Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON JANUARY 9, 2008 AT THE CITY HALL

Present:

Hon. Gina G. Perez - - - City Councilor &

Temporary Presiding Officer

Hon. John Carlos G. Delos Reyes- City Councilor

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

(Sick Leave)

Call to Order

Councilor Edwin Piano moved for the appointment of Councilor Gina G. Perez as the Temporary Presiding Officer in lieu of City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo who is on sick leave.

The Temporary Presiding Officer Councilor Gina G. Perez called the session to order at 4:38 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

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

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes, the minutes of the regular session dated November 7, 2007 was unanimously adopted by the body.

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:

*Arrived during the reading of the Day’s Agenda

First Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-003 – A Resolution Confirming The Appointment Of Ms. Marey Beth D. Marzan As City Government Department Head II, SG-26 Under The City Planning And Development Office (CPDO). Sponsored by Majority Party

2. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-004 – A Resolution Congratulating Emmanuel Jonson, Carlo Laborce, Albert Layug, Rosalie Montemayor And Emily Pagal For Winning In The 2007 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers Of The Year Awards. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

3. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-02 – An Ordinance Extending The 20% Discount On The Advance Payment Of Real Property Taxes Due For The Year 2008 As Provided Under Section 2b.12 Of The City Ordinance No. 22, Series Of 2007 Otherwise Known As “ An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 81 Series Of 2002 And Providing For The “ Olongapo City 2007 Revenue Code”. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committee on Business)

4. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-03 – An Ordinance Providing For The Computerization Of All Ordinances And Significant Resolutions Enacted And Adopted Respectively By The Previous Sangguniang Panlungsod And The Present Sangguniang Panlungsod In Line With The Computer Modernization Program Of The City Of Olongapo. Sponsored by Councilors Rodel S. Cerezo and Edwin J. Piano

5. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-005 – A Resolution Conveying Deepest Sympathy To The Bereaved Family Of Former Barangay Captain Of Barangay Sta.Rita, Mr. Delfin Caseja. Sponsored by Majority Party

Second Reading:

1. 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

2. Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-50 – 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). Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes

3. Draft Resolution No. 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 D. Marzan and Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

4. 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

6. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-01 – An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 101 And Ordinance No. 106, Both Series Of 1978 Providing For The Establishment, Operation And Maintenance Of Cockfighting And The Regulation Of Cockfighting And Commercial Breeding Of Gamecocks. Sponsored by Councilor Angelito W. Baloy

Councilor Piano moved to correct on first reading, item 3, Draft Ordinance No 2008 – O-02 – “An Ordinance Extending The 20% Discount On The Advance Payment Of Real Property Taxes Due For The Year 2008 As Provided Under Section 2b.12 Of The City Ordinance No. 22, Series Of 2007 Otherwise Known As “ An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 81 Series Of 2002 And Providing For The “Olongapo City 2007 Revenue Code”. “Ordinance No. 22”, was changed to “Ordinance No. 64, Series of 2007”.

Councilor delos Reyes made his observation on item no. 1 on First Reading, Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-003 – “A Resolution Confirming The Appointment Of Ms. Marey Beth D. Marzan As City Government Department Head II, SG 26 Under The City Planning And Development Office (CPDO)”. He found it irregular and inappropriate to include in the agenda the confirmation of her appointment if she has not yet tendered her resignation as City Councilor. He wanted first to determine if there is already a resignation or an appointment before making the confirmation. It was at this point where the presence of Councilor Bebeth Marzan was requested to shed light on the matter. Councilor Cerezo as Chair of the Committee on Internal Rules moved for the suspension of the rules to give way for the discussion of the matter.

As Councilor Marzan arrived at the Session Hall and was given the opportunity to clarify the issue, she formally conveyed to the body her verbal irrevocable resignation as City Councilor. She thanked everyone and bid them farewell. The Chair accepted the resignation and recognized her being a former Sanggunian Kabataan Federation President for six years.

Councilor Cerezo moved to adopt the rules and to resume with the approval of the day’s agenda.

Regarding Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-01 – “An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 101 And Ordinance No. 106 Both Series Of 1978 Providing For The Establishment, Operation And Maintenance Of Cockfighting And The Regulation Of Cockfighting And Commercial Breeding Of Gamecocks” Councilor Gie Baloy manifested that Councilors Edwin J. Piano and Councilor Gina G. Perez shall be his co-sponsors.

Finally, on motion of Councilor Rodel Cerezo, the days’s agenda was approved as amended.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Letter from Councilor Edwin J. Piano, Chairman, Telecom and IT Board addressed to the City Mayor inviting the Department Heads or representatives of City Legal, City Engineering, City Planning Offices and PUD to attend a meeting which will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2008, 2:00 P.M. at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall. This is in connection with Globe Telecom’s application to construct Telephone Cabinets and install Aerial Cables, Poles and guys Support in Olongapo City. (For information of everybody)

2. First Endorsement from the City Mayor James Gordon Jr. to the Sangguniang Panlungsod the copy of the letter of Mr. Marcelino D. Andawi, City Treasurer, recommending extension of the 20% Discount until February 15, 2008 for those who would advance full payment of Real Property Taxes for Calendar Year 2008. (Referred to the Committees on Business and Ways and Means)

3. First Endorsement from the City Mayor regarding the proposed appointment of Ms. Marey Beth D. Marzan as City Government Department Head II (CPDO) SG-26. (Referred to the Committees on Personnel and Rules, and for information of everybody)

4. Memorandum from Marcelino D. Andawi, City Treasurer for Hon. City Mayor James Gordon Jr. regarding the Recommendation for the Extension of the 20% Discount On Advance Payment of Real Property Taxes. (Referred to the Committees on Business and Ways and Means)

5. Memorandum from Ireneo N. Cornelio, Asst. Market Superintendent, OIC, Olongapo City Public Market regarding Statement of Income for the Month of December, actually this is a Comparative Statement of Income Years 2006 and 2007:

Olongapo City Public Market decreased of PhP23, 374.20;

City Abbatoir decreased of PhP66, 326.00;

James L. Gordon Avenue Market & Mall decreased of PhP10, 495.00.

(Referred to the Committee on Markets)

6. Panunumpa sa Katungkulan ni Kagawad Carlito A. Baloy, bilang Presidente ng Liga Ng Mga Barangay, Lungsod ng Olongapo. (For information and referred to the Committee as a Whole)

7. Acceptance on the Decision dated 10 December 2007, including its terms and conditions from Salalima Gonzales Castelo & Ungos, Counsel for the Applicant by Manuel P. Casiño on the NTC Case Nos. 2007-119 (SBMA Case Nos. 2004-001 and 2004-002) on the application of Innove Communications, Inc. (Referred to the Committee on IT and Telecom)

8. Memorandum from Dante P. Ramos, Head, ESMO to All Department/Division Heads, All Government Offices, Non-Government Organizations regarding the Full Implementation of CR3 as per strict instruction of Mayor James Gordon, Jr., at the ESMO Office, 3rd Floor, Olongapo City Hall on January 9, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

Committee Reports

Councilor Dabu as Chair of the Committee on Markets, reported the result of the meeting she attended with the Stallholders Association. The issues raised in the meeting concerned the duplication of items being sold inside the public market and the proliferation of street vendors. They talked about the policies recommended for implementation by Councilor delos Reyes who is the Chair of the Vendors Management Team (VMAT). A moratorium for sidewalk and street vending other than the ones who are permitted had also been implemented upon . According to her, it has reached a total of 441 street vendors of various trades within the vicinity of the market.

At another meeting with the Local Price Coordinating Council, Councilor Dabu relayed that it had resulted with a work plan for 2008, which includes implementation of the Price Stabilization monitored by a Price Watch Board and the installation of a Timbangan ng Bayan in the three public markets of the city. They will also conduct training on calibration of weighing scales, enforcement of mobile registration of weighing scales, database of retailers using weighing scales and a data base of suppliers.

Also, in line with their program on health and sanitation and with the coordination with the City Health Department, her committee conducted an inspection of all refilling and purifying stations, to check on their sanitary permits. Inspection of public markets as well as monitoring of school canteens and CRs were also carried upon. As part of their education and advocacy, a seminar on safety meat processing and packaging will also be conducted as well as the orientation on safe usage of drugs and standards on LPGs.

Councilor delos Reyes informed the body that he is presently reviewing the two-year development plan of the PUD. Under the Transportation Committee which he also chairs, the Councilor said that an election of officers for the J-01/ J-11 Yellow Jeepney Drivers Association was held and he oversaw the proceedings of the election. It is in the interest of the city to know the result of the election since it is a policy that this group of yellow jeepney drivers to join the existing association. However, there are still conflicts yet to be resolved between the two parties. He clarified that the committee was there as advisor and that this association is governed by the SEC.

Under the Committee on Ways and Means, Councilor Piano imparted his report about the committee hearing on the 2008 Budget of Barangays Gordon Heights, Asinan and Barretto, and attended by City Councilors Gie Baloy and Cerezo, Josie Nieves of the Budget Department and Barangay Officials concerned. He assured that a detailed copy of the report will be furnished to all members.

At this point, Councilor Carlito Baloy intended to deliver his privilege speech, but was persuaded by Councilor Cerezo of the Committee on Internal Rules to do it on the Other Matters, portion which Councilor Baloy willingly accepted.

Councilor Lugie Lipumano-Garcia took the opportunity to announce the newly elected SK President, Cheenee Hoya who took her oath of office before Hon. Joy Bayona, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor of Zambales. She also mentioned that the DILG, Region III under Director Go has already been informed of the matter.

Calendar of Business

Second Reading

1. 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 on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

2. On motion of Councilor delos Reyes, Draft Ordinance No. 2007 – O-50 – “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)”, was deferred.

3. Draft Resolution No. 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 on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, pending the discussion with the DENR.

4. On motion of Councilor Piano, 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”, was deferred.

5. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-01 – “An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 101 And Ordinance No. 106, Both Series Of 1978 Providing For The Establishment, Operation And Maintenance Of Cockfighting And The Regulation Of Cockfighting And Commercial Breeding Of Gamecocks”, was deferred by the body on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy.

Other Matters

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

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2008-O-02 – “An Ordinance Extending The 20% Discount On The Advance Payment Of Real Property Taxes Due For The Year 2008 As Provided Under Section 2b.12 Of The City Ordinance No. 64, Series Of 2007 Otherwise Known As “An Ordinance Repealing Ordinance No. 81 Series Of 2002 And Providing For The Olongapo City 2007 Revenue Code”. Sponsored by Councilors Edwin J. Piano and Angelito W. Baloy.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2008-R-005- A Resolution Expressing Deep Sympathies To The Bereaved Family Of Barangay Captain Delfin A. Caseja Of Barangay Sta. Rita, Olongapo City. Unanimous Sponsorship.

3. A Resolution Expressing Profound Condolences To The Bereaved Family Of Honorable Usaffe S. Basa, Chairman Philippine Councilor’s League-Zambales. Unanimous Sponsorship.

4. Draft Resolution No. 2008-R-003 – A Resolution Confirming The Appointment Of Ms. Marey Beth D. Marzan As City Government Department Head II, SG-26 Under The City Planning And Development Office (CPDO). Unanimous Sponsorship.

As a tribute to her, each Councilors expressed their personal messages to Councilor Marzan as a colleague in the council. While Councilor Marzan bid everybody farewell as she leave the council.

Councilor delos Reyes

I just like to say a few words to Miss Marey Beth Marzan, our new Head of City Planning.

Hindi po madaling maging City Planner, although, sa title pa lang mukhang hindi matunog ang position but alam talaga natin ay the Office of the City Planning is the lead agency in any development in Olongapo City.

So, with the experience of Miss Marzan going to other cities like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore, because she’s single, nakakaalis s'ya at nakakabyahe, I think, sana and I hope na magkaroon ng vision yu'ng City Planning para sa mas progresibong siyudad. Olongapo is too primitive compared to these cities. Napakagulo ng transportation systems, napakapangit ng mga buildings sa Magsaysay at Rizal Avenue, talagang major phase lift and kailangan natin dito, kulang na kulang ng tourism except for Barretto at ibang mga lugar like yu'ng night life sa Magsaysay, talagang… anong tawag po sa . . .? Naghihikahos. Naniniwala ako na talagang ang CPDO or Head ng Planning ng Olongapo City ay napakalaking magagawa sa Olongapo City.

