Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile or “Manong Johnny” as he is often called is considered as the oldest political figure in the country. He began his career in public service in 1966 when he joined the Executive Branch of government as Undersecretary of the Department of Finance. Shortly thereafter, he was made Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Philippine National Bank. Then he was designated as a concurrent Acting Head of the Insurance Commission. He also served as Acting Commissioner of Customs until December 1968. While he was in the Finance Department, he was appointed Acting Secretary of Finance and concurrent Chairman of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines.
In 1986, he led the historic EDSA People Power Revolution that served as inspiration for subsequent bloodless revolutions all over the world. Together with idealistic members of the military and with the support of the Catholic church, people flocked to EDSA in solidarity to the man and his vision of restoring democracy to the nation.
He served in the Philippine Senate for three terms. His first term was from 1987 to 1992, during which he served as the lone Minority in the Senate. His second term was from 1995 to 2001, during which he was designated as Chairman of the Committees on Ways and Means, and Government Corporations and Public Enterprises. He also served in the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1995. During his incumbency, he gave priority to measures reviewing the performance of the power sector to promote consumer welfare; promoting competition among the industries; and the protection of the public from threats and acts of terrorism. His anti-terrorism bill was eventually enacted as the Human Security Act of 2007.
Enrile said that he is running for the senate to continue to serve the Filipino people and once elected again, he is going to fight for the consumers right against the high electric and water charges. Moreso, the other basic needs of marginalized Filipinos.
The question now is will he ever get the support from the vast majority of the voters. Can he sustain the rigorous work in the senate. I think that is remain to be seen from Manong Johnny who is likely the grandfather in the senate.
