President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. mourned the passing of the late Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, and remembered him as “one of the most enduring and respected public servants.”

Minutes after the announcement of Enrile’s passing on Thursday, November 13, Marcos Jr. bid goodbye to Enrile.

“For over 50 years, Juan Ponce Enrile dedicated his life to serving the Filipino people, helping guide the country through some of its most challenging and defining moments,” he wrote in a social media post.

Even in his final years, Marcos said Enrile remained brilliant, sharp, and firm in his belief that “law and governance must always serve the Filipino people.”

“His passing marks the close of a chapter in our nation’s history. But the mark he leaves behind in law, in governance, and in the hearts of those he served will never be forgotten,” Marcos stated.

“Maraming salamat, Tito Johnny. Paalam at salamat sa isang buhay na buong puso mong inalay para sa bayan,” he said in closing.

On Thursday afternoon, Enrile’s daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, announced her father’s passing.

“It was his heartfelt wish to take his final rest at home, with his family by his side. We were blessed to honor that wish and to be with him in those sacred final moments,” she said in a statement.

Details for the late Enrile’s wake will be announced once arrangements have been finalized, Katrina said.