‘Aging’ presidential bets alarm FVR

Ramos bats for young guns

Former President Fidel V. Ramos has expressed concern over the advanced age of President Aquino’s potential successor.

Ramos pointed out that possible and confirmed presidential candidates are older than 64, his age when he won the presidency in 1992.

"I was the oldest to enter Malacañang at age 64 and retire at 70 but still able to do 10 push ups," Ramos said in a press conference in his office in Makati City last Wednesday.

"But there are some people older than 64 that will enter Malacañang. After six years baka pakaang kaang na mga lintik na yan (After six years, they may already have difficulty in walking). Is that what you want? No you want young people," added Ramos who turned 87 last Wednesday. He, however, did not name names. Consistent presidential survey leader and current Vice President Jejomar C. Binay will be 73 years old next year, while his rival, Interior and Local Government secretary Manuel ‘Mar’ Roxas II will be 58. Other possible presidential candidates next year include Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago, 70; former president and current Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, 79 and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, 71.

Young ones, show up!

Though he is rumored to be supporting the possible presidential bid of Duterte, Ramos said he prefers young people to take lead the next administration.

"We need younger leaders. So where are the young ones? Come out, come out," he said.

Ramos also noted how old possible candidates in next year's presidential election are compared to leaders of other countries.

"Look at the Prime minister of United Kingdom, David Cameron he was leader of opposition in UK in the Cabinet of Tony Blair at age 38 but within four years he was prime minister, age 42. How old are the candidates here?," he asked.

But for young Filipinos to have a chance of being elected into office, Ramos underscored the need for the country to shift to parliamentary system of government.

Ramos said he tried to push for a parliamentary system of government for the Philippines in 1996 but the move was misinterpreted by some sectors as efforts to prolong his term.