On 31-July-2022, former Philippine President Fidel V Ramos passed away due to a heart condition at age 94. On 9-August, a State funeral with full military honors was accorded to him at the Libingan ng Bayani. FVR, as the Filipinos refer to him, was quite health-conscious. At one meeting with him at his Makati office, he recommended that we add virgin coconut oil to our coffee every day to protect our blood vessels from clogging up. Henceforth, we had always added VCO to our coffee. It was a small way to look after our health but we truly appreciated his concern for us. FVR was one of the founders of The Maritime League, and he sat as our Chairman Emeritus, despite being an Army General. It only proves the breadth and depth of his intellect and aspirations for the country. He is hailed by many as the best economic manager the country ever had. He wanted the Philippines to become a NIC (Newly Industrialized Country).
Ramos graduated from the United States Military Academy (WestPoint) in 1950 where he earned a degree in BS Military Engineering. He earned a master’s degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Illinois in 1951, and took the Civil Engineering Board Exam in 1953 where he placed 8th overall. He earned a master’s degree in National Security Administration from NDCP, and a master’s degree in Business Administration from Ateneo de Manila University in 1980. Ramos received 28 honorary doctorate degrees, including a U.P. Doctor of Laws.
His military career began with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant, and rose one rank at a time until he became a full-fledged General and Commander-in-Chief. He was a member of the Philippines 20th Battalion Combat Team of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) that fought in the Korean War where Ramos was an Infantry Reconnaissance Platoon Leader. Ramos was a hero of the Battle of Hill Eerie, having lead his platoon to sabotage the enemy. He was also in the Vietnam War as a non-combatant civil military engineer; and Chief of Staff, Philippine Civil Action Group (PHILCAG).
FVR became Commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Division based in Cebu City. Ramos founded the Philippine Army Special Forces. He was a multi-awarded army officer. Some of his awards: Philippine Legion of Honor (1988 & 1991); Distinguished Conduct Star (1991); Distinguished Service Star (1966, 1967, 1981); and Philippine Military Merit Medal (1952), the U.S. Military Academy Distinguished Graduate Award, Legion of Merit (1990), and the French Legion of Honor Cross (2005), the oldest and highest ranking medal of honor in France.
Upon the declaration of Martial Law on 23-September-1972, BGen Ramos was appointed by Pres. Marcos as Philippine Constabulary (PC) Chief, and was promoted to MGen in 1973. In 1975, all police forces in the country became the Integrated National Police (INP). Ramos became ex officio INP’s first Director-General. In 1981, LTGen Ramos became AFP Vice Chief of Staff. In 1983, LTGen Ramos and Gen Renato de Villa created the Special Action Force against terrorist threats.
After the presidential elections in 1986, in which Marcos claimed victory despite allegations of large-scale electoral fraud, LTGen Fidel Ramos and Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile supported Marcos’ opponent, Corazon Aquino, widow of assassinated Benigno Aquino. Their defection sparked the 1986 People Power revolution in EDSA that pushed Marcos into exile. During Aquino’s presidency, General Ramos served as Military Chief of Staff (1986–88) and Secretary of National Defense (1988–91). Gen Ramos blocked the 7 coup attempts at that time.
In 1992, Ramos was elected as the country’s 12th President, succeeding Aquino. He purged the National Police of corrupt officers. With Defense Sec. Renato de Villa and National Defense Adviser Jose Almonte, he achieved political stability. With Peace Advisors Atty Haydee Yorac and Gen Manuel Yan, he reached peace agreements with the NPA and MNLF. He liberalized the heavily restricted economy to spur economic growth. With BIR Chief Liwayway Chato, Ramos pushed to revamp the corrupt tax collection system, and deregulate the oligarchy of major industries. These reforms revitalized the economy from decades of stagnation to a rapid economic boom during 1994-97. With Finance Sec. Roberto Ocampo, the Philippines weathered a severe downturn due to the Global Financial Crisis of 1998 that crippled several countries in Southeast Asia. With Energy Sec. Francisco Viray, he fully ended the power crisis. Ramos shielded the Tañon Strait, declaring it a Maritime Protected Area in 1998.
Later in life, Ramos considered his role in the 1986 EDSA Revolution as “atonement” for his role in the Martial Law regime. In his final years, PEFTOK, Hill Eerie, Vietnam, and People Power were always on his mind, evidenced by his articles on the Manila Bulletin and the Maritime Review.
Fidel was born on 18-March-1928 in Lingayen, Pangasinan. He married Amelita Martinez and they had five daughters, Jo Ramos-Samartino, Cristina Ramos-Jalasco, Carolina Ramos-Sembrano, Angelita Ramos-Jones, and Gloria Ramos.
