Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON FEBRUARY 4, 2009 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. 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:

None.

Call to Order

The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 4:55 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With twelve (12) members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

Before the motion for the adoption of minutes, Councilor Perez manifested that they convened for barangay cases and other important issues before the session.

The minutes of the regular sessions dated December 23, 2008 and January 07, 2009 were unanimously adopted by the body, respectively, on motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez.

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:

None.

Second 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.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-009 – A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Kalaklan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2009. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-010 – A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) Entered Into By And Between The City Government Of Olongapo Represented By The Honorable City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. And The Department Of Labor And Employment (DOLE) Represented By Nathaniel V. Lacambra, Regional Director For The Capability Building For Livelihood/Self-Employment Program. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

Councilor Piano manifested to include under the First Reading, “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Brgy. Old Cabalan, City of Olongapo For Calendar Year 2009.”

The body unanimously approved the Day’s Agenda as amended.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Petition letter ng mga residente ng Barangay Sta. Rita, Olongapo City for Hon. City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and Hon. Anne Gordon, First Lady of Olongapo City, City Project Manager and Vice Governor of Zambales na sila ay umaapila na sana ay magawa na ang kanilang daan o kalsada dahil pagdating ng tag-ulan ay nahihirapan sila lalo na ang mga bata sa malalaking lubak na puno ng tubig. (Referred to the Committee on Public Works and Engineering)

2. Letter from Councilors Edwin J. Piano, Gina G. Perez and Anselmo Aquino, Chairman, Vice Chairman and Member, respectively of the Committee on Ways and Means addressed to:

Hon. Filipina Tablan, Brgy. Chairman, Brgy. EBB, Olongapo City;

Hon. Jimmy Pasag, Brgy. Chairman, Brgy. Pag-asa;

Hon. Edgardo Danugrao, Jr., Brgy. Chairman, Brgy. Mabayuan;

Hon. Jerome Michael Bacay, Brgy. Chairman, Brgy. Sta. Rita;

Hon. Rafael Santulan, Jr., Brgy. Chairman, Brgy. West Bajac-Bajac

informing them that the Sangguniang Panlungsod has yet to receive a copy of their 2009 Budget Appropriation Ordinance, Pursuant to RA 7160, otherwise known as the “Local Government Code of the Philippines”, the Sangguniang Panlungsod shall have the power to review the barangay budget ordinance after receipt. Thus, this letter is to remind them that the deadline for submission of barangay budget for this year shall not be later than 31st of March. Failure to have an approved 2009 Budget may result to re-enacted budget. (Referred to the Committee on Brgy. Affairs)

3. Memorandum from Angie Socorro S. Barroga, OIC, City Personnel Office, addressed to All Department Heads/Divisions/Section Heads/Senior Staff regarding Performance Management System-Office Performance Evaluation System (PMS-OPES) Seminar/Workshop. Attached Worksheet in relation to the above seminar/workshop to be filled-in by participants/attendees for submission on/or before 3 February ‘09 at the Personnel Office, this City. (For information)

4. Letter from Norman V. Pamintuan, Executive Judge, Municipal Trial Court in Cities 3rd Judicial Region, Olongapo City, addressed to the Hon. City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon Jr., Gov. Amor D. Deloso, Iba, Zambales, Vice Gov. Anne Gordon, Office of the Vice Governor, Iba, Zambales and/or Olongapo City Hall, Honorable Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Olongapo City Hall, and others, informing that the Philippine Judicial Academy will conduct briefings for applicants for staff as well as mediators on 04 February 2009 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the RTC Branch 69, Session Hall, Bulwagan ng Katarungan, Iba, Zambales and February 5 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Office of the Clerk of Court, Regional Trial Court, Justice Hall Bldg., Olongapo City. This is in line with the continuing program of the PHILJA towards enhancing the speedy and inexpensive settlement of cases through the creation of the Philippine Mediation Center (PMC). (Referred to the Committee on Laws)

