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Helen Flores - The Philippine Star
February 15, 2025 | 12:00am
Former Senate president now Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile turns 101 today.
MANILA, Philippines — Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile turned 101 on Valentine’s Day, with President Marcos wishing him “good health, good cheer and good spirits.”
“Today, we celebrate a man and his life – a life that, by any measure, has been truly well-lived,” the President said in his birthday message to Enrile posted on Facebook, in which he described Enrile as a statesman, a legal luminary and an exemplary public servant.?
“He has not only witnessed history but has actively shaped it,” Marcos said.?“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.”
As a centenarian, Enrile is the oldest government official in the country, and has spawned memes on his longevity and wit.
“Happy Birthday, Secretary Tata Johnny Ponce Enrile! We are truly blessed to have you on our team as our Chief Presidential Legal Counsel,” he said.?
“We wish you good health, good cheer and good spirits as we celebrate your 101st birthday with you. Naimbag a Panagkasangay, Tata Johnny!” the President said.
As he turned 100 last year, Enrile received the mandated P100,000 cash gift for centenarians.
A former Senate president, Enrile was 98 when he was appointed by Marcos as chief presidential legal counsel.
Enrile served as justice and defense minister under Marcos’ father and namesake. Enrile was said to be the architect of martial law, which the elder Marcos declared in 1972. Enrile signed the ASSOs or arrest, search and seizure orders for opponents of the Marcos regime.
After the 1986 people power revolt, Enrile was linked to several coup attempts against the administration of Corazon Aquino.
