State funeral for former PH president Fidel V. Ramos held today
The late president Fidel V. Ramos was given a state funeral by the Philippine government today, Aug. 9.
This is the first time that a state funeral was held for a former president since Diosdado Macapagal's in 1997. The late presidents Corazon Aquino and her son Benigno Aquino III were also offered state funerals in 2009 and 2021 respectively by Malacañang, but they declined.
Ramos' cremated remains were buried on Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. Ramos was met with full military honors upon arrival before being marched to his gravesite.
The funeral ceremony came afterward and concluded at noon.
Ramos' wife and former first lady Amelita Ramos thanked those who came to the funeral.
"Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, sa tulong niyo. Alam niyo, mahirap ang buhay sa military, pero kinaya namin. Tumulong si president Ramos, kayang kaya niya, and he was able to raise five daughters, eight grandsons and five granddaughters," Amelita said.
She added, "Mahirap mag-adjust. Dalawang taon, nasa bahay siya, dalawang taon, nasa probinsya. Tapos nagvolunteer pa siya dalawang taon sa Vietnam. Kaya maraming salamat sa tulong niyo at sabi niya 'kaya natin ito'."
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also honored the late president with a 21-Gun Salute on Tuesday.
Yesterday, Aug. 8, was the last day for Ramos' wake, where government officials, his former cabinet members, and veterans of the military force paid their respects to him.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited his wake on Aug. 4, where he said to reporters that Ramos had been a "symbol of stability" for the country.
"I just reminded Mrs. [Amelita] Ramos of how FVR, when he became president, was a symbol of stability after all the tumultuous events of 1986. When he came into the presidency, he brought calm and he brought stability to our country," Marcos said.
"We will always be grateful to him and for all his service all throughout his life, as a soldier and as a public servant. And for that, we clearly have suffered a loss for our country. But the memories of him will be good because of all the good work he did for the Philippines," he added.
Known as "FVR", Ramos was born on March 18, 1928 in Lingayen, Pangasinan. He died on Sunday, July 31 at the age of 94.
He was a part of the Philippine army before he became the 12th President of the Philippines from June 30, 1992 to June 30, 1998 following Corazon Aquino.