MANILA, Philippines — Executive Secretary Ralph Recto led the nation in paying tribute on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, to former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., a towering figure in Philippine politics who died at the age of 89.
In a statement, Recto described the late statesman as a visionary leader who was “never content with the status quo” and who possessed the rare “grit and grace” necessary to push for transformative national reforms.
A Legacy of Reform Recto highlighted De Venecia’s role as a “hopeless optimist” who masterfully practiced the “art of the possible.” Among the key contributions cited by the Executive Secretary were:
- Breaking Monopolies: De Venecia helped shepherd laws that dismantled entrenched monopolies, leading to greater competition and progress in essential services.
- Modernizing Services: His legislative leadership was credited with bringing “water to dry taps, light to dark homes,” and fostering a more competitive aviation industry that lowered airfares for millions of Filipinos.
- Economic Vision: As an entrepreneur, he was among the first to recognize the potential of oil-based economies as a major employment source for Filipino workers, whose remittances would eventually sustain millions of families.
- Diplomacy: Recto also praised De Venecia’s early work as a diplomat who “reached across battlefields and ideological fault lines to talk peace.”
The Life of a Five-Time Speaker The family confirmed De Venecia’s death on Tuesday, with arrangements for his wake and interment to be announced soon.
- Political Milestone: De Venecia served as the Speaker of the House five times, first elected in 1992 under President Fidel V. Ramos and later serving during the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from 2001 to 2008.
- Party Leadership: He was a central figure in the Lakas-CMD (formerly Lakas-NUCD) party and was its presidential candidate in 1998.
- Final Public Appearance: One of his last appearances took place on January 29, 2025, when the House of Representatives inaugurated a building in his honor, a fitting tribute to his long tenure in the lower chamber.
National Condolences The passing of “Manong Joe,” as he was affectionately known, has drawn tributes from across the political spectrum. Colleagues and former rivals alike remembered him for his legendary ability to build consensus and his unwavering belief in the potential of the Philippines to become a great nation.
His death marks the end of an era for the post-EDSA legislature, as the country loses one of its most influential and enduring political strategists.