MANILA, Philippines — Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile died on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the age of 101.
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| Rest in peace, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. |
“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 in a statement.
“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,” she added.
Katrina also expressed the family’s gratitude to those who have extended their condolences. “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 together in quiet and in peace.”
She said details for public viewing and memorial services will be announced once arrangements are finalized, so that those who wish to pay their respects may do so.
It is with profound love and gratitude that my father, Juan Ponce Enrile, peacefully returned to his Creator on November...
Posted by Katrina Ponce Enrile on Thursday, November 13, 2025
Earlier this week, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada revealed during a Senate session that Enrile had been confined in the intensive care unit (ICU) of an undisclosed hospital due to pneumonia. Estrada shared that Enrile had “slim chances of surviving,” citing information from a “very reliable source.”
Born on February 14, 1924, in Gonzaga, Cagayan, Enrile was baptized Juanito Furagganan, taking his mother Petra’s surname as he was born out of wedlock.
Throughout his storied career, Enrile served in both the executive and legislative branches of government, spanning several decades and multiple administrations. He first rose to national prominence as Defense Minister during the Marcos regime, playing a key role in major events that shaped Philippine political history.
After the 1986 People Power Revolution, Enrile continued his political journey, eventually serving as Senate President. In 2022, he made a return to public service when he was appointed Chief Presidential Legal Counsel by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the late dictator.
Known for his sharp intellect and remarkable longevity, Enrile remained active and outspoken in politics well into his centenarian years. He lived to witness nearly all Philippine presidents in power—except Emilio Aguinaldo, who served from 1899 to 1901—and personally served under seven of them.
Enrile is survived by his wife Cristina Ponce Enrile and their two children, Juan Jr. (Jack) and Katrina.
— The Summit Express