28/01/2025
To honor the legacy of public service of a statesman who is “a man of great ideas” and “of profound humanity,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez today led the inauguration of a building in the Batasan Complex named after former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
The Jose de Venecia Building and Museum is intended for public engagement and commemorates the five-time Speaker’s invaluable contribution to the country and the international community—considering his notable achievements in diplomacy.
Speaker Romualdez regards “Speaker Joe," as the former Speaker is fondly known, as a rare force in Philippine politics—“one who bridges divides with the precision of a diplomat and the passion of a patriot.”
The Speaker also noted that under former Speaker De Venecia’s leadership, the House achieved legislative milestones instrumental in creating a foundation for a stronger, more equitable nation. De Venecia was also unwavering in his unification efforts in the bigger Chamber, being the architect of the “Rainbow Coalition” which united the country and paved the way for the approval of more than 200 economic, political, and social reform laws during the administration of former President Fidel V. Ramos.
Former Speaker de Venecia is co-founder and alternatively served as the secretary general, president, chair and chair emeritus of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) political party, which became a dominant party in the House for around 15 years.
He attended the event accompanied by his wife, former Pangasinan Rep. Maria Georgina “Manay Gina” de Venecia, his son, incumbent Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia, and some of his relatives and friends.
Among those who joined Speaker Romualdez in paying tribute to the former Speaker are Deputy Speaker Kristine Singson-Meehan, Tingog Partylist Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, Reps. Ramon Guico, Mark Cojuangco, Rufus Rodriguez, Ace Barbers, Lorna Silverio, Linabelle Ruth Villarica, Leodie “Oddy” Tarriela, and former Deputy Speaker Rose Mary “Baby” Arenas.