Veteran Broadcaster Mike Enriquez Dies at 71
He was a towering figure in Filipino broadcasting.
(SPOT.ph) GMA news anchor Mike Enriquez, one of the trusted names in Filipino broadcasting, died on Tuesday, August 29, GMA Network confirmed. He was 71.
Enriquez, who was behind the striking phrase "Hindi ko kayo tatantanan" as television's "Imbestigador ng Bayan," is known for his distinct voice and fearless reporting with a broadcasting career spanning over 50 years.
He is survived by his wife, Lizabeth "Baby" Yumping.
"It is with profound sadness that GMA Network announces the passing of our beloved Kapuso, Mr. Miguel "Mike" C. Enriquez, who peacefully joined our Creator on August 29, 2023," GMA Network's statement read.
"Sa mahigit limang dekada niya sa industriya ng broadcasting, hindi maikakaila ang tatak at kontribusyon ni Mike Enriquez sa trabahong kanyang minahal nang buong puso," co-anchor Mel Tiangco said when she broke the news in 24 Oras.
Enriquez has been going in and out of long medical leaves since December 2021 when he took a three-month isolation period following a kidney transplant. News of his possible retirement came to light during this time of "reflection.”
"Ano ba talagang gusto kong mangyari sa buhay ko? Is it time to turn off the microphone? Is it time to not turn off the microphone completely, but to lessen?" Enriquez said. Going back to the cameras, he said in 2022: “I don’t know if there’s such a thing of slowing down in this profession.”
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Who is Mike Enriquez?
Miguel Castro Enriquez was born on September 29, 1951 in Santa Ana, Manila.
Enriquez began his career in broadcasting at the Manila Broadcasting Company in 1969. Over the years, he worked in various capacities, including as a broadcast reporter, news editor, program director, and station manager.
In 1994, Enriquez joined GMA Network to head its radio division. He made his on-camera debut a year later, anchoring the senatorial election coverage. This marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in television journalism. He became the face of several news programs, including Saksi: GMA Headline Balita, GMA Network News, and the primetime newscast 24 Oras.
He was not just an anchor but also took on managerial roles. He served as the consultant for radio operations of GMA Network and was the station manager of Super Radyo DZBB 594 AM.
His work would also extend beyond the newsroom, having hosted the public affairs program Imbestigador, earning him the title "Imbestigador ng Bayan."
Throughout his career, Enriquez covered significant news events, including the Payatas landslide, the Iraq War, and the aftermath of Typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban. For that he received numerous awards, including the Asian Television Awards for Best Newscaster and the Golden Dove Awards for Best Male Newscaster.
In 2012, Enriquez was asked by the Philippine Star about dangerous, possibly life-threatening coverage: “Pag oras mo, oras mo?” His answer? Yes.
“At the end of the day, there’s work that needs to be done, there’s a mission that needs to be accomplished.”
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