Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON NOVEMBER 21, 2007 AT THE CITY HALL

Present:

Hon. Cynthia G. Cajudo- - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer

Hon. Gina G. Perez - - - City Councilor

Hon. John Carlos G. Delos Reyes- - “ “

Hon. Marey Beth D. Marzan - - - “ “

Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano–Garcia - - “ “

Hon. Edwin J. Piano - - - - “ “

Hon. Angelito W. Baloy - - - “ “

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.- - “ “

Hon. Anselmo A. Aquino- - - “ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu- - - - “ “

Hon. Robine Rose C. Buenafe - SK Federation President

Absent:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo- - - - City Councilor

(On Official Business)

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy- - - - President, Liga ng mga Barangay

(On Official Business)

Call to Order

The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 10:18 in the morning.

Roll Call

With ten (10) Members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez, the body approved the Minutes of the Regular Session dated September 26, 2007. However, Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino mentioned that he was absent that time. He is declining to be part of its approval and was affirmed by the Presiding Officer.

Reading and Approval of the Day’s Agenda

Before the approval of the day’s agenda, Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan, read the items on 1st and 2nd reading, to wit:

First Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-101 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Subic Water For An Offsetting Of Monthly Water And Power Bills Between Subicwater And The Olongapo City Government. Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes. (Referred to the Committee on Public Utilities)

2. Draft Resolution No. 2007 - R-102 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Aboitiz Energy Solutions, Inc. For A Power Factor Adjustment Savings And Profits Sharing Partnership. Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes. (Referred to the Committee on Public Utilities)

3. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-103 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With The International Finance Corporation For Advisory Services For The Public Utilities Department. Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G, Delos Reyes. (Referred to the Committee on Public Utilities)

4. Draft Resolution No, 2007 – R-104 – A Resolution Conveying Sincerest Gratitude To IBM, Philippines’ “Big Blue”, Represented By Mr. Renzo Belardo, IBM, Philippines Territory Business Development Manager, For Their Donation Of Kidsmart Computers And Educational Software To The Olongapo City Elementary School. Sponsored by Councilor Sarah Lugerna L. Garcia. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

5. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-107– A Resolution Interposing No Objection On The Applications Of Globe Telecom To Construct And Install Aerial Cables, Poles And Guy Support And Telephone Cabinets In Barangays Gordon Heights, West Bajac-Bajac, East Bajac-Bajac, Barretto, Pag-Asa And Other Areas Within The Territorial Jurisdiction Of Olongapo City. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committees on Public Utilities and Laws)

Second Reading:

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-22 – An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 81, Series Of 2002 And Providing For The Olongapo City 2007 Revenue Code. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

2. Draft Ordinance No.2007 – O-37 - An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of One Million Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Pesos (PhP1,375,000.00) To The Item I.T. Equipment And Software Under The Capital Outlay Of The Office Of The City Mayor To Be Taken From Reversion From Trust Fund Account – Time Deposit Interest For Various Deposits. Sponsored by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan

3. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-88 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor To Enter Into Contract Of Memorandum With Gloria F. Rivero For The Lease Of Space At Gordon College. Sponsored y Councilors Marey Beth D. Marzan and Angelito W. Baloy

4. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-89 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor To Enter Into Contract Of Memorandum With Beatriz Arinsol For The Lease Of Space At Gordon College.

Sponsored by Councilors Marey Beth D. Marzan and Angelito W. Baloy

5. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O–44 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP7,500.00) To The Item Rewards And Other Claims Under Maintenance And Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) Of The Office Of The City Mayor. Sponsored by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan

6. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R–91 – A Resolution Authorizing The Honorable City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) Between The City Health Office And AMA Computer College, Inc.-Olongapo Campus Represented By Its School Director Mr. Raul T. Del Rosario To Affiliate With The City’s Barangay Health Centers As Training Venues For The School’s Nursing Aide, Caregiver And Practical Nursing Students In Conformity To Their Course Requirements. Sponsored by Councilors Angelito W. Baloy and John Carlos G. Delos Reyes

7. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O–45 - An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Ninety Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Two Pesos And Twenty Four Centavos (PhP99,852.24) To Be Taken From The Unappropriated Balance Of The General Fund Made Available To The Personal Services Of The Office Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod. Sponsored by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan

8. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-46 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP250,000.00) To The Items Under The Maintenance And Other Operating Expenses Of The Office Of The City Prosecution Office To Be Taken From Reversion Of Fund From Savings In The Items Under Personal Services. Sponsored by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan

9. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R–93 - A Resolution Accrediting The Olongapo City Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. For The Purpose Of Membership In Local Special Bodies In Olongapo City Pursuant To The Provisions Of Republic Act No. 7160 Otherwise Known As The Local Government Code Of 1991. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

10. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R -94 – A Resolution Accrediting The Bagumbayan-Olongapo City, Inc. For The Purpose Of Membership In Local Special Bodies In Olongapo City Pursuant To The Provisions Of Republic Act No. 7160 Otherwise Known As The Local Government Code Of 1991. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

11. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-47 – An Ordinance Amending Certain Provisions Of Ordinance No. 97, Series Of 1999, Entitled “An Ordinance Amending Certain Provisions Of Ordinance No. 22, Series Of 1990, Entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing Traffic Law Enforcement Officers To Tow And Impound Motor Vehicles And/Or Remove Traffic Obstruction In Any Public Street Or Thoroughfare Within Olongapo City And For Other Purposes.”” Sponsored by Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

Councilor Cortez, moved to include on the First Reading, Draft Ordinance “An Ordinance Temporarily Closing Ramos Street, West Bajac-Bajac On November 25, 2007”.

Councilor Piano, moved to arrange the Draft Number on the First Reading, Item No. 5, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-107 which should be Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-105.

Councilor Lipumano manifested that the title of one measure on First Reading to wit: Draft Resolution No, 2007 – R-104 – “A Resolution Conveying Sincerest Gratitude To IBM, Philippines’ “Big Blue”, Represented By Mr. Renzo Belardo, IBM, Philippines Territory Business Development Manager, For Their Donation Of Kidsmart Computers And Educational Software To The Olongapo City Elementary School” to include the names of Ms. Andrea Escalona, Country Marketing Manager and Ms. Teresita Medado, Managing Director, APCTCI.

Hearing no other observations, on motion of Councilor Marzan, the body approved the Day’s Agenda as amended.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. First Endorsement from the City Mayor addressed to the Sangguniang Panlungsod the copy of the draft Memorandum of Understanding between Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation, Inc., represented by its Regional Director for Central Luzon, Mr. Jon Ramos and the City Government of Olongapo represented by the City Mayor. (Referred to the Committees on Laws and Social Welfare)

2. Copy of a memorandum from Col. Jose A. Aquino, Jr., Head, Office of Traffic Management and Public Safety for the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr., regarding the after operation report against erring Public Utility Vehicle Drivers last November 10 -12, 2007 that resulted to the apprehension of 16 public utility vehicle drivers and 2 private motorists/drivers. (Referred to the Committees on Traffic and Transportation)

3. Message of Thanks from the family of the late Benjamin B. Hayag. (For information and guidance)

4. Memorandum from the Hon. City Mayor addressed to All City Government Employees regarding the First Friday Mass for Calendar Year 2008 and the City Council will lead the Friday Mass on March 7, 2008. (For the information of everyone)

5. Memorandum from Councilor Gina Gulanes-Perez, Chairman, Task Force Tourism for the Hon. City Mayor James Bong Gordon, Jr., regarding the Invitation to all Government Officials and Employees for the Grand Welcome Salvo and Awarding of Gold Record Award of BONGGO album and requesting the presence and participation to welcome the delegates of the 20th Philippine Advertising Congress and Opening of the Mardi Gras Remixed II on November 22, 2007 at 5:15 a.m. in front of the Olongapo City Mall. This will be covered live by Ms. Winnie Cordero of “Umagang Kay Ganda”, Mario Dumawal of the TV Patrol and Lhar Santiago of GMA News. With this, she is encouraging everybody to be in their best attire and be in the festive mode as we grandiosely welcome the delegates and celebrate our own Mardi Gras. (For information and guidance of everyone)

6. Memorandum from Ferdie M. Magrata, City Administrator, addressed to All Department Heads and Chiefs of Offices regarding Volunteers Day Activities to be held on November 24, 2007, Saturday to honor and venerate the thousands of volunteers who sacrificed and preserved the former base to make the Subic Bay Freeport Zone a reality. The momentous occasion will start with a parade at 7:00 o’clock in the morning from Magsaysay Drive (in front of the Olongapo City Mall) to the Volunteers Shrine at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone and to be followed by a Memorial Program to be led by City Mayor James Gordon and SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza. (For information of everyone and staff)

