eLegis Olongapo City Philippines Sangunian

05 September 2004

2004minutes, july 28.doc

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON JULY 28, 2004
AT THE CITY HALL.

Present:

Hon. Rolen C. Paulino- - - - - - - - - - - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer
Hon. Noel Y. Atienza- - - - - - - - - - - - City Councilor
Hon. Cynthia G. Cajudo- - - - - - - - - - - “ “
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:

None.

Call to Order

City Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Rolen C. Paulino, called the session to order at 3:00 o’ clock in the afternoon.


Roll Call

With all 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 June 30, 2004.


Communications and Referrals of Business

First Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2004 – R-08 – A Resolution Approving The Construction Of G.I. Pipe On Arc Frame With Polycarbonate Cover Along Rizal Avenue For The Covered Court At Rizal Triangle Park In The Amount Of One Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Eight Pesos And 03/100 (PhP163,428.03). Sponsored By Councilors Anselmo A. Aquino And Cynthia G. Cajudo

2. Draft Ordinance No. 2004 – O-04 – An Ordinance Creating The Local Youth Development Council Of The City Of Olongapo And For Other Purposes. Sponsored By Councilors Marey Beth D. Marzan, Teodoro D. Del Rosario And Brian Patrick H. Gordon

3. Draft Ordinance No. 2004 – O-05 - An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Five Hundred Two Thousand One Hundred Five Pesos (PhP502,105.00) To The Item IT Equipment And Software Under Capital Outlay Of The Office Of The City Mayor. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo

4. Draft Ordinance No. 2004 – O-06 - An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of One Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP1,150,000.00) To The Item Representation Expense And Office Supplies Expense Under Maintenance & Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) Of The Office Of The City Mayor. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo.

5. Draft Ordinance No. 2004 – O-07 - An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of One Million Three Hundred Forty Four Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Two Pesos & 65/100 (PhP1,344,662.65) For The Three Infrastructure Project Of Olongapo City Chargeable Against Pagcor Fund. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo


Communications Read:

1. Letter from Mr. Johnny B. Choa, City Budget Officer addressed to Vice Mayor Rolen C. Paulino pertaining to an adjective alluded to the past members of the City Council during a caucus meeting by the present members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod on July 21, 2004 to which he was invited in aid of legislation.

2. Memorandum from Atty. Manuel W. Quijano, City Administrator to all Department Heads regarding Inventory of all Vehicles and Equipments assigned to all departments. Submission of report not later than July 30, 2004.

3. Letter from Raymond J. Rafanan, Registrar, Holy Infant Jesus College, Olongapo City requesting the City Vice Mayor that eight (8) students from the said school be allowed to have an On the Job Training at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

4. Memorandum from the City Mayor addressed to all City Government Employees thru the Department Heads regarding River Clean-Up Drive. This was held last July 24, 2004. The City Council was assigned at Marikit Park to Fendler St.

5. Copy of memorandum from the General Services Officer informing all Bids and Awards Committee Members on the postponement of bidding of Laboratory Supplies and Sporting Goods requested by Gordon College scheduled on July July 27, 2004. Bidding will be postponed until further notice due to the creation of the new members of Bids and Awards Committee and implementation of R.A. No. 9184, otherwise known as Government Procurement Reform Act.

6. Memorandum from the City Mayor informing everyone that the Iglesia Ni Cristo is inviting all City Officials and all other City Employees to their “Pamamahayag ng Salita ng Diyos” on July 27, 2004, 8:00 P.M. at the Iglesia ni Cristo church in Barangay Kalaklan, this city.
7. Copy of the letter of Julie U. Reyes, General Manager to Mr. Roland Quilala, Senior Vice President, Corporate Services, National Power Corporation, Diliman, Quezon City referring to the bill of the PUD for the period May 26 to June 25, 2004 in the amount of P36,824,644.50 due and payable on July 23, 2004. A partial payment of P5,000,000.00 was made on July 16, 2004. We cannot pay the balance in full due to cash flow problem. The following payment arrangement schedule is proposed for the balance of the city’s account in the amount of P31,824,644.50:

July 30, 2004 P5,000,000.00
August 6, 2004 10,000.000.00
August 13, 2004 16,824,644.50
Total P31,824,644.50

The 16% penalty per annum on the unpaid balance will be included in the August 13, 2004 payment. (Referred to Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino)

8. Letter reply from Engr. Reymundo L. Guevara, City Engineer informing Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino that an investigation was conducted by the Engineering Office concerning an existing hump along 6th Street (back of Casino Filipino), New Asinan.

