There’s a lingering aftermath of the late former Speaker Jose de Venecia’s remarkable stewardship of one house of the Philippine Congress. It has reinforced his legendary imprint on politics in the country, a feat that was achieved by dint of his dominant presence and influence on his hometown Dagupan.

Back in the early eighties, I had my own unique Dagupan experience while working with Pantranco North Express, Inc., then one of the largest transportation companies in the country. Pantranco was shorthand for Pangasinan Transportation Company. It served as the main carrier of people and goods from northern Luzon and Cagayan Valley.

I worked from the bus company’s Quezon City base of operations. The bus station covered a large area now occupied by Fisher Mall, a modern shopping center famous too for fresh fish and produce from the waters that are sourced from nearby Navotas and Manila Bay.

At one point, I was tasked to cover Dagupan-based operations. This gave me the opportunity to get to know Manong Joe’s hometown more intimately.

The Pantranco terminal was in the city center. Across it was Dagupeña restaurant known for Dagupan bangus; today, Dagupeña operates from nearby Calasiao.

Manong Joe’s Dagupan-based realm, the fourth district of Pangasinan, is now represented by Rep. Gina de Venecia who took over from their son Christopher, or Toff, after the latter completed three terms and had to take a breather, opting to focus on promoting culture and the arts.

Toff is recognized as “a dedicated advocate for the Philippine creative industries, bringing a much-needed voice to the arts and culture sector in politics. His experience as an actor, newspaper columnist, magazine editor, theater director, and founder of leading theater companies has fueled his commitment to supporting and promoting Filipino artistry.”

He is the principal author of Republic Act 11904, also known as the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act, “a landmark legislation aimed at fostering economic growth and nation-building through creativity” whose goal is “to make the Philippines the number one creative economy in the ASEAN region.

Indeed, Manong Joe’s vibrancy and zest for life are mirrored in Toff’s dynamism.

He was born on December 26, which happens to be Dagupan City’s fiesta celebration. This is the Dagupeños’ most awaited event; the city plaza is the convergence point. There, a big band from Manila plays while the city’s elite dance the night away to the natives’ delight. Like other Pantranco executives, I joined and enjoyed the celebration.

Manong Joe was a recognized leader at the annual World Conference of Speakers of Parliament organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), by dint of his being among the longest-serving leader of the legislature in the world.

Manong Joe’s widow, Rep. Maria Georgina Vera Perez-de Venecia, or more familiarly, Manay Gina, is a scion of the Vera-Perez family of film producers and politicians. She served in the House from 2010 to 2016, following which their son Toff served for three terms until 2025 when she was tapped to serve anew.

She is a congenial, down-to-earth person. We often exchanged stories about the latest Korean tele-novella or sidelights in the life and times of prominent representatives who were often written or talked about in mainstream and social media. Like a doting mother, she generously guided up-and-coming House colleagues.

While Manong Joe’s effervescence and enthusiasm will be sorely missed, there is no question that he has earned a well-deserved place in our country’s array of modern-era political leaders.

He will be missed, too, right here, in Manila-Bulletin’s op-ed page. Yet his legacy lives on, as it stands on the solid rock of achievement that merits our people’s lasting admiration and respect.

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