Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON FEBRUARY 27, 2008 AT THE CITY HALL

Present:

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

Hon. John Carlos G. Delos Reyes- - City Councilor

Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo- - - “ “

Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano–Garcia - “ “

Hon. Edwin J. Piano - - “ “

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.- - “ “

Hon. Anselmo A. Aquino- “ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu- - “ “

Absent:

Hon. Gina G. Perez - - City Councilor (On Official Business)

Hon. Angelito W. Baloy -“ “ (On Official Business)

Hon. Carlito A. Baloy- - President, Liga Ng Mga Barangay

(On Official Business)

Hon. Cheenee F. Hoya- - SK Federation President

(On Official Business)

Call To Order

The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 4:45 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With seven (7) members and the 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 January 16, 2008 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-033 – A Resolution Urging Local Government Units (LGUs) To Call For Advocacy To Uplift Women’s Rights And Dignity And Pass The Anti-Prostitution Ordinance. Sponsored by Councilor Gina G. Perez. (Referred to the Committee on Women)

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 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.

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-027 – A Resolution Encouraging All Educational Institutions To Adopt City Parks. Sponsored by Councilor Gina G. Perez

7. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-028 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Sta. Rita, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

8. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-029 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Kalaklan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

9. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-030 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Asinan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

10. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-031 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay New Ilalim, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

11. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-032 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay East Tapinac, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

Councilor delos Reyes manifested to include under First Reading, “A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Agreement Among The Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) Network Coordinating Team Of The Angelo King Institute For Economic And Business Studies Represented By Dr. Celia M. Reyes; The DILG Through The Bureau Of Local Government Development Represented By Manuel Q. Gotis; The DILG Regional Office For Region III represented By Director Josefina Go And The City Government Of Olongapo Represented By Hon. James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. For The Technical Assistance On The Development And Institutionalization Of CBMS.” (Referred to the Committee on Laws)

Councilor Piano manifested to include under the First Reading, “A Resolution Adopting The Comment To The Application (With Manifestation) Of The Olongapo City Legal Officer As Regards The Application Of Pilipino Telephone Corporation (PILTEL) And Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) With The National Telecommunications Commission In NTC Case No. 2007-186.” (Referred to the Committee on IT, Communications)

Finally, on motion of Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes, the day’s agenda was approved as amended.

Communications And Referrals Of Business

Communications Read:

1. Letter from Bienvenido M. Abante, Jr., Congressman, 6th District, City of Manila addressed to the Secretary of the Sanggunian endorsing the results of the Kampeon ng Kabataan Awards for 2006 and 2007 and encouraging to implement the following:

• Assist the National Youth Commission in their advocacy campaign to strengthen youth participation and dissemination of this program in the locality.

• Adoption of relevant legislation in respective localities.

• Encourage the creations of youth legislations based on the Kampeon Ordinances as bench mark for best practices.

(Referred to the Committee on Youth and the NMYL Members of the City Council)

2. Memorandum from the City Mayor addressed to All Government Department/Division Heads, All National Government Department/Division Heads, All Barangay Captains & Officials regarding Flag Ceremony, First Semester. Sangguniang Panlungsod will be on May 5, 2008 with Brgy. West Bajac - Bajac. (For information and guidance)

3. Contract Of Lease made and entered into by and between the City of Olongapo, represented by Hon. James Gordon, Jr., City Mayor, hereinafter called the Lessor; and Brgy. Barretto, City of Olongapo, represented by Hon. Carlito Baloy, Brgy. Captain, hereinafter called the Lessee; of the Driftwood Beach (“Driftwood”), situated at Brgy. Barretto, City of Olongapo, comprising an area of 6,525 square meters. (Referred to the Committee on Laws for review)

4. Memorandum from Hon. Jose Tomas C. Madria, Barangay Kagawad, Gordon Heights, Olongapo City for Hon. Edgardo R. Gingco, Barangay Captain regarding the Tree Planting Activity conducted last January 26, 2008 at FIL-AM Land, Barangay Sta. Rita, Olongapo City. (Referred to the Committees on Barangay Affairs and Environment)

5. Resolution No. 008, Series of 2008 of Barangay Old Cabalan, Olongapo City, entitled, A Resolution Approving the Withdrawal Of Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP10, 000.00) For The Petty Cash Fund.” (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations)

6. Resolution No. 13, Series of 2008 of Barangay East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City, entitled, “A Resolution Requesting For The Approval Of Having “Pintakasi” And “Minifair” At Barangay East Bajac Bajac To Generate Fund For The Barangay Fiesta On March 15, 2008.” (Referred to the Committee on Business)

7. Annual Investment Plan of Barangay East Tapinac, this City. (Referred to the Committees on Business, Ways and Means for review)

8. Letter from the officers of the Sputnik Brotherhood Organization Incorporated (SBOI), inmates of the Olongapo City District Jail, addressed to the Hon. Councilor Gie Baloy, begging assistance of 1 Television set (24 inches) to be built in the visiting area. (Referred to the Office of the City Mayor)

