Marcos calls Congress to hold special session

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed the Philippine Congress to convene for a special session, aiming to address pressing legislative matters and resolve pending appointments within the executive branch. This move comes amid ongoing political tensions in the Senate, where leadership disputes have stalled critical decisions. On June 15, Marcos signed Proclamation No. 1318, officially summoning Congress to meet on June 17. The special session is intended to facilitate the passage of several key pieces of legislation and enable the Commission on Appointments (CA) to confirm high-level appointments in the Cabinet, military, and foreign service.

The agenda includes proposals such as the National Center for Geriatric Health, amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, and the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, which could impact the political standing of influential families, including the Marcos family. Other items include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, and the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools Act. These measures aim to enhance social protection and improve the quality of life for Filipinos.

The urgency behind the special session is underscored by the need to provide immediate relief to communities affected by the June 8 Mindanao earthquake and to ensure continued educational support for students. Additionally, the session aims to expedite the confirmation of military officers and diplomats whose appointments have been delayed due to the Senate's internal conflicts.

Legal experts emphasize that while the President can initiate a special session, he lacks the authority to dissolve it. According to lawyer Paolo Tamase, the power to conclude a session rests solely with Congress. This means that the special session will continue until all scheduled bills are either approved or rejected by both legislative chambers.

Malacañang, the presidential office, expressed confidence that lawmakers would prioritize national needs over political disagreements. President Marcos emphasized that the government must remain responsive to the people's demands without interruption. His statement highlighted the necessity of addressing the diverse challenges facing the nation, including the provision of adequate healthcare for seniors and improved nutrition for children.

Congressional leaders have responded positively to the call for a special session. Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III stated that the House of Representatives is prepared to advance legislation aligned with the country's needs. Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and his faction have also endorsed the initiative, acknowledging the importance of resolving the current impasse in the Senate.

The leadership transition in the Senate has played a significant role in shaping the current situation. Following the election of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano as Senate president on May 11, the chamber faced several controversies, including a shooting incident and a diplomatic issue involving Senator Ronald dela Rosa. Subsequently, Gatchalian was elected as Senate president pro tempore, assuming the role of acting Senate President. Despite Cayetano's objections, Malacañang has recognized Gatchalian as the legitimate leader of the Senate.

Senator Joel Villanueva has indicated his readiness to participate in the special session, reinforcing the likelihood of sufficient attendance to conduct business. With Gatchalian's bloc having secured a quorum, the prospects for a productive session appear favorable. However, uncertainties remain regarding the participation of the Cayetano bloc, though some senators suggest that even without them, the necessary numbers for a quorum would still be met.

As the special session approaches, attention remains focused on how effectively the legislative body can navigate its internal divisions to fulfill the President's agenda. The success of this session could significantly influence the trajectory of policy implementation and governance in the coming months.