Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON FEBRUARY 20, 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. 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- “ “

Absent:

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo- - City Councilor

(City Councilor)

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

(On Official Business)

Hon. Cheenee F. Hoya- - SK Federation President

Call to Order

The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 4:40 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With eight (8) 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 January 9, 2008 was unanimously adopted by the body. However, minutes of the session dated January 16 was deferred because it is not ready yet.

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-26 – A Resolution Ratifying The Extension Of The Loan Agreement Between The Development Bank Of The Philippines And The City Government Of Olongapo Concerning The Twenty Two Million “One On One” Loan Until 13 April 2008.

Sponsored by the Majority Party. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole and Committees on Laws and on Appropriations)

2. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-27 – A Resolution Encouraging All Educational Institutions To Adopt City Parks. Sponsored by Councilor Gina Gulanes-Perez. (Referred to the Committees on Environment, and on Parks and Playgrounds)

3. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-28 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Sta. Rita, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations)

4. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-29 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Kalaklan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations)

5. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-30 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Asinan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations)

6. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-31 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay New Ilalim, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations)

7. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-32 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay East Tapinac, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations)

Second Reading:

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-04 – An Ordinance Prescribing For The Mandatory Posting Of Notice And Information Regarding Child Protection On Establishments Whose Operation Of Business Is Prejudicial To The Development And Welfare Of Minors. Sponsored by Councilors Rodel S. Cerezo and Angelito W. Baloy

2. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-011 – A Resolution Adopting The Computerization Project Of Various Departments Of The City. Sponsored by Councilors Rodel S. Cerezo and Edwin J. Piano

3. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-05 – An Ordinance Providing For Tourism-Environmental Education Program In The City Of Olongapo, Prescribing Measures For Its Implementation Thereof, And For Other Purposes. Sponsored by Councilors Rodel S. Cerezo, Gina G. Perez and Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

4. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-012 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Gordon Heights, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

5. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-013 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay West Tapinac, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

6. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-014 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor, Hon. James Gordon, Jr., To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement In Behalf Of The City Of Olongapo With Mr. Carlo Marcelo, Proprietor Of Preventive Motor Supplies Services, Regarding The Repair And Maintenance Of The City Owned Tow-Truck Under The Office Of The Traffic Management And Public Safety. Sponsored by Councilors Gina G. Perez and John Carlos G. Delos Reyes

7. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-06 – An Ordinance Establishing The Dental Health Section Under The City Health Department. Sponsored by Councilors Gina G. Perez and Angelito W. Baloy

8. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-11 - An Ordinance Adopting The Schedule Of Locational Clearance Fees. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

9. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-12 – An Ordinance Creating The Transportation Office Of The City Of Olongapo Under The Supervision Of The Vice Mayor. Sponsored by the Majority Party

10. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-25 – A Resolution Requesting The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) And Subic Freeport Locators To Donate Scrap Materials And Equipment To The City Of Olongapo For Various Livelihood And Skills Training Program. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

On motion of Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes, the day’s agenda was approved.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Copy of Resolutions from Barangay New Cabalan as follows:

a. Resolution No. 10, Series of 2008 entitled, “A Resolution Approving To Apply For A Loan With The Land Bank Of The Philippines, Olongapo Branch By The Sanggunian Members And Other Officials.” (Referred to the Committee on Laws)

b. Resolution No. 28, Series of 2008 entitled, “A Resolution Approving The Appointment Of Kagawad Orlando P. Valdez As Fiesta Committee Chairman For The Year 2008.” (For information)

c. Resolution No. 29, Series of 2008 entitled, “A Resolution Approving To Withdraw The Amount Of PhP6,000.00 For The Procurement Of One Unit IBM Electric II Typewriter To Be Used At The Office Of The Barangay Secretary.” (Referred to the Committees on Appropriations, and on Ways and Means for review)

2. Copy of the Annual Budget for the Calendar Year 2008 of the following barangays of Olongapo City:

a. Sta. Rita

b. Kalaklan

c. East Tapinac

d. New Asinan

e. New Ilalim

(Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations)

