Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session
EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON AUGUST 1, 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. Rodel S. Cerezo- - - “ “
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. Carlito A. Baloy- - - - President, Liga ng mga Barangay
Absent:
Hon. Robine Rose C. Buenafe - - SK Federation President
(Sick Leave)
Call to Order
The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 3:40 in the afternoon.
Roll Call
With eleven (11) members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared.
Reading and Adoption of Minutes
Councilor Gina Perez requested for a two-minute recess for the reading of the minutes.
A recess was declared at 3:45 p.m.
Session resumed at 3:47 p.m.
With no questions nor objections the body adopted the minutes of its regular session held last July 11, 2007, on motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez.
Reading and Approval of the Day’s Agenda
Before the approval of the day’s agenda, Councilor Rodel Cerezo read the items on 1st and 2nd reading, to wit:
First Reading:
1. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-29 – A Resolution Approving The Concreting Of Road At Cristobal Street (Baltazar Street – Sta. Rita 0-230), Sta. Rita, Olongapo City, Worth One Million Two Hundred Sixty-Seven Thousand Three Hundred Twenty Three Pesos And Forty-Three Centavos (PhP,267,323.43). Sponsored by Councilor Elmo A. Aquino
2. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-30 – A Resolution Approving The Concreting Of Road And Construction Of Drainage System Of Magiting Street, Del Rosario Street-Dead End, Sta. Rita, Olongapo City, Worth Two Million Two Hundred Forty-Nine Thousand Five Hundred Forty-Eight Pesos And Nineteen Centavos (PhP2,249,548.19). Sponsored by Councilor Elmo A. Aquino
3. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-31 – A Resolution Approving The Asphalt Overlay Of Road At Camia Street, Sta. Rita (Filtration Street – Amapola Street), This City Worth One Million Seven Hundred Forty-Seven Thousand One Hundred Eleven Pesos And Eighty-Four Centavos (PhP1,747,111.84). Sponsored by Councilor Elmo A. Aquino
4. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-07 – An Ordinance Reverting The Amount Of Forty-Two Thousand Pesos (PhP42,000.00) From The Account Wages And ADCOM Under Personnel Services To The Item Ordinary Expenses Under MOOE Of The Office Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod. Sponsored by The Majority Party
5. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-32 – A Resolution Approving The Concreting Of Road And Construction Of Drainages System At Cristobal Street, (Sta. Rita Road-Cristobal Extension) Sta. Rita, Olongapo City, Worth Four Million Thirty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Seventy-Six Pesos And Ten Centavos (PhP4,038,376.10) As Additional Priority Project For CY 2007.
Sponsored by Councilor Elmo A. Aquino
6. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-33 – A Resolution Certifying Barangay New Cabalan Resolution No. 7, Series Of 2007 In Conformity With The Existing Law And Within The Sangguniang Barangay’s Prescribed Power. Sponsored by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan
7. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-34 – A Resolution Certifying Barangay New Cabalan Resolution No. 9, Series Of 2007 In Conformity With The Existing Law And Within The Sangguniang Barangay’s Prescribed Power. Sponsored by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan
8. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-35 - A Resolution Declaring Sangguniang Barangay New Cabalan Resolution No. 12, Series Of 2007 Invalid In Part And Returning The Same For Their Correction. Sponsored by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan
9. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-36 – A Resolution Certifying Barangay New Cabalan Resolution No. 13 And No. 15, Series Of 2007 In Conformity With The Existing Law And Within The Sangguniang Barangay’s Prescribed Power. Sponsored by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan
10. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-37 – A Resolution Commending The Unfaltering Spirit And Gallant Efforts Of Regidor “Reggie” Pablo, A Mountaineer From The City Of Olongapo And One Of The Filipinos Who Challenged And Reached The Peak Of Mt. Everest.
Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano
11. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-08 – An Ordinance Providing Educational Privileges To All Barangay Officials, Their Dependent Children, And The Sk Officials Of The City Of Olongapo To The City Operated Tertiary Schools/Colleges/Unversities. Sponsored by Councilors Marey Beth D. Marzan , Robine Rose C. Buenafe And Carlito A. Baloy
12. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-09 – An Ordinance Appropriating An Additional Amount Of Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP300,000.00) For The Olongapo City Skills Training Program. Sponsored by Councilors Marey Beth D. Marzan And Edwin J. Piano
Second Reading:
1. Draft Ordinance No 2007 – O-05 – An Ordinance Enacting The Olongapo City Investment Code Of 2007. Sponsored by Councilor Gina G. Perez
2. Draft Ordinance No 2007 – O-06 – An Ordinance Providing For The Olongapo City Reproductive Health Care Code Of 2007. Sponsored by Councilor Angelito W. Baloy
3. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-24 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay New Kababae, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2007. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano
4. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-25 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Old Cabalan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2007. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano
5. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-26 – A Resolution Approving The Request Of Barangay Pag-Asa To Operate A Mini Fair Within Their Jurisdiction Subject To The Prescribed Guidelines Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod. Sponsored by Councilor Angelito W. Baloy
6. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-27 – A Resolution Approving The Request Of Barangay Asinan To Operate A Mini Fair Within Their Jurisdiction Subject To The Prescribed Guidelines Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod. Sponsored by Councilor Angelito W. Baloy
7. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-10 - A Resolution Approving The Unified Land Information System Project Design Document And Endorsing To The Innovation Support Fund (ISF) For Final Approval The Said Project Design Document. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano
8. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-01 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Seven Million Pesos (PhP7,000,000,00) As The City’s Counterpart Fund For The Olongapo City Unified Land Information System Project. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano
Before the day’s agenda was moved for its approval, the Chair made some clarifications with some of the items included in the agenda. Councilor Aquino, the proponent of the resolutions, clarified that items 1, 2 and 3 were the same with item no. 5, which were to be considered as additional priority projects for 2007. He also said that there was no ordinance yet sponsored for the appropriation of the said projects.
Finally, on motion of Councilor Rodel Cerezo, the days’s agenda on first and second reading was approved.
