Council approves on first reading Draft Ordinance No. 041 — 40th Regular Session
Meeting on June 24, 2026, the council approved Draft Ordinance No. 041 on first reading, adopted Resolution No. 2026-0404, referred 5 items to committee, carried 4 procedural motions, noted or received 7 communications and took up 11 matters in discussion.
- Sitting40th Regular Session
- DateJune 24, 2026
- Quorum9 members
- Passages on record48
- Actions recorded29
The first roll call found 4 members present, short of a quorum, and the chair recessed the sitting. The session resumed at 9:37 a.m. and a quorum was constituted with 9 members present. Other members were recorded on leave or on official business.
- Enacted or adopted The council completed the action.
- Reading stage A step toward enactment, not a law.
- Referred Sent to committee. Nothing decided.
- No action stated The record states no outcome here.
The record of business
Unfinished business
Procedural motion carried
With the presence of the invited guest in the Session Hall in the person of General Manager and CEO Jose Raul A. Saniel of ZAMSURECO I together with the other officers, the body then suspended the sequential treatment of the agenda to consider first the matter under Unfinished Business, Item H-1.1, pertaining to the concern of the Honorable Members of the 15th City Council, relative to issues and concerns relating to the series of unscheduled power interruptions/ brownouts being experienced in the City of Pagadian and the Province of Zamboanga del Sur.
A motion on the conduct of the sitting, such as suspending the rules or treating a matter as urgent. It disposes of no measure.
Procedural motion carried
To begin with, Honorable Culve was recognized to give a background information on the matter. Thereafter, following the suspension of the rules, General Manager Jose Raul A. Saniel was recognized by the Chair, as he then expressed his gratitude to the 15th City Council for the opportunity to address the body and explained the issues surrounding the said unscheduled power interruptions and brownouts experienced in the City of Pagadian and the Province of Zamboanga del Sur through a prepared PowerPoint presentation. Accordingly, he illustrated the causes of the unscheduled brownouts, a series of outages occurred during the months of May and June, primarily due to adverse weather conditions, particularly strong winds that caused trees to fall and damage power lines. He also cited interruptions involving the 69-kilovolt transmission line from Aurora to San Miguel, which is operated by the NGCP, noting that ZAMSURECO-I, as the downstream distribution utility, was affected by these transmission-related outages. He further informed the body that consumers may communicate their concerns through their Facebook account, Customer Care Center, and standby night crew, all of which are readily available to receive reports and ensure that problems are addressed promptly. Mr. Saniel also asked support on the RA No. 11361 and ask for its adoption through the council supporting and empowering vegetation management where they encounter problem with regard to the trimming of trees near the power lines.
A motion on the conduct of the sitting, such as suspending the rules or treating a matter as urgent. It disposes of no measure.
Discussed
During the discussion, Honorable Co sought the explanation from the General Manager regarding the frequent on-and-off power fluctuations, which some consumers believe will result in higher electricity bills, particularly during meter reading periods, to which Mr. Saniel clarified that such perception is incorrect. He explained that whenever there is no power supply or electrical current, the electric meter also stops running. On the matter pertaining to the issue on vegetation management, Honorable Co suggested to the management of ZAMSURECO I to closely coordinate with the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office in the implementation of the provision of R.A. 11361 particularly on the trimming of trees considering that there is now an existing task force “Alambre” created by the Honorable City Mayor where ZAMSURECO I is part and parcel of the said task force.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Noted or received
Honorable Bana, for her part, raised three concerns: (1) the effects of frequent power fluctuations on household appliances, (2) the timely dissemination of notices and communications regarding power tripping and interruptions, and (3) the enforcement of Republic Act No. 11361, otherwise known as the “Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act,” and the need to coordinate with the MDRRMO’s, to which Mr. Saniel explained that the causes of power trippings are the falling of trees and branches to power lines, particularly during adverse weather condition. He emphasized that such incidents cannot always be immediately addressed, especially during nighttime and with some areas not accessible to their equipment and suggested to help prevent these occurrences, he emphasized the importance of implementing an effective vegetation management program to protect power lines. Regarding the dissemination of notices, Mr. Saniel informed the body that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) provides advance notice whenever maintenance activities are scheduled. Such information was directly relayed by ZAMSURECO-I to its consumers through Facebook page and radio programs. However, he clarified that unscheduled interruptions remain a challenge, as they occur unexpectedly without prior notice. As to the concern on the localized implementation of Republic Act No. 11361, Mr. Saniel stated that ZAMSURECO-I has already established partnerships with local government units (LGUs) to support the enforcement of the law and address obstructions affecting power lines.