5. Letter from Manuel D. Gerochi, CESO I, Undersecretary for Staff Bureaus, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Visayas Ave., Diliman, Quezon City acknowledging receipt of a copy of Resolution No. 187, Series of 2008 of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Olongapo entitled, “A Resolution Requesting The Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) thru the Administrator of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) to Approve the Proposed Land Classification Project No. 13-K Covering the Remaining Unclassified Public Forest in the City of Olongapo”. Forwarded by the Council Secretary last Jan. 08, 2009 and he is informing that the said resolution was referred to the Undersecretary for Policy and Planning and Chairman, National Technical Evaluation Committee (NTEC), Usec. Demetrio L. Ignacio, for appropriate action in a Memorandum of even date. Said office is located at 5th Floor, DENR Bldg. Visayas Ave., Diliman, Quezon City, with telephone nos. (02) 925-1184 and 929-6626 local 2117. The Document Number is RMDD-127532. (Referred to the Committee on Environment)

6. Invitation from the PRN Quality Training & Seminar Links, Inc. on their 5 days seminars. (For information)

7. Memorandum Circular No. 2009-03 of Austere A. Panadero, Department of the Interior And Local Government, Diliman Quezon City, addressed to All Provincial Governors, City Mayors, Municipal Mayors And DILG Regional Directors regarding the 18th National Convention Of The Vice-Mayors’ League Of The Philippines on February 26-28, 2009 at the Pryce Plaza Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City, with the theme, the VMLP 20th year: continuing the mission for excellent legislation. (For information)

8. Letter from Marey Beth D. Marzan, OIC, City Budget Office, ULIS Project Team Leader, addressed to the Hon. City Vice Mayor and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod informing that the ISF Program of activities had been finalized last week and the Project Implementation Unit will not be able to attend the said walk-thru. In view of this she is requesting that Treasury Operating System (TOS), RPTS & BPLS walk-thru be re-scheduled next Monday, February 09, at 9:00 A.M. after the Flag Ceremony.

9. Memorandum from Angie Socorro G. Barroga, OIC, City Personnel Office addressed to All City Department/Division Heads regarding Orientation Seminar on February 4, 1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. today at the FMA Hall. This aims to introduce the organizational function that includes personnel programs, appointments, employee benefits and the duties and responsibilities of a public servant. Employees from the City Council: Buenafe, Remegio; Bautista, Editha; De Guzman, Eleonor; De Vera, Rogelio; Escota, Francis; Gonzales, Jose, Jr.; Landicho, Estelito; and Perez, Margie. (For information)

10. Memorandum from Fernando M. Magrata, City Administrator, addressed to All City Government Officials & Employees regarding the Filing of Statement of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth And Disclosure of Business Interests and Financial Connections. Those who are required to file the statement are the following: elected officials; appointed permanent; appointed temporary; appointed casual; appointed co-terminous. Those who have already submitted the “Baseline Declaration” are required to submit the “Annual Declaration Form 1. Jan. 30, 2009 in order to provide an update or revision to the former statement. The form must be accomplished in triplicate. Forward 2 copies to the Personnel Office, and retain a copy. The production of the enclosed copy of the Annual Declaration Form is authorized. Guideline in accomplishing this form is also enclosed to this letter. The Personnel Office is required to consolidate, prepare, and submit the report to the Office of the Ombudsman in Alpha order in time to reach the Office of Ombudsman by April 2009. The deadline for submission to the Personnel Office is on or before the end of February 2009. (For compliance)

11. Memorandum from Ferdie M. Magrata, City Administrator addressed to Col. Jose A. Aquino, Jr., Heads, OTMPS, City of Olongapo regarding Strict Enforcement Of City Ordinance No. 25, Series of 2008. (For information and guidance)

12. Copy of Resolution No. 4, Series of 2009 of Brgy. West Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City entitled, “A Resolution Designating Attorney Michael Fabunan As Attorney-In-Fact For Barangay Chairman Rafael R. Santulan, Jr. And The Members Of Barangay Council Of Barangay West Bajac-Bajac In The Amended Civil Case 133-0-06 RTC Branch 74.” (For information)

