Palace treats FVR with kid gloves despite scathing remarks

{mosimage}Despite his veiled comments and blunt criticisms on the current administration, Malacañang still considers former president Fidel Ramos as a "friend" and "ally." It said his statements in the past few days only reflect his concern for the welfare of the Filipino nation.

Palace officials said Wednesday they understand where Ramos is coming from and that they know he is thinks of the common good.

"I don't believe he means to embarrass the administration, let alone weaken its resolve or its capacity to overcome the challenges confronting it," said Gabriel Claudio, the Palace's legislative liaison officer.

Palace officials also do not believe talk that Ramos is attempting to malign the image of the Arroyo administration.

"We are always open for dialogue in matters of governance and our nation's welfare. Ang importante po kasi ay ang matulung-tulungan po tayo para maresolba ang problema ng ating lipunan ngayon," said deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez.