Why Juan Ponce Enrile Wants You To Be Happy!

At the age of 95, Mr. Juan Ponce Enrile is the oldest politician running for the public office in the Philippines today. He finished his 4th term as senator last June 2016 and decided to file again his certificate of candidacy for senator last October 17, 2018 for the 2019 national elections.

Enrile: "Gusto Ko Happy Ka!"

In a recent press conference with the media and bloggers, we inquired about his #GustoKoHappyKa slogan. In English, it literally means "I want you to be happy"

We asked what exactly it means, and he replied that he wants the Filipino nation to be happy in life and not lose hope in the situation our country is in today.

On the other hand, we also asked what makes him happy. He simple replied: "to be at peace" Enrile shared.

As for his candidacy, will his credentials bring him his 5th win for the senate? The old but goody former senator enumerated his achievements over the years.

• Graduated High School at Saint James Maryknoll Maryknoll in Malabong City.
• Scholar in Pre-law at Ateneo de Manila, graduated Salutatorian in 1949.
• Finished law in UP College of Law 1949. (graduated salutatorian and cum laude)
• Took the BAR exam in 1953 with 91.72% rating, got 100% grade in Commercial Law bar subject.
• Had his Master of Laws ( Taxation at Corporate Reorganization at Public and Private International Law) in Harvard University Law School in 1955.
• Law Professor at Far Eastern University, College of Law from 1956 to 1964.
• Undersecretary of Finance in January 1966 and concurrent Chairman of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines.
• Chairman of Philippine National Bank in 1966. 
• In 1966, he is the concurrent Acting Insurance Commissioner, where he arranged and strengthen the non-life insurance industry in the Philippines.
• November 1966 to December 1968, he was the Acting Customs commissioner.
• Secretary of Justice from December 28, 1968 to February 10,1970 and was moved to the Department of National Defense on February 1970.  He decided to resign then to run as senator in the national election of 1971 unfortunately he did not win. He was appointed again as the Secretary of National Defense in January 1, 1972.
• Elected Senator from 1987 to 1992, he was the lone minority in the Senate. Enrile was the sole opposition in the Senate against 23 senators who made up the majority that supported President Cory Aquino.
• Elected Congressman of the First district of Cagayan from 1992 to 1955.

Press Conference with former Senator Enrile

• Elected Senator again from 1995 to 2001. Became the Chairman of Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Government Corporations and Public Enterprises Committee.
• Author of the Republic Act No. 8424 or the Comprehensive Tax Reform Program.
• Elected Senator in 2004, was part of the 13th Congress. He continued to pursue his aspirations in consumer protection reform in the industry of electricity and revenue system. He continued his Anti-Trust Bill and it became the Philippine Competition Act of 2015.
• Chairman on Committee of Finance in the 14th Congress. He guided to immediately pass the yearly General Appropriations Acts. 
• Became the Senate President on November 17, 2008, passed the following laws:

1. Republic Act 9522 (Baseline Law)
2. CARP Extension
3. Anti torture Act
4. Expanded Senior Citizens Act
5. Anti-Child Pornography Act
6. National Heritage Conservation Act
7. Real Estate Investment Act 

Now, that is a long list of merits and achievements!

With the upcoming elections only a few days away, it will be upto you to decide whether Mr. Juan Ponce Enrile deserves another take on a senate seat 2019 onwards!