Duterte opposed to prohibitions on street caroling

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he is against prohibiting caroling on the streets despite claims that the practice places children at risk.

 

“One of the things I really hate is the prohibition of caroling, I tell you, don’t believe that. I intend to repeal that law. It’s not good,” the president said.

 

“Sa pasko na, nawala na yung mga batang nagka-caroling kasi ipinagbawal (The children who are caroling are gone because it was prohibited),” he added.

 

The president was apparently referring to a Marcos era law prohibiting mendicancy enacted in 1978.

 

“I could not even see the rationale (behind the measures against) mendicants,” Duterte said.  

 

“There are many laws that I do not like that I want repealed. But anyway, that would come,” he added.

 

Presidential Decree No. 1563 or Anti-Mendicancy Law was signed by former President Ferdinand Marcos to “prevent the exploitation of infants and children through mendicancy and provide rehabilitative services for those already exploited or in immediate danger of exploitation.”

 

Under the decree, individuals who are 15 years old and below found begging or is being used by a mendicant to beg shall be apprehended and shall be placed under the custody and care of the social services department or to any duly licensed child placement agency or individual.

 

The same decree penalizes mendicants with a maximum fine of P500 or by imprisonment for a period of up to two years or both.

 

A habitual mendicant shall be slapped with a fine of up to P1,000 or by imprisonment for a period of up to four years or both. Any person who abets mendicancy by giving alms to mendicants, exploited infants and minors on public roads, sidewalks, parks and bridges shall be slapped with a fine of up to P20. 

 

Social welfare officials during previous administrations have asked local governments to stop children from doing caroling on busy streets to avoid accidents. They also discouraged motorists from giving money to the carolers, saying the practice endangers the lives of street children.