Makati intensifies drive vs vagrants

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government has intensified its anti-mendicancy campaign and reminded the public that it is against the law to give alms to beggars.

Acting city administrator and Makati Social Welfare Department chief Marjorie de Veyra said the “Sagip Tao’’ information drive is an advocacy campaign aimed at preventing the proliferation of beggars and vagrants in the city by discouraging motorists and commuters from giving alms.

“Many people are not aware that giving alms and begging in the streets are prohibited by the law. Even though they have good intentions, those who give alms may inadvertently encourage the exploitation of children, senior citizens and persons with disability by unscrupulous syndicates,” she said.

Instead of giving alms to beggars, De Veyra urged the public to choose legitimate channels for their donations such as charitable institutions and foundations.

De Veyra added that it is illegal to give alms to beggars under the Anti-Mendicancy Law or Presidential Decree 1563.

The law provides a penalty of P500 or jail term not exceeding two years to those caught begging in the streets while “habitual mendicants” face a fine not exceeding P1,000 or imprisonment of not more than four years, or both. However, givers of alms are fined P20.

From January to June this year, personnel from MWSD emergency assistance section, city police and public safety departments rounded up a total of 58 mendicants.