The House of Representatives mourned the passing of former Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr.

In a statement released by House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Tuesday, February 10, he described Venecio as a respected statesman “whose vision helped shape modern Philippine democracy.” Moreover, Dy said that the late former speaker’s leadership left an enduring imprint on the institution he once led.

“Si Manong Joe ay hindi lamang naging Speaker ng Kapulungan; siya ay isang haligi ng institusyon at tagapagtanggol ng demokrasya sa mga panahong hinamon ang ating bansa ng matitinding pagsubok. Nananatiling buhay ang kanyang pamana sa mga repormang kanyang isinulong, sa diplomasyang kanyang isinabuhay, at sa mga lingkod-bayang kanyang hinubog at binigyang-inspirasyon,” the House Speaker wrote.

“Sa ngalan ng Kapulungan ng mga Kinatawan, ipinapaabot namin ang aming taos-pusong pakikiramay sa pamilya De Venecia at sa lahat ng mga taong hinulma ng kanyang karunungan at halimbawa,” he added.

On Tuesday, Dagupan Mayor Belen Fernandez announced the passing of the former House speaker, honoring him as the “foremost son of Dagupan.”