MANILA, Philippines – A 17th Congress special session to pass other urgent bills is not likely, even if President Rodrigo Duterte calls for it, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said Tuesday.
“Based sa adjournment sine die, mukhang hindi,” Sotto said in an interview over dzMM when asked if it is possible for the President to call for a special session.
“It will be violative of the Constitution,” he added.
Sotto pointed out that the Constitution provides a specific time frame for the transition to a new Congress.
The 17th Congress adjourns on June 7 while the 18th Congress will open on July 22.
“May specific time frame from the next Congress to the next Congress ang Constitution. So hindi kami pwedeng mag-extend more than June 7. It’s a constitutional provision,” the Senate president said.
“Hindi pwedeng basta basta magpatawag ang Presidente ng special session during the adjournment sine die. It will be a very questionable issue,” Sotto pointed out. (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)