PHILIPPINES: PRESIDENT FIDEL RAMOS PRESS CONFERENCE

(11 Sep 1997) English/Nat

Philippines President Fidel Ramos has asked his critics to be patient with regard to his political plans.

Democracy activists led by Catholic Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin, had voiced fears over moves to amend the constitution to allow Ramos to run for reelection.

A meeting between Sin and Ramos had failed to clarify the issue.

The Philippine President began a state visit to Russia on Thursday despite criticism over his leaving the country during the political uproar.

President Ramos on Wednesday tried to clarify his stand on his political plans after the end of his term next year.

Ramos was quoted as saying that he is keeping his options for reelection open, something that drew criticism from democracy activists.

The present constitution limits the presidential term to one six-year term and moves to amend the present constitution have caused concern from the church and the business sector.

But Ramos says there is nothing to fear.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I said I'm keeping my options open and I'm referring to the seven candidates of the Lakas-NUCD-UMDP administration majority party. And I said I cannot tell you now because that will be giving aid and comfort to those that are also vying for the same positions outside of my party. And my immediate interest is to keep the seven together so that in the end, when the selection is made come about November which is the right time for it under party rules and also in connection with the election code, they are still together, supporting the winner of the beauty contest."
SUPER CAPTION: Fidel Ramos, Philippines President

Ramos' opponents suspect he wants to remain in power and is encouraging his allies to press for a removal of the constitutional term limit.

Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jaime Sin along with former president Corazon Aquino, called on the people to join a massive protest on September 21st against moves to amend the charter.

A meeting between Sin and Ramos last Tuesday failed to resolve the issue.

Sin, in a statement after the meeting said that he doubts the President's sincerity after he (the president) refused to state clearly if he will step down when his term expires next year.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"As I said, I asked them to be a little patient because November is the time that we have agreed to make the selections, so I hope they can be as patient as I am.
SUPER CAPTION: Fidel Ramos, Philippines President

Ramos supporters say he should be allowed a second term so the country can continue to benefit from progress he has achieved in political stability and economic growth.

Leaving the political storm at home, the Philippine leader arrived in Russia on Thursday.
Ramos was accompanied by about 200 politicians and businessmen who will hold meetings with the Russian government, parliament and other departments.

During the visit, he will discuss bilateral relations as well as interaction between Russia and the Association of South East Asian Nations.

This is the first visit of the leader of an ASEAN member state to Russia since the collapse of the former Soviet Union.

Later on Thursday, Ramos will receive an honorary doctorate from Moscow's prestigious Institute of Foreign Relations and deliver a speech.

Ramos is also due to visit the Russian Chamber of Commerce and the Znamya Truda car-making plant.

On Friday, he will meet Russian President Boris Yeltsin and Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin.


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