House members mourn passing of Fidel V. Ramos

Session Hall of the House of Representatives (FILE PHOTO)

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the 19th Congress’ House of Representatives are mourning the  death of former President Fidel Valdez Ramos, with most lawmakers remembering him as a great leader who was a role model to many aspiring politicians.

Speaker and Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, president of political party Lakas-CMD which Ramos co-founded, said Ramos will be a tough act to follow because of his ability to balance toughness and having a caring heart for Filipinos.

“We, in the Lakas-CMD, are saddened to learn of the passing of our Chairman Emeritus, former President Fidel Valdez Ramos.  We all grieve because we lost a great leader and a dear friend. One who is a pillar of strength, and an inspiration to all,” Romualdez said on Sunday.

“President Ramos will be remembered as one of the great Filipino leaders that took good governance to heart.  His experience as a military general and his innate charm set the blueprint for what Philippine leaders should be: tough when necessary, but with a caring heart for the common Filipino.  FVR is a tough act to follow. His legacy will never be forgotten,” he added.

Minority lawmaker and Albay 1st District Rep. Edcel Lagman, meanwhile, noted that Ramos has been a staunch ally of reproductive health even when it was not a popular choice to make during that time.

Ramos was president from 1992 to 1998, during which reproductive health laws faced staunch opposition from the Roman Catholic Church.

“Not known to many, President Fidel V. Ramos was a staunch advocate of reproductive health.  He attended many meetings of supporters of the reproductive health bill, together with his sister, the late Senator Leticia R. Shahani, in designing strategies to facilitate the passage of the then controversial measure,” Lagman said in a statement on Monday.

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda on the other hand shared that Ramos was actually instrumental in starting his political career, as he, during his private practice years, once served as consultant to the late former president.

“The former President helped birth my career in public service. During the peak of my career in private sector as an analyst, President Ramos would consult me on matters of national concern. That was when I became convinced that I could serve the country in a greater way. Just as he was leaving office, I ran for Congressman in Albay,” Salceda said.

Dasmariñas Rep. Elpidio Barzaga remembered Ramos as a leader who chose to build coalitions instead of being divisive.

“We lost a great leader. Coalition-building is the heart of his governance. My deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of former President Fidel V. Ramos,” Barzaga said.

Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. meanwhile said he was witness to how Ramos tried to address internal conflicts and usher in the peace process.

“As as commissioner in the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor Commissioner from 1996 to 1998 and LAKAS-NUCD Manila Director from 1992 to 2001, I was fortunate to see firsthand how he recognized the importance of addressing decades-long internal conflicts in order to pursue reforms that would redound to the benefit of the poor and underprivileged,” Abante said.

Ramos passed away on Sunday at the age of 94. 

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