Minutes of Sangguniang Panlungsod Session

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON SEPTEMBER 02, 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. 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. John Carlos G. Delos Reyes - - - - - City Councilor

Hon. Angelito W. Baloy - - - - - - - - - - - - " " (On Vacation Leave)

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 5:10 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With eight (8) Members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared. However, Councilor Edwin J. Piano arrived during the adoption of the minutes.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor Gina G. Perez, the minutes of the regular session dated 3rd of August, 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-28 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Ninety One Million Seven Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP91,700,000.00) As Supplemental Budget For Calendar Year 2009. Sponsored By Councilor Jonathan G. Manalo. (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations)

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 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 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

Councilor Rodel Cerezo manifested to include under first reading Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-073, entitled “A Resolution Conveying Aversion To Various Advertisements Currently Placed In National Media Promoting Political Personalities,” since Councilor Perez lifted the same last session.

Councilor Aquilino Cortez, Jr., on the other hand, requested for the inclusion of a “Draft Resolution Authorizing The Hon. Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Negotiate, Sign, Execute And Deliver A Mandate Letter With The International Finance Corporation To Arrange And/Or Provide Possible Sub-National Financing Loans And Other Forms Of Indebtedness And Multilateral Assistance To The City Of Olongapo For Landfill Construction And Various Purposes.” (Referred to Committee as a Whole)

Councilor Jonathan Manalo also motioned for the addition of “A Resolution Approving The Terms And Conditions Of The Sale And The Modernization Of The Olongapo City Electric Distribution Utility System And Authorizing The City To Conduct The Public Bidding For The Sale Of Such Assets And For Other Purposes.” (Referred to Committee as a Whole)

Lastly, Councilor Sarah Lipumano–Garcia moved to include “A Resolution Of Sympathy And Solidarity To The Administration, Ministers And Faithful Of The Iglesia Ni Cristo Worldwide Ministry Over The Demise Of Their Over-All Executive Minister Bro. Eraño “Ka Erdy” G. Manalo,” under items on first reading. (Referred to Committee as a Whole)

With no comments from the members regarding the inclusions on the first reading, as well as the rest of the items on the agenda, the body approved and adopted unanimously the items on first and second reading, as amended.

Communications and Referrals of Business

Communications Read:

1. Letter from Councilors Anselmo A. Aquino, Chairman, Committee on Public Works and Engineering, Edwin J. Piano, Vice Chairman, and Rodel S. Cerezo, Member addressed to the Hon. City Vice-Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo regarding the discussion of their Committee on Public Works and Engineering. The same finds that Resolution No 22, Series of 2009 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; of Barangay West Bajac-Bajac” is in order, provided that structural design shall be approved by the City Engineering Office and the expenses for the project shall be shouldered by Barangay West Bajac-Bajac. (For proper endorsement to the barangay)

2. Letter from Councilors Anselmo A. Aquino, Chairman, Committee on Public Works and Engineering, Edwin J. Piano, Vice Chairman, and Rodel S. Cerezo, Member addressed to the Hon. City Vice-Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo regarding the discussion of their Committee on Pubic Works and Engineering, the same finds that Resolution No. 24, Series of 2009 entitled: “A Resolution Asking The Committee On Public Works And Communication To Construct 2 Emergency Access Gate Within The Covered Court”, of Barangay Kalaklan is in order, provided that the structural design shall be approved by the City Engineering Office and the expenses for the project shall be shouldered by Barangay Kalaklan. (Referred to Barangay Kalaklan for proper endorsement)

3. Transmittal Sheet from the Office of the Secretary To The Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Segundino S. Basadre, for the Hon. City Mayor James J. Gordon, Jr. regarding Resolution No. 08-763, “A Resolution for the Province of Dinagat Islands through Gov. Geraldine “Jade” B. Ecleo-Villaroman to establish a Sisterhood Relationship and Alliance to the City of Olongapo with Mayor James J. Gordon, Jr.” (Referred to Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.)

4. Letter from Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino, Chairman, Committee on Public Works and Engineering addressed to the Hon. City Vice-Mayor Cynthia G. Cajudo, regarding her verbal instruction to inspect the streets at Cell I, Gordon Heights, this city. He found out that the same needs overlaying and through this letter, he is furnishing the Offices of the City Planning and Engineering to make their own separate inspections for proper recommendation and action as to what kind of repair is to be done. Councilor Aquino is recommending that this repair be included in the 2009 budget. (For indoresement to the Office of the City Mayor)

5. Budget Circular of the Department Of Budget And Management addressed to Head of Departments, Bureaus, Offices, and Agencies of the National Government, Including State Universities and Colleges (SUCs); Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs); Government Financial Institutions (GFIs); Chief Executives of Local Government Units (LGUs); and All Others Concerned regarding the Rules and Regulations on the Grant of the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance at PhP2,000 per Month. (For information and guidance)

6. List of medicines with 50% discount pursuant to R.A. 9502, known as the “Universally Accessible Cheaper and Quality Medicines Act of 2008”, submitted by Councilor Elena C. Dabu. (Referred to the Committee on Health)

7. Follow-up memorandum from Perla C. Jacinto, Barangay Treasurer, Brgy. New Cabalan, Olongapo City addressed to Hon. Mac Arnold D. Concepcion, SK Chairman, New Cabalan, Olongapo City regarding his cash advance DV 09-07-201 CHK #377 693 amounting to Five Thousand Pesos Only (PhP5,000.00). (Referred to SK Federation Chairman)

8. First Indorsement from Perla C. Jacinto, Barangay Treasurer of New Cabalan to Hon. Audie S. Sundiam, Punong Barangay of New Cabalan, Olongapo City the attached demand letter ordering Hon. Mac Arnold Concepcion to return the excess item, since fifteen (15) working days have elapsed. (For information and referred to SK Federation Chairman)

9. Memorandum from City Councilor Edwin J. Piano, Chairman, Committee on Telecommunications, addressed to Engr. Marivic Nieras, OIC, City Planning and Dev’t. Office, Engr. Roberto Alvarez, Head, Engineering Office, Dr. Arnulfo Tamayo, Head, City Health Office, Engr. George Bernal, OIC, NTC and Atty. Angelito Orozco, Head, Legal Office thru: Hon. City Mayor James Gordon Jr. regarding the Public Consultation on the installation and operation of Cellsite/GSM Antenna at the rooftop of Saver’s Mart Building, Barangay East Tapinac, Olongapo City on September 3, 2009, 9:00 A.M.to 11:30 A.M. at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall, 2nd Floor, Olongapo City. An Inter-active Conferencing Facility will be set-up at “1190” for those who wish to actively participate in the discussion while in the comfort of their neighborhood. (For information and guidance)

10. Notice of Hearing from Atty. Nilo L. Lozada, Hearing Officer, National Telecommunications Commission, Quezon City regarding NTC Case No. 2009-012 of the Vanguard Radio Network Company, Inc., applicant. Notice is hereby given that the hearing of the above-entitled case is reset to September 24, 2009 at 8:30 o’clock in the morning for the presentation of applicant’s legal witness. (Referred to the Committee on Telecommunications)

11. Wedding invitation of Raymond Anthony and Maria Delia Carmela on October 3, 2009 at 6:15 in the evening, Queen of Peace Church, Bacolod City. (All are invited to attend)

12. Invitation in celebration of the 90th Birthday of Amelia J. Gordon on September 4, 2009 at 3:00 P.M., Olongapo City Convention Center.

13. City Mayor’s request for an appropriation ordinance amounting to PhP91,700,000.00 as Supplemental Budget for Calendar Year 2009 to cover additional budgetary requirements for the operation of the city. (Referred to the Committee on Appropriations)

14. Committee report dated September 02 on Livelihood submitted by Hon. Elena C. Dabu. (Referred to the Committee on Livelihood)

Committee Reports

Councilor Ellen Dabu, for the Committee on Livelihood, reported that Basic Massage Reflexology Training was conducted by both Barangay New Kababae and Barangay Gordon Heights. The Councilor said that she attended the graduation ceremonies on August 28, 2009. The graduation of the participants in the candle–making, meat–processing, and cosmetology trainings are scheduled on September to October.

For her next report, Councilor Dabu informed the body about the 30 bundles of used clothes or “ukay–ukay”, donated by Nakano Tonye. Out of the thirty (30), ten (10) bundles were donated to Barangay Gordon Heights, ten (10) to Barangay Pag–Asa, and the last ten (10) to Barangay Barretto. According to the councilor, these were supposed to be given to scavengers, but from her pocket she paid Php 2,000.00 so it can go directly to the barangays.

As Chair of the Local Price Coordinating Council, Councilor Dabu attended a seminar of the Department of Trade and Industry regarding Republic Act No. 71, also known as “The Price Tag Law.” It is an Act requiring price tags or labels to be affixed on all articles of commerce offered for sale or retail, and penalizes violations on such requirements. Also, the Act aims to inform consumers of the prices of products for sale in order to protect them from discrimination. Mr. Enrique Tacbad, the Consumer Arbitration Officer, was the speaker for the seminar. According to Mr. Tacbad, there are several Department Administrative Orders. One is DAO No. 10, Series of 2006, which reiterates the rules on price tags / labels and provides protection against the imposition of surcharge / extra – charge / additional charge in the use of credit card. Councilor Dabu apprised the body of the salient points of DAO No. 10. She read that to keep up with the technological advances of a globalized economy and to ease consumer transactions through the use of debit cards, DAO No. 10 was issued with the best interest of consumers in mind. In the business practice relative to the mode of payment, practices to ensure compliance to the Price Tag Law include the following: 1.) when the consumer pay in cash, he shall pay only the price indicated in the tag price; 2.) when the consumer pays through credit card / ATM / Debit card, he shall pay only the price indicated in the price tag; and 3.) when the retailer offers the consumer an option to pay in cash, card, or installment, the same is allowed provided the payment options shall be disclosed by way of separate information to the consumer but not the price tag.

For the Committee on Women, Gender, and Equality, Councilor Dabu said that she attended the oath–taking and induction of officers of MOVE or “Men Opposed Violence Against Women Everywhere.” This is an organization in Olongapo City of principled men whose members have dedicated themselves to be actively involved in eliminating all forms of discrimination against women. The councilor discussed that women have become more vulnerable to violence perpetrated by men because men have either condoned it or remained passive in the efforts to eliminate it. It was stated under Section 14 of the Philippine Constitution that the state recognizes the role of women in nation building, and that it shall ensure the fundamental equality before the law of men and women. Thus, focus is given to the following : 1.) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW); 2.) Republic Act 7192, or Women in Development and Nation Building Act; 3.) Republic Act 9262 or Anti–Violence Against Women and their Children; 4.) Republic Act 9208 or Anti-Trafficking in Person Act of 2003; 5.) Republic Act 8353 or Anti–Sexual Harassment Act of 1995. Councilor Dabu added that MOVE was convened by men from various organizations, such as the government sector, private sectors, the academe, and non–government organizations.

In another report, Councilor Gina Perez encouraged her colleagues to review the text of Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-27 entitled “An Ordinance Setting Forth Standards for the Designation of Ambassador of Goodwill Representing the City of Olongapo,” which was in the second reading of the day’s agenda. She mentioned that she will not move for its approval for the day’s regular session, but would only want to gather the observations and suggestions from her colleagues.

The Councilor likewise solicited observations from the body for Draft Resolution No. 2009 R – 03, entitled “A Resolution Conveying Aversion to Various Advertisements Currently Placed in National Media Promoting some Political Personalities,” which was in the first reading of the day’s agenda. She expressed her disagreement to the huge amount of money paid for television ads of some personalities. The Councilor said she was able to watch some youth organizations and non–government organizations, which reacted violently to the television ads and blurted that the money should have been used to help the poor. She added that if the body approves of the proposed resolution, it will be forwarded to the COMELEC for their appropriate action, and then to the Lower and Upper Chambers.

Councilor Perez, in another topic, requested suggestions from the Members, on how to name or what to call the city. In the article provided by the City Mayor to her, some places in the Philippines have their titles. Examples of these are: Bohol is known as the ‘Land of Chocolate Hills’, Boracay as the ‘World’s Finest Beach Resort’, Pampanga as the ‘Culinary Capital of Luzon’, Davao is known as the ‘Durian Capital of the Philippines’, General Santos City is ‘Tuna Capital’, and the Subic Bay Freeport is known as ‘American Town’.

The Councilor mentioned that at present, the city is known as the City of Volunteers. During the time of Mayor Kate Gordon, it was named as the Scene City. She also added that it can also be called the Mardi Gras Capital of the Philippines. Suggestions can be forwarded to the Committee on Tourism.

