President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called Congress into a special session starting June 17 to address priority bills and pending appointments amid a Senate leadership dispute.
Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1318 on June 15, summoning lawmakers to tackle measures including the proposed National Center for Geriatric Health, a Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, and amendments to education and crisis assistance laws. The session will also allow the Commission on Appointments to act on Cabinet, military, and foreign service posts.
The call comes as the Senate remains divided, with acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian backed by 11 senators and former Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano retaining support from 10 others. Gatchalian and House Speaker Faustino Dy III welcomed the session, urging colleagues to focus on legislation.
Marcos stated that the needs of Filipinos do not pause when Congress is out of session, highlighting urgent support for families affected by the June 8 Mindanao earthquake. The last special session occurred in 2020 under former President Rodrigo Duterte.
