The House of Representatives officially commenced its inaugural special session of the 20th Congress on Wednesday, convening in response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Proclamation No. 1318.
Under the leadership of House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III, the chamber directed its focus toward high-priority legislative measures designed to expand social safety nets, healthcare services, educational access, and nutrition programs, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable communities.
To set the legislative proceedings in motion, the chamber adopted House Resolution No. 1124 to formally notify the Senate that the House was organized and ready for business.
Lawmakers also approved Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 11, forming a joint committee to officially inform the President that both houses of Congress had convened with a necessary quorum.
House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st District Representative Sandro Marcos pointed out that the lower chamber had already accomplished its primary task by passing the administration’s requested bills on final reading before the session was called.
“Considering that the House has already approved all measures identified in Proclamation No. 1318, I move to consider House Concurrent Resolution No. 15,” the Ilocos Norte representative said.
Following the Majority Leader’s motion, the assembly adopted House Concurrent Resolution No. 15, establishing the official adjournment of the special session for no later than midnight on June 17.
The urgent legislative package requested by the Chief Executive includes sweeping reforms to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act and the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act. It also mandates the creation of the National Center for Geriatric Health.
Additional priority measures include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act, targeted updates to the Masustansyang Pagkain para sa Batang Pilipino Act, and the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools Act.