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Fidel Ramos hints at a return to the political fray

Former Philippines president Fidel Ramos has a dry sense of humour - so dry that it is sometimes difficult to know if he means what he says.

Asked in Hong Kong last week if he would consider another presidential term, if such an opportunity arose, the 75-year-old statesman replied: 'I have committed to the leadership of my party that I will not run in 2004 - that one, six-year term was enough for me.'

Then, a slight pause and he continued: 'So, if I am not running in 2004, what's wrong with running in 2010? I'll still be around - I don't know about you and you and you and you.' Mr Ramos was pointing at those present, all young enough to be his children, then concluded dead-pan the question left hanging: 'But that's half-joking.'

That is the crux of the matter: although under the constitution he cannot serve another term, and despite his years, his name comes up when rumours circulate of a plot to overthrow President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. 'Let us not panic,' he said, while denying links to military officers claimed to be planning to seize power from the much-criticised leader.

There seem to be good reasons for the allegations. As army chief of staff in February 1986, he was an integral part of dictator Ferdinand Marcos' downfall in a popular revolution. In late 2000, during a round of golf with army generals with whom he had served in the military, he urged the withdrawal of their support for discredited president Joseph Estrada - who was removed and replaced by Mrs Arroyo in January 2001.

With the Philippines' economy faltering, unemployment rising, the peso at near record lows against the United States dollar and, according to a recent opinion poll, 22 per cent of Filipinos eager to leave the country, it is natural that Mr Ramos' name should come up. For one, he is still as active, fit and perceptive as when he left office on June 30, 1998. He lists among his hobbies and interests body-building, sky-diving, swimming, scuba-diving and motorcycling.

His presidency is remembered fondly by many Filipinos for bringing the Philippines out of the dark - literally - with the alleviation of crippling power shortages, the striking of peace deals with insurgents, turning around the economy and creating jobs. Through his strong leadership and ties to the military and police, there was none of the political instability that marked the term of his predecessor, Corazon Aquino.

As president, Mr Ramos earned a reputation as a tireless worker for his country. In retirement and as chairman of the non-partisan, non-profit Ramos Peace and Development Foundation, he continues to tour the world, meeting leaders and decision-makers and plugging the Philippines with speeches at symposiums and seminars.

But he was in Hong Kong as a dignitary, presenting awards at a ceremony conducted by an international travel magazine. His wife, Amelita, the mother of his five daughters and a teacher, environmentalist and accomplished pianist, played three pieces for the audience. On Friday night, they left for the International Monetary Fund meeting in Dubai.

Mr Ramos' activities belie the fact that he is no longer president of the Philippines. In the past four-and-a-half years he has given more than 425 speeches throughout the world in his quest to move his country in a positive direction.

He is an outspoken advocate of constitutional reform. A target of Muslim extremists while president, along with former US president Bill Clinton and the Pope during visits to the Philippines, he is seeking ways to eradicate terrorism in the region.

He is amply qualified to make suggestions, having graduated from the US Military Academy, West Point, and with masters' degrees in business administration, national security administration and civil engineering from universities in the US and the Philippines.

His military career began in 1952 and included stints as defence secretary and head of the army, police and elite training units.

But Mr Ramos' campaigning also extends to global issues, such as the environment. The third world war will be fought over water, he believes.

'It's not going to start from oil, nuclear weapons or US policy,' he predicted. 'Singapore and the Philippines are doing well with water, but the River Jordan is serving six countries already at loggerheads with each other. So where will the water come from later on?'

Then there is globalisation and lessening the gap between rich and poor countries through sharing technology, treating endemic diseases and maximising education. 'These sorts of things are not well understood by the affluent hub countries,' he said. 'This is my crusade right now.'

Some observers of Philippine politics would point to the friends Mr Ramos has in high places in Manila and argue otherwise. Whatever their views, the former leader clearly has his country at heart. The Philippines may seem down, but Mr Ramos is doing his best to fix it.

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