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@PhilCanInquirer NOVEMBER 15, 2019 www.canadianinquirer.net VOL. 11 NO. 397
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with Moro National Liberation Front Founding Chairman Nur Misuari following their meeting at the Malacañan Palace on November 11,
2019.
KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
PRRD certifies 6
as urgent bill on
higher ‘sin’ taxes Panelo says Robredo can
use drug war files as ICAD
co-chair
BY FILANE MIKEE CERVANTES Sotto. A copy of the letter was sent to
10
Philippine News Agency the media from the Office of the Senate
President.
The Senate bill seeks to raise excise
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte taxes on alcoholic beverages and elec-
has certified as urgent a measure impos- tronic cigarettes, including heated to-
ing higher taxes on alcohol products and bacco products and vapes. Marikina opens ‘Sapatos
electronic cigarettes. Duterte, in his letter, said a law is Festival’
Duterte certified as urgent Senate Bill needed to “address the urgent need to Ressa’s remark on state of
No. 1074 on Tuesday, through a letter, ❱❱ PAGE 35 PH media ‘exaggerated’:
addressed to Senate President Vicente ❱❱ PAGE 17 PRRD certifies Palace
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2 Philippine News NOVEMBER 15, 2019 FRIDAY
PNP sees no need for 4th martial law extension

BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD will submit its recommenda- mend another martial law ex-
CALIWAN tion on the matter to the Na- tension.
Philippine News Agency tional Security Council in De- National Security Adviser
cember. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. ear-
He also said a heightened lier said another extension of
MANILA — The Philippine Na- alert status is still needed in martial law would no longer be
tional Police (PNP) on Tuesday some parts of the island. necessary if Congress is able to
said there may be no need for “Mananatili lamang mataas pass a measure that amends the
another extension of martial ang alert level doon sa bahagi HSA.
law in Mindanao which will ng Sulu na kung saan mayroon RA 9372, which took effect on
lapse by year-end. pa ring pinaghihinalaang pre- March 6, 2007, is meant to pro-
PNP spokesperson, Brig. sensya ng terrorist group na Abu vide law enforcement and judi-
Gen. Bernard Banac, said the Sayyaf (The alert level will re- cial authorities with the legal
crime rate in Mindanao is on a main high only in Sulu area due tools to confront terror threats
decline and security forces are to the presence of the Abu Sayy- in the country.
able to control the proliferation af terrorist group),” Banac said. Duterte declared martial law
of loose firearms in the area. He added that security of- in Mindanao on May 23, 2017
“Sa ngayon, nakikita natin na ficials have yet to discuss the following attacks launched by
maaari na rin talagang tang- matter of implementing mar- the Islamic State-linked Maute
galin ang martial law sa buong tial law in selected areas in the Group in Marawi City, Lanao
kapuluan ng Mindanao (For region. PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac. del Sur.
now, we see that the martial On Monday, Defense Secre- PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE / FACEBOOK It has since been in effect af-
law in Mindanao can be lifted),” tary Lorenzana said he is not ter Congress, in special joint
Banac told reporters when keen to recommend another garding the matter. 2007 (HSA) is a better option sessions, voted to approve its
sought for a comment in press extension of martial law in The defense chief said the than martial law extension. extension thrice — from July 1
briefing held at Camp Crame Mindanao but said he would enactment of a stronger law However, Lorenzana said he to Dec. 31, 2017; from Jan. 1 to
on Tuesday. wait for the recommendation amending Republic Act 9372 will act accordingly in case the Dec. 31, 2018; and from Jan. 1 to
Banac, however, said the PNP from the police and military re- or the Human Security Act of AFP and PNP decide to recom- Dec. 31, 2019. ■
New PAF aircraft to help Canadian-American

transport relief to Mindanao wanted for rape
BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency
and disaster relief operations.
The aircraft will also be
pensable capability that the
Philippine Air Force provides
nabbed at NAIA
utilized as a command-and- through the competency of our
control aircraft to cater to the pilots, crew and the aircraft BY FERDINAND PATINIO The suspect allegedly lured
MANILA — The Philippine Air domestic air transport of the that we possess. The aircraft Philippine News Agency his minor victim to have sex
Force (PAF) formally accepted President and other national personifies the guardians of our with him through social media
on Monday the fourth Airbus and strategic defense leaders of precious skies, and the bearers for the purpose of prostitution
Defense and Space C-295M the country. of hope," PAF commander Lt. MANILA — The Bureau of Im- and sexual exploitation.
medium transport/command- The PHP1.8-billion aircraft Gen. Rozzano Briguez said. migration (BI) on Monday re- The Morocco-born passenger
and-control aircraft that will arrived in the Philippines last Also present during the turn- ported the arrest of Canadian- was reportedly accompanied by
help deliver relief goods to October. over ceremony was the Am- American man who allegedly two Philippine National Police
earthquake-hit Mindanao. Lorenzana also extended his bassador of Spain to the Phil- fled the country after allegedly (PNP) escorts who fetched him
Defense Secretary Delfin Lo- congratulations to the PAF for ippines, His Excellency Jorge raping a 17-year-old girl more in Kuala Lumpur after he was
renzana presided the turnover the new acquisition. Moragas, who expressed his than a year ago. arrested by Malaysian authori-
ceremony held at the Haribon He also announced the future sincere gratitude for the sup- BI port operations division ties.
Hangar of the Clark Air Base plans of the AFP to acquire ad- port and assistance in fostering chief Grifton Medina identified Lawyer Rommel Tacorda,
in Pampanga on Monday after- ditional C-295M aircraft to fur- the relationship between Spain the suspect as Fouad Bounab, head of the BI’s border control
noon, said PAF spokesperson, ther protect the country’s mari- and the Philippines. 54, who arrived at the Ninoy and intelligence unit (BCIU),
Major Aristides Galang, in a time domain. He assured the support of Aquino International Airport said Bounab is on the wanted
message to reporters. The symbolic turn-over rites Spain and its Ministry of De- (NAIA) 3 terminal aboard an list of the Interpol which earlier
The C-295M, the fourth in was followed by the blessing fense to the modernization Air Asia flight from Kuala Lum- issued a red notice against him.
PAF service, was acquired as of and ceremonial pouring of program of the AFP. ■ pur and was brought to Camp He added that a warrant of
part of the Command-and-Con- champagne on the new aircraft. Crame Saturday night. arrest against the foreigner was
trol Fixed-Wing Turbo Prop The newly-acquired C-295M “He fled to Malaysia to evade issued by Olongapo City Re-
Acquisition (C2FWTPA) Proj- will begin its operational mis- prosecution for his crime. For- gional Trial Court (RTC) Judge
ect under the Revised Armed sion transporting troops, equip- tunately, our counterparts in Gemma Logronio on July 8 this
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ment, and relief goods for earth- Malaysia were able to trace his year.
Modernization Program. quake victims in Mindanao. whereabouts and he was arrest- At the same time, Tacorda
Galang said the arrival of the "From airlifting personnel ed and brought back to Manila,” said a separate case was also
fourth C-295M will boost the and logistical supplies to pro- he said. lodged against the foreigner
PAF's medium tactical airlift jecting military force as well Medina added that Bounab before the family court of the
requirement of transporting as providing humanitarian as- was charged with raping his Caloocan RTC for violating the
troops and equipment, and sup- sistance and disaster response, victim several times in Subic, anti-trafficking act and cyber-
port humanitarian assistance air mobility has been an indis- Zambales in March last year. crime law. ■
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 3
Gift-giving, feeding Palace mourns passing

sessions better than of Lucio Tan Jr.
giving alms to beggars BY AZER PARROCHA
BY CHRISTINE CUDIS Better alternatives

Philippine News Agency Instead of giving alms, DSWD MANILA — Malacañang
advises the public to provide mourned the passing of PAL
responsible types of assistance Holdings Inc. president Lucio
MANILA — The Department such as conducting organized “Bong” Tan Jr., describing him
of Social Welfare and Develop- gift-giving and caroling activi- as a ‘humble person.”
ment (DSWD) on Monday reit- ties, feeding sessions, story-tell- Tan died on Monday morn-
erated its appeal to the public ing, and medical missions at the ing, two days after he collapsed
to refrain from giving alms to activity centers in LGUs to keep while playing in an inter-de-
children in the streets. street dwellers and IP groups partment basketball game. He
“Pag may natatanggap sila away from mendicant activities was 53.
doon sa area na yun, doon na that may endanger their lives. Presidential Spokesperson
sila maglalagi (If they get mon- Together with LGUs, the Salvador Panelo, in a statement
ey in that area, they will stay department operates and on Monday, offered prayers and
there all the time). It’s dan- manages community-based expressed sympathies to the
gerous for them to lurk in the child-friendly spaces or activ- Tan family, especially to his fa- The late Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr. PHILIPPINE AIRLINES / FACEBOOK
streets, they are prone to be run ity centers where children in ther and namesake, Lucio Tan,
over and other health hazards,” street situations can play, learn, as well as his wife and children. “He was a good friend, a kind- the president and chief operat-
DSWD spokesperson Irene eat, bathe, and socialize as they “As family, friends and col- hearted brother to his siblings, ing officer (COO) of PAL Hold-
Dumlao said in an interview. are monitored and cared for by leagues pay tribute to the life a loving and dutiful son to his ings, which owns Philippine
The agency, she social workers of Mr. Bong Tan, we fervently parent, and an efficient and Airlines.
said, has renewed and volunteers. ask the Almighty to grant him competent corporate man,” he Tan, a known basketball en-
its call because DSWD also eternal repose and pray that added. thusiast, was named head coach
more children are implements the perpetual light shine upon him Presidential Communica- of the family-owned University
seen begging on The DSWD Modified Condi- as he rests in happiness and tions Operations Office (PCOO) of the East team on September.
the streets again said a total tional Cash Trans- peace,” Panelo said. Secretary Martin Andanar, in He was also a director of the
as the Christmas of 201,526 fer for Homeless Panelo said he personally a separate statement, remem- family’s main holding com-
draws near. homeless Street Families knew the younger Tan, calling bered Tan for his “commitment pany, the LT Group Inc., since
It also ap- families are (MCCT-HSF), an him “a humble person, with a se- towards furthering the sport of 2003 and held key positions in
plies, she said, to included expansion of the rious mien but with a ready smile basketball in the Philippines.” many of its subsidiaries, which
homeless indi- in the Pantawid Pamily- to whomsoever he met in social “Again, his untimely death is include Philippine National
viduals and some program, as ang Pilipino Pro- events and official functions.” a loss not only to his loved ones Bank, Tanduay Distillers Inc.,
members of the of July 31, gram (4Ps), which “Given his social stature, he but a loss to the sport of basket- Asia Brewery Inc., Fortune To-
Indigenous Peo- 2019. specifically caters never threw his weight around ball and to the field of business, bacco Corp., and Eton Proper-
ples (IP) group. to homeless fami- and always ready to lend now less a very accomplished ties Philippines Inc.
She said this lies living on the his hand to anyone who ap- businessman with Tan’s pass- Tan is survived by his wife
is pursuant to streets. proached him for assistance,” ing,” Andanar said. Julie and sons Hun hun (Lucio
Presidential Decree (PD) No. Beneficiaries of this pro- Panelo said. On Oct. 28, Tan was named as Tan III) and Kyle Tan. ■
1563 or the Anti-Mendicancy gram get education and health
Law which prohibits begging or grants; access to social services;
soliciting charitable donations economic opportunities; and
by the poor and other religious rent subsidy for a period of six
organizations on the streets. to 12 months or depending on
VP Leni may focus on rehab
Getting used to
the capability of the household-
beneficiaries to improve their
In a separate interview, a psy- living condition.
of drug users: PNP
chologist shards other bad as- The DSWD said a total of
pects that might be inhibited by 201,526 homeless families are BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD PNP looks forward to intensi- a few points, study it, then the
children if they get accustomed included in the program, as of CALIWAN fied anti-illegal drug operations PNP is open to it,” he added.
to receiving money in the streets. July 31, 2019. Philippine News Agency and rehabilitation of drug us- Gamboa, meanwhile, dis-
“Children may get used to They also have a reach-out ers, upholding the rule of law,” couraged Robredo to join anti-
dole-outs or handouts that may team that responds to the re- he told a press briefing at Camp illegal drugs operations.
cause them to rely on similar ported incidents of children or MANILA — Vice President and Crame, Quezon City. “I know it was practically a
forms of income when they get individuals-at-risk on the streets newly-appointed drug czar Gamboa said the PNP is ready new thing to her dahil wala na-
older,” Dr. Mabelle Soriano Le- in Metro Manila. Concerned Leni Robredo can focus on how for any possible changes in the man siyang exposure dito (she
men said, adding that “at the citizens may report through the to boost the rehabilitation of il- drug war after Robredo sought has no exposure to it) and of
same time, being out in the Twitter account, @savestreet- legal drug users, Philippine Na- its re-assessment. course, there are suggestions
streets will also expose them to kids, and indicate the exact loca- tional Police (PNP) officer-in- “In any government ap- nga na huwag siya sumama sa
people who might take advan- tion and other pertinent infor- charge, Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa proach, dapat (it should be) (for her not joint) anti-illegal
tage of them.” mation about the sighting. said Monday. dynamic because time changes. drugs operations. It would also
Dumlao also specified that DSWD said a multi-stake- Gamboa vowed to fully support Personally, I would like to open risk her life in that operation,”
their office, in coordination holder effort remains vital in Robredo particularly in briefing up options because we had a Gamboa explained.
with the local government units addressing the concerns of her about the law enforcement drug war which I think is very He noted that even ranking
(LGUs), is rescuing children on street dwellers and homeless aspect of the anti-drug drive. successful. But if there is a need police generals do not join anti-
the streets. families. ■ “Under her leadership, the to recalibrate and maybe touch drug operations. ■
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte discusses matters with Moro National Liberation Front Founding
Chairman Nur Misuari during a meeting at the Malacañan Palace on November 11, 2019.
KING RODRIGUEZ_PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
PRRD, Misuari to
finalize GPH-MNLF
peace panel next month
BY AZER PARROCHA peace with the MNLF and to ensure the
Philippine News Agency success of the government,” he added.
Earlier, Panelo said it was during their
August 23 meeting where Duterte re-
MANILA — The government and layed his desire for immediate forma-
the Moro National Liberation Front tion of GPH-MNLF panel to Misuari.
(MNLF) will be finalizing next month “The GPH-MNLF Coordinating Com-
the creation of a peace coordinating mittee will serve as a venue to seek for
committee to help resolve conflict in the cooperation of the MNLF to achieve
Mindanao. immediate peace in Sulu by, among
Presidential Spokesperson Salva- others, helping in combatting the Abu
dor Panelo said this plan was discussed Sayyaf Group and convincing MNLF
during the meeting relatives to return to
between President the folds of the law,”
Rodrigo Duterte Panelo said in a state-
and MNLF founding ment.
chair Nur Misuari in Panelo said Misu-
Malacañang on Mon- The purpose ari was hopeful that
day night. of course is to the Organization of
Panelo said have peace with Islamic Cooperation
Duterte and Misuari the MNLF and (OIC) would be in-
have agreed to meet to ensure the volved in the consul-
in Davao City next success of the tations to determine
month to finalize the government. the remaining com-
peace coordinating pliance of the GPH in
committee. the 1996 Final Peace
To recall, Duterte Agreement with the
and Misuari have MNLF.
met five times this year with their most Misuari wanted a similar setup to
recent meeting held last August 23 tack- the previous tripartite talks among the
ling ways to advance the peace process GPH, MNLF, and the OIC, he added.
in the south. Last March, the President bared that
“It was a continuation of the meet- he is “in a hurry” to strike a deal with
ing when Chairman Nur Misuari came I Misuari to finally end the long-drawn
think last August. Ang usapan nila mag- Moro rebellion and achieve lasting
mi-meet ulit sila (The agreement is they peace in Mindanao.
will meet again) because there’s a sug- Duterte said that just like how govern-
gestion that there should be a commitment has “come to terms” with Moro
tee that will help in the peace process,” Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair
Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Tues- Al Haj Murad Ebrahim through the
day. Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), he
“The purpose of course is to have wanted to do the same with Misuari. ■
No need to tax salty food for now

BY FERDINAND PATINIO cheaper food choices are made Seno said the government must
Philippine News Agency available, “then that’s maybe regulate private manufacturing
the time that we talk about im- firms to reformulate the stan-
posing tax on salty food.” dard sodium contents of food,
MANILA — A workers group on He added that low-wage work- food ingredients, and snacks.
Monday said the proposed im- ers and their families are aware “Government should also
position of taxes on salty foods that most of the daily meals are pick up the slack in its respon-
and ingredients is untimely. those foods with salty ingredients sibility to conduct massive edu-
“With this measure to tax that are low in nutritional value cation and information dissem-
salty food, the government is such as instant noodles, food fla- ination informing its citizens
pushing the poor informal sec- voring, snacks, and dried fish. about other better alternatives
tor workers and their families “Workers and the poor infor- and healthier food and ingredi-
to fall into deep poverty rather mal workers and their families’ ents options,” Seno said.
than building ladder to help affinity to salty food is bound The Department of Health
and empower them. There is no by their inadequate income and earlier proposed taxing salty
need to tax salty food and ingre- lack of alternatives in the mar- foods, citing a report showing
dients at this time,” said Gerard ket. They cannot afford to buy that salty diets could lead to hy-
Seno, Associated Labor Unions- healthier food choices and food pertension and other noncom-
Trade Union Congress of the ingredients with their measly municable diseases.
Philippines (ALU-TUCP) na- income level,” Seno said. There are also moves for
tional executive vice president. Daily minimum wage in the higher “sin” taxes on cigarettes,
Seno said the government country, depending on the re- vapes and alcoholic drinks not
should instead develop health- gion, ranges from PHP280 to BRIAN CHUA / FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 only to collect government rev-
ier, affordable, and accessible PHP537. enues but also to lessen spend-
alternatives to salty foods. “With these paltry current ing poor have no other choice it is high with sodium content,” ing on treatment caused by dis-
He said if workers’ incomes minimum wage rates amid the but to buy food with what af- he added. eases arising from an unhealthy
are increased and healthier and rising cost of living, the work- fords their small income even if Aside from these measures, diet. ■
Panelo says Robredo can use drug war files as

ICAD co-chair
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA- merely contains particulars of dling the drug problem in the
CARLOS the drug personalities. Philippines.
Philippine News Agency “Kapag sinabi mong intel- The UN, meantime, has been
ligence report, sino ang mga critical of Duterte’s drug war.
involved sa droga ang nandoon On July 17, the UN Human
MANILA — President Rodrigo at yun naman ang sinusundan Rights Council adopted the Ice-
Duterte’s administration is lahat ng ahensya so ano naman land-led resolution that seeks
transparent when it comes to ang masama doon (When you a probe into the anti-narcotics
its intensified crackdown on say intelligence report, it in- campaign initiated by the Pres-
illegal drugs in the country, cludes details about those in- ident.
Malacañang said on Sunday. volved in illegal drugs. And all Sought to react to Robredo’s
“Unang-una, wala namang law enforcement agencies rely openness to working with the
tinatago ang gobyerno sa mga on that. So, what’s wrong with US and the UN, Panelo reiter-
record. Nakabukas naman iyan that)?” he said. ated the Palace’s stance that it
eh (First and foremost, the gov- Duterte appointed Robredo would let the Vice President to
ernment is not hiding anything as ICAD co-chairperson un- act alone as the country’s drug Vice President Leni Robredo and PDEA Director General Aaron N. Aquino, Co-
about the [drug war] records. til June 30, 2022, after being czar. Chairpersons of Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD).
It’s open to the public),” Presi- piqued by the Vice President’s The Palace official also main- PDEA TOP STORIES/FACEBOOK
dential Spokesperson Salvador recent claim that his drug war tained that Robredo’s “backers”
Panelo said in an interview with is “obviously not working.” should refrain from interfer- tin, suportahan natin. (Let her niya bilang isang puno ng isang
dzIQ. On Saturday, Robredo said ing in the government’s fight do her job. Support her but let ahensya na magpapatupad ng
The Palace official made she will meet with officials of against illegal drugs. her act alone),” he added. lahat ng batas laban sa mga in-
the statement, when asked the United States (US) and the “Hayaan natin si VP Leni as Robredo accepted the chal- volved sa droga (It depends on
about the possibility that Vice United Nations (UN) to discuss drug czar na gumawa ng kan- lenge to lead the government’s her strategies as the head of the
President Leni Robredo, as co- the Duterte administration’s yang diskarte. Hindi pupwede anti-narcotics campaign, but committee that will implement
chairperson of the Inter-Agen- war on illegal drugs. kasi yung mga maraming quar- stressed that she would not al- all the laws against those in-
cy Committee on Anti-Illegal Her latest statement came, ter backers, nitpickers, maram- low the “senseless” killings of volved in illegal drugs),” he said.
Drugs (ICAD), might use the even as she earlier preferred to ing haka-haka, maraming mga drug personalities in the coun- “Hindi pa nga nagu-umpisa,
confidential information about first solve the drug problem in spekulasyon (Let VP Leni do try. binibigyan na natin ng road-
the government’s conduct of the country “internally,” before her own strategy as drug czar. Asked if the Vice President’s block (She is yet to formally per-
drug war against the President asking foreign interventions. There should be no many quar- planned zero-casualty on drug form her duties, and yet, we’re
and his administration. The US, under the leadership ter backers, nitpickers, rumors, war is “doable,” Panelo said it already giving her a roadblock).
Panelo stressed that the in- of American President Donald and speculations),” Panelo said. would be up to her strategies. Let us wish her well and let us
telligence report obtained Trump, has praised Duterte for “Hayaan natin muna mag- “Siya ang didiskarte diyan support her,” Panelo added. ■
by law enforcement agencies an “unbelievable job” in han- trabaho yung ale, pabayaan na- kung ano ang dapat na ipatupad
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 Philippine News 7
Duterte to attend Illegal drugs a ‘medical,

Asean-Korea sociological’ issue: VP Robredo
commemorative BY JOYCE ANN L.
ROCAMORA AND
summit in Busan CHRISTOPHER LLOYD

CALIWAN
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA- Duterte, Moon to hold bilateral

