Today, we welcome back to the Senate a man whose wisdom enriched this institution in the four terms he served here.
Actually, it can be said that he never left.
For in our archives are records of his words spoken, which are not faint echoes of the past, but powerful ideas that boom loud and clear, now and in the future.
In our library are many laws that bear his name as the author, surpassed only in number by the laws purged of mistakes and polished to perfection by a first-rate mind he deployed in the service of the republic.
And in the present company are many of us who have become better legislators because we have been subject to or rather survived the intellectual stress test that was Juan Ponce Enrile.
He can be frugal in many things, but not with advice, and many of us here are living proof of that generosity.
Whether as Senate president gaveling the approval of bills, or as an opposition leader pounding the veneer of proposals to expose their rotten core, JPE as we fondly refer to him did it with equal parts of brilliance and bravery.
In fact, if he were vain and designed himself a coat of arms, bravery, and brilliance, would be its fitting motto.
And if we look back to his examined and exciting life, these traits run through like the spine of a book telling his saga.
Manong Johnny’s early hardscrabble existence is an epic story of the unbowed spirit.
As if struggling against poverty was not enough, he had to take arms against Japanese invaders while in his teens.
When peace was won, he came to Manila on a guerrilla’s khaki uniform, not to boast of his war service, but because those were his only decent pair at that time.
In less than a decade, his talent propelled him through the fast lane—from the sleepy fishing village of Gonzaga in Cagayan to law school, to Harvard, and to a flourishing law career—catapulting a once social outcast into the circle of the elite.
And in 1966 when public service beckoned—because he was recruited by the elder Marcos—he brought his formidable intellect in the service of the people.
And except for brief involuntary sabbaticals, he actually has never stepped out of the public arena since, never as a spectator but always a gladiator.
He is what Theodore Roosevelt called the “man in the arena”—“he whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood” who at best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
This is a man, Mr. President, who is not only an eyewitness to many historic events of our nation, but who actually took part and actually shaped them.
And at 100, according to Ma’am Katrina, 102, late legislation daw po kasi si Manong Johnny. Ewan ko kung totoo.
This veteran of many battles still has a fight in him, and he is serving another tour of duty in the Office of the President at 102-years-old.
It is a gig that dots his long career. Eight of our presidents have sought his counsel or avoided conflict with him.
Si Queen Elizabeth lang siguro ang lamang sa dami ng prime minister na nakasalamuha.
With his experience, sharp mind and work ethic, President Marcos Jr. is lucky to have this legal heavyweight in his corner.
And as Manong Johnny advanced in years, not in looks, he is often asked what his secret to longevity is, wanting to concoct the same elixir of life. Pangarap din ‘yan ng ating Senate President at presiding officer ngayon na si Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada.
If only he had been able to discover the right formula, it would have earned him more money than the sales of our favorite, Delimondo, Mr. President.
In the same manner that if he had been able to monetize the memes about him—from his days in the Garden of Eve to Samson and Delilah, to running his pet dinosaur—he will no longer be working for his paycheck, Mr. President.
But let me hazard a guess as to what his staying power is.
In fact, it is no secret. He had frequently shared his secret to long life, a long time ago. And it is—“Gusto ko happy ka !”
And this, in fact, is the right to pursuit of happiness by every Filipino, regardless of wealth, age, creed, or religion.
The right to pursue happiness, without being impaired by injustice and oppression.
The right to pursue happiness without being permanently crippled by social handicaps that come with birth.
This is the theme that underpins all the causes and all the crusades he has fought in a life well lived.
If this speech of mine were a bill, he would have introduced many amendments, I’m sure.
This is so because I know that he would not want “to be idealized, or enlarged beyond what he was in life,” to borrow the lines from a famous tribute.
If we call him a saint, he would be the first to vigorously oppose it, as his fidelity to truth, will compel the decency in him to tone down that flattery.
He does not need any, as his life, is an open public record, woven into the annals of our country.
But one thing is for sure, he will be kindly judged by history, as this Senate and doing today.
Because in the balance sheet of life, in the ledger of what he has done, his service trumps all.
Our country, Mr. President is better off because of Juan Ponce Enrile.
And today, I salute the man, I salute his achievements, I salute the friend that I’ve learned to respect and love in the many years I’ve served not only in this chamber but also in the House of Representatives.
Thank you, Mr. President. Thank you to our distinguished colleagues.