FILE PHOTO: The Supreme Court building in Ermita, Manila. INQUIRER /EDWIN BACASMAS
MANILA, Philippines – Former President Fidel V. Ramos was a “visionary” and a “true defender of freedom and democracy,” the Supreme Court said Monday as it joins the country in mourning the passing of the late chief executive.
The High Court said Ramos had shown courage and loyalty to the Philippines in his years of public service.
“The Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court lead the entire Judiciary in mourning the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos. To the family of President Ramos, we offer our sincerest condolences,” the SC said in a statement.
“President Ramos was a true defender of freedom and democracy who had shown courage and loyalty to the country with his years in public service, including as a veteran of several military campaigns,” the High Court added.
Further, the SC said Ramos was a “visionary President, who set out important social and economic reforms which Filipinos enjoy even up to this time.”
“In addition, we in the Judiciary will always remember President Ramos as a proponent of justice and judicial reform,” the High Court said.
“During his presidency, he consistently pledged his support to the Judiciary’s campaign for modernization and judicial excellence. His commitment to justice helped strengthen the Judiciary,” it added.
The High Court said the Philippine flags in all courthouses would be flown half-staff in honor of the president’s memory.
Ramos died on Sunday, July 31, at the age of 94. — Christine Annie Asistio, INQUIRER.net intern