March 29, 2012 Edition

Clashes and killings continue in Syria despite the government’s acceptance of a United Nations peace plan to end violence there. Reports quoted activists and the US State Department as saying at least 26 people were killed in Syria as security forces fired shells and rockets at resistance fighters. State department officials said the Assad regime has not taken steps to implement the commitment it made to UN special envoy Kofi Annan. As of Thursday morning, March 29, Syrian forces were bombarding a town in Hama for the 17th straight day already.

Read more on the Hama bombardment on BBC

Read about Syria’s continued unrest

Hong Kong won an appeal in a case that would have allowed thousands of foreign maids to claim residency in the Chinese city. Hong Kong’s court of appeal on Wednesday, March 28, overturned a landmark ruling that involved a Filipina, Evangeline Banao Vallejos, who was earlier granted the right to request permanent residency status. In its appeal, the government argued that the authorities had discretionary power to decide who was eligible for residency, rejecting arguments that restrictions on maids were unconstitutional and discriminatory. The 3-man court unanimously accepted that argument.

Read the full story on Rappler

More about it here

A Social Weather Stations survey conducted March 10 to 13 showed that most polled Filipinos – 73% – want him convicted. On the other hand, 25% said they prefer a “not guilty” verdict for him. But the more important question is, do Filipinos think the Senate will issue a fair verdict? The SWS survey found respondents divided, with 51% unsure about it. However, at least 67% told the survey firm they will accept whatever decision the Senate impeachment court will arrive at.

Read the full story on Rappler

On Saturday, March 31, millions of people all over the world will be participating in the big annual environmental event called Earth Hour. Andy Ridley, Earth Hour founder and executive director, will be in the Philippines to observe the event. Last year, more than 5,200 cities and towns in 135 countries and territories participated in the movement that began in Australia in 2007. The Philippines is an official Earth Hour ‘Hero Country,’ having topped the event’s global town and city participation levels for 3 consecutive years. But what can you do beyond commemorating Earth Hour?

Read it on Rappler

The number of people leaving their countries and seeking asylum in industrialized nations has risen by 20%, according to the United Nations refugee agency. They come from conflict areas in the Middle East and Africa. Last year, at least 66,800 people sought asylum in southern Europe, most of them arriving by boat in Italy and Malta, the agency said. A total of 441,300 people requested asylum in 2011, compared with 368,000 in 2010. The country of origin for the largest number of asylum seekers was Afghanistan, followed by China and Iraq.

Read the full story in The New York Times

AirAsia Philippines, the newest entrant in the Philippine aviation market, finally took to the skies on Wednesday, March 28, with AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes leading the send-off party. Its maiden flight took off from Clark’s Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) for Kalibo at 7 am, followed by a trip to Davao. The new airline, the 6th carrier currently flying as a local carrier, promises to “revolutionize” air travel through “transparency, efficiency and high-value service.” AirAsia Philippines is a 60-40 joint venture between a group of Filipino businessmen – Antonio “Tonyboy” Cojuangco, Michael Romero, and AirAsia Philippines CEO Maan Hontiveros – and AirAsia International Ltd, led by Fernandes. Cojuangco is a cousin of President Benigno Aquino III.

Read it on Rappler

Gucci America Inc is accusing Guess? Inc of selling US$221-M worth of products that are “studied imitations” of the luxury brand’s trademark. US District Judge Shira Scheindlin on Wednesday, March 28, began conducting in Manhattan a trial without jury on Gucci’s infringement claim. Based in Paris, Gucci filed the case against Guess in 2009, saying the latter copied its green and red stripe design, a square G, and even its diamond pattern.

Read the full story on Bloomberg

Eye-tracking devices sound harmless enough, especially when they help disabled people interact with objects on their computers. But don’t to be too complacent. Computer firms have applied for patents for an online eye-tracking interface, and technological advances could soon lead to a situation where laptops and smart phones can read your thoughts. Did your eyes pause for a second upon seeing an image? Would it help a company advertising online to know the answer? And would there be technology to collate all related data that this company might want to know what appeals to your yes? The answer to all that is yes, and this is going to spark another debate on online privacy.

Read the full story on Slate

At least 2 armed men attacked a mall in Manila Thursday, March 29, in an attempt to rob roving bank tellers who were on their way to deliver cash to money changers. Two security guards fought it out with the robbers, prompting the latter to flee on board a motorcycle. One of the guards later died in the hospital. The robbery took place shortly before mall hours. The Philippine National Police ordered an immediate probe into the incident.

Read the full story on Rappler

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III will leave on Monday, April 2, for Phnom Penh, Cambodia, to join other leaders at the 20th Association of Southeast Asian (Asean) Summit from April 3 to 4. Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Teresita Barsana said that during the Asean Leaders’ Retreat on April 4, Mr Aquino will seek support for the Philippines’ proposed Zone of Peace, Freedom, Friendship and Cooperation in the West Philippine Sea.

Read the full story on Rappler