Nation Mourns Demise of Perennial Ph Speaker

 By Mortz C. Ortigoza

DAGUPAN CITY – Sympathies from the hallowed halls of Congress to the venerable chief executives of the local government units pour to the family of former five-time House Speaker Jose Claveria de Venecia who passed away on February 10 this year.

Five-time House Speaker Jose Claveria de Venecia (left photo). Philippines Congress, half-mast Philippines flag, Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III, Vice Gov. Mark Ronald Lambino, and Mangaldan Mayor Bona Fe D. Parayno (top, middle, and lower right photo). Not in the photo are Dagupan City Mayor Belen T. Fernandez and Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario. 

The Senate of the Philippines adopted Resolution No. 38 on February 11, 2026 that honored the life and legacy of the Statesman while the House of Representatives filed on the same day Resolution No. 758 honoring him as the august chamber prepares to hold a memorial service for De Venecia on February 16 (Monday) at 10 A.m. at the Plenary Hall. It was introduced by Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos, and House Minority Leader Marcelino “Nonoy” C. Libanan. The Resolution expresses the “profound condolences of the House of Representatives to the family of the Honorable Jose C. de Venecia Jr., former Speaker of the House of Representatives during the Ninth, Tenth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, and Fourteenth Congresses and spouse of the Honorable Ma. Georgina P. de Venecia, Representative of the Fourth Legislative District of Pangasinan.”

Pangasinan Governor Ramon V. Guico III lauded De Venecia on February 10 as a pillar of public service whose leadership and dedication left a lasting mark on our nation. The Governor said the years in government of the Speaker reflected a strong commitment to democratic institutions, legislative excellence, and the welfare of the Filipino people.

“As we honor his life and legacy, we join the nation in mourning the passing of a statesman whose influence reached far beyond the halls of Congress. May his legacy of service continue to inspire future generations of leaders”.

Pangasinan Vice Governor Mark Ronald Lambino described on the same day the leadership of De Venecia that helped shape pivotal moments in the nation’s political history, guided by principle, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to the Filipino people.

“Beyond his public service, his wisdom and generosity of spirit left a lasting imprint on our lives. We offer our prayers and deepest gratitude for a life devoted to country and the common good. Maraming salamat sa iyong serbisyo Manong Joe,” he added.

The officialdom of the City of Dagupan and the flourishing town of Mangaldan have the Philippines flag in half mast as they mourn the departure of the Speaker who have been their Representative in the 4^th District of Pangasinan for more than two decades starting from 1987. De Venecia was already a Congressman of the old and bigger 2^nd District of Pangasinan from 1969 to 1972. 

The half-flown flag in Dagupan City is observed from February 10, 2026 until March 10, 2026, or for such period as may be deemed appropriate by the City Government.

Through Executive Order No. 2026-009 Series of 2026 Mangaldan Mayor Bona Fe D. Parayno mentioned that in “recognition of the exemplary service, dedication, and significant contribution (of Speaker De Venecia) to the Fourth District of the Province of Pangasinan and to the Republic of the Philippines, it is fitting and proper that the Local Government Unit of Mangaldan pays appropriate tribute to his memory”.

Manaoag Mayor Jeremy Agerico Rosario remembered De Venecia unwavering support to him and the people of the pilgrims’ town.

“I am deeply grateful for all the advice and lessons you have shared, both in public service and in my personal life. Your words have shaped my values, guided my decisions, and reminded me to always lead with humility, integrity, and compassion,” he said.

LAND MARK LAWS

De Venecia, affectionately called as JDV, was a principal author or primary mover behind several landmark laws that shaped the Philippines’ economy in the post-Martial Law era: 

 Dollar Remittance Program: Conceived and implemented the system that allowed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to send earnings home, which became a cornerstone of the national economy.

Bases Conversion and Development Act: Facilitated the transformation of former U.S. military bases Clark and Subic into productive economic zones and free ports.

Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law: Enabled private sector participation in major infrastructure projects.

 New Central Bank Act: Established the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to ensure monetary stability.

Earthquake Fund Law: Authored the ₱10-billion fund following the 1990 earthquake to rebuild devastated areas, including his hometown's Dagupan City.