PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 1563
ESTABLISHING AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR THE CONTROL AND ERADICATION OF MENDICANCY, PROVIDING PENALTIES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
This Decree shall be known as the Mendicancy Law of 1978
Definition of MENDICANCY.
1. : the condition of being a beggar
2. : the practice of begging
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1978/pd_1563_1978.html
Some have interpreted that law in a way that ‘giving’ is also a crime. I haven’t read it in full, as it is written in legal terms, way too complex for a mere man to follow with absolute accuracy.
Other points of giving charity to Beggars
Some of us worry that those beggars are in fact working for organised syndicates, so try giving them food instead of money.
Carry some packs of crackers to give to those hungry beggars. I did something like that once, I gave my lunch to one, and it was thrown on the floor by the “beggar” in disgust. He wanted only money!
One problem with giving money to one beggar, is the immediate throng of kids around also wanting money. They saw you have money, they saw you give money, they know to target you when they see you.
Am I Cynical ? Probably, but I have seen too much, to be other than what I am. I was once naive too.
A recent experience of mine involved about 4 young beggars surrounding me, hands out for money, and suddenly one hand was in my pocket. Not my hand… one of the young beggars hands… practicing his pick pocketing skills… Thankfully he wasn’t that good, yet!