The Malacanang Palace confirmed that Former President Fidel Ramos will not join President Rodrigo Duterte in his official visit in China this month of October, without knowing the specific reason.
Based on the earlier reports, Duterte will fly to China for his official visit on October 18-21.
But the Palace said that even Ramos is the government’s special envoy to China, he will not be joining Duterte in his trip to Beijing.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said in a news briefing in Malacañang on Thursday that Ramos informed him about his decision during a security cluster meeting last Saturday.
“Noong nag-usap po kami ni former President Fidel V. Ramos noong nakaraang Sabado, ang sinabi niya po hindi siya sasama,” Andanar revealed.
Andanar said Ramos did not give his reason for not joining the trip but he believes that it would be to give way to the President.
“Hindi niya sinabi iyong dahilan kung bakit hindi siya sasama pero I believe it was about giving respect to our current President Rodrigo Duterte. Sapagkat kung dalawang presidente po ang pupunta doon, siyempre, posibleng mahati iyong atensyon,” Andanar explained.
In the recent days, Ramos said “Team Philippines is losing badly” in an opinion article marking the current administration’s 100th day, because of the controversial rhetoric of Duterte against the United States, United Nations and the European Union.
The reaction of the former president was surprising since he was supporting the administration and he was also given a high position.
The Malacanang said the thoughts of the special envoy were worth looking into.
During the trip of Duterte on October 18-21, about 250 Philippine business executives will visit Beijing with the President.
During the four-day official visit, Duterte is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to strengthen ties and address regional issues, especially on the disputed waters of the West Philippine Sea.
