Senate honors Enrile for service to country

The 23-member Philippine Senate adopted Senate Resolution 1223, honoring former Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile (JPE) on Tuesday, Nov. 26, for his contributions and untiring service to the nation and the Filipino people.

A former Senate president and now chief presidential legal counsel, JPE has served the country in various capacities for nearly 60 years. He uses his legal expertise and vast knowledge to craft important laws and help ensure the government effectively implements policies related to revenue generation, the economy, peace and order, national defense, and social services.

«Our country Mr. President is better off because of Juan Ponce Enrile. And today, I salute the man; I salute his achievements; I salute the friend that I have learned to respect and love in the many years I've served in this chamber and the House of Representatives,» Senate President Francis Escudero said in his sponsorship speech of SR 1223 at the plenary session.

Former senator Juan Ponce Enrile. PCO Photo

Escudero narrated how the former Senate chief had contributed to the successes of seven past presidents of the republic and continues to do so to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., son and namesake of late president Ferdinand E. Marcos, 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 took part and 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 brilliance and bravery. If he were vain and designed himself a coat of arms, bravery and brilliance would be its fitting motto,» Escudero added.

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Enrile served as finance secretary and acting chairman of the Monetary Board from 1966 to 1968 and then as justice secretary from 1968 to 1970.

From 1970 to 1986, Enrile was Marcos Sr.'s defense secretary; over