Malacañang on Tuesday called on senators to settle their ongoing leadership dispute before requesting a special session, warning that legislative work would be rendered ineffective if the chamber remains fractured.
In a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to calling a special session.
However, she stressed that the upper chamber must first resolve its internal conflicts to guarantee a productive session.
“Ang gusto po ng Pangulo ay mauna ang Senado na magkasundo dahil kahit sabihin natin na mayroong hiling ang Pangulo para sa isang special session, kung sila mismo po ay hindi magkakasundo, mababale-wala po ang naisin ng Pangulo,” Castro said.
Castro pointed out that a special session can only fulfill its purpose if lawmakers cooperate and focus on passing bills that benefit the public. She further urged senators to prioritize the welfare of the Filipino people over political rivalries and personal ambitions.
“Ito naman po ay para sa taumbayan… Dapat unahin ng mga senador natin ngayon ang taumbayan hindi ang sariling interes o ambisyon,” she said.
The Palace issued the statement amid a deep leadership divide in the Senate following the election of Senator Win Gatchalian as acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore.
Gatchalian took the helm after days of political gridlock that disrupted legislative operations and forced the cancellation of several session days.
Meanwhile, embattled Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano has refused to recognize the leadership transition, labeling it an “illegal coup d’etat.” Conversely, the new majority bloc asserts that the reorganization strictly adhered to Senate rules and legal precedents.
While Malacañang has formally recognized Gatchalian as the head of the chamber, it maintained that President Marcos would only greenlight a special session once the Senate leadership submits a formal request backed by a solid justification.