3. Resolution No. 1, Series of 2007 of Brgy. East Tapinac, Olongapo City regarding the Annual Budget of the Sangguniang Kabataan, Barangay East Tapinac for the period from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 and the sum of PhP466,955.80. (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations and to the SK for review)

4. Memorandum Circular No. 2007-158 from Austere A. Panadero, Undersecretary, LG, Department Of The Interior And Local Government, addressed to all Provincial Governors, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors, DILG Regional Directors and Others Concerned regarding the NMYL 16th National Congress on February 27-29, 2008 at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City with the theme, “YLKNB: Young Legislators: Kumilos Tungo sa Nagkakaisang Bayan.” (For information)

5. Petition letter from the residents of Mercurio St., Filtration Road, Mabayuan Extension asking for assistance regarding the route of the Yellow Jeepney J-01/J-11. (Referred to the Committees on Transportation and on Traffic)

6. Letter from Aurora M. Ramos, Manager, Corporate Management Services Department, Subicwater addressed to the Hon. City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo requesting for a list of Non-Governmental Organizations in Olongapo City. They asked to include the address, contact number and contact person along side the accredited NGO. (Referred to the Secretariat)

7. Letter from M. Nel Espiritu Jr., President & CEO, Youth Camp Director, School Volunteer Program addressed to the City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo informing her office about the 5th Dolores Abra Province Summer Youth Camp 2008 for high school student leaders this coming April 23 to April 29, 2008. He is requesting the Vice-Mayor’s Office to sponsor, select and send four high school students and one classroom teacher to travel to Dolores, Abra Province. They will join other high school students from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga and other nearby provinces and cities of Luzon. (Referred to the Committees on Education and on Environment)

8. Copy of Barangay Resolutions all Series of 2008 from Barangay Old Cabalan, this city:

a. Resolution No. 005, “A Resolution Approving The Withdrawal Of PhP156,000.00 For The Purchase Of Twenty-Four (24) Units Of Two Way (Handy) Radios To Be Used By Community Affairs Officers And Barangay Officials.” (Referred to the Committees on Appropriations and on Ways and Means)

b. Resolution No. 006, Series of 2008, “A Resolution Approving The Withdrawal Of PhP48,804.00 For The Purchase Of Two Hundred Eighty (280) Sacks Of Cement To Be Used For Rehabilitation Of Pathways And Stairways.” (Referred to the Committees on Public Works and on Appropriations)

c. Resolution No. 007, Series of 2008, “A Resolution Authorizing Mr. Santiago L. Columbrites To Conduct Small Scale Quarry Operation Within The Territorial Jurisdiction Of Barangay Old Cabalan, Olongapo City.” (Referred to the Committees on Public Works, on Appropriations and on Laws)

d. Resolution No. 007, Series of 2007, “A Resolution Authorizing Barangay Treasurer Evelyn B. Laxa To Disburse The Amount Of PhP110,000.00 From The Share Of Barangay Old Cabalan, Olongapo City On Real Property Tax (RPT) To The Payments Of Additional Honorarium (Extra Cash Gift) For Previous Barangay Officials Only.” (Referred to the Committees on Laws and on Appropriations)

9. Letter from Barangay Captain Jimmy B. Pasag, Barangay Pag-asa addressed to Mr. Reynaldo G. Libunao, Operation Manager, Louela’s Amusement Co., Bonifacio Street regarding the expiration of operation of his business and he was adviced to vacate the area in accordance to the letter of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy and was given ten days upon the receipt to dismantle, remove and clear the area. (Referred to the Committee on Laws)

10. Memorandum #02-06B, Series of 2008 from Ms. Marey Beth D. Marzan, City Planning Officer for EBB Brgy. Captain Filipina Tablan; Pag-asa Brgy. Captain Jimmy B. Pasag; Banicain Brgy. Captain Ernelizar Batapa; Kalaklan Brgy. Captain Ricardo Federico; All Concerned Departments/Offices regarding Follow-up on Joint Consultative Meeting with SBMA and also to submit a written report or Power Point presentation on or before March 5, 2008 at 12:00 p.m. (For information)