7. Letter for the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Olongapo issued by Most Rev. Deogracias Iniguez, D.D. Bishop, Diocese of Kaloocan and Antonio Tujan, Jr. Director, IBON International both of the Philippine Transparency and Accountability Council (PTAC). According to the letter, PTAC is an Independent People’s Council and they are inviting this Body, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Olongapo, to a Conference on Ethical Governance on November 23, 2007, from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM at the Penthouse, UP Law Center, Quezon City. Most Rev. Luis Antonio Tagle, Bishop of the Diocese of Imus will be the keynote speaker and workshop will follow in the afternoon.

This is a gathering of non – partisan and independent minded individuals acting as a point of initiative to create public focus on the issue of corruption. It also aims to promote the people’s call for genuine democratic governance as the long lasting solution to this problem. The conference aims to gather individuals, sectors, organizations and groups to come up with systemic and endemic solution to the problem of graft and corruption which continuously reaches an alarming proportion. It is a big challenge to us Filipinos to take a decisive and sustained action it said. The conference is a step towards working for the moral upliftment of our nation and the participation of everyone will be greatly appreciated. (Referred to Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes)

8. Letter from Deanne F. Empestan addressed to the Vice Mayor asking assistance.

9. First Endorsements from the City Mayor: addendum for the MOA entered into by and between Fortune Care represented by its EVP and General Manager Mrs. Dorothea J. Sibal and James L. Gordon Hospital represented by the City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and recommendation of Col. Jose A. Aquino. Jr., OTMPS Head, regarding the request of Mart One for temporary closure of Ramos Street, West Bajac – Bajac, this city, for their Mini Concert & Street Show on November 25, 2007. (Referred to the Committee on Laws)

10. Copy of the memo from Engr. Luisito M. Lopez, PUD General Manager for the City Mayor regarding Position Paper on Offsetting Scheme With Subic Water, Inc. (Referred to the Committee on Public Utilities)

11. Schedule of the Trade Exhibit Opening Rites on November 21.

Committee Reports

Councilor Perez informed the body about the invitation extended by the City Mayor Bong Gordon to attend the opening of the 20th Philippine Advertising Congress. The Mayor would be assisting in the ribbon cutting together with Mr. Gokongwei. The event will start at 5:00 pm. The following day, a parade will be featured as a Grand Welcome Salvo for the delegates of the Ad Congress. The whole event will be aired at Channel 2.

Councilor Dabu also informed everyone about the opening and inauguration of the Pag-asa Market Food Court held yesterday and announced the big change in its set-up.

Calendar of Business

Second Reading:

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-22 – “An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 81, Series Of 2002 And Providing For The Olongapo City 2007 Revenue Code”, was deferred on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

2. Draft Ordinance No.2007 – O-37 - “An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of One Million Three Hundred Seventy-Five Thousand Pesos (PhP1,375,000.00) To The Item I.T. Equipment And Software Under The Capital Outlay Of The Office Of The City Mayor To Be Taken From Reversion From Trust Fund Account – Time Deposit Interest For Various Deposits”, was tabled on motion of Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan.

3. On motion of Councilor Marzan, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-88 – “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor To Enter Into Contract Of Memorandum With Gloria F. Rivero For The Lease Of Space At Gordon College”, was tabled by the body.

4. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-89 – “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor To Enter Into Contract Of Memorandum With Beatriz Arinsol For The Lease Of Space At Gordon College”, was tabled on motion of Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan.

5. On motion of Councilor Marzan Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O–44 – “An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP7,500.00) To The Item Rewards And Other Claims Under Maintenance And Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) Of The Office Of The City Mayor”, was tabled by the body.

6. Councilor Gie Baloy moved for the approval of Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R–91 – “A Resolution Authorizing The Honorable City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) Between The City Health Office And AMA Computer College, Inc.-Olongapo Campus Represented By Its School Director Mr. Raul T. Del Rosario To Affiliate With The City’s Barangay Health Centers As Training Venues For The School’s Nursing Aide, Caregiver And Practical Nursing Students In Conformity To Their Course Requirements”.

