Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON AUGUST 3, 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. Cheenee F. Hoya - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -SK Federation President

Absent:

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

Call to Order

The City Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer Cynthia G. Cajudo called the session to order at 2:00 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With eight (8) Members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared. However, Councilor Angelito W. Baloy arrived after the roll call while Councilors John Carlos J. delos Reyes and Sarah Lugerna Lipumano – Garcia were not able to attend because of lack of sufficient time in serving notice. Attached are: Notice of August 03, 2009 regular session issued by the City Vice – Mayor and Presiding Officer, and letters of Councilors John Carlos J. delos Reyes and Sarah Lugerna Lipumano – Garcia.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez, the minutes of the regular session dated July 15, 2009 was deferred by the body.

For the record, the Vice – Mayor and Presiding Officer said that the session is being held today since Wednesday was declared as a special non – working holiday and tomorrow will be a very busy day for all.

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* lack of sufficient time in serving notice

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-084 – A Resolution Thanking And Remembering The Late President Of The Republic Of The Philippines Corazon Cojuangco Aquino For Her Genuine Love To The Filipino People And For Her Great Deeds Done, Which Shall Never Be Put To Rest. Sponsored Unanimously. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-085 – A Resolution Authorizing The Honorable City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Contract Of Affiliation (COA) By And Between The City Government Of Olongapo And Lyceum Subic Bay Represented By Its President And CEO Alfonso E. Borda For The Affiliation And Training Of Its Nursing Students At The James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital. Sponsored By Councilors Angelito W. Baloy and Jonathan G. Manalo. (Referred to the Committee on Education)

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-086 – A Resolution Authorizing The Honorable City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) By And Between The Olongapo City Health Office And Lyceum Subic Bay Represented By Its President And CEO Alfonso E. Borda For The Training Of Its Nursing Students In Fulfillment Of Their Course Requirements. Sponsored By Councilors Angelito W. Baloy and Jonathan G. Manalo. (Referred to the Committees on Education and on Health)

4. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-087 – A Resolution Congratulating Mrs. Eva B. Imingan For Winning The 2009 Metrobank Search For Outstanding Teacher-Elementary Level. Sponsored By Councilor Edwin J. Piano. (Referred to the Committee as a Whole)

Second Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-080 – A Resolution Ratifying The Deed Of Transfer Of Ownership And Acceptance Of The Vehicle Donated By The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) To The City Of Olongapo For Use In The Implementation Of The 6th Country Program On Population Strategy. Sponsored By Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-081 – A Resolution Organizing The Local MOVE-MEN Opposed To VAW (Violence Against Women) Everywhere In Olongapo City. Sponsored By Councilor Elena C. Dabu.

3. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-082 – A Resolution Designating Mr. Edward A. Artis As An “Ambassador Of Goodwill For Olongapo City”. Sponsored Unanimously.

4. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-083 – A Resolution Commending Barangay Sta. Rita Rescue Unit For Winning The Regional Kalasag Urban Categories. Sponsored Unanimously.

Councilor Gina Perez requested for the inclusion of “Resolution Strongly Opposing The Passage Of House Bill No. 6303 And Calling For Its Outright Rejection As Requested Or Indorsed To Us By The City Mayor Dated July 21, 2009”, under unanimous sponsorship.

The body unanimously approved and adopted the items on first and second reading, as amended.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Ordinance No. 2, Series of 2009, of Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City, entitled “An Ordinance Approving A Supplemental Budget And Re-Alignment In The Amount Of Six Hundred Forty Thousand Pesos (PhP640,000.00) For The Fiscal Year 2009.” (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations)

2. Barangay Resolution No. 60, Series of 2009, of Barangay New Cabalan, Olongapo City entitled “A Resolution Approving To Withdraw The Amount Of Five Thousand (PhP5,000.00) Pesos As Financial Assistance To Kagawad Orlando P. Valdez.” (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations)

3. Letter from Prof. Danny Piano, President, Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce (SBFCC), addressed to the Hon. Jose Melo, Chairman, Commission on Elections, Postigo Street, Intramuros, Manila, requesting the conduct of satellite voter registration in the SBFZ. (For information)

4. Answer of Kgd. Elsa Vencilao Flores of Sta. Rita, Olongapo City regarding Adm. Case No. 07(07-10-09) For Dishonesty, Oppression, Misconduct In Office, Gross Negligence And Dereliction Of Duty on the Elisa Manglicmot; Domingo Fernando; Arturo De Jesus and majority of the officers and members of Purok Leaders’ Association Of Barangay Sta. Rita, complainants, versus Elsa Vencilao-Flores, Brgy. Kagawad of Sta. Rita, respondent. (Referred to the group handling the case)

5. City of Olongapo’s Employee’s Primer submitted by the Personnel Office. (For discussion among officials and employees).

