit me. But then the more you keep coming back to the country, you slowly understand that people’s perception of happiness is different.”

Partnered with the hardships that his parents faced to send him and his brother to great educational institutions, Brian really faced a lot of realizations.

However, he also values balance among anything.

“I’ve been around a lot of wealthy people. I’ve been around so many spoiled persons… people who have not experienced hardship first hand – who have everything handed www.canadianinquirer.net

SUPPLIED

to them.”

He said that some families tend to compensate their absence in the form of material things and for him, when he one day heads his own family, he would not want to commit the same error.

“I don’t want my kids to starve. But I don’t necessarily want my kids to have it easy. I want them to understand the value of work, the value of money. I want them to understand that things don’t come easy. I want them to work hard and earn. I want them to appreciate what they have. I think that is one thing that people are lacking – appreciation.”

These realizations, Brian did not know at first, would be the keys to the next path he will be taking.

Exploration of the realms of the self

Identity is defined by Google as “the fact of being who or what a person or thing is.” It is a word of the norm which bears a deep meaning and a huge relevance for one’s self. Brian’s journey as both a Filipino and a Canadian, along with the financial challenges is nowhere near a walk in a park.

“I think this was an issue growing up that has been haunting me for a long time up until I recently came to the terms with it myself.”

It was a deeper adventure that stemmed from all the mental streets that Brian stopped on and all the signs he followed and neglected.

While some immigrants dealt with the struggle of being the only “brown guy” in a sea of “white people,” this was not the case with Brian – especially that Montreal, he said, was a place where different races met.

However, growing up, a part of him felt lost and felt that he did not belong.

“Growing up I had that difficulty where… you’re like ‘how do I fit in?’ Especially I live in a French-speaking province. So fact is, you speak one language inside the house and one language outside the house.”

He also shared that his parents decided to not teach him Tagalog as they feared that he would have trouble with blending in especially with a foreign accent, as the stigma on how people sound remains up to this day. He believes that it is in the good intention of his parents and for that he is grateful, but…

“On the other side, that made me have difficulties with my own identity as well because around Filipinos, you don’t feel Filipino enough. People are talking to you in general and you are in a crowded room and you feel alone. And so when you ❱❱ PAGE 38 Brian Vidal

23

Entertainment Jonas Gaffud bids Aces and Queens goodbye

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer TALENT MANAGER Jonas Gaffud, dubbed as “The Queen Maker” surprised Philippine pageant fans after announcing his departure from beauty camp Aces and Queens last Monday, April 1.

Known to his trainees as “Mama J,” Jonas has been in the industry for the past 18 years and founded Aces and Queens. In a Facebook post, he explains, “When my friends and I founded Aces and Queens, our intention was to prepare young women to be queens for national and international pageants. Our group

got bigger, as the number of girls we train or who asked to be trained by us, also grew. And we have trained them with passion, love and dedication without asking anything in return.

Though we have permanent jobs, our only reward was to see them grow as persons, and bring honor to our country. We never knew it would be this big.”

Jonas and his team are responsible for the success of international pageant winners like Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza, and Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

In his post, he continues to explain that he is leaving to focus on other endeavors, “As

Jonas Gaffud with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach and her wax figure. @JONASEMPIRE.PH / INSTAGRAM

much as I would love to continue training girls as head of

Many years later, Angel Locsin receives apology from ex-high school bully

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer SO MANY years have passed and so many things have changed and happened but this former high school bully still remembers what he had done before to one of today’s soughtafter actresses in the country — and he is sorry for it.

Kapamilya actress Angel Locsin on Friday, March 29, shared on her Instagram story a message she unexpectedly received from her schoolmate who used to bully her back when they were still in high school.

Through a direct message on Instagram, Angel’s former schoolmate, whose identity was not revealed, told her, “Hi Angel, you probably don’t remember me but I used to not like you in USTHS (University of Sto. Tomas High School). I remember I bullied you before (when there was such thing as ‘kabogan‘).”

He went on saying, “I want to say sorry. I am also not a fan, however, I want you to know (while I am watching your movies in Netflix) that I am extremely amazed by how good an actress you are! Congratulation on how you have become a very good actress! I can probably say that perhaps, I am a fan now!

Again, I apologized for the behavior I did to you.”

Not having hard feelings towards her schoolmate anymore, Angel gladly accepted his apology and even said sorry to him for whatever she had done that caused him to dislike her.

“Hello! Mga bata pa tayo nun (We are still young at that time) hehe Your message made me smile. Salamat. Pasensya na rin kung may nagawa ako para hindi mo ako magustuhan. Sabi nga nila, it takes two to tango.

So ayun pasensya na. Ingat lagi (Thank you. I’m also sorry if I have done something that made you hate me. As they say, it takes two to tango. So there.

I’m sorry. Take care always)!”

Angel replied.

As the actress posted their exchange in her story, Angel also encouraged everyone out there who might have done something wrong to someone to do the same thing her schoolmate did.

“At some point in our lives, we’ve all been bullied, and we’ve all been bullies. But as a wise Beatle once wrote, ‘Life is very short, and there’s no time for fussing and fighting my friend,'” she wrote, continuing, “So, if you have the chance to apologize to someone you’ve hurt, take it. And if someone asks for your forgiveness, give it to them. In either case, if your efforts are sincere, you’ll never regret it.”

Tagged as the country’s “Action-Drama Queen,” Angel is currently starring in a Kapamilya television series “The General’s Daughter,” playing the role of 2nd Lieutenant Rhian Bonifacio. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Aces and Queens, I believe it is time for me to leave the group

to pursue other endeavors. As such, I will focus on developing and sustaining advocacies which are close to our hearts: education of children, and raising funds for their causes, LGBTQIA rights & awareness, tourism for the Philippines and women empowerment,” concluding, “Let’s support our queens. We are Team Philippines after all. Mabuhay and maraming salamat.”

Other than Aces and Queens, Jonas is the head of Empire PH, which is a lifestyle, beauty, and wellness channel that features workshops on personality development, dance, acting, and pageantry. He is also the owner of Mercator Artist and Model Management. ■

Bianca Umali is now officially a senior high graduate

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer NINETEEN-YEAR-OLD Kapuso actress Bianca Umali celebrates getting her diploma from Veritas Catholic School in Parañaque City last Thursday, March 28.

In a photo posted on her Instagram, Bianca is seen wearing her graduation cap and gown dedicating her commencement to her paternal grandmother, who she calls her “superhero.”

She lost her parents at a young age – her mother at the age of five and her father at the age of ten.

Amidst receiving her diploma, Bianca was also recently granted her biggest role yet as the main character in television drama series “Sahaya,” where she portrays a Badjao girl. Because of this professional achievement, she is currently putting furthering her studies on hold.

When talking about her character, Sahaya, Bianca elaborates, “We want to raise awareness and

educate viewers as to who the Badjao people are. I’m amazed by the simplicity with which they live their lives. They treasure the little things they have and will fight for their culture.”

She adds, “I have always been drawn to the water, that’s why I have a personal connection with my character, who loves the sea and gets life from it.”

To fulfill the role, she said that “does [her] own research,” explaining, “I studied their language and their dance; how they dress, move and talk. I don’t want to just rely on the creative team—I want to treat the material with care.”

Last November 2018, the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP) asked the young actress where she sees herself in 10 years, to which she answers in a mix of English and Filipino, “That’s a hard question. Because what I learned is that life is unpredictable. It’s hard to say even what will happen tomorrow because it can change,” but adds, “Well, in 10 years, I’ll be 28? [I want to be] happy, blessed, fulfilled, and content.” ■

24

Entertainment

APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

Maine Mendoza awarded Vice Ganda gets as “Most Inspiring Celebrity” birthday message

by Barbie PH Manufacturer from PH’s president, vice president

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer IN HONOR of their 60th anniversary, Barbie Philippines recognizes Kapuso actress Maine Mendoza their “Most Inspiring Celebrity” for International Women’s day in collaboration with local manufacturer Richprime Global Inc. Mattel announced, “We proudly honor #MoreRoleModels than ever from around the globe in an effort to inspire more girls.”

Maine’s manager, Rams David, posted a photo of the actress accepting the award, captioned, “Thank you, Mattel and Richprime Global Inc., for this recognition and Congratulations Maine. Continue to be an inspiration to everyone.”

Various other Filipinas were recognized by the toy brand as well, namely “Most Inspiring Entrepreneur” Sta. Elena Construction President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alice Eduardo, “Most Inspiring Actress” ABS-CBN Chief Content Officer Charo Santos-Concio, “Most Inspiring Dermatologist and Cosmetic Surgeon Belo Medical Group medical director Dr. Victoria Gonzales BeloKho, “Most Inspiring Mayor” Taguig City Mayor Maria Laarni Lopez Cayetano, “Most Inspiring Senator” Senator Cynthia Aguilar Villar, “Most Inspiring Chef” Chef Jessie Restaurants president and CEO Chef Josefina Sincioco, “Most Inspiring

BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

@RAMDAVID86 / INSTAGRAM

Journalist” Nine Media Corp.

President and CNN Philippines owner Armie Jarin-Bennett, “Most Inspiring Adventurer: First Filipina to Complete Seven Summits” Philippine Coast Guard Lieutenant Junior Grade Carina Doyondon.

To award the recognized ladies and to celebrate the creation of Barbara Millicent Roberts, better known as Barbie, back in 1959, the brand threw a special event at the SM North EDSA The Block last weekend, complete with an all-girl dance

number and fashion show. In the words of Richprime Managing Director, who opened up the festivities, “Barbie has been a part of so many lives. She is the only brand that has the power to inspire the next generation.

Welcome to all the Barbie fans who are growing up believing in their limitless potential.” She continues, “Let’s continue to inspire girls in the Philippines just like the women we’re going to recognize here today,” referring to the phrase “You can be anything!” plastered at the venue. ■

IT IS not new for Vice Ganda to receive a surprise from his loved ones on his special day, but his birthday celebration this year takes surprise to a whole new level.

Celebrating his 42nd birthday on It’s Showtime, Vice Ganda was obviously shocked when a video of the vice president of the Republic of the Philippines, Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, flashed on the screen, greeting the comedian a happy birthday.

Sending her message from “one vice to another,” the Vice President told the comedian, “Dasal ko na mas maging maayos pa ang iyong kalusugan para mas mapasaya mo pa ang mas marami pa nating mga kababayan sa mas mahabang panahon (I wish you good health so that you could continue making more of our countrymen happy for a long time).”

