Inmates back Davide-Agnes tandem

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu’s world-renowned dancing inmates performed once again yesterday in support of the political tandem of Governor Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale in the 2016 elections.

For three minutes, around 900 inmates, 16 of whom females, danced to the rhythm of  “New Thang.”  The star dancers were wearing shirts printed with letters of the names of Davide and Magpale.

Marco Toral, provincial consultant on jail management, said they launched the campaign dance yesterday as part of their contribution to the campaign of Davide and Magpale.

Toral said the governor and vice governor were not aware of the campaign dance.

Toral clarified, though, that yesterday’s performance was just a rehearsal. The actual presentation may be during the campaign period in March.

“Bisag layo pa ang campaign period, kami lang ga-una-una. Through the efforts of the inmates, mao ni among amot sa campaign,” Toral said, adding the inmates themselves designed their shirts.

Choreographer Vince Rosales said they were informed to perform only the night before their actual performance.

Rosales said they were able to rehearse and complete the entire dance routine for only an hour of practice last Thursday evening.

He also said the expenses for their performance such as the printing of their shirts were shouldered by the proceeds of the inmates’ organization, Pangkat or Brotherhood, in which they earn income from baking and selling bread and other livelihood activities.

Carlo Vitero, one of the dancing inmates and a registered voter in the city, said they want to express their support to Davide in his gubernatorial run in next year’s election.

Vitero, who has been in jail for more than five years, said they observed the positive reforms in the provincial jail under the incumbent administration.

“Dako kaayo ang kausaban sukad milingkod na si Governor Davide. Natagaan mi og kahayahay,” he said, citing positive changes in their visiting hours and days, and activities to promote camaraderie among inmates.

The 34-year-old inmate from Consolacion has been charged with murder, homicide, selling and possession of illegal drugs, and illegal possession of firearms.

More than 400 of the 2,635 total inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center are registered voters of Cebu City. They filed their registration before the Commission on Elections in July, according toToral.

“They are Cebu City voters pero makabotar ang ilang mga pamilya ug paryente. Multiplying effect ba sa among pangampanya,” Toral said. — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento/JMD (FREEMAN)