Juan Ponce Enrile, often hailed as a prehistoric figure in Philippine politics, has unexpectedly become a trending topic and the subject of numerous memes as he celebrates his 100th birthday on February 14.

As of this writing, Enrile is among the top trends on Twitter, a testament to his status as one of the most controversial figures of the 20th and 21st centuries in Philippine history.

Despite his age, he remains one of the longest-serving and oldest public servants, contributing to the fascination with his life and career.

Even though the former Senate President is a billionaire, he is set to receive a hundred thousand pesos (P100,000) from the government as he marks his centennial milestone this Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Valentine’s Day.

This benefit for Enrile falls under Republic Act 10868, better known as the Centenarian Act of 2016, which grants P100,000 to Filipinos who reach the age of one hundred.

The funds will come from the government through the DSWD Centenarian Program, and aside from the monetary assistance, Enrile will also receive a Plaque of Recognition and a Letter of Felicitation signed by the country’s president.

Enrile is also among those honored on National Respect for Centenarians Day, celebrated every first Sunday of October, a day dedicated to appreciating and honoring centenarians for their long lives.

Born on February 24, 1924, in Gonzaga, Cagayan, Enrile rose to prominence serving in various government capacities under the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. His colorful and controversial life continued as he was elected as a congressman and senator.

Enrile has also gained popularity among the youth due to memes highlighting his longevity and sharp wit. While memes about Jose Mari Chan dominate on September 1, Enrile memes take center stage every February 14, making his birthday a memorable occasion for hopeless romantic Filipinos.

As Enrile’s centennial celebration approaches, it is certain that the resurgence of memes about him will once again captivate social media users, adding another chapter to the intriguing saga of Juan Ponce Enrile.

Here are top 10 interesting facts about JPE:

1. Longevity in Politics: Juan Ponce Enrile is one of the longest-serving politicians in Philippine history, having held various government positions for over six decades.
2. Martial Law Architect: Enrile played a pivotal role as Defense Minister under President Ferdinand Marcos during the declaration of Martial Law in 1972, which led to widespread human rights abuses and political repression.
3. Allegations of Corruption: Enrile has faced numerous allegations of corruption throughout his political career, including involvement in various scandals such as the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam.
4. Estranged Relationship with Marcos: Despite being a close ally of Ferdinand Marcos during Martial Law, Enrile later became estranged from the Marcos family and played a key role in the 1986 People Power Revolution, which led to Marcos’s ousting from power.
5. Coup Attempts: Enrile was involved in several coup attempts against the administrations of Corazon Aquino and Fidel Ramos during the post-Marcos era, leading to political instability and unrest.
6. Senate Presidency: Enrile served as Senate President of the Philippines from 2008 to 2013, during which time he faced criticism for his handling of various legislative issues and controversies.
7. Controversial Statements: Enrile is known for making controversial statements on various topics, including his views on Martial Law, human rights abuses, and political rivalries.
8. Legal Battles: Enrile has been involved in numerous legal battles throughout his career, including charges of plunder, graft, and corruption, although he has managed to evade conviction in many cases.
9. Return to Power: Despite facing setbacks and controversies, Enrile has managed to stage political comebacks, winning seats in the Philippine Senate multiple times.
10. Legacy and Influence: Enrile’s legacy remains divisive in the Philippines, with some viewing him as a skilled politician and strategist, while others see him as a symbol of corruption and abuse of power.