MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered Congress to convene in a special session on June 17 to tackle priority measures aimed at strengthening social services and addressing the effects of energy-related concerns and recent calamities.
The announcement was made by Malacañang on Monday through Proclamation No. 1318, directing lawmakers to act on key bills that have already advanced through the legislative process but remain pending.
According to the Palace, the special session seeks to accelerate the passage of measures focused on social protection, education, healthcare, and assistance for vulnerable sectors.
“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has called on Congress to convene in a special session on June 17, 2026 to urgently act on priority legislation aimed at strengthening social protection, expanding access to education and healthcare, and providing greater support to vulnerable Filipinos amid ongoing energy challenges and natural disasters,” Malacañang said.
Marcos stressed the need for government action even while Congress is on recess.
“The needs of the Filipino people do not pause when Congress is not in session. The government must continue to respond, and the welfare of every Filipino must remain our highest priority,” the President said.
Aside from pending legislation, reports indicated that Congress may also be asked to take up the confirmation of promotions involving military officials.
The planned special session comes amid continuing developments in the Senate, where a leadership dispute has persisted for weeks following a reorganization before the adjournment of the first regular session of the 20th Congress on June 3.
Various reports cited that the convening of a special session could also provide an opportunity for the Senate to address unresolved leadership issues, including the status of Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.
The Senate controversy began after Cayetano and several allies skipped the chamber’s final three session days before adjournment.
Their absence left 12 senators present, enough to establish a quorum and proceed with a reorganization that resulted in Gatchalian being elected Senate president pro tempore and acting Senate president./PN