11. Letter from Councilor Edwin J. Piano, Chairman, Committee on IT addressed to the Honorable City Mayor James Gordon Jr., stating that as per discussion during the HELPS Strategic Planning Workshop held on January 31, 2008, it was agreed that Olongapo City will establish a computerized system to accurately track the labor force. He also invited the following officers or their representatives: (CPDO) Marey Beth Marzan, Engr. Noel Yap (MIS), Ms. Evelyn Delos Santos (PESO) and Mr. Froilan Mobo of Gordon College on February 19, 2008 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall to discuss the said project. ((For information)

12. First Endorsement from the City Mayor to the Sangguniang Panlungsod regarding the proposed appointment of Mr. Fernando M. Magrata as City Government Department Head II (City Administrator) SG-26. (Referred to the Committees on Personnel and Organizational Development and on House Rules and Privileges)

13. Joint Petition Letter For Anti-Colorum from the officers of Olongapo City Tricycle Operators And Drivers Association, (OCTODA). (Referred to the Committees on Traffic and on Transportation)

14. Memorandum from Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes, Chairman, Committee on Transportation, for the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr., regarding the Schedule of 2008 Annual Vehicle Inspection to be conducted on February 26, 2008 up to July 3, 2008 by the CPDO staff Hydie Valenzuela and TMB personnel Manuel Musni and Major Camilo Pablo together with the participation of zone/route presidents. (For information)

15. Committee report of Councilor Gina Perez dated January 20, 2008. (For information)

16. Letter from Mr. Faustino Almeda, addressed to the City Mayor, stating the problem that right after the collection of garbage a certain individual usually called magbobote take the garbage can of the residents resulting to the spillage of garbage. (Referred to Councilor Aquilino Cortez, Jr.)

17. Letter from Hubert Leo M. Magrata, General Secretary and Alberto Baviera, Jr. Immediate Past President and Chairman of the Local Academic Olympics, of the Young Men’s Christian Association of Olongapo, informing that the Olongapo delegates won the over-all champion in the YMCA’s North Luzon Regional Academic Olympics and Students Conference on February 15-17, 2008, held at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City. (For information)

18. Communications from the Olongapo Zambales Civil Society Network submitted by Alex Corpus Hermoso, the Civil Society Network and requesting lobbying to approve the Resolution on Mass Mobilization to promote a wholesome tourism and declare Olongapo as ‘no prostitution ground’ and that the people of Olongapo City will no longer tolerate the undignifying conditions that happened in the past. The Mass Mobilization thru a vigil is a call to all sectors of the City of Olongapo conveying that prostitution is not a means of survival, that there is always a good alternative if we maximize our rich resources. The vigil will be held on the 7th day of March, a day before the celebration of the International Women’s Month starting at Rizal Triangle which will end at Magsaysay Drive, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. They are also encouraging government offices schools and private institution to join this activity by suspending their classes, closing their establishments/offices for a moment to join in the walk, so as to announce that we are serious in the things we are fighting for.

Committee Reports

Councilor Gina Perez gave a report on four items, first report pertains to the endorsement forwarded to the City Council from the Office of the City Mayor dated January 11, 2008. This was about the budget proposal for the creation of the Office of the City Architectural Planning and Design. She added that a memorandum was given to the City Budget Office and for the Personnel Office for their opinion on the matter, and to date, no document was submitted in reply.

According to Councilor Perez, a committee meeting was held on February 18, 2008, 9:00 a.m. at the Olongapo City Session Hall to discuss the said proposal. It was attended by the following: Ms. Josie Nieves, the City Budget representative; Mr. Marcelino Andawi, the City Treasurer; Ms. Letty Doropan, the Personnel Officer; and Ms. Lea Jane E. Coronado, the representative of the City Administrator. The committee findings were:

1. Former CPDO Officer, Architect Tony-Kar Balde is presently hired as a Consultant under the Mayor’s Office when his appointment as the City Planning Officer ended.

