Fidel Ramos

Your editorial succinctly identified the problems facing the new administration in the Philippines. However, it also underscored an important achievement the country has already attained: It has successfully transferred power both democratically and peacefully, a feat too few of its Asian neighbors (no matter how economically advanced) can record.

Fidel Ramos is not a Marcos. He is professional, disciplined and non-flamboyant. I agree his administration faces dark clouds of doubt. But the brightness afforded by democracy and subsequent political stability also promises that the Philippines can regain its lost preeminence in the region and provide its citizens with the high political, economic and social standards they deserve. OSUNDO R. SAGUIL Long Beach