The House of Representatives held a tribute on Tuesday, November 25, for the late politician and former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile (JPE), presenting legislative memorabilia to his family and adopting resolutions that formally acknowledge his years in public service.
Enrile died on November 13, 2025, at the age of 101 due to pneumonia, according to his daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile.
House Speaker Bojie Dy led the ceremony, stating that the memorabilia was being presented as a symbolic gesture of the chamber.
He also announced the adoption of House Resolution No. 26, conveying the House’s condolences to the Enrile family, and House Resolution No. 27, which recognizes Enrile’s role in government and his involvement in national affairs across several decades. Enrile previously served as representative of Cagayan’s first district in the 9th Congress.
Members of Enrile’s family were in attendance, along with former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and House Majority Leader Rep. Sandro Marcos, who took part in the turnover of the memorabilia.
Katrina Ponce Enrile addressed lawmakers during the program, sharing a message her father gave on his 100th birthday when asked about the advice he wished to leave to the public.
According to her, Enrile told his family: “I want you all to be happy and united. Fight for this country. Fight for liberty, for freedom. Fight for what is just and what is right. Do not think much of wealth; you cannot bring it with you, take it from me. The only thing that persists is your equanimity, your humility, and your peace of mind.”
During his long political career, Enrile was also linked to the 2013 pork barrel scam, in which he reportedly allocated ₱172 million of his priority development funds to non-government organizations (NGOs) later accused of providing kickbacks.
He was detained in July 2014 but was granted bail in August 2015 on humanitarian grounds.
Enrile later re-entered public service as chief presidential legal counsel for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in 2022.
In 2025, the Sandiganbayan acquitted him of his remaining graft charges, citing failure to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The House tribute forms part of the formal observances following Enrile’s passing, reflecting both his decades-long involvement in government and the controversies that marked his career.
