MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday called on fellow senators in the "rival" Cayetano-led bloc to attend the special session on June 17.
The acting Senate president said the Senate is prepared convene for a special session on June 17 upon the call of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
“I invite my colleagues to attend and take part in the proceedings as we act on measures that matter to the Filipino people," Gatchalian said in a statement.
“The Senate knows its responsibility. The Senate must continue to work, fulfill its mandate, and respond to the needs of our nation,” he added.
He reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to its constitutional mandate and its duty to the Filipino people.
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," Gatchalian said.
The President issued Proclamation 1318 which called 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.
Gatchalian said the Senate will also use the special session to act on relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction assistance for the Filipinos affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Mindanao on June 8.
He also raised the need to pass Senate Bill 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.
