Philippines Senator Joel Villanueva pledges to attend special session, could break Senate deadlock

Senator Joel Villanueva said he will attend a special session of Congress if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. calls one. His participation could provide the 13th vote required to formally elect Senate President‑designate Sherwin Gatchalian, ending the weeks‑long leadership impasse between Gatchalian’s bloc and the Alan Cayetano faction.

Villanueva emphasized his constitutional duty and did not specify how he would vote. He indicated he would file a resolution to fund relief, rehabilitation and recovery in Mindanao’s earthquake‑hit areas and to push pending third‑reading measures and pending appointments, including those for senior armed‑forces officers. His statement has spurred speculation that he may switch allegiance to the Gatchalian‑led majority, potentially resolving the stalemate without court intervention.