Noting or receiving a communication records its arrival. It is not a decision on its merits.
Noted or received
At this point, Honorable Lim, Jr., upon recognition, presented the following concerns, viz: Firstly, he raised the issue regarding short-duration power interruptions, emphasizing that sudden power fluctuations and brief outages could damage appliances, as he then inquired whether there are possible remedies or measures that could extend such interruptions to at least one to two minutes to provide consumers sufficient time to switch off their appliances and prevent damage, to which General Manager Jose Raul A. Saniel explained that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has programmed and synchronization substations to manage power system disturbances and as a practical measure, he advised consumers to use Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) devices to protect electrical appliances for sudden power interruptions and fluctuations. Next presented was the issue concerning electrical posts erected on private lands as well as electrical post now situated in the middle of the road after implementation of road widening which, observably, very hazardous to the motorists. In relation to this issue, he insinuated the possible scenario that the lot owner may reclaim the lot causing the post to be transferred. In reply thereto, Mr. Saniel informed the body that ZAMSURECO-I secures the consent of lot owners before installing utility poles on private properties and for those electrical post now situated in the middle of the road, he contended that they are now pursuing the transfer of the same but he further explained the difficulty they have encountered due to other wires attached to their post which they find difficulty in identifying the owner of such wires. He then assured the body that they will find solutions to such predicaments.
Noting or receiving a communication records its arrival. It is not a decision on its merits.
Discussed
On the part of Honorable Obaob, he sought clarification regarding the status of the previous proposal to purchase the 69-kilovolt (KV) transmission lines, to which Mr. Saniel explained that the proposal was not pursued because the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) still needed to conduct a review of the transmission facilities and there is lacking of supporting documentary requirements necessary for its processing and consideration.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Discussed
For Honorable Ronald Christopher Glenn L. Ariosa, he requested a copy of the existing law, Republic Act No. 11361, where he expressed willingness to work closely with the office in its implementation and enforcement. While Honorable Acedillo conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to Mr. Saniel for the clear and comprehensive explanation provided regarding the issues discussed before the body.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Noted or received
With no further discussions from the individual Council Members, the body noted the entire discussion and a short recess was thereafter declared for the photo ops.
Noting or receiving a communication records its arrival. It is not a decision on its merits.
First reading and committee referral
Section preamble
Upon resumption at 11:30 a.m. and, with Honorable Culve now acting as Floor Leader, the herein items calendared for First Reading and Referral to Committees were then taken up and acted upon accordingly, to wit:
This passage announces what the council was about to take up. It records no action.
Section preamble
The Annual Budgets from different barangays of the city were referred to the Committee on Finance & Appropriations, to wit:
This passage announces what the council was about to take up. It records no action.
Measure named without a stated action
Appropriation Ordinance No. 01, s. 2026 (Annual Budget) of Barangay Dampalan, involving an appropriation of Four Million Pesos (P4,000,000.00).
This paragraph names a measure without recording an action on it in the same passage. No action is attributed to it here.
Measure named without a stated action
Appropriation Ordinance No. 01, s. 2026 (Annual Budget) of Barangay Tulangan, involving an appropriation of Four Million Eight Hundred Thousand Pesos (P4,800,000.00).
This paragraph names a measure without recording an action on it in the same passage. No action is attributed to it here.
