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.