November 13, 2025 | 8:04pm
MANILA, Philippines — Senators paid tribute to Juan Ponce Enrile after his passing at the age of 101 years old.
Enrile, who had also served as a Senate president for two terms, was confined in the intensive care unit for several days due to pneumonia. Sotto and Enrile are longtime political allies, having served in the 15th and 16th Congress together.
“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.
“As we mourn his passing, we find comfort in knowing that the legacy of Manong Johnny will live on, etched within the walls of the Senate and his service to the nation will forever be in the hearts of many Filipinos,” he added.
As a sign of mourning, the Senate suspended its plenary session until Monday, November 17. Senators will soon adopt a resolution condoling with Enrile’s family.
Several other senators expressed their sorrow over Enrile’s passing. Many of whom were junior senators under Enrile’s wing during his long tenure in the Senate.
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who first broke the news that Enrile was hospitalized, said that there were “no words” to express his sorrow.
“He was more than a mentor — he was a father figure whose wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support shaped much of my first two terms in the Senate. I will forever be grateful for the trust he extended to me, the lessons he imparted, and the example he set as a leader of intellect, courage and conviction,” Estrada said.
“The nation lost one of its best minds,” Estrada lamented.
Sen. Joel Villanueva also expressed his condolences over Enrile’s passing, saying that he lived a long and meaningful life.
“We will remember [Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile] not only as a brilliant legal mind and elder statesman, but also as a guiding figure who steadfastly championed the Senate’s independence and the principles of checks and balances in our government,” Villanueva said.
Zubiri called Enrile excellent, saying that he was his mentor during the 14th Congress.
“It was always clear that when former Senate President Enrile stood to speak, the chamber had to listen, because he brought with him not only legal expertise but decades of experience that gave context and weight to his views,” Zubiri said.
Sen. Chiz Escudero also called Enrile a mentor figure, instilling a sense of discipline in the Senate back when he was a neophyte senator.
Sens. JV Ejercito, Kiko Pangilinan, Lito Lapid and Imee Marcos also paid tribute to Enrile in separate statements.