President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially called the Philippine Congress for a special session, aimed to fast-track the passage of various priority measures in the country.
On June 15, Marcos issued Proclamation No. 1318 calling a special session of the Congress at June 17 to discuss priority legislative measures focused on strengthening social protection for Filipinos, especially amid calamities.
Marcos noted that the needs of Filipinos do not stop even when the congress is not in session.
And amid the issues and challenges faced by Filipinos, Filipinos need the government’s response more.
“The challenges confronting our people demand urgent action. Families affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao require immediate assistance. Students need continued support to pursue their education. Our senior citizens deserve better healthcare. Our children must have better nutrition and vulnerable sectors need stronger protection,” Marcos in the letter.
Among the priority measures to be discussed in the special session are:
(1) National Center for Geriatric Health
(2) Amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act
(3) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act
(4) Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiaty Education Act
(5) Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged And Conflict- Affected Areas Schools Act
(6) Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act
(7) Anti-Political Dynasty Law
(8) Presidential Merit Scholarship Program
Aside from fast tracking legistalive measures, the special session will also allow the Commission on Appointments to convene and act on the appointments made to the cabinet, military, and foreign service.
Earlier, Malacañang said that Marcos would convene a special session under the condition that the Senate leadership turmoil will be settled.
The talks on the legitimate senate leadership remains to be debate among the members of the institution, as well as the discussions on the validity of the June 3 quorum.
Despite the still unsetteled issue, the Senate majority under Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian, have responded to the call of the President.
In an official statement, Senate Majority Floor Leader Migz Zubiri said that the members of the majority bloc are ready to participate in the special session and act on the priority measures: “Papasok tayo, magtatrabaho tayo, and we will do our duty for the people. The Senate has always had te capacity to rise above difficult moments, and I trust that we can approach this session with seriousness, respect for our mandate and a clear sense of responsibility to the people.”
Zubiri noted that there is a clear agenda for the special session and that the Senate has a responsibility to respond to it accordingly.
“Walang drama, walang delay, walang dahilan para hindi magtrabaho. We should be ready to work and ready to help move forward whatever must be acted upon for the public good,” Zubiri emphasized.