President Ramos was a deeply admired Member of Club de Madrid that will forever be remembered for firmly advancing shared goals of peace, progress and democracy in the Philippines, the region and the world.
During his six years as president, from 1992 to 1998, Ramos was a key advocate of building consensus and reconciliation in the country. His mandate will be remembered as one of the country’s greatest periods of peace, stability and economic growth.
Ramos was one of the drafters of the Charter of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and was the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Boao Forum for Asia, a forum in which Club de Madrid actively participates every year.
Fidel V. Ramos’ legacy is now more important than ever. The retired general led the forces that put an end to the dictatorship of the late Ferdinand Marcos and then ensured the protection of democracy in the tumultuous years that followed in his country.
His work and legacy as an invaluable Member of the Club de Madrid family, our mission and organisation will always be with us. We echo the words of last Sunday’s statement by the Filipino government, which noted that Ramos “leaves behind him a colorful legacy and a secure place in history for his part in the country’s great changes, both as a military officer and as chief executive”.
Club de Madrid and its Members mourn his loss and wish to convey heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and people of the Philippines.