Cayetano open to special session on quake, economic aid

MANILA – Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday said he is open to a special session of Congress if it would help address urgent public needs, particularly as Mindanao reels from a powerful earthquake and the country faces mounting economic pressures.

“Any special session that will redound to the good of the Filipino people is welcome. The special session is in the Constitution,” Cayetano said in a press conference.

Cayetano said Mindanao must be given immediate attention following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, stressing that rescue and relief operations cannot be delayed by political disputes.

“Mindanao is now. They need the attention now. So if there’s needed legislation, good. We will meet right away. If not, then tulong-tulong tayo (let us help one another),” he said.

He said lawmakers should set aside politics when urgent public welfare is at stake, whether the response requires legislation, coordination with agencies, or direct assistance to affected communities.

“You can postpone a hearing. You cannot postpone a rescue mission. You cannot postpone yung pagkahatid ng mga (the delivery of) relief,” Cayetano said.

He added that the country should also strengthen disaster rehabilitation, noting that while government agencies have improved in relief operations, recovery work after calamities remains a weak point.

He said the Philippines faces recurring storms, active volcanoes, and earthquakes, making it necessary to build a stronger system not only for response and relief but also for rehabilitation.

Cayetano said any special session should be tied to clear measures that would directly benefit the people.

He said previous communications with Malacañang indicated that some proposed bills for the UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport) program were still being prepared, but added that he is ready to work if the measures are already in order.

“If there’s needed legislation, good. We will meet right away,” he said.

A special session may be called by the President to allow Congress to act on urgent measures outside its regular legislative calendar.

Cayetano added that the government must prepare for wider economic challenges linked to tensions in the Middle East, fuel prices, supply chain disruptions, fertilizer costs, rice supply, coal exports, and the peso-dollar exchange rate.

He said these pressures make it more important for public officials to work together while continuing efforts against graft and corruption.

“Kailangang magtulong-tulong talaga yung ating bansa (Our country really needs to work together),” he said. (PNA)

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