Juan Ponce Enrile facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juan Ponce Enrile
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Enrile in October 2018
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| Chief Presidential Legal Counsel | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2022 |
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| President | Bongbong Marcos |
| Preceded by | Jesus Melchor Quitain |
| 21st President of the Senate of the Philippines | |
| In office November 17, 2008 – June 5, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Manny Villar |
| Succeeded by | Jinggoy Estrada (Acting) |
| Senate Minority Leader | |
| In office August 24, 2015 – June 30, 2016 |
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| Preceded by | Tito Sotto (Acting) |
| Succeeded by | Ralph Recto |
| In office July 22, 2013 – July 28, 2014 |
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| Preceded by | Alan Peter Cayetano |
| Succeeded by | Tito Sotto (Acting) |
| In office July 27, 1987 – January 18, 1992 |
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| Preceded by | Re-established Title last held by Gerardo Roxas |
| Succeeded by | Wigberto Tañada |
| Senator of the Philippines | |
| In office June 30, 2004 – June 30, 2016 |
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| In office June 30, 1995 – June 30, 2001 |
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| In office August 15, 1987 – June 30, 1992 |
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| Member of the House of Representatives from Cagayan's 1st district | |
| In office June 30, 1992 – June 30, 1995 |
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| Preceded by | Domingo A. Tuazon |
| Succeeded by | Patricio T. Antonio |
| Member of the Regular Batasang Pambansa from Cagayan | |
| In office June 30, 1984 – March 25, 1986 |
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| Member of the Interim Batasang Pambansa from Region II | |
| In office June 12, 1978 – June 5, 1984 |
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| 15th Minister of National Defense | |
| In office January 4, 1972 – November 23, 1986 |
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| President | Ferdinand Marcos Corazon Aquino |
| Preceded by | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Succeeded by | Rafael Ileto |
| In office February 9, 1970 – August 27, 1971 |
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| President | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Preceded by | Ernesto Ma |
| Succeeded by | Ferdinand Marcos |
| 36th Secretary of Justice | |
| In office December 17, 1968 – February 7, 1970 |
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| President | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Preceded by | Claudio Teehankee Sr. |
| Succeeded by | Felix Makasiar |
| Undersecretary for Finance | |
| In office January 1, 1966 – December 17, 1968 |
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| President | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs | |
| In office 1966–1968 |
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| President | Ferdinand Marcos |
| Preceded by | Jacinto T. Gavino |
| Succeeded by | Rolando G. Geotina |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Juan Valentin Furagganan
February 14, 1924 Gonzaga, Cagayan, Philippines |
| Political party | PMP (2004–present) |
| Other political affiliations |
LDP (2001–2004) Independent (1995–2001) KBL (1978–1987) Nacionalista (1965–1978; 1987–1995) |
| Spouse |
Cristina Castañer
(m. 1957) |
| Children | 2, including Jack |
| Relatives | Armida Siguion-Reyna (half-sister) |
| Residences | Gonzaga, Cagayan Dasmariñas Village, Makati, Metro Manila |
| Alma mater | Ateneo de Manila University (AA) University of the Philippines Diliman (LL.B) Harvard University (LL.M) |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Profession | Lawyer Ponce Enrile, Reyes & Manalastas (1983–2020) |
Juan Ponce Enrile (born February 14, 1924), also known as JPE, is a Filipino politician and lawyer. He served as the 21st President of the Senate of the Philippines from 2008 to 2013. He is known for his important roles during the time of President Ferdinand Marcos, especially during the Martial Law period. He also played a key part in the events that led to the People Power Revolution in 1986, which removed Marcos from power.
After the revolution, Enrile continued to serve in the Philippine legislature. He has been a Senator for four terms, totaling twenty-two years, making him one of the longest-serving Senators. In 2022, at 98 years old, he returned to government as the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel for President Bongbong Marcos.
Enrile was a close helper of President Ferdinand Marcos. He served as Justice Secretary and Defense Minister during Marcos's time as president. He was involved in preparing for Martial Law and was in charge of the Philippine military when it was put into effect. Later, as disagreements grew within the Marcos government, Enrile's influence decreased.
In February 1986, Enrile and a group called the Reform the Armed Forces Movement planned to overthrow Marcos. Their plan was discovered, so Enrile and General Fidel Ramos decided to make a stand at military camps. Many civilians, who were already upset about election fraud, gathered on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue to protect Enrile and Ramos. This large gathering of people helped prevent Marcos's forces from attacking them. This event was a major part of the People Power Revolution, which led to Marcos leaving the country. Enrile has remained active in politics since 1986.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Juan Ponce Enrile was born on February 14, 1924, in Gonzaga, Cagayan. His mother was Petra Furagganan. His father was Alfonso Ponce Enrile, a lawyer and politician who was already married. Juan was baptized as Juanito Furagganan in the Philippine Independent Church. He later became a Catholic at age 20.
