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Arson not yet ruled out in DPWH fire–NBI THE National Bureau of Investigation said it was not ruling out the possibility of arson in the fire that hit the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4B in Quezon City on Wednesday. “We do not rule out any possibility until the investigation is complete,” NBI Director Jaime Santiago said when asked if the fire may have been deliberately set. “We understand why people may find the timing of this incident unusual. That is precisely why we will look into all angles,” he added. Santiago said based on the initial findings of the Bureau of Fire Protection, an “octopus” electrical connection may have caused the blaze. The NBI chief said all DPWH personnel working on the third floor will be asked to give statements regarding the incident. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, for Next page
Our people’s trust in government has been shaken, but trust can be regained if we remain transparent and true to our mission. VOL. XXXIX • NO. 248 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025 •
— PBBM during the PCG's 124th founding anniversary yesterday
DPWH files 2 graft raps vs. 22 people at OMB Charges cover La Union, Davao Occ flood control projects • Ombudsman
looking at conflict of interest vs. Sen. Villar, Go • Ex-QC lawmaker ready to ‘tell all’
T
HE Department of Public Works and Highways yesterday filed two non-bailable cases of malversation, graft, and falsification of public funds before the Office of the Ombudsman over two anomalous floodcontrol projects in Davao Occidental and La Union. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said the cases will cover 22 government officials and contractors, including Sarah Discaya. "[The first] case is on the project in La Union involving Silverwolves Corporation. If you recall this was a project that was visited several weeks
HONORING THE GUARD. President Ferdinand R. Marcos
Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos, inset, grace the 124th anniversary of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday at Pier 15, South Harbor in Port Area, Manila.
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‘Trust in gov’t shaken but can be restored thru transparency’ By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Thursday acknowledged that Filipinos’ trust in government has been 'shaken,' but expressed confidence that it can be restored through transparency and a renewed commitment to public service. Speaking at the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) 124th Founding Anniversary celebration in Manila, President Marcos said the times remain challenging for the country, but government institutions can regain credibility by remaining faithful to their mission. "I know that these are difficult times that we live in. Our people’s trust in government has been shaken; we cannot deny that," President Mar-
cos said. "But I am certain that trust can be regained if we remain transparent and true to our mission," he added. Moreover, the president said the PCG exemplifies this commitment, serving as a reminder that the government can still earn public confidence through honest and visible service. "Whenever our people see you during rescue missions or in your day-today patrols, what they see is that the government is still working diligently and is worthy of their trust," President Marcos said. "This is the PCG that works quietly and effectively." The president reaffirmed his administration’s support for the Coast Guard, promising continued investments in new vessels, aircraft, training, Next page
INDICTMENT. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, and Independent Commission for
Infrastructure (ICI) Chairman Justice Andres Reyes hold a joint press conference yesterday at the Office of the Ombudsman in Quezon City. GMA7 grab
Martires drops Villanueva case in secret—Remulla By Pot Chavez and Ram Superable FORMER Ombudsman Samuel Martires' dismissal of the complaints against Senator Joel Villanueva in connection with the alleged misuse
of the Priority Development Assistance Fund was “a secret decision,” Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said on Thursday. After Remulla said that he was going to ask Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to implement former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-
Morales’ dismissal order in 2016 on Villanueva, the senator said the case against him had been dismissed in 2019. He released documents dated Sept. 10, 2025, from both the Office of the Ombudsman and the Sandiganbayan Next page
DepEd declares 4-day wellness Dizon asks NBI to vet 14 top break for teachers, students IN MEMORIAM. Relatives avoid the expected crowds and traffic by
visiting their dear departed at the San Juan cemetery ahead of the Undas 2025 commemoration. Manny Palmero
THE Department of Education (DepEd) will implement a four-day mid-year “wellness break” for public school students and teachers from October 27 to 30, 2025. The DepEd announced on Wednesday that government-run schools have been directed to allow teachers time to rest and conduct in-service training
(INSET) sessions after the break. Education Secretary Juan EdgardoAngara said the move aims to give school communities an opportunity to recover from recent calamities and influenza-like illnesses. He added this was based on the policy of President Ferdinand Marcos Next page
DPWH officials
PUBLIC Works Secretary Vince Dizon has requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and key private organizations to conduct thorough background checks on newly appointed officials in a major push for transparency and integrity. Next page