CARLOS meet MANILA— ASIDE from seeing
Philippine News Agency On the sidelines of the com- the country’s illegal drug prob-
memorative summit, Duterte lem using the lens of crime, Vice
will most likely hold a bilateral President Leni Robredo on Fri-
MANILA — President Rodrigo meeting with Moon, Panelo day proposed to the members
Duterte will join his fellow As- said. of the Inter-Agency Committee
sociation of Southeast Asian Panelo said the two leaders’ on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) to
Nations (Asean) leaders in a meeting will focus on issues of also treat the issue as a “medi-
commemorative summit with “common concern,” including cal and sociological problem.”
South Korean President Moon Manila and Seoul’s cooperation “I do not see this as a problem
Ja-in on November 25 to 27 in in trade and security sectors. of crime only. Ang kalaban po
Busan, Malacañang announced “Basta naman may foreign natin dito, hindi iyong mga ka-
on Sunday. business, palagi namang merong babayan natin; ang kalaban na-
“Yes, tuloy siya (he will be bilateral (There is always a bilat- tin dito, droga (Our enemy here Sa unang pagkakataon, pinangunahan ni VP Leni ang pagpupulong ng Inter-
there),” Presidential Spokes- eral meeting between two lead- is not our citizen, it is drugs),” Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), kung saan ipinrisenta ng iba't
person Salvador Panelo said in ers, when there is a foreign busi- she said in her opening remarks ibang mga ahensyang kasali dito ang kanilang kontribusyon at plano sa laban
an interview with dzIQ, when ness),” the Palace official said. during the anti-drug body’s kontra droga.
asked if the President will par- “Kung anong dapat pag-usa- meeting at the Office of the Vice VP LENI ROBREDO/FACEBOOK
ticipate in the Asean-South Ko- pan sa pangangalakal, sa segur- President in Quezon City.
rea commemorative summit. idad, lahat ng common concern “Dahil ang kalaban natin dro- the body’s co-chair. to recover six kilos of shabu
The commemorative summit ng dalawang bansang magmi- ga (Since our enemy is illegal “In the past one and a half at the Ninoy Aquino Interna-
will be held in Busan to mark meet. ‘Yun ang palaging pag- drugs), we should also look at it days, I have been reading all the tional Airport. So sa lahat po
the 30th anniversary of the es- uusapan (They will talk about not just using the lens of crime, documents that are connected nating law enforcement agen-
tablished relations between the trade, security and other issues or criminal justice, but also us- with what ICAD has been do- cies, maraming salamat at con-
Asean and South Korea. of common concern of the two ing the lens of health and the ing, and nagpapasalamat po ako gratulations (So to all the law
Asean and South Korea first countries. Those are the issues fact that addiction is a medical sa lahat na efforts na ibinuhos enforcement agencies, thank
established sectoral dialogue that will be discussed),” he add- and a sociological problem,” ng lahat sa inyo para makamtan you and congratulations),” she
relations in November 1989. ed. she added. iyong ating gustong makamtan added.
South Korea became a dia- The 74-year-old President Robredo said she supports (and I thank all of you for all the
logue partner of the Southeast has just participated in the 35th an evidence-based strategy and efforts you exerted to attain our Fresh perspective
Asian bloc during the 24th Ase- Asean Summit and Related approach in addressing drug goals),” she said addressing the Robredo believes her ap-
an ministerial meeting in 1991 Summits held in Thailand from addiction which she recognized inter-agency group. pointment signals that Presi-
in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. November 2 to 4. as “a serious problem that our “Just today we’ve had several dent Rodrigo Duterte is willing
In 2018, Asean was South Duterte went to Thailand, country is facing.” successes. We were able to re- to consider a new perspective
Korea’s second largest trading despite having muscle spasms Robredo, who called for cover 1.4-million [pesos] worth about the anti-drug drive as the
partner with an annual vol- triggered by his October 16 mi- ICAD’s convening, said she of marijuana here in Quezon chief executive knows well how
ume of USD160 billion, and the nor motorcycle accident at the wants the discussion to be a lis- City. We were able to recover she views the campaign.
third-largest investment part- compound of the Presidential tening exercise for her so as to nine million [pesos] worth of
ner with USD6.1 billion. Security Group in Manila. ■ know where she would start as shabu in Cebu. We were able ❱❱ PAGE 16 Illegal drugs
Gamboa doing good as PNP-OIC: Palace spox

BY AZER PARROCHA the recycling of illegal drugs. pinag-iisipan maigi (That’s re- will take over the leadership of Late last month, Duterte ad-
Philippine News Agency However, PNP spokesperson, ally how it is. A President, before national police. mitted that he is having diffi-
Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said he appoints someone, has to “Hayaan natin si Presidente, culty in selecting an “appropri-
Gamboa’s powers are limited think it over thoroughly),” Pane- wag natin pangunahan ang ate guy” who will take over as
MANILA — President Rodrigo since he could not approve the lo said in an interview over dzIQ. kaniyang desisyon (Let’s let the new PNP chief.
Duterte is taking his time in disbursement of funds for proj- Panelo, meanwhile, praised President decide, let’s not pre- “It’s kind of a — hindi naman
selecting who he will appoint ects and procurement of equip- Gamboa for doing a good job as empt his decision),” he added. (not really) messy, but it’s very
as the next Philippine National ment. PNP officer-in-charge. Currently, Gamboa is one of hard to — at this time to choose
Police (PNP) chief, Malacañang Presidential Spokesperson “Kahit wala pang permanente the top candidates to replace a candidate na who would re-
said on Sunday. Salvador Panelo said the Presi- meron namang OIC at magaling Albayalde as PNP chief. ally… The appropriate guy. Ma-
Lt. Gen. Archie Franciso dent should not be rushed into yung OIC (Even if there is no The others are Lt. Gen. Ca- hirap eh (It’s difficult),” Duterte
Gamboa was designated as PNP choosing a new PNP chief be- permanent PNP chief, there is milo Cascolan, deputy chief for said in a media interview in
officer-in-charge after PNP cause it is his job to review the an OIC and the OIC who is do- operations and Maj. Gen. Guill- Malacañang.
chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde re- selection thoroughly. ing good),” Panelo said. ermo Eleazar, former Metro Duterte said he wanted his
signed from his post amid alle- “Ganyan talaga. Ang isang He said the PNP should allow Manila police director and now next PNP chief to be both com-
gations on his involvement in Pangulo bago mag-appoint, the President to decide on who heads the directorial staff. petent and honest. ■
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‘Oplan Tokhang’: Palace

Operations and Admin
Victoria Yong
Amelia Insigne
Management
Alan Yong
Victoria Yong BY AZER PARROCHA czar designation is considered a Cabinet made by former deputy director of Hu-
Philippine News Agency post. man Rights Watch’s Asia division Phe-
For photo submissions, please email
Aside from scrapping Oplan Tokhang, lim Kine to help Robredo improve the
editor@canadianinquirer.net Panelo said the President would allow anti-drug campaign.
MANILA — Newly-appointed drug czar, Robredo to implement other changes in “Hindi naman siya taga-rito eh (He’s
For General Inquiries, please email
info@canadianinquirer.net
Vice President Leni Robredo can scrap the anti-illegal drug operations. not even from here). But you know, all
Oplan Tokhang if she can suggest more “Sabi niya, ‘Ibibigay ko sa kaniya, ba- these things have to be deferred to VP
For Sales Inquiries, please email effective ways to solve the country’s il- hala na siya kung anong gusto niya. Bas- Leni as the anti-drug czar, and the ICAD
sales@canadianinquirer.net
or contact 778-788-4998
legal drug problem, Malacañang said on ta siya ang (He said ‘I’ll give it to her, it’s of which she chairs,” Panelo said.
Monday. up to her what she wants to do. She’s) on
Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at “If she wants to scrap it, eh siya ang top of the situation there,’” Panelo said, Budget increase
#1820-666 Burrard Street
Vancouver BC V6C 2X8 Canada
(she’s) anti-drug czar, kung sa tingin niya quoting Duterte. The Palace official said Robredo could
mas (if she thinks it’s more) effective, Panelo also said the President would only completely thresh out the scope
mayroon pang mas effective sa Tokhang also allow Robredo to seek help from the of her powers as drug czar once she
Email: info@canadianinquirer.net,
eh di gawin niya (there are other pro- international communities including holds a meeting with President Rodrigo
sales@canadianinquirer.net grams more effective than Tokhang, she the United States or United Nations to Duterte.
can do it),” Presidential Spokesperson review the drug war. He said the President is always open
Instagram: @pcinewsofficial
Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing. Robredo reportedly met with repre- to consultation with every member of
Twitter:@pcinewsofficial Panelo said Robredo can put a stop to sentatives from the UN Office on Drugs the Cabinet, including Robredo.
a program that involves police visits to and Crime on Monday. Duterte has already expressed his
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCGvCxcZGXZVbAWhNLRJIfTw
known drug addicts, “because it is with- “If she feels na makakatulong iyong desire to invite the Vice President to
in her powers as drug czar.” Amerika sa drug war — eh dati namang Malacañang in a meeting, Panelo said.
Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly
every Friday.
“As we have said, we will give her all tumutulong ang mga Amerikano sa atin The President could also replace Ro-
that she needs. She should be given a (that America can help the drug war – bredo if he is not satisfied with her per-
Copies are distributed free throughout Metro
Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Greater Toronto. wide latitude and she should pursue her America has long been helping us) shar- formance as drug czar.
The views and opinions expressed in the articles
own scheme of things in pursuing the ing intelligence is one of them,” Panelo “Lahat naman ‘yan puwede, Presidente
(including opinions expressed in ads herein) are those drug war initiated by this administra- said. siya eh (Anything is possible since he’s
of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of
Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editorial Team. tion,” he added. “Siguro pabayaan muna natin si (Per- the President). Everybody holds office
PCI reserves the right to reject any advertising which
He pointed out that just because Ro- haps let’s leave) VP Leni in her work,” at the pleasure of the President, all of us
it considers to contain false or misleading information bredo was free to scrap Oplan Tokhang, Panelo said. know that,” Panelo said.
or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser
agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages does not mean that she would want to do Asked if Robredo could submit docu- Meanwhile, Panelo said Duterte is
arising out of error in any advertisement.
so eventually. ments on the drug war to the Inter- also open to Robredo’s suggestion to
“Hindi natin alam (We don’t know). I national Criminal Court (ICC), Pan- increase the government’s 2020 bud-
Member cannot speculate on what VP Leni wants. elo said: “We will defer to the VP kung get for the Philippine Anti-Illegal Drug
We have to wait for her,” Panelo said. anong diskarte niya. Hayaan muna natin Strategy (PADS) particularly on areas of
(what her approach will be. Let’s let her rehabilitation.
Alter ego do her job).” “Kung kailangan iyan, bakit naman
Recalling a conversation he had with Panelo, however, said should the ICC hindi (If she needs it, why not),” Panelo
Duterte on Saturday, Panelo said the insist on forcing its jurisdiction over the said.
President would allow Robredo to take Philippines to investigate the drug war, Robredo earlier said the PHP15-mil-
charge since she is now considered one it would mean that they are in violation lion funding for ICAD is “not enough” to
of his alter egos. of their own rules. establish more drug rehabilitation cen-
Earlier, Duterte said Robredo’s drug He, meanwhile, shrugged off the offer ters and drug prevention education. ■
Hontiveros on rice crisis: Ang

nagpapakain, walang makain
AKBAYAN SENATOR Risa ros said. ber of their children receiv-
Hontiveros on Tuesday pre- “Ang nagpapakain sa atin ay ing education. She also shared
sented her solutions to the walang makain,” Hontiveros the success of Camarines Sur’s
pressing problems faced by rice added. Pecuaria Development Coop-
farmers after the Philippine According to the United erative Pecuaria Development
Statistics Authority (PSA) con- States Department of Agricul- Cooperative, who supplies rice
firmed that the price of palay ture-Foreign Agricultural Ser- to major malls in the country, as
has fallen to an all-time low in vice (USDA-FAS), the Philip- well as Calima Socio-Economic
8 years and the Department of pines is set to the be the world’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative
Agriculture (DA) reported that 2nd largest rice importer, at 2.6 (CASEMPCO), a major export-
there are areas that are forced million metric tons (MMT) of er of virgin coconut oil to Japan
to sell for as low as P10.00 per rice, next to China. “Patunay sila na sa kabila ng
KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO kilo. Hontiveros said that is also hirap, posible ang magandang
At the 10th National Con- pushing for a nationwide at masaganang kinabukasan sa
PRRD won’t go on gress of the Pambansang Kilu-

san ng mga Samahang Magsa-
saka (PAKISAMA), Hontiveros
Rice-Subsidy Program where
the government will directly
purchase the rice from local
pagsasaka sa bansa,” she said.
“Matindi man ang krisis sa
palay at iba pang problema,
break, will work proposed that P12,000 be given

to each farmer as “bayad lugi”
or compensation to the losses
farmers, valuing it no less than
P20.00. She hoped that the pro-
gram will be an integral tool in
sama-sama natin itong haha-
rapin at sosolusyonan. Asahan
po ninyo na patuloy nating ipa-
from home instead they suffered from the massive

inflow of imported rice. She
also pushed for the immeidate
raising the profit of the farm-
ers and sustain the supply of
local rice at markets. She fully
glalaban ang karapatan at da-
ing ng hanay magsasaka sa loob
at labas ng Senado,” Hontiveros
release and distribution of P 6.5 supports an increase of tariffs ended. ■
BY AZER PARROCHA to Davao tonight after attend- billion worth of cash assistance and an implementation of an
Philippine News Agency ing to the wake of the late John to farmers this year. import ban on imported rice,
Gokongwei, Jr. at the Heritage “Sa kaliwa’t kanang deliber- which she calls the “cause of the
and will continue working at his sayon, balitaktakan at minsan crisis.”
MANILA — Instead of going on residence there,” Panelo said. maaanghang na debate ukol sa Hontiveros also called for
a three-day break from work, Panelo clarified his earlier isyu ng bigas, isang mahalagang strengthened support of sec-
President Rodrigo Duterte will statement about the President boses at interes ang nalulunod toral cooperatives, citing suc-
work from the comforts of his going on a leave. sa ingay, ito ang boses at kapak- cess stories of their ventures to
home in Davao City, Malaca- “Pero mali na balita na may anan ng malilliit na magsasaka. help alleviate the suffering of
ñang said on Monday night. three-day leave siya. Wala si- At ang katotohanan, sa likod ng farmers. In 2017, the collective
Presidential Spokesperson yang leave. Hindi siya mag-li- ingay at kuro-kuro, kailangang- asset of the Sumilao farmers’
Salvador Panelo clarified his ear- leave. Magtatrabaho lang siya kailangan na ng mga maliliit na cooperative rose to P1.4 million,
lier announcement that Duterte sa Davao sa bahay niya. Mara- magsasaka ng tulong,” Hontive- leading to the increasing num-
will take three days off from work mi siyang backlog, maraming
to rest upon the advice of his doc- paperwork (The news that he’s
tors, friends, and colleagues.
“The President has declined
going on a three-day leave is
wrong. He doesn’t have any
SOLUTIONS IMMIGRATION CONSULTING INC.
the suggestion of well-meaning leaves. He won’t file a leave.
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friends to have a rest for a few He’ll work in his home in Davao.
days,” Panelo said in a state- He has a lot of backlogs, a lot of
ment, admitting that he merely paperwork),” Panelo said in an
“speculated” in his initial re- interview over DZMM.
mark. He said Duterte preferred to
He, however, assured the work from home away from the
public that the President knows distraction due to the number
how to take care of himself of people who wanted to meet
amid the “demands of pressing with him in Malacañang.
work.” “Kapag sa Malacañang, eh CARI GOMBINSKY SOL GOMBINSKY ANNABELLE MIGALBIN
“The people can rest assured maraming istorbo sa Malaca- Owner/Licensed Consultant
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SERVICE IN PILIPINO
that the President can keep ñang. Madaming gustong carig@immsol.com Immigration Specialist Since 1967 annabellem@immsol.com
up with the same and is in the makipag-usap sa kanya, gus- Former manager, 647-765-1580
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
best position to know how he tong may private meeting. Hindi sollyg@immsol.com 416-661-6376
can maintain to be on top of his talaga siya makakapagpahinga.
health,” Panelo said. Samantalang sa bahay pag nata- www.immsol.com
1183 Finch Avenue West Suite 508, Toronto M3J 2G2
The President has been expe- pos na siya ng paperwork, pwede
riencing pain in his back due to na siyang magpahinga (There IN CANADA SERVICES OUT OF CANADA SERVICES
a minor motorcycle accident at are a lot of people disturbing • Family Class • Permanent Residence
the Presidential Security Group him while he is in Malacañang. • Extensions/Change of Status • Canadian Experience Class
(PSG) compound last Oct. 16. Too many people want to speak • Permanent Residence • Federal Skilled Worker
Panelo said the President will to him, want to have a private • Hearings and Appeals • Skilled Trade Programs
attend the wake of business ty- meeting. He really can’t rest. • Humanitarian and Compassionate • Visitors Visa
coon John Gokongwei, Jr. on But while at home, after his pa- • Caregiver Programs • Business
Monday night. perwork, he can rest),” Panelo • Citizenship Applications • Family Class
• Work Permits *Student Permits
“The Chief Executive will fly said.
Ressa’s remark on state of PH media

‘exaggerated’: Palace
BY AZER PARROCHA charges are meant to “pound
Philippine News Agency her into silence” for reporting
about alleged extrajudicial kill-
ings tied to the drug war.
MANILA — Rappler CEO Maria Andanar emphasized that
Ressa is exaggerating by char- cases filed against Ressa and
acterizing the media and press Rappler were for the violation
landscape in the Philippines of the Anti-Dummy Law, tax
under the Duterte administra- evasion charges, and a cyber
tion as “worse than any war libel case filed by a private in-
zone” that she has been in, dividual that has “nothing to do
Malacañang said on Monday. with the administration.”
Presidential Spokesperson “The environment for jour-
Salvador Panelo pointed out nalists perceived by Ms. Ressa
that only those involved in the isn’t reflective of the actual en-
illegal drug trade who resisted vironment for journalists in the
arrest could compare their en- Philippines,” Andanar said.
vironment to a war zone. “Ms. Ressa claims that she is
“She is always exaggerating. ‘under attack’ by the govern-
It’s only a war zone to those ment; when in fact, she is ‘un-
who are involved in drugs and der investigation’ due to her
who resist violently any war- criminal liabilities, from which
rant of arrest being served to no one, not even members of
them or when they are subject the press are exempt from,” he Maria Ressa. PCOO
to a buy-bust operation and added.

they violently resist as well as He said Ressa’s case is not an Criticisms welcome protect the media. (PDEA) from July 2016 to Au-
imperil the lives of the law en- issue involving press freedom Andanar said the media en- gust 2019 show that PHP35.66-
forcement officers,” Panelo said but an issue in violation of the vironment in the Philippines EJKs not state-sanctioned billion worth of illegal drugs
in a Palace briefing. Philippine laws acted upon by is “vibrant and alive” since Andanar, meanwhile, de- were seized, 208,279 indi-
In an interview over 60 Min- respective government agen- criticisms from all sectors of scribed Rappler’s reports of viduals have been arrested in
utes, a program aired at the cies. the media are welcomed and drug war deaths as “purely es- relation to illegal drugs, and
news site of American mass The PCOO chief said Ressa encouraged by the Duterte ad- timates cited from sources that 445,669 drug addicts have sur-
media company CBS, Ressa said ignored the Duterte adminis- ministration. suit their agenda and not actual rendered, he added.
the Philippine media environ- tration’s policies that promote He also denied Ressa’s alle- statistics from authorities.” Andanar, however, acknowl-
ment has been “living through the press’ freedom, rights, and gation that the Duterte admin- He said there is no concrete edged that there are circum-
three years of this kind of hell.” security citing Administrative istration employs social media proof that the government stances the involvement of
For Panelo, media workers Order (AO) No. 1 which created “trolls” to spread misleading sanctions extrajudicial killings. rogue cops has resulted in in-
in the country remained “safe” the Presidential Task Force on information that is “baseless Citing Panelo, Andanar also justices.
and remained free to cover Media Security (PTFoMS) to and unproven.” defended President Rodrigo He ensured that these cops
events in the country. address media killings and ha- “Rappler and Ms. Ressa, her- Duterte’s supposed admission will undertake reformation
“The fact is that every jour- rassments. self, have been deemed to be of his act of killing and that of and that the government will
nalist whether here or abroad Apart from AO No.1, Duterte sources of fake news just as Operation Tokhang’s, describ- continue to respond to any un-
is free to cover any event in also issued Executive Order some government opposition- ing them as “hyperbolic expres- founded allegations through le-
this country and they come out (EO) No. 2, s. 2016, also known ists lie and claim that the gov- sions” which are not represen- gal means. ■
alive and well and very good at as the Freedom of Information ernment spreads propaganda. tative of the facts on the ground.
reporting even if sometimes ex- (FOI) Program which requires Needless to say, the spreading He said Rappler’s report-
aggerating,” Panelo said. complete public disclosure of fake news is rampant nowa- age “overlooks” the drug war’s
of public records, contracts, days, in both traditional and favorable outcome such as
Under investigation, not under transactions, and any informa- social media, utilized by those the decline in the Philippines’
attack tion, with exceptions for infor- who have vested interests in crime rate by 16.16 percent in
Presidential Communica- mation relating and affecting fooling the public,” he added. 2018 from 2016, according to
tions Operations Office (PCOO) the national security, requested He said Duterte administra- the Philippine National Police
Secretary Martin Andanar, by a member of the public from tion is in pursuit of the truth, (PNP).
for his part, disputed Ressa’s all government agencies under to weed out disinformation, to Data from the Philippine
claims that her arrests and the Executive Department. uphold the free press, and to Drug Enforcement Agency
Registration for overseas Palace urges

voters to start in December PMA to reassess
BY AZER PARROCHA
protocols after
MANILA — The Commission
drowning incident
on Elections (Comelec) on Fri-
day announced that the regis- BY AZER PARROCHA initial findings showed that
tration period for Filipino citi- Philippine News Agency there was no foul play. Howev-
zens overseas for the May 2022 er, authorities are looking at the
presidential polls will begin negligence of the instructors.
next month. MANILA — Malacañang on “Kasi parang nag-fail yata
“Preparation meeting of Monday said it was “bothered” ‘yung kadete sa unang trial.
training team leaders and IT by the death of a fourth class ca- So, kung nag-fail ‘yun, kung
guys now ongoing for training det who drowned in the Philip- instructor ka dapat hindi mo
of DFA (Department of Foreign pine Military Academy (PMA) muna pinatuloy ‘yung kaniyang
Affairs) officers on registra- swimming pool, stressing that training. So, tinitingnan nila
tion of overseas voters start- military instructors should re- ‘yung aspect na ‘yun (Because
ing December 16 to September assess their protocols to pre- I think the cadet failed the first
30, 2021,” said Comelec Com- vent a repeat of the incident. trial. So if he failed, if you’re the
missioner Rowena Guanzon, “We’re bothered by the death instructor, you shouldn’t have
Commissioner-in-Charge for of another plebe who could be allowed him to continue his
the Office for Overseas Vot- an outstanding military offi- training. So they’re looking into
ing (OFOV), in her Twitter ac- cer if he were able to finish his that aspect),” Panelo said.
count, @commrguanzon. Commissioner Rowena Guanzon. COMELEC / FACEBOOK course,” Presidential Spokes- At present, the Philippine
However, Guanzon did not person Salvador Panelo said in National Police (PNP) is in-
release additional details re- register. dan but on Election Day you a Palace briefing. vestigating Telan’s death to de-
garding the forthcoming re- In the May 2019 polls, the to- will be in the US, you can vote “The military instructors es- termine if it was an accidental
sumption of registration for tal number of registered over- in the US,” she said. pecially on the swimming side drowning.
overseas voters. seas voters was at 1,822,173. At present, only sea-based should reassess their protocols Telan is the third cadet to pass
The law states that all citi- On the other hand, Guanzon voters are allowed to vote in any so that they can provide safety away in a matter of months.
zens of the Philippines, who are said they are also planning to Philippine post where they will to their trainees,” he added. Last September 18, Cadet 4th
abroad or will be abroad dur- adopt a “vote anywhere policy” be docked. Reports showed that Cadet Class Darwin Dormitorio died
ing the 30-day voting period, at for all overseas voters, wherein For land-based workers, they 4th Class Mario Telan attended from injuries from alleged haz-
least 18 years of age on the day they will be allowed to vote in are allowed to cast their ballots in his 11 a.m. swimming class but ing and torture.
of the elections, and not other- any Philippine post abroad. the Philippine post in the coun- was not seen in his next classes. Dormitorio’s death prompted
wise disqualified by law, may “If you are registered in Jor- try where they are based. ■ He was later found in the 15- PMA Superintendent, Lt. Gen.
foot deep end of the pool. Ronnie Evangelista and Cadet
PMA spokesperson, Capt. Corps Commandant, Brig. Gen.
Sotto: Pointless to ask for UN, Cheryl Tindog said efforts were
done to revive Telan and he was
immediately transferred to
Bartolome Vicente Bacarro to
resign from their posts.
On Oct. 28, Cadet 2nd Class
US help in drug war Fort del Pilar Station Hospital

but was declared dead on arriv-
al by the attending physician.
Cedrick Gadia died from esoph-
ageal cancer at the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP)
Panelo acknowledged that Hospital. ■
BY JOSE CIELITO and UN officials to discuss the “Perhaps what the Vice Pres-
REGANIT government’s war on drugs. ident means is research. But as
Philippine News Agency Sotto said the US has its own far as running the anti-illegal
Drug Control Policy Program drugs and drug abuse program
where some strategies are pat- of the country, I don’t think we
MANILA — Senate President terned on the UN strategy. will learn from those groups,”
Vicente Sotto III on Monday “But as of now, the strategies he added.
said it might be pointless for of the United Nations Office of The Senate leader, however,
the Philippines to ask for assis- Drugs and Crime are not yet clarified that he is only express-
tance from the United Nations quite clear,” he said. ing his personal opinion and
and the United States in the He said it would be better has nothing against Robredo’s
fight against illegal drugs since for agencies and groups not in- plan.
they don’t know the drug prob- volved with the Inter-Agency “That’s her opinion… Okay
lem in the country. Committee on Anti-Illegal lang, kanya-kanyang thinking
“Kasi, ano ang matututunan Drugs (ICAD) not to meddle yan. Kung sa tingin nila, maka-
natin doon? Hindi nila alam ang with the agency’s work. katulong, (It’s okay. We have
problema sa Pilipinas (What “Hindi naman nila alam yung our own thinking. If they think
could we learn from them? mga function ng ICAD. Ano it will help) then go ahead. My
They don’t know the problems yung pakialam ng UN doon personal opinion, wala tayong
in the Philippines),” Sotto told (They don’t know anything mapapala doon (we won’t get
reporters when asked about about the functions of ICAD. anything from it),” Sotto said. ■
Vice President Leni Robredo’s What has the UN got to do with
plan to meet with US embassy it)?” Sotto said. Facade of Melchor Hall, PMA. RAMILTIBAYAN / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC BY-SA 4.0
Albayalde knew everything Palace leaves

about ‘ninja cops’ raid: CIDG Mamasapano case revival
BY BENJAMIN PULTA bid to Ombudsman
BY AZER PARROCHA National Police chief Alan Puri-

