Ramos, Fidel Valdez [key], 1928–, Philippine general and politician, president of the Philippines (1992–98), b. Lingayen. A career army officer, he became deputy chief of staff of the armed forces in 1981 and chief of staff in 1986. When Corazon Aquino challenged Ferdinand Marcos's “victory” in the corrupt 1986 presidential elections, Ramos's support for her was a major factor in her ultimate success. During the Aquino administration he served (1988–92) as defense secretary, continuing to support her strongly through several coup attempts. In 1992 Ramos won the Philippine presidency with Aquino's backing. During his presidency the country experienced economic growth. Ramos sought to cut and restructure the country's bloated bureaucracy and to prosecute tax evaders. Ramos supported Rodrigo Duterte in his run for the presidency and was appointed (2016) special envoy to China, but he soon became bluntly critical of Duterte and resigned.
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