I condemn the attempts of certain anarchists and radicals to turn "The Four Days in February" into a reprieve of "The First-Quarter Storm."

We are not about to build a just society if we allow anyone who feels he was ill-treated to misuse "people power" as an excuse for power-grabbing, slander, looting, or assault.

Those who were hurt most painfully demand, understandably, a brand of justice that contains a strong dose of retribution. They will not be satisfied if the many persons who enriched themselves, tyrannized others, or otherwise took advantage during the Marcos years go scot-free simply because they changed side.

But at the same time, we should not treat this as a black-and-white matter. There are many gray areas. Extenuating, qualifying, and aggravating circumstances have to enter into the determination of guilt and the assessment of punishment.

And here, we look to President-elect Aquino for guidance and inspiration. More than being the Marcos’ regimes most prominent victim, she was among those hurt the most. We look forward to the way she is going to blend retribution and mercy.

Her lead will provide a standard against which we will judge ourselves.
 

ERIC FERRER