Surprise

The suspended execution of Mary Jane Veloso came as a welcome surprise. We are also grateful to the Indonesian authorities for the consideration extended on this matter. The suspension was based on the recognition of the current proceedings in our country against alleged recruiter Cristina Sergio who has been reported to have sought protection police protection and will be in the custody of the NBI in due time. We appreciate very much the editorial of this paper yesterday that aptly captured our thoughts on this reality. This development makes us look up to the heavens with a grateful smile.

The “padala” system used by drug smuggling syndicates has now come to intense national attention and rightfully so. We look forward to the appropriate and effective action our concerned law enforcement institutions working with the judiciary will do to address this plague inflicted on our nation by illegal drug dealing syndicates.

Another surprise was the news that Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo indicating his support for the Negros Island Region. The past has seen the objection and apprehension of Governor Degamo on joining the two provinces into a region. With the two provincial executives in agreement toward the common goal, we can now foresee the one island region as an eventuality. Now the test of reality will proceed to confirm, as well as, deny the purported advantages and disadvantages of this development.

Let us end with an anecdote to help us smile and remember our answered prayers. A lady goes to her priest one day and tells him, "Father, I have a problem. I have two female parrots, but they only know how to say one thing." "What do they say?" the priest inquired. They say, "Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?" "That's obscene!" the priest exclaimed, then he thought for a moment. "You know", he said, "I may have a solution to your problem. I have two male talking parrots, which I have taught to pray and read the Bible. Bring your two parrots over to my house, and we'll put them in the cage with Francis and Job. My parrots can teach your parrots to praise and worship, and your parrots are sure to stop saying... that phrase...in no time." "Thank you", the woman responded, "this may very well be the solution."

The next day, she brought her female parrots to the priest's house. As he ushered her in, she saw that his two male parrots were inside their cage holding rosary beads and praying. Impressed, she walked over and placed her parrots in with them. After a few minutes, the female parrots cried out in unison: "Hi, we're hookers! Do you want to have some fun?" There was stunned silence. Shocked, one male parrot looked over at the other male parrot and exclaimed, "Put the beads away, Frank. Our prayers have been answered.”*