A wealthy man walking on the sidewalk was approached by a beggar asking for money to buy food. The man asked, "Won't you use this to buy wine?" The beggar replied, "I don't drink, Sir." The man then asked, "Won't you buy cigarettes?" The beggar said, "I don't smoke, Sir." The man continued, "Won't you gamble?" The beggar answered, "I don't gamble, Sir." The man then said, "Come with me. Let's have dinner at home." The beggar responded, "You are very kind, Sir." The man explained, "I just want to show my wife what happens to a man who doesn't drink, doesn't smoke, and doesn't gamble."
But is Ireneo Selma Vidal, a 68-year-old harmonica player arrested on May 7 for violating anti-begging laws, truly a beggar? According to reports, he was simply playing his harmonica, and people gave him money. Vidal was released from jail on May 14 after Councilor Pastor "Jun" Alcover Jr. posted bail. Alcover and Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival are investigating Vidal's arrest, as there are allegations that the arresting officer filed a false report. They plan to file charges against the officer.
Busking vs. Begging
In many countries, musicians perform or sing in public spaces, and listeners voluntarily give money. This practice, known as busking, is a form of public performance. However, if it is prohibited, performers can be arrested. Even pop superstar Ed Sheeran was stopped by police in Bengaluru, India, for busking without a permit during a surprise concert in a public area.
Call for Investigation
Mayor Archival and Councilor Alcover are also urged to examine what the Cebu City government is doing for people who wander the streets, the homeless, those without food, and those who scavenge leftovers from restaurants. Vidal denies being a beggar. He insists he was not begging; he was only playing his harmonica to earn enough money to buy food for his three-year-old grandchild.
A Broader Reflection
It is worth pondering that, as Martin Luther reportedly said in his final words in 1546, in the end, we are all beggars. We carry nothing when we face the Almighty.
