Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero has filed a resolution seeking to honor the services, as well as the contributions to the country, of the upper chamber's former leader Juan Ponce Enrile.
In filing Senate Resolution No. 1223, Escudero said that the former Senate President deserves the nation’s commendation and a "snappy salute" for his incomparable performance as a public servant, as well as his contributions to the country and the Filipino people which are worthy of the emulation of the present and future generation.
Enrile, who's currently Chief Presidential Legal, according to the resolution, has been serving the country in various capacities for almost sixty (60) years, using his legal expertise and vast knowledge in creating important laws and helping ensure the government’s effective implementation of policies related to revenue generation, the economy, peace and order, national defense and social services.
"At one hundred (100) years old, Enrile, whether as a senator or a cabinet member, has contributed to the successes of the administrations of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., former Presidents Ferdinand Marcos, Sr., Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte," the resolution read.
"The centenarian former Senate President has dedicated his life to public service as Finance Secretary and acting Chairperson of the Monetary Board (1966- 1968), Justice Secretary (1968 - 1970), Defense Secretary (1970 - 1986), Batasan Pambansa Parliamentarian (1978 - 1986), Senator (1987 - 1992, 1995 - 2001, 2004 - 2010 and 2010 - 2016), and as Cagayan District Representative at the House of Representatives (1992 - 1995)," it added.
Known for his favorite line “Gusto ko, happy ka,” the former Senate President also known as "Manong Johnny", has proven to the nation that his is not a mere campaign slogan but a commitment to promote public welfare, as shown by laws which he authored on national security, health, climate change, reforms on the national elections, the power industry, and the national taxation regime, among others.
The resolution also stated that Enrile secured a prominent place in the pages of Philippine history when as Defense Minister, he and then Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Fidel V. Ramos led the 1986 bloodless EDSA People Power Revolution, which was followed by his stellar record as the lone Minority member in the Senate from 1987 to 1992, where he expertly scrutinized bills and resolutions in the Upper Chamber.
It added that the former Senate President also showed his brilliance and legal acumen as presiding officer during the 2012 impeachment trial of then Supreme Court Justice Renato Corona;
"Manong Johnny not only displayed his excellence as a public servant but also continues to capture the public interest, with inspired netizens regarding him as the “immortal Enrile” who has lived through various eras and world events," it stated.