Philippine Canadian Inquirer #177

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JULY 24, 2015

VOL. 7 NO. 177

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Binay: lift term limitations, make it ‘one to sawa’

‘P-Noy not key to running’

Feds expected to collect $340 million in tax

Summer’s Here: Top 10 Canadian Destinations

PH Army bags gold in Japan Dragon Boat Championships

END OF RAMADAN

VP Binay files damage suit against PDI, Trillanes, Cayetano, 9 others

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Muslims hold early morning prayers at the Blue Mosque in Maharlika Village in Taguig City in observance of Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

RAFFY LERMA / PDI

Poor gets poorer, rich gets richer

❱❱ PAGE 4 VP Binay

The economic disparity in the Philippines

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Filipinos are in for even harder times.

If you are to ask economic analysts, it

seems that the next few years will continue to look even grimmer for the Philippines.

As the working class Juan and Juana continue to slave half a day (or more) at

m info@canadianinquirer.net sales@canadianinquirer.net A (888) 668-6059

Fil-Can in Focus: Tony San Juan

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❱❱ PAGE 26 ❱❱ PAGE 8 Poor gets

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MANILA — Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay filed a damage suit before the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) against Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Antonio Trillanes IV, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, among others for allegedly negating his good reputation as part of a black propaganda in the coming presidential elections.

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Philippine News

2

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

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MANILA — Top U.S. lawmakers backed the Philippine government’s decision to pursue international arbitration to resolve its maritime disputes with China as they called for stronger American military support for its long-time ally amid Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea. On Friday, a statement of support was issued by U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jack Reed (D-RI), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praising the Philippines’ efforts to peacefully resolve territorial disputes through arbitration.

“Although the United States does not take a position on the competing claims, we applaud Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and his government for his commitment to pursuing this legal course of action,” they said in a statement that adds an important voice to Manila’s stance that arbitration is an “open, legal, durable and peaceful” way of resolving the disputes.

“While China is constructing and militarizing new land features in the South China Sea and increasingly turning to coercion to achieve its goals, we are encouraged to see that Manila continues to make every effort to resolve these claims peacefully, consistent with international law, and through international arbitration mechanisms.”

Dotted with islands, shoals, cays, reefs and rock formations, the South China Sea is a contested major waterway with lush marine life and rich in oil and gas reserves.

It is home to overlapping claims by China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. However, China says it has indisputable and historical claim of nearly 90 percent of the entire sea even as it overlaps with the territories of its Asian neighbors.

China’s massive reclamation on at least seven formerly submerged reefs it controls has worried other claimants and other nations like the United States and Japan.

Last week, a legal team from the Philippines took part in oral arguments before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to convince the five-man

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U.S. Sen. John McCain.

CHAMELEONSEYE / SHUTTERSTOCK

panel of judges to assume jurisdiction over the case.

A decision on jurisdiction is crucial as it will determine if the Philippines’ case will proceed or not. The court said it will rule on the matter before the year ends.

Manila has maintained that a rulesbased approach is the only legitimate way in addressing disputes through a legal framework such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS. UNCLOS is a 1982 accord signed by 163 countries, including the Philippines and China, which governs the use of offshore areas and sets territorial limits of coastal states.

McCain, Reed, Corker and Cardin said Washington must continue to support its partners and allies, including the Philippines, as they contend with China’s aggressive actions.

“This requires not only routinely exercising freedom of navigation and overflight activities in the East and South China Seas, but also bolstering the maritime capabilities of Southeast Asian nations and conducting joint exercises and patrols,” they said.

Admiral Scott Swift, U.S. Commander of the Pacific Fleet, has reassured its Asian allies that it is prepared to act against any perceived Chinese threat in the region.

Swift told journalists in Manila on Friday that the Navy is “interested” in stepping up drills with allies like Japan, Australia and the Philippine and increase the presence of its forces in the region.

“It is critical that the United States take the necessary steps to sustain a balance of power that will continue to uphold peace and stability throughout the region,” the lawmakers said.

“Given the pace and scope of China’s military trajectory, we believe this will demand a sustained investment in our military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.” ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

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Closure of Semirara pit sought

BY GIL CABACUNGAN, NESTOR P. BURGOS JR., AND MARICAR CINCO Philippine Daily Inquirer LAWMAKERS ARE pushing for the immediate suspension of DM Consunji Inc.’s coal mining operations on Semirara Island in Antique while provincial disaster management officials are calling for the permanent closure of the Panian mining pit following its collapse on Friday, causing the death of six and disappearance of three others.

Special committee on climate change and Ako Bicol Rep. Rodel Batocabe said that since this was the second mining tragedy in DMCI’s Semirara mining operations in the last 29 months, it behooved the government to act swiftly in stopping all activities in the mining area.

“Considering that this is not the first time this happened, Semirara operations should be suspended until all government agencies, including Congress, have finished their investigations and brought to justice all persons and entities responsible. Otherwise, if we treat Semirara with kid gloves and allow it again to wantonly continue its operations, God forbid, we might be inviting further tragedies which will certainly be worse than before,” said Batocabe.

On July 18, a portion of DMCI’s northern Panian mining pit collapsed and buried the workers, mostly drivers of heavy equipment. On Feb. 13, 2013, part of the western wall of the Panian pit—a kilometer from last Friday’s accident site—the collapsed, leaving five workers dead and five others still missing and presumed dead.

There were other minor accidents at the pit that have claimed two lives per incident, according to workers interviewed by the INQUIRER. Antique Gov. Rhodora Cadiao told the INQUIRER that in an emergency meeting, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) passed a resolution recommending to the provincial board the closure of the 360-hectare mining pit.

Cadiao clarified that they were not calling for the closure of and the total stoppage of operations of Semirara Mining Power Corp. (SMPC).

“We only want a stop to the mining operations in that area,” she said.

Expansion areas

Cadiao said mining operations could continue because the SMPC had expansion areas it could continue excavating for coal.

She said the mining operations provided employment to 2,575 workers and contributed hundreds of millions of pesos in royalty to the provincial and municipal governments as well as Semirara

Island.

But she said the safety of the workers should be the primary concern.

“This is the second time this has happened. The first time, they promised it will not happen again, and whether there is negligence or not, this can be considered a dangerous area,” she said.

The Department of Energy (DOE), which conducted an investigation of the 2013 incident, cleared SMPC of any liabilities but required the company to put up additional safety measures before it allowed extraction operations to continue a few months later.

Overly exploited

Cadiao said the accident could be a sign the Panian pit had overly been exploited, noting that the excavation had reached 700 feet below sea level.

“Maybe its time to vacate that area because they have an expansion area,” she said.

Buhay Rep. Lito Atienza, a member of the House committee on natural resources, said he would summon Environment Secretary Ramon Paje to explain why his agency failed to monitor DMCI’s compliance with mining safety rules, espe cially after the 2013 disaster.

Batocabe said he would demand that top officials of DMCI, specifically Semirara Mining Corp. chief executive officer Isidro Consunji, appear before Congress to explain his company’s failure to improve safety standards in the country’s largest coal mine.

SHUTTERSTOCK

but a farce,” said Suarez.

Victor Consunji, SMPC president and chief operating officer, said in an earlier interview that the company was conducting a comprehensive review of its safety protocols and measures to find the cause of the incident.

He also assured the public they would be transparent with the investigation and review.

Many of the workers and their families fear the loss of their jobs in a prolonged suspension of operations or a permanent closure of the company.

Mayor Genevive Lim-Reyes of Caluya town where Semirara Island is located said several workers and residents had asked her about the plight of the com-

pany amid an order from the DOE to suspend extraction operations at the pit pending the agency’s investigation.

Prayer vigils

Reyes said she will wait for the results of the DOE investigation, with the primary concern of helping the families of the victims cope with the tragedy.

The municipal government has been conducting debriefings and psychosocial support to the victims’ families.

Nightly prayer vigils have also been held at the municipal sub-office in Semirara.

The municipal government also intends to grant P25,000 each to the families of the fatalities and P10,000 each to those of survivors. ■

Snubbed Congress

Batocabe noted that Consunji, son of billionaire David Consunji, had been snubbing Congress’ invitation to appear in the probe into DMCI’s Torre de Manila project which is said to mar the Rizal Monument skyline.

“We will not allow him to only send lawyers to the hearing unlike with Torre de Manila because this involves a series of tragedies,” said Batocabe.

Lawyer Virgie Suarez, secretary general of the Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (Kilusan), said DMCI should be held liable for the deaths and injuries of the workers.

“The usual promise of mining companies like DMCI to provide employment should be investigated by the Department of Labor: How many employees were actually provided employment?

What is their status? Are they properly compensated? Is the hazard inherent in the mining of coal that the employees are compensated enough by the wages that the employees receive?” asked Suarez.

“DMCI should be held liable for its continuous mining of coal and the use of it for energy purposes. Coal is considered the dirtiest fossil fuel. Their socalled green coal or clean coal is nothing

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Philippine News

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Poe considers Aquino’s view, not LP’s

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Amid blatant opposition of several members of the ruling Liberal Party (LP) to support an inexperienced ‘outsider’ as their presidential bid, Senator Grace Poe withheld that President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III’s view was more important than that of the political party.

“When I ran in 2013, I joined that coalition and President Aquino was my guide. If ever I should make a decision and they believe that I am worthy of their support, the most important is the view of the President and not of just a party,” Poe said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer.

Poe also claimed that she would respect whoever Aquino would endorse as his preferred presidential candidate in next year’s national elections.

“Even if he is a friend, I cannot read everything that is on the mind of the President. He is honest, not only with me but also with all his allies. He does not impose himself. He has long been telling me that this will not be easy,” she said.

Poe then clarified that although she considered the President’s endorsement as an advantage in the presidential race, she believed that the decision to seek higher office should first be a personal choice as running the Philippines would not be easy.

“I think the President’s endorsement is a big thing… [But

even if ] someone you look up to and respect endorses your candidacy, it is still up to you [to make the final decision to run or not],” she said.

Still undecided

As of posting, Poe still has not declared candidacy. She admitted, however, that she has already started thinking about it — about joining the ‘fight.’

Poe reiterated the difficulties her late father Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) experienced when he joined the presidential race in 2004, where now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo won. “[I want to be] careful about the memory of my father and of course the work I have been doing in the Senate,” she said.

“I don’t want to lose these

Sen. Grace Poe.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POE’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

for a decision that is wrong…

But what is important to me, I admit, I am thinking of how I could help people. And will I be able to cope with this because it was not easy for my father in 2004,” she added.

It can be recalled that FPJ was criticized by his detractors in the 2004 presidential elections as a mere movie star with

no capability to run the country. They also questioned his citizenship for having an American mother.

In the coming national elections, Poe has also been repeatedly lambasted as a newbie in politics with little experience and has been asked to prove her Filipino citizenship being an adopted daughter. ■

VP Binay...

“Due to (i) the political ambitions of the defendants in the upcoming May 2016 elections; (ii) the disdain and personal animosity of the defendants toward the Plaintiff; and/ or (ii) the insatiable greed of the defendants for power and money, the defendants, acting in conspiracy and in collusion with one another, decided to blatantly and publicly malign the good name and reputation of the Plaintiff,” Binay’s complaint read.

Also among the suit’s respondents were former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, Caloocan City Representative Eric Erice, Attorney Renato Bondal, Engineer Mario Hechanova, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) officials and the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI). ❰❰ 1

www.canadianinquirer.net

The aforementioned government officials purportedly conspired while the PDI published defamatory news all against him.

Also named as defendants, on the other hand, were AMLC chairman Bangko Sentral Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., AMLC executive director Julia Abad, and AMLC members Insurance commissioner Emmanuel Dooc and Securities and Exchange Commission chair Teresita Herbosa.

It can be recalled that Binay, his son suspended Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” Binay, his wife former Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay, and his alleged dummies have been facing numerous corruption allegations including the overpriced Makati City Hall Building 2 and the Makati City Science High School. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

5

P-Noy to receive first new e-passport

BY NIÑA P. CALLEJA Philippine Daily Inquirer MALVAR, BATANGAS — The country’s first ever e-passport plant located here promises to process new Philippine passports in less than a day, even minutes, giving every page of the travel document new intricate and tamper-proof designs.

President Aquino himself will witness the first live demonstration of the new e-passport system today at the threehectare high security printing plant at industrial park Lima Technology Center.

Mr. Aquino will experience the entire process of passport application—from enrollment and the capture of his biometrics and biographical data to printing and verification. All these will be done in a matter of minutes with APO’s personalization machine.

To demonstrate the system’s capability to conduct a similar process off-site at real time, representatives of overseas Filipino worker communities based in Singapore and Doha, Qatar, will participate in the live demonstration.

Leading the unveiling ceremony is the APO Production Unit, the governmentcontrolled corporation under the Presidential Communications Operations

P-Noy is the very first holder of the new ePassport launched Monday, July 20.

Office, which has been awarded the contract to print the new e-passports for the Department of Foreign Affairs.

‘Urgency to replace system’

The event will also be attended by For-

eign Secretary Albert del Rosario.

“There is an urgency to replace the old system,” Jimbo Aldaba, executive vice president and general manager of APO, said during a recent visit by journalists to the plant.

He said the DFA’s Consular Affairs Office was facing severe backlogs and delays in passport processing because the system could only accommodate up to 6,000 passports a day, even less than half the average daily requirement of 15,000 passports.

“The system could no longer swallow this. Old machines and the old software were causing the problem. Most passport enrollment machines had reached the end of life,” Aldaba said.

He said that apart from doing the manual encoding, the old system still relied on software Windows XP, which is nearing its obsolescence.

The plan of the national government was to set up an integrated plant that would produce passports in one area, making passport processing faster and more efficient, he said.

MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

APO was awarded a contract with the DFA to maintain its old system before fully transitioning to the new one.

Under the contract, the DFA has engaged APO to do maintenance and technical services to keep the servers and the communication lines between DFA headquarters and the 120 embassies, foreign service outposts and regional consular offices which still have computers that enroll applicants running.

Aldaba said that of the 17 printers originally delivered in 2009, only three are operating.

Security and proximity

Lima Technology Center is a 485-hectare estate registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority located in Lipa City and Malvar, Batangas.

Aldaba said the government chose Lima Technology Center as the location for its high security printing due to its proximity to the Batangas port and Metro Manila’s road network.

The new passport printing system offers new designs that make the travel document almost impossible to fake.

Web-based application

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas used to print the passports at its security plant complex in Quezon City.

Aldaba said the Lima e-passport plant will use a global web-based application system that automatically inputs the data given by the applicants during their online appointment booking.

The information automatically goes into one system which does its own verification right away.

“When you apply for a passport, your details no longer need to be reencoded,” he said. www.canadianinquirer.net

Identification document

In a prototype shown to journalists, each page bore lines of the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” in the background of pictures of the Philippines. A page is dedicated to the full text of Filipino national hero Jose Rizal’s “Mi Ultimo Adios (My Last Farewell).”

“The passport is an identification document. What identifies us as Filipinos is the diversity of our archipelago,” he said.

The passports are made of more durable and higher quality materials to last beyond the normal wear-and-tear. ■

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Philippine News

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

China: We will not accept UN court ruling

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

sisting that the case has no basis as the country has ‘indisputable sovereignty’ over the South China Sea. “China opposes any move by the PhilACCORDING TO Chinese Foreign ippines to initiate and push forward the Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying, arbitral proceeding… On issues of terriChina will continue to stand firm on its torial sovereignty and maritime rights claims and will not accept the United and interests, China will never accept Nations’ court (UN) resolution on the any imposed solution or unilaterally case filed by the Philippines. resorting to a third-party settlement,” She also claims that China is the vic- Hua said. tim in the territorial disputes on the Instead, China encourages negotiaSouth China Sea. tion and consultation with the Philip“The origin and crux of the disputes pines. between China and “China has always the Philippines in adhered to and has the South China Sea been committed to lie in the territorial resolving, in accorsovereignty disputes dance with intercaused by the PhilipOn issues national law and on pines’ illegal occupaof territorial the basis of respecttion of some islands sovereignty ing historical facts, and reefs of China’s and maritime relevant disputes Nansha Islands since rights and relating to territothe 1970s,” Hua said interests, rial sovereignty and in an official stateChina will maritime rights and ment. never accept interests with rel“Being a victim of any imposed evant states directly the South China Sea solution or concerned through issue, China, bearing unilaterally negotiation and conin mind the whole resorting to sultation,” Hua said. situation of regional a third-party “This is China’s peace and stability, settlement. consistent practice, has been exercising and also common utmost restraint,” practice of the intershe added. national community.

China urges the PhilArbitration case ippines to return to While the Philippines’ arbitration the right approach of resolving relevant case is being heard at the Peace Palace in disputes through negotiation and conNetherlands, China continues its mas- sultation as soon as possible,” she added. sive and rapid reclamation activities and Even without China’s participation in infrastructure building on several con- the arbitration case, the Philippines will tested reefs in the Spratly Islands. continue with the court proceedings, With the arbitral tribunal concluding not allowing the former to take full conthe hearing on the jurisdiction and ad- trol over the Spratly Islands. missibility case, the Philippines hopes Recently, Filipino fishermen have to obtain favorable ruling. been barred by Chinese coast guards China, on the other hand, continues to from their old fishing grounds in the refuse participating in the hearings, in- West Philippine Sea. ■

SHUTTERSTOCK

Int’l groups seek action on police torture in PH

BY TARRA QUISMUNDO Philippine Daily Inquirer SIX BAR associations from Europe and the Philippines have called on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to take immediate steps to address cases of torture in the country, citing how it “is still rife” and “appears to be routine during interrogations by police officers.”

In a statement sent through international rights group Amnesty International (AI) at the DOJ on Thursday, the bar associations of Germany, Denmark, Belgium, Norway, France and the Philippines expressed alarm over persistent reports of torture attributed to law enforcers.

“We are calling on you to address this urgent issue by taking concrete action to ensure those responsible are brought to justice through prompt, impartial, independent and effective investigations into all reports of torture and other illtreatment by law enforcement officials leading to robust prosecutions in court,” they said.

They noted that “not a single perpetrator is known to have been convicted under the law,” and that “not one torture survivor in the Philippines has obtained justice” since the the 2009 Anti-Torture Act came into force.

Bar associations around the world, including the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), had played a key role in the formulation of such anti-torture policy,

www.canadianinquirer.net

they cited.

“While a handful of police officers have been suspended or dismissed for torture and other ill-treatment in highly publicized cases, the vast majority of alleged perpetrators remain in active service. Individual police officers are therefore able to act as if they are above the law,” the lawyers’ groups noted.

“While administrative sanctions for police officers can and should be strengthened, we believe it is through prompt, impartial and effective investigations and robust prosecutions that full accountability and justice for torture victims can be achieved,” they said.

AI representatives hand-delivered the letter to Justice Undersecretary Francisco Baraan III on Thursday morning.

The rights group said the appeal was “well-received” by the DOJ, and that officials have “committed to look into the cases and issues raised.”

The letter was signed by AI Philippines Section Director Gemma Regina Corpus Cunanan and heads of the IBP, the German Bar Association, the Danish Bar and Law Society, the Belgian Bar Association, the Norwegian Bar Association, and the International Commission of the Paris Bar. Laying down their appeal to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, a former chief of the Commission on Human Rights, the lawyers’ groups hoped that the Philippine government would ensure the prompt, independent and effective investigation of torture cases. ■

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

7

Bayan: Instead of improving facilities, LRTA holds costume party

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Socio-civic group Bayan said on Thursday (July 16) that while commuters were suffering from inconvenience caused by the trains’ leaking proofs and long queues, the Light Rail Transit Authority held a costume-themed party to celebrate its 35th anniversary.

In a statement posted in his Facebook account, Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said that his group received a letter from an employee of LRTA. The letter exposed the activities of the LRTA administration including the recent party which had a “Roaring Twenties” theme for the celebration of its 35th anniversary.

“The revelation comes in the wake of reports of leaking LRT 1 roofs exposed recently,” he said.

“Eto po ang mas pinagkakaa-

Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) posing for a photograph at the agency's 35th anniversary celebration at the Manila Grand Hotel with the theme “Roaring 20’s.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY BAYAN

balahan ng pamunuan ng lrta. wala silang paki alam sa problema ng mga tren, pasahero, hitsura at condisyon ng mga ista-

syon ng lrt, at marami pang iba. pakisiwalat naman ito sa ating mga mamamayan. maraming salamat po,” the letter read.

(This is what the LRTA leadership is busy with. They don’t care about the problems of the trains, the passengers, the

look and condition of the LRT stations, and so many others.

Please expose this to our countrymen. Thank you.)

Attached with the letter is a memorandum issued by LRTA administrator Honorito D. Chaneco announcing the party.

In the memorandum, Chaneco promised the LRTA “optimum fun and maximum enjoyment” with “cool gimmicks” during the party held on July 10 at the Manila Grand Opera Hotel in Manila.

“We leave it to the riding public to judge the propriety of such actions during these most difficult times. Some employees reportedly refused to attend the party because they did not want to spend thousands for their 1920’s era costumes. It would be good to know if such events are even consistent with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees,” Reyes added. ■

Poe: Palace dinner did not tackle 2016 elections

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — According to Senator Grace Poe, the dinner hosted by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III at Bahay Pangarap did not include discussions on whom among her, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II will be endorsed by Aquino as his preferred presidential candidate in next year’s national elections.

“Those details were not discussed,” Poe said in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report, adding that Aquino wanted to meet with them again sometime next week preferably before he delivers his last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Roxas, on the other hand, declined to disclose any detail regarding the six-hourlong dinner.

“I will not [talk about it],” he told reporters after visiting a wake.

Poe has topped the latest presidential preferences sur-

veys, Roxas has been considered the presumptive standardbearer of the ruling Liberal Party (LP), and Escudero has also been seen as a potential presidential candidate in the coming national elections.

Closer to choosing successor

Aquino, for his part, announced that he will make his endorsement after his last SONA. After the six-hourlong dinner last Wednesday, the President admitted being ‘closer’ to choosing his preferred successor.

“I think the best that I can say at this point, this minute, is I am closer to that point,” Aquino told reporters after leading the Philippine National Police (PNP) turnover ceremonies yesterday.

“Success can be measured by your ability to train your successor or to name your successor or to choose your successor… There were many who could pursue our reform program and that’s why we are happy,” he added, mentioning that the dinner also included

Senators Grace Poe and Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.

top government officials.

Aquino disclosed that they had a long discussion which ended past midnight. He recalled looking back in the past five years and the improvement the Philippines has had.

“All the parties that were there agreed that a lot of changes have happened in our society, in our country during the www.canadianinquirer.net

PHOTO COURTESY OF POE’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

past five years. And because the transformation has been good, there is a need to sustain them,” he said.

Aquino confirmed Poe’s statement that he would meet with them again sometime next week. In choosing his preferred presidential candidate whom his administration would support, the President stated that

he will not limit himself in making the choice but would consider everyone who has potential to lead the country.

“We are trying to unite them.

