Duterte mourns passing of Fidel V. Ramos

Former president Rodrigo Duterte on Sunday expressed "deep sadness" over the passing of another former chief executive, Fidel V. Ramos, who has died at the age of 94.

"I am one with his wife, Ming, his family, his friends, and the entire Filipino people in mourning the death of a great statesman, mentor, and friend," Duterte said in a statement.

"As we grieve for his loss, let us honor his legacy of service and his significant contributions to the country.

"May God grant eternal repose on his soul and give strength and solace to all of his bereaved."

Ramos backed Duterte in the 2016 elections but was a critic of many of his policies, a fact the latter himself acknowledged when he described FVR as both his idol and his "number one critic." — BM, GMA News