MANILA (UCAN): “President Ramos knew when his loyalty to the dictator should end. It is when his loyalty to serve the people and the Constitution began. There he made the tough decision that would forever define his leadership. He had helped to restore democracy in the Philippines,” the Youth Social Involvement for Christ in Manila said in a statement, following the death of the former Philippine president on July 31 at the age of 94.
He was head of state from 1992 to 1998 and has been hailed for the restoration of democracy and revival of the economy following the ouster of long-reigning dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the new president, Marcos Jr.
Known as “Steady Eddie” for his unflappable demeanour, Ramos was a graduate of the West Point military academy in the United States, Ramos had a lengthy career in the armed forces and saw combat during the Korean War.
A three star general during the 1986 People Power revolution that ousted Marcos Sr., Ramos switched allegiance to Corazon Aquino, who succeeded as president, and served in her cabinet.
Under Ramos’ command, the national police force effectively turned away from the Marcos administration, although the general was behind the enforcement of martial law that led to thousands of killings and human rights violations.
When the Philippines was labelled the ‘sick man of Asia,’ President Ramos resuscitated the economy back to our target economic indicators. Food was not scarce. Fuel price was low. There were sufficient jobs for everybody
Youth Social Involvement for Christ
“Although some doubt his heroic act for leading the police force in the implementation of martial law, we believe that he still did his part by improving the economy when he became president of the Republic of the Philippines,” the youth group added.
As president, Ramos resolved a crippling power crisis caused by years of under-investment in energy, dismantled monopolies and cartels in telecommunications, shipping and banking when he opened up the economy to foreign investors. He also privatised some government-owned corporations to steer the country’s annual growth to five per cent, ending Philippine foreign debt with the International Monetary Fund after 35 years.
The Youth Social Involvement for Christ noted Ramos’ role in the Philippine economy during the Asian financial crisis in 1997, saying, “When the Philippines was labelled the ‘sick man of Asia,’ President Ramos resuscitated the economy back to our target economic indicators. Food was not scarce. Fuel price was low. There were sufficient jobs for everybody.”
Father Joem Afable from the Diocese of Sorsogon, said the former president’s efforts to combat poverty were a success, and the poverty rate fell to 31 per cent from 39 per cent, according to government figures.
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…he couldn’t take Duterte’s foreign policy in the West Philippine Sea, calling Duterte’s administration a huge disappointment to many Filipinos
“When the financial crisis of 1997 led many emerging economies in Asia to the brink of collapse, President Ramos revived the economy severely damaged by several coup d’état attempts during the term of President Cory Aquino,” Father Afable added.
The San Lorenzo Catholic group highlighted the former president’s principle after he criticised the wavering position of former president, Rodrigo Duterte, on the West Philippine Sea in the face of China’s extensive claims on the area.
He resigned as special envoy to Beijing because “he couldn’t take Duterte’s foreign policy in the West Philippine Sea, calling Duterte’s administration a huge disappointment to many Filipinos,” the group said.
Ramos also publicly criticised Duterte’s expletive-laden speeches, his moves away from the US alliance and his anti-drug campaign that has claimed thousands of lives.
He was also aghast at Duterte’s decision to allow the elder Marcos to be buried in the national Heroes’ Cemetery despite the damage his dictatorship caused. When one Marcos daughter tried to link him to the abuses of her father’s rule, Ramos said he had already apologised and made amends for his role.
He was also aghast at Duterte’s decision to allow the elder Marcos to be buried in the national Heroes’ Cemetery despite the damage his dictatorship caused
He said, “My atonement was leading the military and the police” in the revolt that toppled Marcos.
Stella Maris-Philippines also paid tribute to the former president, CBCP News reported. Its episcopal promoter, Bishop Ruperto Santos, said that Ramos had done positive things for Filipino migrants, especially the seafarers.
“Our heartfelt gratitude to you, former President Fidel Ramos, for your great contribution to seafarers and their families,” he said.
The bishop offered condolences to the loved ones of Ramos, and said that Masses would be offered for his eternal rest and strength for his bereaved family.
Bishop Santos also said that this year’s National Seafarer’s Day would be marked with minute of silence nationwide in Ramos’ memory.
Lawmakers, diplomats, ex-politicians and the new administration posted tributes to Ramos on social media.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of former President Fidel Valdez Ramos who passed away today having lived a full life as a military officer and public servant,” said new president, Marcos Jr., who took office on June 30
“The legacy of his presidency will always be cherished and will be forever enshrined in the hearts of our grateful nation,” he said.
The European Union delegation in the Philippines expressed its condolences, describing Ramos as a “dedicated statesman” and “pillar of democracy.”
