President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for a special session of Congress on Wednesday, June 17, as the Senate continues to grapple with an unresolved leadership dispute.

Under Proclamation No. 1318 issued by Malacañang on Sunday, June 15, Marcos convened the special session to fast-track priority legislation aimed at strengthening social protection, expanding access to education and healthcare, and sustaining support for Filipinos in need.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the development, saying the proclamation directs Congress to act on bills that would bolster social protection, widen access to education and healthcare, and continue support for those in need — including the Anti-Political Dynasty Law.

["Naglabas ng Proclamation Number 1318 ngayong June 15, 2026, kung saan nagpatawag ang Pangulo ng special session sa Kongreso para mapabilis ang aksyon sa mga panukalang batas na magpapatibay sa social protection, magpapalawak ng access sa edukasyon at healthcare at magpapauloy ng suporta sa mga pangangailangan. Nais rin ng Pangulo mapabilis ang paglalabas ng Anti-Political Dynasty Law."]

Among the bills the President wants passed are the proposed National Center for Geriatric Health, amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education Act, the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations Act, amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, the Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas Schools bill, amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act, the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, and the Presidential Merit Scholarship Program.

The new Senate majority, referred to as the Gatchalian Bloc, expressed full support for the special session. Senator Erwin Tulfo said the caucus had already discussed the matter, citing the volume of pending work that needed to be addressed in plenary.

["So marami tayong mga nakapending. Kailangan-kailangan talagang — ika nga — magkaroon ng special session."]

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri likewise identified health, additional education funding, and aid for Filipinos in crisis as priority agenda items for the session. Both Zubiri and Tulfo also stressed the need to act on pending confirmations before the Commission on Appointments for cabinet, military, and foreign service positions.

["Yun ang kailangan pa ho nating — ika nga — alamin. Pero naintindihan ang pagkaintindi ko, umaga yun kasi sunod-sunod. Sa hapon, meron pong tinatawag na CA. Kailangan po i-convene yung CA."]

The Gatchalian Bloc is also preparing contingency plans in response to possible moves by the group of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on session day. Senator Tulfo expressed hope that the leadership standoff in the Senate would finally be resolved before the session convenes.

["Pinag-uusapan na ngayon ng senior leadership namin kung ano pang gagawin. I don't know, marami pong mangyayari, pero hopefully — hindi na po — siguro baka sabihan na siya before the session na, 'Oh, labing-tatlo na kami' — parang ganon. Bababa na po yan, dahil yun po ang sabi niya. 'Di po ba, pag may thirteen kayo, bababa na po kami — bababa na raw siya."]

When asked whether a formal reorganization could take place during the special session itself, Tulfo said it was possible.

["Possible po yun. Opo. Possible. Baka may mahimasmasan."]

Senator Joel Villanueva, for his part, had already announced his readiness to attend the special session even before Malacañang made the official announcement, vowing to fulfill his constitutional duties.

["Sa pagkakataon po na magkaroon ng special session, tutuparin po natin ang ating sagradong tungkulin sa ilalim ng ating Saligang Batas. We will be there."]

As of this report, the Cayetano Bloc has yet to issue a statement on the special session. The new Senate majority expressed hope that Wednesday's proceedings would be free of drama or delays, with senators reiterating that there is no justification for the Senate to fail the Filipino people.

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