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CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
A man checks the Christmas lights on sale in one of the stores at Ilaya Street in Divisoria, a popular destination in Manila for shoppers looking for affordable decors and gifts on Tuesday (Dec. 3,
2019). The Department of Trade and Industry has advised consumers to buy certified and quality Christmas lights for safety.
Duterte threatens to
file economic sabotage
vs. water firms
BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte
on Tuesday night threatened to sue wa-
ter concessionaires Manila Water Co.
Inc. and Maynilad Water Services Inc.
for economic sabotage over irregulari-
ties in the concession agreements the
firms signed with the government in
CANADA’S FIRST AND ONLY NATIONWIDE FILIPINO-CANADIAN NEWSPAPER
DECEMBER 6, 2019 www.canadianinquirer.net VOL. 12 NO. 400
NOEL VELOSO / PNA
8
Palace hails organizers,
volunteers for ‘superb’ SEA
Games launch
1997.
22
“Bakit pumayag ang mga senador
diyan? Marami ‘yan sila (Why did the
senators agree to that? There are many
of them). And we will expose them and I
will insist that they be tried for econom-
ic sabotage,” Duterte said in a speech in Drug war is not a failure:
Malacañang. Duterte
“Pag ‘di nila tanggapin ‘yung kaso na ‘Stiletto race’ highlights
❱❱ PAGE 13 women empowerment in
❱❱ PAGE 7 Duterte threatens Marikina
Get the latest
news & updates
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2 Philippine News
Lorenzana recommends lifting
of martial law in Mindanao
BY PRIAM NEPOMUCENO
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Department of Na-
tional Defense (DND) Secretary
Delfin Lorenzana has formally
recommended to President Ro-
drigo R. Duterte not to extend
martial law in Mindanao once
its third extension lapses by
yearend.
Lorenzana, in a message to
reporters, said he submitted his
recommendation to the Chief
Executive Wednesday.
“The Department of National
Defense, based on the assess-
ment conducted by the Armed
Forces of the Philippines and
the Philippine National Police,
has recommended to the Presi-
dent not to extend martial law
in Mindanao when it expires
on 31 December 2019. The rec-
ommendation was submitted
to Malacañang today (Wednes-
day),” he added.
In support of this, Lorenzana
Maguindanao massacre POLO-Geneva wants OFW
ruling out Dec. 19 deployment to Poland suspended
BY BENJAMIN PULTA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Quezon City
Regional Trial Court (RTC) is
set to release its ruling on the
promulgation of the decade-
long Maguindanao massacre
case on December 19.
In an order dated Novem-
ber 29 released on Monday,
Branch 221 Judge Jocelyn So-
lis-Reyes said the promulga-
tion of judgment on the case
is “set on December 19, 2019
at 9 in the morning to be held
at Quezon City Jail-Annex,
Camp Bagong Diwa, Bicutan,
Taguig City,”
Justice Secretary Menardo
Guevarra, meanwhile, wel-
comed this development.
“I am glad that we have final-
ly reached the day of reckoning.
The prosecution has presented
nearly 200 witnesses, and the
defense over a hundred, during
an intense trial that lasted sev-
eral years. We thank the judge
said the country’s security forc-
es have determined that the
purpose of implementing mar-
tial law has been attained.
He added that prevailing se-
curity conditions in Mindanao
as well as those of Basilan, Sulu
and Tawi-Tawi have greatly
improved since the defeat of
the Maute fighters in October
2017.
“The AFP believes that the
Maute Group and other threat
groups can no longer launch
a Marawi-type attack as their
forces and capabilities have sig-
nificantly dwindled,” Lorenza-
na said.
Aside from this, the DND
chief said significant strides
in combating insurgency have
been achieved with three Gue-
rilla Fronts and three Pulang
Bagani Command cleared and
dismantled, respectively.
The House of Representa-
tives, in a joint session held on
Dec. 12, 2018, has 235 in favor,
28 against, and one abstention
for her patience and diligence.
We trust that she will dispense
justice evenhandedly and with
the utmost respect for the rule
of law,” Guevarra said in a state-
ment.
Government lawyers earlier
asked the court trying the Ma-
guindanao massacre case to
order principal accused Zaldy
Ampatuan’s return to jail from
the Makati hospital where he is
presently seeking treatment.
In a letter dated Nov. 19 to
Solis-Reyes, Makati City Jail
Superintendent Warden Jhon
D. Montero of the Quezon City
Jail said Ampatuan remains at
a hospital in Makati City less
than a month before the dead-
line of the promulgation of the
case.
Montero said Ampatuan had
been in the Intensive Care Unit
for one week from October 22
to October 29 before he was
transferred to a regular room
on the afternoon of October 29.
❱❱ PAGE 12 Maguindanao massacre
DND Sec. Delfin Lorenzana. JOEY O. RAZON / PNA
in the vote to approve the ex-
tension of martial law in Min-
danao until December 31, 2019.
The AFP recommended an-
other year-long extension of
martial law in Mindanao in a
bid to totally neutralize terror
groups still operating in Mind-
anao.
Martial law in Mindanao was
BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippine
Overseas Labor Office (POLO)
in Geneva has recommended
to the Department of Labor of
Employment (DOLE) the sus-
pension of processing of papers
of overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs) in Poland in connec-
tion with the alleged irregulari-
ties by recruiters.
Based on the report of PO-
LO-Geneva labor attaché
Cheryl Daytec to DOLE Secre-
tary Silvestre Bello III, she rec-
ommended that the Philippines
should suspend sending Filipi-
nos to Poland until said issues
have been resolved.
“Considering the contract
substitution and alleged irregu-
larities committed by recruit-
ers of OFWs for deployment in
Poland is seemingly prevalent
and not yet resolved, POLO-
Geneva recommends the sus-
pension of the processing of pa-
www.canadianinquirer.net
declared on May 23, 2017 fol-
lowing attacks launched by the
Maute Group in Marawi City.
The House of Representa-
tives, in a special joint session
in July 2017, granted the ex-
tension of martial law until
December 31, 2017 at the Presi-
dent’s request.
The Senate and House of
pers of OFWs bound to Poland
until the POEA (Philippine
Overseas Employment Admin-
istration) will have developed a
working regulatory framework
to prevent exploitative prac-
tices of PRAs (Philippine Re-
cruitment Agencies) and their
Polish principals,” she said in
her report dated November 21
released on Monday.
The report also recommend-
ed to the POEA to conduct a
probe on the claims of OFWs,
such as the collection of sup-
posed excessive fees by the re-
cruitment agency.
“POLO-Geneva also strongly
recommends that POEA inves-
tigate the climax of workers,
including the collection of ex-
cessive processing fees without
issuing receipts, against Gold
Icon Recruitment and Promo-
tion Inc. And also to assist the
workers in collecting the al-
leged illegal exactions from
the agency, if proven, which is
already suspended for docu-
ments processing as of 23 Octo-
DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY
Representatives, convening in
a joint session early December
of that year, granted Duterte’s
request for the extension of
martial law and the suspension
of the privilege of the writ of ha-
beas corpus for a period of one
year from January 1 to Decem-
ber 31, 2018. ■
ber 2019,” the report added.
The recommendations were
reached after the POLO-Gene-
va received successive appeals
for assistance from OFWs in
distress in Poland during the
months of October and Novem-
ber.
The latest appeals came from
workers recruited by the said
firm, to work for HR Motives in
Poland.
The report said the workers
claimed the Polish principal
is an independent contractor
which would deploy them to
perform jobs for certain enti-
ties or individuals.
They also complained that
Gold Icon collected at least
PHP269,000 from them as pro-
cessing fees and no receipts
were issued.
The OFWs eventually es-
caped from HR Motives.
She also reported that based
on POEA records, the incidence
of absconding in rising. As of
October 9, there have been cas-
es of 135 abscondees. ■
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019 Philippine News 3

Next PNP chief

should ensure
drug lords are
eliminated: PRRD
BY AZER PARROCHA three contenders’ competence.
Philippine News Agency “Wala naman siyang sinabing
hindi bilib, basta sabi niya di pa
siya nakakapili (He didn’t say
MANILA — The next Philip- that he didn’t believe in their
pine National Police (PNP) skills, it’s just that he hasn’t de-
chief should ensure that he cided yet),” Panelo said. TOTO LOZANO / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

can eliminate drug lords from “You must remember that

the country, President Rodrigo there is an OIC e magaling na-
Duterte said on Monday. man yung OIC so kuntento pa
In an interview over GMA’s siya na magaling yung OIC (and
Duterte says SEA Games hosting
Unang Hirit, Duterte said it was the OIC is doing good so he’s still
not enough to be recommended contented with the PNP being
with a list of contenders for the led by the OIC),” he added.
errors could have been avoided
next PNP chief Citing the
because he was President, Pan- BY AZER PARROCHA “These things could have ing Cayetano, will be accorded
expecting a “bet- elo said Duterte Philippine News Agency been avoided if you used the due process.
ter deal.” himself said he money correctly,” he added.
“They are all was willing to He also criticized the need for Hard work paying off
good. I want a lead the police MANILA – President Rodrigo Phisgoc to rely on private bus Meanwhile, Presidential
better deal. It is force himself if Duterte said mistakes in the companies to transport ath- Spokesperson Salvador Panelo
not enough that he felt like none Philippine hosting of the 30th letes to their hotels and sport- congratulated the Filipino ath-
you recommend He wants an of the contend- Southeast Asian Games could ing venues for practice. letes saying he was pleased to
to me,” Duterte honest cop. ers would make have been avoided if the PHP6- “You do not wait for the bus know that their hard work in
said. He doesn’t the cut. billion budget for the multisport companies to send their buses training is paying off.
“Kung sabihin want any “We’ll have to event was used “correctly.” to help you out,” Duterte said. As of Dec. 2, 12 noon, the
mo, ‘Sir, pag ako cop who has wait for him. He In a television interview on The President said he did not Philippines is leading the com-
ang pinili mo, pa- been charged said if he can- GMA’s Unang Hirit aired Mon- blame a particular person or petition with 25 gold, 15 silver,
tay lahat ng drug with any not choose then day morning, Duterte admitted group for the biennial event’s and 9 bronze medals.
lords…’ ‘Ok, ikaw’ irregularity, he will just take that any hosting of large-scale ill-preparedness, but pointed More than 1,000 Philippine
(If you say, ‘Sir, any infraction over temporarily events could never be perfect, out that the “huge fund” should athletes are competing in the
pick me and all whether as head,” Panelo but making most out of the fund have been enough to avoid such SEA Games.
drug lords will administrative said. could have minimized errors. problems. “We congratulate our ath-
be eliminated. or criminal. The Palace Ahead of its formal opening “I am not attributing it to letes who have won and brought
‘Okay you)’. If official empha- on November 30, the biennial anybody but you know it’s a honor to the country in this
you can’t give me sized that al- meet was marred with prob- huge fund and there ought not ongoing biennial multisport
that guarantee, e though there lems related to accommoda- to have problems like even lo- event,” Panelo said in a state-
ayaw na (I won’t are many other tion, facilities, food, transpor- gistics and things,” Duterte ment.
pick you),” he police generals tation among others. said. He also wished the rest of our
added. worthy of be- “You can do it, not really with “If you would ponder on it, athletes who will be competing
C u r r e n t l y, ing appointed as precision, but had you made it’s actually negligence or un- in the coming days good luck.
PNP officer-in- PNP chief, it is most of the money then you foreseen events that you failed Panelo earlier praised the or-
charge Lt. Gen. Archie Fran- best to wait for the President to could have avoided the criti- to prepare for,” he added. ganizers, volunteers, and others
cisco Gamboa is one of the top arrive at a decision. cal situations, the mishaps,” Last week, Duterte said his who made a “job exceedingly
candidates as PNP chief. “Marami namang magagal- Duterte said. office would look into alleged done” in organizing the formal
The other contenders for the ing pero kung hindi nakakarat- Duterte emphasized that the corruption and shortcom- launch of the SEA Games at the
post are Lt. Gen. Camilo Cas- ing sa kanila mga pangalan Philippine Southeast Asian ings in the hosting of the SEA Philippine Arena in Bocaue,
colan, deputy chief for opera- (There are many good contend- Games Organizing Committee Games. Bulacan on Saturday night.
tions and Maj. Gen. Guillermo ers but their names might not (Phisgoc) Foundation Inc. had The President said he would Despite early logistical trou-
Eleazar, former Metro Manila have reached the President at least two years to prepare for create a fact-finding body bles, Panelo stressed that the
police director and now head of yet). We’ll just wait for him,” the multisport meet but failed that will investigate the sup- “superb” opening of the event
the directorial staff. Panelo said. to anticipate logistical prob- posed mishandling of Phisgoc, merely proves that the Phisgoc
Earlier, Duterte said the Meanwhile, Panelo reiter- lems. chaired by House Speaker Alan is more than prepared in han-
three police generals on the list ated that the President wanted “You had so many years to Peter Cayetano. dling the biennial multisports
of contenders for the next PNP the next PNP chief to be both prepare for it. So how come na While he is convinced that event.
chief are “all good.” honest and competent. ganyan ang nangyari (that’s the SEA Games’ mess was “un- The President attended the
In a Palace briefing, Presi- “He wants an honest cop. He what happened)? And even in intentional,” Duterte said he opening ceremonies to offi-
dential Spokesperson Salvador doesn’t want any cop who has the food, and in the billeting wants to find out what went cially declare 2019 SEA Games
Panelo clarified that Duterte been charged with any irregu- of the hotel na hindi nila alam wrong when it comes to orga- open, marking the fourth time
was not taking his time in se- larity, any infraction whether kung saang hotel (they don’t nizing the event. the country hosted the biennial
lecting the next PNP chief be- administrative or criminal,” he know which hotel),” Duterte Duterte said those who will meet. The Philippines also host-
cause he did not believe in the added. ■ said. be under investigation includ- ed in 1981, 1991, and 2005. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net
4 Philippine News DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY

Duterte ‘afraid’ Robredo would mess up ICAD job

BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency

MANILA — The longer Vice President

Leni Robredo stays as co-chair of the In-
ter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal
Drugs (ICAD), the more chance for her
to mess up, President Rodrigo Duterte
said on Monday.
Duterte defended anew his decision
to fire Robredo as drug czar citing her
“missteps” which included her tendency
to meet with foreign personalities and
institutions and her failure to provide
new solutions to the drug war.
“Ang kinatatakutan ko magkalat siya.
Kaya ako takot (I fear that she would
mess up. That’s why I’m afraid),” Duterte
said in an interview over GMA’s Unang
Hirit on Monday morning.
“The more that she stays with the
ICAD, the more that she would create is-
sues and the more that the people will be ACE MORANDANTE / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

like wondering,” he added.

He also admitted that he asked Robre- bakit eh so sabi ko (We can’t explain it “made an asshole of herself” by talk- said in an exclusive interview with
do to oversee the war on drugs because to her so I said) ‘Why don’t you just join ing to representatives from the United CNN on Friday.
he was “exasperated” about her having us?” Duterte said. States and United Nations instead of “All stupid remarks coming out from
criticized it for “not working.” “Actually, it’s an exasperation thing for talking to personali- an empty head.
“Ano bang totoo dito (What’s true me. Sabi ko, ‘eh di ikaw sumali ka na para ties directly involved Anong palpak (How
here)? Leni keeps on harping on so many malaman mo (I said, ‘You join the ICAD in the anti-narcotics did it become a fail-
things — na (that) it has not succeeded, so that you will find out’),” he added. campaign. ure)? The war on
eh hindi namin masabi sa kaniya kung Last week, Duterte claimed Robredo Instead of talking drugs is a continuing
to people directly one in all countries,
involved in the drug The war on even in America. You
war, Duterte said the drugs is a know that. Do not

PSYCHIC
sacked drug czar pre-
ferred to meet with
foreigners who have
already prejudged his
continuing one pretend. If you are
in all countries, not stupid, do not
even in America. pretend to be stupid.
You know that. Alam ninyo iyan (You

FAITH
crackdown on illegal Do not pretend. know that). It is a
drugs. never-ending war,”
Duterte also in- he added.
sisted Robredo was Duterte appointed
“stupid” to claim that Robredo as anti-drug
his anti-narcotics czar on October 31
campaign is a fail- to help co-chair the
Reader, Healer and Adviser ure, stressing that his ICAD with Philip-
fight against illicit drug sale is a “never- pine Drug Enforcement Agency Direc-
ending war.” tor General Aaron Aquino.
TELL PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE “Anong palpak? Kailan naging pal- After over a few weeks in office,
pak? Kayo ang palpak (What do you Duterte fired Robredo after she com-
mean failure? When did it become a mitted “missteps” and completely lost
specializes on removing all types negative failure? The failure is you),” Duterte his trust in her. ■
energy, bad luck and evil influences
HSSA projects...
helps in all life problems such
as love life, business matters,
❰❰ 17 Nurses of Alberta said 750 vid Shepherd, Official Opposition Critic
immigration and family issues front-line health-care work- for Health and MLA for Edmonton-City
ers will lose their jobs over the Centre. “The premier is declaring war
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 next three years. Alberta Health Servic- on healthcare today.”
es also says closure of acute care beds is “This will have a serious impact both
Call today for a better tomorrow being considered. patient care, and on communities where
“This government spent $4.7 billion the hospital is a major employer. The

