Senate President Francis “Chiz" Escudero led the upper chamber on Tuesday, November 6, in honoring former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile for his services and contributions to the country.
Escudero praised Enrile for his legal brilliance and bravery that helped shaped the country’s history and for his untiring public service and contributions to the nation spanning almost six decades.
In his sponsorship speech of Senate Resolution No. 1223 honoring Enrile, Escudero narrated how the former Senate chief has contributed to the successes of seven past presidents of the republic and continues to do so to President Marcos, son and namesake of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. under whose term Enrile first served in government.
“This is a man who is not only an eyewitness to the many historic events of our nation, but who actually took part and actually shaped them. It is a gig that dots his long career. Eight of our presidents have sought his counsel or avoided conflict with him. With his experience, sharp mind and work ethic, President Marcos Jr. is lucky to have this legal heavyweight in his corner,” Escudero said.
“Whether as Senate president gaveling the approval of bills, or as an opposition leader pounding the veneer of proposals to expose their rotten core, JPE did it with equal parts brilliance and bravery. In fact, if he were vain and designed himself a coat of arms, bravery and brilliance, would be its fitting motto,” he added.
Escudero’s resolution honoring Enrile was later adopted by the Senate.
Enrile, who is now the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, first served as Finance Secretary and acting Chairperson of the Monetary Board from 1966 to 1968 and then as Justice Secretary from 1968 to 1970.
“In our archives are records of his words spoken, which are not faint echoes of the past, but powerful ideas that boom loud and clear, now and in the future. In our library are many laws that bear his name as author, surpassed only in number by the laws purged of mistakes and polished to perfection by a first-rate mind he deployed in the service of the republic,” Escudero said.
Enrile’s longevity has been fodder to memes and countless puns and jokes, something that Escudero said is credit to how he takes care of his health.
“If he had been able to monetize the memes about him—from his days in the Garden of Eve to him running with his pet dinosaur—he will no longer be working for his paycheck. But let me hazard a guess as to what his staying power is. In fact, it is no secret. He had freely shared it a long time ago. And it is, ‘Gusto ko happy ka!’ And this, in fact, is the right to pursue happiness by every Filipino, regardless of wealth, age, creed, and religion,” Escudero said.
“If we call him a saint, he would be the first to vigorously oppose it, as his fidelity to truth will compel the decency in him to tone down that flattery. He does not need any as his life is an open public record, woven into the annals of our country. But one thing is sure: he will be kindly judged by history, as this Senate is and doing today,” he added. #
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also came forward to express his deep gratitude to Enrile which he considers his mentor, a "statesman par excellence" and not only a legislator but an "institution".
"His storied career, spanning over half a century, is a testament to his unparalleled dedication to the Filipino people. His widely recognized initials—JPE—stands for more than just a name. To me, they signify three defining qualities: Judicious lawmaking, Professional excellence, and an Enduring legacy," he said.
"Today, Mr. President, as we honor former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, we celebrate more than his accomplishments; we celebrate his enduring legacy. He is a reminder to all of us in public service of what it truly means to lead with integrity, wisdom, and an unrelenting dedication to our people," he added.
Senator Joel Villanueva, who even called Enrile "immortal" said that the former senator has been untiring and unwavering in his service to the Filipino people.
"For almost 60 years, he has offered his mastery of the law and legal system, his political deftness, and his vast knowledge in his capacity as a legislator and a member of cabinet," he said.
"His long, illustrious career in politics spans eight presidential administrations – a feat that us, mere mortals, can only dream to achieve in this lifetime," he added.
"In closing, allow me to impart one knowledge I have learned from Chapter 22 of his literal book about the best reward in life: 'To have been able to serve my country through all these decades of trials and uncertainty and to have enjoyed the sweet and simple joys of a long and productive life is the best reward of all,'" he stated.
Senator Loren Legarda stated that Enrile lived a century of a life lived in both the currents of history and the calm of reflection—through wars and rebuilding, crises and triumphs, and the shifting tides of our collective story.
"Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s service to this nation is as expansive as the archipelago we call home. As a lawyer, legislator, and statesman, he embodied the resilience of the Filipino spirit. From the intricacies of fiscal reform to the bold assertions of sovereignty, his legacy is that of an extraordinary mind committed to the welfare of the people," she said.
"In this very chamber, his leadership elevated the Senate to a space of principled and enlightened discourse," she added.
She however, reminded that the measure of our service is not in the number of years we serve but in the depth of our contributions.
"He is not just a man who has lived a century, he is a man who has made a century count," she added.
Senator Nancy Binay on the other hand, was proud that not only do she share roots in Cagayan Valley with Manong Johnny, but also of the fact that she benefited from his mentorship when he entered public service.
"Sec. Enrile's guidance has helped me navigate the early years of my career—because of him I have been made aware of this august chamber's traditions and nuances. Indeed, he had even stood up as a second father, the protective leader of the minority into which I was thrust upon my election, a shield-bearer even against the persecution that my family had experienced," she said.
"Time will be the ultimate judge of Juan Ponce Enrile's place in our nation's narrative. Many will even say that JPE is not a perfect man, that he had his share of faults. But that is exactly what it means to be human. And what determines our greatness is our effort to overcome these faults to serve the greater good," she added.
Rules were temporarily suspended to make way for Enrile to say a few words. He said that he was overwhelmed by the event.
"I appreciate Mr. President this unusual and unique gesture that you accorded me this evening, to recognize my humble contribution not only to this chamber but to the coutnry," he added.