Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile would likely hold the record for being the oldest living politician in the world if he wins in the 2019 midterm elections.
The nonagenarian through his lawyer on Tuesday filed a certificate of candidacy for a senatorial position, initially citing that he wanted to “join the fun.” He is running as an independent candidate.
If he secures a victory in the elections, he would be considered the oldest politician in office.
TIL If the Juan Ponce Enrile (94) wins in the 2019 Elections, he will be the oldest living politician in office, IN THE WORLD! Older than Queen Elizabeth II of the UK (92) and Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia (93) from Philippines
The former senate president is currently 94 years old.
A post on Reddit Philippines mentioned that he would be older than Queen Elizabeth II and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahatir Mohamad, but it is good to note that both are state leaders.
If he secures a victory as a senator in next year’s elections, Enrile could snatch that record from Mahathir, who is currently the oldest sitting politician in the world. He is 92 years old.
The Guinness World Records website also cites Mahatir as the “Oldest Prime Minister.”
Switzerland has a 91-year-old elected politician, Marlies Näf-Hofmann, who serves in parliament. She campaigns on behalf of elderly citizens.
Democrat representative Louise Slaughter, at 89, is the oldest sitting member of the United States Congress.
Kenyan parliament member Adipo Okuome won a seat last year as his country’s oldest elected politician at age 81.
The ‘immortality’ of Enrile
Enrile has already encountered seven presidents in his entire political career—Ferdinand Marcos, Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Noynoy Aquino and Rodrigo Duterte.
This has prompted Filipinos to share various memes and posts on his impressive longevity.
Kaya pala immortal ka, Enrile Gil. Charot pic.twitter.com/R1BzfLcXX5
— Jacq Snow (@jacqsn0w) July 23, 2018
Gusto mo ba mabuhay ng habang-buhay? Dumalo sa Juan Ponce Enrile Immortality Workshop. #Immortal pic.twitter.com/v7K5Td7Fhr
— Manong Ben (@Manong_Ben) September 8, 2017
Valentines Schmalentines. Today’s all about Juan Ponce Enrile, y’all! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, U IMMORTAL BEAST! pic.twitter.com/G5Mr4n9S5r
— Z (@zericetan) February 14, 2018
One social media user even joked that the lawmaker has “survived” Thanos, a famous villain in the Marvel comics and the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The immortal Juan Ponce Enrile was quietly sipping tea in his garden that afternoon when all of a sudden, all his servants turned into ash. #InfinityWar pic.twitter.com/2nclorl9Gm
— Pepe Alas (@JoseMarioAlas) May 6, 2018
Enrile recently commented in an interview that he does not consider himself an “immortal,” despite the plethora of memes, posts and opinions about his age.
“I am not saying I am immortal but only God knows,” he said on his decision to once again run in the Senate for the fifth term.
“I hope I will reach 110. You know in life, you cannot control your number of years on this planet,” Enrile added.
To some extent, people could have a hand in how long they could continue living—often for a hefty price. In 2012, Enrile himself admitted to having stem cell therapy, a technology acknowledged to contribute in extending life.
Enrile was one of the main architects of martial law in the 1970s. The decree facilitated the consolidation of power of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
