Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON JANUARY 21, 2009 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. Angelito W. Baloy - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.- - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Anselmo A. Aquino- - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Elena C. Dabu- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

Hon. Jonathan G. Manalo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

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

Hon. Cheenee F. Hoya- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - SK Federation President

Absent:

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

Call to Order

The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 4:30 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With eleven (11) 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 sessions dated December 03 and 10, 2008 were adopted unanimously by the body, respectively.

Reading and Approval of the Day’s Agenda

Before the approval of the day’s agenda, Councilor Rodel S. Cerezo read the items on 1st and 2nd reading, to wit:

First Reading:

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-04 – An Ordinance Prohibiting The Sale, Use, Installation And Display Of Buntings, Pennants And Other Decorative Objects Made With Plastic And Non-Biodegradable Materials Along The Streets, Roads And Public Spaces Within The City Of Olongapo. Sponsored by Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. (Referred to the Committees on Business and on Environment)

2. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-05 – An Ordinance Extending The Deadline Of Payment For Both Full And First Quarter Business Tax As Provided Under Section 91 Of City Ordinance No. 64, Series Of 2007 Otherwise Known As The Olongapo City Revenue Code Of Olongapo City. Sponsored by Councilor Angelito W. Baloy. (Referred to the Committees on Business and on Ways and Means)

3. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-06 – An Ordinance Extending The Deadline Of Payment For Mayor’s Permit For Businesses As Provided Under Section 177 Of City Ordinance No. 64, Series Of 2007 Otherwise Known As The Olongapo City Revenue Code Of Olongapo City. Sponsored by Councilor Angelito W. Baloy. (Referred to the Committees on Business and on Ways and Means)

Second Reading:

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-01 – An Ordinance Authorizing The Charging Of The Previous Year’s Obligation In The Amount Of Sixteen Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP16,500.00) To The 2008 Budget Of The Item Travelling Expense-Local Under Maintenance And Other Operating Expenses Of The Office Of The City Mayor. Sponsored by Councilor Gina G. Perez

2. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-03 – An Ordinance Approving The City Government Budget For Calendar Year 2009. Sponsored by Councilor Jonathan G. Manalo

The body unanimously approved the Day’s Agenda.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Memorandum from Joseph Arnold C. Lopez, City Veterinarian for the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr., regarding the Comparative Monthly Statement of Income for the month of December 2008. There was a decrease of Php34,088.00 as compared to last year. (Referred to the Committee on Markets and Slaughterhouse)

2. Memorandum from Fernando M. Magrata, City Administrator, addressed to All Department Heads/Division/Section Heads/Senior Staff regarding Performance Management System-Office Performance Evaluation System (PMS-OPES) Seminar/Workshop, which will be held on February 5-6, 2009, 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Olongapo City Convention Center. (Referred to all City Councilors, Committee on Personnel Matters, the Secretariat and the Vice Mayor’s Office)

3. Letter from Councilor Sarah Lugerna-Lipumano-Garcia, addressed to the Hon. City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo to act favorably on her request of having another clerical aide to work under her office for the fiscal year 2009-2010. (Referred to the Committees on Personnel Matters and on Appropriations)

4. Letter from the City Mayor, addressed to the Honorable City Vice Mayor and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, submitting hard copy and soft copy of the 2009 Executive Budget for review and approval pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of 1991” and Local Budget Memorandum No. 57, issued by the Department of Budget and Management on July 07, 2008. (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations)

5. Copy of Resolution No. 62, Series of 2008 of Barangay East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City entitled: “A Resolution Authorizing For The Release Of The Retroactive Pay For The Across The Board Honorarium Increase Effective 1 July 2008 Per Local Budget Circular No. 88 Dated 20 June 2008.” (Referred to the Committees on Appropriations and on Ways and Means)

6. Copy of Resolution No. 3, Series of 2009 of Barangay West Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City entitled: “A Resolution Recommending To The Honorable James Gordon Jr., Mayor Of Olongapo City, Thru, Dr. Arnildo Tamayo, City Health Officer, To Retain Dr. Editha S. Valdez In Barangay West Bajac-Bajac Health Center.” (Referred to the Committees on Health and on Barangay Affairs)

7. Letter from Marcelino D. Andawi, City Treasurer, addressed to the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon Jr. recommending for the approval of the request to extend the payment of Mayor’s Permit and Business Tax for tax year 2009 from January 31, 2009 deadline to February 13, 2009. (Referred to the Committees on Business and on Ways and Means)

