10th Regular Session of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod

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Executive Summary

10th Regular Session – 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo City
March 11, 2026 | Iloilo City Session Hall

The 10th Regular Session of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod was convened on March 11, 2026 at 10:01 AM, presided over by Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace L. Baronda. The session addressed a range of legislative and administrative matters including policy responses to rising fuel prices, local infrastructure and community activities, approval of barangay budgets, intergovernmental agreements, and various ordinances and resolutions affecting local governance and public welfare.

A major policy discussion arose from a Privilege Speech delivered by Councilor Sedfrey L. Cabaluna highlighting the economic impact of the global oil crisis. The discussion resulted in the adoption of several resolutions urging national government intervention through fuel subsidies, tax relief measures, and stricter monitoring of fuel pricing practices.

Another privilege speech by Councilor Johnny Y. Young focused on strengthening animal welfare mechanisms at the barangay level, proposing the creation of Barangay Animal Welfare Desks and shelters, which subsequently led to the filing of a proposed ordinance referred to committee for further study.

During the session, the Sanggunian passed multiple resolutions authorizing agreements, approving barangay budgets, and granting permits for civic and community activities, while also approving temporary road closure ordinances for public events. The body likewise adopted a committee report endorsing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the Social Pension Program for indigent senior citizens, covering over 12,000 beneficiaries in Iloilo City.

Several legislative proposals were also introduced and referred to appropriate committees, including ordinances on OFW financial assistance during crises, anti-sexual harassment measures (“Bawal Bastos”), revisions to the Gender and Development Code, and programs supporting women and barangay governance.

The session also approved the renewal of a 10-year franchise for Rockwell Lumber Cockpit Arena, authorized several special permits for cockpit activities during barangay fiestas, and fixed the next regular session for March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) due to a holiday falling on the usual session day.

The session adjourned at 12:10 PM after the recognition of the 11th City Council as National Finalist in the Highly Urbanized City Category of the 2025 Local Legislative Award.

Legislative Highlights

Privilege Speeches

  • Councilor Johnny Y. Young – “A Voice for the Voiceless: Strengthening Animal Welfare in our Communities” advocating the creation of Barangay Animal Welfare Desks and shelters.
  • Councilor Sedfrey L. Cabaluna – “Pag-abaga sa Krisis sang Langis” discussing the economic effects of the global oil crisis and proposing national policy responses.

Ordinances Approved

Regulation Ordinance No. 2026-0073
Temporary closure of San Jose Street, North San Jose, Molo for the Barangay Annual Fiesta (March 18–19, 2026).

Regulation Ordinance No. 2026-0074
Temporary closure of the road from R. Mapa Street to Iloilo Sunset Boulevard for the Great Thoughts Learning Center Fun Run (March 21, 2026).

Regulation Ordinance No. 2026-0075
Temporary half-lane road closure from Iloilo Provincial Capitol through major city routes for the Iloilo Doctors Hospital IM Run 2026 (March 29, 2026).

Regulation Ordinance No. 2026-0076
Granting Rockwell Lumber Cockpit Arena a 10-year franchise renewal to operate as a cockpit arena in Barangay Don Esteban, Lapuz.

Resolutions Passed

Policy and National Advocacy

  • Resolution No. 2026-0167 – Urging Congress to allocate additional fuel subsidies for transport operators and fuel-dependent sectors.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0168 – Urging Congress to revisit the TRAIN Law and suspend or reduce fuel excise taxes amid the oil crisis.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0169 – Urging DOE, DTI and PNP to intensify monitoring against unjustified fuel price increases and profiteering.

Budget and Local Governance

  • Resolution No. 2026-0170 – Declaring operative the CY 2025 Barangay Tabucan-Airport Annual Budget (₱10,069,075.96).
  • Resolution No. 2026-0171 – Declaring operative the CY 2025 Supplemental Budget No. 1 of Barangay Ticud (₱657,466.52).
  • Resolution No. 2026-0172 – Declaring operative the CY 2025 Supplemental Budget No. 2 of Barangay Sto. Rosario-Duran.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0173 – Approving CY 2025 SK Annual Budgets of Lapuz Norte, East Baluarte, and Hinactacan.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0174 – Declaring operative CY 2026 Annual Budgets of five barangays including Buhang Taft North and Guzman-Jesena.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0175 – Approving CY 2026 SK Annual Budgets of six barangays.

Governance, Partnerships and Infrastructure

  • Resolution No. 2026-0176 – Accreditation of Process Foundation-Panay, Inc. as a Civil Society Organization.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0177 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign an MOA with MORE Electric and Power Corporation for the I-SHEDS Project.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0178 – Authorizing partnership with DOH-CHD for the 2026 Annual Operational Plan for local health services.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0179 – Authorizing the Mayor to sign a PLDT internet service application for the Technical Institute of Iloilo City.

Special Permits and Local Activities

  • Resolution No. 2026-0180 – Special permit for cockfighting activities at Mandurriao Cockpit Arena.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0181 – Special permit for cockfighting activities at Rockwell Cockpit Arena (Brgy. Nabitasan).
  • Resolution No. 2026-0182 – Special permit for cockfighting activities at Rockwell Cockpit Arena (Brgy. Ticud).

Barangay Ordinance Review

  • Resolution No. 2026-0183 – Approval of Barangay Hinactacan Official Logo Ordinance.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0184 – Approval of Barangay Hinactacan ID Card Ordinance.

 

Social Services Program

  • Resolution No. 2026-0185 – Authorizing an MOU with DSWD for the Social Pension Program for indigent senior citizens.

Administrative Matters

  • Resolution No. 2026-0186 – Amendment to scholarship agreement resolution for MPA scholars at West Visayas State University.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0187 – Amendment to resolution on opening the Special Health Fund account at LandBank.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0188 – Fixing the next regular session on March 17, 2026 (Tuesday) due to a holiday.

Significant Items Referred to Committees

Proposed Ordinances

  • Amendment to the Iloilo City Animal Welfare Ordinance requiring barangays to establish Temporary Holding Facilities for impounded animals.
  • Ordinance providing financial assistance for distressed, repatriated, or deported OFWs due to crisis situations.
  • Proposed “Bawal Bastos” Ordinance.
  • Ordinance institutionalizing an Outstanding VAW Desk Barangay Award.
  • Proposed revision of the Iloilo City Gender and Development Code.
  • Ordinance granting free certified true copies and late birth/marriage registration for women every March Wednesday.

Endorsements and Agreements

  • MOA with DSWD for the Walang Gutom 2027 Food Stamp Program.
  • Building permit endorsement for E. Juntado Elementary School construction.
  • Housing and subdivision survey plans for Balay Kawayan, CLIFF Housing, and other housing projects.
  • Deed of donation for land in Barangay Sambag, Jaro for development of a police station.

Source: Minutes of the 10th Regular Session, Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo City – March 11, 2026