"There are many among us – whether Christian or Muslim – who fear and love God enough not to wait for public pressures to do what is the right thing to do."

— Jose Almonte

WE believe that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo did the right thing by granting pardon to the remaining convicts sentenced for the assassination of Sen. Ninoy Aquino after nearly 20 years in incarceration for a dastardly act which they have steadfastedly denied they were guilty of .

On the other hand, the mastermind, whether still alive or deceased, was never identified despite the fact that the widow-president of Sen. Aquino, who had at that time revolutionary powers in early 1986, was never able to expose the mastermind(s) while the 16 foot soldiers languished in jail.

Hence, why should they not be pardoned? First, for compassionate and humanitarian reasons, it is about time that the soldiers be set free for they have paid their dues to society, and have been deprived of their liberties.

Another welcome development to brighten our day is the probable extradition or voluntary return of the two most trusted aides of then PNP Chief, and now Sen. Panfilo Lacson, namely, Police Major Mancao and Police Major Aquino, who are willing to enlighten the public on the brazen abduction and gruesome liquidation of publicist Bubby Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito.

Like the mastermind in the assassination of Sen. Ninoy Aquino and the mastermind in the murder of Bubby Dacer, they have yet to be exposed and recognized.

Last but not least, two senior executives of the Legacy Group of Companies of Celso de los Angeles have come out, as their conscience would not allow for their continued silence at the expense of so many victims of pyramiding and fraud who have lost their fortune or savings from these fraudulent schemes.

Eventually, for reasons of their own, or pangs of conscience, or patriotism, or empathy for victims of fraud, these few brave men and women come to the rescue of democracy for their forthrightness and courage.

Second, thus far, we can still count our blessings that the full impact of the global recession has not yet savaged the economy as it has on the American and European continents.

For openers, the Philippine peso-US dollar exchange rate remains stable at the higher level of R48.80 to 1 US dollar despite declining OFW inward remittances and drastic reduction in exports which the common people can live with, provided there is plentiful rice supply.

Additionally but not visibly appreciated by the public is the Arroyo administration thrust of pursuing greater public works spending not only to boost consumption but also as anti-recession policy to avoid unemployment and financial meltdown.

When all is said and done, it is gratifying to witness examples of patriotism, for whatever motives, that nevertheless tends to strengthen society and democratic institutions.

It’s a long way but it gets better everyday.

You be the judge. (For comments and views, please e-mail: chaff_fromthegrain@yahoo.com.ph)