Senate adopts resolution honoring ex-Speaker Jose De Venecia

The Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution honoring former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. for his "illustrious career and invaluable contributions to the country.''

Accompanied by his wife, Gina de Venecia, the former speaker personally received the resolution at the Senate.

Senate Resolution 1142 was sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda as a "tribute to a great man" and a "reminder of the values of leadership, unity, and going the extra mile that JDV exemplified throughout his illustrious career."

"JDV's journey in public service is marked by steadfast dedication, results-driven leadership, and a relentless pursuit of peace and lasting progress. Serving as Speaker of the House of Representatives for an unprecedented five terms in the post-war Philippine Congress, he became a stalwart of legislative leadership and political acumen," Legarda said in her sponsorship speech.

She noted the efforts of De Venecia after the Martial Law era, which she said were instrumental in promoting unity and stability.

"Economic, political, and social reform laws were passed under his stewardship during President Fidel V. Ramos’ administration, laying the groundwork for the country’s growth," she said.

De Venecia, a native of Pangasinan, served as speaker from 1992 to 1998 and 2001 to 2008. 

De Venecia's diplomatic service during the Vietnam War, his role as Ambassador-at-Large under President Corazon Aquino’s administration, and as Special Envoy to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and for Inter-Cultural Dialogue during President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration were also lauded.

"As we honor Former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., we do more than remember his past achievements. We celebrate his enduring influence on our country and the international community. His legacy inspires leaders and future generations to pursue excellence in governance, diplomacy, and beyond," Legarda said.

Senators Joel Villanueva, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian, Bong Revilla Jr., Jinggoy Estrada, Pia Cayetano, and Risa Hontiveros shared their own anecdotes while honoring De Venecia.

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero said De Venecia treated most of the current senators as his "anak-anakan (foster children).''

"Mahigit 33 porsyento po ng mataas na kapulungan ng Senado ay nag-aral, natuto, at dumaan sa inyong liderato bilang Speaker ng Kamara," Escudero said.

(More than 33% of the members of the current Senate studied, learned, and experienced your leadership when you were Speaker of the House of Representatives.) 

"Pito po kaming estudyante na tinuruan, ginabayan... at inalagaan niyo nung kami ay nasa Kamara...Nawa'y ito po ang maging pinakamaliwanag, malakas, maingay na testamento ng inyo pong tagumpay hindi lamang bilang ama ng Kamara, pero bilang ama, tatay-tatayan namin, ika nga na tiningala namin nung panahon na iyon," the Senate president added.

(We were seven students you trained, guided, and looked out for when we were still at the House of Representatives. We hope this serves as the clearest, strongest, and loudest testament to your accomplishments, not just as the father of the House, but as our foster father, as someone we looked up to at the time.) — VBL, GMA Integrated News