A party-list representative on Sunday remembered former President Fidel V. Ramos for his frequent visits to the provinces during his presidency from 1992 to 1998.
Ramos passed away at the age of 94 on Sunday, as confirmed by the Ramos family and the officials of his Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) party.
Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred Delos Santos issued a statement on Ramos’ passing, saying the former leader “made efforts to bring the national government closer to the people.”
“During his visits to the provinces, he also brought with him national officials and government agency heads so they can immediately act on the issues that were brought to his attention by the probinsyanos,” he said.
READ: Farewell, FVR
For Delos Santos, the former president was “legendary for his work ethic and sharp memory.”
“President FVR set a high bar not only for the public servants of his administration but also for generations to come,” the lawmaker said.
“He will always be a shining beacon of what a true statesman should be: wise, diligent, and most of all, humble,” he 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.
Other lawmakers also paid tribute to Ramos after his untimely demise. They also extended their condolences to his family.
Here are their statements:
READ: ‘Steady Eddie’: Solons pay tribute to former President Fidel V. Ramos
“To us seniors and to thousands of war veterans still alive today, President Fidel V. Ramos was their champion during his six-year administration and even after he stepped down, he still was our advocate,” Senior Citizen Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes said, noting the Senior Citizens Act that was signed into law under his term.
“He was the Lolo-in-Chief of the Philippines as he doted after his grandchildren even in public events,” he added.
“President Fidel V. Ramos was a true statesman who bravely led the country amid tumultuous times while championing moral recovery in the nation,” CIBAC Party-list Rep. Bro. Eddie Villanueva said.
“The time of President FVR is recorded in history as a strong period of progress and political development. Our country’s democratic institutions became strong under his administration,” Biñan City Rep. Maryln Alonte said.
“His energy and wisdom as an elder statesman was amazing. It was not just those reenactments of jumps he did during the EDSA Anniversaries he attended,” said Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Tulfo.
“Many of the economic gains we benefit from today were from seeds President FVR and his administration planted and cultivated over many years,” he added.