By CESAR JOLITO III
The Bacolod City government may soon impose higher fines on individuals caught begging and giving alms in public areas — including members of the Badjao community — under a proposed amendment to the city’s Anti-Mendicancy Ordinance.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) Committee on Social Services said the amendment seeks to update penalties set nearly three decades ago under the 1995 ordinance.
The proposed measure, now on second reading before the SP, aims to discourage both begging and giving alms to mendicants.
Committee chair Councilor Israel Salanga said the measure is intended not to discriminate against the Badjao community but to “protect public order and discourage dependence on street begging.”
Under the amendment:
* The fine for individuals caught begging would increase from P500 to P1,000.
* Those reported for harassment while begging may face penalties of up to P5,000.
* Individuals caught giving money to beggars could also be fined P500.
Salanga explained that stricter enforcement is needed amid growing public complaints — many of which surfaced on social media — regarding groups of Badjao seen aggressively asking for money and, in some cases, cursing or intimidating passersby who refuse to give.
“We understand that they [Badjao] are not committing serious crimes, but their behavior has become a public concern. We need to balance compassion with discipline,” Salanga said.
He added that the city also plans to establish a temporary shelter or halfway home for mendicants, particularly for Badjao families who cannot yet be sent back to their places of origin.
The councilor said the goal is not only to implement penalties but also to offer social intervention, including coordination with the Department of Social Services and Development for livelihood or relocation programs.
“This is not just about punishment. We want to guide them toward better opportunities while maintaining order in our city,” Salanga emphasized.
If passed, the amendment will strengthen the city’s campaign against mendicancy and reinforce Bacolod’s ongoing effort to address issues of street begging through both law enforcement and social support./CJ, WDJ