DU30 makes peace with FVR, MILF, and Church leaders

PRESIDENT Duterte has made peace with former President Fidel V. Ramos, the peace panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the new leadership of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

DU30 goes on a “peace” run-hoping to create more friends than enemies, this time.

*** Gracing the launch of Ramos’ newest book “Make Change Work” in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, recently, Duterte said he and Ramos have something in common.

We share the same love for the country, declared DU30.

*** “President Fidel V. Ramos, you are my idol. You are my number one supporter, but at the same time you are the number one critic now,” Duterte said in his remarks.

“(But) Love of country, patas tayo (we are equal), Sir. I would say that I love my country as much as you do. And we are ready to die for this country,” Duterte stressed.

*** Duterte said the only difference between him and the former strongman is principle but he respects Ramos and will continue to accept his criticisms.

“So it is a matter really of principle in life. I respect your criticism. I accept your advice. And maybe I will mimic your role as president before,” Duterte told FVR.

*** “I will follow you, just like what the T-shirt says. Only difference is that I am not a military man,” he added, referring to the shirt given to him by Ramos which bore the words “Follow Me.”

So reconciliation comes to good ol’ friends DU30 and FVR. Cooperation won’t be far behind.

*** Ramos had earlier criticized Duterte allegedly for not consulting with members of his Cabinet every time he comes up with a policy decision, for always mentioning “death” in his speeches, for “complaining” about the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and for his trip to Russia, the same day the Maute Group staged their attacks in Marawi City.

“I was criticized kasi junket daw… It was not,” Duterte defended himself. *** During the book launching, Duterte wished success for Ramos’ new book published by the Manila Bulletin.

“I extend my wholehearted congratulations on the successful publication of “Make Change Work, Volume 12” in the series of compilation of your column in The Manila Bulletin. This book is very timely, given these challenges faced by our country today,” Duterte said.

*** “I hope that this book will enlighten our countrymen on how to achieve genuine transformation for the betterment of our nation which by is working — by working together,” he added.

And so let’s hope to see DU30 and FVR working together again — for the sake of the country.

*** Meanwhile, Duterte welcomed the MILF-led peace panel at Malacañang for the turnover of the revised Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

Working together is better than quarreling, DU30 implied, making the sign of peace.

*** Likewise, Malacañang welcomed the election of a new set of officers of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) led by Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles as its new president, saying it “augurs well” for the country.

Yes, all’s well that ends well! Let peace rules the Philippines!