Photo credit: Meralco

Former Solicitor General Estelito “Titong” Mendoza has passed away at the age of 95. His longtime friend and fellow legal luminary, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, shared the heartbreaking news in a social media post on Tuesday, expressing deep sorrow over Mendoza’s passing.

“Today, I lost a very, very dear friend, the compleat, brilliant, luminary lawyer, Estelito ‘Titong’ Mendoza,” Enrile wrote. “For me, he was one of the best, if not the best, lawyer I have encountered and worked with.”

Mendoza, known for his remarkable legal career spanning decades, served as the Solicitor General of the Philippines and played a crucial role in various high-profile cases. His legacy also includes his long tenure as a director of the Philippine National Bank, a position he held since 2009.

The Philippine National Bank also released an official statement, honoring Mendoza’s contributions to the institution and expressing deep gratitude for his years of service.

Enrile’s tribute was deeply personal, revealing his close bond with Mendoza beyond their legal careers. “He was younger than I am, but he was my senior in the UP Law School,” Enrile reflected, before bidding a heartfelt farewell: “Goodbye, Titong—my very good and best friend.”

Mendoza’s passing marks the end of an era for Philippine law and governance. He leaves behind a legacy of legal brilliance, integrity, and service to the nation.