Former Philippine President Fidel Ramos, who oversaw a rare period of steady growth and peace that made him regarded as one of the country’s most effective leaders, has died, according to officials. age 94, according to officials.
Known as “Steady Eddie” for his carefree demeanor during times of frequent upheaval in the country, he was regularly photographed chewing on unlit cigars while leading the Philippines from 1992 to 1998.
A professional soldier, he was the first Protestant to win the highest office in the country’s large Catholic population, despite objections from some in the Church.
But like other top officials of his generation, Ramos played a role in the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., which left thousands dead and thousands arbitrarily imprisoned.
Trixie Cruz-Angeles, press secretary to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, son and eponymous dictator, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos. take office last month.
“He leaves behind a colorful legacy and a secure place in history for taking part in the great transformations of our country, as a military officer and chief executive officer.”
Ramos’ family is expected to release a statement late Sunday. The cause of death has not yet been released.
Ramos emerged from a senior security role in the Marcos Sr dictatorship to win votes for the nation’s highest office.
Ramos became a hero to many for his defection from Marcos’ government, in which he led the national police force, fueling the dictator’s downfall in revolt against the rule of law. of the people in 1986.
However, others will not forgive or forget his role in enforcing martial law under the Marcos regime.
Ramos narrowly won a controversial election in 1992 to replace People’s leader Corazon Aquino, who incapacitated Marcos.
Despite winning less than 23% of the vote, Ramos soon gained 66% and his presidency is remembered as a period of peace, stability and economic growth.
Known as FVR, Ramos attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and fought in the Korean War in the 1950s as a platoon leader. He served in the late 1960s in Vietnam as leader of the Philippine Civil Action Group.
Ramos held every rank in the Philippine military from second lieutenant to commander-in-chief. He never lost that gentlemanliness and swaggered, boasting many times: “There is no easy job for Ramos.”
His six-year administration opened the country’s economy to foreign investment through policies of deregulation and liberalization.
Ramos has broken up the monopoly in the transportation and communication sectors. Through special powers granted to him by Congress, he restored the ailing electricity industry, ending a 12-hour blackout that was debilitating for the country.
During his tenure, the Philippine economy grew strongly and the poverty rate fell to 31% from 39% through his Social Reform Program.
Ramos fought with the right, left and Islamist rebels during his time in the army, but later held peace talks with all “enemies of the state”, including even the rogue soldiers who tried nearly a dozen times to unseat Aquino during his tenure.
He eventually signed a peace agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front separatists in 1996 and succeeded in shrinking the number of Maoist-led fighters to more than 5,400 rebels from a low level. 25,000 in early 1986.
Ramos is a multitasking workaholic and a sports leader. As military chief, he would play golf and jog at the same time, running after his ball.
His early morning run has become legendary among his staff officers and even at the age of 80, he will dance to recreate what he did during the 1986 uprising.
