Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON JANUARY 3, 2008 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. Anselmo A. Aquino- - “ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu- - “ “

Absent:

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.- - - City Councilor

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 5:00 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With nine (9) members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor Gina Perez, the minutes of the regular session dated October 30, 2007 was unanimously adopted by the body.

Reading and Approval of the Day’s Agenda

Before the approval of the day’s agenda, Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes read the items on 1st and 2nd reading, to wit:

First Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-001 – A Resolution Congratulating Vicente Tolentino, Rufino Lucas And Norman Lucero For Winning 2007 Ten Outstanding SBMA Police Officers Of The Year Awards. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

2. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-002 – A Resolution Conveying Deepest Sympathy To The Bereaved Family Of Ms. Precy “Babot” Macaraeg Gregorio. Sponsored by Majority Party. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

Second Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-109 – A Resolution Approving The List Of City Priority Infrastructure Projects For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino

2. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-105– 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

3. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-114 – A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Agreement Between The James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) And Fortune Care Medicare, Inc. Represented By Ms. Dorothea J. Sibal, EVP And General Manager. Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes

4. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-50 – An Ordinance Amending Sec. 3 Of Ordinance 32, Series Of 2004, Otherwise Known As (An Ordinance Repealing All Ordinances Related To The Operation Of For – Hire Public Utility Jeepneys In The Olongapo City And Establishing The Norms For Operations Of Such Applicable To The Present Time). Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes

5. Draft Resolution N0. 2007 – R-116 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Department Of Environment And Natural Resources For The Co-Management Of 2.0 Hectares Situated In Brgy. Old Cabalan. Sponsored by Councilors Marey Beth Marzan and Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

Councilor Marzan amended the sponsorship on item no. 5 under Second Reading, where co-sponsorship with Councilor Gina G. Perez is to be added.

As an addition to the agenda, Councilor Gie Baloy moved for the inclusion of a draft ordinance under the First Reading, entitled “An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 101 And Ordinance No. 106. Both Series Of 1978 For The Establishment, Operation And Maintenance Of Cockfighting And The Regulation Of Cockfighting And Commercial Breeding Of Gamecocks”, Sponsored by Councilors Edwin J. Piano, Angelito W. Baloy and Gina G. Perez.

With no other observations, on motion of Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes, the Body approved the day’s agenda as amended.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Memorandum from Josefina E. Castilla-Go, Regional Director of the Department of the Interior and Local Government addressed to the following: PD Lourdes B. Pandico, DILG-Bulacan, PD Abraham A. Pascua, DILG-Nueva Ecija, PD Romeo B. Buluag, DILG-Tarlac City and CD Eliseo P. de Guzman, DILG-Olongapo City. This was for the attention of the Special Project Coordinators regarding the validation and submission of LGU map and copy of SP Resolution on roads conversion to provincial/city roads. As stated in the memorandum, Olongapo Road Length in kilometers as of CY 2006 is 137, 130 and for CY 2007, it increased to 148,247, thus a difference of 11, 117.

The DILG Regional Director is requesting to validate the same by requesting copies of road maps and SP resolution regarding the conversion/reclassification to be used as basis for the CY 2008 SLRF Allocation to be submitted not later than January 9, 2008. (Referred to the Committee on Engineering and Public Works)

2. Memorandum from Arch. Tony-Kar Balde III, City Planning & Development Coordinator addressed to the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. regarding the updated Annual Investment Program for 2008 which includes the updated City Priority Projects of the City Mayor that was submitted to the City Council for approval on 21st November 2007. (Referred to the Committee on Engineering and Public Works)

3. Memorandum from Dennis R. Martinez, City Accountant to all Department Heads and all others concerned, regarding the Closing Of 2007 “Books Of Account’s” and

“Liquidation Of Cash Advances” on 04 January 2008, which is the cut-off date pursuant to Sec. 477, volume II of the Government Accounting and Auditing Manual. All departments are advised to immediately act on their pending 2007 transactions/accounts so that it will be included/recorded with the said closing of the books. Otherwise, said transactions/accounts shall be charged to their respective 2008 budget proposals.

