Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

8
HOUSE BILL NO. até

Introduced by HON, JOY MYRA S, TAMBUNTING

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Presidential Decree No. 1563, otherwise known as the Anti-Mendicancy Law of 1978, was enacted
with the purpose of (1) prevent the commission of mendicancy; (2) prevent the exploitation of
infants and children through mendicancy and provide habilitative services for those already
exploited or in immediate danger of exploitation; and (3) promote the rehabilitation of minors
found begging and mendicants by providing an integrated developmental package of preventive,
habilitative interceptive, remedial, and/or rehabilitative services. This law criminalizes both the
act of mendicancy and giving alms with fines not exceeding PhP500 and PhP20, respectively.

Recently, there has been an increased number of people begging in the streets. Earlier in 2020,
jeepney drivers and other public utility vehicle drivers were forced to resort to begging after
having lost income due to travel restrictions. People from urban poor communities also resorted
to begging after having lost access to their livelihood. Even in social media, students are forced
to beg for to the public to assist them in financing their education.

While the intent of the law is clear and well-meaning, the harsh reality is that the poorest of our
people will continue to be forced to mendicancy for as long as the roots of poverty are not
addressed. Criminalizing the act of mendicancy is not only a unempathetic policy but one that is
inconsiderate of the plight of impoverished Filipinos. Although this Representation recognizes and
agrees with the intent of the Anti-Mendicancy Law of preventing the exploitation of infants and
children, I do believe that mendicancy is not a criminal act in itself. It is brought about by
desperation of people due to the government's own inability to provide economic relief and
opportunities to the people.

On behalf of the people of Parafiaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought.

REP. Jt a au rit
istrict, Parafiaque City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

ry
HOUSE BILL NO, 8446

Introduced by HON. JOY MYRA S, TAMBUNTING

AN ACT
REPEALING PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1563,
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "MENDICANCY LAW OF 1978"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "An Act Repealing the Mendicancy Law
of 1978,"

SEC. 2, Repealing Clause. - Presidential Decree 1563, entitled "Establishing an Integrated
System for the Control and Eradication of Mendicancy, Providing Penalties, Appropriating Funds
therefor, and for Other Purposes", otherwise known as the "Mendicancy Law of 1978" is hereby
repealed, Protection given to children by related and existing laws shall remain to be in effect. All
laws, decrees, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby

repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after completion of its
Publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation,

Approved,