Philippines bids former President Ramos goodbye

The Philippines laid former President Fidel V. Ramos to rest with full state honors on Tuesday, as Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the new commander-in-chief whose father Ramos helped remove from power decades ago, led the solemn ceremony.

The internment of Ramos’ ashes followed 10 days of national mourning after he died on July 31 of complications related to COVID-19, according to friends close to his family. Ramos was 94.

During the funeral at the Heroes’ Cemetery in Metro Manila, a battalion-sized military honor guard marched as they escorted the casket with the former president’s ashes. Troops also gave Ramos a 21-gun salute.

“President Fidel V. Ramos left a legacy of leadership, excellence, and sterling public service to the entire Filipino nation. He shall always be remembered with high respect and admiration from his former colleagues, subordinates, and peers,” the military said in a statement. 

Back in 1986, Ramos played a key role in the downfall of Marcos’ father, longtime dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos.

As the chief of national police at the time, Ramos joined then-defense chief Juan Ponce Enrile as they broke ranks with Marcos Sr. and helped spur a largely peaceful “people-power” revolution that rose up and toppled the regime in February 1986.

Ramos, a Korean War veteran, went on to become commander of the Philippine military. He later served as the country’s 12^th president, from 1992 to 1998.

On Tuesday, military officials and family members helped his widow, Amelita, walk during the funeral procession. His granddaughter lowered the urn containing his ashes into its final resting place.

“Thank you to all of you for your help. You know, life in the military is hard. But we did it. President Ramos helped. He easily did it and he was able to raise five daughters, eight grandsons and five granddaughters,” Amelita Ramos told the crowd at the funeral rites, which were broadcast live on state television.

From the Vatican, the head of the Catholic Church sent his condolences and prayers to the people of the Philippines, Asia’s only predominantly Catholic nation.

“Mindful of the late president’s year of service to the nation and his efforts in fostering the values of democracy, peace and the rule of law, I commend his soul to the mercy of Almighty God,” Pope Francis said, according to an online Catholic news agency.