MANILA, Philippines — Government officials, fellow lawmakers and associates have paid tribute to former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., who died on February 10, 2026, at the age of 89, his family confirmed.
The veteran legislator — widely known by his initials JDV — was remembered Wednesday as friends and public servants gathered for the first night of his wake at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.
De Venecia had a long and influential career in Philippine politics, serving seven terms in the House of Representatives and five separate stints as Speaker — making him one of the longest-serving leaders of the lower chamber in the post-1986 era.
At the wake, officials and colleagues reflected on his contributions to the legislature and his reputation as a consensus-builder. Tributes highlighted his efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and foster cooperation among diverse political groups.
Public tributes have also come from national figures in the days following his death. Leaders in both chambers of Congress acknowledged his decades of service, with some describing him as a statesman who helped shape the country’s legislative direction and uplift Filipino communities.
De Venecia is survived by his wife, Pangasinan Representative Gina de Venecia, and their children. His family and supporters have planned additional funeral rites, including a two-day wake in his hometown of Dagupan City, where his remains were received with a ceremonial tribute and eulogies from local officials.
As messages of condolence continue to pour in from all levels of government, many have emphasized that De Venecia’s legacy — marked by public service, legislative leadership and efforts toward national unity — will endure in the nation’s political memory.
