Juan Ponce Enrile, the epitome of public service, passed away yesterday, leaving behind a lifetime devoted to government — a devotion underscored by his continued service in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as chief legal counsel.
While accounts vary on his age, placing it at either 101 or 103, his enduring influence on Philippine politics over more than 50 years is indisputable.
His birthday, 14 February, is highly symbolic, reflecting the generous heart he wished to share with every Filipino, as encapsulated in his motto: “Gusto ko, happy ka (I want you to be happy).”
Enrile often used the phrase in interviews, public appearances, and on social media as an expression of goodwill and a folksy way to connect with ordinary Filipinos.
It reflected his approachable, sometimes playful public persona in contrast to the more formal and serious image often associated with political giants.
It was part of his enduring charm to communicate directly and informally, making people feel that he cared about their happiness in a very straightforward, almost paternal way.
The motto also mirrored his political style — practical, sometimes unpolished.
Enrile, popularly known as JPE, served in various high-level government posts and played key roles in the country’s volatile politics.
On 22 February 1986, then Defense Minister Enrile, along with General Fidel V. Ramos, then the Vice Chief of Staff, and the Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM), announced their withdrawal of support from President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
The dramatic defection was widely credited as the catalyst for the peaceful People Power Revolt, but history has been harsh on Enrile as he was characterized as a villain after Cory Aquino took power from Marcos.
Enrile served as a senator for four terms, making him one of the longest-serving lawmakers in Philippine history. He held the Senate presidency from 2008 to 2013, which made him the oldest person to hold the position.
His longevity was legendary. At some point, he responded with great humor at references made to his extraordinary longevity. Indeed, he may have outlived eight popes, but he made his life count to the last moments. JPE remained active on social media and occasionally gave interviews beyond his 100th year.
He was considered by many as the ultimate political survivor.
A survivor, period
JPE did not hide that he was born out of wedlock.
“In school, they (my classmates) used to tease me, but I took it lightly,” he told others many times.
The many inequalities he witnessed as a child cemented his determination to become a lawyer.
“I never wore shoes or slippers until I was 21. I only finished my first year of high school before the war.” Through this difficult period, Enrile was with his mother.
He spoke about the time he first met his father in Manila, and was taken to Malabon where he was enrolled in school. He couldn’t graduate because he lacked records from his previous years.
“I had to go back to my old school to get a certification and take a validation exam. I finally graduated in 1947,” he said.
“Poverty made me resilient. I used to eat once a day, sometimes not. I became a fisherman at seven. Today, that’s called child labor, but in the province, that was life,” Enrile would recall.
When his father took him under his care, he asked what his son wanted. “I said, ‘Nothing — just to be educated.’”
He became a lawyer through sheer determination, but he never aimed for politics when he graduated.
Path crosses with Marcos
“I was busy organizing businesses for foreign companies like Dole Pineapple and United Fruit. But one day, I got a call from then Senate President Ferdinand Marcos,” he recalled.
That was his first meeting with politicians of a high caliber. “He asked me to run for Congress. I declined at first, but that meeting changed everything,” Enrile said.
Soon after, he was drawn into politics as he initially became part of Marcos’ legal team and later held several concurrent positions as Undersecretary of Finance, chairperson of the Philippine National Bank, acting Insurance Commissioner and Customs Commissioner.
Politics became Enrile’s life challenge. “It is a rough game. One day you’re a hero, the next day a villain. But you must be patient and skilled.”
What guided him was his ability to adapt to changes brought about by circumstances.
“Sometimes you stand and fight; sometimes you retreat. That’s not cowardice — it’s wisdom. I spent three years in the jungles fighting the Japanese. I learned to anticipate, to survive,” Enrile said, imparting the wisdom culled over the years.
Until his last moments, Enrile was advocating for a return of the country to the 1973 Constitution without Amendment 6, which centralized power in the presidency.
His formula for a full life: “Read. Read everything worth reading. Know your country. Experience life.”
For Enrile, the best lessons in life were often the simplest — like making every Filipino he spoke to smile, feel happy, and leave fulfilled.
Marcos mourns Tito Johnny
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mourned the loss of his “Tito Johnny.” Enrile was part of the President’s childhood, having served as a close advisor to his father, the late President.
“We say goodbye to one of the most enduring and respected public servants our country has ever known,” he said.
“For over 50 years, Juan Ponce Enrile dedicated his life to serving the Filipino people, helping guide the country through some of its most challenging and defining moments. Even in his final years, he remained brilliant, sharp, and firm in his belief that law and governance must always serve the Filipino people,” he said.
Enrile not just served one, but two Marcos presidents, the second time as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under the Marcos Jr. administration.
“His passing marks the close of a chapter in our nation’s history. But the mark he leaves behind in law, in governance, and in the hearts of those he served will never be forgotten,” Marcos Jr. added.
“Maraming salamat, Tito Johnny. Paalam at salamat sa isang buhay na buong puso mong inalay para sa bayan (Thank you, Tito Johnny. Goodbye and thank you for a life dedicated for our country),” he said.