Can city go after PUV carolers this Christmas?

CEBU, Philippines - There is no certainty that the amended ordinance banning carolers from public utility vehicles can be implemented this year.

This is because the secretariat of the City Council is reportedly busy with other important matters until the end of the month such that it may not be able to prepare the final copy of the amended ordinance completely for Mayor Michael Rama to sign.

Authorities cannot implement the amended City Ordinance 1931 without signature from the mayor. Once it is implemented, it will take effect even on ordinary days.

Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., chairman of the City Council’s committee on peace and order, was compelled to propose to ban carolers from PUVs like untidy children armed with improvised drums and tambourine after he observed that their activities have become rampant. They usually cling on jeepneys, sing a tune or two, and ask passengers for money.   

These activities also pose a danger to the carolers themselves, as they can easily fall off the vehicle if their hand slips, not to mention the headache they give to the driver.

Before the amendment, CO 1931 only provided that caroling would be unlawful only if the carolers will not secure permits from the Office of the Mayor and if caroling is being done outside the Christmas season and allowed caroling time.

Caroling is only allowed up to 10 o’clock in the evening until 4 a.m. in the following day.

City Hall’s Task Force Mendicancy has rounded several minors loitering in the streets and caroling in different establishments, but the children keep on going back after they are released to their families.

Even the city’s anti-jaywalking ordinance, which prohibits persons from walking in the streets while the traffic signal lights are still on, seems to be ineffective on the minor carolers.

“The increasing number of children and youths are noted criss-crossing streets, intersections and even chasing PUJ’s just to beg alms from the commuters after singing Christmas songs,” Pe said.

Cebu City Police Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said they will immediately implement the newly amended ordinance once they receive a copy of it.

For now, Pe can only wish the amended ordinance can be implemented soon. — (FREEMAN)