A towering mind whose brilliance, discipline, and unparalleled devotion to public service shaped key chapters of Philippine history—this was how Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada described the late former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile in a resolution filed to honor the latter’s life, legacy, and historic contributions to the nation.
“Manong Johnny deserves to be elevated in the halls of fame for public officials and lawyers for being a legendary statesman and one of the sharpest practitioners in the legal profession, worthy of respect as he always provided context with brilliance and clarity amid confusion and disagreements on rather difficult issues and topics,” Estrada said.
The seasoned politico and public servant took his final rest on November 13, 2025 at the age of 101.
Estrada filed Senate Resolution No. 177 expressing the Senate’s profound sympathy and sincere condolences to the bereaved family of one of the longest-serving members of the upper chamber and an enduring figure in the country’s political landscape.
Born on February 14, 1924 in Gonzaga, Cagayan, Enrile—known affectionately as Manong Johnny—graduated cum laude from Ateneo de Manila in 1949 and again from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1953, where he was salutatorian and placed 11th in the Bar with a score of 91.72%, earning a perfect mark in Commercial Law. He later completed his Master of Laws degree at Harvard University in 1955 under a scholarship, specializing in taxation and corporate reorganization.
He began his legal career in his father’s firm before joining the government in 1964, marking the start of a seven-decade career in public service. Before entering elective office, he served in numerous key positions, including Undersecretary of Finance, Secretary of Justice, Secretary of National Defense, and Chairman of the Monetary Board.
Elected to the Senate in 1987, he completed four terms and also served as Congressman for the First District of Cagayan. As Senate President from 2008 to 2013, he presided over the historic impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. Even at 98, he returned to government as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Estrada noted that Enrile was also affiliated with Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino, the political organization founded and led by his father, former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada.
He emphasized that Enrile’s widely recognized initials—JPE—have become synonymous with legal acumen, intellectual depth, and steadfast service to the nation, having served under seven different administrations.
“His life holds immense significance not only in the span of years he lived but in the stories he told and the knowledge he imparted to Filipinos as he bore witness to the most pivotal moments in the nation’s history. JPE would forever be etched in our national memory—not just as an abbreviation, but as a legacy in itself,” Estrada said.