MANILA — Retired Philippine Philippine News Agency sima and former Special Action
National Police (PNP) chief Os- Forces chief Getulio Napeñas.
car Albayalde was aware of the In the motion, the VACC
details of the November 2013 MANILA — Malacañang will be called on Martires to pursue
controversial anti-drug raid hands off on any decision to be the homicide since they have
by his men who were tagged as made by the Office of the Om- new evidence supporting the
‘ninja cops’ in Pampanga, the budsman following a motion filing of Reckless Imprudence
Criminal Investigation and filed to reopen the case against Resulting in Multiple Homicide
Detection Group (CIDG) said President Benigno Aquino III against Aquino and others.
Monday. and others over the deadly Ma- On July 1, 2016, the VACC filed
“He had direct control and masapano clash in 2015. a complaint charging Aquino
supervision over the opera- This after the Volunteers and others for Reckless Impru-
tion…until he was administra- Against Crime and Corruption dence Resulting in Multiple Ho-
tively relieved,” the CIDG said (VACC) with former Criminal micide in relation to the botched
in its reply-affidavit signed by Investigation and Detection Oplan Exodus which led to the
Lt. Col. Julius B. Sagandoy and Group (CIDG) Director, incum- death of 44 SAF troopers.
Lt. Col. Dennis L. Wagas. bent Baguio City Mayor Ben- Former Ombudsman Con-
“Despite knowledge of the jamin Magalong, and family of chita Carpio Morales dismissed
irregularities in the said opera- the slain Special Action Force the complaint and instead rec-
tions, he remained mum and (SAF) 44 commandos, trooped ommended the charges of graft
even applauded respondents "NINJA COPS” CONTROVERS. Former PNP chief, General Oscar Albayalde, to the Ombudsman to revive and usurpation of authority
Baloyo and his team for a job explains his side on the alleged involvement with “ninja cops” in the recycling Aquino’s criminal case with a against Aquino, Purisima, and
well done,” they added. of confiscated illegal drugs, during the Senate hearing on Wednesday (Oct. 9, Motion to Reopen Investiga- Napeñas on July 14, 2017.
Albayalde was Pampanga 2019). tion on Friday. The complainants filed be-
police chief when Maj. Rodney AVITO C. DALAN/PNA Presidential Spokesperson fore the Supreme Court (SC)
Raymundo Louie Baloyo IV led Salvador Panelo said the Pal- a Petition for Certiorari with
the raid at the house rented by quired by the law and “failed to weight of 36.68 kilograms and ace will leave it to Ombuds- Prayer for Temporary Restrain-
Johnson Lee located at Lot 21 immediately mark the seized il- the cash money were turned man Samuel Martires to decide ing Order and Preliminary In-
and 22 Narra corner Waling legal drugs” over to authorities,” the PNP- whether or not he would reopen junction on November 2, 2017
Waling Streets, Woodbridge “Respondent (Police Gen- CIDG said. the investigation against Aquino but the SC issued its TRO on
Subdivision, Lakeshore, Baran- eral) Albayalde was fully in- Albayalde bowed out of the for the death of the SAF 44 com- February 7, 2018.
gay Divisoria in Mexico town formed about every detail that service on Friday after reaching mandos in January 24, 2015. The Sandiganbayan’s Fourth
on November 29, 2013. was happening during the raid, the mandatory retirement age “We will not interfere with a Division confirmed that Om-
Albayalde was administra- including, but not limited to the of 56. co-equal branch of the govern- budsman Samuel Martires filed
tively relieved and placed on marked money, pre-arranged The Department of the In- ment as well as with constitu- a motion to withdraw informa-
floating status from his post in signal, suspects’ arrest and con- terior and Local Government tional bodies. Let the rule of tion on June 24, 2019 finding
March 2014, four months after fiscation of suspected shabu earlier said there is not enough law prevail,” Panelo said in an no sufficient ground to charge
the incident. placed in one open luggage and proof to charge Albayalde ad- interview over dzIQ on Sunday. Aquino for graft and usurpation
The CIDG pointed out that one medium size box. ministratively but said he is li- Aside from Aquino, other re- of official functions. Charges
Baloyo’s team failed to comply “Albayalde was aware that the able for command responsibil- spondents named in VACC’s were dismissed on Aug. 22,
with the “chain of custody” re- recovered shabu with an actual ity. ■ motion were former Philippine 2019. ■
Security forces in Mindanao enough to foil terror attacks

BY PRIAM NEPOMUCENO These forces are sufficient to is not keen on another exten- martial law in Mindanao. Lawmakers, in a special joint
Philippine News Agency deter these terror groups from sion of martial law unless it will The House of Representa- session in July 2017, granted
pulling off another Marawi- be recommended by the Armed tives, voting 235-28-1 in a joint the extension of martial law
type assault, he added. Forces of the Philippines (AFP) session on Dec. 12, 2018, ap- until Dec. 31, 2017, at the Presi-
MANILA — There are suffi- “(The situation is now) under and the Philippine National Po- proved the extension of martial dent’s request.
cient military and police units control. We have sufficient mil- lice (PNP). law in Mindanao for the third In December 2017, the Senate
to secure Mindanao against itary and police (units) in the “Yes, personally I am not in- time until Dec. 31, 2019. The and House of Representatives,
further terrorist attacks, De- area to ensure that the terror- clined to recommend its exten- AFP recommended another convening in a joint session,
partment of National Defense ists can no longer do a Marawi- sion. Unless the AFP and PNP year-long extension of martial granted President Rodrigo R.
(DND) Secretary Delfin Lo- type operation. Plus, the LGUs recommend otherwise. I will law in Mindanao in its bid to Duterte’s second request for
renzana said. (local government units) are await their recommendation neutralize terror groups still the extension of martial law and
Lorenzana made the remark clamoring for its lifting such which I should receive before operating in the southern Phil- the suspension of the privilege
as he justified his inclination as (Davao City) Mayor Sara December,” Lorenzana said. ippines. of the writ of habeas corpus for
not to recommend another ex- (Duterte),” Lorenzana said in a The DND chief earlier an- Martial law in Mindanao was a period of one year from Jan. 1
tension of martial law in the is- message to reporters late Mon- nounced that a stronger Hu- declared on May 23, 2017 fol- to Dec. 31, 2018. ■
land, which has been extended day. man Security Act is a more vi- lowing attacks launched by the
for the third time. The DND chief added that he able approach than extending Maute Group in Marawi City.
Toyota’s P1-M PUV for smaller streets: DOTr

BY RAYMOND CARL DELA han. It will depend on the op- mensions.
CRUZ erator kung ito po ang pipiliin However, Class 2 PUVs have
Philippine News Agency nilang bilhin depende sa ruta at jeepney-like side-facing seats
pangangailangan nila (This is and meant to ply the country’s
not large. It’s up to the operator city streets and other busy thor-
MANILA — The Department if they will choose to buy this oughfares while Class 3 PUVs
of Transportation (DOTr) said depending on their route and use front-facing and more
Toyota Motor Philippines Cor- their needs). If operators want comfortable seats for point-to-
poration’s (Toyota) recently a more spacious and bigger point or long-distance routes.
unveiled 12-seater modern unit, they can opt to purchase All three PUV classes are also
public utility vehicle (PUV) is a Class 2 vehicle,” the DOTr required to have air-condition-
meant to serve in the country’s statement said. ing units, GPS, CCTV, Wi-Fi,
inner-city roads and smaller Their showcase of Toyota’s must be compliant with EURO
municipalities. Class 1 PUV, the DOTr said, was IV standards or better, and oth-
In a Facebook post on Sun- also meant to prove that the er features meant to help per-
day, the agency clarified that government’s PUV moderniza- sons with disabilities/senior
the Toyota Hilux Class 1 mod- tion program need not be over- citizens and other passengers
ern PUV, with a price tag of ly expensive. have more comfortable rides.
PHP998,000, was meant for “Gusto lang po namin In a press conference last
narrow barangay, municipal, maintindihan ng marami na week, transport group Pasang
or provincial roads due to its hindi totoong lahat ng units Masda announced the rollout
smaller size and more afford- eh PHP2 to 2.6 million pataas. DOTr and TMPI unveiled the Toyota Hilux modern PUV, a Class 1 vehicle. of 15 Isuzu modern PUVs in the
able price. May mas mura pong options. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION - PHILIPPINES/FACEBOOK Nichols-Parañaque route.
This, after some netizens (We just want people to under- During the event, Transpor-
aired concerns that the newly- stand it’s not true all PUV units dards (PNS), Class 1 PUVs have when public transport demand tation Secretary Arthur Tugade
unveiled prototype PUV could cost PHP 2 to 2.6 million or up. a seating capacity of nine to 12, is not yet that high to warrant a revealed their partnership with
add to the country’s worsen- There are cheaper options),” it which the DOTr said can be bigger mode of public transpor- a private vehicle manufacturer
ing traffic congestion due to added. used as a replacement to tricy- tation,” the DOTr said. to release a sub-PHP1 million
its smaller passenger capacity Under the Department of cles or ‘multicabs’ which have Meanwhile, Class 2 and 3 Class 1 modern PUV to add to
compared to existing PUVs in Trade and Industry – Bureau an average seating capacity of PUVs both have a maximum the current stable of available
major roads. of Philippine Standards’ (DTI- 10. seating capacity of 23 and are modern PUVs in the local mar-
“Hindi po talaga ito kalaki- BPS) Philippine National Stan- “It’s also a better alternative almost the same in terms of di- ket. ■
Malacañang urges Congress to pass bill banning

use of plastics
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA- on Wednesday. He, however, ac- gressmen have sought the ban
CARLOS knowledged that his plan would on single-use plastic products.
Philippine News Agency require legislative action. However, the proposed mea-
On Friday, environmental sures they filed remain pending
group Greenpeace called on the at the committee level.
MANILA — Malacañang on President to certify as urgent a While the government has
Sunday was optimistic that proposed legislation that will yet to enact a nationwide ban
Congress will take the initiative stop the use of plastic products. on the use of plastic bags, Pan-
to approve a measure that aims Panelo guaranteed that any elo stressed the need for strict-
to prohibit the use of plastic legislative measure banning the er implementation of Republic
products in the country. use of plastics will get support Act 9003 or the Solid Waste
Presidential Spokesperson from Duterte. Management Act of 2000.
Salvador Panelo hoped sena- “Tingnan natin kung merong RA 9003 mandates the State
tors and congressmen will miyembro ng Kongreso, ng Se- to adopt a “systematic, compre-
support President Rodrigo nado na magpausad ng gan- hensive, and ecological solid
Duterte’s intent to implement yang idea. (Let’s see if there waste management program.”
a nationwide ban on the use of are members of the House of “Eh siguro dapat ipatupad na
plastics, in a bid to protect the Representatives and the Senate natin nang maayos para kung following China and Indone- March 2019.
environment and promote a who will push for such idea),” anuman dapat ang trabahuhin sia, according to a 2015 report The report revealed that
greener Philippines. he said. ng ahensya ngayon, gawin na by international group Ocean Filipinos use nearly 48 million
“The President has broached “Dahil suportado na ni Presi- nila kasi naapektuhan din ang Conservancy and McKinsey shopping bags daily; 16.5 billion
that idea. It is for members dente, hindi na kataka-taka ating ecology (Perhaps, we have Center for Business and Envi- smaller, thinner, and transpar-
of Congress to adopt it, to use (It will not be surprising if the to strictly enforce it, so con- ronment. ent plastic bags yearly; and 60
their initiative to have that kind President does it since he sup- cerned agencies will be com- The Philippines also uses a billion sachets annually.
of idea,” the Palace official told ports the idea),” Panelo added, pelled to perform their respec- “shocking” amount of single- The United Nations Food and
dzIQ. when quizzed if Duterte will tive tasks since our ecology is use plastic, based on the report Agriculture Organization has
Duterte floated the idea of certify as urgent the proposed suffering),” Panelo said. by non-government organiza- also warned that by 2050, there
imposing a ban on plastic prod- legislative bill prohibiting the The Philippines is the tion Global Alliance for Incin- will be more plastic than fish in
ucts during the 43rd Cabinet use of plastics in the country. third biggest source of plastic erator Alternatives published the ocean, if plastic pollution
meeting at Malacañan Palace Several senators and con- dumped in the world’s oceans, by Agence-France-Presse in continues. ■
Gov’t to keep PH ‘safe, adaptive, resilient’

BY RUTH ABBEY GITA- massive deaths and destruction One of the most powerful ience of our own people, which reaucracy, a hard lesson in
CARLOS of infrastructure and livelihood tropical cyclones ever recorded in the face of great adversity, public service. Tapang and
Philippine News Agency in the central Philippines. in the country, Yolanda un- have remained steadfast and malasakit (Courage and com-
“Today, November 8, the Of- leashed its wrath in Eastern Vi- have moved forward,” Panelo passion) became buzzwords
fice of the President joins the sayas on November 8, 2013. said. from a people weary of govern-
MANILA — President Rodrigo entire nation in remembering Around 6,300 people died Panelo said the devastation ment apathy.”
Duterte’s administration will the 6th anniversary of super ty- while over 4.4 million people in Eastern Visayas caused by From 2013 to 2017 alone,
work harder to ensure that the phoon Yolanda (international were rendered homeless after Yolanda has taught the govern- some PHP67.1 billion were re-
Philippines is still “safe, adap- name Haiyan),” Panelo said in a Yolanda hit the central Philip- ment a “hard lesson in public leased for the rehabilitation
tive, and resilient,” Malacañang statement. pines. service.’ works in the hardest-hit areas
said Friday as the country com- “The Office of the President Panelo said the Palace hon- He guaranteed that the Presi- in Eastern Visayas, the Depart-
memorates the 6th anniversary recognizes that natural hazards ors those who were on the front dent and his administration ment of Budget and Manage-
of super typhoon Yolanda that have become the new normal in lines, including government would continue focusing on a ment earlier said.
wreaked havoc in Eastern Vi- the 21st century, and therefore, agencies, several organizations, platform of “tapang at mala- The National Housing Au-
sayas. we must continue to be relent- and volunteers who helped sakit,” particularly when it re- thority is also targeting the
Presidential Spokesperson less in creating safe, adaptive the country “during one of the sponds to the needs of typhoon completion of at least 62,668
Salvador Panelo gave the assur- and resilient communities. It most difficult times our coun- victims. housing projects between 2019
ance as he acknowledged that is our collective responsibility,” try faced.” “Yolanda has likewise taught and 2020. ■
the super typhoon had caused he added. “We laud the exemplary resil- us, especially those in the bu-
PTFoMS expects favorable ruling to

Maguindanao massacre victims
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA- deadline for the ruling on the be out by December 14,” he said.
CARLOS cases against the accused after “Without pre-empting the
Philippine News Agency Quezon City RTC Branch 221 outcome, I am optimistic that
Presiding Judge Jocelyn Solis- the families of the victims will
Reyes had sought more time to finally get the justice that they
MANILA – The Presidential look into the “voluminous re- have been waiting for the last
Task Force on Media Security cords” of the cases. decade,” he added.
(PTFoMS) expressed optimism The “voluminous” records A total of 58 people, including
on Friday that the court will include 165 volumes of records 32 journalists and media work-
rule in favor of the families of of proceedings, 65 volumes of ers, were on their way to the
victims of the 2009 Maguin- transcripts of stenographic Commission on Elections’ lo-
danao massacre. notes, and eight volumes of the cal office to witness the filing of
“We expect that justice will prosecution’s documentary ev- candidacy of then Buluan vice
ultimately prevail for the vic- idence. mayor Esmael Mangudadatu
tims and their families,” Presi- The verdict was supposed to for 2010 gubernatorial race Maguindanao massacre site in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
dential Communications Oper- be released on or before No- when they were flagged and PCOO
ations Office Secretary Martin vember 20, but the Supreme killed by gunmen in Ampatuan
Andanar, co-chairperson of the Court extended it until Decem- town in Maguindanao on No- sure to the “worst case of elec- President Duterte’s legacy, that
PTFoMS, said in a statement. ber 20. vember 23, 2009. tion-related violence.” one of the most despicable acts
Andanar’s statement came PTFoMS co-chairperson, Multiple murder cases were “We cannot help but be against journalists in the histo-
after the Supreme Court has Undersecretary Joel Egco was filed against Datu Andal Am- amazed at the dedication of the ry of the world will finally come
granted the 30-day extension hopeful that the families of the patuan, the principal accused men and women of the law en- to a close during his term,” he
of the deadline requested by victims would finally get jus- in the case, and 196 co-accused. forcement units, prosecutors, added.
the Quezon City Regional Tri- tice, a decade after the mass Egco attributed the impend- and most especially, the Presi- Justice Secretary Menardo
al Court (RTC) to rule on the murder in Maguindanao. ing conclusion of the Magu- dential Task Force on Media Se- Guevarra, who also chairs the
multiple murder case against “It is worth the wait. What indanao massacre case to the curity, whose passion for their PTFoMS, earlier expressed
nearly 200 individuals tagged is one month compared to 10 Duterte administration’s “po- work is exceeded only by their confidence that the prosecu-
in the massacre of 58 people in years? Lower courts usually litical will.” desire to see this case through tion would secure “a just deci-
Maguindanao province in 2009. go on Christmas break in mid- Andanar lauded those who its conclusion,” he said. sion at least as against the prin-
The High Court extended the December. So the decision may worked hard in bringing clo- “This is another addition to cipal accused.” ■
PNP to acquire 3K
body cams next year
BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD the tenure of retired top cop
CALIWAN and now Senator Ronald “Bato”
Philippine News Agency dela Rosa.
Congress allotted PHP334
million for the body cameras.
MANILA — The Philippine Na- In the first round of bidding,
tional Police (PNP) is planning there were eight proponents
to acquire 3,000 body camera but all of them had been dis-
units by next year as part of qualified.
transparency efforts in its vari- “So we have to revisit baka na-
ous anti-illegal drug operations. man masyado kaming strikto,
“So we will be able to use the baka naman nasobrahan iyung
body-worn cameras, 3,000 of aming standards na wala na pu-
them, plus probably, second or masa, [So we have to revisit be-
third quarter of next year,” said cause the standards might have
PNP officer-in-charge (OIC), been strict that’s why no one
Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, in a passed],” Gamboa said. CIF ACTION / FLICKR, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
press briefing in Camp Crame After revisiting their stan-

