On Friday, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. took to social media to express his heartfelt birthday wishes to Juan Ponce Enrile, his Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, who turned 101. Marcos praised Enrile’s remarkable life, describing him as a statesman, a legal expert, and an outstanding public servant whose contributions have significantly shaped the nation’s history.
In his message, Marcos wished Enrile continued good health and spirits, celebrating the milestone birthday that coincides with Valentine’s Day. He highlighted Enrile’s enduring wisdom and experience, which have been invaluable to several presidents, including himself.
Enrile’s career in public service spans several decades, beginning as a finance undersecretary under former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. He played a key role in amending the Insurance Code of the Philippines and held various significant positions such as acting head of the Insurance Commission, acting Customs commissioner, acting finance secretary, chairperson of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank, and defense secretary.
His legislative career includes four terms in the Senate, where he served as the 21st Senate President from 2008 to 2013, and a term in the House of Representatives representing Cagayan’s first district from 1992 to 1995. Despite announcing his retirement in 2016, Enrile ran unsuccessfully for a Senate seat in 2019.
In July 2022, Enrile was appointed as Marcos Jr.’s chief legal counsel, continuing his long and distinguished service to the country.