To answer some queries from Councilor Cortez, the Councilor informed the body that the students will be paying the City PhP60.00 per student and they will be receiving certifications aside from the accreditation. They will be assisted by their own instructors aside from the health workers. Their training will last for one year and will be serving under OJT.

With no other observations, the above-mentioned Draft Resolution was approved unanimously.

7. On motion of Councilor Marzan, Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O–45 – “An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Ninety Nine Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Two Pesos And Twenty Four Centavos (PhP99,852.24) To Be Taken From The Unappropriated Balance Of The General Fund Made Available To The Personal Services Of The Office Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod”, was deferred by the body pending a certificate of availability of funds.

8. Councilor Marzan moved to approve Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-46 – “An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP250,000.00) To The Items Under The Maintenance And Other Operating Expenses Of The Office Of The City Prosecution To Be Taken From Reversion Of Fund From Savings In The Items Under Personal Services”. Savings were noted, since the funds had been budgeted for the two plantilla positions, which were still unfilled. This request then is not considered as an appropriation from the unappropriated balance, but merely a reversion from their savings. For this, a certificate of availability of funds is no longer needed but only the pertinent letter request as integral part.

Since these positions are not yet filled-up, Councilor Aquino suggested that the said positions be scrapped instead. The proponent agreed and stated that all concerns will be taken to consideration in the next budget hearing this coming December. After the discussion, the said Draft Ordinance was approved unanimously.

9. On motion of Councilor Piano, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R–93 – “A Resolution Accrediting The Olongapo City Government Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. For The Purpose Of Membership In Local Special Bodies In Olongapo City Pursuant To The Provisions Of Republic Act No. 7160 Otherwise Known As The Local Government Code Of 1991”, was deferred by the body.

10. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R -94 – “A Resolution Accrediting The Bagumbayan-Olongapo City, Inc. For The Purpose Of Membership In Local Special Bodies In Olongapo City Pursuant To The Provisions Of Republic Act No. 7160 Otherwise Known As The Local Government Code Of 1991”, was deferred by the body on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano

11. On motion of Councilor Cortez, Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-47 – “An Ordinance Amending Certain Provisions Of Ordinance No. 97, Series Of 1999, Entitled “An Ordinance Amending Certain Provisions Of Ordinance No. 22, Series Of 1990, Entitled “An Ordinance Authorizing Traffic Law Enforcement Officers To Tow And Impound Motor Vehicles And/ Or Remove Traffic Obstruction In Any Public Street Or Thoroughfare Within Olongapo City And For Other Purposes””, was deferred by the body.

Other Matters

A. The following items were considered by the body as urgent matters and were approved unanimously on second and final readings:

1. “An Ordinance Temporarily Closing Ramos Street, West Bajac-Bajac On November 25, 2007”. Sponsored by Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2007-R-102 - “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Aboitiz Energy Solutions, Inc. For A Power Factor Adjustment Savings And Profit Sharing Partnership.” Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes.

3. Councilor delos Reyes moved to approve, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-103 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With The International Finance Corporation For Advisory Services For The Public Utilities Department. At the request of Councilor Lipumano, the proponent explained that this agreement is all about the plan to rehabilitate the system within the PUD with the possibility of getting into a private partnership. But, it needs to make the department more attractive to prospective investors. With a little research done, he learned about the expertise that the International Finance Corporation provides to entities that are experiencing business reverses. According to Councilor delos Reyes IFC was established in 1956 and known to be the largest multilateral source of loan and equity financing for private sector projects in developing world and is a subsidiary of the World Bank. This can guarantee transparency in dealing with them and ensure that the partnership with the city will be acceptable to the people.

4. Draft Resolution No. 2007-R-104 - “A Resolution Conveying Sincerest Gratitude To IBM, Philippines’ “Big Blue”, Represented By Ms. Andrea Escalona, Country Marketing Manager, Mr. Renzo Belardo, IBM, Philippines Territory Business Development Manager And Ms. Teresita Medado, Managing Director, APCTCI For Their Donation Of Kidsmart Computers And Educational Software To The Olongapo City Elementary School.” Sponsored Unanimously

5. “A Resolution Welcoming The Delegates Of The 20th Philippine Advertising Congress”. Sponsored Unanimously

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 11:51 in the morning.

I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE

CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:

ELFLIDA S. SALMON

Council Secretary

ATTEST:

CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO

City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer