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[av_heading heading=’Begging, solicitations banned in Boracay ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY JUN N. AGUIRRE
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BORACAY – Mendicancy and solicitations have been prohibited in this resort island.
The local government of Malay, Aklan’s Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) and the Philippine National Police are enforcing this policy.
According to Gemma Santerva of the MSWDO, mendicants are eyesores in the country’s top tourist destination.
“Our tourists could call the Boracay police if they encounter people begging for alms,” said Santerva.
Arrested mendicants will be moved out of Boracay to mainland Malay.
“This procedure applies to indigenous people, too,” said Santerva, referring to the Ati in Boracay.
Even if this is the yuletide season, tourists were urged not to give money or food to mendicants.
“They must instead be reported to the police,” stressed Santerva.
The country’s anti-mendicancy law is Presidential Decree No. 1563 issued by then President Ferdinand Marcos in 1978.
According to the provisions of the statute, minors under 15 years old caught begging are deemed neglected children and can be apprehended by the Social Welfare department. Adults are subject to heavy fines and can be imprisoned for up to four years.
People giving money or gifts to mendicants are also liable to be fined.
In December 2014, the secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development forbade the public from offering donations to Christmas carolers under the terms of Presidential Decree 1563./PN
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