Duterte, Ramos bury hatchet

MANILA, Philippines - All’s well that ends well.

President Duterte and former president Fidel Ramos seem to have buried the hatchet when they met anew yesterday at Malacañang.

Ramos had written a series of columns hitting the President over diatribes against the United States and other allies and Duterte’s propensity to curse.

Ramos and Duterte were all smiles when they arrived at the Palace yesterday afternoon before they had a closed-door meeting.

“We talked about the treaties on climate change. He had his points. I gave him mine and we have agreed that I’ll sign it,” Duterte said.

The President said he is still waiting for Ramos’ recommendation to reach his office so that he can look into it.

The two leaders shared light moments together as it was the first meeting between the two since Ramos started hitting Duterte’s leadership style and the elder statesman resigned as special envoy to China.?Duterte initially said he is not amenable with the provisions of the 2015 Paris Climate Change agreement but eventually agreed to it upon the counsel of his advisers.

He said he also discussed with Ramos on how to deal further with former Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari, who has again been included in the peace talks.

“Second, it’s about how to handle Misuari’s side on the peace process. He gave a few suggestions. He gave me a book to retrace the history of how Misuari came in from the cold to talk to the government,” he said.

Ramos also talked about his recommendees for ambassadorial posts.

“And third is probable candidates for ambassadors to – ‘yung hindi naman critical but crucial countries. And the right people to handle the diplomatic play,” Duterte said.

He added Ramos did not raise his concerns on political issues.

Following Ramos’ public attacks against him, Duterte said he has no harsh words for the person he considers his mentor.