2. Four employees are detailed under Architect Balde’s supervision, namely: Architect Marisol Mandadero, Draftsmen Ryan Estrada and Arland Fernandez and Driver Francisco Hezeta, who all came from CPDO. The detailing was through a verbal consent from the City Planning and Development Officer Ms. Marey Beth Marzan and from verbal approval of the City Mayor.

3. The City Treasury and the City Budget representatives opened that at the moment, no funds are available to be allocated for the proposed new office.

4. The City Personnel Officer, Ms. Letty Doropan via-phone inquiry to Ms. Susan de Leon, the Civil Service Provincial Director, said that according to the Local government Code, the City Mayor creates its own organizational structure depending on its need, as long as it will not exceed the 45-55 limitation. This pertains to Section 76 of R.A. 7610 which states that: “every local government unit shall design and implement its own organizational structure and staffing pattern,” taking into consideration its service and financial capability subject to the minimum standards and guidelines prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.

From the discussions in the meeting, the group came up with the following recommendations:

1. A division under the Mayor’s Office can be created which shall be named as City Architectural Planning and Design Division. Architect Tony-Kar Balde may be appointed as the Division Chief with Salary Grade 22. All Architects in the city government will be transferred under him, as well as the two draftsmen and the driver. Reversion of funds will be made not an appropriation, since funds are not available at the moment.

2. A directive or memorandum from the City Mayor can be made appointing Architect TK Balde and detailing some staff under his supervision.

3. Architect TK Balde is status quo as Consultant. He will pull-out staff and will request funds as needed while waiting for the results of the City Personnel Re-Structuring Program.

4. The Committee on Organizational Structure and Personnel Matters may create a division under the Mayor’s Office, but not a separate department because of possible redundancy of functions.

According to Councilor Perez, the committee cannot simply create additional offices which may eventually bloat the organization. As in the case of private companies which already have streamlined structure where employees have multi-tasking functions, the Councilor said that the government should follow the same in order to have funds for other community programs. Moreover, the City Treasury and City Budget Office manifested that there is no available funds for the creation of new offices as yet. The creation may be accomplished as soon as the financial requirements can be answered by the City Finance Team. Councilor Perez said that in the meeting, she was told that it can be determined probably by the 3rd and 4th quarter if additional income or revenues can be allotted for the additional offices.

Councilor Perez said this was the report she forwarded, and shall also furnish the City Mayor’s Office a copy for their information and final decision.

Also under the Second Reading is the Creation of Dental Services Section under the City Health Department. The Councilor said that she already discussed this with Dr. Vigo who finally opted that the office be created under the Mayor’s Office. She will discuss this with the City Mayor at the caucus for the final decision on the matter. However, the Councilor added, since no funds are available for the creation of new offices, the proposal is to create the division but no budget can be given to their MOOE. With regard to the salary adjustment of both Architect Balde and Dr. Vigo, Councilor Perez mentioned that this can be worked-out since it would just be a few peso difference.

The second item reported by Councilor Perez was the MOA for the preventive motor supply. At the moment, the Councilor said that there was still no update by Mr. Marcelo regarding the revisions. She added that it will be deferred later because there seems to be another proposal.

The third item reported was the update about the Philippine Councilors’ League. Councilor Perez informed the body that after the confirmation of her appointment as the Chair of the Programs Committee, she already attended series of meetings in preparation for the National Congress on March 28, 29 and 30. She also attended the Special National Board Meeting and Congress Working Committee on February 7-8 at Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City. The Committees on Audit, on Transportation, on Registration, on Security, on Medical, on Communications, on Program, on Protocol and on Reception have already presented.

The Councilor said that there are still committees which have not presented and were not yet able to have their budget approved by the National Board thus, the National Board called for another meeting together with the Congress Working Committee on February 26 and 27, in line with the National Congress of NMYL.

