12th Regular Session of the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

12th Regular Session – March 25, 2026
Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo City
Presiding Officer: Hon. Lady Julie Grace L. Baronda

Narrative Summary

The 12th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod was convened on March 25, 2026, under the presiding leadership of Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace L. Baronda. A full quorum was established, allowing the body to proceed with legislative business.

A significant portion of the session was devoted to a privilege speech by Hon. Romel D. Duron, highlighting the worsening condition of the transport sector amid rising global oil prices. The speech underscored the economic strain on local drivers, the impact of fuel taxation, and regulatory gaps concerning motorcycle-for-hire operations. As a result, two corollary resolutions were introduced and subsequently approved, calling for national policy action on fare adjustments and fuel tax relief.

Legislative action during the session focused heavily on traffic management ordinances, particularly temporary road closures for religious activities, infrastructure projects, and public events. These measures reflect ongoing coordination between the City Government and stakeholders to balance public safety, mobility, and community activities.

The Sanggunian also approved multiple budget-related resolutions, affirming compliance of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) budgets with statutory requirements. In addition, the body advanced initiatives promoting participatory governance, including the formal establishment of the Iloilo City People’s Council and accreditation of civil society organizations.

Further actions included approvals of agreements and authorizations involving social services (4Ps, senior citizen pension), education (OJT and IstoryaFest), employment (SPES), and local economic activities (cockfighting permits tied to barangay fiestas). Personnel-related financial obligations were likewise addressed through authorization of terminal leave payments.

Overall, the session reflects a balance of local governance oversight, socio-economic responsiveness, and institutional development initiatives.


Highlights of Proceedings

A. Ordinances Passed

  • Regulation Ordinance No. 2026-0085
    Temporary road closures in Molo for Lenten activities (March 27, 29; April 3, 5, 12, 2026).
  • Regulation Ordinance No. 2026-0086
    Half-lane closure of Divinagracia–Railroad St., Lapuz-Lapaz for flood mitigation project (March 28, 2026 – Feb 16, 2027).
  • Regulation Ordinance No. 2026-0087
    Half-lane road closure for 5KM Fun Run (SM City Iloilo area) on April 5, 2026.

B. Resolutions Passed

Budget Approvals & Financial Measures

  • Resolution No. 2026-0206 – Approval of Supplemental Budget No. 2 (CY 2025) of Brgy. Maria Clara (₱25,400).
  • Resolution No. 2026-0207 – Approval of CY 2025 SK Budget of Brgy. North San Jose (₱450,446).
  • Resolution No. 2026-0208 – Approval of CY 2026 Annual Budgets of five barangays.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0209 – Approval of CY 2026 SK Budgets of three barangays.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0220 – Authorization of payment of terminal leave benefits (₱768,969.35 and ₱262,762.93).

Governance & Institutional Development

  • Resolution No. 2026-0210 – Accreditation of Apassa Productions and Cine Enkanto as CSO.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0211 – Initiation of the Iloilo City People’s Council.

Authority & Permits

  • Resolution No. 2026-0212 – Authority to Mayor to sign SPES employment contracts.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0213 – Special permit for Rockwell Cockpit Arena (Brgy. Ed Ganzon fiesta).
  • Resolution No. 2026-0214 – Special permit for Mandurriao Cockpit Arena (Brgy. Dungon C fiesta).

Agreements & Program Confirmations

  • Resolution No. 2026-0215 – Confirmation of MOA with DSWD for 4Ps implementation.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0216 – Confirmation of Social Pension Program for indigent senior citizens.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0217 – Confirmation of MOU for IstoryaFest 2026.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0218 – Confirmation of MOA with CPU for nursing OJT.
  • Resolution No. 2026-0219 – Confirmation of ICGESP contract (study leave for Bar exams).

C. Significant Items / Actions Taken

  • Privilege Speech (Transport Sector Crisis)
    • Addressed fuel price surge, fare regulation issues, and informal transport competition.
    • Highlighted economic impact on ~7,000 drivers and dependents.
  • Corollary Measures Approved:
    • Resolution urging lifting of suspension on approved fare increases.
    • Resolution proposing a tiered fare matrix linked to oil prices.
  • Legislative Focus Areas:
    • Traffic and mobility management (road closures, rerouting plans).
    • Strengthening participatory governance (People’s Council creation).
    • Social protection and welfare program support (4Ps, pensions).
    • Youth and community development (SK budgets, IstoryaFest).

Source Minutes of the 12th Regular Session, Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iloilo City, March 25, 2026