By Brian Campued
“Maraming salamat, Tito Johnny. Paalam at salamat sa isang buhay na buong puso mong inalay para sa bayan.”
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored the enduring legacy of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, calling him “one of the most enduring and respected public servants” in the Philippines.
Enrile died at 4:21 p.m. on Thursday, according to his daughter Katrina Ponce Enrile. He was 101.
In a statement, President Marcos Jr. paid tribute to Enrile’s decades-long service to the country—spanning various law and government work, including as justice minister and defense minister under the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.
“Even in his final years, he remained brilliant, sharp, and firm in his belief that law and governance must always serve the Filipino people,” Pres. Marcos Jr. said.
“His passing marks the close of a chapter in our nation’s history. But the mark he leaves behind in law, in governance, and in the hearts of those he served will never be forgotten,” he added.
Meanwhile, Senate President Vicente Sotto III led the upper chamber’s tributes to Enrile, who was Senate president from 2008 to 2013.
“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,” Sen. Sotto said in his speech at the Senate plenary.
“As we mourn his passing, we find comfort in knowing that the legacy of Manong Johnny will always live on, etched within the walls of this institution that he loved.”
House Speaker Faustino Dy III likewise extended the lower chamber’s condolences to the family of Enrile—whose passing left an indelible mark in public service and governance.
“Aming pong pinagmamalaki si Manong Johnny at lubos na kinikilala ang kanyang mga sakripisyo na humubog sa ating bansa,” the Speaker said in a statement.
“Sa kanyang pagpanaw, nawalan tayo ng isang lingkod-bayan na naglaan ng mahigit limang dekada ng kanyang buhay para sa serbisyo publiko.”
-jpv
