Tuesday, January 08, 2008 Speak out: CPDRC inmates By Jesus Sievert
INSTEAD of having the now world-renowned dancing prisoners join the Sinulog, why not just let them watch this much-awaited yearly event inside the prison walls? Have a big TV monitor set up and let them all take pleasure in watching the mardi gras. This will be a much welcomed gesture by the inmates.
The Sinulog festival is simply not the right occasion for the inmates’ act, whether they be allowed to dance on the streets or in front of a grandstand.
The plan for the inmates to dance during the Sinulog street parade does not even deserve to be debated on. It should have been rejected outright. It utterly lacks sensitivity.
The inmates may have gained fame for themselves and for the country, but the people behind the plan for them to participate in the Sinulog should have been more sensible and considerate of the feelings of the victims of the crimes committed by the prisoners.
Those behind the scheme should have put themselves in the place of the victims and their families. They should ask themselves if they would be happy to see the inmates revered and rejoiced upon, after agonizing and spending hard-earned money during the trial to put those prisoners in jail.
I have nothing but admiration for the inmates’ enthusiasm and resolve to soak up the discipline and rigors in developing their dancing prowess. But we cannot deny who they are and why they are spending time in jail.
For those who want to see the inmates’ dancing ability, let them all go to the jail.
