Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON MAY 6, 2009 AT THE CITY HALL

Present:

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

Hon. Gina G. Perez - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 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

Absent:

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

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

Call to Order

The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 4:27 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With ten (10) 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 sessions dated April 1, 8 & 15, 2009 was adopted unanimously by the body.

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 Resolution No. 2009 R-054 – A Resolution Commending The Contingents Of The 27 Countries Of The Asean Regional Forum (ARF) Voluntary Demonstration Of Response (VDR) And Relief Exercises For Their Significant Contribution In The City Of Olongapo. Sponsored Unanimously. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-055 – A Resolution Extending An Invitation To Guam, U.S.A. To Become Twin-Partner Of Olongapo City And Participate In The Philippine Sisterhood And Twinning Program (PHISTA) And Authorizing The Honorable Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into Agreements Relative Thereto. Sponsored By Councilors Edwin J. Piano And Angelito W. Baloy. (Referred to the Committee on Tourism)

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-056 – A Resolution Signifying The City’s Preparedness To Accept The Project Funds From The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) And The Manner By Which The City Intends To Implement The Said Project As Well As The Reservation Of The Proposed Site. Sponsored By Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. (Referred to the Committees on Fisheries and on Environment)

4. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-23 – An Ordinance Amending Ordinance No. 9 Series Of 2006 Entitled “An Ordinance Prescribing The Guidelines For The Renewal Of Computerized Driver’s ID Card For Motorized Public Utility Vehicles” To Include Free And Mandatory Medical Check-Up And Issuance Of Health Clearance. Sponsored By Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr. (Referred to the Committee on Traffic and Transportation)

Second Reading:

None.

Councilor Gie Baloy moved to include in the first reading, “A Resolution Designating Councilor Aquilino “Jong” Y. Cortez, Jr. As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To The Different Cities And Councils Of The United Kingdom Which He Will Visit From May 17 – July 4, 2009.”

Councilor Manalo also moved to add in the agenda for first reading the following Resolutions:

A. A Resolution Designating Councilor Edwin J. Piano As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project

B. A Resolution Designating Honorable Mayor James Gordon, Jr. As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project

C. A Resolution Designating Councilor Angelito W. Baloy As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project

D. A Resolution Designating Honorio Gomez As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project

E. A Resolution Designating Ronnie Lopez As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project

Councilor Cortez manifested that Councilor Carlito A. Baloy be his co-sponsor in Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-056, being the Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries and Councilor Angelito W. Baloy, Chairman, Committee on Health as his co-sponsor of Draft Ordinance No. 2009-O-23.

The body unanimously approved the Day’s Agenda as amended

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Resolution No. 7, Series of 2009 of Barangay West Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City entitled: “A Resolution Revitalizing And Strengthening The Barangay Human Rights Action Center (BHRAC) Program.” (Referred to the Committee on Complaints and Investigation)

2. Barangay Resolutions of Barangay East Bajac-Bajac, all Series of 2009:

a. Resolution No. 13, “A Resolution Authorizing The Barangay Treasurer To Procure Four (4) Jetmatics Water Pumps At PhP2,392.00 Per Each With A Total Cost Of PhP9,568.00.” (Referred to the Committees on Public Works and Engineering and on Appropriations)

b. Resolution No. 14, “A Resolution Authorizing The Barangay Treasurer To Withdraw PhP10,000.00 Representing Financial Assistance For Eleven (11) Members Of CLRAA Of East Bajac-Bajac Elementary School To Be Shouldered By Committee On Education For PhP5,000.00 and PhP5,000.00 From SK Fund.” (Referred to the Committee on Sports)

c. Resolution No. 17, “A Resolution Authorizing The Barangay Treasurer To Withdraw PhP10,000.00 For The Expenses To Gather Informations, Compilations Of The Comprehensive Barangay Profile.” (Referred to the Committee on Approrpiations

3. Memorandum from City Mayor James Gordon, Jr., addressed to the City Administrator regarding the Implementation And/Or Establishment Of Rules And Procedures To Enhance And Improve Efficiency In The Delivery Of Public Service Pursuant To R.A. 9485. (Referred to the Committee on House Rules)

4. Memorandum from City Councilor Edwin J. Piano, Chairman, Information Communication Technology, addressed to Mr. Marcelino D. Andawi, City Treasurer, Olongapo City, Ms. Marivic Nieras, OIC, CPDO, Mr. Neil Perez, Head, Business Permit Section, Mr. Jimmy Tolentino, Site Acquisition Officer, PMMAT, Engr. Roberto Alvarez, Head, City Engineering Office, Atty. Angelito Orozco, City Legal Officer, Mr. Augusto Musa, Head, Operation Department, Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc., Mr. Frederick Gatmaitan, Site Acquisition Officer, PMMAT and All City Councilors inviting them to attend a Committee Hearing regarding the application of Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc./Partners in Managing Macro Advance Technologies (PMMAT) to construct and operate Bi-POD Cellsite antenna at Barangay East Tapinac and Barangay Asinan on May 8, 2009, 10:00 A.M. at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall, 2nd Floor, City Hall, Olongapo City. (Referred to the Committee on Telecommunications)