Communications and Referrals of Business
Communications Read:
1. Letter from the City Mayor requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod to consider a resolution pertaining to the proposed concreting of road and construction of drainage system along Magiting Street, Del Rosario Dead End, Brgy. Sta. Rita amounting to PhP2,249,548.19, included in the additional priority projects of the City. (Referred to Committee on Public Works and Engineering)
2. Letter from the City Mayor requesting the body to consider a resolution to implement the proposed concreting of road and construction of drainage system along Cristobal Extension (Baltazar St., STA 0-230) Brgy. Sta. Rita amounting to PhP1,267,323.43, also in the additional list of priority projects. (Referred to the Committee on Public Works and Engineering)
3. Letter from the City Mayor requesting the body to consider a resolution approving the purchase of dredging machine to be used in desilting/dredging and maintenance of the Kalaklan river mouth. (Referred to the Committee on Public Works and Engineering)
4. Letter from the City Mayor requesting the body a resolution for the proposed asphalting overlay along Camia Street (Filtration Street, Amapola Street) Brgy. Sta. Rita amounting to PhP1,747,111.84, also included in the additional list of priority projects. (Referred to the Committee on Public Works & Engineering)
5. Letter from Councilor Gie Baloy to the City Mayor regarding the separate request of Brgys. Asinan and Pag-asa for the approval to operate a mini-fair on August 2007 through a resolution from the City Council. (For information and guidance)
6. Memorandum from Santiago L. Columbrites, Acting Barangay Captain, New Cabalan, Olongapo City addressed to Barangay Personnel regarding Insubordination of Barangay Personnel. (For information and guidance)
7. Notice of Hearing from Renato A. Peralta, Jr., Hearing Officer, Department of Transportation and Communications, National Telecommunications Commission, Quezon City regarding NTC Case No. 2005-039 of GV Broadcasting System, Inc., on July 31, 2007 at 10:30 in the morning. (Referred to Councilor Edwin J. Piano)
8. Letter from Domingo D. Lucenario, Jr., Acting Asst. Secretary, Office of Consular Affairs, Visa Division to Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes concerning the visa application of Ms. Nechal Deepkaur Bhopal, Indian national and daughter of Mr. Charan Jit. (For information and guidance)
9. Memorandum from the City Vice-Mayor to all City Councilors and all City Council Employee's regarding the energy conservation within the City Council due to the red – alert status of our power reserve (Zero Reserve Luzon Grid) as advised by TransCo notice July 23, 2007. (For information and guidance)
10. First endorsement from the City Mayor to the Sangguniang Panlungsod the copy of the Mutual Accreditation Agreement entered into by and between Prudentialife Healthcare, Inc. represented by its AVP-Medical Division Dr. Alvin T. Cabral and James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital represented by the City Mayor. (Referred to Councilor JC. delos Reyes)
11. First endorsement from the City Mayor to this body the copy of the letter from Ms. Aileen C. Sanchez, Chairperson, Olongapo City Government Employees' Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Inc. (OCGEMPCI), proposing to operate a Veranda Café' at the second floor of the City Hall Building. (Referred to the Committees on Livelihood, Cooperatives & Laws)
12. Copy of a Letter from Benjamin S. Escano, Coordinator, Samahang Pinagpalang Komunidad Sa Olongapo Inc., Pinagpala Area, Iram, New Cabalan, Olongapo City addressed to the City Mayor thru City Councilor Ellen Dabu, Chairwoman, Committee on Livelihood Project, submitting the legitimate list of members of Olongapo Mahal Ko Foundation under the administration of Honorable City Mayor James J. Gordon, Jr., (Referred to Councilor Ellen Dabu)
13. Copy of the Memorandum from Narciso L. Martinez, Jr., OIC and Assistant City Engineer, addressed to Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr., and copy furnished to Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino regarding Desilting Project Implemented By DPWH. (Referred to Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino and for information and guidance of everyone)
14. Resolution No. 18, Series of 2007 of Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City, entitled, “A Resolution Approving The Installation Of Water Pipeline At The Barangay Rescue Barracks And Minor Repair Of The Health Center Amounting To PhP9,950.00”. Referred to Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan)
15. Letter from Mssrs. Marcelino D. Andawi, City Treasurer and Dennis R. Martinez, City Accountant to the Board Of Directors, Subic Water & Sewerage Company, Inc., Attn. Edna G. Canlas, General Manager and/or Aurora M. Ramos, Finance Manager submitting the list of outstanding obligations (in-lieu share unpaid power accounts) of Subicwater as of May 31, 2007 inclusive of interests and penalties amounting to PhP1, 627, 148,248.91. (Referred to the Committees on Public Utilities and Ways & Means for study and proper disposition)
16. Letter from Jose M. Ramos, Head, Office of Traffic Management And Public Safety for Hon. Cynthia G. Cajudo, City Vice-Mayor, Information on:
a. Copy of Acknowledgement Receipt with attached City Ordinance No. 63, Series of 2001 addressed to Ms. Ofelia M. Garcia, Directress, Little Angel Study Center;
b. Copy of Recommendation Letter by OTMPS;
c. Copy of Turn-Over of Traffic Signboard;
d. Copy of Request Letter for Road Closure by Vicarial Pastoral Council, St. Joseph Vicariate.
