AS CHRISTMAS approaches, the Mandaue City Council asked the City Social Welfare and Services (CSWS) and the Mandaue City Legal Enforcement Unit (MCLEU) to clear the streets of beggars, migrant carolers, informal dwellers and persons who are mentally ill.
The move is in compliance with Presidential Decree 1563 or the Anti-Mendicancy Law, especially this Christmas season.
In a resolution approved on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019, the City Council identified the CSWS and the MCLEU as the lead agencies in the effort to clear the city’s streets of mendicants.
The office of Councilor Jimmy Lumapas, proponent of the resolution, will coordinate with MCLEU in the enforcement of the law and with the CSWS for the distribution of assistance and implementation of its intervention programs for street dwellers.
“This resolution is not anti-poor,” said Hyll Retuya, chief of staff of Lumapas.
He explained that the intention of the resolution is to prevent mendicancy that results in crimes and creates traffic hazards in Mandaue City.
It also seeks to protect children who are being used by their parents or by syndicates to beg for money along the sidewalks and streets.
As stated in the resolution, children who would be found begging in the streets would be placed under the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Services.
“The City Government of Mandaue is committed to strictly implement the Anti-Mendicancy Law and exercise diligence in launching this campaign in order to build a harmonious, civilized and sound urban environment,” the resolution read. (KFD)