Acting Senate President and Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian has reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to its constitutional mandate and its duty to the Filipino people, as the chamber prepares to convene for a special session on June 17 upon the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
“The Senate knows its responsibility. Kinikilala ng Senado ang ating tungkulin sa taumbayan, at tutuparin natin ito nang buong husay at dedikasyon,” Gatchalian said.
Proclamation No. 1318 s. 2026 calls on Congress to urgently consider several landmark measures including the National Center for Geriatric Health, amendments to the GASTPE Act, the AICS Act, amendments to the UAQTEA, the GIDA Schools Act, amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, and the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, among other measures aimed at strengthening social protection and uplifting the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
The special session also covers the convening of the Commission on Appointments to act on Cabinet, military, and foreign service appointments.
“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 said.
Beyond the Proclamation’s agenda, Gatchalian said the Senate will also use the special session to urgently act on relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance for the tens of thousands of Filipinos displaced by the June 8 magnitude 7.8 Sarangani earthquake, the strongest to hit the country since 1990.
“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.
The Acting Senate President also underscored the importance of passing Senate Bill No. 1182, or the proposed Agricultural and Fisheries Extension Act, which seeks to enhance the delivery of technical support, training, and extension services to boost productivity and help revitalize the agriculture and fisheries sectors.
Gatchalian likewise called on his fellow senators to participate in the special session.
“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.
###
Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN
