Army frees three kidnapped people and seizes arsenal in Culiacán

The employment relationship

The president of the Senate Board of Directors, Laura Itzel Castillo, confirmed that Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, former director of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), worked as her advisor when she was part of the company’s board. Rodríguez Padilla is accused of an alleged case of domestic violence.

In an interview, the legislator assured that she was unaware of the conduct attributed to her. “We see faces, we do not know hearts,” he said. He also stressed that anyone who commits violence against a woman must face the corresponding legal consequences.

Castillo stressed that there is nothing to hide about his professional relationship within Pemex. In addition, she highlighted that the government maintains a feminist agenda to combat all forms of violence—physical, sexual, economic and patrimonial—and called to denounce these events.

Finally, he recognized the academic career of the former director: “He has a doctorate and specialization in oil issues. During his performance he fulfilled his responsibilities.”

Tribute in Congress

The Permanent Commission of the Congress of the Union dedicated a minute of silence to the four people who lost their lives during the celebrations for the victory of the Mexican men’s soccer team in Mexico City.

Laura Itzel Castillo, president of the Board of Directors, informed the plenary session that the capital’s Health Secretariat confirmed the death of two women, ages 19 and 48, as well as two men, ages 30 and 44. The events occurred in the surroundings of Paseo de la Reforma.

During the session, it was recalled that the Government of Mexico City, headed by Clara Brugada Molina, offered institutional support to the families of the victims and accompaniment in the corresponding processes.

The legislator asked the members to stand up for the posthumous tribute. He expressed condolences to the bereaved and wished them quick resignation in the face of the loss.

At the end, Castillo also congratulated the Mexican team for its performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and wished them success in the upcoming matches of the tournament.

T-MEC: validity and annual reviews

The Secretary of Economy, Marcelo Ebrard, confirmed that the Treaty between Mexico, the United States and Canada (T-MEC) will remain in force until 2036. This was agreed upon by the three countries during a virtual meeting on July 1, as reported in the morning conference of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Ebrard explained that annual reviews of the agreement will be carried out. The first formal stage will begin on July 20, when a delegation from the United States visits Mexico. The official stressed that the validity of the treaty is not under discussion, only the way to evaluate its operation.

The positions of each country

Mexico and Canada proposed extending the validity until 2042, with reviews every six years. However, the US government rejected that option. He preferred to maintain the current calendar accompanied by annual evaluations, due to his concern about the trade deficit with both nations.

“The treaty remains in force between now and 2036, as scheduled, and we will conduct an annual review,” said Ebrard.

Priority issues and Mexico’s position

During the meeting, Donald Trump’s administration expressed concern about the trade deficit. Therefore, it will seek to review specific issues of the agreement periodically. Ebrard pointed out that the Mexican government’s priority is to preserve current competitive advantages. He highlighted that more than 80% of Mexican exports to the United States do not pay tariffs.

“Mexico’s position with respect to the group of countries that trade with the United States is the best,” he stressed.

Among the issues to be addressed in the reviews are the tariffs imposed by Washington under provisions other than the T-MEC. In addition, regional production will be strengthened in strategic sectors such as the pharmaceutical industry and semiconductors. The objective is to reduce imports from other regions and contribute to reducing North America’s trade deficit.

Ebrard described the meeting as “very cordial” and trusted that the revisions will allow the agreement to be strengthened without modifying its essence or its validity until 2036.