(Copy to the Committees on Traffic and Transportation for their information & guidance)
17. Copy of a letter from Councilor Jong Cortez, City Councilor, Chair, Committee on Environment Protection, Lands, Housing and Zoning for Hon. Armand C. Arreza, Administrator, & CEO, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, asking from the appropriate SBMA department and the project's proponents for a comprehensive briefing on the proposed coal-fired power plant to be constructed at Redondo Peninsula. (For information and guidance)
18. Letter from Faustino D. Almeda, Lead Petitioner, of No. 19 Graham St., Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City addressed to Hon. City Vice-Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo regarding the request for Transfer of Pedestrian Lane at Ulo Ng Apo. (Referred to the Committees on Traffic and Engineering)
19. Letter from Susan Y. Duque, Branch Manager, and Imee Lacbain Alejo, Agency Manager, Caritas Health Shield, Inc., 3/F Katipunan Bldg., 95 E. Rodriguez Sr., Blvd., Quezon City, addressed to All Members of the City Council thru: Hon. City Vice-Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo, introducing Caritas Health Shield, Inc. Expanded Health Care Programs. (For information and Guidance)
20. Copy of Letter from Jose M. Ramos, Head of the Office of Traffic Management and Public Safety for the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr., regarding the plan of alleviating the traffic situation and bottle-neck problem in the vicinity of the Rizal Avenue - 9th Street - Olongapo Wesley School area. (Referred to Councilor Jong Cortez)
21. Copy of a letter from Councilor Jong Cortez, Chairman, Committee on Traffic Management addressed to Mr. Jose M. Ramos, Head, Office of Traffic Management & Public Safety asking the policy regarding the loading of passengers of J-01/J-11 Yellow jeepneys just beside Caltex Gas Station, Sta. Rita. (For information and guidance)
22. Letter from Atty. Carlo Pontico C. Fortuna, National President, Philippine Councilors League, Mandaue City addressed to the Honorable Members of the body thru the Office of the City Vice-Mayor furnishing a copy of the Local Legislative Toolkit, the first joint publication of the Department of the Interior & Local Government-Bureau of Local Government Supervision and the Philippine Councilors League. (Legislative tool kit available at Vice Mayor’s Office)
23. Letter from Leonila T. Baluyut, Provincial Caretaker, Department of Trade & Industry addressed to the City Vice-Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo submitting the work plan of the Olongapo City Local Price Coordinating Council (OCLPCC) for July 2007 to July 2008 as a result of the annual planning and assessment conducted on July 25, 2007. (Referred to the Committee on Markets & Slaughterhouse)
24. Letter from Councilor Jong Cortez, Chairman, Committee on Traffic Management for the Hon. City Mayor James "Bong" Gordon, Jr., seeking advise and support regarding a proposal to extend the route of the J-01/J-11 (yellow) and J-03 (red) jeepneys up to the perimeter of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone particularly up to the fenced area from Main Gate, Bldg. 608 (Pass & ID) up to COMTEQ school building only. (Referred to the Committee on Transportation and for information and guidance)
25. Copy of a Letter from Atty. Noel Yabut Atienza to Hon. James J. Gordon, Jr., City Mayor, attention to Mr. Ireneo Cornelio, Market Administrator, Olongapo City requesting to hold in abeyance any award to Ms. Milagros Balajadia. (Referred to the Committees on Laws and on Markets & Slaughterhouse)
26. Resolution No. 17, Series of 2007 of Barangay New Cabalan, entitled, “A Resolution Authorizing The Withdrawal Of PhP20,000.00 For The Uniform Of Barangay Officials Of Sangguniang Barangay New Cabalan”. (Referred to Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan)
27. Letter from Councilor Jong Cortez, Chairman, Committee on Traffic Management addressed to Mr. Jose Ramos, Head, Office of Traffic Management & Public Safety endorsing for study and recommendation a proposed truck ban during certain hours in the major thoroughfares of the City. (For information and guidance)
28. Invitation from the Sun Training Center (Seminars Unlimited Network) regarding Implementing Successful Solid Waste And Clear Water Programs in Cebu on August 21 - 24, 2007. (Referred to Committee on Environment and for information & guidance)
29. First Endorsement from the City Mayor to this body the following draft Ordinance/Resolutions entitled:
1. An Ordinance approving The Provision Of Financial Assistance To The Concerned Residents Of Upper Nieves St., Brgy. Mabayuan Amounting To Php30, 000 As Full Payment For The Right-Of-Way To The Lot Owner, SPS Romeo & Adelaida Porneso.
(Referred to Committees on Laws and on Appropriations)
2. A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) With Lot Owner, SPS Romeo & Adelaida Porneso Citing That The Latter Will Be Willing To Accept The Offer Of The City To Deduct Said Amount From The Real Property Taxes That The Lot Owner Have To Pay To The City Government.
(Referred to the Committees on Laws and on Appropriations)
30. Resolution No. 19, Series of 2007, New Cabalan, Olongapo City, entitled, “A Resolution Informing The Department Of Health - Center Of Health Development III The Approval And Willingness Of The Sangguniang Barangay For The Establishment Of A Botika ng Barangay (BnB) At Bautista Compound Purok 6, New Cabalan, Olongapo City.” (Referred to the Committees on Laws and on Health)
31. Resolution No. 16, Series of 2007, New Cabalan, Olongapo City, entitled, A Resolution Requesting For An Inspection, Further Study And Possible Release From Reservation Certain Parcel Of Land Located At Purok 3 New Cabalan, Olongapo City. (Referred to the Committee on Lands)
32. Memorandum from Brgy. Kagawad Santiago L. Columbrites to Alejandro S. Ubungen, Barangay Chairman, Brgy. New Cabalan, Olongapo City on the Proper Turn-Over of Barangay Patrol Van SGE751 and Ambulance SBH 644. (For information and guidance)
33. Copy of a letter from the City Vice-Mayor addressed to Mr. Dante Ramos of ESMO, inviting him and his staff to present the solid waste collection program using the proposed containerized method on Monday, 9:00 a.m. at the Session Hall. (Invitation to all to attend the briefing of ESMO)
34. Letter from G. Wilfredo B. Lazarito, GHODA President, for Hon. JC delos Reyes, Chairman on Transportation, regarding Suspension of the use of the new units in J-O5 – GHODTSCI – COOPERATIVE. (Referred to the Committees on Transportation and on Traffic)
35. Invitation for the symposium entitled: “FOCUS: SCRUNITY ON HUMAN RESOURCE ADVANCEMENT FOR BETTER GOVERNANCE” on August 21, 2007 at the Olongapo City Convention Center designed for all local elective officials and the human resource management officers of Zambales and Olongapo City. There is a fee of PhP800.00 per participant to cover the payments of meals, material and other related expenses. This letter is coming from the Director of the Civil Service, Jesusa Censon – de Leon. (To all local elective officials and resource management)
36. Memorandum regarding Accreditation of People’s Organization. (For information and guidance)
The Chair announced the need to create an AdHoc Committee that will review applications for the accreditation of People’s Organizations. According to her, the Sangguniang Panlungsod was mandated to accredit People’s Organizations where the city gets members to be appointed as representatives to the local special bodies.
