Newsbriefs

Tom: Caterer gripe reflects Rama mismanagement

THE complaint filed by a caterer against Cebu City Hall over unpaid packed meals is part of the “comedy of errors” that reflects the mismanagement of Mayor Michael Rama, his arch critic said yesterday.

Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district said having another case filed against the city government is bad for Cebu City’s image.

“Many people no longer like doing business at city hall,” he said. He said delays in the release of payment to suppliers and in some instances, the refusal to pay suppliers, is the reason why the Cebu City government is receiving some supplies at higher cost.

“Suppliers are taking political risks, credit risks and red tape risks that is why they sell to the city at a higher cost,” he said.

Cebu Red Carpet Catering Services filed a complaint before the Regional Trial Court to compel the city government to pay P5.2 million worth of packed meals that they served to election personnel during the 2010 barangay elections.

The caterer is also demanding an additional 12 percent interest computed since October 2010 along with litigation and lawyers fees.

The civil suit was directed at Rama and former city treasurer and now financial adviser Ofelia Oliva. Osmeña said the unpaid catering service is yet another evidence of the “carelessness, reckless and dirt” of Oliva when she was still city treasurer.

City Administrator Jose Marie Poblete said in a TV interview that they are still collating documents to support the release of payment as per advice by the Commission on Audit (COA). Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

Cebu inmates do ‘Oppa Gangnam Style’

CEBU’S famed dancing inmates will perform the South Korean global hit “Oppa Gangnam Style” in a presentation scheduled this Saturday, Capitol consultant on jail matters Jose Ma. Gastardo said yesterday.

About 800 out of 1,600 inmates will be participating in the dance presentation after the governor restored the performance of the inmates every last Saturday of the month last August.

“We required a more modern dance presentation so the viewers won’t get easily bored,” Gastardo said.

The practices were suspended after a near-riot broke out inside the jail compound last Feb. 24.

One of the inmates brandished a weapon, provoking fellow prisoners into mobbing him. The incident just as the inmates were rehearsing their monthly performance

A raid in one of the cells also produced various weapons and tools for escape.

But the governor eventually lifted the restrictions following a period of “good behaviour” by the inmates.

For this Saturday’s performance, the inmates have been practicing for five hours daily.

Governor Garcia also approved visiting hours at 8 a.m to 12:00 p.m and 1:00-4:00 p.m every Thursday where visitors are only allowed in the visiting area.

The visitors are allowed in the quadrangle and access to conjugal rooms on Sundays.

Last Sept. 4, about 18 prisoners escorted by twelve Cebu provincial jail guards were transferred to the Bureau of Corrections, Muntinlupa City. Correspondent Joy Cherry Quito