Category: News

The Sangguniang Panglunsod unanimously adopted in today’s regular session another temporary reprieve for taxpayers by extending the deadline of 3rd quarterly payment of business taxes to September 20. The extension comes on the heel of other full range of strong business support measures and other government economic relief programs approved by the city council and made available to Dagupan businesses since the onset of COVID-19 pandemic on March this year.

The measure, Ordinance No. 2217-2020, entitled “FURTHER EXTENDING THE DEADLINE OF PAYMENT OF BUSINESS TAX (3RD QUARTER) OPERATING IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN TO SEPTEMBER 20, 2020” is intended to cushion the severe impact of the coronavirus on businesses, halt cessation of operations and sustain the employment of more Dagupenos, particularly small and medium scale enterprises.

Vice Mayor Dean Bryan Kua said Dagupan enjoys the reputation of being one of the most progressive and business-friendly cities in Region 1. The ordinance, he said, will show that the city is “future-forward and will stand with businesses who are experiencing hardships”.

Atty. Crisanto Ambrosio Q. Estrada, Officer-in-Charge, One Stop Business Center and Ms. Romelita F. Alcantara, City Treasurer, said the city government supports the Sanggunian initiative, stating the loss of potential revenue in the form of collection from penalties is “just a small amount and Dagupan must show more compassion for small, struggling businesses”.

Councilor Michael Fernandez enjoined the council to adopt a clear, consistent and convenient set of internal protocols in implementing the city’s land use policy. He reiterated the need to ensure compliance with all pertinent rules and policy guidelines imposed by national agencies and the city’s own land use plan before endorsing any application for reclassification.

Councilors Luis Samson Jr and Jose Netu Tamayo strongly supported the application of Goldmaster Holding Corporation for reclassifying more than 3,000 square meters of mixed residential and agriculture land for the proposed expansion of spatial development of the regional office of the Philhealth. Tamayo stated that the expanded activities of national agencies augurs well for the over-all urban growth and development of Dagupan.

City agiculture officer Mrs Emma Molina affirmed before the body that the proposed application is still within the 15% limits set by law as to the proportion of land eligible for land conversion. Zoning officer Jose Torio likewise said the the subject property is suitable for the purpose intended, as it is similar to the nature of nearby and adjacent properties.

Meanwhile, the joint committees on law, ordinances and judiciary and barangay affairs reported the review of two barangay ordinances.

The city council approved in review Barangay Ordinance No. 01, series of 2020 of Barangay Bonuan Boquig, entitled: “PROHIBITING THE ACT OF MODIFYING THE ORIGINAL PART OF THE MOTORCYCLE THAT CAUSES NOISE POLLUTION”. Meanwhile, Barangay Ordinance No. 03, series of 2020 of Barangay Bonuan Binloc, entitled: “AN ORDINANCE MANDATING ALL RESIDENTIAL UNIT OWNERS TO REGISTER THEIR LESSEE/S IN OUR BARANGAY” has been remanded with set of recommendations to comply with substantial requirements provided by law.

Acting on the certification issued by Mayor Marc Brian Lim for the immediate enactment of measures to address the need for additional funds for the effective implementation of the city’s COVID-19 initiatives, the city council approved the city’s fourth supplemental appropriation proposal and its supporting investments plan.

Representatives from the city’s local finance committee said the funds will be utilized for the procurement of laboratory testing for SARS-COV 2 equipment, kit, reagents and other COVID-19 testing, outlay for the accommodation expenses of medical personnel and other LGU personnel involved in implementation of COVID-19 related programs and expenses, accommodation expenses of COVID-19 suspects, outlay for food expenses for medical personnel and frontliners, subsidy for barangays for their flooding and COVID-19 prevention measures, terminal leave benefits of employees and outlay for the office supplies expenses and the legislative information and management system of the Sanggunian Panglunsod.

Dr. Ophelia Rivera, chairperson of the city’s task force for COVID-19 campaign, provided the latest updates on health situation and outlined the initiatives taken and proposed strategies to curb the spread of the disease in Dagupan.

Meanwhile, the city council also favorably endorsed the application of Dito Telecommunity Corporations for the construction and maintenance of cellular mobile cell site in seven target areas in Dagupan, after thorough evaluation and examination of necessary requirements and documents submitted relative to the application.

SANGGUNIAN HIKES FINES FOR NON-WEARING OF FACE MASK, DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HEALTH WORKERS AND OTHER FRONTLINERS, expressly repealing two earlier ordinances, in a unanimous vote in today’s regular session.

Violators of the two new ordinances which now carry harsher penalties is the Sanggunian’s latest response to curb the spread of the virus and deter the unfair treatment of health workers and other frontliners. First offense shall be meted P1,000 fine and a mandatory seminar on COVID-19 prevention, or sixteen (16) hours cumulative voluntary community service. Second and third time offenders shall be fined P2,000 and P3,000, respectively, and undergo mandatory COVID-19 seminar. Fines collected shall be invested in a trust fund which shall be utilized exclusively for COVID-19 response measures.

