Jose de Venecia Jr, former House Speaker, dies at 89

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. passed away Tuesday, February 10, at the age of 89, his family announced.

“With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and patriarch, former Speaker of the House Jose C. de Venecia Jr.,” the De Venecia family said in a statement.

 “For more than six decades, Speaker de Venecia devoted his life to public service — as journalist, diplomat, entrepreneur, legislator, Speaker of the House, and global advocate for peace. As we mourn his passing, we give thanks for a life that helped shape the Philippine Republic — and for a legacy that endures in our laws, our institutions, and our continuing pursuit of peace,” they added.

The family said arrangements for the wake and interment will be announced shortly.

Pangasinan Representative Gina de Venecia also posted on Facebook a photo of her husband with his date of birth, December 26, 1935, and date of death.

De Venecia served seven terms as a House member representing his hometown Pangasinan. He served as the Speaker of the House in five of his seven terms.

He was also the principal author of the Dollar Remittance Program, the Bases Conversion and Development Act, the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, the Philippine Economic Zone Act, and the New Central Bank Act.

“He championed landmark legislation that transformed the Philippine economy, strengthened democratic institutions, and uplifted millions of Filipino families, including overseas workers,” the family said.

Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president and former Speaker Martin Romualdez also paid tribute to his ally and a longtime party stalwart, calling De Venecia as “a man of brilliance, courage, and compassion” that helped shape the soul of the nation.

“Under his steady hand, Congress became a workshop of reforms and a sanctuary of consensus. His vision for a Rainbow Coalition was revolutionary at the time—and yet, it worked, because he made it work. It was his gift: to bring people together across ideologies, faiths, and even continents,” Romualdez said in a separate statement.

Senators mourn 

Several senators also mourned the passing of de Venecia, expressing their condolences to de Venecia's bereaved family. 

For Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel  “Migz” Zubiri, the former House Speaker was one of his “idols” in the Philippine politics, having served under him as Secretary General of Lakas-CMD when he was national president, and when he was a key leader of de Venecia’s group in the House of Representatives during the 12th and 13th Congresses. 

“Today, I mourn him not just as a former Speaker, but as a great mentor who helped shape who I became in public service. As we say goodbye, I carry with me the lessons he quietly taught by example, and I offer my prayers for the eternal repose of his soul,” Zubiri said during the plenary session.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, meanwhile, said de Venecia was a towering figure in Philippine politics, remembered for his vision, diplomacy, and dedication to public service.

“We remember not only the offices he held but the ideals he embodied. May his example continue to inspire future generations to choose dialogue over division, vision over discord, and service over self-interest,” Escudero said in a statement. 

Senator Joel Villanueva said de Venecia was like a father to him when he was a neophyte congressman in the 12th Congress. 

“Despite our political differences, he was magnanimous and gracious to those of us in the minority, for which I am truly and eternally grateful,” Villanueva said.

Senator Loren Legarda also described de Venecia as a “a true statesman who was way ahead of his time.”

“What I will remember most is not his titles, but the sincere words of encouragement, the genuine guidance, and the way he made you feel that your work and your voice mattered,” Legarda said. —with a report from Giselle Ombay/AOL/RF, GMA Integrated News.