eLegis Olongapo City Philippines Sangunian

05 September 2004

2004minutes, september 22.doc

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON
SEPTEMBER 22, 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. Anselmo A. Aquino - - - - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Edwin J. Piano - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Gina G. Perez - - - - - - - - - - - - - - “ “
Hon. Robine Rose C. Buenafe- - - - - - - SK Federation President

Absent:

Hon. Brian Patrick H. Gordon - - - - - - - City Councilor
Hon. Napoleon F. Capistrano - - - - - - - President, Liga ng mga Barangay

Call to Order

City Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer Rolen C. Paulino, called the session to order at 3:25 in the afternoon.

Roll Call

With ten (10) members and the Presiding Officer present, a quorum was declared.

Reading and Adoption of Minutes

On motion of Councilor Noel Y. Atienza, the body approved the minutes of its Regular Session held last August 19, 2004.

Communications and Referrals of Business

First Reading:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2004-R-37 – A Resolution Adopting Republic Act 8980 Otherwise Known As “The Early Childhood Care And Development Act” For Full Implementation In The City Of Olongapo. Sponsored By Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan

2. Draft Resolution No. 2004-R-38 – A Resolution Enjoining All Sectors In Olongapo City To Support The Children’s Month This October 2004 And Every Year Thereafter. Sponsored By Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan

3. Draft Resolution No. 2004-R-39 – A Resolution Adopting The Decision Dated September 21, 2004 On Committee On Laws, Complaints, Investigation & Human Rights Protection Recommending That Barangay Resolution 016, Series Of 2004 Be Declared Null And Void And Further Recommending That Barangay Captain Rolando Apalit Be Suspended From The Performance Of His Official Function As Barangay Captain Of Barangay Asinan Of Olongapo City For A Period Of Two (2) Months From Receipt Thereof. Sponsored By Councilor Noel Y. Atienza

4. Draft Resolution 2004-R-40 – A Resolution Approving The Remaining Priority Projects For The Year 2003 Of The City Of Olongapo. Sponsored By Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino

5. Draft Resolution 2004-R-41 – A Resolution Strongly Objecting The Proposed Reduction Or Cutback And All Other Previous Cutbacks In The Internal Revenue Allotment Shares Of Local Government Units (LGUs) In The Entire Philippines. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo

6. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-12 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Sum Of Seventy Thousand Pesos (PhP70,000.00) Chargeable To The Tourism Projects In The 20% Development Fund Under The Office Of The City Mayor. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo

7. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-13 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Sum Of Twenty Million Eight Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand One Hundred Nineteen Pesos (PhP20,839,119.00) From The Estimated Income And Subsidy From The General Fund To Various Expenditures Thru A Supplemental Budget From January 1 To December 31, 2004 And Authorizing The Transfer To The General Fund Account Of Five Million Pesos (Php5,000,000.00) Initially Earned/Collected By The City Mall And Deposited Temporarily Under The Trust Fund Account. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo

8. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-14 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Two Hundred Fifty Four Thousand Eight Hundred Three Pesos And 10/100 (PhP254,803.10) For The Remaining Priority Projects For The Year 2003 Chargeable Against The PAGCOR Funds. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo

9. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-15 – An Ordinance Providing For Guidelines In The Celebration Of Children’s Month In Olongapo City. Sponsored By Councilor Marey Beth D. Marzan

Communications Read:

1. Copy of Additional Evidences regarding the on-going cases against Barangay Captain Alejandro Ubungen of Barangay New Cabalan, this City pending now at the Prosecutor’s Office filed by Santiago Columbrites and Antonio Arcenal. (Referred to Councilor Atienza)

2. Copy of Resolution No. 230 of Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Amas, Kidapawan City, entitled, “Resolution Vehemently Opposing The Power Rate Adjustment Being Imposed By The National Power Corporation (NPC) For Reasons Cited Herein” (Referred to the body as a Whole)

3. Copy of the Transport Planning and Traffic Management in the City with Identified Areas with Heavy Traffic Congestion and Proposed Solutions To Decongest Traffic. (For information)

4. Letter from J-05 jeepney drivers and operators informing Mayor Gordon thru Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo that they are opposing to the granting of franchise to the tricycles of GHOTODA.