For the World Tourism Day celebration, Councilor Perez said that she thought of putting in the program the votation for the suggested titles for the city by the delegates, or even ask the youth to give some suggestions out of their creative minds. She also informed the body that the World Tourism Day celebration is on September 03, 2009, from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the Convention Center. The Olongapo Marching Band and the Olongapo City Government Choir will do the invocation, singing of the national anthem, and the Olongapo Hymn. The Vice–Mayor was requested to give the Welcome Remarks, in behalf of the City Mayor, who will be at Malacañang on that day. The Vice–Governor of Zambales, Hon. Anne Marie Gordon, was also invited. SBMA Administrator, Hon. Armand Arreza, will be represented by D.A. Raul Marcelo. Congresswoman Carissa Coscolluela of Buhay Party list, and author of the ‘Tourism Act’, Senator Dick Gordon, shall also grace the event.

Part of the program is a tourism overview, to be presented by the SBMA Tourism Department, regarding the beauty and assets of Subic Bay. Also, the Chief of the Regional Development Planning of the Department of Tourism, Dr. Erwin Balane, shall discuss tourism development. There will also be a tourism overview of Olongapo City and presentation on tour packages and customer relations. The Councilor enjoined the participation of everyone, especially students who are taking up courses on tourism, commerce, and hotel and restaurant management, and also the NGOs and the constituents in the seventeen barangays.

For the last report, Councilor Perez mentioned that the City Council employees who joined the Palawan trip suggested to pass ‘A Resolution Supporting Palawan’s Underground River’s Vie to the New Seven (7) Wonders of the World’. She said that it was already drafted, and hopes to put it on the agenda the next session.

Calendar of Business

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,” was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of 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,” was deferred by the body, on motion of 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 Dimayuga For The Guam Build-Up Project,” was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of 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,” was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of 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,” was approved by the body unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

Prior to the votation for the approval of the drafts, Councilor Piano made a motion to have them approved in a single motion. These were items 1, 3 ,4, and 5 in the second reading, with the exception of item no. 2. According to the Councilor, the Memorandum of Understanding were already notarized, and the supporting documents were attached. No objections to the motion were heard from the body.

6. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-27 – “An Ordinance Setting Forth Standards For The Designation Of Ambassador Of Goodwill Representing The City Of Olongapo,” was deferred for further study by the body, on motion of Councilor Gina Perez.

Other Matters

A. Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-28, entitled “An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Ninety One Million Seven Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP91,700,000.00) As Supplemental Budget For Calendar Year 2009,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter, on motion of Councilor Jonathan J. Manalo.

Councilor Manalo informed the body that the proposed measure is the second supplemental budget for CY 2009. A big part of the said appropriation will be used to fund the purchase of a dredging machine.

Mr. Dante Ramos, Head of the Environmental Sanitation and Management Office (ESMO), was recognized by the Presiding Officer upon the request of Councilor Manalo, to give clarifications to queries regarding the procurement of a dredging machine.

The Presiding Officer asked if the Php 81 Million DBP loan previously proposed was already part of the Php 91 Million in the measure currently proposed. Councilor Manalo explained that only Php 81 Million loan was approved by DBP, thus the city has to appropriate its part, which shall be taken from the city savings. To answer the query of Councilor Lugie – Lipumano – Garcia on the specifications of the dredging machine when the said loan was approved, Councilor Manalo said that Mr. Dante Ramos was there to discuss the details.

Mr. Dante Ramos discussed that the dredging machine is a Versi Dredge Model 5012 LP, 42 feet in length, 11 feet in width, and weighs 12 tons. The cutterhead, the part which suctions out the scooped mud from the river bed, has a diameter of 22 inches and 9 feet in length. This is used to hasten the suctioning of both sand particles and water. It can go to as deep as 22 feet or more. The engine brand is Jangir, made in the U.S.A., with 8.1-liter displacement and uses 325 horsepower. It consumes 50 liters of diesel per hour in 3,000 revolutions per minute. The discharge pipe, which is the main hose, has a 12-inch inside diameter. The floor rate is 220-liter per second, and it can produce 100-cubic meter of dredged particles or sand per hour. It can propel the content up to 300 meters distance or more.

Councilor Jong Cortez asked if the unit to be purchased is brand new, and asked for the mode of purchase. Mr. Ramos confirmed that it is a brand new unit, and as to the mode of purchase, he said he is not in the position to give an answer to the query.

