In a momentous occasion marking his 100th birthday, former senator and current Presidential Legal Adviser Juan Ponce Enrile sat down for an exclusive interview with veteran broadcast-journalist Korina Sanchez-Roxas.
The interview, which coincided with Enrile’s milestone birthday, offered viewers a rare glimpse into the extraordinary life of the legendary statesman.
“Natatandaan ko pa ang suot ni Adan at ni Eba nung makilala ko sila. Zero. Wala. Hubad,” Enrile quipped in response to Korina’s playful inquiry about whether he had encountered Adam and Eve.
Korina expressed admiration for Enrile’s remarkable journey, describing him as an extraordinary figure in Philippine history. “What an extraordinary man, what an extraordinary life like none other I know of among our public servants in history. Imagine ilang beses na siyang namatay mula pa noong 16 years old siya, dahil pinagsasaksak sya ng classmate niya dahil sa isang babae.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Enrile held prominent positions in various administrations, spanning from Marcos to Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, Arroyo, Aquino again, and now, Marcos once more. His perspectives on governance and foreign relations have always been unique.
Enrile shared several noteworthy quotes during the interview:
“Let us not be fooled. Hindi natin kaibigan ang bansang China.”
“Ang kailangang pangulo ng bansa natin ay yung hindi bastos at hindi mamamatay tao.”
“I am worried about this new generation. They are too soft. Masyado silang malambot. Hindi sila handa sa pananalakay ng ibang bansa.”
“Marami sa mga sinasabi tungkol sa mga Marcos ay hindi totoo. Pwede ko yang idebate kahit saan at kahit kanino.”
“Wala naman bawal sa akin kainin. Hindi ko rin alam pano ako unabot nang ganitong edad.”
When asked how he wanted to be remembered, Enrile replied with characteristic wit, “Just make sure to spell my name, Juan Ponce-Enrile, correctly”.
Don’t miss the exclusive interview with Juan Ponce Enrile on his 100th birthday, airing on NET 25 this Sunday at 5 pm.
