I am not sure what the outcome of this case was but the law is very specific: Subsection 1453 — Senior Citizen Physical Abuse and/or Mental Cruelty. (a) A person commits the offense of manamko’ physical abuse if he or she willfully, knowingly, and intentionally endangers, hurts, ill-treats, mistreats, mishandles, victimizes, strikes, beats, or in any manner inflicts physical pain, injury, or mental distress or undue anguish upon any member of the manamko’.
The law also states that “A person convicted of manamko’ mental cruelty or physical abuse is guilty of a crime and upon conviction thereof shall be imprisoned for not more than one (1) year, or fined of not more than $1,000, or both.”
Our senior citizens deserve to be treated with respect and honor, most especially those that are ill and are bedridden. They deserve to be loved, they need to feel that they are needed and that their presence makes our lives more meaningful.
MAY is Older American Month/Mes Manamko’/Maramal Tufeey. The month-long celebration is to pay tribute and honor their contribution to our family and to our community. It is because of our manamko’ that we are here today. They have nurtured us, took care of us until we are able to take care of ourselves or go on our own. Now we must return that same love to them, the love that raised us to be a productive citizens, the same love that we must pass on to our own children.
If you know of someone committing manamko’ abuse or any other crime, please report it to the proper authority. Our manamko’ deserve better…they deserve our LOVE…BIBA MANAMKO’!
REP. JOSEPH M. PALACIOS
Former Director
Office on Aging