Notice was likewise given to all personnel with outstanding cash advances to liquidate immediately their obligations and avoid possible inconvenience such as withholding of salaries and/or filing of legal actions. It was further advised that all personnel with pending cash advances shall not be granted additional advances unless the previous ones are fully liquidated. (For information and guidance)

4. Memorandum from Brgy. Captain of New Asinan Conrado C. Viray, Jr., to Ruth F. Rivera, on her appointment as Brgy. Secretary; and also to Melody B. Piga on her appointment as Brgy. Treasurer. (For information and guidance)

5. Accomplishment report of the Olongapo Skills Training Center submitted by Councilor Piano, addressed to the City Mayor. (For information and guidance)

6. Memorandum to the City Mayor from Brgy. Asinan regarding the Priority Project for this year 2008, submitted by Brgy. Captain Conrado C. Viray, Jr. (For information and guidance)

7. Copy of the letter of Councilor Edwin J. Piano as Director of the Olongapo Skills Training Center, Gordon College, addressed to the City Mayor regarding TESDA’s new program “Going Mobile Ako,” and identified the conversion of an old van from the City Council as mobile training van. Thus, requesting custody of the Mitsubishi Van with Plate Number SCZ – 988 for repair and mobile training, and its conversion for this program.

Committee Reports

N o n e

Calendar of Business

Second Reading

1. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-109 – “A Resolution Approving The List Of City Priority Infrastructure Projects For The Calendar Year 2008”, was unanimously approved by the body on its second and final reading, on motion Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino.

Prior to the motion for approval, Councilor Aquino explained that the draft was previously deferred awaiting a copy of the Annual Investment Plan. He already received the updated 2008 Annual Investment Plan transmitted by Arch. Tony Kar Balde III, the City Planning and Development Coordinator, thus he moved to pass the resolution with addition making the total number of projects to 101 and the amount of PhP241,630,663.78.

2. On motion of Councilor Piano, Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-105– “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”, was deferred by the body.

3. Draft Resolution No. 2007 – R-114 – “A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Agreement Between The James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) And Fortune Care Medicare, Inc. Represented By Ms. Dorothea J. Sibal, EVP And General Manager With Additional Stipulations”, was approved unanimously by the body on its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes.

Prior to the motion for approval, Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes moved to amend the title to include the phrase “with additional stipulations” after the last word of title, to read as: “A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Agreement Between The James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) And Fortune Care Medicare, Inc. Represented By Ms. Dorothea J. Sibal, EVP And General Manager, With Additional Stipulations”.

The Presiding Officer declared a recess

Recess: 5:25 P.M.

Session Resumed: 5:30 P.M.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia asked the proponent if the other party has knowledge of the additions to the agreement and that they will be charged with additional 2% with the resolution, and if they agreed. Councilor delos Reyes answered that Fortune Care was informed that the “additional stipulations” are the changes made in the MOA. Fortune Care agreed. In fact, according to Councilor delos Reyes, Ms. Dianne of Fortune Care told him to just do it so that the Fortune Care cardholders could already avail of the benefits from the company should the said affiliation agreement be implemented. Councilor delos Reyes also gave an affirmation to the query of Councilor Lipumano-Garcia that the main office agreed as well. The proponent further explained that if in case they won’t agree, the company could just contest the MOA anytime since the city is merely accommodating them in the hospital.

The Presiding Officer asked if the Mayor is amendable to signing the contract. Councilor delos Reyes replied that the addendum were proposed by the City Legal Officer.

The Presiding officer said that hopefully, when the Members sign the document or approve the ratification, the contract will also be signed by the Mayor.

