H.E. Mr. Fidel V.Ramos, former President, The Philippines

Ramos, Fidel Valdez (1928- ), Filipino soldier and politician, President from 1992 to 1998, and one of the leaders of the 1986 EDSA revolution in the Philippines that drove President Ferdinand Marcos from power. Fidel “Eddie” Ramos was the son of a diplomat and legislator who served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. After winning a government scholarship to the United States Military Academy at West Point and studying engineering at the University of Illinois, he saw active service in the Korean War and was Chief of Staff (1966-1968) to the Philippine Civil Action Group in Vietnam.

He headed the Philippine Constabulary (now the Philippine National Police) and served as Vice-Chief of Staff of the armed forces for five years. He was rewarded with promotion to Chief of Staff and then, in January 1988, with the post of Defense Minister in Aquino’s government. He increased his popularity during these years by helping to defeat a series of coup attempts against Aquino.

Aquino nominated Ramos as her choice for President in the 1992 elections. Ramos became the 12th president of the Philippine Republic. His government successfully enacted economic liberalization measures, invigorating the Philippines’ economy. He also negotiated a peace treaty with the Muslim rebel group in Mindanao, ending a long-standing uprising there.