Enrile laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani

The country bade goodbye to former senator Juan Ponce Enrile who died last week at 101, as he was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani yesterday.

- - Alexis Romero

Enrile was given full military honors and buried in a section reserved for presidents, Cabinet officials, national artists and national scientists.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. was the highest-ranking official at the burial, offering a final salute to a man who, for decades, remained a powerful figure in Philippine politics.

Family members and colleagues first attended a funeral Mass at the Santuario de San Antonio Church in Makati, where his casket was displayed, draped in white cloth.

At the Libingan, uniformed personnel carried his flag-covered casket, while Philippine Air Force personnel dropped flowers in tribute.

As his remains were lowered, a band played one of his favorite songs, “Usahay,” while guests tossed orange-colored flowers, his preferred bloom.

Former senator Gregorio Honasan also paid his respects.

Honasan served as Enrile's top aide when they plotted a coup in February 1986 to topple the first Marcos administration and establish a military junta - a plan that leaked and helped trigger the EDSA People Power Revolution.