778-379-4070
99% OVER on a no-jobs corporate handout, and premier’s warning that bed closures are
now Albertans have to pay for it with on the way is a direct threat to Alberta’s
ACCURATE 30 YRS EXP deep cuts to the healthcare services they rural hospitals,” Shepherd said. “Premier
rely on. Premier Kenney is breaking yet Kenney needs to come clean about which
another promise to Albertans,” said Da- rural hospitals he will be closing.” ■

www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019 5

www.canadianinquirer.net
6 Philippine News
Duterte: ‘I pray not for myself but PH’
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
CARLOS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodri-
go Duterte has admitted that he
is praying every night, not for
himself, but the whole nation.
In a taped interview aired by
morning show Unang Hirit on
Tuesday, the 74-year-old Chief
Executive said he regularly
prays at night before he sleeps
to ask God for the betterment
of the country.
“Yes, for my country. Wala na
akong hinihingi para sa akin, sa
sarili. Bansa lang (I don’t ask
anything for myself. I make a
wish for the country),” he said,
when quizzed if he always says
a night prayer at bedtime.
“Ako hindi na ako nagda-
dasal para sa sarili ko. Para sa
bayan (I don’t pray for myself
but the country,)” he added.
Duterte only has more than
two years remaining to serve as
President.
He has repeatedly vowed to
pursue a relentless crackdown
on illegal drugs, criminality,
Green groups vow support for QC’s ban
on single-use plastic and paper disposables
IN RESPONSE to the plea
made by Quezon City Mayor
Joy Belmonte, various ecology
groups signified their support
for groundbreaking citywide
policies aimed at reducing the
volume of single-use plastics
and other residual wastes.
At a press conference held
yesterday, Belmonte an-
nounced the promulgation
of Ordinance No.2876, which
bans the distribution and use of
single-use plastics and dispos-
able containers in hotels and
restaurants in the city effective
February 1, 2020, as well as Or-
dinance No. 2868, which bans
the distribution of plastic bags
by retailers effective January 1,
2020. Ordinance 2868 will also
ban the distribution of brown
bags in various establishments
one year after it has taken ef-
fect.
“Introduced by Councilor
Dorothy Delarmente, these
Ordinances are concrete steps
taken by the City Government
and corruption in government
in his remaining years in office.
If he were Santa Claus,
Duterte said he would first
bring gifts to “the poor.”
In an interview with CNN
Philippines on Friday, the
74-year-old President assured
the public that he is still fit to
to prevent plastic bags and
single-use plastics from enter-
ing the waste stream and thus
lessening the possibility of
these plastics from ever reach-
ing bodies of water, she said,
stressing “it takes a concerted
effort from all stakeholders to
prevent this problem from es-
calating.”
“I encourage all stakeholders
to support the newly-enacted
ordinances,” Belmonte said.
“We hope that you will con-
tinue to partner with the City
Government to advance our
advocacies on climate change,
sustainability and environmen-
tal protection,” she told mem-
bers of the EcoWaste Coalition,
which co-organized the press
conference.
Belmonte’s clarion call drew
immediate support from the
EcoWaste Coalition and other
green groups.
“The promulgation of these
twin pollution prevention or-
dinances against plastic and
KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
perform his duties, despite his
health problems.
He also guaranteed that there
is no need for him to release a
medical bulletin on his health,
since the 1987 Constitution
only compels a president to
disclose the real status of his
health “in case of serious ill-
paper disposables is as a step in
the right direction,” said Aileen
Lucero, National Coordinator
of theEcoWaste Coalition, who
commended Belmonte, Delar-
mente and the City Council for
giving priority consideration to
these progressive environmen-
tal policies.
“This action from the ground
should encourage the speedy
approval of a robust national
legislation phasing out single-
use plastics and other dispos-
ables to advance the consump-
tion and production agenda in
the country,” she pointed out.
Sonia Mendoza, Chairman of
the Mother Earth Foundation,
also lauded the passage of the
ordinances stressing that “other
local government units should
take their cue from Quezon City
and enact similar measures that
will address the proliferation of
throw-away packaging such as
single-use plastics, which con-
stitute a main obstacle in com-
munity efforts to reach the Zero
www.canadianinquirer.net
ness.”
Duterte earlier revealed
that he is battling with muscle
spasms, chronic back pains, mi-
graines, and autoimmune neu-
romuscular disorder.
He also admitted that he has
Barrett’s esophagus, a poten-
tially serious complication of
gastroesophageal reflux dis-
ease, and Buerger’s disease, a
rare disease of the arteries and
veins in the arms and legs.
Duterte admits shortcomings
as a father
Meantime, Duterte admitted
that he has shortcomings as a
father of his four children be-
cause the presidency is taking
up too much of his time.
“Medyo may pagkukulang ako
even sa mga apo (I have short-
comings as a father to my chil-
dren and even as a grandfather
to my grandchildren) because I
don’t have time,” the President
said when asked how is he as a
father to his children.
He made the remarks, as he
revealed that his four children —
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-
Carpio, Davao City First District
Waste goal.”
“These waste prevention
measures targeting the con-
sumption and disposal of
single-use plastics and other
throw-away materials will
surely contribute to reduc-
ing the city’s massive produc-
tion of garbage. We expect the
business community and the
citizenry to rally behind the
effective enforcement of these
measures, as well as the pro-
motion of sustainable practices
toward a greener city,” said Dr.
Angelina Galang, President of
the Green Convergence for Safe
Food, Healthy Environment
and Sustainable Economy.
Under Ordinance No. 2876,
single-use and disposable ma-
terials such as plastic spoons,
forks and knives; plastic/paper
cups, plates, straws, stirrers;
and Styrofoam will not be al-
lowed for dine-in customers in
hotels and restaurants.
Hotels are likewise prohib-
ited from distributing items
DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY
Representative Paolo Duterte,
Davao City Vice Mayor Se-
bastian Duterte, and Veronica
Duterte — are all his “favorites.”
Sara, Paolo, and Sebastian
are his children with his former
wife, Elizabeth Zimmerman.
Veronica, meantime, is his only
child with his long-time part-
ner, Honeylet Avanceña.
On November 21, the Presi-
dent acknowledged that his
eldest daughter, Sara, is the “al-
pha in the family” as the presi-
dential daughter is more domi-
nant than him.
He also revealed that his
sons, Paolo and Sebastian, are
even afraid of their sister.
Despite this, Duterte dis-
suaded Sara from taking on the
challenge as his successor in
2022 and warned her that the
presidency could merely “de-
stroy” her.
Sara bared in February that
she was considering running for
the 2022 president race, but the
President on Friday claimed his
daughter had already dropped
her plan, considering that she
would only be bombarded with
criticisms. ■
used for hygienic purposes like
soaps, shampoos, conditioners
and shower gels in sachets and
single-use containers.
Under phase one of Ordi-
nance No. 2868, “a total ban on
the distribution of plastic bags
will be implemented by all shop-
ping malls, supermarkets, de-
partment stores, grocery stores,
fast food chains, food stalls, res-
taurants, drug stores, pharma-
cies and other similar retailers.”
For phase two of Ordinance
No. 2868,” total ban on the dis-
tribution of brown bags” by
retailers will be imposed “one
year after the effectivity of this
Ordinance.”
Violators of the said Ordi-
nances will be fined PHP1,000
for the first offense; PHP3,000
for the second offense, plus
revocation of Environmental
Clearance and issuance of a
Cease and Desist Order; and 3)
PHP5,000, plus revocation of
Business Permit and issuance
of a Closure Order. ■
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signs the Postponement of the 2020 Barangay
and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections Act and the Malasakit Center Act.
Duterte postpones
2020 barangay, SK polls
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
CARLOS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo
Duterte has signed into law a
measure postponing the baran-
gay (village) and Sangguniang
Kabataan (youth council) elec-
tions scheduled in May 2020.
Duterte inked Republic Act
(RA) 11462 or the Postpone-
ment of the 2020 Barangay and
Sangguniang Kabataan Elec-
tions Act during a ceremonial
signing held at Palace’s Rizal
Hall on Tuesday afternoon.
Senate President Vicente
Sotto III, House Speaker Alan
Peter Cayetano, Senator Maria
Imelda Josefa Marcos, Negros
Occidental 4th District Rep. Ju-
liet Ferrer, Local Government
Secretary Eduardo Año, and Ex-
ecutive Secretary Salvador Me-
dialdea witnessed the ceremony.
In a keynote speech, the Pres-
ident said the signing of the law
is vital in “realizing meaningful
and lasting reform for the good
of our nation.”
RA 11462 effectively moves the
twin elections to Dec. 5, 2022.
Incumbent village executives
and officials of the youth coun-
cil will remain in office until
their successors have been duly
elected or unless they have
been removed or suspended.
VALERIE ESCALERA/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
The new set of barangay and SK
officials elected in December 2022
will assume office on Jan. 1, 2023.
Subsequent village and youth
council polls will be held on the
first Monday of December 2025
and every three years after.
Palace has yet to release a
copy of the newly-signed law.
During his fourth State of
the Nation Address on July 22,
Duterte asked Congress to pass
a measure suspending the elec-
tions set in May 2020, to give vil-
lage officials more time to finish
their programs and projects.
The Senate and the House
of Representatives on Novem-
ber 12 ratified the bicameral
conference report of their con-
solidated measure on the post-
ponement of the twin elections.
This is the third deferment of
the village and youth council’s
elections since 2016.
Duterte postponed twice the
village and youth council elec-
tions for fear that incumbent
village officials who allegedly
have ties with drug syndicates
might get re-elected.
In October 2016, Duterte
inked RA 10923, moving the
twin elections from Oct. 31,
2016 to Oct. 23, 2017.
The village and youth council
elections were once again re-
scheduled to May 14, 2018 after
the Chief Executive signed RA
10952. ■
PRRD nixes ABS-CBN’s
franchise renewal
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
CARLOS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo
Duterte on Tuesday announced
that he is not bent on granting
the renewal of the 25-year con-
gressional franchise to local
broadcast network ABS-CBN.
Duterte made the pro-
nouncement before the new-
ly-appointed government of-
ficials, as he was still irked by
ABS-CBN’s supposed bias by
slanting reports about him.
“ABS-CBN, you’re a mouth-
piece of… Ang inyong fran-
chise, mag-end next year (Your
franchise will end next year),”
Duterte said in a speech deliv-
ered at the Palace’s Heroes Hall.
“If you are expecting na ma-
Duterte threatens...
❰❰ 1 ‘yan (If they don’t ac-
cept the case). I’ll tell
the Supreme Court
now, now is the time that we
talk seriously...Ito ifa-file ko
‘to (I will file this case)...eco-
nomic sabotage and I will arrest
them,” he added.
He said he wanted all those
involved in the onerous con-
tract to experience life in pris-
on.
Meanwhile, Duterte also
asked Finance Secretary Car-
los Dominguez III and Solicitor
General Jose Calida to “craft a
new contract that is really fa-
vorable to government.”
In a separate speech, Duterte
expressed frustration over how
the concession agreements
prevented the government
from interfering with the water
distribution responsibilities.
“When I saw the contract,
sabi ko p*t*ng*n*ng ‘to (I said),
www.canadianinquirer.net
Philippine News
renew iyan (that it will be re-
newed), I’m sorry, you’re out.
I will see to it na (that) you’re
out,” he added.
ABS-CBN’s franchise is set to
expire on March 30, 2020.
Several bills have been filed
at the House of Representa-
tives, seeking the renewal of the
local media giant’s congressio-
nal franchise.
However, the House fran-
chise committee has not tabled
the proposed measures for dis-
cussion.
Radio and television broad-
cast firms in the country are re-
quired to seek a franchise from
Congress, pursuant to Republic
Act 3846.
On November 4, House
Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano
admitted that he had “person-
al” objections to ABS-CBN’s
they are screwing us and they
are screwing us all the way),”
Duterte said.
“Sila and distributor, atin ang
tubig (They’re the distributors,
we own the water). In the con-
tract, the water is categorized
not as a natural resource but
as a commodity. At sa contract,
hindi Republic of the Philip-
pines,” he added.
Justice Secretary Menardo
Guevarra earlier said that the
President will make a “public
statement” on the concession
agreements.
Upon instruction of the Pres-
ident, the justice department
reviewed the 1997 water con-
cession agreements and “found
a dozen provisions that were
deemed onerous or disadvan-
tageous to the government and
the consuming public.”
Guevarra said that one of the
most notable onerous provi-
7
franchise renewal because of
the company’s leaders who “in-
terfered unjustly.”
In his latest speech, Duterte
lambasted ABS-CBN anew for
alleged failure to air his paid
advertisements on television
during the 2016 presidential
campaign.
The President said he would
not change his mind, despite
the news outfit’s persistence to
come to him “begging.”
“Ilan kaming mga kandidato
na kinuha ninyo ang pera namin
(You took my money, as well
as the other candidates), but
never aired our propaganda,”
he said.
On August 3 last year, Duterte
revealed that ABS-CBN kept on
sending emissary to his office
to negotiate the renewal of its
franchise. ■
sions in the concession deals
was the prohibition against
government interference in
rate-setting and the provision
on indemnity for possible loss-
es in the event of such govern-
ment interference.
Due to the two provisions,
the government was ordered by
the Singapore arbitration court
to pay Maynilad about PHP3.6
billion and, recently, PHP7.4
billion to Manila Water as com-
pensation for losses and dam-
ages.
Guevarra said another oner-
ous provision is the extension
of these contracts to 2037 con-
sidering that the extension was
granted 12 to 13 years before
the original expiration of the
25-year concession agreements
in 2022. ■
8 Philippine News DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY

Palace hails organizers, volunteers

for ‘superb’ SEA Games launch
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-CARLOS
Correspondent/Hosts Philippine News Agency
Bea Kirstein T. Manalaysay
Joanna Belle Deala
Gianna Llanes
Violeta Arevelo MANILA — Malacañang on Sunday
Babes Newland praised the organizers, volunteers, and
Graphic Design
the other people who made a “job ex-
Shanice Garcia ceedingly done” in organizing the for-
Ginno Alcantara mal launch of the 30th Southeast Asian
Arlnie Colleene Talain Singca
(SEA) Games at the Philippine Arena in
Account Manager Bocaue, Bulacan on Saturday night.
Kristopher Yong “The opening ceremony of the 30th
Director/Producer
Southeast Asian (SEA) Games was a
Boom Dayupay sight to behold. Such a delight to watch
a night where all Filipinos, regardless of
Photographers/Videographers
Ginno Alcantara
age, social or political status and loca-
Hannah Dela Cruz tion, went in droves to show their sup-
port to the country’s hosting of the 30th
Sales
Zeena Marie L. Briones
SEA Games,” Presidential Spokesperson
Hannah Chloe S. Amparo Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
“The Office of the President congratu-
Operations and Admin
Victoria Yong
lates the organizers, performers, volun-
Amelia Insigne teers, and everyone behind yesterday
night’s spectacular event, the first SEA 2019 SEA Games Opening Ceremony. 2019 SEA GAMES / FACEBOOK
Management
Alan Yong
Games launched in an indoor venue, at
Victoria Yong the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, for a an interview over dzIQ. Winning Filipino athletes lauded
job exceedingly well done,” he added. Panelo also commended the Filipino
For photo submissions, please email
Saturday night, President Rodrigo PH ‘ready’ for SEA Games athletes who have so far garnered 15 gold,
editor@canadianinquirer.net Duterte officially declared the opening of Prior to the formal opening of SEA 5 silver and 5 bronze medals at the start
the 2019 SEA Games, which the country Games, the Philippines’ readiness as of the Games action in different venues
For General Inquiries, please email
info@canadianinquirer.net
is hosting for the fourth time. The Philip- host for the 30th edition was questioned in Metro Manila, Subic, and at the New
pines also hosted in 1981, 1991, and 2005. after foreign athletes experienced trou- Clark City Sports Hub in Capas, Tarlac.
For Sales Inquiries, please email Duterte, along with thousands of bles when it comes to logistical issues. Panelo was convinced that the ath-
sales@canadianinquirer.net
or contact 778-788-4998
Filipino spectators, swayed to the beat But Panelo stressed that the “superb” letes draw their inspiration from Fili-
of the iconic song “Manila” by Filipino opening of the event merely proves pino’s overwhelming support when the
Philippine Canadian Inquirer is located at band Hotdog which was played during that the Phisgoc is more than prepared 30th edition of the SEA Games kicked
#1820-666 Burrard Street
Vancouver BC V6C 2X8 Canada
the parade of more than 1,000 Philip- in handling the biennial multi-sports off at the 50,000-seat Philippine Arena.
pine athletes competing for the SEA event. “We have to congratulate our Filipino
Games. “Nakapapanindig balahibo. There was athletes for that. Talagang nakaka-in-
Email: info@canadianinquirer.net,
During the opening ceremony, Phis- a feeling of excitement, happiness habang spire naman saka maganda ang prepara-
sales@canadianinquirer.net goc chair and House Speaker Alan Pe- pumapasok yung delegates. Lahat ng tao syon eh (The country’s preparation is re-
ter Cayetano assured the 11 participat- ay nagsisigawan at nagiindakan. Masaya ally inspiring). There is no substitute for
Instagram: @pcinewsofficial
ing countries that: “We build as one, we (The event gave us goose bumps. There preparation and any competition,” the
Twitter:@pcinewsofficial work as one, we win as one.” was a feeling of excitement, happiness Palace official said in an interview over
during the parade of the delegates. All dzIQ.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
channel/UCGvCxcZGXZVbAWhNLRJIfTw
‘Superb’ SEA Games opening elates were shouting and dancing. It was fun),” Panelo also expressed confidence that
PRRD he said. the athletes from the 11 foreign partici-
Philippine Canadian Inquirer is published weekly
every Friday.
Panelo believed the Philippine SEA “We have to congratulate the organiz- pating nations of the 30th Southeast
Games Organizing Committee or Phis- ers for the superb opening of the SEA Asian (SEA) Games will leave the Philip-
Copies are distributed free throughout Metro
Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, and Greater Toronto. goc treated the spectators to grandiose Games,” Panelo added. pines with “beautiful memories forever
The views and opinions expressed in the articles
opening rites that officially kicked off Panelo said the country is ready for etched in their hearts.”
(including opinions expressed in ads herein) are those the 11-day multi-sports event. this year’s SEA Games competitions, es- “The Palace hopes that this event ex-
of the authors named, and are not necessarily those of
Philippine Canadian Inquirer Editorial Team. He said the formal launch impressed pecially since it has the biggest delega- traordinaire sets the tone for the han-
PCI reserves the right to reject any advertising which
the global audience with the country’s tion among the 11 participating nations. dling of the Games until our foreign
it considers to contain false or misleading information “impressive” stage design and produc- “Eh ang dami natin eh. ’Yung venue, guests leave the country, bringing with
or involves unfair or unethical practices. The advertiser
agrees the publisher shall not be liable for damages tion, “mesmerizing fireworks display, parang walang katapusan. Mahigit 1,000 them beautiful memories forever etched
arising out of error in any advertisement.
and Filipino talents’ “world-class” per- yata (We have the biggest delegation. We in their hearts,” he said.
formances. dominated the venue. There are over
Member Panelo said the President was “happy” 1,000 athletes),” the Palace official said. Media praised for ‘truthful, accurate’
with the preparations made by the orga- “Kung ‘yun ‘yung mga athletes natin, coverage
nizers. it only means one thing, ibig sabihin, Panelo also took time to thank the me-
“Napakaganda ng performance ng marami tayong sinalihan, sasalihan na dia for writing “truthful and accurate”
mga palabas. World-class kumbaga ang mga sports, mga games. Ganoon kahanda reports about the formal opening of SEA
presentasyon. Natutuwa ang Pangulo sa ang delegation ng Pilipinas (If that’s the Games.
nakita niya kahapon (The performanc- number of athletes, it only means one He made the remarks as he earlier
es are excellent. The presentation was thing, we will join many competitions. lamented the spread of “fake” news on
world-class. The President was elated by The Philippine delegation is ready),” he
what he witnessed last night),” he said in added. ❱❱ PAGE 11 Palace hails

www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019 Philippine News 9

PNP to fete hero cop Palace mourns passing of ex-

in MisOr grenade blast Japanese PM Yasuhiro Nakasone
BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD
CALIWAN
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippine
National Police (PNP) will fete
the police officer who died af-
ter using his body to shield the
crowd from a grenade blast in-
side a college campus in Initao,
Misamis Oriental.
PNP officer-in-charge, Lt.
Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa,
said the PNP is recommending
to give the posthumous award
of Medalya ng Kadakilaan in
recognition of Police Mas-
ter Sgt. James Magno’s heroic
death.
“He did not die in vain. His
death gave new meaning to the
undying line in the PNP Hymn
tion, died along with Ibrahim
Basher, 65, the carrier of a hand
grenade that exploded in the
covered court of Initao College.
Magno used his body to
shield the crowd from the blast
effects of the grenade and died
on the spot.
At least 10 students were in-
jured and brought to the hos-
pital. Magno’s colleague, Senior
Master Sergeant Alice Balido,
was also brought to a hospital
after sustaining injuries during
the explosion.
“Magno, Balido and count-
less other police heroes who
came before them, are imbued
with the same patriotism of
Bonifacio and our national he-
roes who died for our country,”
Gamboa said.
The surviving kin of Magno
BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Malacañang
mourned the passing of former
Prime Minister Yasuhiro Naka-
sone on Friday at the age of 101.
In a statement on Sunday
night, Presidential Spokesper-
son Salvador Panelo described
Nakasone as “a great friend of
the Philippines.”
“The Palace expresses its
sincere condolences to the
Japanese government and the
Japanese people for the passing
of former Prime Minister Yas-
uhiro Nakasone,” Panelo said.
Nakasone had been con-
ferred the Order of Sikatuna
with the rank of Grand Collar
(Raja) in 1983 for his contribu- Late former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. 首相官邸ホームページ, CC BY 4.0

’ihandog ang iisang buhay’
which is exactly what Magno
did,” said Gamboa who visited
Magno’s wake on Sunday.
Magno, 46, is a trained Ex-
plosive Ordnance Disposal
specialist who was among the
first responders at the scene
when a man armed with a knife
and grenade barged inside the
school grounds.
Magno, a member of the
Initao municipal police sta-
will receive death benefits
which include PHP250,000
from the President’s social
fund, PHP141,000 from the spe-
cial financial assistance from
the PNP, burial benefits worth
PHP50,000 and PHP200,000
gratuity from the National Po-
lice Commission (Napolcom).
Gamboa also visited Balido in
the hospital. Balido was award-
ed Medalya ng Sugatang Magit-
ing (PNP Wounded Medal). ■
tion to strengthening Philip-
pines-Japan diplomatic ties,
Panelo said.
Panelo, meanwhile, offered
prayers that the Japanese lead-
er would rest in happiness and
peace.
Nakasone’s son, Hirofumi,
confirmed his father’s death
on Friday at a Tokyo hospital
where he was being treated.
Nakasone, a World War II
navy officer, pushed for the
strengthening of the military
ties between Japan and the US.
In his inaugural speech in
1982, Nakasone described the
US as “the most important
partner for Japan.”
He was known for his warm
relations with US President
Ronald Reagan.
He also served as defense
chief, the top of the power-
ful Ministry of International
Trade and Industry, and secre-
tary-general of the ruling Lib-
eral Democratic Party before
becoming prime minister from
1982 to 1987.
The late Prime Minister also
lobbied for revision of the war-
renouncing US-drafted consti-
tution, a long-time cause that
no postwar leader has achieved
to date.
Nakasone is survived by his
son Hirofumi, two daughters,
and three grandchildren. ■

