Marcos calls special session of Congress on June 17

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Bongbong Marcos has called Congress to a special session on Wednesday, June 17, to fast-track priority measures on social protection, education, health care, and assistance for vulnerable sectors.

Under Proclamation 1318, signed on Monday, June 15, the president asked lawmakers to act on the following bills: 

+anti-political dynasty

+assistance to individuals in crisis situations

+amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act.

The special session will also target measures aimed at improving nutrition, health care, and access to education.

Marcos said there is an urgent need to address the impact of recent calamities, including the Mindanao earthquake, as well as energy security challenges arising from the Middle East conflict.

Palace press officer Claire Castro earlier said the president would only call a special session if the Senate could resolve the leadership gridlock between Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano. 

The Senate may elect a new leader in the special session in light of the new majority that allowed the election of Gatchalian, concurrent acting Senate president. Thirteen senators are needed to elect a new Senate president; the new majority has 12 lawmakers after Sen. Chiz Escudero showed up in session from the Cayetano-bloc, which has refused to recognize Gatchalian as well as attend plenary session

Sen. Joel Villanueva said on Sunday, June 14, he would attend a special session to be called by the president, bringing the number to 13.

Congress ready to move forward

Some lawmakers from both chambers have welcomed the call for a special session. 

“Walang drama, walang delay, walang dahilan para hindi magtrabaho. [No dramas, no delays, no reason not to work.] We should be ready to work and ready to help move forward whatever must be acted upon for the public good,” Senate Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said.

Members of the Cayetano bloc had skipped previous plenary sessions, stalling legislation on key measures. Cayetano himself has insisted that he is still Senate president. 

Sen. Ping Lacson made a veiled post on X: “Wednesday, June 17 special session: Hopefully, Delulu pa more becomes Delulu no more,” using the internet slang for “delusional.” 

Speaker Bojie Dy, meanwhile, said the House of Representatives is ready for the special session. 

“The House has already laid much of the groundwork for these priority reforms. We stand ready to work with the Senate and the Executive Branch to complete the legislative process and deliver meaningful benefits to the Filipino people,” Dy said.