Former president Fidel V. Ramos
Former president Fidel V. Ramos believes that the recent ruling of the arbitral tribunal favoring the Philippines is not enough reason for the country to be aggresive with regard to the continuing sea dispute in the West Philippine Sea against China.
“Let us proceed step-by-step. We cannot do much by jumping into the big conclusion that we won a big victory then therefore you must conform and remove those islands. No, it’s not going to be like that,” Ramos said. “This is not a victory that we must gloat about. No. It’s just a ruling in favor of our position. But the real victory is if we can achieve peace in the world.”
Ramos is set to meet President Rodrigo Duterte this weekend to discuss the planned bilateral talks with China.
The former president is being eyed to be the country’s special envoy should the dialogue with Beijing pushes thru.
The former chief executive first wants to know the plans of the incumbent President.
“At the very beginning, I already said I’m very honored and I said I can do the job but also requested that some parameters of guidelines come from the President,” said Ramos. “Do we have Plan A, Plan B, plan C?”
However, Ramos is not yet 100% certain to accept the offer.
One of his considerations is his health condition.
Since October of last year, upon advice of his doctor, he had a pacemaker implanted due to high blood pressure and low heart rate.
“The overall health you must enter into the hospital and have an executive check-up including blood chemistry because you never can tell. On the other hand, if I am not about to conk out, I will accept it.”
If he accepts the position, Ramos will prioritize restoring the rights of Filipino fishermen to once again freely fish in the disputed territories like the Scarborough shoal.
He says the issue on joint development will just follow.
Ramos adds that one important aspect that will contribute to the success of the negotiations is China’s openness to bilateral talks.
(VICTOR COSARE/UNTV NEWS)
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