Public told: Follow anti-mendicancy law

CEBU – The Cebu City Government Anti-Mendicancy Board reminded the public to strictly follow City Ordinance 1631, which prohibits and penalizes the giving and soliciting of cash and material goods in public.

The board’s reminder came as the Christmas season is fast approaching and children are already doing caroling in the streets.

These children, usually clinging onto public utility jeepneys, are observed to usually jump off while the vehicles are still in motion. The city government is worried that this might result in accidents.

Aside from this, Badjaos are also seen begging for alms in various city streets.

Cebu City Public Information Officer Jun Amores said “mendicancy creates traffic hazards and endangers the health and safety of mendicants while exposing them to indignities and degradation.”

The ordinance is reinforced by the Anti-Mendicancy Task Force of Cebu City, which keeps eyes on mendicants and almsgivers.

Violation of the ordinance carries a penalty of P1,000 or a community service of at least four hours.

Earlier, the task force said the solution to the problem depends on the public. Poverty is considered the main reason of the presence of mendicants in the streets.

The task force already sought assistance of the City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) to eliminate mendicants in the city streets as one way to improve the flow of the traffic.

In a report, the task force said it apprehends a monthly average of 40 mendicants, most of whom are children. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/LPM (THE FREEMAN)