Monday. dards, PNP has set new param-
Gamboa said five suppliers eters on the specifications and
are currently undergoing post- terms of reference.
Better irrigation system can ease
qualification to meet the re-
quirements.
“Before the post-qualifica-
tion would run up to almost
Gamboa said the PNP pro- one month to check their eligi-
PH rice problem: Malacañang
curement includes accessories, bility documents and it would
video manage- also undergo a BY AZER PARROCHA problem. While China, if you go nance of necessary irrigation
ment software, functional test,” Philippine News Agency there, their production is dif- facilities.
computer serv- Gamboa said. ferent),” Panelo said in a Palace Panelo also said Agriculture
ers, storage and Gamboa said briefing. Secretary William Dar contin-
connectivity by the end of MANILA — Malacañang rec- Panelo lamented how an ues to undertake measures to
systems for the December, they ognizes the Philippines’ long- agricultural country like the solve problems confronting the
body cameras. must be able standing problem of relying on Philippines is trailing behind agriculture industry.
“The PNP will However, to obligate the rice imports to meet demand its neighbors in Southeast Asia He said Dar is competent
not only procure Gamboa said money for the but assured the public that gov- such as Thailand. enough to implement measures
body cameras that with the procurement of ernment is working to address “We recognize that problem. that will increase the country’s
but a sophisti- departmental the body cam- it. Ever since ’yan ang nagiging rice production.
cated, reliable, use of eras. This, after the latest report of problema natin. Yung mga tinu- “Secretary Dar has been ap-
and secure sys- the body He added that the United States Department ruan nating mga taga Thailand pointed there precisely because
tem which will cameras, the the cameras of Agriculture-Foreign Agri- ang gagaling. Nag-aral lang he used to head that depart-
allow complete PNP also has could be used culture Services (USDA-FAS) dito, pagkatapos, talo na tayo. ment and he was successful
system manage- to balance not just in anti- showed that the Philippines Kasi nga ever since ’yan ang during his stint, so he would be
ment, real-time, it with the illegal drug op- has emerged as the top global naging problema. Marami tay- knowledgeable on how to curb
live streaming, provisions erations but also importer of rice, beating China. ong rice land pero hindi puma- whatever problems are existing
data storage, and of the Data during check- The USDA-FAS has projected pasok yung mga tubig (That has today,” Panelo said.
backup and over- Privacy Act. points. the country’s rice imports to been our problem. The Thai we Among others, Panelo said
all connectivity Vice Presi- reach a record 3 million met- taught before are now experts. Dar made a proposal to give
and monitoring,” dent Leni Ro- ric tons (MT) by year-end—the They study here, and we lose to away additional subsidy to
Gamboa said. bredo, who is highest in the world and the them. Because ever since, that farmers who are suffering from
He added that now co-chair of highest for the country while has been our problem. We have lower palay prices as a result of
a central data the Inter-agen- China is expected to import 2.5 rice lands but water cannot en- the Rice Tariffication Law (R.A.
center (CDC), a cy Committee million MT. ter),” Panelo said. 11203) signed by the President
National Man- on Anti-Illegal Presidential Spokesperson “Kaya (That’s why) we really last February.
agement and Monitoring Cen- Drugs (ICAD), said body cam- Salvador said he was not sur- have to improve on our irriga- “The Cabinet approved that
ter (NMMC), 17 Regional Mon- eras were “indispensable” in prised by the figures admitting tion system para maganda ang (farmers subsidy),” Panelo said.
itoring Centers (RMCs) and 81 anti-illegal drug operations. that the country’s irrigation production (so that we have bet- Farmers groups have blamed
Provincial Monitoring Centers “Kami naman sa [From us in system needs improvement. ter production),” he added. the Rice Liberalization Law
(PMCs) will be built to support the] PNP, it was a demand that “I’m not surprised. China However, Panelo said farm- for the falling farm gate prices
the systems of body cameras. time, so we have to address is such a huge country. Tayo ers are already benefitting from of palay which fell to as low as
The PNP is eyeing to buy it. Binigyan kami ng pera [We naman maliit lang. Ang dami the Free Irrigation Service Act PHP7 in Central Luzon.
more protective gear to support were given money] so we have ngang reklamo ng mga farmers (R.A. 10969) signed by Presi- The Rice Tarification Law
its anti-drug operations. to come up with protocols,” natin. Wala tayong tubig, irri- dent Rodrigo Duterte last Feb- allows unlimited rice importa-
However, Gamboa said that Gamboa said. gation. ‘Yun ang nagiging prob- ruary 2018. tion, but investors must first
with the departmental use of The procurement of body lema. Samantalang sa China, The law fulfills the Presi- secure a phytosanitary per-
the body cameras, the PNP also cameras started in 2017 follow- punta ka dun, iba ang produc- dent’s promise to ensure that mit from the Bureau of Plant
has to balance it with the provi- ing the public’s doubts in the po- tion doon (We’re just a small free irrigation services are Industry and pay the 35-per-
sions of the Data Privacy Act. lice claims that the drug suspects country. Our farmers have a lot made available to poor farm- cent tariff for shipments from
The demand for body cam- killed in their operations had en- of complaints. We don’t have ers through the continued con- Southeast Asia. ■
eras was floated in 2017 during gaged them in gunfights. ■ water, irrigation. That’s the struction, repair, and mainte-
Gokongwei made ‘substantial Palace concerned

contributions’ to PH growth over abduction
BY AZER PARROCHA
of 11 Filipinos in
MANILA — Malacañang ex-
West Africa
pressed its deep condolences to
the family of tycoon John Go- BY AZER PARROCHA brought by their abductors on
kongwei Jr. who passed away Philippine News Agency board a Greek oil tanker, the
on Saturday night, remember- Elka Aristotle, 11 miles from the
ing him for his “substantial deep sea shipping port of Lome.
contributions to the country’s MANILA — Malacañang ex- A security guard was also
growth and development.” pressed concern over the ab- shot in the incident, which hap-
In a statement on Sunday, duction of 11 Filipinos in West pened about 3 a.m. (Togo time),
Presidential Spokesperson Africa, two of them were kid- the report added.
Salvador Panelo described Go- napped in Togo and nine in Be- Last Saturday, a similar ab-
kongwei, best known for his nin last week. duction took place when pirates
aviation, power generation, and “We are concerned about the boarded the Norwegian-flagged
telecom businesses, as “a vi- kidnapping and (Labor) Secre- M/V Bonita and abducted nine
sionary and pillar of the Philip- tary Bello is handling it,” Presi- of its Filipino crew members.
pine economy.” dential Spokesperson Salvador The DFA assured that the
“Our people recognize Mr. Panelo said in a Palace briefing government is “actively tack-
Gokongwei’s amazing jour- on Tuesday. ling the development of the
ney as a self-made industrial- On Monday, the Depart- case with the embassy in Abuja
ist, respected business leader, Late John Gokongwei, Jr. delivering his speech, accepting the Lifetime ment of Foreign Affairs (DFA), continuing its coordination
and generous philanthropist. Achievement Award from his Alma Mater, University of San Carlo in 2018. through its embassy in Abuja, with relevant authorities to en-
A grateful nation respects the JG SUMMIT HOLDINGS, INC./FACEBOOK received a report of another sure the safety and security of
man for the indelible legacy he piracy incident in West Africa the Filipino seafarers.”
made in the fields of business, generation worth emulating,” titans of Philippine industry that resulted in the kidnapping The Philippine government
entrepreneurship and philan- emphasizing how the late ty- and entrepreneurship.” of two Filipinos in Togo. also continues to “maintain
thropy,” Panelo said. coon was quoted urging Filipi- “His leadership, tenacity, vi- Reports showed that the un- close contact with the seafarers’
He pointed out that although nos to “never stop learning.” sion and business acumen con- identified Filipinos, along with manning agency and will pro-
he was born with a silver spoon “As we pray for the eternal re- tributed to what our economy a Greek and a Georgian, were vide updates as necessary.” ■
in his mouth, the demise of his pose of his soul, we will remem- is today. We have truly stood
father and namesake when he ber even as we will miss the on the shoulder of a giant, and
was 15-years-old removed the foresight and corporate exper- we offer our condolences to his Illegal drugs...
family from luxury and wealth. tise of Mr. Gokongwei who suc- loved ones in this time of be-
“He had to work to provide cessfully chartered unfamiliar reavement,” Nograles said.
for his family. He sold soaps, territories in business to suc- Gokongwei Jr. is founder of ❰❰ 7 “When the Presi- area are we lacking? Because
candles, and threads to earn cessfully launch new ventures the Gokongwei Group of Com- dent appointed me a lot of the agencies have been
money. From thence begun his and create an empire that made panies which covers a wide as co-chair of PDEA pouring out tremendous efforts
journey of hard range of sectors [Philippine Drug Enforcement and resources already for this
work, discipline, from food manu- Agency] in ICAD, I want to look campaign, and yet the number
creativity, per- facturing (Uni- at it as a signal that the Presi- is still that high),” she said.
severance, ac- versal Robina dent is open to listening to a Presiding her first meeting
cumulating vast His leadership, tenacity, vision and Corporation) to fresh perspective about the en- with the ICAD, Robredo pro-
business knowl- business acumen contributed to real estate (Rob- tire campaign,” she said. posed to reassess and take stock
edge and acquir- what our economy is today. insons Land), air “I also want to look at it as an of the efforts that reaped good
ing entrepre- transportation agreement that it is time for us results.
neurial acumen (Cebu Pacific), to objectively assess what we She also raised the need to
in the process, retail (Robin- have been doing over the past change people’s interpretation
until he built sons Retail Hold- years,” she added. of “Operation Tokhang” as a
a giant of a business empire,” substantial contributions to the ings Incorporated), banking Robredo said the President war against the poor.
Panelo said. country’s growth and develop- (Robinsons Bank), and petro- has, on various occasions, been “I think it is upon us, it is in-
Apart from his business en- ment,” Panelo said. chemicals (JG Petrochemicals), frustrated with the war on cumbent upon us na mabago
terprises, Panelo emphasized “Mr. Gokongwei was an ex- among others. drugs as she cited the rise in iyong kaisipan na iyon. Baka
how Gokongwei and his siblings ceptional and ideal Filipino. He was the third wealthiest the number of drug dependents panahon na para pag-isipan
established the Gokongwei He exemplifies the traits that man in the country with a net from seven to eight million last natin iyong pagpalit ng isang
Brothers Foundation where he should endow us: industrious, worth at USD5.3 billion as of February. kampanya na mas epektibo pero
donated PHP20 billion, consid- disciplined, indefatigable, cre- 2019, as estimated by Forbes “That number is staggering. walang namamatay senseless (I
ered the biggest philanthropic ative, generous, always hungry magazine. And iyong sa akin, ang gusto think it is upon us, it is incum-
endowment in Philippine his- for knowledge, grateful and The tycoon is survived by his kong maintindihan din ngayon, bent upon us to change that.
tory, to fund student scholar- never forgetting his origins, wife, Elizabeth, and his chil- saan tayo nagkukulang? Kasi Maybe it’s time for us to rethink
ships and faculty research and and most of all, a loving person dren Robina, Lance, Lisa, Faith a lot of the agencies have been a campaign that is effective
build definitive learning facili- to his family and his country,” and Hope, and Marcia; his in- pouring out tremendous effort with no one dying senselessly),”
ties. he added. laws and grandchildren; broth- and resources already for this she said. ■
Panelo said Gokongwei’s Cabinet Secretary Karlo ers Eddie and James Go, sister campaign, and yet ganoon pa din
passing “left a legacy to the Nograles, for his part, described Lily; and his nieces and neph- kataas iyong numero (For me,
Filipino nation and the coming Gokongwei as one of the “great ews. ■ I want to understand in what
PRRD certifies...
Palace slams Drilon’s baseless
❰❰ 1 generate additional
revenue to support
the effective imple-
every year thereafter.
For fermented liquor (beer)
and alcopops, SB 1074 seeks a
claim vs. ‘Build, Build, Build’
mentation of the Universal specific tax rate of PHP45 per
Health Care (UHC) Act and liter on Year 1, increasing by BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
to further protect the right to PHP10 every year until Year CARLOS
health of the people.” 4. The specific tax rate will in- Philippine News Agency
The Department of Finance crease by 10 percent every year
(DOF) has estimated that SB thereafter.
1074 would generate PHP47.9 Wine products will be MANILA — Malacañang on
billion for the UHC pro- slapped with a specific tax of Tuesday quashed the claim of
gram next year, and a total of PHP600 per liter for sparkling Senate Minority Leader Frank-
PHP356.9 billion for the pro- wines and PHP43 per liter for lin Drilon that the Duterte
gram over the next five years. still and carbonated wines. administration’s ambitious
With the certification of ur- These rates will increase by 10 “Build, Build, Build” infrastruc-
gency, there is no need to wait percent every year thereafter. ture program is a “dismal fail-
for the three-day period be- For e-cigarettes under the ure.”
tween the second and third heat-not-burn product cat- Presidential Spokesperson
readings before it gets passed. egory, Cayetano proposed to Salvador Panelo described
SB 1074, authored by Senator increase the current rates of as “baseless” the lawmaker’s
Pia Cayetano, seeks to increase PHP10 per pack of 20 to PHP45 statement that only nine of the
taxes on alcohol products per pack on Year 1 to be at par- current administration’s 75 FRANKLIN DRILON / FACEBOOK
through the following rate ad- ity with regular cigarettes. flagship infrastructure projects
justments: Distilled spirits will For vapor products, there will have started construction. Panelo gave updates on select halfway through Duterte’s six-
be imposed an ad valorem tax be a distinction between salt nic- He said President Rodrigo big-ticket infrastructure proj- year-term.
of 20 percent on the net retail otine and freebase. From PHP10 Duterte’s administration has ects of the current administra- “So we have so many proj-
price per proof and a specific per 10mL or less, salt nicotine will many key infrastructure accom- tion. ects,” the Palace official said.
tax of PHP90 per proof liter on increase to PHP45 per mL, while plishments, compared to the The Palace official said that “Kailangan tingnan niya
the first year of its implemen- freebase will increase to PHP45 past government led by former under Duterte’s watch, the con- ‘yung mga binasa ko para (He
tation, which will be increased per 10 mL on Year 1. These rates president Benigno Aquino III. struction of Light Rail Transit should look at what I’ve read
by PHP10 every year until the will increase by PHP5 every year “Senator Frank, look at the (LRT) – Line 1 Cavite exten- so) he will educate himself.
fourth year. The specific tax until Year 4 then 5 percent every administration you previously sion, LRT-2 East Extension, Kulang siguro ang information
rate will increase by 10 percent year thereafter. ■ belonged. Six years, not a sin- Metro Manila Railway (MRT) niya (Perhaps, he lacks infor-
gle infrastructure na nagawa. – Common Station, Metro Ma- mation),” he added, referring to
Malayong-malayo sa dami nila Subway, Philippine Na- Drilon.
[nang nagawa ng administras- tional Railway (PNR) Clark
yon ngayon] (Not a single infra- (Phase 1), Mindanao Railway, DPWH chief praised
structure was completed dur- Sangley Airport, and Clark Panelo said Duterte was even
ing the six-year term of the past Airport Expansion has already impressed with DPWH Secre-
administration. It’s far from the commenced. tary Mark Villar who oversees
current administration’s ac- Panelo also noted that there the implementation of the in-
complishments),” Panelo said is an ongoing rehabilitation of frastructure projects.
in a Palace press briefing. MRT-3 and Ninoy Aquino In- He said Villar received praise
“It’s baseless. Eh marami ternational Airport. from the President for showing
ngang ginagawa ang adminis- He also emphasized that an excellent performance.
trasyon, hindi lang nine (The there is an ongoing right of “Puring-puri nga si Mark Vil-
administration has started so way acquisition for PNR Clark lar ni Presidente eh. Magaling.
many infrastructure projects, (Phase 2) and PNR Bicol. Madaming nagawa. Batang-
not just nine),” he added. Meantime, PNR Calamba bata pa (Mark Villar is earn-
Around PHP9 trillion will and Subic-Clark Railway will ing praises from the President.
be earmarked for around 75 have to go through bidding pro- He’s doing a great job. He has
big-ticket infrastructure proj- cess, Panelo said. done many accomplishments
ects that are expected to be Panelo also mentioned the at a young age),” the Palace of-
implemented until the end of Department of Public Works ficial said.
Duterte’s term in 2022. and Highways’ (DPWH) com- “The fact remains na maram-
pletion of 9,845 kilometers of ing (that there are many in-
Drilon needs to ‘educate’ road, 7,909 bridges, 4,536 flood frastructure) projects [under
himself control projects, 82 evacuation Duterte’s leadership],” he add-
ALBERT ALCAIN / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO To dispute Drilon’s claim, centers, and 71,803 classrooms, ed. ■
Completion of 38 flagship projects targeted

in 2022: BCDA
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA- remaining 40 percent would be Among the completed proj-
CARLOS completed “beyond 2020.” ects are North Luzon Express-
Philippine News Agency Of the 100 big-ticket infra- way Harbor Link Segment
structure projects, 35 are un- 10, Davao del Norte’s Gover-
derway, 32 will commence con- nor Miranda Bridge, Laguna
MANILA — Around 38 of the struction in the next six to eight Lake Highway, Isabela’s Pigalo
100 flagship infrastructure months, 21 are in the advanced Bridge, Tarlac–Pangasinan–La
projects are targeted to be com- stages of government approv- Union Expressway-Pozorrubio,
pleted by the end of President al, and the remaining 12 are in Bohol-Panglao International
Rodrigo Duterte’s term in 2022, advanced stages of feasibility Airport, Cagayan de Oro Pas-
the head of Bases Conversion study, Dizon said. senger Terminal, Communica-
and Development Authority Dizon said roughly PHP4.3 tions Navigations System/Air
(BCDA) said on Wednesday. trillion, or half of the PHP9 tril- Traffic Management, and New
“In the list of 100 [infrastruc- lion that will be earmarked for Clark City Phase 1A, Dizon not-
ture projects], this is our esti- the infrastructure program, ed.
mation, give or take, this is what will be spent for the implemen- “There is a lot of activity in
we believed we can achieve: tation of the flagship projects. construction, and in particular,
38 out of the 100, roughly 40 Last Tuesday, Senate Mi- a lot of activity in public sector
percent,” BCDA president and nority Leader Franklin Drilon construction, meaning, in gov- BCDA Pres Vivencio Dizon. CHERIE JOYCE V. FLORES / PIA 3
CEO Vivencio Dizon said in a claimed the Duterte admin- ernment construction or gov-
weekly Palace economic brief- istration’s ambitious “Build, ernment projects,” he said. added. showed “dismal” performance
ing. Build, Build” program is a “dis- “So I just want to empha- in boosting the infrastructure
Dizon, who concurrently mal failure.” size the point: Is ‘Build, Build, Numbers don’t lie sector.
serves as Presidential Adviser At the press conference, Di- Build’ a failure? Absolutely Contrary to Drilon’s alle- Dizon noted that from 2016
for Flagship Programs and zon debunked the senator’s not. And the number speaks for gation that only nine of the to 2018, the Duterte adminis-
Projects, said 22 out of 100 key claim, emphasizing the current themselves. Construction is up. “Build, Build, Build” projects tration has already spent near-
infrastructure projects were administration has so far com- Public spending on infrastruc- have started construction, Di- ly PHP1 trillion, compared to
“partially operational or sub- pleted several infrastructure ture is up. And this has led to a zon said it was the previous
stantially completed,” while the projects. faster economic growth,” Dizon Aquino government which ❱❱ PAGE 33 Completion of
VP, US execs discuss potential

programs vs. illegal drugs
BY JOYCE ANN L. said the two parties discussed try.
ROCAMORA the current state of US-Phil- Last May, at least 52 officers
Philippine News Agency ippines counter-narcotics co- from the Philippine National
operation as well as “ongoing Police, the Philippine Drug
and potential US government- Enforcement Agency, the Bu-
MANILA — Vice President Leni funded programs to assist the reau of Jail Management and
Robredo on Wednesday dis- Philippine government efforts Penology, the Philippine Pub-
cussed with US officials ongo- in drug demand reduction.” lic Safety College, and Xavier
ing and future projects between Although future US-funded University attended special-
Washington and Manila in ad- programs have been discussed ized training on substance use
dressing the illegal drug trade during the meeting, Fabrikant, disorders, with the goal to pro-
in the country. in a separate text message, said vide the criminal justice sector
US Embassy in Manila’s press there had been “no commit- with an evidence-based, public
attaché Heather Fabrikant con- ments made”. health approach to reducing
firmed to the media that Robre- As this is the first meeting drug demand.
do and officers from relevant between the US officials and The training was a compo-
SUPPLIED US agencies met in Quezon Robredo as the co-chair of the nent of the Embassy’s com-
City upon the Vice President’s Inter-Agency Committee on prehensive program on drug
Will JakBie... request. Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD), no demand reduction covering
Fabrikant said the interagen- areas of focus on the potential prevention, treatment, recov-
cy US government working- programs have been identified ery, and policy development. ■
❰❰ 23 finally get his chance Kapuso viewers from across the level delegation was comprised yet.
to win Yummy’s heart globe can also catch their fa- of officers from the US Federal “That is what the meeting
and will Yummy real- vorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s Bureau of Investigation, Drug was about. Stay tuned,” Fabri-
ize what real love is? international channels GMA Pi- Enforcement Agency, the De- kant said.
Don’t miss the thrilling end- noy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA partment of State and US Agen- In the past, Washington
ing of ”Wagas: Wait Lang…Is News TV International. For cy for International Develop- and Manila have worked on
this Love?” this week, before the program guide, visit www. ment. strengthening drug demand re-
Eat Bulaga on GMA-7. ■ gmapinoytv.com. In a statement, Fabrikant duction initiatives in the coun-
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 Canada News 19
Survey reveals antibiotic

misuse among
British Columbians
RICHMOND, BC — The escalating aware that unnecessary antibiotic use
threat of antimicrobial resistance is a na- and misuse directly contributes to the
tional public health concern which has rise in resistant bacteria.
jeopardized the effectiveness of some “The act of taking antibiotics incor-
commonly prescribed antibiotics, con- rectly goes beyond your own medicine
tributing to the rise of superbugs. While cabinet. It has widespread impact for
most British Columbians say they have entire populations of people and for fu-
a strong understanding of how antibiot- ture generations because it compromis-
ics should be used and the importance es our ability to treat infectious diseases
of taking them correctly as prescribed, a and contributes to the rise in rise in re-
new poll conducted by Insights West on sistant bacteria,” says Gianni Del Negro.
behalf of London Drugs finds that many Pharmacy Manager at London Drugs.
admit to using them incorrectly. Canadian Antibiotic Awareness Week,
Centennial College Morningside Campus. WILYD / WIKIPEDIA, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, PUBLIC DOMAIN One in five (19%) say they have which runs November 12 to 18, is a na-
stopped using antibiotics before the pre- tional campaign that aims to put a spot-
Canada’s Centennial scription was finished, as soon as they

stopped experiencing symptoms. A fur-
ther twelve per cent say they have used
light on unnecessary antibiotic use that
is contributing to a rise in resistant bac-
teria, making infections much harder,
College opens office in PH leftover antibiotics to treat a new symp-

tom or illness. About one in ten (7%)
admit to using antibiotics prescribed
and some impossible to treat. The event
coincides with World Antibiotic Aware-
ness Week, led by global champions for
to someone else or acquiring antibiot- the responsible use of antibiotics.
BY JOYCE ANN L. ROCAMORA to four years in Canada. The living ex- ics without a prescription from some- “Particularly as we head into cold and
Philippine News Agency penses is around 15,000 Canadian dol- where other than a pharmacy. Despite
lars a year,” she said. this, most British Columbians (91%) are ❱❱ PAGE 22 Survey reveals
“This is much more reasonable than
MANILA — The Centennial College, one most countries so Canada is a great
of the oldest state colleges established in place to study from a financial point of
Ontario, Canada launched on Thursday view. It’s a safe place to study and it’s a
its first representative office in Makati diverse population,” she added.
City to increase presence in one of its Among others, Canada also offers as-
top markets in Asia. sistance for graduates who seek to pur-
“Canada and the Philippines have a sue employment in the state.
long relationship and we’ve always had “Canada’s known for working togeth-
an interest in having er with the govern-
students from the ment and the indus- Are you an
Philippines to study try so we have a very Internationally
in Canada. We start- high employment
ed with 86 students rate when students Trained Professional
several years ago, This is graduate,” she said. in need of financial
and we’ve had huge much more Scott Allison,
percent increase reasonable than chair of the Centen- support for your
since,” said Virginia most countries nial College Board of Foreign Credential
Macchiavello, associ- so Canada is a Governors, affirmed
ate vice president of great place to that their strategy is Recognition?
Centennial College study from a attracting students
International Educa- financial point to study in Canada
For more information contact:
tion, told reporters of view. “but also to have the
on the sidelines of its opportunity to help 778-372-6609
Manila office’s inau- them stay in Canada globaltalentloans@issbc.org
issbc.org/globaltalentloans
guration. if they choose for a
According to Mac- period of time.” Global Talent Loans program
chiavello, there are Aside from Cen- is delivered in partnership with
over 800 Filipino students studying tennial College, two other institutions, Funded in part by the Government
across its programs at the Centennial namely, Fanshawe College and Fleming
of Canada’s Foreign Credential
Recognition Program
College, with most particularly inter- College are also holding office at the Co-
ested in the health, community services, rinthian Plaza in Makati City. The new-
and business areas. ly-launched office of Centennial College
From the financial point of view, she will serve as an information hub to Fili-
said education in Canada is more “rea- pinos interested in continuing educa-
sonable” than other countries. The aver- tion in Canada.
age program, which is one year in length, At present, the Philippines is the third
costs about 16,000 Canadian dollars. largest market of the Centennial College
Global Talent Loans Program
“There’s a range of options for stu- International Education next to India
dents to study anywhere from one year and China. ■
20 NOVEMBER 15, 2019 FRIDAY
Catch our daily news round-up
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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 Canada News 21
Government of Canada
honours the national historic
significance of the Park House
CONSIDERED ONE of the old- scended people in the Detroit tary Club purchased it and saved
est houses in southwestern On- River region. it from potential demolition. In
tario, the Park House is a rare The combined dwelling and May 1972, the Park house was
example of a once-common warehouse had several own- rolled to its current site at the
colonial building type found ers over the years who were in- corner of Dalhousie and Rankin
in settlements and fur-trading volved in river-based trade be- streets where it has operated
posts across colonial North tween the 1790s and mid-1800s. successfully as a museum.
America. Although the precise date of its The designation of historical
Today, Dr. Richard Alway, construction is unknown, it has sites such as Park House reflect
Chair of the Historic Sites and long been contended that its the rich and varied heritage of
Monuments Board of Canada Loyalist owners floated it down our country and provides an op-
ADRIANA LAGRANGE / FACEBOOK and representative for Ontario, the Detroit River to Upper Can- portunity for Canadians to con-
commemorated the national ada when the British ceded De- nect with their diverse history.
UCP reveals plan historic significance of the Park

House with a plaque unveiling
ceremony in Amherstburg, On-
troit to the Americans in 1796.
In 1823, it was purchased by the
Park family, and would remain
The Government of Canada,
through the Historic Sites and
Monuments Board of Canada,
to attack and tario.

This 18th century house
with its French-framed pote-
in the family for over 100 years,
earning its namesake. Between
1881 and 1936, it was home to
commemorates the signifi-
cant people, places, and events
that shaped our country as one
defund public and aux-en-coulisse (grooved post)

construction, asymmetrical
design, centre-passage plan,
Theodore Park, who was a lo-
cal physician and expanded the
house to include a waiting room
way of helping Canadians and
youth connect with their past.
The commemoration process is
Catholic education and distinctive roof profile, is

the material expression of the
physical, cultural, and econom-
and an office for his practice.
The house went through a peri-
od of having short-term tenants
largely driven by public nomi-
nations. To date, more than
2,150 designations have been
ic mobility of the French-de- until Hazen Price and the Ro- made. ■
EDMONTON — Members of the to set UCP policy, and Alberta
United Conservative Party are parents have every reason to
calling for a “voucher system” believe it will become law.”
that will strip public and Catho- LaGrange’s upcoming legis-
lic schools districts of funding. lation comes as the UCP cuts
Comelec deactivates over
This policy resolution, listed on hundreds of millions of dol-
page 51 of the upcoming UCP lars from public and Catholic
AGM agenda, schools to pay for
300K overseas voters
comes just be- their $4.7-billion
fore Education corporate hand- BY FERDINAND PATINIO
Minister Adriana out. LaGrange Philippine News Agency
LaGrange plans continues to dis-
to introduce her Alberta parents honestly deny
“Choice in Edu- should know these cuts, even MANILA — Over 300,000
cation Act.” this is a scheme as educational overseas voters have been de-
“Alberta par- to divert more assistants and activated for failure to partici-
ents should public money teachers are be- pate in two electoral exercises,
know this is a into private ing laid off. the Commission on Elections
scheme to di- schools and In Alberta’s (Comelec) reported on Tuesday.
vert more public homeschooling. largest school Comelec-Office for Overseas
money into pri- districts, class- Voting (OFOV) Director Elaiza
vate schools and es are getting David said as of Nov. 8, a total of
homeschooling,” crowding, bus 313,101 voters abroad have been
said Sarah Hoff- times are getting removed from the overseas vot-
man, Official Op- longer, and stu- ers list.
position Critic for Education dents with complex needs are “After due deliberation of the ELMER B. DOMINGO - OWN WORK, CC BY-SA 3.0
and MLA for Edmonton-Gle- losing their supports. A vouch- list of overseas voters whose
nora. “It’s an American-style er system would make these registration records were due The OFOV has been directed nounced that the registration
system that is failing students problems even more severe. for deactivation, the Board re- to remove from the overseas period for Filipino citizens
in the United States and will “This minister has proven solves and orders the deactiva- database the voting records of overseas will start next month
mean even more resources tak- again and again that she can’t tion of 313,101 overseas voters the overseas voters. for the May 2022 presidential
en out of Alberta classrooms. be taken at her word. But she who failed to vote in the 2016 It was also ordered to submit polls.
“The UCP passed a party does have an opportunity today and 2019 National and Local the updated data to the Infor- The registration will start on
resolution in 2018 calling for to commit that she will not pro- Elections, as shown in their mation Technology Depart- December 16 and will run until
the removal of protections for pose an education voucher sys- voting records,” said the order ment of the poll body. September 30, 2021.
LGBTQ2S+ students, and Min- tem in Alberta, and will speak of deactivation signed by David, She added that the deactiva- Comelec data showed there
ister LaGrange passed that into against it at her party’s conven- who is also chairperson of the tion of voters overseas will be are a total of 1,822,173 regis-
law with Bill H8,” said Hoff- tion,” Hoffman said. ■ OFOV’s Resident Election Reg- until this week. tered overseas voters in the
man. “This resolution is a call istration Board (RERB). Earlier, the Comelec an- May 2019 polls. ■
22 World News NOVEMBER 15, 2019 FRIDAY
Survey reveals...
❰❰ 19 flu season, it’s timely vide advice on which medica-

to remind British Co- tions are best suited to manage
lumbians that anti- specific symptoms. They can
biotics aren’t appropriate for also advise if they think further
all illnesses and that there are medical intervention or a pre-
both medical risks and public scription for antibiotics might
health consequences of taking be necessary,” he says adding
antibiotics haphazardly,” says that prevention is also key.
Del Negro. “You can reduce your chance
The poll highlighted some of infection with prevention
concerning misconceptions measures such as washing your
about the use hands, practicing
of antibiotics safe sex, keeping
among some in- your vaccina-
dividuals in the tions up-to-date
province includ- You can and maintain-
ing: reduce your ing a healthy
• Three in ten chance of lifestyle,” he ad-
(30%) are not infection with vises. “If you do
aware that an- prevention get an infection
tibiotics are un- measures or if you do get
necessary for such as sick, do not be
Former Bolivian President Evo Morales. EVO MORALES AYMA / FACEBOOK some common washing tempted to take
bacterial infec- your hands, leftover antibiot-
Mexico grants asylum tions.

• More than
one in five (22%)
practicing
safe sex,
keeping your
ics. Always speak
with a healthcare
provider before
to ex-Bolivian president are not aware

that antibiotics
are ineffective
vaccinations
up-to-
date and
taking any anti-
biotics and re-
turn any unused
for the flu virus. maintaining prescriptions to
PHILIPPINE NEWS said Sunday it would offer asy- sentative at the Organization • Nearly one in a healthy the pharmacy for
AGENCY lum to the ex-president, but of American States said other five (16%) are not lifestyle. safe disposal.”
Morales officially requested countries should respect Bo- aware that anti-
and was granted sanctuary livia’s election process. biotics are inef- About the
PUERTO ESCONDIDO, Mexi- Monday afternoon. “Mexico…is staying prudent fective for the survey
co -- Mexico announced Mon- Bolivia has been thrown into and respects the development common cold. Results are
day that it is granting asylum to turmoil with demonstrators of the electoral process with the • One in ten (12%) are not based on an online study con-
former Bolivian President Evo protesting the results of presi- confidence that it will be the aware that different antibiot- ducted by Insights West from
Morales, who resigned over the dential elections in October in judgment of the Bolivian peo- ics are prescribed for different August 22nd to 28th, 2019
weekend amid protests over ir- which Morales declared victory ple [to decide the outcome],” infections or illnesses; they are among a representative sam-
regularities in last month’s for the fourth time. said Mexican representative not a “one size fits all” drug. ple of 624 British Columbian
presidential elections. Following the elections, pro- Luz Elena Banos Rivas. When it comes to some win- adults. The data has been sta-
“Mexico has decided to grant testers took to the streets, say- Mexican President Andres ter illnesses affecting the nose, tistically weighted according
[Morales] asylum on humani- ing there were inconsistencies Manuel Lopez Obrador has also throat, ears, throat or lungs, Del to Canadian census figures for
tarian grounds. In Bolivia, his with the results. Due to the pro- spoke in favor of Morales. He Negro says it is important to re- age, gender and region. The
life and his integrity are in dan- tests, Morales resigned Sunday. applauded the former Bolivian member that over-the-counter margin of error—which mea-
ger,” Foreign Secretary Marcelo From the beginning, Mexico president on Twitter for step- medicines can often alleviate sures sample variability—is
Ebrard said in a press confer- was one of the more support- ping down instead of “exposing symptoms without the use of +/- 3.92 percentage points. Dis-
ence. ive countries for Morales. In his people to violence.” ■ antibiotics. crepancies between totals are
The Mexican government October, the Mexican repre- “Your pharmacist can pro- due to rounding. ■
Bolivian President Evo Morales steps down

PHILIPPINE NEWS fighting for Bolivian democ- “This doesn’t end here,” he In a televised statement, manipulation of the voting sys-
AGENCY racy. asserted. Army chief Williams Kaliman tem.
Morales said he made the Vice President Alvaro Garcia urged Morales to resign in or- Morales received 47.8 per-
decision so his political rivals Linera also resigned after the der to restore security in the cent of the vote and secured
ANKARA — Bolivian President would stop harming the fami- military’s intervention. country. victory in the first round of the
Evo Morales resigned Sunday, lies and properties of members He accused “dark and foreign Earlier in the day, Morales polls.
shortly after the head of the of the ruling Movement for So- powers” of orchestrating the called for new elections to ad- Carlos Mesa, leader of the
country’s armed forces called cialism (MAS). coup. dress allegations of voting ir- main opposition Revolutionary
on him to step down. He said the call for him to re- The vice president, who be- regularities. Left Front party, said he would
“I resign my post as presi- sign was a coup and slammed came emotional during his Bolivia has been mired in po- not recognize Morales’ victory,
dent,” Morales said in a tele- those who targeted democracy speech, said their government litical unrest following alleged claiming there was “fraud” in
vised address. and social peace in the country. had nationalized natural re- irregularities in presidential the vote count.
During his speech, he He went on to say that he sources and significantly im- elections held Oct. 20, in which Morales has been president
slammed the “capitalist sys- would continue fighting for proved the living conditions of international monitoring orga- since 2006. ■
tem” and vowed to continue peace and equality. millions of Bolivians. nizations claimed to have found
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 World News 23
Moon asks OANA GMA Network’s election advocacy

agencies to continue ‘Pusuan Ang Totoo’ wins Silver
support for Korea peace in Asian Digital Media Awards
PHILIPPINE NEWS reached in Bangkok earlier this For inspiring Filipino voters The Eleksyon 2019 website “Stand on Issues” enabled neti-
AGENCY week during his trip there, rep- to stand for what is true, to fight on GMA News Online included zens to choose their senatorial
resents a “very important op- corruption and disinformation, news and videos of the election candidates, and simulate how
portunity” for the expansion of and choose leaders who will coverage and voter’s guides— these choices would affect the
SEOUL — President Moon Jae- free trade in the region and co- truly serve the country during including profiles of each sen- legislative agenda of the Senate
in on Thursday asked for con- prosperity. the 2019 Midterm Elections— atorial candidate; video and if these candidates won.
tinued attention and support “It is also a great achieve- GMA News and Public Affairs’ reports from Debate 2019; and “The ‘Pusuan Ang Totoo’
for the Korea peace process ment in that it will serve as a Eleksyon 2019 advocacy cam- demographic data on the elec- campaign highlights the com-
from Asia-Pacific news agen- very important stepping stone paign, ”Pusuan ang Totoo,” torate. Netizens were also able mitment of GMA News and
cies, as he greeted their repre- for moving toward a reciprocal earned a Silver prize for “Best to access comprehensive re- Public Affairs to our mantra
sentatives at Cheong Wa Dae. and open trade system, eco- Marketing Campaign for News sults for the national and local of Serbisyong Totoo especially
“Peace on the Korean Peninsu- nomic development without Brand” at the 2019 Asian Digi- races, with features such as heat in the digital age. The need for
la is a starting point for achieving gaps and an economic commu- tal Media Awards. maps, local-level performances discernment and critical think-
a peace community of co-pros- nity,” Moon said. “Pusuan ang Totoo” takes in- of senatorial candidates, and ing is paramount amid all the
perity,” Moon said in a meeting It also conforms with the spiration from netizens’ behav- smart search for the best expe- misinformation that spreads
with the heads of 32 news agen- spirit of people-centered pros- ior of “liking” or “heart-ing” riences for users. on online platforms, especially
cies from 28 countries. perity which the South Korean (thus the term “pusuan” or “to The campaign also included during election season,” said
They gathered in Seoul for a government is pursuing under heart”) posts they like on social the video series “YouScoo- Marissa Flores, GMA Network
regular general assembly of the the New Southern Policy and media. As the country faced pAsks” which saw how citizen Senior Vice President for News
Organization of Asia-Pacific the New Northern Policy, he another election season, GMA journalism allowed netizens to and Public Affairs.
News Agencies (OANA). added. Moon made a three-day News and Public Affairs asked submit a question that senato- “With the internet becoming
Moon noted that the wire visit to the Thai capital for the viewers and netizens to “heart” rial candidates were asked to a bigger part of Filipinos’ me-
services have dispatched news Asean Plus Three summits, the the truth by being responsible answer directly. dia diet, it’s important to have
on peace efforts, which began East Asia Summit session and voters last May. Filipino social media influ- trustworthy sources for news
with the 2018 PyeongChang an RCEP summit. On top of encouraging voters encer Dante Gulapa was also and information to help people
Winter Olympics in earnest, to He reminded the partici- to exercise critical thinking in tapped for DantEleksyon – a make the right choices,” added
the entire world. pants of South Korea’s plan to choosing their candidates, the video series explaining the in- Jaemark Tordecilla, Assistant
They conveyed “historic host a special commemorative campaign also asked Filipinos tricacies of the voting process Vice President for News and
scenes,” including three rounds summit with Association of to be more discerning in their in a lighthearted, funny way Public Affairs Digital Media.
of inter-Korean summits last Southeast Asian Nations (Ase- sources of information—espe- intended to reach younger and The award was received by
year, U.S. President Donald an) and a separate summit with cially on social media—urging more ‘masa’ voters. GMA News Social Media Man-
Trump’s crossing over the Mili- Mekong nations in Busan late them to choose the news that is GMA News and Public Affairs ager Justin Joyas in behalf of
tary Demarcation Line into this month. true, as opposed to fake news. once again made the “MyKodi- GMA News and Public Affairs.
North Korea and a trilateral “It will be a meaningful As part of the “Pusuan ang go” app available to allow voters Presented by the World As-
Panmunjom meeting involving event” to discuss ways for the Totoo” advocacy, GMA News to practice filling out election sociation of News Publishers,
North Korean leader Kim Jong- drastic development of rela- and Public Affairs Digital Me- ballots and generate sample Asian Digital Media Awards rec-
un, Moon said. tions between South Korea and dia developed several tools to ballots for their use on election ognizes “Asian publishers who
“There are still many hurdles its future partners for win-win help Filipino voters “heart” the day. have delivered unique and origi-
to overcome, but (peace) is the growth, he added. truth. Another vote stimulator tool, nal digital media projects.” ■
way (we) must go,” he said. “I They included Yonhap News
believe your attention and sup- Agency CEO Cho Sung-boo and
port will be of big help.”
Moon said a deal on the Re-
gional Comprehensive Eco-
delegates from China’s Xinhua
News Agency, Japan’s Kyodo
News and Russia’s TASS news
Will JakBie realize
nomic Partnership (RCEP), agency. ■
which love is real in Wagas?
WILL THE long wait be over Yummy. It seems Walang Kapares is
for Yummy (Barbie Forteza) To get her revenge, Sandie facing more problems. One cus-
and Eugene (Jak Roberto) that reveals everything—from the tomer complains that a cock-
they will finally find their way original plan to have Yummy roach is supposedly in the bowl
to each other’s hearts or will fall for Cedrick so that they can of pares that has been served.
Sandie (Ashley Ortega) and Ce- sabotage Walang Kapares to The bad news does not end
drick (Kristoffer Martin) keep the fact that everything was or- here. Walang Kapares catches
the two away from their happy chestrated by Rex (Rey PJ Abel- fire and Yummy’s life is put in
ending? lana). danger.
Viewers are excited to find Yummy and her aunts, Tita Will Yummy get to turn their
out the answers to these ques- Gloria (Yayo Aguila) and Tita lives around or will another
tions as ”Wagas: Wait Lang…Is Sonya (Tina Paner), cannot be- misfortune befall her?
this Love?” airs its finale this lieve that they played right into With all these devastating
week. the hands of Rex. What’s worse news, Eugene is quick to be
Sandie is fuming after discov- is that Tita Gloria and Tita So- right by Yummy’s side. Will he
ering that Cedrick has already nya even had misunderstand-
SK President Moon Jae-in. @THEBLUEHOUSEENG / TWITTER developed true feelings for ings before because of Rex. ❱❱ PAGE 18 Will JakBie
24
Entertainment
A new Heussaff is on the way!
BY BEA KIRSTEIN T. Erwan posted the same video
MANALAYSAY with the caption “5/9” which
Philippine Canadian Inquirer could be a hint but no other de-
tails were given as of writing.
It was in 2011 when Erwan
IT WAS supposed to be a regu- and Anne became a couple and
lar Sunday for most people, but they finally tied the knot six
it became a special one when years after.
Anne Curtis just dropped the
news that she and her husband ‘Buwis-buhay’
Erwan Heussaff are anticipat- Anne as one of the prominent
ing a new member of the family. faces of Kapamilya noontime
Anne’s preggy news came a show, It’s Showtime, is known
bit more subtle than your usual for many trademarks other
“We have a baby” announce- than her lips and singing as sub-
ments, when she uploaded a jects of jokes by her co-hosts.
video on Instagram, captioned, Included in the Annebisyosa
“I think you should know some- package is her top-tier perfor-
thing… Another reason to love mances especially in the show’s
November.” annual Magpasikat.
Playing “Nothing’s Gonna It’s Showtime just celebrated
Hurt You Baby” by Cigarette its 10th year anniversary this @ANNECURTISSMITH / INSTAGRAM
After Sex in the background, October and Anne and her team
the video started as artistic and once again wowed the madling the online waves, many neti- cried’ when Anne told them the stunts for their Sampu-Sample
romantic as it can be in a sense people with her stunts. For zens were shocked, worried for news before revealing it to the performance that was just two
with carefully chosen shots. It this year, the performance was her and her baby’s safety. world of social media. weeks ago. Despite this, he,
is in the latter part of the video circus-inspired which involved In an interview with One- “Natakot kami (We were however, emphasized that he
though that Anne’s baby bump lifting, leg stretching, and being MusicPH, Vhong Navarro, one scared),” Vhong said in the is happy for his co-host and her
was given emphasis as she re- spun in a giant iron wheel. of her co-hosts, admitted that same interview, referring to her husband. ■
moves her coat. So when her pregnancy hit ‘they (It’s Showtime hosts) buwis-buhay rehearsals and
Kara David revisits former case studies in “Sa Mata ng Bata”

SINCE SHE started in 2002, malasakit sa bansang ito,” she While in her documentary “Sa once again meet Jonel, Charlie, program.
award-winning broadcast jour- says, adding, “I realize na doon Mata Ni Ekang” in 2007, Kara Edrian, and Ekang. “Hindi ko magagawa ang la-
nalist and I-Witness host Kara sa kasuluk-sulukan ng Pilipinas saw the world through the eyes “It’s [also] our way of cel- hat ng ito if my whole team is not
David has done numerous doc- kung saan wala masyadong ac- of then three-year old Ekang, ebrating their lives kasi hindi invested in this show. It’s totally
umentaries and closest to her cess to electricity, walang access whose father was a robber, naman magtatagumpay at ma- a team effort. Kami (hosts) lang
heart are those that tackled is- to basic services, grabe ang mga her mother a drug runner, and mamayagpag ang I-Witness ang mukha, kami lang ang bo-
sues on child labor. Kara told tao, buhay na buhay ang mala- her grandmother a former sex kung hindi papayag ang mga ses, kami lang ang nagsusulat
touching stories about children sakit nila sa isa’t isa.” worker turned pimp. tao na magbahagi ng kanilang ng voice over—pero hindi kami
who chose to work at an early As part of I- storya sa amin,” yung I-Witness. I-Witness is
age, instead of going to school Witness’ 20th says Kara of this everybody. From the PA to the
or playing. a n n i v e r s a r y, anniversary spe- cameraman to the editors, di-
Doing documentaries for I- Kara David goes cial. “We owe I- rectors, executive producers—
Witness has made a big impact back to some of Witness to these everyone,” she ended.
to Kara’s life. “Lagi kasing si- the stories she I-Witness is everybody. From the PA people. Sila ang Join Kara this Saturday (No-
nasabi ng mga tao na nababago did years ago. to the cameraman to the editors, tunay na I-Wit- vember 9) as she revisits some
ang buhay ng mga case study Kara first met directors, executive producers— ness. Sila ang tu- of the documentaries her team
dahil sa ginagawa ng media sa Jonel when she everyone. nay na lifeline ng produced over the years. I-
kanila,” Kara said. “Pero ang made the docu- programang ito Witness airs after Studio 7 on
hindi nare-realize ng mga tao is mentary “Gin- kasi wala kam- GMA-7. ■
that nababago rin ang buhay na- tong Putik” seven ing mailalabas sa
min because of them (case stud- years ago. Back telebisyon kung Kapuso viewers from across the
ies), because of their stories.” then, he made a living by div- After many years, have they wala sila.” globe can also catch their fa-
Kara revealed that it was ing in a mud pit in the hopes of finally escaped the harsh world Kara also want the viewers vorite Kapuso shows via GMA’s
because of I-Witness that she getting bits of gold. In her docu- that took away their childhood? to recognize the people behind international channels GMA Pi-
decided to put up her founda- mentary “Pulo’t Pukyutan” last As I-Witness celebrates its the camera who made I-Wit- noy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA
tion. “Dahil pinagkatiwalaan 2014, Kara met brothers Charlie 20th anniversary, Kara sets out ness to be what it is now—the News TV International. For
nila ako with their stories, nag- and Edrian who climbed trees on a journey to Cavite, Batan- country’s longest-running and the program guide, visit www.
karoon ako ng mas malalim na to collect honey from beehives. gas, and Camarines Norte to award-winning documentary gmapinoytv.com.
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 Entertainment 25
Morissette Amon on walking out of Kiel Alo’s

concert: ‘Please let me start by saying sorry’
BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA support, not just these past couple of
Philippine Canadian Inquirer days but earlier on this year, during this
particularly painful season of my life,”
she said.
FILIPINA SINGER Morissette Amon The 23-year-old singer also assured
finally spoke up after drawing flak from those who are concerned about her
some netizens for walking out of a con- emotional and spiritual well-being that
cert where she was a guest performer. she is trying her best to have a “sense of
Through posting Instagram stories balance and stability.”
on Monday, November 11, the singer “I feel for all those who are going
apologized to talent manager Jobert Su- through the same thing and just want
caldito and his talent Kiel Alo for back- to remind you, as I have been reminded,
ing out of the latter’s concert minutes that we are not alone,” Amon said.
before her turn to appear on the stage. Reacting to the public apology, Su-
This prompted Sucaldito, who was the caldito expressed his gratitude to the
concert’s producer, to issue a mid-show singer for acknowledging her mistake.
apology to the audience. “With this Morissette, anak pa rin kita
“Took some time to process things de- (you are still my child). I am praying that
spite the schedules before me, but with after this, everything will be okay for you
much prayer and as I have never done healthwise, mentally and emotionally,”
this before, please let me start by saying he wrote on a Facebook post.
sorry,” Amon wrote. Morissette Amon. @ITSMORISSETTE/ INSTAGRAM “Hindi ako marunong magtanim ng
“To Tito Jobert and Kiel Alo who was galit sa mga taong umaamin ng pag-
celebrating his birthday concert at the Apart from these, Dumaual also asked who, she said, “was only doing his job kukulang nila (I do not know how to
Music Museum that night, what I’ve Amon about her relationship with her and values it as much as I do mine.” keep grudges to people who admit their
done was out of character but I still do family. It can be recalled that Amon’s fa- She asked the public to pray for her shortcomings) – that doesn’t make them
take full responsibility,” she added. ther publicly expressed his disapproval and her family as they attempt to resolve less of human beings,” he added.
The “Asia’s Phoenix” explained what of his daughter’s relationship with sing- the issue between them. Putting the issue behind, the talent
made her suddenly withdraw as the er Dave Lamar. “I am overwhelmed though by those manager told the singer that they should
guest performer, saying she was “trig- “This private matter is something I who reached out to me with love and “move forward for a better tomorrow.” ■
gered” by an interview minutes before purposely did not want to openly share
the concert began. for fear that healing might not prosper
The singer was referring to her inter- between us. The moment got the best of
PSYCHIC
view with ABS-CBN News’ Mario Du- me, and it wasn’t fair to those who ex-
maual, where she shared her thoughts pected me to come out on stage as one
regarding her participation in Alo’s con- of the concert’s guests that evening,” she
cert and her advice for aspiring singers, explained.
FAITH
as shown in the video by ABS-CBN. Amon also apologized to Dumaual
Iranian beauty queen

granted refugee status in PH Reader, Healer and Adviser
BY BENJAMIN PULTA ed November 6, the Department of Jus- TELL PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
Philippine News Agency tice (DOJ) informed Bahari that she is
“recognized as a refugee under the 1951
Convention relating to the Status of Ref- specializes on removing all types negative
MANILA — An Iranian beauty queen ugees and its 1967 Protocol.” energy, bad luck and evil influences
seeking asylum in the Philippines has Under the terms of the notice, Bahari
been granted refugee status and is now is entitled to the issuance and stamp-
allowed to go out of the Ninoy Aquino ing of 47(b) visa on the passport, the helps in all life problems such
International Airport (NAIA). issuance of an alien certification of reg- as love life, business matters,
Bahareh Zare Bahari, who repre- istration (ACR)-I card free from pay-
sented Iran at the 2018 Miss Intercon- ment of alien registration and immigra- immigration and family issues
tinental pageant in Manila, and who tion fees.
has studied dentistry in the Philippines “If you intend to work, this Office can A l l i n P r i v a t e a n d C o n fi d e n t i a l
since 2014, has been held for a week at provide you a certification for exemp-
the airport after Iran sought an Interpol tion on Alien Work Permit from the De- Call today for a better tomorrow
Red Notice on her for assault charges. partment of Labor and Employment,”
778-379-4070
Bahari’s counsels from Martelino Ba- the notice said. 99% OVER
cungan & Associates said their client The notice was signed by Senior State
sought temporary shelter at a local ho- Counsel Rosario Elena A. Laborte-Cue- ACCURATE 30 YRS EXP
tel. vas of the DoJ’s Refugees and Stateless
In a “notice of recognition” order dat- Persons Protection Unit (RSPPU). ■
26 Entertainment NOVEMBER 15, 2019 FRIDAY
New look of ‘Sonic the Ban of Spanish

