That the late former president Fidel V. Ramos helped topple the Marcos government in 1986 was of no consequence when President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. paid his last respects to the former at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City on Thursday.
Ramos, recognized as one of the “heroes” of the EDSA People Power revolution for leading the military’s withdrawal of support from Marcos’ father and namesake 36 years ago, passed away on 31 July at age 94.
“When he came into the presidency, he brought calm and he brought stability to our country,” the President said, referring to Ramos’ stint at Malacañang Palace from 1992 to 1998.
Ramos succeeded as president the late Corazon C. Aquino, the beneficiary of the ouster from power of Marcos Sr.
Aquino’s rule from 1986 to 1992 was marked by instability and several coups launched against her by military officers.
Arriving at Heritage past 10 a.m., President Marcos ran to former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Jara Martinez-Ramos to offer his condolences.
“I just reminded Mrs. Ramos of how FVR (Ramos’ initials), when he became President, was a symbol of stability after all the tumultuous events of 1986,” Marcos said in a chance interview with reporters.
A Radio Television Malacañang video of the President’s visit to Ramos’ wake showed he was accompanied by his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez.
Marcos sat beside and conversed with the widow. Ramos was a second cousin of the President’s father, former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The President told reporters that Filipinos will always be grateful to Ramos for his service as a soldier, a veteran of the Korean War, and a public servant.
“We clearly have suffered a loss for our country, but the memories of him will be good because of all the good work he did for the Philippines,” he said.
Ramos was known for promoting the principles of people empowerment and global competitiveness. It was during his term that the nation was dubbed the “Tiger Cub Economy of Asia.”
Marcos has declared 31 July to 9 August a period of national mourning over the passing of the former Philippine leader.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz Angeles said Ramos will be accorded a state funeral with full military honors on 9 August.