Fidel Ramos

Fidel Ramos, born in 1928, president of the Philippines (1992-1998) and one of the leaders of the 1986 revolution that drove President Ferdinand Marcos from power. Born in Lingayen, in Pangasinan Province, Fidel Valdez Ramos was the son of a diplomat and legislator who served as secretary of foreign affairs. After winning a government scholarship to the United States Military Academy at West Point and studying engineering at the University of Illinois, Ramos saw active service in the Korean War (1950-1953) and the Vietnam War (1959-1975).

His service to the state continued through the Marcos years (1965-1986), during which he headed the Philippine Constabulary (now the Philippine National Police) and served as vice chief of staff of the armed forces for five years. Ramos was also identified as part of a group of close associates of the president. In February 1986, however, Ramos switched sides in the struggle for power and aligned himself with Corazon Aquino and the People Power Movement against Marcos. Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile led the resistance to Marcos, which centered on two military camps. After the uprising, Aquino rewarded Ramos with a promotion to chief of staff of the armed forces and then, in January 1988, with the post of defense minister. Ramos increased his popularity during these years by helping to defeat a series of coup attempts against Aquino. Aquino nominated Ramos as her choice for president in the 1992 elections, which he won narrowly. As president, Ramos sought to control the country's energy crisis and strengthen the economy.