Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON AUGUST 26, 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. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.- - - - - - - - - - - - “ “

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

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

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

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

Absent:

Hon. Angelito W. Baloy - - - - - - - - - - -City Councilor (Vacation leave)

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

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 nine (9) City Councilors and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared. However, Councilor Sarah Lugerna Lipumano – Garcia arrived during the approval of the day’s agenda.

The Council Secretary also manifested that she got hold of Hon. Carlito A. Baloy’s resignation letter dated 29th of July, 2009, which states:

“LIGA NG BARANGAY

ALL CONCERNED

OLONGAPO CITY

Philippines

To all My Fellow Officers and Members of ‘ABC’- Olongapo City:

Based on my experience and sense of prevailing organizational needs of the Olongapo City Liga ng mga Barangay (or “ABC”), there is a necessity for more synergy and positive vigor for the greater welfare of the organization which may be achieved through its immediate reorganization.

For said reason, I hereby freely tender my resignation as President of “ABC” effective immediately, which act prevails over any other incompatible act, doing so with full understanding and without reserve for the greater good and welfare of the organization.

Very truly yours,

(SGD.) CARLITO A. BALOY

Copy furnished to:

Department of Interior and Local Government

Office of the Vice – Mayor and City Council of Olongapo”

She added that this letter was received by this Office last 24th of August, 2009.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez, the minutes of the regular session dated 29th of July, 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 Ordinance No. 2009 O-27 – An Ordinance Setting Forth Standards For The Designation Of Ambassador Of Goodwill Representing The City Of Olongapo. Sponsored By Councilor Gina G. Perez (Referred to Committee as a Whole)

Second Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-087 – A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) Entered Into By And Between The City Government Of Olongapo Represented By Mayor James Gordon, Jr. With TCM International Manpower Services Represented By Miss Cristina Roque For The Guam Build-Up Project. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-088 – A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) Entered Into By And Between The City Government Of Olongapo Represented By Mayor James Gordon, Jr. With LRC Manpower Corporation Internationale, Inc., Represented By Miss Ma. Lourdes Capua For The Guam Build-Up Project. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-089 – A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) Entered Into By And Between The City Government Of Olongapo Represented By Mayor James Gordon, Jr. With Bellestar Promotion Inc., Represented By Miss Bella E. Dimayuga For The Guam Build-Up Project. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

4. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-090 – A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) Entered Into By And Between The City Government Of Olongapo Represented By Mayor James Gordon, Jr. With Goldmarc International Career Corp., Represented By Mr. Manuel Arce For The Guam Build-Up Project. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

5. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-091 – A Resolution Ratifying The Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) Entered Into By And Between The City Government Of Olongapo Represented By Mayor James Gordon, Jr. With Philippine Association Of Service Exporters Inc., Represented By Mr. Victor E. R. Fernandez, Jr. For The Guam Build-Up Project. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

6. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-092 – A Resolution Enjoining All Telecom Service Providers In Olongapo City, Subic Bay Freeport And Zambales To Immediately Implement The National Telecommunication Commission Memorandum Circular 09-08-2007 Otherwise Known As The Interconnection Of Local Exchange Carriers. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano

Councilor Gina Perez requested for the approval of the body to include under first reading of “A Resolution Expressing Profound Thanksgiving And Appreciation To Hon. Edward S. Hagedorn, City Mayor, Hon. Mike Cuaderno, City Councilor And Members Of The City Council And The People Of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan For The Cordial Welcome And Accommodation Accorded To The Olongapo City Council Members And The Staff Headed By City Vice Mayor Hon. Cynthia G. Cajudo.” Since there were no objections from the members, the motion was approved.

