Former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile Dies at 101
Philippine political giant Juan Ponce Enrile, who served under seven presidents and played a key role during Martial Law, peacefully passes away at home.
Juan Ponce Enrile, former Senate president and Martial Law implementor, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the age of 101. His daughter, Katrina Enrile, announced that he spent his final moments at home, surrounded by family.
“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,” Katrina said in a statement.
Enrile’s life saw nearly every Philippine president in office—from Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to his son, current President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.—serving in various government roles under seven of them.
From Humble Beginnings to a Legal Career
Born Juanito Furagganan on February 14, 1924, in Gonzaga, Cagayan, Enrile grew up in poverty and fought against Japanese forces during World War II. He later reconnected with his father, Alfonso Ponce Enrile, and eventually changed his name to Juan Ponce Enrile.
Enrile graduated cum laude and salutatorian from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1953, passing the bar the same year. He specialized in corporate and trial law, handling high-profile cases that caught the attention of the young Ferdinand Marcos.
A Key Figure in Martial Law
After Marcos became president in 1965, Enrile served in several key roles:
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Finance undersecretary
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Bureau of Customs head
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Justice secretary
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Defense secretary
As defense secretary, Enrile became the architect and implementor of Martial Law from 1972 to 1981.
When the People Power Revolution erupted in 1986, Enrile broke away from Marcos and joined the opposition. He briefly served as defense minister under President Corazon Aquino.
Political Comeback in the Senate
Enrile went on to serve multiple terms in Congress and the Senate:
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Congressman of Cagayan’s 1st District (1992–1995)
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Four terms in the Senate (1987–1992, 1995–2001, 2004–2016)
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Senate president (2008–2013), overseeing the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona
He also ran for president in 1998 but finished 8th in a 10-candidate race.
Legal Challenges and Later Years
Enrile faced plunder and graft charges related to the pork barrel scandal in 2014, but was granted bail in 2015 due to humanitarian reasons. In October 2025, he was fully cleared of all cases.
Legacy and Family
Juan Ponce Enrile is survived by his wife Cristina Ponce Enrile and their two children, Juan Jr. (Jack Enrile) and Katrina. His life leaves a lasting imprint on Philippine politics, law, and governance—a figure who witnessed and shaped decades of history.
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