Palace bids joy, good health for Enrile’s 100th

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday greeted Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile on his 100th birthday, wishing him “joy and good health.”

“The Office of the President (OP) extends warm birthday wishes to our Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, Juan Ponce Enrile… Wishing you a year filled with joy and good health,” it said in a Facebook post.

The OP also hailed Enrile’s “tireless efforts in serving (the country).”

Enrile, who spent his nearly six decades in public office, is a “constant inspiration to us all,” the OP added.

Enrile began his career in public office when he assumed the role of 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 likewise 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.

In 2016, Enrile announced his plan to retire from public service. However, he joined but lost the 2019 senatorial race.