Short Biography of Juan Ponce Enrile

ne such man grew up poor and out of wedlock and continues to influence world events. His EDSA led revolt became a model for toppling repressive regimes all over the world.

Juan Ponce Enrile was born on Valentine's Day in a remote village in Cagayan. He was christened Juanito Furagganan, taking his mother's name.

Looking for better opportunities, the young Juanito left Gonzaga, Cagayan for the poblacion and enrolled in school by working as a servant to his mother's relative.

He later transferred to Aparri and enrolled at the Cagayan Valley Institute.

World War II broke out and Juanito, now a young man joined the guerillas. He was caught, imprisoned and tortured. He escaped, and at the end of the war, was serving in the U.S. Quartermaster depot in Aparri, Cagayan.

While the war was raging, his half sisters evacuated to Aparri and learned about Juanito.

After the war, Juanito met his father in the latter's Law Office in Binondo, Manila.

Don Alfonso brought Juanito home to Malabon. He was given a new name, Juan Ponce Enrile. He resumed his High School education at the St. James Academy in Malabon.

In 1947, he entered Ateneo de Manila graduating cum laude with an Associate in Arts Degree. In the UP, he graduated cum laude and salutatorian of UP Law Class 1953. He later passed the Bar Examinations placing 11th with a 91.72% rating and getting a perfect score in commercial law.

He was offered a scholarship by the Harvard University where he earned a Master of Laws degree specializing in taxation and corporate reorganization.

Returning to the Philippines, he joined the Ponce Enrile, Siguion Reyna, Montecillo, Bello Law Office where he emerged as a top corporate and litigation lawyer. He never lost a case.

In 1966, he was appointed as Undersecretary of Finance, acting Insurance Commissioner of Customs and acting Chairman of the Monetary Board. In 1968-70 he served as Secretary of Justice. He was appointed Secretary of National Defense in...