The surprise of his It’s Showtime family, however, did not end there. The “unkabogable” Kapamilya star was seen even more ‘shookdt’ with his eyes widening and jaw-dropping when a video showing President Rodrigo Duterte appeared on screen which also drew loud screams from the audience.

The country’s Chief Execu-

tive, on his message, described the comedian as “Vice na walang kasing ganda (whose beauty is like no other),” who has made millions of Filipinos happy every single day by just watching his television programs.

“I wish you will succeed for more so many years, and that I pray to God that you live for a thousand years,” he told Vice Ganda, adding, “Maraming salamat sa tulong mo sa tao, pati sa akin, and ang sinasabi ko, sana tatagal ka (Thank you so much for helping the people, even me, and I hope that you live a long life).”

Reacting to their video messages, Vice Ganda wholeheartedly thanked the two highest-ranking officials in the Philippines who, despite their jam-packed schedules, was able to take out a few minutes of their time to greet him.

He also quipped, “Ang ganda ng sinabi niya (Duterte), ‘sana magtagal ka pa.’ Hindi ko alam kung nagwi-wish siya o pinagbabantaan niya ako pero (What he said was beautiful, ‘I hope you live a long life.’ I’m not sure if he is wishing or he is threatening me but) I love you, Mr. President.”

Vice Ganda is turning 42 on Sunday, March 31, three days after the President celebrated his 74th birthday in his hometown, Davao City. ■

Nicolas Cage files for annulment 4 days after Vegas wedding THE ASSOCIATED PRESS LAS VEGAS — Nicolas Cage has filed for an annulment four days after getting married in Las Vegas.

A court record shows Cage asked for the annulment Wednesday citing reasons that

included being too drunk to understand his actions when he married girlfriend Erika Koike.

Cage, whose real name is Nicolas Kim Coppola, says he and Koike drank “to the point of intoxication” before the wedding Saturday.

The 55-year-old Cage argues

he wasn’t aware of Koike’s “relationship with another person.”

This is the fourth marriage of the Oscar-winning actor.

He was previously married to former waitress Alike Kim, singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley and actress Patricia Arquette. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

@PRAYBEYTBENJAMIN / INSTAGRAM

Entertainment

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

25

Live action ‘Dumbo’ struggles to soar at box office

BY LINDSEY BAHR The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Disney’s “Dumbo” isn’t exactly taking flight at the North American box office the way its other live-action remakes of animated classics have.

The Walt Disney Co. said Sunday that the Tim Burton-directed film has earned an estimated $45 million domestically from 4,259 locations against a $170 million production budget. It’s less than half of what “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Jungle Book” and Burton’s own “Alice in Wonderland” opened to.

The remake of the 1941 animated film stars Colin Farrell and Danny DeVito. It got mixed to negative reviews from critics and currently has a middling 53 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Audiences who did turn out, however, had a different response than the critics and gave the film an A- overall, according to CinemaScore.

“We think it’s a solid start,” said Cathleen Taff, Disney’s president of theatrical distribution. “We’re encouraged and hopeful with audience word of mouth.”

Internationally, “Dumbo” grossed $71 million, with $10.7 million coming from China, $7.4 million from the U.K. and $7.2 million from Mexico.

Disney has two other high-profile liveaction remakes coming out this year in “Aladdin” (May 24) and “The Lion King” (July 19).

“I don’t think this is a mandate against live-action remakes. But sometimes when you don’t have the reviews, it can affect it,” said Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst. “For Disney, the bar is set so high. This is just a little speed bump on what is already a spectacular year for Disney.”

“Dumbo” did bump Jordan Peele’s “Us” to second place. “Us” added $33.6 million, down only 53%, bringing its domestic total to $128.2 million in its second week. The Lupita Nyong’o doppelganger movie cost only $20 million to produce.

“For a horror, which generally have the scariest drops in the business, ‘Us’ is really holding in there,” Dergarabedian said. “It’s good news for Jordan Peele.”

Easing the “Dumbo” disappointment, Disney and Marvel’s “Captain Marvel” landed in third place in weekend four with an additional $20.5 million. It’s now earned over $350 million in North America and is expected to cross the $1 billion mark globally sometime this week.

The teen drama/romance “Five Feet Apart” with Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson took fourth place with $6.3

DUMBO / FACEBOOK

million, down only 27% in its third week.

And the pregnancy movie “Unplanned” rounded out the top five with $6.1 million from only 1,059 theatres. It’s another success for Pure Flix, which targets the faith-based audience.

“Serving that underserved audience can pay off quite well,” Dergarabedian said.

Not so lucky was “The Beach Bum,” a stoner-odyssey from the provocative filmmaker Harmony Korine starring

PSYCHIC FAITH

Enrique Gil celebrates 27th birthday in Bali

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer TO CELEBRATE his 27th birthday, last March 30, Kapamilya actor Enrique Gil and his on-screen partner and real-life girlfriend Liza Soberano take a trip to Bali, Indonesia.

The couple has been spotted in the city together with Enrique’s family and Liza’s younger brother, Justin. Last Saturday, Liza posted a photo of her and Enrique jumping in front of a Hindu gate wearing traditional Balinese attire, captioned, “Happy Birthday, my love!”

Last March 25, Enrique revealed the destination of his birthday vacation during his signing with a pizza brand, saying in a mix of English and Filipino, “I think what I always treat myself with is travelling. I just go travelling with my group of friends. It’s always me, Liza, my sister (Diandra) and her brother. That’s

our, we call it ‘the squad’, but that really is my group of friends.” He elaborates, “We love travelling… brought the whole group with me so that it’s like a blowout for them, that’s gonna be really fun, and I’m excited!”

He says that the trip is only going to be four days, explaining, “Not so long because I have schedules I need to fix, there’s still a lot of stuff I need to do when I get back,” adding, “I think four days in Bali, that’s very short, very very short for four days, but I was going to extend, but they didn’t want to because they said there was a surprise. So, it’s like I caught them as well.”

Knowing his girlfriend has a surprise for him, Enrique laughs, “I don’t want a big party again, I told Liza.”

When talking about his upcoming travels this year, the birthday boy also reveals, “After Bali, I’m going to Korea then London with the group of friends so yes,” saying that travelling was one of his motivations in life. ■

Matthew McConaughey. It grossed only $1.8 million from 1,100 locations in its first weekend.

The weekend overall is down around 2% and the year is still lagging about 16.4%.

“Next week is going to have two of the biggest genres hitting the multiplex simultaneously,” noted Dergarabedian. The well-reviewed superhero pic “Shazam!” debuts along with a “Pet Sematary” remake. ■

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26

Lifestyle Why legal adoption is important

BY MA. TERESA MONTEMAYOR Philippine News Agency MANILA — Many Filipino couples and adults look into adoption for a few good reasons.

But, the most basic of them is to share love and provide a bright future to orphans and children who have been abandoned or neglected by their parents.

Legal adoption can be overwhelming as it often involves complicated requirements and lengthy procedures. Because of this, most potential adoptive parents turn to illegal adoption done through various social media platforms, not thinking of the possible harms it could cause to the adoptees and their lives as well.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA), Bernadette Sy-Siong said that being adopted legally is the greatest gift she has ever received from her adoptive parents, Ber and Merit Verano.

“Personally, being legally adopted made me feel na anak ako talaga kasi nasa birth certificate ang pangalan ng mga magulang ko. As opposed to pinalaki lang, parang walang 100 percent karapatan at walang legal protection ’pag nawala na ang mga magulang (that I’m their real child because my parents’ names are in the birth certificate. As opposed to just being raised by them, there’s no 100 percent right and no legal protection when they’re already gone),” she said.

Sy-Siong was adopted by the Verano couple when she was four months old. Since her adoptive father is an engineer

and her adoptive mother is a teacher, their family is wellknown in Brookes Point, Palawan.

Being an adopted child, she received a lot of harsh remarks from her adoptive parents’ relatives, who seemed to be “jealous of her good life. “One distant cousin of my mother confronted me when I was 12 saying I’m not a true Aguillar which was the surname of my mom. She told me ‘my child should’ve been in your place because you’re not their birth child’, and so that was one of the situations adoptees like me face,” she said.

In a recent legal adoption forum, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary Glenda Relova said about 6,500 children are declared “available for legal adoption” and almost 4,000 of them are under the care of both state-run and private residential care facilities.

Legal adoption provides a permanent family to orphans and children needing care and protection from parents, Relova said. She added such cannot be acquired through online adoption.

“Online adoptions are considered scams which could endanger the lives of children and parents involved. We warn the public not to participate in such scams,” she said, adding that DSWD pursues the legal consequences to get information about the online adoption and to catch the perpetrators.

Marikina City Regional Trial Court Branch 168 Judge Lorna Catris-Chua Cheng said adoption through social media is dangerous as it usually involves

human traffickers, who pretend to be the adoptees’ parents.

Chua Cheng added they also result in simulated births — a scenario where adoptive mother presents themselves as the real or biological mothers which is considered tampering with the civil registry of children.

“Simulated births are dangerous because of the adoptive parents’ relatives who might have bad character. Especially if they are rich adoptive parents. Someone who is not biological child or legally adopted child is not a compulsory heir.

The adoptive parents’ relatives might create a case for them to get the heir,” she said.

Since most of her adoptive parents’ relatives were not warm to her, Sy-Siong said she was confused and often had a heavy heart as a young girl.

“I came home one day crying because a classmate told me that I’m a nun’s child. My mama and papa explained to me that I’m adopted. No one told me this, but I tried to do my best in everything I do since I carry their surname and I promised to myself that I’ll make them proud,” she added.

Legal adoption – free and not extensive

Contrary to popular belief, legal adoption in the Philippines is “not a tedious process.”

“Dadaan muna sa DSWD administratively nang walang bayad (It [adoption application] will pass through DSWD first administratively with no fees), afterwards the judicial process will start,” Relova said, adding that delays in the whole adoption process are usually caused

www.canadianinquirer.net

by mismatches between court hearing schedules and availability of the legal counsels of applicant adoptive parents.

On February 21, President Rodrigo R. Duterte signed Republic Act 11222 or the Simulated Birth Rectification.

The act simplifies the adoption process and grants amnesty to those who tampered with records to make it appear an adopted child was born to a person who is not the biological mother.

It also aims to fix the status and filiation of a child whose birth was simulated by giving such child all the benefits of adoption and ensuring that such child shall be entitled to all the rights provided by law to legally adopted children, “without discrimination of any kind, as well as to love, guidance, and support from the child’s adoptive family.”

