President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday extended his condolences over the passing of veteran journalist Mike Enriquez.
Enriquez, a household name in the Philippines for his decades-long career in broadcasting, died on Tuesday at the age of 71. He was a news anchor for GMA Network’s flagship newscast “24 Oras” and hosted the long-running public affairs program “Imbestigador.”
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos said Enriquez was a “pillar of our broadcasting industry” who “dedicated his life to delivering unbiased news to the Filipino people.”
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time,” the President’s post read.
Former journalist and now Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil also expressed her heartfelt condolences to Enriquez’s family.
In a statement on Tuesday evening, Garafil said Enriquez was one of the journalists she considered an ally in delivering honest and unbiased news.
“Truly, his contribution to the field of journalism is immeasurable,” Garafil said.
Enriquez, who is survived by his wife Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping, began his career as a staff announcer at the Manila Broadcasting Company in 1969.
Lawmakers pay tribute
Senator Grace Poe said Enriquez will “always be an important pillar of the broadcast industry.”
“He leaves behind an immense work that will continue to inspire people delivering the news,” Poe said, lauding Enriquez’s versatility, credibility, and dedication to bringing the news to the public.
“We are saddened that we will no longer hear his voice full of enthusiasm in delivering the news that woke us up every morning,” she added.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri also paid tribute to Enriquez, whom he called “Manong Mike.”
“Manong Mike Enriquez leaves a great legacy as one of the most trusted voices in the world of journalism,” Zubiri said. “We will miss his voice every night when he said, ‘Walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, walang kasinungalingan, serbisyong totoo lamang.’”
He continued: “My prayers go out to his family at this difficult time. I hope they know that he will never be replaced and will never be forgotten.