SENATE PRESIDENT Alan Peter Cayetano and the rest of the gang are weighing options whether or not to attend the special congressional session on Wednesday (June 17) called for by no less than President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
By virtue of Proclamation 1318, the President cited the urgent need to resolve the senate impasse which adversely affected legislative output, to wit:
- The National Center for Geriatric Health
- Amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act
- Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act
- Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act
- Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools Act
- Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act
- Anti-Political Dynasty Law
- Presidential Merit Scholarship Program
- Such other measures aimed towards strengthening social protection and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.
LAGGING BEHIND
The special session will also allow the Commission on Appointments to act on pending appointments to key positions in the Cabinet, military, and foreign service to ensure continuity across government institutions.
“The challenges confronting our people demand urgent action. Families affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao require immediate assistance,” reads part of the proclamation.
Other concerns mentioned include students in dire need of educational support, better healthcare for senior citizens, nutrition for children and protection for the vulnerable sectors.
“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 stressed.
LUXURY OF TIME
“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.”
The administration expressed confidence “that lawmakers will set aside political distractions and focus on passing measures that deliver timely and meaningful support to the Filipino people.”
The special session will coincide with Marcos’ trip to Kazan, Russia for the ASEAN-Russia Commemorative Summit.
NO MORE DRAMA
Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian earlier announced that they will convene a special session at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17.
Gatchalian wrote his colleagues about the schedule, with Senate Secretary Renato Bantug expecting the agenda to include the ratification of conference committee reports and bills on their third reading.
Bantug said they will also make time for the convening of the Commission on Appointments.
Sen. Migz Zubiri earlier said that the 12 senators of the bloc where he belongs welcome Marcos’ call for a special session and “are ready to do our mandate.”
“Papasok tayo… we will do our duty for the people. The Senate has always had the 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 said in a statement.
“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,” he added.
POWER STRUGGLE
Gatchalian-led majority wing is locked in a power struggle with the bloc of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, who insists that he remains Senate President until his replacement could be elected with 13 votes.
Senator Erwin Tulfo hopes there will be 13 senators present during the special session so that they can finally put the Senate leadership squabble.