In memoriam – Juan Ponce Enrile

Some unsolicited political analysis and reflection

It is an end of an era. For a man who basically was present as Philippine history unfolded from the tumultuous birth pangs of the infantile Republic to the one we have right now.

Lolo Juanito, my paternal grandfather died in 2003. He was born in the same year Manong Johnny was born. Like the latter, my lolo was also in politics as he served as an acting municipal mayor of Giporlos (Eastern Samar, Philippines). But unlike Manong Johnny, Lolo Juanito never saw how Philippine society rapidly developed. I suppose he would have never understood the concept of Facebook.

But Manong Johnny, the man was practically a genius of his own accord. Up until the last moments of his life, he tried to remain actively involved in Philippine politics. By “politics,” I mean in its objective, philosophical sense, not the one either badly demonized or trivialized by many. Until recently, he was the chief legal adviser of the incumbent President.

A disputed legacy: from hero to zero real quick

Some people of my age would remember JPE because of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scandal.

But, as someone privileged to have Maning as my tatay, at a young age he instilled in me the foundation of my patriotic values. This included a deep sense on appreciation of our history. As early as Grade 1, he taught me his memories of EDSA ’86 and what transpired that led to such historic events. Early at that age, I got acquainted with the pivotal role of Juan Ponce Enrile, who used to be a Minister under the Marcos, Sr. Cabinet, together with Fidel Ramos, and Jaime Cardinal Sin.

Enrile’s decision back then led to the ouster of Marcos, Sr. He was hailed as a people’s hero, an icon of democracy like Cory Aquino. He managed to maintain this reputation as a people’s statesman. He practically lived in the Philippine Senate for years. However, the PDAF scandal befell upon him and majorly changed the public’s perception of him. This tendered his being cast in the sidelines forever until he became Marcos, Jr.’s chief legal counsel.

A humble two-cents worth reflection

Our life is and can never be defined by a single event. One day we’re hailed as the hero that saved the day. The next day, we might become the problem instead of the solution. I have to remind myself that I really have to learn not to chase for the grand events in life, as these come naturally, alongside tragedies and embarrassing moments. Nevertheless, this reality should never let us be afraid to live, to dare, to struggle, and to celebrate our victories.

JPE can be remembered diversely–depending on the political prism one holds. But for me, I think Enrile was a lucky man more than anything. He won the lottery of time. In our current situation today, especially in the Philippines where mortality rate dramatically dropped from 70 to a waaaaaaay younger age, Enrile was indeed a lucky man to have lived this long. Sadly, he may be unlucky too. If you live too long, you begin to be transformed from hero to villain. Much worse, some may wish ill of you. It may be quite painful to behold too. But what choice do we have? Quoting Sartre, “man is condemned to be free”.

So, what can we learn from Manong Johnny?

Well, I am listing a few things I hope are relevant and objective, I will leave the interpretation to your own genius and locus:

1. Shape your own history. In whatever you do, try to leave a mark. Make meaningful relationships, don’t be afraid no matter how rowdy it might get.
2. Master a craft. Be known by being good in something.
3. Don’t chase love. But, just be ready once it knocks on your door. Make the most out of it. If it takes you a lifetime to do it, well, congrats.
4. Grow. Try to live beyond what bounds you unnecessarily. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying forget about being Ilocano or Catholic or a pianist. But you must transcend these, and you’ll discover that there is more to life than ascriptions and labels. After all, no one, including yourself can impede your growth once you choose to do it.
5. Be sharp. Try to learn to read and write more. We might not be as lucky as Old Johnny Enrile as there might be no one willing to write our legacy, except us. Be critical always, we can’t afford to take truths at face value.
6. But in all that has been said, perhaps, the best lesson, and the closest to Enrile’s legacy which we can emulate is this: Be disruptive when necessary. There are things bigger than us. Always. For some, it may be family, to others, the country, to others, the Faith. Whatever that may be in our case, there are only few moments where we will be asked to be decisive–to rise above the situation and more seldomly, lead in the pursuit of change. Of course, we will get hate and/or love for it, some will question our loyalty, our values, our orthodoxy. But, when you are in that decisive moment where you have to stand for what you believe in, these things matter less if they do not matter at all.

A sincere gratitude to the man

In closing, well, at first I do not intend to do this article as tribute to Juan Ponce Enrile. But, undeniably, JPE was a historic man, as he actively shaped some of our country’s important histories. So, in a way, I offer Minister/Senate President/Atty Enrile my sincere gratitude for his service to the Philippines.