City Council bares 2017 accomplishment

THE SANGGUNIANG Panlungsod headed by Vice Mayor Edison Bilog conducted 37 regular and 6 special sessions; and approved 459 resolutions and 133 ordinances in 2017; compared to 319 resolutions and 69 ordinances in 2016.

There were also 32 public hearings and summits conducted with varied topics, such as the academic and student, market and cooperatives, public utilities, agriculture and organic farming summits, at the session hall and other available venues, for 2017.

Status and details of action such as approval and endorsement to the proper committee are in the report, SP local legislative staff officer Jonalyn Pagada clarified. The Barangay Affairs Committee which takes care of barangay governance and budget headed by Councilor Michael Lee Lawana had 295 referrals, with the Appropriations and Finance Committee chaired by Councilor Elmer Datuin having 245 referrals. The said committee takes care of the fees, expenditures, taxes, and budget-related matters.

The Public Utilities, Transportation and Traffic Legislation committee which is in charge of franchise, traffic, and public services; chaired by Councilor Benny Bomogao had 162 referrals, while Councilor Mylen Victoria Yaranon who chairs the Public Works committee had 118 referrals. The PW committee looks after preparation of physical plans, construction and maintenance of road and bridges and public buildings, among others.

Councilor Faustino Olowan’s committee on Law, Human Rights and Justice had 107 referrals; the body which takes care of legislation as to rules and regulations, presidential, executive and administrative issuances, contracts; and provisions of human rights.

Referrals through the different committees: Youth Welfare and Sports Development; Urban Planning, Lands and Housing; Social Welfare, Women and Urban Poor; Public Protection and Safety, Peace and Order; Market Trade and Commerce, Agriculture; Ethics and Government Affairs and Personnel; Employment, Livelihood and Cooperatives; Education, Culture and Historical Research; Committee of the Whole; and Barangay Administrative Case Divisions I, II and III, make up the rest of the total 1,497 legislative actions done by the body.

The different committees are headed by Councilors Joel Alangsab, Peter Fianza, Arthur Allad-iw, Leandro Yangot, Jr., Edgar Avila,and lady councilors Elaine Sembrano and Lilia Farinas, with a vacancy due to the demise of Councilor Roberto Ortega.

A more detailed report is expected later this month. Julie Fianza