By Jose Cielito Reganit
MANILA – Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday led the House of Representatives in paying its final institutional tribute to former speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., honoring the only lawmaker in the chamber’s history to serve five terms as presiding officer and crediting him with steering it through defining political and economic transitions.
The necrological service at the House plenary hall gathered four former speakers along with senior national leaders from different administrations in a rare show of unity that reflected the depth of De Venecia’s influence across political lines and generations.
In his eulogy, Dy repeatedly referred to De Venecia as “Tito Joe,” a reflection of both personal respect and the enduring imprint he left on generations of lawmakers.
“We gather as one House to honor a life that shaped this institution and influenced the course of our democracy,” Dy said, describing the chamber’s mood as carrying a heaviness in the heart but also a deep sense of gratitude.
De Venecia, who died Feb. 10 at 89, served as Speaker during the 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Congress and was a seven-term member of the House. He remains the only member to have been elected to the chamber’s top post five times.
“During his years as presiding officer of this House, Tito Joe showed us what it means to wield the gavel with purpose,” Dy said.
Dy, who served alongside De Venecia from the 12th to the 14th Congress, acknowledged differences in policy positions but emphasized mutual respect.
“Nagkaroon po kami ng mga magkakaibang opinyon sa iba’t ibang usapin, subalit nanatili pa rin ang paggalang sa isa’t isa (We had differing opinions on various issues, but we always respected each other),” he said.
The Speaker from Isabela said De Venecia raised expectations for House leadership, setting “a standard of dignity in conduct, discipline in stewardship, and fidelity to the nation above all else.”
Under De Venecia’s stewardship, Dy said the House advanced economic reforms, major infrastructure policies, and initiatives that continue to shape the nation’s trajectory.
He described De Venecia as positioning the chamber as “an anchor in challenging times — steady when the country needed balance.”
“Ang kanyang paraan ay simple ngunit mabisa: makinig, magpaliwanag, at magbuklod (His style is simple but effective: listen, explain and unite),” Dy said. “He welcomed different perspectives in the room and treated disagreement as an opportunity for clarity.”
He said De Venecia leaves behind “a House strengthened by experience” and “a standard of statesmanship anchored in civility.”
“Let us remember that democracy must be guarded. That institutions must be protected. That unity must be pursued. And that public service is an act of love,” Dy said.
Eulogies were also delivered by former president and former speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo; former speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez; former Senate president and ex-speakers Manuel “Manny” Villar Jr.; and Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr.
They were followed by Senators Loren Legarda, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri; Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III; former senator Mar Roxas; and former Foreign Affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., who each paid tribute to De Venecia’s role in national reform and statesmanship.
De Venecia’s former colleagues in the House also delivered eulogies, namely Deputy Speaker Ferjenel Biron; House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan; Reps. Bienvenido Abante Jr., Mark Cojuangco and Rufus Rodriguez; former rep. Robert Ace Barbers; and former House Majority Leader Neptali “Boyet” Gonzales II.
International tributes were delivered by former Republic of Korea foreign minister Chung Eui-yong and Pakistani journalist and former Information minister Mushahid Hussain Sayed, reflecting De Venecia’s global parliamentary engagement.
His son, former rep. Christopher “Toff” de Venecia delivered a separate and deeply personal tribute, reflecting on his father’s life both in public service and within their family.
Earlier, the House adopted Resolution No. 758, introduced by Dy, Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, and Libanan, recognizing De Venecia’s singular distinction as the only member to have served five terms as Speaker.
The resolution also recalled his role in forging the “Rainbow Coalition” that supported then-president Fidel V. Ramos and facilitated the passage of more than 200 economic and social reform laws, including the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, the Bases Conversion and Development Act of 1992, the New Central Bank Act, and the Philippine Economic Zone Act.
It also cited his peace initiatives and international parliamentary work, including interfaith dialogue and Asian parliamentary cooperation.
The memorial program included musical tributes by the Armed Forces of the Philippines Band, a video presentation on De Venecia’s life in public service, and the offering of legislative memorabilia. (PNA)
