October 15, 2014 Edition

Vice President Jejomar Binay lashed out at his opponents, particularly those allied with Liberal Party stalwart Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, for the series of ‘exposes’ and attacks against the Binay family. Speaking at a convention of public attorneys on Tuesday, October 14, said his opponents were “fueled more by personal ambition than a search for truth.” He also questioned the ‘unusual interest’ of Justice Secretary Leila de Lima in investigating allegations of corruption against Binay and suggested she focus on other more pressing issues such as the Disbursement Acceleration Program. Binay is a presidential aspirant and is tipped at being the top contender for the 2016 elections.

Read the full story on Rappler.

The number of new Ebola infections could climb as high as 10,000 a week unless drastic steps are taken to fight the spread of the virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday, October 14. The announcement comes as world leaders are prepared to hold talks on the crisis at the United Nations. More than 4,400 people have died from nearly 9,000 reported cases of infection, the WHO added. The hardest-hit countries are in west Africa: Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Majority of those who contract Ebola die, WHO’s Bruce Aylward said. The battle to treat patients and contain the outbreak has been made more difficult with a health workers strike in Liberia. Doctors and nurses there are demanding ‘danger money’ to treat Ebola patients but the Liberian government has threatened to fire them if they do not report to work.

Read the full story on Rappler.

Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg said Tuesday, October 14, he and his wife were donating $25 million to help US efforts to contain the deadly Ebola epidemic. “The Ebola epidemic is at a critical turning point. It has infected 8,400 people so far, but it is spreading very quickly and projections suggest it could infect one million people or more over the next several months if not addressed,” Zuckerberg said on his Facebook page. The couple will donate the amount to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation last month pledged $50 million to help boost the fight against the outbreak.

Read the full story on Rappler.

The family of Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, a transgender woman, is calling on Philippine government officials to be fair in pursuing the case against a US soldier who reportedly murdered Laude in Olongapo City. Laude’s sister, Marilou Laude, expressed fears that the Philippine government would favor the US military in the investigation instead of being fair. She said Laude was the family’s breadwinner who would send money to their mother in Leyte. The suspect, Private Joseph Scott Pemberton, is currently detained aboard the USS Peleliu docked at Subic Port. The ship has been ordered to stay in the country by the US military while an investigation is underway.

Read the full story on Rappler.

Russian President Vladimir Putin called China a ‘natural ally’ on Tuesday, October 14 as Moscow played host to Beijing for the signing of numerous economic deals. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang is in the Russian capital for a 3-day visit and high-profile talks. Keqiang praised the ‘inexhaustible’ potential for cooperation between the two countries. China is the world’s largest energy consumer, and Russia, one of the largest energy suppliers. Li and Putin spoke after officials from both countries on Monday signed dozens of deals ranging from energy to banking.

Read the full story on Rappler.

Malaysia has blocked over 1,400 websites due to complaints from Malaysian Internet users. The figure was revealed by Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek on Tuesday, October 14. Ahmad Shabery reiterated, however, that the Malaysian government still believes in freedom of information. In the past, Malaysia has taken a conservative and cautious approach on censorship of the Internet, by banning pornographic sites or blogs that run counter to religious values. In one particular case, a blogger who talked about his sex life with his girlfriend was charged in a Malaysian court. He reportedly jumped bail and is seeking asylum in the United States.

Read the full story on The Star Online.

Protesters calling for the release of 219 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram militants were set Tuesday, October 14, to mark the 6-month anniversary of their abduction with a march on the presidency. Members of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign were planning to walk to President Goodluck Jonathan’s official residence in Abuja to keep up the pressure on the government to bring the missing teenagers home. The march is the culmination of a series of events in the past week, including a candlelit vigil, to keep the fate of the girls in the public eye, as media coverage and on-line interest wanes. Some 276 girls were seized from their dormitories at the Government Girls Secondary School in the remote town of Chibok in Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, on the night of April 14. Since then, nothing has been seen or heard from the girls while back channel talks with militant leaders have stalled.

Read the full story on Rappler.

Filipino chess grandmaster Wesley So won the $100,000 first prize in the Millionaire Chess Open championships at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on Tuesday, October 14. The Philippine Daily Inquirer reports So outplayed fellow Webster University roommate  Roby Robson of the US to win the match 1.5 to .5. It’s So’s third victory this year. So played under the Philippine flag in Las Vegas despite his intention to transfer to the US chess federation.

Read the full story in the Inquirer.

Facebook user Jen Garcia took to social media to air her frustration at what she calls the slow rehabilitation of Tacloban City. In a Facebook post, Garcia publicly questioned why the President has not given more help to Tacloban City, where she lives. “I am a Filipino. I am a Taclobanon. My family name is not Romualdez though. What do you have against me too that you refuse to sincerely help my city?” wrote Garcia in a post that has become viral online. Garcia acknowledged that the government has provided some aid to the city but said that more can be done. She also called on everyone to do their part in the recovery and rehabilitation effort.

Read the full story on Rappler.

For many mobile device users, having an external backup battery is essential for today’s on-the-go lifestyle. But even external batteries die and need to be plugged in for a recharge. Enter the Ampy, a mobile battery that recharges using your body’s kinetic energy. Strap on the Ampy to your body and go about your daily routine. The makers of the Ampy claim that a normal day’s walking (about 10,000 steps) can you an extra three hours of phone life, while joggers and bikers may get an extra six hours. Your body’s movement is translated into kinetic energy that is stored or can be used to power up devices. The makers are currently working on a prototype.

Read the full story on CNet.