Hedgehog’ revealed! film on Magellan’s
BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA
Philippine Canadian Inquirer
voyage up to
PEOPLE BEHIND the up-
MTRCB: Palace
coming “Sonic the Hedgehog”
movie finally won the approval BY RUTH ABBEY GITA- most complete adventures ever
of netizens, after it revealed CARLOS told. A voyage to the unknown
the new look of its furry blue Philippine News Agency that started with Magellan in
hedgehog hero with supersonic command and was conclud-
speed. ed by Juan Sebastian Elcano.
On the movie’s new trailer MANILA — The Movie and Storms, hunger, hostile tribes…
released on Tuesday, Novem- Television Review and Clas- Five ships sailed off from Se-
ber 12, our spiky hero no longer sification Board (MTRCB) has ville.”
has the “human-like” teeth and the discretion on whether or “Three years later, only one
“disproportionate” legs. This not to ban a Spanish-produced of them managed to return,
time around, Sonic looks much animated movie that allegedly bringing their adventure full
more similar to the way he was shows historical inaccuracies, circle and finally proving the
designed on the classic video Malacañang said on Thursday. planet Earth is round,” the syn-
game version. “I think that’s the jurisdiction opsis read.
If you are going to watch the of the MTRCB. Sila ang magde- The animated movie has
latest trailer, you can really tell decide noon (It will be the one to drawn flak from Filipino neti-
that a big visual change hap- Screenshot from “Sonic the Hedgehog” trailer. decide),” Presidential Spokes- zens who decried the alleged
pened. COLUMBIAPICTURESPHILS / YOUTUBE person Salvador Panelo told revisions to history.
Comparing it from the first reporters in a press conference On April 27, 1521, tribal men
look, Sonic looks more car- thought it would impossible to been taken down by the Para- when asked if the Palace plan led by Mactan valiant chief-
toonish and cuter ( just like we re-do everything in just a span mount Pictures on its YouTube to prohibit the showing of the tain Lapu-Lapu won the fight
expect from a hedgehog), with of months. channel. The old trailer, howev- Spanish film, “Elcano and Ma- against Spanish conquerors led
his bigger and rounder face and The film’s hardworking er, can still be searched online gellan, the First Voyage Around by Ferdinand Magellan.
eyes and lesser teeth. animators proved us wrong, as some netizens were able to the World,” in the Philippines. To honor Lapu-Lapu, Presi-
He also looks smaller and though, because as the great reupload it. “We will not want to preempt dent Rodrigo Duterte signed
more color-accurate. Sonic was Sonic once said, “Gotta go fast!” “Sonic the Hedgehog” re- the jurisdiction of that agency,” Republic Act 11040 on June
also seen wearing actual gloves On Twitter, Fowler, thanked volves around the story of the he added. 29, 2018, declaring April 27 as a
instead of having just white the public for their patience “world’s fastest hedgehog as A poster of the movie depicts special working public holiday
hands. and support, saying he could he embraces his new home on an animation of Lapu-Lapu de- nationwide and a special non-
It was in May when the ne- not be more excited to share the Earth,” along with his new- scribed as “[the] Philippines’ working holiday in Lapu-Lapu
tizens picked holes on Sonic’s new look of their main star. found human friend, Tom Wa- very own hero.” City, Cebu.
first look, expressing disap- “This wouldn’t have been chowski. The two friends team The poster also illustrates On May 8, 2018, the President
pointment over his “human- possible without the fans. up to stop the main antagonist, that the animated film is fea- also signed Executive Order 55,
like” teeth, and “disproportion- #SonicMovie,” he tweeted. Dr. Robotnik, from executing turing “the battle at Mactan forming the National Quincen-
ate” legs. Sonic’s character was rede- his plans for world domination. between Magellan and Lapu- tennial Committee tasked to
Since the movie director, Jeff signed along with the new trail- The movie was supposed to Lapu.” prepare a comprehensive plan
Fowler, was willing to make the er itself, although there were be released on theaters last No- The movie focuses on the ad- for the quincentennial com-
necessary changes to the pro- similar scenes there that we vember 8, but was rescheduled ventures of Magellan and Juan memoration of the arrival of
tagonist’s look, many of us have saw in the old trailer, which has in February 2020. ■ Sebastian Elcano, based on the Magellan in the Philippines, the
synopsis posted on the movie’s victory of Lapu-Lapu in the Bat-
official website. tle of Mactan, and other historic
Pharrell Williams, Reserve The synopsis of the 90-min-

ute movie read: “One of the
events from 1519 to 1522. ■
Properties and Westdale

Properties unveil an
unprecedented residential
collaboration in Toronto
TORONTO – Reserve Proper- residential development at the internationally acclaimed
ties and Westdale Properties Yonge and Eglinton, the epi- artist, musician and designer
announce an unprecedented centre of Toronto. Untitled collaborate with an extended
collaboration with Pharrell is the culmination of a multi-
Williams on a new two-tower, faceted design process that saw ❱❱ PAGE 28 Pharrell Williams CRYSTAL SKY MULTIMEDIA / FACEBOOK
27
Lifestyle
Rizal at the British Museum
BY GERONIMO SULIGUIN tel, the façade of which doubled
Philippine News Agency as Kings’ Cross station to Harry
Potter’s Platform 9 ¾.
By mid-August 1888, Rizal
MANILA — The Knights of embarked on writing the Fili-
Rizal held its 7th European pino’s glorious past. He regis-
Regional Assembly last August tered as a reader at the British
30 — September 1, 2019 in Lon- Museum on 16 August 1888. In
don, United Kingdom with the order to study books or manu-
theme “Isalin ang Rizalismo sa scripts held by the Museum, it
Gawaing Pagbabago” (Trans- was necessary to make an ap-
late Rizalism to Transforma- plication and be given permis-
tive Action). sion. Those granted admission
Area Commander Sir Alfonso were issued a ticket which had
Taguiang, Knight Grand Officer to be presented when visiting
of Rizal, was at the helm of the the Reading Room.
event.
The celebration also marked Decoding the Registry
the 130th year of publication The Registry entries are
of Dr. Jose Rizal’s Specimens numbered according to the ar-
of Tagal Folklore (May 1889), rival of the guests.
Two Eastern Fables (July 1889) Looking at the Registry, the
and his annotations of Anto- left column markings would tell
nio de Morga’s Sucesos de las us that Rizal was the 15th per- British Museum main entrance. HAM / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC BY-SA 3.0
Islas Filipinas, a product of his son to be registered on 16th Au-

numerous visits to the British gust 1888 (16/15), with 16 mark- credited as the one responsible time, it does not appear in the recognize with his Asian fea-
Museum. ing the day of the month and 15 for Rizal’s admittance to the Library’s catalogue but it does tures.
One of the activities of the as the order of registration. The British Museum. This is not not mean it is not there, if it is The library was open Mon-
7th ERA was a visit to the Brit- A34470 that appears below the surprising considering the in- there. day-Saturday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
ish Museum to view Rizal’s 16/15 is the number of Rizal’s fluence of Rost and the friend- In the main column, the en- from January to April and Oc-
Register of Admission to the application form to the Muse- ship that existed between the tries — the name and the ad- tober-December and 9 a.m. to 7
Reading Room. um while 3561 is the accession two men. dress — were written by Rizal, p.m. from May to August. It was
“I was fortunate enough to be number for the documents that To put the doubt in my mind identifying himself as a doctor a very busy place with up to 490
of assistance to the London or- he presented to request access to rest, I inquired from the Mu- (Dr.) and writing down his ad- people visiting on one day.
ganizers since I was previously to the Round Reading Room. seum who Rizal’s referee was. I dress. Rizal took advantage of the
in contact with the British Mu- These documents were likely to found out that while it was still Rizal frequented the Read- resources available at the Read-
seum while I was working on a be a reference letter and a letter necessary to submit a referee in ing Room, copying by hand the ing Room. After leaving Lon-
paper on Rizal,” he said. by Rizal making such a request. 1889, sadly, in the case of Rizal, entire Morga book and making don in early 1889 for Paris, Rizal
His previous engagements The registry did not make the application form may have annotations using available ac- continued to visit the Museum.
with the Museum led to facili- any mention who Rizal’s ref- been lost or at least no longer in counts of other scholars. For- He found its materials and col-
tating Taguiang’s request for eree was unlike in the previous the British Museum (as it is the tunately, access to the Reading lections more adequate than
the delegates of the 7th ERA to entries. For example, in the en- case with most earlier applica- Room, as the whole of the Brit- those in continental Europe. ■
see the Register. try on Karl Marx in 1850, it was tions). ish Museum, was free of charge.
Dr. Rizal arrived in London in clear who his referee was, the To date, there is no record During Rizal’s time, readers Geronimo Suliguin took post-
the last week of May 1888. On German Dr. William Plate. Dr. of who was his referee. It may, were issued with a ticket just graduate courses in historical
the 25th of May, he arrived at Plate was the same referee list- therefore, be necessary to in- once and there was not a need and diplomatic studies at Ox-
the Grand Hotel Midland, the ed on another entry, that of Dr. quire deeper from the British to renew it. ford University. He is Assistant
train’s final stop from Liver- Reinhold Rost who was Rizal’s Library if they have it as the Li- The reader’s ticket was pre- Director at the Office of the Un-
pool. The hotel is more familiar neighbor and friend at Prim- brary kept some of them when sented if the staff would not dersecretary for Migrant Work-
in today’s London as St. Pan- rose Hill. they moved out of the British recognize the person. Rizal ers’ Affairs.
cras Renaissance London Ho- Dr. Rost has always been Museum building. As of this would have been very easy to
28 Lifestyle NOVEMBER 15, 2019 FRIDAY
Pharrell Williams...
Thousands join
❰❰ 26 project team, includ-
ing architects IBI
Group and Interior
‘Takbo Para sa
Designers U31, to deliver a
new vision for residential liv-
ing. Marketing for the project
Kalikasan’ for
launched at a press conference
in Toronto’s Yonge-Dundas
Square, with sales slated to be-
Manila Bay rehab
gin in early 2020.
“It’s a tremendous honour BY MANNY BALBIN event.
to announce our collaboration Philippine News Agency Meanwhile, Villar, chairper-
with Pharrell Williams,” says son of the Senate Committee
Sheldon Fenton, President and on Environment and Natural
Chief Executive Officer, Re- CITY OF MALOLOS, BU- Resources, said DILG’s aim for
serve Properties. “The partner- LACAN — Government officials this run was to draw attention
ship was born out of a desire to as well as ordinary folks showed and support for the rehabilita-
do something really unique for their cooperation and support tion of coastal areas and pres-
Toronto and architecture as a for the rehabilitation of Manila ervation of water sources and
whole. We believe by bringing Bay by participating in the “Tak- natural resources.
in a cultural icon with vision bo Para sa Kalikasan 2” run held Manila Bay is bordered by
and ideation from outside the on Sunday at the Bulacan Sports five coastal cities of the NCR
realm of real estate it will allow Complex in this city. and coastal provinces of Bata-
us to break the mold in terms The event dubbed as “Phil- an, Pampanga, Bulacan, and
of what has traditionally been ippines Run in Support of the Cavite.
done. So far the experience has Battle for Manila Bay” was led “We are glad to have more
been off the charts and beyond by Senator Cynthia Villar as and more protectors of Manila
our expectations.” keynote speaker; Bulacan Gov- Bay, so to speak, who have been
The Grammy Award-winning SUPPLIED ernor Daniel Fernando; De- very vigilant. Leading the way
artist, producer, songwriter, partment of Environment and is the DILG which is among the
philanthropist, fashion design- the overall direction of unti- to create their own world,” ex- Natural Resources (DENR) Un- 13 agencies helping us keep Ma-
er and entrepreneur is known tled. Pharrell worked alongside plains Williams. “How could dersecretary Benny Antiporda; nila Bay clean. They are being
for high-profile collaborations, Reserve Properties, Westdale we as designers ensure the es- Department of the Interior and directed by the Supreme Court
including a capsule collection Properties, IBI Group and U31, sentials were really thought Local Government (DILG) As- through a writ of continuing
with Chanel and a long-stand- responding to everything from out and expertly crafted, but sistant Secretary for Special mandamus to rehabilitate, re-
ing relationship with Adidas the vision and materiality of delivered in a way that left ev- Concerns Marjorie N. Jalosjos; store and conserve Manila Bay.
and Human Made. Other col- the architectural facade, to the erything else up to the imagi- Presidential Communications So, they are called ‘mandamus
laborative projects include an overall interior programming nation of the person occupying Operations Office (PCOO) As- agencies,’” she added.
upcoming Youth Centre in Vir- and even the furnishing choices the space.” sistant Secretary Ramon L. Cu- Aside from DILG, the other
ginia Beach with Oppenheim for individual spaces. Untitled is another joint- aloping III, and National Youth mandamus agencies, Villar
Architecture + Design; work “The thinking and philoso- venture between Reserve Prop- Commission (NYC) chairper- said, are the DENR, Depart-
with Zaha Hadid Architects phy that ended up governing the erties and Westdale Properties, son Ryan Enriquez. ment of Education, Depart-
and the creation of the Some- whole process was less about following the sell-out success of Jalolos said the run was orga- ment of Health, Department
thing in the Water Festival. The adding items and instead focus- Line 5. With untitled, the two nized by DILG, in cooperation of Agriculture, Department of
collaboration with Reserve and ing on reducing and stripping leading Toronto-based devel- with the DENR, the provincial Public Works and Highways,
Westdale marks Pharrell’s first away to get us to the essential opers are once again returning government of Bulacan and Department of Budget and
foray into multi-residential de- core elements of the design,” to mid-town with 750 units, other government agencies, in Management, Philippine Coast
velopment. explains Shane Fenton, Chief split between two towers and a a bid to inculcate public aware- Guard, Philippine National
“The opportunity to apply my Operating Officer, Reserve joint-podium. ness in the need for strength- Police-Maritime Group, Phil-
ideas and viewpoint to the new Properties. ”Pharrell pushed us “Yonge and Eglinton is in the ened calls for action over the ippine Ports Authority, Metro-
medium of physical structures towards designing spaces that midst of a tremendous trans- bay’s rehabilitation. politan Manila Development
has been amazing,” says Wil- felt universal. Instead of dictat- formation that is unlike any- “We encourage everyone Authority, Metropolitan Wa-
liams, detailing his involvement ing a lifestyle onto our purchas- thing else happening in North to be serious and support the terworks and Sewerage System,
in the project. “Everyone at the ers and residents, we aimed to America”, says Mitchell Cohen, cleanup of Manila Bay for the and Local Water Utilities Ad-
table had a collective willing- create harmonious spaces that Chief Operating Officer, West- next generation, including Bu- ministration.
ness to be open, to be pushed, could serve as the backdrop to dale Properties. ”We were one lacan, Bataan, Pampanga, all “We are not doing this for
to be prodded and poked, to get their lives. That lens was ap- of the first to invest in the area coastal areas contributing sew- ourselves anymore but for the
to that uncomfortable place of plied throughout the entire and to see just how far midtown age to Manila Bay, not just the future generation, for our chil-
question mark, and to find out building until we ended up with has come since then has been a National Capitol Region (NCR), dren and children’s children,
what was on the other side. The something that felt both time- highlight. As developers with a but all of us. Let’s start with our especially now that the situa-
result is untitled and I’m very less and singular.” long track record in this neigh- family, our community and our tion of our natural resources
grateful and appreciative to The ethos of universality is bourhood, collaborating with village,” she said. is indeed serious. All over the
have been a part of the process.” also how the team landed on the Pharrell is about pushing our- “We started the ‘fight’ in Ma- world, there are lot of happen-
A series of design meetings brand untitled, which encapsu- selves to do better. But it’s also nila Bay but this is not the end ings caused by environmental
were held in New York, Los lates the notion that physical an opportunity to give back to a of our fight for nature. Let’s destruction, degradation and
Angeles and London over the space is only a backdrop. community that has given us so start the campaign to protect neglect,” Villar said.
course of the past year to hone “To live your life untitled much. ■ the environment in our diverse Fernando, meanwhile, said
the vision for the project. Dur- means not having to live up to community,” she added. the fun run was not only good
ing this time key themes around something or perform beyond untitled will feature 750 units Jalosjos also said the “Takbo for the health but also for the
essentialism, connections to a standard. For the standard and will launch in early 2020. Para sa Kalikasan 2” had the environment.
the elements and the universal- to literally just be this beauti- For more information, register most number of participants
ity of space emerged to guide ful matrix that allows people at untitledtoronto.com compared to the previous ❱❱ PAGE 32 Thousands join
29
Sports
Donaire falls to Inoue in
WBSS bantamweight final
BY IVAN STEWART crowd at the Super Arena in after the knockdown but a bit
SALDAJENO Saitama after his left hook too late.
Philippine News Agency opened a cut at Inoue’s right All three judges had it for In-
eye area in Round 2, slowing oue, who moved up to 19-0, in
down the Japanese in the next contrasting scorecards (116-111,
MANILA — Nonito Donaire two rounds. 117-109, 114-113).
fell short in his gallant stand However, Inoue came alive Aside from winning the
against undefeated Japanese again in the middle rounds, and WBSS tournament, Inoue also
Naoya Inoue and lost in the despite Donaire appearing to took Donaire’s World Boxing
bantamweight final of the have bounced back in Rounds 8 Association bantamweight su-
World Boxing Super Series in and 9, Inoue quickly recovered per title while keeping the In-
Japan on Thursday night. and delivered a critical body ternational Boxing Federation
Donaire actually had a shot shot to Donaire in Round 11 and Ring Magazine belts.
at stunning his unbeaten op- that sent the Filipino down. Donaire fell to 40-6 in his al-
ponent in front of a sold-out Donaire still tried to recover ready illustrious career. ■
DND Sec. Delfin Lorenzana. DELFIN LORENZANA / FACEBOOK
Terror attack CJ Perez bags 3rd PBA

during SEA Games Rookie of the Month honor
unlikely: Lorenzana PHILIPPINE NEWS
AGENCY
BY PRIAM NEPOMUCENO ized by US forces in northwest MANILA – CJ Perez has

