Strict enforcement of C.O. 1631: ‘Mendicancy hotspots’ identified

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Board (CCAMB) has identified 31 so-called mendicancy “hotspots” where City Ordinance (CO) 1631 (Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance) will be strictly implemented against “able-bodied mendicants” and those who give alms.

CO 1631 prohibits begging or giving alms in Cebu City streets, with offenders paying a P1,000 fine or rendering a four-hour community service.

Gladys Gay Vaño, Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office (CCAMO) executive director, said that of the abovementioned hotspots, 23 are in the north district, which is because it has more locations near the Cebu City Hall, where mendicants mostly flock.

In particular, she cited the vicinity of the Basilica del Sto. Niño and in barangays San Roque, Kalubihan, Kamagayan, Kamputhaw, and Banilad. For the south district areas, she identified barangays Mambaling, Pahina Central, San Nicolas Proper, Duljo Fatima and Poblacion Pardo, particularly its skywalk.

To clearly establish the distinction of “mendicants”, Atty. Feliciano Alinson, Jr. of the City Legal Office said they are “persons who have no visible and legal means of support and instead use begging as a means of living”.

He said the law mandates to apprehend “able-bodied adults” should they be caught asking for alms in public areas like the city streets. Once they are apprehended, the Cebu City Government would determine the most suitable intervention they would need.

To also set straight the right places where the people can give help to mendicants, he said the people are not allowed to give alms or goods in public places, especially commercial and business establishments, streets, plaza, markets, and schools.

He said the public can instead gather the mendicants in one area (like the barangay hall or the barangay covered court) to have a systematic and orderly outreach activity.

The CCAMB has warned the public against giving money or goods to street carolers if they do not want to pay the P1,000 fine or render community service for violating CO 1631.

Aside from going after those who give, the City would also go after carolers who do not have the permit, which is issued by City Hall’s Business Permit and Licensing Office.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia earlier said that he is expecting “seasonal carolers” to flock the streets of the city because of the Christmas season. Anyone caught violating the ordinance will be fined P1,000 or render community service for first offense; P1,500 for second offense; and P2,000 for third-time offenders.

Cebu City Traffic Office (CCTO) Head Raquel Arce said that should a mendicant be seen caroling inside a Public Utility Vehicle (PUV), CCTO personnel will flag down the vehicle and issue the person a citation ticket.

Dr. Lucelle Mercardo, CCAMB head, said this is because a city ordinance mandates that caroling around the city is prohibited without a permit, which is issued for free.

Arce also explained that the caroling permit aims to clear the distinction of the restriction on areas that do not allow any forms of caroling, such as inside the PUVs.

Aside from going after carolers and givers, though, CCAMB has a program where it regularly conducts a “nightly reach out” operation wherein mendicants, particularly children, are rescued and turned over to the center-based agencies.

Currently, the Cebu City Government is in coordination with the Santa Rita Women and Children at the South Road Properties (SRP). The center assists abused children and women who are victims of sexual abuse and violence.

The City Government is also collaborating with the Child Welfare Center in Brgy. Duljo Fatima that caters to neglected boys.

Further, those who were rescued will also be provided with livelihood assistance or will be accommodated in the City's “Balik Probinsya Program”, wherein they will be given a chance to return to their respective hometowns.

Among others, the CCAMB is composed of different City Hall implementing agencies such as the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement Team; City Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team; and the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. The Cebu City Police Office is also part of the board. — (FREEMAN)