Referred to committee
For Draft Ordinance No. 040, authored by Honorable Marylynn U. Tan, entitled: “An Ordinance Strengthening Measures To Prevent Human Trafficking, Sexual Exploitation, and Other Forms Of Abuse And, thereby, Regulating the Admission And Accommodation of Unaccompanied Minors in Hotels, Inns, Motels, Lodging Houses, and Other Accommodation Establishments Within Pagadian City, and Providing Penalties For Violations Thereof,” the body resolved to jointly refer the same to the Committee on Youth Welfare and Juvenile Delinquency, Committee on Laws, Rules & Policy Formulation, Committee on Commerce, Trade & Industry & Economic Enterprise & Cooperatives, Committee on Police, Fire, Public Safety & Illegal Drug Prevention and Committee on Women and Family Welfare and Children’s Affairs.
A referral sends a measure to committee. It decides nothing.
Discussed
At this juncture, the endorsed City Resolution No. 137, s. 2026 of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of San Juan City, entitled: “A Resolution Establishing a Sisterhood Agreement Between The City Government of Pagadian, Province of Zamboanga del Sur, And The City of San Juan, Metro Manila, Further, Authorizing The Honorable Francisco Javier M. Zamora To Negotiate The Terms And Enter Into The Said Sisterhood Agreement,” with a request of the Honorable City Mayor for an authority to accept and sign the same was next considered.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Procedural motion carried
Initially, Honorable Co informed the body that the whole council of San Juan City will be observing the session of the 15th City Council on July 1, 2026. Following the suspension of the rules to urgently consider the matter, Honorable Lim, Jr., during the discussion, expressed his views that the proposed Sisterhood Agreement needs to be reviewed first by the body which was immediately presented on the screen.
A motion on the conduct of the sitting, such as suspending the rules or treating a matter as urgent. It disposes of no measure.
Discussed
After a short deliberation, the body, upon formal motion of Honorable Co and duly seconded, resolved to pass Resolution No. 2026-0403, authorizing the Honorable City Mayor to enter and sign, for and in behalf of the City Government of Pagadian, the Sisterhood Agreement with the City Government of San Juan, with reference to the establishment of a framework for sustained inter-local cooperation, the implementation of mutually beneficial programs, projects, and activities, and the creation of a joint technical working group, subject to the respective financial, material, and human resource capabilities of both Local Government Units.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
No outcome stated
The body resolved to note and put on file the letter-reply via electronic mail, from Dr. Sevillo D. David, Jr., CESO III, Executive Director, National Water Resources Board, relative to SP Resolution Nos. 2026-0308 and 2026-0342, with information that hearings before the Water Rights Division of the Board are presently conducted through virtual means, unless otherwise determined in appropriate instances, parties and interested persons shall participate in the proceedings virtually, with the necessary access links to be provided.
The official source records this passage without stating an outcome. Nothing is inferred here.
No outcome stated
For the following Memorandum from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the body resolved to simply note and put on file the matters and to furnish each Council Members with the copy of the same, viz:
The official source records this passage without stating an outcome. Nothing is inferred here.
Item placed before the council
Endorsed Memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), dated June 18, 2026, on the subject: Invitation to the virtual launching of the Document Management System for Local Government Units (DMS4LGUs), on June 30, 2026 at 1:30 PM via Zoom Platform.
The record places this item before the council here without stating the council's action on it.
Item placed before the council
Endorsed Memorandum Circular No. 2026-035 from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) dated June 09, 2026, on the subject: “Guidelines On The Adoption Of The Document Management System For Local Government Units (DMS4LGUs).
The record places this item before the council here without stating the council's action on it.
Item placed before the council
Endorsed Memorandum from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), dated June 18, 2026, on the subject: “Templates and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the implementation of the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang: Presidential Assistance Under Socio Civic Project Funds.
The record places this item before the council here without stating the council's action on it.
Noted or received
The invitation from the Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL) TO THE 2nd Quarterly Continuing Local Legislative Education Program (CLLEP), with the theme: “Localizing Resillience: Legislative Interventions in Energy, Food Security, and Public Service Amid Global Economic Disruptions” on July 29 to 31, 2026, at the Iloilo City Convention Center (ICON) Mandurriao, Ilo-Ilo City was likewise noted and filed and a copy of the same be furnish to all Council Members.
