Manila, Philippines — He has outlived presidents, dictators, and even entire political movements. At 101 years old, Juan Ponce Enrile is not only still alive — but very much active in the halls of power. And if that weren’t enough, historians confirm that he is one of the last Filipinos alive who actually met President Emilio Aguinaldo — the first president of the Philippines.

Let that sink in.

We’re not just talking about a former Senate President or Martial Law architect — we’re talking about a living time capsule, a man who has personally witnessed the entire modern history of the Philippines unfold — from revolution to dictatorship to democracy.

And in 2025, Enrile is still turning heads.

🎖️ LIVING HISTORY: The Man Who Has Seen It All

Born on February 14, 1924, Enrile was a child when the last Filipino revolutionary generals were still alive. By the time he was a law student, Aguinaldo was already an elder statesman — and yes, according to family records and media clippings, a young Juan met the aging general during a public event in Cavite in the 1940s.

“He shook Aguinaldo’s hand. Imagine that — the first president shaking hands with a boy who would one day become the brain of Martial Law,” said one historian.

Enrile would go on to become Defense Minister under Ferdinand Marcos, lead the 1986 EDSA breakaway, serve as Senate President, and even run for president himself. He has been accused, imprisoned, cleared, reappointed — and through it all, he endures.

🧠 Still Sharp, Still Fearless at 101

In recent public appearances, Enrile has defied expectations. Far from being bed-bound or silent, he continues to speak in interviews, participate in policy discussions, and even post on social media (through aides).

Clips of him from a recent state function went viral after he said:

“I have seen 17 presidents come and go. I’ve buried more enemies than friends. I’m still here.”

Observers noted that his memory remains sharp, his voice steady, and his opinions brutally blunt, as always.

😱 “IMMORTAL?” Netizens Can’t Believe He’s Still Alive

Social media exploded once again this week after a new photo of Enrile attending a Senate committee briefing was posted online.

“Grabe, buhay pa siya?! 101 na???”
“Naabutan pa si Aguinaldo… that’s not history. That’s mythology.”
“Enrile is living proof that time fears no one… except him.”

He has become both a symbol of political endurance and a subject of endless memes — with users joking that he might outlive everyone, including AI and democracy itself.

📜 From Spanish Rule to Smart Phones: A Century of Survival

To put his life in perspective:

He was 14 years old when the Philippines became a Commonwealth in 1935.

He was a teen during World War II and lived through the Japanese occupation.

He helped architect Martial Law in 1972, then turned against Marcos in 1986.

He returned to power in the 2000s, faced plunder charges in 2014, and was appointed by President Bongbong Marcos as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel in 2022.

Now, in 2025, he’s still working in government.

“I’ve lived through every version of the Philippines,” Enrile once said. “Some were better. Some were worse. But I never stopped adapting.”

👀 What’s Next for Enrile?

According to sources close to his family, Enrile still reads daily briefings, dictates legal notes, and offers advice to political allies. Though physically more fragile, his mental presence remains unshaken.

There are whispers that a biographical series may be in the works — tentatively titled “Enrile: 100 Years in Power” — and it may include never-before-seen files, diaries, and letters involving multiple presidents and controversial historical events.

FINAL THOUGHTS: A Living Legend or a Living Warning?

Love him or hate him, Juan Ponce Enrile is one of the most enigmatic figures in Philippine history. His mere existence now bridges three centuries — from the post-Spanish period to the digital age.

He shook hands with Emilio Aguinaldo. He stood beside Ferdinand Marcos. He fought with and against Cory Aquino. And somehow, he’s still walking the corridors of Malacañang.

In a country obsessed with history, Enrile isn’t just part of it. He is it.

MANILA — 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