Leyte 1st District Rep. Martin Romualdez mourned the passing of fellow former Speaker and Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) stalwart Jose De Venecia Jr., whom he described as “one of the greatest pillars of Philippine democracy and the political father” of their coalition.
“Speaker Joe was more than a public servant; he was a statesman in the truest sense of the word. He possessed the rare gift of seeing far beyond the horizon, and even rarer, the wisdom to bring others with him,” said Romualdez, the incumbent president of Lakas-CMD.
“As one of the founding fathers of Lakas—then popularly known as Lakas-NUCD—he helped build not just a political party, but a national movement rooted in unity, peace, and inclusive leadership,” he added in a statement on Tuesday.
Romualdez said De Venecia guided the House of Representatives through some of the most pivotal moments in our country’s history. “Under his steady hand, Congress became a workshop of reforms and a sanctuary of consensus.”
“His vision for a Rainbow Coalition was revolutionary at the time—and yet, it worked, because he made it work. It was his gift: to bring people together across ideologies, faiths, and even continents,” said Romualdez of de Venecia, who was popularly called as “Manong Joe.”
The Leyte representative noted how De Venecia also made his mark on the world by tirelessly championing interfaith dialogue, “long before it became a global agenda, making the Philippines a moral force in the international community.”
“On a personal level, I will forever be grateful for his kindness, guidance, and quiet encouragement over the years. He was generous with his wisdom, gracious in victory, and dignified in all seasons of public life. To me and to many in our party, he was a mentor, a statesman, and a father figure. His passing is deeply personal,” Romualdez said.
The former House Speaker noted he is keeping the bereaved De Venecia family in his thoughts during this difficult period. The late statesman was survived by his wife, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina De Venecia, and their five children including former congressman Christopher.
“To Manay Gina, Cong. Christopher, and the entire De Venecia family—on behalf of Lakas-CMD and the House of Representatives—I extend our deepest condolences. We grieve with you, and we honor with you the extraordinary life of a man who gave his all for the Filipino people,” Romualdez said.
“Speaker Joe, you were, and will always be, the heart of Lakas-CMD. Your legacy will live on in every public servant who dares to lead with vision, conviction, and love for the country,” he added.