Meanwhile, Public Order and Safety Office chief Robert Christopher Mejia also affirmed the resumption of the full travel routes of jeepney services traversing Bonuan, Bolosan, Manguin and Salisay in formal response to an inquiry by the Sanggunian.

*Ordinance No. O-764, entitled, “ADOPTING A NEW ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE MASK BY ALL PERSONS WHO ARE FOUND IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN DURING THE STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY, REPEALING CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2198-2020”, authored by Councilor Dennis Canto and co-authored by Michael Fernandez (APPROVED)

*Ordinance No. O-765, entitled “ADOPTING A NEW ORDINANCE PROHIBITING ANY PERSON FROM COMMITTING ANY ACT WHICH CAUSES STIGMA, DISGRACE, SHAME, HUMILIATION, HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PERSONS WHO ARE CONFIRMED, SUSPECTED OR PROBABLE COVID-19 CASE, INCLUDING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHER ALLIED HEALTHCARE AND EMERGENCY WORKERS, VOLUNTEERS/WORKERS ASSIGNED TO HOSPITALS AND OTHER FRONTLINERS, PROVIDING PENALTIES AND FINES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF, REPEALING CITY ORDINANCE NO. 2202-2020”, authored by Councilor Karlos Liberato Reyna IV, co-authored by Councilor Michael Fernandez (APPROVED)

2 NEW LAWYERS FETED IN SANGGUNIAN today, July 23, for their remarkable achievement of hurdling the tough 2019 bar examinations given by the Supreme Court of the Philippines last November in Manila.

Atty. Roxane Daphne Lapaan and Atty Lorelie De Leon-Serran,MD, along with their families, personally received the Sanggunian’s citations during the regular session in the resolutions authored by Councilors Dennis Cantos and Celia Lim.

The two lady lawyers complete the roster of four new lawyers from Dagupan, including Atty Richard Sayson and Atty Carlo Serafin Fernandez, among the successful passers of the annual bar examinations. Incidentally all four are residents of Caranglaan, this city, and graduated from PHINMA-University of Pangasinan.

The Sangguniang Panglunsod formally urged the suspension of all regular Sangguniang Kabataan activites such as sports tournaments and leagues, youth camps, team-building activities and other recreational activities that would necessarily invite or encourage non-essential gathering of people as an expression of support to the city’s solidarity with global efforts to reduce the spread of the virus. The resolution calls for the deferment and shall remain until the state of public health emergency is lifted by the President and measures are in place to support the safe reopening of sports and other recreational activities.

On the same occasion, the Sanggunian Panglunsod also set an an investigation on Tuesday, July 21, into the unscrupulous sale of alleged decaying fish products which pose as threat to the integrity of the city’s agro-fisheries production and tarnishes the reputation of the Dagupan’s public market system.

* Resolution No. 5949, entitled: “CALLING FOR AN EXHAUSTIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE ALLEGED SELLING OF ‘DOUBLE DEAD FISHES’ IN MAGSAYSAY MARKET, ALSO THIS CITY,” introduced by Councilor Teresa T. Coquia (APPROVED)

* Resolution No. 5950, entitled “URGING ALL SK COUNCILS AND OTHER CIVIC, PROFESSIONAL AND NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN TO REFRAIN FROM HOLDING SK-RELATED ACTIVITIES SUCH AS SPORTS AND OTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WHICH REQUIRE MASS GATHERINGS UNTIL THE STATE OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY IS LIFTED,” introduced by Councilor Joshua Bon Bon F. Bugayong (APPROVED)

* Draft Ordinance No. O-763, entitled “ESTABLISHING A TUDY-NOW-PAY-LATER PROGRAM FOR POOR STUDENTS IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN, APPROPRIATING FUNDS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES,” introduced by Councilor Jose Netu M. Tamayo (FIRST READING)

* Draft Ordinance No. O-764, entitled “AMENDING SECTION 5 OF ORDINANCE NO. 2198-2020, ‘REQUIRING THE MANDATORY WEARING OF FACE MASK BY ALL PERSONS WHO ARE FOUND IN THE CITY OF DAGUPAN DURING THE ENHANCED COMMUNITY QUARANTINE AND ANY EXTENSION THEREOF,” introduced by Councilor Dennis C. Canto (FIRST READING)

DAGUPAN APPEALS ANEW TO UPGRADE TO CITY POLICE OFFICE, reiterating a now 20-year old request from the Sanggunian to the Philippine National Police leadership, from its present “police station” status.

