House lawmakers on Thursday honored former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who died on Thursday afternoon at 101, for his intellect, longevity, and contributions to Philippine history-though glossing over the more controversial chapters of his long and storied public life.
Among the first to react to Enrile’s passing was lawyer and Ako Bicol Rep. Alfredo Garbin, who called Enrile a ‘stellar legal luminary and public servant with only a handful of equals.’
‘In the fields of taxation, finance, commercial law, and international law, Enrile stands taller than most. Many of the country’s foundational laws, Garbin added, are ‘products of Enrile’s uncommon legal mind,’ he said.
It’s a sentiment shared by Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano, who noted that ‘fewer still are the people who could match his mental acumen, range, and depth.’
Enrile’s legacy, he added, ‘would continue to have their consequences many decades into our collective future as a people.’
Meanwhile, Senior Citizens Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes remembered Enrile’s ‘legendary longevity’ and vitality even deep into his centenarian years.
‘It is a shock that we learned of his illness and passing. Special condolences to the senior citizens of Cagayan Province, where he is held in the highest esteem as Cagayanon’s favorite son,’ he said.
The late senator’s public service spanned more than half a century and included roles as defense minister, senator, and eventually presidential counsel to President Marcos Jr.
A consummate political survivor, Enrile’s career was marked by influence and controversy alike: from his role as architect of martial law under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to his eventual defection during the 1986 People Power Revolution.
It’s also why few Filipinos ‘can be considered as pivotal in our nation’s history,’ said Manila Rep. Joel Chua.
‘He was, is, and will still be consequential, Chua said. ‘Our condolences to the family of former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, to our colleagues in the Senate, the other public servants he served with throughout his storied and distinguished career, and the institutions he served.