Special session priorities outlined

SENATE President Pro Tempore Sherwin T. Gatchalian said the chamber will prioritize the appointment confirmations of five generals in the special session on June 17, which has stalled since June 1.

Mr. Gatchalian on Tuesday told reporters that they have identified several bills to be discussed in the special session such as the resolutions on the assistance for Mindanao quake victims, two pending citizenship bills, and agriculture bills aside from the measures specified by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. under Proclamation No. 1318.

“I issued a statement encouraging all senators, regardless if majority or minority, to attend. These are very important matters, especially the one under the CA (Commission on Appointments),” Mr. Gatchalian said in mixed English and Filipino, raising that the period set for the appointment has already lapsed.

The measures cited by Mr. Marcos to be acted upon urgently also include the creation of the National Center for Geriatric Health, Presidential Merit Scholarship Program, and a proposed Anti-Political Dynasty law.

Mr. Gatchalian refused to address questions regarding the possibility of electing a Senate president during the special session.

“What’s important for me is for these bills to be finished and the CA, to confirm the generals,” he said.

Mr. Gatchalian said the special session will start at 9 a.m. and is expected to run until 5 p.m. — Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel