MANILA, Philippines — Congress convenes in special session on Wednesday following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for lawmakers to tackle priority legislation and act on pending appointments requiring confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.
The special session also comes as the Senate faces continued power dispute, with acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano both asserting claims to the chamber’s top post. The attendance of senators during the session is being closely watched as it could influence the balance of power in the upper chamber.
Key developments:
- Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1318 on June 15, “calling the Congress of the Philippines to a special session” on June 17 to tackle such “priority legislative measures.”
- The special session will also allow the Commission on Appointments to act on pending appointments to the Cabinet, military, and foreign service, many of which have been delayed amid the Senate leadership dispute.
- The Senate and House will convene separately at 9 a.m.
- Priority measures include the proposed Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) Act and the anti-political dynasty bill.
- Malacañang urged lawmakers to “set aside political distractions” and focus on measures addressing urgent public concerns, including assistance for communities affected by the June 8 Mindanao earthquake.
- Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called on all senators to attend, while Sen. Joel Villanueva earlier said he would participate in the special session, a move seen as potentially significant in the ongoing leadership contest.
- The session is being closely watched for possible developments in the Senate power struggle, with Cayetano maintaining he remains Senate president while Gatchalian continues to lead the chamber with the recognition of Malacañang and the House of Representatives.
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