One of the Philippines' most enduring politicians, 97-year-old Juan Ponce Enrile, emerged from retirement on Monday to join President Rodrigo Duterte's weekly address to the nation.
Duterte, 76, had invited Enrile to share his insights on the West Philippine Sea disputes with China. Enrile was Senate president when Manila and Beijing figured in a standoff at Scarborough Shoal and the incumbent had said that he inherited the situation from his predecessor, former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III.
Enrile retired from politics after losing in the 2019 senatorial vote. He has held numerous positions in government under Noynoy Aquino, former Presidents Gloria Arroyo, Joseph Estrada, Fidel Ramos, Cory Aquino and Ferdinand Marcos, where he was at the height of power.
Under Marcos, Enrile served as Martial Law administrator and defense secretary.
Enrile said he would provide his services to Duterte on the West Philippine Sea for free, "gratis et amore." He said the approach should be "friendly" and not "aggressive."
China's moves in the disputed waters to is dictated by how it sees itself in the world, Enrile said. Roughly 80% of its trade passes through it.
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