Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 30) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and several journalists on Wednesday paid tribute to the late broadcaster Mike Enriquez.
Malacañang praised the former veteran newsman for his “unbiased” delivery of news to the public.
\”We are saddened by [the] news of the passing of veteran anchor Mike Enriquez, a pillar in our broadcasting industry. He dedicated his life to delivering unbiased news to the Filipino people,\” said Marcos in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
\”Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time,\” he added.
Enriquez passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71. He has been receiving treatment for his kidney disease since 2018.
In December 2021, Enriquez underwent a kidney transplant, resulting in a three-month isolation period. He returned to work in March to cover the 2022 national and local elections.
Moreover, Enriquez’s colleagues in the media remembered his journey in the industry that he has been part of since 1969.
Veteran journalist Howie Severino recalled seeing another side of Enriquez during their coverage in Iraq in 2003.
\”I saw and heard then another side of Mike that most are unfamiliar with – the mellow, English-speaking voice and un-jologs De La Salle graduate who could converse fluently with the celebrity foreign anchors of the time,\” he said.
\”It was another display of a remarkable tool kit that enabled him to adapt to any part of the broadcast industry he found himself in and build one of the longest and most successful careers in our field.\”
Meanwhile, television reporter Raffy Tima said that his \”Ninong Mike\” was always ready for any coverage.
\”Always ready, always eager and always happy to be out on the field even after being in the industry for decades,\” he said in a Facebook post.
\”The void you left will never be filled. Thank you for over a half century of service to our beloved industry.\”
On the other hand, fellow broadcaster Arnold Clavio shared a video of him and Enriquez dancing on TikTok.
\”Paalam aking Ama, kaibigan, mentor, kasabwat, boss at higit sa lahat ‘tagapagtanggol’ …. Sabi mo, walang iwanan! Ang daya mo!\” said Clavio on social media.
[Translation: Farewell to my father, friend, mentor, buddy, boss, and especially my ‘savior’….You told me that you would never leave me! You’re so unfair!]
The social media accounts of GMA News and SuperRadyoDZZB on Tuesday also mourned Enriquez’s death by changing their profile photos to black and white.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, on another hand, also honored Enriquez calling him a \”trailblazer and innovator\” who helped shape how Filipinos consume news.
\”Sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga programa, pinahiram ni Sir Mike ang kanyang boses sa hinaing ng mga kababayan nating hindi naririnig o nakikita,\” Hontiveros said.
[Translation: Through his programs, Sir Mike lent his voice to our countrymen whose grievances are not heard.]
