The Senate on Thursday mourned the death of former Senate President and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, with Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III leading tributes to the statesman he called one of the institution’s most enduring and influential pillars.
“He has dedicated his whole life, even until his last days, to public service. We will remember him for his formidable intellect and his compassion for the people, especially to the employees of the Senate,” Sotto said.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada described Enrile as “a towering figure in our nation’s public service, a brilliant legal mind, and a statesman par excellence whose legacy spans generations…a father figure whose wisdom, guidance and steadfast support shaped much of my early years in the Senate.”
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito recalled being fortunate to have Enrile as his seatmate during his first term, calling him “a legend in Philippine politics” and “one of the most brilliant minds to ever walk the Senate halls.”
Senator Lito Lapid highlighted Enrile’s rare distinction of having served in all three branches of government and his decades-long contributions to national defense, governance, and economic policy.
Over a career spanning four terms and 23 years in the Senate, Enrile became one of its longest-serving members, also serving as its 21st President from 2008 to 2013.
In 2022, at age 98, he resumed public service as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Enrile passed away on Thursday afternoon at 101. The Senate is expected to honor him with a resolution and a necrological service in the coming days.