13. Letter from Councilor Edwin J. Piano, Chairman, Committee on Labor and Employment, addressed to Hon. Feliciano G. Salonga, Chairman, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, attn.: Mr. Armand C. Arreza, Administrator and CEO, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority with regards to SBMA’s rescue plan for workers displaced by the global recession. Further stating that during their meeting last Wednesday between SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza, City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and Councilor Piano agreed in principle to the proposition of Administrator Arreza to join forces in order to have a coordinated effort and minimize loss of limited resources. He is requesting a meeting with his representatives to discuss and plan required intervention for this endeavor to be successful. (Referred to the Committees on Labor and on Personnel Matters)

14. Memorandum from Councilor Edwin J. Piano, Director, Skills Training Center, addressed to the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. regarding the Accomplishment Report Of Olongapo Skills Training Center. (For information)

15. Letter from Romulo E. Alop, addressed to the Hon. Brgy. Captain Benjamin Franco, Brgy. East Tapinac, attn: Sangguniang Barangay, Brgy. East Tapinac, Olongapo City regarding his unpaid terminal leave pay, which he is entitled under the existing laws and jurisprudence, it would appear despite repeated demands, and justifiable reasons, he withheld his terminal leave pay to his prejudice. He issued this Foregoing Demand for the release of terminal leave pay within ten (10) days from receipt of this letter otherwise, he shall be constrained to take legal steps in order to protect his interest. (Referred to the Committees on Brgy. Affairs, on Laws and on Personnel)

16. Letter from Brgy. Kgd. Sotero S. Dabu, Barretto, Olongapo City addressed to Mr. Eliseo De Guzman, City Director, DILG, Olongapo City informing him that he attended all sessions and meetings scheduled for the month of January 2009 as per their approved IRP series of 2008. However, there were no sessions and meeting on Jan. 13, 20 & 27, 2009 except only last Jan. 03, 2009, wherein he was present. He learned that the Barangay Captain called a special session but he was not invited. (For information)

17. Letter from Victoriano L. Quiton, Chief Operations Officer, Jemeryk Portal, addressed to the Hon. City Mayor regarding the Jemeryk Portal System Integration, Inc. (JPSI), a company existing under the Republic of the Philippines, with principal office address at Subic Bay Freeport Zone, engaged in the business of Information and Communications Technology Solutions (ICT) in all aspects but not limited to consultancy services relative to system studies, system development, system integration, networking, web design and construction, lease and/or sale of hardware and software components of ICT systems and they would like to propose to the City Government the implementation of the Radio Frequency Identification Card (RF-ID) System in tandem with the mobile Jobs and Public Services-Point of Sale (JPS.POS) Device. They are proposing to produce and issue RF-ID cards at no cost to the government to the following: Olongapo City Employees, Gordon College Students, Volunteers like Market Vendors, etc., Transport Sector, Public Assistance. This project is made possible by the unwavering support of Sen. Richard Gordon and Buhay Partylist Rep. Carissa Coscolluela. (Referred to the Committee on IT)

18. Letter from Atty. Angelito R. Orozco for Hon. Oscar C. Cabayanan, Regional Director, Environmental Management Bureau-Region III (EMB-DENR), concerning Subic Water Case/Subic Water and Sewerage Company, Inc’s. violation of the Clean Water Act (RA 9275). According to Atty. Orozco their letter dated 01 Sept. 2008 notes certain violations such as wastes discharges arising from Subic Water’s backwashing activities and lack of Discharge Permit. As a consequence, “a Notice of Vilation/Technical Conference will be issued to SWSCI for violating Section 14 of the CWA and ECC Condition No. 4 under Reference Code No. 03ZA 0703 14 036-120A.” Atty. Orozco added in his letter that “for the benefit of the city’s constituents and as an active participant on the protection of our water resources, may we be informed of the subsequent actions conducted by your good office in connection with the said letter. At any rate, the city desires to actively engage itself, in cooperation with your good office, regarding the protection of our water resources and the abatement and control of water pollution.” (Referred to the Committee on Utilities)

19. Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac Res. No. 01, Series of 2009, entitled: “A resolution authorizing the Punong Barangay to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with Mr. Oscar Santos for the purchase the Ibarra Covered Basketball Court to pay on an installment basis within 5 years for PhP3,200,000.00 including Capital Gains Tax and Improvements. (Referred to the Committee on Laws)

Committee Reports

As Chairman of the City Fiesta Committee for 2008, Councilor Dabu rendered her report by presenting the financial statement partial report.

ANNEX “A”

Councilor Dabu thanked everyone for the support extended to the City Fiesta and assured them to furnish everyone a copy of the financial statement once everything is finalized. Activity of the Fiesta Committee will last until June 2009.

Councilor Manalo, being Chairman Committee on Education, reported the holding of a meeting of the City’s School Board at FMA Hall. The meeting was attended by the City Mayor, Councilor Hoya, Budget Officer Marey Beth Marzan, City Health Officer Dr. Tamayo, Ms. Gene Eclarino, Mr. Marcelino Andawi and representatives from DEPED, PTCA and Brgy. Old Cabalan. Issues and concerns that were discussed in the meeting were the re-organization of the city’s school board, participation of DepEd in the Most Child Friendly City and the arrival of the validating team who will conduct an observation, matters on the special education fund or budget of the DepEd for this year and the concern of the Old Cabalan Integrated School regarding the 3 newly hired high school teachers who haven’t received their salary from June 2008 up to the present.

He also mentioned the newly designated officers of the City School Board: Mayor James Gordon, Jr. as Chairman, Dr. Ligaya Monato, Co-Chairperson, Members: Councilor Manalo, Councilor Hoya Mr. Andawi, Marey Beth Marzan, Ms. Fe Padrique, Gerardo Bada, PTCA Federation Pres. Mrs. Amelia Abutog, Teachers Organization: Mr. Isidro Imingan, Non-Academic Personnel: Dr. Marites Calara, Board Secretary and Principal of EBB Elem. School.

Calendar of Business

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,” was deferred by the body on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr., pending the completion of the second public hearing.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-009 – “A Resolution Approving The Annual Budget Of Barangay Kalaklan, City Of Olongapo For The Calendar Year 2009.”

Acknowledging the presence of Brgy. Captain Ricardo Federico with Brgy. Secretary Reynante Don Sudio to answer queries and provide clarifications with their barangay budget.

Councilor Aquino wanted to know from the officials how much were allocated for decclogging of canals. He was informed that the funds are under the Clean and Green in the amount of PhP28,000.00.

Councilor Aquino feels the amount is too small to accommodate the expenses for a number of projects. He suggested to allocate a bigger amount for these projects.

Councilor Dabu wanted to know how much were allocated for livelihood projects. The Brgy Captain said they provided Php20,000 which is intended for seminars. Another PhP20,000 was donated by Vice Governor Anne Gordon. When asked by Councilor Dabu if there was a turn-over from the previous barangay captain funding from the City Mayor amounting to PhP25,000 Brgy Captain Federico answered, none.

Councilor Cortez took the opportunity to request to Brgy. Captain Federico for an assistance from their Barangay Tanods to assist in the conduct of traffic along the National Highway. The problem mostly are with those tricycles with no taillights and headlights with poor lightings. This is dangerous especially during nighttime. Barangay Tanods should try to check and remind the drivers of these dangers.

Barangay Captain Federico also informed Councilor Gie Baloy that they also provided funds for the health insurance of their staff through the PhilHealth aside from their Red Cross.

Draft Resolution was approved unanimously on its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-010 – “A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) Entered Into By And Between The City Government Of Olongapo Represented By The Honorable City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. And The Department Of Labor And Employment (DOLE) Represented By Nathaniel V. Lacambra, Regional Director For The Capability Building For Livelihood/Self-Employment Program.”

Councilor Piano informed the body that the cheque with the amount of PhP450,000 to be issued by the Department of Labor to Olongapo City is now ready, but they required that a MOA should be perfected with the proper ratification from the City Council before they release the full amount to the City Government.

A recess was declared at 5:55 p.m. On the resumption of the session, Draft Resolution No. 2009-R-010 was unanimously approved on its second and final reading on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Other Matters

A. Councilor Manalo manifested that on the first whereas of Resolution No. 11, Series of 2009, the date of the loan agreement October 21, 2008 should be dated January 22, 2009 which was approved by the body.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:59 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