Juan Ponce Enrile, 98, Appointed to Bongbong Marcos Cabinet

(UPDATE) Former senator Juan Ponce Enrile will join President-elect Bongbong Marcos' Cabinet as Presidential Legal Counsel, the incoming government's press secretary said Friday.

The 98-year-old veteran politician was a longtime defense secretary of the president-elect's father, the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr and was the administrator of martial law. He also handled the finance and justice portfolios.

"I will devote my time and knowledge for the republic and for BBM because I want him to succeed," said Enrile as quoted by Trixie Cruz-Angeles, press secretary designate.

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.

Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte's justice chief, Menardo Guevarra, was appointed solicitor general while retired Gen. Jose Faustino Jr. was named senior undersecretary and officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense, said Cruz-Angeles.

ALSO READ:

Enrile, 97, Reemerges for Talk With Duterte on West Philippine Sea

Trillanes Calls Enrile 'Inventor of Fake News,' Explains Role in Scarborough Talks

During the pandemic, Enrile resurfaced and joined Duterte in one of his late-night addresses to the nation, giving his take on the long-running sea dispute between the Philippines and China.