Highlights of the 11th Regular Session of the Iloilo City Sangguniang Panlungsod held on September 24, 2025

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Executive Summary of the 11th Regular Session – September 24, 2025
Iloilo City Sangguniang Panlungsod

The 11th Regular Session of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod was presided over by Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace L. Baronda.

Key Highlights:

Privilege Speeches

  • Councilor Romel D. Duron

    • Delivered an extemporaneous speech titled "Accountability or Early Political Agenda?", with the full text recorded in the official TSN.

  • Councilor Rex Marcus B. Sarabia – "When the Cat is Away, the Mice Will Play: Absence of Laws Enables Corruption"

    • Exposed anomalies in flood control and public works projects revealed during the Third Quad Committee Hearing on Waterways (Sept. 18, 2025).

    • Highlighted systemic issues:

      • Loopholes in DPWH and DENR regulations allowing projects to bypass rigorous environmental review via Certificates of Non-Coverage (CNC).

      • Lack of scientific studies for projects, leading to potential hazards such as worsening floods.

      • Division of projects into smaller sections to avoid higher-level oversight, fostering corruption and ghost projects.

    • Called for legislative action and announced a proposed ordinance mandating coordination between national agencies and the City Government to ensure accountability and public safety.

Major Ordinances Passed

  1. Regulation Ordinance No. 2025-257

    • Temporary road closure at Iloilo Sunset Boulevard for BINI RUN ILO fun run by Star Magic ABS-CBN (Oct. 11, 2025).

  2. Regulation Ordinance No. 2025-258

    • Temporary closure for St. Paul's College Nursing Week Run for a Cause (Oct. 26, 2025).

  3. Regulation Ordinance No. 2025-259

    • Temporary closure for Boys' and Girls' Week 2025 foot parade (Oct. 20, 2025).

  4. Regulation Ordinance No. 2025-260

    • Temporary closure for Healthway QualiMed Hospital Iloilo Community Run (Oct. 12, 2025).

  5. Regulation Ordinance No. 2025-261

    • Mandates coordination between national government agencies, government corporations, and the Iloilo City Government for planning and implementing programs and projects.

    • Establishes a Certification of Coordination system to align projects with the City's Master Plans and ensure transparency.

    • Aims to prevent duplication, misalignment, and corruption in infrastructure projects.

Key Resolutions Adopted

  • Barangay and SK Budgets

    • CY 2025 annual budgets of six barangays and SK of Brgy. Buhang Taft North declared operative in entirety.

  • Resolution No. 2025-915

    • DPWH-ICDEO directed to submit a complete list of all DPWH projects (2022-2025) with details on status, funding, and timelines due to widespread complaints of delays and unfinished projects.

  • Resolution No. 2025-916

    • PDAO urged to issue lifetime PWD ID cards for persons with permanent disabilities to ease administrative burdens.

  • Resolution No. 2025-917

    • Granted Mayor Raisa S. Treñas authority to sign Performance Commitment for PhilHealth accreditation of Arevalo District Health Center.

  • Resolution No. 2025-918

    • Acceptance of donation of 18 outdoor fitness equipment for Graciano Lopez Jaena Park, Jaro.

  • Resolution No. 2025-919

    • Authorized MOA between City Government and DOH–Western Visayas for financial assistance to nutrition programs.

Other Items

  • Proposed ordinances on:

    • Recognition of health care proxies in city health facilities (deferred).

    • Discounts on regulatory fees and taxes for nano enterprises (deferred).

    • Establishment of jurisdictional boundaries for police stations (referred to committee).

  • Barangay Legislation:

    • Naming streets in Brgy. San Rafael subdivision (referred to committee).

    • Mandatory tenant registration for boarding house operators in Brgy. East Baluarte (referred to committee).

  • Financial Reports:

    • Auction results and delinquent property updates from the City Treasurer's Office were noted.

Significance:

This session was pivotal due to:

  • Strong anti-corruption stance taken by Councilor Sarabia and the Quad Committee findings on flood control project irregularities.

  • Approval of Regulation Ordinance No. 2025-261, institutionalizing coordination between the City and national agencies to protect public funds and ensure project accountability.

  • Heightened oversight of DPWH projects to address transparency and public safety concerns.

The session emphasized good governance, transparency, and public welfare, particularly in infrastructure development and social services.