This file photo taken on November 22, 1996 shows Philippine President Fidel Ramos addressing the opening of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers' Meeting in Manila. - Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos, who oversaw a rare period of steady growth and peace that won him the reputation as one of the country's most effective leaders ever, has died aged 94, officials said on July 31, 2022. - AFP
MANILA, July 31 (Reuters): Philippines former President Fidel Valdez Ramos, who died on Sunday, was a fighter during wars in Korea and Vietnam and a survivor in the political arena, emerging from a high-ranking security role during the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr to win the vote for the nation's highest office. He was 94.
Ramos became a hero to many for defecting from Marcos' government, where he led the national police force, spurring the dictator's downfall during the 1986 popular uprising against his rule.