I’m a member of the Liberal Party, but I also represent other sectors. There are peoples’ organizations and civil society organizations. I’ve never been a dictator,” he said. ■

Philippine News

8

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

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An aerial view of Metro Manila shows the slums and high-rise buildings of the city.

AUDIOSCIENCE / SHUTTERSTOCK

Poor gets... work, his/her household tiptoes along the poverty line— trying its best to balance work and make ends meet without falling where millions of Filipino families have an even more difficult life: A life below the poverty mark. ❰❰ 1

Economic Intelligence Unit Report

According to the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU), the Philippines remains to be one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia and by 2019, the Philippines will reach “a lower level of GDP (gross domestic product) per head than the majority of the region’s other major economies.”

The EIU is the research and analysis division of The Economist Group, the sister company of The Economist newspaper.

The EIU report noted that the Philippine economy–despite its notable growth the past years–still possesses “wide inequalities of income” which highlights the severe “disparity between the richest and poorest households.”

Despite this grim forecast, a part of the EIU report reads, “Although poverty will remain a problem, continuing healthy rates of economic expansion in 2015-2019 will also benefit the poorer segments of the population.”

Several economic reports, including that from the EIU, cited the Philippines’ per capita GDP at US $2,843 (roughly P129,000) and the purchasing power rate at $6,914 (roughly P133,000) in 2014.

Meanwhile, in 2013, around 52% of

household expenses were dedicated to basic necessities. Government transfer programs, like the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program, somehow sustained the consumption rate by augmenting the spending power of low-income families.

The robust growth of remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), low interest rates, and the improvement of the country’s employment rate all helped maintain the consumer’s purchasing capacity.

The EIU report also mentioned significant economic shifts like the growing popularity of credit/debit cards and bank loans in the Philippines.

In its economic forecast, the EIU predicts that the per capita GDP of the Philippines will increase to $4,549 (roughly P206,000) in 2019. Yet, the country’s poor— especially those in rural areas— will only feel this growth if the government will directly spend on basic services like healthcare and education on a local scale.

‘Robust’ might be too strong a word

When it comes to the real state of the Philippine economy, ‘robust’ might be too strong a word.

In a statement released by IBON News in March 2015, IBON challenged President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s speech highlighting the country’s “robust” economic growth.

IBON News is a non-profit research group and development organization that seeks to promote an understanding of socioeconomics.

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According to IBON, “the Philippine development performance still compares poorly with its neighbors in the region. This is despite having the fastest economic growth in Southeast Asia and record foreign direct investment (FDI).”

In the same statement, IBON mentioned that the “country’s performance is not as exceptional as with other ASEAN countries” in terms of the unemployment rate, poverty, and the so-called human development index (HDI), which is a collective term for “health, education, and income indicators.”

At the time the statement was released, the Philippines ranked in seventh place when it comes to HDI improvement. Neighboring countries like Cambodia, Indonesia, and Vietnam have overtaken the Pearl of the Orient when it comes to said indicators.

IBON said the country’s “overall economic growth has been slowing” down, despite Aquino’s claims of “impressive growth and all-time high FDI.” The Quezon City-based research group also highlighted “how the slowdown in growth reflected the artificial drivers of the relatively rapid growth in the last two years (i.e. real estate and construction).”

Citing data from the last two years, the statement pointed out that the economic growth rate went down from 7.2% in 2013 to 6.1% in 2014.

This significant decrease in economic growth is said to be an effect of internal turmoil due to the “absence of any major economic shock” like the 2008 global recession during Gloria Macapagal-Ar-

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

royo’s term, IBON added.

As per IBON, Aquino’s speech was nothing but a diversion tactic to divert the public’s attention from the issue menacing the Palace, like the tragic Mamasapano incident, which killed over 60 people, including 44 members of the Philippine National Police — Special Action Force (PNP-SAF).

“Malacanang has been emphasizing so-called economic successes in its effort to counter growing public criticism over the Mamasapano fiasco, the controversy over the pork barrel and Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).”

The rich gets richer, the poor gets poorer

This year, in an ironic turn of events, the Philippines was described as having the “second fastest-growing economy” — only next to its territorial rival China. Economic reports reflected that about US $16.6 billion were added to the Philippines’ GDP. It appears that only the wealthiest individuals and their families can feel this boon in the economy. It’s a terrible cliché, but indeed—the rich just got richer.

According to Forbes magazine, the richest families earned about 13% more in 2014, which translates to about $72.4 billion. If you compute the collective wealth of the Filipinos richest, you’ll get $8.45 billion.

That’s over half of the country’s GDP for the entire year at $16.6 billion.

The gap between the rich and the poor in the Philippines is undeniable. It is a line drawn in screaming red, separating the prosperous and the penurious.

But where is this so-called growth? Why can’t we—the working class Filipino—feel its effects?

Let’s go down to the basics: First, salary. According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the current minimum daily wage is P466 (about CAD $13.35 or US $10.31). It has only increased by a measly 4.5% in the last three years. A 4.5% increase translates to just about P21.00 — about P7.00 per annum.

Partner that measly salary increase with the rising prices of basic commodities and there you have it—the poor just got even poorer.

Second, let’s talk about taxes.

As per the Tax Reform Act of 1997 Section 24A, the top mar-

ginal rate is at 32% effective January 1, 2000, which is applicable to individuals earning more than P500,000. At 32%, the Philippines has the highest income tax rate in ASEAN. In a position paper submitted by the Tax Management Association of the Philippines in 2014, they noted the following income tax rates from neighboring countries: Singapore — 2% Vietnam — 20% Malaysia — 11% Cambodia — 20% Laos — 12% While in Brunei, employees who earn the equivalent of P500,000 do not have to pay any income taxes to the government.

While several officials have made efforts to alleviate the staggering income tax rate in the Philippines, since 1997 the country’s tax laws haven’t budged. However, lawmakers like Sen. Sonny Angara and Sen. Bam Aquino continue to champion bills that seek to change the taxation landscape of the country.

Speaking of lawmakers, let’s go to the third — and perhaps the most notorious — economic factor: Corruption.

Transparency International releases an annual Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) report to analyze the countries’ corruption problem and to highlight the fact how it is “threatening economic growth for all.” It rates countries from 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

According to the 2014 CPI results (https://www.transparency.org/cpi2014/results), the Philippines got a failing score of 38/100 and ranked 85th out of 175 countries.

“A poor score is likely a sign of widespread bribery, lack of punishment for corruption, and public institutions that don’t respond to citizens’ needs,” it says in the report.

As a consequence of prevailing corruption, the country has “poorly equipped schools, counterfeit medicine, and elections decided by money.”

Furthermore, corruption doesn’t “just steal resources from the most vulnerable — they undermine justice and economic development, and destroy public trust in government and leaders.” ■ Author’s Note: Exchange rates as of July 20, 2015.

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Andal Ampatuan Sr. passes away

BY PRIAM F. NEPOMUCENO AND CHRISTOPHER LLOYD T. CALIWAN Philippines News Agency MANILA — Former Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan, Sr., 74, suspected brain of the celebrated Maguindanao massacre, succumbed to cardiac arrest Friday night.

He passed away at the National Kidney and Transplant

Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City at 10:02 p.m., according to Insp. Aries Villaester, spokesman for the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-National Capital Region.

Ampatuan’s body was then taken at Bicutan at 2 a.m. Saturday and afterwards flown to Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao via Philippine Airlines, and subsequently buried there at 2:45 p.m.

The deceased, was among the 103 suspects charged in

connection with the Nov. 23, 2009 Maguindanao massacre which claimed the lives of 58 people, 32 of them media practitioners.

It was considered the country’s worst election-related violent incident.

He was confined at the NKTI since last June 5 after being diagnosed with Stage 4 liver cancer and taken to the medical facility’s intensive care unit last Monday due to a heart attackinduced coma. ■

Lawmakers urged to offer mature BBL perspective

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Civil society advocates urged lawmakers to present a more “mature” perspective on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Instead of “bashing and prejudging the proposed law before the public” the lawmakers must offer reasonable claims, according to the Mindanao Civil Society Organizations Platform for Peace (MCSOPP).

“A reasoned scrutiny of the BBL will come if legislators set aside their prejudicial views about Muslims, appreciate the distinct history of the Moros as a people and, most important, study the proposed law well so they would understand what it intends to achieve,” Candido Aparece Jr., spokesman of MCSOPP said in a report for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

This came following Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero’s statement saying they are against BBL because it may lead to the creation of a separate Bangsamoro republic.

The two made the statement when they visited Koronadal City on Saturday.

“This is ridiculous. By saying that, Poe and Escudero are clearly not studying the proposed measure, and it has been already more than nine months in their hands,” Aparece said.

“How come they concluded there would be a separate republic? Is it because they just want to be different from the www.canadianinquirer.net

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak witness MILF Peace Panel chairman Mohagher Iqbal, Malaysian facilitator Tengku Ghafar, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles affix their signature to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro in a ceremony at the Kalayaan Grounds of the Malacañan Palace.

RYAN LIM / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

views of (President Aquino) on the BBL? That is flimsy and characteristic of opportunistic politicians,” he added.

Aparece also said that Poe must have been “dragged” along by other lawmaker’s view.

“In the case of her recent comments on the BBL, it seems she was just dragged along by the none-too-clear views of Chiz (Escudero).”Aparece said.

“If Senator Poe wants to be seen as someone who can lead this country with firmness and determination despite being a political greenhorn, she should be discerning about her posi-

tion on issues,” In view of the coming elections, Aparece warned against the use of BBL as a “kick ball” among politicians.

“The BBL is hoped to be an instrument for social justice.

That should be respected for what it seeks to achieve and not used as a kick ball in the political intramurals of 2016,” Aparece said.

“If that is difficult to achieve in the House of Representatives because many of its members are consumed with their parochial interests, we expect the senators to provide political maturity.” ■

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FRIDAY

Speaker Belmonte: What is stopping Noy from Poe unstoppable, choosing standard bearer?

Roxas should prove ‘winnability’

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — According to House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II has to prove his ‘winnability’ in next year’s presidential elections or Senator Grace Poe will be ‘unstoppable.’

Roxas, the ruling Liberal Party’s (LP) presumptive standardbearer, has been unpopular in recent presidential preferences surveys. He placed only on the third or fourth spots in latest polls, whereas Poe topped and surpassed Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay in the lead.

Belmonte then wanted Roxas to prove that he can win in the coming presidential race, especially if he expected to be endorsed by President Benigno “P-Noy” Aquino III. “All his (Aquino) candidates, particularly Mar, are qualified and will give effective, honest government that will make a difference. But Mar should prove his winnability, by a dramatic increase in ratings,” LP vice chairman Belmonte said in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.

“Otherwise, Grace will be another P-Noy, unstoppable,” Belmonte added.

It can be recalled that Aquino won the 2013 presidential elections by a landslide of votes, despite of a short campaign period.

Poe, who has been another viable presidential candidate, has been having closed-door meetings with Aquino, igniting spec-

ulations that the President may endorse her after his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) later this month.

For her part, Poe clarified that Aquino did not offer her any position during their oneon-one meetings. The neophyte senator also reiterated that she still had not decided whether to seek higher office or not in the 2016 elections.

But should Poe join next year’s national elections, she admitted that she would be more confident having Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as running mate.

Even Escudero also had closed-door meetings with Aquino. But just like Poe, he clarified that the President did not offer him any position.

The senator admitted, however, that they did talk about the coming elections and the candidates that Aquino’s administration will be willing to support.

MANILA — President Aquino wants the coalition to remain united.

This is what delays him from choosing the administration’s presidential candidate in the upcoming 2016 elections, according to Majority Leader Mandaluyong City Rep. Neptali Gonzales II. “I suppose the unity of the coalition is important to him (Aquino) and that is what is causing the delay (in endorsing

a candidate). How to make his choice have the support of the LP and the coalition partners — that’s the problem,” Gonzales told dzBB. Aside from the Liberal Party, Gonzales said that the President also has to consider the coalition members including the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Nacionalista Party, National Unity Party, and other political groups.

These groups aligned with the Liberal Party during the 2013 elections.

“If the President will only consider the LP, then I do sup-

pose he won’t have any difficulty in making a decision — there is only one LP (presidential) candidate,” he said, referring to Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

But because he wants the coalition to remain in tact, he is still on the process of choosing the candidate to endorse next year.

He said that Aquino met with Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero, who were members of the coalition, but not of LP, more than twice.

The LP stalwart said that the candidate must be acceptable not just to LP but to all the members of the coalition. ■

Lakas-CMD may pull out

Meanwhile, Belmonte, who has also led Lakas-CMD political party, may pull out his bloc from the LP coalition should he choose not to support Aquino’s endorsed successor, according to an Inquirer source who asked to remain anonymous.

Isabela Representative Giorgidi Aggabao, a coalition member, then called on the President to make his endorsement soon and ‘leave out who would be a hard sell, whether friend or foe.’ ■

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. and Senate President Franklin Drilon with President Benigno Simeon Aquino III before delivering his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) during the Joint Session of the 16th Congress at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

BENHUR ARCAYAN / MALACAÑANG PHOTO BUREAU

Alberto Lina.

CUSTOMS.GOV.PH

Lina goes after bogus reporters

BY JERRY E. ESPLANADA Philippine Daily Inquirer COMMISSIONER ALBERTO Lina has continued his predecessors’ media reform program to ferret out bogus journalists covering the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

In a July 10 memorandum, Lina stressed the need to “ensure that only bona fide media professionals are allowed entry to the BOC premises at the Port of Manila.”

“Only legitimate press members and groups shall be accredited,” Lina said.

Applications for media accreditation will be “considered www.canadianinquirer.net

on a case-to-case basis,” he added.

Lina warned the BOC media accreditation could be revoked for, among other things, involvement in smuggling, violation of the Philippine Journalists Code of Ethics and allowing other people to use one’s press card.

Some reporters covering the Customs beat found the memo confusing.

On the item, “access to Customs offices and other facilities,” Lina declared that for security reasons, media people “are not authorized to enter any office other than the press office unless invited by the office head.”

A media person, who asked not to be identified for obvious reasons, asked: “How come smugglers and other Customs players are given access to many, if not all, BOC offices?”

Another media man said this happened “especially on Fridays,” indicating that the payment of “tara” or bribes, by traders to corrupt personnel to facilitate the release of their misdeclared and undervalued imported goods, usually took place on Fridays.

Media men of dubious affiliations had been suspected of serving as fixers or public relations agents of smugglers and other unscrupulous personnel. ■

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FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

11

‘White House’ opens gate but not front door, to media

BY JULIE M. AURELIO Philippine Daily Inquirer FOR THE FIRST time since its construction in 2013, the controversial P11.4-million “White House” in Camp Crame—the official residence of the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP)—was opened to members of the media for “closure and transparency.”

Newly appointed PNP chief Director Gen. Ricardo Marquez opened the gates of the heavily secured compound where he is expected to live for the duration of his term, giving the media a peek of the facade of the new building and the older quarters, built way back in 1985, as well as the gazebo for guests.

But no one was allowed to actually enter the two-story structure for security measures.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said during a briefing yesterday that the bare White House will be furnished by its new occupants, which include the PNP chief and his wife and children.

Marquez will move into his new quarters over the weekend.

The PNP “white house” inside Camp Crame serves as the official residence of the PNP Chief .

SCREENSHOT FROM GMA’S ‘STATE OF THE NATION WITH JESSICA SOHO’

construction of the PNP chief’s official residence in 2013, during the term of dismissed Director Gen. Alan Purisima. It was allegedly built at the cost of P25 million.

Media tour

Marquez conducted the media tour of the compound a day after he assumed post as the 20th PNP chief and was promoted to director general, a four-star rank.

In an interview after Thursday’s change-of-command ceremony, the new PNP chief said he is allowing a brief visit to his official residence, which, he quipped, is “really white.”

“This will be for closure, I suppose. There have been requests in the past months to see it. We also want transparency, so we want you to see it,” he said.

Marquez was referring to the controversy surrounding the

Private donors

But Purisima said the construction of the new building was made possible through funding from private donors, which amounted to P11 million.

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas had submitted a list of the supposed donors during a Senate hearing in September 2014.

At the height of the controversy, there was talk that the donations came from Purisima’s brothers in Freemasonry.

Purisima was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines during his term as PNP chief, being a member of the Gen. Mariano Llanera

Memorial Lodge 168 in Gapan, Nueva Ecija.

Marquez himself is a Freemason, being a member of the Kagitingan Lodge 286 in Makati City.

The new White House building was constructed in 2013 after the old building was severely flooded that year.

The new building has a floor area of 848.72 square meters while the old one, which is adjacent to it, has a floor area of 290 square meters.

The new official residence has two floors and is painted white.

Gated compound

The gated compound is located beside Gate 2 of Camp Crame along Boni Serrano Road, and is guarded by at least 10 Special Action Force (SAF) troopers.

The old building, also painted

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white, is now home to the security personnel guarding the compound.

Mayor said the old house is right beside a creek which serves as a catch basin of the area, including Camp Aguinaldo.

“That area is a low-lying area so it was often flooded…It was more practical to have a new building constructed than try to adjust the old building since it’s still getting flooded anyway,” the PNP spokesperson said.

Mayor said he himself has not yet seen the interior of the new building, since PNP officials and visitors are usually entertained at the gazebo.

During the time of PNP officer in charge Deputy Director Gen. Leonardo Espina, he has expressed willingness to allow media to have a look at the White House but said it would

be up to the Office of the Ombudsman to allow this.

Mayor said the Ombudsman investigation into the White House, including its source of funding, is still in progress.

The PNP has began cleaning up and sprucing the White House for its new occupants as early as Wednesday, a day after Marquez’s appointment was announced by Roxas.

Purisima vacated the residence sometime in February after he resigned from his post as PNP chief, at the height of the controversy over the Jan. 25 SAF operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, which left 44 troopers dead.

Espina did not move into the official quarters of the PNP chief during his sevenmonth stint as the PNP’s officer in charge since the residence is only for full-time heads of the PNP. ■

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Escudero defends lump sums in nat’l budget

BY CHRISTINE O. AVENDAÑO Philippine Daily Inquirer SEN. FRANCIS Escudero yesterday insisted that the 2015 national budget had no pork barrel funds, saying that lawmakers can identify projects for funding but only before the budget is passed.

In a radio interview, Escudero, who chairs the Senate committee on finance, said there were indeed lump-sum appropriations in this year’s national budget but these were only for calamity funds and for maintenance and other operating expenses of government agencies.

Escudero was responding to the claim of former Sen. Panfilo Lacson that he and his team found at least P424 billion in lump-sum or discretionary funds in 11 of the 21 major line agencies in the 2015 General Appropriations Act. Lacson said the lump-sum appropriations could be higher because his team had yet to finish its review of the budget.

Sen. Serge Osmeña III confirmed the lump-sum funds in the budget. He said pork barrel funds continued to exist in the budget despite a Supreme Court ruling declaring the graft-ridden Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF), a lump-sum budgetary item and a pork barrel, unconstitutional.

Osmeña said on Tuesday that the pork of members of Congress was back and that senators could identify projects worth at least P200 million.

Some senators, he said, could identify projects worth P1 billion to P2 billion.

Pork projects are known to be sources of hefty kickbacks of lawmakers.

Osmeña said Malacañang had promised Congress that it could still identify projects placed in the budgets of different agencies.

He said lump-sum funds would also be found in the P3.02-trillion national budget for 2016 that Malacañang would submit to Congress.

Flexibility

“You need them (lump-sum

Majority leader: House may not pass FOI, antidynasty bills this year

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Sen. Francis ‘Chiz’ Escudero.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SEN. GRACE POE’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

funds). The government needs to be flexible,” Escudero told dzBB, citing instances when government needed to have such funds for calamities and disasters because it could not predict how much would be spent for relief and rehabilitation.

The chair of the finance committee noted that what the high court ruling on PDAF had prohibited was lawmakers itemizing projects after the budget had been passed or engaging in “post-enactment intervention” as this would be tantamount to resurrecting pork barrel funds.

But the high court ruling did not say that the executive department was prohibited from engaging in post-enactment intervention, Escudero said.

“If we will prohibit the executive—which is not stated in the ruling—who will identify the projects? It can’t be the Supreme Court. Only the executive could make this decision,” he said.

On Lacson and Osmeña’s assertions that lawmakers could identify projects, Escudero said this did not mean that the allocations for the projects were pork.

Such actions fell under a

“pre-enactment intervention,” in which the lawmakers identified the projects during the budget deliberations and thus, were not violating the high court ruling, he said.

Escudero also said there were no ceilings to the costs of the projects when the lawmakers identified them.

He cited three lawmakers who identified certain projects—Sen. Pia Cayetano, who asked for the realignment of the budget of state universities and colleges; Sen. Loren Legarda, who sought more budget for the National Museum so that it could fix its building, and Sen. Grace Poe, who asked that the government’s feeding program cover all children and not only those who were suffering from malnutrition.

Escudero said he himself had suggested that the P1 billion allocated for the purchase of laptops be realigned so that it would cover fees for free public Wi-Fi. “I can’t understand that these are pork but these are amendments to the budget,” Escudero said.

He added that these items were all detailed in the budget. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

MANILA — The chances of the Freedom of Information (FOI) and anti-dynasty bills to be approved and the Charter Change to be resolved during the last session of Congress seemed dim as the House of Representatives noted that they would prioritize the proposed 2016 national budget and the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

House Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II disclosed that the House precedence from August to October will be the 2016 budget and the BBL. Afterwards; lawmakers would then be preoccupied with the national elections in May 2016, running out of time to consider other measures.

“After the filing of certificates… and after we approve the budget, it will already be difficult for us to muster a quorum.

It’s almost a miracle if we can have a quorum,” Gonzales said in a radio interview.

After the expected passing of the national budget and the BBL this year, the Congress will go on recess and convene early next year. After the campaign period, the lawmakers will close their last session.

‘FOI will again languish’

FOI bill author Ifugao Representative Teddy Baguilat admitted that he was no longer

‘optimistic’ that the said bill would be approved in the current Congress.

“We have only a two-month or three-month window — August to October — to pass the FOI bill. After that, I am not optimistic that we could still do it,” he said.

“I am seriously worried that the FOI bill will again not be passed by the current Congress, considering that there are other important legislation pending before both chambers,” he added.

Knowing that the BBL deliberation has not yet reached halfway and the budget hearings were to start soon, Baguilat predicted the FOI bill to remain pending.

“Considering the calendar, it is a worrying prospect that the FOI will again languish in the legislative mill,” he said.

Senate consultation

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. arranged a meeting with Senate President Franklin Drilon ‘to see what we can push very quickly’ among the pending bills in the House.

“I’m very happy that these are very likely going to be economic bills,” Belmonte said.

“I really don’t like passing stuff in the House in the last few months of effective work in Congress. I’d like to concentrate on things that will be passed also in the Senate,” he added. ■

SHUTTERSTOCK

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FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

13

Joker defends ‘huge’ PH delegation to The Hague

BY CATHY YAMSUAN Philippine Daily Inquirer FORMER SEN. Joker Arroyo yesterday said there should be no concern over the allegedly huge government delegation to the UN Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague for the just-ended oral arguments on the country’s case against China, saying the Philippines “cannot scrimp when the stakes are high.”

“Nor the supposedly high cost of sending (the 30-plus officials from the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government) there,” Arroyo asserted.

However, the former lawmaker told the INQUIRER “what we overlook is that the nation has retained expensive foreign lawyers to argue the Philippine position.”

“Are we saying that we are bereft of dependable Filipino lawyers learned in the very specialized field of international law?,” he asked.

He said that Filipinos “cannot concede this. Public discussion on the Chinese controversy by Filipino experts have abundantly shown their excellent credentials and expertise.”

did not look good at all. It is as if we have no qualified international law barristers to articulate our position.”

“Yet, Secretary Del Rosario delivered a very enlightening opening statement for the Philippine side,” said Arroyo,

who served as Executive Secretary during the administration of the late President Corazon Aquino.

He noted that “excerpts of the proceedings forwarded by Ms Valte showed that our foreign lawyers did not express

‘Very litigious people’

Arroyo, himself a lawyer whose rise to national consciousness started during the Marcos regime when he challenged before the Supreme Court the constitutionality of Proclamation 1081 imposing martial law, wondered “70 years after independence, we cannot handle our country’s legal defense?”

“Yet, we are a very litigious people. We can TRO even a consummated and operating contract,” he pointed out.

According to the former Senate blue ribbon committee chair, “if the government does not feel secure with Philippine lawyers handling the country’s interest in international tribunals, an attitude unfortunately nurtured not only by the present administration but by the past administrations, as well, then hire foreign lawyers.”

However, he said it should be “consistent with national self-respect.”

Arroyo, whose brilliant skills as a trial lawyer were demonstrated when he helped defend political detainees like the late Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, father of President Aquino, and former Senate President Jovito Salonga, among others, observed that “the pictures taken by Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte and relayed to Philippine media (including the INQUIRER) make us look so puny.”

For appearance sake

“Seated in the front row during the initial hearing were Solicitor General Florin Hilbay and Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario alongside four foreign lawyers,” he said.

For appearance sake, he believes “it www.canadianinquirer.net

new arguments that were not expounded already by Philippine lawyers on the subject, such as the series of scholarly lectures by (Supreme Court Senior) ❱❱ PAGE 14 Joker defends

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JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Binay wants to lift term limitations, make it ‘one to sawa’

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — During his threeday visit at Bacolod City, Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay stated how he wanted elected officials’ term limitations lifted.

“Itong term na ito ‘di talaga ako naniniwala d’yan. Kailangan one to sawa ‘yan, hangga’t gusto ng tao. Kaya kung meron amendments sa Constitution, ipapaalis ko yung term limitation. Hangga’t maaari, iboto nang iboto,” Binay said.

(I’m not in favor of this term [limitation]. It has to be continuous as long as the people want. So if there should be any amendments in the [Philippine] Constitution, I want the term limitation lifted. As much as possible, [an elective official should] be repeatedly voted.)

According to the Constitution, a Vice President is barred from serving more than two

consecutive terms. The President, on the other hand, cannot seek reelection after one term.

Although most officials in Bacolod have endorsed Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II as their presidential candidate, Binay stated that he still felt ‘warm’ acceptance while going around the province.

Still confident of winning

With the presidential elections nearing, Binay claimed that he was unperturbed by his possible contenders Roxas and Senators Grace Poe and Francis “Chiz” Escudero, among others, as he remained confident of winning.

Binay believed that the Filipinos would opt to vote for a President who was capable and has experience. He held that voters would look for qualifications rather than popularity.

The Vice President then compared the presidency to a teacher who would want to be-

come a supervisor or principal someday. He asserted that a teacher should first have sufficient experience before seeking a higher position.

For his part, Binay believed that he has already proven his proficiency as the Makati City mayor for several years.

Although Binay did not make any additional statements or indicate any name, it can be noted that Poe only has had one term as senator.

Aquino already knows whom to endorse

During a press conference later on, Binay disclosed that he believed President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III has already chosen a preferred successor to endorse in the coming national elections. The Vice President assumed a Roxas-Poe tandem.

“I believe there are results already… They (Aquino and the ruling Liberal Party) are just

Erice will not back down from Binay, will face P200-M damage suit

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — Caloocan Representative Edgar “Egay” Erice disclosed that he was not threatened by Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay’s P200million damage suit against him and some others.

In fact, he even took it as a ‘privilege’ to ‘fight’ the Vice President.

“It’s a privilege to serve our country by fighting a man whose greed for power endangers our morals and the democratic processes. I am ready and I am inspired to do more,” Erice said in a Philippine Daily Inquirer report.

“Maybe his need for money is really insatiable that’s why he’s asking for P200 million,” he added.

Likewise, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV scoffed Binay’s libel and slander complaint, saying that none of his vocal critics will

be intimidated or frightened by it. He also promised to expose more hidden anomalies of the Vice President and his family.

“I will face this case in court and continue exposing his wrongdoings,” Trillanes said in Tagalog.

Binay filed the damage suit before the Makati City Regional Trial Court on Monday. Named respondents in the case were Erice, Trillanes, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales, former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, former Makati Engineer Mario Hechanova, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., Securities and Exchange Commission head Teresita Herbosa, Insurance Commissioner Emmanuel Dooc, Attorney Renato Bondal, Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) officials and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

The Vice President accused the individuals of allegedly conspiring with one another to

defame his good reputation as part of their black propaganda against him; he also slammed the newspaper for publishing defamatory news against him.

“Due to (i) the political ambitions of the defendants in the upcoming May 2016 elections; (ii) the disdain and personal animosity of the defendants toward the Plaintiff; and/or (ii) the insatiable greed of the defendants for power and money, the defendants, acting in conspiracy and in collusion with one another, decided to blatantly and publicly malign the good name and reputation of the Plaintiff,” Binay’s complaint read.

The Vice President claimed that the Senate blue ribbon subcommittee’s investigation on the purported overpriced Makati City Hall Building II, Makati Science High School, among others, had ‘baseless’ evidences and testimonies. He also asserted that he was already ‘prejudged’ even when the hearings were still ongoing. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Three days after resigning from the Aquino Cabinet, Vice President Jejomar Binay officially declared himself as head of the opposition in the 2016 national and local elections during a press conference.

AVITO C. DALAN / PNA

dribbling public opinion so that their decision can become acceptable,” he said.

Nevertheless, Binay would not back out from the presidential race. ■

Joker defends...

Justice Antonio Carpio, among others.”

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda had defended the hiring of the foreign lawyers, saying “these are lawyers who have an international reputation appearing before the tribunal.”

“We can rely on them.

They’ve been with us from the start since we filed the case (in 2013),” he added.

Foreign Assistant Secretary Charles Jose, also Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, told reporters “this is a very important case so we hired experts on international law with rich experience and prov❰❰ 13

Former Philippine senator Joker Arroyo.

en track record.”

Paul Reichler, the US lawyer leading the Philippine team in its fierce legal battle against China, reportedly belongs to a select group of lawyers with extensive experience in representing sovereign states before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (Itlos) in Hamburg, Germany.

Reichler of the Boston-based law firm Foley Hoag has specialized for over 25 years in land and maritime boundary disputes. He works with four other lawyers from the US and the United Kingdom in arguing the country’s case before the UN arbitral tribunal. ■

ANGKAHAYAG.BLOGSPOT.COM

Philippine News

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

15

‘P-Noy not key to running’

BY LEILA B. SALAVERRIA Philippine Daily Inquirer KORONADAL, SOUTH COTABATO—While the President’s endorsement would be welcome, it would not be the main factor in their decision whether to run in next year’s elections, Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero said on Saturday.

Running is a personal decision, said Poe and Escudero, still insisting they had yet to firm up any plans for 2016.

The two senators appeared together in public for the first time after the dinner meeting with President Aquino in Malacañang last Wednesday to discuss the 2016 presidential election.

Poe said another meeting among her, the President and Escudero would be held sometime next week.

They joined the T’nalak Festival celebration on the invitation of officials of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), which may adopt them if they decide to run for President and Vice President.

The Malacañang meeting failed to reach a consensus on a presidential candidate to be endorsed by Mr. Aquino. Liberal Party members want Poe to be the running mate of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, the party’s presumptive standardbearer.

Poe said it would be good to have the President’s support, but she had not decided whether to run.

“When it comes to making a decision, while it is an honor to get the endorsement of a President like him, it is still a personal journey, a personal decision.

Because even with an endorsement from anyone, what is important is your commitment or what you can do for it,” Poe said in a press conference.

“It’s a privilege to talk to the

President and I respect him,” she said.

But the President did not ask her about her plans for 2016, she said.

“What he repeatedly said was he was looking forward to a strengthened alliance and that it was also important to know what the people wanted,” she said.

She added that Mr. Aquino did not ask her to give way to Roxas.

“There had been no attempts.

You know, even if the President is a friend, it’s difficult to know what’s on his mind. But in our discussion, we never talked about it and he never hinted that I should not run,” she said.

Escudero, when asked about the possibility of not getting the President’s endorsement, said it had long been his position that running should not depend on the support of one or several people but on his own decision.

“If a candidate decides to run, he should own the decision and not pass it on to anyone,” Escudero said.

“Whether to run or not is a personal decision, but we have not reached that point yet,” he added.

Poe and Escudero were considering going around the country after their South Cotabato visit.

They said visiting the provinces might help them make a decision.

Poe said she needed to know what she could do for the country before deciding to run.

“We’re still at that point where we’re studying those things, which is why we’re going to different places ... It’s not only Metro Manila that we have to focus on, but the whole country, especially the rural [areas] where many poor people need help,” she said.

She also said it was not an easy decision to make, as she had seen the difficulties her father,

the late movie actor Fernando Poe Jr., went through when he ran for President against Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2004.

His opponents derided FPJ, as Poe’s father was known, for being a movie actor with little education, and they questioned his citizenship in an attempt to eliminate him from the presidential race.

FPJ, whose mother was American, won the challenge but lost the election to Arroyo.

He protested his loss but died of a stroke seven months after the election.

Escudero said that if he and Poe would run, they would run as independents, which, a source told the INQUIRER earlier, would open them to adoption by other parties without presidential and vice presidential candidates.

In her speech at the T’nalak Festival, named after the cloth woven by the women of the T’boli tribe, Poe said working to better the country started with a dream that the people shared.

She spoke about the attributes of a good leader and disputed statements that experience was the key requirement, a clear dig on Vice President Jejomar Binay, who insists that his 30-year experience as mayor of Makati City makes him the best man for the job in Malacañang.

Poe agreed that experience is important, but said “it is also important that a leader must have heart and must be true to the people. Because it doesn’t matter if you are very intelligent if your intention is not to improve the lives of the people.”

Lessons from parents

She said her father and mother, the movie actress Susan Roces, taught her lessons that she continued to value, and that she wove into her discussion of what she believed made up a good leader.

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Sen. Grace Poe.

PHOTO COURTESY OF POE’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

Poe said her father taught her that it was important to be honest, helpful to others and courageous.

“You must learn to fight, but you must not be arrogant,” she said.

From her mother, she said she learned to be a good housewife and supportive spouse.

“These are lessons not learned in a day, a week or a year. These are learned starting from childhood,” she said.

Poe said the rule of law must always prevail and the corrupt must be punished.

“Whether friends or relatives, even if it hurts us, we must punish those who have wronged the nation,” she said.

Poe also spoke about her and Escudero’s accomplishments in the Senate and thanked South Cotabato for voting for her in 2013.

She topped the senatorial election in South Cotabato and elsewhere in the country, becoming the top-ranked senator and now the most wooed by political parties for presidential candidate.

Poe and Escudero received applause when they arrived at the South Cotabato Sports Complex. At the lunch following their press conference, onlookers lined up for selfies with the senators.

The political implications of

Poe and Escudero’s visit to the province were clear to South Cotabato officials.

South Cotabato Rep. Ferdinand Hernandez, in his welcome remarks, noted that Poe and Escudero could figure prominently in the 2016 elections, and later pointed out the INQUIRER banner story on the senators’ visit to the province.

“But I’ll leave it up to them to explain,” Hernandez added.

Top officials of the province, including South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes and Hernandez, are members of the NPC. The NPC president, Isabela Rep. Giorgidi Aggabao, earlier said the party might support a Poe-Escudero ticket if it would materialize.

Joining Poe and Escudero in their visit to the province was NPC member and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Director Florencio Noel.

Also present was Las Piñas Rep. Mark Villar of the Nacionalista Party (NP), which is part of the administration coalition.

When asked if his party would support a Poe-Escudero ticket, Villar said the NP had yet to decide who to support in 2016 and was open to all possibilities. ■

Opinion

16

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

ANALYSIS

Is Poe’s survey bubble not stoppable?

By Amando Doronila Philippine Daily Inquirer THE SORTIE of independent Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero to South Cotabato province over the weekend on the invitation of Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) officials pushed to the rocks attempts by President Aquino to rig the selection of his successor and block the election of a hostile administration in next year’s presidential polls.

The foray sparked speculation that Poe has decided to run for President with Escudero as Vice President despite accepting Mr. Aquino’s invitations for them to meet to discuss the issue of whom to endorse as the administration’s official candidates for the top government posts in 2016.

The visit was immediately seen by political observers as a rebuff to Mr. Aquino’s initiative to manage the succession issue in terms favorable to his legacy as he winds down the last few months of his six-year term.

This development followed the standoff at the Palace mediation meeting last week among Mr. Aquino, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Poe and Escudero that ended without a consensus on the contentious issue of who among the presidential aspirants would be endorsed by the President.

The Palace meeting took place amid expression of concerns from leaders of the ruling Liberal Party over what they perceived as the “unstoppable” surge of the popularity survey ratings of a dark horse in the presidential race—the junior senator, Grace Poe. Recent opinion poll surveys have put Poe as the front-runner among prospective presidential contenders and as the pivot of a “third force” in a currently narrowing four-cornered presidential contest in the Philippine multiparty democracy.

P-Noy’s concern Mr. Aquino has expressed concerns over the continuity of his reforms on good governance if the successor administration would block them.

These concerns were also voiced a week ago by Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., vice chair of the ruling Liberal Party (LP), who warned that the endorsement of Poe as the administration’s official candidate in the 2016 presidential election was “unstoppable,” unless Roxas could prove his winnability.

Belmonte later qualified his statement, saying that while Roxas expects Mr. Aquino to endorse his presidential bid next year, he has to prove he can win, otherwise the President will have no choice but to endorse the “unstoppable” Poe as the ad-

ministration’s standard-bearer.

Belmonte said Roxas, the presumptive LP presidential candidate, was “unpopular with voters, holding only third or fourth place in the latest voter preference polls.”

He added, “All the President’s candidates, particularly Roxas, are qualified and will give effective and honest government that will make a difference, but Mar should prove winnability by a dramatic increase in ratings.”

Puffery of bubble There’s another way of interpreting “unstoppable,” that is, it can also be interpreted that since Poe’s ratings are based on survey results, puffed up by media hype, these rest on nothing more solid than bubble.

There’s the danger that as Poe’s supporters pump up the bubble, the more likely it becomes unstoppable for the bubble to blow up in their faces and wipe out Poe’s presidential ambitions into thin air.

Poe has to offer something more solid than the puffery of a bubble to present a credible bid for the presidency and to be considered a serious contender.

There is very little to show she has anything more solid for her qualifications to be President than survey ratings.

Even the administration is bewitched by these ratings, up to a point

that Mr. Aquino has been trying to forge a winning coalition on which to anchor his administration’s legacy—an alliance underpinned by Poe’s ratings.

In this coalition building, Poe’s value as a main pillar seems overrated. Poe is a creature of early poll surveys that show her as the front-runner, but these surveys do not allow her to call the shots in the coalition building and hold the administration hostage to her demands.

This effort on alliance reengineering is now unraveling. After a six-hour dinner hosted by Mr. Aquino in Malacañang on Wednesday night with Poe, Roxas and Escudero, the meeting hit a standoff and failed to come up with a consensus on who of the three would be chosen as the official candidate of the administration and of the Liberal Party in next year’s presidential election.

Nothing but hot air The Palace meeting reportedly did not touch the issue of who among Roxas, Poe and Escudero would be running for what position in the 2016 election. There was no decision yet on who among the three would run for President or Vice President.

Mr. Aquino has kept all three guessing with the ambiguity of the Oracle of Delphi. He is expected to announce his presidential candidate after his last

State of the Nation Address on July 27.

Mr. Aquino explained that that he considered the choice a measure of his own success. “Success can be measured by your ability to train your successor or to name your successor,” he said.

Asked on what was discussed during the Palace meeting, Mr. Aquino said, “All the parties that were there agreed that a lot of changes happened in our society … during the past five years. And because the transformation has been good, there is a need to sustain them.”

The INQUIRER has reported that the President is a firm believer in “the numbers,” referring to voter preference surveys. Poe is leading the surveys while Roxas is running behind Vice President Jejomar Binay, and even behind Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City.

Poe, as a creature of early poll surveys, lives inside a world of make-believe of a bubble that is not sustainable, that is volatile, whose results are likely to go up and down depending on the moods of the electorate as the election approaches.

As a grim reality, Poe faces the issues of her glaring deficit in administrative experience, which she has failed to enhance during her last three years in the Senate. She cannot offer the electorate hot air all the time to make up for the shortfall. ■

AS I SEE IT

P-Noy’s quandary: Roxas or Poe?

By Neal H. Cruz Philippine Daily Inquirer THE HATED, and illegal, pork barrel is like Dracula: It refuses to die.

It is still alive in the 2016 national budget although the Supreme Court has already driven a spike through its heart, according to former senator Panfilo Lacson and Sen. Serge Osmeña. Lacson’s team made a detailed examination of the budget and found P424 billion in lump-sum appropriations in just 11 of the national government’s 21 major line agencies. Lacson said there may be more as his team is still examining the budgets of the other agencies.

Lump-sum appropriations are discretionary funds and can be spent at the say-so of the department head, and are therefore pork barrel funds in another disguise. Through the years, the pork barrel has undergone many disguises, the latest of which was the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) which the Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional and for which three senators—Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla—are now detained and being tried for plunder. Other former and incumbent lawmakers, as well as

Cabinet members and other officials the President in choosing the adminP-Noy’s quandary is this: Should of the executive branch, have been istration candidate to succeed him he endorse Roxas and risk losing the or are about to be charged with graft in Malacañang. He wants his “daang presidential election to Binay? Or and corruption because of the PDAF. matuwid” to be continued by the should he choose Poe and be certain Senator Osmeña said that under next president. That man is certainly of keeping the presidency away from the 2015 budget, each senator has Interior Secretary Mar Roxas. In his Binay, who is up to his neck in corbeen allocated P200 million, just like long career in the public service, the ruption charges? in the old days, but that “there are man has not been linked to any scanHeaven help the Filipinos if Binay those with P1 billion” and “others dal. He has the experience and integ- becomes president. P-Noy’s anticorhave P2 billion…” rity to be president. He shares the ruption campaign will be wasted. The He said Malacañang had prom- anticorruption vision of President corruption charges against Binay, his ised Congress that it could still iden- Aquino. wife and son may be dropped. The tify projects placed in the budgets of Besides, he unselfishly gave way to plunder charges against the three other agencies. Therefore, the pork P-Noy to be the Liberal Party’s stan- senators may also be dropped and barrel is very much the trio released alive and kicking— from detention.

P-Noy is trying to make Roxas happy by convincing Poe to be despite the high And what will that his running mate so she could attract more votes for him. court’s ruling that teach other pubit is unconstitutionlic officials? That al—with the connivance of Malaca- dard-bearer in the 2010 presidential crime pays, so steal as much as you ñang. election. In return, P-Noy promised can while you are in power. Don’t be What is happening to President him that he would be the next LP afraid you will go to prison. Politics Aquino’s anti-corruption campaign, presidential candidate. will keep you out of it. which started out so well? Is P-Noy P-Noy wants to fulfill that promSo should P-Noy cast his luck and going to end up just like his predeces- ise. But Roxas is lagging behind in the the future of the Philippines with sors? presidential preference polls, rank- Roxas, or with Poe? Should he fulfill Lawmakers (except Lacson) rou- ing only third or fourth behind Sen. his promise to Roxas and risk Binay tinely steal pork barrel funds but Grace Poe, Vice President Jejomar plunging the Philippines into more presidents like to have them. They Binay, and even Davao City Mayor corruption, or should he break it by use the pork to bribe lawmakers to Rodrigo Duterte in the SWS survey. endorsing Poe and keep Binay away pass their pet bills. It seems P-Noy is On the other hand, Poe is leading from Malacañang? no exception. all the contenders and has the best There is one added advantage in I can understand the quandary of chance of winning. having Poe as presidential candidate.

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Former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada—the father of the United Nationalist Alliance which Binay uses as his party (Estrada’s Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino is 80 percent of UNA)—has repeatedly said that in a contest between Binay and Poe, he would dump the former and back the latter, who is the daughter of his best friend, Fernando Poe Jr. He explained that it was the only way he could atone for his failure to campaign for FPJ when the latter ran for president (Estrada was already in prison then), although it was he who convinced FPJ to run.

So with Poe running for president, Binay would lose the Estrada-controlled votes which would go to Poe. P-Noy is trying to make Roxas happy by convincing Poe to be his running mate so she could attract more votes for him.

But with Poe as vice presidential candidate and Roxas as presidential candidate, Estrada will support Poe as VP bet but still back Binay as presidential candidate. So a Bi-Poe split ticket would win—a repeat of the 2010 election.

Should P-Noy endorse Roxas or Poe? It’s a quandary that requires a Solomonic solution. ■

Opinion

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

17

PUBLIC LIVES

The Audit Function

By Randy David Philippine Daily Inquirer THE SENATE blue ribbon and health committees, both headed by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III, are conducting an inquiry into “highly suspicious” payments made by PhilHealth to private healthcare providers who have extended medical services to its members. The investigation has been prompted by PhilHealth’s own finding of a sudden increase in government health insurance claims. Red flags have been raised, in particular, on cataract procedures performed by two eye care centers in Metro Manila, for which P325 million in PhilHealth benefits have been paid.

The rise in fraudulent PhilHealth claims is perhaps to be expected.

First, because of the earmarking of so-called “sin taxes” collected on cigarettes and alcoholic drinks for healthcare insurance, suddenly there is a lot of money available in the system.

Second, because of the comparative ease with which PhilHealth membership can now be obtained and maintained, health insurance has become available to those who previously had very limited access to the health system. Without any doubt, these are by themselves welcome developments.

Unfortunately, they also attract abuse ther is such a review confined to de- justify further tightening of the eliand pose complex challenges to Phil- termining whether current practice gibility requirements for PhilHealth Health’s internal control system. conforms to existing rules or proce- membership.

“We are therefore conducting an dures—which is what the CommisFor, the core problem, as I see it, inquiry on this matter,” said Senator sion on Audit typically does. A full involves the procurement process.

