Salamat, FVR!

GOVERNMENT officials, lawmakers, and business leaders took to social media to pay tribute and share their fond memories with FVR:

LENI ROBREDO, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT

Our family mourns his death and remembers what his presidency meant in the post dictatorship era.

Jesse, who was then mayor of Naga, was his strong supporter. In fact, he became president of the League of Cities during FVR’s incumbency. More than this, he became a personal friend. Jesse was baptismal godfather to Patrick (Cristy and Freddie’s son), his grandson. I was also Patrick’s wedding godmother.

During the 2016 election and during my vice presidency, I was able to visit him a number of times. He was also very vocal with his support all the time.

Patrick sent me a video of FVR in his sickbed, pledging his support for me during the last elections.

ANTONIO TRILLANES, FORMER SENATOR

Whenever asked during interviews on who’s the best president in Ph history, my answer is always Pres. Fidel Ramos. Why? Because he brokered peace, modernized the economy, reformed government systems, professionalized the bureaucracy, and reintroduced our country into the global community.

Being a former soldier, FVR had a tireless but efficient and disciplined work ethic. He was a brilliant strategist and a very effective crisis manager. Finally, he had a commanding presence; always snappily dressed, and very dignified in demeanor as president. To me, FVR is the gold standard.

PING LACSON, FORMER SENATOR

All my life as a soldier and policeman, he was my superior officer through and through. He made me lieutenant colonel at the age of 31, and handed me my first star at age 45. Rest in peace, Sir.

ROBINA GOKONGWEI-PE, PRESIDENT AND CEO, ROBINSONS RETAIL HOLDINGS INC.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos graciously attended the inauguration of our JG Summit Petrochemical Plant in Batangas in April 1998. My dad, John Gokongwei Jr., founder of JG Summit, was always known for attending events with a crumpled shirt and a folded newspaper in his suit pocket. This time he arrived with his hair all disheveled. FVR saw my dad’s hair, took a comb out of his own pocket, and lent it to my dad. My dad laughed, took the comb, and thankfully fixed his hair in time for the photo opportunity. This was to the delight of the crowd in attendance. No wonder FVR’s hair was always well groomed.

Rest in peace dearest, FVR! May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Most gracious of you! If you see my dad up there, hope you can still lend him your comb.