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Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Rama wants to spend P11M on BBRC security
Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama will insist on using the P11-million surplus of the P30 million the City got from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for a security system and other structures at the City’s new jail.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) wants to use the amount as “standby fund” in the construction of more structures for the new Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center (BBRC) in Barangay Kalunasan.
But Rama, who got Malacańang’s nod to re-align the amount last year, said the money is better used for other jail amenities.
“More importantly, we need the P11 million for other unfinished requirements so the inmates can transfer (to the new facility),” he said.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) 7 and the City wanted to use the amount to build a multi-purpose center with bleachers and comfort rooms, mess hall, perimeter wall of the rooftop building, comfort rooms of the male dormitory and close circuit monitoring system.
Savings
BJMP was able to save the amount during the bidding for the construction of the new jail structure.
The City earlier planned to transfer the BBRC inmates from Barangay Lahug to the Kalunasan jail by the end of last year.
But the plan did not push through because of the delay in the realignment of the funds, despite having the approval of the Office of the President.
The P30 million was part of the P100-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office funds President Arroyo allotted for the construction of drug rehabilitation centers in Manila, Cebu City, and Davao City.
Realigned
But Cebu City was able to have the amount realigned, arguing that most of those jailed in BBRC are facing drug charges. Meaning, re-aligning the amount will still serve the same purpose.
The new jail in Kalunasan is designed to house 1,600 inmates, but the BBRC oversight committee plans to redesign other spaces for additional cells.
The plan includes using another kitchen as additional cells for at least 1,200 inmates, because there is already a centralized kitchen.
BBRC presently has at least 2,500 inmates. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 15, 2006 issue)
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