JUAN PONCE ENRILE PASSES AWAY AT 101

FORMER Senate President and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile on Thursday afternoon has passed away at the age of 101, his daughter Katrina said.

Katrina said his father “peacefully returned to his Creator” at 4:21 p.m. Thursday.

 “It was his heartfelt wish to take his final rest at home, with his family by his side. We were blessed to honor that wish and to be with him in those sacred final moments,” she said.

“He dedicated much of his life to the service of the Filipino people. At this time, we humbly ask for the public’s understanding as our family takes a brief moment to grieve privately and honor his memory together in quiet and in peace,” Katrina’s post stated.

The family will make further announcements on arrangements for public viewing and funeral rites in the coming days.

Last Tuesday, Senator Jinggoy Estrada said Enrile is in the intensive care unit (ICU) of an undisclosed hospital for pneumonia and had  slim chances of surviving.

Enrile was born in Gonzaga, Cagayan on Feb. 14, 1924. He studied at the Ateneo de Manila University where he earned his associate of arts degree cum laude. He finished his law degree cum laude at the University of the Philippines.

Enrile topped the Bar examinations with a score of 98.75 (adjusted). He later finished his education with a master of laws from Harvard University.

For seven decades Enrile has been a central figure in politics.

He joined the administration of the late Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the 1960’s and serve as Minister of National Defense.

He was elected to the Senate in 1987, where he became known for his mastery of legislation and legal debate.

Enrile was elected senator for four terms (1987-1992, 1995-2001, 2004-2010, and 2010-2016), during which he served as Senate President from 2008 to 2013.

From 1992 to 1995, Enrile served as representative of Cagayan.

In 2022, Enrile was appointed as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..

Throughout his long career, Enrile was regarded for his sharp intellect, extensive knowledge of law and governance, and resilience in public life.

PBBM LEADS NATION’S FAREWELL TO PH’S POLITICAL ICON

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the nation in paying tribute to Enrile.

 “We say goodbye to one of the most enduring and respected public servants our country has ever known,” President Marcos said in a statement.

“For over 50 years, Juan Ponce Enrile dedicated his life to serving the Filipino people, helping guide the country through some of its most challenging and defining moments. Even in his final years, he remained brilliant, sharp, and firm in his belief that law and governance must always serve the Filipino people,” the President added.

President Marcos said Enrile’s passing marked the close of a chapter in the country’s history, but the mark he left behind in law, governance, and public service will never be forgotten.

“Maraming salamat, Tito Johnny. Paalam at salamat sa isang buhay na buong puso mong inalay para sa bayan,” President Marcos said.

SENATORS MOURN PASSING OF ‘MANONG JOHNNY’

The Senate on Thursday mourned the passing of Enrile.

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III led tributes to the statesman he described as one of the institution’s most enduring and influential pillars.

Sotto said Enrile devoted his entire life to public service, serving the nation with a formidable intellect and deep compassion for the Senate community.

Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada said no words could fully capture the nation’s loss nor the depth of grief felt by those who worked closely with Enrile.

He described Enrile as more than a mentor — “a father figure” whose wisdom, guidance and steadfast support shaped much of his early years in the Senate.

“The nation has lost one of its greatest and most formidable minds. And I have lost a mentor and a friend,” Estrada said.

Sen. JV Ejercito also remembered Enrile as a “legend in Philippine politics” and “one of the most brilliant minds to ever walk the Senate halls.”

Senators suspended the 2026 budget deliberations until Monday following Enrile’s passing.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri made the motion to suspend the session past 6:20 p.m., citing historical tradition. With no objections, this was approved by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. 

The plenary debates on the 2026 budget are set to resume at 1 p.m. on Monday, November 17.