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Because of recent developments, an hour-long fire at one of the office buildings of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Quezon City yesterday raised concerns about the possible destruction of evidence in the corruption scandal now engulfing the DPWH.

The fire hit the building of the DPWH Bureau of Research and Standards. This is where the DPWH conducts research, material testing and policy development for public infrastructure projects.

A statement released by the DPWH assured the public that no documents related to the flood control scandal were damaged in the fire, which was reportedly set off by a computer that exploded at the Material Testing Division.

But controversy, it seems, is never far from DPWH offices. Independent Commission for Infrastructure chairman Andres Reyes disclosed that the material testing office collects at least one percent in kickbacks per infrastructure project tested. This is according to the testimony before the ICI of sacked DPWH assistant district engineer Brice Hernandez, Reyes told senators.

There were initial reports that the office serves as the testing site for the DPWH Region IV-B, which covers the Mindoro provinces. Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who will soon be returning as chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee, had unearthed ghost and substandard flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro. But the DPWH clarified that the testing office covers another region.

The details on the fire-hit office nevertheless prompted Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to seek a deeper probe, to be undertaken by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Perhaps the fire was truly an accident and not a case of arson. But it should still serve as a warning about the possibility of evidence being destroyed in an agency where the magnitude of the corruption being uncovered has led to calls for its abolition.

Records and documents can disappear or be tampered with, as probes are expanded to include the other infrastructure projects undertaken by the DPWH. Public fears are not entirely baseless that there are too many DPWH employees with a criminal mind. The fire should bring urgency to the task of securing all records of the DPWH.

‘The Global Third Way Debate,’ edited by Anthony Giddens (Polity Press, 2001), brings together a collection of essays that aims to explore and critically assess the idea of the ‘Third Way’ – a political and ideological project intended to navigate a path between traditional socialism and free-market capitalism. As both editor and a prominent contributor, Giddens curates a global dialogue among leading politicians, academics and thinkers from around the world to examine whether a viable political middle-ground can truly exist in the face of globalization, technological change and growing inequality.

Originally an advisor to former UK prime minister Tony Blair and one of the most influential social theorists of the late 20th century, Giddens gained attention for his conceptualization of the Third Way in his earlier 1998 work ‘The Third Way: The Renewal of Social Democracy.’ This volume acts as a follow-up and broadening of that conversation, moving from the national to the global stage. It reflects Giddens’ intent to not only refine his own theories but to subject them to rigorous scrutiny by a diverse set of voices from across the political spectrum and various continents.

The book is structured as a series of essays and commentaries, drawing on contributors such as Ulrich Beck, Saskia Sassen, Manuel Castells and others – many of whom bring expertise in sociology, economics, political science or global governance. Politicians like Gerhard Schröder (Germany), Fernando Henrique Cardoso (Brazil) and James Wolfensohn (then president of the World Bank) also lend their perspectives, blending academic insight with real-world political experience.

Giddens introduces the volume by reiterating the central premise of the Third Way: a response to the inadequacies of both neoliberalism and traditional welfare-state social democracy. The Third Way aims to embrace the benefits of globalization and technological innovation while ensuring social justice, sustainability and civic renewal.

From there, the contributions diverge significantly in tone and perspective. Some view The Third Way as a necessary and pragmatic evolution of progressive politics; others critique it as a vague, neoliberal-leaning compromise that lacks ideological depth.

One recurring theme throughout the book is the transformation of the state and its role in the global economy. Contributors question whether the nation-state can still effectively regulate capital, ensure social welfare and represent democratic will in a world where markets, migration and media transcend borders.

Another key area of focus is inequality – not just economic inequality, but also disparities in access to education, health care and political participation. Some authors, such as Saskia Sassen, emphasize the risk that Third Way policies, by attempting to accommodate global markets, may unintentionally exacerbate social and regional inequalities.

A particularly strong contribution comes from Manuel Castells, who critiques The Third Way for being overly reliant on vague notions of modernization and globalization without sufficiently addressing the power dynamics inherent in global capitalism. Castells argues that without a clear commitment to redistributive justice and political empowerment, Third Way politics risk serving as a thin veil for neoliberalism.

Ulrich Beck, in contrast, offers a more optimistic take. He sees in The Third Way a chance to build a new form of cosmopolitanism – what he terms ‘cosmopolitan realism’ – that adapts national politics to global risks like climate change, financial instability and terrorism. Beck’s sociological framing enriches the book’s broader conversation about how risk and uncertainty have come to define modern life and demand new forms of governance.

