EXPLAINER: Why is a special session of Congress needed?

Congress is on sine die adjournment and is not scheduled to resume session until July 27, 2026, but President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. may call a special session.

According to Tina Panganiban-Perez’s report in “24 Oras” on Wednesday, the possibility of a special session is already being discussed but there is no final decision yet on the matter.

“I have to consult with the executive and of course, with our own internal, and also the House of Representatives kasi joint ‘yan. We have to consult with them pa. Pero tuloy-tuloy naman kami nagko-consult. Wala pa kaming indication,” said Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian.

(I have to consult with the executive and, of course, internally as well, and also with the House of Representatives because this is a joint matter. We still need to consult with them. However, our consultations are ongoing, and so far we have not received any indication.)

Malacañang said the President wants the leadership dispute in the Senate to be resolved first.

For his part, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has maintained that he is still the Senate President.

Meanwhile, the group led by Gatchalian has yet to elect a new Senate President because it is still one vote short of the required 13 votes needed to secure a majority.

But why is there a need for a special session at this time?

According to data from GMA News Research, past Presidents have convened special sessions of Congress more than 20 times since 1986.

Most of these special sessions were called to secure Congress’ approval of the national budget. Other reasons for a special session include elections, approval of tax reforms, and in times of crisis or emergency.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte convened Congress in special sessions twice – first in March 2020 to grant the President emergency powers to address the COVID-19 crisis.

He called for another special session in October 2020 to continue deliberations on the 2021 national budget and ensure its timely passage.

“Bakit kailangan ito? Dahil siyempre ‘yung naging kaguluhan, nuances dun sa Senado, paved way for the non-passage of very important measures,” said House Deputy Speaker and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin.

(Why is this necessary? Because, of course, the turmoil and complications in the Senate paved the way for the non-passage of several very important measures.)

The measures pending in the Senate include the KALINGA Act, which seeks to provide subsidies to those affected by the conflict between the United States and Iran; a bill mandating free breakfast for students from Grades 1 to 3 and for malnourished students up to Grade 12; and the promotion of several military officers who are nearing retirement.

The recent earthquake that struck Mindanao was also cited as a matter of concern.

“‘Yan din antay namin sa executive. Kasi sunud-sunod ang issues, una ‘yung high oil prices, pangalawa ‘yung pagdating ng Super El Niño, and pangatlo, itong earthquake. So tinitignan ko ang natitirang budget meron pang P180 billion in terms of available funds na pwedeng gamitin for reconstruction and assistance to earthquake victims,” Gatchalian said.

(That is also what we are waiting to hear from the executive. The issues are coming one after another – first, high oil prices; second, the onset of Super El Niño; and third, this earthquake. Based on the remaining budget, there is around P180 billion in available funds that can be used for reconstruction and assistance to earthquake victims.)

“Pagdating sa NDRRMF, mayroong P17.8 billion at pagdating sa LGSF, P32 billion. ‘Yung dalawang funds pwedeng gamitin for reconstruction ‘yan,” he added.

(As for the NDRRMF, there is P17.8 billion available, while the LGSF has P32 billion. Both of these funds can be used for reconstruction.)

For her part, Batangas 2nd District rep. Gerville Luistro cited the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.

“I made mention about calling a special session. This is with respect to the option of electing a presiding officer other than acting SP Win Gatchalian,” Luistro said. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/JMA, GMA News