FVR urges Duterte: Act like a president all the time

MANILA - Former President Fidel V. Ramos on Tuesday said he remains supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte but advised the firebrand leader to "act like a president all the time."

"He still has my support but as for him supporting me, that's another thing," he said in an interview with ANC's Headstart.

He noted that while he still believes in Duterte's leadership, there is an exception. "There is an exception—you act like a president all the time."

Ramos cited Duterte's speech at the opening of the Palarong Pambansa in Antique as one instance where the President did not act presidential.

"He said: 'I'll kill all of those Abu Sayyaf and if any of you are around here, I’ll eat you. Dadagdagan ko pa ng suka at bawang.' This must be avoided especially when you are talking to our young people," he said.

He said the Cabinet should advise Duterte to "keep it high" when talking to this type of audience.

Ramos also warned Duterte and his administration against being complacent in the light of popular survey ratings.

"Popularity can nosedive and become an obstacle," said Ramos, adding that he is pertaining to US President Donald Trump who is "saddled with so many problems domestically" just as he completed his first 100 days in office.

ANC Headstart, April 25, 2017