Guingona, “to ensure that PhilHealth, system audit begins with a review of This is the bane of all organizations as the country’s premier health insur- the adequacy of the existing rules and in the private and public sectors. It ance provider, would have adequate procedures themselves in the light of is the epicenter of the scam involvpolicing mechanisms that will pro- organizational expansion and grow- ing the Priority Development Asmote transparency and accountabil- ing complexity. sistance Fund. It is what lies behind ity among healthcare providers.” One The existing PhilHealth enroll- the present problems of the Land cannot agree more with Senator Gu- ment level, now at 87 percent, is the Transportation Office and the Metro ingona’s assessment. But, I wonder farthest point the country has reached Rail Transit Corp. The goods and if a Senate investigation is the best in its attempt to realize the goals of a services that are paid for can be any way to uncover the deficiencies of the universal healthcare system. This has of the following: fictitious or nonexprevailing system istent, unnecessary and to identify the or excessive, overBut the system of corruption can easily neutralize the reforms needed to priced or inferior, or initiatives of even the most honest of leaders. plug the holes and downright injurious address the weakor dangerous. nesses of the system. been a great achievement of the presThe volume of caesarean sections This is the function of external ent administration. Most certainly, it and cataract operations has increased audit. Every corporate organization has been made possible by the distri- tremendously in the last few years, worth its salt conducts a periodic bution of PhilHealth cards to all the observes Dr. Anthony Leachon of assessment of its internal control enlisted households in the govern- the Philippine College of Physicians system. This is usually ordered by ment’s expanded Conditional Cash Foundation, largely because of active the board of trustees or directors of Transfer Program, as well as to indi- solicitation of patients by healthcare an organization, and is performed gent families who have not qualified providers. Most of these procedures by a professional firm from outside, under the CCT program. It is also in might have been unnecessary, but the whose interest is not in determin- large measure ascribable to the auto- patients could not have known beting the moral competence of the matic enrollment of all senior citizens ter. PhilHealth’s concern to speed up personnel but in identifying the dif- as PhilHealth members. I hope no one the payment of claims, he argues, has ferent areas of vulnerability of the seizes upon the fraudulent transac- often meant foregoing the detailed organization’s control system. Nei- tions that have been unearthed to review of claims.

“Fraud of this nature is a group crime,” says Dr. Leachon in the note he recently sent to me. Indeed, it is difficult to see how unscrupulous private healthcare facilities and doctors can repeatedly milk the government health insurance system without the conscious participation of PhilHealth people at various levels of the agency.

The many who are not themselves on the take usually know who are involved, yet hesitate to blow the whistle because there is no assurance they will be protected if the corrupt fight back.

The onus of reform has often been put on the shoulders of leaders who are recruited for their moral integrity.

But the system of corruption can easily neutralize the initiatives of even the most honest of leaders. Without the benefit of an external audit that can form the basis for comprehensive structural and procedural reforms, it is often pointless, for instance, to shuffle personnel, thinking this can disrupt the cycle of corruption.

It is interesting how the word “audit” first came into use in the 15th century: It meant reading the accounts out loud so that everyone could hear. Its modern sense has changed little insofar as it represents a structure that compels transparency and accountability. ■

AT LARGE

How much is a girl’s life worth?

By Rina Jimenez-David Philippine Daily Inquirer CERVICAL CANCER is a disease of contradictions, even irony. As an obstetrician/gynecologist once told me: “If you can choose what cancer to get, you would do well to get cervical cancer.”

This is because the scientific world already knows what causes cervical cancer: a virus known as HPV or human papilloma virus. Most women infected with high-risk HPV, according to a study by the World Health Organization, “do not develop cancer because most infections are shortlived and spontaneous clearance of the virus usually occurs within two years.”

But for a small percentage of women, HPV infection may become persistent, and the WHO declares that “only a small percentage of these chronic infections progress to precancer and of these, even fewer will progress to invasive cancer.”

The good news is that, according to the WHO, “only an estimated two percent of all women in low-resource countries (of which the Philippines is one) will develop cervical cancer during their lifetime.”

But the other side of the cervical cancer “coin” is that more than half

of cervical cancer cases in the developing world occur within the AsiaPacific region. In the Philippines, the estimate is that 12 women die each day from cervical cancer, mainly because they and their loved ones were largely unaware of the disease and its symptoms (by the time a woman starts bleeding from her cervix, she may already have cancer) and when she goes for a diagnosis, it may be too late and treatment may be too expensive. *** HERE’S another bit of irony about cervical cancer: It can be prevented.

Because HPV is sexually transmitted (through skin-to-skin contact), it is recommended that a woman go for testing as soon as she becomes sexually active, and have a test once a year until consecutive annual checkups indicate that she may no longer need to go for annual checkups.

The two most common types of tests are the pap smear, developed in the early 20th century, which is the “gold standard” for tests but can be expensive (lab analysis of the tested tissue is required) and time-consuming. The other test is known as the VIA, for visual inspection with ascetic acid, which is much cheaper because it needs only the application of ascetic acid (diluted vinegar) which

would turn infected tissue white. The person administering the test can get the results almost instantaneously, and turn over the patient for further testing (or cryosurgery) in case lesions are detected.

But this is not the only bit of good news about HPV infection and cervical cancer. Some years ago, a team of scientists from Australia developed a vaccine against HPV, and after scientific studies and clinical trials, with the approval of authorities, the two types of vaccines manufactured by two different drug multinationals were approved for public use, including in the Philippines.

Following our theme of “good news, bad news,” however, even with the vaccine available, the number of girls and women in the country availing themselves of it has hovered around just 10 percent, about the same ratio of women having themselves screened. Prominent among the reasons for the low “uptake” of the vaccine and screening are: cost (the vaccines are expensive), lack of awareness, lack of urgency (it takes about 10 years for lesions to turn into invasive cancer), and perhaps the tendency of Filipino women and girls to place a low priority to their health needs and concerns. ***

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RECENTLY, there was a development that cheered most everyone in the cervical cancer community—oncologists, caregivers, survivors and people who love the women struggling with the disease.

The Department of Health, along with the Department of Education, has scheduled a program of subsidized immunization in public schools that includes the anti-HPV vaccine. The main targets for the anti-HPV vaccinations are girls in elementary and high school—the recommended age range because that is when a person’s immunity levels are highest, and also because the vaccine is intended to be administered before the onset of sexual activity (that is, before first exposure to HPV infection).

Without government support for the program (which will be implemented in the poorest provinces), it’s highly doubtful if the girls would have access to the anti-HPV vaccine. Carrying out the immunization program in the public school setting also means that it would be easy to “capture” the girls most in need. This means preventing their deaths down the line in case they experience persistent HPV infections which would lead to cervical cancer, while sparing them and their families from the dev-

astating expenses that cancer treatment requires.

The WHO says that “assessment of cost effectiveness of HPV vaccines is heavily influenced by parameters including vaccine price, operational costs, HPV prevalence, number of vaccine doses, and uptake of cancer screening and treatment, especially in resource-constrained settings.”

By such measures, the DOHDepEd program certainly deserves support. *** THE coming week is crucial for the anti-HPV vaccine program, I am told, because a meeting has been called to determine whether critics of the vaccine have sufficient grounds to call for scuttling the proposed program.

I would hope that, aside from listening to experts and concerned activists, officials also take time to listen to the doctors who treat women with HPV and cervical cancer, as well as women who have survived the disease and the families of those who watched those who didn’t survive and sympathized with them in their struggle.

What is a woman’s life worth? How is a girl’s future to be weighed? The next few days should give us the answers. ■

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JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Canada News

Writs large: Timing of election call a political calculus for Conservatives

BY STEPHANIE LEVITZ The Canadian Press OTTAWA — What voters will decide on Oct. 19 is beyond the Conservatives’ control. But one thing is firmly in their grasp: when to drop the writs that will take them to the polls.

Exactly what day Prime Minister Stephen Harper will visit the Governor General to make the formal request to dissolve Parliament and call the election has been the source of weeks of political speculation. And with good reason — it’s ultimately a political calculus of the Conservatives’ own devising.

Although a law passed in 2007 set a fixed election date for Parliament, it didn’t set a fixed length on how long the election campaign could be, only how short — no less than 37 days including the day it be-

gins.

Fast forward to 2014 and the introduction and subsequent passage of the contentious Fair Elections Act, which among other things changed the rules around campaign finance.

In short — the longer the campaign, the more everyone can spend.

As the party sitting on the biggest war chest, there’s no question the Conservatives would want to start the election sooner rather than later, the New Democrats suggested.

“Word is Stephen Harper could call the election early, in as little as 25 days,” reads a fundraising pitch sent by the party last week.

“It’s not hard to see why — the longer the election, the more money the Conservatives can spend attacking us.”

The sooner the writs are dropped, the sooner the Con-

servatives could also potentially curb third-party groups like Engage Canada, a union-backed organization currently running ads against them, much to their frustration.

Right now, groups like that also have no limits on spending, but if they spend $500 on ads after an election call, they must register as a third party. Then, limits come into effect, though they are also increased according to the length of the election.

Then there’s the other side of the political coin.

Once the election has begun, government institutions can no longer advertise unless they have a legal obligation to do so or it’s a public safety matter.

At the same time, limits are imposed on what political parties can spend.

So, among the calculations being made in the Conservative war room is what’s worth

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more — attack ads on their opponents, funded by party dollars that are limited by law; or limitless taxpayer-funded ads they could be running promoting their policies.

For a while, they were doing both in tandem. Health Canada at one point had an ad cam-

paign against drug abuse which was running at the same time as a radio ad from the Conservative Party attacking Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau for his stance on the legalization of marijuana. ❱❱ PAGE 21 Writs large

An increase of the Government of Canada’s Universal Child Care Benefit offers Canadian families: • $1,920 every year for each child under 6— an increase from $100 to $160 each month • $720 every year for each child 6 through 17— a new $60 per month!

It doesn’t matter how much you make. Every family with children under 18 qualifies. Payments start July 20 and are retroactive to January 1, 2015.

Find out if you need to apply at Canada.ca/TaxSavings

MORE MONE Y FOR E VERY FAMILY WITH CHILDREN 6066_ESDC_UCCB_Post_ENG03_CR.indd 1

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2015-06-22 1:04 PM

Canada News

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

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Tory, suburban ridings gain the most from enriched child benefits: CP Analysis

BY JORDAN PRESS The Canadian Press OTTAWA — Most of what is billed as the largest, one-time benefit payment in federal history is likely to hit suburban voters living in federal ridings where the Conservatives can be considered the party to beat, an analysis by The Canadian Press shows.

Number-crunching based on the last census shows that many of the ridings in line to get the biggest cheques from the newly increased Universal Child Care Benefit are in suburban Alberta and the all-important ridings that surround Toronto — and they usually have a history of tilting Tory.

Only two of the top 20 destinations for the enriched UCCB payments landing on July 20 are locations where the opposition NDP would be considered the favourite; and one more in the top 20 would be considered a Liberal seat.

That leaves 17 seats that could be considered Conservative-leaning, home to the voters who could receive the biggest financial windfall when almost $3 billion in child care benefit payments are mailed on Monday — three months before election day in October. The majority of spending continues to go to Conservative ridings — 15 of the top 20 — even after adjusting the payments to take into account the estimated percentage of families who haven’t signed up for the enhanced benefit.

Opposition parties have criticized the government for giving out the increased benefit payment, backdated to the start of the year, as an election ploy to buy votes.

But all three main parties have released platform planks designed to woo families who tend to concentrate in the key suburban ridings that could swing the federal election.

“The demographic that (parties) are all fighting for are the parents, the kids, the families that are just starting out. So this is why this puts (child care) up on the agenda,” said Kathy Brock, an expert on party politics from Queen’s University in

Who’s got better childcare benefits?

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Kingston, Ont. how much each riding would The census figures are four Since 2006, the government receive in new monthly child years old, meaning the number has handed out monthly pay- care benefit spending. of children in each age group ments of $100 for every child The totals were also adjusted has likely changed as children in Canada under age six. That to reflect the percentage of fam- grow up, babies are born, and changes on Monday as the pay- ilies in each province who have families move around the counment rise to $160 a month, and not signed up for the benefit to try. children age six to 17 earn their see if there was any marked difThe analysis showed that the parents $60 per month. ferences in outcomes, which highest grossing ridings are The increased payments are there was not. most likely to be in the 905-belt retroactive to around Toronto, the start of the as well as the year, meaning suburban areas the payments of Calgary that this month will The demographic that (parties) are all supported the be higher than fighting for are the parents, the kids, Conservatives in any before: up the families that are just starting out.

2011. to $520 for chilSo this is why this puts (child care) up In an interdren under six, on the agenda. view, Employand up to $420 ment Minister for every child Pierre Poilievre, six to 17. who oversees the The governexpanded child ment doesn’t decide where in The analysis then used an benefit, offered a simple explathe country the money will go; Elections Canada study that nation. it does get to decide who should transposed the outcome in each “Families have supported the receive the money. of those 338 ridings based on the Conservative party because the To get a more detailed picture poll-by-poll breakdown of votes Conservative government has of where those families live, from the 2011 campaign. (In supported families,” Poilievre The Canadian Press used cen- 2011, there were just 308 ridings, said. sus data from Statistics Canada so Elections Canada has done “It’s no coincidence that to plot the location of children number-crunching to figure out many families live in ridings under age 18 in each of Canada’s who would have won if the 338 that have elected Conservative 338 ridings, and then calculated ridings had exited in 2011.)

MPs.” www.canadianinquirer.net

The Toronto-area 905 ridings in Mississauga and Brampton remain a key battleground for all parties heading into the 2015 vote: The Conservatives want to maintain their support, the Liberals are looking to regain votes they lost, and the NDP want to expand support in the suburbs beyond the downtown Toronto ridings where they have traditionally done well, said Jack Mintz from the University of Calgary.

Experts also suggest that the payments could attract two demographics the Conservative have to influence if they want to expand their base of support: immigrant communities and mothers, Brock said.

Add to that the feeling from families that their finances are being strained by rising costs for goods, services and utilities, and there’s a fine line between the parties are being opportunistic and simply trying to respond to voters’ needs, Brock said.

“We can be cynical about it, but on the other hand this is also democratic responsiveness,” she said.

The NDP want to keep the universal child care benefit, but eventually spend $5 billion a year for a universal daycare system. The Liberals want to replace the child care benefit with a larger income-tested benefit payment that would require a Justin Trudeau to find $2 billion to make it happen.

Poilievre argued the difference between the difference between his party and the opposition was “credibility:” “We offer proven results that people can see in their mailbox and in their bank account — on Monday.”

The Bank of Canada predicts that families will save about half the $2.98 billion, socking some of it away in registered education savings plans. What families wind up spending will bump up consumption spending by about one per cent, the central bank said. And the spending may not be on daycare alone — something Poilievre recognizes.

“There are four million different families with four million different situations. So parents can spend it however they like,” Poilievre said. ■

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JULY 24, 2015

www.canadianinquirer.net

FRIDAY

Canada News

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

Feds expected to collect $340 million in tax, from $3 billion in child benefits

BY JORDAN PRESS The Canadian Press OTTAWA — The federal government handed out almost $3 billion in child benefit payments Monday, but will claw back almost $340 million from families when the tax man comes calling in April.

That estimate doesn’t include provincial taxes, which are likely to account for about $160 million more, based on calculations by The Canadian Press.

The money is coming from the $2.98 billion handed out Monday to families in the form of increased universal child care benefits, which government ministers were touting at events and online.

Employment Minister Pierre Poilievre called it “Christmas in July” for Canadian families.

The enhanced benefit payments arrived on Monday, with the value rising to $160 from $100 for every child in Canada under age six, and a new $60 per month payment for every child age six to 17.

The increased payments are retroactive to the start of the year, meaning the payments this month will be higher than any before: up to $520 for children under six, and up to $420 for every child six to 17. A small number of families will also receive payments for children who had their 18th birthday during the first six months of the year.

The benefit is taxable on the lower income earner in every household. Canadians who received the payments can expect to see some of it taxed next April unless their income is so low that they don’t pay income taxes.

Poilievre’s spokeswoman, Meagan Murdoch, said the taxation rules for the program haven’t changed since it was introduced in 2006.

The government predicts it will earn $140 million in taxes from child care benefit payments in the 2014-15 fiscal year, and $565 million from a full fiscal year of increased benefit

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payments in 2015-16, or 11.4 per cent of the benefits doled out.

The Canadian Press with help from the Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation applied that 11.4 per cent figure to the $2.98 billion in benefits to come to the $339 million estimate.

The increase in benefits, combined with the elimination of the child tax credit, will mean middle and upper-income earners will have more of the money taxed back at the end of the year than lower income households, said David Macdonald, senior economist at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

“You get a cheque and it’s tangible. You have no idea what you’re going to pay back at the end of the year,” Macdonald said.

Angella MacEwan, senior economist with the Canadian Labour Council, said the lower income earner in some families will be moved into a higher tax bracket this year because of the government’s recent decision to allow income splitting. That will marginally increase how much they are asked to pay in

taxes on the child care benefit, she said.

Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz said last week the central bank expects about half the money to be spent. The other half would be saved, although Poloz didn’t specify how Canadians would save it.

The government estimates that 200,000 of the four million families eligible for the monthly payments have yet to sign up for the program. Employment and Social Development Canada estimates the three territories, Saskatchewan and Prince Edward Island, in that order, have the highest percentage of the population who haven’t signed up for the benefits.

Poilievre told The Canadian Press last week the government expects the public focus on the child care benefit will ensure a large percentage of those families sign up.

He said it will take about three weeks for the Canada Revenue Agency to determine how many of the missing families signed up in time. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

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Writs large...

Just last week, the department announced it was putting its drug-abuse campaign back on the air until Aug. 8.

That’s around when most Conservative insiders think Harper will go to Rideau Hall.

Government spending announcements are on the calendars for some departments right up until the end of July, though this week’s roll out of the universal child care benefit cheques is considered among the final major things on the government’s to-do list before formally going to the polls.

Then, there is the first leaders’ debate, set for Aug. 6, which will allow Harper the opportunity to set a political tone and potentially gather footage that can be turned around immediately into advertising.

Meanwhile, some staffers have been told to make sure their bank accounts are flush ❰❰ 18

enough by mid-August to cover off their rent for a few months, as many will be taking unpaid leaves of absence to work on the campaigns.

That’s not to say campaign planes will take flight right away. Harper told MPs in June he had no intention of spending all of August traipsing across the country. It’s more likely that the official machine won’t rev up fully until Labour Day. He has, however, cancelled his usual August trip — the annual tour to the Arctic.

There’s no word on whether the Governor General has also been told to clear his calendar in early August to formally kick start the vote. Rideau Hall never discusses anything related to politics.

And from the prime minister’s office itself, only two words: “Stay tuned.” ■

Lightning storms spark 60 new fires across B.C. over 24 hour period THE CANADIAN PRESS KAMLOOPS, B.C. — Two new evacuation orders have been issued in British Columbia because of wildfires.

The latest was issued early Tuesday in West Kelowna for residents in about 30 properties on the west side of Okanagan Lake.

The residents (on Westside Rd.) were asked to report to a community centre in West Kelowna. Other residents in the area remained under an evacuation alert due to what the BC Wildfire Service called a “highly vigorous surface fire.”

That order followed another issued late Monday for the area surrounding Bolean Lake, including the Bolean Lake Resort, due to an aggressive wildfire between Bolean Lake and Falkland.

The fire southwest of Salmon Arm covers about 300 hectares

and the order affects about 24 properties.

Meanwhile, residents of 28 homes near Ashcroft were on evacuation alert because of an aggressive, growing fire sparked by lightning.

The BC Wildfire Service says the 250 hectare Coldstream Creek fire was discovered Monday and was fuelled by hot, dry conditions and strong winds.

Provincial Fire Information Officer Kevin Skrepnek says in the last 24 hours, 60 fires have started across B.C. and almost all have been sparked by lightning.

There have been almost 1,200 wildfires this season in B.C. and there are currently 216 burning, 15 of which are considered major fires.

Evacuation alerts or orders were in place for residents near five fires, including an alert for residents near Kelowna in the Bear Creek area. ■

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World News

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Turkey blast kills 30, wounds nearly 100 near Syrian boarder

BY DESMOND BUTLER The Associated Press ISTANBUL — An explosion rocked the Turkish city of Suruc near the Syrian border on Monday, killing 30 people and wounding nearly 100 others in what Turkish authorities said appeared to be an Islamic Stateinspired suicide bombing.

The mid-day explosion took place at a cultural center in Suruc as a political group, the Federation of Socialist Youths, was wrapping up a news conference on plans to rebuild the Syrian city of Kobani, a witness said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but one senior government official told The Associated Press that Turkey suspected the IS group was behind the blast.

Suruc, in southeastern Turkey, is just across the border from Kobani, the scene of fierce battles between Kurdish groups and the Islamic State group. Kobani, populated heavily by Syrian Kurds, was the Islamic State group’s biggest defeat last year since the militants established control over large swathes of Iraq and Syria. Its

ruins have become a symbol of Kurdish resistance.

If confirmed that IS was behind the attack, it would represent a major expansion of the group’s campaign into Turkey at a time that the Turkish government appears to have stepped up its efforts against the group. The bombing may not have been the group’s first attack in Turkey, but it was the most serious. In January, a female suicide bomber with suspected IS ties blew herself up in a tourist district of Istanbul, killing a police officer and injuring another.

Fatma Edemen, 22, said the federation of about 200 youths had been pressing for more access to help reconstruction in Kobani before the blast.

“One of my friends protected me. First I thought `I am dying’ but I was OK. I started to run after I saw the bodies,” she told The AP by phone as she headed to a hospital to get treatment for minor injuries to her legs.

Her voice shaking, she said her group had believed Kobani was relatively safe and ready to rebuild.

“Our friends went there and it didn’t seem dangerous at that

time. We couldn’t even think something like that would happen,” she said, adding that they had hoped to build a kindergarten or something else for children in the devastated city.

“We wanted to do something, but they would not let us,” she added.

Kobani was also the scene of surprise IS attacks last month that killed more than 200 people.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in Cyprus on an official visit, was briefed on the investigation, according to the state-run Anadolu Agency.

“I personally and on behalf of my nation condemn and curse those who perpetrated this savagery,” Erdogan said in a news conference broadcast on Turkish television.

In a statement on Twitter, Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Yalcin Akdogan said “such despicable terrorist attacks on (hash) Turkey’s integrity and peace will never reach their goal.”

The prime minister’s office and the Interior Ministry gave the casualty tolls in a phone call Monday to the AP and in a statement. The senior Turkish official said authorities had evi-

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dence that the attack was a suicide bombing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the record.

Another explosion went off Monday south of Kobani. One Kurdish official initially described it as a bomb, but Kurdish official Mustafa Bali later said it happened as Kurdish militiamen were removing mortar shells from a dump. Three Kurdish fighters were killed, he said.

Suruc also hosts the largest refugee camp in Turkey, which has seen nearly 2 million Syrians cross its border to flee the fighting.

More than 220,000 Syrians have been killed and at least a million wounded since the country’s crisis began in March 2011, according to the U.N. ■ Bassem Mroue in Beirut, Lori Hinnant in Paris and Ayse Wieting in Istanbul contributed to this report.