5. Copy of Resolution No. 12, Series of 2004 of the Liga ng mga Barangay, Lungsod ng Olongapo, entitled, “Resolution Requesting The City Government To Povide Financial Assistance To Punong Barangay Rolando Apalit Of Barangay Asinan To Cover The Hospitalization Expenses Incurred Due To His Bypass Operation At Makati Medical Center” (Copy to all City Councilors)

6. Letter from the City Mayor requesting the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass an ordinance adopting the rates for the entrance fee and use of Museum. (Referred to Councilors del Rosario and Piano)

7. Copy of Complaint from Santiago Columbrites and Antonio Arcenal, both Brgy. Kagawads of Brgy. New Cabalan against Brgy. Capt. Alejandro Ubungen. (Referred to Councilor Atienza)

8. Copy of the Committee Report of Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino, Chairman, Committee on Public Works & Engineering regarding the matter referred to him by the Vice Mayor to inspect the canal/drainage of Cristobal Street – Tabacuhan Road – Cristobal Ext, Cayabyab St. – Cristobal St. – Dead End and Cristobal Creek – 10-15 meters. To date, the Cayabyab St. – Cristobal St. – dead end was already declogged, Cristobal St. – Tabacuhan Road – Cristobal Ext is on-going and the Cristobal Creek – 10 to 15 meters needs backhoe for declogging operation.

9. Copy of Resolution No. 844 of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Zamboanga City Pleading to the Conscience of the Honorable Chief Justice to reconsider their decision increasing the payment for the performance of solemnization of marriage from P300.00 to P3,000.00. (Referred to the body as a Whole)

10. Copy of the Notice of Meeting to All Department Heads/Representatives/Sports Coordinators, All Coaches and Team Captains (Volleyball and Badminton) regarding meeting on the 2004 City Fiesta Sports Festival Inter-Department Volleyball & Badminton Tournament on September 24, 2004, 4:00 P.M. at FMA Hall. (For information)

11. Letter from Rosalinda T. Dalit, #361 Sta. Rita Road, Sta Rita, this city addressed to the City Mayor requesting for intervention to prevent the Barangay Officials of Barangay West Bajac-Bajac from pursuing the reduction of her stall’s floor area. (Referred to Councilor Atienza)

12. Copy of the letter of Brgy. Capt. Danilo S. Fernancez, Brgy. Mabayuan addressed to Mrs. Delia Alfonso, Chief, Commission on Audit, City of Olongapo requesting the latter to conduct an inventory in their Barangay in order to determine the availabilities of the existing supplies and materials, among others. (For information)

13. Memorandum from Councilor Brian Patrick H. Gordon informing Vice Mayor Paulino that he cannot attend today’s session due to the pre-arranged appointment with Senator Richard J. Gordon in Manila.

14. Copy of memorandum from Brgy. Capt. Danilo S. Fernandez, Brgy. Mabayuan to all Brgy. Kagawads and employees informing them that he has assumed office as Brgy. Capt. of Mabayuan effective September 19, 2004 and Barangay functions must be properly delegated or duly coordinated to his office as a matter of policy. (For information)

15. Letter of Angelito Soriano regarding PUD’s computerization. (Referred to Councilor Aquino)


Committee Reports

Councilor Atienza informed the body that Brgy. Capt. Danilo Fernandez assumed his former position already as of Sept. 19, 2004. In connection with another case, the Councilor requested his colleagues to attend the hearing on Tuesday regarding the case filed by the Lupong Tagapamayapa against the aforesaid Barangay Captain at 9:00 a.m. The parties’ presentation of the witnesses as well as their documentary exhibits will be asked to facilitate the resolution of the case. The Councilor made note that the presence of the Councilors is of high importance as previously stressed by Councilor Cajudo.

Councilor del Rosario gave the highlights of the meeting of Mayor Bong Gordon with the Olongapo City Musicians Association and the possible participation of the latter in the opening of the Mardi Gras. The said musicians, even those who are inactive in the business, were encouraged to participate as volunteers to the brass band or the City’s upcoming band or orchestra formation. The said musicians also aired their sentiments that during Mardi Gras, Manila bands or bands from different provinces get the bookings. For this reason, the sponsors were furnished the list of bands in the City and what type of music they play so that they can be booked soon. This action made the musicians glad that once again their group will be organized, the Councilor said.

