Senate honors late former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile

A necrological service was held at the Senate to honor former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who passed away at 101 on November 13.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III led the tribute, celebrating Enrile's life and acknowledging the burdens of public service.

Several senators delivered eulogies highlighting Enrile's significant imprint on legislation and governance, acknowledging his polarizing role in Philippine politics due to his historic roles, including as chief implementer and architect of Martial Law.

Despite his controversial past, eulogies focused on his contributions, though some lawmakers acknowledged the controversies surrounding Enrile's legacy, suggesting that only the passage of time will settle his place in history.

Former senator Richard Gordon recalled both divergence and support from Enrile, particularly regarding the assassinations of his father and opposition leader Evelio Javier, and urged Filipinos to look at the full picture of Enrile's life.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada reminisced about Enrile's legal advice to former President Joseph Estrada and their shared ordeal during the plunder and graft charges related to the pork barrel scam, from which they were later acquitted.

Enrile's public service career spanned over seven decades, including multiple terms as senator and serving as Senate President from 2008 to 2013.

The National Union of People's Lawyers raised concerns over Enrile's scheduled burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on November 22, describing the move as historical rehabilitation.