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SEPTEMBER 19 - 25, 2025
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Philippines sees major leadership shake-up as DATELINE USA California’s 2026 Governor’s Romualdez quits, Dy elected House Speaker race: A crowded field FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
emerges as Newsom’s era nears its end
California prepares for a new governor in 2026 as top Democrats and Republicans enter a wide-open race shaped by affordability, homelessness, budget shortfalls, and climate challenges
by AJPress
THE leadership of the Philippine House shifted on September 17, 2025, as Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez gave up the speakership and lawmakers swiftly elevated Isabela Rep. Faustino “Bojie” Dy III as his successor. Romualdez resigns, Dy elected in swift succession Romualdez, who had held the speakership since July
2022, stepped down citing the need for unity and stability in the chamber. On the same day, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to elect Dy as the 29th Speaker of the House, completing a rapid and orderly transition of power. Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno had earlier confirmed Romualdez’s plan to resign and publicly endorsed Dy, describing him as a leader who could restore harmony in the House. Malacañang later issued a statement rec-
Marcos finalizes lineup of independent commission on flood-control projects, launches full probe
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — With Gov. Gavin Newsom barred from seeking a third term, California voters will choose a new leader in 2026. The June 2, 2026, top-two primary is expected to draw a crowded field of Democrats, a handful of Republicans, and possibly a U.S. senator. Affordability, public safety, and the state budget crisis are at the center of the campaign. Democrats crowd the field Several prominent Democrats have already declared: • Katie Porter, a former U.S. representau PAGE 2
US high school students lose more ground in math and reading, extending years-long decline WASHINGTON — America’s 12th graders posted lower scores in both math and reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), with national averages falling to their weakest levels in more than two decades and continuing a slide that began well before the pandemic, according to newly released federal data. What the results show The latest Nation’s Report Card paints a stark picture of student achievement. Average scores for 12th graders in both math and reading fell by three points compared with 2019, marking the lowest results ever recorded for these grade-level assessments. In reading, today’s seniors are performing 10 points below their counterparts in 1992, when the test was first administered, while math scores have dropped to the weakest levels since the current framework was introduced in 2005. The decline is especially u PAGE 4
ognizing the independence of Congress and acknowledging Dy’s election. Who is Martin Romualdez? Romualdez, 61, remains in national politics as representative of Leyte’s 1st District, a seat he continues to hold despite leaving the speakership. A lawyer by profession, he is the son of the late Benjamin “Kokoy” Romualdez, former Leyte governor and ambassador, u PAGE 2
by AJPress
FIRST DAY. Isabela 6th District Rep. Faustino Dy III begins his term as Speaker of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 17. He vowed that under his leadership, the House will change, will not defend the guilty and will not shield the corrupt. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
MANILA — On September 15, 2025, Malacañang formalized the lineup of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) with the oath-taking of Ex-Supreme Court Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as chairperson; Rogelio “Babes” Singson, former DPWH secretary; Rossana A. Fajardo, country managing partner of SGV & Co.; and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong as special adviser. The oath was administered before Court of Appeals Justice Pedro Corales. With the ceremony, the ICI formally began its mandate to probe alleged anomalies in flood-control projects spanning the last decade. The commission was established through Executive Order No. 94, signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on September 11. The order created an independent fact-finding body with powers to summon officials, access government records, and recomu PAGE 4
Church, civil society lead Metro Manila rallies vs corruption Church leaders and civil society groups will lead two major rallies in Metro Manila on Sept. 21, 2025, “Baha sa Luneta” and the Trillion Peso March” at EDSA, highlighting corruption issues while echoing the historical significance of Martial Law’s anniversary by AJPress
and accountability in government spending. MANILA — The Philippines is bracing In the morning, student groups and for a major day of protest on Sunday, Sept. reform advocates will open the day 21, 2025, as church leaders and civil soci- with “Baha sa Luneta: Aksyon na Laban ety groups mount two landmark gatherings sa Korapsyon” at Rizal Park. Organizers Vice President Sara Duterte speaks to supporters and members of the Filipino community in Metro Manila to demand transparency u PAGE 4 gathered in The Hague. File photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterte
Sara Duterte says father Pacquiao stunned, bewildered PH ship damaged after China Coast Guard’s water cannon attack ‘okay,’ talked about flood over Ricky Hatton’s death: control in phone call “We will never forget him” by Gabryelle Dumalag Inquirer.net
by AJPress
FILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has joined the global outpouring of grief over the sudden death of British former world champion Ricky Hatton, who was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, on September 14, 2025. He was 46. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that Hatton was discovered at his residence and that
there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing. His family released a statement expressing “immeasurable grief” and appealed for privacy during this time of mourning. The cause of death has not been disclosed as of press time. Pacquiao, who famously fought Hatton in May 2009, described himself as stunned and bewildered upon hearing the news. “We will never forget u PAGE 4
MANILA — A Philippine fisheries vessel sustained damage and a crew member was injured on Tuesday, September 16 after two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships fired water cannons at it near Bajo de Masinloc, the Philippine Coast Guard said. The BRP Datu Gumbay Piang (MMOV 3014), operated by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), was delivering fuel and supplies to fishermen as part of the government’s “Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayan-
ing Mangingisda” program when it was attacked, Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, said on Tuesday. Tarriela said at about 9:14 a.m., CCG vessel with hull number 5201 directed a water cannon at the vessel’s starboard side while it was 14 nautical miles east of the shoal. The barrage lasted roughly 29 minutes, damaging the bridge windows, cabin partitions, electrical systems and air conditioning units. He added that one BFAR crew member was hurt by u PAGE 4
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte said her father remains "okay" and talks to her about politics, family, and personal matters in their phone conversations — remarks that come as the International Criminal Court reviews whether the former president fit to stand trial. Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview on Tuesday, September 16, the vice president
said she spoke to former President Rodrigo Duterte last week over the phone. “We talked about politics, we talked about flood control, we talked about what, his love life," Duterte said in mixed English and Filipino. Asked to elaborate on the elder Duterte's current condition, the vice president said he was "okay," but stopped short of disclosing more details. Duterte's comments come as u PAGE 4