The Peninsula Manila, Makati City
27 September 2012
President Benigno S. Aquino III received the first print copy of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s autobiography entitled: “Juan Ponce Enrile: A Memoir” during the book launch at The Peninsula Manila in Makati City.

In his message, President Aquino welcomed the book as an additional source to the country’s historical records that will help unravel some of the mysteries during the Martial Law. The President also expressed his optimism that the book will usher in the production of more Martial Law themed books and memoirs from other authors that will help the younger generation understand and be reminded of the atrocities of this period.

“This book will hopefully give us an opportunity to hear insights from the side of those who decided to experiment with strongman rule. What went through their minds back then? How do they choose to remember it now? Hopefully, we will be able to answer these questions, among others, and add to the body of knowledge of what transpired, so we may be able to avoid the needless suffering that transpired during Martial Law,” he said.

The 752-page autobiography encapsulates the Senate President’s humble beginnings as a son of a poor fisherman’s daughter –born out of wedlock to a regional politician, to being a politician himself and for participating in some of the most significant events that shaped today’s Philippine politics.

“This is the story of my life, the story of Juanito Furagganan, the story of Juanito Ponce, the story of Juan Ponce Enrile. Carved mostly from my memory the events narrated here, the strife, the personal terrain that I travelled and the indelible mark that all that happened to me has left in my mind, in my soul and in my dreams,” Senate President Enrile said as he read an excerpt from his book.

The autobiography, published by ABS-CBN Publishing, Inc. will be made available in all leading National Book Stores at PhP 1,650 per copy.

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