Capitol eyes expansion of CPDRC

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Government is looking at the possibility of expansion as a long term solution to address the need for more space for inmates at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).

But for now, Acting Governor Agnes Magpale sees the need to provide immediate solutions as they keep getting letter-requests from the municipal jails asking for detainees to be transferred to the provincial facility.

Magpale wrote to Judge James Himalalaon of Regional Trial Court Branch 62 recently, appealing that the detainees be held first in municipal courts considering that the provincial jail has gone beyond its maximum capacity.

Yesterday, Magpale said they have gotten another letter from another southern town requesting for inmates to be transferred to CPDRC but she said she would have to give a similar reply.

This will be addressed though, said Magpale, who spoke to CPDRC jail warden Romeo Manansala informing her that they will be transferring 30 inmates to Muntinlupa in Manila by next week. This means they can accept more detainees from municipal jails by then.

Magpale said she understands the concern as well of municipal jails since they may need to provide meals for the detainees who are still under their watch.

In a meeting yesterday with consultants, Magpale said they are looking at the possibility of subsidizing the meals of the detainees in the municipal level. But she said this is only a suggestion and they would have to discuss this with governor-elect Hilario “Junjun” Davide III. — (FREEMAN)