In a positive development, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez have reached a truce, bringing a temporary halt to the ongoing Charter-Change (Cha-cha) row in Congress. This agreement was made during a meeting between the two leaders, where they pledged to work professionally and put an end to the squabble for the benefit of the administration and the Filipino people.
The breakthrough occurred during the 100th birthday celebration of Presidential Legal Counsel and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile in Malacañang on Wednesday. Zubiri and Romualdez, in the presence of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., shook hands and agreed to set aside their differences. Enrile, a respected figure in Philippine history, advised both leaders to support the Marcos administration.
President Marcos expressed warm greetings to Enrile, acknowledging his significant contributions to the country. Enrile, whose full name is Juan Valentin Furugganan Ponce Enrile Sr., has attained the status of an icon in Philippine history. The President praised Enrile’s achievements, purposeful life, and dedicated service, making his centennial birthday celebration even more remarkable.
Enrile’s journey in public service began in 1966 when he served as an undersecretary of finance. He went on to hold various high-ranking positions in the government, including acting Finance Secretary, acting Insurance Commissioner, Commissioner of Customs, and acting Chairman of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines. Enrile also served as the Justice Secretary from 1968 to 1970 and Minister of National Defense during the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. He later became a representative of the 1st District of Cagayan province and served four terms as a senator.
President Marcos expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with Enrile and hosted a lunch to honor him on his centennial birthday. The President acknowledged the significance of reaching the age of 100 and applauded Enrile’s accomplishments. Despite a hiatus from public service, Enrile returned as the Palace’s top lawyer in July 2022 at the age of 98, highlighting his remarkable dedication to serving the country.
During Enrile’s birthday celebration, President Marcos presented him with a Presidential Letter of Felicitation. Enrile expressed his gratitude to the Marcos family for their support throughout his career, stating that serving under the first and second Marcos presidents was the happiest moment of his life. The Office of the President commended Enrile for his tireless efforts in serving the country and being an inspiration to every Filipino.
As a centenarian, Enrile is entitled to receive the P100,000 centenarian cash gift from the government. The government has allocated P186 million as a tax-free cash gift for Filipino centenarians in the 2024 General Appropriations Act, as mandated by Republic Act 10868. This law ensures that all Filipinos aged 100, whether residing in the Philippines or abroad, receive a one-time cash gift of P100,000 from the national government.
The temporary truce between Senate President Zubiri and House Speaker Romualdez brings a momentary pause to the Cha-cha row in Congress. It is a positive step towards fostering a more productive and harmonious working relationship for the benefit of the administration and the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
