President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. on Monday declared a 10-day national period of mourning following the death of former president Fidel V. Ramos.
In an order issued on Sunday, the 10-day mourning period will run from July 31 until August 9, ordering all government buildings and installations across the country and abroad to place the Philippine flag at half-mast during the period.
"The death of Fidel V. Ramos, the twelfth President of the Philippines, is a great loss to our country and the Filipino people," Marcos said.
"It is fitting to devote a period of national mourning to pay tribute to an esteemed leader who has dedicated his life to public service and has left a lasting mark on our country," he added.
Marcos’ proclamation was in accordance with Republic Act No. 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” which states that the flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning for 10 days from the day of the official announcement of the death of a former President.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte issued a similar proclamation when ex-President Benigno Aquino III died in June 2021.
Ramos became a hero to many for defecting from Marcos' government, where he led the national police force, spurring the dictator's downfall during the 1986 popular uprising against his rule.
Others, though, would not forgive or forget his role in enforcing martial law under the Marcos regime.
Ramos, famous in later years for holding unlit cigars, narrowly won a contested election in 1992 to replace the People Power leader Corazon Aquino who unseated Marcos. Though he gained less than 23% of the vote, Ramos soon polled at 66% support, and his presidency was remembered for a period of peace, stability, and growth.
