Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir

by Juan Ponce Enrile, Nelson Navarro (Editor)

Juan Ponce Enrile’s career spans six presidencies from Ferdinand Marcos to Benigno S. Aquino III, during which the Philippines metamorphosed from a free-wheeling republic into a brutal dictatorship that eventually gave way to a turbulent return to democratic rule. Sheer longevity, proximity to power and a forceful personality have made Enrile difficult to trivialize, much less ignore. Neither his friends nor his enemies have the power to exaggerate or misrepresent his gifts as well as his faults; they would have to reckon with the man’s personal point of view, here most eloquently told from where he stood and contributed his share to the nation’s narrative.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, History, Biography

754 pages, Hardcover

First published September 27, 2012

Reviews

[Cynthia Bugsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an autobiography that starts with the story of a "bastard" child in some far away province where there was no electricity and not enough food and opportunity,add the fact that he was born 88 years ago and you get the picture of a hungry kid in a third world country who had no certain future. He does seem to find solace in nature, but even nature can be cruel during hot summers. He has to work to go to grade school as a servant but manages NOT to feel "victimized" by his fate. Instead, he pursues high school and gets into trouble after his sophomore year because - well - he ain't rich.He gets knifed by bullies and expelled from school. WW2 comes along and he decides to join fight the Japs, gets caught and tortured and manages to escape.He meets his father two decades after he was born and realizes there is another world when he comes to the big city. He manages to study and learn, ends up in Harvard becomes Defense Minister and much later Senate President. He tells us of his 88 years and the reasons why/how he decided on affairs of state.... I would not consider this a political book but rather a story of the life of one man who became rich and powerful but remained decent and good. I love the positivity of his views and the manner by which he decided that he would not be a VICTIM of his circumstances. It's an inspiring book, very positive and descriptive and you somehow get a feel and "know" the intimate side of this man who never said he deserved to be canonized by the Vatican. A must read if you believe in HOPE... should be in Oprah's Books!

[Maria Urduja Osit-Li · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Historical Events mentioned here happened before my generation; before I was even Born ... Interesting His Trials, Defeats & Triumphs is formidable. The condensed Inaugural Speech of Marcos is Brilliant.

A published review:

Juan Ponce Enrile’s career spans six presidencies from Ferdinand Marcos to Benigno S. Aquino III, during which the Philippines metamorphosed from a free-wheeling republic into a brutal dictatorship that eventually gave way to a turbulent return to democratic rule. Sheer longevity, proximity to power and a forceful personality have made Enrile difficult to trivialize, much less ignore. Neither his friends nor his enemies have the power to exaggerate or misrepresent his gifts as well as his faults; they would have to reckon with the man’s personal point of view, here most eloquently told from where he stood and contributed his share to the nation’s narrative.

[Princebatausa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a lover of history and autobiographies of prominent people. I could classify this book as one of those "cant get enough" books of mine. I find myself turning pages and pages and pages.

Knowing his perspective of Philippine history as it unfolds right before his eyes is a great read! I didn't took this book as the ultimate answer to all the missing link questions to what happened in the past but instead treated this book as a statement of his defense.


This is a book that will take you to Philippine history at its best. This is a book for all Filipinos who readily criticize him without knowing his side. This is a book of life-struggles, politics and his besmirched legacy. This is a must read book!

[Angela De ocampo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Juan Ponce Enrile is one of the greatest minds in Philippine politics and it's a shame that his reputation today has turned out to the way it is now. This book provides a preview not only of Ponce Enrile's struggles and triumps but that of the country's as well. Great book for those interested in the Marcos and post-Marcos era.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative but self-serving. It's a memoir after all. Still I have yet to decide whether to like or dislike him. Let God and history judge him.

[Nicolo Dolphin-86 · Rating 4 out of 5]

JPE has the most colorful political life in the entire Philippine History. At one point, he is the villain, and another, a "hero", then, a villain again, and so on...

I pore the pages in the Index part of the 715 page book (excluding the annexes) and here are the words he mostly uttered (not in particular order, this might interest you)

1. Ferdinand Marcos (Sr.)
2. Imelda Marcos
3. Ninoy Aquino
4. Corazon Aquino
5. Malacañang Palace

Also, the bulk of the book was during his rendevouz with the Marcoses (July 1966 the period he entered government) until the failed 1989 Coup attempt. This shows his political prime was at that time. Afterwards, he did not have much (Erap, GMA, the Corona Impeachment).

I have read other books about Martial Law and I'm happy i did. There are some sugarcoating on his part and the reader might believe all that he said. There are also many things he has omitted.

In totality, he is indeed a proud man. He wrote as if he did not owe Filipino people anything. Words such as (paraphrasing) "I really don't care at all if they will fire me in the govt, I could always go back to my lucrative law practice...", or "(Insert a political figure) tried to emasculate me, but when I did this, he walked in shame...". In the words of the young of today, "feeling main character", though I would give it to him as one of the main character of the Philippine political scene, only that, he is at the wrong side of history.

[Cece Lopez · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Cinderella-like story about a guy rising from a penniless bastard son to a powerful bureaucrat (second most powerful next to the president), and in the excluded epilogue, he also becomes the Methuselah of Philippine politics. Naks naman! Well, this memoir reminds me of a joke of how Satan suddenly becomes a candidate for sainthood in his own story, or rather, fiction. This memoir brushes aside that bastard’s involvement to countless counts of controversies, concubinage, and crimes against our country — but I will have to add “alleged” to those since our justice system is not the world’s best. But I will give it two stars for the brilliant way of writing.

[Julius Palmero · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book mostly covers his stint during the Marcos era. I'm quite skeptic about his statements probably because the level of details on particular events (he includes the exact time and date, as well as the persons present) But I must admit I enjoy reading it. We can see his experience and intellect by the use of his words and how he creates the narrative and making it interesting for the reader.

[rose ☾₊ ⊹ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

[Kyth Palma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The First Part, undoubtedly, was an inspiring story of an ordinary young boy, who in the eventful turn of his life , had finally been recognized by his father, a well-known lawyer. His life changed dramatically - became educated, well-learned and rose to power. His story was like the ones read in a fictional story - unbelievably true.

However, in the Second Part, more controversial stories are discussed. It's good to know his side. A much deeper understanding must be given.

This book is a life story of a great political persona in the Philippine politics. A must-read story for anyone who is into Philippine Political History.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book probably has some biases because it's of course one-sided. Nevertheless, it is very informative and descriptive to the significant events that occurred since the Japanese invasion until the controversial impeachment of Chief Justice Corona. It's like listening to your grandparents' first-hand-experiences-story-telling. It even eased my questions and misunderstandings about Philippine history.

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curiousity satisfied. JPE is a master spin doctor.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

an eye opener for me, although it requires reading other books to verify the lots-of-revelations in the book.

[Jareed · Rating 1 out of 5]

'The man eats his own words for breakfast.' 'Nuff said.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juan Ponce Enrile is his own apologist in this book but he does not apologize for it. Would be interesting though if he decided to write this book with the PDAF scam already known.

[Sherika Tam]

i love it