The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD)--the dominant political party in the country--is mourning the loss of its "heart" and "political father" in former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.

This, after the Lakas-CMD chairman emeritus and former multi-term Pangasinan congressman died on Tuesday, Feb. 10 at the age of 89.

"Today, we mourn the passing of one of the greatest pillars of Philippine democracy and the political father of Lakas-CMD, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.—a man whose brilliance, courage, and compassion helped shape the soul of our nation," Lakas-CMD President Leyte 1st district Rep. Martin Romualdez said in a statement.

"Speaker Joe", Romualdez said, was "more than a public servant; he was a statesman in the truest sense of the word."

He said De Venecia--also known simply as JDV--possessed "the rare gift of seeing far beyond the horizon, and even rarer, the wisdom to bring others with him".

"As one of the founding fathers of Lakas—then popularly known as Lakas-NUCD—he helped build not just a political party, but a national movement rooted in unity, peace, and inclusive leadership," said the Leyte solon, himself a former House Speaker.

Romualdez hailed De Venecia for guiding the House of Representatives through some of the most pivotal moments in Philippine history.

"Under his steady hand, Congress became a workshop of reforms and a sanctuary of consensus. His vision for a Rainbow Coalition was revolutionary at the time—and yet, it worked, because he made it work. It was his gift: to bring people together across ideologies, faiths, and even continents," he said.

"Speaker Joe also made his mark on the world stage. He tirelessly championed interfaith dialogue long before it became a global agenda, making the Philippines a moral force in the international community. For that, and so much more, the world listened when he spoke," noted Romualdez.

"On a personal level," the Lakas-CMD president continued, "I will forever be grateful for his kindness, guidance, and quiet encouragement over the years."

"He was generous with his wisdom, gracious in victory, and dignified in all seasons of public life. To me and to many in our party, he was a mentor, a statesman, and a father figure. His passing is deeply personal," he said.

In a what appeared to be his farewell message, Romualdez said of Speaker Joe: "You were, and will always be, the heart of Lakas-CMD. Your legacy will live on in every public servant who dares to lead with vision, conviction, and love for country."

Addressing the late House Speaker's family, Romualdez said: "To Manay Gina, Cong. Christopher, and the entire De Venecia family—on behalf of Lakas-CMD and the House of Representatives—I extend our deepest condolences. We grieve with you, and we honor with you the extraordinary life of a man who gave his all for the Filipino people."

Last Jan. 28, 2025, the Joe De Venecia Museum was inaugurated at the People's Center within the House of Representatives. The facility showcased the life and times of the distinguished former Speaker.

De Venecia attended the inauguration, which took place during Romualdez's speakership.