4. Councilor delos Reyes first moved to amend the title of Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-50. From the title, in the phrase “The Olongapo City”, the Councilor would like to remove the word “The” before Olongapo City. It shall read as: “An Ordinance Amending Sec. 3 Of Ordinance 32, Series Of 2001, Otherwise Known As (An Ordinance Repealing All Ordinances Related To The Operation Of For – Hire Public Utility Jeepneys In Olongapo City And Establishing The Norms For Operations Of Such Applicable To The Present Time)”

For a background, Councilor delos Reyes informed the body that there are changes necessary in the routes of jeepneys from Olongapo to Subic. According to him, due to the economic activities in Cawag, it is necessary to allot a number of jeepneys to ply the routes going to Cawag then back to Olongapo. This will be the Olongapo-Subic Shipyard route. Another route is the Olongapo-Hanjin route via Castillejos. So, J-08 which has 160 units will be divided, with 68 units being maintained for the Olongapo-Subic route then 92 units will be allotted for the Olongapo-Subic Shipyard. For the J-09, there are 230 units where 159 will be maintained for Olongapo-Castillejos, and 71 for Olongapo-Hanjin via Castillejos.

The Presiding Officer asked how much will be the fare for the Olongapo-Subic Shipyard route. Councilor delos Reyes said he thinks it’s still the same, PhP7.50. The Presiding Officer asked if it’s the minimum for the first four kilometers.

Councilor Marey Beth Marzan posed three questions to the proponent. First, she asked if it is allowed in the franchise for the jeepneys to be changing routes, an example is the Olongapo-Subic then the other in Olongapo-Subic Shipyard route. Second, she asked what body numbers will ply the Olongapo-Subic route and the Olongapo-Subic Shipyard route, if there will be a cut-off since there are no additional body numbers added. Third, is the validity of the territorial jurisdiction of the proposed measure since the changes will be outside the city’s boundary.

Councilor delos Reyes informed the body that the proposed ordinance is a pre-requisite of LTFRB, so that the cooperative will be given approval to the new route. Though the city regulates the operations of the association of transportation cooperatives, the city needs to support them as well so that they can have the LTFRB approval.

To the query of the Presiding Officer if there will be a change of franchise. Councilor delos Reyes said he thinks there will be a change in the routes of operation but he doesn’t know if there will be a change of franchise.

To the second query of Councilor Marzan, Councilor delos Reyes said that the body numbers will be regulated as to what numbers will ply the routes. This, he said, will be supervised by the Transport Committee, but it will be an internal matter for the association to allot among themselves.

Councilor Edwin Piano asked if a new terminal will be required or the existing terminal will be utilized for the new route. Councilor delos Reyes replied that the existing terminals will be utilized since under Section 5, the allotted units for J-08 and J-09 are specified, and the number is fixed at 160 and 230 units, respectively. According to the Councilor, the only change is in the routes.

Councilor Elmo Aquino suggested that since the body is making a legislation outside of their territorial jurisdiction, he said he thinks there’s a need to coordinate the matter with the Council of Subic territory.

Councilor delos Reyes replied that the proposed routes needs the approval of the LTFRB, but said that Councilor Aquino gave a good suggestion. He will try to write and inform the Municipality of Subic.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia also commented that coordination with Subic and Castillejos should be done to avoid conflicts with the drivers/operators from Subic.

Councilor Aquino motioned for a recess.

Recess: 5:40 P.M.

Session Resumed: 5:45 P.M.

On motion of Councilor John Carlos delos Reyes, Draft Ordinance No. 2007-O-50 was deferred by the body for further discussion.

5. On motion of Councilor Marzan, Draft Resolution N0. 2007 – R-116 – “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Department Of Environment And Natural Resources For The Co-Management Of 2.0 Hectares Situated In Brgy. Old Cabalan”, was deferred by the body.

Other Matters

A. On motion of Councilor Piano, “Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-002 – A Resolution Expressing Profound Lamentations To The Bereaved Family Of Ms. Precy “Babot” Macaraeg Gregorio.”, was considered as an urgent matter and was approved unanimously on its second and final reading by unanimous sponsorship.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:47 in the afternoon.

I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE

CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:

ELFLIDA S. SALMON

Council Secretary

ATTEST:

CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO

City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer