Jose De Venecia Jr., Giant of Philippine Politics, Dies at 89

Jose Claveria de Venecia Jr., who was perhaps best-known throughout his long career in politics as JDV or Manong Joe, passed away on February 10 at the age of 89. The news was announced by his family.

A towering figure in the post-Martial Law era, De Venecia started his professional career as a journalist and entrepreneur before he ventured into politics and won a seat in the Lower House representing his home province of Pangasinan.

Born in Dagupan City, De Venecia studied at De La Salle College, Manila, and later at Ateneo de Manila University. He worked as a correspondent for the Pan-Asia Newspaper Alliance, where he also became Manila Bureau chief, as well as for publications like The Philippine Herald, and later wrote a column for the Manila Bulletin. He often described his early career as a journalist as a "venture into international relations," traveling to places like South Vietnam in the 1950s for his work.

De Venecia first won election to the House of Representatives in 1969 just months after Martial Law was declared. He returned to the legislature after the restoration of democracy in 1986. He was elected Speaker five times, between 1992 to 1995, 1995 to 1998, 2001 to 2004, 2004 to 2007 and 2007 to 2008. As Speaker, he cultivated inclusive coalitions, most notably the Rainbow Coalition, which helped shepherd a slate of economic and social reforms through Congress. He often spoke of the need for unity across differences, urging the nation to see beyond political factionalism.

De Venecia also served as a negotiator in peace efforts, particularly in Mindanao, where he argued that violence could never substitute for honest negotiation.

“War is not an option,” he said in a 2008 address on peace “The peace we seek we must win in the most peaceable way — through honest negotiations by both sides, grounded in the belief that what is best for the nation is best for its people, regardless of religion and culture.”

In 1998, De Venecia ran for President, placing second to Joseph Estrada. When he was ousted as Speaker in 2008 after many years of leadership, he maintained his resolve to speak truth to power, even pledging to expose corruption in government — an expression of his conviction that accountability was essential to democratic governance.

In his later years, De Venecia engaged in private-sector ventures around the world but also continued to serve the country through diplomatic and civic roles, including as Special Envoy on economic cooperation and intercultural dialogue. Both chambers of Congress have honored his legacy, In 2024 the Senate adopted a resolution commending his long service, and in early 2025 the House dedicated the Jose de Venecia Building and Museum in his name.

De Venecia is survived by his wife Maria Georgina “Manay Gina” Vera-Perez de Venecia and his children and grandchildren