Saturday, January 05, 2008 (Philippines)

They may be recognized worldwide, but Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña thinks dancing by Cebu provincial jail inmates during the Sinulog festivity will be a threat to public safety. Yesterday, the dancers prepared for the performance that they will stage behind bars for a smaller audience.(Sun.star photo/Allan Defensor) THE judge who sent the provincial jail its version of Michael Jackson has nothing against letting him and other dancers perform during the Sinulog. However, the Sinulog Foundation Inc.’s Board of Trustees agreed yesterday to adopt Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s decision not to allow the provincial or city jail inmates to dance during the grand parade. Acting Mayor Michael Rama, also overall chairman of the Sinulog 2008, said the letter-request from Capitol consultant on security Byron Garcia was no longer discussed during the board’s meeting yesterday. [full story]