MANILA, Philippines — Juan Ponce Enrile, one of the country’s most enduring and controversial political figures who devoted nearly six decades to public service, passed away on Thursday at the age of 101.
His daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, confirmed the former senator’s passing at 4:21 p.m., saying he was surrounded by family at their residence during his final moments. However, the family noted that records from the Aglipayan Church in Cagayan suggest Enrile may have actually been 103 years old.
“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,” Katrina said in a statement posted on social media.
Most recently, Enrile served as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Prior to his death, reports indicated he had been hospitalized for pneumonia, with his condition described as critical.
“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 in quiet and in peace,” she added. The family said details of the public viewing will be announced later.
Born in Gonzaga, Cagayan, Enrile rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most powerful men in Philippine politics. He served under several presidents—from Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Corazon Aquino to Ferdinand Marcos Jr.—and held key government positions, including Defense Secretary, Justice Secretary, and Senate President.
A brilliant legal mind, Enrile graduated cum laude from both the Ateneo de Manila University and the University of the Philippines College of Law, where he also topped the 1949 Bar examinations with a score of 98.75 percent (later adjusted). He earned his Master of Laws degree from Harvard University.
Enrile’s political legacy, however, remains complex. As Defense Minister during the Martial Law years, he was instrumental in enforcing Marcos Sr.’s regime, even reportedly staging his own ambush as a pretext for its declaration. Yet, he would later defect from the dictatorship, joining forces with then–Armed Forces Vice Chief Fidel V. Ramos in the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution, a pivotal event that toppled Marcos Sr.
In the Senate, Enrile completed four terms and served as Senate President from 2008 to 2013, presiding over several landmark legislations and historic proceedings, including the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona.
His long career was not without controversy. Enrile was arrested in 2014 for plunder charges related to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam but was later acquitted by the Supreme Court in 2021.
Throughout his 60 years in government, Enrile remained a commanding, if polarizing, figure—revered by allies for his intellect and longevity, and criticized by detractors for his association with authoritarian rule.
As the nation marks the end of an era, Enrile leaves behind a complicated but undeniably historic legacy—one that has shaped the country’s political landscape for generations.| – BNN Integrated News
