Giving alms to street children and beggars is not allowed in Iloilo City and such act is punishable under City Regulation Ordinance 2002-400.
The city government is looking to an all-out implementation of the city’s anti-mendicancy ordinance to curb the growing number of ethnic Badjaos and Atis, street children and elderly roaming and begging in its streets, a press release from the Public Information Office said.
The ordinance provides that “those caught begging are liable to fines of P500, imprisonment of not more than a year or both fine and imprisonment.”
Meanwhile, giving to beggars is punishable by a fine of P500 or community service. Any person, syndicate or group who utilize and exploit minors, disabled and infirm persons in the mendicancy trade shall suffer a penalty of P2,000 in fine and imprisonment of not less than two months.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said street mendicancy breeds crime, creates traffic hazards, and endangers health and well-being.
Besides the city ordinance, Presidential Decree 1563 also prohibits mendicancy.
The decree defines a mendicant as any person who has no visible and legal means of support, or lawful employment and who is physically able to work but neglects to apply himself to some lawful calling and instead uses begging as a means of living.
The decree applies to all mendicants, and exploited infants or children who are eight years old and below.
Minors found begging are covered by PD 603 of the Child and Youth Welfare Code. Parents of exploited infants and children are also criminally liable under Article 59 and 60 of PD 603.
Source: www.thenewstoday.info
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