Family of ex-House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. releases statement following his death
- Former House Speaker Jose C. de Venecia Jr. has died at age 89, his family confirmed
- In a statement, the bereaved family highlighted his more than six decades in public service, describing his roles as journalist, entrepreneur, legislator, Speaker of the House, and global peace advocate
- They emphasized his authorship of key development laws, his leadership in Congress, and his involvement in difficult peace efforts and international dialogue initiatives
- The statement also noted the many honors he received and said his legacy lives on through the country’s laws, institutions, and continuing pursuit of peace
MAKI-TINGIN KA NAMAN: Pwede ka nang mag-comment sa mga artikulo ng KAMI! Subukan mo, madali lang!
Former House Speaker Jose C. de Venecia Jr. has died at the age of 89, his family confirmed on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The veteran public servant, who served multiple terms in Congress and played a major role in legislative and peace initiatives, leaves behind a long record of work in government and international engagement.
Source: Facebook
The confirmation came through an official statement issued by de Venecia’s family, who highlighted both his public achievements and his role within their household.
“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 family began by honoring de Venecia’s role not only as a national figure but also as a guiding presence in their family life.
Like and share our Facebook posts to support the KAMI team! Share your thoughts in the comments. We love reading them!
“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.”
They outlined the wide scope of his professional life, noting that his work spanned media, business, governance, and international peace efforts.
“He served seven terms in the House of Representatives, five of them as Speaker — the longest-serving Speaker in the postwar Congress during which he championed landmark legislation that transformed the Philippine economy, strengthened democratic institutions, and uplifted millions of Filipino families, including overseas workers.”
The statement emphasized his historic tenure as Speaker and credited de Venecia with backing major measures that influenced economic policy, democratic systems, and support mechanisms for Filipino workers abroad.
The family also cited several key laws he helped author and push forward during his years in office.
“He was a principal author of laws that shaped national development, among them 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.”
They further described his involvement in peace efforts, particularly during sensitive and challenging political periods.
“A tireless peacemaker, Speaker de Venecia pursued dialogue at moments when peace efforts were difficult and often unpopular, contributing to historic agreements with RAM-AFP-YOU in 1995 and the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996.”
According to the statement, his work also extended beyond the Philippines through organizations and dialogue platforms he helped establish or support.
“His vision transcended national borders. Through institutions he founded and nurtured — including the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace, and the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council, as well as Interfaith Dialogue initiatives at the United Nations — he helped elevate Asia's collective voice and placed the Philippines at the center of global conversations on peace and diplomacy.”
The family listed numerous recognitions he received from both local and foreign institutions for his contributions.
“In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, Speaker de Venecia received numerous honors in the Philippines and abroad, including the Légion d'Honneur from France, a high state decoration from His Majesty King Juan Carlos I of Spain, and national awards from the governments of Cambodia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Equatorial Guinea. He was named Man of the Century by the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) and received Distinguished Service Awards from ICAPP and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA).”
They also noted formal tributes granted by Philippine government bodies.
“At home, both the Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives adopted resolutions honoring his distinguished service. In a rare and singular tribute, the House named a major facility within its complex the Jose de Venecia Building, which houses the Jose de Venecia Museum, a public space that chronicles his decades of legislative and diplomatic service.”
The statement concluded with a reflection on his personal principles and lasting legacy.
“Beyond titles, honors, and institutions, Jose C. de Venecia Jr. will be remembered for his unwavering belief in dialogue, his generosity of spirit, and his deep love for country. He lived a life anchored on service, guided by conscience, and offered without reservation to the Filipino people. 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.”
De Venecia first became Speaker of the House in 1992 during the administration of former president Fidel Ramos. He later regained the position after winning another term. After returning as Speaker, the Lakas-NUCD coalition — which later evolved into Lakas-CMD — chose de Venecia as its presidential standard-bearer, with then-senator Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as his running mate.
Across decades in public life, de Venecia held roles as a journalist, entrepreneur, legislator, Speaker of the House, and peace advocate, as cited by his family, and was involved in both national policymaking and international dialogue initiatives. His passing marks the end of one of the longest speakerships in postwar Philippine Congress history.
Aside from de Venecia, there are other local personalities who passed away recently.
In January, Inday Barretto passed away, as confirmed by her son, Joaquin Barretto, through a Facebook post in which he shared a short but emotional message alongside a photo of a candle. She had been hospitalized prior to her death, with Joaquin posting updates about her critical condition.
Former cabinet secretary and Metrobank Foundation president Aniceto “Chito” Sobrepeña passed away at 72 after fighting pancreatic cancer, the foundation confirmed on January 13. His decades of service were praised for promoting the common good and opening doors for Filipinos nationwide.
Bagong feature: Tingnan ang mga balitang para sa'yo ➡️ hanapin ang "Recommended for you" block at mag-enjoy!
Source: KAMI.com.gh
