Senators on Thursday, Nov. 13, mourned the passing of former Senate President and Presidential Chief Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, who died at the age of 101.

By tradition, the Senate suspended its session until 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17.

His daughter, Katrina Ponce Enrile, confirmed that the veteran lawmaker passed away Thursday afternoon.

Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III said that Enrile has dedicated his whole life, even until his last days, to public service.

"We will remember him for his formidable intellect and his compassion for the people, especially to the employees of the Senate," he said.

"As we mourn his passing, we find comfort in knowing that the legacy of Manong Johnny will live on, etched within the walls of the Senate and his service to the nation will forever be in the hearts of many Filipino," he added.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri called him a "towering legal mind" and a longtime public servant whose sharp intellect and steady presence helped shape many chapters of our national story.

"His life was closely intertwined with the life of the Republic as he served in key roles in government and in the Senate, bringing to each position a deep knowledge of the law and a clear sense of duty to country," Zubiri said.

As a lawyer, Zubiri said that he was known for his mastery of legal principles, and as a legislator, he approached every bill and every hearing with remarkable discipline, always insisting on careful reading, thoughtful questions, and thorough debate.

He added Enrile was also generous with his time toward younger colleagues who sought his counsel, and many in public service today can say they learned valuable lessons on preparation, argumentation and institutional memory from observing him at work.

"As he showed excellence at work, in full measure, he recognized the value of each Senate employee. He was true to his motto: Gusto ko happy ka," he said.

"I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to learn under his wing, when he was Senate President and I was Majority Leader during the 14th Congress. I was able to grow quickly in that role in large part because of his guidance and example in running the plenary and upholding the rules of the Senate," he added.

Zubiri recalled that he was incredibly humbled in 2011, when Enrile commended his decision to resign from the Senate.

"He said it was the first time in his memory that a senator chose honor ahead of himself. That was all the validation I needed," Zubiri shared.

Senator Lito Lapid said that the nation has lost a remarkable mind and a formidable legislator.

"His contributions to the country spanned decades and administrations, marking him as one of the most enduring figures in our history," he said.

"As a public servant, his tenure included serving in all three branches of government: as an Executive Secretary, Minister of National Defense, Member of the House of Representatives, and, most notably, as a five-time Senator and the President of the Senate for the 15th Congress," he added.