Think about it
Nuggets gleaned from his latest book
By Jun Velasco
“Learn to speak kind words–nobody resents them,” –E.C. McKenzie
WE couldn’t help sharing a few nuggets found in a book Wonder of Words by former President Fidel V. Ramos as compiled and edited by his biographer Mel Velasco.
The book –586 pages in all–was launched at the Sison auditorium last Tuesday afternoon. It was attended by a motley group led by Governor Amado T. Espino Jr., Vice Gov. Ferdie Calimlim, Congressman Pol Bataoil, Board Members Ranjit Shahani, Alfie Bince Jr., Mayor Raul Sison, General Joe Magno, Prof. Nick Melecio, Asingan Councilor Vangie Dorao, former National Press Club president Fred Gabot, balikbayan Mr. & Mrs. Mario Panoringan, Gen. Sonny Verzosa and others.
In his brief speech, the Guv acknowledged former Rep. Mark Cojuangco who was in the audience.
Before the launch, Capitol Post publisher Mita and this columnist saw FVR at his ancestral home just “over the bakod” of President Hotel.
In two were Ben de Leon, Mel Velasco and other faithful FVR followers. After the house visit, the group proceeded to Mita’s President Hotel where a quick, sumptuous late lunch was served.
While everyone was helping himself with Mita’s gustatory delights, FVR settled for brewed coffee and red wine and his lavishing of friends wit and humor.
Let’s pick at random some nuggets in the book FVR-111111-111-11 Wonders of Words, better known as FVR’s “timeless quotes.”
Here they are:
- “The Philippine Military and Human Rights,” Asia Society, New York, May 19, 1988:
“I will insist in the highest standards of conduct and discipline from the military. We must improve the Armed Forces’ credibility, upgrade operational effectiveness, and tighten lax discipline.”
- Fidel V. Ramos, “A break that fused the nation,” The defection of Ramos and Enrile:
“The Armed Forces was the midwife of our freedom born in EDSA. Since then, it has nursed and guarded our newfound political system through the transition stage to full democracy.”
- Fidel V. Ramos, The DND-AFP; Leading the People for Democracy:
“Despite many coup attempts and plots, our soldier defended the Constitution, whether the threats came from the ultra right or the Communist left. The AFP performed their roles within the parameters of the law as the Constitution ordained.”
- Cory Aquino Administration
“The achievements of the Cory Aquino Administration have made the people the ultimate source of government strength: the new Constitution, the Congress, the reactivation of an independent judiciary, the election of local officials, and the installation of a transparent check-and-balance system. Under the new dispensation, anti-insurgency measures must be approved by the people through their elected representatives.”
- Counter-Insurgency
“The AFP is only one of the weapons we must deploy in counter-insurgency. Local officials, the business community, the religious, and media leaders—all must be involved in the nationwide network against subversion and insurgency.”
“Freedom and democracy have been our main ideological weapons against insurgency.”
“If we want to put an end to secessionist movements, we must put an end to their alienation and devise the means to integrate them, without losing their identity, into the national mainstream.”
* * * *
NOTES: The Philippine Islands Smartviewer, a new Dagupan-based newsmagazine, will be launched on December 12 at the Star Plaza, according to its publisher Jake Flores.
Welcome to the club!
When we asked what he thought of Mark Cojuangco as a candidate for governor, FVR, lighting up, said, “he is overqualified, he should be a senator.”
To which Mark replied, “Governor is first step, sir.”
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