Joel Villanueva ready to attend potential Congress special session: 'We will be there'

Senator Joel Villanueva said on Sunday that he is ready to attend if ever President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls for a special session of Congress.

“Sa pagkakataon na magkaroon ng special session, tutuparin natin ang ating sagradong tungkulin sa ilalim ng ating Saligang Batas. We will be there,” he said in a video statement during a worship service of Jesus Is Lord Church Worldwide (JILCW), an evangelical church founded by his father, Eduardo "Brother Eddie" Villanueva.

(In the event that a special session is called, we will fulfill our sacred duty under our Constitution. We will be there.)

It can be recalled that the younger Villanueva is part of the faction led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. The Cayetano faction has never been present in the Senate session since June 1.

Further, the lawmaker pointed out that the present is not the time for choosing sides as there are legislative measures that need to be passed on time.

“Hindi po ito panahon ng kampihan. Kapag may kababayan tayong nangangailangan, tungkulin nating tumugon at maglingkod. Noon hanggang ngayon, klaro po sa atin, klarong klaro sa atin ang dahilan kung bakit tayo narito bilang lingkod-bayan,” he said.

(This is not the time for taking sides. When our fellow countrymen are in need, it is our duty to respond and serve. From then until now, it is clear to us, very clear to us, why we are here as public servants.)

“Klaro sa atin kung bakit tayo dinala ng Diyos sa posisyon na ito. Tungkulin nating protektahan ang ating institusyon at unahin ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan."

(It is clear to us why God brought us to this position. It is our duty to protect our institution and prioritize the welfare of our fellow countrymen.)

Among the measures that needed to be acted upon by lawmakers include the relief and rehabilitation of areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao.

"Una, maghahain tayo sa resolusyon para matiyak na may sapat na pondo para sa relief, rehabilitation, at muling pagbangon ng mga lugar na tinamaan ng lindol sa parte ng Mindanao,” he said.

(First, we will file a resolution to ensure there are sufficient funds for the relief, rehabilitation, and recovery of the areas hit by the earthquake in parts of Mindanao.)

The senator also said that a special session would also allow senators to approve measures pending for third reading and the appointment of confirmation of military officers - which were put on hold amid the Senate leadership drama.

"Pangalawa, isusulong po natin ang mga pinakakailangang panukalang batas lalo na yung mga panukalang nasa huli na at ikatlong pagbasa,” said Villanueva.

(Second, we will push for the most needed legislative bills, especially those that are already on their final and third reading.)

"Ikatlo, bibigyang katiyakan natin ang ating mga kapwa-lingkod bayan na nanghihintay ng confirmation ng kanilang mga appointment, lalo na ang mga opisyal ng ating Sandatahang Lakas,” he added.

(Third, we will give assurance to our fellow public servants who are waiting for the confirmation of their appointments, especially the officers of our Armed Forces.)

Moreover, Villanueva is hoping that the Senate staff will not be caught in the middle of the leadership row at the chamber.

“Ang nakakalungkot po ay hindi makapagtrabaho nang maayos ang Senado. Hindi lang dahil sa isyu ng liderato kundi dahil sa mga lockdown at patuloy na banta sa seguridad di umano ng ating institusyon…The Senate staff should not be caught in the middle of this political fight. Hindi pwedeng purong away na lang,” he said.

(What is saddening is that the Senate cannot work properly. Not just because of the leadership issue, but also because of the lockdowns and the alleged continuous threats to the security of our institution… The Senate staff should not be caught in the middle of this political fight. It cannot just be pure bickering.)

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is inclined to call for a special session of Congress amid the sine die adjournment should Senator Sherwin Gatchalian request for one, Malacañang said recently.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that Malacañang has already recognized the leadership of Gatchalian. —RF, GMA News