Considered by many as a trailblazer in broadcast journalism, Enriquez was best known as one of the anchors of GMA Network’s Saksi, primetime TV newscast 24 Oras and as host of public affairs program Imbestigador.
Veteran TV and radio newscaster Mike Enriquez passed away on Tuesday, GMA Network confirmed during its prime time TV newscast 24 oras. He was 71.
“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,“ said GMA Network’s statement, which aired in 24 Oras. “The Board of Directors, management, and employees of GMA Network Inc deeply mourn the passing of Mr. Enriquez. His dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all. We pray for the eternal repose of our beloved Kapuso.”
24 Oras anchors Mel Tiangco, Vicki Morales and Emil Sumangil put on a brave front as the they confirmed Mike’s demise in the show’s Aug. 29 telecast. Morales, however, broke down in sobs and was unable to deliver her closing spiels due to intense emotions.
In an interview with PeopleAsia in 2010, Mike, who was then chosen as one of the magazine’s “People of the Year” awardees, said that when he was only a trainee announcer, he couldn’t even talk on the air.” The veteran journalist, who popularized catchphrases such as “hindi namin kayo tatantanan,” and the now oft-parodied “excuse me po,” also added: “The only thing I could do was give the time.”
Mike also shared that he would often get the long shifts as a newbie, while the prime slots were given to senior announcers. “I decided that I’m going to learn from these people. Instead of sulking in a corner, I’m gonna learn how to do things and what things not to do, just in case one day, I’ll walk in their shoes and have people entrusted to my care,” he said.
Born Miguel Enriquez on Sept. 29, 1951, he was the eldest of three children. His career in broadcasting began in 1969 when he worked as a staff announcer at the Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) after joining his friend who worked as a disc jockey at MBC. The station manager then was looking for another staff announcer to join the company. Enriquez’s friend joked that he (Mike) was looking for a job and while he had no intentions to join, he accepted the offer on a whim. He has since tried his hand at different roles, such as a broadcast reporter, news editor and program director, among others.
He was the senior vice president for radio of GMA Network Inc. and the president of RGMA Network Inc., a GMA affiliate that manages the network’s provincial radio and TV operations.
A respected broadcast journalist, Enriquez has received numerous accolades. He was previously named Best Male Newscaster by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) and was also given an Excellence In Broadcasting Lifetime Achievement Award from the same organization. He was also given a PeopleAsia “People of the Year” award in 2010 and a “Men Who Matter” award in 2009.
Enriquez also reportedly battled a kidney illness. He had previously filed for a medical leave in 2018 for his bypass surgery and in December 2021 to undergo a kidney transplant. He then returned to hosting his TV programs in March 2022 just in time for the 2022 National and Local Elections.
Enriquez is survived by his wife Lizabeth “Baby” Yumping.
