Book preparations keep FVR away from Erap birthday bash

It’s no big deal. Former president Fidel Ramos said people should not make a big deal out of his absence at the 80th birthday celebration of Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

“I am so busy with the book launching. I am launching four books in four months,” he said.

Ramos made the statement as he led guests at the launching of his commemorative book, “RPDEV@15: Our Continuing Voyage for Enduring Peace and Sustainable Development” at the MWSS building yesterday.

“Sunod-sunod eh… until the end of the year. And then we do the ‘legacy series,’” he said.

According to Ramos, he greeted Estrada on his birthday through a letter.

“I wrote him (Estrada) a nice letter. There’s nothing really wrong going on despite my nonappearance at the birthday celebration,” he said.

Estrada was vice president to Ramos from 1992 to 1998.

Estrada’s guests included President Duterte, former president and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria-Macapagal Arroyo and former vice president Jejomar Binay.

The birthday celebration was held at the Manila Hotel last Wednesday.

The book focused on RPDEV Foundation’s accomplishments celebrated after the first 15 years. It was authored by Melandrew Velasco, the Ramos family biographer.

RPDEV stands for Ramos Peace and Development Foundation Inc., which has memorialized the works and achievements of the former president.

“As I review the accomplishments of RPDEV the past 15 years, I find solace in the thought that I made the right decision: that upon stepping down from the presidency in June 1998, I embarked on a continuing voyage for enduring peace and sustainable development,” Ramos said.

He added, “I always remember with gratitude the readiness shown by my former Cabinet members and other co-workers in government to join me in this voyage. And I feel fulfilled when I see my fellow Filipinos here and there, even those settled abroad extending assistance in ways that are meaningful so that we can bring our unfortunate countrymen to a better future through activities RPDEV initiates, promotes and pursues.”