Philippine News Agency Syria last month. brought along with him his
The DND chief said security impressive showing in the last
preparations of both military FIBA World Cup all the way to
MANILA — While saying that and police for the SEA Games the PBA Governors Cup.
terrorist attacks during the have been ongoing for quite Last year’s No. 1 overall pick
30th Southeast Asian (SEA) some time. is again at the helm of the Dyip’s
Games) are unlikely to happen, “Matagal nang nakahanda intense playoffs bid in the hope
Defense Secretary Delfin Lo- yung NCRPO (National Capital of finishing his first season in
renzana said the deployment Region Police Office) saka yung the league with a bang.
of military units is part of their Joint Task Force National Capi- Perez is churning out num-
precautionary measures to se- tal Region ng Armed Forces (of bers of 23.6 points, 7.9 re-
cure the regional multi-sports the Philippines) (The NCRPO bounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.4
event. and the Joint Task Force NCR steals in seven games last Oc-
“Yes, kasama yan sa mga pre- of the AFP are already prepared tober when Columbian tallied
cautionary (measures) namin long before). Sila ay nagtulun- a 3-4 record and be in a strong
(It’s part of our precautionary gan na magalaw din ang ating contention of clinching a berth
measures). Although we do not ang mga intelligence units ng in the quarterfinals.
see the likelihood pero mabuti Armed Forces at saka (They are His work on both ends of
na ang nakahanda di ba? (It’s in coordination so that we can the floor had the 25-year-old CJ Perez. JESS M. ESCAROS / PNA
better that we are ready, right?) mobilize the intelligence units guard unanimously earning the
Kasama ‘yan sa ating ginagawa of the Armed Forces and the) PBA Press Corps Rookie of the the Press Corps began hand- 2-3 during that stretch.
kaya nga mahigpit yung ating PNP (Philippine National Po- Month honor. ing out the award at the start of Parks meanwhile, posted 16.3
seguridad sa loob ng mga events lice),” he added. Perez, who was a revela- the season. Perez was also cited points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.3
(It’s part of our efforts that is On Monday, the Armed Forc- tion for Gilas Pilipinas during with the same honor in January assists as the Elite registered a
why security measures in ven- es of the Philippines (AFP) the World Cup in China last and March. 2-5 record in that span.
ues are tight),” Lorenzana told formally conducted send-off August, beat out Robert Bol- Until he went down with a The second overall pick last
reporters Monday. ceremonies for the soldier-ath- ick of NorthPort and Bobby partial ACL tear that ended season was then dealt by Black-
The defense chief made the letes, coaches, and emergency Ray Parks of Blackwater (later a stirring season, Bolick, the water to TnT in exchange for
remark in the wake of possible responders who will be partici- traded to TnT Katropa) for the third overall pick in 2018, aver- Don Trollano, Anthony Sem-
terror attacks by followers of pating in the biennial games. monthly citation. aged 12.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, erad, and a 2021 first round
Islamic State leader Abu Bakr This is the third Rookie of the and 6.6 assists in five games pick. ■
al-Baghdadi who was neutral- ❱❱ PAGE 33 Terror attack Month honor for Perez since with the Batang Pier, who went
30
Business
NEDA chief sees 2019 PH Energy experts push
growth within target for cleaner fuel in PH
BY LESLIE GATPOLINTAN PHILIPPINE NEWS Convention Center in Pasay
Philippine News Agency AGENCY City.
The energy experts who par-
ticipated in the panel discus-
MANILA — Socioeconomic MANILA — A group of energy sion were Dr. Arthur Saldivar-
Planning Secretary Ernesto advocates have formed the Sali, author of “Black Gold: The
Pernia sees the Philippines still Philippine Energy Indepen- Search for Oil to Power a Na-
hitting the economic growth dence Council (PEIC) whose tion” and former PNOC chief
target of 6 percent to 7 percent main goal is to move both the geologist; Anton Safronov, chief
this year on the back of govern- government and the private commercial officer of Parami
ment spending, after expand- sector to explore new indig- Energy (Myanmar); lawyer
ing to one of the fastest rates in enous, renewable, and cleaner Kiril Caral, managing counsel
Asia in the third quarter. energy options for the country. of Shell Philippines B.V.; Ra-
The government reported The PEIC seeks to initiate mon Clarete, project director of
on Thursday that the country’s and sustain public discourses Gas Policy Development Proj-
gross domestic product (GDP) on energy reserve issues with ect (GPDP); Jeoffrey Caranto,
rose by 6.2 percent in July to the specific goal of pushing for president of National Geother-
September period following the country’s eventual energy mal Association of the Philip-
two-quarters of deceleration, independence. pines (NGAP); and Rob Fisher,
bringing the year-to-date eco- The Philippines is falling development manager of Tam-
nomic growth to 5.8 percent. behind its Southeast Asian arind Resources (Malaysia).
In a press briefing, Pernia said neighbors in terms of energy The panelists gave useful in-
the Philippines likely ranked independence as the country sights on how the country can
second behind Vietnam’s 7.3 continues to rely heavily on oil learn from its neighbors on the
percent but higher than China’s NEDA Sec. Ernesto M. Pernia. and gas imports while energy area of energy independence,
6.0 percent. India’s expected NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / FACEBOOK demand continues to increase. as well as solutions on address-
third-quarter growth was be- On September 3, energy ing the current energy situa-
low 6 percent, while Indonesia to catch up on spending and it of inflation, we continuously leaders from the Philippines tion and responding to future
at 5 percent. seemed to have worked as they monitor prevailing prices to and other Southeast Asian trends where energy demand is
He said the economy will planned mid-year,” he added. ensure that they are reflective countries highlighted this ob- expected to grow.
have to expand by at least 6.7 “Government is committed to of the current market situa- servation during an in-depth “We cannot afford to not do
percent in the last quarter to speeding up the implementation. Ample supply of basic panel session called “Energy anything. We don’t want to go
meet the low-end of the full- tion of its programs and proj- commodities should also be en- Independence: Indigenous is back to the 90s where we were
year target. ects that were affected by the sured to further boost domestic Energy Security” during this
“(This is) a challenge that budget impasse and the elec- consumption,” he said. year’s Powertrends at the SMX ❱❱ PAGE 38 Energy experts
we are confidently taking on,” tion ban earlier this year.” The country’s inflation rate
he added. “Very achievable, we The NEDA chief said on eased at more than a three-year
have seen the economy surging Wednesday the Investment Co- low in October at 0.8 percent
and the momentum will con- ordination Committee-Cabinet mainly due to lower prices of
tinue. Surging for another 5 per- level and the Committee on food, including rice.
centage points should be easy.” Infrastructure approved the Among the major economic
Philippine Statistics Author- updated list of infrastructure sectors, the PSA reported that
ity (PSA) Undersecretary Den- flagship projects of the Duterte services posted the fastest
nis Mapa said a 6.7-percent administration, and are subject growth with 6.9 percent in the
growth is “still doable” based to further refinements. third quarter.
on historical data. “We deem that these projects Industry followed which
Pernia, also Director-Gen- are more feasible, responsive grew by 5.6 percent, while agri-
eral of the National Economic to medium and long-term de- culture, hunting, forestry, and
and Development Authority mands and challenges towards fishing rose by 3.1 percent.
(NEDA), attributed the third- uplifting the quality of life of Services contributed 4.1 per-
quarter economic performance the Filipino people, especially cent to the overall economic
to stronger growth in public those being left behind,” he growth during the period, fol-
spending. said. lowed by services at 1.9 percent,
He particularly cited projects In the remaining months of and agriculture at 0.2 percent.
of the Department of Public the year, Pernia also expects the The economy grew to a six-
Works and Highways (DPWH) benign inflation outlook and quarter high from July to Sep-
and Department of Transpor- more upbeat consumer confi- tember this year after acceler-
tation (DOTr), as well as com- dence to stimulate private con- ating to 6.8 percent in the first
munication projects. sumption, especially with the quarter of 2018. It expanded by
“The big spender really is holiday season has begun. 5.5 percent in the second quar-
DPWH and they have a plan “As we welcome the easing ter of 2019. ■
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 Business 31
DTI seeks probe on substandard construction materials

PHILIPPINE NEWS harmed by substandard con- creased the sample size of prod- in retail. He also would encourage
AGENCY struction materials,” he said in ucts to be tested,” he added. An article in the Manila third-party investigations, such
a statement, referring to House For regulated steel products, Times published on November as those led by the Presidential
Resolution 379 that urged for such as rebars and angle bars, 5 said the resolution’s authors Anti-Corruption Commission
MANILA — Department of such probe. DTI has placed stricter stan- “wanted to get to the bottom of (PACC).
Trade and Industry (DTI) Under the Duterte adminis- dards and intensified monitor- the alleged collusion between “We heightened the cam-
Secretary Ramon Lopez has tration, the trade chief said the ing and enforcement for both large steelmakers and some paign against substandard
committed to investigate the DTI has made stricter rules on imported and locally-manufac- corrupt officials of the DTI and products because it is not safe
alleged proliferation of substandard compliance. tured products. Bureau of Customs.” for consumers and unfair to lo-
standard steel and cement Lopez said his department is Some of these new guidelines Lopez said while the allega- cal manufacturers who will face
products amid the damage left adding more products for man- include increasing the sample tions run counter to the agen- cheap competition. This, in
in the wake of the recent earth- datory certification to make size for product testing, check- cy’s goal to protect consumers turn, may shrink the country’s
quakes in Mindanao. sure that the substandard con- ing the Philippine Standard and strengthen local manu- manufacturing base and lead
“We welcome this call and struction materials will not en- (PS) mark and standards of lo- facturing industries, DTI shall to job losses. Clearly, smuggling
shall fully cooperate and sup- danger people’s lives. cal manufacturing plants, and intensify the drive to continue substandard steel is detrimen-
port the investigation to be “We are including more prod- inspections at different stages the investigation to ensure that tal to the mission of the agen-
conducted in order to ensure ucts in the list of mandatory of transport, such as pre-ship- there is no corruption in the cy,” he added. ■
that the public will not be compliance and have even in- ment, post-shipment, and audit system.
No price hike for 134 Noche

Buena products: DTI chief
PHILIPPINE NEWS La Filipina spaghetti, Del Mon- price control.
AGENCY te Filipino Style tomato sauce, Lopez advised consumers to
and Del Monte Original tomato purchase their Noche Buena
sauce. and Media Noche needs at su-
MANILA — The Department Meanwhile, among the 134 permarkets, where prices are
of Trade and Industry (DTI) products with no price in- monitored by the DTI.
reported that a total of 134 crease, nine were queso de bola To help consumers, Lopez
Noche Buena products have (Ques-O, Magnolia, Che-Vital, shared smart tips for Noche
maintained their prices while Danes); 11 were cheese (Eden, Buena and Media Noche shop-
six products have lower prices
in 2019 compared to last year’s
suggested retail price (SRP) list.
Danes Classic, Kraft Ched-
dar, Che-Vital quickmelt); 14
were sandwich spread (Eden,
ping:
— Prepare your shopping list
using the SRP list at www.dti.
PH economy
In a 2018 versus 2019 com-
parative SRPs of Noche Buena
products released by the agen-
Cheez Whiz, Best Food, Lady’s
Choice); 14 were mayonnaise
products (Eden, Best Food, La-
gov.ph before going to the lead-
ing supermarket in your area.
You can also check it via the e-
grows 6.2% in Q3
cy, 134 product lines, such as dy’s Choice); 13 were spaghetti Presyo mobile app.
queso de bola, cheese, sandwich products (El Real, Fiesta, La — Watch out for promo bun- BY LESLIE GATPOLINTAN The third-quarter figure
spread, mayonnaise, spaghetti, Filipina, Royal, Sunshine, Ideal dle packs in the promo section. Philippine News Agency brought gross domestic prod-
elbow and salad macaroni, spa- Gourmet, Balducci, San Remo); Most food manufacturing com- uct (GDP) of the last nine
ghetti sauce, tomato sauce, as 17 were elbow and salad maca- panies offer bundle packs of months to 5.8 percent, slightly
well as creamer products have roni (Sunshine, Fiesta, Ideal Noche Buena products, which MANILA — The Philippine below the lower-end of the gov-
maintained their prices since Gourmet, Royal); 19 were spa- provide savings. Some of these economy expanded by 6.2 per- ernment’s 6 to 7 percent target
last year. ghetti sauce products (Amigo bundle packs are spaghetti with cent in July to September pe- for the year.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lo- Segurado, UFC, Del Monte, sauce and cheese; and maca- riod this year after two quarters “This means that the Philip-
pez shared the news amid re- Sunshine, Fiesta, Royal); 10 roni with mayonnaise and fruit of deceleration, making it still pine economy will have to ex-
cent reports that 92 products were tomato sauce (UFC, Del cocktail. one of Asia’s fastest, the govern- pand by at least 6.7 percent in
have increased their prices. Monte, Amigo); and three were — Look for products that are ment reported Thursday. the last quarter of the year to
Every year, there are increases creamer products (Angel Krem, not expiring soon. In a press briefing, Socio- meet the low-end of the full-year
for a few premium brands and Alaska Crema Combi, Asada). “Most importantly, I ad- economic Planning Secretary target of 6.0-7.0 percent for 2019
most would have minimal in- Ham manufacturers have vise consumers to choose the Ernesto Pernia said the Philip- –a challenge that we are confi-
creases. However, brands for introduced new sizes for some products they find value for pines likely ranked second be- dently taking on,” Pernia added.
mass-based markets do not of their products. These varia- themselves and their family. It hind Vietnam’s 7.3 percent but Among the major economic
usually change. tions are available in smaller is advised to do the Christmas higher than China’s 6 percent sectors, the Philippine Statis-
“This is due to their fear of packs, which offer lower cash grocery shopping early and during the period. tics Authority (PSA) reported
competition and the probabil- out for consumers. avoid the holiday rush,” Lopez “The stronger growth in pub- that services posted the fastest
ity of losing market share in a DTI recently issued the SRPs said. lic spending in the third quarter growth with 6.9 percent in the
price-sensitive segment,” Lo- of Noche Buena products, “DTI would like to ensure contributed significantly to our third quarter.
pez said in a statement. which serve as a price guide for that consumers will always third-quarter performance,” Industry followed, which grew
Six products, including queso consumers as they prepare for have the value-for-money prod- Pernia said. “Government is by 5.6 percent, while agriculture,
de bola, spaghetti, and tomato the holidays. uct and brand options that they committed to speeding up the hunting, forestry and fishing all
sauce, even decreased their Noche Buena products are can choose from, especially this implementation of its programs registered a growth of 3.1 percent.
prices by PHP11. Among the not considered part of the ne- Christmas season,” he added. ■ and projects that were affected The economy grew by 5.5
six products are Danes Cheese cessities and prime commodi- by the budget impasse and the percent in the second quarter
Ball, Amigo Segurado spaghetti, ties, and they are not under election ban earlier this year.” of 2019. ■
32
Technology
Exhibit highlights Yolanda ‘ground zero’
in virtual reality
BY CHRISTINE CUDIS with knowledge of how the be staged at the De La Salle Uni-
Philippine News Agency people who survived Typhoon versity campus to reach more of
Yolanda in 2013 are living to- the younger demographic.
day without necessarily visit- “We aim that the viewers will
MANILA — An interactive ing the site,” Lee-Young said in be more aware of the living con-
360-degree video of the coastal an interview during the exhibit ditions of the people. And we
village that was hit by Super Ty- launch on Friday. also hope that they would feel
phoon Yolanda (international Visitors will use VR headsets empathetic towards them es-
name Haiyan) six years ago is provided at the exhibit space. pecially that these people are
the centerpiece of a non-gov- They can also choose to watch the ones who suffer most when
ernment organization’s exhibit the video in 360-degree view it comes to pressing issues like
in Makati City. via computers displayed at the climate change,” Lee-Young
Postcards From Disasters’ setup. added.
(PFD) partnered with Australian PFD founder Makoi Popioco VRTY has also tapped several VR EXPERIENCE. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Steven J. Robinson
technology company VRTY to also shared that some photos state universities to introduce (center) wears a VR headset provided in the exhibit space. An interactive
produce an interactive video fea- taken by children living in the the improved educational tool. 360-degree video of the coastal village will be the centerpiece of Postcards
turing the community of 68-Ani- site were incorporated in the “The Polytechnic University From Disasters’ (PFD) exhibit at Glorietta 4 Left Wing in Makati City from
bong in Tacloban City that will video. of the Philippines is currently November 8 to 14.
run from November 8 to 14. “We taught these kids to use doing preparations for an inter- GIL CALINGA/PNA
VRTY chief executive officer a camera so they can document active 360-degree video of their
Kingston Lee-Young aims to the events on their own because campus, so those who want to perience, said that it is impor- what it is like being out there,”
promote education and aware- they are the ones who live there, visit their school but cannot tant to remember and think of he added.
ness through virtual reality we as journalists only visit a few because of distance or other is- all the people who suffered the The Australian government
(VR) among Filipinos by pro- times. It is a brilliant way to sues get a peek of how it is like onslaught of the typhoon even has provided the country with
viding his company’s innova- educate them and at the same to walk inside the school,” he if it was years ago. 30 million Australian dollars
tive technology for the exhibit time, learn from their perspec- said. “We need to remember it so (PHP1.2 billion) as their con-
free-of-charge. tives,” he said in an interview Australian Ambassador to we can learn from it. It is a tre- tribution to the recovery effort
“The virtual reality experi- during the media launch. the Philippines Steven Robin- mendous display of education for the devastation in Tacloban
ence will provide the viewers The next leg of the exhibit will son, who also tried the VR ex- and we are able to experience City in 2013. ■
Thousands join...
❰❰ 28 “This fun run is a Antiporda also explained tation of various projects and of major rivers connecting to Road in Barangay San Pablo.
great idea, great activ- that in preparation for the first- programs of government agen- Manila Bay such as the Bocaue The 5K U-turn run, on the
ities because not only year anniversary of the “Battle cies for the bay. River and the Marilao-Meycau- other hand, ended in Barangay
will our health be benefited but for Manila Bay” on January All this, he said, is being done ayan-Obando River system by Tikay Elementary School while
it will also protect our envi- 27, 2020, the agency’s strate- by the Duterte administration San Miguel Corporation, the the 10K U-turn run ended in
ronment especially the coastal gies are being intensified to for the next generation of Fili- contractor for the construction front of the Bulacan Polytech-
areas by spreading awareness make Manila Bay safer like the pinos. of the New Manila Internation- nic College.
about it,” Fernando said. deployment of tug boats to ex- In support to the campaign al Airport in Bulakan town. The Philippine Red Cross
For his part, Antiporda, asked plore the “waste islands” in the by the Bulacan provincial gov- The starting point of Sun- -Bulacan Chapter and Provin-
for proper regulation of single- middle of Manila Bay. ernment, deepening of the riv- day’s 3K U-turn fun run com- cial Disaster Risk Reduction
use plastic products. “We, at Cualoping said the purpose ers has been undertaken, start- menced at 4 a.m. at the Bulacan and Management Office also
the DENR, will take the path of the event in addition to pro- ing in the City of Malolos and Sports Complex in Barangay collaborated in the marathon
to awaken the sleeping spirit of moting awareness about the Calumpit town. In addition, Bagong Bayan (Sta. Isabel) to ensure the safety of the run-
the people,” he said. Manila Bay include the presen- there are scheduled dredging and ended at the Manila North ners. ■
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 15, 2019 Technology 33
DOST to train 30K people on AI

BY MA. CRISTINA located. (BPO) industry.
ARAYATA “We have designated DAP “The BPO industry might
Philippine News Agency in carrying out this training to need retraining due to AI’s (ap-
build competency in data ana- parent) threat to lessen BPO
lytics,” he said in an interview, jobs,” dela Peña said.
MANILA — The Department adding that the DOST and DAP He has also tasked DAP to
of Science and Technology signed partnership for this pro- choose the trainees.
(DOST), in partnership with gram last week. “I also want other govern-
the Development Academy Dubbed as the “Sustainabil- ment agencies to at least have
of the Philippines (DAP), will ity Program for Data Science a substantial background (in
train 30,000 individuals on Reskilling, Training and Adop- AI),” dela Pena said.
artificial intelligence (AI), its tion” (SPARTA), this AI-capa- The program would start as
chief said on Monday. bility building program will be soon as the DOST releases the
Science and Technology Sec- done online, according to dela fund.
retary Fortunato dela Peña Peña. “We are currently processing
said the program would run for He added that those who the papers for the release of the
three years, with a total budget will undergo the program are fund. Hopefully, we could start
of PHP50.84 million. people from the government, the program before the year-
For the first year of the pro- academe, and those from the end,” dela Peña said. ■
gram, PHP16.67 million was al- business process outsourcing
Terror attack...
❰❰ 29 Some of the partici- Show the world your discipline unforeseen situation that may
pating 400 personnel and dedication and may you arise,” Gamboa told report-
BCDA Pres Vivencio Dizon. CHERIE JOYCE V. FLORES / PIA 3 are from the AFP’s have God’s favor,” Clement said. ers in a press briefing in Camp
regular and reserve units. Crame.
Completion of... “We have all been tirelessly 27K cops deployed Gamboa also said the PNP
working for this momentous PNP spokesperson, Brig. contingent will also provide se-
event. We are able to lay down Gen. Bernard Banac said a total curity coverage in the different
❰❰ 18 PHP380 billion spent Because it’s the halfway term of the joint operational guidelines of 27,440 police officers will be venues while other PNP units
by its predecessor. the President and we want to be for our troops who will be de- deployed in the venues in Met- will provide public safety assis-
“The state of infra- able to do more and we want to ployed. Similarly, our soldiers ro Manila, Laguna, Bulacan, tance necessary for order main-
structure when the President be able to fast-track and even have relentlessly trained for Tagaytay, Subic and New Clark tenance and police services for
took over was dismal. I mean, speed up the infrastructure their various events. These are City sports complex in Capas, crowd control, vehicular and
we easily forget,” he said. program in the second half of clear indications of our strong Tarlac for the sporting event. pedestrian traffic direction,
“When the President the term of the President,” he will and desire for safe and suc- Some 18,105 policemen will route, parking and venue secu-
launched ‘Build, Build, Build,’ added. cessful conduct of the Games,” be deployed in Metro Manila, rity.
through the economic team AFP chief-of- Over 10,000
way back in late 2016, the plan ‘Impossible’ to finish 100 staff, Gen. Noel athletes from
to spend more on infrastruc- projects in 6 years Clement said. Brunei, Cambo-
ture has been happening. And To clarify issues hounding Present dur- dia, Indonesia,
as they say, numbers do not lie,” the key infrastructure projects ing the send-off We are putting our best foot Laos, Malay-
Dizon added. being pushed by the current ceremonies were forward for the regional sporting sia, Myanmar,
administration, Dizon clarified Lorenzana, other event among our Asean neighbors. the Philippines,
Spend more, disburse faster that there was no promise to ranking defense Thailand, Timor
Despite its accomplishments finish the completion of all the and military of- Leste, Singapore
in improving the infrastruc- 100 key infrastructure projects ficials as well as and Vietnam will
ture sector in the country, the under Duterte’s watch. senior officials of participate in
government is not yet satisfied Dizon said it was “impossi- the Office of Civil Defense, Na- 6,554 in Central Luzon, 1,865 in 543 sports events.
with its performance, as it is ble” to finish all the infrastruc- tional Disaster Risk Reduction Southern Luzon and 916 in La The 30th SEA Games will
convinced it can “do more,” Di- ture projects within six years. and Management Center, Phil- Union. open on November 30 at the
zon admitted. “We wanted to rationalize ippine National Police, and the Aside from police officers, Philippine Arena in Bulacan
Dizon said Duterte has al- because you know, infrastruc- SEA Games Organizing Com- 20,000 personnel from differ- and will be held in different
ready directed his economic ture projects are not easy to mittee. ent agencies will also be de- venues in Metro Manila, Clark,
team to “revisit” the roster do. They require a lot of plan- Also present are the detailed ployed for the augmentation Pampanga, and Subic, Zam-
of initial flagship projects, in ning. They require long and officials, personnel, and volun- for sports events of SEA Games, bales. It will conclude at the
an effort to hasten the imple- very tedious feasibility studies, teers from the Department of PNP officer-in-charge, Lt. Gen. New Clark City on December
mentation of the “Build, Build, detailed planning. And it takes Public Works and Highways, Archie Francisco Gamboa said. 11.
Build” program. time,” he said. Department of Health, Depart- “We are putting our best foot The country won its first-ev-
“We wanna be able to spend “‘Build, Build, build’ never ment of Social Welfare and De- forward for the regional sport- er SEA Games overall champi-
more, we wanna be able to dis- promised that we would com- velopment, Metropolitan Ma- ing event among our Asean onship in 2005, the last time it
burse faster, we wanna be able to plete all these infrastructure nila Development Authority, neighbors. We have started hosted the biennial meet.
spend faster. While we’ve already projects in five or six years — the Bureau of Fire Protection. preparation since last year, we The Philippines also hosted
achieved a lot, we’re not content- that’s impossible. Imposible “On behalf of the Armed continue to rehearse and fine- the 1981 and 1991 editions of
ed, we’re not satisfied. We want iyon (That’s impossible). No- Forces of the Philippines, I of- tune all our systems and proce- the SEA Games. ■
to do even more,” he said. body promised that. But what fer my heartfelt support to our dures for this event, such that
“What we wanted to do was we promised is number one, we athlete-soldiers and coaches we have established full back- with reports from Lloyd Cali-
look at the list, revisit it. Why? will start,” Dizon added. ■ joining the 30th SEA Games. up system that will address any wan/PNA
NOVEMBER 15, 2019 34
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35
Travel
Marikina opens ‘Sapatos Festival’
BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD able shoes, bags, belts, and oth- Various shoes are being
CALIWAN er products made by Marikina’s sold at the bazaar for as low as
Philippine News Agency skilled craftsmen. PHP200 to PHP3,000 in this
He said the shoe industry has year’s festival which will run
ever since been the biggest part until December 29.
MANILA — The Marikina City of the city’s economy. The city government contin-
government on Monday official- “Higit sa pagiging bahagi ng ues to promote locally-made
ly opened this year’s “Sapatos ekonomiya, ang pagsasapatos and world-class footwear prod-
Festival” at the Freedom Park ay bahagi ng kasaysayan, kul- ucts by having the annual festi-
located in front of the City Hall. tura, pagkakakilanlan ng bawat val as a form of support to mi-
Mayor Marcelino Teodoro taga-Marikina. Turing namin cro and small manufacturers.
said the festival aims to boost dito ay isang labor of love, ga- “I am urging the public to
the city’s shoe industry. wang kamay, gawang may pag- visit the Marikina Shoe bazaar
“Pagsasapatos, ito ang indus- mamahal (More than being and buy Marikina-made prod-
triya kung saan naging tanyag part of the economy, footwear ucts. Let’s support our qual-
ang Marikina, ika nga, ’The is part of every Marikina resi- ity local products to boost our
Shoe Capital of the Philippines.’ dent’s history, culture, identity. economy,” Noel Box, officer- MARIKINA SHOES FESTIVAL. Customers look for items at the Tatay Oly Shoes
Sa pagkakagawa ng unang pares We consider this a labor of love. in-charge of the Marikina Shoe stall in the ongoing Marikina Sapatos Festival that runs from November 11 to
ng sapatos, bahagi na ito ng Every shoe is handmade and Industry Development Office December 29, 2019 at the city’s Freedom Park in Barangay Sta. Elena. Rolando
aming kasaysayan (Shoemak- is made with love),” Teodoro (MASIDO) said. “Tatay Oly” Santos was the one who gifted President Rodrigo Duterte with a
ing. This is the industry which stressed. Teodoro said Marikina shoes pair of boots that he wore in his last State of the Nation Address.
Marikina became famous for. Among those who participat- are of high quality and could JOEY O. RAZON/PNA
As they called it, ‘The Shoe Cap- ed in the bazaar is Antonio An- last for years, unlike imported
ital of the Philippines’. The cre- dres, chairman of the Mariki- shoes which only last for only the industry of shoemaking in the Pamantasan ng Lingsod
ation of the first pair of shoes is na-based Philippine Footwear around three months, based on Marikina ng Marikina (PLMar) campus,
part of our history),” Teodoro Federation, Inc. (PFFI), and results of a test conducted by Under the agreement, Shoe is set to be operational by the
said during the opening of the owner of shoe store Gibson’s. the city government. Tech course and other techni- third quarter of 2020.
bazaar. Orlando “Tatay Orly” Santos, Earlier, the Technical Edu- cal courses will now be offered The shoe school seeks to pro-
A total of 48 manufactur- 71, who made the shoes worn by cation and Skills Develop- at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod duce more shoemakers through
ers composed of footwear and President Rodrigo Duterte in ment Authority (TESDA) and ng Marikina (PLMar). trainings and technical courses
leather manufacturers are par- his State of the Nation Address the Marikina City govern- Teodoro earlier announced certified by TESDA that would
ticipating in this year’s festival (SONA), is also participating in ment inked a memorandum that the PHP60-million Shoe address the lack of skilled shoe-
showcasing quality and afford- the bazaar. of Agreement to further boost Tech School, located inside makers in Marikina. ■
House launches ‘CONG-TOUR’

vlog to promote PH tourism
BY FILANE MIKEE Aragones highlighted the most 4 trillion in 2018.
CERVANTES positive impact of a booming She, however, noted that
Philippine News Agency tourism to the standard of liv- in the total amounts spent by
ing of the locals as it expands tourists in the country, only
their job opportunities. 12 percent comes from for-
MANILA — The chairperson of She cited Philippine Statis- eign tourists, while 88 percent
the House Committee on Tour- tics Authority (PSA) data show- comes from domestic tourists.
ism on Monday announced the ing that tourism accounts for a “Ang solusyon sa ating prob-
launch of a video blog (vlog) 13 percent share of job sources lema ay wala sa ibang bansa o sa
called Congressional Tour in the Philippines, or roughly dayuhang banyaga. Para mag-
(CONG-TOUR) in a bid to pro- 5.4 million jobs. karoon ng hanapbuhay, at para
mote tourism in the Philip- She added that the tourism lumago ang kabuhayan, kailan-
pines. sector contributed 12.7 percent gan natin ang ating mga sarili.
In a privilege speech during in the country’s economy, or Atin ito. Tayo mismo. Nasa Pili-
plenary session, Laguna Rep- PHP2.2 trillion in 2018. pino ang kailangan ng Pilipi-
resentative Sol Aragones, com- Data from PSA shows that in nas (The solution to our prob-
mittee chair, said CONG-TOUR 2018, domestic tourism expen- lem cannot be found in other
will show the congressmen’s diture amounted to PHP3.2 countries. We should count on
active involvement in the pro- trillion while inbound tourism ourselves to create jobs and im-
motion of tourism in their dis- expenditure amounted to only prove our livelihoods. The solu-
tricts, aside from fulfilling their PHP441.4 billion. Local and
Laguna 3rd District Rep. Sol Aragones. SCREENSHOT FROM CONG-TOUR EPISODE 1 lawmaking functions. international tourists spent al- ❱❱ PAGE 37 House launches
36 Travel NOVEMBER 15, 2019 FRIDAY
DOT lauds Cebu inclusion in new

UNESCO Network of Creative Cities
BY JOYCE ANN L. of their strategy,” UNESCO Di- – Music
ROCAMORA rector-General Audrey Azoulay • Kırşehir (Turkey) – Music
Philippine News Agency said in announcing the 66 cities • Kuhmo (Finland) – Litera-
on October 30. ture
“This favors political and so- • Lahore (Pakistan) – Litera-
MANILA — Cebu’s inclusion in cial innovation and is particu- ture
the United Nations Education- larly important for the young • Leeuwarden (Netherlands) –
al, Scientific and Cultural Or- generations,” she added. Literature
ganization (UNESCO) Network The new 66 UNESCO Cre- • Leiria (Portugal) – Music
of Creative Cities affirms the ative Cities are: • Lliria (Spain) – Music
wellspring of creative talent in
the Queen City of the South, the
Department of Tourism (DOT)
• Afyonkarahisar (Turkey) –
Gastronomy
• Ambon (Indonesia) – Music
• Mérida (Mexico) – Gastronomy
• Metz (France) – Music
• Muharraq (Bahrain) – Design
PH int’l visitors in
said Friday as it hailed the rec-
ognition.
On October 30, UNESCO list-
• Angoulême (France) – Lit-
erature
• Areguá (Paraguay) – Crafts
• Mumbai (India) – Film
• Nanjing (China) – Literature
• Odessa (Ukraine) – Litera-
Jan-Sept. reach 6.16M
ed Cebu in its Network of Cre- and Folk Art ture
ative Cities along with 65 other • Arequipa (Peru) – Gastronomy • Overstrand Hermanus BY JOYCE ANN L. 792,619 visitor arrivals for the
cities across the world under • Asahikawa (Japan) – Design (South Africa) – Gastronomy ROCAMORA nine months.
the Design category. • Ayacucho (Peru) – Crafts and • Port of Spain (Trinidad and Philippine News Agency Meanwhile, Japan, which
“This international recogni- Folk Art Tobago) – Music overtook the US last month
tion on the Design Category • Baku (Azerbaijan) – Design • Portoviejo (Ecuador) – Gas- based on market share, ranked
affirms the wellspring of cre- • Ballarat (Australia) – Crafts tronomy MANILA — The Philippine fourth in the list with 518,211
ative talents manifested in and Folk Art • Potsdam (Germany) – Film tourism industry has sustained arrivals, followed by Taiwan,
the furniture, • Q u e r é t a r o its growth as inbound visitor with 252,578.
fashion acces- (Mexico) – De- count increased steadily since 2019 has proven to be a good
sories and other sign January, surpassing the six mil- year for Philippine tourism as
sectors, the lat- • R a m a l l a h lion mark by the end of Septem- the country has also received
est of which is in All over the world, these cities, (Palestine) – ber, the Department of Tourism numerous recognition on its
the global trans- each in its way, make culture the Music (DOT) announced Friday. sustainable tourism efforts.
portation hub pillar, not an accessory, of their • San José (Cos- According to the latest data Last month, it ranked eighth
(GTH) sector, strategy. ta Rica) – Design released by the DOT, the Phil- among the 20 Most Favorite
evident in the • S a n a n d a j ippines received a total of Countries in the World of the
first ever Resort (Iran [Islamic 6,161,503 visitors from Janu- Condé Nast Traveler Readers’
Airport in the Republic of ]) – ary to September, indicating a Choice Awards, besting popular
world – the Mactan-Cebu In- • Bandar Abbas (Iran [Islamic Music 14.37 percent increase from the destinations, such as Japan and
ternational Airport,” the DOT Republic of ]) – Crafts and • Santiago de Cali (Colombia) – 5,387,458 arrivals recorded in Italy, with a 90.63 score among
said in a statement. Folk Art Media Arts the same period last year. the magazine’s 600,000 read-
“The DOT lauds the leaders, • Bangkok (Thailand) – Design • Santo Domingo (Dominican “The figures look very prom- ers.
shakers and movers of Cebu • Beirut (Lebanon) – Litera- Republic) – Music ising, and we are glad that more The Philippines was also
City for their significant in- ture • Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herze- tourists are visiting us in light hailed as Asia’s Leading Dive
volvement and active efforts • Belo Horizonte (Brazil) – govina) – Film of the accolades received by Destination by the prestigious
leading to the inclusion of Cebu Gastronomy • Sharjah (United Arab Emir- the Philippines and our desti- 2019 World Travel Awards
City in the list of the UNESCO • Bendigo (Australia) – Gas- ates) – Crafts and Folk Art nations throughout the year,” (WTA) in its Asia and Oceania
Network of Creative Cities,” it tronomy • Slemani (Iraq) – Literature Tourism Secretary Bernadette gala held in Phu Quoc, Vietnam
added. • Bergamo (Italy) – Gastronomy • Sukhothai (Thailand) – Romulo-Puyat said in a state- last October.
In November 2017, UNESCO • Biella (Italy) – Crafts and Crafts and Folk Art ment. Subsequently, the DOT was
placed Baguio, the first in the Folk Art • Trinidad (Cuba) – Crafts and The department chalked up named Asia’s Leading Tourism
Philippines, on its Creative Cit- • Caldas da Rainha (Portugal) – Folk Art 606,553 visitors in September, Board by the WTA in the same
ies Network for the city’s dis- Crafts and Folk Art • Valladolid (Spain) – Film which is still widely considered event for the significant in-
tinguished crafts and folk art. • Cebu City (Philippines) – De- • Valledupar (Colombia) – Mu- as a lean month in the Philip- crease in tourist arrivals for the
For its part, the DOT rallied sign sic pines in terms of tourism. Philippines in 2018.
more cities in the Philippines • Essaouira (Morocco) – Music • Valparaíso (Chile) – Music The figure poses a growth of The Japan Tourism Awards
to join Cebu and Baguio in the • Exeter (United Kingdom of • Veszprém (Hungary) – Music 17.09 percent, compared to the also presented the DOT with
prestigious network and “be Great Britain and Northern • Viborg (Denmark) – Media Arts 518,041 visitor count for Sep- its Excellent Partner Award for
considered as icons of sustain- Ireland) – Literature • Viljandi (Estonia) – Crafts tember 2018. the department’s crucial role
able urban development.” • Fortaleza (Brazil) – Design and Folk Art Data from the DOT month- in the closure and successful
UNESCO describes creative • Hanoi (Vietnam) – Design • Vranje (Serbia) – Music ly report for September also rehabilitation of the tourist-
cities as “laboratories of ideas • Havana (Cuba) – Music • Wellington (New Zealand) – showed a positive year-on-year favorite Boracay Island.
and innovative practices,” • Hyderabad (India) – Gas- Film arrival growth for eight of the “While these awards prove
which brings tangible contri- tronomy • Wonju (Republic of Korea) – top 10 visitor markets for the prudence in our efforts to bol-
bution to achieving the Sus- • Jinju (Republic of Korea) – Literature Philippines. ster Philippine tourism, ulti-
tainable Development Goals Crafts and Folk Art • Wrocław (Poland) – Literature For the first nine months, mately, what keeps us doing
through innovative thinking • Kargopol (Russian Federa- • Yangzhou (China) – Gastron- South Korea still topped the what we do in the DOT is see-
and action. tion) – Crafts and Folk Art omy list with a total of 1,450,792 ar- ing more of our countrymen
“All over the world, these cit- • Karlsruhe (Germany) – Me- The UNESCO Network of rivals, followed by China, with revel in the positive impacts of
ies, each in its way, make cul- dia Arts Creative Cities now counts a to- 1,359,817. The United States genuine sustainable tourism,”
ture the pillar, not an accessory, • Kazan (Russian Federation) tal of 246 cities. ■ claimed the third spot with Romulo-Puyat said. ■
37
Food
Tradition, Asian fusion in Korean cuisine
BY MA. CRISTINA Philippines is steamed first be-
ARAYATA fore deep frying. This is some-
Philippine News Agency how similar with how Koreans
cook pork belly — grilling and
then deep-frying it.
MANILA — Korean food isn’t During his short stay in Ma-
just about kimchi, bibimbap, nila, he has tried Filipino dish-
chapchae and bulgogi. There’s es such as sinigang and adobo.
more. “Sinigang and crispy pata are
While samgyeopsal has been really good,” he said.
well-received in the Philip- Filipino food has more flavor
pines, have we ever wondered and more spices than Korean
how Koreans actually prepare food, Jang said.
their food? Are there similari- Meanwhile, for the dessert,
ties between their cuisine and mousse cake, red bean mousse
ours? wrapped in white chocolate,
“We use a lot of fermented and mango cream, were served.
(ingredients). I know we could This dessert, called Sam-ak,
find fermented stuff around tasted fine though it was obvi-
the world; but we ferment ously loaded with sugar. The
(livestock) animals, vegetables, white chocolate gave the vibe of
seafood,” one of the respect- a “kinder surprise” chocolate,
able chefs in Korea’s culinary as there was a red bean mousse
industry, chef Jang Jinmo, told inside. It tasted like a mochi
the Philippine News Agency FISH COURSE. Steamed ginger seabass, soy sauce, sesame seeds, mirin, spring onion, courgette ribbons. wrapped in white chocolate.
(PNA). CRISTINA ARAYATA / PNA The dessert was paired with
Jang said fermentation is ac- a fermented rice drink, a not so
tually a key to make the food French cuisine, he said he dis- it a little more taste, I put a lot Jang said the smoky flavor sweet beverage.
taste better and distinct. covered that their key is acidity, of fermented bean paste, which was probably due to the leaves Seafood soup with winter
“We use a lot of fermented and still balances everything has a lot of Asian flavors,” he that he used. melon and scallops, as well as
(ingredients). It gives deep with this key. added. Prior to the main course, fish raw fish, gochujang, pickle,
flavor and balance (things) to- For Koreans, Jang said they After marinating the beef was also served. It was well- fresh walnut as appetizer, were
gether,” he said. try to touch everything, but with an Asian flair, he grilled it cooked and did not taste fishy. also served. The appetizer has
The 34-year-old chef said he make variations, especially and served it with mushroom,” Paired with white wine, the fish a bit of spices on it, while the
used to think Korean food isn’t when something is too salty, for he said. course is actually enough to soup was meticulously pre-
good. instance. Back when he was a kid, his make one feel he or she is full. pared since it was neither salty
He said he didn’t study Ko- Almost all Korean chefs go on mom had always cooked Ko- ”When I was young, and bas- nor bland.
rean food, and studied French a long journey to be able to cook rean barbeque with mushroom, ing it in the Korean culture, I Jang used Filipino ingredi-
cuisine when he was in Canada. good food, he added. so he had adopted this style. ate a lot of raw fish, Korean bar- ents in all the dishes he pre-
“I came back to my country to Jang visited Manila last week, “We (Koreans) usually eat beque. So I twisted these (food) pared, and gave these a Korean
see the Korean culture. Before I and prepared some dishes, giv- beef with fermented pickles a little bit and served these to variation.
started to cook, I thought Kore- ing Filipinos a glimpse and “a and veggies. Since it is autumn you,” he said. He runs two restaurants in
an food is not good. But since I taste of Korea’s finest.” season now, I wanted to make The chef with 10 years of culi- Korea, and would open another
came back, I found good things, Paired with red wine, a Ko- it (dish) look like (there are) nary experience said he noticed restaurant in December.
a lot of treasures in Korean cul- rean style marinated beef with fallen leaves). So I dehydrated some similarities with Korean He studied in Canada, and
ture,” Jang uttered. mushroom puree was served as the leaves a little bit, and served and Filipino food. He specifi- worked shortly in the United
The “culture taste,” he said, the main course. these together,” Jang said. cally mentioned the two coun- States and Australia, before
is something that is really good. “In Korea, we usually mari- The beef served was tender tries’ pork dishes. returning to Korea to open his
When he was studying nate beef in soy sauce. To give and has a smoky flavor. Jang said the pork belly in the own restaurant in 2014. ■
House launches...
❰❰ 35 tion lies in our hands. tanawin, ang sarap ng ating stories, and the warm hearts of kasama kayo ang magiging tour feature unique delicacies and
The Filipinos pos- mga pagkain, ang yaman ng Filipinos),” Aragones added. guide sa ating mga kanya-kan- views in your place),” Aragones
sess what the country ating kultura, ang kulit ng ating Aragones said she will co- yang distrito. Sabay nating ito- added.
needs),” Aragones said. mga kwento, at ang init ng pag- host with fellow legislators in tour ang ating mga kababayan Aragones said the vlog can be
The lawmaker also urged Fil- mamahal ng mga pusong Pilipi- the CONG-TOUR vlog as they sa mga tampok na pagkain at accessed in CONG-TOUR on
ipinos to appreciate the coun- no. Ayos na tayo sa kapwa natin showcase their most unique tanawin sa inyong lugar (We, YouTube. The first episode can
try’s culture. Pilipino (Let’s not look else- food and local delicacies as well congressmen, will be your tour be viewed by clicking the link
“Huwag na tayong tumingin where. Let’s just appreciate our as their most popular tourist guide in our respective dis- https://youtu.be/PMHErYP-
sa kung saan pa. Titigan lang beautiful sceneries, sumptu- destinations. tricts. We will tour Filipinos W6XQ. ■
natin ang ganda ng ating mga ous delicacies, rich culture, fun “Kaming mga kongresista [through this vlog] that will
SC spox says ex-CJ Bersamin getting threats

BY BENJAMIN PULTA Investigation and Detection
AND CHRISTOPHER Unit said bodyguards of Bersa-
LLOYD CALIWAN min noticed two men on a mo-
Philippine News Agency torcycle following their vehicle
along Quezon Avenue on Sun-
day.
MANILA — The Supreme Court Bersamin said he also re-
(SC) on Wednesday confirmed ceived two threatening phone
that retired Chief Justice Lucas calls from unidentified indi-
Bersamin has been receiving viduals on separate occasions
threats since he retired from last month, days after his re-
the service. tirement.
Speaking to newsmen, SC PNP spokesperson, Brig.
spokesman Brian Hosaka said Gen. Bernard Banac said they
these concerns prompted the have yet to receive a request
High Court to provide security from judges for additional se-
for the former top judge. curity.
“The SC is providing (former Persons with threats to their
Chief Justice) Bersamin secu- security can avail themselves of
rity personnel. I cannot divulge a maximum of two escorts from
anything more for obvious rea- the PNP Police Security Protec-
sons. I guess coming from a tion Group.
political family. They have en- At least 30 judges were killed
countered this scenario before since January 1999, according
and they would know how to to the Supreme Court.
handle it,” Hosaka told report- Ex-CJ Lucas Bersamin. SUPREME COURT OF THE PHILIPPINES / WEBSITE Justice Secretary Menardo
ers. Guevarra, meanwhile, said the
Hosaka said he learned of judiciary upon turning 70 last when necessary. So kung gusto naman nila (If National Bureau of Investiga-
the development when he met Oct. 18 and publicly stated that “This is a nationwide direc- they want), the PNP can pro- tion (NBI) may be tasked to in-
briefly with Bersamin on Mon- he is not interested in pursuing tive to all our forces because vide security to judges. Then we vestigate the threats.
day during the conferment of a political career. there were a lot of judges of are obliged actually to protect “If former CJ Bersamin needs
an honorary doctorate degree Meanwhile, the Philippine what happened in Region 1 them,” PNP officer-in-charge, protection from the NBI, or he
for the retired magistrate by his National Police (PNP) said it ,’yung judge na namatay (who Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa told wants to investigate where the
alma mater, the University of will provide security to the was killed). Sabi ko (I just say) reporters. threat is coming from, we will
the East. judges and other members of lateral coordination even up to A report from the Quezon help,” Guevarra said. ■
Bersamin bowed out of the the judiciary if they asked or the provincial level is allowed. City Police District’s Criminal
Energy experts...
❰❰ 30 not ready to cope with tal, Safronov said this is the help in meeting a substantial independence At the time, the country’s
the energy demands reason why the company chose part of the country’s energy de- Given the country’s present energy supply went from zero
of the country,” to look into the Philippines to mands merits new explorations energy woes, it might be far- percent indigenous to 50 per-
Clarete said. invest in. in this area,” he said. fetched to think that the coun- cent indigenous. In other
He said what we are paying Caral added that to elevate try was once on track toward words, half of the Philippines
Natural gas for cheaper per kilowatt-hour is “almost the Philippines’ energy inde- being self-sufficient regarding energy requirements then
electricity the same amount of price that pendence, the Department of its energy needs, but Sali said were supplied by indigenous
Natural gas is an energy Singaporeans pay.” Energy should continue push- it did happen during the Mar- energy sources.
source that is a viable but an Safronov believes that the ing for more onshore and off- cos era, when the government- “We came from very active
underdeveloped alternative Philippines’ long-time partner- shore explorations in the Phil- owned Philippine National Oil to almost none. And that is the
to oil, with the only major de- ship with Shell is an opportuni- ippines. Company (PNOC) was estab- major reason why we are at the
velopment in the Philippines ty to learn from one of the best “We need to have more lished. bottom of the Southeast Asian
being the Malampaya Deep technological leaders in natural Malampayas. We need to be Sali, who served as PNOC energy picture,” he added.
Water Gas-to-Power Project, gas. able to replicate the success chief geologist, technical direc- “The abolition of the Minis-
which was a result of the col- He hoped that the country that Malampaya has achieved,” tor of the Petroleum Board, and try of Energy and the removal
laboration between the Philip- can take this further to contrib- Caral said. deputy director of the Bureau of PNOC’s status as a govern-
pine government, Chevron, and ute to its self-sustaining pro- He said there is a need to re- of Energy at the time, said the ment-owned private corpora-
Shell Philippines Exploration duction, so the Filipinos will move legal uncertainties and PNOC was “drilling 10 explo- tion (GOCC) resulted in the
BV (SPEX). ultimately be able to pay a low provide physical stability for ration wells a year and had one stoppage of all energy projects
It has since then supplied price per kilowatt-hour of elec- investors, which are critical in discovery every year from 1974 in the ensuing post-Marcos
power to 40 percent of Luzon tricity. times of low oil prices. to 1986.” years,” Sali said.
or 30 percent of the whole Phil- Caral, meanwhile, said the “It is important for the gov- Their initiatives also pushed This drove many of Sali’s
ippines. success of natural gas explora- ernment to strike the right the Philippines to rank second colleagues to leave the govern-
However, Safronov, Myan- tion in the country has become balance between getting its in geothermal power just after ment and the Philippines and
mar-based Russian energy ex- the solution to the intermittent rightful share but also making the United States. be hired to manage the energy
pert, has observed that high nature of renewable energy as it attractive and competitive For 12 years, the efforts of arms of foreign governments
electricity rates remain in the natural gas is considered not compared to other countries,” the Ministry of Energy and the and private firms in New Zea-
country. only indigenous but also stable. he said. PNOC reduced the dependence land, Australia, Japan, Indone-
Recalling his time working “The Malampaya project was of the country to global im- sia, Singapore, and other coun-
for French petroleum firm To- a huge success. Malampaya’s PH once a trailblazer in energy ports. tries. ■
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