Juan Ponce Enrile, a pivotal yet controversial figure in Philippine history, passed away on Thursday at the age of 101. His daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, confirmed his death at home, surrounded by family, as he had wished. Enrile had recently been treated for pneumonia in a medical intensive care unit. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whose father Enrile helped overthrow during the 1986 ‘people power’ uprising, paid tribute to him, stating that his death ‘marks the close of a chapter in our nation’s history.’ Enrile’s career spanned over five decades, during which he held numerous high-profile positions, including Defense Secretary, Senate President, and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel. Born on February 14, 1924, in Cagayan, Enrile was one of the longest-serving officials in Philippine history. His tenure as Defense Secretary during the martial law era under Ferdinand Marcos Sr. was marked by allegations of human rights abuses and authoritarian rule. However, Enrile later broke away from Marcos, playing a crucial role in the 1986 uprising that ousted the dictator. Despite his contributions, Enrile’s legacy remains complex. In 2014, he was indicted for allegedly receiving kickbacks from a scam involving anti-poverty funds, though he was eventually acquitted due to insufficient evidence. His life was a tapestry of triumphs and controversies, reflecting the tumultuous political landscape of the Philippines. The Department of National Defense, where he served the longest, honored him by flying the Philippine flag at half-staff, acknowledging his profound impact on the nation’s history.
Juan Ponce Enrile, architect of Philippine martial law era who helped oust Marcos, dies at 101
