PRESIDENT Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. extended his birthday greetings to Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, Secretary Juan Valentin Ponce Enrile, on his 100th birthday.
In his speech during a Palace-hosted lunch on February 14, President Marcos commended JPE’s contributions to the country’s progress, saying JPE reached 100 years filled with success, purpose, service, and duty.
Enrile began his government service on January 16, 1966, as Undersecretary of Finance.
He held various high positions such as Acting Finance Secretary, concurrent Acting Insurance Commissioner, Commissioner of Customs, and Acting Chairman of the Momentary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas from 1966 to 1968.
JPE also served as Justice Secretary from 1968 to 1970 and Minister of National Defense during the term of Former President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
He continued his service in the legislative branch as a former representative of the 1st district of Cagayan and later as a senator, serving four terms in the Senate.
Enrile returned to government service in 2022 as the Presidential Legal Counsel of the Marcos Jr. administration when he was 98 years old.
President Marcos mentioned seeking advice from Enrile about government work before his presidency.
On the same occasion, the executive branch also awarded the Presidential Letter of Felicitation to Enrile.
On the other hand, Enrile thanked the late Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Former First Lady Imelda Marcos for allowing him to serve the country under their administration.
Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, senators, congressmen, and other government officials attended JPE’s 100th birthday celebration in Malacañang.
