MANILA – Amid a wave of mixed reactions — from tributes to harsh online ridicule — the family of the late Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said they remain unfazed, choosing to meet criticism with calm acceptance and even humor.
In an interview following Enrile’s death at age 101, his daughter Katrina said they were fully aware of social media posts mocking or celebrating the passing of the longtime political figure, but the family has opted not to take offense.
“Oo, nakikita namin [yung mga memes], and natatawa na lang kami,” she said on DZMM Teleradyo’s Alam Na Dis! Thursday night, acknowledging both the support and hostility her father continues to draw.
“Alam naman din namin na may mga taong nagmamahal kay Dad, meron ding mga galit kay Dad… kaya dun naman sa mga masaya na nawala na po si Juan Ponce Enrile sa Pilipinas at sa mundo ay mag-inuman na lang po sila ngayon,” she added.
Katrina spoke candidly about Enrile’s final days, noting that the former senator had been “labas-pasok… sa ospital since October” due to recurring pneumonia.
Despite medical advice, she said her father — known for being “mainipin masyado” — insisted on going home even before completing treatment.
His condition deteriorated in recent days, and the family honored his wish to spend his last moments at home, surrounded by loved ones.
“Lahat po ng pamilya ay nandito po sa tabi niya… we all said our goodbyes… wala naman po kaming pagkukulang sa isa’t isa,” she said.
Katrina also disclosed that Enrile left private messages for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whom he regarded with deep affection.
“Actually, marami po siyang binilin sa akin. Pero para kay Presidente iyon,” she noted. “Alam mo, mahal na mahal ni Dad si Presidente; kahit nasa ospital yan, laging tinatanong yan sa akin ay ‘How is Bongbong?’”
“Ang tingin niya sa Presidente ay parang anak niya na rin po,” she added, saying her father had hoped to personally relay to Marcos his thoughts on “kasiguraduhan ng future natin as a nation.”
The family said announcements regarding public viewing and funeral arrangements will follow./PN
