2004minutes, august 4.doc

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON AUGUST 4, 2004
AT THE CITY HALL.

Present:

Hon. Rolen C. Paulino- - - - - - - - - - - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer
Hon. Noel Y. Atienza- - - - - - - - - - - - City Councilor
Hon. Teodoro D. Del Rosario - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Bella P. Asuncion - - - - - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Marey Beth D. Marzan - - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Angelina B. Andrada -- - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Brian Patrick H. Gordon - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Anselmo A. Aquino - - - - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Edwin J. Piano - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Gina G. Perez - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Robine Rose C. Buenafe- - - - - - - SK Federation President
Hon. Napoleon F. Capistrano - - - - - - - ABC President

Absent:

*Hon. Cynthia G. Cajudo- - - - - - - - - - - City Councilor


Call to Order

City Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Rolen C. Paulino, called the session to order at 3:30 in the afternoon.


Roll Call

With eleven (11) members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor Noel Y. Atienza, the body adopted the minutes of its regular session held last July 7, 2004 and special session held last July 27, 2004 one after the other.

Communications and Referrals of Business

First Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2004 – R-09 – A Resolution Recommending City Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino, Chairman, Committee On Public Utilities As Olongapo City’s Representative To Subicwater. Sponsored By Councilor Gina G. Perez

______________________________
*On Official Business


Communications Read:

1. Letter intent for accreditation by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of the following: (Referred to the body as a Whole)

a. Buklod Center;
b. Subic Bay Resort Association;
c. VFP – Sons and Daughters Assn., Inc.
d. Kalinga – Community for Children Center, Inc.; and
e. BLOOM Multi-Purpose Cooperative

2. Copy of Executive Order No. 10, Series of 2004 issued by the Office of the City Mayor, entitled, Adoption of Economy Measures For CY 2004 And Years Thereafter” (Referred to the body as a Whole)

3. Bullet points on the Committee Hearing conducted by the Committee on Education submitted by Councilor Marey Beth Marzan concerning the complaint letter of a number of parents from Purok 13, Gordon Heights.

4. Copy of Memorandum Circular No. 2004-91 from the DILG, Quezon City addressed to all Local Chief Executives, Presiding Officers and members of the Local Sanggunians, DILG Regional Directors and Field Officers And Other Concerned regarding Public Consultations On Petitions For Tricycle Fare Increase.

5. Copy of memorandum from Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino, Chairman, Committee on Engineering & Public Works to Elizabeth S. Zavalla, City Planning & Development Officer and Engr. Reymundo Guevara, City Engineer requesting them to furnish the former as soon as possible all infrastructure projects being undertaken by the City for this year and stating whether such projects has been approved by the City Council or not. (Referred to the body of the body as w Whole)

6. Copy of Resolution No. 689 of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Zamboanga pleading to Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to retain the privileges enjoyed by the Shippers Association especially on the transship cargo privileges of 50% deduction in freight and likewise the 30% increase of cargo fare proposed in the said 7th Draft of the IRR. (Referred to the body as a Whole)

7. Copy of the income statement of the City Health Department amounting to PhP136,065.00 covering the period July 1 – 30, 2004 submitted by Dr. Pacita Alcantara, City Health Officer. (Referred to the Committees on Ways and Means, Health and Councilor Atienza)

8. Copy of a Directive issued by Dr. Pacita Alcantara to all Personnel of City Health Department regarding schedule of Emergency/Disaster Team effective August 1 to September 30, 2004.

9. Copy of the Comparative Monthly Statement of Income of the James L. Gordon Avenue Market and Mall for the month of July 1 to 31, 2004 year 2003 and 2004 submitted by Ma. Socorro M. Francisco, MD, Asst. City Health Officer and OIC, JLGAMM. Also informing everyone that the Monthly Income of the said market for July 2004 is P272,025.00. This includes payment of arrears amounting to P60,250.00. (Referred to Councilors Gordon and Atienza)

10. Copy of the Statement of Operation of Gordon College for June and July 2003 and 2004 including analysis of income versus expenditure from January of the current year submitted by Esmenia B. Sitchon, College Administrator. (Referred to Councilor Marzan)

11. Copy of the schedule of meeting per department with Atty. Manuel W. Quijano, City Administrator with advise to bring Organizational Chart, Staffing Pattern and Workflow Chart. City Council’s schedule is on August 5 at 10:30 a.m. (For information)

12. Letter from the members of the Barangay Council of Brgy. New Cabalan seeking the intervention of the Barangay Grievance Board regarding their complaint against Brgy. Capt. Alejandro S. Ubungen. (Referred to the Committee on Laws and furnish copy to ABC President Capistrano)

13. Copy of the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital statement of revenue for the period January 1 to June 30, 2004. (Referred to the Committees on Health and Ways and Means)

