Palace, senators hail Mike Enriquez, an ally in bringing news without bias

Malacañang and senators from both the administration and the opposition have sent their expressions of tribute and respect for GMA Network pillar Mike Enriquez who has passed away.

“Tayo ay nakikiramay sa pamilya at mga kaanak na naiwan ng ating kaibigan sa media na si Mike Enriquez,” said PCO Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil in a statement.

(We express our sincerest condolences to the family and friends of our friend in the media, Mike Enriquez.)

“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,” she said.

(Mike is one of the journalists whom we consider to be an ally in bringing accurate and unbiased new. His contribution to journalism can never be discounted.)

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said he  would miss hearing Enriquez say, “Walang kinikilingan, walang pinoprotektahan, walang kasinungalingan, serbisyong totoo lamang”.

“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, Mike Enriquez (Goodbye, Mike Enriquez.),” Zubiri said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, the deputy Senate minority leader, expressed a similar sentiment, adding the broadcast journalist’s legacy would stay alive.

“Gaya ng marami, mamimiss ko ang pagkawala ng boses ni Mike Enriquez sa ating mga radyo at telebisyon,” Hontiveros said.

(Like most of us, I would miss hearing Enriquez’s voice on the radio and television.)

“Sa kabila nito, mananatiling buhay ang kanyang legasiya, at ang kanyang mga kwento, biro at aral sa ating puso. Umaasa ako na darami pa ang mga broadcaster at media workers na susunod sa yapak ni sir Mike at maghahatid ng serbisyong totoo sa buong bansa,” she said.

(But despite all of this, his legacy, as well as his stories, jokes, and lessons will remain in our hearts. I hope many broadcasters and media workers will follow his path in delivering the truth.)

“Paalam Mike Enriquez. Maraming salamat sa iyong paninilbihan sa inang bayan at sa industriya ng pamamahayag,” she added.

(Goodbye, Mike Enriquez. Thank you for your service to the nation and to journalism.)

Senator Joel Villanueva said, "The country’s media community has lost one of its pillars today, Sir Mike Enriquez. Throughout his career in broadcasting and radio, Mike Enriquez served as the voice of truth, reason and courage."

"Panalangin at pakikiramay po sa pamilya at mga kasama sa media ???? Maraming maraming salamat po, mahal ka namin Tito Mike! Rest in peace."

"Ang kaniyang pagpanaw ay isang napakalaking kawalan sa ating news and media industry," said Sen. Lito Lapid.

"Mami-miss po natin ang kaniyang tinig at positibong disposisyon sa paghahatid ng wasto at tamang balita at komentaryo sa maiinit na isyu ng bayan. Tiyak po ang kaniyang puwang o espasyo sa kasaysayan ng free press sa ating bansa. Paalam, Mike! Rest in Peace."

Senator Grace Poe also paid tribute to Enriquez, whom she said, "will always be an important pillar of the broadcast industry."

"Hindi matatawaran ang kanyang galing, kredibilidad at dedikasyon sa paghahatid ng balita at pagtulong sa kapwa," Poe said. "Nalulungkot tayo na hindi na natin maririnig ang boses nyang puno ng sigla sa paghahatid ng balita na syang gumigising sa atin tuwing umaga."

Poe also said that Enriquez leaves behind an immense work that will continue to inspire people delivering the news.

"Salamat sa maraming taon ng pagbabalita at pagseserbisyo," she said. — with Hana Bordey/NB/RSJ, GMA Integrated News