Marcos calls Congress for special session on June 17, 2026

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the Congress to convene in a special session amid its sine die adjournment to act on priority legislation.

Under Proclamation No. 1318, the President directed Congress to have a special session on June 17, 2026, to urgently consider the passage of the following priority legislative measures:

• National Center for Geriatric Health;
• Amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act;
• Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act;
• Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA);
• Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDA) Schools Act;
• Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act;
• Anti-Political Dynasty Law;
• Presidential Merit Scholarship Program; and
• Such other measures aimed towards strengthening social protection and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people.

“The challenges confronting our people demand urgent action. Families affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao require immediate assistance. Students need continued support to pursue their education. Our senior citizens deserve better healthcare. Our children must have better nutrition and vulnerable sectors need stronger protection,” Marcos said in a statement.

"The needs of the Filipino people do not pause when Congress is not in session. The government must continue to respond, and the welfare of every Filipino must remain our highest priority,” he added.

EXPLAINER: Why is a special session of Congress needed?

Marcos also called for a special session to allow the Commission on Appointments (CA) to convene and act on appointments made to the Cabinet, the military, and the foreign service.

Acting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto signed the proclamation by the authority of the President on June 15, 2026.

Section 15, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution gives the President authority to call Congress into special session at any time to address urgent matters requiring immediate legislative action.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier said Marcos wants the Senate to resolve its issues first before calling for a special session.

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano also advised Malacañang to wait for a 13th senator to join what he called “11 plus 1” and call for a special session of Congress, to settle the leadership issue in the Senate.

Senator Juan Miguel Zuburi said the new majority bloc welcomes the call for a special session and is ready to fulfill its mandate, work hard, and help the Senate act on urgent matters.

"The agenda is clear and urgent, touching on health care, education funding, and assistance for Filipinos in crisis, matters that can bring real help to Filipino families who need government to act with urgency and compassion," he said in a statement.

He added that the Commission on Appointments also has important work to do on Cabinet, military, and foreign service appointments, and "we owe it to our institutions to act with diligence and fairness."

"Papasok tayo, magtatrabaho tayo and we will do our duty for the people. The Senate has always had the capacity to rise above difficult moments, and I trust that we can approach this session with seriousness, respect for our mandate, and a clear sense of responsibility to the people," Zubiri said.

He further said there should be no drama, delay, or any reason not to work.

Asked what would happen if the Cayetano bloc does not attend the session, Senator Francis Pangilinan said the new majority bloc has enough members to form a quorum.

"Since 12 kami as the new majority may quorum na at kung maga-attend si Sen Joel (Villanueva) that makes us 13. More than enough to convene the special session whether their group attends or not.

On Sunday, Villanueva said that he is ready to attend if ever President Marcos calls for a special session of Congress.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, for his part, expressed hope the leadership row will finally be settled.

"Wednesday, June 17 special session: Hopefully, Delulu pa more becomes Delulu no more," Lacson said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).—AOL, GMA News