Noting or receiving a communication records its arrival. It is not a decision on its merits.
Committee reports
Section preamble
At this point, the body unanimously approved the consideration of the herein Committee Reports, and the recommendations contained therein were acted upon as recorded herein, as follows:
This passage announces what the council was about to take up. It records no action.
Referred to committee
Committee Report No. 181, from the Committee on Police, Fire, Public Safety & Illegal Drug Prevention, as presented by its Chairman Honorable Obaob, for Referral No. 15cc-0313, relative to the request of the Honorable City Mayor, for an authority to grant monetary reward/award to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Regional Office 9, in recognition of their successful operation on two (2) separate occasions, resulting in the apprehension of drug personalities.
A referral sends a measure to committee. It decides nothing.
Discussed
During the discussion and in consideration of the Committee's recommendation to approve the request of the Honorable City Mayor, Honorable Lim, Jr., upon recognition, inquired on the basis for computing and fixing the amount of the reward, as he cited that previously, the amount of the reward was justified considering that a larger quantity of illegal drugs was confiscated, such that he suggested that the reward must be based from the amount estimated versus achievement. In response thereto, Honorable Obaob, while yielding to the suggestion of Honorable Lim, Jr., assured the body that he will personally present this concern during the Pagadian City Anti-Drug Abuse Council meeting and will update the Council on this matter.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Resolution adopted
With no other discussion from the floor, the body, on motion of Honorable Obaob and duly seconded, approved the request of the Honorable City Mayor through the passage of Resolution No. 2026-0404, authorizing the Honorable City Mayor to grant monetary reward/award to the officers and men of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)–Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Office in the total amount of Sixty Thousand (P60,000.00) Pesos—P30,000.00 for each of the two (2) successful operation against illegal drugs in the City of Pagadian.
The record states an adopted resolution.
Section preamble
Committee Report No. 182, from the Committee on Finance and Appropriations, as presented by Honorable Culve being the Vice Chairman of the Committee, for Referral Nos. 15cc-0310 & 15cc-0311 led to the passage of the following resolutions, to wit;
This passage announces what the council was about to take up. It records no action.
Measure named without a stated action
Resolution No. 2026-0405, declaring Appropriation Ordinance No. 01, s. 2026, (CY—2026 Annual Budget) of the Sangguniang Barangay of Deborok, this City, to be operative and in full force and effect.
This paragraph names a measure without recording an action on it in the same passage. No action is attributed to it here.
Measure named without a stated action
Resolution No. 2026-0406, declaring Appropriation Ordinance No. 01, s. 2026, (CY—2026 Annual Budget) of the Sangguniang Barangay of Dumagoc, this City, to be operative and in full force and effect.
This paragraph names a measure without recording an action on it in the same passage. No action is attributed to it here.
Other matters
Section preamble
In considering the documents calendared under Other Matters, the herein actions were recorded as unanimously adopted by the body to officially dispose of the items, to wit:
This passage announces what the council was about to take up. It records no action.
Discussed
The endorsed request of the Honorable City Mayor for authority to enter into a Deed of Donation with the Office of the President for the Bawat Barangay Makikinabang: Presidendtial Assistance under Socio Project Funds Intended for the Fifty-Four (54) Barangays of Pagadian City and to accept the donation and ensure its proper utilization was presented by Honorable Ronald Christopher Glenn L. Ariosa.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Discussed
Following the approval of the motion of Honorable Ronald Christopher Glenn L. Ariosa to urgently consider the matter, the query of Honorable Lim, Jr. regarding the amount to be allocated to each barangay prompted the Chair to declare a recess to allow the Council Members to discuss the matter informally.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Discussed
Upon resumption of the session, Honorable Obaob presented Resolution No. 12-1076-2026 from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Zamboanga del Sur, which is related to the matter at hand. Thereafter, a lengthy discussion ensued.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Noted or received
Honorable Co, during the discussion, sought the indulgence of the Council Members relative to the request of the Honorable City Mayor, as he further explained based on the information he received that the said funds for barangays under the city will be downloaded directly to the City Government while barangays in the municipalities will be downloaded to the Provincial Government, such that it would be wise to just ready the authority of the City Mayor to hasten the process.
