Philippine Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile. ARCHIVE

Contrary to unverified reports circulating online, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile remains alive but fighting for his life in the intensive care unit (ICU), according to a statement from his son, Jack Enrile. Columnist Mon Tulfo, who cited information from the younger Enrile, confirmed that the 101-year-old statesman is still alive but in critical condition on Tuesday (November 11). “He is still alive, but he might go anytime soon,” Jack Enrile was quoted as saying at 9pm (Philippine time). As of press time on 9pm (UAE time), no official statement has been released by Malacañang or the Philippine Senate regarding Enrile’s current condition. Earlier in the day, Senator Jinggoy Estrada told the Senate that Enrile was confined in an ICU at an undisclosed hospital due to pneumonia, adding that his condition was critical. “I have just received very, very sad information that our former colleague, former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, is currently in the intensive care unit of an undisclosed hospital suffering from pneumonia,” Estrada announced during a Senate session. Estrada added that his information came from a “very reliable source” and described Enrile’s chances of survival as “slim.” At Estrada’s request, Senator Joel Villanueva led a prayer for Enrile during the session. “At this moment, we humbly pray and lift up to You the life of our colleague, mentor, Senate President, and public servant who has dedicated his life in service to our countrymen — Senator Juan Ponce Enrile,” Villanueva said in Filipino. Born on February 14, 1924, Enrile is one of the most enduring figures in Philippine politics. He turned 101 years old in February this year. In 2022, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. appointed him as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, marking his return to Malacañang decades after serving under the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. as Defense Minister. CAM/Expat Media
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