Stressing that legal adoptionrelated processes have been

streamlined, Relova urged couples and adults interested in adoption to visit DSWD’s field offices for information and assistance.

Meanwhile, Sy-Siong said that legal adoption is a reaffirmation of the adoptive parents’ love for their adopted children.

“Kung mawala na ang mga umampon na tunay na nagmamahal sa bata, kawawa naman kung hindi legally adopted.

Gusto ko rin sana isulong ang pagbabago ng tingin sa mga adopted at mawala ang negative impression connected with the word ampon dahil sa mga (If the adoptive parents who truly love the adopted child die, it will be a pity if he or she wasn’t legally adopted. I also want to push for the change on how people are recognized and the negative impression about the word adopted to disappear because of ) stereotyping of movie or telenovela characters,” she added. ■

Lifestyle

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

27

Game of Thrones takes over Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas

BY REGINA GARCIA CANO The Associated Press LAS VEGAS — Winter came to Las Vegas.

Fire-breathing dragons held court over the world-famous fountains at the Bellagio casino-resort Sunday, as familiar elements from the TV phenomenon “Game of Thrones” were projected on the rising water.

The jets danced to a score incorporating the recognizable theme song before one of the colossal beasts lit up the lake along the Las Vegas Strip in a blaze of pyrotechnics.

The 3 1/2-minute spectacle that left a crowd of onlookers cheering debuted two weeks ahead of the scheduled premiere of the HBO fantasy series’ final season.

The streaming water formed the show’s iconic throne and crown. A towering 800-footlong (244-meter) wall of water emerged from the lake.

The display, however, intentionally did not reveal any elements of the new season.

“We didn’t just want to por-

tray literally scenes from ‘Game of Thrones’ here, not like a teaser or a preview of season eight,” said Mark Fuller, CEO of WET Design, the company that created the fountains and show.

“We want to bring you the emotion.”

At the heart of the fountain show is the giant wall of water.

It represents the ice wall that defines the TV show, but also serves as a surface onto which the creators project falling snow, the series’ logo and the silhouettes of the dragons breathing orange and blue flames.

The company worked with the series’ composer Ramin Djawadi to create a special score that along with the dancing water aimed to capture the excitement of the TV hit.

The fountain show begins by dropping musical hints of the TV series, using Djawadi’s “Winter is Here” from the seventh season. It comes to full force as the show’s recognizable “Main Titles” theme song comes on.

“We have to make sure that the fountain gives the same kind of energy, the same kind of

Bellagio Fountains.

drama, that people are associating this music with,” said Peter Kopik, director of design and choreography for WET Design. “(That) was the hard part of the choreography because it’s continuously energetic and continuously up and loud and strong, and choreography had to reflect the same thing and not being

PELICAN / FLICKR, CC BY-SA 2.0

tiring at the same time.”

The spectacle ends as the shadow of the Night King appears one last time, and flames cover part of the roughly 392,040-square-foot (36,421-square-meter) lake.

The “Game of Thrones” fountain show marks the first time the lake has been set ablaze, but

artists and others have previously used the fountains for a variety of stunts. Billionaire Richard Branson rode a jet ski on the lake in 2010, and Drake performed one of his hits there during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards.

The landmark at the luxury property owned by MGM Resorts International attracts millions of visitors every year. It has nightly shows with recorded music ranging from Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s duet “Time to Say Goodbye” to Sin City’s unofficial hymn “Viva Las Vegas” sung by Elvis Presley.

“The Bellagio fountain is iconic. It’s known around the world, and so is ‘Game of Thrones,’” Djawadi said. “So, I think putting them together and seeing the music choreographed to a fountain like that is quite the spectacle. I think it will get everybody really pumped for this final season coming up.”

The special fountain show will run nightly until April 13, the day before the eighth season’s premiere. ■

Why sleep training will not hurt your child

BY STEPHANIE LIU Clinical Lecturer Department of Family Medicine University of Alberta, The Canadian Press THROUGHOUT MY medical training, I thought putting an infant to sleep was as simple as putting them down in a bassinet or a crib. When parents approached me complaining of how difficult it was to get their infant to sleep, I would think to myself, “put them down and that’s that!”

After my daughter Madi was born, I realized how challenging it is to get your child to sleep in their own crib or bassinet, and to sleep for more than a few hours at a time.

The first few months of Madi’s sleep were challenging, but I expected it. As a family doctor, I knew that infants are not expected to sleep through the night until they are around four

months old. I would breastfeed Madi to sleep and gently transfer her to the bassinet, but the motion would cause her to wake and we would have to repeat the bedtime routine all over again. As she would wake up every three to four hours, we ended up doing this at least three times per night.

My husband and I were exhausted, but we assumed that if we could make it to four months, we would all be sleeping through the night.

In my medical practice I have reassured many parents that sleep training is safe so long as periodic checks are made. As a mother I could not follow my own advice. I read blogs written by other mothers saying that sleep training caused their child to develop attachment disorders, depression, anxiety and even attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

I worried that sleep train-

ing would cause my child to feel alone or unsupported. The medical misinformation I read online made it difficult for me to “practise what I preached” and delayed my decision to sleep train my baby.

No evidence of negative effects

It was only when Madi was 11 months old and I was beyond exhausted that I decided to review the medical evidence.

There are two medical studies that specifically examined the effects of sleep training on child mental health and development, both of which found no adverse outcomes.

One of the studies, published in Pediatrics showed that “graduated extinction” and “bedtime fading” (two common methods of sleep training) had no adverse effects on the stress response of infants, and no effects on parent-child attachment. www.canadianinquirer.net

A second study analyzed the effects of common sleep training methods on childhood outcomes including childhood mental health, sleep quality and disorders, psychosocial functioning and stress tolerance.

It also analyzed the effects of sleep training on the childparent relationship, maternal mental health and parenting styles.

This study found no evidence that sleep training had negative effects on any of these outcomes.

Sleep also improves a mother’s mood

Although it was heart wrenching to hear my daughter cry when I put her in her crib, I had to trust the evidence over my fears. In my heart I knew that a reasonably well-rested happy mother would be better for her. I reviewed a summary of sleep training published by

the Ontario College of Family Physicians, which stated: “Sleep training improves infant sleep problems, with about one in four to one in 10 benefiting over no sleep training, with no adverse effects reported after five years. Maternal mood scales also significantly improve, with patients having worse baseline depression scores benefiting most.”

And thus our sleep training journey began.

As a mom I couldn’t stand hearing my daughter cry herself to sleep, but as a physician I knew that sleep training was safe and that a well-rested baby would be a happy baby. After not sleeping through the night for 11 months, I started the process of sleep training.

The process was incredibly stressful and upsetting.

Ultimately, we had to try three ❱❱ PAGE 30 Why sleep

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Lifestyle

APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

When parents play favourites, what happens to the kids?

BY SHERI MADIGAN Assistant Professor Canada Research Chair in Determinants of Child Development Owerko Centre at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute University of Calgary, AND JENNIFER JENKINS Atkinson Chair of Early Child Development and Education and Director of the Atkinson Centre University of Toronto, The Canadian Press MANY SIBLINGS, when they get together as adults, joke about which child was loved the most. But is it really a joke or is there an edge of truth that still rankles us?

In one study, researchers asked adults whether their mom played favourites when they were kids. Close to 85 per cent of respondents perceived that she did.

But surely once we move out of the nest, our annoyance regarding sibling favouritism subsides? No so. Upset from perceived favouritism appears to be long-lasting.

It is likely that we will fret long into adulthood over why a particular sibling got a better deal than we did.

siblings are treated by parents are small, it has little to no consequence.

It is only when the differences are large that we see links to children’s health and relationships.

Parental stress plays a role

or partner conflict, differential parenting or sibling favouritism becomes more marked.

Impacts on physical and mental well-being

Unfortunately, per-

Research on all different kinds of relationships shows us that a big part of how we get along with others is about the fit of personalities. We find one person easier or more interesting than another.

The same holds for parents and children.

Although most parents love and nurture all their children, they will inevitably find that they are more in tune with one child than another.

One child is perhaps a bit more social; another is more ready to anger, a third finds learning easier.

These differences in how parents treat siblings have a basis in children’s genes. Parents treat identical twins, who share 100 per cent of their DNA, more similarly than they treat non-identical twins, who share about 50 per cent of their genes.

The more the personalities of siblings differ, the more their parents treat them differently.

Another driver of parenting is, of course, a child’s age.

Parents interact with and discipline their children based on changes in developmental

ceived favouritism can create a It turns out parents do behave divide between siblings. It is differently with their children associated with siblings feeling and, of course, children have less close to one another, both their different thresholds for in childhood and adulthood. noticing these This finding differences. has been estabResearchers lished for both have studied faperceived, as vouritism both It is possible that children are well as observed activated by injustice. Or perhaps by observing favouritism. even when they are favoured they children as they Popular wisfear falling into the realm of being interact with dom suggests disfavoured. their parents and that the favoured by asking chilchild receives dren and their benefits from parents to retheir special port on their interactions. How capabilities as they grow. Age treatment. While this may be often do the parent and child and personality explain some the case when favouritism is laugh or play together? How of- of the differences in the paren- slight, research suggests that ten do they fight or argue? tal treatment that children per- none of the siblings benefit These ratings are then com- ceive. when it is more marked. That pared across the different sibBut while age and personal- is, when favouritism is considlings to determine if one child ity play a role in why one child erable, it is associated with all receives more positive or nega- gets more from a parent than siblings showing less physical tive attention than the other. another, over and above this are and mental well-being.

One of the reassuring find- issues of parental stress. When Reasons for this are not curings from these studies is that parents experience financial rently clear. It is possible that when the differences in how strain, mental health problems children are activated by inIs sibling favouritism real, or perceived?

justice. Or perhaps even when they are favoured they fear falling into the realm of being disfavoured.

But most reassuring

www.canadianinquirer.net

for parents are the findings that parental explanations for why they are treating siblings differently really change the experience for children. Explanations that focus on their different personalities, ages or needs are associated with lower levels of distress for children.

Five tips for fairer parenting

1. Be aware. The first step is to be aware that it happens, and to seek out help or support from partners, family members, friends or health professionals – to try to understand why it happens. As a reminder, playing favourites is more likely to occur when your stress levels are high.

2. Listen. When your child complains or you see fights between siblings in which they mention one getting more than another, try not to discount it.

Be receptive to the child’s feelings and think about why they might be feeling this way.

3. Provide an explanation.

Sometimes, children do need to be treated differently, like when one child is sick, hurt or has special needs. When this happens, explain it to avoid any misunderstanding.

4. Avoid comparing children.

While it may be a natural tendency to say “why can’t you be more like your sister?” this sets up an unfair comparison.

Try to focus on what each child does well, without pitting them against one another.

5. Carve out individual time for each child. As much as possible, try to find 10 minutes each day to spend one-on-one with each child so that each has your full attention. Do any activity that they love to do with you. ■ This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Disclosure information is available on the original site.

29

Sports LeBron to skip World Cup, calls PBA replica jerseys now available through 2020 Olympics a ‘possibility’ World Balance

XINHUA WASHINGTON — Four-time NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James may participate in the US men’s basketball team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, but says he will not take part in this year’s World Cup in China.

The Los Angeles Lakers forward told US media that he will begin making the movie Space Jam 2 during this off-season, adding that how he feels after next season will determine his chances of participating in the Tokyo Olympics.

“That’s a possibility,” James said. “It depends on how I feel.

I love the Olympics.”

This season marks the end of an eight-year run of appearances at the NBA Finals for James.

The 34-year-old has been crowned NBA champion three times, twice with the Miami Heat and once with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

For the first time since 2005, James will miss the playoffs and plans to fit in extra training during his long summer break.

“I’ve had basically the same

BY GIANNA LLANES Philippine Canadian Inquirer

LEBRON JAMES / FACEBOOK

off-season training regimen during the last eight years,” said James, who says he is figuring out how to get as much as he can out of two months’ extra training time.

“It requires a totally different strategy. We’re looking at it in an entirely new way,” he added.

This year’s FIBA World Cup

in China is set to open on August 31, meaning James would miss the competition if he plans to spend his summer filming and training.

James averaged 27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.3 assists this NBA season, overtaking Michael Jordan to sit fourth on the all-time NBA scoring list. ■

THANKS TO active brand World Balance, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) fans can now avail of exact replicas of the jerseys of their favorite professional players.

The first collection releases jerseys of teams including the San Miguel Beermen, the Magnolia Hotshots, the Alaska Aces, and Barangay Ginebra, are now available in both World Balance stores and online retailers like Lazada and Beebeelee. In order to make sure that the jerseys embody the top quality the league also uses, World Balance will use a full-sublimation process for the same amount of comfort.

During the press launch last Wednesday, March 27, PBA commissioner Willie Marcial explained, “I didn’t know that World Balance is a local brand, I thought they were international, so it’s a huge deal for the PBA that they’re making replicas of

all the teams.” He explained that the partnership develops a sense of Filipino pride for basketball fans locally and internationally.

World Balance also posted about the release on their Facebook page, saying, “Our partnership with the PBA for the launch of the 1st wave of our official licensed jerseys is off to a rousing start as throngs of fans lined up at our pop-up booth located at the Green Gate of the Araneta Coliseum! The collection is also available in selected WB boutiques as well as online via Lazada, Shopee and Beebeelee for just P1,099 so grab yours now and wear it with pride!” They add, “Wear your favorite player’s jersey from the Alaska Aces, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and San Miguel Beermen!”

The first collection of the collaboration of PBA and World Balance was released on the same day as the press conference, while the second collection to complete the list of teams will be available later in the year. ■

Upgrade of 3 major SEA Games venues starts soon PHILIPPINE NEWS AGENCY MANILA — The Rizal Memorial Sports Complex and two other major venues to be utilized in the country’s hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian Games will start undergoing renovations for the Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 meet.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William ‘Butch’ Ramirez made the announcement Tuesday following the appropriation of a total of PHP842 million by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) for the repairs of 11 other facilities, including the Ninoy Aquino Stadi-

um, PhilSports Arena, the Baguio training center, among others.

“We are making sure that there are 10-12 government sports facilities ready to assess, help the preparations of the PHISGOC (Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee). We are hoping that all of these will be finish by September,” said Ramirez.

Ramirez made the statement in the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Amelie Hotel-Manila, stressing the government agency has not been remiss in its role of extending major support to help Filipino athletes in their quest to win anew the overall title of the SEA Games.

Other than the game venues, also part of the Pagcor appropriation is the refurbishment of the athletes’ dormitory, construction of a new medical building with eight to 10 medical doctors, two nutrition halls, and an ecumenical chapel.

“The sports facilities, dormitories, venues, halls, before the SEA Games bago na ang itsura ng Rizal, Ultra, and Baguio (will have new look). So as chairman and leader of the (PSC) Board), I’m very happy to announce it before you (PSA),” Ramirez said in the session presented by San Miguel Corporation, Pagcor, Tapa King, and Amelie Hotel-Manila.

Ramirez is confident Pagcor, through Chairman and CEO www.canadianinquirer.net

Andrea Domingo, would be able to release the amount as soon as possible.

“Nakikiusap kami sa (We appeal to) Pagcor that SEA Games is coming na matulungan naman kami para masimulan na yung (to help us so that we can start) construction,” said the PSC chief, who nonetheless understands where Pagcor is coming from.

“Of course, it’s not easy asking for PHP842 million,” he added.

During the same session, Ramirez also disclosed holding a general assembly with athletes and coaches on Wednesday to explain everything the PSC have been doing to ensure

a better showing for Team Philippines in the SEA Games.

Ramirez said there are 1,452 national athletes under the PSC care at Rizal Memorial and PhilSports with 578 of them under junior development.

They are classified as platinum, class A, class B, class C, training pool, and junior development.

Platinum is composed of eight sports namely, billiards, bowling, taekwondo, weightlifting, wind surfing, and three PHILSPADA. “Ito yung malaking chance na mag-medal sa (This is the best chance to win medal in) SEA Games until the Olympics,” said Ramirez. ■

30

Business P4.35-B worth of crops lost to El Niño Rare glimpse into

Saudi Aramco shows $111 billion net profit

BY LILYBETH ISON Philippine News Agency MANILA — Agricultural losses due to the “weak” El Niño now affecting the country are estimated to have reached PHP4.35 billion with an estimated volume of 233,007 metric tons (MT) of crops and damaged 149,494 hectares of farmland.

Total number of affected farmers and fisherfolk are 138,859 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (Abra, Apayao, Ifugao, Kalinga, and Mountain Province); Ilocos Region (Pangasinan); Cagayan Valley (Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino); Central Luzon (Bulacan); Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon); Mimaropa (Occidental Mindoro); Bicol Region (Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, and Masbate); Western Visayas (Aklan, Antique, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental); Eastern Visayas (Biliran, Leyte, Northern Samar, and Samar); Zamboanga Peninsula (Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga del Norte); Northern Mindanao (Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental); Davao Region (Davao del Sur); Soccsksargen (Cotabato); and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Lanao del Sur and Maguindanao).

For rice alone, some PHP269 billion worth of losses were recorded as of Sunday (March 31), which is equivalent to 125,590 MT volume production loss affecting 111,851 hectares of farm

BY AYA BATRAWY The Associated Press

lands.

On the other hand, corn has recorded PHP1.66 billion worth of losses with volume production of 107,417 MT. Total areas affected were 37,643 hectares and 30,014 farmers in 13 provinces nationwide.

According to the data released by the Department of Agriculture Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DADRRM) Operation Center, a total of PHP95.875-million financial assistance from Agricultural Credit Policy Council had been allotted under the Survival and Recovery Assistance Program that benefitted some 3,835 affected farmers.

It added that the processing of documents for areas declared under state of calamity due to El Niño — Rizal, Oc-

cidental Mindoro, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay, Cotabato, Maguindanao, Negros Occidental — are ongoing.

As of today (March 31), the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation has paid PHP43.083 million of insurance to 3,534 affected farmers in provinces of Regions 1, 3, 4-A, 6, and 10.

A total of PHP18.3 million was also released for cloud seeding operations in the El Niño affected areas.

The DA-DRRM Operation Center said three cloud seeding sorties have already been accomplished out of the 75 planned sorties to be done up to May 2019, with a total amount of PHP4,185,216.00.

Prepositioning of seed reserves for rice and corn are ongoing, it added. ■

on a monitor to see how much time it takes for them to settle.

Over time, the baby will gain skills to self sooth and this time will be less and less each night.

After three days of applying this method, Madi was sleeping from 8 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. with no disturbances. She is a happier baby because she is rested and I feel like a new person with a full

night of sleep. ■

Why sleep... ❰❰ 27

different methods before we found one that worked for us. In the end, unmodified extinction worked.

In this method, you put your baby into their bed after their normal bedtime routine and let them “cry it out” until they fall asleep. Upon exiting the room, caregivers can watch the baby

Stephanie Liu offers evidencebased parenting and health advice at her blog Life of Dr. Mom. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Disclosure information is available on the original site. www.canadianinquirer.net

these dividends are distributed within the Saudi monarchy and its ruling family.

Fitch said Aramco accounted DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIR- for around 70% of the Saudi ATES — Saudi Aramco’s net government’s budget revenue profits reached $111 billion between 2015-2017, but it last year, according to an as- wasn’t immediately clear if that sessment published Monday figure included the dividends

by Moody’s Investors Services mentioned by Moody’s. that offered a rare glimpse into In anticipation of a partial the state-owned oil firm’s fi- listing of Aramco on an internances before it issues its first national exchange, the Saudi bonds in international markets. government in 2017 reduced That places Aramco ahead of Aramco’s tax rate from 85% to some of the world’s most prof- 50%. Such moves are part of an itable firms. By contrast, Apple effort by Saudi Arabia to create booked a net profit of about $60 new income streams and lessbillion in its last en the governfull year, Royal ment’s depenDutch Shell had dence on oil for net income of revenue. $23 billion and I would say In their firstthat this Exxon Mobil $21 ever grade astells us that billion. sessment for Aramco is Moody’s said Aramco, Fitch isworth at least the oil giant’s sued the firm an one trillion revenue hit A+ rating, while dollars. $355.9 billion Moody’s gave the last year and that company it’s A1 it produced 10.3 rating. million barrels The ratings per day of crude are considered oil in 2018. investment-grade level and The figures provide the first indicate low credit risk, but look in recent memory at Ar- the agencies held off on issuamco’s revenue and earnings. ing their top grades to Aramco The company, which began as a due to strong links between the U.S. venture with a concession Saudi state and the company. for oil rights in Saudi Arabia, Specifically, Fitch noted “the was fully acquired by the Saudi influence the state has on the government in 1980. company through regulating “I would say that this tells us the level of production, taxathat Aramco is worth at least tion and dividends.” one trillion dollars,” said Ellen Wald said that five years ago, Wald, president of Transversal under the late King Abdullah, Consulting and the author of the government’s links to Ar“Saudi Inc,” a book about Ar- amco would not have been a amco’s corporate history. significant concern because the In another assessment issued company had “essentially comMonday, Fitch Ratings said Ar- plete independence.” amco posted profits of $224 bilThat’s now changed unlion before interest, tax, depre- der King Salman and his son, ciation and amortization.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Moody’s said Aramco paid Salman, who have taken a much $58.2 billion in dividends in more active role in controlling 2018 and $50.4 billion in 2017. ❱❱ PAGE 35 Rare glimpse It remains unclear exactly how

Business

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

31

Trump pressure on Cuba could hit Canadian companies, business leaders warn

BY MIKE BLANCHFIELD The Associated Press OTTAWA — Business leaders are warning that the Trump administration’s threat to tighten the U.S. embargo on Cuba could sideswipe Canadian companies that are doing business on the Caribbean island.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce says it is worried that the United States could enact a never-before-used section of the 1996 Helms Burton Act that would allow Americans to sue foreign companies linked to Cuban properties that were confiscated after its 1959 revolution.