The Councilor asked permission to be able to leave early in order to attend the National Board Meeting.

The last item reported by Councilor Perez was with regard to the National Movement of Young Legislators. She apprised the body that among them, there are only 3 members in the said organization, namely: Councilor Perez, Councilor Gie Baloy and the City SK as ex-officio. An election was held on February 12 at the Olongapo City Convention Center which was attended by 25 young legislators from Olongapo, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Aurora, Pangasinan, Isabela and representatives form DILG Region III. Results of the said election were:

Regional President of NMYL- Board Member Sherwin Taay of Aurora Province

Regional Vice-President- Councilor Gina Perez, of Olongapo City

Secretary-General- Councilor Rey Fajardo of Tarlac

Treasurer- Councilor Gie Baloy of Olongapo City

Auditor- Councilor Albert Asanion of Zambales

PRO- Councilor Jayson Simon of Aurora

Board of Director- Councilor De Leon of Bulacan

Board Member Deloso of Zambales

Councilor Gonzales of Aurora

Councilor Tomas of Tarlac

Councilor Soriano of Bataan

Councilor Janus Calara of Pampanga

Councilor Ellen Dabu, Chair of Committee on Women, informed the body about the topic during the Olongapo-Zambales Civil Society meeting held on February 15 at the FMA Hall. The Councilor discussed the excerpt of the situation on Trafficking of Persons in Central Visayas Region. This was from the Regional Sub-Committee on Gender, Anti-Trafficking and Anti-Violence Against Women and Children.

According to the Councilor, Central Visayas is the destination area of traffic women and children for prostitution. Profile of the victims were the following: 12-22 years old, mostly girls, first timer in the city, willing to take a risk and were not given a clear information of their destination, work and employers. For the educational attainment, most victims reached the high school level, there were some in the college level while the others only reached the elementary level, still others were out-of-school youth or were drop-outs.

The Councilor also gathered information that some of the victims were into the flesh trade for the simple reason of owning a cellphone. As an addition to the profile, most of the traffic children hailed from urban areas than the rural areas, also, victims were from poor families.

According to Councilor Dabu, in the urban areas, victims work as sexy dancers in big and small hotels and they are paid from PhP100.00 to PhP300.00 per night. They can be bar-fined in the amount of PhP1,000.00 to PhP5,000.00 short time. The girls can serve up to ten (10) men nightly. From the DSWD’s record, the number of traffic victims they served from CY 2003 - CY 2007 were: 46 victims in 2003, 29 in 2004, 24 in 2005, 86 in 2006 and 75 in 2007.

Councilor Dabu also discussed the modus operandi of the traffickers. One of their recruitment styles has the following ways:

1. Recruit in groups which consists at least 2-3 friends.

2. Recruiters are from Manila or other cities who use the victim’s friends, neighbors, relatives, barangay officials or influential persons.

3. Step by step exposure where girls are first brought to smaller cities before they are brought to big cities or to abroad.

4. Victims are recruited to become waitresses, bump singers, entertainers during parties or domestic helpers.

The other recruitment style, the Councilor added, has the following ways:

1. Parents are given advance payments and the women are provided new dresses and makeup kits which are deductable from the girl’s earnings later.

2. The victims are passed from one handler to another, either local or international.

3. In some cases, the girls go to the destination by themselves and met by a contact person at the port of destination.

Councilor Dabu also gave a report for the Committee on Livelihood. She said that a Livelihood Seminar at Barangay Banicain was held on February 12 in line with the program on “Kabuhayan sa Nayon.” The free training was about how to make high quality home care products such as tiles, toilet bowl cleaner, fabric conditioner, dishwashing liquid, liquid hand soap, detergent powder, car shampoo, Clorox, perfume and cologne.

The Presiding Officer commented that the report on trafficking of women and children was a sad news. Though some just make a joke about it, she said what was saddening is that it is actually happening in our society, not only in other places but also in our city, under there very noses. She said she hopes that they will be able to do something about it. She asked if poverty was the root cause, however not all poor are into this trade. Perhaps, she said, moral disintegration or loss of values is the cause and the materialistic view.

