City holds public hearing on mendicancy ordinance

CEBU, Philippines - Speakers for and against the proposed measure imposing a flat rate of P1,000 and an out-of-court option for violators of the Anti-Mendicancy Law want a specific measure to address the said problem.

In yesterday’s public hearing of the proposed ordinance amending City Ordinance 1996, otherwise known as the Ordinance Prohibiting and Penalizing The Giving To and Soliciting Mendicants of Cash or Any Material Goods in Public Places, Buildings and Offices as well as in any Business or Commercial Establishments, five speakers from different sectors aired their respective views.

Socrates Pepino secretary general of Panaghugpong sa mga Kabus Taga Dakbayan (Panaghugpong-Kadamay-Cebu) told the city council members that they are in favor of imposing a flat rate of P1,000 and even to increase it.

“Uyon kami tungod kay gikinahanglan ang maong pundo alang sa mas maayong tumong sa pagsulbad sa maong suliran sa mendicancy, nga mao ang paghatag og skills training of sustainable livelihood projects,” Pepino said.

As to the youth mendicants, Pepino’s organization proposed “bringing the school” to the community where they live.

In the position paper presented by Cebu City Police Office Director P/Supt. Patrocinio Comendador and read by SPO1 Julius Umpad, it was suggested that instead of giving punishment there will be measures that will deal with the mendicants.

“Instead of punishing the giver who exercises only the virtue of charity works, why not his honorable body enacts measures that will deal with mendicants and children mendicants alike in a most humane and profound way in accord with the basic tenets of human rights declaration so as to put a stop to the cycle,” Comendador said.

Barangay captains Pancho Ramirez of Sto. Niño and Sisinio Andales of Pahina Central, both opposed the ordinance and wanted other alternatives that would take the children or mendicants off the streets.

Ramirez suggested the provision of playgrounds while Andales viewed such measure as anti-poor since it no longer emphasizes the virtue of charity.

Andales also said there has to be delineation between a first-time mendicant and occasional beggars.

Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa, the proponent of the measure, said all inputs will be considered in the final draft.

The rest of the councilors present also expressed that there are other ways to solve mendicancy.

The proposed ordinance also provides an out-of-court solution to violators, which includes a payment of P200 or rendering of four hours of community service.

Sixty percent of the amount will go to the enforcing barangay while 40 percent goes to the Anti-Mendicancy Task Force. — Ferliza C. Contratista and Karen H. Yasi  (THE FREEMAN)