One of the book’s great strengths lies in its diversity of voices. Giddens does not attempt to dominate the conversation but instead opens up the space for disagreement and exploration. The inclusion of contributors from the Global South – such as Brazil’s Cardoso – ensures that the debate is not Eurocentric, but rather acknowledges the different challenges and priorities faced by emerging economies.

Additionally, the book is intellectually stimulating. It bridges sociology, political theory and policy studies, offering readers a multi-dimensional understanding of global governance challenges at the dawn of the 21st century. The essays are generally accessible to non-specialists, though a basic familiarity with political theory and global affairs will help the reader appreciate the nuances.

While Giddens acknowledges criticisms of The Third Way, he does not always fully grapple with them. For example, critics of the Blair government or Bill Clinton’s policies – often cited as exemplars of The Third Way – argue that these administrations advanced neoliberal reforms under the guise of progressivism. The book does not adequately address these practical outcomes or consider why public trust in centrist politics has eroded in the years since its publication.

When viewed through the lens of today’s political climate – with rising populism, climate emergencies and deepening economic divides – the book feels both prescient and outdated. The questions it raises remain urgent, but its solutions may appear insufficient. That said, Giddens’ call for a politics that embraces both economic dynamism and social justice remains compelling, especially as governments grapple with post-pandemic recovery and digital transformation.

In many ways, the volume serves as a historical document of a moment when globalization was still seen as an opportunity, not just a threat. It captures the optimism – and the naiveté – of center-left politics before the global financial crisis, Brexit and the rise of authoritarian populism.

The book remains a valuable contribution to political thought at the intersection of globalization, governance and social justice. While it does not resolve the tensions at the heart of The Third Way, it succeeds in framing them clearly and fostering a genuinely global conversation. It offers rich insights into the possibilities – and limitations – of centrist reformist politics in a rapidly changing world.

The Department of Education has declared a four-day ‘wellness break’ for public schools nationwide from October 27 to 30 to allow teachers and students to rest and recover from the impact of recent disasters and the rise in flu-like illnesses.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara said the move responds to appeals from teachers and students for a pause amid the strain of consecutive calamities and outbreaks of illness that have affected several regions.

‘Many of our teachers and students come from areas hit by typhoons and earthquakes, or are dealing with flu cases. That’s why we said, let’s take a short break first,’ Angara said in a statement on Wednesday, October 22. ‘We can work better when we’re feeling well.’

The wellness break modifies provisions under the DepEd memorandum that governs the schedule of the midyear In-Service Training (INSET) for teachers, in line with Department Order No. 12, s. 2025.

Under the adjustment, schools are advised to defer INSET activities to a later date after the break.

For divisions that already paid for training venues and meals, DepEd said the activities may be moved or repurposed.

If rescheduling is not feasible, the INSET may still proceed voluntarily, and teachers who participate will be exempt from attending similar training later in the school year.

Coordination with regional and division offices

Schools have been instructed to coordinate with their respective schools division offices and regional offices in adjusting their academic calendars. DepEd also reminded them that despite the break, professional development programs should still be completed before the end of School Year 2025-2026.

Classes are set to resume on November 3, following the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The INSET is a regular midyear program of DepEd aimed at helping teachers upgrade their classroom skills and keep up with curriculum changes. It usually includes workshops on teaching methods and other classroom know-how.

Reigning champion University of the Philippines withstood National U’s late rally to score a repeat win, 78-74, and gain solo third place in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Fighting Maroons relinquished a 22-4 lead but flaunted their championship pedigree when it mattered most to improve to 5-3.

Harold Alarcon uncorked a season-high 24 points including 11 in the payoff period as UP quickly avenged its 72-69 loss to rival La Salle that snapped its four-game winning run last weekend following a 0-2 start.

Alarcon drained UP’s last four points – all on freebies – after NU closed in at 70-74 in the last 15 seconds on Jake Figueroa’s own free throws. He drew ample coverage from Rey Remogat and Reyland Torres with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

Gani Stevens chipped in seven while Terrence Fortea and Jacob Bayla added six each for the Fighting Maroons, now one game behind the Santo Tomas Growling Tigers (5-2) for the coveted second seed and twice-to-beat incentive in the Final Four.

NU remained on top with a 6-2 record.

Earlier, Far Eastern U dealt Ateneo its fourth straight loss, 75-68, to start the second round on a high note.

Jorick Bautista saved the Tamaraws with back-to-back triples in the final minute, ensuring no repeat of their 86-83 overtime defeat to the Blue Eagles in the first round.

