House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday led the House of Representatives in honoring former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., citing his legacy as a statesman whose leadership helped shape the lower chamber and influence the country’s democratic institutions.
During a memorial service at the House plenary hall, Dy paid tribute to de Venecia, the only lawmaker in Philippine history to serve five terms as Speaker during the 9th, 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Congresses.
“We gather as one House to honor a life that shaped this institution and influenced the course of our democracy,” Dy said.
“During his years as presiding officer of this House, Tito Joe showed us what it means to wield the gavel with purpose. Limang ulit siyang nahalal bilang Speaker—isang patunay ng kakayahan at kagalingan na mahirap tumbasan,” he added.
Dy, who served as a member of the House from the 12th to the 14th Congresses, recalled working alongside de Venecia and acknowledged their differences in policy positions.
“Nagkaroon po kami ng mga magkakaibang opinyon sa iba’t ibang usapin. Subalit nanatili pa rin ang paggalang sa isa’t isa,” Dy said.
“Malinaw po na ang sukatan ng kanyang pamumuno ay kung paano niya pinangangalagaan ang kanyang tungkulin sa ating bayan.”
Under de Venecia’s stewardship, Dy said the House advanced economic reforms, major infrastructure policies, and legislative initiatives that continue to shape the nation’s trajectory.
“Ang kanyang paraan ay simple ngunit mabisa: Makinig, magpaliwanag at magbuklod,” Dy added. “He welcomed different perspectives in the room and treated disagreement as an opportunity for clarity.”
Dy said de Venecia left 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,” he said.
Jose de Venecia Jr. passed away on February 10 at the age of 89.