Cheers, Manong Johnny; but jeers for Joker Arroyo

Juan Ponce Enrile used to be a villain in my cards. His role under the Marcos dictatorship cemented my perception of him as antidemocrat. But when Manong Johnny presided over the canvassing of the results of the presidential elections of 2010, and steered it efficiently and speedily to its conclusion, I began to vacillate in my estimation of him. Today, after his effective, able and impartial steering of the impeachment proceedings, I have no more reservations about putting Senate President Enrile on the pedestal of national heroes of our country.

In contrast, Sen. Joker Arroyo, who was my idol during the martial law years for his courageous acts in defending the victims of the dictatorship, plunged to the dustbin of history for his vote of acquittal for Renato Corona. It’s a pity.

And I just recall: Minister Enrile was the only Marcos official who went, and was allowed by the Aquino family, to visit the wake of assassinated Ninoy Aquino.

He was also responsible for saving the lives of UP activists during martial law. For one, he specifically warned the military not to touch lawyer Romeo Capulong, then an active human rights lawyer.

—EDWARD B. CONTRERAS,

judge.contreras@gmail.com