Joint session of the Congress of the Philippines

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

Receiving foreign dignitaries
Special joint sessions can also be convened to facilitate visiting foreign leaders' addresses to Congress.