President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a special session of both chambers of Congress on June 17 to discuss several priority measures of the administration and address pending appointments in the government.
Under Proclamation No. 1318, signed on Monday, Marcos directed Congress to immediately consider nine priority bills that are already in the advanced stages of the legislative process.
Among the measures identified in the proclamation are the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act, the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, the Last Mile Schools Act and the proposed National Center for Geriatric Health.
The list also includes legislation related to education, nutrition and social protection programs.
According to the proclamation, the special session will also provide an opportunity for the Commission on Appointments to act on pending appointments involving Cabinet officials, military officers and members of the foreign service.
The move comes as the administration seeks to advance key legislative priorities and complete actions on appointments awaiting confirmation.
Under the Constitution, the President has the authority to convene Congress in a special session at any time to address matters that require immediate legislative action.
The special session is expected to focus on measures already undergoing the legislative process and on appointments that remain pending before the Commission on Appointments.
Government officials have not yet announced how long the special session will last, but the proclamation directs lawmakers to take up the identified measures and appointments once Congress convenes on June 17.
The session will bring together members of both houses of Congress to deliberate on the administration’s legislative agenda and other urgent matters requiring congressional action.