As a young man, he met his father in Manila. He went to high school at Saint James Academy in Malabon, Rizal. His father legally changed his name to Juan Ponce Enrile.
He studied at the Ateneo de Manila University and earned an Associate of Arts degree in 1949. Then, he went to the University of the Philippines College of Law and earned a Bachelor of Laws degree. He was a very good student and joined honor societies. In 1953, he passed the bar examinations, scoring 11th in the country. He also earned a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School in the United States.
Before joining government, he taught law at Far Eastern University. He also worked at his father's law firm. In 1964, he started working for then-Senator Ferdinand Marcos. When Marcos became president in 1965, Enrile became part of his close group of advisors.
Career in the Marcos Sr. Cabinet
Enrile came from the same region as Marcos in the northern Philippines. Marcos often chose people from this area for important government and military roles. Enrile was with Marcos from the start of his presidency in 1965.
From 1966 to 1968, he worked in the Department of Finance. He also served as the head of the Bureau of Customs. From 1968 to 1970, he was the Secretary of Justice.
On February 9, 1970, Marcos appointed Enrile as his Secretary of National Defense. He held this position until August 27, 1971, when he tried to run for the Senate but was not successful. Marcos re-appointed him as Defense Secretary on January 4, 1972. As Defense Secretary, he was a very important leader in the country's armed forces.
Martial Law Preparations
Enrile was one of the few people Marcos trusted most. He was seen as Marcos's close helper. During most of the Martial Law period, Enrile was officially in charge of managing the martial law, overseeing all parts of the armed forces. He was involved in Marcos's plans for declaring martial law early on.
Enrile wrote in his memoir that Marcos asked him to study the 1935 Constitution in December 1969. Marcos wanted to understand his powers as Commander-in-Chief. In August 1972, Marcos met with Enrile and other trusted commanders to discuss when to declare martial law. On September 22, 1972, Marcos announced that he had placed the entire country under Martial Law.
The Alleged Ambush
One reason Marcos gave for declaring martial law was to stop terrorism. He mentioned an alleged attack on Enrile's car on September 22, 1972. Many people at the time doubted if this attack really happened.
Years later, on February 23, 1986, General Fidel Ramos and Enrile admitted in a press conference that the attack was staged. They said it was done to help justify the declaration of martial law. This confession was shown on radio and TV, and millions of Filipinos heard it.
Role During Martial Law
Even with the later doubts, Enrile remained a very loyal supporter of Marcos. In 1973, his title changed to Defense Minister. Enrile worked on defense policies and dealt with social unrest. With the Congress and political parties removed, the military became very powerful under the President.
Role in Industries
Enrile was also put in charge of logging in the Philippines during martial law. He gave permits to logging companies. During this time, the country's forest cover greatly reduced. Enrile also owned several logging companies.
He was also appointed as the President of the Philippine Coconut Authority. Here, he and Danding Cojuangco gained control of the coconut industry. They managed the Coco Levy Fund, which was money meant to help the coconut industry. However, a large part of this fund was used for other purposes, including political campaigns.
Decreased Influence
As Marcos's time in power continued, disagreements grew within his government. Enrile's influence started to lessen. By the 1980s, Marcos began to bypass Enrile's authority. Enrile then started to work with other groups in the army who were unhappy with Marcos, especially the Reform the Armed Forces Movement. This group was led by his aide, Lieutenant Colonel Gregorio Honasan.
Role in the People Power Revolution
Under pressure from the United States, Marcos agreed to hold an election on February 7, 1986. Many people claimed the election was unfair. Marcos was declared the winner, but his opponent, Corazon Aquino, protested and said she had won. She started a campaign of peaceful protests.
Officers from the Reform the Armed Forces Movement, with Enrile's support, had been planning to overthrow Marcos. They decided to act in February 1986 because of the political unrest after the election. However, their plan was discovered on February 22, 1986.
On that day, Enrile asked for help from Lieutenant General Fidel Ramos, who agreed to join him. With their plan known, Enrile and Ramos gathered their forces at Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame in Quezon City. Enrile then called Cardinal Jaime Sin, the Archbishop of Manila, asking for support.
Cardinal Sin went on the radio and asked Filipinos to go to Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, between the two camps, to support Enrile and Ramos. People who were already preparing for protests began gathering at EDSA. This was the start of the citizens' revolt known as the People Power Revolution.
For the next three days, millions of people gathered at EDSA to support the movement against Marcos. This large gathering encouraged more leaders to join the cause.
Enrile wanted Corazon Aquino to be sworn in as president at Camp Crame. However, Aquino refused, saying the People Power Revolution was a victory for the Filipino people, not just a military group. She was sworn in on February 25, 1986, at Club Filipino, with Enrile and Ramos as guests. The People Power Revolution forced Marcos out of power on February 25, 1986. Marcos and his family then left the country for exile.
