Senator Joel Villanueva says he is willing to attend a special session of Congress if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convenes one. Multiple outlets report that Villanueva frames his participation as a way to keep the Senate functioning and avoid prolonged internal conflict. He emphasizes that it is not the time for lawmakers to “take sides” amid the Senate’s leadership dispute, and that the institution’s ongoing wrangling affects not only its operations but also its employees.
The reports note that some observers link the potential special session to the Senate leadership impasse, including the need for votes to formally elect Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate President. In parallel, Villanueva’s statements also indicate that lawmakers should prioritize urgent national matters that could be addressed during such a session, including disaster relief for Mindanao and issues tied to stalled promotions of military officers.
Across the coverage, Villanueva’s core message is that he will be present if called, while urging a shift away from infighting toward completing public business.
