PRESIDENT Rodrigo on Monday met former President Fidel Ramos at the Malacañang Palace, even after the latter emphasized the current administration’s failures in its first 100 days and resigned as the Philippines’ special envoy to China.
In a chance interview with state-run PTV4, the President described his meeting with Ramos as “pleasant.”
Duterte also said that there was no political issues raised by the former president during their meeting.
In a text message, Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza said Duterte and Ramos talked about climate change, peace process, and foreign diplomatic engagements.
The two, Dureza said, also discussed strategic foreign postings of diplomats for national interest and current global imperatives.
Ramos –– who was among the key political figures who convinced Duterte to run for president –– cited in his column in a newspaper the shortcomings of the Duterte administration since it assumed the office on June 30.
On October 31, Ramos also announced his resignation as special envoy tasked to "break the ice" with China over the disputes on the contested West Philippine Sea.
Ramos, however, stressed that he is an ally of Duterte.
On November 2, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella assured that Duterte and Ramos still have a “solid and respectful” relationship. (Sunnex)