Committee Reports
Councilor Marzan rendered her report regarding the review of barangay resolutions that were submitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod. It was observed that the Barangay Resolution of New Cabalan, Approving and Adopting the Malacañang Executive Order No. 611, regarding Compensation Adjustment to Government Personnel were found to be not in conformity with the prescribed power, duties and function of Sangguniang Barangay and therefore invalid and must be returned for their correction. She added that if the intention of the said barangay resolution was to implement the compensation adjustment in their barangay, she recommended that the Sangguniang Barangay approve an ordinance for the appropriation of the said purpose. According to the Councilor, though EO 611 allows the said increase in compensation, the implementation should still depend and adhere to their approved barangay budget, the availability of funds and the basic services mandated to be delivered by the barangay
Another resolution from the same barangay was also submitted; “A Resolution Approving The Reimbursement Of The Expenses Of The Barangay ALS During The National Summit At Baguio City Amounting to PhP35,000.00” was found to be in conformity with the prescribed power of the Sangguniang Barangay, and was therefore recommended to be included under first reading.
The last resolutions reviewed were also from Brgy. New Cabalan, “A Resolution Approving The Approval Of PhP73,600.00 For The Fumigation And Clean – Up Drive Project of New Cabalan” and “A Resolution Approving The Withdrawal Of PhP40,000.00 For The Purchased Of Medicines”. The Councilor explained that the said measures were mandated in the Local Government Code and were found to be in conformity with the prescribed powers of the Sangguniang Barangay, and subject to the guidelines like: the disbursement should be properly appropriated and within the barangay budget; there is available cash for the purpose; and it is subject to usual government audit and accounting rules and regulations. Councilor Marzan recommended it to be filed for first reading.
Councilor Perez reported on the status of the Olongapo City Investment Code. In line with this, a public hearing was conducted on July 31 at the Session Hall. She explained that with the proposed ordinance, this can attract investors and can eventually generate business and employment. It was attended by various sectors: representatives of the Budget Office, City Planning, Business Permit, ESMO, Engineering, DTI, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Olongapo Business Club, Barretto Beach Boulevard Association, DILG, City Treasurer, City Administrator and City Councilors Gie Baloy, Ellen Dabu, Edwin Piano and Vice Mayor Cajudo.
She explained further that the discussion focused on the powers, duties and functions of the investment center that will be created. With the help of the Finance Team of the city, formulation of the implementing rules and regulations and fiscal incentives can be accomplished after the approval of the draft ordinance.
Councilor Perez also reported the inspection of various establishments like Brew’s Bistro, Willie’s Bar, Jax Comedy Bar, Brad’s Bistro, Sam’s Pizza, Arby’s Lugawan, Guinumis and Rico’s Restaurant. Findings and recommendation for possible accreditation of their establishments is forthcoming. Next, she reported that a scheduled meeting with the management of Victory Liner, who is a prospective transportation partner for city tours, was arranged to discuss possible discounts that can be availed. Next report was about the Olongapo Business Club’s regular meeting held at Kenny Roger’s Restaurant where upcoming summer events and other matters were discussed. Finally, the Councilor mentioned the invitation to watch the Cascades Concert and that tickets were available at the Tourism Office.
In her capacity as Chairman Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse, Councilor Ellen Dabu informed the body that she conducted an inspection of the City Slaughterhouse, prompted by the experience of some piggeries in the provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga which suffered diseases called Hog Cholera. Being guided by the provisions of the city ordinance, she explained the functions of the City Veterinarian by citing some sections of the ordinances on the regulations in the maintenance and inspection of the animals intended to be slaughtered. Upon instruction, the City Veterinarian, Dr. Arnold Lopez was expected to submit his report and recommendations to the City Mayor and to the Sanggunian.
Councilor Rodel Cerezo apprised the body regarding the continuation of the organization of the Barangay Defense System under Executive Order No. 546. The councilor said that Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac took their oath of office on July 20; Barangays Banicain, Kababae, West Tapinac and Ilalim on July 22, Brgy. Mabayuan on July 27, Brgy. Old Cabalan on July 28 and Brgy. Kalalake on August 5, 2007
Councilor Cerezo also informed the body that a simultaneous earthquake drill was conducted on July 27 in all the schools in the city.
The Councilor also mentioned that there were four (4) families affected by fire in Brgy. Sta. Rita. These were the families of Sixto Mallari, Raniel Rivera, Pacifico Bautista and Bella Duran. The barangay council of Sta. Rita have extended some financial assistance to the fire victims. Then, Councilor Cerezo took the opportunity and proudly announced that the City of Olongapo once again won the Region-Wide Search for Excellent Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance in Region III for CY 2007, Barangay Sta. Rita won the Best Barangay Coordinating Council in Region III for CY 2007. Awards were received at Camp Olivas, San Fernando City. This was in recognition of the outstanding performance of Local Disaster Coordinating Council for city and barangay levels.
As a continuation of her report earlier in the session, Councilor Marzan revived the proposed ordinance on providing educational privileges to all barangay officials which was tabled during the previous session. This time, it was requested to be lifted and be included once again in agenda for first reading. The many suggestions given by other members were considered, included were the appropriation of PhP500,000.00 from the original PhP1.5 million to give way to all the other projects of the city. Also, only 65 slots will be opened for the purpose which will be distributed as follows: 30 slots for barangay officials including SK Chairmen, 30 slots for SK officials excluding the SK Chairmen and 5 slots for dependents. The basis for prioritization will be on the result of the standard examination to be administered by the city college. Those who will get a failing mark shall have their privilege revoked. However, this will not prevent them to re-apply. These were the amendments considered in the ordinance.
For another matter, Councilor Marzan reported the recommendations made by Division II of the Council’s Quasi-Judicial function, regarding the barangay case referred to their division. Speaking in behalf of her colleagues, Councilor Baloy and Lipumano, referring to the case of Irma Garcia versus Brgy. Capt. Grospe, Councilor Marzan said that they cannot proceed with the investigation as they were barred by law, under Section 62, paragraph c of the Local Government Code which expressly states that “no investigation shall be held within ninety days immediately prior to any local election. RA 9430 prescribed that the barangay and SK elections shall be on the last Monday of October which will fall specifically on Oct. 29, 2007. The investigation started on July 29, 2007, thus, according to the Councilor, the Investigation Committee recommended that the case be tabled and shall be re-opened if the local election will not push through. However, in case the barangay elections pushes through, the case shall automatically be dismissed. Councilor Marzan suggested that copies of the recommendation be provided to both the complainant and the respondent.
