INTRODUCTION
A front-page picture in one of yesterday’s newspapers showed a caisson, on its way to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Museum and Multi-purpose Theater, passing a sign which said, “do good, look good, and feel good”.

Had the sign not been made of wood, it probably would have saluted the passing casket or bowed its head in prayer, for the body borne by the caisson belonged to him who exhorted the corps of men and women in the military to follow that simple rule in their service to the nation.

General Arturo Tiongson Enrile formulated those inspiring words during his term as Chief of Staff and carried through the culture of excellence as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC). In the process, he transcended the common misperception about former military officers appointed to civilian organizations, embodying the ultimate professional in both careers.

For someone who wanted to be remembered as a simple public servant rather than as a four-star general, we will soon be taking him on his last journey to be in the company of heroes, for General Enrile, as officer and gentleman, can be truly regarded as one.
THE LOSS WE HAVE ALL SUFFERED
The sudden demise of Arturo “Boy” Enrile came as a shock to most of us because we thought all along that his strong spirit and tremendous energy would see him through his illness which turned out to be his last battle. As a soldier, he had faced far more dangerous enemies, such that it was difficult for us to comprehend how he could have succumbed to the treachery of illness.

Now that he is gone, we have stopped asking why, and, instead, are beginning to feel the loss we have all suffered. Many of us who had the good fortune of knowing him feel the loss a bit more, but the record and quality of service he rendered to our people show that, indeed, he is a great loss to the entire Filipino nation.

In our grief, we express our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. His wife, Mara, once said that every time General Enrile got promoted, she died a little because she had to give up something. But extremely proud and supportive of her husband that she was, she must have realized that that something she had to give up was shared by many, many more of our countrymen and countrywomen.

For General Enrile gave so much of himself to the nation that he might even have been indifferent to the weakening of his health. It is this kind of selfless devotion to duty that we will surely miss. It is his kind of integrity, of leadership, of compassion and humility that general Enrile will be long remembered by all of us.
A PROFESSIONAL SOLDIER
General Enrile devoted the best years of his life in the service of the Philippine government and the Filipino people.

He consistently occupied positions of responsibility after graduating from the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), class of 1962. He became one of the youngest in his class to be promoted to brigadier general in 1988; to major general and commanding general of the Philippine Army in 1991; and then lieutenant general in 1992.

He exemplified the professional solider on many significant fronts.

He joined the Philippine contingent in one of the hottest spots of the Vietnam War as an officer — under a major named Fidel V. Ramos.

He had extensive combat experience as a field commander in the government’s campaign against Communist insurgents and Muslim secessionists.

As brigade commander of the Philippine Army Counterterrorist (PACT) Brigade, he neutralized and forced the surrender of rightist elements who occupied Manila Hotel in 1986.

As chief of the Philippine Army, he negotiated the surrender of some 400 military rebels who occupied the commercial district of Makati during the December 1989 coup attempt.

As PMA Superintendent, he instituted meaningful reforms related to proper management and administration of the academy, as well as measures to eradicate the practice of hazing and enhance the proficiency of cadets.

It was during that period that he led his cadets in the rescue and relief operations in Baguio City in the aftermath of the July 1990 killer earthquake which recovered some 800 victims from the ruins of collapsed buildings.

And only a few months after, or in October 1990, he played an important role in the return to the fold of the law of Col. Alexander Noble who led an uprising in Mindanao.
THE LEGACY OF ENRILE AS CHIEF OF STAFF
It was on the strength of this impressive record that General Enrile became AFP Chief of Staff on April 12, 1994.

General Enrile transformed the armed forces of the Philippines into an organization of stronger stature and utmost relevance to the times. During his term, he gave shape to the vision of a modern and disciplined military organization with which we could turn around not only the threats to our peace and security but also the obstacles to our national growth and development.

General Enrile vigorously pursued the modernization of the AFP during the two years that he was at its helm. The attainment of this goal became the more promising during his time, especially with the passing of the AFP Modernization Bill by Congress.

It was his exemplary leadership that underpinned the direction the AFP is now taking towards the future, as well as the dedication, commitment and high morale of the soldiers in the performance of their duties and responsibilities.

General Enrile concluded his military career and noble service as a soldier of the republic when he turned over the AFP command on November 28, 1996.
HEADING DOTC AT THE “CRUCIAL HOMESTRETCH”
Less than a year after retiring as the AFP Chief of Staff, I appointed General Enrile as Secretary of Transportation and Communication in April 1997.

His brief term in the Department was highlighted by the completion of six new projects worth p8.5 billion which were in line with the Ramos administration’s pole-vaulting strategy towards global competitiveness.

Secretary Enrile cited 1997 as a “productive year” for the transportation and communications sector, even as he stressed that “there could be some improvements and innovations” that will spur a higher rating in terms of construction schedules and project completion. He pointed out that, no more than a year before the turn of the century, the “crucial homestretch” has placed the entire transport and communications sector in a “make or break” position.

Alas, he would not be around to see the fruit of that crucial homestretch. Yet, he had set the pace for his successor to follow. And follow, this successor must, for the future of our people, and in the memory of a noble administrator.
CLOSING
It is with great sadness that we bid goodbye to General Enrile.

As we mourn the loss of this true officer and gentleman, therefore, I call on our nation to continue the quest for which General Enrile devoted his life — a lasting and meaningful peace and progress for our country and people.

This is the highest tribute we can give him today: to commit to stay together and work together towards the ultimate achievement of his and our shared vision.

Farewell, our dear “Boy” and may you rest in peace.