By Vanessa Cardema
MANILA — Top leaders of Congress on Monday expressed support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to call a special session on June 17, saying it would allow lawmakers to immediately tackle priority bills on social protection, education, healthcare, and public assistance programs.
House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy said the House of Representatives is fully prepared to respond to the President’s directive, stressing that lawmakers are ready to continue working on measures aimed at improving public services and addressing urgent social needs.
Dy added that the House has already approved the legislative measures identified under Proclamation No. 1318, enabling Congress to act swiftly once the special session convenes.
The priority measures include proposals establishing a National Center for Geriatric Health, expanding and strengthening the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE), institutionalizing the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, and amending the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA).
Also included are bills covering improvements to schools in last-mile, geographically isolated, disadvantaged, and conflict-affected areas, amendments to the government feeding program for children, the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act, and the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, among others aimed at strengthening social welfare systems.
In the Senate, Majority Leader Migz Zubiri and Sen. Erwin Tulfo separately welcomed the President’s move, saying the chamber is prepared to work on urgent legislative concerns once the special session begins.
Both senators emphasized that the agenda focuses on essential public needs such as healthcare services, education funding, and assistance for Filipinos facing crises.
They also highlighted the role of the Commission on Appointments, which is expected to review key appointments in the executive branch, military, and foreign service during the session.
According to the senators, these confirmation processes are critical to ensuring that qualified officials are appointed to strengthen government institutions.
They urged colleagues to approach the special session with focus and discipline, stressing the importance of uninterrupted legislative work in addressing public concerns.
“Walang drama, walang delay, walang dahilan para hindi magtrabaho,” the senators said, underscoring the need for lawmakers to prioritize public service and swift action on pending measures.
Congress is currently on recess and is scheduled to resume its regular session on July 26, 2026. The special session on June 17 will allow lawmakers to address priority legislation ahead of the formal
reopening of Congress.
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