Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday voiced his support for calling a special session of Congress to tackle pressing national issues, specifically the relief efforts following the massive earthquake in Mindanao and the country’s current economic hurdles.
During a press briefing, Cayetano noted that the Constitution grants the authority to convene special sessions, stating he would fully support the move if it benefits the public.
“Any special session that will redound to the good of the Filipino people is welcome. The special session is in the Constitution,” Cayetano said.
He emphasized that immediate aid must be directed toward the areas devastated by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, insisting that humanitarian operations should override political conflicts.
“Mindanao is now. They need the attention now. So if there’s needed legislation, good. We will meet right away. If not, then tulong-tulong tayo,” he said.
Cayetano urged public officials and lawmakers to set aside political rivalries to address urgent public welfare needs, whether through passing new laws, improving interagency coordination, or directly assisting affected citizens.
“You can postpone a hearing. You cannot postpone a rescue mission. You cannot postpone yung pagkahatid ng mga relief,” Cayetano said.
While acknowledging that the government’s immediate emergency response and relief operations have improved significantly over time, the Senate leader pointed out that long-term disaster rehabilitation remains a critical area that needs strengthening.
Because the Philippines frequently experiences natural disasters like typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes, Cayetano stressed the importance of creating a comprehensive framework that effectively bridges the gap between short-term relief and long-term recovery.
He maintained that any special session should target specific initiatives that offer direct, tangible benefits to Filipinos.
According to Cayetano, previous talks with Malacañang revealed that several legislative proposals under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program were still being polished. Nonetheless, he expressed readiness to convene Congress as soon as the measures are ready for debate.
“If there’s needed legislation, good. We will meet right away,” he said.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the President has the power to call Congress into a special session to resolve urgent national matters outside the regular legislative calendar.
Cayetano also warned that the government must brace for wider economic vulnerabilities, citing global tensions in the Middle East, rising fuel and fertilizer costs, supply chain bottlenecks, rice supply anxieties, coal exports, and fluctuations in the value of the Philippine peso against the US dollar.
To navigate these challenges, he concluded that seamless cooperation among state leaders is vital, alongside sustained efforts to fight corruption and deliver efficient public service.
“Kailangang magtulong-tulong talaga yung ating bansa,” he said.