January 19, 2002, AFP, Former Philippine leader Ramos tells Arroyo to focus on economy,

January 19, 2002, AFP, Former Philippine leader Ramos tells Arroyo to focus on economy,

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo should focus on fixing the economy rather than preparing for the next presidential elections, former president Fidel Ramos said in an interview published here.

Ramos told the Straits Times newspaper the president should avoid making the same mistake of her predecessor president Joseph Estrada, who was ousted last year in a popular uprising.

Ramos however distanced himself from rumours of a coup plot against Arroyo, the former vice president who took office after the ouster of Estrada, who is currently in jail while awaiting trial on corruption charges.

"I hope she avoids what Erap did and this was a very big mistake -- he did his master bedroom first. Of course, symbolically, it's not just one bedroom but mansions here and there," Ramos said.

Erap is former movie actor Estrada's nickname.

"In other words, don't take care of yourself ahead of others," said Ramos, 73, who has taken the self-imposed role of an elder statesman after ending his non-renewable six-year term in 1998.

Priority should be given to reviving the economy, said Ramos, adding that this "needs direction and initiative". As president, Ramos was credited with carrying out crucial economic reforms and restoring foreign investor confidence in the country.

Other Philippine commentators have also criticised Arroyo for her alleged focus on the 2004 presidential elections. The president has rejected the criticism, citing her economic achivements over the past year in office.

Although the Philippine constitution bars presidents from re-election, Arroyo is not covered because she is serving the four years of Estrada's unfinished tenure.

On the coup rumours that regularly sweep Manila, former four-star general Ramos said: "It's probably coming from those looking fondly on 2004 but certainly not from me. It degrades the modest legacy I would like to leave."

He added: "I hope that people will appreciate the fact that I'm devoting my time to my duties as a responsible senior citizen."

Ramos, a graduate of the US military academy as West Point and a former defence minister, helped former President Corazon Aquino quash seven coup attempts in the late 1980s.

He also played a key role in the ouster of former Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos from 20 years in power in 1986.