Marcos: Enrile's passing marks end of an era in Philippine governance

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. honored Juan Ponce Enrile's contribution in governance and public service as he bid goodbye to his chief presidential legal counsel. 

Enrile passed away on Thursday, his daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, earlier disclosed. 

In a statement, Marcos said the country bids farewell to ''one of the most enduring and respected public servants our country has ever known.''

''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,'' Marcos said. 

According to the President, even in Enrile's final years, he 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 said.

He expressed gratitude to Enrile for offering his life for serving the nation and the Filipino people.

The President had dubbed Enrile as "an icon in the pantheon of Philippine history."

Before he went out of retirement when he was appointed as the President's top legal counsel in 2022, Enrile already served the government in the executive and legislative branches for 50 years when he bowed out of the Senate in 2016. –NB, GMA Integrated News