EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON JANUARY 16, 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. Edwin J. Piano - - “ “
Hon. Angelito W. Baloy - - - - “ “
Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.-- “ “
Hon. Anselmo A. Aquino- - - “ “
Hon. Elena C. Dabu- - - “ “
Hon. Cheenee F. Hoya - - SK Federation President
Absent:
Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano–Garcia - - 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 12:35 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 November 14, 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:
First Reading:
1. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-006 – A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Honorable James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Globe Telecom/Innove Communications, Inc. For Joint Pole/Lease Rental Agreement. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committees on IT and Laws)
2. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-007 - A Resolution Requesting The Hon. Barangay Chairmen Of Olongapo City To Abate Pilferage And Theft Of Electric Power By Reporting Illegal Connections And Tappings Within Their Barangays. Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes. (Referred to the Committees on Public Utilities, Barangay Affairs and SK)
3. Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-008 – A Resolution Adopting The Two (2)-Year Investment Plan Of The Public Utilities Department. Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes. (Referred to the Committees on Public Utilities and Approriations)
4. Draft Resolution No. 2008 R- 009 - A Resolution Authorizing The City Mayor Hon. James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into An Affiliation Agreement Between James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital (JLGMH) And Central Luzon College Of Science & Technology, Represented By Its President, Dr. Renato P. Legaspi. Sponsored by Councilor John Carlos G. Delos Reyes. (Referred to the Committee on Laws)
5. 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. (Referred to the Committees on Social Welfare, Barangay Affairs and SK)
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 No. 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 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 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
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. Sponsored by Councilors Angelito W. Baloy, Edwin J. Piano and Gina G. Perez
6. 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
7. 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
In addition to the agenda, Councilor Cortez moved for the inclusion of two items in the agenda under the first reading. One is Draft Ordinance entitled: “An Ordinance Temporarily Closing The Whole Stretch Of RM Drive And Rizal Avenue From SBMA Rizal Gate To Ulo Ng Apo Rotonda On January 20, 2008 As Olongapo City Hosts The 2008 Subic Marathon”, and the other is Draft Resolution entitled: “A Resolution Approving The Application For Preliminary Approval And Development Permit Of Fiesta Communities Olongapo Containing An Area Of 36,342 Square Meters With 370 Saleable Lots Located At Barangay New Cabalan, City of Olongapo”.
Finally, on motion of Councilor Rodel Cerezo, the day’s agenda was approved as amended.
Communications and Referrals of Business
Communications Read:
1. Copy of the Committee report of Councilor Edwin J. Piano regarding the committee hearing of the proposed budget of Barangays Gordon Heights, Barretto and Asinan held on January 8, 2008 and his report on the Telecom and Information, Communication Technology regarding Globe Telecom’s application to install telephone cabinets, pole guys and cables in Olongapo City. The following issues were discussed and resolved:
Pole attachment
Rental fees of government land
Telephone cabinet location
And the offer of Globe
(For information of everyone)
2. Letter from the Hon. City Mayor addressed to the Hon. City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo and Members requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod to consider an ordinance appropriating the amount of PhP7,500,000.00 from the account Extra Cash Gift under Personal Services of various departments which will allocate PhP5,000.00 per employee, to be taken from reversion of various Trust Fund Accounts. (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations, Councilor Gina G. Perez)
3. Resolution No. 3, Series of 2008 of Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City, entitled: “A Resolution Requesting The Management Of The Land Bank Of The Philippines, Olongapo City Branch Authorized Signatories In Favor Of The Barangay Captain And The Barangay Treasurer Of Current Account Number 0382-1008-75”. (For information and guidance of everyone)
4. Joint Application of the NTC Case No. 2007-186 of the National Telecommunications Commission, regarding Pilipino Telephone Corporation and Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company on the application for Authority to Transfer Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) Service under section 20 (g) of the Public Service Act, submitted by Atty. Fernando Sobierra, III, Counsel for Applicant PLDT and Atty. Ivy P. Cortez, Counsel For Applicant PILTEL. (Referred to the Committee on Laws for review)
5. Invitation from Corona Management Center Of the Philippines on the three-day Executive Forum. (For information of everyone)
6. Letter from Enrique D. Perez, Undersecretary, Office of the President, Search Committee addressed to Hon. Feliciano G. Salonga, Chairman, SBMA, referring the Olongapo City Council Secretary’s letter dated 15 November 2007 which they received from the Malacañang Records Office, transmitting Resolution Nos. 155 and 156, Series of 2007, requesting to include the representation of Olongapo City in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority-Freeport Service Corporation (SBMA-FSC) Board. (For information and guidance of everyone)
7. Letter from Director Alan D. Pasumbal, Head, “Isang Bayan, Isang Produkto, Isang Milyong Pisong Programa ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo”, addressed to City Mayor James Gordon Jr. serving their second demand letter regarding the PhP1 M loan assistance released to the city under the said program. (Referred to the Committee on Livelihood for several times already. The Presiding Officer asked for an update report)
8. Memorandum from Fernando M. Magrata, OIC, City Administrator addressed to the City Department/Office Heads regarding the Schedule of Annual Physical Examination. For the City Council schedule, included are Kgd. Angelito W. Baloy, Estelito D. Landicho, Elflida Salmon and Artemio Gongora. (For compliance of all members and employees)
9. Copy of the Letter from Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr., Chairman, Committee on Environment Protection, Land Use, Housing and Zonification dated January 11, 2008 addressed to Mr. Wilfredo M. Tan, President, Hausland Development Corporation, regarding his application for Development Permit for a subdivision project to be known as Fiesta Communities Olongapo, located at Purok 3, Brgy. New Cabalan, this City.
The letter states the findings and recommendations of the Committee. First is the installation of fire hydrant or stand pipe. Second, the installation of head water tank with 4, 000 gal. capacity, one (1) at east side and one (1) at west side and must be placed on elevated areas and exclusively for fire department use only. Third, proposed site’s topographic map shows rolling and irregular elevations thus provision for slope protection is essential to ensure ground/soil stability. Fourth, a total additional load of 600 KVA is proposed to be installed for the project. Fifth, in addition to the proposed electrical distribution system, the developer shall provide the additional pole and line materials needed to connect the project to the system. Sixth, PUD shall approve the materials to be used for the project. And the last one, the developer shall turnover the electrical system to PUD for its maintenance.
The Committee would also like to request a written development commitment from Hausland Development Corporation with regard to the road improvement it has pledged before Hon. Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr.
(For information and guidance)
10. Letter from Julian M.L. Coseteng, the National President, and Manuel Jose M. Dalipe, Secretary General, and the Congress Director, Vice Mayor of Zamboanga City of the National Movement Of Young Legislators (NMYL) inviting all Vice Governors, Vice Mayors, Provincial Board Members, City/Municipal Councilors, who are 35 years old and below at the time of their election to office last May 14, 2007; including SK and Liga ng mga Barangay Federation Presidents within the same age range and NMYL Associate members to the forthcoming “NMYL 16th National Congress” on February 27 to 29, 2008 at the Waterfront Hotel, Lahug, Cebu City. (For information and guidance)
11. Resolution No. 04, Series of 2008 of Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City, entitled: “A Resolution Amending Resolution No. 96, Series of 1998 To Implement Three (3) Pesos Terminal Fee Of Tricycles Plying The New Cabalan Route As Per Provisions Of Book 2 Chapter 4, Section 391 Of The Local Government Code Of 1991”. (Referred to the Committees on Laws, Transport and Traffic)
12. Resolution No. 05, Series of 2008 of Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City, entitled: “A Resolution Approving To Withdraw The Amount Of (PhP100,000.00) Representing Our Share On RPT From The City Treasurer And To Deposit To The Barangay Account At The Land Bank Of The Philippines”. (For information and guidance)
13. Invitation for the City Councilors regarding the Commemoration of the 91st Birth Anniversary of the late Mayor James L. Gordon, Sr., “Power of Information at Olongapo City Jail”.
14. Notice of Power Interruption from the Public Utilities Department on January 18, 2008, Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 NN. The will-be affected areas are Feeder 2 & 3, Mercurio Sub – station. The reason is for the trimming of trees along 69kv transmission lines at Mercurio Sub–Station. Feeder 2 and 3 are as follows:
F – 2: Whole of Old and New Cabalan, whole of Sta. Rita, repair of LBS at Acacia St., Gordon Heights.
F – 3: Whole of Gordon Heights and Mabayuan; whole of Sta. Rita Village, portion of Upper Kalaklan – along Nat’l Hiway from CBMU St. to Otero Ave. along Maine St., Lower Kalaklan, portion of West Bajac – Bajac; along Davidson St. from 20th to 22nd St.; along W 20th St. from River to Caron St.; along W 22nd St. from Davidson to Rizal Triangle; along Balic – Balic Road from Seventh Day Adventist Church to Balic – Balic Bridge; whole of Dominguez St., Sta. Rita.
The reasons for the interruption are:
Transfer of primary lines to newly erected concrete pole at Purok – 6, New Cabalan.
Trimming of trees along feeder No. 2 and feeder No. 3 distribution lines.
PMS of Mercurio Sub – station feeder breaker.
15. Letter from Marey Beth D. Marzan, City Planning and Development Coordinator addressed to the Hon. City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo regarding the Orientation on Rationalized Planning System (RPS) on February 7, 2008, 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. at the Function Room, Olongapo City Convention Center.
16. First Endorsement from the City Mayor addressed to this body regarding the Work and Financial Plan of the City Disaster and Coordinating Council for Calendar Year 2008. (Referred to the Committee on Peace and Order)
17. First Endorsement from the City Mayor to the Hon. City Vice Mayor and Members of this Council of the following:
a. Memorandum of the Local Finance Committee regarding the proposed repair and maintenance of the city-owned Tow Truck under the Office of the Traffic Management & Public Safety;
b. Letter of Mr. Carlo Marcelo of Preventive Motor Supplies & Services;
c. Draft copy of the Memorandum of Agreement entered into by and between Preventive Motor Supplies & Services represented by its owner, Carlo Marcelo and the City Government of Olongapo represented by the City Mayor.
(All three were referred to the Committee on Appropriations)
18. Copy of the Oath of Office of Cheenee F. Hoya, newly-elected SK Federation President in Olongapo City.
Committee Report
N o n e
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 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 on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.
4. Councilor Piano moved for the approval of 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”.
For the observation, Councilor delos Reyes asked if the awardees are from Olongapo City. Councilor Piano affirmed and said that they are original volunteers of the Subic Bay Freeport when it was just starting.
Councilor Elmo Aquino suggested that individual recognition be given to the awardees so that each will receive an original copy and will only have the name of one individual per copy. Councilor Piano said he agrees with the suggestion and also invited the Members for unanimous sponsorship.
Councilor Perez asked what are the accomplishments of the mentioned individuals, or the reasons for their being among the Ten Outstanding SBMA Police Officers.
Councilor Piano answered in detail. First, he said, Mr. Vicente Tolentino is an original volunteer. He was with the Freeport FSD Security Department during the navy time and volunteered when SBMA started. He was the head of the Special Weapons and Tactics Division at that time and was in-charge of the security of visitors during the APEC Summit. In 1998, he worked with the City Government and returned to SBMA a few years later as the Operations Chief of the Law Enforcement Department. He then became the Chief of the Rescue Dept. of SBMA. Mr. Tolentino was chosen during the selection process in the previous year because he was part of the Kalasag Award of Olongapo, a joint effort of teams from Olongapo and SBMA. He led the SBMA team.
Councilor Piano also mentioned the achievements of Mr. Rufino Lucas, the other awardee. He said Mr. Lucas was with the K-9 Group of the Security Department during the navy time. When he was a volunteer at SBFZ he took charge of the Traffic Investigation. He is presently in the Investigation Section of the Intelligence and Investigation Office of the SBFZ.
Likewise, Councilor Piano mentioned that Mr. Norman Lucero, also an awardee, was an original volunteer. He was assigned many tasks in SBFZ.
Councilor Piano concluded that the three above-mentioned awardees and original volunteers showed exceptional leadership and rendered excellent services. They have proven their dedication and commitment to their organization which led to their selection in the Ten Outstanding SBMA, IIO-Law Enforcement Department Officers of the Year. According to the Councilor, the giving of recognition was spearheaded by the Subic Bay Chamber of Commerce while the awards given, which consist of plaque and cash were from SBMA, as their part.
Councilor Gie Baloy said that the said proposal was deferred the previous session because the proponent manifested that a certain report coming from Mr. Vicente Tolentino is yet to be heard. Councilor Baloy asked for the status of that report.