With no other observations, the body unanimously adopted and approved the day’s agenda, with the above – mentioned inclusion on the first reading.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Copy of Old Cabalan Barangay Resolutions, all Series of 2009:

a. Resolution No. 031, A Resolution Approving The Withdrawal Of Ten Thousand Pesos (PhP10,000.00) As Financial Assistance In Terms Of Additional Honorarium For The Barangay Health Workers And Purok Leaders For Conducting Information Dissemination And Data Gathering Of Person With Disability (PWD) And Pregnant Women In Their Respective Purok; (Referred to the Committees on Health and on Appropriations)

b. Resolution No. 032, A Resolution Approving The Withdrawal Of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (PhP25,000.00) For The Establishment Of “Gulayan Sa Barangay” A Livelihood Project Of Barangay Old Cabalan; (Referred to the Committee on Livelihood)

c. Ordinance No. 2, Series of 2009, from the same barangay entitled: “An Ordinance Enacting A Supplementary Budget For The Operation Of Barangay Government Of Old Cabalan For The Period Of January 1, 2009 Through December 31, 2009.” (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations)

2. Copy of Brgy. Resolutions of Brgy. Kalaklan, all Series of 2009 entitled:

a. Resolution No. 021, A Resolution Fully Supporting The Implementation Of City Ordinance No. 56 Series Of 1995 Entitled: “An Ordinance Adopting An Environment And Sanitation Management Code Of Olongapo City” Within The Jurisdiction Of Barangay Kalaklan And Issuing Citation Tickets For Violators Of This Ordinance; (Referred to the Committee on Environment)

b. Resolution No. 22, A Resolution To Conduct A Feeding Program For The Below Normal Weight Childrens Of Barangay Kalaklan Specially Those In Depressed Areas Within The Barangay And Authorizing The Use Of Funds From The Fund Raising Program Of The Barangay Bingo For A Cause For The Above Mentioned Purposes; (Referred to the Committees on Social Welfare and on Health)

c. Resolution No. 023, A Resolution Approving The Release Of The Amount Of Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) From The 20% Development Fund Share For The Livelihood Program To Be Used In Sponsoring The Meat Processing Seminar To Be Held At The Barangay Kalaklan Training Center On August 6-7, 2009. (Referred to the Committees on Livelihood and on Appropriations)

3. Memorandum from Angie Socorro S. Barroga, OIC, City Personnel Office addressed to All City Department/Office Heads regarding the Introductory Course on Organization Functions/Policies which will be held on 27 August 2009, 8:00 A.M. – 12:00 N.N. at the FMA Hall, this city. Aivy R. Cabanglan for the City Council. (For compliance)

4. Copy of Brgy. Resolutions of Brgy. Kalaklan, Olongapo City all Series of 2009:

a. Resolution No. 024, A Resolution Asking The Committee On Public Works And Communication To Construct 2 Emergency Access Gate Within The Covered Court; (Referred to the Committees on Public Works and Engineering and on Peace and Order)

b. Resolution No. 025, A Resolution Requiring The Committee Chairman On Education And Culture Of The Sangguniang Barangay Of Kalaklan And All Other Persons Involved For A Legislative Inquiry With Regards To The Implementation Of Barangay Scholarship Program For School Year 2008-2009; (Referred to the Committee on Education)

c. Resolution No. 026, A Resolution Approving The Solicitation Of Service, Money And Other Assistance For The Construction Or Additional Equipments And Development Of The BPSO Headquarters For The Fast And Efficient Service Of The Maintenance Of Peace And Order In the Jurisdiction Of Barangay Kalaklan; (Referred to the Committee on Peace and Order)

d. Resolution No. 027, A Resolution Authorizing Barangay Treasurer Mrs. Pricilla P. Orca To Collect The Amount Of Monthly Installment In Connection With Salary Loan Provided By Radiowealth Finance Company To Barangay Officials Of Kalaklan, Olongapo City; (Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means and on Appropriations)

e. Resolution No. 028, A Resolution Supporting The Passage Of Senate Bill No. 2317 Otherwise Known As, “An Act Prohibiting Child Pornography, Imposing Penalties For The Commission Thereof And For Other Purposes.” (Referred to the Committee on Social Welfare)

5. Letter from Hon. Angelito W. Baloy, City Councilor, Committee Chairman on Health & Public Welfare, Committee Chairman on Business & Economic Enterprises addressed to the Hon. City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo regarding his scheduled leave from government service and requesting the City Council Secretariat that all communications and correspondences regarding his chaired committees be duly endorsed to the respective vice-chairmen for the time being. (Referred to the Committee on Organizational Development)

6. Copy of Barangay Resolution No. 22, Series of 2009 of Brgy. West Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City, entitled: “A Resolution Authorizing Barangay Chairman Rafael R. Santulan Jr. To Negotiate And Sign A Contract Of Agreement With S. C. Sionzon Construction Concerning The Construction Of Barangay Lying-In Center.”(Referred to the Committees on Health and on Public Works and Engineering)

7. Resignation letter of ABC President Carlito A. Baloy. (Referred to the Committee on House

Rules and for information and guidance)

8. Sinumpaang Ganting Salaysay ni Romeo Manalang, nasa wastong gulang, may asawa at naninirahan sa No. 13-B, 25th St., East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City tungkol sa Adm. Case No. 08 (08-07-09), Brgy. Capt. Filipina E. Tablan, Complainant versus Romeo Manalang, Brgy. Kagawad, Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City, respondent. (Referred to the proper sub-committee c/o Gina Legaspi)

9. Memorandum from the City Mayor dated Aug. 26, 2009 for All City Government Department and Division Heads on AUICK Survey Form. This refers to the survey form for the Asian Urban Information Center (AUICK) database for their volunteers specialist which will be dispatched to AUICK Associate Cities on 2010. These volunteers are experts in specific fields relevant to the identified needs of the AUICK associate cities. The concerned are enjoined to accomplish the AUICK survey forms to determine any needed assistance from the AUICK volunteer specialists, and to submit the duly accomplished forms to Atty. Nadine Santos-Gantan of the City Mayor’s Office on or before Friday, 28 August 2009, 12:00 P.M. Signed the City Mayor. (Referred to the Committee on Health)

10. Copy of a letter from Ma. Cristina M. Delos Santos, Program Director of BMHP Ateneo De Naga University addressed to Mayor Gordon. Their students will have a courtesy call on the Mayor’s Office 27 Aug. 2009 at 2:00 P.M. (Referred to the Committee on Tourism and for information)

11. Copy of the breakdown of expenditures for food on the Palawan, Lakbay-Aral, Office of the City Council submitted by Councilor Elena C. Dabu. (For information)

12. Rebuttal on Adm. Case No. 07(07-10-09) submitted by the complainants Elisa Manglicmot, Domingo Fernando, and Arturo De Jesus. (Referred to the sub-committee handling the case)

Committee Reports

Councilor Gina Perez informed her contemporaries that she had placed under first reading “An Ordinance Setting Forth Standards for the Designation of Ambassador of Goodwill Representing the City Government of Olongapo.” She cited that they already submitted a copy to the Hon. City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. Copies of the same were also furnished to the City Legal Officer and City Administrator, and is also seeking for any inputs coming from the council, for improvement of the same draft resolution.

In addition, as Chair of the Committee on Tourism, the councilor said that she is helping organize the celebration of the World Tourism Day, supposedly slated on the 27th of September, 2009, but, due to the many activities to happen next month, they had scheduled it on the 3rd of September, 2009, Thursday. Guests who will be gracing the said affair are Hon. Senator Richard J. Gordon, who will be discussing about the recently approved ‘Tourism Act’; SBMA Administrator Armand C. Arreza, and Buhay Party – list Representative Ma. Carissa Coscolluela. There will also be presentations coming from Undersecretary Palabyab and Mr. Erwin Balane, both from the Office of the Undersecretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT), as well as the overview of the local tourism industry, to be given by the City Tourism and SBMA Tourism Offices. After which, there will be a simulation city tour, to highlight the different tourist spots and places of interest, not only SBMA, but the whole of Olongapo City as well. This is in collaboration with the City Tourism Office and the Olongapo City Convention Center (OCCC). Councilor Perez requested her colleagues to attend the said event on September 03, 2009, Thursday, at the Olongapo City Convention Center, and called the attention of everybody, especially the students, to come, since the occasion is open to everyone.

The councilor also manifested that as President of the local chapter of the Philippine Councilors League, they will also be celebrating Philippine Councilors League (PCL) Week, come 17th of September, 2009. She asked for the employees to join, especially that the national and local elections are coming.

