Marcos leads tribute to Mike Enriquez

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday joined the public in expressing his deepest sympathy to the bereaved family, loved ones, and longtime colleagues of veteran broadcaster and host Miguel "Mike" Enriquez whom he hailed for exuding utmost dedication in serving his audience.

"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," the Chief Executive said in a social media post.

"Our heartfelt thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this time," he added.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Cheloy Garafil, herself a former journalist, paid tribute to Enriquez for his remarkable contribution in helping shape the landscape of credible journalism in the Philippines.

"Mike is one of the journalists we consider an ally in delivering credible and unbiased news to the people," the Palace official said in Filipino in a statement shortly after confirmation of Enriquez's death late Tuesday night.

"Truly, his contribution to journalism will be unmatched," she added.

Former Commission on Elections (Comelec) commissioner Rowena Guanzon said she was "deeply saddened " by the news of Enriquez's passing and prayed that the family he left behind be given strength at this time.

Guanzon also posted a video of her own interview with Enriquez in her social media tribute.

Former senator and Red Cross Chairman Richard "Dick" Gordon said he was "crestfallen" with Enriquez's passing.

"A credible reporter and anchor, Mike helped bring the news to light. Throughout his career, I have not come across any disparaging remarks about him; his reputation remained untarnished. He brought himself to a very great status in life, that of a great journalist in our country," he wrote in a statement on Tuesday.

"The nation will undeniably feel the void left by his absence. His tenacious battle against a lingering illness mirrored his resilience, much like his dedication to his service, which grew richer over time," he said.

"In this era dominated by misinformation, we are in dire need of more individuals like Mike Enriquez – individuals committed to unearthing the truth for the people. His legacy is to win the truth," he added.

Hours before Enriquez's passing was announced, longtime GMA Network colleague Arnold Clavio posted a candle on Instagram. At the time, not a lot of people were aware that it was actually for Enriquez.

Other reporters and journalists who worked for Enriquez were also saddened, with some of them, including news anchor Connie Sison, Unang Hirit host Lyn Ching, and reporter Oscar Oida also honoring him on their social media posts.

Moments after anchor Mel Tiangco announced on GMA's news program, 24 Oras, her longtime co-anchor's passing, the weekend crime show "Imbestigador," which Enriquez hosted, changed its profile photo to a black background.

GMA's Integrated News and Public Affairs' social media accounts, including 24 Oras, have also changed to black and white, in honor of the late Enriquez.

Radio station DZBB, where Enriquez was a mainstay morning anchor, revealed that GMA Integrated News had to wait for an official statement, on the request of his family.

Meanwhile, anchors of TV Patrol from rival network ABS-CBN, among them former vice president Noli De Castro, also gave their condolences at the end of their broadcast.

"This is sad news, for a pillar of journalism in our country," said anchor Henry Omaga-Diaz in Filipino.

"We were friends with Mike for a long time, we were always at the same live coverage," de Castro said.

"Rest in Peace Boss Mike. You were loved by many. My family included. Our sincerest condolences to his loved ones," wrote Philippine Information Agency deputy director general Kat de Castro, the daughter of the former vice president.

Enriquez, according to a separate statement released by GMA Network, started his career in broadcasting in 1969 and later on joined the network in 1995.

He was one of the pioneer anchors of news program "24 Oras" and also hosted "Imbestigador" while also anchoring other radio programs on DZBB.

He was 71 when he passed away from cardiac arrest.