President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has called on Congress to convene in a special session on June 17, 2026 to urgently act on priority legislation aimed at strengthening social protection, expanding access to education and healthcare, and providing greater support to vulnerable Filipinos amid ongoing energy challenges and natural disasters.

Under Proclamation No. 1318, the President directed Congress to take up priority legislative measures that remain pending despite having reached advanced stages of legislation.

Section 15, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution gives the President authority to call Congress into special session at any time to address urgent matters requiring immediate legislative action.

“The challenges confronting our people demand urgent action. Families affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao require immediate assistance. Students need continued support to pursue their education. Our senior citizens deserve better healthcare. Our children must have better nutrition and vulnerable sectors need stronger protection,” the President said.

“The needs of the Filipino people do not pause when Congress is not in session. The government must continue to respond, and the welfare of every Filipino must remain our highest priority,” the President added.

Among the bills targeted for consideration are:

1 National Center for Geriatric Health;

2 Amendments to the Government Assistance to Students and Teachers in Private Education (GASTPE) Act;

3 Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) Act;

4 Amendments to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (UAQTEA);

5 Last Mile and Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged and Conflict-Affected Areas (GIDA) Schools Act;

6 Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act;

7 Anti-Political Dynasty Law;

8 Presidential Merit Scholarship Program; and

9 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 administration expressed confidence that lawmakers will set aside political distractions and focus on passing measures that deliver timely and meaningful support to the Filipino people. Presidential News Desk