9. Copy of Draft Ordinance submitted by Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan entitled, An Ordinance Creating The Local Youth Development Council Of The City Of Olongapo And For Other Purposes” (Referred to SK Federation President Robine Rose C. Buenafe)

10. Letter from Sangguniang Panlungsod of Silay, Province of Negros Occidental requesting that they be provided copy of Anti-Littering Ordinance of Olongapo City. (Referred to Ms. Elflida S. Salmon)

11. Letter from the City Mayor requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod to enact a resolution, in a Special Session, on the city’s intention to establish a twinning or sisterhood relationship with the City of Kobe, Japan.

12. Letter from the City Social Welfare and Development Office requesting for the use of the Session Hall on July 29, 2004, 1:00 P.M. for the Alay-Lakad meeting likewise inviting the presence of Vice Mayor Paulino to attend the said meeting. This activity will be chaired by the Olongapo Jaycees, Inc.

13. Copy of the City Budget Memorandum No. 2004-2, Budget Call dated July 26, 2004 to all Department Heads, Section Chief and all other concern regarding Policy Guidelines and Procedures in the preparation and submission of Calendar Year 2005. Budget Proposals.

14. Letter from DILG City Director, Eliseo P. De Guzman, CESO V, indorsing to the Barangay Grievance Board thru Hon. Vice Mayor Rolen C. Paulino the complaint of Mr. Romeo L. Santos of Brgy. Mabayuan against Punong Barangay Danilo S. Fernandez, Brgy. Mabayuan for collection of house rental, electric and water bills, etc. (Referred to Councilor Atienza)

15. Xerox copy of the follow up letter of the Brgy. Kagawads of New Cabalan addressed to the Brgy. Captain of New Cabalan and the Treasurer requesting Xerox copies of PGMA Road Project and Barangay Staff Payroll from February to June 2004. (Referred to Councilor Cajudo and ABC President Capistrano)

16. Committee on Transportation recommendation regarding the operation of Iram Resettlement route for jeepneys and motorcycles. (Referred to Councilor Cajudo)


Committee Reports

Councilor del Rosario presented an update on the upcoming Fiesta Celebration in his capacity as Chairman of the City Fiesta. Together with his Vice-Chairman, Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan and key people from our youth sector, a meeting was called to discuss, conceptualize and inject fresh ideas for the said celebration. This year’s theme will be “Museum on the Street: Olongapo, Kahapon at Ngayon.” The Fiesta Parade will evolve on this theme and thus, barangays are encouraged to research on their roots as well as the establishments in their jurisdiction and showcase them in the said parade. Also, the committee sought the help and expertise of private event production consultants to assist them in exploring ideas as well as market the said events to prospective sponsors. They are acting on volunteer basis. A meeting will again be called together with Brgy. Captains, Department Heads and other people as soon as the list of activities and the appointment of different committees are finalized.

On his second report, Councilor del Rosario notified the body that he will be representing the City to the LGU- Private Sector Housing Conference to be conducted by the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders Association (CREBA) Socialized Housing Foundation at the Westin Philippine Plaza, Pasay City together with Ms. Lynette dela Cruz on July 29-30, 2004.

The said foundation serves as a vehicle by which the private sector can actively participate more in the production of socialized housing units all over the country in support to the government shelter program.