8. Memorandum Circular from Renato L. Brion, CESO III, Regional Director, Department of the Interior and Local Government, addressed to All City And Municipal Mayors And Vice Mayors regarding the Vice Mayor’s League (VMLP) Central Luzon Chapter on the holding of a Regional Conference this coming January 29 to 31, 2009 at the Bahia Hotel, Baler, Aurora, Central in preparation for the planned VMLP Luzon Island Congress, which will be held on the first week of April, 2009 in Clarkfield, Pampanga. (For information)

9. Memorandum from Col. Jose Aquino Jr., Head, OTMPS for the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon Jr. thru Mr. Ferdinand Magrata, City Administrator regarding the Incident Report Re-City Ordinance No. 25, Series of 2008. (Referred to the Committees on Traffic and on Transportation)

10. Letter from Carmelita B. Yco, LGOO V, DILG, et.al, addressed to Hon. City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr. which has reference to the PROJECT C.U.R.E. (Comprehensive and Unified Response to Eliminate Red Tape in Local Government Units) through the Local Government Academy (LGA) in partnership with the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) and the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PACG). (Copy to all City Councilors and to the Committee on Personnel Matters)

11. Letter from Aurora M. Ramos, Manager, Customer Services Department, Subicwater addressed to the Hon. City Mayor seeking permission in the holding of an awareness seminar on the Clean Water Act and on the Sewerage 2020 Master plan for the members of the Olongapo City Council and the Association of Barangay Captains on January 28, 2009 at the FMA Hall, to enhance understanding of the Act and to solicit support in the implementation of the said Act. (Referred to all City Councilors and Committees on Brgy. Affairs and on Utilities)

12. First Endorsement from the City Mayor addressed to the Hon. City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod the copy of the draft City Resolution regarding the proposed creation of James L. Gordon Memorial Advisory Board. (Referred to the Committees on Health and on Organizational Development)

13. Copy of the Annual Budgets of Barangays East Tapinac, New Banicain and West Tapinac for the Calendar Year 2009. (Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations for review)

14. Copy of the Accomplishment Report of Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano-Garcia, Councilor, Olongapo City from January-December 2008. (Referred to the Secretariat for collation)

15. Memorandum from Marey Beth D. Marzan, OIC, City Budget Office for all the Department Heads of the Support Services Group regarding the submission of nomination for the Employee of the Month for the month of January. (Referred to the Committee on Personnel)

16. Memorandum from Ms. Marzan about the Walk-Thru/Actual Inspection of TOS (Treasury Operating System), RPTS (Real Property Tax System) and BPLS (Business Permit and Licensing System) Projects on Monday, Jan. 26, 2009. This is addressed to the Vice Mayor and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Further, the undersigned would like to invite the Vice Mayor together with the Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod to check over the developments of the said projects. Meeting place will be at Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall at 10:30 in the morning.

17. First Endorsement from the City Mayor to this body the copy of the letter from the City Treasurer, requesting extension of payment for the 2009 Mayor’s Permit and Business Tax until 13 February 2009, which was read earlier. (Referred to the Committees on Business and on Ways and Means)

Committee Reports

Councilor Dabu as Chair Committee on Social Services reported that the member of the Persons with Disability (PWD) has started using the office provided for them at the ground floor of the city hall besides the City Assessor. The initial activity was the holding of a meeting where they tackled the entry plan and their budget for the year 2009. OPDA has an allocated budget of PhP150,000.00 for the entire year. The objectives and resources needed for their expected output was discussed. The meeting will held every 2nd Friday of the month at 2:00 p.m. The PWD has a total of 255 members. According to the Councilor, members are already enjoying the 20% discount privilege for the purchase of medicines and also in transportation just like the Senior Citizens. The 20% discount for the purchase of grocery items is still being worked-out in coordination with the DTI.

Councilor Dabu also informed the body that the city was nominated to the Apolinario Mabini Award for LGUs. She added that at present, there is a continuous recruitment of PWD members where all the 17 barangays were encouraged to participate and announce in their respective barangays so that persons with disabilities would all be registered. The PWD secretariat was already formed and they would man the OPDA Office. There will be trainings and livelihood project assistance such as financing and capitalization. At present, the PWDs are operating a convenience store at Marikit Park, selling NFA rice for 250 families of PWDs. It is sold for PhP18 per kilo. The Summer Sportfest was also tackled. Other privileges to be extended to its members are the issuance of local transportation discount cards, purchase cards for medicine, scholarship programs and the medical-dental check-up in coordination with the Committee on Health and Medical and Dental Association.

For her next report, Councilor Dabu said that the following week, she together with the Council for the Welfare of Children will visit the barangays for the implementation of BP 344 which is the “Accessibility Law” in all city establishments.

