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Estelito Mendoza, former Marcos-era solicitor general and renowned ‘super lawyer,’ passes away at 95.
Estelito Mendoza, a former Marcos-era solicitor general and revered legal figure known as a "super lawyer," has died at 95. Mendoza, who served as minister of justice from 1984 to 1986 and was a long-time director of the Philippine National Bank since 2009, built his legacy by defending high-profile political figures in corruption and plunder cases. His notable clients included former Presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Senate figures Juan Ponce Enrile and Bong Revilla, and most recently, Vice President Sara Duterte in a constitutional challenge involving her confidential funds.
MANILA, Philippines — Estelito Mendoza, the former solicitor general under President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and a well-known legal figure, has passed away at the age of 95, the Philippine National Bank (PNB) confirmed.
In a company announcement, PNB expressed deep sorrow over Mendoza’s passing on March 26, 2025. He had served as a director of the bank since January 1, 2009.
Legal Career and Government Service
Mendoza held key positions in the Marcos administration, serving as solicitor general and later as minister of justice from 1984 to 1986.
High-Profile Cases
Known as a “super lawyer,” Mendoza built a reputation for successfully defending prominent political figures facing corruption and plunder charges.
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Joseph Estrada: Represented the former president during his 2001 impeachment trial and subsequent plunder case, also defending his co-accused Jaime Dichaves, who was cleared in 2018.
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Gloria Macapagal Arroyo: Played a crucial role in her 2016 acquittal in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) plunder case.
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Juan Ponce Enrile & Bong Revilla: Defended them during the 2013 pork barrel scam trials, with Enrile acquitted in October 2024 and Revilla’s charges dismissed in 2021.
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Sara Duterte: Most recently, he represented Vice President Sara Duterte, filing a petition to the Supreme Court to uphold the legality of her P125-million confidential and intelligence funds.
Mendoza’s legacy as a formidable legal mind leaves a lasting impact on the Philippine legal and political landscape.
Source:https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/03/26/2431246/estelito-mendoza-marcos-era-solicitor-general-and-super-lawyer-dies-95
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