Archival discourages giving direct alms

Local

GIVING direct alms to street dwellers is inadvertently sabotaging city efforts to manage the growing mendicancy crisis, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival warned.

In a firm appeal to non-government organizations (NGOs) and private donors, Archival stressed that while the impulse to help is compassionate, unregulated "feeding programs" and cash donations are drawing more people into the city's streets, creating a cycle of dependency that local government units are struggling to break.

The mayor’s statement comes as the city observes a spike in the number of street dwellers, particularly during weekends when private groups frequently conduct distribution activities.

"I am asking our constituents, especially the NGOs: one of the things that encourages people to come to our city is because of those who are so quick to give," Archival said in a mix of Cebuano and English.

"There are certain places where every Saturday or Sunday, people give food, and every week the number of people being fed grows. It seems we are taking care of them, but we are actually encouraging them to come here."

Archival urged donors to coordinate with the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) instead of handing out resources in public spaces.

He emphasized that the city’s Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance exists to redirect these individuals toward formal social services rather than allowing them to persist in hazardous street conditions.

The debate over the city’s enforcement reached a fever pitch this week following the arrest of 68-year-old Ireneo Selma Vidal.

Vidal, a harmonica player, was apprehended by the Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office (CCAMO) on May 7 along Colon Street. While the city classified his actions as begging, Vidal maintained he was a street performer trying to provide for his three-year-old grandson.

The case took a political and humanitarian turn when Councilor Pastor “Jun” Alcover Jr., chairman of the committee on senior citizens, personally posted bail for Vidal’s release.

"The orientation that if there is a 'clearing,' there must be an arrest, is wrong," Alcover said. "The mindset should be to help."

Vidal’s release was marked by an emotional reunion with his grandson, but the case has left behind a trail of allegations. Claims have surfaced that Vidal was physically harmed, specifically punched by CCAMO personnel during his apprehension.

John Ryan Lumayag, executive director of CCAMO, stated that his office would investigate the claims but maintained a defensive stance.

"We deny the allegation unless there is concrete evidence," Lumayag said, though he noted that any personnel proven to have violated rights would be dismissed.

Lumayag defended the decision to jail the senior citizen, citing a history of recidivism. According to CCAMO records, Vidal had been apprehended and turned over to the DSWS more than five times previously.

"Imprisonment was a last resort after repeated warnings and interventions allegedly failed," Lumayag added.

The incident has forced a scrutiny of Cebu City Ordinance No. 1631 and Presidential Decree No. 1563 (The Anti-Mendicancy Law).

While the law prohibits begging to ensure public safety and order, the city ordinance also mandates that mendicants aged 60 and above who are infirm should be committed to proper social welfare institutions rather than detention cells.

Archival remained steadfast on the legal definition of mendicancy, even in the case of "performing" for money.

"If you place a container for coins, you are asking for money. If you really want to be featured or helped, go to the city government. We will help you," Archival said.(TGP)