Objections continued to mount over the proposed ordinance penalizing and prohibiting the giving of cash or material goods to beggars in Dumaguete City, Oriental Negros.

After its deferment two weeks ago, the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Sammy Dicen is experiencing rough sailing, especially from lawyer-members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. The measure aims to stop residents from giving to mendicants in public places, buildings, offices as well as in any business or commercial establishments.

Aside from the fact that a national law exists penalizing the act of begging, the questions raised included why an individual should be cited for giving money to beggars and whether it is proper for government to dictate to on an individual on how he spends his money.

It was observed that mendicants leave dirt on sidewalks, make themselves pests to diners and pedestrians and sometimes obstruct traffic.

Several interviews conducted by the DAILY STAR disclosed that the mendicants come to Dumaguete because of the generosity of its people.

Dicen proposed that such generosity be channeled through civic organizations, that a special fund be provided, institutionalizing alms-giving.*JG

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