Manila: Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian announced that senators are considering a special session to address pending bills and appointments delayed due to a recent leadership impasse in the Senate. A critical concern is the confirmation of five generals whose promotions are at risk if Congress does not act before they reach their mandatory retirement age.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian emphasized the urgency of confirming the promotions of the five generals, stating that they would be unfairly affected if their confirmations are delayed beyond their birthdays, rendering them ineligible for promotion. The Senate lost three session days due to the leadership dispute, delaying confirmations and other legislative matters.

Gatchalian expressed his intention to address this issue, highlighting its importance in the Senate's current agenda. Senators are reviewing the list of pending bills and appointments to be included if President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. calls for a special session.

Gatchalian mentioned the need for the Senate to coordinate with the House of Representatives to determine which measures require action from both chambers. As acting Senate President under Senate rules, he emphasized the importance of the Senate continuing to function despite the leadership row.

Efforts are underway to restore order within the Senate, with Gatchalian reaching out to senators from both blocs to ensure the legislative body can return to work. The Senate recently declared all committee seats vacant and elected a new set of officers, with the Blue Ribbon committee hearing on the flood control controversy rescheduled to June 8 under its new chair, Sen. Erwin Tulfo.

Gatchalian stressed that any special session must be used efficiently to address priority measures, pending confirmations, and other matters affected by the suspension of regular proceedings.