Councilor Piano moved for a recess.
Recess: 1:14 P.M.
Resumed: 1:20 P.M.
Draft Resolution No. 2008 –R-001 was deferred on motion of Councilor Edwin Piano since, according to the Councilor, there are several questions, suggestions, and requirements requested.
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 on motion of Councilor Gie Baloy as research on the provision of the draft is still on-going.
6. 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.
Councilor Piano asked to confirm from the body if the biodata of an awardee would already be a requirement for measures regarding awarding of recognitions to individuals. In his many years as a City Councilor, Councilor Piano said it was not a customary practice.
Councilor Perez suggested that a simple profile will be enough to provide a little background, along with the accomplishments of the awardee.
The Presiding Officer asked the proponent if he is amenable to the suggestion since not everybody knows the person being given an award.
Councilor Piano said he is very much amenable but would like to put it on record that starting that day if in case a member doesn’t know the awardee, a biodata and a written report of his/her accomplishments will be requested.
Draft Resolution No. 2008 – R-004 was deferred on motion of Councilor Edwin Piano.
7. Councilor Cerezo moved for the approval of Draft Ordinance No. 2008 – O-03 – “An Ordinance Providing For The Computerization Of All Ordinances And 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”.
Councilor Cerezo explained to the body that the computerization of past and present measures are much needed in the computer modernization program of the city. This is to provide ease and accuracy in the processing of requirements for the various government transactions of the citizens. According to the Councilor, the encoding of ordinances and resolutions would include the status of its effectivity and also the amended part. For the index and filing, the measures shall be arranged in separate folders according to their subject matter in chronologic order. This will be of great help especially to the Council Members’ research and reference because it will be readily available in their respective computers.
Councilor Perez asked if the encoding would include past ordinances and resolutions.
Councilor Cerezo replied that perhaps there’s a need to encode ordinances and resolutions approved five years prior up to present to serve as references.
Councilor Gie Baloy asked the proponent who shall comprise the working force for the said proposal. Councilor Cerezo explained that there are plans for the encoding and working group. What is needed for the time-being is for the passage of the proposed ordinance so that computerization may be started and that the passage of the said measure will entail funding of the said program.
Councilor Perez relayed to the body that in 2007, the Office of the DILG presented a software or programs on computerization which were given for free. The Councilor also requested for the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) or the Guidelines from the proponent on how they plan to implement the said program, and she also mentioned that there may be a need for an appropriation to have an effective implementation.
Councilor Cerezo confirmed that an appropriation is really needed thus it is important primarily to pass the proposal before they can do the appropriation and implementation. Once the said measure is approved, the creation of the working group and the IRR will follow. The Councilor also said that he will try to check on the software from the DILG Office as suggested by Councilor Perez. He also said that what is planned to be done is “scanning” of the ordinances and resolutions. According to the Councilor, perhaps some schools may be asked to participate in the encoding which will be part of their students “ON-THE JOB-TRAINING”.
Councilor Piano gave an update on the Sanggunian Information System. He said that a few months ago, the council authorized the City Mayor to enter into a MOA with the DILG regarding the Sanggunian Information System. The said program was yet to be launched because the availability of the City Mayor and the scheduling of the MOA signing by the DILG does not meet. According to the Councilor, the program is ready for implementation once signed.
Councilor Cortez said that as he recalled from the planning session which the body conducted at Laguna, a budget was set for the codification of the ordinances and resolutions and also for the hardware to be used. He asked the Chairman if that plan will be pursued.
The Presiding Officer asked the body if the budget for the codification was included in the finalized City Council Budget for CY 2008. Councilor Piano said that a certain amount for the said plan was approved. It is up to the body if they will pursue it.
The Presiding Officer said that to her knowledge, she thinks they already passed a detailed plan but she is aware that two (2) computer sets are to be procured for the codification. As to the personnel, she asked Councilor Cerezo if there are encoders being trained in each barangay. She also asked for clarification if the encoding includes only actual encoding or it also includes the scanning.
Councilor Cerezo replied that encoding includes both the scanning and encoding. The Presiding Officer explained that to have a faithful reproduction of the original, the signatures must be included.
To give further clarification, Councilor Piano said that after doing the scanning, another process must be undergone. The saved document from the scanning should be processed under the Optical Character Reader (OCR) where the text will be automatically transferred to the computer document file such that there won’t be a need to re-type it manually.
The Presiding Officer acknowledged that with the E-governance, documents are readily accessible and it will also make easier the review of past measures to be amended.
Councilor delos Reyes advised that in order for the ordinance to be more effective the body should identify who would comprise the working group.
Councilor Cerezo took note of the advice and added that perhaps the Office of Councilor Piano and the MIS Group will be needed in the computerization program.
The Presiding Officer suggested that the proponent may write a letter to employees or whoever will be part of the task force but emphasized that the proponent/sponsor of the ordinance shall be the so-called Project Manager. She asked the body if the creation of the task force shall be through an office order or through an ordinance. Furthermore, the Presiding Officer suggested to add the word codification not just computerization.
Councilor Cerezo affirmed. He again explained to the body that Section 2 of the proposal states that each ordinance and resolution shall be encoded in its entirety. Section 3 states that each shall be filed separately in their own folders according to their respective subject matter and in chronological order. The ordinances are to be separated from the resolutions and will be preceded by the corresponding index or title. It is in this part of filing where committee chairmanship or subject matters like education, tourism, peace and order, by-laws, etc. may be separated.
Councilor delos Reyes asked who shall determine what resolutions will be considered significant since it is stated in the title:”…All Ordinances and significant Resolutions…” Councilor Cerezo replied that those resolutions which will not affect the operations of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Office like the Resolution expressing congratulations and sympathies.
Councilor Piano commented that he believes all measures passed or approved by the City Council were significant even the resolutions on sympathies and recognitions because they are part of the city’s history. Otherwise, he added, if those measures were not significant, it will not be tackled in the Council. So, he suggested that all ordinances and resolutions scanned, be included in the codification.
Councilor Aquino suggested to just omit the word “significant” in the title since all measures passed by the Council were carefully studied and were considered significant. According to him, even resolutions expressing condolences were part of the city’s history.
The Presiding Officer said that they should just include all the resolutions but would only be given a secondary priority. The encoding of the ordinances will be given first priority. She then asked if the proponent was amenable to the suggestion.
Councilor Cerezo affirmed. So the word “significant” before the word resolutions in the title of the proposed measure shall be removed.
Councilor Cortez, still on the topic of codification, also suggested that all newly-codified and computerized ordinances be added in the website which the body is informally using for the time-being. A website will be made so that the ordinances and resolutions can be accessed by everyone especially the students doing research.
The Presiding Officer mentioned that from what she recalls, they were able to ask UNFPA for funds regarding codification. She just doesn’t know if the UNFPA will accommodate it as an inclusion in the UNFPA program.
After the lengthy discussion, Draft Ordinance No. 2008-O-03 sponsored by Councilors Cerezo and Piano was approved unanimously on its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Rodel Cerezo.
Other Matters
A. On motion of Councilor Cortez, “An Ordinance Temporarily Closing The Whole Stretch Of RM Drive And Rizal Avenue From SBMA Rizal Gate To Ulo Ng Apo Rotonda On January 20, 2008 As Olongapo City Hosts The 2008 Subic Marathon”, was considered as an urgent matter and was approved unanimously on its second and final reading.
Councilor Piano requested the proponent, being the Head of the Traffic Committee and TMB, to ensure an early information dissemination to avoid receiving complaints from their constituents on abrupt changes in traffic plan.
B. Councilor Cerezo, on another matter asked for a follow-up from the Appropriations Committee Chairman and from the Presiding Officer on the status of Ordinance No. 50 passed on October 10, 2007, entitled: “An Ordinance Establishing Two Co-Terminus Positions Of Administrative Assistant (Private Secretary) Under The Sangguniang Panlungsod Plantilla”. According to the Councilor, the Executive Assistants for him and Councilor Lipumano-Garcia are still considered casual to-date, thus, are affected by declared holidays.
The Presiding Officer answered that according to the Budget Office it is still for review by the Regional Budget Office subject for their approval. So, its approval should be followed up at the Budget Office, and she hopes there won’t be any problem.
Councilor Cerezo commented that each City Councilor has the right to an Executive Assistant with Co-Terminus status. The Councilor also said that it appeared from the records that two personnel from the previous batch are in plantilla position or have permanent status.
