I REMEMBER writing about the mendicants of Baguio a few months ago. It was about these numerous "Ninas" who are rampant around the conspicuous places of the city pursuing their trade. The generosity of tourists and locals seem to impede the numerous attempts to lessen, if not eliminate, the existence of beggars and vagrants. I know of one, however, who I particularly want to write about. I'm pretty sure we are all familiar with this old man who frequents this area in front of the Skyworld Bldg. in Upper Session.
If it is indeed considered a regular job, he can be awarded as a model employee as he is always present and unyielding with the task he has to do. Truly unwavering since rain or shine, he can be seen extending that wrinkled hand to passers-by.
If it is indeed considered a regular job, he can be awarded as a model employee as he is always present and unyielding with the task he has to do. Truly unwavering since rain or shine, he can be seen extending that wrinkled hand to passers-by.
Cases of family members pushing their relatives to ask for alms are not uncommon. This is apparently the scenario with "Lolo Manlilimos". I happen to ride the jeepney with him sometimes hence I know that we live in the same neighborhood. At times I see him walking all way up to the highway, barefoot and with his walking stick to aid him as he is blind. On numerous occasions, however, I catch him with this boy who's all dressed up. Baggy shorts, polo, chucks, hair teased up with wax or gel, and iPod earphones to complete the ensemble. This boy sometimes accompanies him up to the passengers unloading area in front of the Skyworld building. I then learned that the boy is none other than his grandson. Whoa! Talk about exploiting your own kin.
Begging because one's left without a choice is entirely different from begging because you are made to. "Lolo Manlilimos" may or may not be willingly doing this trade but probably feels obliged as he might be thinking that this is the only way he can help his family.
P.D. 1563 also known as the Mendicancy Law of 1978 was created to control and eradicate mendicants while providing penalties and appropriate funds and actions relative to this concern. If a decree such as this is existing, a separate diktat for people who encourage and even urge their family members to beg should also be strictly implemented, with harsher corresponding sanctions I might add.
Just consider this picture, the blind barefoot grandpa in his old, moth-eaten clothes and the grandson dressed like a wannabe glam rock star.
Shame!