Noting or receiving a communication records its arrival. It is not a decision on its merits.
Referred to committee
considering He stated that a similar matter had previously been presented and he suggested that the matter be laid on the table. However, Honorable Lim, proposed that the matter be referred first to the appropriate committee for review to avoid any duplication of the Deed of Donation. Honorable Co likewise expressed his views on the matter, emphasizing the need to consider granting the City Mayor the requested authority. He also explained that the funds would be downloaded directly to the city or municipality, and that the authority should already be in place when needed.
A referral sends a measure to committee. It decides nothing.
Referred to committee
After another recess was called by the Chair and, upon resumption, the body, in consideration of the proposal of Honorable Lim, Jr. to refer first the matter to appropriate committee for review to avoid duplication of the Deed of Donation, resolved to jointly refer the same to the Committee on Education, Science & Technology & Accreditation of NGOs and POs and Committee on Barangay Affairs. This referral was made with a further direction to the concerned Committees to report it back in next regular session on July 1, 2026 due to its urgency, which direction was duly noted by the Chairman of the Committee on Education, Science & Technology & Accreditation of NGOs and POs.
A referral sends a measure to committee. It decides nothing.
Approved on first reading
Draft Ordinance No. 041, authored by Honorable Tan, entitled: “An Ordinance strengthening school safety, preventing bullying, youth violence, and other forms of harmful behavior among minors, providing intervention and support mechanisms, and appropriating funds therefore,” was approved on First Reading and was jointly referred to the Committee on Youth Welfare and Juvenile Delinquency, Committee on Laws, Rules & Policy Formulation, Committee on Police, Fire, Public Safety and Illegal Drug Prevention and Committee on Education, Science & Technology & Accreditation of NGOs and POs.
A first-reading approval opens the measure to further readings; it is not an enactment.
Discussed
Honorable Co, for his part, presented the letter-request from Col Lino L. Araya, Jr., ART (GSC) PA, 901CDC Director, addressed to the Honorable City Mayor, for legislative endorsement of the application of the following individuals for admission to the Basic Citizen Military Training (BCMAT) CY 2026, namely:
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
Continuation of the passage above
Joyce Angelique Laylay Tigam – resident of Sto. Niño District, Pagadian City, ZDS;
A clause of the passage that precedes it, carried here in full. It states no separate outcome.
Continuation of the passage above
Virgenia Dionson Caballero – resident of Santa Lucia District, Pagadian City, ZDS;
A clause of the passage that precedes it, carried here in full. It states no separate outcome.
Continuation of the passage above
Willy Tac-an Castro – resident of Barangay Napolan, Pagadian City, ZDS;
A clause of the passage that precedes it, carried here in full. It states no separate outcome.
No outcome stated
Traxie Paitan Guadalquiver – resident of Barangay Napolan, Pagadian City, ZDS
The official source records this passage without stating an outcome. Nothing is inferred here.
Referred to committee
After a brief discussion, the body resolved to refer the request to the Committee on Police, Fire, Public Safety and Illegal drug prevention.
A referral sends a measure to committee. It decides nothing.
Noted or received
CONVENING OF THE BODY AS COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE IN RELATION TO THE SUBMISSION OF THE WRITTEN RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON GOOD GOVERNMENT, ETHICS AND CIVIL SERVICE WITH RESPECT TO THE MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION FILED BY RESPONDENT, PUNONG BARANGAY PRINCE JOY I. GERONA, OF BARANGAY LENIENZA, ON THE DECISION OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF SP ADMIN CASE NO. 003-2025.
Noting or receiving a communication records its arrival. It is not a decision on its merits.
