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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider JPE says serving both Marcoses is his life's fondest moments

JPE says serving both Marcoses is his life's fondest moments

Published Feb 14, 2024 10:47 am

At A Glance

  • Enrile served in four different capacities under the first Marcos presidency. He was Defense minister from 1970 to 1971 and from 1972 to 1986, Justice secretary from 1968 to 1970, Finance undersecretary from 1966 to 1968, and Customs commissioner from 1966 to 1968.
  • He became a senator and senate president before assuming the position of chief presidential legal counsel in 2022.

A tearful 100-year-old Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile revealed that serving in both Marcos administrations was the fondest moment of his life.

JPE.jpg
Photos from 'Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir' and Presidential Communications Office

Enrile said this during the lunch hosted by the First Couple in Malacañan for his 100th birthday on Wednesday, Feb. 14.

In his speech, Enrile, one of the icons of Philippine politics, turned emotional as he recalled his fondest memories of serving the late former president Ferdinand Marcos and now the namesake son.

Enrile also thanked former First Lady Imelda Marcos and the late former president “for what they did to make me what I am today.”

“I must tell you that 100 years of living in this world is a fleeting time but it recalls to my mind all the dramas, the sufferings, the challenges, and so many things that happened in my life,” he said.

“But most of all, the happiest moment of my life was when I served the first presidency of a Marcos President and the second time – now that I’m serving the son of that president, our President Bongbong Marcos,” he added.

Enrile served in four different capacities under the first Marcos presidency. He was Defense minister from 1970 to 1971 and from 1972 to 1986, Justice secretary from 1968 to 1970, Finance undersecretary from 1966 to 1968, and Customs commissioner from 1966 to 1968.

He became a senator and senate president before assuming the position of chief presidential legal counsel in 2022.

Meanwhile, for his birthday wish, Enrile asked the public to support the present Marcos.

“And I would like to ask you as a special gift to me in my 100th year. Starting from the lowest – of our society, to help the President succeed— not for himself but I wish that he will succeed for himself, but I wish we will help him,” he said.

“And I ask you and beg you to help for the sake of the country and our people,” he added.

The birthday reception hosted by President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos was attended by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Speaker Martin Romualdez, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, and former Presidents Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Joseph Estrada.

Cabinet secretaries, members of Congress, Office of the President officials, and Enrile's close family and friends were also present.

"I cannot express to you how I feel this day but thank you. And thank you, Madame First Lady, for giving me – for the … that was sent to me and for this lunch,” Enrile said.

President Marcos likewise honored Enrile for his exceptional contributions to the country in his career in government service.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos Juan Ponce Enrile ENRILE BIRTHDAY President Marcos
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