Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita disclosed yesterday that he and Presidential Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio had met with Ramos last Friday to discuss Malacañang’s plans for the 20th anniversary celebration of the first EDSA people power revolt.
Ramos earlier criticized the Arroyo administration for planning a low-key commemoration of the revolution that restored Philippine democracy.
"We were received by the former president in his residence. We stayed there for two hours and a half and we clarified to each other his concerns," Ermita told reporters.
"I think he was convinced and he is participating in the events," he added.
Mrs. Arroyo led the wreath-laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani yesterday morning with Vice President Noli de Castro and Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile.
Ramos, on the other hand, will grace the Feb. 25 event at the People Power monument in Quezon City, where he will deliver a message.
"It’s just normal, let us no longer give much importance to talks that they (Ramos and Arroyo) are not okay with each other," Ermita said.
Ramos was instrumental in the two EDSA uprisings, the latest of which installed Mrs. Arroyo into power after former President Joseph Estrada was ousted over corruption charges.
Ramos was said to be one of those who saved Mrs. Arroyo at the height of resignation calls against her last year.
The former president wants Mrs. Arroyo to cut short her term to pave the way for Charter change but later agreed with their party, the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), to respect her mandate.
Ramos is, however, seemingly not convinced by Mrs. Arroyo’s claim that she is "the best person to lead the country."
Asked by reporters in the launch of a photo exhibit at the Glorietta Mall in Makati City if he agreed with the President’s assessment, Ramos casually answered: "That is only what one person thinks. How do you know that she agrees with herself?" — Aurea Calica, Rhodina Villanueva