Estelito Mendoza, a prominent legal figure and the top government lawyer during the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., passed away on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. The Philippine National Bank (PNB), where Mendoza served as a director since January 1, 2009, announced his passing in a company statement.
“We are deeply saddened to report the passing of Atty. Estelito P. Mendoza, an esteemed director of the Philippine National Bank (the ‘Bank’), today, March 26, 2025,” the PNB said in its announcement.
Mendoza, who was 95 at the time of his death, had a distinguished career in public service and law. He served as the Minister of Justice from 1984 to 1986 during the final years of the Marcos administration. After his stint in government, Mendoza became renowned for his remarkable success in handling high-profile legal cases, earning him the reputation of being a “super lawyer.”
Champion of High-Profile Clients
Mendoza gained national prominence for defending several influential political figures embroiled in corruption and plunder cases. He represented former President Joseph Estrada during his impeachment trial in 2001 and later served as lead counsel in Estrada’s plunder case after his resignation. Mendoza also successfully defended Estrada’s co-accused, Jaime Dichaves, who was cleared of plunder charges by the Sandiganbayan in 2018.
In 2016, Mendoza played a pivotal role in securing the acquittal of former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in her plunder case involving the misuse of Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) funds. He also provided legal representation for former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Senator Bong Revilla in connection with the 2013 pork barrel scam controversy. The Sandiganbayan cleared Revilla of all charges in 2021, while Enrile was acquitted in October 2024.
Recent Legal Battle
Despite his advancing age, Mendoza remained actively involved in high-profile cases. In 2024, he filed a petition before the Supreme Court on behalf of Vice President Sara Duterte, seeking the dismissal of challenges to the constitutionality of her P125-million confidential and intelligence funds.
Mendoza’s passing marks the end of a legal career that spanned decades and left a lasting impact on Philippine jurisprudence. His legacy as a formidable defender of political figures and a pillar of the Philippine legal community will be remembered for years to come.