9. Minutes of the Regular Meeting Of The Sangguniang Barangay Officials (SBO) Of Barangay West Tapinac, Olongapo City, Held On Friday, 08 February 2008 At The Barangay Hall. (Referred to the Committee on Laws for review)

10. Memorandum from Councilor Gina Perez for the Hon. City Mayor regarding the Draft Executive Order on the Appointment of Officers and Members of the City Investment Board and Anti-Prostitution Task Force. (For information and Referred to the Committee on Business for review)

11. Letter from Councilor Edwin J. Piano, Chairman, Telecommunication and Information Technology Board addressed to Mr. Rosanno Danoog, Manager, Subictel, Subic Bay Freeport Zone asking for his company’s generosity by upgrading the bandwidth of Business Package that we will be subscribing (SOHO1) from 2.0 mbps w/64 kbps CIR to 2.7 mbps w/ 256 kbps CIR. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole and Committee on Appropriations)

12. Memorandum from Alex Corpus Hermoso, Conveyor, the Civil Society Network, requesting the City Council to pass a resolution declaring 4:00 pm as a non – working hour in order for the government employees to join the massive rally and march against prostitution that will start from the Rizal Triangle to Gordon Avenue and will culminate with a candle lighting prayer ceremony and rally proper at Magsaysay Avenue in front of the City Mall and surrounding areas and also requesting the Local Government leadership and government agencies to encourage all institutions such as schools and business establishments to join the rally – march by sending a joint letter with the Zambales – Olongapo City Civil Society Network requesting for an early dismissal of work, classes, and business operations in order for their employees, workers and students to join the rally – march against prostitution at 4 PM on 07 March 2008.

13. Memorandum from Councilor JC delos Reyes for the City Mayor, Attn. Col. Jose A Aquino, Jr., Head, OTMPS, recommending the filing of administrative charges against traffic enforcers involved in brawls with jeepney drivers. (For information and guidance)

14. Councilor JC’s letter addressed to SBMA Administrator Hon. Armand C. Arreza regarding Res. No. 12, Series of 2007 entitled A Resolution Inviting Ms. Amethya de la Llana, Department Manager Of Ecology, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) And Test Consultants, Inc. To Conduct A Formal Briefing Before The Sangguniang Panlungsod Regarding The Status Of The Proposed 150 MW Coal – Fired Thermal Power Plant At Barangay Agusuhin, Subic, Zambales and also Kgd. JC would like Administrator Arreza to inform him on the statues or any development on the project.

15. Letter from Ma. Katrina S. Reyes, OIC, Tourism Office for the Vice Mayor requesting her presence and that of the City Councilors to welcome the Association of Barangay Captains of the City of Lamitan, Basilan Province, ARMM on March 1 – 4… on March 3, 2008, that is Monday at 7:30 A.M. because they’re asking to conduct a briefing on the different plans and programs of the City and also requesting for possible Sister Cityhood with Olongapo.

Committee Reports

Councilor delos Reyes reported before the body about the number of letters sent to Administrator Arreza which remained unanswered up to this time. This is concerning the operation of a coal power plant at Subic Freeport Zone supposed to have been inaugurated last week but was postponed. It had reached this point, he said, that our request to be briefed about their plans regarding its operation has not yet been given due course at least to explain what is going to happen. Since, Olongapo will be affected if anything will happen, he intend to write a follow-up letter to Administrator Arreza regarding this matter.

Concerning his Committee on Traffic and Transportation, he attended a committee hearing which discussed the problem on “Kotong” in the streets where the offenders are the traffic enforcers believed to receive PhP70 to PhP20 from jeepney drivers. It is considered as a form of corruption in the streets that he is trying hard to curb by suggesting measures to stop these illegal acts, like traffic enforcers riding on jeepneys without paying which is considered inappropriate. The transport group should also help the City Mayor in formulating rules that should govern traffic and transportation system before it gets worse. Such discussion had transpired during the said committee hearing.

In another matter, Councilor delos Reyes informed the body that as part of his investigation on the propriety of government employees who have businesses that are in conflict with their position, he said that, he is in the process of gathering evidences to be used for the filing of charges against the said individuals. He is also about to finish the last stages of the fact finding before bringing the case to the proper courts.

Councilor Piano reported on the barangay budget hearing for Brgy. East Tapinac, West Tapinac, Sta. Rita and Kalaklan. It was attended by their respective officials. A digital copy of barangay budgets was provided to each City Councilor.

Under the Committee on Telecommunications, he imparted to his colleagues about the request of Subictel to continue providing the City Council an internet connection which Subictel has been providing for free for the past months. In the agreement, we, the Council will start paying the internet connection this year at PhP9,000, he continued our request to reduce the charges to PhP3,000 but they granted our request for PhP5,000 per month, which is within our budget allocation. This includes 20 internet connections serving almost all City Councilors and Vice Mayor’s Office.

