Ramos confirms being eyed for top United Nations post
CEBU CITY (PNA) — Former President Fidel Ramos confirmed last week he is being considered for the post of United Nations (UN) secretary general.
"It is a great honor. It’s not enough to be considered, but to be selected and elected to occupy that very high position," he said in a press conference at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) boardroom.
The retired military general, who is now chairman of the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation and the Boao Forum for Asia, pointed out, however, that with 191-member countries in the UN, there would be little time for head to take care of his own country.
"In my case, I still would like to devote my remaining time and energy to the welfare of the Philippines and the Filipino people", he said.
By next year, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan will have to be replaced by a representative from Asia, and Ramos is reportedly among the former heads of state being considered, including representatives from Japan and Thailand.
However, the former President stressed that getting the post would not mean any improvements for the country.
"The help to bring us out of our poverty and state of demoralization will not come from the United Nations but from within us — to organize a better and more effective Philippines that will be competitive in our region," he said.
Ramos reiterated the need for the executive and the legislative branches to implement economic reform laws, enforce a more liberal land use policy, strengthen education, and promote micro-financing and small and medium enterperises.
When asked to comment on former President Joseph Estrada’s plan to unite the opposition, Ramos criticized his successor.
"He is saying this from a very poor vantage point. He’s in jail and is charged with plunder. It would be different if it were Ninoy Aquino, who occupied very high moral ground," he said.
Ramos said that role should be taken by Rep. Francis Escudero, who has the respect of the young and the older members of the opposition.
He also lashed out at members of the House of Representatives for being "too busy investigating" rather than concentrating on legislation.
Ramos suggested that they should concentrate instead on projects, like providing funds for infrastructure improvements.
He cited the urgency to repair the runway of the MCIA in strengthening the tourism industry in Central Visayas (CV).
According to Ramos, relaxing policies on land use and promoting reclamation projects would also turn many of the country’s 7,107 islands into potential areas for beach resorts, sanitary landfills and golf .
Ramos likewise cited the need for the administration to invite people in East Asian countries to study English and nursing, or to train in call centers here.
He wants the country to be competitive and to be looked up to as role model.