President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the nation in paying tribute to former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who passed away on Thursday.

Enrile, who has held various government positions, served as President Marcos’ Chief Presidential Legal Counsel since July 2022.

Enrile passed away on Thursday at age 101.

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

“For over 50 years, Juan Ponce 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,” the President added.

Marcos said Enrile’s passing marked the close of a chapter in the country’s history, but the mark he left behind in law, governance, and public service will never be forgotten.

“Maraming salamat, Tito Johnny. Paalam at salamat sa isang buhay na buong puso mong inalay para sa bayan,” Marcos said.

Enrile served as justice minister and defense minister to President Marcos’ late father, President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr.

Enrile was elected district representative of Cagayan for one term (1992-1995) and senator for four terms (1987-1992, 1995-2001, 2004-2010, and 2010-2016), during which he served as Senate President from 2008 to 2013. Presidential News Desk