Senators on Tuesday, February 10 mourned the passing of former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., and honored his brand of consultative leadership.

De Venecia’s passing was announced by his wife, Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Gina de Venecia, in a social media post.

“It is indeed extremely sad news to learn that former Speaker Jose ‘Joe’ de Venecia Jr. has passed, and I extend my deepest condolences, first and foremost, to his wife and my Ninang Gina, and to their family, friends and all those who served with him and learned from him,” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said. 

According to Zubiri, he had the privilege of serving under him as Secretary General of Lakas-CMD when he was national president; Zubiri was then a key leader of his group in the House of Representatives during the 12th and 13th Congress.

“I really learned from him how to be a consensus builder. My leadership style, a big part of that comes from him. I got a lot from his brand of consultative leadership, his style of listening first before deciding, and then finding a path that benefits everyone,” Zubiri said.

“In the international community, JDV always put the Philippines’ name and standing first. He was deeply admired in the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, and across other parliamentary networks abroad, because he had a rare gift for building consensus even among leaders and governments from different countries,” the Senate majority leader recalled.

Zubiri said “JDV,” as he was fondly called, would have made a great UN secretary-general because of his leadership traits and his kind of international diplomacy.

“I will never forget that in August 2024, I had the honor of spearheading his recognition in the Senate, because his leadership was a model for my own career. Today I mourn him not just as a former Speaker, but as a great mentor who helped shape who I became in public service,” he said.

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero also hailed “JDV” as a “towering figure in Philippine politics” who will be remembered for “his vision, diplomacy, and dedication to public service.”

“As a five-term Speaker, he helped shape the nation’s democratic institutions and championed peace, dialogue, and cooperation both at home and abroad. His voice carried weight not only in Congress but across Asia and the global stage,” Escudero said.

The Senate, during Escudero’s term as Senate president, passed Senate Resolution No. 1142 to formally honor De Venecia’s life and legacy. 

“It was a formal recognition of his enduring contributions to our society for his leadership in governance, his pioneering role in international diplomacy, and his steadfast commitment to the Filipino people,” Escudero said.

“I recall my early years as a neophyte in the House of Representatives, when Speaker de Venecia was fatherly to me. He guided younger legislators with patience and wisdom, offering counsel that was both practical and inspiring. His mentorship reflected his belief that leadership meant nurturing others to serve with integrity and vision,” he said.

“As we pay tribute to him now, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Rep. Gina de Venecia, and to their family. We remember not only the offices he held but the ideals he embodied. May his example continue to inspire future generations to choose dialogue over division, vision over discord, and service over self-interest,” he stressed.

Sen. Loren Legarda, for her part, credited de Venecia for recruiting her in 1997.

“I would probably not be a Senator today if Manong Joe or JDV had not recruited me in 1997,  as early as then believed in my capabilities, shared his knowledge and wisdom, being the global Filipino that he is,” Legarda said.

“(He is) a true statesman who was way ahead of his time, the Senate recognized his contribution to the country in a unanimously approved resolution I authored,” she stressed.

“What I will remember most is not his titles, but the sincere words of encouragement, the genuine guidance, and the way he made you feel that your work and your voice mattered,” the lawmaker added.

Legarda said the Philippines has lost a brilliant leader and statesman.

“I have lost a mentor and a dear friend. Rest in peace, Manong Joe, and thank you for the trust and the friendship that I will forever honor,” she said.