In these days, the Philippines would benefit from having what Senator Robinhood "Robin" Padilla called as "Army ni Fidel (Fidel's Army)".
Padilla emphasized that all Filipinos must be part of this "army" that would continue the good works that are now part of the legacy of the late former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR).
"Sa atin pong pamamaalam sa ating dating Pangulong FVR, huwag nating kalimutan na susugan at isapuso ang kanyang naumpisahan tungo pangkalahatang kabutihan ng sambayanan; tayo po ay tumindig bilang mga kasapi ng Army ni Fidel (As we pay our final respects to former President Ramos, we must not forget to take to heart the good things he started. We must be part of the 'Army of Fidel')," said Padilla on Friday, Aug. 5 as he visited the former president's wake at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.
"Ang pinakamainam na parangal kay Pangulong FVR ay ang pagpatuloy natin sa kanyang naumpisahan (The best tribute to former President Ramos is to continue the good initiatives he started)," he added.
Padilla hailed Ramos as a "magiting na heneral, beterano, Ama ng Muslim Mindanao at pinuno ng ating Inang Bayan (courageous general and veteran, Father of Muslim Mindanao and leader of our Motherland)."
He said Filipinos must never forget what Ramos did for peace in Muslim Mindanao, as well as his initiatives for the Philippine economy.
Also, Padilla stressed the need to continue the peaceful revolution for change that Ramos started, including the revision of provisions in the 1987 Constitution--not to extend the terms of elected officials--but to find ways to improve Filipinos' lot in life.
Padilla is pushing for a federal and parliamentary system of government so local government units (LGUs) would be empowered to address the problems in their respective jurisdictions.