Retribution can spell vengeance

Is jailing the elderly a heartless act? What do we get in jailing 80- or 90-year-old offenders? Do they still have the energy to go into crime sprees or escape from prison cells?

People who commit crimes should be held accountable. Certainly, justice should be meted out for their criminal acts. That is a demand of retributive justice. But retribution sometimes spells vengeance.  Like, for instance, if an old man is incarcerated for his crimes without regard to his infirmity or illness.

Another concern is if the detention facilities can’t meet the health needs of the old, infirm prisoner. The government may also find it costly to address the peculiar needs of old prisoners, especially those who constantly need medical attention. Committing old, infirm criminals and convicts to facilities which lack provisions on healthcare or for elderly prisoners would be double punishment. Prison cell is a lonesome place for the aged to grow older and kick the bucket.

I am glad President Aquino has declared that “jailers should be considerate toward the 90-year-old Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile” (“Enrile: too old to jail?” Front page, 6/25/12). It shows the compassion and humanity of his person. It speaks well of his kindheartedness to people, including the political nemesis of his family.

—REGINALD B. TAMAYO,

assistant city council secretary, Marikina City