Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Inmates still wait for donation promised by Pinoy Big Brother
A CAPITOL consultant accused the producers of primetime TV show Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) of exploiting the inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) for the ratings game.
The inmates have not received the donation that the show promised a month after their performance was showed on air.
The inmates have started asking about the promised donation.
“At CPDRC, the inmates never charge their performance especially to the media. We did not ask for the donation, they offered it. I just want to set the record straight because I don’t want to be accused of pocketing the donation,” he said.
When he did not get any response, Garcia contacted ABS-CBN Cebu reporter Jolene Bulambot to air his sentiment.
Bulambot asked Garcia if he wants ABS-CBN Cebu to mediate but Garcia declined.
He later received a text message that PBB will be airing the packing of the gifts for the inmates.
Reaction
Garcia, however, said he feels that the show was just in reaction to his complaints.
He said he might bring the matter to Congress through his father and brother.
“Do not mess around with a Cebuano. You people from Manila, don’t ever think that Cebuanos are second class citizens,” Garcia said.
But PBB production manager Maru Benitez, in an email, explained that there was delay in the delivery of the promised donation because they still need to get additional sponsors to cover the cost for the towels.
A leading department store helped out but did not cover the cost for the whole amount.
They also approached sponsors for the soap, toothpaste and toothbrush.
Unfortunately, due to the large quantity and amount, they ended up covering cost for this.
They also need to source out suppliers for the drawstring bag and toiletries to make it more affordable for the program.
Benitez also said the sales of the limited tickets totaled P130,000 but the items that CPDRC requested amounted to P363,121 and it does not include shipping and packaging of the gifts.
“It is unfortunate that Mr. Garcia was impatient in our efforts to give a more substantial donation to the inmates. The towels arrived Dec. 10; toiletries were completed last Saturday, Dec 15. And as scheduled, the housemates did the packing last Saturday night after the nomination. Everything was planned to be delivered before Christmas Day,” she said.
Thrust
Benitez said PBB’s thrust in doing charity work will continue to be part of the program, as it is our way of giving back to the people our sincerest gratitude for all the support they have given us since the start of the program.
“If there are times when there are delays in fulfilling our agreement, it does not mean that we are not true to our commitment. PBB will never compromise its integrity more so, its commitment to be of service to our viewing public,” she added. (MBG)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (December 18, 2007 issue)
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