Councilor Lipumano – Garcia then asked the proponent why the city’s counterpart is Php 91 Million when there was already an Php 81 Million loan. Councilor Manalo explained that a big part of the proposed supplemental budget of appropriation amounting to Php 91.7 Million is for the dredging machine, in the amount of Php 90,500,000.00. The Php 1 Million is for the Mayor’s Office, and the Php 200,000.00 is for the City Council. According to the Councilor, aside from the dredging machine, there are taxes and insurance expenses. This was listed in the attached breakdown of expenses. The Councilor added that the total amount will be used for the purchase of two (2) kinds of dredging machines. The large one is for dredging rivers, and the smaller one for the drainage. Accessories and pipes will also be purchased.

The Presiding Officer asked how soon the machines will be delivered once the measure is approved. Mr. Ramos said that it will depend on the instruction. Inspection of the unit will be conducted by the first week of October. Mr. Ramos supposed that may be by December, the dredging machine will already be here in the city.

Councilor Lipumano – Garcia confounded on the matter at hand, wanted clarification on how the machine will be purchased, if it will be with the use of the loan or with the use of the city’s appropriation budget. Councilor Manalo pointed–out that there was already an Php 81 Million loan, so the city’s counterpart will just be Php 10 Million.

Councilor Jong Cortez asked if the dredging machine can be used for de–clogging. Mr. Ramos affirmed. The Councilor then suggested to use it at Elicaño Street to help minimize flooding in the area. The Presiding Officer said to give priority also to the Triangle, due to the unpleasant odor in the area. Mr. Ramos replied that during the last flag ceremony, he followed – up the instruction to the Engineering Office to check the septic tank located at the Triangle. It was already full, which gave the unpleasant smell. They plan to have it suctioned. However, the city has no suctioning machine, so it has to be contracted out.

The Presiding Officer commented that it will take months before the machine is purchased. She then asked for contingency plans. Mr. Ramos informed the body that the Engineering Department has a small machine currently being repaired at the Motorpool Division. It is somehow expected to be repaired within the current month.

To the query of Councilor Aquino regarding the pipelines to be connected to the dredging machine, Mr. Ramos said that the pipelines, totaling to 300 meter in length, are already included in the purchase.

Councilor Jong Cortez inquired if the budget for maintenance of the machine, and for the diesel consumption of fifty (50) liters per hour are already included in the proposed appropriation. Mr. Ramos answered that supply of parts for replacement and repair are included but not the budget for maintenance and diesel.

The Presiding Officer, as a follow–up query, asked if the dredging machine can be an income generating equipment, through rental. Mr. Ramos affirmed, however, he said the problem is it may take around three (3) years for the Kalaklan River to be completely dredged plus the dredging needs of the barangays shall also be addressed. Thus, income via rental may still be hard to achieve at the moment. He suggested that the Small Vactor truck may be available for rental.

Councilor Lipumano-Garcia expressed her concern on how service for repair or maintenance will be availed, if the machine is purchased directly form the U.S.. She asked if the city will be requesting for the service of the repairman from the U.S. every time the machine breaks down. Mr. Ramos explained that just like what was done with the garbage trucks purchased in Singapore, the company from Singapore made a tie–up with Philippine Isuzu to render the service to the city for them.

Councilor Edwin Piano asked regarding the topic mentioned earlier on the use of Vactor truck and about the septic tanks, if the ESMO is able to monitor where the waste materials are being dumped.

Mr. Ramos explained that before a Mayor’s Permit is issued to a contractor on Septic Tank cleaning, a certification on the dumping site is being required to the contractor. At present, the dumping site is at San Marcelino, where a certification from the Brgy. Captain of San Marcelino was presented by the Dueñas contractor. This was because the contractor was no longer given permission at Castillejos. Mr. Ramos assured the body that they are carefully monitoring the dumping.

Draft Ordinance No. 2009 O-28 was approved by a majority vote of the body, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Jonathan Manalo. The councilor mentioned that there was a Certification of Availability of Funds from the City Treasurer and the City Accountant.

Eight (8) Members voted in favor, and one (1) opposed.

B. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R-092 – “A Resolution Authorizing The Hon. Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Negotiate, Sign, Execute And Deliver A Mandate Letter With The International Finance Corporation To Arrange And/Or Provide Possible Sub-National Financing Loans And Other Forms Of Indebtedness And Multilateral Assistance To The City Of Olongapo For Landfill Construction And Various Purposes,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter, on motion of Councilor Jong Cortez.

Councilor Cortez discussed that there is a need to pass a resolution, a form of mandate letter for the International Finance Corporation (IFC), so they can start their study on whether they can afford the loan for the city regarding the Sanitary Landfill Project, and other projects.

The councilor recounted that when the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, or Republic Act 9003 was passed, the local government units were given five (5) years to comply and develop their own sanitary landfill, otherwise face administrative sanctions. Further, notices from the EMB for the city were received since the year 2005. In line with this, an assigned group conducted a study for the design and construction of the Sanitary Landfill at New Cabalan.

The Presiding Officer, again, recognized Mr. Dante Ramos, upon the request of Councilor Cortez, to give an update on the Sanitary Landfill Poject.

Mr. Ramos apprised the body that at present, the City of Olongapo has a Control Dumpsite, which measures 18.5 hectares. First used in 1986, at the term of former City Mayor Macapagal, it was really designed as a sanitary landfill. However, due to neglect, it became an open dumpsite. According to Mr. Ramos, the system should have been to dump garbage at the lower ground, but the practice of dumping garbage at the higher ground level, went on and on. Thus, during summertime, it has been the cause of frequent start of fire at the dumpsite. Furthermore, Mr. Ramos said that the city received 5 to 7 letters from the EMB and DENR, stating the closure of the sanitary landfill if it is still not ready or constructed by the year 2005. But, since the city has complied with their requirements, the DENR gave the city a signal to push through with it. These agencies also took note that even SBMA started to use the city’s landfill since May 2009. The city already earned a Php 4 Million income from their use in the months of May, June, July, and August 2009.

Mr. Ramos added that the feasibility study for the Sanitary Landfill is almost at its completion. The city, so far, only has a controlled dumpsite, not a ‘sanitary’ landfill. There are about 400 scavengers at present – 300 are from SBMA and 100 from the city. They are earning Php 100.00 to Php 150.00 per day.

Councilor Lipumano–Garcia asked for the estimated budget that needs to be appropriated for the construction of the landfill. Mr. Ramos replied that it is around Php 300 to Php 350 Million. It will be based later on the result of the study currently being conducted. In the construction of the landfill on an almost 2–hectare land area, around Php 150 Million will be spent. The city will appropriate for both the construction of a landfill, and for the closure of the present dumpsite.

To the query of Councilor Lipumano–Garcia if the city already has an idea on who conducted the study in Palawan, Mr. Ramos said that the same entities who conducted the study in Palawan will be the ones to conduct the study for the city.

Councilor Jong Cortez asked if, at the moment, the entities will just do the design for the landfill. Mr. Ramos affirmed.

The Presiding Officer declared a recess, on motion of Councilor Cortez.

RECESS: 6:20 P.M.

RESUMPTION: 6:25 P.M.

C. Draft Resolution entitled “A Resolution of Sympathy and Solidarity to the Administration Ministers and Faithful of the Iglesia ni Cristo Worldwide Ministry over the Demise of their Over – All Executive Minister Brother Eraño “Ka Erdy” G. Manalo,” was considered by the body as an urgent matter, for unanimous sponsorship, and was approved unanimously, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Sarah Lugerna Lipumano–Garcia.

D. The Presiding Officer announced that the City Council is in charge of the flag ceremony on September 14, 2009, together with Barangay New Ilalim. There will be a yoga exercise, care of Ms. Dunia Delos Reyes.

She also informed the body that she will either be approved on an official or a vacation leave from September 13 to 22 to go to Israel. She said that for the prayer request of anybody, to write it in a piece of paper.

The Presiding Officer then declared a recess.

RECESS: 6:30 P.M.

RESUMPTION: 6:36 P.M.

Another recess was declared.

RECESS: 6:37 P.M.

RESUMPION: 6:39 P.M.

E. Draft Resolution No. 2009 R – 082 – “A Resolution Authorizing The Hon. Mayor James Gordon, Jr. To Negotiate, Sign, Execute And Deliver A Mandate Letter With The International Finance Corporation To Arrange And/Or Provide Possible Sub-National Financing Loans And Other Forms Of Indebtedness And Multilateral Assistance To The City Of Olongapo For Landfill Construction And Various Purposes,” was approved by a majority vote of the body, in its second and final reading, on motion of Councilor Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.

Eight (8) Members voted in favor, and one (1) opposed.

Adjournment

There being no further matters to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 6:40 in the evening, 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