It’s an administration that’s not afraid to break with what are considered to be the normal ways of doing business in international diplomacy,” said Mark Agnew, the chamber’s director of international policy.

Case in point: an insistence in the Trump White House that Canadian steel and aluminum exports remain subject to tariffs imposed on dubious national-security grounds, even though it has been months since the two countries and Mexico joined in signing a new North American trade pact.

Agnew said the chamber is especially concerned about the potential impact on Canadian mining, financial services and tourism companies with operations in Cuba.

“They’re not afraid to go out

and take a fairly bold stance that isn’t necessarily in the interest of the business community,” he said. “I think you need to take the threat quite seriously that they would go through actually make it happen.”

Canadian businesses should brace for the activation of the Title III section of Helms Burton, even though it has essentially remained dormant for 23 years, said Mark Entwistle, a business consultant in Cuba who served as Canadian envoy to Havana in the 1990s.

There is strong opposition to activating Title III among the U.S. business and agricultural leaders, but that might not be enough, Entwistle said.

“All the rules of the game have been changed. We have to be prepared for the president not to further waive Title III.” Last month, the U.S. State Department extended the Title III exemption by only 30 days, linking it to Cuba’s ongoing support of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro. The U.S., Canada and other western countries want Maduro to resign and make way for opposition leader Juan Guaido as the legitimate leader of a country in the throes of an economic and political crisis.

Several foreign countries, including Canada, have invested in Cuba during the more than 50 years since the U.S. froze relations and imposed an economic embargo. Obama relaxed the embargo and began nor-

malizing relations with Cuba, but Trump has rolled that back.

Toronto-based resource company Sherritt International is long established in Cuba, and its executives are banned from travelling to the U.S. or doing any business there under existing provisions of Helms Burton. Other countries, such as Britain, France and Spain, have companies active in rum, cigars and tourism ventures in Cuba.

Title III allows Americans to use their courts to sue foreign entities who may have “trafficked” in property confiscated by the communist Castro regime after it overthrew Cuba’s U.S.-backed government in 1959.

Agnew said U.S. courts have never been asked to rule on what constitutes trafficking.

“It could affect any company which has any, any relationship with Cuba,” said Agnew.

“It could be a financial transaction that has a point of connection with someone in Cuba, which is now the owner of the property that we nationalized in 1960. It could be a financial, a trade operation. It could be investment — it could be anything,” said Cuba’s ambassador to Canada, Josefina Vidal.

Without naming companies, Agnew said it is conceivable that Canadian tourism operators or resource companies could be at risk. “We’re talking to our government as well as our business counterparts in

A KATZ / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

the U.S. and Europe. The overall message is we don’t want this to come into effect.”

Vidal said she has been urging Canada to push back against Trump, warning that the latest escalation is making it difficult to attract much-needed Canadian investment to her country.

“It is a very obvious clear violation of international law, of the rules of international trade and the sovereignty of states.”

In 1996, Canada, the European Union and Mexico reacted “in a very strong way” to Title III, which helped encourage then-president Bill Clinton to postpone it, she said.

Canada has been actively

engaging with the U.S. government on the issue, including speaking directly to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, said Adam Austen, spokesman for Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland.

“We continue to raise our concerns about the possible negative consequences for Canadians — concerns which are long-standing and well-known to our U.S. partners,” said Austen.

“She has also been in contact with Canadian businesses to reaffirm that we will fully defend the interests of Canadians conducting legitimate trade and investment with Cuba.” ■

World Bank sees PH GDP growth at 6.4% in 2019

BY LESLIE GATPOLINTAN Philippine News Agency MANILA — The World Bank (WB) expects the Philippine economy to expand by 6.4 percent this year, with election spending and lower inflation projected to boost private consumption.

The Bank also sees the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growing 6.5 percent in 2020 and 2021.

These new estimates are lower than the previous WB’s

forecast of 6.5-percent growth in 2019 and 6.6 percent in 2020 released last January, owing to the delay in the 2019 budget approval and the slowing down of global trade that can lead to weaker demand for Philippine exports, according to the Philippines Economic Update (PEU) released on Monday.

“Growth outlook remains positive fueled by an expected acceleration in private consumption growth, but tempered by a slowdown in public investment,” WB senior economist Rong Qian said in a media briefing.

Qian pointed out private consumption growth is expected to accelerate this year as inflation decline and election activity provide an added boost.

“However, the delay in approving the 2019 budget and the pre-election spending ban on new public construction project are expected to slow down public investment spending in the first half of the year, but is expected to recover towards the second half of 2019 assuming the budget gets approved very soon,” she said.

Qian also cited other risks www.canadianinquirer.net

that can affect the Philippines’ overall growth prospects, among them the El Niño phenomenon, which the Bank expects will reduce farm output and raise food prices.

“The intensified El Niño may lead to food supply constraint affecting the poor and vulnerable the most, as they are spending a relatively larger proportion of their income in food,” she said.

“I think the El Niño is still developing so we don’t have estimates of exactly how much is the impact. Ultimately, the El Niño had an impact on agricul-

ture products, which translates to higher inflation,” she added.

The report also highlights the risks posed by external factors, including the potential escalation of trade tensions between the United States and China, and weak demand for the country’s exports.

Qian further said exports growth is likely to remain weak as global export is projected to remain weaker amid moderation of global growth in the medium term.

The Philippine economy grew 6.2 percent in 2018. ■

32

Technology Bonjour, Alexa! How a virtual assistant learned to speak Canadian French

BY MORGAN LOWRIE The Canadian Press MONTREAL — Last September, Hans Laroche embarked on an unusual teaching assignment. He and a few thousand fellow Quebecers were enlisted to help Amazon’s virtual assistant Alexa learn the finer points of Canadian French, from the distinctive accent to so-called “joual” expressions and the linguistic mishmash known as “Franglais.”

With Amazon’s official release of its French Canadian language option for Alexa on March 21, the results are now available for all to hear.

Because Alexa’s algorithm requires a great deal of data, Laroche says he and his fellow testers were given a free Echo device and asked to interact with it on a regular basis by asking it questions, getting it to perform household tasks or using it to play music, audiobooks or news. Every week or two, they were asked to provide feedback to developers, who worked to further refine the algorithm and its language capabilities.

Laroche, who runs a Facebook page for Quebec Alexa enthusiasts from his home near Victoriaville, Que., said he was impressed with how well the device picked up on his requests.

“It was pretty surprising the things Alexa can understand, especially in Canadian French,” he said. “The French language from France has been available for a while, but it’s not the same

as the language Quebecers use.”

As an example, he said Quebecers tend to use English verbs such as “check” or “cancel” rather than their French counterparts, “verifier” or “annuler.”

“If Alexa is in (European) French and I ask it to ‘cancel le timer,’ it won’t understand,” he said. “But if I’m in Canadian French and I say it, it will understand what I’m saying.”

Laroche noted that Amazon still has some catching up to do, since competitors such as Google Assistant already have French Canadian language support.

Nicolas Maynard, the man in charge of Alexa in Canada, said teaching the virtual assistant to understand French was a difficult challenge, due to the complexity of the language and the prevalence of homonyms, contractions, and a vocabulary that differs widely by region.

Adapting it to a French-Canadian audience meant ensuring it would understand commands delivered using local colloquialisms and pronunciations, he said in a phone interview from Seattle.

Maynard said that while French speakers in France use as many, or possibly more, English words than their North American linguistic counterparts, the inflection is very different.

“The pronunciation of English words in Quebec is much closer to the English pronunciation than in France,” said Maynard.

“If you ask a French person

to say the name of an American song, you’ll clearly hear the French accent. But if you ask a Canadian (francophone), you’ll get a pronunciation that is very close to English.”

But while Alexa may understand local slang, its own voice was given an accent designed to be as neutral as possible while still being that of a Quebecer.

“I think it’s more or less a Montreal accent, but you’ll tell me,” Maynard said.

He said it was also important to ensure the voice service is equipped with general knowledge from each region by being able to answer basic questions about politics and culture.

As a result, Alexa can recite the poem “Le vaisseau d’or” by celebrated Quebec writer Emile Nelligan, and has a repertoire of jokes to tell on demand.

Laroche said he has noted a lot of improvement in this department since he first began interacting with the device.

“If you ask who is Montreal’s mayor, who is the prime minister of Canada, it knows the answer, which was not the case in the beginning,” he said.

He says the voice assistant is still not perfect, however, and there are still many times when it answers a question with “Je ne sais pas” (I don’t know.) But he’s still pleased to have a product that will start his coffee maker in the morning and turn on the equipment in his home gym when he announces he’s ready for a workout.

Guillaume Dufour, the founder of enthusiast group Alexa Quebec, was also an early

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BESTAI ASSISTANT / FLICKR, CC BY-SA 2.0

user of the experimental “beta” version.

He was impressed with Alexa’s ability to understand mixed-language commands, such as when he asks it in French to play an English-language song. He said the virtual assistant understands his normal accent perfectly, although he sometimes has to repeat himself when he tries out the stronger accent of his native Charlevoix region.

“We can see that Amazon’s language recognition training was excellent,” said Dufour, an IT expert and programmer who also creates “skills” for the devices.