Councilor Aquino informed the body that he already obtained a photo copy of Republic Act No. 8794, An Act Imposing a Motor Vehicle Users Tax, charged to the owners of all types of motor vehicles on all purpose. He reminded the body that there was a pending resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement for and in behalf of the City with the DPWH, represented by Marcelina Ocampo, Asst. Regional Director for maintenance and operation. According to him, this involved a funding of PhP500,000.00 for 2005; PhP1,500,000 for 2006 and also for 2007. The resolution was already pending for two weeks since it was tabled. The Councilor recommended that the body finalize the discussion on this matter. He also said that he has to produce several photocopies of this Act for them to review.
The Chair queried if the Councilor can provide a list of important points for power presentation or if he needs to call for a separate committee hearing. Councilor Aquino answered, he will just provide them photocopies of the Republic Act for the body to review and understand what the users tax was all about. This is to have the resolution passed in the next session so the city would benefit to whatever can be acquired from the said funding.
The Chair advised him to make the proper motion to lift the matter from being tabled at the proper time.
Councilor Piano informed the body that the public assistance tracking system, the volunteer system and the transport system were already installed in the city servers and that SubicTel provided the internet connection for free starting that day up to December 2007. The Councilor said that what SubicTel was hoping was that this would be included in the city’s budget by next year for them to earn something in return. Councilor Piano invited everybody including the Private Secretaries and Confidential Aides for a training on how to operate the public assistance tracking system, scheduled for Friday, 1:00-5:00 p.m. He added that this will also give him the opportunity to present the community based monitoring system, tax revenue assessment and collection system as well as the sanggunian information system.
Councilor Cortez gave the body a feedback on the request for a briefing regarding the Coal-Fired Power Plant project. He informed everybody that SBMA Administrator and CEO Armand Arreza relayed to Mr. Miguel Abboitiz of Abboitiz Power Corporation, one of the proponents of the project, the need to have a joint presentation with the SBMA Ecology Department before the City Council. According to the Councilor, its only a matter of arranging their respective schedules before they could set the date for their presentation.
Calendar of Business
Second Reading:
1. Councilor Perez encouraged her colleagues to read and study further the copy of the draft ordinance that was provided them and to submit whatever comments, suggestions and other concerns before August 7. On motion of Councilor Perez, Draft Ordinance No 2007 – O-05 – “An Ordinance Enacting The Olongapo City Investment Code Of 2007,” was deferred pending the reply of the Finance Team for their recommendations on the Fiscal Incentives of the Investment Code.
2. Councilor Gie Baloy presented Draft Ordinance No 2007 – O-06 – “An Ordinance Providing For The Olongapo City Reproductive Health Care Code Of 2007” and opened it for discussion. But, before they proceeded, the Chair recognized the presence of representatives from the City Health Office, headed by Dr. Arnildo Tamayo together with the following: Dr. Socorro Francisco, Dr. Jose Bismark Abad, Dr. Justine Daduya, Dr. Celso Bulanhagui, Dr. Figuerres, Dr. Leslie Ann Alcaosin, Dr. Cynthia Mendoza, Dr. Lloyd Bryan Tubban together with Mr. Diesebel Dado of UNFFA.
For the opening question, Councilor JC delos Reyes was concerned on how safe contraceptive devises were, what contraceptive pills bring, and its side effects.
In response, Dr. Tamayo, the City Health Officer explained that contraceptives prevent pregnancy. As for its safety and usage, it was approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use by reproductive women, and according to Dr. Tamayo, there were no recorded side effects.
Councilor JC delos Reyes asked if the doctor was familiar with the condition parotitis which to his understanding is an effect of sterilization. Dr. Tamayo answered that parotitis is the enlargement of the parotid glands and countered that is not an effect of sterilization.
About the involvement of the World Health Organization in the population issue, he asked Dr. Tamayo if he was aware that WHO is an organ of the United Nations (UN) which has an office called U.N. Fund for Population Activities, and was the proponent of the many programs to limit the population. Then, the Councilor gave his opinion on whether there was population explosion problem in the Philippines. According to him, the populated areas were concentrated on urban areas only since there was a mass land area untapped in the country.
Councilor delos Reyes cited two whereas clauses in the proposed Reproductive Health Code. The first states that “the unmet family planning needs due to shortage of supplies may contribute and the surge in the city’s Population in the future,” and the fourth whereas clause states that “the Annual Population growth rate of the city is 1.68% and growing steadily every year”. Thus, there was a need to curb the population growth rate for better population management.” Councilor delos Reyes asked Dr. Tamayo if the rate of 1.68% can be considered high. According to Dr. Tamayo, the rate was considered low as compared to the National Statistics which has reached to about 2.3%. He also believed that there was an existing population problem in the city, with the continues influx of people coming in the city for employment. Companies like Hanjin are attracting people, which he said will also help in the economy of the city. With all these information from Dr. Tamayo, Councilor JC ended his inquires.
As for Councilor Lipumano, she expressed that she is in favor of this Reproductive Health Care Ordinance, because she believed that this will be beneficial for the city. According to the Councilor aside from the aspect of family planning the RH code also considers the growth rate of infants, problems on nutrition and the diseases which affected mostly the poor. What she was interested to know from Dr. Tamayo was what programs in the RH Code will provide free services once this ordinance is passed and adopted. According to Dr. Tamayo, under the RH Code, there were programs that includes maternal and child health care, family planning information, services of prevention for abortion, VAWC, adolescence, reproductive health, STD, HIV, AIDS, the prevention and treatment of infertility and sexual dysfunction and male involvement in reproductive health as well as new born baby screening.
Councilor Perez focused her attention on Section III which was the objectives of the Reproductive Health Code, particularly, letter j and Section 4, which defines reproductive health and sexuality education as the process of acquiring complete, accurate and relevant information in all matters relating to reproductive system, its functions, processes in human sexuality and forming attitude and belief about sex, sexual identity, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy and gender rules. It also includes developing the necessary skills to be able to distinguish between facts and myth on sex and sexuality and critically evaluate and discuss the moral, religious, social and cultural dimension of related sensitive issues such as contraception and abortion.
The Councilor inquired on how the program will be implemented, giving consideration on the knowledge to be learned versus the innocent minds of the children. Dra. Francisco answered the question of Councilor Perez by making some clarifications that the programs mentioned will not be focusing on children but instead, with adolescence. She explained that there will be certain modules of the Department of Health to be followed which is adaptive to their age group.