Councilor Cajudo apprised everyone that she attended the VFP-SDAI meeting last July 2, 2004 at the Veterans Federation Headquarters, Arocerros, Manila. Salient matters regarding update on the US House Bill HR 677, strategies to strengthen the association, scheduled lobby for the passage of House Bill 677 through networking with other organizations, government officials and entities, leadership training for GK Sons and Daughters of Veterans of World War II, Regional Workshops and lifetime I.D, Livelihood and Cooperative Seminar for strong economy and the hosting of the Regional Meeting on September 12, 2004 at the City Hall of Olongapo. For the said Regional Meeting they are requesting permission to conduct the said activity at the Sanggunian.

She also said that on July 3, 2004 the Olongapo Post of the VFP-SDAI convened where she relayed the results of the aforesaid regional meeting. One of the matters discussed is the additional names of veterans to be included in the marker of the Rizal Triangle where the said names will be placed at another panel on its back portion. Through coordination with the GSO, the said panel will incur no additional cost.

Another item, the Councilor relayed in their request for a SP Resolution to support a passage of U.S. House Bill 677 thru representation in congress and in the office of the president. This comprises the payment of various fund promised to the veterans, such as accrued disability pension, education benefit with beneficiaries and other benefits for veterans left unpaid up to this time. A copy of which was submitted by Councilor Cajudo in her capacity as Chairman of the Veterans Affairs. A copy is also presented to the Committee Chairman, Councilor Angelina Andrada.

Councilor Cajudo presented the salient points of the Committee on Transportation meeting held last July 22, 2004. It was agreed there, that all presidents of transport associations to provide lists of operators in the City in order to assess their documents. Also, in order to evaluate the legalization of taxis, vans for hire, FX taxis and school buses operating in the City, their presidents should submit pertinent documents such as OR/CR, Insurance, Franchise, Stickers and Barangay Clearances to the Committee within the period of 30 days together with a letter request to the Honorable City Mayor Bong Gordon. They should also undertake an annual vehicle inspection as being done in other public utility vehicles and determine their own terminals. Aside from the drivers and operators, the said meeting was attended by Mr. Beng Isip representative from the LTFRB, Mr. Roy Canaria of the CPDO, Mr. Sonny Bilog of the DPWH, Mr. Benjamin Dekit, Chairman OTTSCI, Barangay Kagawads, Jaime Arcenal and Mr. Felicisimo Santo Domingo. In that meeting, the fare matrix for the Tipo-Olongapo route and the landmarks thereof the kilometer range and the amount passengers have to pay were all determined. A copy of the said matrix had been forwarded to the Secretariat, she said.

Councilor Atienza asked the permission of the Presiding Officer to conduct a study and assessment regarding the requirements for new businesses and possibly invite investors in the City in his capacity as Chairman on the Committee on Ways and Means. The proposed review is in response to the complaints regarding delay on the processing of the said permits. Though the City had already established the One-Stop-Shop, he believed that there is still room for its improvement. For this, he requested that notice of meeting regarding this matter be served on Monday for the following Departments to send their representatives: CPDO, PUD, ESMO, City Health, Fire Dept. and Treasurer’s Office and Mayor’s Office at the SP Session Hall.

The Presiding Officer recommended that Councilor del Rosario and Mr. James Lee of the Business Association be present on the said meeting.

Councilor Atienza also informed the body on the incident that transpired at the Olongapo City Convention Center as stated on the letter of Mr. Glenn Fabricante, Over-all Coordinator of the Convention Center. As Chairman on the Committee on Investigation, he requested that a notice be served also to Mr. Glenn Fabricante, Security Officer Rodolfo Sorio, SRT Roving Officer Gary Tolentino, SRT Officer William Lazala and Chief of SRT Vicente Tolentino for a meeting on Monday.

On another report, Councilor Atienza reminded his colleagues to follow-up the departments specifically the economic enterprises for the submission of their reports on their collections and disbursement, as stated in the Resolution passed by the previous council members. As of to date only the Assessor’s Office had complied with the said resolution. He also instructed the Secretariat to furnish all Councilors with copies as soon as other departments had submitted so.

Also, Councilor Atienza requested that a notification be served to the Barangay Captains of Pag-Asa and New Kalalake for a meeting with him regarding the celebration of their Barangay Fiestas and the establishment of their mini-fairs. According to him, the said barangays can only commence the operation of their fairs on August 26, since they are referring to only one feast – the Feast of San Lorenzo Ruiz. He also added that despite his report, the mini-fairs were still existing.

