Veteran Filipino broadcaster Mike Enriquez dies aged 71 after long illness
Veteran Filipino host Mike Enriquez dies at the age of 71 after a long illness
- Mike Enriquez passed away in the Philippines on Tuesday at the age of 71
- Enriquez was a presenter on the Philippine news and entertainment channel GMA Network
- He worked for the network for 54 years, but quit twice in recent years after falling ill
Veteran Filipino journalist Mike Enriquez passed away on Tuesday at the age of 71, according to GMA Network.
Enriquez was a major news and entertainment outlet in the Philippines for 54 years. He would have turned 72 in October.
His passing was revealed during the broadcast of the network’s news program, ’24 Oras’, which he helped anchor in 2004.
“The Board of Directors, management and employees of GMA Network, Inc. deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Enriquez,” his former co-host Mel Tiangco said as he read a company statement while holding back tears.
Veteran Filipino journalist Mike Enriquez (left) died Tuesday at the age of 71. He is survived by his wife Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping (pictured)
Mike Enriquez was an important part of the news and entertainment industry in the Philippines. He was an anchor for GMA Network, which he joined in 1995
Enriquez hosted two programs on DZBB radio. He served as the station’s manager and was president of RGMA Network.
He also served as Senior Vice President and Consultant for Radio Operations of GMA Network.
“His dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all. We pray for the eternal rest of our beloved Kapuso,” Tiangco said.
Enriquez had fallen ill over the past five years and took two medical leave.
He stepped down in December 2021 to undergo a kidney transplant, but returned to his duties ahead of the 2022 presidential election.
Enriquez began his career in journalism in 1969 when he joined the Manila Broadasting Company (MBC) and graduated from De La Sall University-Manila in 1973 with a Liberal Arts degree in Commerce.
He later joined the Freedom Broadcasting Radio Network and Radio Mindanao Network before being added to GMA’s talent roster in 1995.
Enriquez is survived by his wife Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping. The couple had no children.