AUGUST 2-8, 2025 Volume 36 - No. 31 • 1 Section – 14Pages
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President Marcos delivers fourth SONA amid DATELINE USA California Governor’s race political divisions and economic promises by Elizabeth Marcelo
from the AJPress NEWS TEAM across America
Philstar.com
2026: Field heats up as Kamala Harris opts out
Marcos delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address focusing on infrastructure progress, economic recovery, and defense, while key Duterte allies and senators were notably absent amid political tensions by AJPress
The race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom in California’s 2026 gubernatorial MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” election is rapidly taking shape. With former Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Vice President Kamala Harris officially an- Address (SONA) on July 28, 2025, before a joint sesnouncing she will not enter the contest, the field of candidates from both major parties is becoming clearer and the campaign promises to be highly competitive. Harris’s withdrawal opens the door For months, Kamala Harris was widely viewed as the frontrunner for the California governorship, a natural next step given her state roots and political stature. However, her July 30 announcement to forgo a 2026 gubernatorial bid has altered the landscape, leaving several prominent Democrats ready to vie for the top spot. Leading democratic contenders The Democratic primary features several
sion of Congress at the Batasang Pambansa. His Marcos emphasized the country’s economic respeech highlighted infrastructure progress, social covery, declaring that the Philippines is “on track to programs, and economic growth under his admin- achieve upper-middle income status,” citing stable istration while occurring amid visible political rifts growth projections, lower inflation, and increased within the ruling coalition. u PAGE A2
Atong Ang faces murder, serious illegal detention complaints over missing sabungeros issue by Nick Garcia Philstar.com
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Pentagon withdraws 1,350 National Guard Troops from Los Angeles LOS ANGELES — The Pentagon has ordered the withdrawal of 1,350 National Guard troops from Los Angeles, scaling down a federal deployment that had drawn intense opposition from California leaders. Approximately 250 Guard members remain in the area to continue protecting federal facilities and personnel. The reduction, announced on July 31, 2025, comes after weeks of sustained pressure from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom, who both criticized the original deployment as an overreach of federal authority and a misuse of military resources. “This is another win for Los Angeles,” Bass posted on X (formerly Twitter), following the announcement. “These troops should never have been here in the first place,” Newsom said in a press briefing. “This was political theater, not public safety.” The original deployment, authorized in early June 2025 under Title 10 orders by President Donald Trump, involved over 4,000
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PBBM ARRIVES AT THE HOUSE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. alights from the presidential chopper at the House of Representatives in Batasan Hills, Quezon City on Monday, July 28, to deliver his annual State of the Nation Address before lawmakers and other guests. His speech lasted one hour and 10 minutes, and drew at least 124 rounds of applause. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
ABS-CBN News reported that Ryan Bautista, the brother of missing sabungero Michael Bautista, was with the Philippine National Police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, which filed the case before the Department of Justice on Friday, Aug. 1. “Four years naming inantay ito,” Bautista said. Philippine National Police Chief Nicolas Torre was also present at the DOJ headquarters, though refused to give a statement. According to DZBB, the DOJ, PNP, and the National Prosecution Service are set to meet today. No further details are available. PNP says no DNA profile can be extracted from bones found in Taal Lake weeks ago amid missing sabungeros search Missing sabungeros case Whistleblower Dondon Patidongan tagged Ang
Senate to decide on SC’s impeachment Escudero retains Senate ruling against VP Duterte on August 6 presidency as Sotto leads by AJPress MANILA — The Philippine Senate will vote on August 6, 2025, on whether to comply with a Supreme Court ruling that nullified the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte, a landmark decision that has stirred constitutional debate and divided the upper chamber. Senate President Francis Escudero confirmed that lawmakers reached a consensus during a closed-door caucus on July 29 to defer action until they have thoroughly
reviewed the High Court’s 97-page decision, which includes concurring and separate opinions. Escudero emphasized that the final course of action must be decided through a formal vote. “We cannot rush into a decision. This is a constitutional matter that requires our careful consideration,” Escudero said, referring to the Senate’s scheduled vote on the Supreme Court ruling. On July 25, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling declaring the fourth im-
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minority bloc in 20th Congress by AJPress
MANILA — The Senate of the Philippines formally convened its 20th Congress on July 28, 2025, reelecting Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero as Senate President with 19 votes, reaffirming his steady leadership and crossparty appeal. Escudero, who first u PAGE A2 assumed the presidency in 2024,
continues in the role as the upper chamber opens a new legislative term following the May 2025 midterm elections. “We aim to uphold the independence of the Senate, serve as a check on power, and ensure legislation reflects the real needs of the Filipino people,” Escudero said in remarks delivered after u PAGE A2
Razon reclaims throne as richest Lawyers for Duterte trade barbs Leylah Fernandez wins biggest career title at DC Open Filipino with $11.9B net worth Canadian-Filipina tennis star scores by Javier Joe Ismael ManilaTimes.net
by AJPress
MANILA - Ports and gaming magnate Enrique “Ricky” Razon Jr. has overtaken real estate mogul Manny Villar to become the country’s wealthiest individual. As of late July 2025, Razon’s net worth is estimated at $11.9 billion, according to Forbes Asia’s real-time billionaire tracker. The surge in Razon’s fortune marks a return to the top of the Philippines’ billionaire rankings, driven by strong performance across his diversified business empire. His holdings span global port operations, luxury gaming Ports and gaming magnate Enrique “Ricky” resorts, energy infrastructure, Razon Jr. Inquirer.net file photo u PAGE A4
FORMER presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Wednesday, July 30 denied accusations that he was interfering in the legal case against ex-president Rodrigo Duterte, whose lead counsel, Nicholas Kaufman, said could hurt the former leader’s prospects with his “crazy scheme.” In a statement, Roque rejected claims made by Kaufman that he had been meddling in the legal defense strategy and potentially jeopardizing the case. “As a loyal foot soldier of the Dutertes, I have no wish but to bring the former president back to the Philippines alive,” Roque said. “Like many Duterte diehard
supporters, I feel a sense of frustration over the pretrial detention of our beloved president.” Roque emphasized that his proposed legal remedy, filed outside of the International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings, was only an additional option and would be subject to the approval of Duterte and his family. “I thus offered an additional legal remedy, outside of the ICC, subject to the approval of the former president and his family,” Roque added, noting that Vice President Sara Duterte had acknowledged his suggestion. The statement came after Kaufman, in an interview with a pro-Duterte blogger, revealed that Duterte had explicitly asked Roque to stop interfering in the u PAGE A4
breakthrough victory in Washington by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Canadian tennis player Leylah Annie Fernandez won her first WTA 500 title on Sunday, July 27, 2025, defeating Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya in the final of the Mubadala Citi DC Open. The victory marks the fourth WTA singles title of Fernandez’s career and her most prestigious tournament win to date. The 22-year-old left-hander from Laval, Quebec delivered a commanding performance in the final, winning 6–1, 6–2 in just
over an hour. Fernandez faced only one break point and converted four against Kalinskaya to take home the trophy. “This is the kind of match you dream of,” Fernandez said after her win. “I played fearless tennis today.” A grueling path to the title Fernandez’s title run included victories over some of the top players on the WTA tour: • Second round: defeated World No. 5 and top seed Jessica Pegula • Quarterfinals: defeated Tay-
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