No permit, no caroling pushed in Cebu City

Local

AS the Christmas season nears, Cebu City has introduced regulations requiring carolers to obtain permits before roaming around residential areas and streets in the city.

On Monday, November 4, the city’s Anti-Mendicancy Board announced the permit requirement, aiming to balance holiday cheer with public safety and order.

The board’s chair, Lucille Mercado, explained that while the city will not ban caroling outright, it seeks to regulate the activity to protect both carolers and residents.

These permits, which can be obtained from the Office of the Mayor, are part of the city’s efforts to maintain order in public spaces.

In a separate press conference, Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia stated that he will support the program of the board but assured that he will talk to the Business Permit and Licensing Office about making the process accessible to the public.

Garcia added that he is considering opening the permit processing online to expedite the process.

He clarified that he will not require fees on securing the permit, in contrast to prior statements from the board that they will collect a small amount.

"Atoa lang is more of monitoring that it will not be abused," he said.

Meanwhile, the city has also prohibited caroling inside public transportation.

Raquel Arce, head of the Cebu City Transportation Office, said that this measure is in place to prevent passenger discomfort.

She also urged jeepney drivers and other motorists to report carolers or anyone asking for money to the traffic enforcers available on the road.

Arce added that this measure is part of the existing no-mendicancy ordinance aimed at discouraging giving to beggars on the streets.

She clarified that this is not intended to stop Cebuanos from sharing their blessings but emphasized that there are proper venues for conducting these charitable activities.

She stated that individuals can connect through the city's Welfare and Social Services Office, which can arrange feeding events and provide the target audience or beneficiaries.

In line with this, the Anti-Mendicancy Law, or Presidential Decree No. 1563, restricts any form of solicitation in public spaces, including transport vehicles, to reduce public nuisance and address issues of vagrancy.

The law prohibits public solicitation unless specifically authorized, and Cebu City enforces it strictly.

Gladyns Vaño, executive director of Cebu City Anti-Mendicancy Office, said that those who will continue performing in public transport vehicles will be issued a ticket from the Cebu Environmental Sanitation Enforcement Team and fined P1,000.

Those unable to pay the fine will have the option to complete four hours of community service, which includes cleaning and declogging canals and maintaining public parks.

The city government encourages carolers to follow these regulations, allowing the holiday tradition to be celebrated safely and responsibly within the community.(MyTVCebu Desk)