In this note, Councilor del Rosario announced that the Mardi Gras is already set on Oct. 29, 30, 31. The said affair dubbed as Mardi Gras Reborn is free of charge and presents a line up of at least 29 events such as paint ball, art exhibit, henna tattoo, Mardi Gay, Little Mr. and Ms. Olongapo, BMX and skateboard presentation and others. Information drive about the said event which was spearheaded by different youth organizations like the Demolay had already been conducted to inform the business community all over the City.

As part of the fiesta event, the Councilor also relayed that the First Canvassing for the Olongapo City Fiesta Queen Contest will be held at the Olongapo City Convention Center under the theme “Cocktail Night”. Series of meetings with the participants, barangays and businessmen had already been transpired, he said. The Councilor also reminded everyone that the Executive Committee as well as the Members of the Standing Committees will hold a meeting at 10:00 a.m. the following morning at the Session Hall.

On another item, Councilor del Rosario reported the highlights of the regular meeting of the Olongapo City Local Price Coordinating Council such as the saturation drive at the West Bajac-Bajac Flea Market and the apprehension of vendors with defective and unregistered weighing scales where 68 had been caught and penalized. Saturation drives were scheduled on markets as well as in school canteens to ensure the safety of school children.

Also, the Councilor shared that in preparation to the opening of Consumer Welfare Month this October, he recommended that the item on second reading regarding the City Wide Sale, particularly on the City’s request to the DTI to waive the permit for sale promotion be passed. This measure will encourage business establishments to participate into the said activity which will coincide in the opening of the Mardi Gras on Oct. 29, 30 & 31.

The Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer also instructed Councilor del Rosario to prepare a letter addressed to the Manila Sports Car Club, to invite them to participate in the upcoming Mardi Gras without cost on our part. All they want is to display their 1950, 1940 and 1960 editions at the Magsaysay Drive. They were already informed about the said affair, he said.

Also, the Vice Mayor inquired if there are standing penalties for owners with defective weighing scales.

Councilor del Rosario clarified that there is a corresponding fine for the said offense and that the defective weighing scale is destroyed afterwards. Those also who use fraudulent acts in vending, such as the use of red light to make the fish, pork or chicken look fresh and other similar acts will also be penalized. In addition to this, the LPCC also discovered that those who sell sago and gulaman use a chemical known as “magic sugar” in place of the real sugar. It was discovered that it contains compounds that can cause cancer. This is also one of the reasons why the LPCC is conducting its saturation drives.

Councilor Aquino gave an update on the verbal instruction given to him by the Vice Mayor to inspect the drainage canal, somewhere in Sta. Rita, Tabacuhan, Cayabyab and Cristobal Streets.

He said that he inspected the said drainage last Sept. 17 and found out that the drainage canal is indeed clogged. He asked the assistance of the Engineering Office and requested them to conduct an estimate on the drainage works/repair that shall be done to resolve the said concern. The Councilor also deemed that appropriation of funds is necessary for the said drainage works.

The Vice Mayor and Presiding Officer thanked the Councilor and even showed his report with matching sketches of the would-be drainage works at Cristobal Street.

Councilor Cajudo gave an account on the following matters discussed during the caucus attended by Councilors Perez, Asuncion, Andrada, del Rosario, Aquino and Marzan together with the City Accountant, Mall Administrator, Fifi Legaspi and Mr.Ernie Hernandez from the Mayor’s Office and Ms. Josie Nieves of the Budget Department:

1. Resolution from Naga City regarding IRA cutback
2. Terminal leaves of barangay officials of Old Cabalan
3. The indorsement of Priority Projects 2003 as well as the budget for the Mall.
4. Transfer of Trust Fund accounts to the General Fund
5. The City’s bid for the Jaycee’s National Convention and request for Appropriation by the Office of the City Mayor amounting to P70,000.00.

Councilor Andrada relayed to the body that the City Health Department conducted a free medical and dental clinic at IRAM last Sept. 16 and at Kalalake last Sept. 17. Four Hundred Three (403) patients were attended to at IRAM and 308 at Kalalake.

On another item, Councilor Andrada reported that the UP College of Public Health and the Department of Health jointly conducted a parasitologic survey of soil transmitted helminthiasis in all regions of the Philippines among children aged one to five years old. The objective is to generate an adequate epidemiologic and environmental data on the prevalence of this disease. The said study aims to assess the gravity of the worm disease in children in a community and to disseminate information regarding the said disease as well as its environmental and sanitation aspects. The pilot area for the said research is in Banicain and an orientation seminar regarding it was conducted on September 21. The actual start of the stool examination will be on September 28 and all those found positive shall be given deworming medications by the Department of Health, she said.

When asked by the Presiding Officer regarding the cases of sore eyes in the city, Councilor Andrada replied that the number of cases are dropping, but they are continually distributing fliers in the barangays and public markets regarding this. She was even asked by Councilor Atienza on the best medication for children with sore eyes. The Physician Councilor answered that it is Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment.

Councilor Marzan updated her colleagues on the organization of student councils in the Elementary and High School in coordination with the Department of Education. The members of the said councils will comprise the Youth Development Board, where the creation thereof had been recently passed as an ordinance. Through the Department of Education the said Federation of Elementary and High School students had already conducted their leadership training. The federation from the College Department will soon be organized.

The Councilor also shared that when she attended the meeting of the ALCU, its officers expressed their gratefulness to the City Council for coming up with the Resolution of Appreciation to them. They even stressed that it is the first in the history of ALCU that a member-institution had done such. Our membership with ALCU provided us with assistance in the drafting/creation of policies and guidelines as well as the resolution of our concerns regarding CHED accreditation.

With regard to the City Museum and City Library, an amendment shall soon be presented to improve its operations as had been reported in the previous session. Miss Sharon Alba had already submitted the staff definition and scope under the City Museum which will soon be under the Committee on Education, Councilor Marzan said.

The Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer reminded Councilor Marzan regarding the number of scholars at the Gordon College as well as the requirements for scholarship.

Councilor Perez recounted that the Committee on Organizational Development and Personnel Matters, which pursues its thrust to strengthen the Civil Service in the Local Government and boost the professional development of all employees, came up with activities like seminar and trainings for the professional development of employees of the City. Recently, the Councilor found out that we have only P100,000.00 funds for training and such is insufficient to cover the whole year training requirement. For this, she recommended for a set of in-house seminars and enjoined the Councilors if they themselves would like to impart their knowledge on a certain topic in line with the activities for 2005. She also said that if we know of somebody who can speak for a 3-4 hour-seminar without so much cost on our part will indeed be beneficial.

Councilor Piano apprised the body on the meeting of the Task Force on Mass Land Titling created by Mayor Bong Gordon through Executive Order 31.

The said meeting was presided by Mr. Jimmy Mendoza, task force head with Councilor Noli Capistrano, of the ABC, and Marcelino Andawi, City Treasurer, Oscar Agustin, City Assessor, Engr. Rey Guevarra, City Engineer, Ms. Joan Agaton from the City Planning and Development Office, Mr. Vic Biscocho, PR Consultant of the group and Atty. Raymond Dilag. Among the matters discussed were the possible incentives to land titling applicants and the conduct of massive information campaign to ensure the project’s success.

Councilor Piano also reported that a 2-day cellphone troubleshooting and repair training for 104 technicians in Olongapo had been conducted at the COMPTECH Computer and Business College. This training was sponsored by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority with Mr. German Ebue, Telecommunications Consultant and Mr. Leonardo Perez who shared their expertise.

After the 2-day training, a competency assessment and licensing were conducted. It was noted that many cellphone technicians exceeded their expectation with their competence. For this, the city can be assured of qualified and certified technicians who use advance technology for their repair work.

In line with the said training and certification, a Mobile Registration spearheaded by the National Telecommunications Commission was held the following day at the Convention Center. All cellphone dealers and technicians, repair center operators are all invited to go to the Convention Center to register. This was done so that the said dealers and technicians need not go to the National or Regional Office to secure their permits to operate. They are also inviting owners of 2-way radios if they would like to secure their RLM, or seminar for the use of radio and if they register their units that day, their base radio will be likewise accepted.

When asked by the Vice Mayor if there will be conflict with SBMA regarding the licensing of radios, the Councilor answered that according to the MOA between SBMA and NTC, SBMA has also the authority to grant permits to radio operators to those who are located inside the Freeport. Those business outside the Freeport, are no longer under their jurisdiction.

The Vice Mayor also gave instruction to the Council Secretary to furnish Councilors Andrada and Piano copies of the letter sent by the Bureau of Health Devices and Technology regarding the construction of transmitters which may have harmful effects to the health of the community dwellers.