Security officials SOLUTIONS IMMIGRATION CONSULTING INC.

verifying Chinese EXPERT ASSISTANCE - ALL CANADIAN IMMIGRATION MATTERS

airship on PH-
claimed reef
BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Malacañang on
Monday deferred commenting
on the reported sighting of a
Chinese airship floating above
the Panganiban Reef (Mischief
Reef ) in the West Philippine
Sea.
Presidential Spokesperson
Salvador Panelo said he would
rather wait for the country’s
security officials to validate the
report before making a state-
ment.
“I will defer to the statement CARI GOMBINSKY SOL GOMBINSKY ANNABELLE MIGALBIN
to be issued by the Secretary of Owner/Licensed Consultant
R411207
President and Licensed Consultant
ICCRC ID: R411199
Immigration Services Manager
SERVICE IN PILIPINO
Foreign Affairs (Teodoro Loc- carig@immsol.com Immigration Specialist Since 1967 annabellem@immsol.com
sin Jr.),” Panelo said in a Palace Former manager, 647-765-1580
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
briefing. sollyg@immsol.com 416-661-6376
“And that is again subject al-
ways to the National Security www.immsol.com
1183 Finch Avenue West Suite 508, Toronto M3J 2G2
Adviser (Hermogenes Espe-
ron), as well as the Department IN CANADA SERVICES OUT OF CANADA SERVICES
of National Defense Secretary • Family Class • Permanent Residence
(Delfin Lorenzana) for valida- • Extensions/Change of Status • Canadian Experience Class
tion,” he added. • Permanent Residence • Federal Skilled Worker
Panelo said security officials • Hearings and Appeals • Skilled Trade Programs
always release statements rela- • Humanitarian and Compassionate • Visitors Visa
tive to matters concerning na- • Caregiver Programs • Business
• Citizenship Applications • Family Class
• Work Permits *Student Permits
❱❱ PAGE 16 Security officials

www.canadianinquirer.net
10
Duterte to Filipinos: Emulate Duterte OKs DTI’s
Andres Bonifacio’s ‘love for PH’ proposed ‘Doing
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
CARLOS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo
Duterte on Saturday called on
Filipinos to be inspired by rev-
olutionary hero Andres Bonifa-
cio’ patriotism and selflessness.
The Chief Executive made
the call as he joined the entire
nation in celebrating the 156th
birth anniversary of Bonifacio
who is branded as the “Father
of the Philippine Revolution.”
In his message, Duterte
hailed Bonifacio’s “courage and
selflessness” to make the Phil-
ippines an “independent and
vibrant nation that advances
ever forward to the future.”
“Today is an auspicious occa-
sion to reflect on Andres Boni-
facio’s legacy of awakening the
Filipino consciousness to fight
for our freedom and build an
entire nation. The Father of
the Philippine Revolution has
taught us to embody patriotism
and take a stand against our op-
pressors through the civic du-
ties we fulfill as citizens of this
great country,” he said.
“I urge everyone to emulate
his love for country in our en-
deavors as we bring to life the
strong and progressive Philip-
pines that he had envisioned for
us all,” the President added.
Bonifacio led the clandestine
revolutionary movement Kati-
punan in 1896 to fight Spanish
colonial rulers.
He, however, died in 1897 not
in battle but upon the order of
another Katipunero, Emilio
Aguinaldo.
At present, Duterte acknowl-
edged the need to adopt Boni-
facio’s “revolution” to free the
country from “social ills.”
“Even in death, his (Bonifa-
cio) great sacrifice persists to
ignite the spark of meaningful
Philippine News
"Andrés Bonifacio, titled "President" of the Tagalog Republic."
SULYAP KULTURA, VOL. 1, NO. 2, 1996, PUBLIC DOMAIN
change so that we can bring
this nation he had left behind to
greater heights,” he said.
“Up to this day, we are chal-
lenged to continue his revolu-
tion as we liberate ourselves
from corruption, criminal-
ity, terrorism, illegal drugs and
other social ills that continue
to plague our society,” Duterte
added.
Duterte is scheduled to lead
the flag-raising and wreath-lay-
ing ceremonies at the Bonifacio
National Shrine in Caloocan
City on Saturday afternoon.
In a separate statement,
Presidential Spokesperson Sal-
vador Panelo expressed hope
that Filipinos would emulate
Bonifacio and aspire to become
modern day heroes.
“As we pay tribute to the Fa-
ther of Philippine Revolution,
let us be inspired of his life and
his bravery as the remnants of
society’s ills in his time con-
tinue to haunt us, even as they
remain an obstacle to unchain
us from the bondage of poverty
and corruption plus the evolved
modern twin evil of illegal
drugs and terrorism,” he said.
“Let us become the new he-
roes of this generation in the
mold of Andres Bonifacio, to
pave the way for the succeeding
ones to resurrect the culture of
love and nationalism that will
propel this nation and country
to progress and prosperity, un-
der a regime of peace, security
and life of comfort for all Filipi-
nos,” he added. ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
Business’ reforms
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
CARLOS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo
Duterte has approved the De-
partment of Trade and Indus-
try’s (DTI) proposed regulatory
reforms to further improve the
country’s business climate,
Malacañang said on Tuesday.
Duterte gave his nod dur-
ing the 44th meeting with his
Cabinet at Malacañan Palace
on Monday night, Presidential
Spokesperson Salvador Panelo
said in a statement.
Panelo said the President ap-
proved the suggestions raised
by Trade Secretary Ramon
Lopez, upon learning that the
Philippines is now one of the
top 100 most competitive na-
tions in the world for doing
business.
“Trade and Industry Secre-
tary Ramon Lopez reported the
result of the Doing Business
2020 by the World Bank where
the Philippines climbed 29
notches, ranking 95th from the
previous 124th,” Panelo said.
“To further improve our
rankings in the coming years,
Secretary Lopez proposed to
adopt the ease of doing busi-
ness reforms, and asked con-
cerned agencies to streamline
and automate their processes.
This was approved by the Chief
Executive,” he added.
The World Bank’s Doing
Business 2020 Report, which
was released on October 24,
revealed that the Philippines
jumped 29 notches in the global
rankings of the ease of doing
business to 95th from 124th
among 190 economies.
The World Bank also noted
that the Philippines is one of
DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY
the top three high jumpers
among the economies covered
by the study.
Panelo had attributed the
country’s improved ranking in
the World Bank’s 2020 ease of
doing business report to the
current administration’s “good
governance.”
He had also encouraged the
public to help the government
to further boost its global stand-
ing by reporting acts of red tape
or corruption in government.
In a press conference on
October 24, Lopez said the
Duterte government should
implement more reform initia-
tives, in an effort to achieve its
target to land in the 70th spot
next year when it comes to be-
ing a competitive country.
Lopez expressed confidence
that while many reforms re-
quire gestation, they will soon
“bear fruit.”
He also emphasized the need
to strictly implement Republic
Act (RA) 11032 or the “Ease of
Doing Business and Efficient
Government Service Delivery
Act of 2018,” which amends the
Anti-Red Tape Act to promote
ease of doing business in the
country by cutting red tape in
government agencies that de-
lay the delivery of responsive
services.
Lopez also noted that his
agency is giving priority to the
Philippine business portal,
online corporation registra-
tion system, unified report-
ing system for Social Security
Agencies, property registration
portal, and modern collateral
registry. ■
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019
Palace hails...
❰❰ 8 the country’s hosting
of the sports meet to
humiliate the Duterte
administration.
The Palace official likewise
cited the article published by
Singapore-based The Straits
Times which highlighted that
“It took just two hours to wipe
away a week’s worth of bad
headlines.”
“Undoubtedly, the ceremony
demonstrated the redoubtable
ability of the Philippines to
host the biggest sporting events
in the world and entertain our
foreign guests with the kind of
merriment that we Filipinos
excel and are famous for,” he
said.
“We commend the local me-
dia outfits, as well as writers
and bloggers in social media,
for reporting with accuracy the
success of the ceremony. Such
truthful and accurate reportage
contributed to the pride of all
Filipinos as they express their
sentiments in cheering for our
athletes and our country,” Pan-
elo added.
Critics’ rants vs. SEA Games’
opening ignored
Despite the successful open-
ing of the biennial sports meet,
PCOO lauds PH athletes for surpassing 2017
SEAG gold medal haul
BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Presidential
Communications Operations
Office (PCOO) has hailed Fili-
pino athletes for having sur-
passed their gold medal out-
put in the 2017 edition of the
Southeast Asian (SEA) Games
held in Malaysia.
Just on the second day of
the ongoing SEA Games 2019,
host Philippines acquired 39
gold medals, 22 silvers, and 14
bronzes as of 9 p.m. of Decem-
ber 2, according to the Philip-
pine Sports Commission.
In 2017, the Philippine del-
egation got 23 gold medals, 33
silvers and 64 bronzes. The
country finished sixth place
with a total of 120 medals.
“We would to like to extend
an early congratulations to our
delegation to the 30th South-
critics have claimed that it
turned out to be a “local fun-
fair.”
Panelo, however, debunked
the oppositions’ claim.
“Ano ba yung ibig nilang sabi-
hin ng perya? I disagree with
them. Ang ganda nga ng pagka-
ka-sayaw. World class nga eh.
(What do they mean it looked
like a local funfair? I disagree
with them. The dance perfor-
mances were world-class),” he
said.
“Kaya ‘yung mga kritikong
yun, wala lang magawa ‘yun
kundi mamintas. Siguro wala
sila roon. (The critics are just
finding fault because have
nothing to say. Perhaps, they
are not there),” he added.
On Friday, Duterte apolo-
gized for the “unintentional”
lapses that plagued the Philip-
pines’ hosting of the 30th SEA
Games.
The President also guaran-
teed that he would order the
conduct of an investigation to
determine the possible account
The President also guaranteed
that he would order the con-
duct of an investigation to de-
termine the possible account-
ability of Phisgoc over SEA
Games’ blunders. ■
east Asian (SEA) Games for
surpassing the Philippines’
overall accomplishments dur-
ing the 2017 SEA Games in Ma-
laysia,” PCOO Secretary Martin
Andanar said in a statement on
Monday night.
“Our early achievements
and everyone’s wholehearted
participation has led us all to a
rousing start,” he added.
Andanar, meanwhile, ex-
pressed confidence that the
Philippine delegation would
continue to represent the coun-
try with pride and make even
more achievements in their
sporting events.
“We congratulate as well all
the athletes from participating
countries who have participat-
ed and placed today. Continue
to do your countries’ proud. Let
us all strive to do our best, we
win as one,” he added.
Around 8,750 athletes from
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
PRRD declines hack-proof
cellphone from China
BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo
Duterte on Monday bared that
he declined a hack-proof cell-
phone offered to him by the
Chinese government acknowl-
edging the country’s ability to
commit espionage.
Duterte made this remark
allaying fears over China’s
co-ownership of the National
Grid Corp. of the Philippines
(NGCP), a private consortium
that manages and operates the
Philippines’ power grid.
“Right now, they (China) are
listening to us, satellites, with-
out using the grid, the spies,
they know, I know because I
have talked to him (Chinese
President Xi Jinping),” Duterte
said in an interview over GMA’s
Unang Hirit.
“They offered to give me a
cellphone that could not be
hacked,” he added.
He said he declined the hack-
proof cellphone because he did
not want Filipinos to suspect he
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thai-
land, Timor Leste, and Vietnam
will compete in 530 events from
record 56 sports during the big-
gest 10-day sports competition
in Southeast Asia region.
On Nov. 27, Senator Chris-
topher “Bong” Go bared that
President Rodrigo Duterte will
be giving additional incentives
to Filipino athletes who will
win medals in the multi-sport-
ing event.
The rewards will be given in
addition to what the athletes
will be receiving under the Na-
tional Athletes and Coaches
Benefits and Incentives Act
(Republic Act No. 10699).
Go said the President has not
mentioned the amount for the
SEA Games medalists but at
the same time expressed con-
fidence the President would
make good on his plan.
He noted that the President
www.canadianinquirer.net
Philippine News
was hiding anything from them.
“I do not want the people
suspect that I have secrets,”
Duterte said.
Meanwhile, Duterte reiter-
ated that the public should not
be alarmed over China’s co-
ownership NGCP emphasiz-
ing that it was purely done for
“business” and no plans to stop
the power grid’s operations.
“I will ask China now. I’d like
to address myself, respectfully
to President Xi, what could be
the reason because I do not be-
lieve that they will do,” Duterte
said.
“But if there is, what could be
the reason for you to cut. What
could be the possible reason
that China would spy or cut the
grid?” he added.
Earlier, Duterte pointed out
that there is no basis for China
to take actions that are detri-
mental to its ties with Manila.
While he considers China as
a “friend,” the President would
not hesitate to pick a fight
against China, in case it shuts
down the transmission lines.
Currently, Presidential
2019 SEA Games opening ceremonies in Philippine Arena.
is also considering giving the
Order of Lapu-Lapu awards to
winning athletes.
The Lapu-Lapu award is
11
Spokesperson Salvador Panelo
said there is no directive from
the President to investigate
China’s co-ownership of the
NGCP.
He said the executive branch
would let the Department of
National Defense and the Na-
tional Security Council assess
whether the issue can be con-
sidered as a “pressing national
concern.”
China’s State Grid Corp. con-
trols 40 percent of the NGCP,
which supervises the man-
agement and operation of the
country’s power transmission
lines owned by state-owned
National Transmission Corp.
Last week, former Senior As-
sociate Justice Antonio Carpio
warned of Beijing’s co-owner-
ship of the NGCP due to its ca-
pability to shut down the Phil-
ippines’ power grid.
The NGCP clarified the State
Grid Corporation of China’s
role is limited to being a “tech-
nical adviser” while Chinese
foreign ministry spokesperson
Geng Shuang said such claim
was “completely groundless.” ■
2019 SEA GAMES / FACEBOOK
conferred on individuals who
have significant contributions
to the administration’s advo-
cacies. ■
12
Maguindanao massacre...
❰❰ 2 The letter noted that
Ampatuan is “still
confined with con-
tinuous physical therapy and
occupational therapy for plegic
left arm.”
In November, the Supreme
Court (SC) granted Solis-Reyes’
request to be given more time
to come up with a decision.
Chief Justice Diosdado Per-
alta said the court considered
the huge volume of evidence
and parties in the case in giv-
ing a 30-day extension to Solis-
Reyes.
Under court rules, all trial
courts should promulgate their
decision within the 90-day pe-
riod after the case has been sub-
mitted for decision.
The case has been submit-
ted for decision on August 22
which means the deadline for
its promulgation should have
been on November 20, three
days before the massacre’s 10th
anniversary on November 23.
With the extension, the QC
court has until December 20
to come up with a ruling on the
case.
The attack resulted in the
death of 58 people, including
New China envoy to PH vows
tighter Manila-Beijing ties
BY JOYCE ANN L.
ROCAMORA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Chinese Ambas-
sador-designate to the Philip-
pines Huang Xilian has arrived
in Manila on Tuesday, replac-
ing long-time Chinese envoy in
the country Zhao Jianhua who
ended his five-year tour of duty.
As the new Chinese repre-
sentative in Manila, Huang
vowed to lead initiatives and
programs that would effective-
ly implement the recent agree-
ments and consensus between
President Rodrigo Duterte and
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“I’m designated by the presi-
dent as the ambassador to pro-
mote friendship and to deepen
our pragmatic cooperation,” he
told reporters who covered his
arrival at the Ninoy Aquino In-
ternational Airport.
He said the Philippines and
China have reached a “level of
Philippine News
Maguindanao massacre site in Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
32 journalists and media work-
ers, the single worst peace-time
incident involving the killing of
newsmen.
agreement of consensus.”
“For me, the most impor-
tant task is to implement those
agreements and turn them into
tangible benefits to our peo-
ple,” he said.
In his speech, Huang made it
apparent that his focus would
also gear towards promoting
the China-led Belt and Road in
the country.
“China stands as the Philip-
pines’ top trading partner, the
largest source of import, the
third-largest export market
and the second-largest tourist
origin. The growth of China-
Philippines relations, embody-
ing common wishes of our peo-
ples, has been generating more
and more tangible benefits for
the people and brought about a
closer China-Philippines com-
munity of shared future,” he
said.
He said “the best is yet to
come” as 2020 is the conclu-
sive year for China to complete
building a “moderately pros-
DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY
BCDA chief denies
alleged anomalies on
New Clark City dev’t
BY JOANN VILLANUEVA now enjoying the Athletics Sta-
Philippine News Agency dium, the Aquatics Center, and
the Athletes Village — all built
within an 18-month period.
MANILA – The Philippine gov- Dizon said construction of
ernment is not on the losing these facilities transpired with-
end of the joint venture (JV) out the government shelling
with a Malaysian company for out funds, pointing out that
the development of the New only when the project is fully
Clark City Phase 1A since all implemented will the govern-
the processes are “transparent” ment pay for it.
and implementation are “above He said this system was un-
board.” like the ones used in the other
This was stressed by Bases infrastructure projects in the
Conversion and Develop- past wherein even as the gov-
ment Authority ernment had
(BCDA) Presi- paid a huge
dent and Chief amount, the
Executive Of- projects remain
ficer Vivencio unfinished.
Dizon in a press While the
PCOO briefing Monday The OGCC sports facili-
held to refute gave its ties are not part
Other victims were family news reports al- comments of the original
members and supporters of the leging an anoma- and proposal for the
Ampatuan clan’s political foe, lous transaction suggestions project’s Phase
Esmael Mangudadatu. ■ to the detriment to which 1, he clarified
of the govern- BCDA that the BCDA
ment. addressed required the
He said the
BCDA did all the
necessary legal
and
clarified.
developer to in-
clude this as the
country will host
processes before
awarding a joint
venture agree-
this year’s SEA
Games.
The BCDA
ment (JVA) with chief added that
perous society in all respects MTD Capital the Office of the
and achieve its first centenary Berhad for the Government
goal,” which coincides with the development of the New Clark Corporate Counsel (OGCC)
45th anniversary of the estab- City, the first phase of which was sought for advice on some
lishment of China-Philippines pertains to the facilities that issues, such as the inclusion of
diplomatic relations. are now being used for the the sports facilities in the over-
“I feel extremely honored to country’s hosting of the South- all development.
serve as the Chinese Ambassa- east Asian (SEA) Games. He said “the OGCC never
dor to the Philippines at such an “The contract is very advan- gave an unfavorable opinion” in
important historical juncture, tageous to the government the January 30, 2018 contract
and will work wholeheartedly because the government will review by OGCC.
to promote China-Philippines not pay a single centavo to the “The OGCC gave its com-
friendship and cooperation, liv- developer until the sports fa- ments and suggestions to which
ing up to the significant mission cilities are completed and ac- BCDA addressed and clarified.
entrusted upon me,” he said. cepted,” he said. The OGCC, in response to clari-
Huang has long been working The BCDA chief also said the fications made by BCDA, un-
on Asian affairs in most of his MTD financed the project part- equivocally said that the ‘provi-
diplomatic career and had pre- ly through a commercial loan sions of the executed JVA and
viously visited the Philippines extended by the Development the legal framework of the proj-
which he described as “a para- Bank of the Philippines (DBP) ect are in compliance with the
dise on the earth.” “without any guarantees from existing laws, rules, and regula-
Before he became China’s the Philippine government, in- tions,” he said.
Ambassador to the Association cluding BCDA.” The Manila-based Asian De-
of Southeast Asian Nations, his “The only guarantee submit- velopment Bank (ADB) also
most recent posting, Huang ted to DBP is a guarantee by provided financial, technical,
served as deputy director- MTD’s mother company in Ma- and legal aspects since the start
general of China Ministry of laysia,” he said. and these include holding public
Foreign Affairs-Department of He said athletes and the other bidding for the construction of
Asian Affairs. ■ delegates to the SEA Games are the sports facilities, he said. ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019
Drug war is not a failure: Duterte
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
CARLOS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The national gov-
ernment’s crackdown on illegal
drugs is not a failure, President
Rodrigo Duterte said on Friday.
The President said it was
“stupid” to claim that his anti-
narcotics campaign is a failure,
stressing that his fight against
illicit drug sale is a “never-end-
ing war.”
“Anong palpak? Kailan nag-
ing palpak? Kayo ang palpak
(What do you mean failure?
When did it become a failure?
The failure is you),” Duterte
said in an exclusive interview
with CNN.
“All stupid remarks coming
out from an empty head. Anong
palpak (How does it become a
failure)? The war on drugs is a
continuing one in all countries,
even in America. You know
that. Do not pretend. If you are
not stupid, do not pretend to be
stupid. Alam ninyo iyan (You
know that). It is a never-ending
war,” he said.
The President issued the
statement, amid criticisms
hurled against his administra-
tion’s fight against narcotics
trade by his critics, including
Vice President Maria Leonor
“Leni” Robredo who earlier
claimed that the drug war is
“obviously not working.”
Duterte, piqued by Robredo’s
remarks, was prompted to tap the
Vice President as co-chairperson
of the Inter-Agency Committee
Duterte congratulates TOFIL awardees
BY BEN CAL
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodri-
go Roa Duterte has extended
his congratulations to the six
recipients of this year’s The
Outstanding Filipino (TOFIL)
Awards as models of excellence
through hard work to uplift the
economic development of the
country.
TOFIL 2019 National Chair-
man and Junior Chamber In-
ternational (JCI) Senator Me-
landrew T. Velasco revealed
this to the Philippine News
Agency (PNA) Sunday.
on Anti-Illegal Drugs (ICAD) to
give her an opportunity to help
the government stop the drug
proliferation.
Robredo was appointed as
ICAD co-chair on October 31
but was fired on November 24
due to her supposed failure to
present anti-narcotics mea-
sures.
The President said he had
appointed Robredo in “good
faith,” but the latter opted to
use her position as anti-drug
czar for “grandstanding.”
“It was all in good faith. Sabi
ko kasi, ganito ‘yun, kung ga-
noon ang pagtingin mo sa pag-
padala sa amin sa gobyerno,
eh ‘di sumali ka na lang (I said
just join the government if you
think their government fails to
The TOFIL awardees are San
Miguel Corporation (SMC)
President & CEO Ramon S. Ang
for Business/Entrepreneur-
ship category); Dr. Glenn S. Ba-
naguas (Environment Conser-
vation and Science Diplomacy);
Dr. Joselito R. Chavez (Medi-
cine); Dr. Virgilio L. Malang
(Science and Technology); Le-
gazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal
(Government/Public Service);
and Nelly Siababa-Aggangan
(Agriculture).
In his message to Velasco,
Duterte recognized the JCI for
honoring distinguished Filipi-
nos in various fields for being
models of excellence and hard
deliver its promises). Join us,
I’m giving you the position so
that you will know,” he said.
“Alam mo ano ka eh, hindi
kita maintindihan (I cannot
understand you). You are there
grandstanding pero hinayaan
kita (but I let you do that). Ta-
pos (But) you keep on taunting
me, ‘I will continue, I will fight
even if it will put so many road-
blocks so that I will not suc-
ceed,’” he added.
The Chief Executive said he
had to fire Robredo because he
could no longer stomach her
“stupidity” for criticizing the
government despite being ap-
pointed as anti-drug czar.
“Kung mag-salita ka ng ga-
noon nandiyan ka tapos ‘yun
pala ang tingin mo sa akin, luko
work in their respective profes-
sions.
“I thus congratulate this
year’s awardees for their vital
contributions in uplifting the
welfare of our people,” Duterte
said.
“May this gathering inspire
everyone to a greater com-
mitment in our shared task of
nation-building so that future
generations can enjoy a coun-
try where hope, equality and
optimism abound,” he said,
urging everyone to take “fur-
ther strides in the path towards
inclusive progress and genuine
change for a better and brighter
tomorrow for our people.”
www.canadianinquirer.net
Philippine News
ALBERT ALCAIN / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
luko ka pala eh. Eh di paalisin
na lang kita (You talk that way
and think of me that way while
you are there at ICAD. You are
stupid so I fired you),” he said.
No new drug czar
Following Robredo’s dis-
missal from service, Duterte
said he was no longer keen to
scout for an ICAD co-chair.
Presently, the anti-drug body is
still chaired by Philippine Drug
Enforcement Agency Director
General Aaron Aquino.
“Nadala na ako. Hindi na ako
mag-ano ng anti-drug czar. Hu-
wag na iyang czar, czar (I have
had enough. I would no longer
appoint anti-drug czar. There is
no need for new drug czar),” he
said.
The TOFIL awarding cer-
emonies will be held at Manila
Hotel Monday night (Decem-
ber 2).
Velasco said this year’s
awardees were chosen from a
short list by the TOFIL Board
of Judges led by Supreme Court
Administrator Justice Jose
Midas Marquez.
Other members of the Board
were TOFIL Foundation Chair-
man JCI Sen. Rogelio “Bicbic”
Garcia; JCISP President Do-
mingo O. Roque, Jr.; 2010 TO-
FIL Awardee Dr. Shirley Halili
Cruz and PCCI Chairman
Emeritus Dr. Francis Chua.
This year, the JCI Senate
13
ICAD, created through Exec-
utive Order 15 signed on March
6, 2017, is mandated to ensure
the member-agencies’ imple-
mentation of and compliance
with all policies, laws, and issu-
ances on the government’s an-
ti-illegal drug campaign, in an
“integrated and synchronized
manner.”
The ICAD members are the
Dangerous Drugs Board; the
Technical Education and Skills
Development Authority, the
Philippine Information Agen-
cy, the Public Attorney’s Of-
fice; the Office of the Solicitor
General; the Philippine Coast
Guard; the PNP; the NBI; the
Armed Forces of the Philip-
pines; and the Anti-Money
Laundering Council.
Other members of the ICAD
are the Departments of the In-
terior and Local Government,
Justice, Health, Education,
Social Welfare, Trade, Agricul-
ture, and Defense, as well as
the Customs and Immigration
bureaus.
The President maintained
that the drug war will remain
relentless, as he acknowledged
that there are still some narco-
politicians who are in conniv-
ance with drug syndicates oper-
ating in the country.
“I did not know, when I ar-
rive, when I got to look into the
records sa (with regard to) drug
cases, then I realize that I was
fighting against my own gov-
ernment because the police, the
Customs and everybody else
was dipping their dirty fingers
into it,” he said. ■
Philippines are also recogniz-
ing six distinguished Filipinos
who served as JCI World Presi-
dents with the TOFIL Excel-
lence Awards. They are JCI WP
Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. (1951);
JCI WP Roberto T. Villanueva
(1953); JCI WP Feliciano R.
Belmonte, Jr. (1976); JCI WP
Victor Jose I. Luciano (1985);
JCI WP Crispin C. Dy Jr. (1997);
and JCI WP Marc Brian C. Lim
(2018).
The TOFIL award is an annu-
al undertaking of the JCI Sen-
ate Philippines and is now on
its on 30th year in partnership
with ANSA Foundation. ■
14
PNP validating ‘abduction
incidents’ in Pasay
BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD
CALIWAN
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippine Na-
tional Police (PNP) on Monday
said it continues to validate re-
ports on alleged kidnapping in-
cidents in Pasay City.
PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen.
Bernard Banac made the state-
ment when asked on whether
social media posts about a
white van purportedly roaming
around Metro Manila to abduct
children is a hoax.
The social media posts about
the white van and missing chil-
dren in Metro Manila have be-
come viral for several times in
the past.
Recently, a video clip from
a closed-circuit television
(CCTV) uploaded on Facebook
captured how a minor was al-
legedly taken by a people on
board a white van in the south-
ern part of Metro Manila.
Banac said there were alleg-
edly nine incidents of kidnap-
ping in Pasay but only one is
validated as proven by CCTV
footage while the other cases
do not have solid evidence for
these to be tagged as kidnap-
ping cases.
“May mga report na mga
missing person, pero walang
validated na kidnapping, baka
po mga naglayas o kaya ay nag-
tanan, maliban lang sa isang
kaso kung saan nakuhanan
ng CCTV ang ginawang pag-
dukot (There were reports of
missing persons, but no kid-
napping, the children might
have ran away from home or
just eloped, except in one case
where CCTV was captured for
abduction),”Banac told report-
ers when sought for a comment.
Banac, however, said those
who witnessed such incident
should report them to the near-
est police station.
“Kung mayroon mang gani-
tong insidente ay mangyayari na
dumulog agad sa pinakamalapit
na himpilan ng pulisya upang
maimbestigahan at para mag-
karoon ng basis ang information
(If there is such an incident, we
urge the public go to the near-
est police station to file report
so it can be investigated and to
have a basis information),” he
stressed.
Philippine News
PNP spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac.
Banac said National Capital
Region Police Office (NCRPO)
chief, Police Brig. General De-
bold Sinas has already ordered
to conduct probe on the alleged
abduction incident.
“These are now being subject-
ed to validation by the NCRPO,
including the rumors that there
are nine children missing in Pa-
say City,” said Banac.
Banac urged netizens to be
wary of posting and sharing
fakes news in their respective
social media accounts.
Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Guill-
ermo Eleazar, PNP Chief Di-
rectorial Staff, had launched
an investigation when he was
still the director of the NCRPO
when the same story went viral
last year.
Eleazar said that they imme-
diately conducted verification
on the alleged missing children
in Metro Manila and verified
the information they gathered
at the police stations and the
relatives of the alleged missing
children.
“All of the missing children
who were reported to have
been taken by a white van were
all found. Some of them just ran
away over misunderstanding
with their parents,” said Elea-
zar.
There was even a case of a
teenaged girl that was report-
edly taken by a white van but
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE / FACEBOOK
turned out to have eloped with
her boyfriend.
“We conducted investigation
before because it is already cre-
ating fear and panic in Metro
Manila and even in nearby
provinces. Our investigation
had revealed that those rumors
spreading in social media are
not true,” Eleazar said.
The problem before, accord-
ing to Eleazar, was that parents
who reported their children
missing did not return to the
police to report that their chil-
dren were found, the reason
why he ordered all police com-
manders before to visit those
who reported that their chil-
dren were missing.
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calix-
to-Rubiano earlier instructed
Pasay police chief, Col. Bernard
Yang to look into reports about
the alleged kidnapping inci-
dents in the city.
The mayor also reminded
citizens to first report these
incidents to their nearest com-
munity police precinct before
posting it on social media.
Social media has been abuzz
with teenagers being abducted,
particularly within the vicinity
of Pasay Rotonda.
Yang, who led the Special In-
vestigation Task Group (SITG),
said he has already ordered his
men to prioritize these sup-
posed abduction cases. ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
Sara will not seek
presidency: Duterte
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
CARLOS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodri-
go Duterte on Friday said his
daughter, Davao City Mayor
Sara “Inday” Duterte-Carpio,
will not seek the highest public
office in the country.
The President made the re-
marks as he reiterated that he
would not allow his daughter to
follow in his footsteps for fear
that she would only be bom-
barded with criticisms, should
she become his successor in
2022.
“I told her, ‘No, do not run.’
She will not run kasi sabi ko
maawa ako sa ‘yo (because I’d
just pity her). Ano nang gawin
mo? Karaming isipin nitong
mga u***, akala kasi nila bright
sila (What will you do? These
fools who think they are bright
would have a lot to say) and
they (will) come up with all
sorts of scenarios,” he said in
a one-on-one interview with
CNN Philippines.
“Ako ayaw ko. Ibang tao na
lang, kasi bababuyin niyo lang
anak ko (I don’t like that. Just
look for another person be-
cause they would just assail my
daughter),” he added.
Duterte has repeatedly dis-
couraged Sara from seeking
the presidency, warning her
that taking on the challenge as
the highest official of the land
might only “destroy” her.
Sara earlier floated the pos-
sibility that she might run for
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte with his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara
Duterte-Carpio.
DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY
president in 2022 and prom-
ised to decide by January 2021.
The President has less than
three years in office.
He said he and his party
mates from the ruling Partido
Demokratiko Pilipino – Lakas
ng Bayan have yet to talk about
their possible candidate for the
2022 presidential race.
He added that he has no plan
to groom anyone to be his suc-
cessor.
“My party mates do not talk
to me about politics. Alam nila
yun kasi (They know that) I get
peeved,” Duterte said. ‘“Yung
sinasabi nilang ‘yung anak kong
si Inday, naaawa ako. Anak ko
eh. Sabi ko, mamili tayo ng iba
kung gusto ninyo if you want me
there in the game (They want
my daughter, Inday, to run but
I pity her because she’s my
daughter. I said look for some-
one else if you want me there in
the game).”
Meanwhile, the President
said he has no advice for the
country’s next president, not-
ing that he would let his succes-
sor act on his own in addressing
the pressing issues in the coun-
try.
“Do it on his own. Let him
find the qualities that the peo-
ple are looking for,” Duterte
said. “Wala akong (I don’t have
any) suggestion. This coun-
try will continue without me
starting it or stopping it. Hindi
naman hihinto ang mundo para
sa akin (The world will not
stop for me). So let the other
guy found out what he should
be doing.” ■
KING RODRIGUEZ / PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019
Google honors Filipina
scientist Maria Orosa
PHILIPPINE NEWS
AGENCY
MANILA — Google on Friday
featured Maria Ylagan Orosa, a
Filipino food scientist and vet-
eran war heroine, in commem-
oration of her 126th birthday.
“It is always inspiring to see
the life and work of Filipino
women from our history and
we are glad to honor Maria Yl-
agan Orosa, one of the country’s
most influential Filipinas, with
a special Doodle,” said Berna-
dette Nacario, Google Philip-
pines country director.
Nacario expressed hope that
“this serves as a reminder for
Filipinas to pursue their pas-
sions and use their talent and
skills for the greater good.”
Orosa studied at the Univer-
Duterte reorganizes
commission on visiting forces
BY AZER PARROCHA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo
Duterte has reorganized the
Presidential Commission on
the Visiting Forces Agreement
(PCVFA), designating again the
Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) Secretary as chairperson
of the commission “while being
under the oversight of the Of-
fice of the President.”
Under Executive Order 97
he signed on Nov. 29, Duterte
also renamed the commission
as Presidential Commission on
Visiting Forces (PCVF).
“The commission shall be the
lead inter-agency mechanism
to provide policy coordina-
tion and advice, guidance, and
assessment to ensure that all
sity of Seattle, where she com-
pleted her bachelor’s and mas-
ter’s degrees in pharmaceutical
chemistry and an additional de-
gree in food chemistry.
In 1922, she returned to the
Philippines to help address the
rising problem of malnutrition
in her homeland, despite being
offered the assistant chemist
position in the State of Wash-
ington.
With her extensive knowl-
edge of chemistry, she was able
to develop numerous culinary
innovations, such as the Pa-
layok Oven made from fitting
a traditional earthenware pot
with two sheets of metal.
This particular invention
provided remote villages that
lack access to electricity with a
more effective means of cook-
ing over an open fire.
SOFAs (status of foreign agree-
ments) serve the national inter-
est,” the EO read.
“For purposes of this Order,
SOFA shall refer to the VFA,
the SOVFA, and future status
of forces agreements which
may be included in the Com-
mission’s mandate by order or
directive of the President,” it
added.
Former President Joseph
Ejercito Estrada signed EO 199
in 2000, creating the PCVFA
and appointing the DFA Secre-
tary as chair of the commission.
In 2010, former President Be-
nigno Aquino III signed EO 9
in 2010, transferring the chair-
manship to the Executive Sec-
retary.
Under the new EO, the De-
fense Secretary will be vice-
chairman while the Secretaries
Orosa was also the brains be-
hind the Filipino favorite ba-
nana ketchup, which has grown
to become one of the staples of
Filipino cuisine.
Using mashed bananas as the
base instead of tomatoes, she
made the sauce a long-lasting
hit.
Two other inventions that
etched her in Philippine his-
tory were the Soyalac, a nutri-
ent-rich drink made from soya
beans, and the Darak, rice cook-
ies packed with Vitamin B. Both
of these saved countless lives
during World War II.
In recognition of Orosa’s
contributions to society, the
National Historical Institute
installed a marker in her honor
at the Bureau of Plant Industry
in Manila in 1983. ■
of Justice, Social Welfare and
Development, Interior and
Local Government, Executive
Director of the Visiting Forces
and one representative from
the private sector will be mem-
bers of the commission.
It adds the National Security
Adviser and a representative
from the Office of the President
as members.
Moreover, the EO also states
that the Executive Director
will be appointed or designated
based upon the recommenda-
tion of the DFA and the DND.
The Executive Director
should be a senior government
official with a rank of at least an
Assistant Secretary.
The EO takes effect immedi-
ately upon its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspa-
per of general circulation. ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
Philippine News
Duterte bats for ‘safe,
empowering, child-
friendly’ environment
BY RUTH ABBEY GITA-
CARLOS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — President Rodrigo
Duterte on Thursday advocat-
ed for a “safe, empowering, and
child-friendly environment” in
the country, in a bid to ensure
that Filipino youth will contin-
ue enjoying their rights.
Duterte made the statement
when he presented the 2018
presidential awards for child-
friendly municipalities and cit-
ies at the Palace’s Rizal Hall.
“Through your continuing
partnership and collabora-
tion with our local government
units, you have created an envi-
ronment where we can achieve
full realization of our vision for
the Filipino children,” the Pres-
ident said in his speech.
“I hope that [this] gathering
will encourage all stakeholders
to further strengthen our ties
and build new alliances as we
work together in creating a safe,
empowering, and child-friend-
ly environment where children
can fully enjoy their rights,” he
added.
Cagayan de Oro City bagged
the presidential award for
child-friendly highly-urban-
ized city, while Naga City won
the presidential award for
child-friendly independent
component city.
Duterte also conferred the
presidential award for child-
friendly component city on
Tagaytay City, Cavite; presi-
dential award for child-friendly
first to third class municipality
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte leads the awarding ceremony for the 2018
Presidential Award for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities (PACFMC) at the
Malacañan Palace on November 28, 2019.
15
on Carmona, Cavite; and presi-
dential award for fourth to sixth
class municipality on Santo To-
mas, La Union.
He hailed the awardees for
their hard work, dedication,
and strong commitment in
promoting and protecting the
rights of Filipino children in
their localities.
He also lauded the Council
for the Welfare of Children and
its partners in facilitating the
conferment of awards on child-
friendly municipalities and cit-
ies since 1999.
“Our cooperation is indeed key
[in] our goal to help [the youth]
to grow to their fullest potential
and become productive and re-
sponsible citizens,” he said.
The President was hopeful
that the recognition of child-
friendly municipalities would
inspire everyone to build a leg-
acy of a “strong and progressive
Philippines for the generations
to come.”
“We, as adults, must there-
fore understand the important
role that we play in promoting
their well-being and ensuring
their success as the next gen-
eration of leaders and future
bearers of our nation’s patri-
mony,” Duterte said.
He promised that his admin-
istration will continue pur-
suing its fight against illegal
drugs, criminality, corruption,
terrorism, and environmental
degradation.
“We will continue to perse-
vere in this aspiration because
we are committed in fostering
a better and brighter future for
the Filipino children,” he said. ■
TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
16 Philippine News DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY

There will be ‘quarrel’ if China cuts PH power

lines — Duterte
BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA
Philippine Canadian Inquirer
PRESIDENT RODRIGO
Duterte said he won’t sit back
if China attempts to shut down
the country’s power supply.
This, after some lawmak-
ers expressed concern on the
reports that China may have
the capability to control and
remotely shut down the Philip-
pines’ power transmission sys-
tem since the State Grid Corpo-
ration of China (SGCC) holds
40 percent stake in the Nation-
al Grid Corp. of the Philippines
(NGCP), a private consortium
that operates the country’s
power lines since 2009.
“You know China, if you do
that then there will be a quarrel.
I may not overcome you but you
will receive from me a mouth-
ful then I will go to other places
and look for help,” Duterte said
in an interview with CNN Phil-
ippines on Friday, November
29.
The President, however, be-
lieves that there is no reason
for China to do such thing be-
cause it won’t do any good in its
investment in the NGCP.
“It’s a business. Why would
China cut it? Tanungin ko, ’Chi-
na, bakit mo puputulin? Ayaw
mo ng negosyo (Why would you
cut it? Don’t you want a busi-
ness)?’” he said.
Duterte said China was just
trying to help the Philippines
in a form of business and that
it wanted to have allies since
many countries are allies with
America.
“They (China) are trying to
help everybody na makinig
sa kanila (who will listen to
them),” the Chief Executive ex-
plained.
“Ang atin kulang tayo (We are
lacking). America is not avail-
able for all our needs. So sabi
ng China, ’Oh eto, tulungan ko
kayo. Ito negosyo ‘to. Gusto niyo
ng pera? Oh ayan negosyo tayo.’
Tanungin ko sila, ‘May pana-
hon bang putulin mo?’ Sasagot
ang China, ‘Bakit namin pupu-
tulin? Pera ‘yan (So China said,
‘Here, I will help you. This is a
business. Do you want money?
Then let’s do business.’ I will
ask them, ‘Will there come a
time for you to cut it?’ China
will answer, ‘Why would we cut
it? That’s money’),’” he added.
China earlier dismissed
claims over allegations that it
could control the Philippines’
power infrastructure, saying it
was “completely groundless.”
“The Philippines is China’s
close and friendly neighbor as
well as an important partner.
We support Chinese business-
es’ pursuit of practical, win-win The NCGP has also said that “The management and the
cooperation in the Philippines there is nothing to worry about control of NGCP, including its
in accordance with laws and the SGCC’s stake in the NGCP Systems Operation, are exclu-
regulations,” Chinese Foreign because the former serves only sively exercised by Filipinos,”
Ministry Spokesperson Geng as the “technical adviser” of the the NGCP previously clari-
Shuang said. latter. fied. ■

Security officials...
❰❰ 9 tional security.
In a tweet dated
Nov. 24, ImageSat In-
ternational, which specializes
in providing high-resolution
satellite imagery and mapping,
bared that China’s aerostat was
sighted over the Philippine-
claimed reef on November 18.
“For the first time, #China’s
aerostat, probably for #mili-
tary #intelligence-gathering
purposes, seen by #ISI at #Mis-
chief Reef,” ImageSat said in its
tweet.
“The use of #aerostat allows
China a continuous situational
awareness in this resource-
rich region. #IMINT #VISINT
#Space #SouthChinaSea
#SouthSea,” it added.
Panganiban Reef, which is
being reclaimed by China, is
located within the Philippines’
200-nautical mile exclusive
economic zone or the West
Philippine Sea.
In July 2016, The Hague-
based Permanent Court of Ar-
bitration ruled in favor of the
Philippines’ arbitration case
contesting China’s nine-dash
line claims in the disputed sea.
The arbitral tribunal ruled
that China does not have his-
toric rights and that the nine-
dash line has no legal basis.
China rejected the arbitral
tribunal’s decision, prompt-
ing President Rodrigo Duterte
to temporarily shelve it to give
way to peaceful and friendly
dialogues. ■
Cancer patient bags P50-M
lotto jackpot: PCSO
BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD
CALIWAN
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — A bettor in Cavite
got the best birthday and
Christmas gift ever after win-
ning the PHP50.3-million
Super Lotto 6/49 jackpot on
Sunday night, the Philippine
Charity Sweepstakes Office
(PCSO) said Wednesday.
PCSO General Manager Roy-
ina Marzan-Garma said the
65-year-old bettor from Cavite,
who has nasopharyngeal cancer,
had been purchasing lotto tick-
ets for 30 years, claimed his prize
from the Office of the General
Manager at the agency’s main of-
fice in Mandaluyong City.
“Meron siyang (He has) na-
sopharyngeal cancer. Naka-
katanggap siya ng (he is a re-
cipient of ) (chemotherapy)
assistance sa (from) PCSO.
Hindi niya akalain makatatang-
gap din siya ng cheke na panalo
(He did not expect that she will
get a winning check). The win-
ner had a lucky pick because he
is celebrating his birthday next
week,” Garma told reporters.
The winner told Garma that
he plans to get treatment for
her illness and help his family.
The lucky bettor, who bought
the winning ticket from a lotto
outlet in Baclaran, picked the
winning combination of 35-38-
09-17-10-15 with a correspond-
ing prize of (PHP50,305,924)
which was drawn on December
1.
There were 10 bettors, who
almost hit the jackpot, cor-
rectly guessing five of the six-
digit winning combination,
getting a consolation prize of
PHP70,000 each.
The 6/49 Super Lotto is
drawn every Tuesday, Thurs-
day and Sunday. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net

Canada News
One-time refugee and a Calgarian wins the biggest
lottery in Alberta
BY ILAN KAPS
RECENTLY AFTER he won a massive $
65 million lottery, the largest windfall in
the history of Alberta, Tai Trinh hardly
broke a smile while telling everyone
about his feat. The 63 year old resident
of Calgary, Alberta, Canada did briefly
veer the conversation away to talk about
how he arrived in Canada in the year
1980 after being forced out of his na-
tive land Vietnam that was in a war-torn
state back then.
Talking to the press, Trinh said that
they left immediately after the war and
would often be referred to as the boat
people. When questioned about his
plans and what he intends to do with
his massive windfall, which has tied
with the biggest ever lottery win in all of
Canada, he didn’t have much to say. In a
very humble tone, he said that he leads
a normal life with his family and doesn’t
have any big plans immediately. The
only time he sported slight smile on his
face was when he hoisted the ceremo-
nial cheque for all the camera person’s
present at the event. The other biggest
lottery win was also of $ 65 million (Lot-
to Max); it had come from a ticket pur-
chased last June in Quebec. Nowadays,
there are multiple options available to
Canadians if they want to try their luck
at lottery. USA’s Mega Millions lottery is
available in Canada as well. It has deliv-
HSSA projects 1,000
jobs lost as UCP pushes
American-style health care
EDMONTON — Premier Jason Kenney
and the UCP government are declaring
war on front-line health care workers
and professionals as the estimated job-
loss count jumps to over 1,750.
According to Health Sciences Associa-
tion of Alberta, they were notified that
Alberta Precision Labs is seeking inter-
est from private third-parties to take
over parts of lab services in Alberta.
Alberta Health Services could not pro-
vide how many jobs would be lost, HSAA
estimates it will affect 850 full-time
17
ered hundreds of millions of dollars to
the lucky winners so far.
As it happened
The fateful day when he purchased
the winning lottery ticket started like
any normal day for Trinh. He stopped
by at the Shell Store situated at 1000 338
Country Hills Blvd, NE to grab a cup of
coffee as well as a Lotto 6/49 or a Lotto
Max ticket. A few days later while car-
rying out a self-check on the randomly
chosen numbers – 20, 31, 35, 36, 39, 42
and 44 on the $ 6 Lotto Max ticket, he
discovered that he had actually struck
the massive jackpot. In utter disbelief,
he checked and verified it again and winners who have claimed $ 822 million and Cannabis), this win hasn’t been
again. Thereafter, he didn’t tell anyone so far. There is a $ 50 million lottery won claimed yet. Furthermore, it’s worth
about the big win. from the August 30 draw, due on a ticket noting that 5 of the biggest lottery prizes
Furthermore, he didn’t give a lot of that was purchased in Calgary. As re- ever won in the province of Alberta have
bytes to the reporters who continued vealed by AGLC (Alberta Gaming Liquor all ended in such small communities. ■
pumping him for more details. The only
facts he revealed were that he doesn’t
work and that his wife had died 3 years
ago. He spoke about his children too but
didn’t tell how many he had.
Quite intent on maintaining his and
his family’s privacy, when asked about
his children, he simply said, “That I
know myself.”
Joins the elite list of 28 big winners Are you an
Trinh joined the list of 28 other big Internationally
Lotto Max winners from Calgary who
have collectively won $ 172 million. At Trained Professional
the Alberta level, there have been 125 in need of financial
support for your
Foreign Credential
Recognition?
For more information contact:
778-372-6609
globaltalentloans@issbc.org
issbc.org/globaltalentloans
Global Talent Loans program
equivalent positions. is delivered in partnership with
As the UCP moves to implement Funded in part by the Government
American-style healthcare in Alberta
of Canada’s Foreign Credential
Recognition Program
by privatizing emergency, non-emer-
gency and hospital transfer ambulance
services, Connect Care will continue to
be rolled out resulting in the loss of 70
more positions. There is also a plan to
implement “best practices” and elimi-
nate another 100 positions.
This news comes after the United
Global Talent Loans Program
❱❱ PAGE 4 HSSA projects
www.canadianinquirer.net
18
Canada to host the World Circular Anti-choice MLAs
Economy Forum 2020 in Toronto force debate and
FROM COAST to coast to coast,
Canadian companies are devel-
revote on abortion bill
oping innovative solutions to
increase the lifespan of prod-
ucts and divert from the landfill
much of what we throw away.
That’s the idea behind the cir-
cular economy—extending the
lifespan of our resources and
reducing pollution by reusing,
repurposing, or repairing.
Today, the Minister of Envi-
ronment and Climate Change,
Jonathan Wilkinson, an-
nounced that Canada will host
the World Circular Economy
Forum 2020, co-organized by
the Government of Canada and
the Finnish innovation fund
Sitra. The Forum will be held
in Toronto, Ontario—from Sep-
tember 29 to October 1, 2020—
marking the very first time the
global forum is held in North
America.
The World Circular Economy
Forum is a global event that
brings together leaders, busi-
nesses, policymakers, and ex-
perts to present solutions for
a circular economy. The 2020
forum will provide a global
platform for national and in-
ternational discussions on
new business models that use
our natural resources more ef-
ficiently, minimize waste and
pollution, and accelerate the
transition to a clean economy.
The event will be an opportu-
nity for businesses, research
organizations, and academia
to come together to showcase
their technologies, find new
markets, and meet world-class
innovators and investors.
A circular approach to busi-
ness innovation will not only
help save money and open new
Firing Election Commissioner didn’t save money,
only saved Premier Kenney: NDP
EDMONTON — Alberta’s Chief
Electoral Officer, Glen Resler,
confirmed during a committee
meeting Friday that firing the
Elections Commissioner did
not save public dollars as the
UCP claimed.
Resler confirmed during
repeated questioning that, in
fact, he was seeking roughly
DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY
EDMONTON — A United Con- tion of the UCP caucus owes
servative Party bill that attacks their election to backing from
healthcare access for women, wealthy anti-choice groups like
LGBTQ2S+ Albertans and RightNow and The Wilberforce
many others will be brought Project. I am certain that some
back for debate in the legis- very intense lobbying will be
lature on Monday, despite a happening between now and
committee recommendation to Monday’s debate.”
discard the bill, Bill 207 was
and widespread brought for-
outcry from phy- ward by Dan
sicians and thou- Williams, UCP
sands of other MLA for Peace
Albertans. River, a long-
On Wednes- time anti-choice
day, anti-choice I am very campaigner and
MLAs in the concerned former staffer to
UCP caucus used that this Jason Kenney.
a procedural tac- ‘foot-in- The bill is an at-
tic to keep Bill the-door’ tempt to deny re-
Canadians are at the forefront of building a clean growth, circular economy and 207 on the Order anti-choice ferrals to Alberta
that’s why I am happy to share that in 2020, #Toronto will host World Circular Paper for debate bill is still on patients seeking
Economy Forum. The road to #WCEF2020 begins today. @SitraFund on Monday. One the agenda healthcare ser-
@JONATHANWNV/TWITTER of the bill’s vocal in the vices that their
supporters, MLA legislature. primary pro-
market opportunities, but it can June 3 to 5, in Helsinki, Fin- Michaela Glasgo vider objects to.
also help create good jobs in all land. of Brooks-Med- It has drawn in-
industries across our country The World Circular Economy icine Hat, has tense criticism
while protecting the environ- Forum 2020 will be co-orga- vowed to fight for limiting ac-
ment. nized by Environment and Cli- for passage of an cess to health-
mate Change Canada, on behalf amended ver- care for women,
Quick facts of the Government of Canada, sion of the bill. LGBTQ2S+ Al-
The circular economy is a new and Sitra. “I am very con- bertans, and
sustainable model that keeps Forum partners include the cerned that this anyone seeking
resources in use for as long as Circular Economy Leadership ‘foot-in-the-door’ anti-choice medical assistance in dying. It
possible, extracts the maximum Coalition, the Ellen MacAr- bill is still on the agenda in the may also have a range of unin-
value from them while in use, thur Foundation, the European legislature,” said Janis Irwin, tended consequences for rural
and then recovers and regener- Commission, the Government Official Opposition Critic for healthcare.
ates products and materials at of Finland, the Organisation Women’s and LGBTQ2S+ Is- “The Premier has built his
the end of each service life. for Economic Co-operation sues and MLA for Edmonton- career on opposing women’s
Created in 2017, the World and Development, the Platform Highlands-Norwood. “The pri- rights and LGBTQ2S+ rights,”
Circular Economy Forum is the for Accelerating the Circular vate member’s bill committee Irwin said. “I know that we
global initiative of Finland and Economy, the United Nations clearly rejected this bill and it will have to fight to defend our
Sitra. Environment Programme, and should have been discarded this rights throughout this term of
The World Circular Economy the World Business Council for week.” government, and that fight con-
Forum 2019 took place from Sustainable Development. ■ “But a substantial por- tinues on Monday.” ■
$100,000 more to take over the was in Texas for the duration Sweet, NDP Critic for Democ- be investigated at all.
operations of Election Com- of debate during the bill. Prior racy and Ethics. “The plot to The NDP Official Opposition
missioner Lorne Gibson, who to his termination, Gibson has cover up the crimes that Lorne will be proceeding with further
had been investigating the ka- issued more than $200,000 in Gibson was investigating con- complaints to the Ethics Com-
mikaze campaign and alleged fines to people close to Premier tinues. Albertans won’t stand missioner about the UCP’s con-
voter fraud during the UCP Jason Kenney. for this Premier’s attack on our flicts of interest and material
leadership race. “Today, it was made clear democracy.” interests concerning the pass-
The UCP raced to fire Gibson that Bill 22 wasn’t about sav- It was also made clear that 76 ing of Bill 22. ■
with the passage of Bill 22 in a ing money, it was about saving complaints made to the Elec-
matter of days — the Premier Jason Kenney,” said Heather tion Commissioner had yet to
www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019 19

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20
Entertainment
Cultural, nostalgic production number kicks off
30th SEA Games
BY IVAN STEWART
SALDAJENO
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — At least in some as-
pects, the opening ceremonies
of the Southeast Asian Games
lived up to the hype of being
comparable to the Super Bowl
halftime show.
In a special production on
Saturday night, a good dose of
cultural and nostalgic feels en-
tertained a good-sized crowd at
the Philippine Arena in Bocaue,
Bulacan.
Following the singing of
the national anthem by Asia’s
Nightingale Lani Misalucha, a
cultural dance number opened
the festivities.
Afterward, in a Santacruzan-
like manner, in which beauty
queens like Karen Ibasco, Jai-
me Herrell, Angelia Ong, Me-
gan Young, and Pia Wurtzbach
led the way, the athletes repre-
senting all the 11 national teams
in this year’s SEA Games made
their entry to the Philippine
Arena stage.
However, when the Philip-
pine delegation entered the
Boy Abunda’s Nanay Lesing passes away
Nanay Lesing and Boy Abunda. BOY ABUNDA / FACEBOOK
fray, the song “Manila” by Hot-
dog suddenly played on the
background, and even Presi-
dent Rodrigo Duterte and Sen-
ator ‘Bato’ Dela Rosa could not
help but dance as well.
Robert Seña serenaded the
crowd with “Kay Ganda ng
Pilipinas,” a tweak on Hajji Ale-
jandro’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating
Musika.”
After Philippine SEA Games
Organizing Committee chair-
man Alan Cayetano and Phil-
ippine Olympic Committee
president Abraham ‘Bambol’
Tolentino gave their speeches,
Duterte, who sat beside Brunei
monarch King Hassanal Bolki-
ah, declared the games open.
“I declare to open the South-
east Games for the 30th time,
celebrating the Games of
Southeast Asia. Mabuhay kay-
ong lahat!” the President offi-
cially declared to the delight of
the crowd.
Philippine sports legends,
former sprinter Lydia De Ve-
ga-Mercado, swimmers Akiko
Thompson-Guevarra and Eric
Buhain, former basketball star
Alvin Patimonio, bowlers Bong
Coo and Paeng Nepomuceno,
billiards star Efren Bata Reyes,
and Olympic boxing silver med-
alist Onyok Velasco carried the
official SEA Games flag to the
stage.
Blu Girl Francesca Altamonte
then led the oath of sportsman-
ship for athletes, while esports
official Darren Vitug did the
oath for the officials.
Aicelle Santos and Christian
Bautista later came in with
their rendition of Ruben Taga-
log’s “Minamahal Kita.”
Afterward, Iñigo Pascual and
Elmo Magalona paid tribute
to Original Pinoy Music rap
legend Francis Magalona with
their own take on his songs
“Mga Kababayan” and “Man
from Manila.”
Elmo Magalona even per-
formed like his father as the
younger Magalona entered the
stage with a costume similar to
what the older Magalona wore
when he performs “Mga Kaba-
bayan.”
KZ Tandingan performed
“Tayo’y Mga Pinoy,” while rap
music star Apl De Ap performed
his timeless hit “Bebot.”
Bautista, Seña, Pascual, Mag-
alona, Tandingan, Santos, Mis-
BY ARLNIE COLLEENE
TALAIN SINGCA
Philippine Canadian Inquirer
LICERNA ROMERICA Abun-
da, or more known as Boy
Abunda’s Nanay Lesing, died at
the age of 90.
Nanay Lesing passed away
on Sunday, December 1. This
was announced by Boy’s sister
and Eastern Samar Congress-
woman Maria Fe Abunda in a
Facebook post.
The said post also states that
a funeral mass will be held
starting Monday, December 2
at the Arlington Memorial Cha-
pels in Quezon City.
With the whole post written in
www.canadianinquirer.net
SEA Games opening at the New Clark City. 2019 SEA GAMES / FACEBOOK
alucha, and Apl De Ap returned
to the stage alongside Anna
Fegi, Jed Madela, and the TNT
Boys in the finale of the pro-
gram, a rendition of the official
theme song of the SEA Games
“We Win As One.”
Meanwhile, in a literal and
figurative passing of the torch,
boxing legend Manny Pacquiao
joined hands with women’s
champ Nesthy Petecio in light-
ing the cauldron at the New
Waray, the congresswoman men-
tioned that the late Nanay Lesing
had also served the public as a
teacher, councilor, and mayor.
In the birthday episode of
“The Bottomline” in October,
the King of Talk became emo-
tional when he was asked how is
his mother. He bravely revealed
that during that time, his Nanay
Lesing, who was suffering from
dementia, was in the hospital
for two weeks, adding, “she’s
the center of my life and I hope
she’s not suffering. ‘Yun lang
naman ang gusto ko sa nanay
(That’s my only wish for my
mom). She’s turning 91 in Janu-
ary, huwag lang masaktan (and
I hope she doesn’t suffer).”
In the same interview, the TV
Clark City Athletic Stadium in
Capas to formalize the start of
the games.
Around 8,750 athletes from
Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the
Philippines, Singapore, Thai-
land, Timor Leste, and Vietnam
will compete in 530 events from
record 56 sports during the big-
gest 10-day sports completion
in Southeast Asia region. ■
host was really emotional on
talking about losing the pres-
ence of his mother. He said, “I
will be honest, I don’t know how
I’m going to live my life with-
out the presence of my mother.
Pero katulad ng maraming su-
gal sa buhay ko, susuungin ko
(But just like the many risks in
my life, I will go through it) be-
cause that’s the only way.”
Boy is known for his extreme
love for his mother which was
recognized by his fellow TV
personalities as well. He even
released a book called “Make
Your Nanay Proud” in 2014, and
founded the “Make Your Nanay
Proud (MYNP) Foundation”
in honor of his beloved Nanay
Lesing. ■
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019
Joyce Pring reveals
she’s 3 months
engaged with actor
Juancho Trivino
BY JOANNA BELLE DEALA
Philippine Canadian Inquirer
WEDDING BELLS are in store
for television host and radio
personality Joyce Pring!
Joyce announced to the pub-
lic that she and Kapuso Juan-
cho Trivino are engaged for
three months already but de-
cided to reveal it only through
an Instagram post on Wednes-
day, November 27, showing a
photo of her hand with an en-
gagement ring on it.
It was last August 3 when
Juancho proposed to Joyce dur-
ing her mother’s birthday trip
to Boracay, which was attended
by their family members and
closest friends. But what was
supposed to be a birthday cel-
ebration turned out to be the
day Juancho asking Joyce to be
with him for a lifetime.
The 26-year-old TV host re-
called how she sobbed uncon-
trollably when the actor sur-
prised her “with the sweetest
pakulo (gimmick), out of all the
pakulos (gimmicks) he’s ever
pulled.”
“Although we had been pray-
ing about this decision for a
couple of weeks, and even at-
tended pre-marital counselling
in church (more kwento (story)
The Juan I love @juanchotrivino. @JOYCEPRING / INSTAGRAM
soon), I was still so shocked
and started UGLY CRYING on
the beach when he kneeled and
took my hand and asked me to
be his wife,” Joyce shared.
Juancho, on the other hand,
gladly announced that he got
Joyce’s sweetest YES.
“‘Pag alam niyo na talaga,
alam mo na talaga (When you
know it, you really know it),”
Juancho said as he also shared
details of his proposal to Joyce
on his Instagram account.
“I can’t wait to start my
life with the person I am cer-
tain God gave me. Abangan
niyo friends, madami pa kam-
ing kwento sainyo (Watch out
friends, we still have a lot of sto-
ries to tell),” he added.
Joyce said they have started
doing wedding preparations,
including fitting wedding
dresses in New York City and
food tasting.
As of writing, all other details
are being kept under wraps
but Joyce assured that she will
share it with everyone soon.
Joyce and Juancho con-
firmed that they were officially
in a relationship last May 2019
through a question and answer
vlog posted by the actor on his
YouTube channel. The two first
met in an out-of-town event of
a clothing brand in 2014. ■
Entertainment 21
Kris Bernal wins top acting award
at the 2019 Gawad Amerika Awards
VERSATILE KAPUSO actress tress 2019. Never in my wild- preciating my efforts. Maram-
Kris Bernal took home the est dream would I ever think ing salamat po!”
‘Most Outstanding Filipina Ac- that I would be coming here Gawad Amerika Awards is an
tress in Television’ award at the in California to receive such a annual celebration which rec-
2019 Gawad Amerika Awards prestigious award. I am truly ognizes the excellence of indi-
held last November 23 at The honored to be here alongside viduals and entrepreneurs who
Celebrity Center Franklin Av- other brilliant awardees who have gone above and beyond
enue in Califor- in their area of
nia. specialty. It is
Kris personally an independent
flew to Califor- award-giving
nia to accept the body mainly
recognition for Never in my wildest dream would I composed of
her remarkable ever think that I would be coming newspaper pub-
performance in here in California to receive such a lishers and se-
GMA Network’s prestigious award. lected reputable
Afternoon Prime community lead-
drama series ers.
‘Asawa Ko, Karib- Organized by
al Ko’ where she Gawad Amerika
played the role of Rachel. best exemplify the talent, pride, Foundation (GAF) in Cali-
Humbled by the honor, Kris and excellence of the Filipino fornia, it aims to create an
expressed her gratitude to the people. I am deeply humbled environment where Filipino-
award-giving body and to all and inspired. Sending hugs and Americans can validate their
her avid supporters. She said, kisses to all the Filipinos all importance in the American so-
“Thank you Gawad Amerika over the world! Thank you for ciety and construct innovative
Foundation for this recogni- your undying love and support, projects to continually endorse
tion, Most Outstanding TV Ac- for watching my shows, and ap- fresh ideas and talents. ■
AFP band belts out songs
in Wish 107.5 Bus
BY CHRISTINE CUDIS One of these songs is “Halika strong and credible institution
Philippine News Agency sa Kapayapaan,” which is used built on good governance.
as the official theme song for By 2028, the AFP envisions
the current AFP campaign plan, itself to become a world-class
MANILA — The Civil Relations “Development Support and armed forces institution and a
Service — Armed Forces of the Security Plan (DSSP) Kapay- source of national pride.
Philippines (CRS-AFP) band apaan.” Capt. Rhyan Batchar of the
sang their hearts out during a Under the plan, the AFP’s Defense Press Corps (DPC), in
promotional guesting at Wish mission is to conduct “devel- an interview, said this is one
FM 107.5 Bus in the Lapu-Lapu opment support operations” to way to showcase the many tal-
Grandstand in Camp Aguinaldo sustain peace, ensure security, ents of Filipino soldiers.
on Monday. and help maintain public order “They are also promoting our
The CRS-AFP band per- so as to foster the foundation anniversary celebration on 19.
formed three of its original for inclusive economic and hu- We are celebrating it on a week-
songs that spoke of soldier’s man development of Filipinos. day,” he said.
heroism and patriotism. The group also performed The AFP is celebrating its
Presidential Security Group a soft rock song titled “Isang 84th anniversary on December
(PSG) Assistant Chief of Staff Sundalo,” a song which is in- 21.
for Civil-Military Operations, spired by the many sacrifices of Aside from the anniversary,
Lt. Commander Lady Chatterly soldiers who are not only ready the AFP and the PSG are also
Alvaro-Sumbeling, composed to die for the country but have preparing for an upcoming
the songs for the band. taken significant roles in sup- event this week, the first Presi-
“I was immersed with soldiers port of its mandate to protect dential Silent Drill happening
during their disaster response. the people and secure the state. at the Quirino Grandstand on
It is about their sacrifices, how Last of the three pieces is Wednesday.
sincere and heartwarming they “Daloy ng Pag-unlad,” which President Rodrigo Duterte
(are) even without media fan- was adapted as the official has challenged seven of the
fare. The songs tell the story theme song for the AFP Trans- country’s service academies
during (typhoon) Ondoy and formation Roadmap (AFPTR), that will compete against
after Yolanda,” she said in an a 15-year strategy that aims to each other for the top prize of
interview. transform the military into a PHP300,000. ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
22
‘Stiletto race’ highlights women Art group to donate
empowerment in Marikina painting proceeds
BY CHRISTOPHER LLOYD
CALIWAN
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — As part of efforts to
promote its shoe industry and
uphold gender equality, Mariki-
na City Mayor Marcelino Teo-
doro underscored the impor-
tance of women empowerment
during the annual “Tour de Ta-
kong 2019” that brings together
people from all walks of life for
a noble cause.
The “Tour de Takong,” or Sti-
letto Race, is one of the main
events in the annual Sapatos
Festival, where people run
while wearing stilettos instead
of running shoes on Saturday.
Marikina City had been hold-
ing the “Tour de Takong” since
2013.
“Higit sa entertainment, isang
marangal na adhikain ang nag-
buklod sa atin sa Tour de Ta-
kong 2019. Bata man o matan-
da, babae man o lalaki, iba-iba
man ang estado sa buhay ay na-
kilahok sila sa pagsusuot ng sa-
patos na de takong na sumisimb-
ulo sa katatagan ng kababaihan
(More than just entertainment,
the Tour De Takong 2019 shows
our unity. Young or old, male or
female, different walks of life
participated wearing heeled
shoes that symbolizes the em-
powerment of women),” Teo-
doro said in a statement sent to
reporters on Sunday.
The race, the mayor said,
symbolizes life and the daily
struggle of women.
“Katulad ng hamong dala ng
pagtakbo habang nakasuot ng
sapatos na may takong, hindi
rin ganoon kadali ang sinusu-
ong ng mga kababaihan habang
ipinaglalaban ang kanilang
mga karapatan (Just like the
challenge of running while
wearing heels, neither is it easy
for women to fight for their
rights),” Teoedoro said.
Members of the Philippine
Army, teachers, firefighters, for-
eigners, law enforcement offi-
cers, athletes, and even foreign-
ers participated in this year’s
Lifestyle
Mayor Marcy Teodoro: Higit sa entertainment, isang marangal na adhikain ang
nagbuklod sa atin sa Tour de Takong 2019. Bata man o matanda, babae man
o lalaki, iba-iba man ang estado sa buhay ay nakilahok sila sa pagsusuot ng
sapatos na de takong na sumisimbulo sa katatagan ng kababaihan.
race and sprinted the 550-meter
stretch of Shoe Avenue starting
at the Marikina Clock Tower
and finishing in front of the
DepEd-Marikina office.
The registration was free and
runners have to exclusively
wear stiletto shoes made in
Marikina. The eldest partici-
pant of the annual race was a
63-year-old woman who wore a
Santa Claus costume.
“Sinisimbolo ng paligsahang
ito ang pagbibigay ng boses sa
bawat babae upang gumawa ng
mahahalagang desisyon para sa
sarili man o sa lipunan. Hangad
nitong ipaalala ang sense of
self-worth ng mga babae; ang
kanilang karapatang pumili, ang
access sa oportunidad at resourc-
es; ang pagkakaroon ng kontrol
sa kanilang buhay, sa loob man
o sa labas ng bahay; at higit sa
lahat, ang kanilang abilidad na
magdulot ng social change upang
magkaroon ng mas patas na
lipunan (This contest symbol-
izes giving each woman a voice
to make important decisions
for herself or for the society. It
seeks to emphasize the sense of
self-worth of women; their right
to choose, access to opportunity
and resources; having control
over their lives, even outside
the community or inside their
home; and above all, their abil-
ity to bring about social change
to create equal importance in a
society),” Teodoro noted.
Before the race, a “Zumballe-
MARIKINA PIO/FACEBOOK
to” where people danced Zumba
while wearing stilettos was held
at the Marikina Clock Tower.
For this year’s stiletto race,
first place winners for both
male and female categories
bagged the P15,000 cash prize,
while the second placers re-
ceived a P10,000 cash prize and
P8,000 for third placers.
This year’s Sapatos Festival is
being held from November 11 to
December 29.
The “Sapatos Festival” is
an annual event organized by
the city government. It aims
to boost the city’s shoe indus-
try by showcasing affordable
and quality footwear and oth-
er leather products made by
Marikina craftsmen.
A total of 48 manufactur-
ers composed of footwear and
leather manufacturers par-
ticipated in this year’s festival
showcasing high-quality and
affordable shoes, bags, belts,
and other products made by
Marikina’s skilled craftsmen.
The city government contin-
ues to promote locally-made and
world-class footwear products
by having the annual festival as
a form of support to micro and
small manufacturers in Marikina.
Teodoro said Marikina shoes
are of high quality and could
last for years, unlike imported
shoes which only last for only
around three months, based on
results of a test conducted by
the city government. ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
to AFP orphans
BY CHRISTINE CUDIS
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — A group of artists
will stage an exhibit in Camp
Aguinaldo, Quezon City from
December 17 to 20, displaying
paintings that depict heroism
of the soldiers of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The Dynamic Art Group will
organize the Sining at Kagitin-
gan Art Exhibit at the Dimalupig
Hall, Commissioned Officers
Club in line with the AFP’s 84th
anniversary on December 21.
“It is a milestone exhibit both
for the men of AFP as defend-
ers of the land and the Filipino
artists whose paintings portray
and document the patriotic
acts of the Filipino Soldiers,”
Dynamic Art Group’s spokes-
person Esther Garcia said in an
interview on Tuesday.
The proceeds from the sale
of the paintings will be donated
to the educational fund of the
bereaved children of the fallen
soldiers.
Garcia said the group has
initiated to give back to ac-
knowledge the sacrifices of the
soldiers whose lives were lost
in protecting and securing the
land.
“Our soldiers are the unsung
heroes. They are disciplined,
have a strong desire to serve
and protect the country from
invaders and insurgencies.
They also support humanitar-
ian operations,” she said.
“As fellow Filipinos, we feel
the compassion to help the
orphans of men of AFP in our
simple ways.. by portraying
their heroism and by giving
monetary considerations for
the education of the orphans,”
she added.
The artists participating in
the exhibit are composed of
pre-selected visual artists who
have been painting for 20-50
years.
Aside from Garcia’s paint-
ings, works of Fernando B.
Sena, Bing Siochi, Ely Tablizo,
Maxi Ramos, Darryl Ajero,
Emmanuel Salva, Joemarie
Sanclaria Chua, Harry Torres,
Wendy Rondaris, Armida Fran-
cisco, and Abelardo Lovendino
will also be featured and sold
during the exhibit.
The group, whose members
identify as with a “deep sense of
nationalism,” had its first “big”
exhibit in Solaire from June to
July 2019 titled “Art for Manila
Bay Rehab.”
The paintings were the art-
ists’ observations after the De-
partment of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) led
a clean-up of the Manila Bay.
“We wanted to record the
Manila Bay sunset, sunrise,
boats at the bay, children play-
ing, or simply enjoying the
views around Manila Bay,” Gar-
cia said.
“Ang reason naming mga
artists, dapat ma record or ma
document through paintings
ang tunay na anyo nito dahil sa
clean-up drive at maibalik ang
lost glory ng Manila Bay (Our
reason for doing so is to record
or document these sceneries
through paintings. To capture
its true beauty after the clean-
up drive efforts in Manila Bay),”
she added.
The group also donated some
of its paintings to the DENR.
The second tilt of the group
was from August to September
which aimed to give hope to the
victims of human trafficking in
the Philippines.
The exhibit at the AFP is
their third this year and the
group envisions there could be
more in the coming months to
further give back to the fallen
heroes of the country.
Meanwhile, AFP Education
Branch and Scholarship Of-
fice (AFPEBSO) chief and gen-
eral manager, Capt. Joy Dave
Gabuelo said there are a total of
❱❱ PAGE 24 Art group
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019
Pinoy Christmas: Better to receive, best to give
BY PRIAM NEPOMUCENO
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Aside from the glow
brought by sparkling lights and
glittering decorations, the most
wonderful season of the year is
shining even brighter as people
from all walks of life give and
receive gifts. More than just
looking at the size and price
of each present, gift-giving re-
mains one of the most endur-
ing and lovable traditions of
the Filipino way of celebrating
Christmas.
With Christmas literally just
around the corner, it is not sur-
prising to see thousands of peo-
ples scrounging high-end malls
in Quezon City and Makati or
cheap shops in Divisoria, Ma-
nila to buy the best gifts for
their loved ones and friends.
Despite the hassles and fi-
nancial drain this entails, Fili-
pinos go on a shopping spree in
a bid to surprise and show their
appreciation to a loved one.
For 30-year-old Rob Pagado-
ra, of Laguna, this seems to be
the case.
“Sapagkat ang diwa ng Pasko
ay pagbibigayan at pagsorpresa
sa ating mga minamahal (The
real essence of Christmas, for
me, is giving gifts to surprise
and show our love to our fami-
lies and loved ones),” he said.
For some, gift-giving despite
being expensive, makes the giv-
ers feel good about themselves.
Novaliches residents mark Bonifacio’s 156th birth anniversary
BY SEVERINO SAMONTE
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Residents of the
former town of Novaliches,
now divided between Quezon
City and Caloocan City, joined
the rest of the country in com-
memorating the 156th birth
anniversary of Andres Bonifa-
cio, considered as the father of
the 1896 Revolution against the
Spanish rule in the Philippines,
on Saturday.
The commemorative activi-
ties were held at the Bonifa-
cio monument at the old No-
valiches Plaza along Quirino
Highway, under the joint
sponsorship of the officers and
members of the various as-
“Palagay ko kaya mahilig
magbigay ng regalo ang karami-
han sa mga tao ay dahil sa self
satisfaction. Dahil kapag naka-
kapag bigay sila. Parang nag-
kakaroon sila ng self-fulfillment
(Many people are into gift-
giving during the Christmas
holidays as this gives them self
satisfaction and self fullfilment
on that the fact that they can
share),” Dan Charles Carlos, 18,
of Malolos City, Bulacan, said.
Also, gift-giving and receiv-
ing of gifts make the Christmas
Season merrier and festive,
19-year-old Patricia Antonio, of
New Manila, said.
“I think that Filipinos are
fond of giving and receiving
gifts during Christmas because
it makes them feel more festive.
Since Christmas is ‘the season of
giving and receiving’ I think that
it’s an automatic action in rela-
tion to the holiday, it’s become a
common thing,” she added.
Family first
For some Filipinos, our “ka-
babayans” fascination to give
and receive gifts can be attrib-
uted to tradition and Filipinos’
love for their families.
“Because it has been that way
for so many years, it has be-
come a tradition. This is what
we call the Filipino family tra-
dition every Christmas. I guess
this stems from the fact that we,
as Filipinos are giving and fam-
ily-inclined in nature,” Makati
City resident John Lui Ramos,
semblies and councils of the
Knights of Columbus (KofC),
Ferdinand Magellan Province,
Philippines’ District 4, Nation-
al Capital Region-North, and
descendants of the Bonifacio
family in Novaliches.
The features of the celebra-
tion, themed “Si Gat Andres
Bonifacio, Ang Supremo, Tunay
na Bayaning Filipino” (Andres
Bonifacio: the Supreme Leader,
True Filipino Hero), included
floral offerings and reading of
the “Kartilya” or Decalogue of
the KKK (Kataas-taasan, Ka-
galang-galangang Katipunan ng
mga Anak ng Bayan (Supreme
and Venerable Society of the
Children of the Nation) by the
past faithful navigators of the
KofC Assemblies of Emilio Ja-
19, said.
Another factor is that the
Philippines is a predominantly
Catholic country, he added.
Ramos’ views were shared
by 51-year-old Mary Ann Mila,
also of Makati City.
“Para sa akin kasi yun na ang
nakagisnan at nakasanayan ng
bawat Pilipino. Isa ng tradisyon
sa ating mga pilipino ang mag
bigay at tumanggap ng regalo.
Hindi lang naman materyal na
bagay ang pwede mong I regalo
sa ka pamilya kaibigan eh pwede
din naman pagmamahal at
pwede din namin ibalik yun sayo
(For me, gift giving and receiv-
ing is the tradition that we Fili-
pinos got accustomed to. This is
cinto, Novaliches, St. Maximil-
lian Ma. Kolbe, Tandang Sora,
Fr. George Willman, Fr. Walter
De Vilder, San Pedro Calungsod,
Melchora Aquino, Our Lady of
Guadalupe, and Kristong Hari.
Those who sent flowers in-
cluded the Bonifacio family de-
scendants represented by Pa-
tricia P. Bonifacio, Quezon City
5th District Rep. Alfred Vargas,
Councilors P.M. Vargas, and
Jose Visaya, and Barangay No-
valiches Proper Chairwoman
Asuncion Visaya.
History shows that Bonifacio
and his co-founders of the Kati-
punan led the uprising against
Spain by tearing their “cedula”
or residence certificate on Aug.
23, 1896, in Pugad Lawin, near
the residence of the revolution-
www.canadianinquirer.net
Lifestyle
not limited to material things
as families and friends can also
share and give love back),” she
added.
For some, gift-giving is also
a way of thanking God for the
blessings received through-
out the year and show the real
meaning of Christmas aside
from being a part of Filipino
culture.
“Mahilig tayo magbigay kasi
nakaugalian na. Parte ng Kul-
turang Pilipino ang pagiging
mapagbigay. Sa pamamagitan
nito naipapakita natin ang pag-
papala ng Dyos sa ating buhay
gayundin ang diwa ng Pasko
(We love to give gifts because
it is part of our Christmas tra-
ary heroine Melchora Aquino,
better known as Tandang Sora.
On several occasions, Boni-
facio visited Novaliches before
and after the start of the initial
phase of the revolution, con-
ferring with his friends from
Novaliches who included Kati-
punero leaders Tomas Geron-
imo and Canuto Dumalay,
among others.
It was in Barrio Pasong Pu-
tik, Novaliches, where Tandang
Sora was arrested by the Span-
ish authorities prior to her in-
carceration at the old Bilibid
prisons in Manila and eventual
exile to the Marianas Islands.
On Nov. 18-19, 1896, a group
of Katipuneros led by Gen. Luis
Malinis attacked the Novali-
ches church convent being used
23
dition and culture. By gift giv-
ing we show thanks for all the
blessings given to us by God
and the true meaning of Christ-
mas,” 27-year-old DZBB report-
er Mark Makalalad said.
Most joyous season ever
Adding to the fun and thrill of
giving is the Filipino belief that
the Christmas Season is the
most joyful of all the holidays.
“Bilang mga Pilipino, ang
Pasko ang pinaka inaabangan
nating pista ng taon. Nakau-
galian na nating mga Pilipino na
ipagdiwang ang Pasko kasama
ang mga mahal natin sa buhay
tulad ng ating pamilya at mga
kaibigan (As Filipinos, Christ-
mas is our most awaited holi-
day for the year. We have grown
accustomed to celebrating the
Season for with our families,
loved ones and friends),” Mary
Rose SJ. Jimenez, of Makati
City, said.
Aside from the delicious and
bountiful food, Christmas in
most Filipino households will
not be complete without gift-
giving and receiving from fami-
lies and friends, she added.
“Ang regalo ang sumisimbolo
na espesyal ang taong binibig-
yan natin nito at naalala natin
sila (Also gifts demonstrates
the importance of that person
to us and shows that we remem-
ber them),” Mary Rose said. ■
with reports from Christopher
Lloyd Caliwan
as headquarters by the Span-
ish civil guards. The Spaniards
were defeated but Gen. Luis,
a close aide of Bonifacio, was
killed in that battle.
To commemorate the role of
Novaliches in the 1896 Revolu-
tion, an ancient duhat tree at
the present compound of the
Metro Manila College (for-
merly Novaliches Academy) in
Barangay Kaligayahan has been
renamed Katipunan Tree
On the other hand, the old
Novaliches-Polo Road has been
renamed in honor of Gen. Luis
Malinis.
Two streets at the front and
back of the 163-year-old Our
Lady of Mercy Shrine in Nova-
liches were named after Duma-
lay and Geronimo. ■
24

Diaz bags first
SEA Games gold
PHILIPPINE NEWS
AGENCY
MANILA — Hidilyn Diaz
emerged as the star of the show
for Team Philippines on Mon-
day when she finally bagged her
first Southeast Asian Games
gold with a dominant perfor-
mance in women’s weightlift-
ing.
Diaz, 28, a silver medalist in
the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olym-
pics, lifted a total of 211kg in
topping the women’s 55kg divi-
sion before an animated crowd
at the newly-renovated Rizal
Memorial Coliseum.
Diaz added her breakthrough
SEA Games gold to her grow-
ing collection of medals that
also include gold in the Asian
Games and a bronze in the
world championship.
“Thank you for very much
for the support,” Diaz told the
television cameras going to the
medal podium.
She competed in the 2007,
2011 and 2013 editions of the
SEA Games and brought home
two silver medals and a bronze.
In the 2017 biennial meet,
weightlifting was scrapped by
host Malaysia.
The 28-year-old weightlifting
icon is hoping to book another
ticket in the 2020 Tokyo Olym-
pic Games in the upcoming
qualifying tournaments.
Meanwhile, Pencak Silat de-
livered its maiden gold for the
Philippines after Edmar Tacuel
topped the men’s seni tunggal
event at the Subic Bay Exhibi-
tion and Convention Center.
The 20-year old from Tu-
bongan, Iloilo impressed the
judges in his first-ever bien-
nial meet stint with 470 points,
Sports
edging Muhammad Iqbal Bin
Abdul Rahman of Singapore
who bagged the silver with 461
points and bronze finisher Dino
Bima Sulistianto who settled
for 460 points.
Tacuel, sixth of the seven
children of a farmer and a
housekeeper, couldn’t contain
his emotion after adding to the
country’s gold harvest.
“Happy ako na nakakuha ako
ng gold medal (I’m so happy
that I won gold medal),” he said.
Tacuel bared that his knowl-
edge in arnis — his first sport
since 2012 — helped him big
jumping into pencak silat. He
became part of the national
team in April this year then
straightly went to rigorous
training in Singapore and Thai-
land.
Also in Subic, Asian elite
champion Monica Torres sus-
tained her energy despite an
upset stomach to clinch the
women’s duathlon at the Subic
Bay Boardwalk.
Torres ruled the 10km run-
40km bike-5km run after fin-
ishing in two hours, eight min-
utes and 44 seconds.
The three-time Powerman
Asia Duathlon Champion
was followed by Pareeya Son-
sem of Thailand, who clocked
2:11:18, while Thi Phuong Trinh
Nguyen of Vietnam delivered
the first duathlon medal for
her country by pocketing the
bronze medal in 2:14:20.
Earlier, a disappointed Joey
Delos Reyes finished second
with a time of 1:53:05 for the
silver medal in the men’s side.
Jauhari Johan gave Indone-
sia its second gold after ruling
the grueling 10km run-40km
bike-5km run in one hour, 52
minutes, and 51 seconds. ■
PH capable of hosting ‘bigger-
scale’ games: OCA exec
BY JELLY MUSICO
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Impressed by the
opening ceremonies of the 30th
Southeast Asian Games, Wei
Jizhong, the honorary life vice-
president of the Olympic Coun-
cil of Asia (OCA), on Monday
said the Philippines is capable
of organizing “bigger-scale”
games like the Asian Games.
“The opening ceremony, per-
haps, is unique at the biggest in-
door arena in the world. We saw
the enthusiasm of all the ath-
letes, you allowed all the ath-
letes to walk in because in other
Games they limit. The parade is
for the honor of the athletes,”
Wei said in a press conference
at the World Trade Center in IMPRESSED. Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) vice president Wei Jizhong (2nd
Pasay City. from left) commends the Philippines’ hosting of the 30th Southeast Asian
“This means that Philippines Games during a press conference at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on
is capable to organize bigger- Monday (Dec. 2, 2019).
scale Games,” he added. JELLY MUSICO/PNA
Wei commended the Philip-
pines for apologizing for the “You can do it, not really with added.
“inconveniences” encountered precision, but had you made Asked for comment, Philip-
by some foreign delegates upon most of the money then you pine Olympic Committee pres-
arrival at the airport. could have avoided the criti- ident Bambol Tolentino said
He said other host countries cal situations, the mishaps,” there is nothing wrong in trying
also experienced glitches, call- Duterte said in a television in- to bid for the Asian Games.
ing it normal in any multi-event terview on GMA’s Unang Hirit “I-evaluate pa nila ‘yan (They
competition like SEA Games aired Monday morning. still have to evaluate that),” said
which is being participated by Philippine Southeast Asian Tolentino, who joined Wei in
at least 11,000 athletes and of- Games Organizing Committee the media briefing.
ficials from 11 countries. (Phisgoc) chairman Alan Peter Meanwhile, Wei said the
The sports official also lauded Cayetano also apologized for multi-sports events like the
the Games’ volunteers and the the SEA Games snafu. SEA Games serve as “platform”
Filipino people’s love for sports. “To have some problems at for all especially the youth.
President Rodrigo Duterte the beginning of the games, in “We all win as one,” he said,
earlier apologized for the prob- all the other events... it hap- quoting the 30th SEA Games’
lems that greeted the delegates pens. But the apology of the theme: “We Win As One.”
of the biennial meet. president and the speaker [of ] The Philippines is hosting
Duterte said similar mistakes parliament... it is the first time,” the SEA Games for the fourth
could have been avoided if the We said. time. The Games was held in the
PHP6-billion budget for the “It means the high author- country in 1981, 1991 and 2005
multisport event was used “cor- ity is very keen to provide the when the Filipinos won their
rectly. athletes the best condition,” he first overall championship. ■

Art group...

❰❰ 22 3,514 grantees or chil-
dren of fallen soldiers
that the AFP is sup-
porting as of November 2019.
“We put priority to the edu-
cation of the soldiers’ orphans
because we believe that this
is the long-term solution for
them to improve the quality of
their life once they finish their
course and get a job,” Gabuelo
said.
“Our commitment is ‘leaving
no soldiers’ orphans behind’,”
he added.
AFPEBSO also said the AFP
is allocating at least PHP75 mil-
lion yearly to finance the edu-
cation of the children, who are
also priority candidates if they
apply to become a soldier and
are given endorsement letters
if they wish to be part of private
companies. ■

www.canadianinquirer.net
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019
Baguio students reap medals for PH in SEAG
BY PIGEON LOBIEN
Philippine News Agency
BAGUIO CITY — Students
from Baguio’s big three univer-
sities accounted for the 4-3-3
gold-silver-bronze medals won
by Team Philippines in the on-
going South East Asian Games
(SEAG).
Saint Louis University (SLU)
and the University of Baguio
(UB) have three present and
former students in the medal
tally even as two University of
the Cordilleras (UC) contrib-
uted to the country’s best-ever
performance that has left the 10
other SEA nation members bit-
ing the dust.
Baguio-raised Stephanie Sa-
balo helped start the gold rush
Sunday after she and partner
Michael Angelo Marquez fin-
ished with two golds and a
silver as the Philippines danc-
esport team nearly swept the
event with 10 of the possible 12
golds.
The duo finished strong in
overall Latin by beating Viet-
nam and Thailand, who fin-
ished second and third, respec-
tively.
Then, the Filipino duo took
the pasodoble gold ahead of
Singapore.
But Sabalo and Marquez
came up short in jive, behind
the Vietnamese duo they beat
in overall Latin.
In her Facebook wall, Sabalo
thanked the Philippine Ama-
teur Gaming Corporation (Pag-
cor) for its help in the dances-
port.
She wrote, “Thank you very
much to our dear beautiful
sponsor Ma’am Andrea Domin-
go of Pagcor.”
She added that Pagcor gave
“us huge support and undy-
ing trust that we could mold
ourselves in competitions and
training camps in Europe, be-
cause of you we’ve had learn-
ings in our journey.”
Another former SLU student
who now spends his time with
the national team in Pasay City
where the wushu teams are
based, Jones Inso added anoth-
er silver on Dec. 2, the country’s
14th silver medal.
Inso took the silver in the
men’s taijijian event at the
World Trade Center in Manila
after tallying 9.65, a close sec-
ond to gold medalist from Ma-
laysia, Loh Choon How, who
scored 9.68.
In winning the silver, Inso
told the Philippine News Agen-
cy (PNA) through Facebook
message after his win: “I’m so
fulfilled.”
Brunei’s Zheng Yu Hosea
Wong took the bronze medal
after a 9.60 performance, while
veteran campaigner Daniel
Parantac, of UC, finished sixth
after scoring 9.54.
Inso had placed fourth in the
taijiquan, with his score of 9.54
just behind Parantac’s 9.56, who
took the bronze medal in what
could be his final SEAG.
The 22-year-old Inso now is
eyeing a medal finish in duil-
ian with a weapon along with
fellow Cordilleran Thornton
Sayan and Johnzenth Gajo.
“May duilian pa po bukas
(There is still duilian tomorrow
[Tuesday]),” he added.
On Tuesday, the trio took the
bronze in men’s duilian with
weapons right after Agatha
brought home her second gold
in taijijian.
Sayan is from the neighbor-
ing town of La Trinidad like
Inso but studies at UC like
Parantac.
Monday morning saw arnis
taking over the spotlight and
become the most prolific sport
after winning seven golds for an
eye-popping 12 medals.
Two locals earned gold med-
als, while a third failed in his
semifinals bid.
Abegail Abad and Elmer
Manlapas took the gold in their
respective divisions in the pad-
ded arnis events.
UB president Herminio Ja-
vier Bautista expressed de-
light upon hearing of their two
students’ success in the 30th
SEAG where the Philippines is
light years away from its closest
pursuers.
“Of the 35 Baguio based ath-
letes posted by the city sports
coordinator, 22 of them are
from UB which was something
to crow about.
“Happy na sila (they are hap-
py) sir Javier and JB (UB trea-
surer Johann Ben Bautista),”
said UB athletic director Alan
Elegado, who will join the table
tennis officiating team on De-
cember 6.
However, Ezarai Yalong
could only finish with a bronze
after his semifinals win against
a Cambodian combatant was
reversed an hour after he was
declared the winner and before
PROUD LOUISIAN. Baguio-raised Stephanie Sabalo (left) and dancesport partner
Michael Angelo Marquez pose with Muya Roem Marie Ramos after the national
dancesport competition last November 23.
his finals match.
“We are very disappointed
and we will help file the protest
along with our coach with the
officials,” he said.
On Monday, SLU’s Billy Joel
Valenzuela also won a silver in
arnis.
On Tuesday, two of the six
wushu sanda players seek the
gold medal in the finals.
Multi medalist Divine Wally
will seek redemption after her
semifinals loss to a Vietnamese
foe in the World Wushu Cham-
pionship last month.
First-time participant Gide-
on Fred Padua will also vie for
the title in the 60-kilogram di-
vision, even as four of his team-
mates go for gold.
Earlier, Ifugao native Estie
Gay Linawen bagged the gold
medal in the 63-kilogram event
of Kurash Sunday at the Laus
Group Event Center in San Fer-
nando, Pampanga.
Meanwhile, the muay Thai
team is confident to finish with
medals when they start playing
on December 4 at the Subic Bay
Exhibition Convention Center
in Subic.
Muay Thai waikru and taksa
are supposed to be played to-
day, Dec. 3, but then moved to
the next day, maybe due to ty-
phoon “Tisoy” which ravaged
southern Luzon including Ma-
nila.
www.canadianinquirer.net
Sports
MUYA ROEM MARIE RAMOS/FACEBOOK
Muay Thai waikru and taksa
competitor Rusha Bayacsan,
an alumna of the Benguet State
University will join Cebu native
Irendin Lepatan on the female
side. Lepatan is sporting a bust-
ed nose which was accidentally
hit by Bayacsan during last Fri-
day’s demo at the UB gym.
“Okay na po naibalik na. Na-
sasaktan lang siya pag naggalaw
(Her nose has been fixed. It is
only painful when touched),”
Bayacsan told the PNA Tuesday
via Facebook message.
UB alumni and former wushu
taolu coach Jearome Calica and
Joemar Gallaza are entered
in the male competition and
who appear to have the better
chance of winning gold with the
absence of Thailand, the land of
birth of the sport.
“The men’s pair has a good
chance of winning with Thai-
land absent but must look after
Vietnam which will have a very
competitive team,” said coach
Billy Alumno, a former UB box-
ing player.
Also seeing action in muay
Thai but in the combat side are
Jenelyn Olsim of UB and Islay
Erica Bomogao, who just fin-
ished senior high school at BSU
but aims to enroll at UB for a
course in forensic.
Team Lakay’s Jean Claude
Saclag, Gina Iniong, and Jerry
Olsim will see action in kick-
25
boxing along with Jomar Bal-
angui also of UB and the wushu
sanda silver medalist in the
FISU (International University
Sports Federation) and Renz
Daquel.
Saclag, a former Asian Games
silver medalist in wushu sanda,
and Iniong a four-time national
wushu sanda champion are UC
graduates.
UB’s boxers include Karol
Maguide, Aira Villegas and
Amateur International Boxing
Association champion Nesthy
Petecio.
Two-time world Taekwondo
Poomsae champion Jeordan
Dominguez and Realis Lorena
Tabiando will see action in tae-
kwondo.
UB’s Kareel Meer Hongitan
and Grade 11 Jason Emmanuel
Feliciano will see action in ar-
chery.
Hongitan hopes to improve
her bronze medal performance
during the last SEAG.
“May boxing, archery, com-
bative pang ibang players. Hindi
pa nagsisimula ang laro nila
(We still have players in box-
ing, archery and combative and
they have not played yet),” add-
ed Elegado.
In sambo, UC alum Mariane
Mariano, who won medals in
the SEAG, the Asian Games and
the Beijing, China Olympics in
2008 as a wushu sanda player
will return to fighting and join
wushu sanda’s most decorated
fighter, Rene Catalan of Iloilo.
Other Cordillerans in sam-
bo are Helen Aclopen, bronze
medalist in the -52kg sambo
in the 2019 World Martial Arts
Masterships last Aug. 30 un-
til Sept. 6 in Chungju, Chun-
gcheongbuk-do, South Korea,
and silver medalist in the 2nd
Southeast Asian Sambo Cham-
pionship in Kota Bandung,
Indonesia last June 22; Jedd
Andre Diño Kim, winner of the
half middleweight category for
the under 17-year old category
in the 2012 International Cadet
Judo Championship in Singa-
pore from August 18-19, 2012
while still a sophomore at the
SLU Laboratory High School.
He also won the silver medal
in the 74kg division in the 2nd
Southeast Asian Sambo Cham-
pionship; and, mixed martial
artist Mark Striegl.
Baguio-grown Majoy Baron
and former UB top player Myl-
ene Paat will suit up for the
women’s volleyball team. ■
26
NEDA Board approves P187.34-B new projects
PHILIPPINE NEWS
AGENCY
MANILA — The National
Economic and Development
Authority (NEDA) Board
approved on Friday seven
new projects amounting to
PHP187.34 billion, which in-
clude three projects from the
Department of Transportation
(DOTr), three projects of De-
partment of Public Works and
Highways (DPWH), and one to
be implemented by the Depart-
ment of Health (DOH).
“Five out of seven of these
new projects will be imple-
mented outside the National
Capital Region. This shows that
the administration is commit-
ted to develop growth centers
in the regions and maximize
the economic benefits of con-
nectivity of communities,” So-
cioeconomic Planning Secre-
tary Ernesto Pernia said.
The DOTr projects include
the Davao Public Transport
Modernization Project, Unso-
licited Proposal for the New
Cusi calls for ‘inspection’ of PH grid system
BY JOANN VILLANUEVA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — Energy Secretary
Alfonso Cusi has stressed the
need for immediate assessment
of National Grid Corporation of
the Philippines’ (NGCP) system,
saying it is not impossible now to
run it remotely from everywhere.
There have been calls to check
on NGCP’s system since 40
Business
Bohol Panglao International
Airport, and the Unsolicited
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
Proposal: Ninoy Aquino Inter-
national Airport.
The Davao Public Trans-
port Modernization Project
involves the delivery of a mod-
ern, high priority bus system
(HPBS) for Davao City; the Un-
solicited Proposal for the New
Bohol International Airport
project involves operations and
maintenance (O&M) and en-
hancement of the airport; and
the Unsolicited Build-Oper-
ate-Transfer (BOT) Proposal:
Ninoy Aquino International
Airport aims to address NAIA’s
capacity constraint by reconfig-
uring and renovating existing
facilities and enhancing O&M.
The other four new projects
include the Pasacao-Balatan
Coastal Tourism Highway; Sa-
mal Island-Davao City Connec-
tor (SIDC) Project; Camarines
Sur High-Speed Highway of
the DPWH; and the Develop-
ment Objective Assistance
Agreement (DOAg): Improved
Health for Underserved Filipi-
percent of the national grid is
owned by State Grid Corpora-
tion of China, and the latter can
easily decide to shut down the
NGCP system if it decides to.
“In this digital age, anything
and practically everything is
possible remotely,” Cusi said in
a briefing Monday.
Cusi said he wants the im-
mediate auditing of NGCP’s
system.
He explained the only way to
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia.
NATIONAL ECONOMIC AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY / FACEBOOK
nos of the DOH.
The Pasacao-Balatan Coastal
Tourism Highway will provide
access to various tourism sites
and provide a direct link be-
tween Pasacao and Balatan;
the Samal Island-Davao City
Connector (SIDC) Project will
reduce travel time and reli-
ability constraints currently
address questions on whether
China can really remotely shut
down the Philippines’ power
grid is for government experts
to inspect NGCP and have the
oversight function on its whole
system.
Cusi said he called for the in-
spection of NGCP’s facilities
upon his assumption into office
in 2016 but NGCP officials have
been refusing to heed this move.
He said the inspection is part-
www.canadianinquirer.net
experienced through the use of
ferry services; and the Cama-
rines Sur High-Speed Highway
will serve as an alternate route
between Legazpi City or Cara-
moan to Manila.
The Development Objec-
tive Assistance Agreement
(DOAg): Improved Health for
Underserved Filipinos of the
ly due to the need to check on
how the grid operator uses fiber
optics on its transmission facil-
ities and how the government
can tap this for the planned na-
tional broadband network.
The DOE is giving NGCP “the
benefit of the doubt” since the
State Grid of China also has op-
erations in Australia, he added.
DOE spokesperson Felix
Willam Fuentebella said allow-
ing experts from the National
DOH will respond to the issues
on logistics and pharmaceuti-
cal management, shortages of
qualified health professionals
in underserved areas, and inad-
equate public sector capacity in
policy development, financing
and private sector engagement.
During the meeting, the
NEDA Board also confirmed
the ICC-Cabinet Commit-
tee’s approval of the increase
in cost and change in scope of
the Mindanao Railway Project–
Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment
to PHP81.69 billion.
The NEDA Board also noted
the earlier confirmation ad ref-
erendum of 20 projects from
August 22 to October 9 this
year.
These include projects from
DPWH (nine), DOTr (three),
Department of Finance (three),
Philippine Competition Com-
mission (one), Department of
Agriculture (one), Landbank of
the Philippines (one), Nation-
al Irrigation Administration
(one), and Metropolitan Wa-
terworks and Sewerage System
(one). ■
Transmission Corporation
(Transco) to check on NGCP’s
system will not result in “blam-
ing game” in the future.
He also underscored the im-
portance to be proactive so the
government can address weak-
ness in the transmission system
and future issues.
Fuentebella said the assess-
ment will allow the government
to “see where we are now and
we are going in the future.” ■
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019
Confed proposes measures to
address sugar industry challenges dev’t to boost PH
BY LILYBETH ISON
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Confederation
of Sugar Producers Associa-
tions, Inc. (Confed) has recom-
mended several proposals, an
offshoot of a consultative work-
shop set in February 2020, to
address the challenges faced by
the sugar industry including on
import liberalization.
The proposals, in a form of
a resolution, recommend pro-
grams to improve productiv-
ity, revisit the Sugar Industry
Development Act (SIDA), and
seek the full restoration of its
PHP2-billion budget and en-
hance the institutional and po-
litical structure of the industry.
Under increasing productivi-
ty, Confed is pushing for the ex-
pansion and providing support
for the “block farm” program;
mechanization through funds
from SIDA and the Department
of Agriculture (DA) or access
to affordable loans from gov-
ernment financial institutions;
mill upgrading and standard-
ization as well as value-adding
for mills through biotechnol-
ogy and product diversifica-
tion; and mobilizing “progres-
sive sugarcane farmers” as farm
consolidators, service provid-
ers or as peer mentors.
Block farming is a consoli-
dation of small farms to take
advantage of plantation scale
production. It aims to improve
productivity especially on
sugarcane and coconut farms
owned by agrarian reform ben-
eficiaries.
Confed spokesman Raymond
Montinola, in a statement on
Thursday, said there is also an
“imperative need for additional
support on research and devel-
opment, not only in developing
and propagating new varieties
that can withstand weather and
soil challenges but on technol-
ogy that can make farms more
efficient.”
The group is also pushing for
a review of the SIDA law and its
implementing rules and regula-
tions (IRR).
It also urges the streamlining
of application process, speed
up fund utilization, fast-track
program implementation, and
adjust fund allocation formula
based on determined industry
Countryside
priorities.
Nicholas Ledesma, president
of Confed Negros-Panay chap-
ter, in a statement, said there
have been numerous com-
plaints from farmers of “very
tedious” compliance in access-
ing programs provided for by
the SIDA law.
“The need to streamline
processes must be addressed
urgently as this has led to un-
derutilization of the SIDA fund
which, in turn, hampers our
plan to modernize and improve
on our productivity,” he said.
Confed added there is a great
need to enhance the industry’s
stature and manage negative
perceptions by projecting a
“new and more positive image.”
“The industry has always
been at the receiving end when
retail prices of sugar go up
which is why, one of our urgent
recommendation is to under-
take direct sugar marketing to
address this issue,” Montinola
said.
Ledesma said these propos-
als were collectively arrived
at by members of the Con-
fed board who went through
a series of consultations and
workshops, knowing that the
reprieve the industry got on the
threat of import liberalization
from the economic managers is
temporary and “we have to do
something to address our own
problems, with help from gov-
ernment of course.”
In a separate resolution,
Confed also requested the DA
to “conduct a performance au-
dit” on the Sugar Regulatory
Administration (SRA) and to
include “examination of its cur-
rent organizational structure
and capabilities and to ensure
that SRA performs its man-
date.”
Industry stakeholders have
been concerned about the
manner in which industry af-
fairs have been managed, sugar
policy determined, conduct of
stakeholder consultations and
implementation of SIDA pro-
grams by or in coordination
with SRA, the group said.
“Given the industry’s cur-
rent challenges, it is timely to
examine the effectiveness by
which SRA performed its man-
dated functions and responsi-
bilities with the end in view of
determining what measures
are needed for SRA to serve the
industry better,” it added.
In line with this, Confed is
urging SRA to establish a ra-
tionalized and calibrated sugar
allocation and import/export
policy; comply with Senate
Resolution 156 penned by Sen-
ator Migs Zubiri, which recom-
mends conversion of “A” sugar
to be allocated for local indus-
trial consumers; establish a
mechanism to address shortage
of local supply for industrial
users; and issue importation
authority to industrial users
only to the extent of the actual
shortfall, among others.
Confed is also urging SRA to
create a full time “Project Man-
agement Unit” that will focus
on SIDA programs, and estab-
lish and mobilize the Sugar In-
dustry Development Council
(SIDC) to “facilitate coordinat-
ed and harmonized develop-
ment initiatives for the good of
the industry.” ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
Business
inclusive growth
BY JOYCE ANN L.
ROCAMORA
Philippine News Agency
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY —
The Philippines must harness
the potential of the country-
side as a way to boost inclusive
growth.
During panel discussions,
SteelAsia chairperson Benja-
min Yao pushed for country-
side industrialization, citing its
inclusivity and contribution to
the reduction of counterpro-
ductive activities in rural areas.
“Countryside development is
inclusive. This does not only re-
duce local unemployment but it
also reduces counterproductive
activities of the unemployed
such as resulting in criminal-
ity,” he said on Wednesday dur-
ing the 1st Philippine Industrial
Summit in Mindanao.
Yao said in SteelAsia, many
of its “capable and productive
workers” are not even high
school graduates.
At present, about 2,500 per-
sons have been employed in exist-
ing SteelAsia plants, with around
14,000 indirect jobs created.
On top of this, at least 4,500
workers have been hired for its
ongoing and upcoming projects
operational between 2020-
2023, with more than 20,000
indirect jobs created.
“The question of education
is easily addressed by training
and development, investing in
skills and on-the-job training
is sustainable, particularly in
hiring locals from the country-
side,” Yao said.
Aside from job creation, Yao
said making the countryside
27
industrialized also promotes
“self-reliance” as it provides an
alternative to importation.
“Countryside industrializa-
tions provide the opportunity
to keep knowledge and skills in
the Philippines for Philippine
use,” he said.
In SteelAsia alone, the total
logistics cost of shipping steel
from Manila to Cagayan de Oro
is around 50 percent more ex-
pensive than shipping from Rus-
sia to the Philippines, he said.
“The ultimate solution to
enjoying the lowest possible lo-
gistics cost is to produce in the
countryside,” he said.
To date, SteelAsia plants in
Mindanao are running at full
capacity.
“We believe in the potential
of growth of Mindanao and
took the challenge to support
this growth,” he said.
Yao participated in the first
Philippine Industrial Summit
in Mindanao which runs from
November 25 to 28 in Cagayan
De Oro City.
The summit, themed “Build-
ing An Assertive Industrial
Philippines,” is a collabora-
tive project of PIE-MO In-
dustries Association, Inc. and
PHIVIDEC Philippine Indus-
trial Authority (PIA).
Throughout the event, par-
ticipants including industry
leaders, policymakers, govern-
ment representatives were also
toured at Del Monte in Bukid-
non, one of the world’s biggest
pineapple plantations, as well
as the vast PHIVIDEC Indus-
trial Estate where prominent
Philippine companies such as
the San Miguel Corporation
and Gardenia have set hubs. ■
 DECEMBER 6, 2019 28

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DOT upbeat to hit target of 8.2M foreign tourist
arrivals in 2019
BY JOYCE ANN L.
ROCAMORA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Department
of Tourism (DOT) is confident
that the country will meet its
8.2-million targeted foreign
tourist arrivals by the end of
2019, citing the already high
numbers of visitors for the first
nine months of the year.
“v (We’re receiving good re-
ports that’s why we’re confi-
dent that we can reach the 8.2
million),” DOT Undersecretary
Benito Bengzon Jr. said in a
briefing on Monday.
“For the first nine months,
January to September, we’re
already at 6.16 million foreign
visitors, which is already a re-
cord in itself. The growth rate is
about 14.37 percent so the com-
mon question is if we will reach
Lake Pandin in Laguna.
Travel
8.2 million. At present, we’re
looking at the movement of the
October and November arriv-
als,” he added.
Bengzon attributed the
growth in foreign arrivals to
the increase in new flights and
newly constructed airports,
which he said spread the air
passenger traffic to other Phil-
ippine destinations.
“Marami na tayong flights
hindi lang papunta ng Manila
pero pati Cebu, Kalibo, Puerto
Princesa so in a way nadi-dis-
perse natin ‘yong air passenger
traffic. In so doing, siyempre mas
maraming nakikinabang with
the local communities (There
are already a lot of flights not
only to Manila but also Cebu,
Kalibo, and Puerto Princesa so
in a way the air passenger traf-
fic is dispersed. In doing so, of
course, more local communi-
ties benefit,” he added.
ANDY NELSON / FLICKR, CC BY-NC 2.0
According to the latest data
released by the DOT, the Phil-
ippines received a total of
6,161,503 visitors from January
to September 2019, indicating a
14.37 percent increase from the
5,387,458 arrivals for the same
period last year.
For the first nine months,
South Korea remained as the
country’s top tourist market
with a total of 1,450,792 ar-
Teachers tapped for tourism
awareness drive
BY JOYCE ANN L.
ROCAMORA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Tourism Pro-
motions Board (TPB), the mar-
keting arm of the Department
of Tourism (DOT), is tapping
teachers to educate the youth
on the benefits of tourism in
the Philippines and the job op-
portunities it offers to the next
generation.
On Friday, it launched the
“Tara Na, Byahe Tayo” initia-
tive, a program that seeks to
give some 160 public school
senior high educators the op-
portunity to experience the
culture, culinary offerings, and
ecotourism destinations in
Southern Luzon.
“The overarching program of
the Department of Tourism is
sustainable travel and it’s not
www.canadianinquirer.net
rivals, followed by China with
1,359,817 and the United States
with 792,619 visitor arrivals.
Data released by Bengzon
during the briefing also showed
that the highest spending mar-
ket for the same period was
also South Korea with about
USD193.55 million in total
tourist spending followed by
China with a total expenditure
of USD163.61 million and the
only about the environment,
but it is also sustaining who we
are; our culture. And what bet-
ter partner to see than educa-
tion?” TPB chief operating of-
ficer Venus Tan said.
“To me, education starts
from inception and I think it’s
very important for our youth to
be firmly educated not only on
the aspects of the economy but
also in the aspect of what the
Philippines has to offer as an
education,” she added.
Tan said the program will
help the teachers further un-
derstand the entire spectrum of
tourism as the “most inclusive
industry in the world” as it also
covers the sectors of education,
trade, and agriculture.
The program, which will run
from November 29 to Decem-
ber 1, will allow teachers to
travel within the country to ap-
preciate underrated attractions
29
US with USD77.99 million.
From January to September
2019, the total earnings gener-
ated from tourism activities in
the Philippines aggregated to
about USD7.29 billion or ap-
proximately PHP379.21 bil-
lion, 25.66 percent higher than
the visitor receipts in the same
period last year amounting to
USD5.80 billion or PHP305.42
billion. ■
and offerings, develop a sense of
environmental awareness and
conservation, and learn more
about sustainable tourism.
The first of the three tours,
which will take place simulta-
neously, will be held in Rizal
where participants will know
more about Philippine art at
the Carlos Botong Francisco
Blanco Museum, Nemiranda
Art House, Antipolo Church,
and Pinto Art Museum.
Ecotourism, on the oth-
er hand, will be highlighted
through a tree planting activity
at Hinulugang Taktak, a bonfire
at 3 Springs Mountain Park,
and a visit to the Daranak Falls.
A tour in Quezon and Laguna
will also take place to highlight
the provinces’ distinct dishes
and agritourism industry.
The participants are scheuled
❱❱ PAGE 30 Teachers tapped
30
San Carlos City gets Asean
tourism recognition anew
BY ERWIN NICAVERA
Philippine News Agency
BACOLOD CITY — Negros
Occidental’s San Carlos City
received the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (Ase-
an) “Clean Tourist City” award
for the second time, a recogni-
tion valid from 2020 to 2022.
Jennifer Saballa, officer-
in-charge of the San Carlos
City Tourism Office, said on
Wednesday that the achieve-
ment shows the various initia-
tives of the city government to
promote sustainable tourism
development.
“The city is again honored
to receive the international
award, which is a product of the
strong support of the local gov-
ernment. We hope to sustain
the efforts and look forward to
more initiatives geared towards
ensuring sustainability,” Sabal-
la added.
Mayor Renato Gustilo earlier
received a letter from Direc-
tor Rebecca Villanueva-Labit
of the Office of Tourism Stan-
dards and Regulation of the De-
partment of Tourism, inform-
ing him about the award.
The awards ceremony will be
held at The Empire Hotel and
Country Club, Bandar Seri Be-
gawan in Brunei Darussalam
this coming January 16.
The northern Negros City,
which first received the award
in 2017, was among the South-
east Asian cities recognized for
having endeavored to beautify
their public areas, improve the
environment and sanitation,
enhance urban spaces, and pro-
mote man-made and natural at-
tractions.
Saballa said the city complied
with the indicators set by the
Asean City Tourism Standard
(ACTS), such as environmental
protection and management,
waste management, health,
urban safety and security, and
Teachers tapped...
❰❰ 29 to visit Lake Pandin
and Costales Nature
Farms in Laguna
where they will learn
about organic farming as well
as in Lucban, Quezon to get a
Travel
Aerial view of San Carlos City, with Refugio-Sipaway Island in foreground.
tourism infrastructures and
programs.
Closed-circuit television
(CCTV) cameras have been in-
stalled around the city starting
last year to meet the safety and
security indicator.
In 2017, San Carlos strength-
ened its effort to promote the
establishment of “tourist rest-
rooms” based on Asean stan-
dards for comfort rooms.
San Carlos hosts an eco-cen-
ter that provides a venue for
benchmarking on waste man-
agement and other good envi-
ronment practices and technol-
ogies for other localities in the
province.
Saballa said they are focusing
on tourism development areas
as part of conservation efforts
for natural attractions and des-
tinations in the city.
“We are continuing our com-
munity-based efforts aimed at
taste of its best dishes including
pancit habhab and the famous
Lucban longganisa.
Meanwhile, the tours cover-
ing Batangas and Cavite will
focus on wellness and the rich
P199 / WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC BY-SA 4.0
providing livelihood opportu-
nities to the locals while at the
same time involving them in en-
vironment protection and con-
servation measures,” she added.
San Carlos City has also been
a recipient of other interna-
tional recognitions, such as the
Asean’s 50 Landmark Cities
and Environmentally Sustain-
able Cities, and Top 100 Sus-
tainable Destinations.
For 2020, San Carlos will
join two other cities from the
Philippines — Iloilo and Baguio
— as Asean Clean Tourist City
awardees.
The ACTS aims to provide
member-countries with a tool
that would improve the quality
of tourism in their cities and
increase their marketing com-
petitiveness, while improving
the situation of local residents
and their livelihood by alleviat-
ing poverty. ■
heritage of the provinces. His-
torical sites like the Taal Heri-
tage Town will be covered as
well as the Nurture Wellness
Village in Tagaytay. ■
www.canadianinquirer.net
PH cited as world’s
leading dive destination
BY JOYCE ANN L.
ROCAMORA
Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippines
has won its first diving destina-
tion award, besting eight dive
powerhouses at the 2019 World
Travel Awards (WTA).
During the WTA Grand Final
Gala Ceremony held recently in
Oman, the Philippines surfaced
as the 2019 World’s Leading
Dive Destination, prevailing
over eight other places nomi-
nated under the same category
— Azores Islands, Bora Bora in
French Polynesia, Cayman Is-
lands, Fiji, Galapagos Islands,
Great Barrier Reef in Australia,
Mexico, and the four-time and
previous title holder Maldives.
Palawan’s prestigious Aman-
pulo Resort also emerged vic-
torious as the World’s Leading
Dive Resort at the gala event.
“Dubbed by marine experts
and scientists as the heart of
marine biodiversity in the
world, our country is home to
the highest concentration of
coral reef life and astounding
variety of marine species. This
latest recognition is a valida-
tion that the Philippines is tru-
ly a premier dive destination,”
Department of Tourism (DOT)
Secretary Bernadette Romulo-
Puyat said in a statement re-
leased on Friday.
Last October, the WTA held
its gala event for Asia and Ocea-
nia in Vietnam, where the Phil-
ippines earned its first Asia’s
Leading Dive Destination
award after multiple nomina-
tions since 2006.
A picture of vibrant-colored corals taken during a dive festival in Camiguin.
DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY
Conversely, the DOT was also
recognized as Asia’s Leading
Tourism Board for its efforts to
increase visitor arrivals for the
Philippines in the previous year.
Dive tourism is one of the
key product portfolios under
the Philippines’ National Tour-
ism Development Plan (NTDP)
2016-2022.
In the past, the DOT has host-
ed several dive-centric events,
including the Anilao Underwa-
ter Shootout photography com-
petition, and the Travel Trade
Support through Dive Travel
Exchange business-to-business
(B2B) meetings.
It also organized the first
Philippine International Dive
Expo exposition, the only event
in the world with the Dive Trav-
el Exchange or B2B meetings.
“Through the Philippine
Commission on Sports Scuba
Diving (PCSSD), we also ensure
that diving safety and operating
standards in the country are at
par with the rest of the world,”
Romulo-Puyat said.
Founded in 1993, the WTA or
World Travel Awards has been
recognizing brands and orga-
nizations from the travel, tour-
ism, and hospitality industries
all over the world that have
raised the bar for global tour-
ism standards, through its an-
nual Grand Tour, a series of six
regional gala ceremonies with
a grand final ceremony held at
the end of each tour.
At the 2019 WTA Grand Final
Gala Ceremony, the Banwa Pri-
vate Island in the Philippines
was also hailed as this year’s
World’s Leading Luxury Private
Island Resort. ■
BO MANCAO VIA PNA
FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 2019 31

www.canadianinquirer.net
32 DECEMBER 6, 2019 FRIDAY

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