Calendar of Business

Second Reading

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-04 – “An Ordinance Prescribing For The Mandatory Posting Of Notice And Information Regarding Child Protection On Establishments Whose Operation Of Business Is Prejudicial To The Development And Welfare Of Minors,” was deferred by the body, on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-011 – “A Resolution Adopting The Computerization Project Of Various Departments Of The City”, was opened for discussion on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Councilor Piano explained that the computerization project of various departments of the city was already going on for quite sometime. It was actually initiated in the past administration with the computerization in the Real Property, Business Permit, Treasury and in other city government functions. The Councilor said it won’t stop from there, thus, there’s a goal to upgrade the said system including the acquisition of hardware that would respond to the requirements or to the new requirements of the computation project.

The Councilor informed the body that a meeting with the involved groups and departments was held the previous day regarding the computerization project. For the Treasury Department, the system would enable the City Treasurer to have the so-called “Real Time Access” to the city’s cash flow. This means that at any given moment, the City Treasurer would know the cash that entered and released because all transactions in all cashier stations will automatically be registered in the main database. The upgrade of the hardware, he said, is needed since in the Tax Payers’ Lounge, the effectiveness of the computerization was observed despite the fact that the hardware being used are already old and slow and its memory is almost full thus additional hardware is needed.

Councilor Piano also mentioned that the Document Tracking System is provided in the said resolution wherein intra and inter department tracking of documents will be possible. Computerization of the Building Permit is included to facilitate monitoring and verification of permits issued. The Legislative Management System provided in the resolution is specifically for the Sangguniang Panlungsod Office for the tracking of ordinances, resolutions and other correspondence. Last is the Human Resource Tracking System which came up during the Strategic Planning, to be able to assess the needs of the employees in terms of skills and advancements, and to track records of employees as well as applicants.

Funding for the said program, according to the Councilor would come from the lot sales or the Mass Land Titling Program of the city government. At present, the available fund in the amount of PhP9 million will be used for the Treasury System and for the Tax Payers’ Lounge, RPT and Business Permit.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia queried if the program includes the PUD so that payments can be made already through banks.

Councilor Piano explained that only the payment system of PUD is included wherein payments will automatically appear at the Treasury. As to the question on the possibility of banks payment of bills, the Councilor said private/public participation can’t be implemented as yet due to restrictions in audit.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia verified if the computerization would mean issuing a computerized receipt instead of the usual hand-written. Councilor Piano affirmed.

Councilor Jong Cortez remarked that it is really important for the city to adopt the computerization in government transactions. He then asked the Councilor if the program also includes the training of personnel. He cited that during the Strategic Planning the hospital representatives brought up that their main concern is the encoding and encoder of data.

Councilor Piano answered that the terms of reference includes the training of those who would be assigned to use the system. Like in the case of the Legislative Management System on the City Council Office, Councilor Piano mentioned that if the Presiding Officer and Vice-Mayor would allow, the staff can be trained in encoding or in build-up of database which would be done beyond office hours, and they will also be paid by the contractor.

The Presiding Officer was amenable to it since, she said, it is related to their work and also because the staff would be given extra-pay. Thus, she is not against it. Furthermore, the Presiding Officer pointed out that security measures on file access can be controlled if outsiders have minimum or no access. She also mentioned that Councilor Cerezo and the others should recommend on who would be assigned to handle the computerization in the office because the contractor awaits for the final list.

Draft Resolution No. 2008-R-012 was tackled, Councilor Piano motioned for a recess.

Recess: 5:40 p.m.

Resume: 5:43 p.m.

On motion of Councilor Piano, Draft Resolution No. 2008-R-12, was approved unanimously by the body on its second and final reading.

3. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-05 – “An Ordinance Providing For Tourism-Environmental Education Program In The City Of Olongapo, Prescribing Measures For Its Implementation Thereof, And For Other Purposes,” was deferred by the body on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

4. On motion of Councilor Piano, Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-012 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Gordon Heights, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008,” was unanimously approved by the body on second and final reading.

5. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-013 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay West Tapinac, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008,” was approved unanimously by the body on its second and final reading on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

6. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-014 – “A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor, Hon. James Gordon, Jr., To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement In Behalf Of The City Of Olongapo With Mr. Carlo Marcelo, Proprietor Of Preventive Motor Supplies Services, Regarding The Repair And Maintenance Of The City Owned Tow-Truck Under The Office Of The Traffic Management And Public Safety,” was deferred by the body on motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez.

7. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-06 – “An Ordinance Establishing The Dental Health Section Under The City Health Department,” was deferred by the body, on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy .

8. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-11 - “An Ordinance Adopting The Schedule Of Locational Clearance Fees,” was opened for discussion on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Councilor Piano explained that Locational Clearance Fees to be adopted are determined by a Zoning Officer. The City Mayor assigned the City Planning and Development Officer to be the Zoning Officer of the city. According to the Councilor, not all Cities and Municipalities have a Zoning Officer. In cases like this, the locality automatically use the approve rates of the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board through Resolution No. 760, Series of 2004.

The City’s Zoning Office requested that the city government adopts the HLURB prescribed rates for locational clearances, thus, the passage of the proposed ordinance.

As additional information, Councilor Piano said that at present the city uses the 1996 version of Locational Clearance Fees. The 1994 version will greatly benefit the projects. He said that a public hearing was already conducted regarding the matter.

Councilor Gie Baloy asked to be given clarification on item letter H of the proposed measure regarding the registration of dealers, brokers, salesmen and on letter D which states that: “the pauper litigants are exempt from payments of legal fees. Those whose gross income is not more that 6,000 per month and residing within Metro Manila.” Councilor Baloy asked if Metro Manila was correct.

Councilor Edwin Piano remarked that the Councilor made a very good observation. He said that they can amend some portions of the HLURB document to fit with the requirements of the city.

The Presiding Officer asked for recommendations from the body.

Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes commented that since the body is adopting a measure which is did not originate from them but from HLURB, he said it is normal to have inconsistencies. The rules of HLURB will be the city’s basis and reference. Any inconsistencies, will automatically be adjusted as pertaining to Olongapo City.

The Presiding Officer commented on whether the adoption of the ordinance or resolution would entail that for the style, the entire content would be copied, or if the style of the proposed ordinance would consist of Sections where the portions that need to be adopted are already stated, and the HLURB document will form as an attachment of the measure. The Presiding Officer clarified that she is just giving a comment or a suggestion.

Councilor delos Reyes said that since there are fees, it should be in the form of an ordinance.

The Presiding Officer explained that there is a format that starts with a resolution and the second half is an ordinance.

Councilor Piano took the suggestion well and mentioned that the Secretariat could adopt the suggestions of both the Presiding Officer, Councilor delos Reyes and Councilor Gie Baloy. He also said that since there is digital copy of the measure to be adopted, it would be easy to do copy paste.

Councilor Cortez suggested if the proponent would be amenable to add in the title the phrase “prescribed by HLURB” to read as: “An Ordinance Adopting The Schedule Of Locational Clearance Fees As Prescribed By HLURB,” so that the basis of the rates adopted would be known.

Councilor Piano affirmed to adopt the suggestion of Councilor Cortez.

Draft Ordinance No. 2008-O-11 was approved unanimously on its second and final reading on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

9. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-12 – “An Ordinance Creating The Transportation Office Of The City Of Olongapo Under The Supervision Of The Vice Mayor,” was deferred by the body, on motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez.

10. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-25 – “A Resolution Requesting The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) And Subic Freeport Locators To Donate Scrap Materials And Equipment To The City Of Olongapo For Various Livelihood And Skills Training Program.”

