Veiled threats?

Image hosted by Photobucket.comThe banner headline on yesterday's issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) says it all: Ramos gives GMA until mid-'07 to quit.

Fidel V. Ramos, the 12th President of the Republic of the Philippines, has just issued an ultimatum to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines, for her to step down and make her decision whether she would run for parliament under a new constitution by June 30, 2007, or else.

Is it just me, or is there something amiss here?

What business does a former president have making demands to a current one?

Who is Ramos speaking for? Does he represent a group of concerned citizens? Does he represent the masses? Does he represent any organized group? Does he represent the armed forces? Or is he just representing his own interests?

I honestly don't know. What do you think?

It is only here in the Philippines that politicians love politics so much that ex-presidents still get into the picture, despite the fact that they have already occupied the highest position in the land. After a six-year term, you'd assume they'd get their fill of politics. But no... they're back, asking for seconds.

Should Ramos' statements still carry weight, even though now he is just a private citizen?

In case Pres. Arroyo does not abide by the ultimatum given by Ramos, what then?

Will he spearhead a coup d'état? A military takeover?

I'm confused.

If Ramos supports Pres. Arroyo, then why is he asking her to step down next year? If he's with the opposition on the other hand, then why doesn't he just ask for her to step down immediately?

There are speculations that Ramos is only testing the waters, that he fully intends to put his name in the hat once a new constitution, and therefore a new government, is set up. That supposedly explains the "fencesitting" stance. Neither a true blue Arroyo supporter, nor a die-hard oppositionist, at least until the Filipino people make clear their earnest desire for new leadership. And he's just there, biding his time, waiting in the wings for the right time to put whatever plan he has into action.

Just brilliant, don't you think?

Fidel Ramos has the distinction of arguably being the best post-Marcos president that we have ever had. Cory Aquino? She helped unify a nation, but it seems she only polarized it further as evidenced by at least nine coup attempts. Joseph Estrada? Ousted under questionable circumstances and still being tried for alleged plunder. And let's not even start with Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Whatever he does, let's just hope he doesn't ruin the legacy he already left as a former president.

And us along with it.

Comments

Ronald Allan said…
Or at least the attention...:-)
January 11, 2006 7:24 PM
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