Marcos calls Enrile an icon in pantheon of Philippine history

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday honored Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile on his 100th birthday, calling him an icon in the pantheon of Philippine history.

In his speech during Enrile's birthday celebration at the Malacañang Palace, Marcos said he is privileged to have worked with Enrile as he lauds him for "surviving a hundred years."

''It really is a more remarkable not just--- you know, people who have survived a hundred years, we already applaud them just for surviving a hundred years,'' Marcos said.

''Di’ ba sila nakatagal ng 100 years. But to have had a life of 100--- to have a life that has reached 100 years that is full of achievement, that is full of purpose, that is full of service, that is full of duty makes this celebration a much more remarkable one than it would normally be,'' he added.

''And because our celebrant  here is a remarkable person. He has attained the status of an icon, in the pantheon of Philippine history,'' Marcos said.

The President said in jest that while Enrile was not a member of the Malolos Republic, the latter could still explain what happened during that period because of his knowledge on the matter.

''Although it was not true that he was a member of the Malolos Republic. Some of the memes have been trying to spread,'' Enrile said.

''He will be able to explain to you hour-by-hour what happened in the Malolos Republic because of his continuing study and his continuing dedication to increase his knowledge and understanding of Philippine history, of Philippine politics, of the world in general,'' he added.

Marcos also shared his fond memories with the former Senate president, including the time when he asked for advice during his protest for the results of the 2016 vice presidential elections, where he lost to former Vice President Leni Robredo.

''There was a time when I was still protesting the vice presidential election and I would often go to see Tito Johnny and I would say “what do you think I should do?” “what advice can you bring me?” and he would provide me of--- of course the best advice that I could get,'' Marcos recalled.

The President also said Enrile would always give him a list of books to read.

''But before I would leave he always left me a reading list, it was like I was back in Oxford that they were giving me a reading list, mga limang libro [about five books]. “Basahin mo ito and if you read all of these books, you will be ready to be president,” I said, “well, we’re not thinking of that,” “basta basahin mo [you just read them].” And hindi mo pwedeng sabihing--- hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na “yes, tito, binasa ko na. Okay na” Ah hindi, may examination, may quiz,'' Marcos shared.

[Just read and if you read all of these books, you will be ready to be president ... And you cannot say, yes I have read all of them because there would be an examination, a quiz.]

''Kung talagang binasa mo [If you've really read it,]  “what was it? What part of it did you think was the most important?” And he has kept, and he has--- that just exemplifies really his commitment to gaining wisdom,'' he added.

Marcos said he is very happy to have known Enrile as the latter also allows him to sleep better at night.

''He is a remarkable person and I’m just so happy to have known him. First through my father and now as we have found work together--- I must admit to have him in my corner, gives me--- allows me to sleep better at night than if he were not there,'' he said. 

He shared that he also asked Enrile what was his secret for living for a long period of time and still serving the country. Marcos said Enrile told him that he does not feel like he was 100-years old.

''But you know, after all these long speeches, I know what all of you are thinking, 'Tito Johnny, what’s the secret?,' 'tell us, what we have to?' 'I want to be as smart as you, as clever as you, at 100 years old. And as active as you are at 100 years old, continuing to provide service to your country, continuing to give good advice, continuing to guide the way the Philippines can go,''' Marcos said.

''And I asked him earlier when we were having lunch and I asked him, 'Tito, ano ba talagang sikreto?' he says, 'I don’t know because I don’t feel like 100. I still feel the same,''' Marcos added.

In response, Enrile thanked Marcos' parents, late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, adding that his service to the two Marcos administrations have been the happiest moments of his life.

''I would like to thank your father and your mother for what they did to make me what I am today before you,'' Enrile said in a statement.

''The happiest moment of my life was when I served the first presidency of a Marcos President and the second time is now that I'm serving the son of that president, our President Bongbong Marcos,'' Enrile said.

Enrile played a key role in the first EDSA People Power revolt of 1986, after he and then Armed Forces of the Philippines Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos withdrew their support from the government and ended Marcos Sr's presidency.

Marcos Sr.'s successor, the late President Corazon Aquino, retained Enrile as her Defense Secretary.— RSJ, GMA Integrated News