Filipinos say begging has moved from the streets into malls

Threads user @eevee_braun recounted encounters at One Ayala, Glorietta and SM North EDSA, saying she was approached while eating and asked for cash.

“Lately dumadami na mga namamalimos sa malls,” she wrote.

The post, which had 11,700 views in the screenshots, prompted similar stories involving One Ayala, TriNoma, Mall of Asia, SM Bacoor, SM Sangandaan and BGC.

One commenter recalled a teary-eyed teenager claiming to have lost his wallet, only to allegedly see him elsewhere repeating the same story. Another said a stranger sat near their table and asked to share their food. One claimed a person asking for ₱20 cursed at a diner after being refused.

The accounts are anecdotal and do not prove that begging has increased or that those involved belong to organized groups. Claims about syndicates and “modus” in the thread are also unverified.

But they expose a growing dilemma: How do you distinguish genuine need from deception?

Begging is covered by law

The Philippines still has Presidential Decree No. 1563, or the Mendicancy Law of 1978.

The law defines a mendicant more narrowly than simply anyone asking for money. It generally covers an able-bodied person without visible lawful means of support who neglects available lawful employment and instead resorts to begging.

A convicted mendicant may face a fine of up to ₱500, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. Habitual offenders may face up to ₱1,000 in fines and four years in prison.

Children and people incapable of gainful employment are treated differently, with the decree providing for intervention and social welfare assistance.

Even almsgiving can be penalized

The law also contains a little-known provision penalizing people who directly give alms to covered mendicants or exploited minors on public roads, sidewalks, parks and bridges. The fine is up to ₱20.

That provision does not specifically cover privately owned malls. Mall management, however, can enforce its own rules against unauthorized solicitation and ask security personnel to intervene.

Legitimate charitable fundraising is also different from begging. Public solicitation for charitable purposes is regulated separately and may require authorization from the DSWD.

The viral discussion ultimately reveals something deeper than annoyance over being interrupted during a meal.

Filipinos still want to help people in genuine need. But when stories of questionable solicitation multiply, compassion becomes mixed with suspicion—and the people who truly need help may ultimately pay the price.

READ: