Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye, who talked to the two Cabinet men but not Ramos, claimed that some of Ramos’ comments were "not very flattering" to Drilon and Sotto.

Well, all who fell for the spin master’s spiel owe Ramos an apology. He has denied blabbing and he did not put down his two guests.

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President Arroyo has yet to react to Ramos’ Jan. 1 ultimatum to give her stand on the no-election proposal of her Consultative Commission.

It was the leaders of the commission who went to see Ramos. They were shown smiling broadly in official photos. One is sure, however, that Ramos gave them an earful.

Earlier, he had complained that although the senior adviser, he could not get a copy of the commission’s draft for the proposed new Constitution. He learned about the no-election provision from reading the newspapers.

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If he is to attend the Council of State meeting, it is because he is a former President. It is more of an ex-officio thing. He made that clear.

Asked to declare whether he has given up on the administration, however, he refused to comment. His spine seems to have been stiffened by personal hurts.

Remember the insulting remarks when he issued his ultimatum. Some said he could do nothing if the President ignored his ultimatum. A presidential ally asked: "Who does he think he is?"

The Ramos spokesman said the other day that he was surprised to see the Palace’ panicky reaction to the Ramos-Drilon-Sotto meeting, "considering the kind of contempt with which Malacañang’s parrots have treated him."

The opposition wishes his hurts will not heal.