And he would know, having amassed an impressive collection of voice-activated assistants including four Echo devices, a Google Home, Apple

HomePod and a Harman Kardon Invoke.

Dufour said he has noticed only one true “glitch” — the device sometimes delivers the weather report in a jumble of English and French — but he has found that some of Alexa’s jokes are told “in a slightly jerky intonation that does not quite follow the rhythm of the French language.”

As for Maynard, he said Alexa’s education is far from complete.

He won’t say how many Quebecers are currently using Echo or other Alexa devices, but he says the virtual assistant’s artificial intelligence-driven algorithm will continue to absorb new data and refine its capabilities the more it is used.

“I see the launch as just the beginning of my job,” he said. ■

Technology

FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

33

No AI in humour: R2-D2 walks into a bar, doesn’t get the joke

BY SETH BORENSTEIN The Associated Press WASHINGTON — A robot walks into a bar. It goes CLANG. Alexa and Siri can tell jokes mined from a humour database, but they don’t get them.

Linguists and computer scientists say this is something to consider on April Fools’ Day: Humor is what makes humans special. When people try to teach machines what’s funny, the results are at times laughable but not in the way intended.

“Artificial intelligence will never get jokes like humans do,” said Kiki Hempelmann, a computational linguist who studies humour at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

“In themselves, they have no need for humour. They miss completely context.”

And when it comes to humour, the people who study it — sometimes until all laughs are beaten out of it — say context is key. Even expert linguists have trouble explaining humour, said Tristan Miller, a computer scientist and linguist at Darmstadt University of Technology in Germany.

“Creative language — and humour in particular — is one of the hardest areas for computational intelligence to grasp,” said Miller, who has analyzed more than 10,000 puns and called it torture. “It’s because it relies

so much on real-world knowledge — background knowledge and commonsense knowledge.

A computer doesn’t have these real-world experiences to draw on. It only knows what you tell it and what it draws from.”

Allison Bishop , a Columbia University computer scientist who also performs stand-up comedy, said computer learning looks for patterns, but comedy thrives on things hovering close to a pattern and veering off just a bit to be funny and edgy.

Humour, she said, “has to skate the edge of being cohesive enough and surprising enough.”

For comedians that’s job security. Bishop said her parents were happy when her brother became a full-time comedy writer because it meant he wouldn’t be replaced by a machine.

“I like to believe that there is something very innately human about what makes something funny,” Bishop said.

Oregon State University computer scientist Heather Knight created the comedyperforming robot Ginger to help her design machines that better interact with — and especially respond to — humans.

She said it turns out people most appreciate a robot’s selfeffacing humour.

Ginger, which uses humanwritten jokes and stories, does a bit about Shakespeare and machines, asking, “If you prick me

in my battery pack, do I not bleed alkaline fluid?” in a reference to “The Merchant of Venice.”

Humour and artificial intelligence is a growing field for academics.

Some computers can generate and understand puns — the most basic humour — without help from humans because puns are based on different meanings of similar-sounding words. But they fall down after that, said Purdue University computer scientist Julia Rayz.

“They get them — sort of,” Rayz said. “Even if we look at puns, most of the puns require huge amounts of background.”

Still, with puns there is something mathematical that computers can grasp, Bishop said.

Rayz has spent 15 years trying to get computers to understand humour, and at times the results were, well, laughable.

She recalled a time she gave the computer two different groups of sentences. Some were jokes.

Some were not. The computer classified something as a joke that people thought wasn’t a joke. When Rayz asked the computer why it thought it was a joke, its answer made sense technically. But the material still wasn’t funny, nor memorable, she said.

IBM has created artificial intelligence that beat opponents in chess and “Jeopardy!” Its latest attempt, Project Debater , is more difficult because it is based on language and aims to

win structured arguments with people, said principal investigator Noam Slonim, a former comedy writer for an Israeli version “Saturday Night Live.”

Slonim put humour into the programming, figuring that an occasional one-liner could help in a debate. But it backfired during initial tests when the system made jokes at the wrong time or in the wrong way. Now, Project Debater is limited to one attempt at humour per debate, and that humour is often self-effacing.

“We know that humour — at least good humour — relies on nuance and on timing,” Slonim said. “And these are very hard to decipher by an automatic system.”

That’s why humour may be key in future Turing Tests — the ultimate test of machine intelligence, which is to see if an independent evaluator can tell if it is interacting with a person or computer, Slonim said.

There’s still “a very significant gap between what machines can do and what humans are doing,” both in language

and humour, Slonim said.

There are good reasons to have artificial intelligence try to learn to get humour, Darmstadt University’s Miller said.

It makes machines more relatable, especially if you can get them to understand sarcasm.

That also may aid with automated translations of different languages, he said.

Texas A&M’s Hempelmann isn’t so sure that’s a good idea.

“Teaching AI systems humour is dangerous because they may find it where it isn’t and they may use it where it’s inappropriate,” Hempelmann said. “Maybe bad AI will start killing people because it thinks it is funny.”

Comedian and computer scientist Bishop does have a joke about artificial intelligence: She says she agrees with all the experts warning us that someday AI is going to surpass human intelligence.

“I don’t think it’s because AI is getting smarter,” Bishop jokes, then she adds: “If the AI gets that, I think we have a problem.” ■

get it built.

Trudeau should go to Grassy Narrows to apologize to the people there directly and in person, suggested Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde.

“This incident highlights the need for action now,” said Bellegarde. “There have been numerous commitments from different governments for action yet the people of Grassy Narrows First Nation and Wabaseemoong are still waiting while they face serious dangers to their health. It’s time for action.”

Grassy Narrows Chief Rudy Turtle acknowledged the prime

minister’s apology but said Trudeau had to be reminded of the “urgency” of the situation.

“People are dying from mercury contamination and nothing is being done. Enough is enough,” Turtle said in a statement Thursday evening.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh called Trudeau’s comments to the protester offensive and “callous.”

Trudeau said he plans to follow up with Seamus O’Regan, who replaced Philpott on the Indigenous Services file in January, to “make sure we are looking at exactly everything we can do to continue to work hard in resolving this situation.”

“It is something that is of real concern and a real piece of the path of reconciliation that we must walk on.”

A spokeswoman for Trudeau said the government is actively working on the file at the ministerial and official level, but would not say whether Trudeau would plan to meet with members of the community or travel there.

Charles Bird, managing principal at the Toronto office of Earnscliffe Strategy Group and a former federal Liberal cabinet aide, said he wasn’t at the Toronto event but having organized many similar appearances for provincial and federal

politicians, he knows such intrusions can be very chaotic.

As such, Bird said he doesn’t believe it’s a sign Trudeau is feeling the heat from the political crisis engulfing the Liberal government over allegations he tried to interfere in the case of Quebec engineering giant SNCLavalin.

“His style is very much that when he’s under pressure, he tends to be calmer.”

Even so, Trudeau has been known to flash his temper. In 2016, during a raucous vote in the House of Commons, he was accused of elbowing an NDP MP in the chest while trying to expedite the proceedings. ■

GAGE SKIDMORE / FLICKR, CC BY-SA 2.0

Trudeau says... ❰❰ 16

build a world-class mercury treatment facility to help deal with the fallout from the poisoning, which causes often irreparable damage, including impaired vision, muscle weakness, speech, hearing and cognitive problems and numbness or stinging pain in the extremities and mouth.

Grassy Narrows staff met with former Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott in December to discuss progress on the facility, shortly after giving the government a feasibility study for the project. At that time Philpott said the government was actively working to

www.canadianinquirer.net

APRIL 5, 2019

34

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www.canadianinquirer.net

35

Travel Affordable music for the family in NYC? Try a jazz club

BY AYA BATRAWY The Associated Press NEW YORK has long been a city known for jazz. What’s less well-known is how kid- and family-friendly jazz performances here can be.

Many performers have day jobs as educators, and although many venues are nightclubs, there are jazz performances where even toddlers are welcome.

“When I was a kid, the Vanguard was an extension of my home. It was not only smoky, it was noisy. Now? Forget it. Make a peep and the noise police will shush you,” says Deborah Gordon, general manager of the Village Vanguard, opened by her father in 1935. “It was a roughand-tumble place when I was a kid, and 13-year-olds definitely weren’t allowed in. You’d have to hang out on the stairs if you wanted to listen.”

A lot has changed. Today, the Vanguard is non-smoking and cleaner, and the minimum age to attend a performance is 13.

But Gordon says not all kids are ready at that age for jazz (she says she wasn’t). Visitors should keep a few things in mind before making a reservation: “Do your homework first about who’s playing, and see if it’s what you want to hear,” she says. Also, no food is served, and the place is, still, a nightclub.

The Blue Note, Smalls Jazz

Club, Birdland Jazz Club and the Jazz Standard have no minimum age and welcome wellbehaved children accompanied by adults. The minimum age at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola is 7, and the Jazz Standard hosts a “Jazz for Kids” program on Sundays.

As for types of jazz, Todd Stoll, Jazz at Lincoln Center’s vice-president of education, recommends vocalists and big band music as a good entry point for kids. He urges families to explore Jazz at Lincoln Center’s YouTube channel, featuring videos explaining improvisation and various jazz artists and genres.

Jazz at Lincoln Center features performances for kids as young as 8 months.

“We call them Family Jazz Parties, and we have six to eight of them a year. They’re family jazz concerts for a kid and a caregiver, with jazz that is very digestible for kids of that age group (8 months to 5 years) while also enjoyable for parents, held in a carpeted venue where kids can move around,” Stoll says. In addition, visitors to New York can buy tickets to a single WeBop jazz appreciation class for a young person and a caregiver.

Jazz at Lincoln Center also offers two family-oriented concerts a year, created by Wynton Marsalis and inspired by a format begun by Leonard Bernstein in the 1950s. The concerts combine music and education around a specific concept,

genre or important figure.

“Older than that, and most kids are really ready to check out Dizzy’s or the Vanguard or whatever other place they’re interested in going,” Stoll said.

“Just do some research before you go. It’s not a musical or a pop concert, it’s fine art. It doesn’t pander.”

Jazz, says Marsalis, “demands that we develop our hearing. It’s our job to empower kids and to teach them to listen and to hear.

We should encourage them to get with the harmony, get to the piano, learn three or four basic chords, a blues — it’s a great tool to encourage hearing.”

Stoll says that delving into jazz is also a great way to better appreciate New York City.

“The first jazz recording ever made was in New York in 1917, just about every jazz great came to New York to make their name here, and the vibe and feeling of New York is still a jazz vibe.

New York sweats jazz,” he says.

And unlike many Broadway

musicals, jazz performances tend to be reasonably priced and readily accessible without much advance planning.

“It’s a pretty good bang for your buck. We try to keep admission to $35 with a one-drink minimum,” says Gordon, of the Vanguard.

Not only can a family of four sit right up front at a jazz concert for around the price of a single Broadway ticket, but tickets to jazz clubs can often be had the day of a performance. Reservations to shows are made online, and clubs generally have first-come firstserved seating. Jazz at Lincoln Center offers student discounts in their concert halls and at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, as do some other places.

“With kids, you definitely want to get them right up close by the drums, where they can see all that’s going on. It really blows them away,” says Gordon.

Arrive well before showtime if you want the best seats.

There’s an energy to improvisation and live music, and between a band and an audience in intimate settings, Gordon says.

As for the Vanguard, a cozy basement venue known for its narrow red staircase and redcarpeted stage backed by red velvet curtains, Gordon jokes: “We are dedicatedly un-renovated. It takes a lot of work to keep it as shabby as we do. It looks pretty much like it did in the ‘30s.”

Stoll says kids can learn a lot from jazz: “On an intellectual level, improvisation is the freedom and the importance of the individual voice. Swing is how that voice is related to a group. Blues is facing adversity with optimism. Those are three things we want kids to get from jazz. It also teaches us culturally about America, with lessons about race, gender and socioeconomic disparity, if parents want to make it a lesson about that.” ■

their reports on the same day that Aramco said it will start to meet with investors about selling its bonds which, if issued, would be priced in dollars and traded on the London Stock Exchange. The bonds are expected to help pay for Aramco’s $69 billion acquisition of majority shares in Saudi petrochemical firm SABIC from the kingdom’s

sovereign wealth fund.

Fitch said its conservative forecasts show Saudi Aramco’s net debt rising to around $35 billion by 2021, after incorporating the SABIC transaction.

The $69 billion deal with SABIC pumps capital into the Public Investment Fund, which is overseen by the crown prince.

Prince Mohammed has transformed the fund in order to back major development projects throughout the kingdom amid delays to an initial public offering of Aramco, which he’d touted as a way to raise capital for the PIF’s projects.

The deal was struck after the crown prince’s early efforts at attracting Western investors

for his social and economic transformation plans suffered a set back following the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents inside the country’s consulate in Istanbul last year. ■

Rare glimpse... ❰❰ 30

various power centres in the kingdom, including Aramco, Wald

said.

“There’s no telling... what kind of demands this king and his son might make on the company in the future that might have impact on its core profitability,” she added.

The ratings agencies issued

www.canadianinquirer.net

Associated Press business editor Carlo Piovano contributed to this report from London.

36

Travel

APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

Experience Igorot life in Camp John Hay

BY PAMELA MARIZ GEMINIANO Philippine News Agency BAGUIO CITY — Camp John Hay has opened its door to the rich cultural heritage of the Cordilleras, giving way for the “Ili-ay Cordillera” in this mountain resort city to allow even the tourists to see, experience, and appreciate Igorot life.

“Ili-ay Cordillera,” means depicting a village or town in the Cordillera, and observing the practices and the tradition of the people in the region.

“It is a celebration of Igorot art and culture. It was initiated by the Manor (hotel) as a way to connect with and give back to the wider community that it belongs to which literally serves as a window to the rich cultural heritage of the Cordilleras,” said Karlo Marko Altomonte, Ili-ay Cordillera organizer in an interview on Thursday.

The Manor Hotel allotted a space near the former “Honeymoon” cottage, an area that is lined by pine trees, where the

traditional “dap-ay” was built years ago.

A dap-ay is a circle-shaped outdoor place built using rocks with a bonfire area at the center. It was used by the old male folks to discuss issues involving the community.

Altomonte said the village serves as a venue for traditional and modern indigenous arts and crafts exhibitions, performances, workshops and fora.

“We are not just providing a peek into the culture of Cordillera but we advocate the spirit of the community life. It gives the tourists a feel of what village life is, where everybody works together,” he said.

In 2017, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) added Baguio to the list of 64 cities from 44 countries in the “Creative Cities” network, with the aim of making creative innovations as key drivers for a more sustainable and inclusive urban development.

Altomonte said the establishment of the Cordillera village is part of the efforts to retain

Camp John Hay.

the city’s honor for its distinguished crafts and arts.

He said the highlights of the village includes a traditional Ifugao hut, a smokehouse that offers Igorot cuisine and delicacies, a carvers’ workshop that showcases loom and handwoven crafts, a weavers’ corner with the region’s finest woven textiles, an organic farmer’s market and an artisan’s shed that features Cordillera-inspired works.

“I think what is common among the Cordillera people is that they live their life in harmony with their natural surroundings. That is basically what I have learned from the indigenous people’s community,” he said.

Cordillera Village

Altomonte said the construction of the seemingly simple Ifugao hut is a feat of indigenous architectural, engineering and

FAITH MARI / FLICKR, CC BY-ND 2.0

woodcarving skills.

He said it was traditionally built without using nails where each segment of the hut is meticulously designed and measured to fit with the other segments, perfectly much like a jigsaw puzzle.

The village brings the Cordillera food experience closer to everyone with Chavi Romawac of My Chef Romawac and Pilod of “Farmers Daughter” at the helm in the kitchen, the “ili”s smokehouse offers indigenous cuisines like “etag” or smoked meat, native dish “pinikpikan” and “pinuneg” (blood sausage).

He said all of the ingredients that the smokehouse chefs use come from the farmers’ market — a system in an ordinary “ili” in the Cordillera where a lacking ingredient can be sourced from the neighbor’s yard.

“While modern farming methods have been adopted

by Benguet farmers, in recent years, many have been reverting to traditional practices to produce pesticide-free, organicallygrown vegetables,” he said.

He said one of the stalls in the village which is the Carvers’ shed represents the city’s creative city tag.

“More commonly known of their magnificent rice terraces which has been declared by UNESCO as a cultural heritage site, the Ifugao people are also famed for their woodcarving skills.” he said.

The intricate patterns and colors of Igorot textile go beyond aesthetics: every design tells a story and each of the several ethno-linguistic groups has its own story to tell in the Weaver’s hut.

Altomonte said there is also a designated corner for artists and artisans.

“From hand painted shirts to jewelry, this corner brings together both traditional and modern craftsmen and artisans offering a variety of creative products and services,” he said.

The Dap-ay also serves as place for a young “mambabatok” (traditional tattoo artist) from Ina Whang-od’s village, Barangay Buscalan in Tinglayan, Kalinga.

The village was launched last March 1. It will last until the end of May. During weekends, the village is filled with exciting events such as music, dance and theatrical performances, workshops demonstrations, artist talks, film showings, among others. ■

AirAsia Philippines to launch Manila-Osaka route on July 1

BY MA. CRISTINA ARAYATA Philippine News Agency MANILA — AirAsia Philippines has just announced it would launch daily flights between Manila and Osaka, Japan starting July 1.

“This will be our first operation to Japan. We chose Osaka to give flyers the option to connect to AirAsia X which offers flights between Japan and Howww.canadianinquirer.net

nolulu,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Dexter Comendador told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Saturday.

Comendador added that the airline is still working on getting slots and permits so it could offer services to other Japanese destinations.

The carrier is offering a promotional fare until April 7, for travel period from July to October. The Manila-Osaka promotional fare starts at PHP1,990.

“There are no winter sched-

ule available yet,” he added.

Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines currently offers flights between Manila and 13 international destinations: Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Bangkok, Bali, Seoul, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Macau and Ho Chi Minh City.

The launching of services to Osaka would help contribute to the government’s 8.2 million target visitors for this year, the carrier said. ■

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Food Short ribs in a beer and cider Go ahead and vinegar lead to great tacos combine sweet potato to the tang of biscuits

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN CARNE DESHEBRADA, literally meaning “shredded beef,” is a common offering at Mexican taco stands. It’s made by braising a large cut of beef until ultra-tender and then shredding the meat and tossing it with a flavourful rojo sauce made with tomatoes and/or dried chiles.

Although short ribs are a bit nontraditional, their ultra-beefy flavour made them an excellent choice. To achieve flavourful browning, we raised the beef up out of the braising liquid by resting it on onion rounds; the ambient heat browned the short ribs just enough for this dish.

Next, we created a braising liquid that would infuse the beef with flavour and later act as a base for our rojo sauce.

Beer and cider vinegar provided depth and brightness, and tomato paste boosted savory flavour. Smoky-sweet ancho chiles gave the sauce a rounder flavour and a gentle, spicy kick.

Cumin, cinnamon, cloves, oregano, and bay leaves added warmth and complexity. Once the beef had finished cooking, we pureed the braising liquid into a sauce with a smooth, luxurious consistency. A bright, tangy slaw provided a nice counterbalance to the rich meat. Use a full-bodied lager or ale such as Dos Equis or Sierra Nevada.

Shredded beef tacos

Servings: 6-8 Start to finish: 3 1/2 hours

• 1 1/2 cups beer • 4 dried ancho chiles, stemmed, seeded, and torn into 1/2 inch pieces (1 cup) • 1/2 cup cider vinegar • 2 tablespoons tomato paste • 6 garlic cloves, lightly crushed and peeled • 3 bay leaves • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 2 teaspoons dried oregano • Salt and pepper • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

AMERICA’S TEST KITCHEN

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1 large onion, sliced into 1/2 inch-thick rounds • 3 pounds boneless beef short ribs, trimmed and cut into 2 inch cubes • 18 (6 inch) corn tortillas, warmed • 1 recipe Cabbage-Carrot Slaw (recipe follows) • 4 ounces queso fresco, crumbled (1 cup) • Lime wedges Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and heat oven to 325 F. Combine beer, anchos, vinegar, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, cloves, and cinnamon in Dutch oven. Arrange onion rounds in single layer on bottom of pot. Place beef on top of onion rounds in single layer. Cover and cook until meat is well browned and tender, 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

Using slotted spoon, transfer beef to large bowl, cover loosely with aluminum foil, and set aside. Strain liquid through finemesh strainer into 2 cup liquid measuring cup (do not wash pot). Discard onion rounds and bay leaves. Transfer remaining solids to blender. Let strained liquid settle for 5 minutes, then skim any fat from surface. Add water as needed to equal 1 cup.

Pour liquid into blender with reserved solids and blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. Transfer sauce to now-empty pot.

Using 2 forks, shred beef into

bite-size pieces. Bring sauce to simmer over medium heat.

Add beef and stir to coat. Season with salt to taste. (Beef can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; gently reheat before serving.)

Spoon small amount of beef into each warm tortilla and serve, passing slaw, queso fresco, and lime wedges separately.

Cabbage-Carrot Slaw

Makes about 8 cups

• 1 cup cider vinegar • 1/2 cup water • 1 tablespoon sugar • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt • 1/2 head green cabbage, cored and sliced thin (6 cups) • 1 onion, sliced thin • 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded • 1 jalapeno chile, stemmed, seeded, and minced • 1 teaspoon dried oregano • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro Whisk vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in large bowl until sugar is dissolved. Add cabbage, onion, carrot, jalapeno, and oregano and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Drain slaw and stir in cilantro right before serving. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 521 calories; 187 calories from fat; 21 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 94 mg cholesterol; 846 mg sodium; 44 g carbohydrate; 9 g fiber; 9 g sugar; 35 g protein. www.canadianinquirer.net

IT WAS only a matter of time before sweet potato-loving Southern cooks combined the fluffy texture and pleasant tang of biscuits with the earthy sweetness of this popular tuber.

To add this potato’s natural sweetness to biscuits without weighing down the dough, we microwaved the sweet potatoes, which eliminated their moisture while concentrating their flavour.

After mashing the flesh, we stirred in cider vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tang and to create greater lift once combined with the dough’s baking powder and baking soda. We maximized the biscuits’ tender texture with low-protein cake flour and opted for the deep, molasses-like sweetness of brown sugar to complement the sweet potatoes.

The dough took on a pretty orange colour, and, once baked, the biscuits emerged tender and subtly sweet, perfectly ready for a smear of butter or jam, or to be sliced and stuffed with ham and mustard. If you can find them, Beauregard sweet potatoes are the best variety for these biscuits.

The biscuits can be stored in airtight container for up to two days.

Sweet potato biscuits

Servings: 16 Start to finish: 1 hour, 30 minutes • 2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes, unpeeled, lightly pricked all over with fork • 2 tablespoons cider vinegar • 3 1/4 cups (13 ounces) cake flour • 1/4 cup packed (13/4 ounces) dark brown sugar • 5 teaspoons baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch pieces and chilled, plus • 2 tablespoons melted • 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening, cut into 1/2 inch pieces and chilled Microwave potatoes on plate until very soft and surfaces are wet, 15 to 20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes. Immediately cut potatoes in half. When potatoes are cool enough to handle, scoop flesh into large bowl and, using potato masher, mash until smooth. (You should have 2 cups. Reserve any extra for another use.) Stir in vinegar and refrigerate until cool, about 15 minutes.

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 F. Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Process flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in food processor until combined. Scatter chilled butter and shortening over top and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal, about 15 pulses. Transfer flour mixture to bowl with cooled potatoes and fold with rubber spatula until incorporated.

Turn out dough onto floured counter and knead until smooth, 8 to 10 times. Pat dough into 9 inch circle, about 1 inch thick. Using floured 2 1/4 inch round cutter, stamp out biscuits and arrange on prepared sheet.

Gently pat dough scraps into 1 inch-thick circle and stamp out remaining biscuits. (You should have 16 biscuits total.)

Brush tops of biscuits with melted butter and bake until golden brown, 18 to 22 minutes.

Let biscuits cool on sheet for 15 minutes before serving. ■ Nutrition information per serving: 265 calories; 93 calories from fat; 10 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 19 mg cholesterol; 450 mg sodium; 39 g carbohydrate; 3 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 3 g protein.

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APRIL 5, 2019

FRIDAY

Brian Vidal... ❰❰ 22

go to the Philippines, you feel you’re so ‘Canadian.’”

Who knew that digging deeper in yourself will actually give you a wider perspective?

These things contributed to how Brian perceived himself as a Filipino, as a Canadian, and maybe even as a person and as himself. But all of these experiences threaded together which brought him to open more doors which eventually led to bigger paths that he himself did not imagine before.

Path to Law

While Twitter, Facebook, and sometimes, their social circles are some of the avenues of law students to air out their despair and determination in their stay at law school, for Brian, after being called to the bar, there were more things to mind. One of these is the “real practical side of living the life of a lawyer.”

According to Brian who has been called to the Bar of the province of Quebec in December 2015 and has been practicing criminal law as a profession since 2017, part of the lawyer profession package is the encounters with people he dubs as ‘more shady than the usual person.’

“The hardest thing for me was taking a stand on what my actual values are.”

Joining a firm specializing in criminal law in his early career years, winning a legal case was not the only struggle he faced.

Brian also saw the side that being a lawyer is a job that deals with clients wanting to win, no matter what.

“The things I witnessed… it made me realize that I wanted more for my career than just striving to make more money.”

These did not enter his mind when he chose to take the path of law before, considering it as a shiny title before his first name.

“If I backtrack, when I started law school, my dreams were really much different. When I started law school, I was into the whole money, glam, position, and title. I liked having the initials in front of my name. I get to wear my court robe. I was pretty shallow at that time.”

Being a lawyer also comes with a certain image associating suits, neckties, and champagne. And a trivia that Brian revealed, being part of the in-

Brian Vidal. SUPPLIED

dustry, is that different law firms also project an image that attract different aspirants to have the kind of lifestyle they are emulating.

“Every big firm is known for its own identity. The big philosophy: work hard, play hard.

But then half way through law school… I knew it was gonna be self-destructive.”

This was what Brian said, admitting that he too had a taste of that kind of lifestyle, something like a detour. He also saw the financial side of being a lawyer, with concentrations on money and reputation. He, however, thought of this as something “not sustainable” in the long run.

“That’s not the kind of practice I want. Not the kind of pressure I want. I have bigger dreams for myself. I have bigger dreams for my career. It didn’t involve practicing law to be ‘dried up’ by the age of 35 and burnt out. I rather dream of having a wife, children; a stable family.”

This way of thinking was born from his experiences before pursuing law.

“For 10 years I worked in a hospital. And I was what you call a transport attendant.”

“I would bring patients to their testing areas. In one day, I would bring maybe three patients to the morgue – like three bodies to the morgue. And on the same day, two new babies would be born. I literally saw the circle of life every shift.”

In addition, his undergraduate degree was actually a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology – the study of human movement, biomechanics, and exercise physiology. One of the influences for him to be in this field is the profession of his mom as a rehabilitation nurse, to which he got to see amputees and in-

jured people.

“I like the aspect of caring for someone to journey with them.”

However, as the days for clasping a diploma of that degree are nearing, Brian soon found himself sandwiched between thoughts of restlessness and doubts.

“I didn’t like the idea of just being stuck in an office. I said to myself, I wanted to do more, something more on a bigger scale.”

These thoughts brought him to the world of Political Science as a minor, which was something he never imagined himself to be in as he realized that Humanities was not really in his list of fortes to begin with.

However, undergoing a couple of Humanities classes, Brian was able to measure his capabilities in this “whole different world.”

Guided by the dream of wanting to do something on a larger scale, Brian considered work in the government. He then observed a pattern and realized that “a vast majority of Prime Ministers of Canada are all lawyers.”

While this could be the push he was waiting for to follow the way of Law, more than that, the will to do something greater also traced back to his racial roots.

“I always had this idea that I wanted to give back to the Filipino community somehow.

Just give back to people. That’s just one secret idea I had.”

He said that in a way, Filipinos are looked down on as they are known to take the jobs of nannies overseas. Though he stressed that it is a decent job and something to not be ashamed of, Brian knew deep down that Filipinos were capable of something greater and if www.canadianinquirer.net

he could be one to inspire others to level up on their career, he would love the idea.

“Be proud of who you are, where you’re from… I said to myself that maybe if I could be an example to others, I would do that.”

Now that Brian has finally attained the title of a lawyer, the challenges do not end after grabbing his goal. After choosing to go with his gut and following the set of values he learned through his experiences, he chose to go solo in this career, facing away from the opportunities at law firms.

“I’m happy where I am for now, despite that it’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Though Brian gets to decide for himself based on what he thinks as the best, the weight of being on your own is still evident. But for him, being able to sleep peacefully at night means so much more than the pressure that is filling him now. “…just from having peace in my heart, knowing that I’m doing something good, contributing back to society. I’m not having difficulties in my conscience. I know what I’m doing is correct and no one can stop me from doing what I wanna do for the right reasons. Nothing can buy peace. It is something people don’t realize.”

Putting up signs

Though Brian admits that he himself still does not know what the future holds, he has a message for people who are struggling in crossing and even figuring out their career paths, and that is to be true to who they are.

And just in case, they are also struggling with knowing who they are, there is always the option of digging deeper in one’s

self.

“You have to seek the truth.

For me it was the gospel, it was God.” Brian, who used to look at religious organizations with scrutinizing eyes is now a member of the Couples for Christ together with his girlfriend.

“So I used to think God loves you plus or minus. Like okay if you do good things, he likes you more; you do bad things, he likes you less. But my realization was that was completely false and erroneous, rather God loves you, period.”

He once reached a point in his life where he knew that he had to redefine how he was living because nothing was making sense anymore. The emptiness that he feared after seeing patients without relatives in his work in the hospital is slowly creeping into his reality. That is, until someone approached him and asked him if he wanted to check out this Christian Life Program.

“Come on. Really? Like really, man? People are gonna sing and clap,” this was his initial reaction, but the whole experience changed his whole perspective.

“You listen to the talks and that’s when you know that something touches your heart.

I’m going to admit that I was wrong. I realized that there’s so much more to it than the song or dance. There’s a person, there’s a relationship.”

Brian said that each person has a different truth about himself or herself, and that it is up to them to set out on their own journey to seek it.

“I chose to stay true to myself.

Be willing to be proven wrong.

Be willing to take a risk. Be willing to be vulnerable even if that’s a very scary thing. That’s the only way you’re gonna encounter truth. That’s the only way you are gonna encounter people who will love you and you want to be surrounded with.”

“Vulnerability is something we are so afraid of. But that in truth is the root of how you can achieve what you wanna achieve in this life.”

Currently, Brian is living his life not as a Filipino or a Canadian. He is not just a lawyer as well. He is not just son, a partner, and someone who enjoys teaching people the way of life through his faith. He is simply Brian Vidal, who is still in his journey of the unknown. ■

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FRIDAY APRIL 5, 2019

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