After 29 years, Fidel Ramos skips EDSA anniversary rites 

Former President Fidel V. Ramos, one of the key players in the 1986 Edsa Revolution, was absent in ceremonies marking its 29th anniversary. 

 

According to former Department of Trade and Industry Usec. Ernesto Ordoñez, it was the first time that Ramos missed ceremonies at EDSA, a report on Balitanghali said.

 

 

In 1986, Ramos, then-Philippine Constabulary chief, withdrew support from then-President Ferdinand Marcos, along now-detained Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, who was defense minister at the time.

 

Ramos and Enrile's actions triggered a series of events that ousted Marcos and installed President Benigno Aquino III's late mother, Corazon, to the presidency. 

 

He served as defense secretary under Mrs. Aquino's administration, and eventually succeeded her as president.

 

Tweets from Radio dzBB's Tuesday Sagun-Niu said Ramos dropped by instead in front of Camp Crame as preparations for the People Power anniversary activity there were underway.

 

Ex Pres Fidel V Ramos, huminto sa harap ng kampo crameat naghayag ng saloobin sa mamasapano tragedy.@dzbb pic.twitter.com/5pYHeYuEQo

— tuesdaysagunniu (@mamutuesdayniu) February 25, 2015
 

 

Ramos is credited for forming the Special Action Force, which on Jan. 25 lost 44 of its men in the Mamasapano clash.

 

Aside from Ramos' absence, Ordoñez said the number of attendees at Wednesday's activities was smaller than the 1,000 people expected by the organizers, as a special holiday was declared only for schools.

 

Aquino led the commemoration of the 29th anniversary, with wreath-laying ceremonies at the EDSA People Power monument, then a Mass at the EDSA Shrine. 

 

Among those present were Vice President Jejomar Binay and other officials. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino, GMA News