Tributes pour in for JDVMANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino Dy III yesterday joined former speakers of the House of Representatives in paying tribute to the late congressman Jose de Venecia, who had served as presiding officer of the lower chamber for 15 years. Eulogies were also delivered by former speakers and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Feliciano Belmonte Jr., former Senate president Manny Villar and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez. “The Philippines has lost an iconic political figure whose influence in our political life will be felt for generations. I mourn the passing of JDV, not only as a former speaker, but as a longtime colleague and partner in public service. Other figures who paid tribute were former congressman Neptali Gonzales II as well as Sen. Loren Legarda and former congresswoman Bernadette Herrera.

Source: Philippine Star February 16, 2026 16:31 UTC