Arroyo mourns death of Mendoza who defended her in plunder case

Former President and Pampanga Rep. Gloria Arroyo mourned the death of veteran lawyer Estelito Mendoza, who served as her counsel in the P366-million Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) plunder case.

"It was with profound sorrow that I learned of the passing of my lawyer, former Solicitor General, and former Governor of Pampanga, Estelito "Titong" Mendoza," Arroyo said in a statement.

"Tatang Titong represented me in that [plunder] case in the Supreme Court and argued that the prosecution presented no evidence, testimonial or otherwise, showing even the remotest possibility that the confidential and intelligence funds of the PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) had been diverted to me. I am eternally grateful to Tatang Titong," Arroyo added.

The Supreme Court decision that cleared Arroyo in the case was penned by then Supreme Court Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin, now the Executive Secretary of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also remembered Mendoza, and described his his former legal counsel as a “superstar of lawyers” and “a cut above the rest.”

“His exceptional track record and tactical brilliance in defending cases were unparalleled, and no one has accomplished what he achieved in the legal profession,” Estrada said in a statement. 

“My family and I deeply mourn the loss of this esteemed legal luminary who once served as the chief legal counsel of my father, former president Joseph Estrada, during his impeachment trial. He was not merely my father’s lawyer but also a dear friend and a pillar of strength during one of the most challenging times for our family,” he added.

Apart from Estrada, Senators Bong Revilla and Robin Padilla also expressed their sympathies on Mendoza’s passing.

Revilla, who tapped Mendoza to lead his defense in his PDAF case, extended his condolences in a Facebook post on Wednesday. Revilla was acquitted by the Sandiganbayan.

“Tayo po’y nakikidalamhati sa pamamaalam ng tinitingala natin at batikang abogado na si Atty. Estelito Mendoza. Ang kanyang ‘di matatawarang dedikasyon, kahusayan sa kanyang larangan at mga natatanging kontribusyon sa paglilingkod sa bayan ay mananatiling alaala at inspirasyon sa mamamayang Pilipino,” he said.

In a separate Facebook post, Padilla remembered Mendoza’s legacy and his contribution to the Senate hearings on constitutional amendments.

“Ang ating malalim na pakikiramay sa kanyang pamilya. Pagpupugay sa naiwang legasiya lalo sa usapin ng batas, hustisya at karapatan . Napakamakulay na alaala ng inyong pagiging aming bisita sa pagdinig patungkol sa ating saligang batas,” Padilla wrote. 

House Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, for his part, said Mendoza’s death was a great loss.

“His departure is a significant loss to the legal community and to our nation. Attorney Mendoza served as an inspiration for us. His integrity, intelligence and dedication in public service served as the guide of many,” Romualdez said.

“May they find solace in the legacy of excellence and service that he has left behind. Rest in peace, Brother Titong,” he added.

Defense counsel in graft cases

Mendoza was also the lawyer of former First Lady Imelda Marcos in her petition with the Supreme Court against the ruling of the Sandiganbayan that convicted her for graft over the leasing of two lots owned by the Light Railway Transit Authority.

The SC reversed the conviction on the ground of reasonable doubt.

He was also the lawyer of former President Joseph Estrada for his plunder case in 2007.

Estrada was sentenced to reclusion perpetua by the Sandiganbayan, but was given presidential pardon by Arroyo.

Mendoza also won the plunder case of Senator Juan Ponce Enrile over the alleged misuse of his pork barrel fund.

In October 2024, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Enrile, his former chief of staff Atty. Jessica “Gigi” Reyes, and businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles in the P172-million plunder case against them.

Meanwhile, Mendoza represented President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the case seeking to cancel his certificate of candidacy in 2022.

The SC later unanimously junked the petitions.

Mendoza's death was announced by the Philippine National Bank (PNB) in a disclosure to the Philippine Stocks Exchange (PSE) on Wednesday, given that Mendoza was serving as a PNB Director prior to his death at 95 years old.—with a report from Joahna Lei Casilao/VAL/RF/AOL, GMA Integrated News