Corruption erodes gains of EDSA revolts - Ramos

Persistent allegations of corruption in the government have eroded the gains of the two People Power revolutions that had toppled two regimes in the past, former president Fidel Ramos said Friday. In what could be an invitation to the public to take action on the current political turmoil, Ramos, in a speech delivered at the wreath laying ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, appealed to the people to help fight corruption to prevent the essence of the two People Power revolts from becoming mere footnotes in history books. GMA 7's Flash report quoted the former president as saying that the essence and importance of the popular 1986 and 2001 revolts had dwindled among the public amid persistent reports of irregularities in government deals. The ceremony was held in preparation for the upcoming 22nd anniversary of the Edsa People Power 1 on Monday. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, whose administration is currently under fire due to alleged irregularities involving the $329-million broadband contract with China's ZTE Corp., was also present during the event. The TV report said the president maintained a stolid appearance as Ramos was delivering his speech. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who was also present during the event, was quoted by the report as saying that he does not think Ramos’ remarks were directed at President Arroyo. Ermita reportedly reiterated that the Arroyo administration is bent on stamping corruption in the government. In a chance interview after the ceremony, Ramos said his speech was not a call for a massive demonstration against the Arroyo administration, adding that the Libingan ng mga Bayani is not a venue for politicking. “Let us be thinking the right things in the right place," Ramos said. Ramos also urged the public as well as government officials to shift their focus on more important matters other than the ZTE controversy. - GMANews.TV