Former President Fidel Ramos on Thursday advised President-elect Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III not to dwell so much on his victory in the May polls, and to start working towards a "harmonious" government.
"We should not over-celebrate. There is much work to be done," Ramos said at a press conference at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Pasay City.
Aquino should start "healing the wounds" caused by the recent elections, the former president added.
"The first burden of the government is to heal the wounds and get everybody together, including the opponents and the non-believers," he said.
Ramos, who is set to attend an international meeting of educators in Japan, said Aquino should go beyond political colors and allegiances to attain a "peaceful, harmonious and joyful" six years in Malacanang.
"Isama mo lahat. Kupkupin mo lahat pati 'yung lumaban sa iyo. (Include everyone. Take them all in, including those you opposed you.) Prove to them that you're on the right track," he told the incoming president.
"Nobody should be left out of the benefit of development, even if they are your oppositors," he added.
He also said Aquino can create bodies to tackle political reconciliation during his first days in office — similar to what he did when he succeeded Aquino's mother, former President Corazon Aquino, in 1992. Mrs. Aquino supported Ramos' presidential bid.
Ramos, who served as Mrs. Aquino's Armed Forces chief-of-staff and defense secretary, advised the young Aquino to pay particular attention to separatist groups in Mindanao, as well as the New People's Army.
President-elect Aquino is set to replace outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the country's chief executive on June 30. — RJAB Jr./LBG