Another matter reported by Councilor Piano was the Community Based Flood Early Warning System Conference which he attended, conducted by PAGASA Flood Forecasting Branch. There were 27 provinces who were selected to benefit from this project and Olongapo is the only city that was on the list. The project will run beginning 2006 up to 2011. The executing agency is the Office of Civil Defense together with Philvocs, DOST, the LGUs and Telecommunication groups. The participation of Skills Training Center is to fabricate steel cages for security of equipments to be installed to prevent these from thieves or vandals as previously experienced by PAGASA.

Also, the visit of the Commander of US Naval Forces, Admiral James Kelly who paid a courtesy call to the City Officials was also mentioned in the report.

Councilor Dabu’s committee report pertained to the celebration of Women’s month for the month of March. Various activities has been scheduled. A kick-off parade will be participated in by the different groups of women and a mass offering on March 7. Other activities will include mobile birth registration, job fair, medical dental mission, pap smear, ligation and breast examination. Also invited to grace the affair is Congresswoman Etta Rosales.

Regarding the campaign against illegal sidewalk vendors, the Task Force Virgo conducted a saturation drive spearheaded by the Vendors Management Action Team together with the elements of SBMA police, Traffic Management and Public Safety, the PNP, Engineering, ESMO, CSWD, Rescue Team, City Health, Public Affairs, Treasury Departments with the assistance from the Barangay Officials and Tanods of EBB, WBB and Asinan. Several stalls were demolished particularly in the areas of 6th St. at Asinan, RM Drive and Gordon Avenue. Illegal vendors occupying the sidewalks were driven away and muslim vendors selling pornographic CD were confiscated. This is also in response to Councilor Cortez’s letter complaint to the City Mayor which the task force has acted upon to solve the problem.

While in the area of the public market, 3 kiosks purportedly managed by 3 members of the PNP were also demolished including two stalls.

Councilor Cerezo reported about the seminar on City Disaster Coordinating Council attended by 17 Barangay Captains and Members of Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council. Another seminar on Barangay Tanods Enhancement Training was held at WBB and East Tapinac, he said.

Barangay officials also attended the seminar on barangay legislation at Tagaytay City. Councilor Cerezo was privileged to speak on Internal Rules and Procedures, the Order of Business and the making of resolutions and ordinances.

He was also able to attend together with the City Mayor and some of the City Councilors, the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) at Palayan City, Nueva Ecija. Participants from Olongapo City were able to bag 21 gold, 16 silver and 15 bronze medals for a total of 52 medals and ranked no. 5 in the over all rating. He already requested the PE Supervisor to provide the council with the listing of all winners who garnered medals for their cash incentives as per resolution passed for the said matter.

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 Rodel S. Cerezo.

2. 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 Rodel S. Cerezo.

3. On motion of Councilor delos Reyes, 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.

4. Draft Ordinance No. 2008 O-06 – “An Ordinance Establishing The Dental Health Section Under The City Health Department,” was deferred on motion of Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes.

5. On motion of Councilor delos Reyes, 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.

6. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-027 – “A Resolution Encouraging All Educational Institutions To Adopt City Parks,” was deferred, on motion of Councilor John Carlos G. delos Reyes.

7. On motion of Councilor Piano, Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-028 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Sta. Rita, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008,” was approved unanimously on its second and final readings.

8. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-029 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Kalaklan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008,” was unanimously approved on its second and final readings, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

9. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-030 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Asinan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008,” was approved unanimously on its second and final readings, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

10. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-031 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay New Ilalim, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008,” was approved unanimously on second and final readings, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

11. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R-032 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay East Tapinac, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2008,” was unanimously approved on second and final readings, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Other Matters

Councilor Piano moved to approve a resolution adopting the comment to the application with manifestation of the City Legal Officer as regards to the application of PILTEL and PLDT with the NTC. The proponent explained the urgency due to the reason that the NTC will be having a hearing this Friday. The hearing officer informed the Legal Officer to submit any comment from the City until Friday which will be the last hearing to be conducted. Since, there are some matters that need to be clarified, the city will submit its comment to be put on record of the NTC and PLDT.

Explaining the importance of the resolution, when asked by Councilor Lipumano-Garcia, the proponent reminded the body that PILTEL has the franchise to operate the telephone system in Olongapo City. Since PLDT has already bought PILTEL, they are requesting the national TC that the Certificate of Public Conveyance and the Local Exchange Care facilities be transferred under their company’s name to be able to continue their operation of the telephone system. Otherwise, they need to apply for a congressional franchise of their own. With no other comment, “A Resolution Adopting The Comment To The Application (With Manifestation) Of The Olongapo City Legal Officer As Regards The Application Of Pilipino Telephone Corporation (PILTEL) And Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) With The National Telecommunications Commission In NTC Case No. 2007-186,” was approved unanimously on second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:49 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