It was the second straight win that lifted FEU to 3-5 for a fighting chance at the Final Four as the Blue Eagles’ free fall continued, sending them down to 4-4 at fifth place after a 4-0 start.

Sen. Joel Villanueva accused Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla of “harassment” after the anti-graft chief announced plans to ask the Senate to enforce a nearly decade-old dismissal order that tied the lawmaker to the pork-barrel scandal.

The move, Remulla said, sits on a long-standing gray area on whether the Ombudsman’s jurisdiction to dismiss sitting officials extends to sitting legislators.

Remulla said his letter to Senate President Vicente ‘Tito’ Sotto III aims to create a ‘justiciable controversy’ that would compel the Supreme Court to rule on the matter once and for all.

“This office was created by the Constitution. It cannot be less important than the rules of the Senate or the rules of the House,” Remulla said in an ANC interview on Thursday morning.

But Villanueva dismissed the pronouncement as political theater, saying the 2016 case had already been cleared by the courts.

“Self-explanatory, po. We already anticipated possible harassment plus fake news,” he said in a message to reporters.

Documents dated Sept. 10, 2025 that Villanueva shared included certifications from both the Sandiganbayan and the Office of the Ombudsman stating he is not facing any criminal or administrative cases. He did not elaborate on when or why these were filed.

Sotto, meanwhile, told OneNews he would “wait for the communication” before commenting on the Ombudsman’s letter.

An old dismissal

Villanueva was dismissed by former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales in 2016 for grave misconduct, serious dishonesty, and conduct prejudicial to the interest of the service over the alleged misuse of P10 million from his 2008 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) when he was a CIBAC party-list representative.

The funds were allegedly diverted to a bogus non-government organization for ‘ghost’ agricultural projects.

The penalty included perpetual disqualification from public office, though Villanueva continued to serve after the ruling was left unenforced by congressional leaders.

In December 2016, however, senators voted to ignore the Ombudsman’s dismissal of Villanueva, upon the motion of Sotto-then the Senate majority leader-himself.

Flood control links

Remulla’s latest pronouncement comes as Villanueva faces renewed scrutiny after former Bulacan engineers accused him of receiving a 30% cut from multimillion-peso flood control projects in the province.

Former district engineer Henry Alcantara earlier claimed Villanueva sought P1.5 billion in funding for a multipurpose building project linked to the flood control program but received only P600 million.

Villanueva has denied wrongdoing.

Two people were killed in an explosion that occurred at a firecracker factory in Norzagaray, Bulacan shortly before noon yesterday.

Authorities have yet to identify the fatalities in the explosion that occurred at past 11 a.m. in Barangay Partida.

Brig. Gen. Ponce Rogelio Peñones Jr., Central Luzon police director, said the explosion sparked a fire, which was immediately controlled by responding firefighters.

Initial investigation showed the factory was operating without necessary permits. Probers have yet to identify the owner of the establishment.

A 41-year-old female judge died in a road accident, involving two motorcycles in a side-impact collision, along the national highway in Barangay Cabiangon, Pinamungajan, Cebu yesterday morning (October 22).

The victim was identified as Carmela Rosario Pasquin, a presiding judge in the Municipal Circuit Trial Court Branch 14 of Pinamungajan-Aloguinsan. She was declared dead on arrival at the Pinamungajan District Hospital after sustaining severe head injuries in the crash.

Initial police investigation stated that Pasquin was backriding a Honda ADV 150 motorcycle, driven by her court processor, Eric Gelizon Lanzarate, when the collision with another motorcycle, a Suzuki Smash, occurred at around 6:55 a.m.

The Suzuki motorcycle was driven by 19-year-old Mark James Cabiling, who had two passengers: Ronalyn Anas, 39; and Thely Lahaylahay, 47—all residents of Barangay Tajao, Pinamungajan.

Police said the two motorcycles were traveling side-by-side in the same lane towards Barangay Poblacion of Pinamungajan, Cebu.

Suddenly, for no apparent reason, Cabiling swerved left, and crashed into the side of Lanzarate’s motorcycle that the judge was riding on. The impact sent both motorcycles off the road.

Pasquin, who was reportedly seated in a side-saddle position, hit her head on the pavement when their motorcycle fell. She was rushed to the hospital where she was, however, pronounced dead on arrival.

Lanzarate, Cabiling, and passengers Anas and Lahaylahay sustained injuries and were brought for medical treatment.

Cabiling was immediately arrested and detained under the custody of the Pinamungajan Police Station, pending the filing of appropriate cases.

