President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, Aug. 4, paid his last respects to former President Fidel Valdez Ramos, who died on Sunday at the age of 94.
“I just reminded Mrs. Ramos of how FVR, when he became President, was a symbol of stability after all the tumultuous events of 1986,” Marcos said in an interview.
The President arrived at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City at around 10:20 a.m.
Marcos condoled with the family of Ramos, who was a second cousin of his father, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos. “When he came into the presidency, he brought calm and he brought stability to our country,” he said.
The chief executive said Filipinos will always be grateful to Ramos for his service throughout his life as a soldier and public servant.
“And for that, 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,” Marcos said.
Ramos, who was a career military officer, graduated from West Point in 1950 and earned a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering in 1951 from the University of Illinois.
Before being elected as President in 1992, he headed the Department of National Defense from 1988 to 1991, served as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines from 1986 to 1988, and was head of the Philippine Constabulary from 1972 to 1986.
Ramos was known for promoting the principles of people empowerment and global competitiveness.
Marcos has declared July 31 to August 9 as a period of national mourning over the passing of the former president.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles has announced that Ramos will be accorded a state funeral with full military honors on Aug. 9. (PND)