A memorial was held at the House of Representatives in honor of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. on Monday, February 16.
The program began with a eulogy delivered by incumbent Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III. He recalled having spoken to de Venecia during his last day as congressman.
“Noong kanyang huling araw, nagpaabot po ako ng pagbati kay Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. We spoke of his years of service, of the firmness of his convictions, of the steadiness of his hand at the helm of this chamber, ang minsang ‘yun ay puno ng pagdiriwang. Ngunit ngayon, ang parehong damdamin ay isang pagninilay at pagkilala sa bakas na iniwan niya sa ating bayan,” he said.
Dy praised de Venecia’s statesmanship and leadership—his steadfastness and faith coupled with sound governance.
“Pinatatag niya ang kredibilidad ng institusyon. He ensured the House was an anchor in challenging times. Steady, when the country needed balance. Ang kanyang paraan ay simple, ngunit mabisa: makinig, magpaliwanag, at magbuklod,” he said.
“He leaves us a House strengthened by experience. He leaves us a standard of statesmanship anchored in civility. He leaves us a reminder that faith and governance are not enemies, but partners in moral leadership,” he added.
Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Former Senate President (13th Congress) Hon. Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr., Former Speaker (11th, 15th, and 16th Congress) Hon. Feliciano Belmonte Jr., Former Speaker (19th and 20th Congress) Hon. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, and other members of the Senate and House gave eulogies as well.
Jose de Venecia Jr. passed away on February 10 at the age of 89. During his time in Congress, he was House Speaker from 1992-1995, 1995-1998, 2001-2004, 2004-2007, and 2007-2008. During the 7th Congress, he served as the Representative of the Second District of Pangasinan, and in the 8th, 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th Congress, he was Representative of the Fourth District of Pangasinan.
Under his leadership, The Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992 transformed former military bases into thriving centers of commerce and industry and Special Economic Zone Act of 1995 attracted investments and generated employment through the establishments of economic zones nationwide.