Councilor Cajudo shared that inasmuch that the Mayor’s Office had already authorized the establishment of the said mini-fair, it is but proper to furnish them the guidelines we had in the Council for their information for them to make the necessary withdrawal of permits.

Councilor Atienza reasoned that copies had been already furnished to the office of the City Mayor and already informed the barangays concerned that is why he wanted the said Barangay Captains to shed light on the matter.

On another item, Councilor Atienza referred on the concern stated in the letter of Mr. Benjamin Miranda regarding water rate increase of Subicwater to be implemented on December. Though the letter was addressed to Congresswoman Mitos Magsaysay, Councilor Atienza reiterated that the City has a standing Resolution No. 169, Series of 2003 which also connotes the City’s continuing objection on the said increase.

The Presiding Officer observed that even though the Resolution had opposed the said increase, Subicwater still continues to do so. It seems like Olongapo is helpless to prevent the said increase, he said.

Councilor Atienza detailed the legal actions he had undertaken regarding the matter and the status of their petition to the said increase, as counsel of TUBIG. He filed for a motion for reconsideration but had been denied. The said matter is still under study but have already prepared the Petition for Certiorari with TRO to be filed in court for implementation. A follow-up report on the said matter will come up soon, he said. He also reiterated that the said resolution opposing the said increase is part of the exhibits filed in the court.

Councilor Asuncion reported that last July 24, 2004 the “Kabuhayang Barangay Lingap Kapwa Tuklas Talino or KABALIKAT Multi-Purpose Cooperative at Brgy. Gordon Heights had been inaugurated. The said cooperative chaired by Brgy. Kgd. Cesar Santiago continues to grow in membership and capitalization in their effort to seek opportunities for improvement, remain strong and successful in the field of cooperative operation. They are teaching their members to save, do business and earn through buying, selling and grant loans through capitalization towards economic development of its members. Projects such as, environment protection, skills, technological and vocational trainings had been pursued towards the achievement of their goals.

Councilor Andrada informed the body of the successful Medical and Dental Mission conducted by the City Health Department on July 22, 2004 at the Rizal Triangle which was sponsored by the PCSO. 587 patients were attended and treated. A similar activity was conducted at the Columban Parish on July 24, wherein 710 patients were attended to. The City Health Office, Mayor’s Office, Engineering Office, Rescue Team and ESMO were the agencies involved in the said mission.

The Councilor also thanked her colleagues for the success of the activities in line with the celebration of National Disability, Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. The well attended Massage Therapy Demonstration at the Olongapo City Hall conducted by trained blind therapists from Niño’s Pag-asa Center, Dental Health Education and tooth brush giving sponsored by the Olongapo City Dental Society and Subic Tambuli Lions Club at the Kalalake Elementary School Sinag Center and in the Niño’s Pag-asa Center and the Basic Sign Language Training conducted at the FMA Hall, Slogan, Poster Making and Cooking Contests were among the highlights of the said affair.

Councilor Piano gladly announced that through the collaborative efforts of the MIS, PUD, Treasury Department and the guidance of the Mayor’s Office, the full implementation of the computerized PUD billing and collections started last Monday, July 26, 2004. The said project marked its efficiency, accuracy and speed. He said that he personally monitored and solicited the feedback from consumers during the 2 ½ days. The consumers who benefited from this project expressed their appreciation for the improved service and the reduction of transaction time from ten minutes to an average of 2 minutes. He also relayed that the Chairman, on the Committee on Public Utilities together with Councilor Gina Perez are also coming up with an incentive program for those who will pay in advance or on time for their electric bills.

Councilor Piano also stated that even skip and multiple payments can be easily monitored through the computerized system. With a large data base and server, the system will be truly effective. But it is also a must to keep our previous receipts, he said.

Councilor Perez informed the body that letters of request for seedlings had already been sent out to the SBMA Ecology Department and Mr. Jeff Lin of SBDMC where the City has to await of their responses. To replenish our nursery with fruit bearing seedlings, she encouraged those students who are enrolled under PE and NSTP subjects to look in their backyard of any plant seedlings and donate them to the City Nursery to increase its supply. She asked the cooperation of Mr. Dante Ramos, the SKs and the Department of Education on this regard.

Councilor Aquino reported that in coordination with the City Engineer, the required signboard to inform motorists of the existence of humps will be placed at 6th Street. This is in response to the matter referred to him by the Vice Mayor.

The Presiding Officer thanked Councilor Aquino for his prompt action on the matter.

Councilor Marzan shared to the body the complaint letter dated July 20, 2004 by some residents of Purok 13, Sitio, Tralala, Block 27 Extension, Gordon Heights referred to her by the Vice-Mayor.

This is regarding the establishment of a school spearheaded by an American named Gerry Palermo. However, the construction of the said school building was delayed and so with its opening. Their children are the ones suffering now because they had already given important school records to the representative of the said school. They had no assurance if the said school will indeed open and if his representatives will be true to their commitment to provide their needs as promised by the owner, Mr. Gerry Palermo, she said.

For the said concern, Councilor Marzan announced that the Committee on Education will conduct a hearing on the next day at 9:00 in the morning at the Session Hall. Councilor Atienza will stand as the legal adviser of the said committee.

The Presiding Officer recommended to the Committee to include Brgy. Council- woman Irene Ramos in the said meeting.

Vice-Mayor Paulino reported that together with the City Mayor, Hon. James Gordon, Jr., the Members of the City Council welcomed Admiral Quinn who gave his courtesy call to the City. Admiral Quinn led the American contingents to the on-going CARAT Exercises 2004 together with Commodore Buzz Little. Through the permission of the City Mayor, the said visitors will be allowed to conduct their liberty in the City. For this, he enjoined Councilor del Rosario and the business group to build-up streamers as token of our warm welcome.


Calendar of Business

Second Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2004–R-05 – A Resolution Seeking Assistance From Hon. Mitos Magsaysay, Representative First District Of Zambales In The Implementation And Introduction Of Government Projects In The City Of Olongapo. Sponsored by Councilor Noel Y. Atienza. This measure was denied upon majority decision of the body.

2. On motion of Councilor Perez, the body deferred the approval of 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.


Other Matters

A. The following items were considered by the body as urgent matters and were approved on first, second and final readings:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2004 – R-08 – A Resolution Approving The Construction Of G.I. Pipe On Arc Frame With Polycarbonate Cover Along Rizal Avenue For The Covered Court At Rizal Triangle Park In The Amount Of One Hundred Sixty Three Thousand Four Hundred Twenty Eight Pesos And 03/100 (PhP163,428.03). Sponsored By Councilors Anselmo A. Aquino And Cynthia G. Cajudo. Approved by majority decision.

Councilor Noel Y. Atienza objected and Councilor Gina G. Perez abstained.

2. Draft Ordinance No. 2004 – O-06 - An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of One Million One Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP1,150,000.00) To The Item Representation Expense And Office Supplies Expense Under Maintenance & Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) Of The Office Of The City Mayor. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo. Approved by majority decision.

Councilors Marey Beth D. Marzan and Edwin J. Piano abstained while Councilors Noel Y. Atienza and Gina G. Perez objected.
3. On motion of Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo, Draft Ordinance No. 2004 – O-07 - An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of One Million Three Hundred Forty Four Thousand Six Hundred Sixty Two Pesos & 65/100 (PhP1,344,662.65) For The Three Infrastructure Project Of Olongapo City Chargeable Against Pagcor Fund was unanimously approved by the body.

B. On motion of Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo, An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount of One Million Eight Hundred Sixty Seven Thousand Five Hundred Pesos (PhP1,867,500.00) Under The Office Of The City Mayor was taken out of the table and was approved by the body on second and final readings by the majority decision.

Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan abstained while Councilors Noel Y. Atienza and Gina G. Perez opposed.


Adjournment

There being no further business to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:15 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