The De Venecia family confirmed on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 10 the passing of its patriarch, former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.

"With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and patriarch, former Speaker of the House Jose C. de Venecia Jr.," it said in a statement sent to House of Representatives reporters.

De Venecia, chairman emeritus of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), died at the age of 89.

"For more than six decades, Speaker de Venecia devoted his life to public service — as journalist, diplomat, entrepreneur, legislator, Speaker of the House, and global advocate for peace," his family said.

"He served seven terms in the House of Representatives, five of them as Speaker — the longest-serving Speaker in the post-war Congress — during which he championed landmark legislation that transformed the Philippine economy, strengthened democratic institutions, and uplifted millions of Filipino families, including overseas workers," it added.

De Venecia--also known as "JDV"--led the chamber during pivotal periods of democratic restoration and growth. Under his leadership, the House became a forum for consensus-building and reform.

Born on Dec. 26, 1936 in Dagupan, De Venecia served as principal author of important laws such as the Dollar Remittance Program, the Bases Conversion and Development Act, the Build-Operate-Transfer Law, the Philippine Economic Zone Act, and the New Central Bank Act.

"A tireless peacemaker, Speaker de Venecia pursued dialogue at moments when peace efforts were difficult and often unpopular, contributing to historic agreements with RAM-AFP-YOU in 1995 and the Moro National Liberation Front in 1996," the statement read.

"His vision transcended national borders. Through institutions he founded and nurtured — including the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, the International Association of Parliamentarians for Peace, and the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council, as well as Interfaith Dialogue initiatives at the United Nations — he helped elevate Asia’s collective voice and placed the Philippines at the center of global conversations on peace and diplomacy," it added.

"As we mourn his passing, we give thanks for a life that helped shape the Philippine Republic — and for a legacy that endures in our laws, our institutions, and our continuing pursuit of peace," the statement further read.

De Venecia's widow, Gina de Venecia, is currently Pangasinan's 4th district representative.

He is also survived their children Vivian and Dennis Garcia; Joey and Karen de Venecia; Sandra and Mark Haner; Leslie Norton; Carissa and Juju Evangelista; Philip Cruz; their son, former representative Christopher de Venecia, and the memory of their late child, KC de Venecia, along with grandchildren and extended family.

In a recent birthday celebration, Rep. De Venecia reflected on the life they shared. She recalled how three days after their first meeting in 1983, Joe sent her a bouquet of red roses with a note that read, “With each rose, I crown thee the Empress of My Heart and Sovereign of My Domain.”

Rep. De Venecia cherished those words and the promise they held. The congresswoman referred to the former Speaker as “the best, most understanding and loving husband".

She also fondly remembered his humble beginnings as a boy growing up in Dagupan — waking to the sound of birds, riding carabaos in the fields, and living a life that was simple, joyful, and peaceful. These were experiences that shaped the character of the leader he would become, she said.