Former Speaker Of The House Jose C. De Venecia Jr.

A call for dialogue to heal a divided nation

Our nation stands at a crossroads. We are being torn apart, not by external threats, but by internal discord. The acrimonious exchanges, heightened tensions, and political conflicts among our leaders are polarizing our country to an alarming degree. This relentless bickering is doing us more harm than good, eroding trust in our institutions, and distracting us from the pressing challenges that demand our collective attention.

A new chapter in Syrian history; remembering Sen. Santanina Rasul

The overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad has marked a pivotal moment in Syria’s tumultuous history, ending over five decades of authoritarian rule. This transition presents both profound challenges and opportunities for the Syrian people and the international community.

Musings in Bangkok

Our wife Gina and we recently visited Bangkok, a city that holds a special place in our career as five-time Speaker of the House of Representatives and in our modest foray into parliamentary and political party diplomacy in Asia and the global community. 

The role of political parties in promoting global peace

Political parties are often viewed as the lifeblood of democratic governance, shaping policies and directing the future of nations. Yet, their influence extends far beyond the borders of their own countries. In an increasingly interconnected world, political parties have a vital role to play in promoting peace, reconciliation, and cooperation at both national and international levels. By engaging in dialogue and fostering collaboration across continents, they can become powerful agents for unity in a divided world.

Thoughts on peace and reconciliation

Triumphant uprisings demonstrate how ordinary citizens in the new countries are courageously claiming their civil liberties and demanding the right to decide their own destinies.