‘Unassailable integrity’: Senate reso filed to honor Mike Enriquez

Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a resolution honoring the late veteran Kapuso television and radio anchor Mike Enriquez for his contributions to Philippine journalism and the broadcasting industry.

“His passing is a great loss to the Filipino nation, as well as the journalism profession and broadcasting industry, which are currently under siege from disinformation, fake news, and other adverse impacts of the digital media age,” Estrada said in Senate Resolution 770.

“Enriquez’ trademark voice, distinct style of delivering news, and hard-hitting commentaries have become part of countless Filipino households and shaped the consciousness of the citizens about the pressing social issues and current affairs,” it further read.

Estrada also hailed Enriquez for showing his dedication to public service when he returned on air in March 2022 in time for GMA Network’s 2022 National and Local Election special coverage even after undergoing medical procedure and battling health issues.

“His sterling career, outstanding body of work, professionalism and unassailable integrity should serve as inspiration for mass media practitioners and the younger generation to pursue excellence and hone their craft with purpose and passion,” Estrada said.

Senator Sonny Angara will also file a separate resolution expressing the Senate’s profound sympathy and sincere condolences on the passing of Enriquez.

“Enriquez…served as a steward of journalistic integrity—always eager to deliver factual unbiased news even in the face of calamities, disasters, and emergencies, and always vigilant against crooks and erring officials as evidenced by his famous quote, ‘Hindi namin kayo tatantanan,’” Angara wrote in his draft resolution.

The lawmaker mentioned Enriquez’ dedication as a newsman despite battling several health issues.

“[His dedication] never wavered, confirming his dedication, love, and enthusiasm for this industry which in turn served as an inspiration to his friends and colleagues,” Angara said.

“His legacy as one of the most admired and respected personalities in broadcast media will be remembered and celebrated by millions of Filipinos here and abroad; and his passion in bringing credible and trustworthy news to all will serve as a foundation and inspiration not just to his colleagues but also to young Filipinos aspiring to become journalists themselves,” he said.

Enriquez, who served as one of the anchors of GMA’s flagship newscast “24 Oras” and the network’s long-running public affairs program “Imbestigador”, passed away last Tuesday. He was 71.

Enriquez won many awards for his work both in radio and television.

Last year, he was hailed as the Most Outstanding Male News Anchor for the fourth consecutive year at the Gawad Lasallianeta Awards.

In 2019, he was recognized as one of 10 media icons by the Media Specialists Association of the Philippines. In the same year, he was named Best Male News Anchor on AM radio and Best Male News Anchor on Television at the Animo Media Choice Awards.

In 2018, he was named the Best AM Radio Anchor at the COMGUILD Media Awards for Radio and Television. He was also the recipient of the Adamson Media Award in 2016 for becoming the voice for the poor in his radio and television programs.

In 2013, he received an Award of Excellence in the Field of Broadcasting from the School Press Advisers Movement Inc. —VAL, GMA Integrated News