Councilor Edwin Piano discussed that the said proposed measure is an offshoot of a meeting held between the leaders of Olongapo City led by the City Mayor, and the scavengers of SBMA. One of the requests of the Department Heads, specifically from the Livelihood Office, is the donation of scrap materials of Nakanotonye Company. These are rugs that can be used for the livelihood projects. Nakanotonye Company conveyed that if they will donate it directly, they will be charged with tax once these materials pass the SBFZ gate. However, it will be exempted from tax if the city will pass a resolution which the SBMA Board will approve, and it will be justified that those materials already have very low value but can still be utilized for the livelihood projects or will still be useful for the general public. This strategy also goes with the requested metals to be used for the skills training in welding.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia asked if it can be assured that the materials to be donated will really go to the constituents, or to what it was intended for, truly for livelihood, and not to be sold later.

Councilor Edwin Piano replied that Councilor Ellen Dabu and Ms. Aileen Cuevas are in-charge of the livelihood projects, and are in the better position to answer. The Councilor added that Councilor Dabu has handled these kind of donations in her past projects which she can prove did not go to unscrupulous individuals.

Councilor Ellen Dabu testified that since she was with SBMA since 1993 assigned at Royal Duty Free Mall she said the scrap materials they gathered through the Vendors Association benefited directly the indigents. The Councilor relayed that children of the vendors working in Royal Duty Free Mall were the ones who collected the scrap materials. The proceeds were divided among them. Also, the rugs gathered from different factories were given to the different barangays like Barangays East Bajac-Bajac, Pag-asa and Asinan. Thus, the Councilor said that the constituents are the ones who really benefit from this.

As a follow up, Councilor Lipumano-Garcia asked what organization will accept the donation. Councilor Piano replied that it is the Livelihood Department under Ms. Aileen Cuevas in coordination with the Council’s Chairman on Livelihood, Councilor Ellen Dabu.

Councilor delos Reyes commented that the donations, under the law, should be accepted. Upon acceptance, there will be an itemized inventory of the donations. This can be used to ascertain that these will be given to the appropriate individuals/agencies which will also make the recipient free from any liabilities once given to the benefactors.

Councilor Cortez requested that the City Councilors be furnished a checklist by all the items donated. He would like to check if there are items that might be useful for the TMB Office especially in the construction of signages.

The Presiding Officer recommended Councilor Dabu to co-sponsor the measure. Councilor Piano suggested that the body could have a majority or unanimous sponsorship if they wish.

Councilor Dabu added in her previous explanation that the donations, like the one from Royal Duty Free Mall, are already old and unsold items which they pack in cartons and labeled with the inventory of the contents before it was donated to the city.

The Presiding Officer wanted to be clarified if the items to be donated are from private companies only. Councilor Piano answered that some will come from Nakanotonye Company and some from SBMA.

Councilor Dabu mentioned specifically that the companies are Subic Freeport Locators. She also informed the body that on January 10, 2008, Royal Duty Free Mall donated 150 pieces of pallets, and with her coordination, these donations went to “Olongapo Mahal Ko Foundation” which was used in the building of small offices near the bridge. The Councilor said that they were able to bring it out tax free. The locators just made a letter stating that they donated the 150 pieces of pallets.

Councilor delos Reyes, as an additional comment said that he doesn’t agree so much with the title because it appears that were are asking for dole-outs. The Councilor said he just brought it up so that maybe somebody can come up with a better word.

The Presiding Officer said that if they use the word excess materials, this may connote that it can be taxable.

Councilor Piano moved that the proposed measure be for a majority sponsorship.

Draft Resolution No. 2008-R-25 was approved unanimously on its second and final reading, with majority sponsorship, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Other Matters

A. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-26 – “A Resolution Ratifying The Extension Of The Loan Agreement Between The Development Bank Of The Philippines And The City Government Of Olongapo Concerning The Twenty Two Million “One On One” Loan Until 13 April 2008”,was considered an urgent matter and was approved by a majority vote on its first, second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez.

Seven were in favor and one opposed.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:36 in the afternoon, on motion of Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino.

I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE

CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:

ELFLIDA S. SALMON

Council Secretary

ATTEST:

CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO

City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer