WRONG CALL? | Ramos admitted he may have made a mistake in endorsing Duterte, says biographer

August 2, 2022 , 11:09 AM

(August 2, 2022) – Too late to undo.

The biographer of the late former President Fidel Ramos on Monday said the ex-leader admitted that he may have made a mistake in endorsing former President Rodrigo Duterte because of their differences in running the government.

Melandrew Velasco, who has authored two books about Ramos, described their talk as a “privileged communication” that happened before the anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution in February 2017.

“Kaming dalawa lang noon sa office. He told me, ‘Mel, I think you’re right. I may have made a mistake in endorsing that guy.’ He said that to me,” said Velasco on One PH’s ‘Wag Po.

Velasco said the remark from Ramos came after some disagreements that may have arisen following Duterte’s visit to China in October 2016. It was during this trip that the former tough-talking leader announced the Philippines’ alleged “separation” from the United States (US) in the aspect of military and economics.

“There might be some disagreements (with) the way the country was being run by our immediate past president. Iba ‘yung kamada niya (Duterte) as far as governance is concerned,” said Velasco.

In 2015, Ramos persuaded Duterte to run for president, reportedly advising him on how to run a campaign. But shortly after being elected, Duterte was criticized by Ramos, claiming that the government was “losing badly” because of prioritizing the brutal drug war instead of social concerns like poverty, jobs, and foreign investments.

FROM REUTERS: Ex-Philippine president Ramos says Duterte government a ‘letdown’

Ramos also flagged the insults hurled by Duterte against former US President Barack Obama and United Nations secretary general Ban-Ki Moon. He likewise cautioned against the plan to break away from the US. Just three months after being appointed by Duterte, Ramos resigned as special envoy to China.

“It’s completely impossible to make new friends, make them better friends than older friends, but you must not cut off your friendship with those who are already your friends because, as I said, we must lead to a world that is more cooperative, more closely cooperated,” said Ramos in October 2016.

But Ramos previously said he did not regret urging Duterte to run for president. In November 2016, he said Duterte could still redeem his rule despite their earlier disagreements.

“My support is always there but my supreme loyalty is to the greater Philippine team,” said Ramos.

Ramos died on Sunday at the age of 94. Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, shared their condolences to the bereaved family of the soldier-turned-statesman, honoring the legacy he left behind.

READ: OBITUARY | Steady Eddie, hero of EDSA revolt, dies

“I am one with his wife, Ming, his family, his friends, and the entire Filipino people in mourning the death of a great statesman, mentor, and friend,” said Duterte.

Political analysts believe that the Ramos administration, while imperfect, was able to institute lasting reforms in the government. Many also lauded him for ensuring stability during his six-year term.

(PM)

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