McCain: Trump owes apology to veterans, not to me

BY JULIE PACE The Associated Press WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain said Monday Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump doesn’t need to apologize to him for remarks about his long captivity in Vietnam, but should tell veterans and their families that he’s sorry.

Trump, meanwhile, leveled new criticism against the Arizona Republican and 2008 GOP presidential nominee, saying McCain had made America “less safe” through his votes in Congress.

The continuing rhetoric came as Trump’s fellow Republican presidential hopefuls criticized his remarks last week, in which the flamboyant businessman dismissed McCain’s reputation as a war hero because he was

captured in Vietnam and “I like America less secure through his President (Barack) Obama with people who weren’t captured.” votes in Congress. The real estate the VA scandal and has spent “When Mr. Trump says he pre- executive also lashed out at fel- most of his time in the Senfers to be with people who are not low GOP presidential aspirants ate pushing amnesty,” Trump captured, the great honor of my who have criticized his remarks, wrote. “He would rather protect life was to be in the company of calling them “failed politicians.” the Iraqi border than Arizona’s.” heroes,” McCain In a contensaid Monday on tious interview MCNBC’s “Mornon the NBC’s ing Joe.” But the “Today” Show occasionally fiI think the point here is that there are Monday, Trump ery McCain had a so many men and women who served took issue with calm demeanor, and sacrificed — and happened to the media’s resaying simply: “I be held prisoner — and to denigrate porting on his am not a hero.” in any way that service, I think, is comments about At another offensive to veterans.

McCain’s war repoint in his intercord, made at a view on MSNBC’s conservative fo“Morning Joe,” he rum in Iowa. He said, “I’m in the (political) arena,” Trump said he did not need “to insisted in a telephone interview suggesting he’s fair game for criti- be lectured by any of them.” with anchor Matt Lauer that he cism as a U.S. senator.

“The reality is that John Mc- had said “four times” that he reIn an opinion piece published Cain the politician has made spected those captured in war.

Monday in USA Today, Trump America less safe, sent our brave In his appearance, McCain said McCain had abandoned soldiers into wrong-headed for- said he believed it was “totally the nation’s veterans and made eign adventures, covered up for inappropriate for Mr. Trump www.canadianinquirer.net

to say he doesn’t like to be with people who are captured.”

“I think the point here is that there are so many men and women who served and sacrificed — and happened to be held prisoner — and to denigrate in any way that service, I think, is offensive to veterans.”

“The best thing to do is put it behind us and move forward,” McCain said Trump has refused to apologize for disparaging comments he made about McCain’s military service. He’s also sought to use the furor over his remarks to remind supporters, especially those frustrated with Washington, that he’s not a typical politician.

“You know the Republican Party — of course I was one of their darlings when I was a ❱❱ PAGE 27 McCain: Trump

World News

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

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UN endorses Iran nuclear deal with 6 world powers

BY EDITH M. LEDERER The Associated Press UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council on Monday unanimously endorsed the landmark nuclear deal between Iran and six world powers and authorized a series of measures leading to the end of U.N. sanctions that have hurt Iran’s economy.

But the measure also provides a mechanism for U.N. sanctions to “snap back” in place if Iran fails to meet its obligations.

Both U.S. Ambassador Samantha Power and Iran’s U.N. Ambassador Gholamali Khoshroo called the agreement an important achievement for diplomacy, the Iranian promising to be “resolute in fulfilling its obligations” and the American pledging to be vigilant in ensuring they are carried out.

The resolution had been agreed to by the five veto-wielding council members, who along with Germany negotiated the porters immediately after the vote that nuclear deal with Iran. It was co-spon- the Security Council had “awarded a sored by all 15 members of the Security great prize to the most dangerous counCouncil. The European Union’s foreign try in the world,” calling it “a very sad policy chief Federica Mogherini, who fa- day” not only for Israel but the entire cilitated the nuclear talks, said in a state- world. ment that EU foreign ministers meeting The document specifies that seven in Brussels would endorse the deal later resolutions related to U.N. sanctions will Monday. be terminated when Iran has completed Under the agreement, Iran’s nuclear a series of major steps to curb its nuclear program will be curbed for a decade in program and the International Atomic exchange for potentially hundreds of Energy Agency has concluded that “all billions of dollars’ worth of relief from nuclear material in Iran remains in international sanctions. Many key pen- peaceful activities.” alties on the Iranian All provisions of economy, such as the U.N. resolution those related to the will terminate in 10 energy and financial years, including the sectors, could be lift“snap back” provied by the end of the She quoted sion on sanctions. year.

Obama saying But last week the Iran insists its the United six major powers — nuclear program States agreed the U.S., Russia, Chiis purely peaceful, to the deal na, Britain, France aimed at producing because “an and Germany — and nuclear energy and Iran with the European Union medical isotopes, but a nuclear sent a letter, seen the United States and weapon would

by The Associated its Western allies bebe far more Press, informing U.N. lieve Tehran’s real destabilizing Secretary- General goal is to build atomand far more Ban Ki-moon that ic weapons. U.S. Presdangerous to they have agreed to ident Barack Obama our friends and extend the snap back has stressed that all to the world.” mechanism for an of Iran’s pathways to additional five years. a nuclear weapon are They asked Ban to cut off for the durasend the letter to the tion of the agreement Security Council. and Iran will remove two-thirds of its inPower, the U.S. ambassador, said the stalled centrifuges and get rid of 98 per- nuclear deal doesn’t change the United cent of its stockpile of uranium.

States’ “profound concern about huBritain’s U.N. Ambassador Matthew man rights violations committed by the Rycroft said “the world is now a safer Iranian government or about the inplace in the knowledge that Iran cannot stability Iran fuels beyond its nuclear now build a nuclear bomb.” But Israel’s program, from its support for terrorist U.N. Ambassador Ron Prosor told re- proxies to repeated threats against Is-

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rael to its other destabilizing activities in the region.”

She urged Iran to release three “unjustly imprisoned” Americans and to determine the whereabouts of Robert Levinson, a former FBI agent who vanished in Iran in 2007.

“But denying Iran a nuclear weapon

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is important not in spite of these other destabilizing actions but rather because of them,” Power said.

She quoted Obama saying the United States agreed to the deal because “an Iran with a nuclear weapon would be far more destabilizing and far more dangerous to our friends and to the world.”

Iran’s Khoshroo, who reiterated that his country has never pursued nuclear weapons, stressed that “only through honoring commitments, displaying good faith and adopting the right approach can diplomacy prevail over conflict and war in a world that is replete with violence, suffering and oppression.”

In this context, he said, the nuclear deal “provides a solid foundation for further and more effective diplomatic interaction.”

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin also stressed that the agreement “clearly demonstrates that where there’s a political will based on realism and respect for legitimate mutual interests of the international community, the most complex tasks can be resolved.”

“Today, the Security Council has confirmed the inalienable right of Iran to develop its peaceful nuclear program, including to enrich uranium, while ensuring the comprehensive control by the IAEA,” Churkin said. ■

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JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Summer Summer’s Here: Top 10 Destinations in Canada AFTER A long, harsh winter, the delightful warmth of summer is finally here!

Gone are the days of staying indoors under layers of blankets next to the fireplace — or in front of your laptop watching your nth movie on Netflix.

Now is the time to make the most out of your summer.

Pack your bags and do a little bit of stretching because here are the top 10 destinations in Canada as rated by travelers on Tripadvisor — the world’s #1 travel resource website.

BY CHING DEE, Philippine Canadian Inquirer

VANCOUVER Vancouver is a sprawling city where nature and metropolis meet. You will never run out of things to do and explore in Vancouver — from shopping to dining to mastering the art of doing nothing just by sitting in one of its numerous grand parks. For a hint of nostalgia, hit Gastown, the historic section of Vancouver where old timey pubs will transport you back in time with a pint in hand.

Vancouver skyline.

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TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA Want to surf but no time (or budget) to go all the way to California?

Tofino is a closer — and maybe even better — alternative. Called the “Tree Loving Capital of the World,” Tofino is the perfect place to spend summer (especially if you don’t mind the crowd) and go surfing Canadian-style.

Panoramic view of the Tofino coast.

MARK SKALNY / SHUTTERSTOCK

VICTORIA, BRITISH COLUMBIA It’s all in the name. Named after Queen Victoria of England, this city screams “British!” with its tearooms and antique shops and art galleries. With the recent shift in its generation, more young people have somehow influenced the city of Victoria, making way for more hip and happening spots like coffee shops and bars. Rent a bike, and have a great roll enjoying its scenic landscape.

Captivating lighted hotels at night in Victoria.

ARIENA / SHUTTERSTOCK

www.canadianinquirer.net

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA Not a fan of the summer heat? Head to the stunning ice-capped landscapes of Whistler in British Columbia. You can enjoy winter activities all-yearround like skiing, snowboarding, or even snowball fights. No cars are allowed in a certain area of this resort city, so you can stroll leisurely anywhere and everywhere. Aside from outdoor activities, visitors can also book spa treatments in the resort, as well as enjoy the fare Whistler has to offer in its awardwinning hotels and restaurants.

Whistler: Canada’s resort town hosted the 2010 Winter Olympic Game VOLODYMYR KYRYLYUK / SHUTTERSTOCK

Summer

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO The world famous Niagara Falls is more than just a destination — it’s an experience. Make sure you bring a poncho and board the Maid of the Mist to get as close to the falls as possible. As the adrenaline rush wears off, you can head to Clifton Hill to visit its numerous tourist attractions and a great choice of restaurants.

Where the Niagara River meets Lake Ontario is also the place where you can find a perfectly preserved 19th century village. Dubbed as “Canada’s Wine Country,” Niagara-on-the-lake takes you back in time in just one afternoon (or more, it’s up to you).

Take a tour of the Fort George National Historic Site, rent a horse or a bike and ride to the Niagara Escarpment, or for the more intrepid in spirit: rent a boat for a white-water encounter to Niagara Falls.

Niagara-on-the-lake.

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The world famous Niagara Falls is equally stunning at night.

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QUEBEC CITY

MONTREAL, QUEBEC Brush up on your French and go to Montreal to immerse yourself in some FrenchCanadian culture. Spend your summer Québécois style and take a tour of this grand city.

Start with Basilique Notre-Dame and make your way to the Plateau Mont-Royal district to enjoy its quaint boutiques and cafés. A must-try in Montreal according to the reviewers at TripAdvisor is poutine (surprise surprise) at Olympic Park.

Interiors of Basilique Notre Dame in Montreal DENIS ROGER / SHUTTERSTOCK

When visiting the old city of Quebec, there are three things you must remember and try for yourself: Explore the Citadel; visit the Frontenac Castle and — if you’re willing to splurge — have tea at Chateau Frontenac; and eat authentic poutine — a delectable medley of french fries, gravy, and cheese curds.

Frontenac Castle in Old Quebec City.

ALMANINO / SHUTTERSTOCK

HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA The maritime city of Halifax is best explored on foot. Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and get a bird’s eyeview of the city from the 18th-century Citadel National Historic Site. You can also go all the way to the Georges Island Lighthouse for more peace and quiet. Halifax also has numerous bars and restaurants for every tourists’ fancy.

TORONTO, ONTARIO One TripAdvisor reviewer described Toronto as "New York City run by the Swiss" and perhaps it’s true. The city boasts of world-class and state-of-the-art theaters, shopping centers, and numerous restaurants. Do not forget to visit the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere, the CN Tower.

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Above: Georges Island Lighthouse in Halifax.

MEUNIERD / SHUTTERSTOCK

Left: The CN Tower in Toronto.

SONGQUAN DENG / SHUTTERSTOCK

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JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

FILIPINO-CANADIAN IN FOCUS:

Teaching is a Mission: Tony San Juan

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer THE PASSION to share knowledge and contribute to learning is what inspires a teacher to wake up every morning, go to school and transform into a walking and talking encyclopedia, explaining every minuscule detail to curious young minds.

For Tony San Juan, teaching is more than just a profession, it is a mission.

“This engaging career provides me immeasurable satisfaction in teaching & learning and nurturing the young minds and brings challenges as a living contributor & witness to their academic and intellectual developments,” Tony said.

And more than just the dayto-day classroom experience, teaching brought him the chance to see the world in a different light.

“I am a teacher by training, passion and preparation and my life's career experience include both teaching , research and school management work in the high school and college.

My profession brought me to numerous teaching and administrative assignments in public and private education and the industry sector for over 50 years in the Philippines, Nigeria and Canada.”

“The financial reward may not be great, but the resulting learning transformation of one or several of my students allow me to focus further efforts to continue as long as my life and health stand by me.”

‘Humble’ beginnings

Tony was born in Daet, Camarines Norte almost a month after the attack in Pearl Harbor.

He was raised in a big family and has 13 siblings who are all now living in Canada.

He studied in FEATI University in college where he met his wife Jocelyn Gumban Acuna.

“I was president of the university supreme student council in 1961 and she was the student government's executive secretary.”

“Close friendship developed, love blossomed, and we dated and got married in 1963.”

After graduating with a degree in Industrial Education

Popular Fil-Can lawyer Rafael Fabregas, guest of Talakayan Radyo Filipino AM1430, poses with Co-anchor Karen Tan (standing) and political commentator Tony A. San Juan (right) during an on-air interview short break at Fairchild Radio Network in Thornhill, Ontario on June 6, 2015. Fabregas answers questions pertaining to Canadian immigration and citizenship laws and regulations impacting the Filipino community.

Tony San Juan.

at FEATI Univeristy, Tony He then worked as a Senior tion. We know, we 'll be facing finished his Masteral stud- Lecturer and Curriculum Coor- again some dislocation and new ies in Manuel L. Quezon Uni- dinator with the Kaduna State challenges in "uncharted waversity and completed some Polytechnic from 1982 to 1986. ters", so to speak once given the PhDcourses in Centro Escolar His wife also joined him in travel papers.”

University. He also finished an Nigeria and worked as a Senior Tony was finishing his lecIndustrial Management Con- Audit Officer with the Kaduna tureship contract with Kaduna sultancy program in Japan in State Department of Audit.

Polytechnic and his wife was 1975 and took Additional Quali“During the period 1983- also in her last contract year fication courses ( academic spe- 1986, the Philippines was in when both of them decided to cialization) at the University of precarious "political and eco- start applying for immigration Toronto- Faculty of Education. nomic turmoils" due to Martial to Canada in 1984.

From 1963 to 1978, he taught Law and the Marcos dictatorin various schools in the Phil- ship reign.”

Sailing to their ‘new home’ ippines including Quezon “Nigeria during the same peAfter eight years in Nigeria, City High School, Torres High riod also was in economic and the family immigrated to ToSchool and Lakan Dula High social downturn as the country ronto, Ontario with his three School, where he boys and two also worked as a girls who were all guidance counborn in the Philselor. ippines.

He served as You should recognize your own For Tony, movthe acting princapacities and limitations as a person ing in was never cipal of the T.I.P and as a professional. You must an easy journey.

High School; the be reasonably prepared to accept The country assistant profesresponsibilities, be committed “still had the sor of education and gain mutual respect by being scars of recesand Vice Dean of respectful of others. sion” and Tony’s the Technologifamily had to cal Institute of deal with settlethe Philippines; ment problems the Director of Instruction of was under military rule and in- usually faced by “newcomers.” the Samson Institute of Tech- termittent religious in-fighting “Though we have only a few nology; and the Training Direc- between Muslims and Chris- dollar savings from Nigeria, we tor and Program Manager of tians.” don't have a ready job and other the Andres Soriano Corpora“Our personal safety and needed resources to sustain tion Foundation in Makati City. economic life are becoming a the day-to-day expenses.” difficult challenge. We have “I can still vividly remember Amid the military rule to decide: Shall we go back to the sad experience of initially Tony moved to Nigeria after the Philippines or stay put in renting a one-bedroom small being recruited to work as an Nigeria, i.e. renew our work apartment, rented then under Education Officer by the Fed- contracts and meet some hard my big sister's name as I will eral Government of Nigeria. realities and possible conse- not qualify as legal renter, being He was assigned to the Kaduna quences?” unemployed and without asset State Ministry Education at the “We decided ‘to go for good’ and banking reference.

Government Technical College and opted to follow-up our Ca“With used mattresses loaned for 4 years from 1978 to 1982. nadian immigration applica- by a friend, and soft drinks empwww.canadianinquirer.net

ty case as our "dining table," the three girls have to use the only room while the 3 boys including myself had to sleep in the kitchen and receiving rooms on the cold hard floors, covered only with bed sheets.”

Tony added that they had to step out of the unit in twos so as not to be seen as a big family by the landlord and avoid outright ejection.

“Very humiliating , but that is what we have to do in 3 agonizing months, until we have to move again to a 2-bedroom high-rise apartment, again under my older sister's help, for one year.”

Parting from the teaching world

Hunting for a new job in Canada became a challenge for Tony who was already 45 years old.

“At that time, I was already a middle- aged guy looking for a job and at that age was a big "minus hiring" factor. Professional accreditation in my discipline plus the high licensing fees was a tough cookie to undertake, what with lots of Filipinos of similar situation and background experiencing difficulties and hearing the common refrain of "back-to-college assessment and advice" by employers and some regulatory -licensing bodies.”

“Applying for even an office, clerical, or a factory minimumwage job was quite frustrating, as one is either " has no Canadian experience" or "over-qualified" for the position.”

Tony was unemployed for

27

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

three months and relied on his 3 boys who were at that time, over 18 years old. His three children helped the entire family “by working in menial, lowpaying , temp jobs.”

He temporarily bid goodbye to the teaching profession and worked as a machinist and welder.

“I initially took a job of a production technician even at middle age, putting on hold temporarily my Canadian teaching job dream.( I worked my way thru College, having been employed as a journeyman machinist after finishing a Machine Shop Technician course in 1958, before completing a degree program from FEATI U.in 1963).”

“Some people were concerned as my poor eyesight and energy are a big question especially in doing a precision machine operation. But I persevered and did my best under the circumstances, besides the pay was double the minimum wage.”

Having worked professionally and garnered respectable positions in the Philippines and in Nigeria, Tony said his pride “was at stake, front and centre.”

“I have to face realities, set aside my "bruised ego" and have to "lead" and "show" to my big family that it's not completely the end of everything, that is, our immigration decision was a mistake.

Back to his first love

Tony was fortunately hired as a Research Assistant – Tutor assisting advanced engineering students complete their graduate research at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Engineering.

“This gave me a strong window of opportunity to start reconnecting and rebuilding my desire to be in the education industry sector again.”

From there, he started reengaging his way back to his first love, the teaching profession to honour the commitment of "once a teacher, always a teacher."

“After receiving my professional licence as an Ontario Certified Teacher ( OCT), first in 1994 from the provincial Ministry of Education and then from the Ontario College of Teachers (the government regulatory body since 1998), I accepted assignments as an occasional / substitute teacher.”

“Later, I was appointed as a permanent teacher in several Catholic and public school boards, teaching junior and

senior secondary students in courses such as History, Geography, Design & Technology, ESL, Technical Studies, and Special Education. Additionally, I was greatly involved with the planning and implementation of the General Education Development - GED pilot project , the first in Ontario historically, as a project officer and test review coach.”

The Canadian Multicultural Council-Asians in Ontario honored him as the Local Asian Canadian Hero for Education in 2015 for his dedication and contribution to education as a teacher and a community leader in the Asian Community.

He became the president of the Philippine Teachers Association of Canada (PTAC) and led the development of programs and services that will benefit teachers including teacher certification, career search building & transition and professional development workshops for internationally-educated teachers as well community projects in academic tutoring & homework and ESL sessions.

As a committed community volunteer, Tony is serving either as a convenor or active member of Asian Canadian Educators Network, Council of Filipino Canadian Professionals-Ontario, TCDSB Filipino Advisory Committee, FEATI University Alumni Association and 4 other advocacy organizations.

Although Tony has retired as a full-time teacher with Toronto District School District, Canada's largest public school board, he still is doing parttime teaching assignments.

He is currently working on the founding of a Movement for the formation of a Council of Filipino Canadian Leaders with the goal of uniting the community to be an institutional player and contributor into the Canadian political process and social & economic life.

Always a Filipino

“Working and residing in Canada modestly gave us a way of life that is if you worked hard and accept challenges by engaging in tasks and activities related to your motivation, skills, experience and comfort levels... personal productivity, individual accomplishment and relative success are there to reach and achieve.”

Throughout his teaching and non-teaching career, Tony had with him the Filipino values

he learned from his Bikolano parents. It became an essential part in his journey towards becoming an educator ‘across the globe’ and across a varying culture and tradition.

“The good social values and traditional practices of typical Filipinos, including those Western "nice things" about being a Canadian are the "tools" and "guiding principles" I usually respect and employ in all my engagements...be they on personal, professional or business level and/ or family matters, as well.”

“Love for family and respect for elders are always present in our family relationship. My students recognize these especially in gaining and developing mutual respect in classes and school practices. In my lessons, when they are topic- related, the examples and illustrations I gave are usually reflective, though a bit subjective, of my personal background and experiences as a Filipino.”

To Filipinos eyeing for a better opportunity in Canada, Tony’s secret in achieving success is “living life fully by believing in yourself of one having your own set of skills, abilities and potentials.”

"You should recognize your own capacities and limitations as a person and as a professional.

You must be reasonably prepared to accept responsibilities, be committed and gain mutual respect by being respectful of others."

“As a newcomer-immigrant, one has to be prepared to understand life's realities and to meet challenges in his new environment with a strong desire to adjust, integrate and succeed with a minimum of complaints and blaming. He or she must realize the importance of hard work & determination, patience & perseverance, and dreaming for the beauty of life and pursuing life-long learning, as well.”

“In an almost like-minded community of country persons such as ours, one has to participate and contribute, should time and reasons allow, in community-building, social causes, faith & fellowship and collective cooperation for the common good.

“At higit sa lahat, ang pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan at kapwa tao sa abot ng ating makakaya. And above all, helping our countrymen as much as we can. God is good!” ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

PM Announces J. Michel Doyon as Lieutenant Governor of Quebec GATINEAU, QUEBEC -- Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointment of J. Michel Doyon as Lieutenant Governor of Quebec.

Dr. Doyon is an accomplished lawyer, historian, professor and author. He has considerable experience in business law and commercial arbitration and has practiced at Gagné, Letarte for over 30 years. He served as President of the Barreau du Québec where, as the chief executive officer, he oversaw the governing body of the province’s lawyers.

Dr. Doyon has a Doctorate in History and, before practicing law, he taught at the Cégep de Sainte-Foy and has been a lecturer at Laurentian University, Laval University and the Bar School of the Barreau du Québec. He was also the creator and a member of the production committee for, Le Droit de savoir television series.

He has received numerous distinctions throughout his ca-

reer, including Queen’s Counsel and Advocatus Emeritus of the Barreau du Québec. He also served as an Honorary Colonel of 3 Wing Bagotville and is a Governor of 3 Wing Bagotville.

This appointment is the culmination of a process undertaken by the non-partisan Advisory Committee on Vice-Regal Appointments, which was first announced by the Prime Minister in November 2012.