She mentioned that COMELEC Commissioner Rene Sarmiento will discuss about poll automation. On the other hand, she believes that we should be educated and informed on the issues surrounding the amendments of our constitution. To shed some light on the matter, they invited House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Rep. Victor Francisco Ortega, who will speak for affirmative, and Representatives Riza Hontiveros and Joel Villanueva for the negative. Councilor Perez said that so far, Representatives Ortega and Hontiveros confirmed their attendance. She is hoping that her fellow councilors and the general public will support the forum, especially the young and new voters, since she believes that all of us should be active and aware of the things that are shaping our country, like the poll automation, scheduled for next year. According to her, it will be better if the Commission on Elections can give us some insights on the preparations they are doing regarding poll automation.

She further pointed – out that the debate on Charter Change is not new, and has been going on for years. Up to this point, no one had made efforts to give us sufficient information on Charter Change that is why PCL took the lead, so that this timely concern can finally be considered and examined. On a final note, she implored that everyone participates, since we still have to learn a lot from this activity.

As Chair of the Committee on Social Welfare, Councilor Ellen Dabu rendered her report regarding the “Share-A-Spare” Program, for the flood victims of Botolan, Zambales. She emphasized that during the department heads meeting held last 11th of August, 2009, it was unanimously decided that all offices in the city government shall solicit voluntary donations from their respective staffs and employees for the flood victims. The councilor urged her colleagues and all the staff of the City Council to give or donate anything, like spare clothing, blankets, slippers, towels, canned goods, or any kind of goods, for the flood victims. According to her, they provided two (2) boxes where City Council staffs and employees can put their goods, that will be turned – over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office. They are hoping that our sense of concern and urgency will help alleviate the plight of our unfortunate brethren in Botolan.

She further stressed that there will be no deadline for the submission of goods. The CSWDO will be accepting donations for as long as they are coming in. The councilor added that for our information, the Local Price Coordinating Council, chaired by Hon. Mayor James “Bong” Gordon, Jr. and co – chaired by herself, will be going to the affected areas to bring the donations that will be collected by the Local Price Coordinating Council. Lastly, she appealed for unused clothes, slippers, etc.

Calendar of Business

1. For items number 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 under second reading, which are resolutions ratifying the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with various entities, Councilor Edwin J. Piano moved to defer their considerations pending receipt of notarized copies of the same, which the body agreed.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-092 – “A Resolution Enjoining All Telecom Service Providers In Olongapo City, Subic Bay Freeport And Zambales To Immediately Implement The National Telecommunication Commission Memorandum Circular 09-08-2007 Otherwise Known As The Interconnection Of Local Exchange Carriers.”

Councilor Lipumano – Garcia asked the proponent to explain.

Councilor Piano recalled that a few years ago, they had a resolution enjoining the telecom companies to implement the One – Province – One – Rate, and after lobbying and putting some pressure on the telecom companies, they were able to implement the measure. This means that dialing to other municipalities within Zambales, and in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, is now not considered as long – distance call, but a simple local call.

He said the problem we had after that solution was, there are now many telecom companies operating in Olongapo City, Subic Bay Freeport, and Zambales areas. Companies like Globe, Innove, Digitel, Smart, Subictel, and PLDT have emerged and are not yet inter – connected. He explained that in telecom parlance, when we say “inter – connection”, it means that their systems are physically inter – connected. He said that one of the advantage of the inter – connected system is that it lessens the occurrence of dropped calls and delayed text messages, especially when cross – sending. He stressed that if we could notice that when we text to other networks, the sending and receiving of text messages is oftentimes delayed. In the same manner, we are charged additional costs when we call to other networks, which are ‘interconnection costs’ – additional charges that callers pay for connecting through other networks. But, when Memorandum Circular 09 – 07 – 2007, by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) came out, it helped define the rules on the interconnection of Local Exchange Carriers in local calling areas. Telecom companies were then given one hundred eighty (180) days to implement interconnections, and if in the process, they failed or encountered problems, they will be given an additional ninety (90) days to fix them. Unfortunately, up to now, except in some areas in the Philippines like Cebu, the aforementioned Memorandum Circular has not been implemented yet, such as in Olongapo City, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, and Zambales. According to him, the purpose of this resolution is to exert some pressure on the telecom companies. He disclosed that the Olongapo City government is now coordinating with the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce and other municipalities in Zambales as well, to work together in exerting more pressure to the different telecom companies in the implementation of the inter – connection, as indicated in the Memorandum Circular from the NTC.

