Group opposes cam at IBP bldg

CEBU – Cause-oriented group Karapatan-Central Visayas strongly opposes the plan of the Cebu Provincial Capitol to install a surveillance camera at the front of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines building located inside the Capitol Compound.

Karapatan instead said that “the Capitol complex is not a private estate that should be converted into a provincial jail a whim.”

Capitol security consultant Byron Garcia, brother of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, had announced the provincial government’s plan to monitor activities at the IBP building after receiving reports that the canteen at the building turns into a drinking and karaoke joint at night.

Karapatan alleged that this is just an aftermath of a verbal tussle between the IBP officers and the governor over parking fees issue.

Just recently, the governor scolded lawyers for their alleged complaint on the new pay-parking system of the Capitol.

She told lawyers that they do not have the right to complain on the Capitol policy because in the first place, the existence of the IBP building at the Capitol premises has no legal basis.

“Such Marcosian kind of knee-jerk reaction at settling disputes betrays the gung-ho attitude at authority not suited for a supposedly democratic society,” said Karapatan information officer Vilmarie Arcilla.

Arcilla said with the installation of more surveillance cameras, the Capitol compound is now a provincial jail in the making.

“With all the ugly grills and blockades, the Capitol is looking much like a police camp or worse another Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center,” Arcilla added.

Byron, in recent reports, said that his proposal was for security purposes because the Capitol has received reports that the canteen at the IBP building is being used improperly. He said that the place has become a venue for male lawyers “meeting female friends.”

Byron’s proposal was said to have been approved by the governor on November 26. The head of the IBP Cebu, lawyer Briccio Joseph Boholst, said they “do not object the plan” but warned that “some lawyers might protest because the plan implies illegal acts of the members.” — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)