Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian confirmed on Monday that the upper chamber is fully prepared to hold a special congressional session on June 17, following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize social protection measures amid ongoing national calamities and energy challenges.
Gatchalian emphasized that the chamber is ready to execute its constitutional duties despite an ongoing leadership dispute.
“The Senate knows its responsibility. Kinikilala ng Senado ang ating tungkulin sa taumbayan, at tutuparin natin ito nang buong husay at dedikasyon,” Gatchalian stated.
The legislative agenda features a comprehensive list of proposed bills, including the establishment of the National Center for Geriatric Health, the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, and the Anti-Political Dynasty Law.
Lawmakers will also deliberate on crucial amendments to several existing statutes: the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, and the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act.
Furthermore, the Senate is slated to review the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act alongside the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools Act.
In tandem with the legislative sessions, the Commission on Appointments will convene to address pending nominations within the Cabinet, military, and diplomatic corps.
“These are measures that directly affect the lives of every Filipino. Ang bawat batas na nakalista dito ay para sa taumbayan, at titiyakin namin na maisasabatas ang mga ito nang mabilis, maayos, at wasto,” Gatchalian added.
A chief priority for the upper chamber during this emergency assembly is accelerating recovery programs for victims of the June 8 magnitude 7.8 Sarangani earthquake—the most violent tremor to shake the country in recent decades.
The Senate aims to fast-track crucial relief, rehabilitation, and housing reconstruction funds for thousands of displaced residents across affected regions in Mindanao.
“Patuloy nating tututukan ang relief, rehabilitation, at reconstruction efforts para sa mga pamilyang naapektuhan ng lindol. Nasa kanila ang ating suporta habang sila ay bumabangon mula sa sakuna,” he said.
Closing his statement, Gatchalian called on all members of the Senate to attend the proceedings to ensure a decisive legislative response to these critical national concerns.
“I invite my colleagues to attend and take part in the proceedings as we act on measures that matter to the Filipino people,” he said, adding, “The Senate must continue to work, fulfill its mandate, and respond to the needs of our nation.”