At lastly, sana po Miss Marzan, tulungan n'yo kami dito sa City Council.

Councilor Dabu

I’d like to say something what is on my mind, in my heart to our former colleague Bebeth Marzan.

Bebeth as you all know, your Mom and I are really true friends ever since, I am not here in the City Council. I have seen you during the time na ikaw ay SK pa lang, hinubog ka ng panahon, nahasa ka, alam ko na marami kang kakayahan. During the time na nalaman ko yu'ng balita that you are resigning as City Councilor na shock ako. Why? Because you have been elected by the people of Olongapo as City Councilor, now, you are going to be the City Planning Head, so, at first, nagulat ako then, as days goes on inisip ko na baka mayroong mas magandang dahilan, mayroon kang mas magandang objective kung bakit tinalikuran mo ang pagboto ng tao sa iyo.

So, siguro sa aking pananaw, sa aking kaisipan napagtanto mo na mas kailangan ka ng ating City Government para sa pagpaplano sa kaayusan at ikakaganda ng City Government of Olongapo.

So, I myself, as friend, as City Councilor, I agree with your decision, nirerespeto ko ang decision mo. So, I am just praying and hope that God will give you all the talent para lahat with you now magkaroon tayo ng magandang pagpaplano sa ating Lungsod and you will be of help with the City Councilors dahil alam mo kung ano ang problema namin.

Thank you.

Councilor Cortez

Madame Bebeth mayroon pong pinapa-abot na mensahe po ang lahat po ng mga kawani po ng City Council at makapagdamdamin po ang kanilang hiling . . . .

Galing sa kanila iyan, ha? Galing sa kanila iyan, blow-out.

. . . . . . Celebration, aalis ka na . . . . . .

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia

I would like to wish Bebeth. Hopefully, sana maging mabuti nga ang kanyang gagawin sa paglipat n'ya sa Department although nalulungkot ako talaga dahil kinakailangan din natin ang isang katulad n'ya na gumagawa ng batas at alam kung saan patutungo ang batas. Sana matulungan mo pa rin kami dito sa Konseho kahit na andiyan ka sa kabilang upisina. At salamat din at natutuwa ako at naging magkaibigan tayo.

Marami pong salamat.

Temporary Presiding Officer Gina Gulanes-Perez

Ako po para kay Councilor Bebeth, kami po yu'ng halos magkaidaran sa Council, matanda lang po ako sa kanya ng isang taon, kami po ay madalas nagkakasama sa room sa mga PCL kaya kami po yu'ng magkachika talagang of all things.

We wish you good luck, Beth, alam namin na mas makakapagtrabaho ka sa City Planning and ang isa sa nakakatuwa du'n is alam mo kung ano yu'ng kailangan ng City gaya ng nabanggit ni Councilor JC kanina, kasi kasama ka namin nag-i-ikot, naririnig mo lahat ang pangangailangan ng constituents natin sa Lungsod ng Olongapo. Siguro 'yun ang magiging kaibahan mo sa mga dating City Planners natin dahil ikaw mismo nakasalamuha mo ang bawat Olongapeño kaya mas madali mong malalaman kung ano ang mga pangangailangan nila. kung nare-recall mo nu'ng nagpunta tayo sa training sa AIM ng NMYL, yu'ng one week tayong nasa Makati noon sana ma-apply mo lahat ng napag-aralan natin du'n because basically planning talaga 'yun para mas ma-improve natin ang paggo-gobyerno natin dito, so, hindi ka naman nalalayo sa amin sabi nga ng lahat ng mga kasama, sana tulungan mo kami dito sa Council, kaming mga naiwan mo.

Salamat, Councilor Marey Beth.

B. Privileged Speech of Councilor Carlito A. Baloy:

Councilor Carlito Baloy at this point, was given the opportunity to deliver his privileged speech. He expressed his sincere gratitude for the support extended to him by his colleagues after being elected as ABC President.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 6:05 in the evening.

I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE

CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:

ELFLIDA S. SALMON

Council Secretary

ATTEST:

GINA G. PEREZ

City Councilor & Temporary Presiding Officer