Juan Ponce Enrile, a force in Philippine politics, 101

MANILA, Philippines —  Former senator and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile died yesterday at the age of 101.

“It is with profound love and gratitude that my father, Juan Ponce Enrile, peacefully returned to his Creator on November 13, 2025, at 4:21 p.m., surrounded by our family in the comfort of our home,” his daughter Katrina Ponce Enrile announced on Instagram.

Enrile had been admitted to the intensive care unit of an undisclosed hospital due to pneumonia.

“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.

She noted that Enrile 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 said.

She said that details for public viewing will be shared once arrangements have been finalized, so that all who wish to pay their respects may have the opportunity to do so.

“On behalf of our family, I extend our deepest gratitude for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support we have received during this difficult time. Your kindness means more than words can express. With love and appreciation,” she said.

The 101-year-old Enrile was the oldest Cabinet member of the second Marcos administration.

Marcos appointed him as chief presidential legal counsel on July 26, 2022.

The President on Thursday paid tribute to Enrile.

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

He added that for over 50 years, 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. 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,” the President said.

Enrile was recently cleared of his remaining case at the Sandiganbayan in connection with the multibillion-peso pork barrel fund scam.

The anti-graft court’s Third Division acquitted Enrile, his former chief of staff Gigi Reyes and detained businesswoman Janet Lim-Napoles of 15 counts of violation of Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, citing the prosecution’s “failure to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”

Enrile attended the promulgation via online video conference as his lawyer, Erwin Matib, informed the court that the lawmaker was confined in hospital.

Enrile’s last Facebook post was on Oct. 20, 2025.

Last birthday

On his 101st birthday last Feb. 14, Enrile greeted all whose birthdays fall on Valentine’s Day.

As chief presidential legal counsel of Marcos, Enrile defended the arrest of detained former president Rodrigo Duterte on March 11, 2025, saying the Philippine government had nothing to do with Duterte’s legal woes.

“The current legal problem of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte is not caused by Philippine laws. His legal problem is caused by laws enforceable by the International Criminal Court,” Enrile said on Meta.

Enrile held key posts during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., including finance undersecretary, chairman of the board of directors of the Philippine National Bank and acting head of the Insurance Commission, acting customs commissioner, acting finance secretary and concurrent chairman of the Central Bank’s monetary board.

Martial law administrator

However, Enrile is best known as the elder Marcos’ longtime defense minister and martial law administrator.

In 1972, Enrile was reportedly ambushed at Wack Wack subdivision, one of the incidents that prodded Marcos Sr. to declare martial law that same year.

During a press conference on Feb. 23, 1986, Enrile withdrew his support for the late strongman and claimed that the ambush at Wack Wack was staged. But he reversed himself 26 years later in his memoir, saying the ambush was not faked.

Enrile remained as defense chief during the time of the late president Corazon Aquino, Marcos’ successor. He was fired after being linked to a plot to oust Aquino codenamed “God save the queen.”

Enrile served four terms in the Senate during the 8th, 11th, 13th and 16th Congresses from 1987 to 2016.

He was Senate president from 2008 to 2013 and was the presiding officer during the impeachment trial of the late chief justice Renato Corona.

Enrile was among the senators who were slapped with plunder cases in 2014 over their alleged involvement in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam, where congressional funds were supposedly diverted to fake non-government organizations and non-existent projects.

In 2015, the Supreme Court allowed Enrile to post bail due to his old age and poor health. Enrile sought a Senate comeback in 2019 but lost.

Flag at half-mast

The Senate suspended plenary deliberations on the proposed 2026 budget as they mourned the passing of former Senate president Enrile.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III announced “with great sorrow” that “our beloved colleague has joined our creator.”

“He has dedicated his whole life to public service until his last day. We will remember him for his formidable intellect and compassion to the people, especially the Senate employees,” Sotto said.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said it is “historical tradition” that the Senate suspend session to defer to a member’s death.

The budget plenary debates will resume on Monday. The flag at the Senate was flown at half-mast after suspending session Thursday night.

Sen. JV Ejercito said he was seatmates with Enrile during his first term as senator in 2013.

“For those years that we were seatmates, I learned a lot from his wisdom, knowledge, and advice. I will never forget my seatmate Manong Johnny,” Ejercito said. – Jose Rodel Clapano