President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls on Congress to convene for a special session on June 17, 2026, via Proclamation No. 1318 issued on Monday. The President urges lawmakers to set aside delays linked to a leadership deadlock in the Senate and to focus on legislative measures that are already at advanced stages but remain pending. Multiple reports say the agenda includes priority social protection-related legislation, with one outlet also citing the need to address issues amid energy challenges and recent calamities.
Sources also agree the special session is meant to speed up confirmations of appointments requiring action by the Commission on Appointments. These appointments are described as covering key positions in the Cabinet, the military, and the foreign service. Coverage additionally frames the move as a way to move forward on urgent bills that are not being taken up under the regular legislative calendar.
Overall, outlets present the special session as a mechanism to fast-track both pending priority bills and stalled appointment approvals during the period outside the regular schedule.
