President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. holds a celebration for veteran politician Juan Ponce Enrile in Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, Feb 14 2024. (Photo from RTV Malacañang)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. greeted the newly minted centenarian Juan Ponce Enrile on his birthday, saying that having the veteran politician in his corner allows him to sleep better at night.
Enrile, currently Marcos’ chief presidential legal counsel, turned 100 on Wednesday. Malacañang hosted a celebration for Enrile in Malacañan Palace.
“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 must more remarkable one that it would normally be,” Marcos said in his speech during Enrile’s celebration.
“I must admit, to have him in my corner allows me to sleep better at night,” Marcos added.
In turn, Enrile thanked the President.
“The happiest moment of my life was when I serve 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 during his celebration.
“I would like to thank your father and your mother for what they did to make me what I am today before you,” Enrile added.