MEMBERS of the Upper Chamber pose with former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, after passing at least two resolutions (SR 1223, SR 225) last November 26, 2024 in recognition of his contributions to the country spanning more than 60 years.
Enrile, also known as ‘Manong Johnny,’ was customs commissioner, finance, justice, and defense secretaries during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. (1965 – 1986).
Enrile was instrumental in instigating a military revolt against Marcos to avoid arrest for conspiracy to stage a military coup against Marcos in early February 1986 by convincing then Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Fidel Ramos, to join him in his revolt, now known as the ‘EDSA People Power Revolution.’
Enrile would stay on as defense secretary under President Corazon Aquino but would be succeeded by Ramos when he opted to run for senator in the 1987 elections that he won.
Barely warming to his seat, Enrile would be detained in the aftermath of a failed military putsch by disgruntled young military officers that year but would be released days later for lack of evidence.
Instead of running for re-election, Enrile would run and won as congressman for his home province of Cagayan in 1992 but would be re-elected to the Upper Chamber in the 1995 elections.
Enrile would fail in his run for re-election in 2001 after being ensnared in the elite’s conspiracy to oust President Joseph Estrada under the so-called ‘EDSA 2.’
For the second time in his public life, Enrile would be briefly detained for alleged conspiracy to topple the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo during the so-called ‘EDSA 3’ staged by the supporters of President Estrada in May 2001.
Similar with the incident under Pres. Aquino, Enrile would be freed for lack of evidence.
Enrile would stage a Senate comeback in the 2004 elections and would be re-elected in 2010 serving until 2016. Already 86 at the time, Enrile would be the oldest serving senator under the 15h Congress.
Enrile would try his bid again in the 2019 polls but lost. He served as Senate President from November 2008 up to June 2013.
After President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was elected president in the 2022 polls, Enrile was appointed as Presidential Legal Counsel, a Cabinet-rank position. He turned 100 years old last February 14.
“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,” reads SR 1223.
“The former Senate President 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 emulation of the present and future generations,” it added. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau).