MANILA, Philippines – Former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo expressed her deep sorrow over the passing of former solicitor general and Pampanga governor Estelito “Titong” Mendoza, whom she described as a “legal eagle” and a pillar of the Philippine legal system.
In a statement, Arroyo recalled Mendoza’s early ties to her family, noting that his father, Guillermo Mendoza, was a favorite teacher of her own father, the late former president Diosdado Macapagal.
“Later, on his own, Tatang Titong became such a famous lawyer that he became known as the legal eagle and the lawyer’s lawyer,” Arroyo said.
The former president also highlighted Mendoza’s role in shaping the country’s baselines policy, particularly on the nuances of the South China Sea issue, during her administration.
Arroyo credited Mendoza for his role in securing her acquittal in the high-profile Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) confidential funds case, which was the focus of the legal battles waged against her during the Benigno Aquino III administration.
“Tatang Titong represented me in that 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 had been diverted to me,” she said.
The Supreme Court, in a decision penned by then-justice Lucas Bersamin, dismissed the case, leading to Arroyo’s acquittal.
“I am eternally grateful to Tatang Titong,” she added.
Arroyo described Mendoza’s passing as a “profound loss,” not only for those he defended in court but for the entire nation.