AN ordinance adding two more cockpits in Cebu City is among the five measures the 11th Sangguniang Panglungsod is scheduled to pass during their session this afternoon, their last before their fresh term starts next week.
A thorough discussion on the matter is expected since the councilors are divided on their stand on whether two more cockpits—one for each district—should be allowed to operate.
It may even come down to a voting, said City Councilor Jose Daluz III. If it happens, it will be the first time the council will vote on a measure in the last five years.
“Some councilors do not agree that we need to add more cockpits.
There are concerns on morality and that we are tolerating gambling. But as it is, we already have gambling in the illegal tigbakay, which is even open to minors. At least a cockpit is confined to a specific area and the City can earn from its operations,” Daluz said.
Approval
City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem, the author of the ordinance, told reporters yesterday he will push for the approval of the amendatory ordinance seeking to add two cockpits in the city.
At present, the ordinance allows for only two cockpits for each district, although not one operates in the north district.
Also scheduled for final deliberation in this afternoon’s session are the ordinances requiring business establishments to submit an environmental sustainability action plan, amendments to the anti-smoking ordinance, the ordinance seeking to revive the Cebu City Hillyland Management Board and the ordinance implementing the Architecture Act.
During the session, Vice Mayor Michael Rama, the presiding officer of the council, will also deliver a speech to thank everyone who contributed to the implementation of their legislative agenda, and for making it the number one City Council in the country.
Today’s session will be the last for Rama and third-term councilors including Jakosalem, Christopher Alix, Nestor Archival Sr., Arsenio Pacaña and Gerardo Carillo.
Councilor Edwin Jagmoc, who did not seek reelection, will also leave the council today.
After the session, a ceremony will be held to unveil the plaques the Cebu City Council received for being the most outstanding legislative body among all councils in highly urbanized cities in the country in 2006 and 2009.