Calendar of Business

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-01 – “An Ordinance Authorizing The Charging Of The Previous Year’s Obligation In The Amount Of Sixteen Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP16,500.00) To The 2008 Budget Of The Item Travelling Expense-Local Under Maintenance And Other Operating Expenses Of The Office Of The City Mayor,” was deferred by the body, because the sponsor, Councilor Perez was absent.

2. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-03 – “An Ordinance Approving The City Government Budget For Calendar Year 2009,” was deferred by the body on motion of Councilor Jonathan G. Manalo. Budget hearing was tentatively set on January 27. The Presiding Officer enjoined everybody to join the committee hearing. She then declared a recess.

Recess: 5:10 p.m.

Resumed: 5:13 p.m.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia requested to be furnished a copy of the budget so she can submit her recommendations to the committee chair.

Other Matters

A. Councilor delos Reyes raised the issue regarding the reported cutting of trees in OCNHS and wanted to know what is the stand of the City Council regarding this matter. He requested a briefing from Councilor Cortez.

In response, Councilor Cortez, being the Committee Chair on Environment Protection, informed the body that he received a letter from CENRO Head Atty. Raul Mamac informing him that their office did not issue any permit for the cutting of trees. Councilor Cortez suggested that they should conduct an investigation and invite the Principal, Helen Aggabao to appear before the Council to shed light on the matter, in aid of legislation. This is to determine if there was violation of the DENR rules and regulations. Then they will submit the Council’s recommendation to the City Mayor or the proper authorities if there is a need to file charges.

This according to the Councilor, is to show that they are consistent in the same manner that they fought on the issue of coal fired plant at SBMA. Reports that reached the committee mostly came from the alumni. The ESMO already went and took picture of the area.

Councilor Aquino apprised the body that, while passing along 14th Street side of Jackson, around 3:00 p.m. that day he noticed a hole in the perimeter fence purportedly where they pulled out the cut trees. The Councilor raised an alarm that the possible evidences are being removed. The Presiding Officer asked if pictures were taken showing the pulling out. Councilor Aquino affirmed and said that he used his cellphone for taking pictures. She asked the opinion of the body on what legal action they can do.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia suggested to hold first the activities in the said area. The Presiding Officer then referred the drilling of hole at the fence to the Committee on Public Works and Engineering.

Councilor Cortez read to the body the content of the Certification from CENRO. Councilor delos Reyes pointed out that it was stated in the certification that it can be used for whatever legal purpose it may serve. According to Councilor Cortez, since Atty. Mamac works in the DENR, it is his duty as the primary implementing entity of the government to file a case. This may be, was the concern of Councilor Cortez earlier in the discussion, mentioned Councilor delos Reyes.

B. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-05 – An Ordinance Extending The Deadline Of Payment For Both Full And First Quarter Business Tax Due For The Calendar Year 2009 As Provided Under Section 91 Of City Ordinance No. 64, Series Of 2007 Otherwise Known As The “Olongapo City 2007 Revenue Code,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy.

Councilor Piano feels that with the deadline of payment being extended, this may make the taxpayers hold or delay payment of their obligation instead of meeting the deadline. He then suggested to hold the announcement of the extension to compel people to pay on time.

Councilor Gie Baloy, mentioned that the Business Permit and the City Treasury Offices already have their strategy on how to implement it.

Councilor Aquino said, this won’t be necessary since the approval of the Mayor will take time. It will give the taxpayer enough chance to meet the deadline.

Draft Ordinance was approved unanimously in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy.

C. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-06 – “An Ordinance Extending The Deadline Of Payment For Mayor’s Permit For Businesses Due For The Calendar Year 2009 As Provided Under Section 177 Of City Ordinance No. 64, Series Of 2007 Otherwise Known As The “Olongapo City 2007 Revenue Code,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter and was approved by the body unanimously as amended, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy.

The Presiding Officer suggested to insert in the title the Calendar Year 2009 for which the proponent agreed. The body approved the amendment in the title.

D. Councilor Piano moved to include in the Agenda under the First Reading, the resolution entitled: “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budgets of Barangays Barretto, East Tapinac, West Tapinac, Ilalim and Banicain.” All will be considered under Second Reading next session. The motion was approved.

E. Councilor Manalo reminded the body of the schedule of the budget hearing on January 27, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. The Presiding Officer mentioned for the record that she would like the Public Utilities and ESMO be invited. Councilor Manalo noted.

F. Councilor Piano said that the ULIS project for the walk thru of the Council Members, was requested to be moved to another date. The body decided to schedule it on February 3, 2009, Monday at the Session Hall.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:35 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