Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, Taguig City, on Wednesday, February 18, surrounded by prominent figures.

A funeral mass was conducted in Heritage Memorial Park at 8:00 a.m., attended by de Venecia’s loved ones. At the Libingan ng mga Bayani, he was accorded full military honors, including a marching parade with a 21-gun salute, reported RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort.

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante Jr., Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Commissioner Ernesto Maceda Jr., and business tycoon Ramon Ang, among others, were also in attendance.

Following the final benediction, de Venecia’s family, friends, and supporters lined up to pay their last respects during the final viewing of the former speaker’s remains.

Ricafort noted that his grave is close to former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s and former Senate President and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile’s.

De Venecia’s wife, Congresswoman Gina de Venecia, recalled that he was a lawmaker with a conscience who had lived rooted in service. He wholeheartedly dedicated himself to the Filipino people’s interests in his over six decades of public service.

“In these days of mourning, I’ve come to a profound realization: my beloved husband, Jose de Venecia Jr., did not belong to us alone. He did not belong only to Pangasinan, not only to the Philippines, he belonged to the world. His voice for peace, dialogue, and cooperation reached far beyond our shores. And the love we have witnessed from many nations affirms the breadth and impact of his life’s work,” Gina de Venecia said.

Previously, de Venecia’s remains were brought before the House of Representatives and to Pangasinan for memorial services and to allow his supporters to pay their respects.

De Venecia passed away at the age of 89 on February 10.