Fidel V. Ramos

"This is the challenge to our leadership today: that we cast away the old politics that
divides us and work together instead for the common good and the national welfare."

Born: March 18, 1928
Position in History: Philippines: 12th President, Fifth Republic: 2nd President
Presidential Term: June 30, 1992 - June 30, 1998
Duration of Term: 2191 days

Fidel Valdez Ramos was born Lingayen, Pangasinan to Narciso Ramos and Angela Marcos Valdez. His father was a lawyer, journalist and founded the Pangasinan News. In addition, a five-term legislator of the House of Representatives, and later, Secretary of Foreign Affairs. His mother was from Ilocos Norte and cousin to Don Mariano Marcos making Fidel Ramos and Ferdinand Marcos second cousins. Ramos finished his elementary education at the Lingayen Elementary School in Maniboc, Lingayen. He transferred to Manila with his parents where he studied at the University of the Philippines High School and later enrolled in civil engineering at the National University for his college education. In 1946, after competitive examinations, Ramos won government scholarship to the US Military Academy in West Point, New York. He graduated in 1950 and acquired masters in civil engineering at the University of Illinois in 1951.

Ramos spent most of his career in military service. He led the Battalion Combat Team to Korea and Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea in 1952, as 2nd Lieutenant infantry platoon leader. He rose to Chief of Staff of the Philippine Civil Action Group to Vietnam in 1966 - 1968. He received award, medal and honour for his success in these expeditions. Ramos was later appointed Presidential Assistant on Military Affairs by President Marcos. He was promoted to colonel and assigned to Cebu City as commander of the 34th Infantry Division. On December 21, 1970, Ramos was awarded his first star and on January 14, 1982, he was appointed to the highest rank of the Philippine Constabulary by President Marcos.

Ramos was the Vice-Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when he turned away from Marcos along with Juan Ponce Enrile in the EDSA Revolution which ended the Marcos regime. In February 1986, under the new Aquino administration, Ramos was appointed Chief of Staff of the AFP as a four-star general. In 1992, Ramos was the winner in the first multi-party presidential elections since 1969. During his term, the country experienced economic growth. Some of his other aims include restructuring of the bureaucracy which significantly increased in the powers of the provincial administrations, and encouraging more foreign investment into the country. Ramos also proposed to grant amnesty to the Muslim and communist rebels and legalise the Communist Party. These were seen as a positive move towards reconciliation with old foes.

There was also much criticism of Ramos too, a large number of cabinet members were former military officials, attempts to override the Supreme Court, the creation of a coalition that eliminated nearly all opposition in Congress, and a number of other acts which have been dubbed unconstitutional, in some cases, no proper vote was held in the Senate. There was also concern with the total war policy in dealing with communist rebels, the militarisation of various parts of the country, resulting in human rights violations at the hands of military. There was also speculation of the re-imposition of martial law. Ramos supporters also made a move to amend the 1987 Constitution in order give Ramos the chance to run for re-election. This moved was blocked by the opposition and Ramos decided against amending the Constitution. Ramos also played a part in the EDSA II Revolution that forced President Estrada to step down.

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