Fidel Valdez Ramos had benchmarks to approve any proposal. First of all, it had to be legal. Second, it had to be feasible, both financially and technically.
Third, it had to be “politically correct” – not in the sense that we mean political correctness, but meaning that it had to produce the most benefits for the most people at the least cost.
These insights into FVR’s work ethic were provided by Leonora de Jesus, his cabinet secretary and head of the workhorses under his leadership, the Presidential Leadership Team.
De Jesus, dubbed the ‘Dragon Lady’ during Ramos’ presidency by those who resented her perceived power at the time, said FVR started her working day at 4 a.m., even worked in her car and examined meticulously the documents requiring his attention.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon, who served as Ramos’ attorney general and worked with him in Cory Aquino’s cabinet, describes FVR’s work ethic as “sui generis” — in a class of its own.
De Jesus told us on One News’ “The Chiefs” last Monday night that as part of security protocols, FVR requires specific typefaces for documents from particular offices and the use of barcodes. This was to ensure the authenticity of the documents, she explained.
Ramos was a demanding workman who, whenever possible, personally reviewed the fine print of every document that came to his desk. Documents were often returned with handwritten marginal notes in red ink, for “CSW NLT…” – which means “complete staff work no later than…”
It says a lot about the man that his former officials didn’t resent the demanding work environment, and in fact admired him for it, remembering all the fringe notes fondly.
All this meticulousness in the smallest details of the work of the staff can be boring, but it has contributed to the efficiency of governance, underlined De Jesus.
It was easy to tackle the boring details, she says, because there was a road map. Ramos has clearly defined his short and long-term goals, as well as his vision for the country whose democracy he has fought for and defended again and again.
* * *
This role in advocating for democracy was a key reason for Corazon Aquino’s decision to endorse Ramos as his successor instead of his close family friend Ramon Mitra Jr., according to Drilon, who served as secretary. executive of Aquino.
Ramos didn’t seek approval; it was purely President Cory’s choice, Drilon told the Chiefs.
Mitra, the Speaker of the House at the time, also grappled with the image of a “trapo” or traditional politician – a label that also condemned the candidacy of FVR’s chosen successor, then President Jose de Venecia Jr. These days the trapos are back in full force. Voters don’t even care if the trapos are murderers and looters, as long as some of the spoils are shared. But this is another story.
After its victory in 1992 (questioned by closest challenger Miriam Defensor-Santiago), FVR then set out to strengthen hard-won democracy, through structural reforms that accelerated economic growth and insulated the country from the worst of the financial crisis. Asian of 1997.
Ramos espoused the “CHDC” for Counterinsurgency and Peacebuilding: Cleanse, Hold, Consolidate and Develop. His six years unfortunately passed before the country could consolidate the gains made through its reforms.
In retirement, FVR refused to slow down, reading and writing books, reading newspapers. Until sickness and the debilitation of old age weakened him, he regularly sent me clippings from my chronicles, neatly pasted on bond paper, with marginal notes in black ink giving useful commentary. and certain underlined lines or paragraphs. He sent me copies of his books.
* * *
FVR before his presidency was much less amiable. In fact, it was painful to interview him when he was Cory Aquino’s military and then defense chief. He made fun of reporters, making us feel like we asked stupid questions (maybe we did).
But when he got President Cory’s approval, he changed overnight. Perhaps he recognized the role of the press in realizing his vision for the nation.
Gone are the impatient bad moods and terse responses. His sense of humor emerged, along with a dynamic spirit that would mark his tenure as captain of the Philippines team.
The remarkable transformation continued until his retirement. Cranky Eddie never returned, replaced permanently by Cheery, Steady Eddie, a veritable aged statesman with infectious optimism and unwavering faith in the Filipino.
It was always a pleasure to visit him in his office in Makati, where he would regale us, in between jokes, with little-known stories about his life. Our tours always ended with us joining him to give him a thumbs up for pictures.
When you win the presidency by a narrow margin (5.34 million against Santiago’s 4.46 million), there must be greater urgency to seek consensus. You cannot afford to indulge the arrogance of the majority. And it becomes dangerous to pretend to defend national unity (while producing divisive revisionist films).
The RPF’s peace initiatives with Islamic secessionists, communist rebels and mutinous soldiers have not been without controversy. But there was not a single coup attempt under his leadership, and a formal peace agreement was reached with Nur Misuari’s Moro National Liberation Front.
Although no formal agreement was reached with the Communists, Ramos said talking was always better than shooting.
FVR’s military background probably helped make him a true team builder.
He was the capable captain of the Philippines team and the team delivered an exemplary performance under his leadership.