Career in the Aquino Cabinet
Appointment and Disagreements
After the People Power Revolution, Enrile accepted Corazon Aquino as president. He became the Secretary of National Defense. He thought Aquino, who was new to politics and military matters, would rely on his advice. However, Aquino did not depend on him as much as he expected.
Enrile often spoke out against Aquino's peace talks with the Communist Party of the Philippines. This led to disagreements with other members of Aquino's cabinet. His relationship with the government became more difficult when a new commission started looking into his business dealings from the Marcos years.
The Aquino government faced many challenges, including attempts to remove her from power by groups loyal to Marcos and some members of the Reform the Armed Forces Movement. Enrile and Ramos were responsible for dealing with the first of these attempts in July 1986.
Forced Resignation
After investigations into some events, Aquino asked Enrile to resign as Defense Secretary in November 1986 because she no longer trusted him. Rafael Ileto replaced him.
Congressional Career
First Senate Term
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In May 1987, Enrile won a seat in the Senate of the Philippines. He was one of only two opposition members in the 24-member Senate. He officially started his term on August 15, 1987. During this time, he was sometimes criticized for changing his political views.
Member of the House of Representatives
In 1992, Enrile decided to run for the House of Representatives of the Philippines instead of the Senate. He was elected and represented the First District of Cagayan.
Later Senate Terms
In 1995, Enrile ran for Senator again as an independent candidate. He won and served until 2001. During this term, he also ran for president in 1998 but lost.
In January 2001, he was one of the Senators who voted against opening a bank envelope during a trial. This vote led to the Second EDSA Revolution, which removed President Joseph Estrada from office. Enrile later supported protests in favor of Estrada. He ran for re-election in 2001 but lost.
In the 2004 election, he successfully ran for the Senate again. He spoke out against certain charges on electricity bills, which made him popular. He was re-elected in the 2010 elections. At 86, he became the oldest Senator in the 15th Congress of the Philippines.
Senate Presidency
Election
On November 17, 2008, Senate President Manuel Villar resigned. Enrile was chosen to replace him on the same day. Fourteen senators supported his nomination.
Legislation and Reforms
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As Senate President, Enrile worked on improving how the Senate operated. He also focused on the well-being of its staff.
Maguindanao Martial Law
The Senate also worked with the House of Representatives on important issues. In December 2009, they supported the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao province by the Arroyo administration. In May 2010, Congress met to count the votes for president and vice president and announce the winners.
Re-election as Senate President
Enrile was re-elected as Senator in 2010. On July 26, 2010, he was also re-elected as President of the Senate. He promised to do his duties with honor and fairness to all members. He asked his colleagues to protect the independence of the Senate and work with other government branches for the good of the people.
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Resignation
Enrile stepped down as Senate President on June 5, 2013, after facing some accusations.
Post-Senate Career (2016–present)
Enrile left politics after his Senate term ended in 2016. He tried to run for Senate again in 2019 but was not elected.
In 2022, he returned to government as the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel for President Bongbong Marcos. He supported Marcos in the 2022 Philippine presidential election. At 100 years old, he is currently the oldest person serving in the Marcos administration.
Personal Life
Juan Ponce Enrile is often called "Manong Johnny" (manong means older brother in Ilocano). He is married to Cristina Castañer, who has served as the Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See. They have two children: Juan Jr. (Jack) and Katrina. Juan Jr. is a former congressman. Katrina is the CEO of Enrile's company, Jaka Group, which owns the Philippine Match Company and Delimondo, a food company. Enrile also has a half-sister, Armida Siguion-Reyna, who was a singer and actress.
On February 14, 2024, Juan Ponce Enrile turned 100 years old. President Bongbong Marcos celebrated his birthday at Malacañang Palace, saying that Enrile had become an "icon" in Philippine history. To honor his 100th birthday, the Philippine Postal Corporation released a special postage stamp showing the different government roles Enrile has held. This was done according to a law that honors and provides benefits to Filipino centenarians.
Images for kids
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Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile with President Ferdinand Marcos
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"FM Declares Martial Law"—the headline of the September 24, 1972 issue of the Sunday Express
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Juan Ponce Enrile's bullet-riddled car
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Defense Secretary Enrile (second from right) and Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Eduardo Romualdez (center) meeting U.S. President Gerald Ford at the White House in 1976.
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Enrile (top) during President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's 9th State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 2009
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Enrile meets Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia
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Enrile with Hajime Ishii (left) on May 4, 2011
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Enrile (left) during President Benigno Aquino III's first SONA in 2010
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Enrile with President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017
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Enrile promoting his autobiography
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See also
In Spanish: Juan Ponce-Enrile para niños