In addition, Councilor Perez asked Dra. Francisco if the module mentioned a particular age level. She expressed her apprehension that, in the course of the implementation of the program, instead of imparting the correct information, the children may be taught of the sexual activities and cause them to engage early in those kind of activities. Citing past incidence where information drive was disseminated to elementary students, the Councilor said that the program should be looked into seriously by parents especially the way it would be presented so that appropriate revisions can be done. She requested Dra. Francisco if it was possible to provide them a copy of the module. Dra. Francisco said she will try to request it from the DepEd, but will certainly consider the concerns of Councilor Perez.
On a personal viewpoint, Councilor Dabu commented on Section VI of the draft ordinance regarding the four (4) pillars of the population and family planning where, according to her, couples can choose between natural or artificial method, referring to the use of contraceptives that Dr. Tamayo mentioned. Councilor Dabu said that she started using contraceptive pills at the age of 34 to present. She has not encountered any adverse effects on her health so far.
For another inquiry, Councilor Cerezo asked Dr. Tamayo if the barangays were informed about their participation on the funding of the Code. According to Dr. Tamayo, that was what was agreed upon. In response to Councilor Cerezo’s question on the funding of barangays, Councilor Gie Baloy informed everyone that the RH Code was already considered part of the upgrading of Barangay Health Center and only upon approval of the said ordinance, can they disseminate the information to all barangay captains.
Councilor delos Reyes raised a follow-up question directed to Dr. Tamayo. He asked when the process of conception starts. Dr. Tamayo explained that once fertilization takes place, the presence of zygote, life starts. Councilor delos Reyes again asked if taking contraceptive pills will not have an effect on it. Dr. Tamayo answered that clients were not advised to take contraceptive pills without having a negative pregnancy test result.
On the matter of male, undergoing vasectomy, Councilor JC asked Dr. Tamayo the statistics of those who can financially afford to undergo vasectomy. According to Dr. Tamayo in his 15 years of medical practice, he has done 8-10 vasectomies and 8 of these were private patients. The Councilor asked if Dr. Tamayo himself would be willing to undergo the same. The doctor affirmed, if God permits. He cited a certain Dr. Cruz as an example who was already vasectomized. Councilor delos Reyes said he will not dare undergo such thing.
Councilor Perez raised her observation on why discussions on family planning were always centered on women. Dr. Tamayo reacted and clarified that under the elements of RH, there were already programs where male involvement was included. Councilor Perez also raised her concern on the composition and functions of the City Health Board which is under Section 9 of the implementing rules and regulation and requested the proponent of the ordinance to provide a copy of the IRR in order to be reviewed by its members. Dr. Tamayo explained that the City Health Board is comprised of 5 persons, where the Mayor is the Chairman, Vice Chairman is the City Health Officer, a representative from the NGO and from the DOH.
Councilor Marzan requested for a copy of the programs under Section 7 of the RH.
Still, as part of the deliberation, Councilor delos Reyes read his position paper on the matter:
I respectfully register my apprehension to the proposed Reproductive Health Code for reasons I will thoroughly explain. The code per se is not generally harmful or wrong as it expressly promotes the health and general well-being of our constituents. My apprehension is found in the proposition or policy statement on which this ordinance will find its mandate... Fourth Whereas clause (a)…”that there is a need to curb the population growth rate for better population management.”…(e) “Unmet family planning needs due to shortage of supplies may contribute to the looming surge in the City’s population in the near future.”
Although laudable is its aim to promote health, prevent abortion, STDs, eliminate violence against women, etc. the core of the draft and its aim is principally and ultimately to control population using means which might go against the advocacies it tries to pursue. This in my opinion is an initiative at the local level to set the stage in support of the passage of House Bills called the “Population Management Bills.”
This draft ordinance can be connected to the proposed Contraceptive Self Reliance Ordinance, a proposed law which I opposed and was shelved. It seeks to fund contraceptives using public money to defray the grants and other assistance in the form of condoms and pills from the United States through the USAID which they no longer provide. According to the Philippine Information Agency Press release 8/09/05, the USAID contributes 80% of the country’s total contraceptive requirements.
Population control seems to be wrong solution to the wrong problem. The root social problem of our nation is not over-population but massive, enslaving poverty. Philippine poverty cannot be the result of a growing population, but rather the outcome of corruption in both the national and local governments and business sector. Both government and business conspire to put half of the national wealth and income in the hands of less than 1% of the population. We are poor not because we are many, but because only a few wittingly or unwillingly deprive our kababayans of opportunities to prosper.
On the other hand, we are many precisely because we are poor. Their children became their treasure and hope.
Contrary to what many say, our country is not over-populated. Rather, the national problem has always been the concentration of wealth and opportunity in major urban centers, such as Manila, Baguio, Angeles, Davao, Cebu, Olongapo? This condition gives rise to congestion, lack of resources and crime.
The nations of China, India and Japan have had much larger populations than our present 80 plus million, yet they seem to be successful in enabling their people to live at acceptable qualities of life. The population densities of Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Hong Kong are exponentially higher than our own population density, yet their governments have managed to provide equitable and productive work. Singapore because of a disordered population policy over the past decade which resulted to zero growth now give incentives to their citizens to make babies and invite immigrants. Conclusively, government money to support population control policies is a big waste.
We should pursue programs on countryside development, social transmigration, domestic resource development rather than impose population control, which contradicts the cultural and religious beliefs of Filipinos—both Christians and Muslims alike.
These proposed population control policies such as this ordinance are ensured by their proponents to comply with funding requirements imposed by International Funding Agencies such as the UNFPA. U.S. National Security Study Memorandum No. 200, written by Dr. Henry Kissinger in 1975 (and declassified in 1993), declared as state and military policy the engineering of aggressive population control in thirteen countries, including the Philippines, in order to control food and energy sources for the huge requirements of the United States of America.
This is why a Commission on Population was created under the Office of the President to organize an extensive network of Full-Time Outreach Workers and Barangay Service Point Officers, numbering over 60,000 throughout the Philippines. POPCOM’s mission was to promote and expand the acceptance of fertility reduction through aggressive marketing, even of methods invented and produced by the United States and other Western Countries some of which are proven to be harmful. Labeled as “contraceptives” such methods induce abortion, such as the birth control pill, the intra-uterine device and the chemical injectables and implants. It likewise financially subsidized wholesale sterilization of Filipinos, offering “incentives” for tubal ligation on women and surgical vasectomy on men.
