JDV building, museum inaugurated
THE House of Representatives inaugurated the Jose de Venecia Jr. Building and Museum in its complex in Quezon City on Tuesday. De Venecia, 88, the former speaker, was present at the event, accompanied by his wife Gina, herself a former lawmaker, and their son Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who delivered the keynote address, described de Venecia in his speech as "a man of great ideas" and "of profound humanity." "As we dedicate the Jose de Venecia Building and Museum, let us also commit ourselves to honoring his legacy by embodying the values he holds dear: unity, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of peace and progress," Romualdez said. "The story of Speaker Jose de Venecia is a narrative of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to a higher purpose. His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in the titles we hold, but in the lives we touch and the future we shape," he said. "To us who have been fortunate enough to walk alongside him in the halls of public service, he is not just a mentor but a towering figure of inspiration. His wisdom, tempered by decades of experience; his humility, borne out of genuine service; and his optimism, unwavering even in the face of challenges, remain etched in our hearts," the House chief said. Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco, Pangasinan 5th District Rep. Ramon Guico, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers attended the event. Also present were relatives and friends of the de Venecia family. "To call him a visionary is an understatement, for he is not merely a leader of his time but an architect of the future, crafting ideas and building institutions that continue to shape our nation and inspire the global community," Romualdez said. "His concept of the 'Rainbow Coalition' remains a masterclass in inclusive governance, a vivid testament to his belief that diversity is not a weakness but a profound strength. It was under his stewardship as speaker of the House of Representatives that legislative milestones were achieved, creating a foundation for a stronger, more equitable nation," he said. De Venecia served as speaker from 1992 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2008. He was also the former president of the Philippines' dominant party, Lakas–CMD. He ran for president in the 1998 election but lost to Vice President Joseph Estrada, finishing second among 11 candidates. Beginning in 1987, de Venecia was elected to six terms as a representative of the 4th district of Pangasinan. He served as speaker of the House of Representatives throughout the 9th, 10th, 12th and 13th Congresses of the Philippines. He had served for more than a year as the speaker of the 14th Congress, becoming the first Filipino to hold the speakership five times in separate terms. The museum features photos and other memorabilia from de Venecia's life and times.
Tomas Kauer - Moderator 
THE House of Representatives inaugurated the Jose de Venecia Jr. Building and Museum in its complex in Quezon City on Tuesday.
De Venecia, 88, the former speaker, was present at the event, accompanied by his wife Gina, herself a former lawmaker, and their son Pangasinan 4th District Rep. Christopher de Venecia.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, who delivered the keynote address, described de Venecia in his speech as "a man of great ideas" and "of profound humanity."
"As we dedicate the Jose de Venecia Building and Museum, let us also commit ourselves to honoring his legacy by embodying the values he holds dear: unity, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of peace and progress," Romualdez said.
"The story of Speaker Jose de Venecia is a narrative of courage, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to a higher purpose. His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in the titles we hold, but in the lives we touch and the future we shape," he said.
"To us who have been fortunate enough to walk alongside him in the halls of public service, he is not just a mentor but a towering figure of inspiration. His wisdom, tempered by decades of experience; his humility, borne out of genuine service; and his optimism, unwavering even in the face of challenges, remain etched in our hearts," the House chief said.
Tingog Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco, Pangasinan 5th District Rep. Ramon Guico, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ace Barbers attended the event.
Also present were relatives and friends of the de Venecia family.
"To call him a visionary is an understatement, for he is not merely a leader of his time but an architect of the future, crafting ideas and building institutions that continue to shape our nation and inspire the global community," Romualdez said.
"His concept of the 'Rainbow Coalition' remains a masterclass in inclusive governance, a vivid testament to his belief that diversity is not a weakness but a profound strength. It was under his stewardship as speaker of the House of Representatives that legislative milestones were achieved, creating a foundation for a stronger, more equitable nation," he said.
De Venecia served as speaker from 1992 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2008. He was also the former president of the Philippines' dominant party, Lakas–CMD. He ran for president in the 1998 election but lost to Vice President Joseph Estrada, finishing second among 11 candidates.
Beginning in 1987, de Venecia was elected to six terms as a representative of the 4th district of Pangasinan. He served as speaker of the House of Representatives throughout the 9th, 10th, 12th and 13th Congresses of the Philippines. He had served for more than a year as the speaker of the 14th Congress, becoming the first Filipino to hold the speakership five times in separate terms.
The museum features photos and other memorabilia from de Venecia's life and times.