Dagupan police chief Abubakr Mangelen said the application, if granted, would increase the current police strength from 124 officers to 600, approximating the ideal police to citizen ratio of 1:5.

He added that Dagupan is now the only remaining independent component city among 5 other ICCs in the country that is protected by a police station. When elevated into a police office, Dagupan plans to create four new police stations, a tourist police station in Bonuan and the creation of additional mobile police forces.

Councilor Celia C. Lim, author of the resolution, said the approval of the city’s application is timely and would be responsive to the growing needs of the times.
On the same regular session, Councilor Dennis Canto sponsored a resolution to fete new lawyer Roxanne Daphne Lapaan of Caranglaan for passing the 2019 bar examinations.

The city council approved on third and final reading two measures for the protection of consumers, food service delivery providers and delivery riders and its novel scholarship program.

Councilor Ma. Librada Fe M. Reyna, stressed that the 26 year old scholarship measure is already outdated and needs to adapt to the current market conditions and academic necessities. Successful and accepted scholars will receive every semester P10,000 matriculation expenses, P1,500 learning resource materials allowance, and P1,500 uniform allowance. In addition, P1,500 monthly stipend shall also be given.

Meanwhile, Councilor Karlos Liberato E. Reyna IV led the Sanggunian in the ratification of an ordinance protecting transactions made through delivery service providers from unfair or fraudelent cancellation of orders made through mobile phones and other social media applications.

Earlier, the Sanggunian feted two Dagupenos who hurdled the tough 2019 bar examinations in Manila. Atty Carlo Alipio Fernandez and Atty Richard Sayson, with their families, received the citation from Vice Mayor Dean Bryan L. Kua and the full city council during its regular Thursday session.

Many residents and entrepreneurs were taken aback by their electricity and water bills having doubled, or even tripled, in the past month.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod conducted the legislative inquiry after demands from consumers that the city government find a solution hence requested the appearance of representatives of the Dagupan City Water District and Dagupan Electric Corporation to enlighten the council.

“We are not going to take this lightly,” Vice Mayor Dean Bryan L. Kua said the Sanggunian would help Dagupenos cope with financial burden during the current crisis and assuage the anxiety of the public amidst rising electricity and water costs.

During the hearing, both DECORP and DCWD assured there are no pending application or any forthcoming increase in adjustment rates, or imposition of penalties for late payments.

“There shall be no disconnection, until further notice,” Decorp’s legal counsel Atty Randy Caspillan explicitly stated.

Meanwhile, the Sanggunian obtained commitment from the utility firms to extend assistance to the general public for the proper computation of power and water consumption.

“They can bring their utility bills or upload the image of their bills through our social media accounts and we shall assist them in their complaints,” water district general manager Engr Rizaldy Mandap said.

As the country prepares for a shift from the conventional face-to-face classes to various learning delivery options, such as blended learning, distance learning, and homeschooling, SP approved the measure in line with President Duterte’s order not to hold physical classes in the absence of a COVID-19 vaccine.

*Resolution No. 5945, “AUTHORIZING THE HONORABLE MARC BRIAN C. LIM, CITY MAYOR, THIS CITY, TO ENTER INTO MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPANIES FOR THE PROVISION OF FREE WI-FI SERVICES IN STRATEGIC PLACES IN DAGUPAN, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC”. (Approved)
Introduced by Councilor Jose Netu N. Tamayo

*Ordinance No. O-763, “ FORMALLY RECOGNIZING AND NAMING THE CREEK THAT TRAVERSES THE FORMER LAND PROPERTY OF THE LATE COUPLE MANUEL AND ATING QUINTO IN LUCAO AS ‘MANTING CREEK’. (Approved)
Introduced by Councilors Jose Netu N. Tamayo, Marcelino D. Fernandez & Celia C. Lim

Ordinance No. O-761, “APPROVING THE SUPPLEMENTAL AIP NO.3 OF THE CITY OF DAGUPAN FOR FY 2020” (First Reading)
Introduced by Councilor Michael B. Fernandez

Ordinance No. O-762, “SUPPLEMENTAL BUDGET NO. 2 FOR FY 2020” (First Reading)
Introduced by Councilor Michael B Fernandez

Resolution No. 5940, “COMMENDING THE DILG, THRU ITS CHIEF, CLGOO MS. MARILYN B. LAGUIPO, FOR ALL ITS INDISPENSABLE ASSISTANCE TO DAGUPAN DURING THE HARDER TIMES OF THE QUARANTINE” (Approved)
Introduced by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo.

Resolution No. 5941, “APPEALING TO PRESIDENT RODRIGO ROA DUTERTE TO ALLOW MOTORCYCLE BACKRIDERS FOR MARRIED COUPLES AND FAMILY MEMBERS”. (Approved)
Introduced by Councilor Jose Netu Tamayo.