Councilor Cajudo shared to the body that before the said session, she attended the Lakbay-Aral Briefing of the visitors from Infanta, Quezon where the said visitors presented for the City a Certificate of Appreciation. This came from the Federation of Infanta Tricycle Association, Infanta Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Transportation, chaired by Hon. Ricardo Macasaet III, Vice-Mayor and Presiding Officer and Hon. Minette Macasaet De Dios. The said officials are interested to know how the city started and implemented the color-coding of our transport system.


Calendar of Business

Second Reading:

On successive motions of the respective sponsors, the body deferred action one after the other the items on second and final readings, to wit:

1. Draft Resolution No. 2004 – R-23 – A Resolution Granting Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (DMPI) Authority To Construct, Install And Operate A Cellsite Station In The Property Of Juliet Reyes, Located At Block 1, Upper Federico, Gordon Heights, Olongapo City. Sponsored by Councilor Edwin J. Piano.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2004 – R-29 – A Resolution Requesting The Honorable Congresswoman Milagros H. Magsaysay To Intercede For The City Of Olongapo The Release Of The Rightful Shares Of Olongapo City From CYs 1994-1998 Tax Collected Pursuant To Republic Act No. 7227 Otherwise Known As The “Bases Conversion And Development Act Of 1992.” Sponsored by Councilor Noel Y. Atienza.

3. Draft Resolution No. 2004-R-33 – A Resolution Setting Aside The Unexpended Balance Of The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Fund Every Year As Part Of The Succeeding Year’s Sk Annual Budget. Sponsored By Councilor Robine Rose C. Buenafe

4. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-10 – An Ordinance Seeking To Regulate Smoking In Public Places Including Public Conveyances And Providing Penalties Thereto In Accordance With The Implementing Rules And Regulations Of Republic Act 9211 Or “The Tobacco Regulatory Act Of 2003”. Sponsored By Councilor Angelina B. Andrada

5. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-11 – An Ordinance Approving The Proposed Entrance Fees At The Olongapo City Museum. Sponsored By Councilors Teodoro D. Del Rosario, Gina P. Perez And Edwin J. Piano


Other Matters

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

1. Draft Ordinance No. 2004 – O-09 – An Ordinance Amending Section 6 Of Ordinance No. 35, Series Of 1991 Otherwise Known As “An Ordinance Regulating And Monitoring The Operation Of “For-Hire” Public Utility Mini-Buses In The City Of Olongapo, And For Other Purposes” Sponsored by Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo.

2. Draft Resolution No. 2004-R-32 – A Resolution Promoting October As The Consumer Welfare Month And Enjoining All Establishments To Participate In The City Wide Sale On October 25-31, 2004 And Requesting The Department Of Trade And Industry (DTI) To Waive The Permit For Sale Promotion For This Event. Sponsored by Councilor Teodoro D. Del Rosario.

3. Draft Resolution 2004-R-40 – A Resolution Approving The Remaining Priority Project For The Fiscal Year 2003. Sponsored By Councilor Anselmo A. Aquino

4. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-14 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Amount Of Two Hundred Twenty Two Thousand Three Hundred Fifty Five Pesos And 85/100 (PhP222,355.85) For The Remaining Priority Projects For The Year 2003 Chargeable Against The PAGCOR Funds. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo

5. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-13 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Sum Of Twenty Million Eight Hundred Thirty Nine Thousand One Hundred Nineteen Pesos (PhP20,839,119.00) From The Estimated Income And Subsidy From The General Fund To Various Expenditures Thru A Supplemental Budget From January 1 To December 31, 2004 And Authorizing The Transfer To The General Fund Account Of Five Million Pesos (Php5,000,000.00) Initially Earned/Collected By The City Mall And Deposited Temporarily Under The Trust Fund Account. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo

6. Draft Ordinance No. 2004-O-12 – An Ordinance Appropriating The Sum Of Seventy Thousand Pesos (PhP70,000.00) Chargeable To The Tourism Projects In The 20% Development Fund Under The Office Of The City Mayor. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo

7. Draft Resolution 2004-R-41 – A Resolution Strongly Objecting The Proposed Reduction Or Cutback And All Other Previous Cutbacks In The Internal Revenue Allotment Shares Of Local Government Units (LGUs) In The Entire Philippines. Sponsored By Councilor Cynthia G. Cajudo


Adjournment

There being no further business to be discussed, the session was adjourned at 5:30 in the afternoon.


I HEREBY CERTIFY TO THE
CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING:


ELFLIDA S. SALMON
Council Secretary

ATTEST:


ROLEN C. PAULINO
City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer