GMA mourns passing of plunder case lawyer ‘Titong’ Mendoza

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo joined key government leaders in mourning the passing of veteran lawyer Estelito “Titong” Mendoza, who was instrumental in the legal victory of her plunder case.

Mendoza passed away on Wednesday at the age of 95.

Aside from being a former Solicitor General and an esteemed director of the Philippine National Bank, Mendoza also lawyered for high-profile personalities, business moguls, and government leaders, including Arroyo and another former president, Joseph Estrada.

He was Arroyo's lead counsel in her plunder case involving P366 million in intelligence funds of the state-run Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), which the former president allegedly misused during her term of office.

The Supreme Court absolved Arroyo in July 2016.

"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," Arroyo said.

The Pampanga lawmaker added that she is "eternally grateful" to Mendoza, whom she deemed "legal eagle and the lawyer's lawyer."

Apart from the SC's landmark decision, Arroyo also highlighted Mendoza's crucial role in assisting her to frame the Philippines' baseline policy, including the nuances of the South China Sea issue during her presidency.

"Attorney Mendoza's legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to the rule of law and his significant impact on the Philippine legal system. His passing is a profound loss not only to me and to others whom he defended in court, but to the nation," Arroyo lamented.

A fraternity brother in Upsilon Sigma Phi, House Speaker Martin Romualdez described Mendoza's departure as a "significant loss" to the legal community and the entire nation. Nonetheless, he said his contributions will "forever be remembered and cherished."

"As a brother in Upsilon Sigma Phi, Atty. Mendoza served as an inspiration to us. His integrity, intelligence, and dedication to public service served as a guide to many members of our beloved fraternity," the House chief said.

"He will surely serve as an inspiration to future generations of public servants,” he added.

Beyond his governmental roles, Romualdez mentioned that Mendoza was also a pillar in the international legal arena, having been elected as chair of the United Nations General Assembly’s Legal Committee in 1976.

At the age of 95, Mendoza still managed to represent Vice President Sara Duterte in a petition for certiorari filed before the SC. The case involves the contentious P125 million in confidential funds that Duterte's office received in 2022.

Aside from former presidents, the late Mendoza also handled the case of former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Bong Revilla in their legal battle for the infamous pork barrel scam in 2013.

The two senators were charged with plunder, but they were acquitted by the Sandiganbayan in 2021 and 2024, respectively.