Former Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile was laid to rest on Saturday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City where he was accorded full military honors in recognition of his long service in government.
A solemn funeral Mass, attended by family members, colleagues, and friends, was held at the Santuario de San Antonio Church in Makati City before the burial.
Uniformed personnel stood in formation outside the church as the flag-draped casket was carried out.
Enrile received full military honors led by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
His casket was brought to the gravesite through a funeral march, where his family and friends bid their final goodbye.
Enrile, who passed away at 101, served multiple administrations and held key roles in government for many years.
His interment at the LNMB followed the honors customarily extended to former Cabinet officials and military reservists.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier honored Enrile as “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,” Mr. Marcos said.
Meanwhile, human rights groups opposed the burial of Enrile’s remains at the said cemetery, saying the longtime politician does not deserve a hero’s burial for the atrocities committed during Martial Law.
A lawyer by profession, Enrile began his national career in the 1960s and rose to prominence after being appointed Secretary of Justice and later Defense Minister.
Enrile served in both the executive and legislative branches, becoming one of the country’s most influential political figures.
During his tenure in the upper chamber, he chaired major committees and served as Senate President from 2008 to 2013.
Known for his extensive legal background, he was appointed Chief Presidential Legal Counsel under the current administration.