Without further observations and comments by the body, Draft Resolution No. 2009 R – 092 was approved unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Other Matters

Before moving on to discuss other matters, the Presiding Officer mentioned that Mr. Del Rosario came to her office regarding the hearing of Sun Cellular cell site, located at the top of the building.

Councilor Edwin Piano replied that the hearing was scheduled the previous day, but was reset on the 3rd of September, 2009.

The Presiding Officer stated that some concerned individuals are requesting the time of the hearing be set at six in the evening, since most of them are working.

The councilor further informed the body that they are trying their best to have it arranged. But, the resource persons from the Department of Health (DOH) still have to travel from Manila to our city, then back to Manila. The original plan is to begin the public hearing at six in the evening, just right after office hours, and end at either eight or ten in the evening. When the councilor sent the request letter, the response of the resource speakers were not so receptive, and said that it is a formal public hearing and it has to be done during normal office hours. They further said that it is not normal to conduct public hearings outside regular office hours. So, the original schedule of the public hearing cannot be pushed through.

The Presiding Officer, in return, asked Councilor Piano to clarify if he has already informed the resource persons regarding the changes.

Councilor Piano answered that the speakers were already informed through text. In fact, he shared to his colleagues that they will be implementing the ordinance adopting the use of Virtual Legislation, that was passed by the City Council two (2) or three (3) years ago. There will be video conferencing from the session hall to their field location at 1190, because according to him, majority of the attendees are elders, and will have difficulties going to the venue. The attendees can air their concerns and views regarding the issue interactively, by combining all the latest available technologies like radio, video conferencing, Internet, and two – way radio. The councilor is hoping that our constituents will participate in the event since this is the first time that the Sanggunian will conduct a hearing of this kind. Everybody will be given the chance to participate.

The Presiding Officer asked the councilor to verify his previous declaration that the official venue of the hearing is the City Hall. He replied that the official location is Session Hall, but there will also be live video conferencing on the field.

A. Councilor Gina Perez moved for the urgency of a resolution expressing our profound thanks / appreciation to the City of Puerto Princesa.

She informed her colleagues that there are requests for amendments, to include the names of Councilors Rebecca Labit and Oliveros in the title. Another request is to change the word “thanksgiving” to either “profound appreciation” or “gratitude”, so the amended title will now be “A Resolution Expressing Profound Gratitude And Appreciation To Hon. Edward S. Hagedorn, City Mayor, City Councilors, Hon. Rebecca V. Labit, Hon. Miguel Cuaderno, Hon. Feliberto S. Oliveros III, And Members Of The City Council And The People of Puerto Princesa City, Palawan For The Cordial Welcome And Accommodation Accorded To The Olongapo City Council Members Headed By City Vice Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo.”

The Presiding Officer declared recess.

RECESS: 5:10 P.M.

RESUMPTION: 5:13 P.M.

After a brief recess, the proponent moved for the approval of the above – mentioned resolution, which was approved unanimously, in its second and final reading.

B. Councilor Gina Perez disclosed that commercials using various forms of media, like television, radio, and print, promoting various political personalities are at present emerging in numbers, especially now that the local and national elections are fast approaching. Since it is rather timely, especially with the campaign season already in close proximity, she requested that Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-073, “A Resolution Conveying Aversion to Various Advertisements Currently Placed in National Media Promoting Political Personalities,.” be lifted from the table.

With no other comments / observations, Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-073, was lifted unanimously from the table, on motion of Councilor Gina. G. Perez

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, on motion of Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino, the session was adjourned at 5:15 in the afternoon,

I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE

CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:

ELFLIDA S. SALMON

Council Secretary

ATTEST:

CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO

City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer