Manila: Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto on Wednesday paid tribute to the late former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., describing him as a reform-driven leader who combined 'grit and grace' in public service.
According to Philippines News Agency, Recto issued a statement following De Venecia's passing, noting that the five-time Speaker was never content with the status quo and worked to dismantle systems that hindered progress. Recto emphasized that De Venecia had the courage to imagine positive changes and the boldness to pursue them, highlighting his early diplomatic work, entrepreneurial foresight, and legislative leadership.
Recto recalled that as a young diplomat, De Venecia reached across battlefields and ideological lines to promote peace. He recognized the employment potential of oil economies for Filipino workers early on, whose remittances later supported millions of families. Recto described him as a House leader and a hopeless optimist who believed in the art of the possible, turning unthinkable ideas into laws of the land.
Recto credited De Venecia for leading reforms that expanded access to basic services and liberalized key industries, bringing essential services like water, electricity, and affordable air travel to more Filipinos. He also described De Venecia as a statesman who upheld principled politics by forming a 'rainbow coalition' of Filipinos of various beliefs for the love of the country.
De Venecia passed away on Tuesday, as announced by his wife, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina de Venecia. He served as Speaker of the House from 1992 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2008 and led the Lakas-CMD Party during its political dominance. He ran for president in 1998, finishing second to then Vice President Joseph Estrada. Before his political career, JDV worked as a journalist and served as a congressman for Pangasinan's Second District from 1969 to 1972. He returned to the House in 1987, representing Pangasinan's Fourth District and was previously named among the Ten Outstanding Congressmen before martial law was declared.
