Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile is reportedly in critical condition as he battles pneumonia at an undisclosed hospital. Sources said the 101-year-old statesman remains confined in the intensive care unit (ICU) with “slim chances of survival.”
Senator Jinggoy Estrada disclosed Enrile’s health condition on Tuesday, November 11, citing a reliable source. His daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, later confirmed that her father remains under close medical supervision and “isn’t doing too good.”
Enrile, who marked his 101st birthday in February 2025, has been one of the most enduring figures in Philippine politics and law. Over the decades, he has served as Senate President, Defense Secretary, and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, shaping key national policies through numerous administrations.
Recently, Enrile was among those acquitted by the Sandiganbayan Special Third Division in connection with 15 counts of graft related to the alleged misuse of his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) amounting to ₱172 million. The anti-graft court, in its decision dated October 24, 2025, cleared Enrile and his co-accused — former chief of staff Jessica “Gigi” Reyes and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles — citing the prosecution’s failure to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Despite his advanced age, Enrile has continued to hold public office as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under the current administration, remaining active in legal and policy discussions until recent months.
Known for his intellect, political acumen, and long-standing influence in both government and law, Enrile’s condition has sparked concern among political allies and the public, many of whom regard him as a key figure in the nation’s post-war history.
As of press time, no official medical bulletin has been released by his family or office regarding his current status.|— BNN Integrated News