Lieutenant Governors are appointed by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.

They serve terms of no fewer than five years, during which they act as the province’s viceregal representative.

Prime Minister Harper also took the opportunity to thank the Honourable Pierre Duchesne for his outstanding service as Lieutenant Governor of Quebec since June 7, 2007. ■

McCain: Trump... contributor,” Trump said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I went from a darling to somebody that they’re not happy with because I’m not a politician.”

His rivals spent much of the weekend condemning his comments and suggesting he was unfit to serve as commanderin-chief.

“It’s not just absurd,” said Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. “It’s offensive. It’s ridiculous. And I do think it is a disqualifier as commander-in-chief.”

Numerous other GOP candidates, including Jeb Bush, Rick Perry and Scott Walker, were similarly critical of Trump. The Republican National Committee also put its thumb on the scale, issuing a statement saying “there is no place in our party or our country for comments that disparage those who have served honorably.”

Until now, Republicans have been largely cautious in their handling of Trump and his ❰❰ 22

provocations.

While officials privately fretted about the damage he could do to the party, they are also worried about alienating voters drawn to his celebrity, brashness and willingness to take on establishment Republicans.

He’s emerged as one of the favorites early in a race that is bound to see shifts in the standing of many of the candidates.

Trump has made other eyebrow-raising comments since declaring his candidacy, most notably his assertion that Mexican immigrants are rapists and drug dealers. Many GOP candidates were slow and halting in their response to those comments, underscoring a continuing struggle to hit the right notes on immigration when they want to appeal to Hispanics without alienating traditional GOP voters. ■ Associated Press writers Jill Colvin, Steve Peoples and Calvin Woodward contributed to this report.

28

Community News

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Senator Enverga applauds $2.3 million fund for PH SEN. TOBIAS C. Enverga Jr., applauds Canada’s decision to provide $2.3 million toward Inter Pares’ Innovations to Reduce Maternal Mortality in the Philippines initiative over the next five years. The initiative aims to reduce maternal and infant mortality in urban slums and typhoon-ravaged communities in the Philippines, and was chosen as one of several initiatives as part of the government’s Partnerships for Strengthening Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PSMNCH).

“I am very pleased to see how our current government is committed to help those less fortunate in the Philippines, my country of birth, and I applaud Minister of International Development Christian Paradis for his leadership in ensuring the sound management of Canada’s $3.5-billion commitment to maternal, newborn and child health between 2015 and 2020,” said Senator Enverga in a statement.

Inter Pares’ initiative is a five-year program to benefit poor communities in Eastern Samar affected by typhoons

and in three urban slum communities in Metro Manila with its local counterpart, Likhaan Centre for Women’s Health, in areas such as improving delivery of basic maternal, newborn and child health services; expanding access to the national health insurance program and other programs benefiting marginalized women and raising awareness of safe motherhood practices.

“This is yet another sign of our Canadian government’s efforts to assist the Philippines, and to continue its work to strengthen the ties between the two countries,” continued Senator Enverga, who in November last year congratulated Minister Paradis in the Senate Chamber while making a speech in support of recognizing the second week of May as International Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the $3.5 billion commitment at the Saving Every Woman, Every Child: Within Arm’s Reach global summit in Toronto in May 2014. ■

2015 JUNIOR Grand Champion of the World Ethan David shows off his trophy and gold medals at the 2015 World Championships of Performing Arts Awards Night. The youngest member of Team Canada won a total of 11 golds and two silvers (Photo by Janice Lozano).

Walk with the Dragon raises over $400k UNDER BRIGHT sunny skies, British Columbia and MP Jason attendance now mirrors the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation’s an- Kenney, Minister of National diverse cultures of the clients nual fundraising event, Walk Defense and Minister for Mul- that S.U.C.C.E.S.S. serves. This with the Dragon, celebrates ticulturalism. year’s walk celebrates and emits 30th year at Lumbermen’s The event began by waking braces multiculturalism. Even Arch, Stanley Park, with over up the 100-foot long robust our stage performances reflect 12,000 participants and raises S.U.C.C.E.S.S. dragon from its the best in different cultures, another $400,180 for the con- year-long hibernation in a sym- including Latin, Philippine, tinuance and enhancement bolic Dragon Eye-Dotting Cer- Japanese and Korean,” says of important social services emony. Once the Dragon was Bill Lau and Johnny Tsang, Coat S.U.C.C.E.S.S. for the Metro awakened, it led an entourage Chairs of the 2015 S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Vancouver communities. of participants, including over Walk with the Dragon.

“The longevity and success 300 teams, on the seven-km soS.U.C.C.E.S.S. in 2014 proof Walk with the Dragon rely journ around the Stanley Park vided over 143,000 client-seron the community’s continued seawall. Music and songs then vices to the Metro Vancouver encouragement communities. and support.

Although the Since the event’s bulk of the inauguration S. U. C. C. E . S. S. in 1986, over 12 The past 30 years of Walk with the operating budmillion dollars Dragon have seen numerous changes get derives from have been raised and evolutions. From a gathering of various levels to provide apa couple of hundred participants to of government propriate servictoday’s attendance of over 12,000, grants, there rees and programs the most significant change is the mains the need to support the faces of our supporters. to fundraise for betterment of the outstandthe community. ing balance.

This includes the Proceeds from vulnerable popevents such as ulation of seniors and youth,” envelope Lumbermen’s Arch Walk with the Dragon will ensays Sing Lim Yeo, Chair of to a fever pitch with giveaways sure those otherwise would be S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Foundation. “The and prizes at the carnival style underserved to have access to amount of money that we raised game booths perfect for the important services and proinvolves the copious efforts and whole family. grams such as senior health resources of many sponsors “The past 30 years of Walk care at the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Simon and volunteers. Our immense with the Dragon have seen K.Y. Lee Seniors Care Home and gratitude and appreciation to numerous changes and evolu- the two S.U.C.C.E.S.S. senior asthem,” added Yeo. tions. From a gathering of a sisted living residences: HarWalk with the Dragon each couple of hundred participants mony House and Austin Harris year garners the staunch sup- to today’s attendance of over Residence; the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. port of elected officials from 12,000, the most significant Youth Leadership Millennium the three levels of government change is the faces of our sup- Program; the Multicultural and prominent community porters. What began as an event Early Childhood Development leaders. Leading the pack this predominantly attended by Program; and the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. year Christy Clark, premier of Chinese-Canadians, the Walk Chinese Help Lines. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

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FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

www.canadianinquirer.net F PhilippineCanadianInquirer

T PhilCanInquirer

m info@canadianinquirer.net sales@canadianinquirer.net

A (888) 668-6059

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JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Entertainment

Ethan’s Journey SIX MONTHS ago, I learned that World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA) is accepting auditions in Canada.

Janice Lozano, the Western BC director and scout, posted it on her Facebook wall.

I quickly prepared my audition piece. Few weeks after, I learned that I got in to Team Canada but my mom said we can’t proceed because we don’t have enough money. My mom is a full- time student. My dad is the only one who is working at present. That was my first rejection.

I told my mom, I will work hard for the fees, I will sell chocolates and collect bottles because we still have time to do it. My mom said that is not possible because we are busy. The next day, while I was heading to school, I asked my neighbor if she can give me her recycled bottles. This time, she said yes. I asked my dad to help me to the closest depot and I got $37 out of it and made me happy. My mom was not still happy about it. She said, “I do not want you to think that this is possible but I will support you.” That time, that answer from my mom

was enough for me. cert, and then the 2nd sold-out My dad would always encourage I talked to my mom one night concert and 3rd sold-out con- me to do whatever I think is the and asked if I can borrow $200 cert. The 3rd one was the big- best for me. My mom was very from her credit card and buy gest because a Filipino singer/ supportive of me this time and chocolates online. She said “ok”. songwriter Joey Albert was my apologized she said “no” at first.

Since then, I targeted 100 hous- very special guest. She was unI did vocal warm up exercises es to sell 30 pieces of chocolate dergoing chemo that time but in the morning, sell chocolates bars everyday. I knew half of she was able to make it. I love after school and collect bottles, those would reject me and I am her so much. My concert’s title and then make my assignments prepared for that. Thank God, I was “BELIEVE”. Some rela- then rehearse. Until I was able was able to sell 30 to raise funds chocolates everyand enough to day and paid my take my mom mom her $200. I and dad with me ordered chocoFriends of my parents planned for my WCOPA lates again and fundraiser concerts for me. I was competition. my neighbors scared at first because I knew that no My experience gave me their one knew me then and it will be really here in WCOrecycled bottles hard to sell tickets that time. I just PA is one of the which I also colprayed to God to guide me. most memorable lect with my dad moments for and sometimes me. Aside from some of our winning, I have friends would gained friends drop them off at my house. tives and friends would send from all parts of the world. These Friends of my parents planned me money. people are extremely talented. fundraiser concerts for me. I My mom while studying My teammates were like big was scared at first because I would organize and plan for the bros and sis to me since I am the knew that no one knew me then concerts and slept at 3 a.m. for a youngest from Team Canada. and it will be really hard to sell few months planning my songs Belinda Reyes is always helptickets that time. I just prayed to and other things. Once I saw ful to each and every one of God to guide me. her on the corner crying from us. I am thankful to her she I had my first sold-out con- being so tired. I cry silently too. said “yes” when I auditioned. www.canadianinquirer.net

Thankful to Janice Lozano for posting the event on her wall and for supporting me and the rest of Team Canada here in Los Angeles.I saw her and my mom crying when my name was announced as the GRAND CHAMPION OF THE WORLD. Thank you to all my supporters, who believed in me since the beginning, to my sponsors, to those who prayed for me. I will never forget everything you did to me. I was writing your names in my small notebook and will keep this forever.

To all of you who feel that your dream is not possible, think again. I tell you, everything is possible. I just pray...

Never give up, stay strong, stay positive! There will always be rejections and distractions but keep moving forward. That’s what my mom always says.

Wherever this journey will take me, please remember that I will always be your little Ethan.

I just have my title with me but I will always be the same Ethan David as you have known since day 1. I love you all!!! Thank you Lord. ■

Entertainment

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

Madonna to include PH in Rebel Heart world tour

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — World-renowned singer and pop culture icon Madonna will be holding her first concert in the Philippines as she includes the country in her “Rebel Heart” world tour.

Promoter Music Management International (MMI) has already announced that Madonna will begin touring on September 9 this year and will have her stop in Manila on February 24 next year at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Madonna continues to be one of the most successful touring artists in history. Her shows are always legendary and we are thrilled to have her back on tour,” Live NationGlobal Touring president Arthur Fogel said.

Publicity materials and concert advertisements will be released on July 20. Tickets will then be available at SM Ticket outlets and online starting on July 26.

Members of Madonna’s fans club, Icon, cardholders of Citibank, and subscribers of Globe will be able to secure tickets early as the aforementioned fans club and sponsors will be conducting pre-sale

‘I don’t lip-sync’ — Anne Curtis

BY LEI FONTAMILLAS Philippine Canadian Inquirer

Madonna at the 2015 Grammys.

events on July 21 to 24.

With the arena expected to be jam-packed with the Queen of Pop’s multitude of Filipino fans, speculations of a two-day concert came out but the con-

DFREE / SHUTTERSTOCK

cert organizers have not made any confirmations yet.

Prior the Philippines, Madonna had already held concerts in Japan, Israel and the United Arab Emirates. ■

31

MANILA — Following the viral tweet of singer Rhap Salazar saying he “hates seeing artists lip-syncing on TV,” Anne Curtis defended herself saying she does not do lip-sync during her performances.

“Hindi ako nagli-lip sync!

Alam naman ng lahat ng tao ‘yun (I don’t lip-sync!

Everyone knows that),” she said in an interview with Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) during the launch of a mobile game application.

“Basta mayroon akong napapasaya, OK na ako doon (As long as I make people happy, I’m okay with that),” she added.

She also urged other aspiring singers not to get affected with those kind of remarks.

“You just have to respect other

people’s opinion. Tapos sa mga katulad ko na nahehurt, huwag kayong magpapaapekto, part na ’yun (And to those like me, don’t get affected. That’s already a part of it),” she said.

“Syempre, iba rin naman talaga ’yung sasabihin mo na singer na singer ka na, mayroong ma-o-offend talaga (There’s really a difference when you say that you are truly a singer. There will really be people who will get hurt).” ■

Jolina Magdangal admits being hesitant to work with Claudine Barretto

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — In an interview with the Philippine Entertainment Portal, actress Jolina Magdangal-Escueta admitted being hesitant to work on another project with co-star Claudine Barretto.

Jolina recalled last working with Claudine in GMA’s teleserye “Iglot,” which only lasted for three months.

“Naputol ‘yung show namin…

Nagkaroon ako ng hesitation to work with her kasi baka may problema siya or noong nagkaroon siya ng problema, natapos

agad ‘yung show,” she said in a press conference.

(Our show got cut off... I started to have hesitation to work with her because she may have another problem just like the last time when she also had a problem, our show got cut off.)

Jolina stated that she was not used to having her show cut off.

“Hindi kasi ako sanay sa ganoon e… Ikakasal ako noong time na ‘yun so ang dami-dami kong iniisip,” she said.

(I’m just not use to it… I was about to get married that time so I was thinking of a lot of things.)

“Ang thinking ko, professional tayong lahat. Anuman ang prob-

lema natin, meron tayong trabaho,” she added.

(What I was thinking was that we were all professional.

Whatever our problem may be, we had a job to do.)

Jolina, however, pointed out that she was happy with Claudine returning to the industry.

“Happy ako, hindi lang na she’s back, kundi yung nangyayari sa kanya ngayon na nararamdaman ko at nakikita ko sa pictures, masaya siya,” she said.

(I’m happy, not only because she’s back, but because of what’s happening to her right now. I can feel and see in pictures that she’s happy.) ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

Kapamilya actress Jolina Magdangal-Escueta.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MAGDANGAL’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE

Entertainment

32

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Cosby, in public and in private: A look back

BY MICHAEL RUBINKAM The Associated Press IN THE 1970s, Bill Cosby created "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids," a Saturday-morning cartoon series based loosely on his Philadelphia childhood that promoted good behavior and morality.

The comedian's private life around the same time was at odds with his squeaky-clean public image. As Cosby himself acknowledged decades later, the married man obtained quaaludes to give to women he wanted to have sex with.

The gap between the public Cosby, the long-time role model and moralist, and the private Cosby, the philanderer fighting accusations he drugged and sexually assaulted women, is what prompted a federal judge this month to unseal parts of the entertainer's 2005-06 deposition in a sexual abuse lawsuit.

Cosby, 78, denies his accusers' assault accusations, most of which were made long after the statute of limitations had expired, and has not been charged with a crime.

Here is a look at Cosby's career and persona through the decades, stacked up against

what his accusers say he did behind closed doors.

education.

In private: At least two women say Cosby drugged and assaulted them. A third says Cosby forced her to perform a sex act on him in the Playboy Mansion in 1974, when she was 15.

In the deposition that became public in recent days, Cosby acknowledged he used quaaludes in the '70s "the same as a person would say, `Have a drink.'"

tion's No. 1 sitcom, "The Cosby Show." His portrayal of Dr. Cliff Huxtable - sweater-wearing ob1960s stetrician and playful, doting In public: Cosby dropped and wise father of five - cementout of college to pursue a caed his image as America's Dad. reer in stand-up, releasing Away from "The Cosby Show" several best-selling albums set, Cosby, who always worked whose PG-rated observationclean, chided Eddie Murphy al comedy drew heavily on for his foul-mouthed comedy, his childhood. Then, after a as recounted by Murphy in his star turn in the groundbreak1987 stand-up film "Raw." ing TV show "I In private: Spy," he played At least eight an upstandwomen, including high school ing model Janice gym teacher in The comedian's private life around Dickinson, say NBC's shortthe same time was at odds with Cosby drugged lived "The Bill his squeaky-clean public image. and sexually asCosby Show."

As Cosby himself acknowledged saulted them, or In private: decades later, the married man made unwanted Joan Tarshis obtained quaaludes to give to sexual advances. alleges Cosby women he wanted to have sex with. drugged and as2000s saulted her in In public: Pres1969, when she ident George W. was 19.

Bush awarded Cosby the Presi1970s He denied giving the party drug dential Medal of Freedom, the In public: In addition to to women without their knowl- nation's highest civilian honor, creating "Fat Albert" and sup- edge. for having "used the power of plying some of the characters' laughter to heal wounds and to voices, Cosby starred in "The 1980s build bridges." In 2004, Cosby Electric Company," an educaIn public: Cosby released delivered what became known tional TV show for children. the acclaimed film "Bill Cosby: as the "pound cake" speech, He also appeared in the first of Himself," which focused on the lamenting social dysfunction countless Jell-O commercials trials and tribulations of raising in urban black neighborhoods, with adorable kids. He returned children. Then came the debut criticizing single motherhood to school and got a doctorate in of his biggest hit and the na- and saggy pants, and accusing

some blacks of squandering opportunities made possible by the civil rights movement. He later toured the country talking to young black men and women about morals and responsibility.

In private: Temple University basketball administrator Andrea Constand says Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted her at his suburban Philadelphia mansion in 2004.

In the deposition he gave as part of a lawsuit settled in 2006, Cosby said that he gave Constand the cold medicine Benadryl and that they had consensual sexual contact.

A prosecutor declined to file charges, saying there wasn't enough evidence.

Another accuser, model Chloe Goins, came forward this year to report that Cosby drugged and sexually abused her at the Playboy Mansion in 2008. Cosby's lawyer has said he wasn't at the mansion on the night in question. Her accusation is under investigation by California authorities. ■ Associated Press writers Frazier Moore and Hillel Italie in New York and Anthony McCartney in Los Angeles contributed to this story.

HOROSCOPE ARIES

CANCER

LIBRA

CAPRICORN

(MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

(JUNE 22 - JULY 22)

(SEPT 23 - OCT 22)

(DEC 22 - JAN 19)

It’s about time to take a break from

A huge financial challenge is

It’s about time to recalibrate your

The tasks in the coming week will

work, Aries. You’ve been setting

coming your way, Cancer. You

goals according to the desires of

need a lot of your creativity. Try

aside your family in the past weeks. Focusing your

will be faced with a crisis that will really test your

your heart. Keep in mind that your decisions must be

doing some activities that will require you to think out

energy too much on work might affect your personal

resources. But you will be able to overcome this

shaped by what others want for you, but by what you

of the box and will release that creative spirit inside

relationship. Learn to manage your time and prioritize

challenge if you start saving now.

want for yourself. Re-assess your dreams and live to

you. Friendly tip: always believe that you can, and

realize it.

you will.

your family and loved ones. Taking a break on weekends

LEO

for family gatherings will be a better idea this week!

(JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

SCORPIO

AQUARIUS

(OCT 23 - NOV 21)

(JAN 20 - FEB 18)

An old friend will come to you and

You might get overwhelmed with

This week is a great opportunity to regain a positive relationship with

You are the master of yourself so,

a former friend, or an ex-lover. By releasing that little

learn to get hold of your emotions.

pride that has been stopping you from straightening

days. Your words will affect the kind of path that

having in the coming week. Always remember that

You will be filled with so much negative energy if you

things; you will be able to rebuild something new, and

person will take, so be careful. Craft your words in a

greater things await those who have patience and

don’t control your temper. Brace yourself as there will

something better.

way that will give that person some space to decide

persistence. You will be rewarded accordingly.

be a lot of situations that will surely test your patience.

seek your advice in the coming

for his or her own.

VIRGO

GEMINI

SAGITTARIUS

(AUG 23 - SEPT 22)

(MAY 21 - JUNE 21)

PISCES (FEB 19 - MAR 20)

(NOV 22 - DEC 21) Stop holding on to that negative

This week, you will realize the importance of maintaining positive

the gravity of work you will be

An argument with a friend will

emotion you have been keeping

Being a little sensitive with the

inside. Now is the best time to finally move on and

feelings of the people around you

challenge your emotions this week.

You will be placed in a situation that you’ll forever

relationship with your loved ones. And, you might just learn

achieve a deeper sense of peace. Save yourself from

will help you survive the emotional turmoil brought

regret, if you don’t learn the value of forgiveness.

it the hard way if you don’t start appreciating what they’ve

the burden of carrying that pain every day. Move

by the challenges this week. Try to keep your cool in

Try looking at the bright side and you’ll get just what

been doing for you. Look at the brighter side of things!

forward, Virgo.

whatever situation and maintain a positive outlook.

you’ve always wanted.

www.canadianinquirer.net

33

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

Lifestyle

A first: Bacolod shows off the region’s fashion

THE BIGGEST SO FAR IN THE CITY, THE SERIES PROVES THAT THE DESIGN MARKET IS GROWING IN THE PROVINCE

BY ALEX Y. VERGARA Philippine Daily Inquirer AFTER CEBU and Davao, Bacolod could be the country’s next regional fashion hub as high fashion continues to flourish beyond Manila.

As a coming-out party for their newly formed events company Nouveau, Kel Curbilla and Kez Pedrosa recently staged “Fashion Nouveaulution,” a three-night series of fashion shows at the Art District’s Orange Gallery in Bacolod.

Considered by many as the biggest fashion event the city has seen, the series featured Manila-based designers John Rufo, Jian Lasala and Card Arcita, and regional talents Jun-G Candelario, Jet Salcedo and Jbee Belediano.

Candelario and Salcedo are from Iloilo, while Belediano, who recently moved to Manila, is a native of Silay, Negros Occidental.

Eye for color

Rufo opened the series with a 20-piece collection of pastel and neon-colored dresses made of neoprene, lace and tiedye fabric. A few were partially beaded with Swarovski crystals.

Drawing inspiration from Versailles’ “secret garden,” he had pieces that showcased his skill in cutting and his eye for color.

He paid homage to the ‘80s with dresses with tiered skirts and sleeves.

This protégé of Frederick Peralta hopes to “educate and help expand fashion” in Western Visayas.

Candelario used soft tulle, lace, Swarovski crystals and rhinestones to produce a 12-piece evening wear that showed plenty of skin.

Known for wedding designs in Iloilo, Candelario is eyeing the fashionable women in Bacolod.

He pushed the envelope by producing red and black see-through dresses with strategically placed beadwork.

“I made sure that the fit and placement of embellishments were right because I didn’t use nude lining,” he said.

Arcita showed men’s ensembles. The street- and club-wear designer used layering and juxtaposition of textures, prints and materials such as tweed, brocade and microfiber.

While patchwork dominated Arcita’s Spring-Summer line, zippers and but-

Bolivar.

“I’ve always been drawn to tailoring and androgynous fashion,” said Salcedo.

“They’re my comfort zones. My statement this time combines androgyny and glamour.”

Like most of his colleagues in the region, Salcedo flies to Manila regularly to source materials.

“Despite spending for the fare and cargo, I still end up saving whenever I buy fabrics by the bulk in Manila,” said Salcedo. “Sourcing for materials is one of the challenges provincial designers have to deal with.”

