Former Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile visited President Duterte in Malacañang last Wednesday to deliver a letter and three books apparently to help him address the country’s problems.
“Thank you for this honor and privilege to meet you again,” Enrile told the President.
Duterte firmly shook the hand of Enrile, telling him that he was also “honored” to meet the former Senate President.
Enrile, currently out on bail pending trial for his alleged involvement in the “pork barrel” fund scam, came bearing gifts for the President.
“I took the liberty of bringing to you three books,” Enrile said while seated next to the President at the Malacañang Study Room.
“And I have a little bit of letter for you about the current problems,” he told Duterte whom he has described an astute politician.
The President’s meeting with Enrile came a few days after the Office of the Solicitor General sought the acquittal of suspected pork barrel fund scam mastermind businesswoman Janet Napoles from illegal detention charges. Enrile is among the three senators facing plunder charges in connection with the alleged fund misuse.
Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the President’s meeting with Enrile was a “social call” that included discussions on “current developments.”
“The Senator gave books to the President and discussed current developments in the country. It was a brief and cordial meeting capped by a photo opportunity,” Abella said. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)