NEWS BRIEFS

Jail Visits Cleared

INMATES of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) can now receive visits from their loved ones, but only once a month.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said she agreed to allow the visits to resume starting tomorrow.

“It’s important to follow the rules because like what I said, the CPDRC isn’t a kindergarten school, it’s a jail,” she said.

The lifting of the suspension of visiting privileges was based on the recommendations of acting CPDRC chief warden Napoleon Miranda.

Public performances of the jail’s world-famous dancing inmates were suspended by the governor after a near-riot last month. Visitors were also barred.

She said the privileges will resume once inmates learn to behave anew.

A lockdown was issued on the 1,600-inmate facility that resulted in the suspension of visitation rights, dance rehearsals and communal meals.

Detainees aren’t allowed outside the cells. Meals are sent to their cells.

Garcia said they are closely monitoring the inmates before reinstating their dance performances by the end of the month.

Earlier, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said it will look into reports on the suspension of the jail visitations.

Capitol consultant on jail matters Jose Maria Gastardo said they welcome the CHR inquiry. /Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus

Villar Backs Anti-Graft Campaign

WHILE the economy’s dismal condition should be addressed, Sen. Manuel Villar said he understands the Aquino administration’s decision to prioritize the campaign against corruption.

“We need to give attention to the economy but I respect the decision of the president that he wants to prioritize his anti-corruption drive. But we are worried about the country’s economy, the situation is getting worse,” Villar said.

Villar said the impeachment process is important to support the country’s democracy.

He said it is also important for the public to hear Corona’s side through his lawyers.

“I’m saddened that the people have judged already. We’ve only heard the prosecution’s side. To me it is important to hear the defense,” Villar said.

He said he doesn’t have to engage in grandstanding during the trial because he isn’t a reelectionist and doesn’t have political plans in 2013. /Reporter Marian Z. Codilla

Bike Lanes In Cebu City Under Study

A study is needed to identify which areas in Cebu City could be established as bike lanes, traffic officials said yesterday.

“But the conduct of the study will have to wait until a grant for the purpose is made available to the city,” said Rafael Yap, chief of the Cebu City Integrated Traffic Operations Management (Citom).

Yap said he is looking for a funding institution willing to pay for a study grant on the city’s bike lanes.

Councilor Nida Cabrera, the council’s environment committee chairperson, said she will introduce an ordinance establishing bike lanes in some city streets.

“But I am still conducting consultations with the different stakeholders before I formally draft my ordinance. It’s important to identify less congested streets where bike lanes can be set up,” she said.

Cabrera called for consultation with bike enthusiasts last Thursday morning to listen to their request for bike lanes in the city.

Pending passage of her ordinance, bike enthusiasts asked that road markings be established along the 20-kilometer stretch from the mountain barangay of Busay to Taptap.

The area, a favorite route for bikers, is used by other vehicles headed for the mountain barangays of Cebu City and further on to the west coast and Balamban town.

Bikers, Cabrera said, also want signages established along the Busay-Taptap road.

Cabrera said she is calling another consultation on March 24 to hear inputs from jeepney operators and motorists about the bike lanes. /Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac