SENATE CONCLUDES FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE 20TH CONGRESS

The Senate concluded the First Regular Session of the 20thCongress through sine die adjournment, marking the end of its legislative calendar before reconvening for the next regular session in July.

Twelve senators were present in the session hall when the chamber adjourned sine die on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. They were Senators Vicente Sotto III, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Panfilo Lacson, Sherwin Gatchalian, Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, Erwin Tulfo, Raffy Tulfo, Lito Lapid, Joseph Victor Ejercito, and Francis Escudero.

Prior to adjournment, Gatchalian was elected as Senate President Pro Tempore and appointed as Acting Senate chief by the 12 lawmakers on the floor.

The sine die adjournment followed several days during which the Senate was unable to convene in plenary due to the absence of a quorum. 

Gatchalian explained that the Senate was compelled to convene on Wednesday to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements after the chamber failed to resume session for two consecutive days. 

He noted that the Senate was approaching the constitutional limit on adjournments of more than three days without the consent of the House of Representatives, making it necessary for the chamber to formally reconvene and proceed with its scheduled sine die adjournment.

Gatchalian likewise cited jurisprudence and Senate precedents supporting the existence of a quorum of 12 senators present during the session, noting that the number constituted a constitutional majority of senators over whom the Senate could obtain jurisdiction.

During the First Regular Session, the Senate deliberated on key measures relating to economic development, public services, governance reforms, national security, and social welfare. 

 Senators also carried out their oversight functions and conducted committee investigations on matters of public interest such as the flood control scandal. 

The Senate is scheduled to reconvene for the next regular session on July 27, 2026.