Against FVR’s party, ex-cabinet members unite for Leni

Cabinet members of Fidel V. Ramos’ administration issued a statement of support for presidential candidate Leni Robredo in the 2022 national elections, saying that she holds the qualities of the former president.

“We believe that the country sorely needs a leader who will inspire unity, solidarity and teamwork in government and among all Filipinos; empower our people, especially the disadvantaged and marginalized in society; and bring out the best of servant leadership in government officials and public servants by being the foremost example of integrity, dedication, professionalism, level-headedness, statesmanship, pursuit of excellence, hard work, and true caring and sharing for our fellow Filipinos,” the statement reads.

“These are the leadership qualities that we directly witnessed President Ramos espouse and exemplify, and which we seek in the next President of our country.”

Former president Ramos is the founder of Lakas-CMD, the political party which vice presidential aspirant Sara Duterte chairs. Lakas-CMD is endorsing the Marcos-Duterte tandem.

Ramos, however, expressed support for Robredo in her vice presidential bid back in 2016.

Moreover, the former cabinet members are worried about the ecosystem of misinformation and disinformation that could affect the outcome of the elections.

“We are gravely concerned that the emerging campaign for the coming elections is being compromised by the proliferation of misinformation, dubious promises and outright falsehoods; deliberate thought manipulation especially via social media through the use of large numbers of fictitious accounts and mercenary troll armies; misuse of certain polls and surveys that may not necessarily reflect and represent true voter preferences; and continued patronage and money politics that have traditionally perpetuated undesirable dynasties and diverted people’s choices away from electing principled leaders.”

Nearing the end of 2021, investigative journalism outlet Vera Files reported that dictator’s son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. benefited the most from all of the articles they have fact checked, while his political opponent Robredo was the most-targeted.

Moreover, Cambridge Analytica whistleblower Brittany Kaiser said that the Marcoses approached their company for a rebrand in the Marcos image.

The 23 people who signed the statement of support are as follows:

• Angel C. Alcala – DENR

• Ramon Del Rosario Jr. – DOF

• Patricia B. Licuanan – NCRFW

• Tomas P. Africa – NSO

• Ernesto D. Garilao – DAR

• Narzalina Z. Lim – DOT

• Dante B. Canlas – NEDA

• Jaime Z. Galvez Tan – DOH

• Ben S. Malayang III – DENR

• Nieves R. Confesor – DOLE

• Milwida M. Guevara – DOF

• Edmundo V. Mir – DPWH

• Vicente J. Carlos – DOT

• Cielito F. Habito – NEDA

• Victor O. Ramos – DENR

• Benjamin De Leon – OP

• Lina B. Laigo – DSWD

• Carmencita N. Reodica – DOH

• Franklin M. Drilon – DOJ

• Delfin L. Lazaro – DOE

• Roberto R. Romulo – DFA

• Jose S. Brillantes – DOLE

• Ester A. Garcia – CHED

Mark Ernest Famatigan is a news writer who focuses on Philippine politics. He is an advocate for press freedom and regularly follows developments in the Philippine economy. The views expressed are his own.

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