A joint session of the Congress of the Philippines is a gathering of members of the two chambers of the bicameral legislature of the government of the Philippines: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Background A joint session can be convened for the following: To declare the existence of a state of war Canvassing of votes after a presidential election Every State of the Nation Address Revocation or extension of the Proclamation of martial law, or Suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus
List of joint sessions State of the Nation Addresses
CongressDatePresidentFirst made before a joint session 1st (Commonwealth) June 9, 1945 Sergio Osmeña Most recent 20th July 27, 2026 Bongbong Marcos
Receiving foreign dignitaries
Special joint sessions can also be convened to facilitate visiting foreign leaders' addresses to Congress.
Congress Date Foreign dignitary NotesNameCountryTitle4thJune 15, 1960 Dwight Eisenhower United States President Eisenhower spoke about the two countries' cooperation and mutual opposition toward communism.12th October 18, 2003 George W. Bush United States President Bush underscored the military alliance of the United States and the Philippines as well as pledged to help the Philippines modernize its military.13th April 19, 2005 Pervez Musharraf Pakistan President Musharraf addressed the Moro people to disavow terrorism and abandon secessionism. He also pledged Pakistan's support for Philippines' bid for observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.April 27, 2005 Hu Jintao China President Hu announced a "golden age" in Sino-Philippine ties and assured China is a good neighbor. He also emphasized the growth of the economic ties between China and ASEAN. February 6, 2006 A. P. J. Abdul Kalam India President Kalam showcased the "Indo-Philippine Cooperation Roadmap" which proposed bolstering economic ties between India and the Philippines. He encouraged the Philippines to develop its solar power industry. 19th November 4, 2023 Fumio Kishida Japan Prime Minister Kishida pledged to further military cooperation between his country and the Philippines. He also touted cooperation between the two countries alongside the United States in guaranteeing "freedom in the South China Sea" (See Territorial disputes in the South China Sea).
See also List of joint sessions of legislatures of the Philippines
References