Former president Fidel V. Ramos (REUTERS/Romeo Ranoco / MANILA BULLETIN)
by Betheena Unite, Manila Bulletin
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has declared a 10-day period of national mourning over the passing of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
The signed proclamation stated that with the contributions of Ramos, who is also known for his initials FVR, “it is fitting to devote a period of national mourning to pay tribute to an esteemed leader who has dedicated his life to public service and has left a lasting mark on our country.”
During the Period of National Mourning, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places it is displayed as stated under Chapter 1 of Republic Act No. 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”
Ramos was the country’s 12th president from 1992 to 1998.
Prior to his presidency, he served as the chief of Philippine Constabulary from 1972 to 1986, chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from 1986 to 1988, and Secretary of National Defense from 1988 to 1991.
He was named as Military Hero of the Peaceful People Revolution for his paramount role in returning democracy to the Philippines.
On Sunday, the Palace extended sympathy to the loved ones of FVR, who passed away at the age of 94.
“Our family shares the Filipino people’s grief on this sad day. We did not only lose a good leader but also a member of the family,” the President said in his statement.
He also called on the citizenry to pray for the eternal repose of the former president.
