Escudero wants Senate to honor Juan Ponce Enrile

MANILA, Philippines — For contributing to the successes of eight presidents in his various capacities, former Senate president now Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile should be honored by the Senate.

This is according to Senate President Francis Escudero, who filed Senate Resolution No. 1223 honoring Enrile for his untiring service and contributions to the country and the Filipino people.

“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,” Escudero added.

He said that “Enrile 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 generations.”

He noted that at 100 years old, Enrile, whether as a senator or a Cabinet member, has contributed to the successes of the administrations of President Marcos, the late former presidents Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Benigno Aquino III and former presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte.

Escudero said the centenarian former Senate president has dedicated his life to public service as finance secretary and acting chairman 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 congressman at the House of Representatives (1992-1995).

“Known for his favorite line ‘Gusto ko, happy ka,’ the former Senate president or Manong Johnny, as he is often called, 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 Senate President added.

Escudero said Manong Johnny secured a prominent place in the pages of Philippine history when, as defense minister, he and then Armed Forces vice chief of staff Fidel Ramos led the 1986 EDSA people power revolution, which was followed by his being one of only two minority members (along with Estrada) in the Senate from 1987 to 1992, where he expertly scrutinized bills and resolutions.

Enrile, however, was also implicated in several coup attempts against Corazon Aquino when she was president.

He was recently cleared of plunder together with his aide Gigi Reyes in connection with the funneling of his pork barrel funds to bogus non-government organizations set up by Janet Lim Napoles.