Marcos wishes JPE ‘good health’ on 101st birthday

By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday wished that Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, who is celebrating his 101st birthday, would continue to have “good health.”

In a Facebook post, Marcos said he is “truly blessed” to have Enrile on his team as his chief legal counsel.

“Today, we celebrate a man and his life—a life that, by any measure, has been truly well-lived. A statesman, a legal luminary and an exemplary public servant,” Marcos said, referring to Enrile.

“We wish you good health, good cheer, and good spirits as we celebrate your 101st birthday with you,” he added.

Marcos said Enrile has not only witnessed history but has also “actively shaped it.”

“In that time, he has amassed a wealth of wisdom and experience, which he generously shares. It is one that all presidents, including myself, have gladly partaken in,” he said.

Marcos said Enrile’s birthday celebration, which coincides with Valentine’s Day, is a reminder that the sharpness of the latter’s mind “is equaled only by the warmth of his heart for the Filipino people.”

Enrile began his career in public office when he became finance undersecretary under the leadership of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.

He was also instrumental in introducing amendments to the rules and regulations that are still included in the current Insurance Code of the Philippines during his stint as acting head of the Insurance Commission.

He also served as acting Customs commissioner, acting finance secretary, chairperson of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines, and defense secretary under the watch of Marcos Sr.

Enrile spent four terms in the Senate and became the 21st Senate President during the 15th Congress from 2008 to 2013.

His first term in the Senate ran from 1987 to 1992, serving as the lone minority in the chamber.

He also served one term in the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1995 as representative of Cagayan’s first district.

Enrile announced his plan to retire from public service in 2016 but joined and lost the 2019 senatorial race.

In July 2022, he was sworn in as Marcos Jr.’s chief legal counsel.