Positive feedback

PUBLIC PHOTOS COURTESY OF FASHION NOUVEAULUTION’S FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

tons adorned his Fall-Winter pieces. He also did a pair of men’s shorts that doubled as skirts.

“I always have a take-it-or-leave-it approach in fashion,” said Arcita. “What you see is what you get. If you don’t like my designs, you’re probably not my market.”

thetic white raffia to produce men’s and women’s tailored separates, including a long, floor-sweeping skirt modeled by

Diverse lineup

“To make the series of shows more interesting, we came up with a diverse lineup,” said Pedrosa, makeup artist and president of Nouveau.

“Fashion Nouveaulution” also featured shoes, ready-to-wear (RTW) dresses and resort wear from new labels such as Seven Weekends, Get Spotted and SXY, respectively.

SXY is designed and curated by LA Ferriols and Mia Crespo of Manila, while Get Spotted consists of printed dresses from Thailand.

Manila-based model Ria Bolivar, a native of Iloilo, led homegrown mannequins on the ramp.

“Unlike in Manila, many people in Bacolod are still quite conservative when it comes to fashion,” said Curbilla, a part-time model, stylist and COO of Nouveau. “Some are even embarrassed to wear certain articles of clothing. This shouldn’t be the case because fashion is all about self-expression.”

Androgynous

Salcedo, who caught veteran designer Frederick Peralta’s attention during a fashion design contest in Iloilo years ago, used black pinstriped wool and synwww.canadianinquirer.net

Crespo and Ferriols, who met while studying fashion in New York, initially created a “luxe” line of swimwear and willowy resort dresses and overlays for themselves. ❱❱ PAGE 34 A first

Lifestyle

34

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Study: Early clue to why some children may have reading woes

BY LAURAN NEERGAARD The Associated Press WASHINGTON — New research suggests it may be possible to predict which preschoolers will struggle to read – and it has to do with how the brain deciphers speech when it’s noisy.

Scientists are looking for ways to tell, as young as possible, when children are at risk for later learning difficulties so they can get early interventions. There are some simple pre-reading assessments for preschoolers. But Northwestern University researchers went further and analyzed brain waves of children as young as 3.

How well youngsters’ brains recognize specific sounds – consonants – amid background noise can help identify who is more likely to have trouble with reading development, the team reported Tuesday in the journal PLOS Biology.

If the approach pans out, it may provide “a biological looking glass,” said study senior author Nina Kraus, director of Northwestern’s Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory. “If you know you have a 3-year-old at risk, you can as soon as possible begin to enrich their life

in sound so that you don’t lose those crucial early developmental years.”

Connecting sound to meaning is a key foundation for reading. For example, preschoolers who can match sounds to letters earlier go on to read more easily.

Auditory processing is part of that pre-reading development: If your brain is slower to distinguish a “D” from a “B” sound, for example, then recognizing words and piecing together sentences could be affected, too.

What does noise have to do with it? It stresses the system, as the brain has to tune out competing sounds to selectively focus, in just fractions of milliseconds. And consonants are more vulnerable to noise than vowels, which tend to be louder and longer, Kraus explained.

“Hearing in noise is arguably one of the most computationally difficult things we ask our brain to do,” she said.

The new study used an EEG to directly measure the brain’s response to sound, attaching electrodes to children’s scalps and recording the patterns of electric activity as nerve cells fired. The youngsters sat still to watch a video of their choice, listening to the soundtrack in

SHUTTERSTOCK

one ear while an earpiece in the other periodically piped in the sound “dah” superimposed over a babble of talking.

Measuring how the brain’s circuitry responded, the team developed a model to predict children’s performance on early literacy tests. Then they did a series of experiments with 112 kids between the ages of 3 and 14.

The 30-minute test predicted how well 3-year-olds performed a language-development skill and how those same youngsters fared a year later on several standard pre-reading assess-

ments, the team reported. Time will tell how well those children eventually read.

But Kraus’ team also tested older children – and the EEG scores correlated with their current reading competence in school, and even flagged a small number who’d been diagnosed with learning disabilities.

Oral language exposure is one of the drivers of reading development, and the study is part of a broader push to find ways to spot problem signs early, said Brett Miller, who oversees reading disabilities research at

the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, which helped fund the work.

But don’t expect EEGs for preschoolers any time soon.

While the machines are common among brain specialists, this particular use is complicated and expensive, and further research is necessary, Kraus cautioned.

Her ultimate goal is to test how a child’s brain processes sound even younger, maybe one day as a part of the routine newborn hearing screening. ■

my business by bringing it to the provinces. It’s also a chance to educate people about what high fashion is all about.”

prevailed upon to do the clothes as well. I would have wanted to have more time to focus on my first collection, but it turned out better than I expected.”

Belediano, who’s partial to “androgynous” clothes, chose black because it “symbolizes the struggles” he underwent even before he became a designer.

“No matter how bleak life sometimes is, like black, it can be beautiful,” he said.

In pop-up stores organizers set up near the venue, the event’s designers were able to sell their clothes.

“It’s too early to tell if these shows are the start of something big,” said Pedrosa, “but we have already lined up a series of capsule shows featuring one or two designers per month.” ■

A first...

“We wanted something in between high fashion and RTW, but we couldn’t find pieces that suited us,” said Ferriols. “We ended up making them ourselves.”

SXY’s line of spandex swimwear and stretch spaghettistrapped and off-shoulder tops and dresses was born.

For the Bacolod event, Lasala dusted off the 15-piece collection of long and short fitted dresses and jumpsuits made of tulle, duchess satin and sequined fabric he showed several weeks ago in Manila.

“Many women from the provinces don’t have access to designer clothes because most of the seasoned designers are already in big cities like Manila,” said Lasala. “I want to expand ❰❰ 33

PUBLIC PHOTOS COURTESY OF FASHION NOUVEAULUTION’S FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

www.canadianinquirer.net

Ideal foil

Lasala’s collection of bright, jewel-toned and pastel dresses was a foil to the evening’s finale: Belediano’s all-black collection of men’s “unisex” skirts, and women’s separates, tent and shift dresses.

Channeling Alexander McQueen, Belediano, a former call-center agent, styled his models with black neck-pieces, horns and spines. Even some of the platform shoes had pointy protrusions.

“Actually, I was just supposed to do the neckpieces,” said the newbie designer. “Since we were short on featured talents, I was

Travel

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

35

Mt. Hapunang Banoy in Rizal.

PNA PHOTO

Mt. Hapunang Banoy offers close-to-extreme rock-climbing, trekking adventure

BY KRIS M. CRISMUNDO Philippines News Agency

this adventure.

For less than two hours of travel from Cubao, Hapunang Banoy is sure to give you that feeling of ‘getting high’ as you MANILA — Extreme and breathtaking. will literally climb on rocks to reach the That’s how I describe my recent climb summit. in Mt. Hapunang Banoy, a 462-meter You can actually do ascend and deabove sea level (MASL) mountain in scend in Hapunang Banoy in three to Brgy. Wawa, Rodrifive hours. guez, Rizal.

From Brgy. Wawa Mt. Hapunang DENR site, which Banoy or Mt. Banoy will be the registraor more popularly tion and jump-off called as Hapunang For less than point, it will be like Banoy is one of the two hours there’s nothing spethree mountains of travel cial with the trail of that can be accessed from Cubao, this mountain. Bethrough Brgy. Wawa.

Hapunang fore going up, you However, it is the less Banoy is sure will pass a hanging explored mountain, to give you bridge. This hanging yet has the highest that feeling bridge is a pictureelevation compared of ‘getting perfect one, so make to its neighboring high’ as you sure to take photos mountains of Mt. will literally here. Expect some Binacayan at 424 climb on rocks 30 to 45 minutes of MASL and Mt. Pamito reach the regular trekking and tinan, 426 MASL. summit. hiking.

Although the Then after closemountain is unrated to-an-hour reguby hikers, it has a trail lar trek, be ready to class of 5 since you get high on rocks as need to use your free this will be the rock hand as climbing method. climbing part all the way to the top. This If you’re looking for close-to-extreme rock climbing will take 1 hour and 30 rock-climbing and trekking near Metro minutes to 2 hours and 30 minutes to Manila, Hapunang Banoy can offer you reach the summit.

What’s extra challenging in climbing Hapunang Banoy, aside from its ‘rocky climb’, is you need to be extra careful as the mountain’s rocks are very sharp and there are also ‘unstable’ rocks that can induce injuries not only to you but to other hikers as well.

Since it’s a rocky mountain, expect that there are no huge trees to cover and protect you from the extreme heat of the sun.

With these cautions, be sure to wear long sleeves, thicker leggings, and durable shoes. Don’t try the mountain when you’re wearing shorts or slippers. It will not only be very difficult but very dangerous.

www.canadianinquirer.net

Also, travel light but have at least 1.5-liter water as there are no sari-sari stores going up the mountain.

How to get there? From Cubao UV Express Terminal, ride UV Express going to Rodriguez (formerly Montalban) then tell the driver to drop you off in Eastwood. From Eastwood, ride tricycle going to Brgy. Wawa DENR site.

Two-way fare will cost Php120 while guide fee will be Php400 for a group of five members.

Mountain climbing is an interesting physical activity since it will also allow us to explore one of the country’s treasures — the beautiful mountain ranges. ■

36

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Business

PSE index seen to revisit 8,000

BY DORIS DUMLAOABADILLA Philippine Daily Inquirer THE LOCAL stock barometer can revisit the 8,000 level and sustain its uptrend over the long term on the back of strong Philippine macroeconomic fundamentals, an economist from Maybank ATR Kim Eng Securities said.

In a forum organized by Sun Life of Canada (Philippines) last week, Maybank ATR Kim Eng Securities economist Luz Lorenzo said that even if domestic economic growth had slowed down since last year, it was still the best performing economy in Southeast Asia.

For this year, Lorenzo downgraded her full-year gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 6.4 percent from 7 percent, but noted that this would still turn out to be the strongest growth pace among the major economies of Southeast Asia.

“Because of these fundamentals, we will continue to attract foreign as well as domestic investors. We will have low interest rates, which are good for investments, for direct investments, for investments in construction, equipment and also for investing in the equity market,” Lorenzo said.

Maybank ATR Kim Eng is expecting average corporate earnings to grow by 16 percent this year. Average earnings per share of the stock brokerage house’s basket of stocks is seen to grow by 12 to 13 percent.

This basket of stocks is not too

SHUTTERSTOCK

far from the components of the source of optimism,” she was large net foreign buying the Philippine Stock Exchange said. that led the index to new peaks index (PSEi) except for the inLorenzo said the short-term (8,100) in April. But as jitters clusion of someover the Greek mid- and smalldebt crisis, the cap stocks. stock market By the end rout in China of the year, LoShe said foreign flows would soon and the US Fedrenzo said it was return, noting that the Philippine eral Reserve’s possible for the growth story remained compelling. imminent interindex to return est rate increase to the 8,000 levintensified, she els and sustain said that was its upswing. when foreign in“We’re not vestors started bullish because there’s (a presi- volatility seen in the local stock selling out of the market. dential) election next year. market recently had to do with However, Lorenzo noted We’re bullish because of the foreign flows. In the early part that prior to 2012—when the economic fundamentals. That’s of the year, she noted that there Philippine sovereign got the

EXCHANGE RATES CDN/USD CDN/PHP CDN/EUR CDN/GBP EUR/USD AUD/USD USD/JPY

much-coveted investmentgrade rating from major credit watchdogs—net inflows were actually much smaller than what the local bourse was seeing now.

She said foreign flows would soon return, noting that the Philippine growth story remained compelling.

“When you compare the fundamentals of the Philippines in terms of fiscal space, in terms of current-account surplus, in terms of liquidity, in terms of banking strength, there are not that many countries with the same characteristics,” Lorenzo said. “The long-term growth story of the Philippines is intact.”

Lorenzo said she was hoping that the US Fed would start its interest rate increases soon to remove such overhang on the market. As the Greek crisis had been resolved with a new bailout deal with the European Union and the stock market shakeout in China would likely be temporary, she said the waiting game on the US Fed was now the single-biggest uncertainty for the market.

If the US Fed raises its targeted interest rate, now at near-zero level, by 25 basis points this year and by 50 basis points in 2016, she said the market could deal with it.

The PSEi has been rising for the seventh straight year after bottoming out at 1,704.41 in Oct. 28, 2008, amid the US-epicentered global financial crunch. As of Thursday’s close, the PSEi stood at 7,617.13, marking a year-to-date gain of 386.56 points or 5.3 percent. ■

As of July 22, 2015 from ca.finance.yahoo.com PRICE

CHANGE

% CHANGE

1.2982 34.8053 1.4209 2.0286 1.0943 0.7406 123.7600

+0.0035 -0.1118 +0.0046 +0.0146 +0.0003 -0.0015 -0.1050

+0.2703% -0.3203% +0.3214% +0.7263% +0.0274% -0.2062% -0.0848%

www.canadianinquirer.net

Business

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

37

Investment slump worries trade groups

BY AMY R. REMO Philippine Daily Inquirer

SUNLIFE.COM

Sun Life unit sees 30% growth this year PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER THE LOCAL unit of global insurer Sun Life of Canada expects to grow new insurance business by at least 30 percent this year, seen in line with expected industry growth amid a favorable macroeconomic backdrop.

In an interview, Sun Life Financial Philippines (SLFP) president Riza Mantaring said growth in business in the second quarter was even higher than the first quarter’s, suggesting a strong first semester.

“It’s so far the strongest growth we’ve had in the last five years in terms of new business,” she said.

Excluding business volume from Sun Life Grepa Financial, the bancassurance venture with the Yuchengco group, Mantaring noted that compounded annual growth rate from 2010 to 2013 stood at 36.5 percent but business eased to 16 percent in 2014.

SLFP reported a 39-percent growth in new business—as measured by weighted firstyear premium—in the first quarter. “This year, it’s the strongest we’ve experienced so far,” she said.

For the local insurance industry, she said most of the players were targeting more than

30-percent growth in new business this 2015. “I think that’s a sign of optimism. I think it’s achievable. It seems to be the consensus forecast,” she said.

Asked about the outlook for the second semester, Mantaring said in absolute terms, the second half of the year was always better than the first, although not necessarily when it came to year-on-year growth rates. At the same time, she said SLFP’s second-half performance last year was very strong, which would thus be hard to match.

Mantaring said the market for protection products was likewise broadening in the Philippines. While insurance products were previously deemed more acceptable to economic classes A and B, she said there was an increasing base of upper C and average C income-earners that could provide a good market.

In terms of business mix, 95 percent of SLFP’s protection business consisted of variable unit-linked (VUL) insurance while only 5 percent were traditional plans. For VUL projects, 80 percent consisted of regular premium products.

VUL, a hybrid between a mutual fund and life insurance, becomes variable as investment returns depend on the market performance of the fund where the premium is invested.

On the mutual fund side of the business, Mantaring said this was turning out to be better than last year, when the whole industry contracted. Mutual fund arm Sun Life Asset Management Co. Inc. now has P46.5 billion in assets under management (AUM), which could breach the P50-billion mark this year.

As to which funds are attractive to the market, Mantaring said the Philippine Stock Exchange index-tracking fund was selling very well alongside the equity funds, which she noted was a sign that Filipinos’ risk appetite was rising.

“Previously we’ve noticed a larger proportion going to fixed income or balanced fund. Now more funds are going to more aggressive funds,” Mantaring said.

Aside from increasing risk appetite, Mantaring noted that Filipino investors seemed to be becoming better at timing their new placements and redemption.

“When the market is up, they lock gains,” Mantaring said, noting that the first quarter was thus slow in terms of gross sales. But starting the second quarter when the stock market pulled back from record highs in April, she said net sales turned positive.

“This is actually a sign that Filipinos are learning,” she said. ■ www.canadianinquirer.net

FOREIGN BUSINESS organizations in the Philippines have urged the Aquino administration to reexamine its business and investment policies anew as they expressed concern over the declining inflow of foreign direct investments (FDIs) into the country.

“I think it’s important to be aware that Southeast Asia is now the fastest-growing economy and getting the most rise in FDI (inflows within the region) is Vietnam. It’s quite remarkable that it’s now the No. 1 exporter in this region to the United States and it’s capturing the lion share of the relocation of investments from China,” noted John D. Forbes, senior advisor at the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines.

“The Philippines can capture more. [It] did a good job last year with FDI inflows reaching over $6 billion. But we’re somewhat concerned that that number has fallen by almost 50 percent in the first four months of this year, and so I think that’s reason for some reexamination on what the Philippines has been doing,” Forbes added.

According to latest data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, net FDI inflows plunged by 48.3 percent to $1.2 billion in the first four months of the year from $2.38 billion in the same period last year. In April alone, FDIs fell by 43 percent to $382 million.

BSP data further showed that net equity capital investments shrank 50.5 percent to $279 million from January to April this year, equity placements de-

clined by 61.6 percent to $369 million, while withdrawals similarly fell by 77.4 percent to $90 million.

Henry J. Schumacher, vice president for external affairs at the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. (ECCP), stressed anew the need to further open up the economy to boost FDI inflows.

Schumacher has remained hopeful on the passage of House Resolution No. 1, which seeks to ease the economic restrictions in the Constitution before the end of the Aquino administration, noting that the principal author, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., has not given up on seeing the resolution through.

“On the good side, we are very happy to see corruption being addressed and being in the Integrity initiative, I can see the change happening.

What we would like to see from a foreigner’s point of view is that the door will be opened a bit wider so that more competition can be created, which is good for Filipinos,” Schumacher added.

Earlier, regional think tank Stratbase ADR Institute (ADRi) noted that the Philippines remained only “half open for business” as its potential for economic growth continued to be hampered by restrictive economic provisions that limited the entry of FDIs. “The limits set by the country’s constitution on foreign equity in real estate and in key industries has set up a halfopen and restrictive business environment that has frustrated the influx of much needed [FDI],” ADRi president Victor A. Manhit said in a earlier statement. ■

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38

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Sports

Pacquiao to Arum: He has nothing to worry about, I’m doing rehab

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer

The Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team waves the Philippine flag in Osaka, Japan after winning the gold medal in the 250-meter boat event at the Japan Dragon Boat Championships.

FACEBOOK PHOTO

PH Army bags gold in Japan Dragon Boat Championships

BY JANE MORALEDA Philippine Canadian Inquirer MANILA — The Philippine Army paddlers won the 250-meter open standard boat event at the Japan Dragon Boat Championships in Osaka, Japan over the weekend, beating 17 other crews and facing the strong Japanese national team which they had trained a few years back.

“I am very proud because we have proven to everyone that the Philippine Army can successfully conquer the international sports arena if given a chance,” team manager Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said.

Despite not being used to paddling with life jackets on, the Philippine team still emerged first. They finished

with an average time of 53 seconds and defeated Japan in a one-second difference.

“Our team’s discipline and positive attitude made the difference… Our strength is our comradeship and unit discipline. We are stronger if we train and compete together without any outsider who is unfamiliar to the group,” Cabunoc added.

Although already being renowned as one of the world’s top paddling teams, the Philippine Army has not been recognized by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee as the country’s national Dragon Boat team. The two sports organizations acknowledged the Philippine Canoe Kayak Federation (PCKF) instead.

Nevertheless, the Philip-

pine squad continued to compete internationally, earning more victories in their longtime winning streak. Just last year, they bagged two golds in the 200-meter and 500-meter standard boat events at the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) Club Crew World Championships.

Later this year, The Philippine Army planned to take on the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships in Ontario, Canada. They, however, first need to seek permission from the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) to be the country’s delegate in the said competition.

Soon to start training again, the 22-member paddling team would savor their recent victory for a while with a congratulatory ceremony prepared for them in the Philippines. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

“When you have an operation like that you’ve got to get into rehab. You’ve got to get the doctor to look at it and to guide MANILA — Filipino boxing you as to the kind of rehab that icon Manny “Pacman” Pac- you’ve got to do,” Arum earlier quiao downplayed Top Rank said. promotions head Bob Arum’s Pacquiao, for his part, inremarks regarding missing a sisted that he was undergoing scheduled check up for his right self-rehabilitation in the Philshoulder injury. ippines. He did not disclose, Arum earlier criticized Pac- however, if he was seeking medquiao for cancelling his ap- ical advice from a doctor in the pointment with surgeon Neal country.

ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe “I respect Bob Arum. He’s Orthopaedic just like a father Clinic in Los to me. I believe Angeles, USA. he’s just voicing The 83-year-old out his concern promoter also [for] me and I worried that the I believe appreciate it.

Filipino boxer he’s just I don’t take it may not be able voicing out negatively,” Pacto fight soon, givhis concern quiao said. en his ‘unprofes[for] me and “But he has sionalism’ with I appreciate nothing to worry his injury. it. about my injury.

Moreover, I’m doing the redays after failhab myself. I’m ing to visit his recovering faster doctor in the than expected… I USA, Pacquiao can now raise my went to Indonesia to shoot an right arm,” he added. advertisement for an herbal Pacquiao obtained a rotator medicine and to visit Filipina cuff tear in his right shoulder convict Mary Jane Veloso who from his megabout with undehas been in death row for drug feated American boxer Floyd trafficking.

“Money” Mayweather Jr. earFor this, Arum insisted that lier this year. He has then unthe boxing champ should have dergone surgery and has been prioritized having his check up undertaking rehabilitation before going elsewhere. therapy afterwards. ■

Sports

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

39

3-time world champ fights off shark during South Africa comp

BY LYNSEY CHUTEL The Associated Press JOHANNESBURG — Knocked off his board by an attacking shark, three-time world champion Mick Fanning punched the creature before escaping unharmed during the televised finals of a world surfing competition in South Africa on Sunday.

The Australian surfer was struck by the shark from behind and knocked into the water as he sat on his board waiting his turn during the JBay Open in Jeffrey’s Bay in the Eastern Cape Province.

As he scans the water, two fins appear and with a splash he disappears under the surface.

He is next seen furiously trying to swim to safety before a rescuer pulls him out of the water.

“A big sigh of relief seeing Fanning in one piece,” a commentator is heard saying, on the video of the event posted on the World Surf League website.

“I felt something grab, get

stuck in my leg rope and instantly jump away. And it just kept coming at my board,” Fanning said, once safe on the rescue boat.

Fanning said at first he swam away but then decided to defend himself and turned to punch the shark in the back.

“I saw it taking my board away and I just started cracking it,” he told a crowd that gathered around him once he was back on shore, referring to how he struck the shark.

“I’m totally fine. I’ve got nothing wrong with me,” Fanning said in an interview. “There’s a small depression in my board and my leg wrap (was) bitten.

I’m just totally tripping out. To walk away from that, I’m just so stoked. Oh man.”

Fanning’s mother, Elizabeth Osborne, who watched the incident live on television in Australia, wept as she told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio the attack was “the worst thing I’ve ever seen happen to any of my family because it was just

Mick Fanning, three-time surfing champion, fought off a shark that tried to attack him during a televised surfing competition.

SCREENSHOT FROM WORLD SURF LEAGUE FOOTAGE; WWW.WORLDSURFLEAGUE.COM

there in front of me.”

“It was absolutely terrifying.