6. First Endorsement from the City Mayor, addressed to the Hon. Vice Mayor and Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod the copy of the Memorandum of Agreement to be entered into by and between Lyceum Subic Bay represented by Mr. Alfonso E. Borda, College President / CEO and the Olongapo City Health Office represented by the City Mayor. (Referred to the Committee on Education)

7. Letter from Councilor Jonathan G. Manalo, addressed to Mr. Conrado L. Tiu, President and CEO, Conti Group. (For information of everyone)

8. Letter from the City Mayor, addressed to the Hon. Vice Mayor and Members of this body informing that Ms. Eva B. Imingan, a Master Teacher II at Nellie Brown Elementary School has been selected as one of the national winners in the 2009 Metrobank Foundation Search for Ten Outstanding Teachers. (Referred to the Committee on Education)

9. Bagumbayan Activities and Thanksgiving Program to celebrate the 64th Birthday of Sen. Richard J. Gordon. (For information)

Committee Reports

None

Calendar of Business

1. DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 2009 R-080 – “A Resolution Ratifying The Deed Of Transfer Of Ownership And Acceptance Of The Vehicle Donated By The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) To The City Of Olongapo For Use In The Implementation Of The 6the Country Program On Population Strategy,” was deferred by the body, on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr., pending the submission of the signed documents.

2. DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 2009 R-081 – “A Resolution Organizing The Local MOVE-MEN Opposed To VAW (Violence Against Women) Everywhere In Olongapo City.”

Councilor Ellen Dabu, as a brief background, said that VAW was organized in the city by men for the protection of women. The City Mayor is the Chairman. Councilor Cerezo and the men of Olongapo are also part of it.

Councilor Piano sought clarification on whether VAW is a government organization or an NGO. Councilor Dabu explained that the City Mayor issued Executive Order No. 45, Series of 2009, providing the composition of “Men Opposed to Violence Against Women Everywhere in Olongapo City.” The Chairperson is the City Mayor, co-chaired by Councilor Rodel Cerezo. The Vice-Chairperson is Mr. Jimmy Mendoza, and the members are Police Supt. Oscar Albayalde, Mr. Jerry Bada, Pastor Anciano, Mr. Leonardo de Guzman, Atty. Orozco, Mr. William Agadas, Mr. Randino Ledesma, and Mr. Gregorio Elane.

To the query of the Presiding Officer if the said organization was created by virtue of an Executive Order but the members are both from GOs and NGOs, Councilor Dabu affirmed.

Councilor Piano pointed-out that if the said organization was somehow NGO by nature, then, it is not a normal process that the city would organize the NGO. However, if it is a government organization, the Councilor said that the Executive Order issued is strong and that passing a resolution organizing such would appear like the body is pushing or dictating for the said organization to be created. Though he fully supports the said measure, the Councilor said he has qualms on the format based on his experience, thus, he sought for the opinion of the lawyers.

. Councilor Dabu mentioned that the proposed measure was drafted by the City Legal Officer, Atty. Orozco, and given by the CSWDO head, Ms. Gene Eclarino.

With the Executive Order issued by the Mayor, Councilor Piano opined and suggested that a resolution giving support to the Executive Order might be better. Councilor Dabu took the said suggestion and manifested to amend the title, which shall read as: “A Resolution Supporting the Local MOVE-MEN Opposed to VAW (Violence Against Women) Everywhere in Olongapo City.”

Prior to the manifestation of the change in the title, Councilor Gie Baloy asked to be excused from the Regular Session, as he is being called for by the City Mayor.

Draft Resolution No. 2009 R – 081 was approved by the body unanimously in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Elena C. Dabu.

3. DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 2009 R-082 – “A Resolution Designating Mr. Edward A. Artis As An ”Ambassador Of Goodwill For Olongapo City,” was deferred by the body, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

4. DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 2009 R-083 – “A Resolution Commending Barangay Sta. Rita Rescue Unit For Winning The Regional Kalasag Urban Categories,” the body deferred consideration of the same, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Other Matters

RECESS – 2 : 30 PM

RESUME – 2 : 40 PM

A. DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 2009 R-084 – “A Resolution Thanking And Remembering The Late President Of The Republic Of The Philippines Corazon Cojuangco Aquino For Her Genuine Love To The Filipino People And For Her Great Deeds Done, Which Shall Never Be Put To Rest,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter and was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, on the motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez.

B. Draft Resolution entitled “A Resolution Opposing The Passage Of House Bill No. 6303 And Calling For Its Outright Rejection,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter, on motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez.

Councilor Perez informed the body that there was a similar resolution approved by the body in the past, but the issue was re-opened in the House. The Councilor discussed that HB 6303 by Representative Carmen Cari seeks to amend Section 450 of the Local Government Code, which pertains to the income requirement of municipalities aiming to become a city. The list, a total of the sixteen (16) municipalities seeking for cityhood includes the municipalities of Baybay, Bogo, Catbalogan, Tandag, Borongan, Tayabas, Lamitan, Tabuc, Bayugan, Batac, Mati, Guihulngan, Cabadbaran, Carcar, El Salvador, and Naga. Councilor Perez added that there was a letter from the League of Cities of the Philippines requesting the passage of a City Council resolution strongly opposing the said House Bill.

The draft resolution opposing HB 6303 was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, and on unanimous sponsorship, upon the motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez.

C. DRAFT RESOLUTION NO. 2009 R-087 – “A Resolution Congratulating Mrs. Eva B. Imingan For Winning The 2009 Metrobank Search For Outstanding Teacher -Elementary Level,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter and was approved unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Prior to the votation, Councilor Piano manifested that it is for unanimous sponsorship, and the final title will be “A Resolution Congratulating Mrs. Eva B. Imingan as One of the Winners in the 2009 Metrobank Foundation Search for Ten Outstanding Teachers,” which nobody objected. Also, the Presiding Officer mentioned that for the record, Mrs. Imingan is a teacher of the Nellie E. Brown Elementary School.

D. Councilor Edwin Piano reminded the body that the Senator will be at the Convention Center morning of the next day. In the afternoon, there will be an oath taking of the Federation of Parents / Teachers or PTCA, to be inducted by the City Mayor. The City Council members are invited in the two separate events.

E. Councilor Gina Perez laid down her proposed activities for the PCL Week set in the mid of September in order to get the consent of her colleagues. One is to conduct a seminar regarding COMELEC Poll Automation as a form of information dissemination to voters. Another timely topic would be the “Forms of Government” to coincide the discussion on Charter Change in the House. It is not, however, to promote the Charter Change but only for information purposes only.

The Presiding Officer suggested to provide a sample itinerary so the body can talk about it formally.

F. Councilor Rodel Cerezo moved for the approval of the draft authorizing Vice- Mayor Cynthia Cajudo to sign in behalf of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Members on the Baloy case, authorizing the City Legal Officer, Atty. Lito Orozco, to represent the body in the pre-trial hearings.

Just for clarification, the Presiding Officer said that the body is only giving her authority to sign the authorization for Atty. Orozco, to represent the body in court regarding Baloy cases.

The authority was approved by the body unanimously.

G. The Presiding Officer reminded the Committee on Engineering and Infrastructure to research for any unnamed bridges in the city. In addition, she also inquired about the ordinances renaming the streets since the City Mayor would like to get hold of copies of such.

Councilor Piano said that to his knowledge, what was being asked to be given were all previous resolutions and ordinances pertaining to renaming or naming of roads to serve as basis.

The Presiding Officer, from her recollection, said that the first renaming of streets was done in the early 1980s by Dick Gordon. She also asked the body if the proposal needs to be ratified, or only an authorization. Authorization was the one agreed upon.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 2:55 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