FORMER President Fidel Ramos played a central role in the election of current President Rodrigo Duterte. He was the one who convinced him, finally, to make a run for the highest post in the land—it was acknowledged so, during the latter’s inauguration in June.
Between then and now, many things have happened.
Mr. Ramos was named a special envoy to smooth the country’s tense relationship with China. He quit after just a few weeks into the job. And then he started criticizing the President’s leadership style, saying that the country was a sinking ship under the former Davao mayor.
Last week, in an interview, Mr. Ramos described Mr. Duterte as insecure, and advised him to consult with the people to get their input and support when crafting government policy.
This week, during his book launch, the elder statesman raised more issues against Mr. Duterte—among them his decision to put the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in charge of the fight against illegal drugs; allow the breakdown of peace talks with the communists; assign erring policemen to areas in Tawi-Tawi, which are “places of honor;” and revive the Philippine Constabulary. It has already served its purpose, Ramos, who once headed the PC, said.
We wonder how Mr. Duterte is really taking all these. Emphasis on “really.”
Over the past few months we have become familiar with his tendency to lambast anybody who does not agree with him or who inconveniences him. Anybody can refer to his political enemies, but also to international non-government organizations, the president of the United States, the secretary-general of the United Nations, even the Pope.
It will not surprise us then if Mr. Duterte finally chooses to speak against the man who believed in him first before anybody else did, but who was quick to offer advice on how he could do a better job. Ramos was not perfect as president, and he is not perfect now as an elder statesman. These, however, do not dilute the message from a man who has seen much, and done much, and who seeks not to reclaim power but see that the country moves forward as it should, in the manner that it should.
It would be a welcome surprise if Mr. Duterte sets aside his bravado to simply listen. Not all who criticize him wish to embarrass him, or yank him out of office, or do bodily harm to him. He must be secure enough to take other people’s opinion, see things from others’ point of view, and factor their input into his own decisions and actions. This is still a democracy, after all.
