CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu City government will not hesitate to file cases against violators of its anti-mendicancy ordinance, officials said during a press conference on Monday, November 4.
For years, the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Board (CCAMB) has struggled with implementating the city’s no-begging policy, especially during the Christmas season.
CCAMB Chair Lucelle Mercado attributed the problem to the public’s “habit” of giving to the less fortunate and the lack of awareness of the city’s laws regulating it.
“Sakto ang muhatag pero ang paghatag dili sakto kung dili sa sakto nga lugar (It’s right to give but giving isn’t right if it isn’t in the right place),” Mercado said.
Under Cebu City Ordinance No. 1631 of 1996, the act of begging in public places is strictly prohibited. A penalty of P1,000 or four hours of community service would be imposed on both the beggar and the giver.
Lawyer Feliciano Alinson Jr. of the city legal office cited the Mendicancy Law of 1978, which states that mendicants refer to persons who have no visible and legal means of support, or lawful employment and who are physically able to work but neglect to apply themselves to a lawful calling and instead rely on begging as a means of living.
The same law excludes minors and those who are physically or mentally incapable of gainful occupation from the definition of a mendicant.
“Eventually, we would have to file cases against them if they keep repeating the offense,” Alinson said in a mix of English and Cebuano.
CCAMB member and Cebu City Transportation Office head Raquel Arce told reporters that they would be rescuing the mendicants who are minors while almsgivers would be given citation tickets.
As of this writing, the city government has provided temporary homes for mendicants through its Pabalhin Program at a designated shelter in the South Road Properties.
Arce said that the public are still encouraged to help the needy but to do so by donating to local churches, the city’s Department of Social Welfare Services (DSWS), and other non-government organizations that can provide the appropriate support.
Carolers need permits
With the Christmas season almost here, Mercado said they are also saying ‘no’ to carolers looking to get alms from house to house unless they manage to secure a permit.
“Pwede ka manaygon pero pagkuha og permit sa syudad. Naa ari sa mayor’s office (You can still go caroling but get a permit from the city. It’s here at the mayor’s office),” the CCAMB head said.
Under another local law, Cebu City Ordinance No. 2304, caroling is prohibited when done along the streets and inside of public utility vehicles. Violators would be penalized with a fine of P500 to five days of imprisonment or eight hours of community service.
Mercado said it was necessary for carolers to get a permit so the local government could control and monitor their activities.
“No daygon (caroling), no permit,” the CCAMB chair said.
While the city government is keen to reinforce its anti-mendicancy efforts, some residents criticized the implementation of the law for being “anti-poor.”
Human rights lawyer Mel Ebo told Rappler on Monday that the city government should focus its efforts more into addressing the socio-economic needs of the people rather than penalizing those who donate to the poor.
“If the government cannot ensure that its constituents, particularly those who are considered as the poorest of the poor, can eat a decent meal at least three times a day, have access to sufficient and clean drinking water, and have a roof over their heads every single night, then the enforcement of this ordinance will be nothing short of anti-poor,” Ebo said. – Rappler.com
