Pubdate: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 Source: Freeman, The (Philippines) Copyright: 2006 The Freeman Contact: http://www.philstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3437 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/women.htm (Women) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/prison.htm (Incarceration) EDITORIAL - IN PHILIPPINE JAILS, IT IS A HOLIDAY ALL YEAR LONG Maybe it was because it was Valentine's Day yesterday that an item in the local papers was treated as a human interest story, or more specifically as a love story. Under different circumstances, the story would have made for a good issue. The story dealt about the petition of a woman, currently detained at the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center, to be allowed to spend the night with her lover, also a detainee, in the men's dorm. On Valentine's Day, it is one heck of a human interest story, having all the elements of a heart-tugging yarn. It allows a little sunshine into our lives and makes us forget, or ignore for a while, the other elements that make it, in fact, a harsh real-life story. For purposes of being humane and for that purpose alone, we sincerly hope that woman got her wish. Aside from that, we hope the petition never got granted. For while we cry and ache over the human condition, we must not forget to be strong and hard for the tough realities of life. Look, that woman has been detained since 2003 on drug charges. Her lover is in jail for probably the same reason. The crime she is being accused of is one of the most harmful crimes a human can ever be charged with. Drugs destroy families. They destroy lives. Those who derive gain from its production and sale are perhaps the worst criminals there are. Sure they may feel love, but what sweetness is there is negated by the cruel destruction they inflict on others. Also, the petition to stay together for the night proves that the practice is probably still alive in the city jail, otherwise the petition would not have been made at all. The practice is what has come to be known as " conjugal visits. " As practiced before, spouses of detainees can spend the night with their " loved ones " inside makeshift " conjugal abodes " that are being leased by the powers-that-be in jail. These sort of mini motels can even be used by detainees who have no spouses, just any mates. This practice is the only one of its kind in the world. In the Philippines the concept of crime and punishment is grossly misunderstood. Instead of punishment, inmates enjoy appliances, good food, smuggled drugs and fornication. It is a holiday all year long. - --- MAP posted-by: Tom