I actually got up and walked across to the television because I just couldn’t believe what I was seeing and I thought we lost him,” she said in an ABC TV interview. “I went over to the television almost as though I could pull him out of the television. I just wanted to save him really, but there was nothing I could do.”

Osborne said she believes

www.canadianinquirer.net

Fanning’s brother Sean, who died in a car accident 17 years ago, was watching over his sibling.

Surfing great Kelly Slater said he was coming up the beach when he saw all the boats and skis heading toward the surfers.

“I knew there was only one possible reason that would ever happen in a contest, and that’s if someone got attacked by a shark,” Slater said. “I’m halfway between crying and laughing

because he got so lucky. I’m lost for words, to be honest.”

The World Surf League cancelled the remainder of the event and Fanning will split the prize money with fellow Australian surfer Julian Wilson, who was also in the water when the attack happened. The two will share second place.

“We are incredibly grateful that no one was seriously injured today,” the league said in a statement. “Mick’s composure and quick acting in the face of a terrifying situation was nothing short of heroic.”

Commentator Ross Williams said there are occasionally shark sightings in and around events, but an actual attack was very unusual.

“For it to happen in that fashion during the finals, where it actually showed that crazy aggression toward Mick Fanning, such a crazy thing,” he said on the video. ■ Visit: World Surf League at www.worldsurfleague.com

40

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Technology

Dating site for married people seeking affairs suffers cyber attack

BY DIANA MEHTA The Canadian Press TORONTO — A Canadianowned dating website for married people seeking affairs says it has suffered a cyber attack after hackers claimed to have stolen confidential customer information and threatened to publish it unless the company is shut down.

Avid Life Media, which owns Toronto-based cheating site AshleyMadison.com, said Monday that it had taken steps to secure its sites.

“We apologize for this unprovoked and criminal intrusion into our customers’ information,” the company said in a statement. “We have always had the confidentiality of our customers’ information foremost in our minds, and have had stringent security measures in place.”

Ashley Madison, whose slogan is “Life is short. Have an affair,” claims it has more than 37 million anonymous members around the world.

While its site appeared to be working normally Monday

morning, an online security blog, KrebsOnSecurity.com, posted what appeared to be a screenshot of the site’s homepage on Sunday bearing a message from those allegedly behind the hack.

“We are the Impact Team. We have taken over all systems in the entire office and production domains, all customer information databases, source code repositories, financial records, emails,” the message said, according to Krebs, before going on to demand that Ashley Madison, as well as another Avid Life Media site — EstablishedMen.com — be shut down.

“Shutting down AM and EM will cost you, but non-compliance will cost you more,” the message said. “We will release all customer records, profiles with all customers’ secret sexual fantasies, nude pictures, and conversations and matching credit card transactions, real names and addresses, and employee documents and emails.”

Whoever hacked the sites claimed they did so to expose alleged lies Ashley Madison told customers about a service

ASHLEYMADISON.COM

that allows members to erase profile information for a $19 fee, Krebs reported.

Avid Life Media said it had launched an investigation into the breach and employed a top IT security team to “take every possible step towards mitigating the attack.”

“Our team has now successfully removed the all posts related to this incident as well

as all personally identifiable information about our users published online,” the company said. “Our team of forensics experts and security professionals, in addition to law enforcement, are continuing to investigate this incident.”

Avid Life Media also owns a website called Cougarlife.com.

The company said all its sites had been secured, with

all unauthorized access points closed.

It added that it had “stringent security measures in place,” but noted that the current online environment was one where no company’s online assets were safe from cyber vandalism.

The Ashley Madison breach comes about two months after dating site AdultFriendFinder. com suffered a cyber attack. ■

Google self-driving car involved in first injury accident

BY JUSTIN PRITCHARD The Associated Press LOS ANGELES — Google Inc. revealed Thursday that one of its self-driving car prototypes was involved in an injury accident for the first time.

In the collision, a Lexus SUV that the tech giant outfitted with sensors and cameras was rear-ended in Google’s home city of Mountain View, where more than 20 prototypes have been self-maneuvering through traffic.

The three Google employees on board complained of minor whiplash, were checked out at a hospital and cleared to go back

to work following the July 1 collision, Google said. The driver of the other car also complained of neck and back pain.

In California, a person must be behind the wheel of a selfdriving car being tested on public roads to take control in an emergency. Google typically sends another employee in the front passenger seat to record details of the ride on a laptop. In this case, there was also a back seat passenger.

Google has invested heavily as a pioneer of self-driving cars, technology it believes will be safer and more efficient than human drivers.

This was the 14th accident in six years and about 1.9 million

miles of testing, according to the company. Google has said that its cars have not caused any of the collisions - though in 2011 an employee who took a car to run an errand rearended another vehicle while the Google car was out of selfdriving mode.

In 11 of the 14, Google said its car was rear-ended.

In a blog posted Thursday, the head of Google’s self-driving car program, Chris Urmson, wrote that his SUVs “are being hit surprisingly often” by distracted drivers, perhaps people looking at their phones.

“The clear theme is human error and inattention,” Urmson wrote. “We’ll take all this www.canadianinquirer.net

as a signal that we’re starting to compare favorably with human drivers.”

In a telephone interview, Urmson said his team was exploring whether its cars could do something to alert distracted drivers before a collision.

Honking would be one possibility, but Urmson said he worried that could start to annoy residents of Mountain View.

According to an accident report that Google filed with the California Department of Motor Vehicles about the July 1 crash: Google’s SUV was going about 15 mph in self-driving mode behind two other cars as the group approached an inter-

section with a green light.

The first car slowed to a stop so as not to block the intersection - traffic on the far side was not moving. The Google car and the other car in front of it also stopped.

Within about a second, a fourth vehicle rear-ended the Google car at about 17 mph. Onboard sensors showed the other car did not brake.

The driver of that car reported “minor neck and back pain.”

The SUV’s rear bumper was slightly damaged, while the vehicle that struck it lost its front bumper.

Mountain View police responded, but did not file an accident report. ■

Technology

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

41

Ebay, PayPal outline plans for after split

BY MAE ANDERSON The Associated Press NASHVILLE, TENN. — When eBay and PayPal split up on Friday, they’ll face different challenges than they did as a combined company.

E-commerce company eBay first said in September 2014 it would split off its payments unit PayPal, in order to focus the two companies on growing profits individually. Investors, including activist Carl Icahn, had lobbied for the movie.

Though the split happens Friday, PayPal starts trading on the Nasdaq under the “PYPL” ticker on Monday, while San Jose, California-based eBay will keep trading under the “EBAY” symbol.

As separate units, eBay faces stiff competition from Amazon and other online retailers that have gained market share from traditional brick-and-mortar stores. It also has to contend with the lingering effects from a cybersecurity breach and changes in Google’s search algorithms that led to fewer eBay results popping up in Google searches.

On the other hand, online payment system PayPal, which had long been eBay’s fastest-

YOUR DESIGN / SHUTTERSTOCK

growing segment, will have to compete with mobile wallets like Apple and Android Pay and online payment offerings from Chinese e-commerce retailer Alibaba and other retailers.

In a call after the two units posted quarterly profit that topped Wall Street’s expectations, PayPal President Dan Schulman and eBay President Devin Wenig each outlined their plans for the two units following the split: Ebay

EBay, which has been streamlining its business by selling some units, now is focusing on reinvigorating its market-

place business, which includes the e-commerce arm of eBay. It stumbled last year when it had to deal with a change in Google’s algorithms that made eBay products come up in search results less often.

On Thursday, Wenig said the company now is asking sellers to include more detailed product identifiers on their product listings, which seems to be helping search results.

Wenig said the company is also focusing on gaining traffic through social media. It was an early adapter of shoppable ads on Facebook and Pinterest and has increased efforts on Tumblr Instagram, Snapchat

and Twitter’s Periscope to drive traffic and user growth.

“While still small relative to our more established channels, traffic from social channels is growing over 100 percent yearon-year in the U.S.,” Wenig said.

Wenig also reiterated eBay’s plan to focus on small- and medium-size merchants that make of 70 percent of the global retail market.

“Our absolute priority is to improve our competitiveness and drive more stable profitable growth over the longterm,” Wenig said.

Paypal

WEATHER UPDATE VANCOUVER

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PayPal’s goal going forward

is to get more merchants to accept its payments in stores. It also wants PayPal users to pay with the service two or three times a week rather than the current average of two or three times a month.

Meanwhile, Schulman, who will be CEO of PayPal after the split, would like PayPal users who typically use the payment system once or twice a month, to use it two or three times a week, like millennials use its Venmo app. The Venmo app is linked to a bank account or card and lets users pay friends with a text-like note.

Schulman said the company is making some progress. The Subway app powered by PayPal-owned Paydient is the No. 2 food and beverage app in the iOS app store and can be used in 30,000 stores. And Burger King is letting users pay with PayPal in 5,000 stores.

PayPal also plans to grow internationally via its acquisition of Xoom which lets users send money from the U.S. abroad.

“We believe our technology platform, global reach and trusted brand can move PayPal from being an occasional transaction to being an integral part of consumers’ financial lives,” Schulman said. ■

Long term forecast from www.theweathernetwork.com CALGARY

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www.canadianinquirer.net

Events

42

New WelcomePack Canada Distribution Centre

By WelcomePack Canada Inc. WHEN/WHERE: 1 to 5 p.m., Mon, Tues, Thu & Fri at the Filipino Centre Bldg., 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, Ont. MORE INFO: Call (416) 928-9355 Tagalog Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 10 to 11 a.m., every Saturday, Filipino Centre

YUKON

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

Toronto Homework/Tutorial Class

By FCT WHEN/WHERE: 11a.m. to 12 nn, every Saturday, Filipino Centre Toronto MORE INFO: For registrations, call 416-928-9355. The office, at 597 Parliament St., Suite 103, Toronto, is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 1 to 6 p.m.

CANADA EVENTS

To have your events featured on PCI, please email events@canadianinquirer.net

Consular Outreach By the Philippine Consulate in Vancouver WHEN/WHERE: 9a.m to 6 p.m., July 28 to 31, at ATB Financial, Calgary Chinook Centre, 2646455 Macleod Trail, SW, Calgary, AB

NUNAVUT

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

BRITISH COLUMBIA ALBERTA

NEWFOUNDLAND

MANITOBA

SASKATCHEWAN

ONTARIO

QUEBEC

Free Facilitation Training

By ISS of BC WHEN/WHERE: up to July 25 at the ISS of BC Cottonwood Office, # 200-504 Cottonwood Ave., Coquitlam, BC MORE INFO: Bus tickets available. Priority given to residents of the Tri-Cities.

Call: Ana Maria at 604-684-7498 ext. 1267 anamaria.bustamante@issbc.org or Lisa @ 604-3958000 ext. 1706 liza.delarosa@issbc.org

MORE INFO: Call Gerardo at 604-254-9626 ext.

227

Seniors Club Burnaby South Walking Club

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: July to August, Mosaic Burnaby Centre for Immigrants, 5902 Kingsway, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call Jennifer 604-438-8214

Grand Canao 2015 Gala By the Vancouver Island Cordillera Association WHEN/WHERE: 5 p.m. to 12 mn July 25, at the Eagle Polish Hall, 90 Dock St., Victoria B.C. MORE INFO: Grand Canao Picnic at Beaver Lake Victoria B.C., 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 26. Contact Marcos Ogen 250-589-5876.

Drop-In Taichi for Seniors

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., up to Aug. 28, at Brentwood Community Resource Centre, 2055 Rosser Ave, Burnaby, B.C. MORE INFO: Call - Jennifer 604-292-3907 Free Drop-In English Conversation Circle

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., up to Sept. 21, Vancouver Community Rm, 1720 Grand St., Grd. Flr. MORE INFO: Call Pia at 604-254-9626 ext 487 Photo Easy Class for Seniors

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 10 a.m. to 12 nn, Fridays, up to July 31, at MOSAIC Vancouver, 2nd floor, 1720 Grant St., Vancouver, B.C.

2015 Asean Golf Tournament By the Association of Southeast Asian Nations WHEN/WHERE: Registration - 11 a.m.; Shotgun Teeoff – 1 p.m., July 24, Swaneset Resort and Country Club, 16651 Rannie Road, Pitt Meadows, B.C. MORE INFO: Email aseangolf2015@vancouverpcg. org

Summer Encore Concert: Featuring Kay BalajadiaLiggayu, Ruben Federizon and Nazer Salcedo WHEN/WHERE: 6 p.m., July 25, at St. Faith’s Anglican Church, 7284 Cypress St., Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: For tickets call: 604-483-3844; 604339-7568 or 604-341-705 Hiring Fair

By Safeway WHEN/WHERE: 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., July 24, Rm.612 ISS of BC 333 Terminal Ave., Vancouver; 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 28, at Community Rm., Capilano Mall, 935 Marine Dr., North Vancouver; 1:30-3:30 p.m., July 29, at Rm., 136 Coquitlam Library 1169 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam; 1:30-3:30 p.m. July 30, at Rm 120, City Centre Library, 10350 University Dr., Surrey MORE INFO: All lower mainland stores are www.canadianinquirer.net

View all events by scanning this QR code or visiting

http://bit.ly/ PCI-Events

Consular Outrech Mission in Montreal

By Philippine Embassy WHEN/WHERE: 2 to 7 p.m., July 24; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., July 25 at Jesus is Lord Church, 5180 Queen Mary Suite 200, Montreal, Quebec MORE INFO: Call Pastor Mercy Galera at 514-731-8307

NOVA SCOTIA

currently hiring for entry-level positions.

Get Certified

By Options Community Services WHEN/WHERE: 1:30 to 4 p.m., July 25, at the Surrey Central Library, Rm 120, 10350 University Dr., Surrey, B.C. MORE INFO: Speakers: Jas Randhawa, Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia; Mary Tecson, Skills Connect for Immigrants Temporary Foreign Workers Uncontested Divorce Clinic

By Law Courts Centre WHEN/WHERE: Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m., at the Justice Education Society at the Provincial Court of BC Room 260 800 Hornby St., Vancouver B.C. MORE INFO: To book an appointment, call: 778.322.2839 or text: tfw.divorce@gmail.com Trained paralegals will help write your application.

No legal advice is given. There is a $25 fee for each one hour session.

Improving Job Search Skills for Work Permit Holders: Tips for Writing Various Types of Cover Letters

By Mosaic WHEN/WHERE: 1:30–3:30 p.m., July 31 at MOSAIC, 312–2555 Commercial Drive, Vancouver, B.C. MORE INFO: Call – 604-254-9626 ext 258 3rd Traditional Chinese Medicine Symposium

By Tzu Chi International Medical Association WHEN/WHERE: 8 a.m. to 5:50 p.m., Aug. 8 & 9, at Tzu Chi Foundation National Head Office, 8850 Osler St., Vancouver, B.C.

JULY 24, 2015

43

CANADA

"The Travel Partner You Can Trust!"

50011720

905-747-0909 CALL US NOW for SPECIAL AIRFARES to the Philippines!

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248 Steeles Ave. W. Unit 5, Vaughan ON. L4J 1A1

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44

JULY 24, 2015

Foodie Summer

Food MONTREAL-STYLE BAGELS

What to eat on your Canadian summer escapade

BY CHING DEE Philippine Canadian Inquirer FOOD IS an essential part of any trip. And if you’re heading

FRIDAY

Mostly topped with sesame or poppy seeds, these bagels are smaller and more dense compared to the normal bagel. We thank Jewish immigrants for bringing this to Canada.

out to a trip this summer, try to check out these special Canadian fares that will surely make your trip a memorable journey.

Trust us, your tummies will be grateful.

@SPREADBAGELRY / INSTAGRAM

TOURTIERE A classic Quebecois meat pie. Usually made with beef or pork. Some variations also contain veal. This hearty pie will definitely put you in a good mood. @CHARLIESIEGEL / INSTAGRAM

POUTINE Potato fries + cheese curds + gravy. Need we say more? @MTLBLOG / INSTAGRAM

BANNOCK A simple griddled bread that can go from simple, donutlike pastry to hotdog buns and even burger buns! Yes, it escalates that quickly. This versatile bread is definitely a sure win if you plan to go camping this summer. @_JBY / INSTAGRAM

SMOKED MEAT SANDWICH Pastrami sammie with a twist. Only in Montreal. @SAMUELSHIM / INSTAGRAM

NANAIMO BARS There’s always room for dessert, especially when one is having nanaimo bars!

It’s the glorious union of chocolate ganache, vanilla custard, and crushed cookies (and sometimes even nuts!). @SWEETNSAWA / INSTAGRAM

ANYTHING MAPLE Maple candy? Maple drink? Maple cocktail? Maple bacon?

Yeah, find it in Canada. @CAROLINEDKIM / INSTAGRAM

www.canadianinquirer.net

Seen & Scenes: Vancouver

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

CONGEN AMPESO'S BIRTHDAY BASH

SAMPAGUITA SENIORS

Former Consul General Jose Ampeso celebrated his birthday with officers and directors of the United Filipino Canadian Associations in B.C. (UFCABC) during its monthly meeting held at the Multicultural Helping House Society office on July 20. UFCABC is a new umbrella organization of FilCan organizations in British Columbia (Photo by Salve Dayao).

UP ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SUMMER PICNIC The University of the Philippines Alumni Association in B.C. welcomed Summer with a perfect blend of potluck picnic and fun-filled activities bolstering camaraderie on July 18, at Cates Park in North Vancouver (Photos from UPAABC FB page).

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Cleo Tiamzon, 2015 MHHS Sampaguita Seniors' Mother of the Year, with her daughter, Levi Anorico, MHHS Board of Directors.

MHHS Sampaguita seniors awardees from (L) Debit Garcia - Ms. May 2015; Cleo Tiamzon - 2015 MHHS Sampaguita Seniors' Mother of the Year; Sally Salva - Ms. Independence 2015; Mario Bacsafra - 2015 MHHS Sampaguita Seniors' Father of the Year and Bellia Uy - Ms. June 2015.

NEW WESTMINSTER PH FESTIVAL SOCIETY The New Westminster Philippine Festival Society held a community potluck picnic on July 19 at New Westminster Pier Park.

Here are some enjoyable scenes from the event (Photos by Salve Dayao).

www.canadianinquirer.net

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Seen and Scenes

JULY 24, 2015

FRIDAY

VOLLEYBALL TOURNEY Pictures taken from PISO-O (Pinoy Independent Sports organization in Toronto) Volleyball Tournament held July 18, at Earl Bales Park sponsored

by Western Union and organized by Vilma Pagaduan, PISO-O founder (Photos by Amelia Insigne).

FILIPINO CENTRE TORONTO Bayan team members show off their medals at the Filipino Centre Toronto.

TALAKAYAN

For photo submissions, please email info@canadianinquirer.net.

Newly-posted Philippine Consul General-Toronto Rosalita Prospero (seated centre) strikes a pose with Talakayan Radyo Filipino AM 1430 coproducer May Cabrias (R), co-anchor Karen Tan (L), political commentator Tony San Juan (standing L) and roving reporter Joe Damasco (R) during an interview break on July 18, at Fairchild Radio Studio in Thornhill, On. ConGen Prospero discussed the Consulate's drive for dual citizenship, 2016 winter escapades and enhancing consular and office services for Filipinos (Photo by Nelson Galvez).

www.canadianinquirer.net

Food

FRIDAY JULY 24, 2015

47

SHUTTERSTOCK

Beer drinkers ‘hoppy’ over brewers’ experimentation with ingredients, styles

BY LOIS ABRAHAM The Canadian Press TORONTO — When reaching for a cold one, more Canadians are turning to craft beers, a category that has seen major growth across the country.

In 2014, overall consumption of beer declined by six per cent but craft beer servings were up seven per cent, according to data from NPD Group.

The marketing analysis firm says craft and microbrew beers accounted for 17 per cent of all beer consumed at casual dining restaurants.

Tim Broughton says the beer landscape today bears little resemblance to when he and business partner George Milbrandt launched C’est What? in Toronto, a pioneer in showcasing local beers, in 1988.

“When we opened there was no such thing as craft beer,” Broughton says, adding the only two breweries that weren’t Molson or Labatt were the now-defunct Conners and Upper Canada.

C’est What? now offers 42 craft beers on tap, with a selection of rotating smallbatch beers.

“Over the last few years you could have come down here every day for a pint and never had the same beer twice,” says Broughton.

“We were going through over 300 beers in a year. It’s nice that the industry has developed that far. If you go back to ‘88 that was a different story.”

Of about 150 brewers in Ontario, there are 50 or so that are considered small or craft, relying on local, natural ingredi-

ents to make more than 450 handcrafted premium brews with no preservatives, the Ontario Craft Brewers Association says on its website.

The BC Craft Brewers Guild dubs itself “the birthplace of craft beer in Canada,” founded in 1982. It now includes close to 100 breweries throughout the province and sales have doubled in the last four years, according to its website.

The Craft Brewers Association of Nova Scotia has 19 members.

Quebec too has had an explosion of craft brewers over the last couple of years, says Les Murray, president of Beerlicious, which operates Toronto’s Festival of Beer, one of the largest such events in the country, marking its 21st edition July 24-26.

When the festival started, fewer than 10 brewers took part with about 30 brands. Now there are about 100 exhibitors and more than 350 different brands of beer available.

Brewers are getting creative with the classic recipe of malt, water, hops and yeast.

“It used to be that everybody came out with a lager because you had to compete with Molson Canadian,” says Broughton.

“For years there was this huge wave of IPAs, sort of West Coast, American-style IPAs, heavily hopped, reasonably strong alcohol. Now you’re seeing a whole bunch of other types of beer showing up.”

The varieties are endless: brown ales, stouts, white beers and sour beers.

Brewers are experimenting with grains like rye, or using rye or whisky barrels in

the aging process to add complexity.

Then there are “additive” beers, with spices, herbs, chocolate, coffee, orange, raspberry and pumpkin.

“It’s fun because you can really make different and interesting products,” says Broughton.

“I think winemakers to some extent don’t have the same flexibility. You’ve basically got to work with grapes and tweak it whereas in beer you can use just about anything.”

Inventive mixologists and bartenders are combining beer with juices, bitters and other ingredients — ginger is common — in cocktails, and chefs and brewers are suggesting food and beer pairings.

Murray points to a link between consumers keeping an eye on their gluten intake and the growing popularity of cider — that’s hard cider, the

www.canadianinquirer.net

fermented variety usually made from apples, though pears or peaches can be used.

Broughton has noticed a trend over the last four or five years of “weird beer names.”

Flying Monkeys started out as Robert Simpson, named for the first mayor of Barrie, Ont., who also was a brewer. Now the brewery has devised flashy labels and such monikers for brews as Smashbomb Atomic and Hoptical Illusion Almost Pale Ale. Gravenhurst-based Sawdust City makes a stout called Long, Dark Voyage to Uranus.

“The nice thing is it’s not just marketing,” Broughton says.

“They’re not just making a crap beer and putting a funky name and label on it. They’re making good beers and also having some fun with the names on the labels.” ■

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JULY 24, 2015

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FRIDAY