Congratulations for new columnist

I wish to congratulate the Inquirer for choosing a new columnist, a legal expert at that. I was fascinated reading his first column about Edgar Jopson (“Sisyphus’ Lament,” 12/8/14). I would have sent him my reaction directly if only he had given his e-mail address. I do not involve myself with Twitter and Facebook.

Edjop was a very good friend of mine during the years of martial law. Together we conducted a nationwide survey on the effects of martial law on the labor movement. Edjop evaluated this survey into a paper which was never published in the media because the industry then was under the full control of Ferdinand Marcos.

We had a mimeographed publication, called initially Various Reports and later Ichtus. It was a “UG” (underground) paper, and our office in the AMRSP (Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines), headed by Fr. Joaquin Bernas, SJ, was raided several times by the military.

I am looking forward to the column of Oscar Franklin Tan, and I hope he will become my favorite columnist like Conrado de Quiros is.

There is a great need for a revision in our judicial system. Our lawyers are experts in bending legal technicalities to defend their clients and prove that they are innocent even if guilty. Lawyer Sigfrid Fortun, true to his name, is making a fortune by defending a murderer and representing Sen. Bong Revilla.

I believe a jury system like the one the United States employs can solve the problem. A jury is composed of lawyers and nonlawyers; and the nonlawyers can use their common sense to determine whether a guy is guilty or not and make an immediate verdict without delaying the judicial process. Justice delayed is justice denied.

And this is a shame for a country said to be the only Christian nation in Asia.

—ARNOLD VAN VUGT,

O.Carm. associate,

Cagayan de Oro City