Five-time House Speaker Jose De Venecia Jr. passes away at 89
- Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. passed away on February 10, 2026, at the age of 89, as confirmed by his family
- De Venecia made history as the only Filipino statesman to serve five terms as Speaker of the House of Representatives
- Known as the architect of the "Rainbow Coalition," he was master of consensus-building and political stability in the Philippines
- He was a respected global diplomat, founding the ICAPP and championing interfaith dialogue at the United Nations
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The Philippines mourns the loss of a titan in its legislative history as former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. He was 89 years old.
Source: Facebook
The news of his transition was confirmed by his wife, Pangasinan 4th District Representative Gina de Venecia, through a heartfelt social media tribute.
The post featured a photograph of the veteran statesman, marking his journey from December 26, 1935, to his peaceful passing today.
Jose de Venecia Jr., fondly known by his colleagues and the public as "JDV," was a towering figure in Philippine politics, best remembered for his unparalleled ability to forge alliances.
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He holds the historic distinction of being the only person to be elected Speaker of the House of Representatives for five terms across different administrations, serving from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2001 to 2008.
As a co-founder of the Lakas-CMD party, De Venecia was the primary architect of the "Rainbow Coalition."
This political masterstroke united various warring factions within the House, allowing for the passage of landmark economic and social legislation that defined the post-EDSA era.
His leadership style was characterized by the "art of the possible," often using his diplomatic skills to avert executive-legislative deadlocks.
Beyond the halls of the Batasang Pambansa, JDV was a respected voice in international diplomacy.
He was a staunch advocate for interfaith dialogue and regional cooperation. He founded the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), an organization that remains a vital platform for political cooperation across the Asian continent.
His vision extended to the "Global Christian-Muslim Initiative," a proposal he championed at the United Nations to promote world peace and religious tolerance.
The De Venecia family has not yet released specific details regarding the cause of death or funeral arrangements.
However, tributes have already begun pouring in from across the political spectrum. Current and former government officials describe him as a mentor, a peacemaker, and a true servant-leader who dedicated over half a century to the Filipino people.
His passing marks the end of a specific era in Filipino parliamentarianism—one defined by grand oratory, strategic brilliance, and a commitment to national stability through consensus. He is survived by his wife, Gina, and their children.
Last year at the House of Representatives, Leyte Congressman Martin Romualdez has officially vacated the speakership, choosing to step aside to preserve the integrity of the House of Representatives. Following Romualdez's recommendation, the chamber has elected Isabela Representative Faustino “Bojie” Dy III as the 29th Speaker of the House. The leadership change is a direct response to intensifying scrutiny over the ₱92.8-million "ghost" flood control projects currently under investigation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has affirmed that all officials linked to the infrastructure anomalies will undergo a transparent and thorough inquiry.
Also about the House of Representatives in July of last year, Ilocos Norte Representative Sandro Marcos, at 31 years old, has made history as the youngest legislator ever to serve as House Majority Leader. Moving up from his role as Senior Deputy Majority Leader, Marcos’s rapid ascent is credited to his mastery of floor operations and diplomatic legislative style. As the new floor leader, the younger Marcos is now tasked with managing the House's daily agenda and chairing the high-powered Committee on Rules. His promotion to the top majority post ensures a tight alignment between the House's legislative priorities and the executive branch’s national development goals.
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