BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR and RAYMOND AFRICA
President Marcos Jr. yesterday extended his condolences to the family of the late broadcaster Mike Enriquez as he paid tribute to his dedication to service and delivery of unbiased news and information to the Filipinos.
The President, in his official X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook account said he was saddened by the news of the passing of Enriquez whom he described as a “pillar” in the Philippines’ broadcasting industry.
“He dedicated his life to delivering unbiased news to the Filipino people. Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time,” Marcos said.
Former journalist and now Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil also extended her condolences to Enriquez’s family.
Velicaria-Garafil said Enriquez made remarkable contributions in shaping the landscape of unbiased journalism in the Philippines.
“Si Mike ay isa sa mga mamamahayag na ating itinuturing na kasangga sa paghahatid ng tapat at walang-kinikilingang balita. Tunay na ang kanyang kontribusyon sa larangan ng pagbabalita ay hindi matatawaran (Mike is one of the journalists we consider as a partner in delivering honest and unbiased news. His contribution to the field of journalism is inestimable),” she said.
Senators yesterday also extended their sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the late broadcaster.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the broadcast industry has lost a great man whose voice is among those trusted by Filipinos in bringing news and current events.
“My prayers go out to his family in this difficult time. I hope that they know that he will never be replaced and will never be forgotten. Paalam po (Goodbye), Mike Enriquez,” Zubiri said.
Senate majority leader Joel Villanueva said Enriquez served as the “voice of truth, reason, and courage” throughout his decades in the media industry which cannot be forgotten.
Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros recalled Enriquez as a “dignified senior anchor.” “He was a true trailblazer and an innovator who helped shape how Filipinos receive and perceive the daily news,” she said.
Sen. Grace Poe said Enriquez “will always be an important pillar of the broadcast industry” as he left behind an “immense work” that continues to inspire people delivering the news.
“Nalulungkot tayo na hindi na natin maririnig ang boses niyang puno ng sigla sa paghahatid ng balita na siyang gumigising sa atin tuwing umaga (We are sad that we will no longer hear his voice again, a voice that is lively as he delivers the news and which wakes us up each morning),” Poe said.
Enriquez passed away on Tuesday, August 29, at the age of 71.
His longtime network GMA confirmed the news: “It is with profound sadness that GMA Network announces the passing of our beloved Kapuso, Mr. Miguel ‘Mike’ C. Enriquez, who peacefully joined our Creator on August 29, 2023.
“Enriquez was one of the anchors of GMA’s flagship newscast ’24 Oras’ and hosted the long-running public affairs program ‘Imbestigador.’ He also served as president of RGMA Network, Inc. and GMA Network’s senior vice president and consultant for radio operations. He also anchored DZBB’s ‘Super Balita sa Umaga’ and ‘Saksi sa Dobol B.’
He joined the broadcast industry in 1969 and then became part of GMA Network in 1995, wholeheartedly serving the Filipino audience for 54 years.”
Enriquez started his career in broadcasting as a staff announcer at the Manila Broadcasting Company in 1969 even before finishing his degree in Commerce at De La Salle College (now De La Salle University-Manila) in 1973.
He later taught Broadcast Management and also had stints in other radio networks such as Freedom Broadcasting Radio Network and Radio Mindanao Network (RMN), where he became vice president for the company.
In 1994, Enriquez left RMN for GMA. The following year, the network persuaded him to assume the role of anchor – marking his initial on-camera presence – for the coverage of the 1995 senatorial elections.
Over the years, he held various roles on GMA, each contributing to his extensive knowledge of the industry. He served as a radio anchor, consultant for radio operations, station manager, and public affairs program host.
In August 2018, Enriquez went on medical leave because of kidney disease and diabetes, eventually returning on November 26, 2018 after a successful heart bypass.
He again went on medical leave in December 2021 and underwent a kidney transplant and returned to work for the 2022 election coverage.
The eldest of three children, Mike was married to Lizabeth Yumping. — With Jose Patao Jr.
