Chief Legal Counsel and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Chief Legal Counsel and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile boasts a political career spanning eight presidents.

At 100, Enrile is currently the oldest member of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a position he assumed in 2022.

Here are some quotes from Enrile, which he included in his memoir published in 2012.

ON HIS AGE

To have been able to serve my country through all these decades of trials and uncertainty and to have enjoyed the sweet and simple joys of a long and productive life is the best reward of all. (Chapter 22, My Last Term)

I hope I will reach 110 years old, but in life, you cannot control the number of years. Only God can control it. (2018, during his filing of candidacy for senator)

I am fortunate to have received from my Creator a longer time here on earth. That's longevity, not immortality. (2019, during his senatorial bid)

Enrile during his campaign sortie in Malabon and Navotas on March 1, 2019. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

ON FATE

Of my personal battles, I won some and lost some. The game of life is an eternal drama. Each of us has a role to play. We are given the free will to choose which path we want to take, and sometimes we think we have the power to decide the outcomes of such choices. But we often forget that there is such a thing as fate. (Prologue)

ON INJUSTICE

This sad and painful experience planted in my mind early in life the idea that justice in this world is not for all. It is only for all the wealthy, powerful and influential. The poor, the weak and the ordinary folks seldom enjoy it. They are left at the mercy of others. Only the rich, the powerful, and the influential enjoy relative peace and security. This probably explains why in our country, there is a fierce competition for wealth, power and influence. And this to me also suggests the reason for the high incidence of corruption in our land. (Chapter 2, Growing Up)

Enrile during the Pandesal Forum in Quezon City on October 24, 2018. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

ON HOW HE IS DEPICTED IN HISTORY

I have been judged and condemned many times. But I fear only the ultimate judgement of God and of history. People have different impressions about me, about you and about others, so let it be. (Chapter 22, My Last Term)