BBM calls for Congress special session on June 17

In line with his appeal to lawmakers to get back to work, President Marcos yesterday called Congress to a special session beginning tomorrow to allow the passage of priority bills and confirm appointments that are languishing because of the leadership row in the Senate.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

Marcos urged lawmakers to urgently consider the passage of eight measures, including the anti-dynasty bill, in Proclamation 1318, containing his order for special sessions.

Although Marcos mentioned it in a previous interview, the bill providing for a supplemental budget to ease the impact of the Middle East conflict was noticeably absent in the proclamation.

Malacañang has not responded to queries on why there was no mention of the proposed supplemental budget in the proclamation, which was issued on the same day the US and Iran announced that they have reached a deal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Aside from the anti-dynasty bill, the President is also pushing for the approval of the establishment of a National Center for Geriatric Health, amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education or GASTPE Act, Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations or AICS Act, amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and ConflictAffected Areas Schools Act, amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act and the bill on the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program.

The proclamation also called for the passage of "such other measures aimed towards strengthening social protection and uplifting the lives of the Filipino people." "The special session will also enable the Commission on Appointments to act on pending appointments to key positions in the Cabinet, military and foreign service.

This will help ensure continuity and stability across government institutions," the proclamation read.

'The President has spoken'

Palace press officer Claire Castro said the call for a special session of Congress reflected the President's desire to fast-track bills designed to strengthen social protection and provide support to the needy.

"The President has spoken.