Katrina Ponce Enrile shares emotional farewell and father’s final wishes

Published 14 Nov 2025 at 3:31 PM

by Josh Medina

4 min read

Katrina Ponce Enrile opened up about her father Juan Ponce Enrile’s final days, his recurring pneumonia, and his wish to pass away at home surrounded by family
She revealed Enrile left personal messages for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., whom he regarded as a son
Katrina described her father as not only a parent but also a mentor, friend, and protector
She addressed public reactions to his passing, acknowledging both support and criticism, and confirmed a public viewing will be announced soon

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In an emotional interview on DZMM Teleradyo’s "Alam Na Dis!" on Thursday evening, Katrina Ponce Enrile shared heartfelt memories of her father, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, and his final days.

Photo: Juan Ponce Enrile
Source: Facebook

Katrina recounted that her father had been in and out of the hospital since October due to recurring pneumonia.

“Alam mo naman si Dad, mainipin masyado… so kahit ‘di pa tapos yung mga medications niya, gusto na niyang umuwi,” she said, noting his wish to spend his final moments at home with family around him.

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“All of the family was beside him… we all said our goodbyes… wala naman po kaming pagkukulang sa isa’t isa,” Katrina added, reflecting on the intim@te farewell.

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She also revealed that Enrile left personal messages for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., expressing the deep affection he held for the leader.

“Alam mo, mahal na mahal ni Dad si Presidente; kahit nasa ospital yan, laging tinatanong yan sa akin ay ‘How is Bongbong?’” Katrina said, noting that her father viewed the President almost like a son.

Beyond personal matters, Katrina shared that her father remained concerned for the nation’s future.

“Yun ang isang hiling na hindi natupad… na masabi niya at maayos niya yung kasiguraduhan ng future natin as a nation,” she said.

Katrina described Enrile as more than just a father: “’Di ko lang po siya ama, mentor ko po siya, kaibigan ko po siya, taga-protekta ko po siya.”

She also addressed the public’s varied reactions, saying, “Alam naman din namin na may mga taong nagmamahal kay Dad, meron ding mga galit kay Dad… sa mga masaya na nawala na po si Juan Ponce Enrile… mag-inuman na lang po sila ngayon.”

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She confirmed that a public viewing for the late Enrile will be held, with details to be announced soon, as the nation prepares to bid farewell to a towering figure in Philippine law and politics.

Juan Ponce Enrile is a veteran Filipino politician and lawyer whose career has spanned several decades, making him one of the country’s most prominent and controversial figures. Born on February 14, 1924, in Cagayan, he first rose to national prominence as a legal and political aide during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, eventually serving as Minister of Justice and later as Secretary of National Defense. Enrile played a key role in shaping martial law policies under Marcos, yet he later became a pivotal figure in the 1986 People Power Revolution that led to Marcos’ ouster. Over the years, he has held various positions in government, including Senate President, senator, and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, earning a reputation for his legal expertise, political influence, and polarizing presence in Philippine politics. Beyond his public service, Enrile is also known for his advocacy on national security, law, and governance, while leaving a legacy intertwined with both controversy and historical significance.