Clemency Delayed is not Justice denied

Late Clemency?

While I am no P-Noy apologist, I do not like the way some people are lambasting the president for granting executive clemency to a prisoner who unfortunately died a few days before he was pardoned. They say that the recommendation was forwarded to him a long time ago. Does that mean that there should be haste in approving recommendations?

When a prisoner’s sentence is promulgated, does it come with a clause that requires executive clemency for good behavior and/or failing health? When a criminal commits a crime, does he do it because there is a surefire recipe for pardon?

Crimes are not lightly committed and sentences are likewise not dispensed like a comedy show. An executive clemency therefore, should be well contemplated before being dispensed. Prisoners dying prior to clemency is indeed a regrettable event but it is not at all the fault of the president. The crime committed remains to be the sole fault of the criminal and never is it transferred to the pardoner at any time. 

Let us not forget the original victims of the crime. Is justice served when the clemency is given? Did it send the right message to criminals? Or did it render the penal system ineffective?

Golf GPS

Where can I find garmin dealers?

Yesterday, a golf buddy noticed that I seem to have difficulty determining my distances to the flag. Golf courses are designed to look beautiful and most often than not, it provides a distance illusion. My old friend recommended that I buy a garmin watch that provides precise distances to the hole or anywhere for both serious and amateur golfer.

The Cellular Phone

I remember the days when the Philippines dreamt of installing a phone in every far flung barrio. The cost was so huge that the project became controversial. At that time, copper and fiber optic cables were the only ways. But today, cell phones and satellite technology has made it cheaper to make that dream come true. With the two wireless components, cellular and satellite, we will only be needing some places to be installed with fiber and copper cables.