Veteran lawyer Titong Mendoza, who defended Marcoses, Estrada, dies at 95

Veteran lawyer Estelito 'Titong' Mendoza, known for defending high-profile clients including former Philippine presidents and business moguls, passed away on Wednesday, March 26 at the age of 95.

Mendoza served as solicitor general during the administrations of Presidents Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and Ferdinand Marcos Jr., and also held key positions such as Minister of Justice from 1984 to 1986.

He represented former President Joseph Estrada during his impeachment trial in 2001, securing an acquittal for both Estrada and co-accused Jaime Dichaves, and successfully defended Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her plunder case involving the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office fund scam in 2016.

Most recently, Mendoza filed a petition on behalf of Vice President Sara Duterte to dismiss challenges to the constitutionality of her P125-million confidential and intelligence funds before the Supreme Court.

Mendoza's career also included serving as legal counsel for Marcos and his wife, Imelda, when the government pursued cases against them for ill-gotten wealth, and later transitioning into executive roles in major corporations including Petron, Meralco, and San Miguel Corporation.