14. Incident report submitted by Kgd. Benjamin Espinosa, Jr. and Kgd. Ernesto P. Esemele, Jr. of Brgy. New Asinan regarding their findings on the setting up of the mini-fair located at Magsaysay Drive Olongapo City. They are requesting for the prompt investigation on the matter. (Referred to the body as a Whole especially to the Committee on Ways and Means and ABC President Capistrano)

15. Letter from Bro. Jess Federico, Head, Commission on Temporalities, Holy Family Parish, Kalaklan, this city soliciting financial assistance on the rehabilitation of the damaged part of the parish church due to the recent heavy down pour of rains. (Referred to the body as a Whole)

16. Application for accreditation by the Young Men’s Christian Association of Olongapo City.

17. Letter from the Olongapo-Tipo Transport Service Cooperative in answer to the complaint of Brgy. Capt. Luis R. Grospe, Brgy. East Bajac-Bajac, this city. (Referred to Councilor Gordon)


Committee Reports

Councilor Asuncion, Chairman of the Committee on Women, Family and Gender Equality reported to the august body information gathered from the PNP Women’s Desk regarding violence against women. The following matters covering the period June 25-July 25, 2004 were recorded and filed to proper courts:

1 frustrated homicide – precinct 1 East Bajac-Bajac.

1 act of lasciviousness – precinct 3 Gordon Heights
1 attempted rape and frustrated homicide – precinct 5 East Tapinac

Councilor Atienza rendered an update on the case of Brgy. Capt. Liloy Fernandez in his capacity as Chairman on the Committee on Laws & in Investigation. A subpoena for the said purpose had already been prepared after the documents had been read. Notices for the conduct of hearing and the availability of the Session Hall will be soon disseminated to the concerned parties.

On another concern, Councilor Atienza shared to the body that he already conducted a committee hearing in response to the incident report submitted by Mr. Glenn Fabricante, Over-all Coordinator of the Convention Center. The said hearing were attended by Mr. Randolf Osorio, Mr. Glenn Fabricante, Mr. Teng Tolentino, SRT Chief, Officers Lasala, Gary Tolentino and Bautista. A written report will be submitted soon regarding the incident.

Another committee hearing is supposed to be conducted regarding the review of procedures and requirements for business licenses. But the said meeting was suspended prematurely for reasons beyond his control and for some issues raised by the City Administrator, he said.

Councilor Piano discussed his participation at the Social Accord Conference held last August 2, 2004 at the SBMA Labor Inspection and Disputes Office. The said conference was attended by officials of the SMBA Labor Center, labor groups, organizers and leaders of various labor groups inside the Freeport. The Social Accord serves as a common ground where employers, employees, workers and labor groups can discuss their concern.

Councilor Piano also raised the issue on the newspaper and media report regarding the contamination of the Subic Bay through a leakage while the ship USS Russel conducts its sewerage transfer. He commended the SBMA Ecology Center for their prompt action on the matter. He also recommended that the City conducts a separate investigation on the said environmental concern.

When asked by the Chairman, if they had proven that said contamination, Councilor Piano answered that the US Embassy acknowledged that there was a leakage indeed and the matter is also under their own investigation. He also made note that such violation entails $10,000 penalty but they are ignoring the said citation.

The Chairman also referred the matter to Councilor del Rosario.

Councilor Marzan shared to the body the results of the committee hearing last July 29, 2004 on the establishment of a school at Block 27, Gordon Heights.

Councilors Cynthia Cajudo and Robine Rose Buenafe of the Committee on Education with the help of Councilor Atienza spearheaded the said hearing which was attended by 7 complainants and 2 respondents. What the parents/complainants wanted is for their children to go to the school being built in their place, which was funded by Mr. Jerry Palermo, the benefactor and missionary. It was noted that the said construction was turned-over to the St. Anne Academy. Since the St. Anne Academy had not secured their permit yet, it is likely that the school opening will be delayed. The parents needed the assurance as to when the said school will open since they are already worried if it will indeed push through. According to Ms. Gonjoran, the processing of DepEd permit will be expedited since this is only an extension of the St. Anne Academy.

Councilor Andrada updated the body on the Medical and Dental Civic Action Program conducted by the combined elements of the Philippine Navy and the United States Navy at Kalalake High School from July 28, 29, 30. A total of 1,640 patients were attended to. In the same activity conducted at IRAM from July 31, Aug. 2 & 3, a total of 1,500 patients were attended and 83 dogs were also vaccinated. CARAT 2004 renovated also the CAT Headquarters at New Kalalake High School and turned-over Php2,000.00 financial assistance for the repainting of the same. In IRAM, the following items were also turned-over to the Iram Elementary School Officials: 38 boxes of talcum powder, 20 boxes of kids shampoo, 5 boxes of pediatric Tylenol, 9 boxes of Motrin and 32 boxes of used American books. The said contingent also repaired 30 pieces of blackboards.

The Philippine Team was composed of 10 members headed by Capt. Helen Lacpitan and the US Military Team, 21 members headed by Lt. Cmdr. Benjamin Young, a support group from the City Health Office, headed by Dr. Pacita Alcantara and POPCOM Staff and Barangay Health Workers headed by Mrs. Virginia Navarro and the Mayor’s Office Staff.

Councilor del Rosario apprised the body of his attendance to the LGU and private sector socialized housing conference at the Westin Philippine Plaza. The A to Z of socialized housing had been discussed in the said forum. The need for the establishment of the Local Housing Board or Local Urban Development Housing Board as mandated by Republic Act 7279 & Memorandum Circular had also been tackled. The functions of the said Board will revolve on policy-making, oversight, recommendatory and advisory functions and one-stop-shop processing.

The Councilor highlighted the benefits of the said housing project because the city had not yet implemented a low cost housing program that will benefit drivers, vendors, government employees and others. For this, lands in the city should be assessed. The City Planning had already spearheaded efforts for mass titling and consultations with different departments and other agencies had already been scheduled.

Councilor Perez reported that 200 Mahogany and 200 Narra seedlings had already been pledged by Ms. Ameth dela Llana of the SBMA Ecology Department. For these, she expressed gratitude to the SBMA Chair Mr. Tong Payumo and Ms. Ameth dela Llana of SBMA. She will also follow-up SBDMC for the said donation and turn-over the donated seedlings from SBMA as soon as the Mayor arrives.

The Chairman & Presiding Officer made note that Councilor Capistrano will be overloaded this week because of the influx of Lakbay-Aral delegates from different provinces to the City.

Councilor Aquino, Chairman on Public Works & Engineering informed everyone that the escalators at the City Mall had already been installed. It will be operated within a span of weeks.

The Presiding Officer thanked Councilor Aquino for his prompt action regarding his committee. He also requested the road construction at Kessing Street between 14th & 16th Streets be inspected.

Councilor Buenafe informed the councilors of the committee hearing conducted in line with the proposed creation of a Local Youth Development Council of Olongapo City.

The DILG Director, Mr. Eliseo P. de Guzman, Councilors Marey Beth Marzan, Ted del Rosario and Brian Patrick Gordon had been invited for the said hearing. It was clarified there that the LYDC will not duplicate any existing youth organizations. Another committee hearing on Tuesday together with the presidents of different youth organizations and student councils of all city colleges had already been set. Through this, insights, comments, suggestions and recommendations pertaining to the proposed ordinace will be drawn from.

ABC President Capistrano updated his colleagues of the on-going cleaning operations of drainages of the barangay council in 17 barangays as well as the cutting of tree branches. He noted that the ESMO is just delayed to act and collect the branches and desilted materials from the said operation.

The Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer referred to Councilors Atienza and del Rosario some concerns regarding reports that there are businesses at Gordon Avenue near Magsaysay Drive which have no business permits. A list will be furnished to them.

The Vice-Mayor also reported that when he visited the JLGMH, he noticed that there are many cases of boils.

Councilor Andrada answered that it is a seasonal disease and caused by dirty water.

Vice-Mayor Paulino also tasked Councilor Gordon to check on the business establishments which place “reserved parking” notices in front of their business since there is a standing directive prohibiting so.

Calendar of Business

Second Reading:

1. On motion of Councilor Perez, the body approved unanimously one after the other on second and final readings Draft Resolution 2004-R-06 – A Resolution Expressing Gratitude To Nestle Philippines, Organizer Of The National Milo Marathon, For Choosing The City As The Venue For The Marathon’s Regional Finals For The Past (5) Years and Draft Resolution No. 2004-R-07 – A Resolution Thanking Mr. Patricio Gok Ong, Milo Executive, For His Invaluable Contributions And Support To The Sports Program Of The City Through The Milo Marathon.

2. On motion of Councilor Marzan, the body deferred the approval of Draft Resolution No. 2004-O-04 – An Ordinance Creating The City Youth Development Council Of The City Of Olongapo And For Other Purposes.

Councilor Marzan made an amendment on the title as follows: City Youth Development “BOARD “ instead of Council.



Other Matters

A. On joint motion of Councilors Gina G. Perez and Noel Y. Atienza, with the majority decision of the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod the body approved Draft Resolution No. 2004 – R-09 – A Resolution Recommending City Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino, Chairman, Committee On Public Utilities As Olongapo City’s Representative To Subicwater, on first, second and final readings.

B. Councilor Noel Y. Atienza rendered a privileged speech regarding an incident that transpired this morning when he was questioned by the City Administrator on the conduct of a hearing pertaining to the review of business requirements for new business application.

Councilor Atienza inquired who is performing the function of the City Mayor, since he left for Japan last July 29.

Adjournment

There being no further business to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 4:45 in the afternoon.




I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE
CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:


ELFLIDA S. SALMON
Acting Council Secretary


ATTEST:


ROLEN C. PAULINO
City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer