SENATOR Joel Villanueva declared on Sunday that he will participate in any special session of Congress that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may convene — a gathering widely seen as a possible avenue to finally resolve the prolonged leadership conflict within the Senate.
His announcement comes weeks after the chamber adjourned sine die on June 6 without settling the issue, leaving key posts vacant and operations affected by deep divisions among members.
In a video message shared before members of his family at the Jesus Is Lord Church, Villanueva expressed concern over the impact of the infighting, saying it has harmed not only the institution’s reputation but also the welfare of its employees. “We can’t keep fighting all the time. As public servants, our priority is to ensure that the Senate continues to work for you,” he emphasized, adding that lawmakers must always put public interest above political differences.
He reaffirmed his constitutional obligation to attend when called upon. “In the event that a special session is called, we will fulfill our sacred duty under our Constitution. We will be there,” Villanueva stated firmly. The dispute stems from two major developments in less than a month: the ouster of Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III as Senate President and his replacement by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on May 11, followed by a June 3 motion declaring all leadership positions vacant after the Cayetano‑led group allegedly boycotted proceedings — a session where Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, identified with the opposing bloc, helped form the quorum.
Political observers and experts have suggested that a special session could be the formal setting to clarify rules, resolve the deadlock, and restore order in the upper chamber. Villanueva’s willingness to take part signals a readiness to move past the disagreements that have paralyzed parts of the Senate’s work, as lawmakers face growing pressure to end the uncertainty and resume their legislative duties for the Filipino people.
metrosundaily