My father, the late Economist Sonny de los Reyes was the Chief Executive Officer of this Population Commission. He was removed from office and his office was padlocked then for statements he uttered against some of the Commission’s socially reprehensible policies.
It is an historical fact that the government’s population control program has sterilized more Filipinos than the 6 million that was sterilized by Hitler, 6 million Jews. This is anti-poor as these vasectomies are aimed to limit the population of poor families. I don’t think the gentlemen of this august body nor the other rich and influential will allow ‘that’ to be surgically touched.
It is a fact that the United Nations Fund for Population Activities works closely with the largest worldwide network of advocates of legalized abortion, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). IPPF’s first President in the Philippines is Juan Flavier, Former President Ramos Secretary of Health and Senator.
The clear and present danger is that the population control bills, by their advocacy of “reproductive health” and “reproductive rights” will slowly introduce an official language and ethic that accept abortion as a legitimate human right just like in the United States and Europe and probably in almost all countries in the world. The language and ethic were made official in the United Nations through the 1994 World Population Conference in Cairo against which Jaime Cardinal Sin, led over 2 million Catholics and Muslims in an historical protest rally on August 14, 1994.
Finally, the proposed appropriations for spending to limit population embodied in this reproductive health code and proposed bills in Congress are totally unnecessary, uneconomical and questionable. The Philippines’ annual population growth rate is not 2.36%, but between 1.61% (United Nations, 2003) and 1.99% (Philippine National Statistics Office, 2004). The total fertility rate, or the average number of children per woman of reproductive age in her lifetime, is now 3.22; within 10 years, this rate will, on its own momentum, decrease to 2.15 (United Nations Population Division, March 12, 2005). By then, the Philippine population will begin to decline as fewer births replace the number of deaths annually.
Our country has already reached the point of “demographic transition” when the rate of growth reverses to a gradual decline. Furthermore, a study of the Population Council in New York as early as 1982 concludes that the greatest factor influencing fertility decline is not a government-managed population control program. Between 35% and 45% of fertility decline is attributable to modernization, or the attainment of higher levels of human welfare and quality of life. Approximately 25 to 35% of fertility decline is induced by the simple factor of delaying the age at marriage, and 15 to 25% by the simple recourse of breast-feeding. None of these factors intrude into the health of people or violate the sacredness of life. Only between 2% and 5% of fertility decline is attributable to “managed” population control.
Besides its flaw of not significantly contributing to the alleviation of poverty, artificial birth control is highly expensive: their financial costs are recurrent and expanding; their might be chemical side effects, such as physical illness and emotional depression, and they are injurious to the health of women; and their moral consequences are damaging— particularly what they call “safe sex.” In fact, there is a case in the United States where due to a vasectomy after which a wife still got pregnant, the husband sued the doctor for medical malpractice, whose defense was that the child is from another man – where another legal case arose -- adultery.
The significant failure rates of abortifacients also induce their users to ultimately resort to what we all agree to be an abomination --- abortion. Please note that all countries which officially legislated the use of abortifacients eventually legalized abortion.
I hope to be of help in putting the issue in perspective. As a public servant, I am in office to deliberate and argue what I perceive to be the best policy direction for our constituents based on my conscience. This is what I was voted for. I respect though the conscientious viewpoints of the proponent and all who think and will vote otherwise. I pray that we choose the best course of action for the betterment of our city and our country.
After the statement of Councilor delos Reyes, Councilor Gie Baloy was recognized by the Chair as he reiterated his motion for the approval of Draft Ordinance No. 2007-0-06 – An Ordinance providing for Olongapo City Reproductive Health Care Code of 2007.
The body then proceeded for the votation of the said ordinance. With ten (10) members in favor and one (1) opposed, the chair declared the ordinance as approved by majority vote.
3. On motion of Councilor Piano, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-24 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay New Kababae, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2007,” was approved unanimously on second and final reading.
4. With the another motion from Councilor Edwin Piano, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-25 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Old Cabalan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2007, was unanimously approved on second and final reading.
5. Councilor Gie Baloy, made a motion for the approval of Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-26 – “A Resolution Approving The Request Of Barangay Pag-Asa To Operate A Mini Fair Within Their Jurisdiction Subject To The Prescribed Guidelines Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod.” Prior to the votation a question was raised by Councilor Lipumano regarding the date of the proposed operation of the said mini-fair which was from August 1 – September 21. She explained that there was a prohibition in the conduct of fund-raising activities, a 60-day ban before and after a national election, as provided for under the Local Government Code. Councilor Baloy informed her that barangays were already advised to operate the mini fair only until August 29 which they have agreed into.
Councilor Perez made a query as to when the said mini-fair will commence and asked for its location. Councilor Gie Baloy said that the resolutions shall take effect upon its approval and its location will be along Gordon Avenue beside Pag-asa market and Asinan Elementary School.
An observation was made by Councilor delos Reyes that there was no need for the Sangguniang Panlungsod to approve the request of Barangay Pag-asa to put-up a mini-fair and for the Business Permit to require them a resolution to operate because it was explicitly provided for under Section 17 of the Local Government Code giving the barangay powers to exercise self reliance. He expounded that it is the right of the barangay to generate their own resources even without following any guidelines considering that what they were doing was legal. If there would be any irregularity like gambling, the city can just enforce the law against illegal gambling or just arrest violators.
Councilor Marzan explained that there was an existing ordinance stating the police powers of the city government and providing guidelines to the operation of mini-fair. The said ordinance requires the barangay to secure the approval of the City Council not for the fund raising activities but for the act of operating a mini-fair per se.
Councilor delos Reyes expressed his opinion that an ordinary citizen or businessman can be given a permit or can operate without guidelines because everything was presumed regular and legal. There were existing laws to curb any irregularities and apprehend violators.
Councilor Marzan recommended to Councilor delos Reyes being the Chairman on the Committee on Laws, to make the amendments of the said ordinance at the proper time if he finds it necessary.
The Presiding Officer also queried if the use of the road was mentioned in the ordinance. Councilor Gie Baloy replied that only part of the road will be used so in effect, the street would remain open. The Chair recommended that approval of the use of street be made since it is a public place and also to serve as guide for traffic flow. Councilor Marzan then suggested that the street use and the mini-fair allowed date of operation be included in the provision of the resolution.
