Duterte tells FVR: Thank you for making me President

Former President Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada join President-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the inaugural ceremony held at the Rizal Hall of Malacañan Palace. Beside are Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. RTVM PHOTO

Newly sworn-in President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday thanked former President Fidel V. Ramos for his support in making him President.

“President Fidel Ramos, Sir, salamat po sa tulong mo making me President,” Duterte said at the start of his inaugural speech at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang Palace.

Duterte did not elaborate on his statement.

Before filing his candidacy last December through substitution, Duterte and Ramos met in Manila regarding the former’s plan to run for president.

READ: FVR to Duterte: Better do it or you don’t

Ramos reportedly advised Duterte on how to handle a presidential campaign and how to conduct himself in public amid the expected barrage of criticisms.

Ramos also was said to have given Duterte some tips on how to run the Philippines amid the problems hounding the country.

READ: Duterte sought Ramos’ advice on 2016 presidential run—source

Last March, Duterte and Ramos met again in Makati City where the latter raised the hand of the incoming President.

During the inauguration on Thursday, Ramos was seen inside Rizal Hall seated beside former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. He was later joined by Duterte when he arrived inside the hall. RAM/rga

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