PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, August 4, 2022 paid his last respect to former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos.
Marcos visited Ramos’ wake at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.
In an interview with reporters, Marcos described Ramos as a “symbol of stability.”
“After all the tumultuous events in 1986, when he came into the presidency, he brought calm and he brought stability to our country,” he said.
“For that, we clearly have suffered the loss for our country. But, the memories of him will be good because of the good work he did for the Philippines,” Marcos said.
Ramos was part of a massive people power protest action that resulted in the overthrow of Marcos' father, former President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in 1986.
He was then the chief of the defunct Philippine Contabulary.
Other government officials who visited the wake were Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez, Energy Secretary Rafael Lotilla, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Senator Francis Tolentino and Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. and wife Cavite Representative Lani Mercado.
Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III and former Vice President Leni Robredo also paid a visit.
Ramos died on Sunday at the age of 94 due to complications brought about by coronavirus disease (Covid-19) infection.
Marcos earlier declared a 10-day period of national mourning, from July 31 to August, for Ramos, the country’s 12th president.
His wake will be opened to the public on Sunday, August 7 from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and on Monday, August 8 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Other groups were also given their respective days to visit Ramos’ wake.
The Malacañang will be accorded a state funeral with full military honors on August 9, the day of his interment.
Ramos will be brought to his final resting place at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City at 10 a.m. Tuesday. (SunStar Philippines)