The Presiding Officer asked Ms. Joy Niñonuevo for an update regarding the matter. Ms. Niñonuevo explained that the follow-up was done just the previous day and it was found that the Budget Office received the copy of the said approved ordinance on November 2007. However, the Budget Office denied receipt of the document when asked about its status the previous day. Thus, the said office was not able to forward it to the DBM. Ms. Niñonuevo added that the Personnel Office was given a copy on December 2007 but they cannot act upon the matter because it is subject to the approval of the DBM.
Councilor Cerezo commented that the Budget Office cannot deny receipt of the document because from the records, the Budget Office received it on November 19, 2007 as shown in the receiving copy.
The Presiding Officer asked Ms. Joy what the advice of the Budget Office was, if the Council can forward it directly to DBM.
Ms. Niñonuevo said she wasn’t able to ask that part. She was told that there was another option. The Budget Office suggested to just give the position of Alvin instead. According to Ms. Joy, her reply to that suggestion, was that there was an agreement about that matter.
The Presiding Officer remarked that the Budget Office encroaches on the decision of the Council. They are suggesting something which is not amenable for the body. According to her what the body wants was to provide a regular plantilla for the Private Secretaries.
Councilor Perez suggested that they write a letter reiterating the implementation of the said ordinance and copy furnish the DBM.
Councilor delos Reyes affirmed the suggestion.
Councilor Aquino moved for a recess. The Presiding Officer said that it is better to be recorded.
Councilor delos Reyes suggested to Councilor Cerezo that through the letter, the body brings up the problem with the Budget Office, at least express the Council’s dismay and anger, and then copy furnish the DBM with that letter.
Ms. Niñonuevo added that when she talked with Councilor Marzan, the Councilor told her that she did not agree and did not give-in to the proposal of the Budget Office.
The Presiding Officer commented that the proposal being suggested to the Council is only a temporary measure. The body aimed to create a plantilla so that whoever sits in the council will have an available plantilla position.
Councilor Cerezo commented that this problem will undergo a vicious cycle in the City Council Office.
Councilor Aquino said that the Co-Terminus status was long agreed. He suggested that everybody just adhere to the agreement. He relayed that he encountered this kind of problem already six years since, and it is still a problem until now.
Councilor Perez affirmed the observation and said that the Executive Assistants and Private Secretaries should have knowledge of this agreement from the start, that they are Co-Terminus with their boss.
Councilor Aquino mentioned that the City Councilor must understand this agreement so that after their term, their respective executive assistant’s term also ends.
The Presiding Officer explained that it is the reason why they created the plantilla position. This will give a permanent solution to the problem. She also mentioned that the said ordinance was even passed by the body but she was absent at that time.
Councilor delos Reyes gave an observation that since the body created a plantilla through an ordinance, if this was not acted upon, the Councilor said that there are penalties for violations under the Local Government Code. He said, he thinks that the letter to be given should cite the provision on penalties and fines for violation under the Local Government Code.
The Presiding Officer cited as an example the plan to create the Office of the City Architect. Thus, it is not true that they cannot create positions.
Councilor Cortez asked if they could invite Ms. Josie. The Presiding Officer answered that she will just be invited on their caucus.
Councilor Cerezo said perhaps they need the help of the Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, and invite Josie on their caucus with the presence of the City Mayor since the said ordinance was already signed by him.
Recess: 2:00 P.M.
Session resumed: 2:05 P.M.
The Presiding Officer asked what the pleasure of the body was.
Councilor Perez asked if the Members were amenable to edit the title and other sections of the ordinance since this was approved already and all the employees already received their cash gifts.
The Presiding Officer mentioned that they are just editing the ordinance which was approved already and it is an internal agreement among them.
Before adjournment, the Presiding Officer reminded the body of the general meeting with the City Mayor, 5:00 P.M. at the Convention Center.
Councilor Aquino informed the body about the President Gloria’s visit. Councilor Cortez said it will held at the El Centro, Legenda regarding the Subic Clark Development.
The Presiding Officer said the City Mayor will be the one to inform them if they should attend.
Adjournment
There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 2:10 in the afternoon, on motion of Councilor Rodel Cerezo.
I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE
CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:
ELFLIDA S. SALMON
Council Secretary
ATTEST:
CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO
City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer
Labels: HUC, Minutes
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