He will be charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, physical injuries, and damage to properties.

The incident has shocked the local judiciary and residents of Pinamungajan, where Judge Pasquin was known as a respected member of the legal community.

Discussion arose among Cebu City Council members regarding the proposal to allow authorization letters for claiming senior citizen financial assistance on behalf of beneficiaries.

This discussion stemmed from the privilege speech of Councilor Pastor ‘Jun’ Alcover, where some members of the council questioned its legality, saying it goes against the existing ordinance.

In the previous regular session, Alcover stood before the council to deliver a privilege speech concerning the newly implemented scheme for the distribution of financial aid for senior citizens, which will now be done monthly.

Alcover recalled that the distribution is backed by an ordinance that aims to recognize the contribution of the elderly.

He said that, recently, through an executive order, Mayor Nestor Archival mandated that starting October 25, 2025, the distribution shall no longer allow authorization letters, requiring beneficiaries to personally appear and claim their P1,000 aid.

The councilor stressed that some beneficiaries are no longer capable of walking on their own, while others are physically vulnerable and unable to claim the aid themselves.

‘It defeats the humanitarian purpose of this ordinance which is to provide them financial assistance in the times of their greatest need,’ said Alcover.

Alcover also said that the executive order states the financial aid of beneficiaries who are already bedridden shall be delivered directly to their homes.

However, he added that some beneficiaries no longer live in Cebu City, creating confusion regarding how those relying on representatives to claim their aid would be accommodated.

In line with this, Alcover called on the city mayor to reconsider allowing authorization letters signed by qualified beneficiaries and verified by the Office of the Senior Citizens or their respective barangay officials, especially for those no longer living in Cebu City.

Alcover, however, added that additional requirements may be needed, particularly proof that the beneficiary is incapable of personally claiming the aid.

During the discussion, some councilors raised concerns and questions regarding Alcover’s resolution.

Among them was Councilor Philip Zafra, who explained that Archival may have only anchored his executive order on the existing ordinance, which does not allow authorization letters. He added that this might compel the council to revisit the provisions of the ordinance.

He also asked if there is a provision in the ordinance that allows the use of authorization letters. Alcover, however, answered that the ordinance itself does not allow it.

In this regard, Zafra emphasized that granting authorization without a corresponding provision in the ordinance may backfire on the mayor.

Alcover, however, pointed out that if the city had allowed quarterly distributions despite the ordinance requiring them to be monthly, then the government could likewise consider allowing authorization letters.

‘Mangayo ratag consideration kay kung magpaabot pa tag amendment, mangamatay nalang ng mga tiguwang, so nangayo nalang kog konsiderasyon based on compassion,’ said Alcover.

Zafra, on the other hand, said that the mayor’s hands are tied by the provisions of the law and that the council could only do its part by expediting the amendment process.

Councilor Sisinio Andales, for his part, agreed with Zafra and manifested his intent to object to Alcover’s resolution, stressing that it was asking the mayor to violate the law itself.

‘Because we are protecting public funds, we don’t want to waste money to those people who might pretend that they are beneficiaries,’ said Andales.

‘I do believe that you are requesting the mayor to violate the law,’ he added.

With this, some members also manifested their intent to abstain from voting, prompting the council to call for a recess.

When the session resumed, Alcover amended his resolution and instead urged the Office of the Mayor to find ways to address the problem of bedridden senior citizens, which the council then approved.

Increase in monthly honoraria

Meanwhile, barangay tanods in Cebu City may soon enjoy an increase in their monthly honoraria following the recent approval of Ordinance No. 2786, which grants an additional P1,000 starting January 2026. The measure was filed by Acting Vice Mayor Winston Pepito.

Pepito announced the passage of the measure, which amends Section 4 of City Ordinance No. 2609, institutionalizing uniform financial assistance for barangay-appointed workers.

The ordinance was approved during the most recent Cebu City Council session. Before the amendment, barangay tanods received a P6,000 monthly subsidy.

With this amended ordinance, their monthly financial assistance is raised to P7,000.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has raised concerns over the staffing decisions of the previous administration, noting that some recent hires were given high-level salary grades despite having minimal experience.

Remulla specifically pointed to individuals, some of them newly minted lawyers, who secured positions with a salary grade of 26 or 27, which he classified as “director-level” posts.

“Sometimes it’s bad for morale when people just starting out get in with a salary grade of 26 or 27. That’s already director-level,” Remulla said in an ANC interview.

“That’s just a new lawyer. That’s not right,” he added.

Remulla also stressed that this practice affects the morale of long-serving and more qualified personnel within the office.

“It’s bad for morale when you bring in people who are less qualified than those who are already in the service,” he explained.

Remulla also expressed the need to personally form and vet his team, noting the significant number of personnel hired in July and the preceding months, just before the retirement of the former ombudsman.

“When I form my team, I want to know them. I want to know the new recruits,” he said.

When directly asked if he would categorize the appointments made by former Ombudsman Samuel Martires as “midnight appointees,” Remulla indicated that he would prefer to see cooperation first.

“Well, we will have to resort to the doctrine of midnight appointments if some of them resist. I just want full cooperation with them,” he said.

On October 20, Remulla said that he asked 204 appointees in his office to submit their courtesy resignations and reapply for their positions.

Ninety-nine of these appointees, according to Remulla, hold salary grade 25 and above.

Under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, a new era for the New York Knicks began – not with a dramatic Jalen Brunson clutch shot, but with something far more telling: balance, ball movement, and belief.

On opening night, the Knicks gave new head coach Mike Brown his first victory – a 119-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers (Wednesday, Manila time) – that felt like more than just another tick in the standings. It was a statement about depth and direction.

After years of isolation-heavy offense and grinding half-court possessions, these Knicks finally played with a rhythm that reflected Brown’s modern vision. The proof was in the numbers: 22 assists on 37 made baskets, five players in double figures, and a bench that didn’t just fill minutes – it produced.

A team win in every sense

OG Anunoby was everywhere – scoring 24 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and locking down defensively in a performance Brown called ‘monster-like.’ Jalen Brunson was steady as ever with 23 points; Karl-Anthony Towns fought through a Grade 2 quad strain to post 19 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes; while Mikal Bridges filled every gap with 16 points, six assists, five boards, three steals and two blocks. Off the bench, Miles McBride added 15 points in 26 minutes, helping New York regain momentum whenever Cleveland threatened.

The Knicks’ collective effort covered for the absences of Mitchell Robinson (ankle) and Josh Hart (back) – two rotation players being eased back from injury. Despite being short-handed, the Knicks displayed a sense of cohesion and confidence that has been rare in recent years.

‘I truly believe this is a deep team,’ Brown said. ‘You give (Knicks president) Leon Rose and this group a lot of credit for it. It’s my job to keep trying to find combinations out on the floor that work.’

Donovan Mitchell tried – but the Knicks had answers

For a stretch, it looked like Donovan Mitchell might steal the show. With the Cavaliers missing Darius Garland, Max Strus and De’Andre Hunter, the All-Star guard caught fire in the third quarter, scoring 21 of his 31 points to wipe out a 17-point Knicks lead and even led 86-85 with 1:32 left in the third quarter.

But the Knicks’ depth – and their commitment to defending collectively – ultimately prevailed. New York opened the fourth quarter with a 14-2 run capped by Filipino-American guard Jordan Clarkson’s transition dunk and held Mitchell to just two points on 0-of-4 shooting in the final 12 minutes.

‘He’s a phenomenal player,’ Brown said of Mitchell. ‘You’re not going to stop him completely. You just want to make him work. I thought our team defense did that.’

New coach, new culture

Brown’s debut marked the beginning of a cultural shift for a franchise that, after years of grit without grace, is now embracing a faster, freer brand of basketball.

Replacing Tom Thibodeau, who led the Knicks to their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in 25 years, Brown implemented a system built on speed, spacing, and corner threes. The results were immediate. The Knicks raced to a 65-48 in the first half with crisp ball movement and finding open looks early in the shot clock.

‘Every year is different. Things are different [under Coach Brown],’ Brunson said. ‘It’s about adapting, learning and trusting each other. It’s going to keep us fresh.’

Balancing pressure and promise

Expectations are enormous in New York after last season’s playoff run. Anything less than a Finals appearance will be viewed as a disappointment. Brown, who previously coached in Cleveland and Sacramento, understands that pressure comes with the territory.

‘Our expectations are extremely high, but we’re not going to get ahead of ourselves,’ he said. ‘We’re nowhere near what we’re capable of. But that’s the exciting part.’

Even amid the early optimism, Brown remained grounded, crediting his front office for assembling one of the league’s deepest lineups and acknowledging his responsibility to make the pieces fit.

The opening-night win was just one game, but it hinted at something bigger – a Knicks team capable of winning not through isolation, but through connection.

And as the Madison Square Garden crowd roared in approval, Mike Brown’s first win in New York felt like the unveiling of something Knicks fans haven’t seen in years: a team built to last.