Dad mulls regulation of sleeping in public places
BACOLOD CITY -- Sangguniang Panglungsod Member Catalino Alisbo, chairman of the Committee on Senior Citizens, recently proposed an ordinance, which will be discussed this week, regulating sleeping in public places such as streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, public church, public parks, public plaza, markets and other places within the territorial jurisdiction of the city of Bacolod.
Alisbo explained that under Section 458 (5) (v) of the Local Government Code of 1991, otherwise known as R.A 7160, "it authorizes the Sangguniang Panglungsod by way of an ordinance to regulate the use of city streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges, parks and other public places within the territorial jurisdiction of the City".
He said that it is high time to regulate sleeping for the safety of the public against crimes, protect the social and moral welfare of the city residents, creating public menace, health and security risks.
Based on his ordinance, sleeping in public places is strictly prohibited 24 hours a day but the only exemption to this ordinance is when a person is attending a prayer vigil or any event for a cause in certain public places and the conduct of which has the approval of the City Government.
Alisbo further said that sleeping is also allowed if a person who is attending a prayer vigil will honor their deceased loved one inside public cemeteries during All Saints and All Souls Day.
Under this ordinance, any person found sleeping in public places should be required to pay a fine of two hundred pesos (P200.00). In case of inability to pay the fine, the violator shall render two (2) hours of community service that is cleaning the area where he/she was arrested in the police station where the arresting person is assigned or in public plaza.
He also claimed that if the violator is under the influence of alcohol or prohibited drugs he/she shall be taken into custody for two (2) hours at the nearest Police Station. After the lapse of two (2) hours, the violator shall be required to pay the fine of P200 or render three hours of community service. A drug dependent violator shall be recommended for rehabilitation. With regard to minor offenders, Alisbo said that it is the parents or guardians that will be held liable.