「日刊まにら新聞」ウェブ

In what could be a mending of fences, President Rodrigo Duterte met former President Fidel Ramos on Monday in Malacanang.

The meeting took place after Ramos, in his weekly newspaper columns, criticized Duterte on some of his pronouncements, such as against the United States, and his previous refusal to approve the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Duterte changed mind after almost all the members of his Cabinet expressed support on the climate change deal entered into by the Aquino administration.

"Well, he gave me some points, he said, list you should consider," Duterte said in an einterview by state-run PTV4 after meeting with Ramos.

He said he and Ramos did not discuss controversial issues, such as politics.

"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.

But he noted the document on the Paris deal is not on his table yet.

Duterte and Ramos also discussed the peace process and how to deal with Nur Misuari, the founding chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front.

"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 fold to talk to the government," Duterte said.

Ramos also advised him regarding appointments of ambassadors.

"And third, is probable candidates for ambassadors to not critical but crucial countries. And the right people to handle the diplomatic play," Duterte added. Celerina Monte/DMS