CEBU CITY -- Did the dancing inmates dance their last
dance with Michael Jackson’s choreographer Travis
Payne?
Not so, said Capitol consultant on information and revenue
generation Rory Jon Sepulveda. But other sources said there
are no more dancing exercises at the Cebu Provincial Detention
and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).
He did clarify that CPDRC is not about dancing but rehabilitation.
Dancing made the CPDRC inmates an international phenomenon
on the video-sharing website YouTube.
Because so many people want to see the inmates dance, Capitol
consultant on security Byron Garcia scheduled every last Saturday
of the month as CPDRC’s open house when the public can
watch the inmates dance.
But last Saturday’s dance was canceled.
Some of those who waited at the Capitol compound for a ride
to the CPDRC heard rumors that a conflict between Governor
Gwendolyn Garcia and Byron caused the cancellation of the
dance.
Sepulveda denied that a conflict between the siblings caused
the cancellation, while Byron said he does not know the reason
behind the cancellation.
Another Garcia sibling, Nelson, also said there is no conflict
between his sister and brother.
Choreographer Gwen Lador also did not know the reason
behind the cancellation but said she had resigned last January
28 as choreographer of the inmates. This fell on the day the
governor issued a memorandum stating that all CPDRC-related
activities will be handled by the governor as jailer.
“I’m just a choreographer. I just do whatever the director tells
me to do and that director is Sir Byron. He makes the concept
and I choreograph,” said Lador in Bisaya, explaining that she
does not want any other director, hence, she resigned.
But Sepulveda said they will look for another choreographer.
they won’t find one, he said the inmates are already in the
position to do the choreography themselves.
A day after the governor issued the memorandum, Byron said
he took his personal stuff from CPDRC.
He said the memorandum was unclear on where he stands as
far as CPDRC is concerned.
“I’m just an ordinary employee at the Capitol. If this is the wish
of the governor, I will obey. As far as I’m concerned, I did my
job,” said Byron, who was informed by CPDRC warden Lito Gabuya
and Lador that he could not give orders at the jail anymore.
Since “signals are still unclear,” Byron will stay away from CPDRC
and the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) as of the moment.
But Sepulveda explained that Byron’s job description is Capitol
consultant on security. He still has a say on CPDRC and CSBT
matters as consultant but Sepulveda clarified that there are also
personnel heading the two offices.
CPDRC is headed by warden Gabuya while a new memorandum
signed by Provincial Administrator Eduardo Habin, with authority
from the governor, indicated the transfer of Carmen Quijano
from the Office of the Provincial Treasurer to the CSBT.
Habin clarified that Quijano was originally assigned at the CSBT
as local revenue collection officer but was recalled to the Office
of the Governor and later assigned to the Office of the Provincial
Treasurer.
Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre does not want to speculate as
to what may be behind the transfer but said Quijano is just going
back to her mother unit, which is the CSBT.
Before the memorandum, Eva Encabo was the acting chief collection
officer.
Byron made it to the news when the system of collecting a P5
entrance fee was implemented at the CSBT.
Sepulveda said no official’s power was clipped and emphasized
that Gabuya is the CPDRC warden.
He also corrected the misconception that Bryon, a Capitol consultant,
is the head of the jail.
Sun.Star Cebu tried to interview Gabuya on Friday in relation to the
issue but he said that he could not speak without clearance from
the governor.
Sepulveda said the governor visited CPDRC on Friday to explain
the jail system.
“CPDRC is not a performing institution. It is a center for rehabilitation.
We have to emphasize their integration to mainstream society, to
improve their conduct, behavior and discipline,” said Sepulveda.
Leo Suico, the “mayor of the mayores” in the jail, confirmed to
Sun.Star Cebu that it has been a week since they danced. Dancing
was supposed to be their daily exercise.
From what he heard, it was the governor, as jailer, who ordered
that the dancing be stopped.
“Mahal namo si Sir Byron pero mao ma’y sugo sa panahon. Sayang,
pero agad lang mi sa governor (We love sir Byron but since this
is the situation now...we will just do what the governor tells us),”
said Suico.
“The culture of discipline and excellence will continue,” said Sepulveda. (Jujemay G. Awit/
Sun.Star Cebu)
Dancing Inmates "This is it" :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKtdTJP_GUI
02-06-2010, 02:04 PM
