House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday, Jan. 28, urged his colleagues in the government to commit themselves to living the legacy of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.

Romualdez's call was made as congressmen inaugurated the Jose de Venecia Building and Museum at the Batasan Complex, Quezon City as a tribute to the former lawmaker, whom he described as "a man of great ideas" and "of profound humanity".

"As we dedicate the Jose de Venecia Building and Museum, let us also commit ourselves to honoring his legacy by embodying the values he holds dear: unity, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of peace and progress," Romualdez said.

For Romualdez, De Venecia's story is a narrative of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to a higher purpose.

"His (De Venecia) life reminds us that true greatness lies not in the titles we hold, but in the lives we touch and the future we shape," he said.

"To us who have been fortunate enough to walk alongside him in the halls of public service, he is not just a mentor but a towering figure of inspiration. His wisdom, tempered by decades of experience; his humility, borne out of genuine service; and his optimism, unwavering even in the face of challenges, remain etched in our hearts," he added.

To call De Venecia as visionary is an understatement, according to Romualdez. 

He says the former House leader is "not merely a leader of his time but an architect of the future, crafting ideas and building institutions that continue to shape our nation and inspire the global community".

Romualdez describes "Speaker Joe"-- as De Venecia is fondly refered to-- as "a rare force in Philippine politics one who bridges divides with the precision of a diplomat and the passion of a patriot".

“His concept of the ‘Rainbow Coalition’ remains a masterclass in inclusive governance, a vivid testament to his belief that diversity is not a weakness but a profound strength. It was under his stewardship as Speaker of the House of Representatives that legislative milestones were achieved, creating a foundation for a stronger, more equitable nation,” he said.

Romualdez also cited Speaker Joe's achievements in the field of diplomacy.

“But it is beyond the confines of the legislature where Speaker Joe’s legacy truly soars. A statesman of international renown, he champions the cause of interfaith dialogue, a crusade that has taken him to the farthest corners of the world. In his voice, the Philippines finds a herald for peace and understanding, a statesman unafraid to confront the fractures of ideology and religion with unwavering resolve. His efforts have earned him accolades and recognition, but more importantly, they have brought nations closer to the ideal of coexistence and harmony,” he said.

“Yet Speaker Joe is not only a leader of great ideas; he is a man of profound humanity. He understands the struggles of the common Filipino and has worked tirelessly to uplift their lives through bold reforms and visionary programs. His compassion is not confined to the boundaries of our nation, for he sees humanity as one family, united by shared hopes and dreams,” he added.

De Venecia, Romualdez, and Tingog Party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Also attending the event were De Venecia's wife, former Pangasinan Rep. Maria Georgina De Venecia; his son, incumbent Pangasinan 4th district Rep. Christopher de Venecia; Pangasinan 5th district Rep. Ramon Guico; Pangasinan 2nd district Rep. Mark Cojuangco; Cagayan De Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez; and Surigao del Norte 2nd district Rep. Ace Barbers.