House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday, July 31, expressed grief over the passing of former president Fidel V. Ramos, the chairman emeritus of his political party, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).
“We all grieve because we lost a great leader and a dear friend. One who is a pillar of strength, and an inspiration to all,” he said in a statement.
He described Ramos as a “great leader” who “took good governance to heart.”
“His experience as a military general and his innate charm set the blueprint for what Philippine leaders should be: tough when necessary, but with a caring heart for the common Filipino,” Romualdez said.
“FVR was a tough act to follow. His legacy will never be forgotten,” he added.
READ: Farewell, FVR
Dasmariñas Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. also condoled with the former president’s family.
“We lost a great leader. Coalition-building is the heart of his governance,” he said in a statement.
Rizal 4th District Fidel Nograles joined his fellow lawmakers in mourning, saying that Ramos’ leadership “brought about political stability, prosperity, and social programs for the people.”
“His servant leadership was exactly the kind that I aspired to when I joined public service and the political party that he founded, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD),” he said in a statement.
READ: ‘Steady Eddie’: Solons pay tribute to former President Fidel V. Ramos
“Our nation is made poorer by his passing,” Nograles added.
Ramos was president from 1992 to 1998, and was largely credited for helping restore democracy during the crucial days of the People Power Revolt in 1986 and for leading the Philippine economy to progress during the Asian financial crisis.
He died at the age of 94, Malacañang confirmed, though his family has yet to issue a statement.