Tributes poured in yesterday for the late Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, who passed away on Thursday, as many described him as that rare species of intelligence that comes once in a lifetime.

Former Senate president Franklin Drilon said, “I do not see how another Enrile would come up in our lifetime in the next 100 years. You know, Juan impeachment trial of the late Chief Justice Renato Corona. “You just had to concede and admire how his mind worked insofar as legal principles were concerned,” Drilon said.

“At his age, you know, he was still very sharp, and there is no denying that his intellect was admirable even at that age,” he said.

Mentor to many

Senator JV Ejercito considered the late legislator his mentor.

“Even in his advanced age, when he was having difficulty seeing, I would whisper, ‘Manong Johnny, it’s JV.’ ‘Ah, JV,’ he would respond. It was so touching,” Ejercito said.

“In all my battles, he supported me. So I will never forget. Like him or not, JPE was one of the most brilliant senators,” he said.

Ejercito said he learned a lot from Enrile, especially how Enrile’s brilliance enabled him to survive and transcend several administrations and eras, and to remain relevant even at a very, very advanced age.

“We will miss him a lot. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. So what should be the inspiration for current legislators and Cabinet members? That he was well-read,” he said.

He regretted that he could not share his fondest memories of Enrile with the public, which were the “kwela” (unique) parts. “Unfortunately, I cannot share those with you.”

Shaped the country

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Friday mourned the passing of Enrile, extending his “deepest condolences” to his family.

He described Enrile as an “icon of stability” during periods of national tribulation.

“I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the late Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile — a legal luminary and political titan whose contributions to public life profoundly shaped the history of our country,” Bersamin said.

He highlighted Enrile’s six decades of public service, noting his unwavering commitment to the Filipino people.

“Manong Johnny was steadfast in championing the interests of the Filipino people. As a Cabinet member across various administrations, he worked tirelessly and selflessly to strengthen our institutions and uphold the principles and tenets that make our nation great,” he said.

Bersamin also cited Enrile’s long tenure as a lawmaker.

“As a senator, he drew on his vast knowledge and long service in government to craft legislation that promoted and safeguarded the dignity and well-being of all citizens,” he said, adding that Enrile’s stint as Senate president “strengthened the chamber, enabling it to overcome the many political challenges of the time.”

“His memorable mantra — ‘Gusto ko happy ka’ — is forever etched in the consciousness of the Filipino people whom he loyally served with utmost dedication and unqualified commitment.”