Councilor Marzan also mentioned that the proximity of the school will not affect the classes because school ends at 5:00 p.m. while the mini-fair operation will start at 6:00 p.m. onwards.
After the thorough discussion on the matter, Draft Resolution No. 2007-R-26 was approved unanimously on second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Gie Baloy.
7. On motion of Councilor Gie Baloy, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-27 – “A Resolution Approving The Request Of Barangay Asinan To Operate A Mini Fair Within Their Jurisdiction Subject To The Prescribed Guidelines Of The Sangguniang Panlungsod”, was approved unanimously on second and final reading.
8. Councilor Piano made a motion for discussion of Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-10- “A Resolution Approving The Unified Land Information System Project Design Document And Endorsing To The Innovation Support Fund (ISF) For Final Approval The Said Project Design Document”.
The Presiding Officer queried if there was an indorsement from the City Mayor, for which, Councilor Piano said that the endorsement is by way of a resolution from the Steering Committee which is chaired by the City Mayor.
Councilor Piano discussed to the body that the Unified Land Information System is a pioneer project, a PhP10 Million grant given only to the City of Olongapo out of the many other highly urbanized cities which requested for it. The other cities were only granted PhP7 Million, still others were given PhP1 Million grant. The ULIS will create an easy access to the records from the DENR and Registry of Deeds. Councilor Piano added that a digital copying machine was donated to the Registry of Deeds and to the DENR for the scanning of their documents and was uploaded in the city’s server.
The Presiding Officer requested the Councilor to discuss in particular, the project design.
First, Councilor Piano said that a time is important for its implementation, and the participation of the different agencies such as the Registry of Deeds, the DENR, the City Assessor’s Office, the City Treasurer’s Office and the City Planning and Development Office. The end result would be a faster government transaction especially on matters of land, and will lessen and hopefully resolve problems of inconsistencies in land documentation which often happens among government agencies. Like in the case of the Assessor’s Office which is the one dealing with land titling, it would be much easier for them to identify the owner and the size of parcel of land through the design of this system.
Councilor Lipumano queried if the project will undergo bidding once approved. According to Councilor Piano, it will be the steering committee who shall evaluate following the terms of references and subject to the approval of the City Council. Citing some positive developments in the Tax Revenue Assessment and Collection System, the evaluation made by the Steering committee, found that the tax revenue assessment and collection system, developed under the DILG-AusAID, was sufficient enough. This has saved the city income intended to be paid to the “vendor” who was supposed to develop the said system.
Councilor Marzan inquired what departments will be affected by the computerization of the system. According to Councilor Piano, the project has four components. The first is the GIS component and the lead office is the City Planning which has already developed the parcels of land using the autocad. Second component is the RPTA component, which shall be under the City Assessor’s Office. Third is the Business Permit and Licensing, under the Business Permit Office. The fourth is the Tax Collection, under the City Treasurer’s Office. The Steering Committee is composed of the City Mayor as the Chairman, the City Administrator Mr. Ferdie Magrata and the Department Heads. Councilor Piano represents the City Council.
Councilor Marzan requested for the soft copies of the project. The Presiding Officer inquired the manner on how the PhP10 Million will be spent. Councilor Piano said he is going to provide everyone additional copies including how the PhP7 million counterpart fund will be spent and the initial PhP750,000,00 grant from AusAID. He added that those departments that will benefit from this project will include the City Planning Office, Assessor’s Office, Business Permit, Treasurer’s Office, Mayor’s Office and the Sanggunian. And, for as long as the terms of reference is continuously being developed, additional departments will be included. In the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the Information System, Public Assistance Tracking System are being developed and will be connected to ULIS. The computerization of the Local Civil Registry was also considered. He also said that this could lead to the solution to the problem on mass land titling.
The Chair said that with the signing of the MOA she is hopeful that everyone connected with this project will honor the agreement particularly on the part of Councilor Cortez who is also expecting that the CENRO and PENRO will be equally committed in giving support to this project. Councilor Piano assured the body that the Registry of Deeds, CENRO, PENRO and DENR already did their part by providing copies of the land titles that were requested even without a resolution passed.
After a thorough deliberation on the matter, on motion of Councilor Piano, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-10 - “A Resolution Approving The Unified Land Information System Project Design Document And Endorsing To The Innovation Support Fund (ISF) For Final Approval The Said Project Design Document” was unanimously approved on second and final reading.
9. Councilor Piano opened for discussion Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-01 – “An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Seven Million Pesos (PhP7,000,000,00) As The City’s Counterpart Fund For The Olongapo City Unified Land Information System Project” and made Councilor Marzan as co-sponsor. He informed everyone that the Certificate of Availability of Funds from the lot sales will form as integral part of this ordinance. Fourteen Million Pesos (PhP14,000,000.00) was provided in the ordinance as the city’s commitment; PhP7 million for 2007; and another PhP7 million for 2008; This will come from Lot Sales obtained from mass land titling, which was able to raise PhP8 million.
Finally, on motion of Councilor Piano Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-01 – “An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Seven Million Pesos (PhP7,000,000,00) As The City’s Counterpart Fund For The Olongapo City Unified Land Information System Project” was approved unanimously on second and final reading.
Other Matters
A. On motion of Councilor Pinao, Draft Resoltution No. 2007 – R-37 – “A Resolution Commending The Unfaltering Spirit And Gallant Efforts Of Regidor “Reggie” Pablo, A Mountaineer From The City Of Olongapo And One of The Filipinos Who Challenged And Reached The Peak Of Mt. Everest”, was considered as an urgent matter and was approved unanimously on its second and final reading.
B. Members of the ADHOC Committee were formed, composed of Councilors Rodel Cerezo, Edwin Piano and Gie Baloy as recommended by Councilor Marzan. They will review the application for accreditation of government organizations, NGOs, and People’s Organizations.
Councilor Gie Baloy reminded his colleagues about their site visits every weekends.
Before the adjournment, Councilor Aquino requested to lift from being tabled Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R – 11. He added that he is expecting to receive the photocopies of the list of projects from the City Engineer by Friday.
Adjournment
There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 6:14 in the evening.
I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE
CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:
ELFLIDA S. SALMON
Council Secretary
ATTEST:
CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO
City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer
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