Senator Gatchalian urges senators to attend special session on June 17

Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian urged his fellow senators to attend the special session called by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which is set for 9 am on Wednesday, June 17.

In a press statement, Gatchalian appealed for full participation, stressing the Senate’s duty to act on urgent national measures. He said lawmakers should take part in proceedings aimed at addressing legislation that directly affects the public.

“I invite my colleagues to attend and take part in the proceedings as we act on measures that matter to the Filipino people. The Senate must continue to work, fulfill its mandate, and respond to the needs of our nation,” Gatchalian said.

Attendance in recent Senate sessions has been limited, with only 12 out of 24 senators present on June 3 following the arrest of Senator Jinggoy Estrada in connection with a flood control scandal.

Estrada has since been detained in a Quezon City jail, while Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa remains in hiding after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest order in November. Both senators are aligned with a bloc associated with Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

The Senate also recently faced a leadership dispute after a motion declaring all seats vacant was adopted in plenary, leading to the installation of new officials, including Gatchalian. However, Cayetano and nine allies were absent during the session and have not recognized the leadership change, with Cayetano maintaining that he remains Senate President.

Despite the political tension, Gatchalian reiterated that the Senate must carry out its constitutional mandate, especially during the special session.

“The Senate knows its responsibility. We recognize our duty to the Filipino people, and we will fulfill it with the utmost competence and dedication,” he said.

Several measures are on the agenda for the special session, including amendments to social assistance, education, nutrition, and tertiary education laws, as well as the proposed Anti-Political Dynasty Act.

“These are measures that directly affect the lives of every Filipino. Every bill listed here is intended to benefit the people, and we will ensure that they are enacted swiftly, efficiently, and properly,” Gatchalian said.

The Senate is also expected to take up emergency funding for relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts for communities affected by the June 8 magnitude 7.8 Sarangani earthquake.