THE Supreme Court (SC) has ordered all Philippine flags in all courthouses to be flown at half-mast beginning Monday in honor and in recognition of former President Fidel Ramos, who passed away last Sunday.
In a news statement, the entire Judiciary, led by its Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and Associate Justices, expressed its sincerest condolences to the family of the President. Ramos died at the age of 94.
The SC said the judiciary would always remember Ramos as a “proponent of justice and judicial reform.”
“During his presidency, he consistently pledged his support to the Judiciary’s campaign for modernization and judicial excellence. His commitment to justice helped strengthen the Judiciary,” the SC said.
The SC also praised Ramos for being “a true defender of freedom and democracy,” who had displayed courage and loyalty to the country through his years in the service, including as a veteran of several military campaigns.
They remember Ramos, a career military general who reached the rank of five-star general, as a true defender of freedom and democracy.
“He was also a visionary President, who set out important social and economic reforms which Filipinos enjoy even up to this time,” the SC noted.
In Pampanga, Clark Development Corp. (CDC) President and CEO Manuel R. Gaerlan led CDC officers and employees on Monday morning in paying tribute to Former President Fidel V. Ramos (FVR) who passed away over the weekend.
After the traditional flag-raising ceremony, Gaerlan requested for a one minute of silence and ordered the flag to be flown at half-mast in honor of his passing.
Gaerlan, who is a former Police Brigadier General and served as FVR’s aide-de-camp, said, “President Ramos was the major catalyst for nation building during his term in 1992-1998. Under his leadership, CDC was established after he signed EO No. 80 in 1993”.
“This catapulted the creation of CDC as the implementing arm of BCDA (Bases Conversion Development Authority) in this Freeport. He will forever be remembered as a lead advocate in promoting economic development in the country,” he added.
On a personal note, Gaerlan expressed his sympathy towards the Ramos family during this very difficult time.