FORMER Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile assured Bacolodnons and Negrenses that he is still physically strong with a sharp mind and time-tested experience in governance at the age of 95.
He was in Negros Occidental over the weekend to ask for support from the locals in his bid to return to the Senate.
Enrile was with National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP) president Enrique “Nene” Rojas and Rafael Lopez when they went to Victorias City and Silay City on March 17.
Enrile met Victorias City Mayor Francis Frederick “Wantan” Palanca, Vice Mayor Jerry Jover and some members of the City Council.
He visited Victorias in time of the city's 21st Kadalag-an festival, a celebration of the city's Charter day.
Enrile spoke before the local farmers and fisherfolk and joined the city officials in the distribution of agriculture/farm implements including carabaos, fishing boats and tractors, among others for the use of farmers’ and fisherfolk associations in the city.
Enrile said: “I hope that the people of Victorias will have a fruitful and happy celebration along with its people especially the farmers and fishermen. I promised to help and protect their interests especially the sugar industry from inordinate importation of sugar into the country. We must protect our agricultural sector and I promise the country and to the people of Victorias and the province in general.”
On questions regarding his health, he said that he is still functioning and still strong with a sharp mind.
“I have done enough for the country. I have learned a lot of things. I see a lot of problems that are coming and cropping up. A country’s problems do not end. I would like to share my knowledge and my experience to address many of these problems that are not being discussed right now,” said Enrile.
“The price of water, crude, food, power, the tariffication of the agricultural products, especially now that they are opening the country to an inordinate importation of sugar. These have all adverse effects on the country and nobody is talking about it. Nobody is raising or asking the questions and I would like to appoint myself as the person who will be asking questions to those in power in order for the people to be made aware of looming problems ahead of them,” he added.
“I would like to go back to the Senate not to gain wealth, honor and power, but to serve the people. I want to help because I love this country that gave me much,” Enrile said.
Moreover, Enrile also visited the City of Silay where he was welcomed by Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Golez and former assemblyman Jaime “Jimmy” Golez. (CNC)