5. Barangay Resolution of Brgy. Gordon Heights, Olongapo City, both Series of 2009:

a. Resolution No. 11, 2009 entitled: “A Resolution Requiring All Barangay Purok Leaders To Participate Actively In The Livelihood Enhancement And Sustainable Training Program Of Barangay Gordon Heights In Collaboration/Coordination With The Committee On Livelihood And Cooperative.” (Referred to the Committee on Livelihood)

b. Resolution No. 12, Series of 2009, entitled: “A Resolution Authorizing The Barangay Treasurer To Withdraw From The Appropriated Livelihood Funds Balance Of PhP64,626.00 A Certain Amount Allocated For Each Training Activity As Scheduled On The Attached Training Design For Livelihood Activity Plan.” (Referred to the Committee on Livelihood)

6. Reklamong Salaysay ni Julita M. Omedez, nagtitinda ng hipon, alamang sa 24th Street, West Bajac-Bajac Public Market noong Linggo April 26, 2009 bandang alas 10:00 ng umaga laban kay Kagawad Alberto D. Santos, Brgy. Kagawad ng West Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City. (For Committee assignment but Ms. Gina Legaspi has yet to talk to Julita Omedez)

7. Invitation from Women Involved In Nation Building for Governors, Vice Governors, Provincial Board Members, Mayors, Vice Mayors, Councilors, ABC Presidents & Barangay Officials, SK Presidents & Kagawads, Sanggunian Secretaries, Department Heads (Planning Officers, Budget Officers, Social Welfare Officers, Health Officers, Environment Officers, Local Government Operation Officers, GAD Focal Person) and PNP Women’s Desk Officer on their WIN’s Regional Seminar Workshop entitled, “Gender Responsive Adaptation Approaches On The Effects Of Climate Change on July 20-22 at the Boracay Holiday Resort, Malay, Aklan for LGU officials and department heads from Region III. This was sent to us by Hon. Ma. Cecilia V. Mayo, President and City Councilor of Valenzuela City. (Referred to the Committee on Women)

8. Letter from Engr. Victor S. Bernabe, OIC, General Services Office, addressed to the Vice Mayor regarding the 1st quarter clean-up of SP air conditioning units. He is informing that the City is undergoing the procurement process for the preventive maintenance of all city government air conditioning units. Pre-bid conference was scheduled April 15 and the opening of bid in April 27. (For information)

9. Memorandum from the City Administrator to all Department Heads and Chief of Offices on The Establishment Of Public Assistance Desks. (Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means)

10. Letter from the Mayor of Oklahoma City Mick Cornett, addressed to the Hon. Vice Mayor Cynthia Cajudo of the Olongapo City, which reads:

“Greetings from Oklahoma City!

On behalf of the citizens of Oklahoma City, I am pleased to extend warm wishes to you and the citizens of Olongapo City.

We share a common goal – that of making our respective cities safe and healthy for our citizens.

We offer you our best wishes as you lead your city to become the best it can be.

Kind regards,

Mick Cornett (Signed)

Mayor”

(For information and guidance)

Committee Reports

None

Calendar of Business

None.

Other Matters

A. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-054 – “A Resolution Commending The Contingents Of The 27 Countries Of The Asean Regional Forum (ARF) Voluntary Demonstration Of Response (VDR) And Relief Exercises For Their Significant Contribution In The City Of Olongapo,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter.

Councilor Angelito Baloy reported that it is already the last day of the contingents and they will be having a fellowship tonight. He mentioned that it was already explained last session that the contingents have rendered a minimum service of 1,000 patients a day, so, they have served at least 3,000 patients all-in-all.

Without much deliberation by the body, Draft Resolution No. 2009 R – 054, was approved unanimously on its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy.

B. On motion of Councilor Angelito W. Baloy, “A Resolution Designating Councilor Aquilino “Jong” Y. Cortez, Jr. As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To The Different Cities And Councils Of The United Kingdom Which He Will Visit From May 17 – July 4, 2009,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter and was unanimously passed on its second and final reading.

C. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-055 – “A Resolution Extending An Invitation To Guam, U.S.A. To Become Twin-Partner Of Olongapo City And Participate In The Philippine Sisterhood And Twinning Program (PHISTA) And Authorizing The Honorable Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into Agreements Relative Thereto,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter.

Councilor Edwin Piano made a motion to amend the title, because PHISTA stands for Philippine International Sisterhood and Twinning Program. He cited that the word “International” be added between “Philippine” and “Sisterhood”, which should read as Philippine International Sisterhood and Twinning Program for the amended title.

Councilor Lugerna Lipumano - Garcia asked the proponent if he could enlighten the body as to what is a twinning program, how it is done, and what benefits will the city government get from it.

Councilor Piano answered that the Philippine International Sisterhood and Twinning Program or PHISTA was endorsed by the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). Its purpose is to broaden the exchange of ideas and people between citizens of the Republic of the Philippines, its cities, and people of other nations. He also declared that during their visit to Guam, they were able to meet and discuss the matter with their Governor, their congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo, and their senators Eddie Calvo, Judith Gutheartz, Rory Respicio, and James Espaldon.

In conjunction, the councilor imparted that during the meetings, the possibility of the twinning sisterhood between Guam and Olongapo City was discussed and was approved by both parties. The Guam Legislature is also making their own resolution regarding the sisterhood of Olongapo City. He stated that this is advantageous to the city since the US Marine Base from Okinawa, Japan will be transferring to Guam – 8,000 marines, 10,000 dependents, and 6,000 navy and marine personnel will be moved to Guam. This project entails a USD 20-Billion cost. It is a build-up project, and our businessmen and workers would like to get a portion of the 20 Billion dollars cost.

In relation, he expressed that this endeavor will not only be beneficial for our workers but also for businessmen because the Guam government has a ruling called the rights of first refusal. In this ruling, contracts, especially with the government, the people of Guam, and Guam businessmen, are offered first to the citizens of Guam. If there are no takers, that is the time when they offer the contracts to outsiders. He added that Councilor Gie Baloy and 12 of his colleagues will be going to Guam the following week to meet-up with Guam businessmen so that they will a bigger chance to be part of the project.

Councilor Piano conveyed that the land area of Guam is as big as the Subic Naval Base and Olongapo City combined but their population is only 160,000, 40 percent of which are Filipinos. So they have a very strong say in matters of the state. In fact, most of the government officials have third or fourth degree Filipino blood. According to the councilor, during the time of the Spanish rule, the Spanish governor to the Philippines is also the authority who governed over Guam. After World War 11, Guam was devastated by two major typhoons and the Philippine government sent Filipino workers to help rebuild their nation. He also brought-up that the Filipino and Guamanian cultures have many similarities. He also pointed-out that most of the workers who are currently employed in the Guam Ship Yard, as well as their power plant, were former Subic Naval Base workers.

After an informative revelation from the proponent, Draft Resolution No. 2009 R – 055 was approved unanimously on its second and final reading as amended on the joint motion of Councilors Edwin J. Piano and Angelito W. Baloy.

D. Councilor Jonathan G. Manalo moved to consider as an urgent matter the following Resolutions and were approved unanimously by the body on its second and final reading.

1. “A Resolution Designating Councilor Edwin J. Piano As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project.”

2. “A Resolution Designating Honorable Mayor James Gordon, Jr. As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project.”

3. “A Resolution Designating Councilor Angelito W. Baloy As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project.”

4. “A Resolution Designating Honorio Gomez As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project.”

5. “A Resolution Designating Ronnie Lopez As “Ambassador Of Goodwill” Of The City Of Olongapo To Guam, USA In Connection With The Guam Marianas Project.”

All by unanimous sponsorship.

E. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-056 – “A Resolution Signifying The City’s Preparedness To Accept The Project Funds From The Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) And The Manner By Which The City Intends To Implement The Said Project As Well As The Reservation Of The Proposed Site,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter, on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

Councilor Cortez manifested that the title should be amended and the correct title should read “A Resolution Signifying the City’s Preparedness to Accept the Project Funds to Construct a Fish Port in Brgy. Banicain from the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority (PFDA) and the Manner by which the City Intends to Implement the said Project as well as the Reservation of the Proposed Site.”

The Presiding Officer accepted the motion of the proponent to change the title of the resolution. The councilor recounted that the council approved Resolution No, 44, Series of 2009, authorizing Olongapo City Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, represented by General Manager Petronilo Buendia. The PFDA is asking for the creation of a new resolution, stating that the city is prepared to accept the project funds. The manner by which the funds will be used and implemented should conform to Republic Act 9184, or Government Procurement Act, in which the project should undergo public bidding.

With no further comments and observations, Draft Resolution No. 2009 R – 056 was approved by a majority vote, with 9 members in favor and Councilor Lipumano-Garcia opposing the measure, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

F. “A Resolution Expressing Profound Sympathies And Condolences To The Bereaved Family Of The Late Brgy. Captain Alfredo Marquez Cuevas Of Brgy. Banicain And Recognizing His Invaluable Contributions To The City Of Olongapo,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter and was approved unanimously on its second and final reading.

G. After discussing the day’s agenda, the Presiding Officer requested the members of the City Council to attend the culminating activity of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF) Voluntary Demonstration of Response (VDR) at the Olongapo City Convention Center to present the Gawad Kaunlaran Plaques to the participants of the aforementioned event.

Councilor Cerezo stated that the opening of the 2nd Barangay Olympic Festival will be held on May 11, 2009. There will be a parade at 2 in the afternoon, assembly for the said parade will be at 1 : 00 P.M.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:25 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