Noted or received
With the body now converted as Committee of the Whole, Honorable Maphilindo Q. Obaob, in his capacity as Vice Chairman of the Committee on Good Government, Ethics & Civil Service, presented the written recommendation of the decision pertaining to the Motion for Reconsideration filed by Prince Joy I. Gerona of Barangay Lenienza with respect to the decision of the Committee of the Whole which finds him administratively liable and suspending him for six (6) months from office under SP Admin Case No. 003-2025, for perusal and review, with a manifestation that the said recommendation will be discussed and deliberated on by the body acting as Committee of the Whole in the next scheduled meeting.
Noting or receiving a communication records its arrival. It is not a decision on its merits.
Discussed
Thereafter and with no further discussion from the Committee Members, the Presiding Officer then issued an Order in open session that the Committee of the Whole will convene on July 1, 2026 at 11:00 o’clock in the morning to deliberate on the recommendation submitted by the Committee on Good Government, Ethics & Civil Service.
Discussion, interpellation, privilege or manifestation carries no legal effect by itself.
No outcome stated
At this point, the body was reverted to the plenary on motion made by Honorable Culve.
The official source records this passage without stating an outcome. Nothing is inferred here.
Procedural motion carried
Finally, Honorable Culve expressed his deep concern over the reported shooting incident involving high school students at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, last June 22, 2026, which took the lives of three (3) students and injured several others as well as the prior incident of stabbing inside the school premises somewhere in Cavite. Given the implication of such violent incidents and his apprehension that it might happen in one of the schools of the City of Pagadian, the body, following the suspension of the rules to urgently consider the matter and, upon his formal motion and duly seconded, resolved to adopt Resolution No. 2026-0407, requesting the Honorable City Mayor, in his concurring capacity as Chairman of the Pagadian City School Board, to direct all Public and Private Educational Institutions in the City of Pagadian to strictly implement heightened security protocols within their respective campuses in the light of the reported violent incidents in some schools in the country.
A motion on the conduct of the sitting, such as suspending the rules or treating a matter as urgent. It disposes of no measure.
Attendance and quorum, as recorded
A roll call was made at the direction of the Chair and only four (4) Council Members were noted present, namely: Honorable Vice Mayor Monique Shaira Y. To, Honorable Roger L. Acedillo, Honorable Jackielyn Krystyl C. Bana and Honorable Ronald Christopher Glenn L. Ariosa. As this number was insufficient to constitute a quorum, a recess was declared.
The session resumed at 9:37 a.m., and after another roll call was conducted, quorum was then declared with the attendance of nine (9) Council Members with the inclusion of: Honorable Ariel J. Lim, Jr., Honorable Bienvenido C. Culve, Honorable Maphilindo Q. Obaob, Honorable Lance Samuel F. Co and Honorable Marylynn U. Tan.
Sometime later on during the course of the proceeding, the presence of Honorable Patrisha Kaye N. Asugas and Joan Szanne S. Pulmones were recorded as acknowledged by the Chair. The body also noted that Honorable Ann Marjorie N. Revelo and Honorable Ma. Alicia Elena V. Ariosa were both on leave.
Where the official source states no outcome
19 of the 48 passages above carry no operative verb. Each is published in full and labelled as such. This report does not supply an outcome the council did not record.
How to read this report
- An enactment or adoption is reported only where the official source records that completed action.
- A referral, a first or second reading, a proposal, a discussion or a notation is never presented as final enactment.
- Where the official source states no outcome, this report says so and infers nothing.
- Amounts appear exactly as the council stated them. Nothing has been totalled, netted or converted.
- Every passage under “The record of business” is reproduced word for word from the official source. Only the status labels above each passage are editorial.
Official source
Open the official source for the 40th Regular Session (PDF)
Every paragraph reported here is taken verbatim from the council's own filed record of this sitting, in the order that record sets. Each disposition label reproduces the operative verb used in that paragraph. No figure has been added, netted, or totalled: amounts appear exactly as the council stated them. The linked official source controls for attendance, exact wording, motions, votes, referrals and disposition.