Fidel Valdez Ramos

Fidel Valdez Ramos , 1928-, Philippine general and politician, president of the Philippines (1992-98), b. Lingayen. A career army officer, he became deputy chief of staff of the armed forces in 1981 and chief of staff in 1986. When Corazon Aquino challenged Ferdinand Marcos 's "victory" in the corrupt 1986 presidential elections, Ramos's support for her was a major factor in her ultimate success. During the Aquino administration he served (1988-92) as defense secretary, continuing to support her strongly through several coup attempts. In 1992 Ramos won the Philippine presidency with Aquino's backing. During his presidency the country experienced economic growth. Ramos sought to cut and restructure the country's bloated bureaucracy and to prosecute tax evaders.

Ramos, Fidel Valdez (‘ Eddie’ Ramos) (b. 18 Mar. 1928). President of the Philippines 1992–98 Born in Lingayen into one of the country's most influential families, he graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point, and was then trained at Fort Bragg. He participated in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He became the chief of the notorious Philippine Constabulary, which was responsible for the terror that kept Marcos in power. However, in 1986, when popular resistance to Marcos became almost overwhelming, he sided with Corazón Aquino and was thus to a considerable extent responsible for the end of the Marcos regime. He was rewarded by Aquino by his appointment as Chief of General Staff (1986–8), and as Minister of Defence (1988–91). He became as important to the young democracy as he had been to the Marcos regime, strengthening Aquino's government against various coup attempts, as well as against the rebellious Communist New People's Army. With Aquino's blessing, he was elected President on 11 May 1992, but was faced by a hostile Congress, in which he did not command a majority. He sought to continue Aquino's efforts to stabilize the political system, most controversially by appeasing the military. On 2 Sept. 1996 he signed a peace treaty with Nur Misauri, the leader of the rebel Moro National Liberation Front. Although some rebel groups opposed the agreement, it provided the basis for a settlement of a brutal civil war raging since 1972. Ramos was barred by the constitution from standing for the presidency again, but remained an influential figure in the Philippines.