Fidel V. Ramos

Fidel Valdez Ramos (born March 18, 1928) was the 12th President of the Philippines. He succeeded Corazon Aquino and governed until 1998, when he was succeeded by Joseph Estrada.

Presidency

One of the contributions of President Ramos was his being instrumental in the signing of the final peace agreement between the government and the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996.

Related Topics:
Moro National Liberation Front - 1996

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During his administration, Ramos began implementing economic reforms intended to open up the once-closed national economy, encourage private enterprise, invite more foreign and domestic investment, and reduce corruption. However, he was accused of corruption in the PEA-AMARI and the Philippine Centennial Exposition scandals by allegedly pocketing millions in the conduct of the exposition. The PEA -AMARI scam tangled the government for years with unexplained disappearance of 6B pesos worth of funds which led to a World Bank inquiry and a forced increase on VAT (E-VAT law) from 4% to 10% mandated by WB prior to an expenditure loan granted for the project. This drew Ramos widespread criticisms and allegations of corruption and selling out to the World Bank.

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Towards the end of his term, Ramos talked of amending the Constitution to allow for a second term (A Filipino can only serve one six-year term as President). Widespread public protests forced him to drop the demand, and he left office after the end of his term in 1998.

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Ramos became the country's fourth president of Ilocano descent (Quirino, Magsaysay and Marcos being the others) and the first Protestant. He is married to Amelita Ramos, with whom he has five children. Ramos has received several military awards including the U.S. Military Academy Distinguished Award, the U.S. Legion of Merit and the French Legion of Honor. He was also the first Asian recipient of the UNESCO Peace Award and was a recipient of various awards and honorary doctorates. In 1997, he was given an honorary doctorate by the Ateneo de Manila University.

Related Topics:
Ilocano - Protestant - Amelita Ramos - Legion of Merit - Legion of Honor - 1997

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